the united face off one piano four hands UTSC campus soccer team plays Pianists double the sound at against downtown squad church concert in the Bluffs - See page 7 - See page 8 THE EAST OBSERVER • Friday• February 18 • 2011 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING SCARBOROUGH• •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Local reps divided over pay freeze

James wattie The Observer

With only one holdout in Scarborough, Toronto council- lors have voted to freeze their pay for the year, completing another campaign promise for Mayor Rob Ford. Scarborough Southwest council- lor Gary Crawford voted yes on the freeze, which keeps salaries at CHANTELLE HENRIQUES The Observer Del Grande / just under Winter is fun with art $100,000 and the mayor’s pay at just un- Performers from the Jumblies Theatre Group pose with their ghostly masks which were handmade. Their masks will be showcased in a der $167,000. performance of A Winter’s Tale at the end of this year. “We’re looking at a lot of restraint over the next year and I think it’s important that we lead by example,” he said. The motion was introduced by Mike Del Grande, Scarbor- ough-Agincourt councillor and city budget chief. “One leads by example,” TTC worker faces charges he said, a common statement amongst yay-voting council- lors. Scarborough man reports being shoved on bus, witnessed by 10-year-old son The vote of 39-3, on Feb. 8, showed that not all councillors mersiha Gadzo Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. hind and slammed me into a lice,” Gould said. “These are allegations that are on side with Ford. The Observer The accused TTC em- pole in front of my son.” “It was like he was trying have been made and charges Willowdale councillor John ployee boarded the same bus Gould asked the bus driver to run and hide.” have now been laid,” TTC Filion, along with Scarbor- After their shocking ex- at McCowan Road to get to to stop the bus and call the spokesperson Brad Ross said. ough East’s Ron Moeser and perience on a TTC bus last his designated route to start police, but was ignored. “There’s not much that I St. Paul’s West’s Joe Mihevc month Isaac Gould says his his shift. “I told him I was assaulted Alleged can say other than these are were the three lone nay votes. son no longer feels safe com- Gould said the employee by one of his coworkers, and serious allegations and we “I think basically it was muting with seemed upset it didn’t seem to faze him,” assaults as an organization are tak- councillors slapping them- transit and has before boarding Gould said. ing it very seriously.” selves in the head,” Filion said. asked his dad to the bus because Gould called 42 Division n June 1, 2009 : A The assault is the latest in Crawford defended the vote. get his driver’s it was behind police and asked the bus driv- 54-year-old woman a slew of TTC reports which “I don’t see it as a slap in the licence so they schedule. er for the employee’s name. reports sexual assault include texting while driving, head at all,” he said. “I think could avoid it Once in- Gould had heard the driver drinking while driving, and hit- it has more to do with we do altogether. side, he started call the employee “Fred” by a TTC driver. ting and dragging pedestrians. have to set an example moving Gould was shouting at the when he had boarded the “I think that they [TTC] forward in where we are going the victim of an passengers on bus, but the driver denied any n Apr. 14, 2010 : TTC should be doing a better job,” in the next couple of years.” alleged alterca- the bus to move knowledge of his name when driver charged with as- Gould said. A motion that would see the tion with a TTC back, but no asked, Gould said. sault over fare dispute. “There are a lot more savings from the freeze go to employee on Isaac gould one complied Soon enough 42 Division things that are going on that the student nutrition program a Scarborough because it was contacted the TTC, who in I don’t think they’re aware was sent to the budget commit- bus. already full. turn called the bus driver and n Nov.30, 2010: A about and I think their inspec- tee for deliberation. The sav- The employee recently “Shortly after that he told him to stop, Gould said. 28-year-old man tors aren’t catching all of the ings are estimated at $110,000. surrendered to police on freaked out, and swore at The charged TTC employ- allegedly beaten for things that are going on.” Filion called the motion Tuesday and was charged me,” Gould said. ee left the bus and boarded a smoking by TTC Special The charged employee, self-degrading. with assault. The employee told Gould northbound bus, before the Frederick Tulk, 59, from Had the student nutri- Gould and his 10-year-old to get out of the way, but the police arrived. Constables. Pickering is scheduled to tion option been included, son got on a westbound bus bus was already crowded. “He didn’t even stay, know- appear in court on March Filion said his vote would at Sheppard Avenue East on “He grabbed me from be- ing that I was calling the po- 17. have changed. PAGE 2 - The East Toronto Observer, February 18, 2011 NEWS A welcome helping hand Islamic breakfast program aided by Jewish congregation

NATALIE SEQUEIRA and Muslims, I think the rela- The Observer tionship we have developed can be a learning experience.” Second Base Youth Shel- Myer Siemiatycki, Darchei ter’s prayers have been an- Noam’s congregation presi- swered in the form of new dent, added that both the Jew- funding that will help it keep ish and Muslim communities its breakfast program running. place great value on helping The Islamic the less for- Foundation of tunate. Toronto, with The support from synagogue, Darchei Noam which has — a Jewish con- partnered gregation — is with the set to launch the Islamic new Feeding Founda- Faithfully pro- tion in the gram Feb. 27. past, has The break- There was a agreed to fast program it tear in the contribute replaces feeds volunteers 50 youth every corner of on launch morning and day and was in danger my eye hopes to “ Natalie sequeira/The Observer of being scaled give money back because to support Roshan Mohammed (left) and his team of volunteers at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto prepare meals every of the shelter’s — Paul Taylor Feeding Sunday for the foundation’s Hot Soup days, which the new Feeding Faithfully program was modelled on. budget con- Faithfully cerns. once its vate donors will step forward. was on the verge of clos- Paul Taylor, executive ible effects of young people “It’s a great own bud- Second Base is the only ing because we would never director of the shelter, ap- being able to focus in school example to the get allows, youth