Beach Metro Community News September 5, 2023

Terry Fox Run set for Sept. 17 in the Beach

THE TERRY Fox Run in the Beach is set for Sunday, Sept. 17.

The run begins at Woodbine Beach Park, 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. E., at 9 a.m. and participants are welcome to join in anytime up to 1 p.m.

The Terry Fox Run has been raising funds for cancer research since 1981.

The run is held in memory of Terry Fox who began his Marathon of Hope to raise awareness of and funding for cancer research in 1980.

Fox ran 5,373 kilometres across six provinces in 143 days (from April 12 to Sept. 1 in 1980).

He had to stop the run as the cancer he had returned.

Fox died in June of 1981 at the age of 22.

Everyone is welcome to take part in the Beach Terry Fox Run as it is accessible for runners, walkers, cyclists, people using wheelchairs and people pushing strollers. Those taking part can choose to do either a five or a 10-kilometre route along the Boardwalk and into Ashbridges Bay Park.

Registration for the Beach Terry Fox Run will begin at the pavilion across from the Woodbine Beach Bathing Station at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 17.

Participants in this year’s run can also register in advance at https:// run.terryfox.ca/28745

Mae Cromwell is leaving the Beach, but she is not saying ‘goodbye’

By Alan Shackleton

WELL-KNOWN HAIR and vocal stylist Mae Cromwell will be leaving the Beach this September after decades of working, living and performing in the community.

Cromwell, 64, said that while she’s moving from the Beach to make London, Ont., her permanent home, she is not calling it a retirement in any sense of the word.

For the last two years she has also been living partly in London while continuing to serve her clients in the Beach at Beauty Supply on Queen Street East. Her last day styling hair there was on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

“My partner got offered a job there, and life will be simpler for us,” said Cromwell of the permanent move to London.

“I am not retiring. I am retiring

from working in the Beach, and that has been difficult. It’s been very emotional, and I’m telling everyone not to say goodbye…I want to thank the community for everything over the years. I won’t be saying goodbye. I’ll be saying see you around.”

Cromwell first moved to Toronto when she was 18 years old from Sudbury. She came to the city with her friend Eunice Robichaud, and

attended York University where she was in the Communications program for two years.

After living in the west end of Toronto for awhile, Cromwell made the Beach area home when Robichaud started working at the Beachcomber Hair Salon which was then located on Queen Street East. It is now on Main Street just south of Gerrard Street East.

Byelection for Scarborough Southwest council seat to take place on Nov. 30

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE DATE for the byelection for the open Toronto Council seat in Scarborough Southwest has been set for Thursday, Nov. 30.

Following former councillor Gary Crawford’s resignation – a decision he made after deciding to run for a seat at Queen’s Park – To-

ronto’s City Clerk has now released key campaign information for the upcoming Scarborough Southwest byelection.

After declaring the Toronto Council seat in Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest vacant earlier this month, City Clerk John D. Elvidge announced on Aug. 28 that nominations for Ward 20’s byelection will begin on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 8:30

a.m. with interested residents having until Monday, Oct. 16 to register their candidacy.

With the Municipal Elections Act mandating that a byelection must be set 45 days after nomination day, voting day to select Scarborough Southwest’s new councillor will be Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance voting will also be available from Saturday, Nov. 25, until Sun-

day, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Candidates are reminded that they are forbidden from acquiring campaign funds through any avenue until they have filed their nomination documents with the City of Toronto.

So far, former candidates Parthi Kandavel and Kevin Rupasinghe have announced their interest in running again after losing to then

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incumbent, Crawford, in the 2022 municipal election. Kandavel finished second with 29.8 per cent of the votes while Rupasinghe came in third place after garnering 13.7 per cent of voter support. Further details on the byelection, including information for voters in Scarborough Southwest, are expected to become available later this month.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Mae Cromwell talked with Beach Metro Community News on her last day styling hair in the Beach. After decades of living, working and performing in the community, Cromwell is making a permanent move to London, Ont. However, she says it’s not “goodbye” but

around”

as

she will

continue performing

with her band Grace and keeping in touch with local friends.

Toronto Community Housing plans to transfer ownership of some East Toronto homes to Circle Community Land Trust

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE CITY of Toronto has received applications to transfer land ownership of two east end Toronto Community Housing (TCH) sites to a community land trust.

The first application aims to sever the single-family home at 264 Kenilworth Ave. from 50 Norway Ave., a TCH seniors housing apartment.

The severance is to facilitate the transfer of this property to a non-profit housing operator, Circle Community Land Trust.

“We have over 500 single

Local Journalism Initiative

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.

family homes that were transferred last year,” said Circle Community Land Trust CEO Alia Abaya. “These are just the remaining few that weren’t able to be transferred due to severance issues.”

The severance application is required since 264 Kenilworth Ave. and the adjacent 50 Norway Ave., which consists of 43 rental dwelling units, have merged on title due to both properties being owned by TCH.

The same can be seen in a second application which proposes the severance of 16 Walpole Ave. and 32 Walpole Ave. from 44 and 66 Walpole Ave.

As part of TCH’s Tenants First Initiative – an asset management strategy which TCH says has implemented improvements like a more targeted housing portfolio – Circle Community Land Trust will now take responsibility for these properties as they are better equipped to maintain the sites and deliver quality service to tenants, the application says.

“Our vision is to provide exceptional service as a landlord by bringing all the homes into a state of good repair, and by working with our tenants and communities to create a culture that is inclusive, engaged, and where tenants can feel secure in knowing that their homes are now protected

and permanently affordable,” said Abaya.

Abaya told Beach Metro Community News that the units will remain geared-toincome as Circle Community’s mission is to protect affordable housing in the City of Toronto.

“We’re not a private landlord. We’re not raising the rent as a result of the transfer,” said Abaya.

She described Circle Community Land Trust as a self-sufficient organization founded with a focus on carrying out its own property management so as to avoid underperformance from third party companies.

“When we met with tenants in the beginning, a lot of the feedback was that if you use a third party property management service, you can’t necessarily guarantee the quality of work,” said Abaya.

“Our goal is to provide the best possible experience.”

Although carrying out its own property management, Circle Community Land Trust’s website depicts plans to enter into an agreement with WoodGreen Community Services for “back-office services such as IT and property management software, accounting, payroll, and after-hours emergency response services”.

However, Abaya said that there is currently no connection to the organization apart from WoodGreen CEO Anne Babcock’s role as a founding board member of Circle Community Land Trust – a position she no longer holds.

The timeline to complete the transfers is currently unclear.

However, upon approval, Circle Community Land Trust will take over property management and begin “working with tenants to stabilize their homes” by providing necessary repairs

as “a lot of them need a lot of work”.

“Of course, repairing over 560 houses takes a huge amount of coordination and planning – but we also know that tenants have been waiting a long time. So, I am really happy to report that things are well underway,” Abaya stated in Circle’s Tenant Newsletter recently.

Although the buildings will undergo repairs under the new management, there will be no demolitions or physical changes to the properties.

On Sept. 19, Toronto and East York Community Council will hold Public Meetings on the proposed land ownership transfers for both the Walpole and Kenilworth properties.

The Public Meetings will take place at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W.) in Committee Room 1 starting at 10 a.m.

Those wishing to speak on the proposals at the meeting can do so by registering by email to teycc@toronto.ca by noon on Sept. 18.

The meetings will also be available through video conference for those who cannot attend in person. Those wishing to comment have to option to do so in person at the meetings or by video conference.

To watch the Sept. 19 meetings by video conference, please go to http:// www.youtube.com/TorontoCityCouncilLive on the morning of Sept. 19.

For more information on Circle Community Land Trust, please visit https://circlelandtrust.ca/the-transfers

-- 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.

Bluffs Food Bank to mark 20th anniversary on Sept. 9

THE BLUFFS Food Bank in southwest Scarborough will mark 20 years of service to the community with an event on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The 20th anniversary event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd.

Everyone is welcome to attend the anniversary event, and participants are encouraged to come together to mark the occasion with food, music and games.

The Bluffs Food Bank consists of five local churches that joined together in 2003

to help area residents deal with hunger and food supply issues in the community.

The churches supporting the volunteer-run Bluffs Food Bank are Birchcliff Bluffs United, St. Nicholas Anglican, Fallingbrook Presbyterian, Scarborough Baptist and Fallingbrook Heights Baptist.

The Bluffs Food Bank serves approximately 3,000 people every month, and the need continues to grow. The food bank’s hours are 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays. For more info, go to www.bluffsfoodbank.com

Pumpkin patch in the Beach

Trusted Advisor

always be grateful.”

Dorlean, left, and Jessica, right, Rotolo with the pumpkin growing in front of their home in the Beach. They planted the pumpkin patch earlier this year and there was also a second pumpkin growing but someone decided to “harvest” it for themselves. They are hoping the second pumpkin remains through to Halloween for local children to enjoy watching as it grows.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

High water on Glen Manor Drive remembered

By David Van Dyke

It being one of the wettest Augusts I can remember, I thought it appropriate to share this image, dropped off at our office with no name.

To this nameless individual who supposedly took this picture at the bottom of Glen Manor Drive sometime in the 1970s, I say thank you so much!

Do you have any photos of the Beach and you are a little shy and don’t want a byline? Please, by all means, come by the office at 2196 Gerrard St. E. and drop off your pictures anonymously. I would greatly appreciate it.

Historic walk at St. John’s Cemetery set for Sept. 23

LOCAL HISTORIAN and Beach Metro Community News columnist Gene Domagala will host an historic walking tour of St. John’s Norway Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The walk will begin at 1 p.m. Partici-

pants are asked to meet at the northwest corner of Woodbine Avenue and Kingston Road. St. John the Baptist Norway Anglican Church and St. John’s Cemetery are historic sites in East Toronto. Thou-

sands of former residents are buried in the “cemetery on the hill”. Both the church and cemetery are marking 170 years in the community, having been established in the year 1853 in what was then known as the Village of Norway.

Open house, public meeting slated on East Harbour Lands

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

TORONTO’S PLANNING and Housing Committee will be hosting an open house and special public meeting for several proposed Official Plan Amendments for properties at 21 Don Roadway, 30 Booth Ave., and 375 and 385 Eastern Ave. (East Harbour Lands).

The open house is set to take place via video conference on Sept. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. while the public meeting will happen at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen Street West) on Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. The public meeting will also be available via video conference.

