Pandamonium at Zoo protest The Scarborough Observer Page 8 Magazine

Vol. 2, No. 2 l Spring/Summer 2013

Bluffs erosion threatens properties Page 6

Junos have ties to Scarborough Page 14

Beaches Jr. A wants Scarborough to ride the tide Page 17

Page 10 2 Events Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013 What’s happening Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 22 23 24 25 26 27 Earth Day Toronto Cat Rescue Garage sale Adopt-a-thon April PetSmart United Church 12 William Kitchen Rd. 3739 Kingston Rd. April 26-28 9-11:30 a.m. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 28 29 30 2 3 4 World Press 1 Freedom Day International Dance Day May

5 6 7 8 9 Arthritis 10 11 Self-Management Program 20th Annual Ride World Red for the Rouge Cross Day Agincourt Rouge Valley 155 Bonis Ave. Conservation Centre May 10 & 17 1749 Meadowvale Rd. 2-4 p.m. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6th Annual Scarborough Walk of Fame Scarborough Town “Byng Spring Fling... Centre It’s The Thing” 300 Borough Dr. Community Festival 11 a.m. West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre 313 Pharmacy Ave. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Victoria Day World Turtle Day Sloane Public School Fun Fair Sloane Public School 110 Sloane Ave. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 26 27 28 29 30 31 Canterbury Creative Arts St. Dunstan of Canterbury Anglican Church 1 56 Lawson Rd. May 30-May 31, 1-9 p.m. June 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Projection Booth Cinema Children’s Day 1035 Gerrard St. E June 4-9, showtimes vary www.scarboroughfilmfestival.com for more information

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Relay For Life in Scarborough Canadian Cancer Society Morningside Park World Day 390 Morningside Ave. Against June 14-15, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Child Labour Tickets $20 16 17 18 19 21 22 Relay For Life in Go Skateboarding the Beaches Day Canadian Cancer Ellesmere Community Society Centre www.relayforlife.ca/ 20 Canadian Rd. beaches for more 12-3 p.m. information 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 International Day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficing

30 UTSC Farmers’ Market Scarborough’s outer parking lot #4 Military Trail between Morningside and Ellesmere Every Wednesday, 3-7 p.m. http://blog.utsc.utoronto.ca/farmersmarket for more information

Calendar by SeYoung Park Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer 3

The Scarborough Table of Observer Contents Magazine

Vol. 2, No. 2 l April 2013 NEWS 7 4 Breast Reconstruction Managing Editor Corey Savard Asst. Managing Editor James Tessier 5 Scarborough Crime Rate Production Editor SeYoung Park & Joie Ann Merana 5 Eastern GTA Eco Summit Asst. Production Editor Ali Raza Photo Editor Sola DaSilva 6 Ethnic Grocery Stores News Editor Taylor Giffin 7 Positive Ticketing Sports Editor Larry Cheung Copy Editors Samantha Bridges Alissa Heidman ARTS & LIFE 15 Editorial staff 9 Spring’s Calling for Colour D eidra Barton 12 Spring/Summer Men’s Fashion Angelica Bottaro

Linda Cotrina 13 Art From a Child’s Perspective Katherine Forte 14 Junos Have Ties to Scarborough Alexandra Gater 15 Four Best Patios Amirul Islam Joanne Kaileh Madolyn MacCallum Lucy Oneka Mark Cadiz 17 Naomi Grosman SPORTS & LEISURE Arooj Yaqub Paula Last 16 Tyler Toffoli Shines for Kings Lauren LiBetti 16 Growth of Madalyn Hamann 17 Beaches Jr. A Sun Lingmeng 18 Scarborough Hosts OHFs

18 Faculty Editors Eric McMillan Andrew Mair Philip Alves torontoobserver.ca

The Scarborough Observer News Magazine published by journalism students at the campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Room 149, P.O. Box 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, Ont. M1K 5E9. Email: [email protected] Phone: 416-289-5107 Fax: 416-289-5111 4 News Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013 Cancer fundraiser at Rouge Valley

Deidra Barton & makes things happen for time to explain about what a seamless program from Angelica Bottaro Healing Hope benefits patients others,” said Colle. “Her they are trying to achieve diagnosis to treatment,” she Letna as she calls herself, is There were around 200 fight has just begun, but it with the fundraiser. said. he St. Peter and Paul the cancer survivor that put people supprting Letna and will be a success if we’re “We feel we can offer bet- The fundraiser had an Banquet Hall was together the Healing Hope her goal, including Mike with her.” ter treatment in a communi- amazing turnout, and the Tdressed up to the Fundraising Brunch on Colle, the MPP for the Eg- Guest speakers Tracy ty hospital,” he said. hospital system in the nines this weekend for a Sunday to raise money for linton/Lawrence riding. Asano, Letna’s acting sur- Tracy Asano thinks that community will benefit from fundraiser to give back to the cancer patients throughout “We need more Letna’s geon, and Dr. James Chiar- the entire experience for what Ms. Letna has done for Rouge Valley Health system. the Rouge Valley hospital to get involved. She is a one otto were also in attendance. patients should be better. her community. Letna Allen-Rowe, or Ms. systems. of a kind superwoman. She Dr. Chiarotto took his “Our goal is to make it

The Rouge Valley Health System ben- efitted from a fundraiser recently. The event featured a fashion show.

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lO For more on this story, visit us online at toronto observer.ca

Angelica Bottaro // Scarborough Observer Breast reconstruction available in Scarborough

