3 : August 26, 2016

JULY~AUGUST~SEPTEMBER 2016 Volume 21 --- ### 333

NNNEXT DEADLINE ::: AUGUST 26, 2016

AHH SUMMER…. WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

(Photo courtesy of Ritchie Doucet)

City Park Co-operative Apartments Inc. ~ 484 Church St., Suite 115, Toronto M4Y 2C7 416-924-6294

Elisabeth Belliveau, resident artist LINK is published quarterly as of January 2016. Trish Cummings, along with authors The next LINK deadline for Shawn Syms, Don Pyle, Cathi Bond, submissions is August 26, 2016 Ben Ladouceur, Dani Couture, Jeffrey Round, Tara-Michelle Ziniuk, and a host of others have in common?

They have all performed and contributed to the ongoing success

story that is City Park Library. Your LINK Team: Editor: Bob Harrison Drue But the real triumph of this not so Copy-Editor, Board Liaison & Project hidden gem, about to celebrate its Coordinator: Laurel Tate Events Photographer: Mitch Lambert 2nd Anniversary at one of their Toronto 60s-inspired coffeehouse City Park’s ‘Not-So-Hidden’ Treasure events, ‘Friday’s Child’ (July 15th), is - The Ongoing Success how this community-led endeavour Story of City Park Library (CPL) continues to tend to the daily needs and interests of the Members at City What do gypsy jazz guitarist Roberto Park Cooperative. Rosemann, blues artist Joel Krivy, “For two years now, CPL has been award-winning trans artist phenom quietly going about the business of Vivek Shraya, local alt-rockers Long rekindling and Branch, novelists enriching our and poets Marnie community, both Woodrow within and (‘Heyday’), Jim without”, says Nason (Touch Library Manager Anywhere to Jeff Kirby, who Begin’), Barrie Poet recently spoke at Laureate Bruce the Ontario Library Meyer, Elizabeth Association Super Ukrainetz (‘The Conference about Theory of Light at the project. “The Midnight’), YA Sci-fi author Charlene level of community Challenger (‘The Voices in involvement/engagement continues Between’), Playwrights Bobby to be phenomenal. Such generosity Theodore (award-winning translator) and good will. And such love,” says and Jonathan Garfinkel (‘The Road Kirby. “I believe it stems from a love to Paradise’), Performance artist of books, but also a shared desire to Cathy Gordon (‘Hammer’), stand-up be involved in something grand.” Janette Platana (‘A Token of My Affliction’), graphic novelist

Community engagement is the top and Aging in Place founder Jo-Anne priority at CPL. All programs have Kennedy. stemmed directly from responding to After a sold-out community writers Co-op Members’ requests and workshop with author Marnie interests. “Co-op Members read Woodrow, the library has now thrillers, so Jo Nesbo, Henning formed its own writers group of Mankell, Walter Mosley and company Co-op Members (and friends), A2GR are front and centre, alphabetized, (‘Aspire to Great Rubbish’) which easy to reach and find.” “Artist on meets monthly. Display” has showcased work by And the library was selected as one resident artists Trish Cummings and of the host sites for Naked Hearts, Leo Scopacasa, along with a rotating the first LGBTQ Writers Festival in gallery from resident art collector Toronto this past fall which and proprietor of Gallery 1007, introduced hundreds in our Thomas Maunder. neighbourhood and the international Free wi-fi community to City (generously Park. supplied by Dotto The library has One) and a approximately 200 brand-spanking visits each month. new HP computer Over a thousand (a gift from OPMG) books have been has made free circulated. They Internet access receive book and available to all City furniture donations Park Cooperative Members. daily, and all books are heat-treated Members can sign up for Internet so they remain pest-free. use basics with a Library Volunteer. “We receive truly remarkable CPL hosted its first student field donations each and every week,” placement, which developed and remarks Kirby, “I’m always surprised offered a free 12-week course in by the quality and range of the books computer basics with our Members, and items people give, both within along with a computer drop-in on and outside the Co-op. It’s a Wednesday evenings, to practise testament to the project itself. We what they learned. Huge demand by are very fortunate and thankful.” our Members has set plans for this to repeat in the fall/winter. Ten library volunteers cover the 720 regular hours the library is open, five Co-op Members also look forward to days a week, Tuesday thru-Saturday. a social hour, Coffee & Books, every They are a committed bunch, with a Friday morning in the library, passion for arts and culture, serving beginning at 10:30 a.m. A wonderful Co-op readers, and the project. collaboration between the library

On top of all that, CPL has ushered Keep an eye out for the 2nd the Co-op into online blogging and Anniversary Bash on July 15th social media. You will find an (All-star line-up to be announced). amazing website at cityparklibrary.com ; on Twitter (https://twitter.com/cityparklibrary ) with up to the minute info, and they’ve recently launched their own online quarterly journal, The City Park Reader (http://cityparkreader.tumblr.com/ ). This was all built, and is maintained daily, by library Volunteers. And here’s the kicker: City Park Spring Arrives in City Park: The Top Library is entirely grassroots, Ten SSSignsSigns community led, Volunteer and donation-based. Every book. Every 10. The streets surrounding City furnishing. Every event. The website. Park are alive with the sounds of Free. No additional cost to the jackhammers. Co-op.

9.Construction dust settles Zero. comfortably on furniture and books.