The City of Toronto has undertaken a Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR) and Provincial Growth Plan conformity exercise (MCR/Conformity Exercise) of Toronto’s Official Plan which includes an evaluation of requests to “convert lands from an Employment Areas designation to non-employment uses or to broaden permitted uses.”

The property at 30 Booth Ave. is presently home to Cinespace Studios. The property at 21 Don Roadway is part of the Lever Brothers complex just east of the Don Valley Parkway.

Having closed the application process to receive conversion requests on Aug. 3, 2021, the City of Toronto has received 150 requests in total.

The City of Toronto has taken a phased approach to considerations over the past two years, with the discussion of requests for the properties of 21 Don Roadway, 30 Booth Ave. and 375 and 385 Eastern Ave. being deferred to this September.

At the special public meeting, the Planning and Housing Committee will receive input from residents before making recommen-

dations that will be considered by Toronto Council. If given the greenlight by councillors, the proposed Official Plan Amendment will then be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for further approval.

Any resident who would like to take part in the Planning and Housing Committee public meeting can do so in person, by video conference, or by telephone. To do so, interested participants have until 12 p.m. on Sept. 27 to register by email (phc@toronto.ca) or by calling 416-397-4579. Written comments can also be sent by email.

If unable to attend in person, residents can also follow the meeting online at http://www. youtube.com/TorontoCityCouncilLive

For more information on the proposed Official Plan Amendment, please contact City Senior Planner Janani Mahendran at 416338-3003, or by e-mail at Janani.Mahendran@ toronto.ca.

-- 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.

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PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON Toronto’s East Harbour Lands include this location at 30 Booth Ave.

Need for a Guaranteed Livable Income is clearly obvious

Dr. ErniE Epp Guest Column

The death of the Hon. Hugh Segal on Aug. 9 reminds many of us of the struggle to achieve a Guaranteed Livable Income, for which he advocated throughout his adult life. His 2019 book, Bootstraps Need Boots: One Tory’s Lonely Fight to End Poverty in Canada, is both a memoir and a manifesto.

Of course, the fight to end poverty is no partisan struggle, as a close reading of Canadian political history over the past halfcentury and more clearly shows.

In an era of social policy advances, Dr. Joe Willard, Deputy Minister of Welfare in the John Diefenbaker, Lester Pearson, and Pierre Trudeau governments, wrote a report on social development policy late in the 1960s urging an income maintenance

program. This would be an advance on the Canada Assistance Plan established by the Pearson government.

As the Liberal Party prepared for a policy convention in Ottawa in November 1970, a ginger group at the University of Western Ontario issued a broadside about inequality in Canada and called for action.

The London Resolution calling for implementation of an income maintenance scheme for Canada did not make it to the convention, but a motion calling for a guaranteed annual income program to be instituted by Jan. 1, 1972, was supported by a vote of 595 to 250, even though Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau had told delegates at the opening session that Canada could not afford a guaranteed income plan.

Failure to act on the recommendations of the Carter Commission on Taxation would have fateful consequences.

Prior to the Constitutional Conference

of First Ministers in Victoria in June 1971, Prime Minister Trudeau offered 50 per cent federal funding to any province establishing a guaranteed income program.

Premier Ed Schreyer’s Manitoba government responded by establishing a pilot project based in part in the Dauphin area. Federal funding was ended by spending cuts the Trudeau government instituted in 1977.

University of Manitoba Professor Dr. Evelyn Forget has only recently been able to assess how well the people - and the province - benefited from the project while it lasted. (See her Basic Income: From the COVID-19 Emergency to Financial Security for All.)

Eighteen years later, the Jean Chrétien government responded to similar financial pressures by gutting Canadian social assistance programs.

Among the most significant cuts was abolition of the Canada Assistance Plan in

Finance Minister Paul Martin’s 1995 budget, which allowed Ontario Premier Mike Harris to establish the Ontario Works program and thus drive unemployed Ontarians to starvation.

This has continued for almost 30 years — and through several changes of government in our province!

The need for a Guaranteed Livable Income becomes more obvious with every day that passes.

Exacerbating the plight of so many people in our communities is the fact that there is so little social housing, and that housing cooperatives have received no encouragement for decades.

- Dr. Ernie Epp is a former NDP MP for Thunder Bay (1984-1988), a Professor Emeritus with Lakehead University, and a member of the United Church National Committee promoting a Guaranteed Livable Income.

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Letters to the Editor

Off-leash dogs and their oblivious owners a serious concern

Re: ‘Unleashed dogs focus of city campaign,” News, Beach Metro Community News, Aug. 22.

I read the article with a mixture of interest and resignation.

This has been an ongoing issue for many years.

One early morning in May 2019 an off-leash dog caused an accident when I was riding along the Martin Goodman Trail (MGT) just east of Lee Avenue.

My guess is that it likely saw a squirrel, but who knows – dogs are dogs. As a result of that accident, I fractured and dislocated a finger, fractured my orbit, had a tiny brain bleed and a concussion.

I was off work completely for two weeks and did not return to

full time work for three months.

My bicycle frame crumpled, my glasses were wrecked and my helmet was ruined. That accident was costly for me. The dog was fine.

The gentleman who sustained a fractured pelvis in 2021 didn’t get off so lightly.

Since that time, I have become hypervigilant about off-leash dogs, occasionally having words with their owners.

Not surprisingly this rarely goes well, and I will admit that when someone blows me off or is otherwise rude to me, I have attempted to school them on the error of their ways.

On bad days this has devolved into the use of a few curse words. These have not been proud moments for me.

From these experiences, I have come to the conclusion that there are two kinds of dog owners who let their dogs off leash where they shouldn’t.

One, is the owner who thinks it’s ‘other peoples’ dogs that cause these accidents, and that they don’t need to abide by the rules that the City of Toronto has put in place.

The other type of dog owner is the one who just doesn’t care about other human beings (or other dogs). Being oblivious is not an excuse.

I don’t think there’s anything that can be done other than to fine these people because nothing else is going to change their behaviour.

I see the same people day after

day, year after year, with their dogs off leash. I almost feel like I know them…

Dog owners will care about a $365 fine, especially if the fines start to stack up.

In past years, I have contacted our city councillors’ office and invited the staff member I dealt with to come and join me for a coffee one morning along the Martin Goodman Trail by the lake to see the extent of the problem.

They declined my offer… in the interim, not a day goes by where I don’t see an off-leash dog down along the Boardwalk and MGT, accompanied by their oblivious owner.

Janet D’Arcy

BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH

Letters to the Editor

True facts need to be known about unleashed dog campaign

Re: ‘Unleashed dogs focus of city campaign,” News, Beach Metro Community News, Aug. 22.

I thought it wise to comment on this article as the readers of Beach Metro Community News need to be more fully informed on this issue.

The wordings of some of this story’s content have prompted me to offer the proper information.

This “city campaign” is an annual event, however it might or should be more elevated due to the increased amounts of incidents.

The news conference could not have been more any more poorly organized with no notice, advertising (other than the day that it took place) and no literature was handed out.

The story says “bylaw enforcement officers regularly monitor parks...”

This comment of “regular” is far too vague, especially at Ashbridges Bay Park as one of the most notorious parks for unleashed dogs.

Even Woodbine Beach with new signs stating NO Dogs from April 1-Nov. 1 could not be any more ignored.

As you know I’m a frequent user of the park and I can’t remember the last time I saw bylaw officers in the park.

There were officers there in the spring around the Dune and Meadow Habitat thanks to constant requests, but lately these visits by bylaw officers have ended. It’s been years since I’ve seen bylaw officers in the park -- so if they call that “regular”, it sure isn’t my

understanding.

The fines might very well be $365 but more often than not, these fines get reduced and the majority of the cases get thrown out of court due to privacy issues.

There’s a huge difference between those that do get charged as compared to convicted.

As for the comment by Jasmine Herzog (the manager of the enforcement and mobile response unit at Toronto Animal Services) asking people to come forward and share evidence; this in my mind is called deflection.

In recently providing the City of Toronto with license plate numbers of irresponsible dog owners as requested by 311 I have now found that there is no follow-up by bylaw.

Although this article provides awareness, and even though a four year old knows a dog should be on a leash, not until the City of Toronto provides Special Constables who do have the authority to apprehend violators will any of this change.

My old estimate of 83,000 dogs off leash in the year 2017 in only the southern portion of Ashbridges Bay Park with one ticket given to an irresponsible dog owner provides the true state of affairs.

Here is even more information (and I must add that this information comes from my conversations with bylaw) that your readers should know:

1.) The hunting and killing of wildlife could also be mentioned - foxes on

the Boardwalk the last few years, mink families being wiped out at Ashbridges Bay Park and the purposeful daily regular hunting by the same dog owners of birds at the Dune and Meadow Habitat

2.) There are about 30 bylaw officers in all of Toronto, not all working at the same time. Bylaw considers dog related issues as one of their lowest priorities.

3.) What I’ve always wondered about is on one hand our taxes go to pay bylaw officers to enforce the laws that are in place, but they cannot carry out their jobs as they aren’t given the proper authority to properly ID and charge offenders. So your and my taxes are totally wasted while on the other hand these off-leash dog parks(that are obviously needed) cost on average $270,000 to build and on average require $10,000 maintenance every year for our close to 80 off-leash dog parks in the city. The total amount of money spent on dog parks since their inception 25 years ago comes to roughly $40,000,000!

And yet the dog owners are asking for improvements to these dog parks! A recent Freedom of Information request to Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation to attain these true amounts came back with their reply that they don’t have records for these! How can that be? Their excuse was since Toronto amalgamated that this data was lost. These are the facts or at least what I’ve been told by city staff. Hopefully your readers will now understand the true facts.

Clyde Robinson

Adventure in the Park for families dealing with children’s cancer

IN HONOUR of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Sarah Bankuti’s The Princess Lily Series is hosting a family festival Saturday, Sept. 9 at East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave., called Adventure in the Park.

Proceeds from the event go to supporting children with cancer including neuroblastoma research at Sick Kids Hospital. Cake artist April Julian from Netflix’s Is It Cake? will host a mini bak-

ing competition alongside live music, entertainment, craft activities, raffle, silent auction and games.

“The generosity of local businesses is overwhelming,” said Bankuti, founder and CEO of the Princess Lily organization.

“We have a number of wonderful items donated for our raffle and silent auction. Raising funds for neuroblastoma research at Sick Kids Hospital is

very close to our heart because one of our daughter’s friend’s has this type of cancer and more treatment options are needed.”

Two characters from Bankuti’s books about a princess with cancer who learns bravery and self esteem will also be in attendance as well as many Sick Kids Hospital families

Adventure in the Park runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and everyone is welcome.