shelter in Scarbor- do that,” said Jacqueline proached the Islamic Foun- [after having breakfast].” world that people from dif- Siemiatycki said. ough, providing meals, shel- Manji, manager of fund de- dation after seeing Malik in Manji attributes the Mus- ferent faiths, cultures and na- The Feeding Faithfully ter and learning programs to velopment and communica- a CBC feature, Champions lim-Jewish partnership to tionalities … come together program is expected to need youth across the city. tions at the shelter. “All our of Change. Canadian culture. for a common good,” said nearly $6,900 in funding for A tightly stretched budget programs were in jeopardy Malik told Taylor his “It can only happen in the Waris Malik, executive direc- the year. had the shelter looking to of being either cut or seri- foundation would not let the city of Toronto and in … tor of the Islamic Foundation. The Islamic Foundation has make needed cuts, and the ously reduced, including the breakfast program falter. Canada,” she said. “I think “Although people might think secured half that amount so breakfast program was high healthy breakfast program “There was a tear in the it’s a positive reflection of it’s unheard of that something far, and both it and the shelter on that list. [which] was a huge drain on corner of my eye,” Taylor the larger community we jointly has been done by Jews are hopeful the city and pri- “I don’t want to say it our financial resources.” said. “I’ve seen the incred- belong to.” News Would you eat a green cookie? Briefs Dad’s Cookies now more eco-friendly with sustainable energy Man shot, dies

Kraft Canada has teamed up well as support the develop- A man in his 20s was found ERICA TIANGCO with gunshot wounds near with Bullfrog Power, Can- ment of renewable power in The Observer Energy saved through Lawrence Avenue and ada’s green electricity pro- Canada. By doing so, Dad’s Markham Road on Feb 11. You’ve heard about organic vider, to produce low-carbon Cookies’ carbon footprint will green cookies He was rushed to hospital foods but would you eat green cookies out of Dad’s Toronto decrease significantly. with no vital signs and died cookies? bakeries. Green natural gas is a net- n Energy-related carbon n Solid waste reduced by on the way. On Feb. 1, Scarborough- The new partnership will zero emissions energy source. dioxide emissions reduced 15 per cent baked Dad’s Cookies became allow Kraft Canada to reduce It is created by releasing the the latest product to jump on energy-related carbon dioxide same carbon dioxide created by 25 per cent the environmentally friendly emissions produced by the through the decay of organic n 150 million pounds of UTSC on alert bandwagon. Food company making of Dad’s Cookies, as waste. This natural, green gas n Water consumption packaging eliminated does not increase the levels of reduced by 15 per cent Police have released a carbon dioxide in the atmo- Source: Bullfrog Power sketch of a young man who sphere as it is the same as the asked for potassium cyanide organic gas required to sustain at the University of Toronto’s animal and plant life. Scarborough campus. The “Through the pilot pro- now launched energy reduc- 15 per cent, and eliminate 150 man visited the campus gram, Bullfrog Power’s gen- tion projects, including up- million pounds of packaging twice asking for the lethal erators inject 100 per cent grading to oven optimization material by 2011 based on chemical. See the sketch at: green natural gas — as well as and lighting conservation. 2005 levels.” torontoobserver.ca 100 per cent green electricity According to the official Cookie lovers will have to — into the respective natural press release, “The decision wait until April 2011 for the gas and electricity systems to to bullfrogpower the Dad’s newly packaged low-carbon Highrise blaze match the amount of gas and Cookies line complements cookies to hit stores. electricity used by the baking Kraft Canada’s environmen- Bullfrog’s green natural A 91-year-old woman suf- and packaging processes at tal strategy, which aims to gas service will be introduced fered serious burns after a Dad’s Cookies’ manufactur- reduce Kraft Canada’s energy to the public later this year. fire in a Scarborough tower. Courtesy of William Pointon/Bullfrog Power ing facilities,” Bullfrog public use and energy-related carbon For more information on how Crews were called to the Tom Heintzman (left), Bullfrog Power president, and relations manager William dioxide emissions by 25 per you can lower your carbon scene on Ellesmere Road on Chris Bell, Kraft Canada’s VP are all smiles at the Kraft Pointon said. cent, water consumption by footprint, visit bullfrogpower. Feb. 12. Damages are report- Canada Scarborough Bakery. Each bakery location has 15 per cent and solid waste by com. ed to be $400,000. NEWS PAGE 3 - The East Toronto Observer, February 18, 2011 Hospital Kingston Road to get facelift opens talk Project to start next year but no source of funding yet on care

Aakanksha Tangri for seniors The Observer ERICA TIANGCO Redevelopment on parts of The Observer Kingston Road should start next year, Ward 36 councillor Scarborough Hospital host- Gary Crawford says. ed the first It’s Time to Talk The project aims to beau- event on Feb. 9 to educate tify the area by putting plant- the community about options ers alongside the light stands available for eldercare and cleaning it up to make it “We pulled this event to- attractive to the community, gether because we really feel Crawford said. it’s important that people ad- In 2009, the City of To- vocate for themselves,” said ronto approved the Kingston Debbie Driver, nurse practi- Road “Avenue” study that in- tioner for the hospital. “They cluded a plan to revive Kings- need to communicate what’s ton Road between Danforth important to them and their Avenue and east of Midland wishes so that they can think Avenue. about planning for their future. The Birch Cliff and Cliff- “As the hospital, it’s our role side communities were recog- to help our community and ad- nized by the city as avenues: AAKANKSHA TANGRI/The Observer vocate for them,” she contin- areas that can be developed to Newly elected Ward 36 councillor Gary Crawford (inset) hopes redevelopment on parts of Kingston Road will start ued. “The whole purpose of keep pace with development this evening is to get people in Toronto. next year. In 2009, the City of Toronto approved the Kingston Road “Avenue” study that included recommenda- tions and an execution strategy to revive Kingston Road from Danforth Avenue to east of Midland Avenue. thinking about what’s impor- The study was meant to tant to them and communicat- formulate a vision and imple- something