ww The East York WHY IS THIS BOY SMILING? n Hint: It’s all about the music. OBSERVER Page 3 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 45, No. 8 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, October 7, 2016 Danforth hit with 2 accidents in 2 days

By EVANGELO SIPSAS and KRISTEN DOOPAN The Observer

The intersection of Danforth and Logan avenues was the scene of two serious accidents last week that hurt four people — two seriously and one critically. At around noon on Sept. 27, a car driven by a man in his 80s struck three people who were sitting on a bench near the intersection. The man was initially backing up but apparently lost control of his vehicle, climbed the curb, hit a garbage bin and then struck the trio. The three victims were sitting on a bench at Alexander the Great Square. All were injured, and two were rushed to a nearby trauma centre. “When I heard the car, I turned my head and saw the car coming toward the Yeye Zhu /// The Observer bench,” said a woman who would only Lighting up the night identify herself as Maria. “I yelled and Nuit Blanche descended on the East York area in a big way last weekend, as the Aga Khan Museum on Wynford jumped out of the way.... If it wasn’t Drive joined the city’s all-night art festival for the first time. See page 4 for another photo. for the fire hydrant there would’ve been more victims.” According to Const. Clint Stibbe, the victims are in stable condition and expected to recover. No charges have Female suspensions on the rise at TCDSB been laid yet. This accident came the day after hot of suspensions increased by 63 from 199 to 262 if the same pattern is happening at their local tar fell on a 46-year-old worker at the ‘It’s not a local phenomenon,’ for females over the last two academic years. schools,” he added. same intersection, sending him to hospi- says TCDSB superintendent of In the context of nearly 61,000 elementa- Angela Kennedy, chair of the TCDSB and tal with serious burns. ry students, that’s a relatively small number. trustee for Ward 11/East York-, said Police and emergency services had new survey showing slight However, the increase is still an area of con- she’d been unfamiliar with the term “mean to cut the man free after the tar spilled cern, trustees say. girls” prior to the Sept. 22 meeting. on him and partially encased him in the uptick in girls being suspended The report showed that elementary students “In all my years as a trustee, I’ve never heard back of a large truck. who had experienced bullying mainly faced that,” said the 18-year school board veteran. By SARAH SAMWEL It took rescuers more than an hour to verbal (85 per cent) and social (46 per cent) Some have argued the term may be unfairly The Observer safely extricate the victim. Officials said bullying. Verbal bullying included name-call- targeting girls. the man’s face and arms were covered Is it fair to call girls “mean girls?” ing, constant unwanted teasing/joking. Social Maureen Fitzgerald, the Vancouver-based au- in tar. Witnesses said they could hear Some experts in bullying say no, in spite of bullying was defined as gossiping and exclud- thor of Mean Girls Aren’t Mean and a former him screaming in pain. the surprising results from a report released ing others, but this was not broken down by lawyer, disagrees with the characterization of Officials said he had been wearing his Sept. 22 at a meeting of the Toronto Catholic gender. girls as “mean girls.” protective suit and full safety gear. But District School Board. During the board meeting, the increase in fe- “I think the most important thing to know is he still suffered first-degree burns and The board surveyed 15,193 elementary and male suspensions was attributed to the “mean that ‘mean girl’ is an offensive stereotype that was rushed to Sunnybrook Hospital. His secondary students about their perceptions of girl phenomenon” and “mean girl cliques.” silences girls,” she said. “I think it’s a terrible condition was initially listed as critical, school safety between November 2015 and Vincent Burzotta, the superintendent of edu- shame that the ‘mean girls’ brush is attributed but was later upgraded to serious. April 2016. The results were, for the most part, cation at the Toronto Catholic District School across all girls.” positive, with bullying in general showing a Board, said it’s not unique to Toronto. Fitzgerald noted there’s a difference between what downward trend. Sixty-five per cent of elemen- “We are concerned,” he said at the meeting. is often is labelled as “mean girls” and bullying. tary students surveyed reported that they had “It is not a local phenomenon. In fact, it is hap- “Bullying is when it gets extreme,” she said. never been bullied and 92 per cent of secondary pening all across North America.” Instead, Fitzgerald argues that this behaviour students answered that they felt “safe” or “very He added that research has shown that fe- is more of a reaction to societal pressures safe” at their schools. males are now engaging in riskier behaviour, placed on girls through the media and patriar- However, one of the areas of concern was the which includes physical fighting, social and chal systems. When girls are gossiping, they increase of female suspensions at the elementa- verbal bullying. are trying to find power in a structure that often ry level. In total, out of 981 suspensions at the In an email Thursday, Burzotta stressed that favours males. elementary level in the 2015-2016 school year, female students are not being suspended more “We construe all of this behaviour as ‘mean Kristen Doopan /// The Observer 196 of those were female. While that number than males. There has, however, been a “small” girls,’ but we never say ‘mean boys,’” she said. Danforth and Logan avenues after remains small in relation to the total, there were increase in suspensions of female students, he Rather, using the term “mean girls” may be a a worker was scalded by hot tar. only 158 female suspensions the previous year. said. That’s an increase of 38 suspensions. Notices “Schools will be looking at their data to see n See ‘MEAN GIRLS’, page 4 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 7, 2016