Photo: Paul Massey

SEPT. 7: Councillor Fletcher’s Movie Night at Monarch Park, 115 Felstead Ave., 8:30 p.m. Info: www.councillorpaulafletcher.ca/movie_night_at_monarch_park_2023

SEPT. 8-10: Cabbagetown Art and Craft Show at Riverdale Park West, Friday 1-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 165 juried artists will be showing a wide variety of exhibits. Info: www.cabbagetownartandcraft.org

SEPT. 9: Bluffs Food Bank 20th Anniversary Celebration at 33 East Rd. (Warden & Kingston) 11.30 a.m.-2 p.m. Music, games, hot dogs, and cake. Info: www.bluffsfoodbank.com

SEPT. 9: Adventure in the Park, a free family festival raising funds for children’s cancer research, at East Lynn Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hosted by The Princess Lily Series, the event features live music, entertainment, cosplayers, craft activities, raffle, silent auction, and games. Toronto cake artist, April Julian, will host a mini baking competition. Proceeds will go to supporting children with cancer including neuroblastoma research at Sick Kids Hospital. Info: www.theprincesslilyseries.com/adventure-in-the-park

SEPT 9: Knitting & Crocheting Group Meeting at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 10 a.m. New members and donated yarn are always welcome! We supply lessons, yarn, and needles. Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com

SEPT. 10: Welcome Sunday at St. John’s Norway Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. In-person worship 10:30 a.m. followed by BBQ and free family fun for everyone. Info: www.stjohnsnorway.com

SEPT 16: Music for the Soul with Brooklyn Doran at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Join us for a free performance with queer singer-songwriter Brooklyn Doran, a staple of the Toronto folk scene for over 10 years. Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com

SEPT. 16: Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society

Annual Judged Flower Show at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre (Kingston/Markham Rds.), 2-4 p.m. Refreshments available and more. Indoors. Free admission.

SEPT. 16, 17: Danforth East Arts Fair at East Lynn Park (Danforth Ave, west of Woodbine), Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. rain or shine. Showcasing the work of an eclectic mix of 50+ local artists in a beautiful outdoor setting. Lunch and snack options are available. Free children’s activities and crafts on-site all day, live acoustic music, and contests. Info: www.deca.to

SEPT. 17: Terry Fox Run at Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lakeshore Blvd. E. Registration 8:30 a.m., run time 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 5 km walk/run, 10 km bike. Accessible for wheelchair, bicycle, rollerblades, dogs on leash. Info: https://run.terryfox.ca/3107

SEPT. 17: Councillor Fletcher’s Fall Community Environment Day at Bouchette Street in the Portlands, next to the Commissioners Street Transfer Station and McCleary Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: www.councillorpaulafletcher.ca/fall_community_environment_day_2023

SEPT. 18-22: Legion Week at RCL Branch 11, 9 Dawes Rd. Open to the public Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Displays and memorabilia of veterans past – uniforms to try on. Teachers are invited to bring their students. Book appointments ASAP with Helen Pearce 416-690-6388, helends4pearce@bell.net

SEPT. 23: Walking Tour of St. John’s Norway Cemetery with local historian and Beach Metro Community News columnist Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the northwest corner of Woodbine Ave. and Kingston Rd. Both the church and cemetery will be celebrating 170 years in the community.

SEPT 23: Acoustic Harvest presents The Friends of Fiddler’s Green at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $30 advance online, $35 cash at door. Tickets and info: www.acousticharvest.ca

SEPT. 24: BIMBO Global Race by Dempster’s at Ashbridges Bay Park, 3k/5k/10 race. Family Event (3k walk/run)/Competitive (5k/10k race). Registration fee $10. Register at www.bimboglobalracebydempsters.com. Dempsters will donate 20 slices of bread to North York Harvest Food Bank for every registration. Info: hello@bimboglobalracebydempsters.com

SEPT. 24: Heroes of Suicide Memorial March & Candlelight Service in memory of veterans and first responders who have lost their battle with PTSD-related issues. Form up at Todmorden Lane 6:15 p.m., Step off from Gamble Ave. and Todmorden Lane 6:30 p.m., Service at RCL Branch 10, 1083 Pape Ave., 7 p.m. Info: www.rcl10.ca, 416-425-3070

SEPT. 30: A Joyful Noise Community Singalong at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd. (Warden and Kingston Rd.), 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of your favourite singalong songs, with Randy Vancourt on piano.

Community Calendar

All lyrics will be projected on a large screen so it’s easy to join in the singing. Refreshments available, as well as fresh baked treats. Free admission. Info: www.bbuc.ca

OCT. 4: Bridge Workshop on Defense at St. Nicholas Birch Cliff Anglican Church, 1512 Kingston Rd. (east of Warden), 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Toronto East Bridge Club hosts a workshop with Barbara Seagram, lunch, and an afternoon of a sanctioned bridge game. Info: www.torontoeastbridgeclub.ca

OCT 7: Trust yourself more; Find your balance for success. Inner Peace Movement 1.5 hour community seminar at Carrot Common, Room 212, 348 Danforth Ave., 1:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Cost $20 + HST. Info: www.innerpeacemovementofcanada.com, facebook.com/IPMCanada; ipmwithLeslie@gmail.com

OCT 21: Big Band Music Night Fundraiser at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 7 p/m. Join us for an evening of music, dancing, door prizes, silent auction and more! Featuring the Toronto All-Star Big Band, vocalists John Amato and Shannon McDougall in support of The Beach Cares (TBC) refugee sponsorship program. TBC is a church and community organization founded in 2015 to sponsor Syrian Refugees, and is a joint project of Beach United Church, The Anglican Church of St. Aidan and members of the local community. Tickets $50. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

SENIORS’ LUNCH at RCL Baron Byng, 243 Coxwell Ave., first Tuesday of every month (starting Sept. 12), 1 p.m. . Free for veterans and seniors over 65. 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

GRIEF SHARE at Bendale Bible Chapel, 330 Bellamy Rd. N., This 13-week program provides a platform to allow participants to process their own unique journey within a support group environment. Starting Sept. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. (the evening series) and Sept. 14 from 10 to noon (the morning series). Register at www.bendale.com. Workbooks are $25 and the program is free. Info: Cindy Westacott 416-431-1220. More info: www.griefshare.org

GARDENING GROUP MEETING at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Sept. 16 from 8-10 a.m. New volunteers are always welcome to our gardening group –no experience is required at all; both experienced gardeners and beginners are welcome! Meetings will happen rain or shine. More info at beachunitedchurch.com

BEACHES ARTISAN MARKET at Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen St. E. 50+ vendors from across the GTA offering vintage, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, home decor, and much more. Upcoming dates: Sept 16, Oct 14 & Nov 5. Info: www.queenstmarketplace.com

VENDORS WANTED for St. Luke’s Outdoor Market, Sept. 9, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave. Set up begins at 7 a.m. BBQ, bake sale, jams, and raffles. $45/table. Call the office at 416-421-6878, extension 21. If receptionist is not available, please leave your contact information. Fresh produce vendors welcome! Rain date Sept. 16.

RCL TODMORDEN BR. 10, 1083 Pape Ave. Looking for somewhere to hold your next event -- Branch 10 has two venues (capacity 250 upper and 175 lower) available to rent. If interested please email rentals@rcl10.ca. Branch 10 is an accessible branch with elevators at the Pape Street Entrance. •Sept. 8: L.A. meal. Taco night served at 5 p.m. 2 for $7 while quantities last. Please call 416-4253070 to have your name added to the list. Please bring a non-perishable food item for Bethany Food Bank. Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by Al Jordan, 8 p.m. •Sept. 9: Blind draw dart tournament, 10 a.m. Registration forms at the clubroom bar. Please register by Sept. 5. $10 per person. Maximum number of players is 32 (8 teams of 4 and play each team once) •Sept. 10: Drop-In Cribbage resumes. Register at 12:30, play at 1 p.m. $10 per person. Prizes determined by number of players. •Sept. 15: Bingo, 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by Rob Martine, 8 p.m. •Sept. 20: Buddy Check Coffee Club, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. •Sept. 22: Bingo, 6:30 p.m. Entertainment by DJ D (Derek), 8 p.m. •Sept. 23: Renovate 2 Innovate Branch Fundraiser, 6:30 p.m.-12 midnight. Help repair our brick work. Please donate. Admission is $10.00 and tickets may be purchased at the bar or at the door on the night of the event. Silent auction, door prizes, draws and entertainment. •Sept. 29: Bingo, 6:30 p.m. This will be a “big bingo” and cards will be 3 for $20. Entertainment by the Pepper Shakers, 8 p.m.

RCL BRANCH 11, Clubroom, 9 Dawes Rd. •Sunday Funday, Sept 24, 1-7 p.m. Entertainment 2-6 p.m. Yvonne Chapman. Meal menu: homemade chili, cornmeal bread, garden salad/dressing & dessert. Limited tickets $15.00 p/p served at 4 p.m. (cut off date Sept 22 - check with Branch 416-6991353 or Susan Squires 647-657-8817). You do not need a meal ticket to attend but half your meal ticket goes towards a door prize! All welcome.