“That fact that we’re self-sustaining made us very attractive to the Board. 8. The benches in the centres of the We wanted to show that a gardens fill with Members seeking to community-led vision doesn’t always replenish their reserves of Vitamin D. require lump sums of money for it to come into fruition. There are 7. Cardinals and blue jays return, incredible untapped talents and adding pops of bright, accent resources amongst our Membership colours. and the community we take part in. 6. The vociferous Security Guard, Give them something to love and who directs the arrivals and believe in and they’ll show up with departures of Loblaws trucks, bells on” “We love that people are respond to spring by being even still finding us,” Kirby smiles. “The louder and more balletic. response we hear time and time again is, ‘I had no idea.’” 5. The return of lawn mowers and That’s CPL. Quietly building leaf blowers wielded by the blue- community, a day at a time. Once shirted amazons of Wild Rose. found, always welcome.

4. Our traffic wardens resuming their products like shower gels and posts at the front of the gardens. shampoos.

3. Clusters of the Landscape Project If you are experiencing any of these staring intently at the ground, willing reactions, it could be because of the plants to grow. these chemicals. Check the labels and report your experience to Health 2.The blossoming of the lilacs, which Canada at 1-866-225-0709. remind me of home. They also maintain a database called 1. The most welcomed sign of Spring the “Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist” is the return of Ray Bakey, with his that is available at the following straw hat and hose, making our lives website: a little more beautiful. www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet- Tom Maunder ~ 51 Alexander person/hot-list-critique/hotlist-liste- eng.php

th It’s a lengthy list of ingredients that On May 10 of this year, are restricted and/or prohibited for Health Canada issued a use in cosmetic products in Canada. warning that the following preservatives in cosmetics, non- ~ed. prescription and natural health products: VoIP Telephone Service Available to MI/MCI = City Park Members Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone Below are links to information on popular voice services compatible could be the cause of unexplained with City Park’s Dotto-One Internet rashes, itching, dry/cracked skin, services. blisters and burning feelings on our skin! Each of these providers uses a small device that connects both to your Products that commonly contain Internet connection and to your these chemicals are: moisturizers, home telephone, in order to provide massage products, make-up, you with a digital telephone service. antiperspirants/deodorants, In each case, the new service sunscreen lotion, antiseptic provider will 'port' your current cleaners, acne creams, diaper rash phone number over from your creams and lotions, and wash-off current telephone provider for you.

Be sure to 'port' your telephone more likely to live on low income number before you cancel your than seniors generally. current telephone service in order to retain your old phone number. Budget 2016 proposes to increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement OOMA: http://ca.ooma.com/how- top-up benefit by up to $947 annually ooma-works for the most vulnerable single With OOMA, you purchase their seniors, starting in July 2016, which ‘Telo’ device from any local retailer will support those seniors who rely and then begin your account setup almost exclusively on Old Age online. Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits and may Vonage: http://www.vonage.ca/how- therefore be at risk of experiencing vonage-works/ financial difficulties. This With Vonage, you sign up online and enhancement more than doubles the they send you a device as part of current maximum Guaranteed your service. Vonage has no upfront Income Supplement top-up benefit hardware cost but is more expensive and represents a 10% increase in the on a monthly basis. total maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits available to the MajicJack: lowest-income single seniors. http://www.magicjack.com/how-it- works.html This measure represents an With MajicJack, you purchase the investment of over $670 million per hardware and then activate your year and will improve the financial service, similar to OOMA. security of about 900,000 single If you have any questions regarding seniors across Canada. Single these services, please do not seniors with annual income (other hesitate to contact Dotto-One. than Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits) of about $4,600 or less will IIIncreasingIncreasing The GGGuaranteedGuaranteed Income receive the full increase of $947. Above this income threshold, the SSSupplementSupplement For Single SSSeniorsSeniors amount of the increased benefit will Canada’s retirement income system be gradually reduced and will be has been successful in reducing completely phased out at an income poverty among Canadian seniors, level of about $8,400. according to the Hon. Bill Morneau, Member of Parliament for Toronto Benefits will be adjusted quarterly Centre . However, some seniors with increases in the cost of living. continue to be at heightened risk of living on low income. In particular, single seniors are nearly three times

PET ALERT: The following plants apartment. The following tips will should be kept out of reach of your help you keep your little darlings pets. away so you can keep your plants alive. Cats and dogs are curious creatures, especially when it comes It’s only natural for your pets to try to to the plants you have in your interact with houseplants but, in the process, they can make a huge mess, ruin the plant, or even hurt themselves.

V Always keep plants on tables or shelves where pets can’t reach them. V Don’t put dangling tablecloths or runners under plants—pets might use these as tug toys. V If you have cats, try putting aluminum foil, covered by a layer of soil, inside potted plants. Cats don’t like the feeling of foil under their paws. V Line the rim of the planter or the edge of the shelf with double-sided tape, another material cats hate to walk on. V Avoid placing plants on narrow ledges or shelves where your furry friends might knock them over. Toppled plants not only make a mess, but sharp broken edges could cut your pet’s paws.

It’s all about keeping your houseplants out of reach of dogs, and deterring your cats from wanting to interact with them. Cats will be able to get to the plant no matter where you put it, but you might be able to convince your kitty that the plant isn’t worth its while.