Patients’ wait times are shortened “Because we all work together and try and make it multicultural to reflect there are three fully-trained plas- our racial diversity,” Wong said. “What Joie Ann Merana “Only 20 per cent of women in tic surgeons operating at the same was fascinating was a lot of people are going through recon- time … we end up cutting the time in stayed for all of it. That is what sur- he Scarborough Hospital (TSH) is struction and what we figured out is half,” Wong said, “which is better for prised me.” offering a service not many peo- that women just don’t know,” Wong the patient because you don’t get as TSH is planning to have quarterly Tple are aware of. said. “Not only do you have to find much anaesthetic and sessions so patients The community hospital is offer- the information, but you have to find the recovery is so have information ing breast reconstruction surgery for someone that actually does it. And much better.” “available to them women who have undergone a mastec- when you actually do, it’s a long TSH wants to raise We’re the only com- all year round, and tomy. waiting list.” awareness in the com- not just that one Dr. Sarah Wong, a plastic and re- Breast reconstruction surgery can munity. The hospital munity hospital that month.” constructive surgeon at TSH, and her be done in two ways. Patients can hosts an annual Breast started to offer to do The assistance colleagues Dr. Timothy Sproule and either choose to have implants or use Reconstrution Aware- that TSH offers does Dr. Narayanan Nandagopal decided to their own tissue as an alternative. ness (BRA) day in Oc- [breast reconstruc- not only make the offer the service to help shorten wait “Implants are a lot faster and you tober with information tion] because of the hospital different but times for patients seeking surgery. can get them done fairly quickly,” sessions. it attracts patients “We’re the only community hospi- Wong said. “The one where you use In 2012, the event long wait. from all walks of life tal that started to offer to do (breast your own tissue is a lot harder. Not had a positive turnout - Sarah Wong and various cultures. reconstruction) because of the long as many people are trained in doing with Asian and Tamil “I can definitely wait,” Wong said. it and it takes a little bit longer for television networks tell in our communi- Many women who have undergone recovery.” covering it. The event ty, patients appre- mastectomies are not aware recon- The surgery often takes about was offered in three languages: En- ciate having the option of doing the struction is offered as part of their eight hours, but at TSH it can be glish, Tamil and Chinese. surgery closer to home,” Wong said. treatment. done in four. “The push for Scarborough was to 5 Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer News Walk fight on Chine Drive Some residents don’t want to lose their rural-looking street, while others want sidewalks to improve safety Alissa Heidman and two cars coming either little misleading is that if we way when children are walk- put a sidewalk in we’re going lthough construc- ing home,” she said. to be removing 40 or 50 trees, tion on Chine Drive Some residents take pride well that’s actually not true,” Asidewalks was to in the sidestreet for its ru- he said. start this spring, a resident’s ral-country feel while others A total of 22 small trees environmental concerns has detest it for lacking sidewalks. must be removed in order stalled the project. Since the appeal, ’s to rebuild the road. He says Chine Drive Public School environment ministry must no more than that will be re- is located at the end of the now assess the project and moved with the construction street making the roadway decide whether to allow the of the elevated walkways. a main path for construction or “Our proposal is to put a students. A peti- demand the city sidewalk or a walkway in and tion online with come up with an- not have any more impact on 108 supporters is other plan. the environmental aspect of asking Mayor Rob Crawford says the street,” he said. “We’re Ford and Coun. Our proposal Chine Drive is in working with residents to en- Gary Crawford of is to put a need of renova- sure we have that country feel, Ward 36 to have tion apart from and be very environmentally the sidewalks in sidewalk or a the sidewalk issue. sensitive to all their needs.” by summer. That walkway in “We have to re- Crawford says he agrees deadline is now and not have construct the road with residents and their wish- unattainable. regardless, it’s in es to maintain the rural-look- A resident of any more im- such deteriora- ing side street, but there are Chine Drive and pact on the tion. I think that other important aspects to a mother to a all of the residents take into consideration. young student at environmen- are in agreement “There’s a very busy school Chine Drive Pub- tal aspect of on that,” he said. at the end of the street and lic School wished He says many there are kids that need to not to be named the street residents are be- have the ability to walk safely out of fear her ing misled in what to and from school,” he said. opinion would - Coun. Gary is intended to be Until Ontario’s environ- anger other resi- Crawford done. He insists ment ministry comes up with dents. She explains the city plans to a decision, plans to put in side- the dangers for put in elevated walks cannot be seen through. children in the winter without walkways without causing any Compromise is hoped to ful- Alissa Heidman // Scarborough Observer sidewalks. serious environmental harm. fill the needs of all residents “I think [we] need them, “One of the concerns that on Chine Drive. Chine Drive warns drivers the street has no sidewalks and to watch you can imagine snow banks residents are saying that is a for students. Scarborough starts the year Eco Summit with lower homicide rate focuses on Paula Last ception that Scarborough has Thompson said, “They’re a “They say a lot,” he said. high crime rates is unfair. snapshot.” “Look at the facts, Toronto.” mass transit carborough and North The negative reputation Vella agrees. Kelly suggested the part of York’s homicide rates that Scarborough sometimes “I wouldn’t say Scarbor- the city known as the City of Corey Savard Swere the lowest in holds is “absolutely unde- ough’s a bad area at all,” he Toronto before amalgama- he Smart Commute program an- Toronto for the first three served,” Kelly said. said. “Like anything else in tion be renamed “Queen’s” nounced its expansion into Scarbor- months of 2013, according “Crime happens all life, it’s a small group of peo- with the media citing the Tough at the University of Toronto to Toronto statistics. over the city,” Thompson ple that cause the problems.” name when a crime occurs. Scarborough’s (UTSC) second annual Eco But what do these statistics said. “We don’t believe that Kelly, however, thinks the “It wouldn’t take long for Summit on April 12. really tell us about how safe (crime in Scarborough) is overall crime statistics show people to realize where most Antoine Belaieff, director of innovation at these areas are? based on the water.” Scarborough is safer than the crime is occurring,” Kelly , the company behind the Sma- The Observer spoke with As for the statistics, rest of the city. said. ret Commute program, says public transit Const. Tony Vella of the To- plays a large role in Toronto’s future in ronto police to find out. reducing greenhouse gas emission. “It’s hard to give you an “I heard a member of Parliament say exact answer,” Vella said. we weren’t doing anything — well, Union Only three out of 15 ho- Station is a war zone,” said Belaieff in micides occurred east of Vic- reference to the Union Station Revitalization toria Park Avenue. Project, one of five projects currently laid Statistics from the Toron- out in Metrolinx’s “big move.” to Star’s homicide map show Construction is already underway on the that in 2011 and 2012, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT that will extend Scarborough homicide rate the existent line from Kennedy Station to was higher than in the rest of Conlins Road. the city. Smart Commute Scarborough works with Scarborough makes up 23 employers in the area to explore alter- per cent of Toronto’s pop- natives and implement solutions to fight ulation, but in 2012 nearly gridlock. 26 per cent of homicides occurred in Scarborough. In l For more on this story, 2011 it was 28 per cent. please visit us online at Coun. Michael Thompson (Ward 27) and Coun. Norm Photo courtesy of Toronto Police Service @ torontoobserver.ca Kelly (Ward 40) said the per- Up to March 31, three murders have occurred in Scarborough. O 6 News Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer LIVING ON THE EDGE Ali Raza “This is the latest project un- dertaken along the Scarborough Bluffs erosion project aims to protect Meadowcliffe A majestic view lined by cliffs, waterfront,” Preston said. “The beaches and a waterfront. authority has commenced erosion It is not often how Scarborough control projects since the mid ’80s, shoreline and promote cliff-saving vegetation is described, but it could be if the so there’s a number of sectors com- city’s hidden gem is preserved from pleted.” erosion. The projects start at the East The Scarborough Bluffs form the Bellamy ravine and continue to shore for most of the Scarborough Morningside Avenue. Erosion on waterfront. The bluffs have suf- the Meadowcliffe shoreline began fered through decades of erosion. to accelerate in 2006, prompting Due to this, infrastructure and Meadowcliffe residents to implore property along the shoreline are the TRCA to find a solution. threatened. As the TRCA’s main goal is to The Toronto and Region Conser- preserve the properties along the vation Authority (TRCA) is sched- shore, one resident of Meadow- uled to complete the Meadowcliffe cliffe believes the value of the Drive Erosion Control Project by Bluffs is overlooked. July of this year. The project started “It’s absolutely beautiful,” Mead- in 2011 and aims to prevent further owcliffe Drive resident Susan Scin- erosion on the Meadowcliffe shore- occa said. “It’s the littlest known line. feature in the city. There’s so much “It’s providing erosion protection potential for a bike path, walking to 10 properties on Meadowcliffe trails. To not take advantage of that Drive,” said Mark Preston, senior is ridiculous.” construction supervisor at TRCA. Scinocca recalls the rate of ero- “The east end of Meadowcliffe sion from when she first bought her Drive is an Ontario Heritage prop- property 15 years ago to now. erty,” Preston said. “All the proper- “We had a tree taken down,” Ali Raza // Scarborough Observer ties there would be at risk other- Scinocca said. “It was so close to Meadowcliffe resident Susan Scinocca shows the extent of cliff erosion where a tree used to stand. wise.” the edge that as it swayed it was The erosion on the Bluffs is doing damage to the cliff so the In response to the growing con- of the cliff.” the much needed protection for caused mostly by wave action from TRCA had us take it down. Since cern from Meadowcliffe residents, the TRCA is designing the headland Meadowcliffe Drive. the lake. As waves hit the bottom we’ve moved in we’ve lost about a TRCA is constructing cobblestone beach system so that the cliffs slope “It’s the most pure piece of shoreline they slowly chisel away foot a year.” barriers to absorb wave damage. downward towards the beach. This land,” Scinocca said. “Scarborough the bottom of the cliff. The top of As she pointed to the remaining “Through analysis by coastal en- will allow vegetation to form on gets such a bad rap. I really don’t the cliff weakens and falls into the tree stump, Scinocca said it was gineers, we’ve determined the size the slope thereby strengthening the understand why the Bluffs aren’t lake. This damage had been going not long ago when they could drive and design of the structures,” Pres- cliffs. promoted. It’s geologically very sig- on until the TRCA decided to start a lawnmower around it. Today, the ton said. “The design is looking at a The project is expected to be nificant and it’s very unique in the protection projects. stump rests at the edge of the cliff. long-term stable slope on the edge completed by July and will provide world.”