SCARBOROUGH HARMONY CHORUS New Member Night. Scarborough Harmony Chorus is a women’s fourpart a cappella chorus looking to expand our membership. We sing an array of music from traditional barbershop to modern pop music and provide vocal instruction in a safe, inclusive environment. We welcome women (16+) from all backgrounds, experiences, and vocal ranges and have opportunity to compete and to perform for local community. Please drop in to meet us from 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, September 6, 13, 20 & 27 at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Road (basement). There is no cost to attend. RSVP: info@scarboroughharmonychorus.com. Info: www.scarboroughharmonychorus.com BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us:

Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS. If you or a family member are struggling with gambling, Gamblers Anonymous is there to HELP. Call: 1(855) 222-5542 or visit www.gatoronto.ca

BEACHES LIBRARY, 2161 Queen St. E. •Beaches Book Club, 7-8 p.m. Sept. 6: “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult; Oct. 4: “The Tin Flute” by Gabrielle Roy. Info: 416-393-7703, www.tpl.ca

GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Sept. 7: Invasive Species at Home, 6:30-8 p.m. Learn how to manage invasive species on your property. Presented by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Info: 416-393-7717, www.tpl.ca

TAYLOR LIBRARY, 1440 Kingston Rd. •Sept. 7: Food for Thought – A Recipe Book Club, 7-8 p.m. Explore fiction and non-fiction tasty reads and learn how to make new dishes via video. Info: 416-396-8939, www.tpl.ca

CHURCHES

BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Services are led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and our minister Rev. Greg Daly. In addition to Sunday services, Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Join us on Live Stream via Facebook or through our church website if you cannot join in person. Videos are uploaded after the service ends weekly. Wee Folks returns on Monday, Sept. 11 for children up to 4 years old and their caregivers. Book Club, Tea Time, Hobby Circle return in September with Bible Study returning in October. Newcomers welcome! Info: fboffice@rogers.com or call 416-699-3084. See: www.fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com. Easy access by TTC. ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. Weekend Masses: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am. Weekday Masses with Rosary: Tue. - Fri. Doors open and Rosary begins at 7:45 am followed by Mass at 8:15 am. Confessions every Sat 3:45 to 4:15 pm or by appt. Info: https://stjohnsto.archtoronto.org/, 416-698-1105 BIRCHCLIFF BLUFFS UNITED CHURCH, 33 East Rd. Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse, open and inclusive Christian community. Join us on Sunday mornings. Our Music program offers special monthly Music Sunday services on the last Sunday of each month. Info: 416-694-4081, www.bbuc.ca

GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E., invites you to attend Sunday Worship Service every Sunday at 11 a.m. in person or live streamed on Zoom and Facebook. Bible Study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Join our prayer line every Wednesday for prayer from 11 a.m.-12 noon. Links and info: www. grantame.com; email:grantamechurch@yahoo.ca

proudly presented by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford

Leslieville Beer Fest fun

THANKSGIVING IS JUST OVER 1 MONTH AWAY

anksgiving Holiday Hamper

Celebrate anksgiving with your family, friends & loved ones this year without the hassle of having to worry about cooking an elaborate meal.

Let us here at Corbin Catering & Foods provide you an ultimate celebratory feast where your only responsibility is to invite your guests, set the table and turn on your oven to reheat our incredible prepared food!

Menu Availability - October 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th.

All food is fresh, fully prepared, packaged and provided with easy re-heating and serving instructions.

Delivery & Pick-Up Options available

Servings: minimum of 2 people serving per order

Pricing: $55-$60/ person

Each purchased order will receive a complimentary gi of a “ anksgiving Candle” to add a beautiful addition to your anksgiving table.

Part proceeds of all anksgiving Meal Pack sales will be donated to our local neighbourhood elementary schools providing fresh fruit snack programs.

On The Wild Side

Now is the time for local cicadas to start making some noise

Ann BrokElmAn

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

Happy September, everyone. I hope you’re enjoying the heat, the mix of rain and sun, and the decreasing numbers of mosquitos.

Have you been outside and noticed that odd, incessant, high-pitched hum in the background? Depending on how close you are to it, it might be as faint as the buzz coming from an incandescent lightbulb, or it could be as loud as a chainsaw. Have you wondered what’s causing that noise, especially after it’s been going on for a few hours? Its our local population of cicadas.

Around this time of year, cicadas emerge from underground, where they have been hiding and growing for a few years, crawl onto a

fence post, the side of your house, a tree, or something similar and molt, emerging into their final form.

I was lucky to catch one molting just the other day. It only took a few minutes, but I was able to take a few dozen (maybe a few hun-

dred) photos of the process. When the old shell, still stuck to the tree, split open to let the new bug emerge, it looked like something out of a Halloween horror movie.

However, the cicada that emerged was a fabulous mix of pink and green with beau-

tiful, translucent wings.

Admittedly, while cicadas won’t be competing with butterflies or ladybugs in an insect beauty/popularity contest anytime soon, they are gorgeous in their own, special, way. Did you know they can get as loud as 120 decibels? That’s a volume like a thunderclap.

So, what are cicadas? Bug? Insect? Alien?

They belong to a family of 80,000 different insects of the order Hemiptera, which include aphids, stink bugs, and bed bugs. (Not the most desirable family reunion to attend) There are over 2,000 types of cicadas around the world, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

What do they eat? I had no idea until I started writing this article. As it turns out, while they have big appetites, they only consume plants. They have a beak like tube, called a labium,

which extends from their face, which allows them to pierce the outer layer (epidermis) of a plant and suck up the fluids inside. Whenever they aren’t eating, the labium is hidden inside their head.

Here is a cool fact that I truly hope you never need: Cicadas are a great source of nutrition. If you found yourself lost in the forest and truly starving, these bugs would be quite safe to eat. The internet tells me they have a nutty flavour, a shrimp-like texture, and are best eaten right after they molt. I’m going to trust the web and not test it for myself, but please feel free to send me a message if you can confirm/refute this fact.

Cicadas have a long lifespan, for insects, living normally for two to five years. Some have been known to live for almost 20 years, (though most of that is spent underground). The female

will lay between 200-400 eggs, usually in a tree, and then die shortly thereafter. When the nymph’s hatch they fall to the ground, dig into the soil, and stay down there until fully grown.

Once they join us above ground, they only live for a few weeks before they are ready to lay the next batch of eggs. One final fact: the males are the ones to make all that ruckus, which continues until a female finally agrees to mate with them.

Once… satisfied… the male realizes that he may soon have to take care of several hundred children and chooses death instead.

If you come across one of these remarkable creatures, or find one of their molted shells, please take a few photos and send them to me.

Don’t be surprised if it’s a challenging hunt though. Noisy as they are, they are often hard to find. Happy searching!

PHOTOS: ANN BROKELMAN

Photo at left, a cicada’s wings emerge as it molts from its old shell on a tree. Photo at left shows the fully emerged cicada and the shell it emerged from above.

SATURDAY 9TH – 10A.M. TO 12:30P.M.

SCENTED CANDLES AND BODY SPRAYS

SUNDAY 10TH – 10A.M. TO 1P.M.

KIDS CROCHET (PART ONE)

THURSDAY 14TH – 6:30P.M. TO 9:30P.M.

PAINTING WITH WOOL

FRIDAY 15TH – 6P.M. TO 9P.M.

INTRO INTO WEAVING

SATURDAY 16TH – 2P.M. TO 5P.M.

POLYMER CLAY EARRINGS

SUNDAY 17TH – 10A.M. TO 1P.M.

KIDS CROCHET (PART TWO)

MONDAY 18TH – 6:30P.M. TO 9:30P.M.

TUNISIAN CROCHET

TO 1P.M. EXPRESSIVE WATERCOLOUR AND INK

SUNDAY 24TH – 10A.M. TO 1P.M KIDS CROCHET (PART THREE)

MONDAY 25TH – 6:30 TO 9:30P.M “FALLING” FOR CROCHET PUMPKINS

WEDNESDAY 27TH – 7P.M. TO 9P.M. UFO (UNFINISHED OBJECTS)

THURSDAY 28TH – 6:30P.M,. TO 9:00P.M. RADIANT REINVENTION DIVORCE RING (PART TWO)

SATURDAY 30TH – 10A.M. TO 1P.M. BEGINNER PAPER QUILLING ART

SATURDAY 30TH – 10A.M. TO 1P.M BEGINNER PAPER QUILLING ART

The Kingston House puts emphasis on good food, community service

By Nafisat Alao

THE KINGSTON House restaurant, a new local restaurant that opened up last month in the Kingston Road and Main Street area, seeks to provide a warm and welcoming environment with the best quality food for all to enjoy.

Krishna Gaudel, owner of the restaurant, is an accountant by trade. Prior to opening this restaurant, he has managed big profiles, overseen various hotels and been part of their project management. With that, he understood the business and hospitality aspect of opening a restaurant.

Gaudel opened his restaurant to engage with and contribute back to the community since he has always been part of it as a Lions Club member of the Beach neighbourhood.

“I was looking for the place where you can bring your friends and family in a nice environment…I want this place to be the home away from home where people from all walks of life can sit and relax,” he said.

“I always see the customers that come to my restaurant outside in the parks and taking walks. Opening my restaurant here allowed me to be part of a community where I get to know my customers as more than just a customer,” added Gaudel.

The Kingston House serves classic Canadian and

Southeast Asian fusion dishes all prepared by head chef Jeremy Elliot. The vision Gaudel had for the design of his restaurant was to create and incorporate a modern look into the design while keeping the history of the community in mind and retaining vintage items.

The Kingston House is located at the site of the iconic Grover Exchange and The Grover, which had been in the community for some four decades prior to its closure late last year.

Gaudel’s wife Jacqueline helped in creating the design of The Kingston House and achieving the rustic and modern feel.

Although she is not a designer by trade, she has always had a strong passion for design.

“The whole vision we had

was to create an atmosphere where modern meets rustic, that was our theme and I am really glad we got to achieve that,” said Gaudel.

Although Gaudel wanted to open a restaurant that provided customers with a space to spend time with friends and family, he also discussed the hardships of opening a business in the world of today.

“Being a small business operator comes with a lot of challenges. Trying to be an affordable restaurant while battling with inflation rates and customer expectations is very hard,” he said.

Despite being a new business, Gaudel said he hopes The Kingston House will be able to contribute to the local dining scene.

He also mentioned the ways in which he has and will continue to provide

quality food and service to the community.

“I try to engage with other local community shops in the area that uphold the quality we want and I try and make sure all the items we get are right from our backyard so we can proudly say we invest in Canadian products,” he said.

So far in its early days of opening he said that his customers always seem to enjoy their visits to the restaurant.

“The reaction is great, even the kids enjoy it,” he said.

His vision for the future of The Kingston House is to continue to provide good quality service and also partake in organizing some charity events that can go towards important local causes.

“We want to be here for the long run. We also want to be able to do some charitable events that go towards mental health for the kids. I’m not only here for the monetary gain, I want to be proud to give back,” he said.

Gaudel is also a co-owner and founder of two other restaurants. One restaurant by the name of Cumin on Danforth Avenue and the other one by the name of Masala Guys in downtown Toronto.

The Kingston House restaurant is located at 676 Kingston Rd.

For more information about the restaurant, please visit www.thekingstonhouse.ca

PHOTO: NAFISAT ALAO

Krishna Gaudel in front of The Kingston House on Kingston Road just east of Main Street.

Open Doors: Spiritual Matters

Refugee shelters, food and clothing donations are not enough to provide real help

michAEl VAn DusEn

In August 2015, the shocking front-page picture of a three-year-old Syrian child named Alain Kurdi, whose body washed up on a beach in Turkey, galvanized action about the plight of Syrian refugees around the world. Several sponsorship groups sprang up in the Beach to respond.