that could cost tens parks in the area,” he said. doesn’t want to do that, then it “I just spent a bunch of ing that to the people who are mentation program for future of millions, if not hundreds of According to Crawford, is very difficult to entice them money opening this office, so important to them.” development in the area. millions of dollars over a long one of the key issues of the to want to sort of tear down now what?” he asked. “I’m With 40 per cent of seniors Crawford said he is unsure period of time.” plan is getting the participa- their plaza and redo it, which not going to support the of- in Canada living in Ontario, of the cost of the entire project The plan proposes to tion of business owners in is why it takes a long time,” fice I’m in and try to build it’s vital that secure plans are but estimates it could take 10 add commercial-residential creating combined residential he said. the business I have? I have to formed for their health and to 20 years to complete due to zones, outdoor and indoor and commercial areas. Expropriation is an option think bigger and join another safety. According to Chan, lack of funding. spaces for private and pub- “If a business owner but not a realistic one, Craw- conglomerate to do that?” these plans can differ depend- “We’re working on one lic recreational activities, ford said. The University of Toronto ing on one’s culture, personal- small section … Birch Cliff, bicycle parking spaces, land- “We’re looking at other Scarborough is one of the ity and family dynamics. which is only a couple ki- scaping, outdoor patios and We don’t incentives to encourage busi- venues for the 2015 Pan Am Not only did the event wel- lometres,” Crawford said. townhouses. really have nesses to do that,” he said. Games. come a variety of speakers, “Even though we’re doing the Residents and business The incentives include in- Though Crawford says the but guests were given the op- planning, the funding isn’t in owners have mixed reactions the long-term creased land value that Craw- revitalization plan is not di- portunity to visit a wide selec- place yet. to the plan. ford said may encourage land- rectly linked to the games. tion of information booths. “There’s place for small Local resident Douglas funding owners to sell. “We’re starting to look at Each booth offered extensive bits of it like the Birch Cliff Chadwick said the city should New business owner Ian Scarborough as a whole and knowledge on eldercare rang- study but we don’t really have focus on getting rid of car — Gary Town said he isn’t in favour really starting to do a lot of ing from orthopaedic assis- the long-term funding for dealerships. of a Business Improvement investment in Scarborough,” tance to senior care facilities. this,” he continued. “This is “I’d like to see housing and Crawford Area. he said.

Education, the key

Janise Smith, spokesperson from Home Instead senior care, sasy she believes in educat- Goat milk? Oxfam does ing seniors and their families. “ “If we keep our seniors safe and independent and give Students raise money for international development them all of their resources, it will help with everyone,” she ALEX KOZOVSKI over the world, covering in- said. “It will help family mem- The Observer Price of gifts ternational problems. bers who take care of them and Oxfam was promot- it will help the hospital keep n Safe water: $22 What do donkeys, bees, bi- ing its Unwrapped event, down numbers.” cycles and a flock of chickens n Girls in school: $50 planned for March 8. The The sold-out event featured have in common? n Organic Gardening: $50 coffee house event, hosted a diverse group of guests in- These gifts are up for at UTSC’s Rex’s Den, will n Goat: $58 cluding adult children and grabs in Oxfam’s annual Un- feature food, music and the their parents, grandchildren n Flock of chickens: $90 wrapped event at the Univer- chance to donate exotic gifts and grandparents and elderly sity of Toronto. n Beehive: $100 to people in over 20 countries couples. Oxfam Canada was one around the world. Sam Christensen, 24, at- of the few organizations fea- “One [gift] that really ALE x KOZOVSKI/The Observer tended the event with his par- tured at the second annual In- stands out is a goat, which Philip Skoczkowski shows one of his various photos ents and grandmother in hopes ternational Development and development and culture,” you can purchase for $58,” of creating a proactive plan. Cultural Week last week on U Boomgard said.“We also in- Oxfam representative Abe from Cambodia during International Development and Cultural Weekat UTSC. “We decided to come to- of T’s Scarborough Campus. vite people from the community Ku Park said. “It does a lot night as a family,” he said. Open to the public, the event to see what UTSC is doing in the — it can go a long way.” “We all want to be on the same aims to raise awareness of in- community.” The “live” gifts are not care for all, social justice and on Mu Sochua’s activities page and make this plan to- ternational issues in Scarbor- The three-day exhibition about food security, but what not,” Ku Park said. in Cambodia,” said Philip gether.” ough, says organizer Katie featured clubs and societies about “ensuring communities The photography at IDCW Skoczkowski, a second-year Senior care plans are avail- Boomgard. that are raising awareness of have access to marketable week was a major part of the media student. able to members of various “We wanted to give stu- global development issues. products, like milk, wool or event, revealing first-eye ac- “Not many people know economic statuses. Subsidies dents an opportunity to learn There was also a photogra- eggs,” said Ku Park. “We try counts of what is happening about (Cambodia) — and I are available for lower income more about how UTSC is phy contest, with pictures to spread awareness for equal around the world. was there. It’s an interesting households, however, wait lists involved in international taken by participants from all powers, land rights, health “My booth is focused story.” do apply. PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, February 18, 2011 NEWS The Guild is back Inn business Centennial College teams up with City of Toronto to revive First World War-era landmark

