Beach Metro Community News January 24, 2023

Winter Stations set to begin next month

THE WINNERS have been selected for Winter Stations 2023, and six of the art installations will be going up along Woodbine Beach next month.

Winter Stations began in 2015 as a way to highlight the beauty of the Eastern Beaches and make them a destination point for outdoor art installations during the winter. The artworks are set up at the lifeguard stations along Woodbine Beach, and each year an international competition receives entries connected to that year’s Winter Stations’ theme.

The theme for Winter Stations 2023 is Radiance, which is defined as the quality or state of being radiant.

“Radiance is a powerful thing to harness, as it reflects brilliance, inner security, kindness, and gratitude – but it’s also unique in that it has a positive ripple effect from its origin,” said the guidelines for groups submitting designs for the Winter Stations 2023 competition.

“Radiance is beautiful in the way it spreads organically. This year we want you to celebrate your growth, inner strength and freedom in defining what radiance means to you.”

There are eight winners for this year’s Winter Stations including five from design companies (three from Canada, one from Mexico, and one from the United Kingdom) and three from Canadian universities. Those winning designs are from the University of Waterloo, the University of Guelph and To-

The last laugh comes to The Joke House

By Alan Shackleton

THE LAST laugh was celebrated at The Joke House on Norwood Terrace this week.

Joke number 1,001 had been up on the front porch of the home between Norwood and Enderby roads (north of Gerrard Street East) since Wednesday, Jan. 18. It stayed until this Sunday just passed.

And on Jan. 22, neighbourhood residents helped Grayson Clifford, 7, and his parents Eric and Robyn mark the milestone of 1,001 days of posting a joke along with the end of The Joke House’s run.

Looking back on the past 1,001 days, Grayson said he was happy The Joke House was there for the community over what have been a tough few years due to COVID-19.

“I thought it was nice to give people some smiles and also have some fun,” he said.

“I think that it gave people some-

thing to be happy about during COVID,” added Grayson.

Since late April of 2020, Grayson and his family have been posting a joke each day in front of the house. It was done as a way to cheer people up during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So the story is that there was a joke house at Enderby and then they stopped, so I thought we could take it on especially during the pandemic,” said Grayson.

The celebration of the last joke on Sunday afternoon also served as a donation drive and fundraiser for The Daily Bread Food Bank.

Sunday’s event collected 184 donations of non-perishable food items along with $400 in monetary donations for The Daily Bread Food Bank.

In February of 2022, the family also held an event for Daily Bread in which 300 food items and $600 in cash was collected.

Grayson said Sunday’s food drive was held “so that people who don’t have food can get food.”

Along with friends and neighbours, Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon also stopped by on Sunday afternoon to congratulate Grayson and present him with a scroll from the Province of Ontario.

“I hear you are the legend of laughter,” McMahon told Grayson. “The community is very proud of you and you are known far and wide for your jokes. Thanks for spreading cheer in the community.”

The last joke, number 1,001, was written by Grayson and his dad.

It reads:

“I know this may sound silly, but... ...rootie-tootie, farty, party.”

“It’s a dad original,” said Grayson.

However, Eric insisted it was a team effort and they came up with it while driving in the car.

Grayson said 1,001 is his favourite number and it was decided it would be a nice number on which to end The Joke House.

Grayson and his dad wrote many of the jokes but they also had friends, neighbours, family and complete strangers sending them jokes. That included people who would knock on the door with jokes.

While it is hard to remember all the jokes, Grayson said one of his favourites was:

“What do you call a silent fart?

“A mute toot.”

Eric and Grayson said there have been a number themes to the jokes over the past 1,001 days (beyond the always popular farts) including IKEA jokes, knock, knock jokes; cheese jokes, and cow jokes to name but a few.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Grayson Clifford is presented with a congratulatory scroll from the Province of Ontario by Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon during a ceremony to mark the final day of The Joke House on Norwood Terrace. The Sunday afternoon celebration recognized 1,001 days of jokes posted to cheer up the community through the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Lunar New Year welcomes Year of the Rabbit

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE YEAR of the Tiger has departed and the Year of the Rabbit has arrived.

To celebrate, local residents are invited to the annual Lion Parade in East Chinatown in the Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue area on Sunday, Jan. 29. The parade takes place one week after the Lunar New Year officially arrived on Jan. 22.

“The Lunar New Year is vitally important to the Chinese community as it brings family and friends together to celebrate the end of one year and the prosperity of the year to come,” said Michael Grit, Centre Manager at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.

“It is a time to honour cultural traditions and create new memories with family and friends.”

The Jan. 29 parade, which is organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of East Toronto, kicks off at noon at the Zhong Hua Men Archway, Toronto’s first traditional

Chinese Archway located in East Chinatown. The Zhong Hua Men Archway is located in the parking lot by Gerrard Street East and Hamilton Street, one block west of Broadview Avenue.

In attendance for the Lion Parade will be Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher who has made regular appearances at the event since she was elected councillor for the area.

“It’s a very important day of the year,” said Fletcher. “It’s also just a lot of fun. We give out cards, candy, lucky money, we give out lots of things. It’s a great, happy day.”

Participants of the parade will head south down Broadview Avenue from the Archway before turning onto First Avenue where they will head east and then back north along Boulton Avenue to make their way back to Gerrard Street East. There will also be a Lion Dance to start the parade which includes visits to local businesses to bring them good luck.

“There’s little lettuces (that are symbolically fed to the lion) that are left at the doors of businesses that participate,” said Fletcher. “It’s a good way to support these Chinatown businesses. It’s a tradition that’s been going on for decades now.”

This cycle of the Chinese zodiac calendar is a significant one to many. People born in this year (the Year of the Rabbit) are thought to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious. The Year of the Rabbit, according to Chinese culture, symbolizes longevity, peace, and prosperity. The coming year is predicted to be one of hope, something many may have been longing for during these recently trying times.

People who share the zodiac signs of the Ox, Tiger, and Snake will also be expected to experience much luck this coming year. Other zodiac years include the year of the Dog, Horse, Goat, Pig, Rat, Rooster, Monkey, and, of course, the year of the Dragon which begins after this current cycle ends on Feb. 9, 2024.

Along with China, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated in other countries such as Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. Although some of the traditions are shared, celebrations are unique to each country’s cultural identity.

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

Wendy MacKinnon: Your Local Mortgage Broker

A Lion Dance takes place at the Zhong Hua Men Archway on Gerrard Street East during last year’s Lunar New Year celebrations. A Lion Parade setting off from the Archway is planned on Jan. 29 as part of the celebrations surrounding Lunar New Year which officially arrived on Sunday, Jan. 22.

By Ahmed Dirie

SARAH ROBICHAUD, founder of Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP), combines her love of dance and endless energy to run a free program for seniors to try and stave off the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

DWP is a registered charity dedicated to combating PD and its symptoms, as well as facilitating and nurturing a community where those with PD can come together, interact and enjoy various levels of exercise through movement and dance.

A professional dancer by trade, Robichaud transitioned to a career as a personal trainer following motherhood and helped Andy Barrie (former host of CBC Radio’s Metro Morning) manage his Parkinson’s.

After learning of Mark Morris’ Dance Groups, where they used dance to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, Robichaud was on the first flight to New York to experience the classes for herself.

“I was totally sold,” said Robichaud. “People who came in with walkers were waltzing through the room halfway through the class.”

Witnessing the positive influence the class had on the participants, both in terms of exercise as well as the community that developed around it, Robichaud knew she had to bring what she learned back home to Toronto.

The rest is history and every day since 2008

a.m.,

The other issue DWP tackles is senior isolation, a growing problem that was only exacerbated by COVID-19 and the ensuing regulations.

Continued on Page 19

Robichaud has taught a spirited and dynamic daily online class at 11

in addition to other classes at different times throughout the week.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED Sarah Robichaud is the founder of Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP).

Michael Garron Hospital’s Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre set to open

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

SEVENTEEN YEARS after submission for grant money was first put forward for construction of an upgraded patient care facility, East York’s Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) hosted a tour of the brand new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre at the grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

In attendance were MGH President and Interim CEO Wolf Klassen, MGH Board Chair Lovisa McCallum, MGH Foundation Board Chair Eric Tripp, MGH Foundation President Mitze Mourinho, Mayor John Tory, Premier Doug Ford and members of the Thomson family – Peter and Diana.

“Our team has worked tirelessly in partnership with funders and partners to bring this transformational project to life,” said Klassen in his opening remarks.

The Thomson Centre, which adds 550,000 square feet to the hospital, was a true collaborative effort.