(Information obtained from In his visit to the co-op, the minister apartmenttherapy.com via lifehacker.com) said, “every time I visit Hugh Garner Housing Co-op, I am always struck Minister Morneau BBBringsBrings WWWelcomeWelcome by the strength of the community… I RRReliefRelief to FFFederalFederal CCCoCooo----opsops and TTTheirTheir know uncertainty has been hard for LLLowLowowow----incomeincome MMMembersMembers WWWhoWho Faced co-ops, especially those whose long- the LLossoss of RRRentRent SSSubsidySubsidy FFFundingFunding term operating agreements have ended, and I want you to know the April 22, 2016 (Toronto) ––– The co-op government stands with you and will housing sector was pleased to be a reliable partner.” welcome The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, to the Quotations Hugh Garner Housing Co-op and hear him reiterate his firm support of “This assistance is a huge relief to Canada’s housing co-ops. our members whose operating agreements have ended, or will end At the announcement, the Minister in the very near future. It will help highlighted the $30 million re- hundreds of vulnerable co-op allocated in the budget, to ensure members across Toronto stay in that federally-administered social their homes. We look forward to housing providers like Hugh Garner, working with Minister Morneau and whose long-term operating his colleague, Minister Duclos, on a agreements have ended or are long-term solution so that these ending soon, can continue to provide households are protected after income-tested assistance to low- 2017, and so these good-quality, income households over the next two affordable homes continue to be years. available in this City where there is such overwhelming need.” Hugh Garner is a non-profit housing co-op in Minister Morneau’s riding of • Tom Clement, Executive Toronto Centre. Of the 181 units, 62 Director, Co-operative Housing households receive income-tested Federation of Toronto assistance, funded by the federal “Minister Morneau has shown government, to help pay their rent. tremendous leadership on affordable Before the release of the 2016 housing, and on this issue. He has Budget, those 62 households were in taken a deep personal interest, and danger of losing this assistance that is the first Minister of Finance in they depend on to afford their recent memory to champion the homes, when the co-op’s federal importance of affordable housing, operating agreement expires in both for the economy, and for 2017. people’s ability to take part in it. We

sincerely appreciate his commitment

and dedication, and look forward to etirement is what’s commonly working with him on this critical known as the ‘golden years’ – issue for our members.” Ra time to spend with those you love, as you embark on new life • Harvey Cooper, Managing experiences and adventures. You Director, Co-operative Housing would think that this time would Federation of Canada Ontario allow you to relax and support Region positive health, as you become immersed in a life that is less CHF Canada Ontario Region is the stressful and less chaotic. voice of Ontario’s co-operative housing movement. Its members For years, researchers have been include over 500 non-profit housing trying to uncover the ways in which co-operatives and other retirement affects health. Does it organizations across the have a positive, negative, or neutral province. More than 125,000 impact? Based on a Health and Ontarians live in housing co-ops, in Retirement Study, it appears as every region of the province. though retirement can have a negative impact on your health – but For more information: you could potentially change that.

Harvey CooperCooper, Managing Director, After studying 5,422 individuals over CHF Canada Ontario Region, cell the age of 50, it was found that those 416.809.5048 , who had retired were 40 per cent [email protected] more likely to have a stroke or heart Tom Clement, Executive Director, attack, in comparison with those Co-operative Housing Federation of who were still working. The effects Toronto, 416.801.4207 , of this transition on positive health [email protected] have been documented in a number of earlier studies as well.

With that being said, some studies have shown an improvement in health after retirement, so what are the key contributing factors

regarding an improvement or decline in one’s health? What can you personally do to protect yourself, allowing your golden years to truly shine?

Retirement Brings Changes achieving challenging tasks on a daily basis. There are various transitions in life – but few are as monumental as Remember, retirement simply means retirement. This transition brings that you’re ending a chapter which many changes, as social situations, requires you to go to work – it does various stressors, and health not mean that you are retiring from behaviours become altered. Perhaps life. Life after retirement means it’s this process which causes a you’ll have opportunities to try new spike in health problems – as some things, explore possible volunteer do not adjust as smoothly as others positions, babysit, or even go back do. to school.

So, on average – why is it that those As you embark on new experiences who continue to work experience and remain physically active, you will fewer health problems? support two of your most critical organs – your heart and brain. Since The answer lies in staying active – research has shown that continuing both mentally and physically. to work reduces your risk of major Although there are clearly individual health complications, why not pick differences, it’s believed that once up a part-time job or embark on self- people stop doing something which employment opportunities? requires them to learn, interact, and stay active, their health can This will provide you with some significantly diminish. structure day in and day out. With that being said, you’re not limited to Work provides us with a sense of paid working opportunities only. purpose, a reason to get up in order Volunteering is another great way to to use our bodies and brains. Once stay socially, mentally, and you retire, you can still maintain this physically active. The positive desire to stay active, you just need to effects of volunteering have been switch your focus to other activities documented time and time again. and social networks. A national survey collected data The key is finding a new and exciting from 3,351 adults, finding that those sense of purpose. In fact, a recent who volunteered felt better both study from Carleton University, mentally and physically. An found that having a sense of incredible 94 per cent said that purpose, can actually extend one’s volunteering improved their mood; lifespan. Just because you leave 78 per cent said that volunteering your workplace does not mean that lowered their stress levels; 80 per you have to stop setting goals and cent of volunteers said they felt as

though they had control over their you to establish new health. relationships.