JESSICA LEE and other social events. It has The Observer also been a hotel with a restau- rant. What was once an artist col- The buildings are closed to ony on the edge of Scarborough the public and the park is used is now a recreational park with for recreational hobbies. run-down, vacant buildings. David and Jane Wells come Centennial College is about down to the park about once a to sign a lease to revitalize the month. They were at the park Guild Inn and restore it to its on Sunday with their children former glory. The city also for recreational geocaching: plans to put in $4.2 million over modern-day treasure hunting the next three years for projects using a GPS. around the inn, according to “We’ve found some other Ward 43 councillor Paul Ain- geocaches here before, but we slie, can’t seem to find the one we’re Centennial College plans to looking for today,” Wells said. use the property as an addition “We live about a kilometre to a new hospitality and tourism away so it’s a great place to program. It has been reported it come with the kids and just get will build a hotel and open a some fresh air.” restaurant on the site. Jane said she would like JESSICA lee/The Observer The Guild Inn was built in to see the Bickford building The Guild Inn area may soon get revitalized with a $4.2-million budget. Centennial College plans to open a res- 1914 for Col. Harold C. Bick- brought back to life again, as taurant and hotel there as part of its new hospitality and tourism program. ford, a retired American soldier. well as some more garbage In 1932, it was turned into an cans added around the park. the inn. the Guild Inn, agrees with him. glasswork and sculptures. I Clarks started in 1932 because artists’ colony by arts support- “I think the buildings need “I’d like to see them open “I want to see a bit of a res- think that would be a wonderful it started as an artists’ colony. ers Rosa and Spencer Clark. to be restored because they’re up a café or restaurant or some- taurant back there, she said. change to the Guild.” It was called the Guild of All Over the years, the inn has falling apart so I think they re- thing — they used to have a “They’re talking about bring- She would also like to see Arts.” changed roles. During the sec- ally need to preserve the archi- pretty good restaurant here,” he ing back some of the artisans, some of the artists back in the There is no shortage of artists ond World War, it became a tecture to make sure it doesn’t said. “It was great, especially in they’re going to add on to that Guild. in the area. Peter Yung, a local naval base and a hospital for get completely destroyed,” she the summer.” space, they’re going to have “I think if they bring back photographer, frequently visits soldiers. said. Carole M. Lidgold, the au- a bit of a thought café sort of the artisans, then it will be sort the Guild for its scenic views The inn has hosted weddings David recalls dining at thor of the book The History of thing, and they want some of keeping up with what the and beautiful architecture. CBC host follows unexpected path Family Day is coming KAYLA Kreutzberg The Observer Christina cheng Tower, Royal Ontario Mu- The Observer seum, Hockey Hall of Fame TV personality Dwight and Casa Loma will be open Drummond once had a Feb. 21 marks Family for Family Day. Movie the- dream he would be the Day. It’s observed as a stat- atres and some ice rinks and next Michael Jordan. utory holiday in Ontario. arenas will also be open to Throughout his basket- What do you and your fam- the public. ball years, he noticed his ily have planned? The city is also inviting teammates, who were bet- Much of the province families to come out to four ter than him, not making it will be closed for business. free events across the city to the NBA. Banks, schools, public li- on Feb. 21 from noon to 4 He realized he needed a braries, shopping malls not p.m. backup plan. designated as tourist attrac- Music, dance, crafts, Drummond shared this tions, liquor stores, most storytelling, street theatre, realization with youth at grocery stores and pharma- tasty treats, skating and the Malvern Library last cies, and the Toronto Stock free hot chocolate is also KAYLA KREUTZBERG/The Observer Thursday to help kick off Exchange will be closed for included. Black History Month . CBC host Dwight Drummond shares his advice at the Malvern Library last Thursday during a Family Day. The TTC will be operat- The story of his child- Black History Month event. There are a few spots that ing on a holiday schedule. hood in Toronto’s neigh- will remain open, includ- This means buses, subways bourhood of Jane and Lester B. Pearson High ing all of Toronto’s family- and streetcars will be run- Finch and becoming a host School, said that Drum- friendly attractions. ning as if it was a Sunday. for CBC News Toronto It doesn’t mean mond’s speech taught the Federal government of- Services will begin at 6 a.m. captured the attention of students how important it fices the Eaton Centre, Pa- As for other forms of public the students from Grades you’re not going to is to be educated. cific Mall, Woodbine Cen- transit, GO Transit will also 7 to 12 at three Scarbor- Adele Lamphier, a tre, some supermarkets and be available on a holiday ough schools. make it youth services special- convenience stores, most schedule, similar to a Satur- “The important mes- — Dwight Drummond ist at the Malvern Li- restaurants, and most of day service. sage I think [...] is just us- brary, said she thought Toronto’s tourist attractions Whatever you choose to ing education as a means the most important mes- and museums, including do this Family Day, have a to achieve your goals in sage students will take the Ontario Science Centre, safe and happy long week- life,” Drummond said. away from the speech is Art Gallery of Ontario, CN end with your family! Between his jokes, he Drummond said. is much harder.” to remember to be them- talked about growing up He spoke of the need When Drummond was selves. with people who got in to do whatever it takes to young, his desire to be a Drummond ended the trouble with the law and motivate“ students and ex- professional basketball speech on a motivating Feb. 21 events later ended up in jail. plain to them how impor- player meant he felt no note, echoing Lamphier’s “I think that when you tant education is and the need to worry about his thoughts. n Mel Lastman Square- n hear about the dropout disadvantage of dropping marks, he said. “Education is there, it’s Civic Centre -Scarborough Civic Centre rate, especially with, you out. But he did have a plan available, let’s take ad- n Downtown at 250 Fort n Colonel Samuel Smith know, young men that “It is tougher. It doesn’t B. vantage of it, because you Park in Etobicoke look like me, it’s very dis- mean you’re not going to Masood Binawa, a can use it to succeed,” he York Boulevard concerting,” make it, but it Grade 11 ESL student at said. The East Toronto Observer, February 18, 2011 - PAGE 5 FEATURE Valentine’s Day swings both ways