As McCallum said, the project transcends politics as, since it began, the hospital experienced three dif-

ferent CEOs, eight Board Chairs and two different government regimes who all had the same vision and passed the torch down the line to eventually reach this moment.

The grand opening marked a historic milestone in MGH’s $560 million campus transformation which, according to a press release, is “the largest redevelopment project since its inception”.

It was also revealed during the celebration that the Heart of the East fundraising campaign, which launched in 2018, exceeded its $100 million goal and raised $126 million to support redevelopment, new equipment, innovative programs, staff training and development, and community-based research at MGH.

The Thomson Centre didn’t aim to add more beds to the hospital, rather it replaced some of MGH’s more outdated patient care spaces. The hospital first opened in the community as Toronto East General Hospital in 1929 with 110 patient beds.

“This is going to be a great thing for the east end and we’re doing the same thing right across the province,”

said Premier Ford.

He told guests at the event that there is more than $40 billion being invested into upgrading many facilities across the province.

“Nothing’s better than having a great facility and making sure that the healthcare system — the front-line doctors and nurses — have the tools that they need to provide great service,” said Ford.

The new centre provides such tools.

The eight-storey building boasts 215 inpatient beds and two levels of outpatient clinics. During construction, there was emphasis applied to privacy with 80 per cent of the beds being in single rooms, allowing recovering patients to enjoy the advantages of privacy.

Rooms shown to the media were calm-inducing, more spacious than the average Toronto hospital room, and with large windows that perfectly displayed the city skyline while simultaneously creating a bright, positive environment.

“Eighty per cent of outpatient visits will take place in this new building where two levels of conveniently located clinics will help people

to move from appointmentto-appointment with greater ease,” said Klassen.

The facility also ensures MGH continues its work in assisting patients with mental health issues. There is a 44-bed Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit and a six-bed Slaight Family Child & Youth Mental Health Inpatient Unit for children and teens experiencing acute mental health crises.

Yaakov Keilikhis, Director of the Mental Health and Substance Use Program, took Beach Metro Community News on a tour of the Adult Mental Health Unit.

The space includes a kitchen which will be used for group activities such as ones that helps patients sharpen their cooking and household skills to better equip them for life outside the hospital.

Although patients can enjoy group activities, Keilikhis said that the best recovery and healing occurs when there’s “separation between group activities and private spaces”, a philosophy that the Mental Health Unit successfully encapsulates.

Other units include a 45-person surgery inpatient unit that consists of both

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Dignitaries cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony for the new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre at Michael Garron Hospital on Jan. 11. The centre officially opens to inpatient care on Feb. 4.

Centre open for inpatient care as of Feb. 4

‘Michael’ from Page 4

single and double-occupancy patient rooms; a chronic diseases outpatient unit; Carswell Family Centre for Medical Education which provides training for future medical professionals; and a new retail spaces as well as two outdoor terraces that staff, patients and visitors can utilize.

MGH also incorporated new technologies to make it easier for staff to communicate and provide quality service for patients as well as a simulation centre which will be utilized for hands-on, immersive training for staff and learners.

Members of the community have welcomed this new facility with warm embrace as for many years patients have craved a better experience especially in areas, like chronic diseases, that

are disproportionately represented in East Toronto in comparison to the rest of the city.

“It’s comforting to know that if any of us in the family or community needs care, we can go [to the Thomson Centre] and rest assured that we will be taken care with the proper nurturing that an individual needs,” said Razia Rashed, a patient, volunteer and active community member.

“It is very inspiring to see how MGH is providing that care and giving us hope for a better life.”

The Thomson Centre officially opened for outpatient care on Monday, Jan. 23.

It will open for inpatient care on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The facility was named after Ken and Marilyn Thomson who were lifelong Toronto residents and well known

for their philanthropy.

“I know they’d be really happy with this building and the way it turned out,” said Peter Thomson about his late parents.

“We got involved over 10 years ago and had high hopes for what this building could be but I think it exceeded every expectation we ever had. I know my parents would be very proud and honoured to be a part of the building.”

Peter and Diana Thomson have committed a total of $17.5 million to the hospital’s redevelopment.

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

Naval Club of Toronto on Gerrard Street invites community to 88th birthday party

THE NAVAL Club of Toronto, on Gerrard Street East, will celebrate its 88th birthday on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The celebration will take place from noon until 6 p.m.

East Toronto community members are invited to join in the event at the club, 1910 Gerrard St. E., just west of Woodbine Avenue.

There will be chilli and a slice of birthday cake available for those attending.

The event will also give visitors a chance to learn more about the club which has been operation since 1935.

The club was for many years located on Hayden Street in Yorkville, but moved to its Gerrard Street East location in the summer of 2010.

The Naval Club of Toronto is a social club for past and current members with or of naval military service.

For more information on the 88th birthday celebration, please go to www.navalcluboftoronto.com or call the club at 416-924-2811.

Debbie Danbrook at Hope United’s Jazz Vespers concert on Jan. 28

HOPE UNITED Church presents its Jazz Vespers concert for this month on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Featuring Debbie Danbrook, accompanied by Steve Raiman on piano, the concert will begin at 4:30 p.m.

A composer and recording artist who specializes in meditation, relaxation and heal-

ing, Danbrook is the first woman to have mastered performing on the Shakuhachi flute, an ancient Japanese instrument.

Danbrook has described the Shakuhachi flute as more than just an instrument. It is “a type of Zen” and spiritual tool.

Hope United Church is located at 2550 Danforth Ave., northwest corner at Main Street.

For more information on the Jazz Vespers concerts, please visit the church online at www.hopeunited.ca

Jazz & Reflections performances set for Beach United Church BEACH UNITED Church will be hosting a par of Jazz & Reflection concerts next month.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, Juno Award winning jazz vocalist Faith Amour and guitarist Eric St. Laurent will perform. The concert starts at 4:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Music for the Soul with Gillian Stone is slated to take place. Stone’s music draws from post-rock, folk, ambience and minimalism. This concert will also begin at 4:30 p.m.

The performances take place in the inviting Great Hall of Beach United Church.

The concerts are free to attend but donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United Church’s food programs in the community.

Beach United Church is located at 140 Wineva Ave. For more information, please visit www.beachunitedchurch.com

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Razia Rashed, a volunteer, patient and active community member, shows one of the single-patient rooms at the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre during a media tour on Jan. 11. The centre was scheduled to open to serve outpatients as of Jan. 23.

About that raccoon and why it won’t be on Woodbine Beach

AlAn ShAckleton Beach Metro News Editor

Everybody is being nice and saying all the right things about next month’s Winter Stations 2023 art installations planned for Woodbine Beach.

So let me be the one to address the dead raccoon on the beach. Or lack thereof.

Plain and simple, I think the Beach is getting the short end of the Winter Stations stick when it comes to this year’s installations.

Specifically I’m talking about CONRAD, the statue in honour of a raccoon that died in downtown Toronto in 2015. Really, this is what I’m talking about.

Earlier this month, the eight winners for Winter Stations 2023

were announced. Now, six of these installations will be set up on Woodbine Beach (as has been taking place since 2015) starting on Family Day and continuing through to the end of March.

That’s great. I love Winter Stations. It’s such a positive and fun event as well as being a sign that spring is getting closer.

But this year I’m not feeling it so much.

And that’s CONRAD’S fault.

Actually, to be more precise, it’s Mississauga’s fault.

Here’s the problem. CONRAD is the installation that’s getting all the attention. It’s the one I suspect most people will be lining up to get their selfies with and then pushing them out on every form of social media known to humanity and all of the dead raccoon-o-verse.

How could it not be a social media magnet? It’s a statue in honour of a dead raccoon that has had its

own hashtag for more than seven years.

“Conrad was the name of a raccoon that died on the corner of Yonge and Church in the summer of 2015. And though Conrad was just a raccoon, he was human enough to inspire compassion and warmth in the hearts of Torontonians. This is a monument in his honour,” said the designers of the installation.

A sidewalk memorial was created beside Conrad’s body which included photos, flowers and cards. The memorial grew around the raccoon’s body as a wait of 14 hours for it to be collected began.

Conrad had his own hashtag #DeadRaccoonTO that July day in 2015, along with lots of media attention.

Only in Toronto, you say. But you’d be wrong.

And so where will the CONRAD installation be on display for

Winter Stations 2023 you may well ask? Why at 1381 Lakeshore Rd. in Mississauga of course.

Hold it one second here. Why does Mississauga get to have the Beach’s (Toronto’s) raccoon? Don’t they have their own famous dead raccoons to build art installations in honour of?

Here’s why. Winter Stations obviously needs sponsors in order to be able to present its wonderful and free art exhibition. It takes time and money to get those installations put up, and that comes with a cost.