POLICE & WHAT’S FIRE UP IN E.Y. Man last seen Get ready for on Danforth spring tulips at Toronto police October meeting are asking for help in locating a Love gardening? 30-year-old who Join the Leaside was reported Garden Society at missing on Mon- their next meet- day. He was last ing this coming seen on Sunday Thursday night, at around 9 a.m. Oct. 13. The fea- in the vicinity tured speaker of Danforth and will be Michael Jones avenues. Erdman, who will Christopher Fac- be lecturing on chini is described tulips. The meet- as 5 feet, 11 ing will begin at inches tall, weigh- Sam Seon /// The Observer 7:30 p.m. at the ing 150 pounds Lawn bowling enthusiasts enjoy an evening round at the Cosburn Lawn Bowling Club. People of all Leaside Library, with short brown ages and backgrounds are attracted to the activity, organizers say. 165 McRae Dr. Re- hair, brown freshments will be eyes, and a goa- available prior to tee-style beard. the meeting. Anyone with infor- Club bowls down stereotypes mation is urged to contact police By SAM SEON The Cosburn Lawn Bowling Club offers day night games), and a lot of times it’s Love art? Get an at 416-808-5500. The Observer free lessons Tuesday and Thursday eve- more comfortable for lesbian and gays to nings with seasoned veterans of the sport engage in a sport in a queer environment,” eyeful at annual Ken Wood realizes lawn bowling is offering instruction. The club also offers Knoeck said. show and sale Police seeking competitive. But for him, it’s not about a women-only practice and a men-only The Rainbowlers also help bring in public’s input winning. practice, as well as a session for players younger members to the club. Looking to score “I’m not athletic,” he said. “This is from the LGBTQ community. Like Sellen, Knoeck acknowledges the some great pieces Toronto Police about as much athleticism as I’ll get.” “We want everyone to feel comfortable stereotype about lawn bowlers often be- of art? The 28th Services Board Summer may be gone, but the beautiful here,” Sellen said. “It’s all about the love ing retired people. But some Rainbowlers annual Riverdale Chair Andy Pring- fall weather so far keeps beckoning East of bowling.” are in their 20s, some in their 60s. Art Show and le and Chief Mark Yorkers to the Cosburn Lawn Bowling Kyle Knoeck is the founder of the Rain- “East York isn’t really thought of as a Sale is the right Saunders will host Club. And the bowlers aren’t always cit- bowlers, an LGBTQ group that bowls ev- hot spot of queer culture in Toronto, but place to go. Stop a community con- izens who are retired. Ron Sellen, owner ery Wednesday evening. Knoeck played we are everywhere, so it’s good to have by to see 22 local sultation session of the club, said that lately the students at in an LGBTQ curling league, and sug- organizations and activities in all parts of talented artists for the East York Cosburn Middle School, just across the gested the switch to lawn bowling when the city and not just downtown.” showcase their area on Wednes- street, have come often for lessons. some fellow curlers thought they’d like to The lawn bowling is very relaxed. work. The show day, Oct. 26. The “It’s hard to get young people into the give it a try. There’s laughing and the odd cheer after will be running session is about sport,” Sellen said. “I didn’t like it when I Six years later, Knoeck encourages peo- an especially good bowl. back-to-back modernization was young because you have to be quiet. ple of the LGBTQ community to lawn “I’m not good at all, but that’s OK days: Friday, Oct. of the Toronto People are concentrating; there’s no place bowl and feel as welcome and comfort- around here,” Wood said. “It’s relaxing 14, from 6 to 8:30 Police Service, for talking and joking around with your able as possible. on a Wednesday; it’s all calm, easy-going p.m., and Satur- and it will run pals.” “There’s a big social side to (Wednes- people.” day from 10:30 6:30-8:30 p.m. a.m. to 5 p.m. at Danforth Col- at St. Barnabas legiate and Tech- Anglican Church, nical Institute. You don’t need to be Scottish to kick up your heels 361 Danforth The session will By JUSTIN VIEIRA of dance, you do not need a Ave., right across include remarks The Observer partner to join in,” Barber said. from Chester sub- from Pringle and “There is a strong tradition way station. All Saunders and It was Edinburgh over Ath- in Scottish country dancing are welcome. break-out tables ens on Saturday, as the Greek- that dictates that one should designed to get town neighbourhood’s usual change partners for the next the public’s opin- vibe gave way to some Scot- dance.” ion on the future tish dancing at Eastminster So singles are welcome and Families invited of policing. Mem- United Church on the Dan- easily included in the danc- to share songs, bers of the public forth. ing. It’s a social activity that are encouraged The Royal Scottish Country normally involves six or eight stories, rhymes to first read the Dance Society (RSCDS) of dancers dancing together per Transformational Toronto organized the event as group — and is certainly an Looking to spend Task Force Interim part of Culture Days, excellent form of physical ex- some quality time Report, especially an annual province-wide cele- ercise too. with your family? the report’s 24 bration of arts and culture that The majority of participants Come down to recommenda- ran last weekend and connects on Saturday were seniors 370 Broadview tions. The report in turn with a national event. looking for some fun. But they Ave. on Saturday, can be found on Oct. 8, from 10 Scottish country dancing is Justin Vieira // The Observer also got some exercise… and the Toronto Police to 11 a.m. to take centuries old, with drums and An instructor leads participants through a by learning the dance routines, Service website. part in stories, other rhythm-makers as well Scottish country dance during Culture Days at they got some “good-for-the- For those who songs and rhymes as fiddles, accordions and oth- Eastminster United Church. brain activity,” according to can’t make it to er instruments for accompani- one participant who has at- for children and the high school at ment. nature of the dance, while fol- good pair of shoes, period. tended for the past five years. their caregivers. 800 Greenwood It may have once been more lowing the correct technique. The Eastminster dance, Barber says that people No registration Ave., the consul- associated with high society One organizer was Paul Bar- which has been held at the enjoy learning the dance and requred. For more tation session can and gala balls… but nowa- ber, who began dancing back in church for the past seven years have a good time while they’re information about also be viewed live days, it’s decidedly more dem- 1976 (when his wife compelled now, is quite sociable. Both at it. the event, call on Facebook. ocratic, and at Eastminster on him). He says that you don’t experienced dancers and new- “Dances typically conclude 416-393-7720. Saturday, everyone was en- have to be Scottish to take part comers show up, and no part- with dancers breaking out into ~ Yeye Zhu couraged to join in and learn in the dance; all that’s needed ner is needed. broad smiles and applause,” he ~ Justin Vieira the importance of the social are dance shoes — or just a “Unlike some other forms said. The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 NEWS 3 East York school’s future up in the air