n community Ethnic business booming in Scarborough No Frills leading grocery stores in responding to demographic shift Mark A. Cadiz every retailer needs to take their regular products. upermarket chain No into consideration when “Ten years ago, we Mark A. Cadiz // Scarborough Observer Frills is ahead of the moving its operations had an ethnic aisle, but As part of Loblaw Companies Limited, grocery store chain No Frills has Sgame. forward. now the ethnic products boosted its ethnic offerings over the past 10 years. Ten years ago, No Jonis Remulla, a store have become part of the Frills started to integrate manager at No Frills near mainstream,” Remulla said. is on everyone’s radar sumers. market demands, are in a international products into Victoria Park Avenue and “Today if you want an eth- and the demand for “They are improving and better competitive posi- its general product offer- St. Clair Avenue East, says nic pop it’s in the pop aisle, these products means a they keep adding more tion, especially when they ings possibly giving them they’ve integrated some of not the ethnic aisle.” re-marketing approach ethnic products,” No Frills are situated in immigrant a head start in today’s their ethnic offerings with The ethnic consumer which attracts nearby shopper Basanth David neighbourhoods. grocery race while others communities. said. “Today I’m looking for Remulla says there is followed their lead. In its April 5–11 flyer, No atta flour to make roti.” increasing growth in the The most recent data Frills wishes consumers a Atta flour originates ethnic business, which is gathered by Statistics Ten years ago , we had an ethnic Happy Vaisakhi, a festival from India and neighbour- reflected in the popula- Canada predict that by aisle, but now the ethnic products celebrated in northern ing countries. It’s com- tion. He says you would 2031, 63 per cent of the have become part of the India, by marking down monly used to prepare the be naive to run a grocery GTA will be ethnically Indian-based foods. It’s an South Asian bread roti. store without any ethnic visible, a leap from 43 per mainstream advertising strategy that Retailers who have been products. You need to cent in 2006. These are - Jonis Remulla enables them to engage pro-active and tweaked have a little bit for every- staggering numbers which with their targeted con- their strategies to match one. 7 Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer News

Yum, apples. Fresh fruit is even yummier when it’s grown locally.

Make a living in your backyard Scarborough’s Red Pocket Farm specializes in growing Asian vegetables for the locals

Corey Savard in , was City Farming’s boxes is yards for decades simply be- in food education. turn to farming as a last re- founded by Ran Goel. The grown in Southern Ontario. cause it was a way of life in Urban farming has a long sort. Before founding Fresh carberians are look- company delivers boxes of At least 80 per cent of pro- their native countries. history in Rouge Park with City, Goel was an invest- ing closer to home organic food grown by ur- duce at Loblaws is imported, Amy Cheung is the own- the Reesor family farming ment lawyer in New York. Sfor fresh fruits and ban farmers right to your and their definition of local er and head farmer of Red on the property since 1804. He holds a business degree vegetables, literally in their door. Goel believes organic is ‘from Canada.’ Pocket Farm in Scarbor- There are several farms lo- from the Schulich School of backyards. produce grown in the city “So instead of telling ough. This is her first year cated in the park with farm- Business at , Small land farmers are are not only the healthiest, someone to eat more veg- with City Fresh Farming, ers being granted 20-25 year a master’s degree in political growing everything from but the most honest. gies, they see why it tastes but farming became her pas- leases. However, the Reesor economy from the London apples to carrots that are 100 “With urban farming, you so good compaired to some- sion 10 years ago when she family lost 120 of their 800 School of Economics and a per cent organic. They’re get to meet the farmers and thing that was just harvest- was in Central America. In acres due to tree planting law degree from the Univer- making a living by selling learn about the environmen- ed,” Goel said. 2003, Cheung was a volun- by . This is a sity of Toronto. their produce in start-up tal and social impact of food Goel says there are many teer in a farming village in common case with large Farmers who sell with markets through a box deliv- and why organic is impor- immigrant families in Scar- Costa Rica. It was there that plot urban farms across the Fresh City are serious en- ery service. tant,” Goel said. borough that have been she learned how to grow country. trepreneurs who strive for a Fresh City Farming, based Eighty per cent of Fresh growing food in their back- food and gained her belief Goel and his farmers didn’t healthier community.

Agincourt Police ticket the good guys branch of Toronto Public oping the program, approximately 20 posi- James Tessier Library. tive tickets were handed out as a pilot to see ines, demerit points and suspensions how officers would respond. are a few things that await a person “One of our biggest concerns was that it Fwho has been ticketed by a police of- would be a hard sell to officers because it ficer. However, police in Scarborough’s 42 kind of goes against the grain of policing,” division are trying a new way to use tickets: Hung said. “...but the response has been fan- to reward instead of punish. tastic, way more than I expected.” Positive ticketing recognizes good behav- Hung explained they want to see as many iour. good deeds as possible, but these tickets are Officers can give out positive tickets when not going to be given out frivolously so they they notice someone doing something that can remain meaningful. they can say “thank you” for. Rajiv Singh received a positive ticket after Patricia Hung, project manager helping an officer identify a missing man. for the new initiative, says there are levels of He believes this new initiative will not only rewards. encourage peo- “The first ple to do good level, the deeds, but also Scarborough libraries tickets comes help connect with a cou- the community pon for Mc- to the police of support entrepreneurs eight-week ‘Business course, Business Inc. Donald’s, the 42 division. Ali Raza Mac’s Con- “To me it Inc.’ program. reaches out to citizens venience, and builds a rela- It is offered at the far from the city core Pizza Pizza,” tionship be- tarting a business Northern District, with the help of library Albion, and Scarbor- Hung said. tween myself may be challenging, infrastructure. S ough’s own Agincourt “If it goes right now and but there is help! “Together we worked branch. Local libraries are on a curriculum,” above and the police, it is The program starts in offering a program for Vanderkooy said. “Dif- beyond, then a totally differ- mid-April and ends in James Tessier // Scarborough Observer entrepreneurs. ferent modules that they have op- ent relationship the beginning of June. “It really helps peo- help people understand tions to pick from before,” Participants attend Constable Patricia Hung, program manager, ple who have no idea what it takes to be a a level two, Singh said. with ‘positive ticket’ recipient Rajiv Singh. how to begin a busi- a series of modules successful entrepre- which is up “You know ness,” says Kevin Sum, designed to assist neur, the kind of mar- to the offi- you are always a Scarborough-based budding entrepreneurs ket research, how to do cer’s discretion, and they can get a gift card scared of police when they tell you this is entrepreneur who par- start their own small successful marketing, from a local sponsor which values around not right, that is not right, but you have a ticipated in 2012. venture. Current busi- the operating frame- $20.” positive attitude towards everything and I In collaboration with ness owners can learn work and financing.” Dave Saunders gets credit for think it is s good idea.” the Toronto Busi- how to expand their “It teaches you how the unique idea of positive tickets, which has So next time a police officer approaches ness Development reach. to find resources and been adopted in other countries on a smaller you, it may not be for a bad reason, but per- Centre and the city of Unlike a traditional how the library can Toronto, TPL offers the scale. haps to recognize you for something good community college help,” Sum said. During six months of planning and devel- you have done. 8 News Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013 workers roar over potential lockout Conciliation with Zoo staff is not only wor- ried about themselves, but union ‘has not also the well-being of the animals they care for. worked so far,’ “Anybody who goes into a zookeeping job … you do management it because you love looking after those animals,” said official says Jennifer Martin, zookeeper at the Eurasia section of the zoo. “To be put in a situation Naomi Grosman where you know somebody else may have to look after panda was spotted those animals, it’s difficult.” outside Toronto The giant pandas are the ACity Hall on April ones making headlines these 11. The cold, windy and days, but all the animals wet weather didn’t seem to would be affected by the bother him much. He had lockout. McKenzie men- more important things to Naomi Grosman // Scarborough Observer tioned it is mating season for worry about. the Sumatran tiger and pen- Members of CUPE Local 1600 voice their frustration at the state of contract negotiaitions with manage- A Toronto Zoo worker ment of the Toronto Zoo. The workers face a potential lockout, which the zoo will be in a legal position to guin chicks were just born. who was wearing a panda impose at the end of April. If zoo staff are locked out, costume was there to sup- managerial staff would have port his fellow co-workers. to take care of the animals. They could be locked out of CUPE Local 1600, manage- end of April. marketing, communications from a concession package Although a lot of manage- their jobs at the end of April. ment at the zoo is pushing Zoo officials said in a and partnerships. that management brought rial staff have previous care- Toronto Zoo workers and workers towards a lockout. statement the parties have McKenzie said she found forward at the beginning of taking experience, many of members of the Canadian “We’ve made it very clear reached an impasse. that statement perplexing. bargaining, which included them haven’t done so in Union of Public Employ- to them that we want to talk, “Although the parties have “To say that we’re at an cuts to bereavement pay, years. ees (CUPE) were at city hall that we’ve always wanted to been meeting regularly at the impasse would kind of imply sick pay and job security. Al- “There is certainly a high to raise awareness about the talk,” McKenzie said. bargaining table since Febru- that we’ve been having some though the union came back level of expertise and ex- potential lockout they are Management filed for a ary, conciliation with CUPE conversations and we really with what it calls a modest perience in the work force facing. no-board report last week, Local 1600 has not worked haven’t,” McKenzie adds. package, McKenzie says con- that cannot be replicated According to Christine meaning the zoo will be in so far,” said Jennifer Tracey, McKenzie said the main versations with management at the management level,” McKenzie, president of legal lockout position at the the zoo’s senior director of areas of disagreement stem have not been constructive. McKenzie said. Scarborough campus has Grade A appeal