And I guess one of the ways to attract sponsors is to give them a say on where some of the installations might be put on display beyond just Woodbine Beach.

And that’s why CONRAD goes to Mississauga. One of the sponsors, and who can blame them, saw how popular the installation would be and put dibs on it for their location.

I suppose this is the inevitable

result of the huge popularity of Winter Stations. But I don’t have to like it.

Remember, Winter Stations’ intent is to celebrate “Toronto’s winter waterfront landscape and aims to draw people outside to interact with installations, the winter and each other.”

The installations are designed to be built around the lifeguard station chairs along Woodbine Beach — hence the very name Winter Stations.

I’m not trying to disparage the six installations that will be on Woodbine Beach. They are all inspired works of art and they will be a pleasure for people to view and interact with. Details on them are in our story that starts on Page 1 of today’s paper.

But I am sour about CONRAD being in Mississauga. To me, the whole thing stinks like a dead raccoon on a summer day.

Beach Metro Community News, published by Ward 9 Community News Inc., is a non-profit, non-partisan community newspaper founded in 1972 and published 23 times a year. It is distributed free by volunteers in East Toronto and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers.

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Letters to the Editor

Higher property taxes called for to fund services, not police

The City of Toronto’s budget process is underway, with Council set to vote on the Mayor’s proposed budget in February. Over the last few years, it has become impossible not to notice the sharp decline in the quality of our city services and infrastructure.

As we face an $815 million budget gap, Mayor John Tory is planning to further cut funding to some city services and to increase some user fees.

At the same time, he plans to increase the Toronto Police Service’s budget by nearly $50 million dollars.

We are a group of homeowners in Toronto (www.homeowners4highertaxes.ca) who support an increase in property taxes as a way to more equitably fund essential public services, like the TTC and shelters — not to

fund police. We are coming together to say that as property owners, we want to pay higher property taxes, beyond even what the Mayor has proposed for 2023, so that we and our neighbours can access the services we all need to thrive in this city.

We believe that the decline in the city’s services is a direct result of decisions that City Council has made over the last decade to keep property tax increases below inflation, while, at the same time, choosing to grow an already bloated police budget.

Last year, Toronto had the lowest property taxes in Ontario. This is baffling in the largest city in the country — a city with an increased need for services, a backlog of essential capital repairs, and unfunded climate commitments.

Meanwhile, in 2022, nearly a quarter (23.7 per cent) of our property taxes were spent on policing in our city.

This is the wrong approach.

Property taxes are the most fair and reliable way to fund our municipal public services. Among Torontonians, homeowners are in the best position to pay a little more to cover the necessary costs of running a thriving, inclusive city.

Without appropriate taxation, the city turns to user fees, like the recent 10 cent TTC fare hike. This is the most regressive way to pay for services, because it hits our working class neighbors hardest.

We also know that we can’t police our way to safety. Marginalized communities, frontline workers and researchers have long ex-

plained: the best way to make our city safe is not to invest in cops, but rather to doubledown on poverty reduction strategies by investing heavily in housing, education and other social services.

We are glad to see the Mayor’s proposed property tax increase, but encourage Council to press for a higher rate. As homeowners, we know we’re able to afford more than the proposed $233 average increase. In addition, we urge a reversal in the plan to increase funds for the police.

With the additional funds freed up from both measures, we encourage the Mayor and City Council to invest in city services that will truly benefit us all.

Britt Caron

Spending more than $70 billion on military jets is a boondoggle

Defence Minister Anita Anand recently announced a long leaked purchase of 16 F35 fighter jets/stealth bombers from United States weapons manufacturer Lockheed-Martin at a cost to Canadian taxpayers of $7 billion.

This represents the first block of an eventual 88 F35’s at a predicted lifetime cost of more than $70 billion to be delivered by 2033.

Anand has said this purchase would help our security against countries such as Russia.

What are Canadians getting for this huge expenditure? Not a defensive weapon, but an offensive one.

A stealth bomber is designed to at-

tack another country by stealth, meaning it can evade the radar of that country. It is capable of carrying a nuclear bomb, obviously to destroy infrastructure of that country.

So the F35 is not about defending Canada.

It burns fossil fuel at the rate of $48,000 per hour, the yearly salary of many front line health workers.

It is a boondoggle, designed to satisfy our NATO obligations, likely to bomb people of colour and their homes somewhere in the world as was done by the older CF18’s in the former Yugoslavia, Libya, Iraq, and Syria.

What tangible benefit will Canadians

get for this expenditure?

Why are we sending our tax dollars to a U.S. weapons manufacturer instead of keeping this revenue at home?

Why not use it to end homelessness and lack of housing once and for all?

Why not use it to increase disabled benefits to a living wage?

Why not use it to end food insecurity?

And why not spend it to build the high speed train between Windsor, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City which has been studied for decades?

Why not ask Canadians what they want more than $70 billion spent on?

Murray Lumley

Upcoming federal budget must invest in people, education and development

In parts of the world that are starting to recuperate from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming federal budget can have a meaningful impact in driving positive change.

As the International Education Day takes place on Jan. 24, it is critical that Canada keeps its promise on increasing the International Assistance Envelope

of the budget by $1.9 billion. We must also call on the Government of Canada to allocate at least 10 per cent of bilateral development assistance in quality education, to ensure the fulfilment of the Charlevoix Declaration, and most importantly, so that girls in developing countries are not left behind.

Constituents have more power in

deciding what’s included in the budget than we think.

To invest in people, in education, and sustainable development across the globe, we can work together by calling on our Members of Parliament to take meaningful action in the 2023 budget.

Andrea González

Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Jan. 24

The Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Jan. 24 is Patricia Petruga.

She has been delivering Beach Metro Community News for 35 years.

“I became the delivery person because there was an opportunity to deliver right where I live, at the bottom of Kingston Road,” said Petruga.

“The Beach Metro is an important way to find out what is happening in the area where we live and what matters to us. The articles, whether news, recipes or a spotlight on a person, provide food for thought, inspiration and information. Long live the Beach Metro!”

For being named the Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Jan. 24, Petruga receives a $50 gift. She will be donating her prize to The Daily Bread Food Bank.

If you would like to become a Beach Metro Community News volunteer carrier, please email our Distribution Manager, Melinda Drake at melinda@beachmetro.com for all the info.

Kerry Jackson

Royal LePage Estate Realty, 2301 Queen St. E. Direct 416.571.2181 | Office 416.690.5100

Kerryjackson@gmail.com

JAN. 25: Seniors Luncheon at Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave., 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 noon to a swing band with luncheon served shortly after. Free to seniors 65 and over and veterans.

JAN. 27: Public Meeting re development application at 1625, 1633, 1641 Kingston Rd. and 52 Birchcliff Ave. at Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr., 9:30 a.m. Hosted by Scarborough Community Council. Info: scc@toronto.ca or 416-396-7287.

JAN 29: Robbie Burns Music Service at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd. Enjoy a little bit of Scotland as we celebrate the famous poet’s birth. The last Sunday of each month is always a musical celebration so join us in person or watch our livestream at 10:30 a.m. You can also watch all our past services online. Info: www.bbuc.ca

FEB 4: Jazz & Reflection at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Join jazz vocalist Faith Amour and guitarist Eric St. Laurent in our warm and inviting Great Hall. Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

FEB. 4: 88th Birthday Celebration and Open House at The Naval Club of Toronto, 1910 Gerrard St. E., 12 noon-6 p.m. Come by and join us for a slice of birthday cake and bowl of chilli and see what the club is all about! The club is currently regularly open Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 6 p.m. Info: navalcluboftoronto.com, 416-924-2811

FEB. 9: Seniors Active Living & Lifestyles Fair, hosted by Community Centre 55, at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An informative and free day of workshops, active demonstrations, health clinic, healthy snacks and health-related exhibits to keep you independent and active. Info: Jade 416-691-1113, jade@centre55.com

FEB. 11: My Unrequited Valentine: A romantic evening of Indian Classical, Bollywood and Ghazal, at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 7 p.m. Featuring Christopher Hale (sitar, vocals, guitar) and Ozzy Lyall (tabla). Tickets: $15 advance; $20 at door. Hosted by Yeshu Satsang Toronto. Info: www.bbuc.ca, Chrisdhale@gmail.com, 416 469-1821

FEB 18: Music for the Soul with Gillian Stone at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Join us for an intimate and stripped-down performance from Gillian Stone, whose music draws from postrock, folk, ambience, and minimalism.. Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

FEB. 21: Pancake Supper at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E. (at Silver Birch), 5:30 p.m. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

FEB. 25: Acoustic Harvest presents The Marigolds (www.themarigolds.ca) at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $30 advance, $35 cash at door. Tickets and info: www.acousticharvest.ca

FEB. 26 & MARCH 5: Scarborough Model Railroaders Train Show at 17 Jeavons Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Two floors of HO and N scale layouts, featuring a mix of Southern Ontario passenger and freight trains, and 100 scale miles of track through mountainous scenery. Fun for families and all ages. Adults $10, children $5. Cash only.