interested in getting their secondary credits. French-language high school “I think it would be a natural fit for them if they knew there was a First Nations or indigenous public school? where they could be enrolled,” she said. “I think Eastern Commerce’s fate may if there was a high school there (downtown), people would quickly know about it.” depend on cost of renovations By law, if the TDSB declared Eastern Com- merce surplus, “the board would be required to By AMIL DELIC offer the building to other school boards, with a The Observer priority to the French school board,” said Story. She acknowledged that the East York franco- When the historic Eastern Commerce Colle- phone community “has been lobbying for 10 giate Institute closed its doors with just 62 stu- years for a site in the east end” in the hope of dents in June 2015, the Toronto District School establishing a French secondary school. Board (TDSB) recommended that the building at With three French elementary schools in the 16 Phin Ave. become the new home of Ontario’s East York area and only one secondary school first indigenous kindergarten-Grade 12 public downtown east of , the next nearest school. It was expected to open with 45 vanguard francophone high school is in Pickering: Ecole Grade 9s this fall, and eventually add grades and Ronald-Marion, opened in 2013. students until it approached the building’s capac- “There is a huge geographical gap and many ity of 903. of the students have to travel long distances or But instead, the school near Jones and Dan- they leave our system to go to the English board, forth avenues continues to rent space to the Cre- which is unfortunate,” said Jean-François L’Heu- ative Pre-School, and it’s home to the Subway reux, the chair of the Conseil Viamonde, which Academy One, an alternative high school. It also manages French-language public schools across houses the TDSB museum and archives. And a large swath of southern Ontario. instead of an indigenous K-12 school, it seems In a July 22 open letter signed by New Dem- likely to become a French language high school, ocrat MPP for Toronto-Danforth Peter Tabuns, if some politicians and parents get their way. as well as Ward 29/Toronto-Danforth city coun- “The parents in east-end Toronto have been cillor Mary Fragedakis and Ward 30 councillor strong and effective advocates for a French-lan- Paula Fletcher, the political trio stated that “we guage high school in the east end for a long time, strongly urge the TDSB to consider transferring but their voices have become louder because the building to the Conseil Scolaire Viamonde to there is now a site that looks to meet their pur- be used as a francophone secondary school.” poses,” said Jennifer Story, the TDSB trustee for Conseil Scolaire Viamonde has been opening Ward 15 /Toronto-Danforth. new schools every year inside former Toronto In July, the TDSB submitted a business plan to public schools. It purchased the former West To- the provincial government for the proposed Ur- ronto Collegiate and now operates École Secon- ban Indigenous Education Centre of Excellence. daire Toronto Ouest. Amil Delic /// The Observer A number of locations were suggested, including “The cost of the renovation was just as much The 91-year-old building needs renovation before it can be put into more an alternate site in the West Don Lands at Cherry as buying the 40-year-old building,” said L’Heu- regular use. and Mill streets. The area has recently seen an reux. influx of low-rise condominiums, and has more tle of family nurturing instructor at the Toronto ‘Centre of Excellence,’ the commitment (by Tabuns has been supporting francophone ini- space to spare. Council Fire Native Cultural Centre in Cabbag- TDSB) would be to retrofit the space to indige- tiatives for the last three years, but he says he Proposed alternate locations for the indigenous etown. nize the space to make it appropriate for indige- knows that “the TDSB will respect the wishes school might also have something to do with the Sugar, 21, attended the existing First Nations nous teaching, learning and support for an urban of the indigenous community.” In his view, the current physical state of Eastern Commerce. The School on Dundas Street East up until Grade indigenous community,” said Story. The school move to the West Don Lands is a decision the school is 91 years old and is in major need of 8, but when it came time to transition into the would include a drum area and enough outdoor indigenous community has to make — and no renovations — estimated at $40 million. Metal public high school system, he found it “scary and space for nature study. one else. mesh caging covers the ground-floor windows, very intimidating” to be around so many people The need is certainly there, even if Eastern The TDSB’s position is similar to Tabuns’. exposed wiring drapes the brick walls, and paint in a bustling environment. He believes there is a Commerce isn’t the eventual destination, accord- With the help of the indigenous community, the is peeling around many of the window frames. vital need for a public high school where indige- ing to Sugar’s colleague, Joan McDougall, who TDSB is working patiently to make sure every “It resembles a residential school setting. Peo- nous students can learn in a culturally appropri- is manager of the education department at Toron- part of the process is done correctly and “all the ple don’t want that. They don’t want any remind- ate environment. to Council Fire. McDougall meets many aborig- voices around this challenging and big decision er of that,” said Tasunke Sugar, who has the ti- If Eastern Commerce “was to be an indigenous inal people in her literacy program who are still are heard,” Story said. Project allows everyone to make beautiful music together