Larry Cheung University of Toronto Scarborough he University of Toronto Scarbor- Campus attracting better students, Tough is sneaking up on bigger-name schools school’s public affairs director says and winning students over. The “dark-horse” campus is receiving more applicants as Scarborough students want to remain close to home. “The increased academic quality of those applicants means that UTSC has dou- bled the number of early offers of admission,” said Shelley Romoff, director of public affairs. Scarborough students have a place to continue their education without paying a premium to move out. Living at home and com- Larry Cheung // Scarborough Observer muting to school saves fi- ‘I chose to go to UTSC because their facilities are better and are known to be the best campus out of the three campuses that belong nancial stress on both stu- to the U of T family,’ Scarborough resident and third-year student Anujah Posarajah says. dents and their families. Scarborough resident Anujah Posarajah, a third- a better facility and learning the best campus out of the ing to continue this positive upon the kind of univer- environment — UTSC year student at the St. experience. three campuses that be- reception and will continue sity experience they hope becomes very appealing,” George campus, chose to “I chose to go to UTSC long to the U of T family,” to invest more into their fa- to have — a prestigious U said Curtis Cole, registrar enroll at UTSC because she because their facilities are Posarajah said. cilities and programs. of T education in a small- and director of enrolment thought that campus offered better and are known to be UTSC directors are hop- “As more students reflect er, supportive community management. 9 Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer Arts & Life Spring’s calling for colour It’s the time of year to watch out for the latest trends, but for students on a budget it could get tricky Thrift shop finds Mark A. Cadiz Forever 21 finds pring is finally here and printed t-shirts paired and splashes of co- with a boyfriend blazer or Slour are what it’s all jeans create an edgier look. about. Radam’s advice for the Bright, bold and neon fashion savvy on a budget seem to be the trend right is to invest in a good qual- now, so don’t be shy to add ity basic t-shirt. a little punch to your spring “Even a plain white, wardrobe, even if you are black and grey shirt,” on a budget. Radam said. “Because you Retail fashion expert can dress it up in so many Aprille Radam, who has different ways. You can been in the retail business tuck it into a skirt, wear for eight years, has noticed it with jeans and add a a transition from flowing chunky necklace, you can clothing to stronger lines wear it with leggings or an this season. oversized blazer.” “Pops of colour, bright- Nicolette Mendoza, ening on colours, neon yel- journalism student at the lows mixed in with blue,” University of Toronto Radam said. “Also black Scarborough, tries her best and white to budget is a defi- when it nite trend comes to Earrings found at Value Village- $2.99 right now clothes. As Earrings found at Forever 21- $4.80 heading a student into spring she pays and it’s rent and accented Buy things averages 15 by ponte to 20 hours fit dresses, you know of work a shirts and week. skirts.” “I buy For the you will wear practical stylish things,” student, and not just Mendoza adding to said. “Tops the spring becasue they or blouses collection are some- doesn’t are on sale. thing I can necessar- wear casu- ily mean - Nicolette Mendoza ally, but breaking if I need the bank. to dress If you up more, spend, it can be then save it dressed up for staple and still items that look pro- last longer. fessional, Tollethia something Summer dress found at Forever 21- $18.99 Summer dress found at Value Village- $7.99 Shepherd, retail associate at versatile.” Scarborough Town Centre, Students like Mendoza says the maxi dress is may have a soft spot for worth investing in because fashion, but sometimes of the flexibility it offers. they have to be patient and “You can use it in so express some self-control. many ways,” Shepherd said. “Buy things you know “You can add a denim vest you will wear and not just to it, a denim jacket or a because they are on sale,” belt to it. You can dress it she said. down with scandals, what- Everyone is differ- ever you like.” ent. Whatever your style Radam has also ob- is, there is an affordable served the younger crowd, colour out there for you, 18 to 24, have a more so have some fun and add casual lifestyle approach. a little spring to your step Floral patterns are popular this season.

Mark A. Cadiz and Joanne Kaileh photos // Scarborough Observer

Complete outfit found at Value Village for $21 Complete outfit found at Forever 21 for $53 10 Feature Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013

Young duo learns to live through Xylk Lorena, 20, and Angela Abrenica, 20, have performed in various Toronto locations. They have both fused their own genres to create the unique sound of Plaitwrights.

Xylk Lorena and Angela Abrenica of Plaitwrights say their collective experience has been their greatest teacher