MARCH 24, 25: Rock Fest at Guildwood GO Station parking lot. Presented by Beaches Jazz Festival. Featuring tributes to iconic rock bands such as Pearl Jam, Queen, Aerosmith and more. Free admission.

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard Street E., is open from 3:30-6:00 pm. Registration is required. Time slots are being distributed. Please arrive at the food bank the time you were given. Info: 416-690-5169

GRACE PASCOE CARE CENTRE Food Bank, Thursdays, 6pm – 8:30 p.m. Info: (416) 6912899, gpcc@calvary-baptist-church.ca

BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCHES, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.). No lunch Feb. 20 •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.), starting Jan. 3, and St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, (2423 Queen St. E), starting Jan. 10 •Wednesdays at Beaches Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.). No lunch April 5 and 12 •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Lunch format may vary site to site. Last lunch is May 19. Info: 416-691-6869

BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo

excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com

EAST OF THE DON CHORUS. We are looking for enthusiastic singers to join our community choir, everyone is welcome! For our spring season we will meet every Thursday evening at 1774 Queen Street E from January 26 until April 27, with a community concert on April 29. Find out more and register today at https://eastofthedonchorus.ca/ or email ourcommunitychoir@gmail.com.

PIVOT GREEN, a non-profit, all-volunteer group, has collaborated with the Small Change Fund to launch a new national award to celebrate youth-led climate action projects. It will recognize projects that are underway that show promise of being replicated elsewhere in Canada and internationally. The guidelines and details of the Canadian Youth Climate Action Award can be found on our website www.pivotgreen. ca/award. Deadline for applications is March 25.

CHURCHES

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Easy access from the TTC. A welcoming service involving everyone with beautiful music. Sunday school and Nursery room are provided. The services are relevant to contemporary issues with a focus on caring for all of God’s people and the earth. Fellowship to follow at our FB Café. Minister: Rev. Angela J. Cluney. Find us: www. fallingbrookpresbyterian.com or fboffice@rogers.com

BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 64 Glen Manor Dr. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. Our Refugee Committee has been in operation for many years helping families and individuals arrive and start a new life in Canada. On the first Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee,snacks and fellowship. Links and info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E., invites you to join us every Sunday at 11 am for worship service in-person, Facebook, ZOOM, or YouTube livestream with Pastor Kenesha Blake-Newell. Bible study every Wednesday at 7 pm on ZOOM. Join our prayer line every Wednesday for prayer from 11 am - 12 noon. Links and info: www.grantame.com; email: grantamechurch@yahoo.ca; Info: 416-690-5169

BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities Sundays at 10:30 a.m. We ask that all folks attending in-person worship wear a mask to help care for the most vulnerable in our community. Services are led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and Rev. Greg Daly our minister. In addition to Sunday services Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2423 Queen St. E. welcomes you to join us for Sunday worship at 8:30am in person, or at 10:30 am (with children & youth programs) in person or on Zoom. •Tuesdays: Euchre at 7 pm. •Wednesdays: Mid-week service, 10:30 am; Christian Meditation, 7:30 pm. All welcome. •Pancake Supper, Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 5:30 pm. Our energetic, active church offers varied opportunities for spiritual growth, vibrant Children’s and Music programs, Youth activities, and a strong commitment to action on social justice and environmental issues. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. All are welcome. We’re meeting both in-person, and via Zoom each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Call the church for info. 416-699-6512. Blessing Box in church yard: “Take what you need, give what you can”. Info: www.stsaviours.ca, https://www.facebook.com/ churchwithreddoor/. Sermons available on Proclamation! Podcast (now available for free on iTunes).

Closure of The Grover saddens residents as an era comes to an end at Kingston Road and Main Street

By Alan Shackleton

LOCAL RESIDENTS are reacting with sadness to the news that The Grover pub on Kingston Road just east of Main Street is permanently closing.

The Grover owners posted on their social media in December that they would not be re-opening in the new year.

The announcement said the rent for the pub is not “sustainable” and the landlord was not willing to negotiate with The Grover.

“On Dec. 16, The Grover closed its doors after 40 years. A Kingston Road landmark, community hub, and meeting place,” said the announcement.

“Our family took on this business in August of 2020, thinking we were at the tail end of COVID. We navigated our way through the constant closures, restrictions, staff changes/shortages, family and staff illness, even the sudden death of our chef, Joseph, in September.

“Unfortunately the rent is not sustainable and impossible for us to run a business during the recovery phase from COVID and our landlord is not willing to negotiate to keep us here.

“We thank each and every one of our loyal guests, many who have become our friends and the unwavering support of family,” said the announcement.

The Grover has a long history at Kingston and Main, going back to 1982 when it opened as The Grover Exchange.

The name was in honour of the Bell Telephone company’s Grover Exchange Building. Opened in 1924, the phone company’s Grover Exchange was Canada’s first automatic dial telephone exchange.

The Grover Exchange continued what was a very long history of taverns at the corner of Kingston Road and Main Street.

Back in the 1840s, the O’Sullivan Tavern (also

known as the Blacksmith Arms) was a popular stopping point for farmers heading to markets in the city.

From there, the corner saw the Boston House, the East Toronto Hotel, later the Benlamond Hotel, which was known as The Benny.

The Benlamond Hotel

In 1989, the Benlamond Hotel was torn down and replaced by The Norm Houghton Complex residential building run by The Neighbourhood Group.

Former Beacher John Watt, who recently held a reunion for Malvern Collegiate alumnae and other area residents from the 1960s and 1970s recently at The Grover, said he was sad to hear of its closure.

He said after playing hockey with the Balmy Beach Club’s men’s league at Ted Reeve Arena on Friday nights, going for a few beers afterwards at The Grover Exchange and The Grover was a regular tradition.

Watt, who now lives in Victoria, B.C., said the reunion he hosted on Oct. 22, 2022 at The Grover was very well attended and brought back many memories; be them of The Grover or the Benlamond Hotel.

He said photos he posted from the event received a large social media response.

“So glad I flew in and had a last gathering of 1960s/70s, it was a great final farewell sendoff. Little did I know after taking those photos it would be the sad ending six weeks later,” wrote Watt.

He said it reminded him of another Kingston Road landmark that Beachers of his era said farewell to — The Alpine Hotel which was located just east of Victoria Park Avenue.

“We’re losing all our Kingston Road, Beach landmarks, bars and pubs,” wrote Watt.

“In the 1980s we lost the Benlamond Hotel or ‘Benny’ as we called it then. I had my first draft beer (underaged)

there while I was at Malvern. It cost 20 cents.”

Others on social media also lamented the closure of The Grover.

“The Grover food and friendly atmosphere will be missed by friends and families. This is very sad,” wrote moovinintherightdirection on Instagram.

“Such amazing owners and staff. It was a gem in the neighbourhood and your restaurant and warmth will se so missed. Take care,” wrote Tracy Cook on Facebook.

“What a sad, sad day. The Grover will be missed and so will the amazing staff,” wrote Julie Corrigan-Lindsay on Facebook.

It is not known at this time what if any business will take the place of The Grover at 676 Kingston Rd.

There are still other business operating in the twostorey building and a sign that says office loft space is available for lease on the second floor.

Beach Metro Community News reached out to the landlord of the building that The Grover is located in for comment, but has not yet received a response.

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News.

On The Wild Side

Tree sap a source of food for birds and even squirrels

Ann BrokelmAn is an avid birder and nature photographer naturephotosbyann.blogspot.ca

Well, the other day

I was taking a stroll through a park near my house not looking for anything, but just adding to my kilometre total, I guess. The sun was shining, the paths were clear, and a lovely assortment of eastern grey squirrels were running about.

By assortment, I don’t just mean the shades of grey and black, but they also ranged in size from festively plump to extra chunky to roly-poly behemoth.

Interestingly, though less common, grey squirrels can also have brown, red, and blonde variations. They also have their albino white versions, though those are extremely rare.

Anyway, back to my walk. As often happens, I was just out for the sake of trying to enjoy a nice day when I saw a squirrel doing something I’d never seen before: licking a tree.