Maryam Shah bandwagon, citing a stronger The Observer focus on upcoming advocacy campaigns as a reason. A boy and a girl hold Victoria Ovando, political hands, about to kiss, tiny coordinator SC-(OUT), finds hearts flying in the back- that Valentine’s Day prepa- ground like sparks ration falls short every year We’re used to being bom- in terms of cards targeting barded by these images as the gay community. early as mid-January. “They’re very limited be- But what if you are gay? cause there’s a lot of differ- Or lesbian, bisexual, pan- ent forms of love,” she said. sexual, transsexual or queer? “Most of what you see is What do you make of these very heterosexual.” images then? Cacilhas said the LGBTQ Valentine’s Day for the lounge on campus displayed lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- a number of gay Valentine’s gender and queer (LGBTQ) Day cards last year. Y eamrot Taddese/The Observer community in Scarborough However, walking into Scarborough’s bestselling Valentine’s Day toy was the Canadian designed We-Vibe II, a rechargeable vibrator made seems to be almost non-ex- the greeting card store at from medical-grade silicon, according to a local sex shop. istent. Scarborough Town Centre The University of Toronto doesn’t turn up any cards tar- in Scarborough has an LG- geted towards the gay com- BTQ group called SC(OUT). munity on the Valentine’s Stephen Cacilhas met his Day shelves. boyfriend Vincent Li at their “The most obvious ex- lounge on campus last year. ample everyone talks about We-Vibe together They’ve been dating ever is the cards,” Cacilhas con- since. They both agree that tinued. Feb. 14 just never makes it “Wherever you go you’ll Yeamrot Taddese ommended items for Valen- to their list of required cel- see a card not only hetero- The Observer tine’s Day. ebrations. sexual but usually white Employees at adult bou- We go a little more “Personally I don’t care man, white woman togeth- A Canadian-designed cou- tiques said men visit their much about Valentine’s er.” ple’s sex toy is a bestseller for romantic around stores more often than wom- Day,” Cacilhas said. “I don’t A gay student activist, Valentine’s Day, according to en. know if Vincent does.” who wish to remain un- a Scarborough sex shop. Valentine’s Day “We keep track,” Dane “Me neither,” Li chimed named, said he doesn’t care “It is super quiet, very said. — Chayene Dane in. if it’s straight love or gay discreet and comes in three But the age demographic of SC(OUT) is not jump- love. colours,” said Amanda Brad- customers varies from newly- ing on the roses-and-candy “I just want love,” he said. ley, manager of Stag Shop on weds to retired couples, she Progress Avenue. added. “It’s definitely the go-to when turned on. the story goes. While some customers toy right now for Valentine’s It works on parts of the Other popular items in know exactly what they’re Day.” female anatomy while leav- stores for the Valentine’s sea- looking for, employees say Bradley said the toy is so ing“ room for male, uh, input son are massage oils, edible most ask for suggestions. popular that people don’t at the same time. lubricants, couple’s games “If somebody is intimidat- complain about its higher- It was invented when Ot- and rose petals. ed, you give them their space than-average $100 cost. tawa engineer Bruce Murison “We go a little more roman- and try to lighten the mood by How couples can use the “wondered why there wasn’t tic around Valentine’s Day,” cracking a joke,” Dane said. wireless toy, though, can be a massager that could just said Chayene Dane, an em- Bradley, who describes her a mystery at first glance. slide in between a couple ployee at Cupid Boutique on job as “absolutely fantastic,” We-Vibe II is about 8.25 while they made love,” the Kingston Road at Lawrence asks customers not to be shy centimetres long and 2.5 We-Vibe II website says. Avenue. “The rest of the year when they visit. centimetres wide. Its flex- Murison and his wife is kinky.” “Gone are the days you ible C-shape bends into an Melody then took it upon At Cupid Boutique, a re- had to duck your head in M aryam Shah/The Observer L-shape, with both ends themselves to make the mote-controlled underwear when you walk into an Stephan Cacilhas and Vincent Li have an unorthodox vibrating simultaneously eco-friendly toy a reality, vibrator is also one of the rec- adult boutique,” she said. approach to Valentine’s Day — in more ways than one. Fish are friends not food, Toronto Zoo teaches children

Kayla Kreutzberg rying around looking for their tines [here] and it teaches the The Observer pens, whipping out their little children some great conser- booklet, and then following vation initiatives,” Chambers The Toronto Zoo called on the sign and answering the said. children from 12 years of age questions,” Chambers said. In each fish pavilion there and under to bring their fa- In the Conservation Con- were interactive stations vourite fish a valentine, get in nection Centre, there was a where the children could learn free of charge and celebrate setup of baby sea horses chil- more about fish. Valentine’s Day on Feb. 12 dren could interact with. On both days, Toronto Zoo and 13. These animals are not on keeper Tim McCaskie held a The For the Love of Fish exhibit throughout the zoo special fish talk. event included a fun-fact and available only in the “It’s all about fun and edu- booklet that let children scope health unit. cating children on things they out the zoo’s four fish pavil- There was also a chance for might not know,” Chambers ions and fill out interesting children to fill out a ballet and said about the event. facts about their fishy friends. win a behind-the-scenes tour To end the day, every child Amanda Chambers, a of the Great Barrier Reef pa- went home with a special val- spokesperson for the zoo, said vilion for four people. entine’s Hershey’s treat. But Kayla Kreutzberg The Observer / the inaugural event had a great The Conservation Connec- the benefit for parents was Young visitors to the Toronto Zoo learn there are plenty of fish in the sea to choose turn-out thanks to the mild tion Centre has “been a hub they left knowing their chil- a suitable mate for Valentines Day. Zoo-goers can also visit the Great Barrier Reef weather. definitely; the children love dren learned many interesting exhibit, a seven metre-long tank filled with sharks and Australian sea horses. “You see [the children] hur- colouring and creating valen- facts about fish. PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, Februray 18, 2011 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER

Family daze: Toys for impoverished youth, Meaning lost generously donated by the City of Toronto in a holiday