Joie Ann Merana Plaitwrights see from you,” Abrenica said. EP soon. The audience can Photos by Joie Ann Merana/Alexandra Gater // Scarborough Observer their name as a rep- Teacups, French conver- expect live music and a mix resentation of their sations and tableaus fill the of new and old music they With instruments, their always in her future. She took I can actually use in intertwining music music video. Although the have created. voices and a vision, two up independent music at [my] music too,” Lorena said. styles. audience may not understand Abrenica says she used young musicians are showing . “And the networks that I had They have performed it at first, every element in the what she learned at Seneca that life and music are their “For me, from school, various shows in Toronto. video has a purpose, the duo but both say what they have greatest teachers. ever since I was I use now to Athough they face challenges says. learned through each other Xylk (pronounced Silk) young I’ve al- this day. So such as time management, “First of all, with anything has taught them the most Lorena, 20, and Angela ways wanted to as cliché as it creating an identity and mak- that we do we don’t want to about their music. Abrenica, 20, have two dis- imagine [mak- sounds, every- ing it big in the music scene, make it easy for anyone,” Lo- “We’re our own teach- tinct styles of music. They ing it big],” thing happens they say they are dedicated to rena said. “Not to say that we ers,” Lorena said. “I feel like never expected to come Abrenica said. for a reason.” pursuing what they are pas- want to make it harder but we she’s one of my professors ... together and create a duo: “Xylk would The spell- sionate about. wanted to make a challenge the experiences that we give Plaitwrights (pronounced always tell me It’s pretty much ing for their “We’re blessed to have for them to dig deeper.” each other are the lessons. In Playwrights). the whole Law saying,like, go name, Plait- each other,” Lorena said. “It’s Plaitwrights hope to launch a sense we’re teaching each “We went to Centre Island of Attraction for your dreams wrights, also easier to be in a duo.” their own other. We just wanted to take and she was on her guitar,” thing and how has its reason. Their music video, “Take”, a different route.” Lorena said. “We were at the if you imagine and don’t let Lorena came was recently released on picnic table and I heard her it and if you anyone take up with it in YouTube. The song sing ... and I thought I had to believe it with anything from his English was first written get her a mixtape!” your whole class. when Abrenica Lorena and Abrenica heart then the you. “I was was in high worked together on various universe will sleeping in school and songs before uploading their give it to you. - Angela Abrenica English .... My faced the first YouTube video. The two Of course I’d teacher woke judg- collaborated and recorded like to think me up and ments their first song in 2009. Their that we’re go- he was like, of her time in their makeshift re- ing somewhere.” ‘Playwright,’” Lorena said. “I parents cording studio was a memo- Graduating from Blessed spelled it out and I wrote it as she was rable one. Cardinal Newman Catholic down on my paper and it was constantly “We recorded in my closet High School in Scarborough, p-l-a-y...I wanted it to relate treated “like and it was padded with mat- Lorena saw his music only as to my name as well where a kid.” tress foam,” Lorena said. “It a hobby. As his passion grew it’s pronounced silk but it’s “It’s pretty was my best friend’s mom’s stronger, he had to make a not spelled silk. So I was like. much saying, mattress and we had to sneak decision between school and OK, maybe playwright with like, go for it out and cut it up. Hair was a music career. p-l-a-i-t and two weeks later your dreams growing out of it. It was hi- “It was difficult to leave my art teacher told me there’s and don’t let larious.” [school] but I feel like I a meaning to that: she said anyone take For Abrenica, music was learned so many things that ‘yeah, it means to braid.’” anything away 11 Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer Feature

Get to know Plaitwrights: • Plaitwrights is set to perform on June 8 at the AGO for a youth organi- zation called Big bam boom. • Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Plaitwrights • Twitter and Instagram: @Plaitwrights • Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Plaitwrights 12 Arts & Life Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013 SpringSpring inin theirtheir ssteptep Three men’s designers present latest trends for 2013, combining break dancing and fashion

Fashion and break danc- ing come together as three young Toronto designers create something new. The designers, twins Weiming Yuan and Weidong Yuan, 19, and Patrick Lum, 20, creat- ed their line known as Aeon Attire in May, 2012. They wanted to create some- thing new and unisex for a wider audience. Starting as friends with a passion for dance, and transition- ing into business partners was both a challenging and positive experience for the team. Above, fashionable tapers meant to accessorize pant cuffs, and bright co- lours are part of their line shown, below. They have beanies, shirts and sun- glasses.

Joie Ann Merana // Scarborough Observer 13 Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer Arts & Life

Richard Comparey discussed some of his work and his fondness for colour at the Paper Mills gallery in March. Above, Comparey with his painting “Nostalgia” and other works.

Mark A. Cadiz // Scarborough Observer

ChildSight exhibition features artists’ interpretation from Kiddie kritics young people’s point of view

Mark A. Cadiz displaying artists’ interpreta- borough Arts program di- “I was fascinated by the of the challenge of Child- “The kids were spontane- tions of how children might rector, is ecstatic about the idea of ChildSight,” Com- Sight was trying to remem- ous but some of the young- urious to see art see the world. Celebrating exhibit and the attention it is parey said. “Being able to ber what it was like to be a er kids came up with some through a child’s its 28th year, Scarborough receiving. show my work to kids and kid again. assessments that were really Ceyes? Arts is doing what it does “It was a bit of an ex- getting their feedback on it. “The exhibit is also about profound,” Rozeboom said. An exhibition organized best: getting local children periment,” Rozeboom said. Children have a more intui- having the artist look back The exhibit is on now un- by Scarborough Arts, a non- involved. “It was a great experience tive perspective on life and and think about how they til March 24 at Paper Mills profit organization serving Grade 3 and Grade 8 stu- for the kids involved, to be it’s like getting the pure in- saw things as a child—it’s Gallery at Todmorden Mills. the art community over the dents from Warden Avenue validated and that they too, stincts of an image without nostalgia,” Comparey said. The opening reception is on last three decades, is trying to and Military Trail public could have an opinion about the biases.” The artists have yet March 21. do just that with ChildSight. schools in Scarborough were art.” Comparey got the idea of to hear the critiques, but You can hear the kids’ re- As part of its annual ju- invited to critique selected Artist Richard Compar- his painting from a photo- some responses were more actions to Comparey’s work ried show, ChildSight is an works. ey had his work critiqued by graph he came across during meaningful than the kids along with other artists here array of visual art works Cindy Rozeboom, Scar- some of the young students. an art class, he said. A part might have realized. at ChildSight’s feedback. The limelight shines on Scarborough

Naomi Grosman ting sponsors and adver- tisements, which will help, oronto has TIFF, spread the word about the has Cannes festival. Tand now Scarborough All of the festival’s staff will have its very own film fes- are volunteers. Many of tival. The Scarborough Film them are from Scarborough, Festival will be held this sum- Petrov has noticed only a bridge that gap between which is ideal because they mer on June 4-9. few events happen in Scar- East York and Scarbor- have that extra passion that Sergei Petrov, co-director borough compared to the ough.” comes from a personal con- of the festival, has been a rest of the city. He hopes This is the first year the nection, says Petrov. Scarborough resident for 15 to highlight Scarborough film festival is being held The festival got more years, until recently. talent. and Petrov expects many than 300 submissions, He says he recognizes the “Our hope is definitely to more to come. It’s a chal- which is huge for a new talent that Scarborough has get people in Scarborough lenge to get sponsors be- festival and proves that they to offer for the arts scene to come see the movies but cause the festival still hasn’t are off to a solid start. For Naomi Grosman // Scarborough Observer in the GTA and believes it also to bring more people made a name for itself. This more information visit the Sergei Petrov, co-director of the Scarborough deserves more positive at- in to Scarborough.” Petrov year, the staff persevered website scarboroughfilm- Film Festival. tention. said. “Our goal is also to and has succeeded in get- festival.com 14 Arts & Life Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013 The Wooden Sky get Juno nod Scarborough band’s latest record nominated for 2013 Juno award