By ANDREW WRIGHT per cent of the families enrolled this year. self, Snyder hired fellow “gigging” musicians The Observer “They have multiple kids, they’re making who would appreciate the steady income — a less than $20,000 a year, many of them are move that she says ensures a high quality of When class lets out on Tuesdays and new to the city and new to Canada,” Snyder service. Wednesdays at Secord Elementary School said. “If I’m not running this program here, For Domonique Morris, a piano instructor on Barrington Avenue, the East End Music it’s not like they’re going somewhere else for at EEMP, it’s more than a job. Having grown Project begins its work — or rather play. music lessons. This is it.” up in Toronto housing, she understands the In one classroom, percussion drums and In addition to subsidized lessons, renting an struggles that her mother went through to pay keyboard pianos replace the desks and work- instrument is also affordable. for lessons. tables; in another, ukuleles and guitars take Through Snyder’s partnership with Long “She didn’t have that subsidy,” Morris over. There’s something for everyone, and at and McQuade music store, instruments can be said. “So for me, I want to give back to my this music school in the Main-Danforth area, purchased at cost or rented for $20 a year. community because I know how much music expense isn’t an issue. With the program in its third year, Snyder’s has shaped me.” The lessons at the East End Music Project work hasn’t been in vain. Ingrid Palmer, who Enrolment in the program has increased ev- (EEMP) are subsidized based on income, and has had her two children in the program since ery year and now sits at 250 students. Keeping so they range from $2 to $15 a pop. its launch, has seen steady improvements in up with increased capacity hasn’t been easy The project’s founder and director, Miranda her children. for Snyder, involving the organization of fund- Snyder, determined the need for the program “In the beginning, it’s pretty much noise,” raisers and lobbying for corporate sponsors. Andrew Wright/// The Observer with the help of World Vision. Palmer said. “But over time, they’re learning Snyder, however, refuses to turn anyone away. The proof of its need though, is in who has how to play actual songs, they’re learning the “There should be no barrier,” she said. “Not Yoyada Tareke and Domonique taken advantage. Families who qualify for the notes and chords.” race, not ethnicity, not your ability to access Morris enjoying a one-on-one pi- lowest fees — because they make less than The driving force behind those improve- the Internet; there’s no reason why any kid ano lesson at Secord Elementary $20,000 a year — account for more than 50 ments is the instruction. Being a musician her- should get left behind.” School in East York. 4 ARTS & LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 7, 2016

Nathan Vaz /// The Observer Gavin MacDougall’s mural, entitled “Dare to Achieve,” uses the visual medium to show where the college has been, where it is and where it’s going. Mural challenges viewers to ‘Dare to Achieve’