I didn’t believe my eyes, so I tried getting closer. Sure enough, as I wandered around the tree, there was

no doubt that his little tongue was enthusiastically licking the tree. I looked at the tree more closely and realized it was a maple. Adding to that, it looked quite wet.

The pieces had come together: the sap was running, and the squirrel was taking advantage! If only the chubby guy had some pancakes, he’d have been in squirrel heaven.

They don’t usually bother with sap in the summer, as

there are so many easier sources of food.

A few articles said that squirrels will eat the sap and the bark at the same time. It seems the bark also provides sugars and nutrients, helps keep their teeth strong, sharp, and short, and pieces can be used in their nests.

Like other rodents, squirrel teeth never stop growing, so they need to chew to keep them worn down.

I’m pretty sure I knew

that squirrels were rodents, but after all these years, how did I not know the rest?

Apparently, the young people like to say, “I was today years old when I found out….”

So, who else will take advantage of the tree sap?

Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill rows of holes into tree bark, not just so they can have a sappy dinner, but because they can follow it with a dessert made up of all the bugs who thought they

could sneak into the holes to find some sap themselves.

Hummingbirds will drink the sap and eat the bugs as well, and a variety of insects, including butterflies like the beautiful mourning cloak, eat the sap.

A lot of other birds, like nuthatches, don’t eat the sap itself but happily prey on all the sap eating insects.

I love to see something new when I’m out and about. I mean, it’s great to see a new bird, or animal, but

there are so many incredible behaviours to observe, even among the most common of species.

Next time you see a squirrel sitting in a tree, take a quick look and see if it’s a maple and if the branch looks wet and runny.

We live in such an amazing place, let’s make sure we protect it, so we can enjoy it for years to come.

Time for me to go add some more kilometres, bye for now!

PHOTOS: ANN BROKELMAN

Photo at left, an eastern grey squirrel licks sap from a maple tree during a warm day. Photo above, a yellow-bellied sapsucker pokes holes in a tree branch.

Tamara Shelly helps people focus on self-care and love

mimi liliefeldt mimi@missfit.ca

THE NEW year is often a time for reflection and resolution. As this month passed, I too thought about what sort of changes I wanted to implement in my life. It may sound cliché but pausing to take stock of your path is an important part of personal, social, and global development.

It’s undeniable that every individual’s actions influence our environment. The people in our orbit constitute the society we live in which shapes our opinions and culture; that in turn goes further outward every time we travel, post on social media, or interact with the world at large. For this reason, it is critical that we strive to not only do better for ourselves but also for each other.

I haven’t met anyone who has articulated this truth more strongly than Tamara Shelly. Tamara is the coowner of Classic Juice Co. on Coxwell Avenue by Gerrard Street East, between the Dollarama and No Frills.

She owns the shop with her partner Cliff Watson.

Tamara’s parents are from Jamaica and came to Canada (separately) as teenagers in the 1970s. Born and raised in Canada, Tamara grew up in Mississauga, and learned about the harsher realities of her existence in white so-

ciety quickly.

“I was always the only Black girl in my class or the only Black girl in my grade, sometimes maybe there were two of us. I was taught at a really young age that you have to work hard,” she said. “People are going to try to set you back because

first of all you’re Black, and secondly, you’re a woman. That’s a conversation I had with my mom at a very young age. I don’t even think I’d hit Grade 1 yet.

“Having pride in your culture and who you are is something that I think is synonymous with being Jamaican. I was raised by Jamaican parents and one of the things Jamaicans pride themselves on is being very hard workers. Take pride in everything that you do. Make sure that you can stand beside your work and feel proud of it. It was clear that anything we did we were representing more than just ourselves.”

This is the work ethic and mindset Tamara practices at Classic Juice Co. She started the business in 2018 and two years later the pandemic hit, which meant having to overcome all kinds of unforeseen obstacles, and they are still working their way through.

When I asked her what keeps her going, she said, “This is my path. This is what I feel is my purpose. I’ve always seen myself as a healer … I love to help people, with really meaningful stuff. I love to sit and talk with people and offer advice, wisdom, something that really leaves

people feeling better … juice is kind of the catalyst in which I can do that and allow people to focus more on selfcare and love.”

Self-care is an overused buzz word, but in this context it’s worth exploring the privilege of this act. Most of us think of spa days or skin care routines or even taking the day off from a stressful job, but for many folks this level of indulgence isn’t a reality. What Tamara is referring to is the ability to consciously do something healthy for oneself and how that individual’s care affects the world around them.

“I believe that self-care is a part of something bigger. It means that when you’re healthy and other members of the community are healthy, it creates a stronger community, a stronger world, a better planet. I think that healthy people make healthy choices. And I think that a lot of society’s ills and the world’s issues are because people are not well,” said Tamara.

This pronouncement reminds us of radical Black feminist and author, Audre Lorde’s quote, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and

that is an act of political warfare.”

Historically, Black women have been at the bottom of society. Their basic needs and rights have been ignored or outrightly denied, which puts them in the most vulnerable category. This is why self-care for a Black woman is a revolutionary act.

Which brings us back to Tamara, who was taught by her strong, intelligent, and determined mother to not only know her rights but to fight for them and look out for others.

“There were so many times I had to reckon with real life and I’m just like, ‘oh my god, what if my mother did not teach me this?’ … I think wow, I’ve never had the void of identity, or knowing my place in this world as a woman and making space for myself as a woman and not taking sh** from anybody, not as a woman, a Black woman, a Jamaican, just like hell no. (I) Just know when to push back,” Tamara told me.

Much like her childhood idol, Martin Luther King Jr. Tamara knew she wanted to be a leader and she wanted to make a difference in this Continued on Page 13

PHOTO: MIMI LILIEFELDT

Tamara Shelly in front of Classic Juice Co. at 287 Coxwell Ave.

Classic Juice Co. on Coxwell Avenue serves as a community hub

‘Tamara’ from Page 12

world. Which is why after years of being unhappy in her telecommunications job she was finally able to leave and take the time to figure out her purpose.

“I was searching for myself. What is my purpose? What am I supposed to be doing here? And then I went to the Ikigai model, which is about (finding) your purpose. What do you love to do? What brings you joy? What can you make money doing? And it’s somewhere in this matrix and in the middle of that is your purpose,” Tamara shared with me.

Finding one’s path is not always an easy road, it takes time and commitment. But nothing of true value ever comes without effort.

Tamara reflected, “During

this journey I said, ‘this is the revolution, this is where it starts’. I went through it myself and I found the more conscious I became of what I put in my mouth and how much I challenged myself to not eat certain things, I started to become aware of setting boundaries. You start to detox your life, when you start to eat a certain way, your life starts to become detoxed as well because you’re more aware and in tune with yourself … Same with the TV that I watch, the literature that I absorb, things like that. It’s all an absorption. What we absorb is effectively what we put out.”

The more she considered these values, Tamara was able to arrive at her answer.

“I want to make a difference through food, and I feel like juice is the vehicle for that

because it is absorbed into your blood stream right away … this is it. This is what I’m going to pour my energy into. This is what I’m going to offer,” she said.

Four years and one pandemic later, Tamara’s dream is doing exactly what she’d hoped; she is a leader in her business and positively impacting society by promoting health, one individual at a time.

The challenges she has faced growing the company are rewarded by the glowing reviews and accolades she has received from her clients for providing a quality product that nourishes more than just your body.

The juice shop is a community hub that provides a plethora of healthy options in every colour of the rainbow. It is also a support for

underserved BIPOC youth through their Pay It Forward program.

A visit to their shop means a warm welcome, a healthy beverage, and a sense of belonging.

So, while you’re sipping your delicious freshly made juice, know that when you are doing wholesome things for yourself, there is much greater possibility for you to do wholesome things for others.

If we truly want a connected and peaceful world, then it is worth remembering what Martin Luther King Jr. famously said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Mimi Liliefeldt is a Beach resident and business owner. She can be reached at mimi@ missfit.ca

Community Centre 55 to host Seniors Active Living and Lifestyles Fair

A SENIORS Active Living and Lifestyle Fair will be hosted by Community Centre 55 on Thursday, Feb. 9.

The event will take place at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The fair is free to attend and will feature workshops, active demonstrations, a health clinic, healthy snacks, and health-related exhibitors who feature services and products designed to help local seniors stay independent and active.

For more information on the Seniors Active Living and Lifestyles Fair, please contact Jade at Community Centre 55 by emailing jade@centre55.com or calling 416-691-1113.

East of the Don Chorus seeks singers for spring season

LOCAL SINGERS are being invited to join the East of the Don Chorus.

The small, non-profit choir is seeking “enthusiastic singers” to join their chorus. Everyone is welcome.