These days, much of the political and media focus on refugees has shifted to the large numbers of unhoused new arrivals who overwhelm Toronto’s shelter spaces … and the heroic congregations who have opened their doors to permit people to sleep on cots in the basement of their churches. Meanwhile, the question of which level of government will pay for the needed shelters nags politicians.

However, experience shows that it takes much more than shelter, food and clothing to support refugees to the point that the can become contributing members of Canadian society. It requires long-term financial and social assistance.

Realistically, it takes several years for the newcomers to achieve independence. Sponsoring groups have come to recognize this fact: if refugees are going to integrate successfully into the community the sponsors have to commit to several years of continuing - if diminishing - levels of support.

Integration into the Canadian mosaic takes more than the one year commitment under the Federal Blended Visa Office Referred (BVOR) sponsorship program, by which many sponsorship groups operate.

One sponsorship group that formed in 2015, The Beach Cares (TBC), included people from St. Aidan’s and Beach United churches and the Beach community at

SEAN MADIGAN Sales Representative

large. The group has sponsored two families, plus a single woman and a SyrianUkrainian couple…with five more people approved and awaiting transportation: a total of 18 people.

Each supported family or individual, to date, has become more independent over the years, with assistance typically needed only for specific circumstances as the years go on.

TBC’s current sponsorees - the couple - fled Ukraine shortly after Russia invaded in February, 2022. The husband had originally left Syria in 2013 when the war began there and went to Ukraine, where he met and married his wife. They arrived in Canada in May, 2023, on the federal program which simplified the procedure for Ukrainians forced to leave due to the war.

Their visas allow them to stay in the country and work as temporary residents for up to three years. However, aside from a small travel subsidy, the federal program provides no other support for the new arrivals.

TBC raised money through several events to support the couple in their transition and has a fundraising concert, featuring the Toronto All-Star Big Band, John Amato & Shannon McDougall scheduled for Oct. 21 at Beach United Church at 70 Wineva Ave. (https://beachunitedchurch. com/2023/07/big-band-musicnight/) We’d be happy to see you there.

Current and past funding paid for apartments, dental care and telecommunications costs until the families can contribute then take over their own expenses. The community has provided many of the furnishings and kitchenware. But the work goes far beyond material assistance.

Conversations with the new arrivals guide them through unique Canadian expressions… “double-dou-

THE BEACH community is invited to join St. Aidan’s in the Beach Church on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. as the congregation welcomes new incumbent, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Bridges.

Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, she most recently served as associate rector for formation and outreach at St.

ble, toonie”… and culture.

A number of the sponsorees have lost relatives back home and have had to cope with their own traumas of escape and life in refugee camps. Volunteers have also helped care for other children and provide basic infant necessities when several new babies have been born.

Research shows that refugees supported by private sponsors settle into Canada sooner and more easily. They learn English, find jobs and housing faster. Groups like TBC do much of the hands-on work but they need the financial and social support of their communities.

The Beach Cares would welcome more volunteers, especially in light of the pending arrival of five more people.

The work can be tailored to each individual volunteer’s experience, interests and availability. For more information check out https:// beachunitedchurch.com/ community-engagement/ the-beach-cares/ or meet us at the concert on Oct. 21.

This kind of work is what makes Canada such a special country and a leader in helping refugees.

If you wish to support TBC directly, other donations of more than $25 made through St. Aidan’s are tax deductible.(To donate, use the QR code at the end of this column and click on The Beach Cares, Syrian/Ukrainian fund)

-- Michael Van Dusen is the deacon at St. Aidan’s in the Beach and a member of The Beach Cares since its founding in 2015.

She attended the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, where she graduated with her MDiv in 2019, and was ordained a deacon and priest that same year. Prior to attending seminary, she was associate professor of Communication and Media Studies at Stetson University in Florida.

Bridges also holds degrees in English from Stetson (BA) and Clemson (MA) and Texas A&M (PhD in communication, specializing in rhetoric and public discourse).

Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

St. Aidan’s in the Beach

PHOTO: SUBMITTED Rev. Dr. Rebecca Bridges.

Let me become your trusted advisor and help you make the very best real estate decisions

“Selling in the Beach since 1988”

“Born and Raised in The Beach”

“Second Generation Realtor ”

Main Street Terrace celebrates 50 years

Memorial March and Candlelight Service

at Todmorden Legion honours

THE ROYAL Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch 10 will host its eighth annual Memorial March and Candlelight Service on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The Heroes of Suicide event is held in memory of veterans and first respond-

victims of PTSD

ers who have lost their battle to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) issues, and to provide support to the families and loved ones left behind.

The march begins at 6:30 p.m. at Gamble Avenue and Todmorden Lane in East York.

The march will be followed by a candlelight service at Branch, 10, 1083 Pape Ave., at approximately 7 p.m.

Those taking place in the march are asked to form up at 6:15 p.m. at Gamble Avenue and Todmorden Lane

Community members are encouraged to show their support by attending the service or lining the route of the march. The march will head west along Gamble Avenue from Todmorden Lane, then north on Pape Avenue to Branch 10.

For more information, please go to www.RC:L10.ca

Movie night at Monarch Park TORONTO-DANFORTH COUNCILLOR Paula

Fletcher will host an outdoor movie night at Monarch Park on Thursday, Sept. 7.

The movie to be screened will be Turning Red, the animated Oscar-nominated movie that takes place in Toronto.

There will be free popcorn at the movie. Those attending are reminded to bring their own blanket and/or lawn chairs.

The film will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.).

The screening is supported by the Toronto Civic Employees Union Local 416.

Also, on Sunday, Sept. 17, Councillor Fletcher will be hosting her Fall Community Environment Day.

The event takes place on Bouchette Street in the Portlands, next to the Commissioners Street Transfer Station and McCleary Park (400 Commissioners St.).

The Fall Community Environment Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be free bagged compost available at the

event, free paper shredding and the drop-off of items for reuse, recycling or safe disposal will be accepted.

For more information on what items are allowed to be dropped off at the event, please go to www.councillorpaulafletcher.ca/fall_community_environment_ day_2023

Music for the Soul concert on Sept. 16

A MUSIC for the Soul concert hosted by Beach United Church is set to take place on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 16.

Featuring Brooklyn Doran, the free concert will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Doran has been a staple of the Toronto folk scene for more than 10 years.

While the concert is free, donations towards the Beach United Church’s food programs in the community will be welcomed.

For more information on this concert, please visit the church’s website at www. beachunited.com

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Staffers at Main Street Terrace gathered with residents and members of the community recently to celebrate the facility’s 50th anniversary. The celebration included entertainment, cake, ice cream and more.

HEALTH

DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES

OPTOMETRISTS

1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment 416-691-5757

BALSAM DENTAL Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam) 416-691-8555 www.balsamdental.com

BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC

Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates 951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park) 416-691-1991

DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist

Consultations • Therapy

Individuals • Couples

Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler 416-691-1071

Dr. Linda Iny Lempert Psychologist & Psychoanalyst

Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave) 416-694-4380 www.drlempert.ca

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Tara Shannon

M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP

Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main) 416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

WELLNESS missfit.ca

in-home personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca

COUNSELLING

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Solutions for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232

www.energyawakening.com

Spiritual Counselling

Susan J Katz, M.A. Spiritual Care Counselling Professional Chaplain Member Can Assoc for Spiritual Care 437-268-5143 susan@susanjkatz.com www.susanjkatz.com

INSURANCE

CHIROPRACTORS

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.

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

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

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate 2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine) 416-690-6195 dbadleylaw@rogers.com

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

Janet D’Arcy 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

HEALTH CENTRE

Dr. Emily Howell & Associates Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Orthotics ashbridgeshealth.janeapp.com 1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca

MASSAGE THERAPY

advancedapproaches massage.com

in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516

FUNERAL SERVICES

eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

Life Celebrations.

Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. DESJARDINSINSURANCE Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, New & Used Vehicle Loans 2243

Kerry Bowser WEDDING OFFICIANT kerry@kerrybowser.com www.kerrybowser.com 416-807-3094

Free Consultation Available

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

Stephen G. King, Architect B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC “Serving the Beach since 1987”

Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes

COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION (416) 694-8181

www.stephenkingarchitect.com

Member Ontario Association of Architects

Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC 927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk) • Open 7 Days a week • Voted “#1 Spa and Best Massage Therapist in Toronto” 416-694-6767

THERAPY LOUNGE

Welcome to our new space! 2152 Queen Street East • Open 7 days per week • Book Online www.therapylounge.ca 416-916-7122

URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS

Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6 www.urbancalm.ca 416-698-3157

INVESTMENT

& FINANCIAL PLANNING

Michael Haier, CFA, CIM, FCSI Raymond James Ltd. 647-289-7191 michael.haier@raymondjames.ca Honest, affordable advice.

Glover & Associates

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith

Jen Goddard, R.M.T. Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East 416-690-6257

diane900000@icloud.com www.designINGenuity.ca

50%

Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto

Vintage vehicles help to set the mood in period productions

as “hippies.”

Whether you are a car buff or just like the look of vintage vehicles you will enjoy the

Centre 55’s Annual Classic Car Show at Bob Acton Park on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These beautiful wheels evoke a by-gone era and tap into our nostalgia for simpler times. Admission is free!

Vintage cars, costumes and props help set the mood for period pieces. Some new made-in-Toronto productions re-create different eras from the 1950s to the present day.

Priscilla opened at the Venice Film Festival this week and will be out in theatres on Oct. 27.

After the big success of Elvis last year, Priscilla tells the story of fame, romance and turbulent marriage from the viewpoint of Priscilla Presley based on her 1985 memoir Elvis and Me Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Sofia

Coppola wrote on Instagram that she is “excited to be telling Priscilla’s story. I think it’ll be interesting to have two completely different interpretations of the same events and time period.”

Coppola was “trying to imagine what growing up in that world must have looked like through her eyes.”

“I lived somebody else’s life.” (Priscilla at the time of their divorce in 1973.)

The film follows Priscilla’s life from the ages of 15 to 27. Expect to see some luxury

cars from the 1950s and 1960s, including Cadillacs and a Mercedes Benz 600 limousine.

“You may have a pink Cadillac, but don’t you be nobody’s fool.” (1955 Elvis song)

Graceland was re-created at the Tamahaac Club in Ancaster under the lead of production designer Tamara Deverell who was Oscarnominated last year for her great work on Nightmare Alley with scenes of 1940s cars at R.C. Harris Filtra-

in Oshawa.