By NATHAN VAZ Centennial’s growth over the years. He noted that in an institution like Centenni- “The central idea is that we can rise above The Observer Accordingly, a competition among current al College, people have to take risks in order to our individual limitations and as a group we and former students was created in search of achieve their goals. In naming his work “Dare can achieve more than what we can as indi- When Gavin MacDougall decided to enrol the most fitting mural. MacDougall, now a to Achieve,” MacDougall acknowledges that viduals. This is what happens at the college.” in the fine arts program at Centennial Col- Centennial alumnus, was chosen as the winner the first step in completing any goal is to take Along with a $10,000 cash prize, MacDou- lege’s East York campus, he was hoping that for his design, one of hundreds of entries. a risk and dare to do something one wouldn’t gall will also be able to see his mural next the school would leave a lasting impression on “It’s an honour,” he said. “It’s quite a mile- normally do. spring at Centennial College’s Progress Cam- his life. Little did he know he would have the stone and as a graduate from Centennial Col- As for the mural and its design, MacDougall pus in Scarborough. It will be added to the ex- opportunity to leave a lasting impression on lege, it’s exciting to be part of it.” explained that the concept of his work is heav- terior of the new Residence and Culinary Arts the school. MacDougall’s mural, entitled “Dare to ily based on universal beliefs. Centre. As part of the college’s 50th anniversary cel- Achieve,” uses the visual medium to show “The idea is that a community brings togeth- “It’s going to be incredible. It’s hard to ebrations, it commissioned an outdoor mural where the college has been, where it is and er people from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s imagine. It’s something that will be there for a for its main Progress Campus to demonstrate where it’s going. everyone and all of us,” he said. long time,” MacDougall said. Volt hockey gives everyone a chance to shoot, score By ANDREW WRIGHT gled to find an activity suitable for his son. per-body strength and dexterity that children The Observer “It’s hard to find something that’s specific with progressive disorders lose over time. to Emery and his needs and this is it,” Mar- While assigning a pusher has been a solu- Young East Yorker Emery Gelissen zipped cus Gelissen said. “I love it.” tion for some, Murdock said that Volt hockey around the court at Variety Village in Scar- The arrival of the sport in Canada was provides something more. borough, where recently Canada’s only Volt made possible by a partnership between Va- “The chair becomes their movement and hockey team held its first practice. riety Village and the Danish consulate. To- with that they become completely indepen- “I wish this thing had six cylinders,” Emery gether, the two raised enough funds to pur- dent,” Murdock said. “This sport will always shouted as he took a corner in the practice. chase 10 chairs valued at $100,000. allow them the opportunity to play.” Volt hockey involves players in wheelchairs Chris Murdock, teams manager at Variety Emery wasn’t shy about exploring that in- powered by twin 12-volt batteries that can Village, organized drills to introduce players dependence. After growing bored of a pass reach a maximum speed of 13 kilometres an to the sensitivity of the chair’s controls. and play drill, he broke out into a full speed hour. Emery Gelissen didn’t appear worried joyride around the outer edge of the arena. Participants control their chairs with the about the controls or the speed. With his Soon he found himself sidelined with his flick of a joystick mounted on either side of n EMERY GELISSEN chair set to speed setting number three out of chair powered off. Murdock called it the pen- the chair. a possible four, he buzzed around the court, alty box. Fixed to the front of each player’s chair is a Emery has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, his joystick pushed far forward. “He actually just wants to rip around,” hockey stick split into three blades – one that a progressive genetic disorder that gradually Other para-sports often fall short for Marcus Gelissen said. juts out directly in front for shooting, and two weakens his body’s muscles. youngsters such as Emery. “If you let him go, I’m sure he’d just take on either side for ball control. Emery’s father, Marcus Gelissen, had strug- Sledge hockey, for example, required up- the track.” ‘Mean Girls’ is a movie, not a phenomenon, says bullying expert

Cont’d. from page 1 use social media and relational power structures to assert their way to label pre-existing fe- authority, she said, making it male bullying patterns with difficult for teachers and- par the influence of pop culture. ents to recognize what they’re To Lynn Glazier, a journalist doing. and the filmmaker behind doc- According to Glazier, the in- umentaries It’s a Girl’s World crease in suspensions may be and It’s a Teen World, “Mean due to more awareness. Girls is a movie. You can say “I would suggest that this that girls can be mean with- rise that the Toronto Catholic out having to slap the label on District School Board is see- them of ‘mean girls.’” ing is not because there’s been In her documentary, Glazier a rise in girls’ social aggres- discovered that when it comes sion,” she said. to bullying, girls have been “I think that they may be be- Yeye Zhe /// The Observer known to use much more sub- coming better at recognizing Night at the museum tle methods than the aggres- the behaviour. More incidents sive behaviour typically used may be reported now, because A visitor takes in one of the displays at the Aga Khan Museum during Nuit Blanche last weekend. by boys. there’s much more awareness This was the first time that the Wynford Drive institution took part in the overnight event, which is Girls often use gossip and of it.” designed to make contemporary art accessible to everyone. The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 FEATURES 5

On Sept. 25, the Royal Canadian Legion, Todmorden Branch No. 10, held a memorial march and candlelight service in honour of soldiers who have ended their own lives due to PTSD. The march began at 6:30 p.m. at Cosburn Avenue and Todmorden Lane and then headed north to the Legion at 1083 Pape Ave. The candlelight service followed at dusk.