Madolyn MacCallum drummer. “It feels very rewarding. It was a nice weighty silver surprise that we were nom- human figurine inated.” A might be moving to This nomination is the Scarborough from Regina band’s first and they were in April. If it does, it won’t excited to hear the news. be alone. “The first feeling was to The figurine may be in call my mum,” Kekweich the hands of a Toronto said. “I think the minute band member, as this year’s we heard, we all sort of got Juno Awards have a tie to on our phones and called Scarborough. our moms, that was the Andrew Kekewich and instinct.” his band, The Wooden Kekewich said the group Photo courtesy of The Wooden Sky Sky, have been nominated was invited to a nomina- Three of The Wooden Sky band members from left, Gavin Gardiner, Andrew Kekewich, Edwin Huizinga at in the Roots and Tradi- tion breakfast party where the Juno nominations party. The band is up for an award in the Roots and Traditional Album of the Year tional Album of the Year the nominations are an- category Group category at this nounced. year’s awards, for their lat- “It was really exciting for est record, Every Child as us,” he said. That weekend will in- The Juno Cup is where been together for about six ductive winter for us, so Daughter. The guys are looking for- clude a number of events some of the musicians face years. The members met we have quite a few new “It’s a nice feeling to ward to the Juno weekend, including: a hockey game, off against former NHL through Ryerson Univer- songs,” Kekewich said. “It’s be in the company of April 19–21. Their flights The Juno Cup, on Friday; players. Gavin Gardiner, sity. shaping up pretty nice.” the other artists that are booked and they can’t a dinner gala on Saturday lead vocalist and songwriter “Gavin met Wyatt at an The Wooden Sky will be were nominated as well,” wait for the events that night; and then the tele- of The Wooden Sky, is set open mic night at Ryer- stepping into the studio says Kekewich, the band’s await them that weekend. vised event on Sunday. to participate in the Friday son, and so they sort of for a few days before they game. Kekewich is looking met and started playing head to Regina for the Ju- forward to watching his music together,” Kekewich nos, to track three or four band mate play. said. “Wyatt grew up with songs. Kekewich is looking “Watching Gavin play Simon who just got back forward to how the new hockey is going to be pretty from school in Dalhousie. record will turn out. good. He’s like a six-and-a- They called him up, he “There’s always such an half-foot man, so on skates moved to Toronto, joined interesting evolution from he’s going to be like a sev- the band, and then I would when you first hear the en-foot presence. So that’s say about a couple months songs, and then how you going to be pretty funny, I later I joined from meeting work them out and arrange think, to see,” he said. the guys through Ryer- them to how they actually Aside from watching son.” end up on the record,” he Gardiner play hockey, Right now, the guys are said. Kekewich is most look- working on writing new “So just that process of ing forward to the dinner songs. change and of realizing the gala on Saturday, as that is They converted Gardin- songs and then finally be- Photo courtesy of Justin Broadbent when the award they are er’s garage into their own ing able to hold that record Scarborough’s The Wooden Sky — from left, Andrew Kekewich, Andrew Wyatt, nominated for, will be an- studio where they can write in your hands. I think that’s Simon Walker, Edwin Huizinga and Gavin Gardiner — are up for a Juno. nounced. and demo their songs. what we’re all really excited The Wooden Sky has “It’s been a pretty pro- about right now.”

Dancers’ swagger won’t be beat ‘Eccentric group’ represents UTSC at competition

Joie Ann Merana but winning is not the prior- ground, to someone like ity in our hearts — winning myself where I came from carborough(Sc) is always a bonus,” dancer no dancing background and Swagg represented Kevin Ho, 20, said before relied on YouTube for inspi- Sthe University of the competition, where Sc ration.” Toronto Scarborough Swagg failed to place. “We Sc Swagg has been per- Campus on stage for a feel like as long as we get forming on stages, on and post-secondary hip-hop the message across to the off campus, since 2008, dance competition on audience and we leave our drawing attention to the March 30. hearts on the stage, that’s all university’s eastern suburban The competition known that matters.” campus. as BYOB (Bring your own Ho has been a member “I think most people beat) featured students from of the team since last sum- know University of Toronto Photo courtesy of Justin Broadbent various universities com- mer. Though he is not a as that one (sole) campus Megan MacDonald, Patrick Pil and Faye Hue rehearse their choreography peting and showcasing their student at the campus, his downtown,” dancer Megan ahead of the BYOB dance competition. talents. dedication and admiration MacDonald, 20, said. “They Sc Swagg competed with for the team motivated him don’t really realize that there only six of its members but to stay involved, he said. are all these other groups of the importance of school “I just want people to said. “I think we do have still hoped to make their “We’re a very eccentric people that are involved in spirit and creates a sense of know Scarborough and be a lot of people that sup- mark. group,” Ho said. “We have different campuses.” unity within the community., like, ‘Oh yeah, they’re really port us and it’s been really “Our mindset is to win people that have ballet back- Sc Swagg places focus on MacDonald said. awesome’,” MacDonald good to see.” 15 Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer News Hit the patio, daddy-o!

house at 430 Progress Ave Champions says that this A search for the has a great atmosphere to sports/track betting bar is slug some back and enjoy full of loyal patrons. area’s best the sunshine. Kristina Friz- “The patio gets very busy zell, service manager at the during the summer, and it’s outdoor spots restaurant, thinks it takes mostly regulars. They get more than just a nice patio used to the patio and the Angelica Bottaro to ensure a great experience. betting,” he said. “We have that home feel- With a bar full of regulars, carborough has some ing. We don’t necessarily there has to be a reason they great place to eat and have to have that fine din- keep coming back. Sdrink outdoors: Bos- ing etiquette. Our standards Dexter Hall of Guyana, a ton Pizza, Canyon Creek are set very high, and I think frequent Champions patron, Chophouse, Sports Café that’s what differentiates us,” loves that he has somewhere Champions and The Stone Frizzell says. to go and lay back. Cottage Pub. The atmosphere at Can- “This is a very interesting yon Creek is a sight to see, place. For me, I like it. I’m Boston Pizza and the food is just as good. from Guyana and they have Boston Pizza at 400 Prog- “The best dish — hands places like this but they’re ress Ave is the chain of down — is our prime rib. not as sophisticated as these Boston Pizza, which is obvi- For our steak, it is the eight- ones here. I don’t know if ously successful, and there’s ounce chipotle sirloin with a they’re a little more modern- A ngelica Bottaro // Scarborough Observer good reason for it. tobasco rub topped with a ized there. My dad used to Stone Cottage Pub, a heritage building. Below, Sports Cafe Champions boasts Monica, the day manager goat cheese butter,” Frizzell play sports, so it brings that loyal patrons. at Boston Pizza, thinks the says. kind of vibe when I’m here, restaurant can be for any- Any customer can come and you can have a beer and one. for the food, but will end up just relax,” said Hall. “We have a family crowd staying for the overall expe- as well as older people. We rience the restaurant can of- The Olde Stone Cottage have different crowds and fer. Last but not least, The regulars, and also sports “Our staff is what makes Olde Stone Cottage at 3750 fans. The bar and patio area it memorable,” Frizzell says. Kingston Rd originally built is mostly used by people 25- “We have also added some in 1867 as a family home, 45,” she said. landscape designs to it (the but has had a few different The patio is full of events patio), and there are no trees businesses in it since. Mary and giveaways for anyone of around so it’s just the bright Mahwinney, Olde Stone legal age. sunshine in your face all Cottage employee, says the “We throw four to five pa- day. It’s a really nice place to success of the 30-year-old tio parties over four months. come and enjoy the rest of pub is simple. We have prizes like hats and your evening while the sun “Our food is great. Our t-shirts. Usually if it’s a patio goes down.” service is great. And our party we throw out particu- building is beautiful,” Mah- lar things, like home fridges, Sports Café Champions winney said. televisions, and other small Sports Café Champions As it stands, The Olde prizes. The patio girls come at 2839 Eglington Ave. This Stone Cottage is a heritage too, like the Budweiser sports bar has a good-sized building, and with the sim- girls,” she said. patio to enjoy the summer, ple beauty of it along with and even some gambling. the amazing daily deals they Canyon Creek John Efstathiadis, the offer, it’s an excellent sum- Canyon Creek Chop- owner and manager of mer choice for anyone. Not to fear, but coyotes are here