or the month with the fewest days, February really has a lot to offer: several Black History Month events, speech- es and workshops across the city; countless, traditional ChineseF New Year celebrations almost everywhere you turn; endless amounts of red decorations, roses and chocolates lining the shopping centres in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Feb. 21, however, is Family Day. It’s still a relatively new holiday — having only been around since 2008. In its three short years, the statutory holiday hasn’t made much of a dent in Ontario culture. This is expected. It’s just another day off after all, right? Not if you decide to call it “Family Day.” The term “family” carries with it a lot of weight. Your family is your blood. Your family is your support. Your family is who you are. When Premier Dalton McGuinty proposed the idea, he did so with the intent that the holiday would put into perspective where our priorities should be as a society. That we should all look past our work commitments, stress- es and the daily clutter of things to appreciate the power of family. As a society, we haven’t lost track of the holiday’s meaning. There simply hasn’t been any meaning instilled into us. Don’t get me wrong. Jessica Lee/The Observer Taking a Monday in February and trying to make it something of value in the eyes of society does not happen overnight— but it is something that can happen. Family, after all, is a concept that is more universal than any religious, governmental or national holiday. Issue with Black History Month: According to the Government of Canada, 70 per cent of Cana- dian residences are classified as being family households. That’s about 21 million Canadians who are living in homes with rela- tives. February festivities not enough There are many Family Day activities in the city planned for Feb. 21 — and I encourage you to participate in them — but why limit appreciation for your family to a Monday in Febru- hen you think of the history and Aboriginal backgrounds, it is clear ary? of black people in Canada, more needs to be done, year-round, to If the holiday doesn’t carry any meaning for you now, look at what names pop into your make sure young people in this country it as a reminder. Wmind? are inspired to do more. Let it be a reminder to value the relationships that you have Most of us think of Martin Luther In 2008, the TDSB approved the Afri- with your relatives. King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and other centric Alternative School. While the ef- Let it be a reminder to give thanks for all they have done for iconic African-American figures. fort to bridge the gap is laudable, Afri- you. February marks the 15th anniversary Yeamrot Taddese can-Canadian students should not have Let Feb. 21 be a reminder that every day is family day. of Black History Month in Canada. Al- to go to special schools to get culture- though we’ve been celebrating black his- sensitive education. And black history —Andre Thurairatnam tory since 1996, most of us don’t know Canada [and they] need to have role lessons should not just be for black chil- how black people have shaped this coun- models,” she wrote on the OBHS web- dren. try. site. We need a systemic change to make The triumphs and struggles of blacks “[They] need to understand the social sure every child has the support and Kingston Road goes in Canada is a hushed topic, and Febru- forces which have shaped and influenced guidance they need to make their own ary doesn’t do much to reverse that. their community and their identities as a history. This means improving living This year, the Canadian government is means of feeling connected to the edu- conditions, helping create better self-im- under the knife honouring four black people in Canadian cational experience and their life experi- ages and stopping the drop-out trend. history — Carrie Best, John Ware, Fer- ence in various regions in Canada.” The history of black people in Canada hange is inevitable. The only way to move this city for- guson Jenkins and Jarome Iginla. But can one month of celebrations ev- dates to 1605, when the first black per- ward is to bulldoze the old and build up the new. A historical plaque in honour of Mary ery year affirm African-Canadian youth son, Mathieu Da Costa, arrived. Talks of redeveloping Kingston Road may become a Ann Shadd Cary has also been erected at and teach them about their history? Black history is part of Canadian his- Creality, according to Ward 36 councillor Gary Crawford. 143 King St. E., where Shadd Cary start- tory, and empowered African-Canadian In getting rid of the unappealing buildings and concrete, ed publishing a newspaper in 1853 to de- Systemic change is needed youth are empowered Canadian citizens. Crawford wants to make this area a lot greener — and I couldn’t nounce exploitation of freed slaves. Understanding their history and real- agree more. In the mid 20th Century, this was the hotspot where But for many, Black History Month Black History Month may provide an izing their significance in Canada should tourists stayed travelling from Kingston to Toronto. is more than reciting history. Rosemary opportunity to reflect on the legacy of be a part of everyday life. Decades later, the community has changed and currently con- Sadlier, president of the Ontario Black blacks in this country, but it cannot fill February festivities should not mask sists of car dealerships, rusty motels and abandoned businesses. History Society, says Black History the void in a system that waits for Feb- the inequality, racism and lack of lead- It seems the land was also being used for families on welfare Month has to exist for many reasons. ruary of every year to empower black ership faced by black people. Real solu- who started to live in the motels with no recreational activities “African-Canadian students need to youth. tions are needed and standing on street near by. feel affirmed, need to be aware of the With an alarming dropout rate for corners handing out black history flyers To make it a place where families can go and enjoy the bike contributions made by other blacks in male students, and students of African isn’t going to do the job. lanes and beautiful residential areas will definitely be an im- provement to the overall feel of the area. Businesses aren’t too keen on the idea, but if they can work The East Toronto OBSERVER with the redevelopment, they could potentially attract more cus- EDITORIAL BOARD The East Toronto Observer Serving Scarborough is published by University tomers with bigger and better workspaces. Managing Editor: Andre Thurairatnam of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Please If the timing and funds go smoothly (especially with the Pan Assignment Editor: Kyle Larkin Am Games coming up), I truly