Also out on Oct. 27 is Fellow Travelers an episodic romance and political thriller set in Washington D.C. over four decades against the backdrop of the 1950s McCarthy era, the war in Vietnam and the AIDS crisis. The eight-part Showtime/Paramount series is adapted from a 2007 Thomas Mallon novel and stars Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) and Matt Bomer as two gay men forced to lead double lives complicated by real-life events.

Some amazing wheels are featured in scenes at Dawes Road Cemetery on St. Clair Avenue East (photos above). Almost all are “picture cars” for filming except for one gorgeous 1947 Cadillac Fastback. The owner told me he was at a car show and was asked to come for the film shoot.

Some agencies attend classic car shows hunting for special vehicles.

Two 1970s-era Ford police cars were on Danforth Avenue near Monarch Park Avenue for scenes depicting protests with extras dressed

Other new period shows filmed here include Painkiller (Netflix) which is a fictionalized account of the 1990s origins of the deadly opioid crisis with the mega mansion of a Big Pharma owner (Matthew Broderick) and his “drug pushers” driving Porsches.

You might have seen a D.C. police car parked on Gerrard Street East when Hollywood came to Hollywood Crescent (near Bowmore Road) for the Amazon detective series Cross from the novels of James Patterson.

There’s also been filming for an HBO It prequel set in the 1960s called Welcome to Derry with locations in Port Hope and the old Hearn Generating Station on Unwin Avenue.

You may also have wondered why there was a New York City subway entrance, taxi cab and fake snow on Eastern Avenue near Woodbine Park. That was for a new Hulu comedy How to Die Alone. Watch for a cameo from Beacher Peter Keleghan.

Photo above left shows a 1947 Cadillac Fastback that was among a number of vintage vehicles in the Dawes Road Cemetery south of St. Clair Avenue for filming the series Fellow Travelers. Photo at right, shows other vintage vehicles used in the filming at the cemetery. These photos were taken by columnist Bernie Fletcher. tion Plant and at Parkwood Estate

Queen St. E., 416 907 2029

will always have a Beach family’

“I have lived all over the Beach for many years,” she said in an interview on her last day of business in the community. “I’d think that I was away on a vacation if I went past the Pizza Pizza at Woodbine Avenue.”

Cromwell has worked at a number of hair salons in the community over the years, mostly keeping tightly connected to the Queen Street East section of the Beach.

For about the last 15 years she has rented a chair at the back of the Beauty Supply store near Hambly Avenue.

Cromwell first worked as a receptionist at Beachcomber before she decided she wanted to train to become a hair stylist.

“I enjoyed so much being at Beachcomber, and I thought I would like to do this and that I would take training, and Eunice was able to help me have that opportunity.”

She said it has been a pleasure for her to be able to live and work in the Beach community for so many years.

“I loved being in the Queen Street area cutting hair and making friends with my clients.”

Cromwell said she recently met with one man who she remembers cutting his hair for his wedding 35 years ago.

“I’ve been close to 40 years in the area,” said Cromwell.

She said it is the loyalty and support of her clients that has meant the most to her over the decades as they were there for her both as a hair stylist and a musician.

“I’ve spent so many years on Queen and loved living my life here. Everything and everyone was on Queen.”

As well as being a muchloved local hair stylist, Cromwell also has an impressive music career which began in the Beach community, too. To music fans across the province she is well-known as the leader of the Mae Cromwell Band for many years and now with the band Grace.

Cromwell grew up in a musical family in Sudbury, where there was lots of records being played in the house — especially Rhythm and Blues. Favourites for her growing up were Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Her mother sang in Nova Scotia with a group called The Lucky Four.

Though she loved music and singing, Cromwell said she was very shy and that held her back from pursuing a musical career when she was younger as the idea of performing in front of crowds was a challenging prospect for her.

However, at age 30 she decided she needed to pursue her musical passions with a push from her friend Eunice.

“I always loved to do music, but Eunice knew I was shy and I felt I was too shy to perform in front of people,” said Cromwell. “But at age 30 I popped over to the Beach Music School and met fellow northerner Andrew Donaldson who became my vocal coach. He helped me find my voice. I always knew I could sing, but I was not sure I could sing in front of people.”

Cromwell started her performing career as a backup singer with musician Wolfgang Webb. “And then I started out on my own.”

And that musical career also began in the Beach where she became a frequent performer at the former Lido’s in the Beach club on Queen Street East. Lido’s was run for many years by Lido Chilelli, founder of the Beaches International Jazz Festival which has been taking place for 35 years.

“I sang at Lido’s a lot. It was an afternoon show and then I did a Sunday night and I couldn’t believe the number of people who were there, and I was so nervous my bottom lip was shaking,” remembered Cromwell.

She said she still gets nervous before performing. “I always feel nervous before I sing my first note.”

Cromwell also remembers

one of those early performances at Lido’s where she looked out to see so many of her hair clients there to support her. “I just saw a sea of my clients faces.”

For years the Mae Cromwell Band performed across the province. Cromwell was also a regular at the Beaches International Jazz Festival for years. Some of the locations she performed at during the festival’s Streetfest event, which brings tens of thousands of music fans out for nightly performances along Queen Street East, included in front of what was the old Stoney’s bar and for many years in front of Beauty Supply.

“Lido was very, very supportive of me both at Lido’s and at the Jazz Festival,” said Cromwell.

Cromwell said she finds “joy” in performing, and loves how so many of her hair clients also became big fans and supporters of her music.

Her latest band Grace, with eight all-female members, plays a bit more harder rock than the R&B sound Cromwell might more readily be associated with.

“They are a group of women from different backgrounds who play all kinds of music…While I like R&B, I also really like singing (Led) Zeppelin and hard rock. We close our shows with Whole Lotta Love (a Zeppelin classic), and there’s a girl up there just shredding the guitar and I see guys in the audience playing air guitar. I love it.”

She again wanted to thank the community for its support over the decades.

“I can’t believe I got so much support from all my clients over the years. They have watched me grow and go through so many changes in my life, and they supported me all the way – with both tears and laughs. I just feel so completely loved and supported and I know I will always have a Beach family,” said Cromwell.

Julienne’s Patisserie sweetens the area of Main and Gerrard

By Nafisat Alao

AS THE owner of the recently opened Julienne’s Patisserie, Jessica Lee can’t remember a time when she wasn’t baking.

“I have been a pastry chef for as long as I can remember. I grew up baking with my grandma and started baking professionally in high school. Food has been my life… this is what I was meant to do,” she said.

Located on Gerrard Street East just west of Main Street in the Upper Beach, Lee named the bakery after her late grandmother, and its sweet and savoury treats include French macarons, pies, quiches, specialty teas and coffees, and made-toorder cakes and cookies.

“It was our dream to open a bakery together, so this is in her honour. She always went by Julie, but her full name is Julienne, and this is my homage to her,” Lee said.

Lee said she has always loved the Beaches neighbourhood having worked in the community in the past, which also made her want to stay and open up a business of her own here.

Her love of food and travelling inspired her to open up the bakery, she said.

“I love Europe — Paris is my favourite place to go. I spent a month there after college to explore and learn a little bit more about pastries and did a little bit of work there and that’s what

me to open this place up and do what I do,” she said.

The bakery’s charming ambiance draws inspiration from Parisian elegance, featuring delightful fresh flowers on tables and comfy seating adorned in a harmonious blend of pink and gold accents.

Julienne’s Patisserie provides gluten-free and vegan pastry options for customers. Although her bakery is not a nut-free facility, Lee does have a lot of pastries, such as her cupcakes and scones, that don’t contain nuts.

She also offers catering services for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and baby showers.

Lee believes that what sets her bakery business apart from others comes down to the curation of desserts, attention to detail and service

that goes into her business.

“It’s definitely the care and the thought process that I put behind the design and the curating process behind all of the deserts that I have. All of it is taken from all of my travels…I go somewhere and I want to make the desert and show other people without them having to travel to that place themselves,”

Lee said.

“What also sets us apart is we really care about our customer service, we make sure that everyone is comfortable and knows this is a welcoming place to sit and chill and bring family and friends,” she added.

So far, she said she has received very positive feedback from her customers and the surrounding businesses since opening her business in the community.

“It has been great, this community is truly unreal.

There’s such a partnership between the businesses as well as the community itself and they really want to see you succeed,” Lee said.

She mentioned that it would be her dream to grow her business to more than it is now but she also doesn’t want to grow too fast.

“In a dream world I would love for this to be a chain, and franchise it, but I want to make sure to not grow too fast and have the quality fade away,” said Lee.

Her goal is to carry and produce quality products that she loves to make and carry items from other local businesses and support people in the neighbourhood.

The bakery is located at 2195 Gerrard Street East.

For more information, visit the website www.juliennes.ca and their social media page on Instagram -- @ juliennes.patisserie

Grupo BIMBO Global Race by Dempsters slated for Sept. 24 at Ashbridges Bay Park

THE TORONTO version of the Grupo BIMBO Global Race by Dempsters in support of local food banks is set for Ashbridges Bay Park on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The event takes place on the same day in more than 20 countries and helps generate donations to food banks in the cities the race is held.

Grupo BIMBO, the parent company of Canadian bakery Dempsters, will donate 20 slices of bread to Toronto food banks for each participant in the race taking place

at Ashbridges Bay Park.

The North York Harvest Food Bank will be on site on Sept. 24 collecting nonperishable food donations. Most needed items are canned fish, canned tomatoes, canned beans, cooking oil and rice.

The event will feature a family walk of three kilometres; and competitive running races of five and 10 kilometres. Registrations begin at 7 a.m. at Ashbridges Bay Park, 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E.

More information on the event can be found at https:// bimboglobalrace.com/index_ eng.html

For more info and to register in advance, which is strongly recommended, for the event in Ashbridges Bay Park please go to https:// bimboglobalracebydempsters.com/ Beach Metro Community News readers can register in the Global Race at Ashbridges Bay Park for free by using the promo code: BEACHMETRONEWS23

PHOTO: NAFISAT ALAO

Jessica Lee’s bakery, Julienne’s Patisserie, pays homage to her late grandmother. “It was our dream to open a bakery together, so this is in her honour,” Lee said. inspired

Arts & Entertainment

Scarborough Player’s present

Halfway There from Sept. 8 to 23

THE SCARBOROUGH

Players’ production of Halfway There opens Friday, Sept. 8, at the Scarborough Village Theatre.

Like the cliché, everyone seems to know everyone’s business – there are few secrets in Stewiacke. This is a fact that good friends Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen and Janine know all too well in this play be renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster.