For the spring season, the East of the Don Chorus will meet on Thursday evenings from Jan. 26 to April 27 at the Toronto United Mennonite Church, 1774 Queen St. E.

The chorus will present a community concert on Saturday, April 29.

For more information on the East of the Don Chorus, please email ourcommunitychoir@gmail.com or visit the website at www.eastofthedonchorus.ca

Acoustic

Harvest presents

The Marigolds on Feb. 25

THE NEXT Acoustic Harvest concert is slated for Saturday, Feb. 25.

Performing that night will be The Marigolds (Suzie Vinnick, Caitlin Hanford and Gwen Swick). The Marigolds are “part bluesy, part jazzy, and part traditional country and bluegrass.”

Acoustic Harvest concerts take place at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St. in southwest Scarborough. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Please go to www.acousticharvest.ca to order tickets and for more information on the performers taking part in the 2023 concert season.

Annual East York Seniors’ Christmas Dinner fed more than 400 residents on Dec. 25

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

FOR ITS 40th year, the East York Seniors Christmas Dinner took place on Christmas Day.

The 2022 version of the event took place on Sunday, Dec. 25, and was hosted by Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford.

Also attending the event were East York’s 2022 Agnes Macphail Award recipient Kam Babulal and Mayor John Tory.

For 2022, more than 400 dinners were delivered from the East York Community Centre to the participating senior residents by volunteers.

Although there was not an in-person gathering, Fletcher said it was still vital to keep the tradition of the East York Seniors Christmas Dinner going for local residents.

“We have great donors that give money in order to make sure seniors, on a very important day of the year, have a nice hot meal and don’t feel forgotten,” said Fletcher.

“Many of them are alone and this is a very special moment. So we like to make it special and keep it special.”

The annual Christmas dinner was started by former Borough of East York Mayor Dave Johnson to help alleviate some of the feelings of loneliness felt by many seniors during the holiday season.

Through the years, the dinner’s importance has not been forgotten by volunteers who now dedicate their time to ensuring no senior feels alone on Christmas Day.

“The seniors anticipate something great happening during their day,” said Fletcher. “It is a tough time of the year if you’re by yourself.”

Since the tradition began, seniors come together on Christmas Day to share in the

celebration and enjoy each other’s company during a time in which they might otherwise feel isolated. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there has been no in-person gathering for this event since 2020.

Babulal said that the transition to a delivery system was a blessing in disguise.

“When we had it in person, it was only serving 240 people,” said Babulal. “But now we are delivering 425 dinners.”

Although the local councillors co-hosted the event – dealing with the logistics such as sending out the invitations and raising the necessary funds – Babulal was at the heart of the celebrations as she took charge of organizing the meals for her 25th year in a row.

Putting together 425 meals for the 2022 dinner didn’t come without its challenges though.

Babulal told Beach Metro Community News that the caterer got sick and could no longer supply the meals. To make matters worse, she “didn’t have anybody to do a turkey meal because it was too short notice”.

Luckily, Swiss Chalet at Birchmount Road and Lawrence Avenue, after listening to Babulal explain her situation, offered their assistance in providing the meals for the seniors.

Other organizations that supplied products for the event were Loblaws which provided all the drinks; No Frills which offered 10 cases of apple pie; Sobeys which provided clementines; and The Big Carrot Community Market which supplied bags for the goods.

“I cannot thank these people enough,” said Babulal.

“There are no words to thank them.”

Registrations now being accepted for groups wishing to take part in Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade

THE TORONTO Beaches Lions Easter Parade will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, April 9, this year.

The parade, which first took place, in the Beach area in 1967, will travel west along Queen Street East from the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant to Woodbine Avenue. It will start at 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 9.

Registration is now open for groups wishing to participate in the parade. For information on how to register to take part in the parade, please go to www.beacheseasterpa-

rade.ca/parade-info

Along with the parade, the Beaches Easter Weekend Celebration will also include an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Good Friday (April 7) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The scavenger hunt will see participants visit a number of locations in the Beach area to find the hidden Easter Eggs. For more information, go to www.beacheseasterparade.ca/eggscavengerhunt

The Beaches Lions Club has been organizing the parade since 1973.

PHOTOS: SUBMITTED

Kam Babulal, left, Kerrie Stambler, centre, and Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher are seen at the East York Community Centre on Pape Avenue on Dec. 25 as they help get deliveries organized for local residents as part of the annual East York Seniors’ Christmas Dinner event.

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

DENTAL

William F. Deneault

Chartered Accountant

• Corporate & Personal Tax

• Specializing in small to medium business

• Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502 Tel: (416) 962-2186

BEACHES OPTOMETRY

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.

• Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

• Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com 416-690-6800

Melani Norman

CPA, CMA

Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337

Emily C. Larimer

CPA, CGA

BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS

INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS

Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercpa.com www.eclarimercpa.com

Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA

An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com

Dashwood & Dashwood

Barristers & Solicitors

Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

Snider & DiGregorio

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9

Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

O’Reilly,

Moll & Mian

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public 300 Main Street 416-690-3324

Glover & Associates

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries

Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700

Queen and Hammersmith

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION

Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal

Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net

Peter J. Salah

Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca

KAMRULHAFIZAHMED

REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East 416 690-6257 Open Saturdays

John H. BJARNASON, D.C. Chiropractor 1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine) 416-694-2868

BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE

Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractic & Registered Massage Therapy 2130 Queen Street East 416-698-7070

ASHBRIDGE’S

KATHRYN WRIGHT

Barrister & Solicitor

Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com

GARRY M. CASS

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com

Janet D’Arcy

Renovation plans for Price Brothers duplex building on Queen Street East approved by Committee of Adjustment

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

ALMOST TWO years after receiving the application, the Toronto and East York Committee of Adjustment (CoA) has approved a plan to alter the existing two-storey building at 2273-2275 Queen St. E. in the Beach.

At a hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 18, the CoA gave permission for four variances to the city’s zoning bylaws in order to allow the renovations to the west side of the building to expand the Chabad Beaches Jewish Community Centre at 2273 Queen St. E.

Ed Wilson – owner of the east side of the building at 2275 Queen St. E. – has resided in the property with his wife for the past 42 years.

He had a number of concerns with the proposal for the expansion of the 2273 portion of the building, owned by Rabbi Shalom Lezell and Chabad Beaches. The plan to expand the school and daycare at the site was first made in 2021.

The building has a distinctive Price-Brothers appearance that is unique to the surrounding area in the Beach. Wilson opposed the proposal due to concerns that the design would alter the duplex building’s front façade.

He also argued that the construction of a rear twostorey addition, with rooftop deck, would negatively impact the amount of light enjoyed by both him and his

tenant who also resides in the building.

“As a third party most affected by this – both personally and financially – I would like to ask the committee to turn this application down, respectfully,” Wilson told the CoA hearing earlier this week.

Although Wilson said he expected to the CoA to disregard his concerns regarding the amount of sunlight that would be on his property due to the renovations, he was hoping that the Kew Beach Precinct Urban Design Guidelines would be taken into consideration.

Those guidelines state that the area located between Woodbine Avenue and Glen Manor Drive is the commercial and retail heart of the Beach and that “rows of original Price Brothers buildings at the east end of this precinct are important for their cultural value and should be preserved”.

Wilson also placed hope on the fact that city zoning bylaws state that the maximum combined non-residential and residential gross floor area cannot be more than two times the area of the lot. However, in this proposal, the combined gross floor area will be 2.12 times the area of the lot.

Furthermore, the zoning bylaw says the maximum permitted non-residential gross floor area shouldn’t be more than 1 times the area of the lot but the proposed plan was 2.12 times the area of the lot.

Adam Ezer, who was representing Lezell, told the CoA that the variances were minor and the original proposal from 2021 had been redesigned in order to preserve the look of the building.

“What we’re dealing with here is a local community centre that wants to expand and was unable to operate their daycare in the last three to four years due to the constraints of the building,” said Ezer.

“The new design is trying to keep the original nature of the building while allowing the developers to develop it.”

The CoA unanimously agreed that the zoning variances being sought were in fact minor.

The only conditions placed on the proposal were regarding noise control during construction on the building’s shared wall, as well as noise control on the rooftop deck which will be used as a play area for the children attending the Jewish School.

“I understand that there is a lot of neighbourhood concern about this,” said Peter Reed, a member of the committee during the meeting. “But, objectively looking at this application, I think it’s very defensible.”

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

Vacant Home Tax declaration deadline is Feb. 2

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

AS THE City of Toronto looks for ways to address the current housing shortage, one local councillor is hopeful the new Vacant Home Tax (VHT) will help alleviate some of the pressure.