There are plenty of organizations - • Continue to learnlearn.. Support your such as the Ontario Volunteer creativity and allow yourself to Centre Network – which help you learn new things. Have you find opportunities in your area. always wanted to play an CESO is another exciting instrument? Now is the time to opportunity, allowing do it. Do not Canadians to underestimate volunteer while they yourself and your travel. From Africa abilities; you can to Asia, you can only benefit your apply to not only see body and mind. the world, but make a difference. If your career was extremely stressful As you approach and tiring, retirement, retirement may remember these key areas and then actually improve your health. Take make plans, according to your this opportunity to find enjoyment in circumstances, passions, or new activities and hobbies. This is interests. your time to focus on things that bring you joy, while reducing stress • Continue to grow your social levels. networknetwork.... Whether you volunteer or take on a part-time Regardless, you need to stay active job, it’s important to continually as you enjoy your golden years. meet new people. When you Continue to achieve your goals, retire, you lose that daily embark on new opportunities, and interaction with colleagues. challenge yourself. Retirement truly Join a club in your community, can be golden. Allow yourself to contact old friends, and don’t experience the retirement in which be shy to make new ones. we dream about. If you would like to seek work after retirement, Service • Never stop playingplaying.. Whether Canada provides some great you go travelling, play golf, or resources. sign-up for dance lessons, never stop being physically (An excellent article that originally active. These activities will appeared last December on stimulate positive mental and http://www.thistlecreekhealthcare.net ) physical health, while allowing ~ed

Landscape Project In the interest of a balanced debate, The Landscape Project is actively let’s add some grist to the grinder. seeking Volunteers for a wide variety of tasks in the upkeep and For some people, pigeons are beautification of our award-winning disease-carrying vermin that gardens. The tasks include: planting, defecate their way through metal, transplanting, watering, weeding, stone, and car roofs (and Members’ deadheading, and litter pick-up. heads and clothing ~ed) . For others, Whether you have a green thumb, pigeons are part of the tapestry of outgrown your balcony garden, or nature and should be viewed as are willing to learn about gardening, friends, not enemies. The battle lines Members are welcome to work with have been drawn for a number of other Volunteers to maintain our years. Here are some points to gardens. consider.

The project meets every second Humans, closely followed by their Monday of the month from April to pets, are among Mother Nature’s October. If you want to volunteer, worst polluters. Check the sidewalk you can come to a meeting, leave beside Loblaws. Pigeons are your info at the Office, or e-mail attracted to the rich food cache Project Liaison Paul Kazlauskas at which is a city. Humans have built [email protected]. the high-rises which provide homes for themselves and, inadvertently, Power to the Pigeons the pigeons. Humans love green spaces to walk and congregate, and As surprising as it may seem, there so do pigeons. are issues and questions which, on There is much ambiguity and occasion, ripple across the surface contradiction in the governmental of the mill pond that is City regulations regarding Park. pigeons. Pigeons are What are these issues and not covered by questions you may well Ontario’s Fish and ask? When will the Wildlife Conservation Property Management ever Act, and a small-game respond to my phone licence entitles one to message? What DOES Wild the hunting of pigeons. Rose really do for its money? When The only caveat is that the killing will the lawn cease to look like a must be done without suffering to the spotted …? birds. Pigeons are not covered by the One topic that consistently causes Migratory Birds Convention, and debate is that of City Park’s pigeons. pigeons are not native to Canada,

but arrived here sporting European passports. Some municipal by-laws ban the feeding of pigeons but, as we well know at City Park, by-laws are often ignored. Is there a solution?

Not really, according to Christian Szabo from Pigeon Busters. Culling the pigeon population seems only to encourage ‘breeding overdrive’ which is obviously counterproductive. Relocation is time-consuming, costly, and not always effective. Enclosing pigeon incubation sites does help but is not a lasting solution. Not feeding the pigeons in the summer months might Everyday Foods That Can Poison help. Your Pets

So, when it comes to pigeons, the XYLITOL: That sugar-free chewing millpond will likely continue to ripple. gum or candy? A small amount is Thanks to Calum Marsh of Walrus extremely dangerous to your pets. magazine for his article entitled, Xylitol is a synthetic sweetener that rather aptly, A Roost of One’s Own causes liver diseases and blood which gave me much grist. clotting disorders. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, loss of Tom Maunder ~ 51 Alexander coordination, and seizures.

RAW FISHFISH: Watch out for salmon and trout. Raw salmon can be fatal, especially if the fish is infected with the bacterium Neorickettsia helminthoeca, which, in some cases, can be fatal to pets. However, cooked salmon or trout is fine. If diagnosed early, your pet has a big chance of recovering.

LIVERLIVER: Although a small amount of liver is okay, feeding too much of it to

your pet can be harmful. Liver compounds that can be harmful to contains a lot of Vitamin A, which pets. can damage your pet’s muscles and bones. GARLICGARLIC: can potentially do more damage to pets. They contain MMMUSHROOMSMUSHROOMSUSHROOMS: The wrong mushroom compounds that are poisonous to can poison your pet. Although some pets. They also affect red blood mushrooms are edible, it’s best to cells. Your pet’s urine may turn avoid feeding them to your pet. orange or dark red in color. Also not Mushroom toxicity can be fatal, good. causing seizures, tremors, and organ failure. AVOCADOSAVOCADOS: While the fruit is delicious to us, it has been linked to UNRIPE POTATOESPOTATOES: Although this causing vomiting, breathing seems surprising, raw and unripe difficulties, and heart congestion in potatoes are toxic to pets. A few pets. Avocados contain the toxin symptoms of poisoning from eating persin, which upsets your pet’s potatoes include vomiting, nausea, stomach. It has also been known to seizures and heart problems. cause breathing difficulties.