believe the reconstruction will address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, Copy Editors: Chantelle Henriques and Maryam Shah 755 Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416- work wonders for the Kingston Road community. Photo Editor: Alex Kozovski 289-5168. Email: [email protected] The opinions expressed in Production Editor: Janice Yeung The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. A companion —Jessica Moy Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair website is at torontoobserver.com. The East Toronto Observer, February 18, 2011- PAGE 7 SPORTS Sports Briefs Scarborough’s United settles for draw cole carruthers Grizzlies paw The Observer crown The University of To- ronto’s Scarborough cam- After three appearances, pus men’s soccer team, The Georgian-Barrie won, emerg- United, faced off against ing from the U of T Scarbor- downtown’s Chestnut B ough hockey tournament squad Saturday afternoon at with a 2-1 overtime victory Varsity Field. over No. 2 rated Seneca- Chestnut defence Rob Newnham. The tourney Liddell sent a corner kick started with a default win. into The United’s net to seal the fate for the final 2-2 draw. “It was a good game, ev- eryone did really well, we SCHPA wins gave 110 per cent and it was Spirit Cup really fun,” said Liddell, who was happy with his team’s On Jan. 26, the Scarborough overall performance. Campus Hockey Players The United were hungry Association won its second for another win while the charity dodgeball cham- Chestnuts were thirsty for pionship title in a row as it redemption. C ole Carruthers/The Observer put away the South Asian Al- United centre midfielder UTSC United player Abdullah Tahir (right) battled it out on the turf at Varsity Field on Saturday night. The game liance in two straight games Nav Chahal felt loose and between The United and The Chestnut clubs ended in a 2-2 draw. in the best-of-three final confident before the match. series. Captain Greg Danko Fun was the main objective made a game-winning catch of the game. Rahemi-Pour said. He went on to agree that hard seizing the first goal. came to an end, coach Else- to hoist the cup before the “With our intense prac- Chestnut goalkeeper the Chestnuts are known for The United were able to bae was ready to remind the third game. tices, I feel we’ll do well,” Mikhael Lamont showed his their physicality, while the gain some focus and sent two United of some fundamen- Chahal said. true sportsmanship by of- United are known for speed. accurate kicks reaching their tals. Sami Elsebae, third-year fering praise to the Scarbor- The game plan turned out target with Rahemi-Pour’s “Put the pressure on, of- S hulman at head coach of the United, ough team. to be a matchup in speed to shot sneaking past Chest- fensively we need more wanted to see a repeat of the “We respect them, we have equalize the playing field. nut’s goalkeeper. shots,” he said. Centennial scoresheet the team wrote to play our best defence,” he Chestnut struck fast and By the time the first half “Let’s focus on accuracy, On Feb. 16 ESPN sports against Chestnut’s A squad. said. “It’s football, everyday we want to be on target, commentator Dan Shulman “Last week we beat them anything can happen.” that’s what puts goals in the made an appearance at the 1-0. We’re more focused on Chestnut club secretary We want to be on net!” HP campus. The veteran our speed and counter attack- Bassem Baddour said he The United took their journalist spoke to students ing,” Elsebae said. felt confident about what the target, that’s what coach’s words to heart and about his career. His words United defender Meisam team learned from the previ- were able to launch into high encouraged students and Rahemi-Pour was also posi- ous week’s loss. puts goals in the net gear. gave them an inside look at tive going into the match. “We have a good team, it’s — Coach Elsebae Christian Dima scored a the world of sports broad- “Right now what I see is going to be a tough game but fast strike, gaining the Unit- casting. that everyone is ready and we have a good game plan,” ed another point on the way we’re going to have fun,” Baddour said. to the draw. Scarborough chess players race against time Canada’s largest club continues annual tournament,“ reaches sixth round out of seven cole carruthers after completing a move in 74 players battle against The Observer the 90-minute games. their opponents and the clock It’s not only a match to gain top points to tally into Thirty-seven chess match- against one’s opponent but their overall combined play es took place simultaneously also a race against time. Tour- for the entire tournament. last Thursday night for the nament players were stressed Five tournaments take place Scarborough Chess Club’s and anxious while they were each year. Jack Swiss Tournament. up against the clock. The Chess Federation of The only sound heard The tournament was the Canada tracks club member at the Birkdale Community sixth out of seven rounds, points. Centre was of each player with the final round taking Every so often, the shuf- hitting the tournament clock place on Feb. 17th. fling of a player’s chair can be heard over the droning of the time clocks, as the play- LINGUISTIC LARKS ers crane their necks over their boards to get a better With the letters view of what their opponents given, guess the are up to. horizontal clues. C ole Carruthers The Observer Category By late evening, some / Work your way to Michael Song (right) and Yuanchen Zhang have a practice warm-up game before of the younger players had Big 4 sports the vertical clue. the Scarborough Chess Club’s Jack Swiss Tournament last Thursday. teams. (MLB, wrapped up their matches. NBA, NFL, U N “They tend to play at a people play against mature still in grade school, with gathered around a match: Mi- NHL) faster pace compared to old- players and women play homework a constant chal- chael Song, 12, against Josh er, experienced players,” club against men. The only factor lenge for the younger play- Guo, 30. The two are ranked A C S president Maurice Strong that counts is skill. ers. sixth and fourth respectively said. Yuanchen Zhang, 10, has According to Strong, “one at the club. Unscramble the Timekeepers and parents been playing with the club of the highest rated women in “I technically won, but it I L circled letters to stroll the aisles to take in the for a year and came away Canada is Yuanling Yuan,16, was due to time constraints form the final intensity that hangs over each from his match victorious. and belongs to the club.” also,” Guo said. This team name is answer. used twice in the chessboard like a low hang- “I’ll try to be back for next “She played first board at “Sometimes a match will Big 4 ing thundercloud bookended week for the final match,” the Olympiad tournament for go for three hours when by pressure and anxiety. Zhang said as he looked at Team Canada,” Strong said. skilled players will face off By Kyle Larkin Chess is normally an un- his father. By the end of the tourna- against each other,” Guo biased sport in which young Many club members are ment a group of spectators said. PAGE 8- The East Toronto Observer, February 18, 2011 ARTS & LIFE Four hands are better than two Piano duo makes magic