Toronto City Council approved the development and implementation of the tax back in 2021. Starting this year, the VHT will be imposed on the owners of residences that have been left vacant for at least six months.

According to the City of Toronto, the VHT aims to increase the supply of housing by discouraging home owners from leaving their residential properties unoccupied. TorontoDanforth Councillor Paula Fletcher said she believes it is “a good idea [that ensures] homes are not sitting vacant during a housing crisis”.

“There’s no excuse for that,” said Fletcher. “And if you want to keep your home empty, you’re going to have to pay a tax on it.”

The revenue garnered as a result of the VHT will go towards affordable housing initiatives, according to the City of Toronto. Homeowners must report their property’s 2022 occupancy status by the Feb. 2 deadline. Failure to submit may result in a fine of $250 to $10,000. A declaration is not needed for properties which do not have residential units. Although a property can now only be

vacant for six months before a VHT is applied, there are some exemptions.

For instance, the tax does not apply to properties that are the principal residence of the owner or a permitted occupant such as a tenant. If an occupant is on a long vacation, or perhaps getting medical treatment, there will be no tax implemented as the property is still being used according to the law. Other exemptions include the death of a registered owner, renovations, transfer of ownership, occupancy for full time employment, and a court order preventing property occupation.

If a homeowner is not granted exemption for a property deemed vacant, they must pay one percent of the property’s Current Value Assessment (CVA). They will receive a Vacant Home Tax Notice in March/April and payment will be due on May 1. Declarations of occupancy status can be made at www.toronto.ca/services-payments/property-taxesutilities/vacant-home-tax/vacant-home-taxdeclaration-of-occupancy-status/

A paper declaration form can also be submitted and must be received by the City of Toronto before the deadline. Please contact your local councillors for more info. Fletcher’s office can be reached at 416-392-4060.

Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford’s office can be reached at 416-338-2755.

Scarborough Southwest Councillor Gary Crawford’s office can be reached at 416-3967703.

Winter Stations starts on Family Day

ronto Metropolitan University.

The winning designs for Winter Stations 2023 were selected by a jury made up of Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon; Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford; Melissa Agostino, creative director and co-founder of Sali Tabacchi branding and design studio; Michaela MacLeod, co-founder of Polymetis art and architecture studio; and Stefan Novakovic, writer and editor specializing in architecture and urbanism.

The following six Winter Stations 2023 winning art installations will be displayed along Woodbine Beach from Feb. 20 to the end of March:

LIFE LINE (WeatherstonBruer Associates: James Bruer, Nick Roland, Jacqueline Hampshire, Canada.)

“Radiance is a collective experience. The act of emitting and receiving positivity has an impact that reaches far beyond its origin point. LIFE LINE proposes an interactive station that materializes the transfer of joy through a shared, auditory experience,” said the designers.

3 Surfaces Pavilion (S-AR: Cesar Guerrero, Ana Cecilia Garza, Orlando Garcia, Mexico.)

“Three surfaces form this pavilion. The first, a pavement that marks the area on which the other two surfaces are placed. The other 2 surfaces, one smaller than the other are curved pieces that take advantage of their shapes to structure itself and at the same time open up possibilities for inhabitability or programs. The user can gather around or inside the pavilion, stand, sit, or lie on the surfaces that call to be inhabited in very different ways,” said the designers.

Delighthouse (Nick Green and Greig Pirrie, United Kingdom.)

“As though the winter sun has split through the prisms of an icy sky, rays of colour fold around a timber tower standing proudly in the distance. Inspired by lighthouses in coastal settings across Canada and beyond, Delighthouse is a self-assured landmark guiding visitors to approach,” said the designers.

Ripple Hut (Toronto Metropolitan University Department of Architectural Science, Canada. Design team: Cesar Rodriguez Perfetti, Jake Kroft, Breno Gualter, Dean Roumanis, Lead by Associate professor Vincent Hui.) “Canoes have been a fundamental method of trans-

portation for thousands of years. They have contributed immensely to humanity’s growth, inner strength, and freedom. Ripple Hut emulates the form of aggregated canoes and offers an alternative approach to the beauty and craft of canoe fabrication,” said the designers.

We (AR) – (University of Guelph, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, Canada. Design team: Saina Amin, Craig Klomp, Lauren Mac Isaac, Catherine Yan (Design team), Mahmoud Afshari, Kaveh Eshraghian, Roozbeh Moayedian (Tech team), Lead by Assistant Professor Afshin Asari.)

“We[AR] encourages connection, humanism, and the strength of living in community by demonstrating the power that can be achieved when a community pulls together. WE[AR] is an interactive virtual installation that considers the local and regional contexts in which it is shown to present social issues and it exemplifies the power of unity in the face of societal crises. Whether it is in Canada, the United States, Ukraine, Africa, Iran, Afghanistan or anywhere in the world it demonstrates the strength of solidarity in addressing social challenges. Human rights, women’s

rights, LGBTQ2S+ rights, pay disparity, mental health, racial discrimination, and sexual violence are among the issues addressed,” said the design team.

Winter-net – (University of Waterloo Department of Architecture, Canada. Design team: Chiun Lee, Diana Si, Justin Park, Razmig Garboushian, Likhitha Varikuti, Simon Liao; Faculty Supervisors: David Correa, Fiona Lim Tung.)

“Freshly fallen snow is typically seen as a blank canvas waiting for humans and animals to leave their mark on it. Winter-net looks to instead utilize snow’s ability to stick to porous surfaces as an ink for creative expression. Radiating from a central lifeguard stand, a series of layered nets woven between a structure of wooden posts filter and catch snow and sand over time as they are carried along by the wind. This accumulation inhibits light filtration and creates distinct shadows. While walking through Winter-net, participants are encouraged to interact with the nets in a similar way by covering them with snow to create a variety of forms and light conditions throughout,” said the design team.

Above, LIFE LINE will be one of the Winter Stations 2023 installations on Woodbine Beach. Below, 3 Surfaces Pavilion will also be on display on Woodbine Beach.

Above, Delighthouse will be one of the Winter Stations 2023 installations on Woodbine Beach.

Parkinson’s classes

located at 721 Broadview Ave.

‘Dancing’ from Page 3

“What we felt was a taste of what seniors experience on a daily basis,” said Robichaud. “What we felt was the taste of what people with Parkinson’s feel on a daily basis,” said Robichaud..

“The anxiety, the loneliness, the lack of activity, the lack of connection to others. You spiral down and your world gets really small. And where’s the motivation to do anything? And where’s the hope? We want to give our seniors back a voice and [help them] reclaim some dignity.”

One such senior is Paul Clancy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008 and began attending the in-person classes in East Toronto in 2017.

A hockey and baseball fan with fond memories of the Leaf’s Stanley Cup win in 1967, it’s the community and variety that Clancy really enjoys about the classes.

“I like the camaraderie,” said Clancy. “[As well as] the friendships and all the people interacting. The instructors are great people and Sarah shares different styles of teaching.”

Clair Wooten, who was trained as a classical ballet dancer and taught full-time at York University’s Dance Program, was inspired to join Dancing with Parkinson’s after reconnecting with Robichaud at a 2013 panel in Baycrest.

“I approached Sarah right after her presentation and asked how I could get involved,” said Wooten, who had previously worked with Robichaud at the Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre.

“She suggested I attend classes as a volunteer assistant. After several months assisting classes, I was completely smitten and saw a future for myself as a DWP instructor. At Sarah’s recommendation, I started taking teacher training workshops through Dance for PD, based in Brooklyn, and more recently moved to working on my Dance for PD Teacher Certification.”

A lover of dance like Robichaud, Wooten runs a fun, active yet slightly more subdued in-person classes attended by Clancy, and many other delightful seniors, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at WoodGreen Seniors’ Active Living Centre, which is

Wooten can attest to the positive effects of the classes for the attendees.

“The effects can be seen socially, physically, cognitively and emotionally,” said Wooten.

“Be the classes online or in-person, there is a deep sense of community for us all. Social isolation is a big issue for seniors, particularly those living with challenging health issues. The COVID-19 isolation requirements produced a double whammy for many seniors. Many of our dancers have commented on the lifeline that the daily online classes provide.”

Not only do the participants benefit from the physical exertion and social interaction, learning the recreating sequences and choreography aid their cognitive functions.

The participants shake off the common symptoms of PD including stiffness, tremors and freezing, opening up physically and emotionally by becoming more animated and expressive throughout the class, said Wooten.

Despite the prominent focus on Parkinson’s, the classes are open to all seniors, she said.