RRRHUBARBRHUBARBHUBARB: This vegetable is used in CITRUS FRUITSFRUITS: The stems, leaves, making pies but should never be peels, and seeds of citrus plants given to pets. Its leaves and stems contain citric acid, which can cause are known to deplete calcium levels irritation. When ingested in in dogs. When fed to pets, it causes significant amounts, it can negatively renal failure and medical problems. impact your pet’s central nervous system. GRAPES & RAISINSRAISINS: Better check that cookie. Grapes and raisins can COCONUTCOCONUT: Although a small amount cause dehydration and intestinal isn’t harmful to pets, the milk of fresh problems. Symptoms include coconuts contains oils that may vomiting and diarrhea. cause stomach disorders and diarrhea. Also, avoid giving coconut MACADAMIA NUTSNUTS: they contain a water to your pet, as it’s high in toxin that causes kinesthetic issues, potassium. tremors, and swollen limbs. Symptoms include muscle YEAST DOUGHDOUGH: When consumed, weakness, tremors, vomiting, and yeast dough can ferment and expand depression. Not good. in your pet’s stomach, rupturing the intestines. Symptoms include severe ONIONSONIONS:: can mess up the red blood stomach pain and internal bleeding. cells in your pet. Onions contain

APPLE CORESCORES: Like peaches, pears, RAW OR UNDERCOOKED MMEAT,EAT, apricots, and plums, apple cores EGGS AND BONES: Raw meat and contain glycosides, a.k.a. cyanide. eggs can contain bacteria such as When eaten by pets, it can salmonella and E. coli, which are potentially cause dizziness, harmful to both pets and humans. collapsing, breathing problems, Raw eggs contain an enzyme called hyperventilation, shock or coma. avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin, leading to skin and coat CHOCOLATECHOCOLATE: Of course you’ve problems. Feeding your pet raw heard about chocolate and why it’s bones can also cause internal toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains bleeding and choking. caffeine and theobromine, which are considered methylxanthines. When COFFEECOFFEE: Avoid giving coffee to your eaten, it can cause vomiting, pets. Coffee will not only make your dehydration, abdominal pains, pets nervous, it could make them severe agitation, muscle tremors, thirsty and hyperactive, too. Caffeine irregular heart rhythm, seizures or causes excessive panting and death. seizures.

MILKMILK: Pets, particularly dogs, can Excellent advice from the Petcube.com suffer from lactose intolerance, too. blog

Milk contains a type of sugar that dogs cannot digest, due to their lack DDDirectorDirector IIInterviewInterview of enzymes. Milk can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal This is another in our ongoing series problems. of interviews of our Board of Directors.

CHEESECHEESE: Like milk, cheese has Rod Bessette was sugars and fatty acids that dogs elected to the cannot digest properly. When Board – for the consumed in large quantities, it first time – in causes diarrhea, vomiting, and September 2014. gastrointestinal diseases. He serves as

Liaison to CDC ALCOHOLALCOHOL: What makes you drunk (Community can make your pet sick. Alcoholic Development beverages and food products Committee). containing alcohol can cause Presently, he’s also Acting Chair, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing until the position is filled by another. difficulties, tremors, abnormal blood Rod first lived in City Park from 1983- acidity, coma, or even death. ‘96. He moved out for a few years,

then came back in 2000. He’s always

lived in 484 Church St. His VVVolunteeringVolunteering atatat CCCityCityityity PPParkPark hometown is Astorville, Ont., near North Bay. He goes back often, and Look around the neighbourhood. You to Ottawa, to visit family. will agree with us that City Park is a great place to live. To make this His first involvement with a happen, the Co-op depends on the committee was back in 1989, when hundreds of Volunteer hours needed City Park first became a co-op. He to ensure that on-going activities worked on the Visitors’ Parking function, and issues raised are Committee. resolved. All who have lived here since we became a Co-op know the Rod has been an integral part of CDC value and necessity of volunteering. since 2003. Over the years, he’s If you are wondering how to get been Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, involved, the following brief and Secretary – all several times. descriptions of each of the The Committee organizes the co- committees and projects will help op’s lawn sales, barbecue picnics, you to choose the activity that best and brunches throughout the year, reflects your interests and skills. and provides the prizes won by the attendees. Aging in Place Project. This project was formed in response to the needs Rod believes that volunteering is of the seniors in City Park. The special, because it provides the purpose of the project is to provide opportunity to meet new people, as support and education around the well as doing good for the specific needs of this population. community. City Park’s organization The project has provided various of committees and projects makes it workshops on topics such as easy to get involved. nutrition, the safe use of prescriptions, and estate planning. “It’s wonderful to live here, because The project is also involved in of the way the people in our pursuing grants to update City Park community connect with each to become more senior-friendly. other.” ByByBy-By ---LawsLaws Ad Hoc Writing Project. The NoteNote: CDC is seeking new Members. By-Laws are City Parks’ If you’d like to join the Committee, Constitution. The By-Laws Writing please leave your name and contact Project meets on an ad hoc basis. information at the Office. The Project’s mandate is to amend existing by-laws as well as draft new Laurel Tate ~ 51 Alexander by-laws, when necessary. All by-laws must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors and