Taylor Giffin be less noticeable, it is Although they may be important we remember interesting to watch and oyotes have lived coyotes are not pets. observe, it is best to do near urban environ- “It is important to not this from a distance. Cments a long time intentionally feed coy- Should a coyote come but have just recently be- otes,” Karvonen said. to close to you, the best gun to venture into the “Which some people do, maneuver is to make loud concrete jungle. However, as they do with other wild noises and spread and it may not be something to animals.” wave your arms. be worried about. It is also important to If you act scary, the For Scarborough resi- keep your house and yard coyote will get scared and dents, this is especially coyote-proof. should scatter away. important. One of the main rea- A coyote attack is a very Sharing a living space sons coyotes venture into rare occurrence. Although with wild animals is noth- urban areas is for food. you can never be 100 per ing new to people living in But coyotes are not Courtesy // Fotolia cent certain, an incident cities. After all, animals picking through garbage, Coyotes often go into urban areas in search of where a coyote actually such as pigeons, raccoons as a raccoon may do, Kar- food. injures someone is very and squirrels are a com- vonen said. Instead, they unlikely, Karvonen said. mon sight. are searching for mice free of potential homes for would any other wild ani- “It has been over 10 Coyotes, on the other and rats. mice and rats, then you mal. years since a coyote even hand, may not be seen as Scattered bird feed, can also help stop coyotes “A lot of people enjoy nipped someone. In the frequently. But that does not compost piles and pet venturing into your area. looking at them and a lot last two years there have mean they are not there. food left outside all attract More importantly, how- of people, most people ac- been over 1,000 dog bites Nathalie Karvonen, ex- mice and rats. Which, in ever, is to understand tually, have absolutely no in Toronto, including Scar- ecutive director of the To- turn, attract coyotes. these animals do not pres- problem with them being borough, so we just have ronto Wildlife Centre, says If you can make sure ent a threat — so long as around their neighbour- to put things into perspec- that even though they may your house and yard are you treat them like you hood,” Karvonen said. tive.” 16 Sports Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013

Parents Baseball hits a home run cheer local with Scarborough kids lad’s first NHL goal Growth of the Naomi Grosman game at home March 18 is a date Rob and Mandy Toffoli bucks national will not forget. That night they proudly trend downward watched their son Tyler Toffoli, 20, score Taylor Giffin Baseball seems to be on his first NHL goal the rise in Scarborough. for the Los Angeles he most recent num- Clinics such as this one, Kings. bers from Statistics on April 14, can help “When he scored Canada suggest that young players gain inter- his first goal he got T est in the game. baseball is a declining sport a standing ovation,” specific to participation by Taylor Giffin dad Rob said. “You Canadian youth. However, //Scarborough Observer could see him trying it may be time to knock to not look up at the those stats out of the park. big screen, it was “Our baseball enrolment pretty cool.” in Scarborough has been go- According to his ing up steadily the last few parents, Tyler’s inter- years,” said Greg Dennis, est in hockey started president of the Scarbor- at an early age. He ough Stingers baseball orga- was surrounded by nization. “They had record the sport. amounts of kids signing up “We go to Baseball Ontario nis said. “It is one thing to people from all the different ing, there are kids coming It was on TV at for Rookie Ball and T-Ball meetings and I think everyone have a spike and then have it communities out to play base- out all the time just watch- home and he watched house league the last couple is saying they have growth. drift off. Or, it’s one thing to ball is the better for all of us.” ing and you just wish there his dad and cousin of years in every association.” So, it’s not just Scarborough have big enrolment when they Four leagues that are was a league up that way.” play. No matter what Baseball has found a but I think everyone has.” are seven years old. You want based in Scarborough are Gallo said. “If we are going toys his mom would stable home not just in A rise in participation lev- them to keep playing ball.” centered in the south, Gal- to do anything we should give him, if it wasn’t Scarborough, but possi- els and sustaining them fall Although baseball appears lo said. It may be the right really develop that area.” something he could bly in Ontario as a whole. in different ballparks. Once to have perceived growth time to expand the game. Another factor that can hit, throw or kick, Tyler Frank Gallo, who coach- these young players get in- in the Scarborough area, it The Stingers play some certainly help grow the didn’t want to see it. es the Minor Peewee AAA volved in the game, they certainly has not peaked. home games at Neilson Park game to its fullest potential Before his sec- Stingers team, saw the phe- need to have fun in order There are many opportu- in northeastern Scarborough. is the success of the home- ond birthday, Tyler nomenon firsthand. This past for them to stick around. nities to expand the game During their games, both town . hijacked his sister’s season he was awarded the “You have to teach them throughout the population. Dennis and Gallo said, kids Dennis is hoping the Jays Fisher Price roller- Ontario Baseball Association’s a little about the game, some “Toronto is an incredibly and families who are not fa- play well this season. He blades and rarely took Youth Coach of the Year. fundamentals and things like ethnically diverse commu- miliar with baseball come out says a successful Jays team them off, even when “I think it has peaked a little that, so we can keep them nity itself,” Dennis said. “The to watch and ask questions. will have an even greater ef- he went to bed. bit, everywhere,” Gallo said. there as they go along,” Den- more and more we can get “When we are play- fect on baseball in the area. “I pitied the people in the apartment below us because it was loud,” Mandy said. “But he always wanted them on.” Fast times at Commander Park Before he was six, he was trying out for teams of eight-year- Scarborough arena is home to olds. His talent was Toronto Speed Skating Club recognized early on and he was sponsored Madalyn Hamann Sisters Mila, 15, and Me- from a young age. gan Abellera, 14, played “If he hadn’t ommander Park hockey before they started been sponsored, he Arena is one of two practising with the TSSC. wouldn’t be where he Chomes to the Toronto They both recently made it is,” Mandy said. Speed Skating Club (TSSC), to provincial levels of com- One of his main where recreational and com- petition, but learned it was sponsors was Har- petitive skaters practise. more challenging than they vey Shapiro, former The TSSC is one of 27 originally thought. owner of the Toronto clubs in Ontario that com- “It’s like hockey,” Megan Jr. Canadiens, the pete at national levels, and Abellera said. “I find it dan- team that Tyler played for in the GTHL. has trained many talented gerous because you go so Madalyn Hamann // Scarborough Observer skaters. It takes time to get fast, and when you fall you “He’s the one who Mila and Megan Abellera were hockey players before they started speed skat- took care of Tyler. used to the techniques, but hit the boards hard … And ing at the Toronto Speed Skating Club. with practise one can pick up you don’t have much protec- He’s a very generous the pace. tion on.” guy,” Rob said. “Just watching their com- Intensity has not deterred TSSC to practise is at the just make do with what they not.” His drive and hard mitment to train is incred- the girls, however, as they MasterCard Centre in Eto- are given. For coach Wallace, watch- work led him to where ible,” said coach Will Wallace, both want to go on to higher bicoke, which has a larger “We don’t have the re- ing his students make prog- he is now. He moved who has been with the TSSC levels of competition, per- rink than Commander Park’s. sources to get our own rink,” ress is what makes all the dif- away from home since 2000. “Four times a haps even to the Olympics. One of the difficulties for Wallace said. “We’re not of ference. when he was 16. week, they work hard, and One thing the girls like the club is getting enough that scale yet. But it would be “It attracts a really nice Trips back to Scar- then they produce these about speed skating with the ice time to practise, because nice to be in a rink where we group of kids, who are seri- borough are rare and amazing things. It’s a beau- TSSC is that everyone is very they are often sharing sched- have more control over the ous about being athletes and when he does make it, tiful sport. When you get friendly and supportive, even ules with hockey teams, along ice. The ice here is very thick, understand they can go quite it’s more a visit than a someone understanding the under competitive standards. with other speed skating and makes it hard to manage, far in the sport. But it needs homecoming. ice, it’s great.” The other location for the teams. Wallace explained they with temperature and what dedication.” 17 Spring/Summer 2013 Scarborough Observer Sports Beaches Jr. A lacrosse wants Scarborough to ride the tide Club is the highest level sports team in Scarborough, and they want everyone in town to know it

James Tessier photos//Scarborough Observer

Head Coach Bruce Codd, right, speaks to players during the 2013 training camp at the Major League Sportsplex in Scarborough.