“This entire program is designed for people with Parkinson’s disease,” said Robichaud.

“To help enhance their movement, their motion, their spirituality and to provide them an artistic venue to do so. And if this evidence-based program for people with Parkinson’s disease can provide some joy and benefit to [those not suffering from PD], please come and do it!”

In a disease that progressively robs those afflicted of their agency and mobility, Robichaud and Wooten both feel that dance, music and all the classes, both online and in-person can empower those who have PD and enable them to remain connected to their communities.

“I am a dancer through and through,” said Robichaud.

“My favourite thing in the world is to see other people enjoy their own movement.”

To view Dancing With Parkinson’s schedule or to register and join an online class, please visit their website at www. dancingwithparkinsons.ca/

If you would like to donate to the charity, please go to www. canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/39093?v1=true

Scarborough Music Theatre to stage

The Bridges of Madison County

SCARBOROUGH MUSIC Theatre will present its production of The Bridges of Madison County from Feb. 9 to 25.

The musical is based on the best selling novel and movie.

The Bridges of Madison County is considered an “epic love story and perfect for Valentine’s Day” which is on Feb. 14.

Performances will take place at the Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Rd. at Markham Road.

Regular priced tickets for the production are $30. There are also group rates of $25 per ticket and a price of $27 for seniors and students. Those attending this production should be aware that parental guidance is recommended as it does contain mature content.

To order tickets, and for performance times, please go to www.theatrescarborough.com/scarborough-music-theatre

Six of eight Winter Stations installations slated for Woodbine Beach

Both Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford and Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon told Beach Metro Community News they were looking forward to this year’s Winter Stations.

“People from across the city and the GTA come to enjoy the beach year round, and this is a great way to bring something new to the familiar scenery,” said Bradford. “I’m excited to be welcoming another year of incredible artistry to the area and look forward to seeing the displays in person.”

McMahon was the local councillor when Winter Stations began in 2015 and has always been an advocate for

them. “They will bring local, domestic, and global visitors to our riding. Winter Stations are, and have always been, more than simply a tourism experience and event. They offer solace, beauty and hope to so many and create amazing opportunities for artists and producers.”

Below is information on the installations that will not be on Woodbine Beach:

CONRAD (Novak Djogo and Daniel Joshua Vanderhorst, Canada.)

“Conrad was the name of a raccoon that died on the corner of Yonge and Church in the summer of 2015. And though Conrad was just a raccoon, he was human

enough to inspire compassion and warmth in the hearts of Torontonians. This is a monument in his honour,” said the designers.

The CONRAD installation will be on display in Mississauga (1381 Lakeshore Rd. E.) and is sponsored by Brixen Developments.

the (Home) – (Scott Shields Architects, Canada.)

“With the world moving through major economic and political changes while still recovering from years of pandemic, we imagine the best manifestation of this year’s theme of radiance in a simple definition of ‘Home’. Home, whether it’s a space or beloved neighbourhood,

is a place blessed, where one feels security, strength and freedom thus casting a radiance of inner beauty and potential to the outside world,” said the designers.

It will first be on display in Mississauga (1381 Lakeshore Rd. E.) and is sponsored by Brixen Developments. Then, the (Home) will be moved to Etobicoke’s Sir Casmir Gzowski Park in the Sunnyside neighbourhood sponsored by Mirabella Condominiums where it will last until the summer months.

Beach Metro Community News asked Bradford and McMahon to comment on the CONRAD installation being set up in Mississauga as opposed to Woodbine Beach.

“Funding for Winter Sta-

tions comes from a variety of sources. This year, one of those major sponsors chose Conrad the Raccoon to bring light to Mississauga,” said McMahon.

“Without sponsors, we would not see Winter Stations on our beaches! I am confident that the stations to be installed locally will delight and enlight. How fitting that this year’s Winter Stations chosen theme is Radiance! Nothing will stop the positive ripple effect of these installations from emanating what is in our hearts and minds. We all want to celebrate gratitude for a world that is resilient and shines on.”

Bradford said Winter Stations was expanding its foot-

print this year. “Given the popularity of the Beaches Winter Stations, I am happy to see that the initiative is expanding its reach, and more folks from around the city will have an opportunity to experience the incredible art installations.”

The official opening ceremonies for Winter Stations 2023 will be held on Woodbine Beach on Family Day.

Winter Stations was first launched by RAW Design, Ferris + Associates and Curio in 2015. Sponsors for Winter Stations 2023 are The Beach BIA, Sali Tabacchi Branding and Design, Meevo Digital, and Brixen Developments.

For more information, go to www.winterstations.com

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Images above (left to right): Ripple Hut; Winter-net; CONRAD; and the (Home) are among the winning designs for Winter Stations 2023. Image at left, shows the installation We(AR). Installations slated to be displayed on Woodbine Beach are Ripple Hut, Winter-net, and We(AR). The installation CONRAD will be on display in Mississauga, while the (Home) will be displayed in Mississauga and then Etobicoke.

By David Van Dyke

Announcement

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Dr.W.F. Simmonds is happy to announce the Dr.E.L. Farrell has joined the practice at 1450 O’Connor Drive #16 and he is accepting new patients. Appts can be booked by calling 416 690 9700 or online at drwfsimmonds.ca (21)

St. John TCDSB Kindergarten

Registration for 2023-2024 school year OPENS Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 10:00 a.m. All applications must be submitted online via the Student Online Application for Registration (SOAR) website Our program allows children an enriching space to learn and grow in. 416.393.5220 (21).

Fight The Winter Blues With Wood: Wood Sculpting Classes For Adults. Join us at “U Can Do It” for classes on Saturdays. Learn how to express your Artistic side while creating your own art project from dead tree branches, pieces of plywood, pine boards and other materials as well as paint, stains, dyes and many other materials. Where: 25 Waterman Ave., Unit 34, East York (O’Connor & St. Clair). When: Saturdays starting January 28, 1-3:30 pm. Cost: $50 per class plus materials. Call: Richard Gervais 416-580-4290. Email: ucandoit@bellnet.ca (21)

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers

Personal Care

Family caregiver, live-out, full time 32-35 hrs/week, $17/hr beginning Feb 2nd. Care for a male patient, 39 yr old w/developmental delay. Duties: prepare meals, assist client in bathing, administer medication, accompany to appointments, provide companionship, etc. McCowan & Ellesmere.

cenabuiza@gmail.com (22) Live-in caregiver for a 21 year old female w/developmental delay. Responsibilities include personal hygiene, prepare healthy meals, accompany to different appointments & act as guardian in the absence of parents. Full time, 40 hrs/week, $17/hr, beginning Feb. 6th. Warden Ave. & St. Clair. Email app’n to: Bernr08_2001@hotmail.com (22)

Administrative Assistant

Salary: $20-22 per hour

Job type: Regular Part-time

Benefits: 14 days paid time off

For further details, please email grantamechurch@yahoo.ca (21)

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THE STUDY STUDIO

Police

Woman arrested and charged with manslaughter in senior’s death

A 42-YEAR-OLD woman was arrested last week and charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a senior citizen in the Woodbine and Danforth avenues area in August of 2021.

In a news release on the morning of Friday, Jan. 20, police said that Arja Duffy was arrested on Jan. 18.

She is the second person to be arrested and charged with manslaughter in the death of John Manion, 77, in August of 2021.

On Sept. 4 of 2021, Tyler George, 28, surrendered to police and was charged with manslaughter.

Police identified Duffy as a suspect in Manion’s death in a news release on Sept. 2, 2021.

According to police, Manion died on Aug. 29, 2021, as a result of serious injuries after being allegedly attacked by a man and a woman earlier that month.

Police said officers were called to the area of Woodbine and

Danforth avenues at approximately 4:10 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2021, for a reported assault.

According to police, a man and a woman got into an argument with Manion in front of an establishment. The man and woman allegedly punched Manion, knocking him to the ground, police said.

As a result of the assault, Manion was taken to hospital in critical condition where he remained until his death on Aug. 29.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Toronto police Homicide Squad at 416-808-7400, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips. com

Man charged after alleged indecent act

A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested and charged in connection with a police investigation into an alleged indecent act that took place in the Beach last week.

According to police, officers were called to the area of Glen Manor Drive and Glen Stewart Avenue at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Police said that two girls who were in Glen Stewart Park told officers that a man had approached them and allegedly committed an indecent act.

Police investigated and arrested John Paul Vosu, 41, of Toronto on Friday, Jan. 20.

He has been charged with two counts of expose genitals to a person under the age of 16, and with fail to comply to a release order.

Police are concerned there may be more victims, and have made an appeal to the public for anyone with more information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416808-5500, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com

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