It is no wonder that when Sean Merrit, a heartbroken doctor from Toronto, comes to town he upsets the easy, reliable, accepted daily lives of the four women for whom 4:30 p.m. at Junior’s is sacred.

Foster is at his best here as Halfway There is just that kind of lovely play: old-fashioned and truthful, warm and wise, funny and touching. Audience members will root for everyone, longing for them to find happiness.

So what does it mean to be halfway there? Foster’s delightful, charming, and poignant comedy is about all that it could mean.

It is the actual place –Stewiacke, Nova Scotia with its claim to fame being that it is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. Even with these impressive credentials, Stewiacke is a small town.

Being halfway there is about relationships and making commitments to each other. What do you settle for? Halfway.

The one true “there” is Junior’s at 4:30 p.m. when Vi, Mary Ellen, and Rita join Janine for coffee, gossip and friendship.

Friendship is the constant, the connection, the heart of the story.

Foster has been called Canada’s preeminent comic playwright.

In a recent interview with the Playwrights Guild of

Canada, he was asked about his writing process and favourite plays.

“I have changed as a writer. My earlier plays were more about the comedy. The plays that I have written in the past decade tend to be more about the characters than the situations. And I like to think that the comedy in the later plays is smarter comedy. Still funny (I hope) but more clever. More thoughtful…Picking a favourite play for me is tough. The Melville Boys is the one that is closest to my heart because that’s the play that really opened many doors for me. It’s still the play that I am best known for. But it is not my best play. I’ve written several plays that I think are better than The Melville Boys. I think On A First Name Basis in my most intelligent play. Halfway There is my most complete play…”

For its production of Halfway There, Scarborough Players’ welcomes back director Maureen Lukie who is enjoying the opportunity to bring this play to life.

Lukie directed Scarborough Players’ productions of Rabbit Hole in 2019 and Educating Rita in 2022.

Producer, Katherine Turn-

er is delighted to welcome Kristin Chan as stage manager, supported by Ciara Crozier.

Returning to do their magic are Greg Nowlan as set designer and master carpenter, Katherine Turner finding costumes, David Eden as sound designer and Jennifer Bakker as lighting designer.

The cast includes Scarborough Players’ veteran actor, Holm Bradwell as Sean Merrit (last seen as Bluntschli in Arms and the Man) along with Coral Benzie as Janine (Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley and An Inspector Calls).

New to Scarborough Players’ for this production are Rhonda Upshaw as Vi, the wise one, Lynn Oldershaw as Rita, the wild one, and Anne McDougall as Mary Ellen, the nice one.

Halfway There is on stage from Sept. 8 to 23.

To order tickets, or for more information, visit www.theatrescarborough. com/scarboroughplayers or call 416-267-9292.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The Scarborough Village Theatre is located at 3600 Kingston Rd., northeast side of Markham Road.

Beach United Church has immediate openings for paid positions

Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) is a progressive community hub and a spiritual centre for the community. We support a wide range of activities including concerts and musical performances, food and housing security services, and programs for children.

These positions do not require previous experience working in a church.

General Manager

Responsible for overall management of operations including building and property care, rentals, inventory and budget, and o ce administration. At least ve years’ experience supervising sta required. Salaried position - 30 hours per week. $46,000-51,000 per year plus bene ts.

Children/Youth Coordinator

Responsible for leading children/youth activities and providing connections with the wider community. Contract position: September 2023 to June 30, 2024 10-12 hours per week, including 2.5-3 hours Sunday mornings. $23 per hour.

More information is available at https://beachunitedchurch.com/careers/ Interested candidates should send resumes to MandP@BeachUC.com as soon as possible.

PHOTO: BRIAN WHITMORE

Sean Merrit, Coral Benzie, Rhonda Upshaw, Lynn Oldershaw, and Anne McDougall in the Scarborough Players’ upcoming production of Halfway There. The Norm Foster play runs from Sept. 8 to 23 at the Scarborough Village Theatre.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023

7:00 A.M. EDT

ASHBRIDGES BAY PARK, 1561 LAKESHORE BLVD E

• 3k walk/run open to all levels, including families with children and walking groups

• 5k run open to all levels, offering shorter distance for casual and competitive runners.

• 10k timed race for those who want to challenge themselves.

WHAT IS BGR?

The Bimbo Global Race by Dempster’s is an event that celebrates Canadians getting active together and giving back to our community. This is part of a unique global event that brings together more than 120,000 runners in 22 countries and 36 cities, taking place on the same day worldwide!

For every participant, Dempster’s will donate 20 slices of bread. The goal is to donate 50, 000 slices of bread to local food banks across Canada.

JOIN US AND TURN EVERY KM INTO A SLICE OF BREAD

Free registration using the promo code: B EACHMETRONEWS23

REGISTRATION RACE

Arts & Entertainment

Annahid Dashtgard examines race and racism in everyday life

By Nafisat Alao

BONES OF Belonging: Finding Wholeness in a White World, is the second book written by Annahid Dashtgard and it is a nonfiction collection of sharp, funny, and poignant essays sharing what it is like to be a brown woman working for change in a white world.

Born in Iran, Dashtgard had to leave Iran after the revolution and she went to live in England for two years initially before coming to Canada where she lived in a white suburb outside of Edmonton until her early twenties.

After that, she bounced around to different cities before finally coming to Toronto where she has lived for 23 years, in the area of Danforth and Donlands avenues.

“The reason I live here is because I feel safe here. It’s the first place in Canada that I have felt safe on a body level, and it’s because I’m surrounded by so many cultures and shades of skin tone that mine never stands out,” she said.

Dashtgard is the CEO of Anima Leadership, a racial justice consulting firm. Over the last two decades, she has worked with hundreds of organizations and leaders to create more inclusive workplaces.

Her book explores everyday moments and makes meaning of those moments through the lens of being a brown immigrant woman and reflects the experiences of people of colour in Canada.

She discussed where the inspiration came from for her to write this book and explore race and racial issues and how it plays out in everyday life.

“I just saw that there was a gap between what most people believe is the truth about race and racism and what people of colour experience every day and it is one that needs to be bridged, and I wanted to use stories to open peoples hearts and minds,” she said.

Dashtgard mentioned what her main message and

central ideas were when writing this book and how she wanted to present the topic.

“I wanted to make everyday racism accessible and relatable for everybody in a hopeful, humorous and poignant way. I didn’t want it to be overly heavy, it’s very human and contains all these moments of what it is like to be on a human journey.”

She began writing this book a month before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and finished writing it just as the world was coming out of the lockdowns and restrictions.

From her perspective, she said, “In that three-year period I felt like the world woke up to realizing that racism was really an issue and I feel like on an unconscious level I was writing stories to stitch across that void.”

Dashtgard revealed that the writing process for her recent book was not one she was expecting and she faced few challenges in writing it.

“I was very clear on my purpose, I actually felt quite easeful and what surprised me was I thought it was going to be sad or heavy, but there was so much hope, peace and love that came forth in the pages,” she said.

Dashtgard hopes that her book makes an impact in contributing to the ongoing dialogue about race and racial issues in literature.

“I think my book is a very unique voice in the space of racial justice. It is a book that is accessible to everybody but it’s uniquely about breaking free of the expectations and constraints of racism,” she said.

Dashtgard hopes that after people have read her book they will begin to question the severity of racism and say to themselves: “I didn’t know racism was like that and this is how I can do better.”

She also hopes that it helps racialized individuals understand their own experiences better.

Before Bones of Belonging, Dashtgard wrote Breaking the Ocean: A Memoir of Race, Rebellion and Reconciliation

Bones of Belonging is available for purchase in Canada at bookstores such as Chapters/Indigo and also at Dundurn Press in the Beaches at 1382 Queen St. E., or by going to the website at www.dundurn.com/books_/ t22117/a9781459750623bones-of-belonging

Danforth East Arts Fair on Sept. 16 and 17

THE ANNUAL Danforth East Arts Fair will take place on the weekend of Sept. 16 and 17 at East Lynn Park.

The fair showcases the work of an eclectic mix of local artists in a beautiful outdoor setting. East Lynn Park is located south of Danforth Avenue between Woodbine and Coxwell avenues.

This year’s fair will take

place rain or shine, and the hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17.

Lunch and snack options will be available at the fair from local restaurants .

The Danforth East Arts Fair is extremely family friendly, and there will a number of free children’s

activities and crafts taking place on-site both Saturday and Sunday.

For the adults, there will be a soundtrack of live acoustic music and more than 50 artisans.

Volunteers wishing to help with the fair are asked to go to www.signupgenius.com/ go/10C0545AEAB2BAAFD0decaf

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

East Toronto author Annahid Dashtgard has recently released her second book, Bones of Belonging: Finding Wholeness in a White World.

Andie Hang wins medals at World Dwarf Games

By Nafisat Alao

ATHLETES FROM across Canada, including East Toronto’s Andromeda Hang, began their quest for gold in the largest international sports competition exclusively for people with dwarfism that took place from July 28 to Aug. 5 at The World Dwarf Games.

In identical fashion to the Olympics, the games take place every four years in an elected host city and initially began in 1993. This year’s games took place in Cologne, Germany.

Hang, who goes by Andie, is a seven-year-old Canadian athlete. She was born with one of the most common forms of dwarfism called achondroplasia. The condition affects the growth of the long bones resulting in shorter limbs. This year was her very first time participating in the World Dwarf Games.

During the games, she won a total of four medals. One gold medal was won in basketball, a bronze medal in soccer and another in bocce and a silver medal in the relay race she took part in.

Andie said her favourite sports to play are badminton and bocce. Hang’s mother Kate mentioned how her

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

East Toronto resident Andie Hang, 7, with the silver medal she won in relay at the World Dwarf Games in Germany this summer. Hang won four medals at the games.

daughter had first gotten into playing these sports in the first place.

“We practiced at home mostly. She plays on the East York baseball team but then she also did a few practices for some sports for little people. A lot of it was just getting into it and trying it out,” said Kate.

The best part about playing sports in general and at the games according to Andie was getting the chance to

meet new friends and competing against other little people.

Some of the challenges she faces by being an athlete, according to her is that “the nets in basketball are still sometimes higher,” she said.

Additionally, Andie mentioned she would always have to use lower equipment and likes how the basketball net she uses at home is adjustable.

“In Germany, they did get

to play on lower tables and equipment but some of the nets were still quite high,” added mom Kate.