Evangelo Sipsas /// The Observer

East Yorkers support families, veterans coping with PTSD “so I stood there for... hours waiting for at the Legion on Pape Avenue was also intended fought in Afghanistan or Iraq. He developed Honour Our Canadian Soldiers everyone to leave.” to raise awareness about the issue. PTSD after being hit by a truck in his That’s when he finally spoke to Denise, the “They have to be recognized as fallen soldiers, hometown of Guelph in 2007. He attempted to organization is part of raising mother of the deceased veteran being buried. not suicide soldiers, as some people are saying,” take his own life a number of times, but with support, awareness of PTSD Mullis simply wanted to offer his assistance Mullis said. “There is a stigma still.” the help of others he managed to overcome the to her. He recognized the difficulties she might HOCS is a non-profit that focuses on providing traumatic stress. have faced as the mother of a former soldier support to veterans dealing with post-traumatic Mullis and his organization travelled from By EVANGELO SIPSAS who died by suicide. stress disorder (PTSD). The organization also Guelph to attend the ceremony in order to offer The Observer On Sept. 25, people from across the GTA offers support to veteran family members, such assistance to families coping with PTSD. He gathered in East York, at the Royal Canadian as Denise, who has lost a loved one by an act of encouraged veterans to speak about it. Jason Mullis waited patiently for the funeral Legion, Todmorden Branch 10, to pay their suicide because of PTSD. “We want the families to know that they’re to end. People paid their respects at a coffin respects to soldiers who have taken their own “We’re not here for the military. We’re not never alone,” he said. “And to the soldiers draped with the Canadian flag and with flowers lives. here for Canada,” Mullis said. “We’re here for (who) are at that point, (who) think it’s the best all around the gravesite. Mullis, funding representative of Honour Our the fallen soldiers’ families.” way out, know (that) there are people there for “I knew something was different,” he said, Canadian Soldiers (HOCS), said the ceremony Mullis is also a victim of PTSD, but never you.”