In past years, James Tessier the team has lost its oronto may be in connection its name, but the with the Junior A lacrosse community clubT has a Scarborough con- and we just nection. want to get Located on the bound- aries of Scarborough and the club back East York Beaches, the club to the glory wants to reach out to ev- days eryone in the surrounding community. - Jack Wilkinson After new management took over the team one year ago, the club has been striving to reach out to the strong lacrosse roots across Toronto. Jack Wilkinson, Toron- to businessman and la- crosse fanatic, has taken over the club and orga- n Jordon Robertson #9 nized the overhaul. “Beaches Jr. A has a Among these lot of history in this area leagues is the Scarbor- nity and fill the arena.” club will have stability. and across Toronto,” he ough-based Toronto A conflict may arise if ev- “We are a non-profit -or said. “In past years, the Stars. Working with eryone with a season ticket ganization, so we need funds team has lost its con- the Stars organization, shows up to Ted Reeve Are- from sponsors and game day nection with the com- each team was given na, which has a capacity of sales. We are trying to build munity and we just want to season, the club is trying a Beaches Jr. A enve- 1,200, but the club will wel- financial stability so that the get the club back to the glory new method to grow the fan are giving them out to all the lopes with a letter from come the chance to pack the team will be easy for anyone days.” base even more. minor lacrosse organizations management and two season building and think of ways to to run it going forward.” Last season, the new man- “We are trying something in the city.” tickets. accommodate a vast amount With the home opener agement and coaching staff new this year when it comes Beaches Jr. A distributed “The response from the of fans. on May 13, the Beaches Jr. helped the club improve dra- to bringing in more people a season ticket to every mi- minor organizations has Wilkinson hopes that, by A will soon find out if their matically both on the floor to our games,” Wilkinson nor lacrosse player from the been amazing,” said Wilkin- giving tickets away and get- new model will re-connect and in attracting the com- said. ”We have printed up three minor lacrosse leagues son. “We are hoping to cre- ting the community involved, them to the lacrosse com- munity to attend games. This 8,000 season tickets and we in Toronto. ate a real buzz in the commu- attendance will go up and the munity. For more information on the squad, go to Beacheslacrosse.com 18 Sports Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013 n hockey The cost of hockey rising

Steve Negovalis coaches his team, Wee Watch, in their only game of the week. The price for hockey in house league is more affordable than in higher levels of junior hockey. Naomi Grosman // Scarborough Observer

Naomi Grosman govanlis said. “It’s not super sion. News, sees this as cause for vancement has in some problem of accessibility the competitive, it’s more recre- Other fees that can be concern. cases overtaken the love for future of hockey might not teve Negovanlis ar- ational.” factored in put the annual “If you want to continue the game, he says. It has also be at stake but the nation rives at the Don Mont- However, there is a trou- cost well over that figure, he some grass roots participa- become one of the main might lose out. Sgomery Arena in Scar- bling development going adds. tion…and you want to keep reasons parents want their “(Hockey) who we are borough ready for the game. on at the higher levels of Not only is the game get- people engaged and fit, I kids to participate on the as Canadians — I don’t The team he coaches, Wee junior hockey, Ken Camp- ting more expensive, but think it’s incumbent upon elite level. think it will ever go away,” Watch, is about to play its bell says. there are a limited number municipalities and cities to “I worry about whether Negovanlis said. “I just only game of the week. The “When you get to the of outdoor and publicly provide that infrastructure,” or not we’re going to have think that there’s probably team’s eagerness to get on elite levels, the triple-A … funded rinks, making it hard he says. enough beer-league players some good talented kids the ice shows on their faces it’s very expensive, usu- for lovers of the game to “If we can put those in 20 years. If you’re being that will never have the and it is clear the players and ally upwards of $10,000,” get the ice time they want. rinks up and make them ac- turned away at a young age, opportunity (to play hock- their coach have a passion says Campbell, author Scarborough only has one cessible…maybe you’ll see how likely are you to con- ey.) You don’t know where for the game. of a new book, Selling the outdoor rink. people use those facilities tinue having a passion for your little shining star is or “At the house league level, Dream: How Hockey Parents Campbell, who is a and become hockey play- hockey?” your diamond in the rough they try to keep (hockey) as and Their Kids Are Paying the Scarborough resident and ers.” With the rising cost of unless you expose them to affordable as possible,” Ne- Price for Our National Obses- columnist for The Hockey The hope of career ad- the sport and this growing it.” West Hill Golden Hawks use loss as motivation Local club loses in OHG Atom AA championship to Mississauga Braves but vow to use experience on the ice next year

Sola DaSilva a motivator next year. (You Scarborough’s own West see them win.” can say) ‘Let’s make up for Hill’s Golden Hawks, com- Although Beatt and his osing 7-1 in the semi- that loss’,” Beatt said on the peted for the trophy and the team were disappointed by finals is a tough way final day of the tournament. coveted title of OHF cham- the losses, Beatt is looking Lto go out and West “Who knows if we’ll play pions. That honour went to forward to getting back to Hill Golden Hawks coach Mississauga again next year London’s Jr. Knights. The work with his team. John Beatt says he’s already in the city finals and tourna- Knights beat the Mississauga “I am more than looking looking to avenge the loss ment, maybe? So we’ll pay Braves in the finals 4–1. forward to having the same next season. back that loss. It’s a good “It’s very fulfilling, very group of kids back, Beatt The host Golden Hawks motivator for sure.” fulfilling,” said Rob Welch, said. “We’ve already estab- made it to the semis of The 2013 OHF Atom AA coach of the London Jr. lished a work ethic; they the 2013 OHF Atom AA Championships took place Knights. “(It’s been a) long know my systems and how Championships but lost to April 12–14 at the Scarbor- season, a lot of hard work, I teach. I’m looking forward Mississauga Braves by six ough Gardens arena. Six and a lot of hours. … It’s a to the fact that I can keep goals on April 14. minor hockey teams from lot of our time that we put the whole team together. All Nicole Gosling, team captain, London Jr. Knights “You’re able to use it as all over Ontario, including into these kids. It’s nice to of them want to stay.” 19 Scarborough Observer Spring/Summer 2013 Home & Garden

Madolyn MacCallum // Scarborough Observer

Madolyn MacCallum ings are, which is now usually Nine steps for getting your garden back into shape around May 7. Once the last frost has ended you can plant ow that the sun is n Sow some seeds. to take these steps. rennials as soon as the soil is bed,” Milliken said. or seed your annuals and veg- starting to warm “Now is also the time to start dry enough to step on. etables, but you should wait Nup the ground, it’s your tomato seeds and annu- Ready? Get outside! n Plant your seeds until the soil has warmed up the perfect time to get out als indoors,” he said. n Start with raking the lawn, n Remove winter protection “Seeds for cool weather before planting tomatoes. and get your garden ready top dress with compost or from roses and prune out crops such as lettuce, peas for the new season. n Check your tools triple mix and overseed any any winter kill. and spinach should be plant- n Finally, you can wash out- Alan Milliken, president “Sharp tools always make bare patches. ed around mid-April,” Mil- door containers, fill them of the Scarborough Garden gardening work easier,” Mil- n Lightly rake the soil on liken said. with fresh soil and create & Horticultural Society, has liken said. n Clear any winter debris top of your vegetable bed, balcony or patio gardens. some tips to get you started. You need to sharpen off your perennial beds, but and then add three to four n Now is also a good time Pansies are now available in and oil secateurs (pruning be careful not to damage any inches of a material such as to move any shrubs to new stores and would be perfect Get started, indoors shears), clean and sharpen newly emerging shoots. compost, leaf mold, manure locations before new growth to add to containers to pro- n Look at photos from last hoes, spades and trowels, or a mixture of all. begins. vide some quick colour to year’s garden to make any and ensure the lawn mower n Lift and replant any frost “Deep digging is now ta- your curb appeal. changes before actually get- is clean and sharpened. heaved perennial clumps, top boo as it has been found to n It’s important to check Take these tips and get ting in the dirt After the tools are in dress and mulch the beds, disturb the organic and mi- the weather forecast to find outside. Make that garden a working order, it’s important and then divide emerging pe- croscopic structure of the out when the last frost warn- great start to spring. gEt yOuR HANDS

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