Throughout her journey in sports and being an athlete, Andie said she has received support from her family, friends and coaches. Coach Scott, who was her basketball and soccer coach, did a lot of training and practice with her and came with her to Germany for the games.

“My family was always

there to help me practice and clapped when I scored a goal. My coach would always cheer me on, too,” she said.

The people she looks up to the most in sports are her friends Sydney and Jeremy who are also on Team Canada and played with her and participated in the World Dwarf Games.

Andie said she enjoys working together with her team, winning games and earning medals. She said she has also gained networking skills by making new friends.

The advice she would give to other little people who wish to play sports is telling them that playing sports is very fun and there are a lot of different sports they can choose from to play.

In the future, Andie is aim-

ing to participate in the next World Dwarf Games happening in four years in Australia.

To prepare before that time comes, she will be practicing and perfecting her skills in different sports with her friends and other little people. She also hopes to win a gold medal in swimming come the next games.

Kate said she is very proud of her daughter and seeing her accomplish all that she has so far.

“I feel so lucky to be a part of her little person community and to watch her make friends. As the parent of a girl, I want her to grow up confident, and to love herself and see herself as sporty.

The World Dwarf Games was such an important part of that,” said Kate.

Beaches Artisan Market slated for Kew Gardens

THE BEACHES Artisan Market will take place at Kew Gardens park on Saturday, Sept. 16.

The market will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission to the market is free, and along with the works of the artisans on display for sale, there will also be free facepainting for children.

The Beaches Artisan Market takes place monthly at Kew Gardens and upcoming events will be Oct. 14 and Nov. 5.

Kew Gardens park is located at 2075 Queen St. E.

For more information on the Beaches Artisan Market, please visit the website at www.queenstmarketplace. com

Contact:

L A S S I F I E D S

INVESTMENT ADVICE & FINANCIAL PLANNING

Michael Haier, CFA, CIM, FCSI Raymond James Ltd. 647-289-7191 michael.haier@raymondjames.ca

Honest, affordable advice. (12.)

Expert Bookkeeping, Small business specialists, Strong on QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”.

A la carte services. Affordable rates.

Antonella 416-464-2766 (14r)

Household Services

REG’S APPLIANCE

416-691-6893 reglit@yahoo.com

•Fast friendly service for 40 years

•CESA certified Repairs to fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers (r)

Employment Opportunities

KLEEN WINDOWS

Cleaning specialists

•Windows •Eavestroughs •Decks •Siding 416-706-7130 905-706-7130 www.kleenwindows.ca (r)

Home Decor

Vienna Upholstery 2358 Kingston Rd. (w. of Midland) 416-698-9000 (r)

General Services

WAYNE’S

RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR CLEANING 416-264-1495

CELL 416-567-4019 (13r)

MR. FIX-IT

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work.

Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (17r)

Peter the Handyman

INDOOR / OUTDOOR

General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting /

Office

CTD Handyman Services

painting, carpentry, pressure washing. Demolition and waste removal. Call or text: 647-336-8030 (.)

SCRAP CARS

Call me 416-521-6287

We Pay Top Dollar For Unwanted CARS, VANS, TRUCKS & SUVs FREE TOW in 2 HRS • 24/7 (12r)

MAN WITH PICK-UP TRUCK

For light moves/deliveries, junk removal, cleanups, etc. Efficient. Best rates. 647-806-7620 (13r)

HANDYMAN / HELPER

Garage Cleanups

Pet

Fresh Housekeeping

Home Cleaning Service in the East End 647-878-6432

DirtStandsNoChance@gmail.com

Family Owned and Operated www.FreshHousekeeping.ca (12..)

Music

Beaches Suzuki School of Music

We share our love of music using the Suzuki Method by providing gentle encouragement, inspiration, and musicianship in Violin and Piano.

Online teaching available

Ines 416 726 5729 (12r)

THE TWO FOURS

Pest Control

RACCOON

Humane

of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES, GARAGES, SHEDS WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA

SQUIRREL

PEST

Bed Bugs • Ants • Wasps

Centipedes • Spiders • more THEEXTERMINATORS.CA 647-496-2211 (22/24)

Cleaning Services

Rockin’ Roots & Retro Revival Party

The Dogfish Pub, 7 Brimley Rd. S. Sat. Aug. 26, 8:00 to 11:30 pm No Cover Free Parking

thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442 https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband

Tutoring

HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for

• COVID CATCH-UP •

• in-depth homework/test help •

• essay-writing + study skills •

• numeracy + literacy support •

INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME

QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12

PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (12r)

Head Start Tutors

One on One Tutoring Grades 3-12

Keeping the Love of Learning Alive

In-person & Virtual Tutoring Available

www.headstarttutors.ca

416-272-9589 • hstarttutors@gmail.com

Proudly serving the Beach for over 25 years

Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT • Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT (12r)

THE STUDY STUDIO

Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects.

Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years. On Kingston Rd. just east of Vic Park

Andrew English B.Ed. 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (12r)

Child Care Available

AFTER-SCHOOL CARE FOR BALMY STUDENTS

Includes pick up, creative enrichment activities & homework support in private home. Attentive care, fun activities for small group of students ranging in age from 6-10. Please contact Alyse for further information at coachworksstudio@gmail.com (12v)

Garden & Tree

647 906 6826 (12r)

RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING

A family business since 1956 Window & Eaves Cleaning Gutter Filter Installation 416 421-5758 rileyswindowcleaning.com (r)

BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE LAWN

CUTTING 416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (12r)

Who has the time to clean anymore? I have the time, so give me a call.

Roxanne 647 886 8303 (12.)

EXTREME CLEANING

I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos. Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 (12.)

EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (12$)

Shine & Sparkle

Home & Office Cleaning Solutions 416-831-6279

ImpressYourMotherInLaw@gmail.com

We’ll Make It Sparkle! Family Owned & Operated (12)

BEACH PROPERTY

MAINTENANCE

-Lawn Cutting

-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups

-Hedge Trimming

416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (r)

Beach Lawn Care LAWN

CUTTING SERVICES

*STARTING AT $20 416-691-8503 beachlawncare2020@gmail.com (12r)

FOUR SEASONS

• Grass Cutting

• All tree work

• Gardening

• Hedge Cutting

• Leaf Removal Steve 647-216-8588 (12.)

EVERGREEN TREE CARE

YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN

GARDENING

THE STONE PORCH LANDSCAPING

Finely Finished Stone Work www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com

416-988-2589 (12r)

Scotstone

Traditional stone walls, steps, interlocking paths, patios & decks. Landscaping solutions to customize your space. Call Scott 416.858.2452 scotstonecontracting@gmail.com (15)

STONESCAPE

Specializing in Interlocking Stone • Planters Retaining Walls • Steps • Fences Decks • Sodding & Repairs rickscape@hotmail.com Rick 416-821-4065 (12.)

IN THE BEACH

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS

• Weekly & Bi-Weekly Lawn Cutting

• Spring Clean-ups

• Fertilization & Aeration

• Hedge Trimming & Pruning

• Seeding & Sodding

• Landscape Construction 647-210-LAWN (5296) www.BeachLawns.ca info@beachlawns.ca (16)

ITB LANDSCAPING

• Landscaping

Experienced Handyman Available 416-322-7692 warren_gamey@yahoo.com (14r)

Master’s

Beach Co Roofing Flat Roofing

647-309-8056

K.

ALL PERFECT PAINTING • Interior & Exterior Painting • Deck & Fence Staining • Drywall & Plaster Repairs We us low VOC or No VOC Paints Over 33 years of excellence. References.

Mike 647.456.3666 AllPerfectPainting@gmail.com (21)

BEACHCOMBERS

GC Painting

All work 100% guaranteed Beachcombersgc.ca 416-910-6302 (13)

Plumbers

BEACH PLUMBING

Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations 416 691-3555

50 years in the Beach (r)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING

Beach resident for 50 years.

Discount for seniors and single parent.

Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (10/24)

TOM DAY

Plumbing & Drains

All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating.

Call the professionals 416-480-0622 24 hr. - lic# P1624 (12r)

MASTER PLUMBER PLUMBER CONTRACTOR

Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94

George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872 (r)

ATLANTIS PLUMBING & DRAINS •Heating & Mechanical

•Sprinklers •Complete Renovations •Boilers Repairs

•Radiators

Carpenters

UNDERPINNING

Maximum General Contracting Inc.

“Your basement lowering specialists”

416-826-3918 John

www.mgcunderpinning.com

maximumgen@gmail.com

MET# B16348 Since 1998 (13r)

Beaches Brickworks

• brick restoration

• arches, lintels & sills

• openings & enclosures

CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS

416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com (12r)

S.A.C Masonry

Brick, Block, Stone, Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs

Call Sergio 416 873 9936(12)

CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING

Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small.

Call C.J. 647 222 5338 (12.)

BEACHES HANDY WORKS

Dedicated precise worker.

All your build and repairs. Indoor or outdoor: dry-wall, flooring, built-in, landscaping, interlocking, sheds, fences, decks, etc. at a reasonable price!

Call Hamid at 647-300-2462 (14r)

JDB MASONRY

• Brick / Foundation

• Concrete / Stone

• Chimney & Parging

Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca 416-738-2119 (12r)

BRICK SPECIALIST

Masonry & brickwork.

Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block. Call Scott @ Scotstone 416.858.2452 scotstonecontracting@gmail.com (15)

Can Pro Mechanical

Heating cooling service & install Hvac ductwork

Furnace, boiler, hydronics

Large and small jobs 416 606 4719 (12r)

BLANK SLATE RENOVATIONS

Roofers

LANIGAN’S

Roofing & Aluminum

(13r)

An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches www.laniganscontracting.ca 416-569-2181 (r)

THOSE ROOFERS

Kitchens & bath, basement apts, doors, trim, crown molding, shelving, paint, drywall repair, tile, hardwood, fences, decks, interlock and more. Lic. & Ins. 416.274.5929 (12r)

KEW BEACH

GENERAL CONTRACTING

Kitchens - Bathrooms Basements - Doors, Windows Garages - Fences, Decks

For all your reno needs, no job too small. Metro lic 416 824-7901 (12.)

ALANO TILE & RENO

Electricians

CEJA

Don’t call them, call those roofers ALL TYPES OF ROOFS - Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103 Lic - Insured • Free Estimate (r)

• Expert Installation of Porcelain, Marble, Mosaic

• Over 25 years experience

• Total Kitchen & Bath Reno

• Plus Tile Repairs 416-561-8713 (15)

DRYWALL

Replacement and repair.