presented to the Membership at a Community Development General Meeting for final approval. CommitteeCommittee. This enthusiastic committee meets on the third Capital Projects Task Force. Ad-Hoc Thursday of each month. The CDC Committee which deals with capital plans and sponsors the following projects not covered by the activities: Movies Classics Night, Operating Budget. Its Members are December Food and Clothing Drive, drawn from the maintenance and Spring and Fall Lawn Sales, Finance Committees, as well as the Valentine, Easter and Halloween Board of Directors. Brunches, Balcony Contest, and Bottle Drive (both in December). If Christmas DropDrop----InIn Project. This you wish to help with any of these project is an annual event on events, just let the CDC know. Christmas Day. The event has food, soft drinks, coffee, as well as door Finance Committee. This great prizes. The Co-ordinator does the committee reviews all contracts, purchasing of items with the help of expense budgets, insurance Volunteers. These Volunteers also coverage, etc. Many of the welcome Members on this day, to responsibilities of the Finance offer companionship. Committee are outlined in the Occupancy By-Law No. 3, Article 4 City Park Library ProjectProject. and Schedule “K” Spending Policy. Volunteers at the Library work with the Library Project Manager to cover Historical ProjectProject. This project is all of the hours of operation that the responsible for collecting, storing library is open, library maintenance, and displaying items that record the and in support of library life of City Park and its residents. programming serving the City Park There are photos of the property and community. There is also upkeep of surrounding neighbourhood before the library blog and social media, City Park was built, during its book reviews, and contributions to construction, and the six subsequent “The City Park Reader”, the library’s decades. All this is housed in the online journal. To volunteer at the Archives Room in 31 Alexander. If library: apply in person, during you are interested in history or enjoy library hours, and express your work that requires organizing, our interest in volunteering along with Project would be happy to welcome your contact information. The library you. is located in the PMG Hall. A response, and/or follow-up meeting Landscape ProjectProject. The Landscape will be issued/scheduled in a timely Project is always in need of part-time manner. Please go to and full-time Volunteers. This means www.cityparklibrary.com for all being involved in the planning, information regarding the library. planting, watering, and weeding of

the various plots which encompass election of Directors to the Board, our beautiful gardens. We are seek out candidates, distribute looking for hard-working, consistent nomination forms, arrange for all- Co-op Members who have a love for candidates meetings, print ballots, plants and are seeking a creative and supervise the voting process at outlet. We meet the second Monday the Annual General Members of every month from March to Meeting each September. October. One does not have to be a professional gardener to join us, so Pest Prevention Project. This project please consider giving us a hand! will meet once a month. The initiatives developed and executed LINK Project. This Project publishes by Members and City Park City Park Co-op’s newsletter under Administration are to create the title LINK. It is published awareness of preventing cockroach quarterly. Articles and photos are and bedbug infestation. taken from submissions from Members and Staff. We rely on these submissions to inform Members of Membership Selection/Welcome events around City Park Co-op. Committee. These are sent to the Project by This committee meets on the 3rd email at [email protected] or Monday of every month and is left at the Office. Members are comprised of up to 15 Co-op encouraged to join LINK. Members. Two Members of the committee conduct interviews of Maintenance CommitteeCommittee. This applicants wishing to become Co-op committee is involved in submitting Members on an as-needed and recommendations to the Board rotating basis, usually twice a month. related to changes to the The committee is responsible for infrastructure of the Co-op, as well reporting to and making as other ways to improve the lives of recommendations to the Board Members of the Co-op. The regarding new applicants; priority committee has had a history of cases; creating and/or amending saving the Co-op money by committee policies as needed; recommending energy efficiencies, working with the Housing e.g. light bulbs. The Maintenance Administrator regarding maintaining Committee meets on the second the external and internal wait lists. Wednesday of every month. Please This committee also provides a see the notice boards for information group “Meet and Greet’ session for pertaining to current issues. new Members who have recently Nominations/Election Volunteers. moved into the Co-op, welcoming This group is formed once a year, in them over tea, coffee and cookies. the spring. They publicize the

We provide information about City A VA VisitV isit tototo HHHistoricalHistorical EEEdinburghEdinburgh Park and the surrounding area. We assist new Members in Edinburgh is very much a city of identifying and resolving, if possible, landscaped gardens, squares and any issues arising related to their narrow busy thoroughfares. recent move-in. Our informal Dominating the city from atop Castle sessions include: answering Rock is the fortress, Edinburgh’s questions or concerns new Members oldest survivor, built in the seventh may have or directing them to the century. Between the castle and the appropriate person/committee; gates of Holyroodhouse, the 16th becoming familiar with the By-Laws century palace of the Stuarts, Binder; encouraging community stretches ‘The Royal Mile’ and the involvement. The handout centre of the old town. ‘Volunteering at City Park’ lists and Travelling on my own, I had secured describes the various volunteer a cozy bed-and-breakfast in the town committees and projects of the Co- centre and, the next morning, op. The MSC updates this list, which prepared to walk the Royal Mile with is subject to Board approval. all the reverence of a pilgrim on her If interested in joining a committee way to Mecca. I stood poised on the or project, please contact the office rock looking out over the city ~ or notify the Chair of MSC to help imagining what it had looked like in facilitate a referral. Mary, Queen of Scots’ time. I had read Mary’s biography by Antonia Seasonal Lights Project. This project Fraser and had been captivated by began in December of 2002. We the story of the hapless queen. Mary were the first neighbourhood lighting had married the Dauphin of France display in the Church Wellesley at the age of 16 and was widowed Village. Since then, we are now two years later. She returned to decorating 32 trees and shrubs on Scotland as queen, and here her life the Centre lawns and by the entered its most melodramatic sidewalks of Church and Alexander phase. Her marriage to Lord Darnley Streets. The display is divided into and her alleged dalliance with David sections and Volunteers Rizzio, her secretary, all contributed work on one of them with an to her downfall. David Rizzio was experienced facilitator. eventually stabbed to death by