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6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 n COLUMNS n EDITORIALS Listen to those in pain New lines, old spirit If you can, try to remember Wouldn’t you want to consid- He is slowly starting to lose his When it reported on the proposal to realign city wards, the Toronto Star focused on the most insufferable pain er all options? vision and memory. Or another the reaction of East Yorkers’ neighbours to the south. It seems some folks in The Beach you’ve ever felt — physical Fortunately, the option who is suffering from lung can- would prefer not to see wards redrawn in such a way as to suggest a connection with or emotional. Actually take of assisted death can cer and is no longer responding Scarborough. the time to think about it. now, legitimately, be to any treatment. He must Well, that’s awkward. When it happened. What among them. And yet, choose between constant seda- But while East Yorkers may be tempted to smile at such considerations, we shouldn’t the room smelled like. there is still opposi- tion or excruciating pain. These be too complacent about the implications of this reworking of boundaries. Who was around. How tion to this humane aren’t figments of my imagina- This all stems from the Toronto Ward Boundary Review’s attempt to attain a more it surfaced. And alternative. But tion; they’re in the book Health equitable city council. The way things stand, there’s a wide range of population among ultimately, why it it is important Care Ethics: Critical Issues for the city’s 44 wards. Some wards have twice the population of others. The purpose of happened. What that patients the 21st Century. the review is to even those numbers out — to something between 60,000 and 70,000 was going through have the right Physical and mental health per ward. (Or, under a more dramatic proposal, to around 110,000 per ward… with 26 your mind? Now to choose are at stake. A cancer pa- wards instead of 44.) imagine if that pain this form of tient’s physical health can be In East York, the effects in the two southern wards would likely be minimal: both persisted. If it never treatment affected by the side effects Ward29/Toronto-Danforth and 31/Beaches-East York would simply be extended a few went away. If it stuck as long as of chemotherapy. In terms of blocks further south — to just beyond Danforth Avenue. But in the northwest third of and affected your they meet the mental health, some may feel East York, the effect would be more pronounced. What was one ward, Don Valley West/ everyday life and law’s criteria. hopelessness and experience Ward 26 would suddenly divide and peel off into three wards — one heading far west functioning. Even just It allows deep depression. Sometimes into Toronto, one heading far north into North York and one heading far east into Scar- articulating the words patients to be people come to feel that their borough. So instead of one constituency and one representative at city hall, East York’s to describe that kind in control of condition is their identity. upper third would be politically diluted. Dissected into three, with those three subdivi- of heartache could be their lives. Even just having the option sions then blended with non-East York neighbourhoods. near-impossible. I’m thinking of assisted death could be This would be a significant official change. Perhaps the most significant since the But this is a reality for of a person who beneficial for those with a Borough of East York was dissolved 18 years ago in then-premier Mike Harris’ forced many people. Now imagine used to be an terrible prognosis. It could be merger of the autonomous municipalities that had made up what was previously known being told that, in addition to athlete, but after gratifying for some to know as Metro Toronto. this suffering, you only have years of battling that they still have control But the key word there is “official.” Let’s remember that many people predicted that a very finite amount of time AIDS, he only in deciding what is best for the 1998 amalgamation would spell the end of East York’s sense of community. But that left to live. An hourglass over weighs 80 pounds. them. And if they make that hasn’t happened. (This newspaper, the East York Observer, is evidence of that.) your shoulder, ultimate choice, who So with the possibility of a ward re-draw facing us, it’s best to remember that any in effect, and it’s Jacqueline Thetsombandith among us can stand re-division will not erase our neighbourhoods’ history. draining fast. in judgment? And as a practical matter, whatever the name or number of your new ward, you’ll still be in East York — still just a walk or a short ride away from the features of our commu- nity that make it a community. The stores and restaurants and libraries and recreation centres that you enjoy will still A curse of modern life be open for business (along with others that would be joining us under the new wards). So while Mayor Tory’s executive committee is expected to take up this issue later COLUMNIST’S “TRIG- interview of a person with had asked if the faculty could this year, remember that, whatever happens and however our official boundaries may GER” WARNING: The a differing opinion by the avoid using the word “violate” change, East York and our love for it can never be divided. following may offend people name of Rudy Pantoja. When in class. What was the context? ~ Chelsea Ward who think it’s their duty to Pantoja finished talking, Joshi “Does this conduct violate the enlighten the world with went straight to him and asked law?” This begs the question: their superior knowledge. for his name. Pantoja refused Are we going to get to the point Political correctness is a to give his actual name and where a history professor will Becoming a hotspot curse that is being spread said it was “Hugh Mungus” have to give a trigger warning around by what some people instead. Joshi tried to turn the to their class when we’re about Artists living in East York shouldn’t let the spirit of creativity, which often flows out call “social justice warriors,” tables by then loudly claiming to talk about a war? of Nuit Blanche, dissipate. or SJWs. These SJWs have an that the exchange amounted In my own college career, Overnight this past Saturday-Sunday, the downtown core was alive (if soggy) with agenda to make everyone’s life to sexual assault. (It turned I’ve experienced teachers creative displays, out-of-this-world performances, eye-catching art, music and culture. miserable by instructing peo- out Pantoja was there to and students walking Every year, Nuit Blanche fills the streets with Torontonians, out-of-towners and tourists ple with their take on the world support the police for the fine line of political who explore the city at night and take in sights they may have never seen before. and its current events. taking his 26-year-old correctness. I remember This year the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum and Park on Wynford Drive For example: Annaliese daughter off the street one discussion in which brought Nuit Blanche to East York, with a lecture indoors and a “sensory garden” and Nielsen — an outspoken Cali- for treatment.) the view was expressed sculptural installation outdoors. It’s a rare sight for East York to be a stop on the Nuit fornia businesswoman (whose Jeannie Suk that grocery stores Blanche circuit. Thankfully, a week later, the sprinkling of attention on East York enterprises range from a soft- Gersen, a Har- should reconsider doesn’t have to be brought to a halt. core porn production company vard professor, specially labelled Preparations are in the works for the 2017 East York Cultural Hotspot designation. to a social networking site). wrote a column sections for halal This event will undoubtedly become more familiar over the next few months as the From the back seat of a in The New foods. community and city prepare for one of the biggest promotional programs to come our Lyft car (think Uber), Nielsen Yorker recently I should be way. The Cultural Hotspot is about shining a light on the arts, culture and heritage of took offence to the driver’s about how it’s clear that this a chosen region of Toronto, traditionally outside of the downtown core. In partnership Hawaiian bobble head. In a difficult to teach isn’t a political with Toronto City Services and Toronto Tourism, the hotspot will bring more and new video that has now gone viral, some forms of law issue. Despite what eyes to what makes this East York so special. Nielsen says, “You thought because it might people may think, This is an opportunity for community members to be actively involved in how our that was adorable; you didn’t be “triggering” there’s a difference neighbourhoods are portrayed. The Observer recently reported on a Cultural Hotspot think about the pillaging of the to some students. between openmind- Connect meeting held at the East York Civic Centre. This edition reports on a commu- continent of Hawaii?” Because such edness and political nity mural project in the works for the Hotspot. And a lot more information will soon be Nielsen begins to mock the stark confronta- correctness. And in circulating. Lyft driver about how he pur- tions with certain their overzealousness, Going by the past successes of Cultural Hotspots in Scarborough and this year’s North chased the doll from Goodwill, aspects of reality SJWs don’t actually York, it’s fair to state that this is an important event for East York. Businesses have the threatening to “expose” him to could be trauma- contribute to any opportunity to thrive in a bright tourist spotlight, and so do artists who might tradition- Gawker. tizing. A teacher meaningful discourse. ally perform or share their art in venues closer to the downtown region. Another example of an whom Suk Gers- All they contribute Nuit Blanche is over, but the East York Cultural Hotspot is on its way. SJW is Zarna Joshi, an activ- en knew to is forced ist against the building of a told her smiles… ~ Raquel Russell Seattle police station. Joshi that a Carmen Tortorelli and internal was offended by a local media student eye-rolls.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centennial College journalism students at the East York cam- FACULTY EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR PRODUCTION EDITORS pus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. Mailing address: Ted Barris Raquel Russell Kaitlyn Smith P.O. Box 631, Stn. A, Toronto, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Stephen Cogan PHOTO EDITOR Yeye Zhu [email protected]. Telephone 416-289- Lindy Oughtred Jonathan Yue ASSIGNMENT EDITOR OBSERVER 5107, fax 416-289-5111. We welcome your input, Chelsea Ward including letters to the editor. The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 FEATURES 7 East York’s ‘Not-So-Roaring ‘20s’