Natalie sequeira few solos amid the duets. The Observer Kortgaard and Tiefen- bach describe One Piano Twenty fingers race Four Hands as a cross be- across the piano keys, com- tween negotiations and ing so close together, they “territorial skirmishes” for threaten to entangle. This space. is the beauty and risk of the “It’s like a real collabora- duet One Piano Four Hands. tion,” Kortgaard said. “We The have to respond to someone United Church hosted two else’s sounds.” renowned pianists on Satur- “It can be a lot of fun,” day in a feature concert. Tiefenbach added. “You Robert Kortgaard and get to make twice as much Peter Tiefenbach alternated sound … It becomes like a between slow, haunting conversation.” melodies and fast-paced One Piano Four Hands is crescendos a piano duet as they per- that is a sort formed a of chamber classical en- You get to music. semble. make twice While They the pianists Natalie sequeira/The Observer shared the won’t ever Robert Kortgaard, left, and Peter Tiefenbach perform at the One Piano Four Hands concert held at the piano, sit- as much need to play Scarborough Bluffs United Church last Saturday. ting side by sound...it’s a note at the side, reading same time, ten for four-hand piano.” 15 years. organ and piano and reno- [they] don’t think they have from sepa- like a they may According to Tiefenbach, Koortgard is a Juilliard vated the building. to go downtown to get a rate sheets of need to play One Piano Four Hands was graduate who plays in re- The self-appointed four- good quality concert.” music. conversation it in quick popular as a form of home citals across the world both person concert committee Korgaard and Tiefenbach The audi- succession. entertainment decades ago. solo and in collaboration organizes the events to draw have known Galbraith for ence listened - Robert That’s “Before the radio, the with other performers. people from the community, about 15 years. They had to the tunes where the only way to get music at Tiefenbach is a per- regardless of whether they played a concert for him be- of Mozart’s Kortgaard meticulous home would be to play it former, composer, writer belong to the congregation. fore at another church. He Allegro and collabora- yourself … It’s kind of a and broadcaster. The Juno “It’s a way of reaching approached them when the Schumann’s tion comes shame that we don’t do this Award-nominated pianist out to the community and committee wanted to find a “Garden Melody,” the ca- in. [anymore].” also coaches singers and bringing people in through way to showcase their two- cophony of Stravinsky’s The form, however, is un- Kortgaard and Tiefen- teaches a graduate orches- music,” Bruce Galbraith, year-old piano. “Piano-Rag-Music” and the common. bach have been playing tral-literature course. one of organizers, said. Money raised at all con- “ This concert was the “It’s important to be certs goes to the church’s emotion of Ravel’s fairy “People just don’t do this the piano since they were tales in “Ma Mère l’Oye.” anymore,” Kortgaard said. young children, and have eighth the church has held able to offer good music to music school, music activi- The pianists performed a “There’s a lot of music writ- been playing together for since it purchased a new people in the east end … so ties and other church needs. Winter art attack Chantelle henriques chance to make masks, try Ruth Howard says explor- The Observer their hand at pottery, watch ing Scarborough is some- puppet shows and partici- thing working with the A small theatre group is pate in a variety of perfor- group has allowed her to do. bringing big-time fun to mances. “I like meeting people Scarborough this winter. Jumblies helps with the who I’d never meet other- The Jumblies Theatre festival every week. While wise, and going to places, Group is participating in the it is the theatre group’s 10th including parts of Toronto Winter Arts festival at the year holding Winter Arts, that I’ve never actually been Cedar Ridge Creative Cen- this is only the third year to,” Howard said. tre until March 1. the festivities have come to Participants create vari- During the festival, chil- Scarborough. ous art projects, including dren and adults have the Jumblies artistic director clay pots and cloth lanterns. Every individual proj- ect will be compiled into one larger piece of art by the Jumblies group. chantelle henriques/The Observer “It’s all part of a big picture,” Howard said. The Jumblies Theatre Group practises their facial expressions at the Cedar Ridge “What I like best is how Centre in Scarborough last Tuesday before rehearsing for their performance of it all fits together. It’s all Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale. going to be part of one big story and one big every member dresses up in Fleitas, a Jumblies group Winter’s Tale but they have performance in less than costume, breaks out into a member. put their own spin on the a year from now.” song with a guitar and heads “And the fact that they story. Winter Arts is free out into the cold. even come back is excit- Participants created and includes meals for They sing a song they call ing.” ghostly blue and white pa- everyone. Last week “a dinner song” and trek to Parents are encouraged pier maché masks that the featured fava beans, rice the kitchen to pick up their participate along with their actors will wear on stage. and flatbread. food. young ones. They have been rehearsing While there is no Many first-time visitors Adults can take move- mini-performances that will charge for the meal, all become regulars. ment classes and work on be added to the big finale. participants must con- “I love all the people and their dramatic skills. Winter Arts runs every chantelle henriques/The Observer tribute to help serve the different types of people This year the Jumblies Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. to Nyla and Egypt brave the cold weather to take part in a food. and seeing them over and group is putting on an adap- 8 p.m. at the Cedar Ridge pre-dinner ceremony with costume and song. Right before dinner, over again, says Katherine tion of Shakespeare’s A Creative Centre.