orders from Lord Darnley, who was

himself ‘quietly and efficiently strangled’ in his garden. Mary then married the treacherous Lord Bothwell and this marriage led to her long captivity at the hands of Queen

Elizabeth. She was beheaded at the colours of the famous Scottish age of 54. regiments decorating the interior. The Royal Mile ended with Holyrood My first stop on the Royal Mile was House, the home of Mary, Queen of the Crown Room inside the Castle, Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and which contained the Scottish Crown still used on occasion by Elizabeth II. Jewels, older even than the Crown It was here that Mary lived and Jewels in the Tower of London. I played and where the intrigue lingered at the Royal Apartments, surrounding her came to its bloody where Mary had given birth to her conclusions with the death of Rizzio only son, who ultimately became and Lord Darnley. King James VI of Scotland and King James I, thus uniting the two A murky business to be sure and it countries. did not do much to lighten my spirits. So far, almost everything I had seen The next stop was Lady Stair’s had been tinged with dark and tragic house, a 17th century dwelling overtones. It was with relief that I containing manuscripts and relics of entered the Royal Picture Gallery Robert Burns, Walter Scott and and entertained myself by looking for Robert Louis Stevenson. I continued a royal personage that I resembled. to follow my map until I reached a “Who knows but that I may have heart-shaped pattern in the brick been royalty myself in a past life”, I street, which is all that remained of told myself while peering closely at an ancient prison called Old the dark portraits. “After all, I am Tolbooth. Not far off was another frequently visited by delusions of famous landmark by the name of grandeur entirely out of keeping with Mercat Cross where, in 1513, the my present status in life.” Chuckling townspeople gathered to hear of the to myself, I continued examining the death of 10,000 Scots at the Battle of portraits and came up with one or Flodden, a conflict between the two distinct possibilities. Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland. It remains The following day I visited the Scotland's darkest hour. Scottish National Gallery, which contained Scottish and international I paid a cursory visit to St. Giles High art from the Renaissance period to Kirk, the cathedral where the the beginning of the 20th century. protestant minister John Knox There are a number of good galleries delivered his fiery sermons in Edinburgh and during my time denouncing poor Mary, mainly for there I visited two or three of them. being a Catholic. The cathedral was dark and gloomy, but was saved Edinburgh is blessed with many from total oblivion by the vivid beautiful parks. Some, like the Royal

Botanic Gardens, were exquisitely health, specifically preventing designed and manicured. But my mental decline and brain favourite was the Princes Street degeneration. Gardens, which are allowed to 2. Exercise! Engaging in physical remain in a more or less natural activity, especially aerobic exercise, state. I came here every day after my brings oxygen and increased blood sightseeing, and it was here that I flow to the brain, which triggers had my first glimpse of the elderly numerous chemicals that directly gentleman who came daily to feed benefit cognitive function. the birds. 3. Challenge your mind! Use it, or lose it: keep learning and participate He was a beautiful old man, gentle in in brain challenging exercises, even his manner and always impeccably something as simple as doing a dressed. The birds knew him well crossword puzzle, Word Jumble or and hundreds were on hand for his Sudoku. arrival. When he appeared, they started an uproar that could be 4. Get enough sleep! Memory, heard from a considerable distance. creativity, and thinking skills call be Flying about wildly, some came to compromised by a lack of sleep. Aim rest on his shoulders and arms and for 7-9 hours a night, and drink very even perched on his head, while little after dinner, to minimize others hopped around on the ground nocturnal trips to the can! near him. After eating their fill, the birds fluttered about for a few Common TTTelephoneTelephone and IIInternetInternet minutes, chirping and whistling, as SSScamsScams though to express thanks. When they took their leave, they did so in Phishing groups, flying out over the treetops and across the pale expanse of sky Someone might pretend to be your to further destinations. Despite bank, your employer, someone that being an avid history buff, this you owe money to, or even an old remains my favourite memory of friend. Scammers use phone calls, Edinburgh. emails, or fake websites to trick you into sharing your personal Ursula Carter ~ 51 Alexander information. These tricks are sometimes called ‘phishing’.