Courtesy of City of Toronto Archives The Observer continues its look back on East York history through photographs from the City of Toronto Archives. These two pictures are a reflection of the Not-So-Roaring Twenties in a community that was still removed enough from Toronto’s city centre that a pastoral atmosphere continued to prevail. For instance: The now-busy intersection of Coxwell and Danforth avenues looks almost untouched in the photo on the left, taken on Oct. 6, 1926. The picture on the right, from Feb. 11, 1929, depicts a class at the Danforth Day Nursery, located at 363 Main St. Eco-friendly school practises the 3 Rs

ness gets passed around the community. Reduce, reuse, recycle the Cressman is the school’s appointed per- mantra at Jackman school son-of-responsibility overseeing the eco-friendly policies at Jackman. By KAITLYN SMITH Last year, Cressman’s class wrote a letter to The Observer city council to try to stop the TDSB from cut- ting down trees in the front because of the emer- The whole thing was just a misunderstanding. ald ash borer. Later, saddened by the loss of the Jackman Avenue Junior Public School recently trees, his students wrote the TDSB’s overseer of found itself in the journalistic spotlight when a grounds and were met with a positive response. memo from the school told parents not to pack A week later, new trees were planted to replace juice boxes in their children’s lunches. In one of the old ones. several stories about the memo, juice boxes were “Our students have been really good ambassa- referred to as “Enemy No. 1.” dors for developing eco-mindedness in the com- The matter was resolved when principal Rory munity,” Sullivan said. Sullivan told the Toronto Star that the memo was In the lunchroom, classrooms and outdoors, sent to introduce new parents and remind return- Jackman has taken special care to surround stu- ing ones about Jackman’s eco-friendly policies. dents with the knowledge of how to make the The school has platinum-certified eco-friend- world a greener place. ly status and has become a community leader in In social studies classes, children learn about practising the motto “reduce, reuse, recycle”. current events on the planet’s health and well- A reporter from the East York Observer sat Kaitlyn Smith /// The Observer ness. In science, they learn about endangered down recently with several of the school’s front- Mom Jennifer Proos packs lunches in reusable packaging for her children animals and the causes of their path to extinc- line, eco-friendly representatives to see what the (left to right) Kelly, Katherine and Jakob. tion. rap is against non-recyclable wrappers. And in math, students compare the surface Sitting at the table are Sullivan, Paul Cress- eco-friendly schools as platinum, gold, silver the earth’s benefactors. area and the volume of 10 juice boxes to that of man, a veteran teacher who has been at Jackman and bronze, with platinum being the most eco-re- What’s the difference between platinum and a reusable juice container, discovering just how for almost a decade now, and Jennifer Proos, a sponsible and bronze the lowest. gold eco-schools? “A lot of work,” Cressman said. much waste can be saved when using one. mother of three students at the school and parent So, with the juice boxes, Jackman isn’t nitpick- Students are educated about eco-friendly policies As for implementing eco-friendly mindfulness, council member. ing. With a platinum designation, the school’s in curriculum and classroom life. They take their Proos says it’s not difficult. “It’s the philosophy The Toronto District School Board lists its students and teachers take pride in their duties as knowledge home to parents, and the eco-minded- of reducing garbage and waste at the school.” East York poetry lovers gather at Children’s Peace Theatre By JONATHAN YUE said that events like these, where poets and ing. And because of that, Esquerra believes that The Observer writers can share their work, are what makes poetry in Toronto will continue to have signif- poetry thrive in this urban setting. icance. For writers Tyler Hosken and Mary White, One of those poets at the Children’s Peace “As long as people are continually writing, as East York is an example of Toronto’s vibrant Theatre was Ruben “Beny” Esguerra. A long as there’s events and support on the cre- poetry scene. multi-instrumentalist, lyricist and arts educator, ations, (poetry) is evolving for the better,” Es- Compared to other cities, “there’s certainly a Esquerra focuses on the spoken word — and querra said. great deal more readings,” Hosken said in an in- agrees that this is an environment where poetry And with events like the one on Saturday, the terview. “In Toronto there’s about three a week thrives. potential for poetry reaching more and more that we know of.” “There’s so many people here from differ- people can only grow. On Saturday, about 30 people came out to the ent places around the world,” Esquerra said. In turn, that encourages others to join in on Children’s Peace Theatre on Dawes Road near “There’s a potential for more contribution into writing and performing. Jonathan Yue /// The Observer Victoria Park Avenue to enjoy spoken word per- the genre with different languages.” “Obviously, you have to want to go out and Ruben “Beny” Esguerra performs his formances, poetry and music. Besides stirring a cosmopolitan air, the poetic seek it,of course.” White said. “You can get as music and spoken word at the East End Hosken and White, who met in North Bay, messages themselves can be thought-provok- involved as you want to with poetry.” Poetry Festival held last Saturday. 8 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 7, 2016 Golden anniversary in college green

East York’s only public post-secondary school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall, and so staff and students from Centennial College on Carlaw Avenue donned their school colour and joined counterparts from Centennial’s other East Toronto campuses in a city-wide park cleanup on Sept. 27. Clockwise from top: Staff and students set off to tidy Thomson Park in Scarborough; college ad- missions manager Darryl Creeden rallies the troops; students Colin Tavares (left) and Jermere Culzac team up to tackle trash troubles together; the CN Tower beams with Centennial green that Tuesday night; Shruti Sule (left), Viranch Shah (centre) and Hira Sadiu had never met before but became friends during the cleanup. (Photos by Chelsea Ward — except CN Tower, courtesy of Centennial College)