Brain Health Tips The scammers then use your information to apply for credit cards, 1. Get your Omega 3’s. Eat wild fish, bank loans, and other kinds of credit. like salmon, or take an Omega 3 They can take money from your bank supplement. These supplements accounts and shop with your credit contain DHA, which supports brain

cards. This is sometimes called card up to its limit. Then they might ‘identity theft’. send you a low-quality item that is not what they described, or they If you receive telephone calls from might send nothing at all. collection agencies or creditors for accounts that you do not have or To avoid most telemarketing calls in purchases that you didn’t make, you the future, register on the National might be a victim of identity theft. Do Not Call List. To register, visit Also, your bank or other financial www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca or call 1-866- statements might show withdrawals, 580-3625 transactions, or transfers that you didn’t make. Prizes and LLLotteryLottery SSScamsScams

If you find that someone has used In this scam, you get a phone call or your identity, there are a few things email saying that you have won a you should do as soon as possible: prize, such as cash, a car, or a vacation. The scammer will tell you • Report the identity theft to the that to collect your prize, you must police. pay a small fee, and they might ask • Contact the financial for your credit card information. You institutions, credit card issuers, will not receive the prize that you or companies that are involved. were promised but now the scammer • Report the identity theft to the can make charges on your credit Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre card. If you send them money, you (CAFC). will not get it back. • Cancel any missing identification. 111-1---900900 Numbers • Contact the credit reporting agencies Equifax and 1-900 telephone numbers are often TransUnion. used for services like dating hotlines, weather updates, contests, Telemarketing SSScamsScams and horoscopes. 1-900 numbers might sound like they are toll-free Some scammers pretend to be but you are actually charged very telemarketers calling to offer you high rates when you call. Other deals on products and services. numbers like this include 1-976 and They will ask you for your bank 1-809. account or credit card information to pay for them. Real toll-free numbers that you can call for no cost use area codes 1- They can then use your information 800, 1-888, and 1-887. Some to take all the money out of your telephone companies offer a call- bank account or charge your credit

blocking service that stops 1-900 they will ask you to pay fees and calls. taxes before you can receive your share. But you will never receive any Emergency or ‘G‘G‘Grandparent‘G randparentrandparent’’’’ SSScamScam money from them. And once the scammers have your bank account In this type of scam, a caller or email information, they can take any sender pretends to be a close friend money in your account. or a relative in trouble. They might ask you to send money because of Another version of advance fee fraud an accident, an injury, an arrest, or involves companies that promise you because they have been robbed. a loan or credit card, even if you Like other scams, this is likely just a have no job or bad credit. They tell way for scammers to get access to you that you have to pay a fee before your bank account. They often target you can get the money or the card. seniors but anyone of any age can be But once you pay the fee, you never the victim of this kind of scam. get the loan and the scammers disappear with your money. Cheque OOOverOverver----PaymentPayment SSScamsScams (From the Community Legal Education This scam usually happens when you Ontario “CLEO” website: www.cleo.on.ca ) are selling something online or in the newspaper. A buyer will send a cheque to pay for the item, but the cheque will be for a larger amount than you asked for. The scammer will tell you that they made a mistake, and ask you to deposit the cheque to your account and send the extra money back to them. Later the bank will tell you that the cheque is fake. You usually cannot get back the money or the items that you’ve sent to the scammer.

Advance FFFeeFee FFFraudFraud

In this scam, you receive an email or a letter from a person asking for your help to transfer a large amount of money. They offer to share the money with you if you agree to give them your bank account information to help with the transfer. Sometimes

attended an informative series of lectures on the history of ceramics. Pottery is, perhaps, the world’s second oldest profession.

The AGO has/had two exhibitions of note: ‘The Outsiders’ which features photography and film from 1950- 1980 in the United States, and a collection of the paintings of Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershoi. These are two quite different visual experiences: the former visceral and in your face, the latter muted and enigmatic. See one after the other. The AGO is free on Wednesday night after 5:00 p.m. You can’t beat that price.

Peregrine Co-op, our neighbouring co-op, has a very active Committee

for Seniors. Its most recent offering, This nn’’’’ That: A PPPotpourriPotpourri of EEEventsEvents ininin presented by the Alzheimer’s and AAAroundAround City Park Society of Toronto, was an informative overview of dementia There is always a plethora of events and Alzheimer’s in all within and around their many City Park which are manifestations. If there for the taking interested, I have and enjoying. Just copies of the handouts keep your eyes and from the session. ears open and Please feel free to PARTICIPATE. contact me at [email protected] One of my favourite galleries is The City Park Library Gardiner Museum continues to provide of Ceramics which an exciting range of is located on Avenue Road opposite programming: book talks, artist the ROM. The Gardiner offers a interviews, the ever popular, ever range of lectures and classes for the titillating Coffee and Books, and the pottery enthusiast. I, and a number newly hatched Creative Writing of blue-haired matrons, recently

Group. Well done, Kirby and Jo- are exposed to higher levels of Anne. VOCs. Effects from breathing in these VOCs Rumour hath it that there will be a can include headaches, nausea, study group for the PBS series vomiting, eye/nose/throat irritations, ‘Grantchester.’ This show has dizziness and worsening asthma subtext for days and should spark symptoms. lively discussion. Long-term exposure has the Don’t forget to attend the various potential of an increase in cancer meetings protesting the seemingly and damage to our liver, kidneys and unfettered condo development in our central nervous systems. neighbourhood. Well done, Cathi Bond. Try making your own cleaning products, to help lessen exposure to So, there is no reason to stay alone these off-gasses. They’re cheap and on the shelf. If all else fails, there is easy to make and the internet is full always the ongoing drama of the of ideas. Here’s my favourite for garden in front of 51. glass/mirror cleaner:

Tom Maunder ~ 51 Alexander Combine in a spray bottle: ¼ cup vinegar

¼ cup isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol Did You KnowKnow???? 1 tablespoon of cornstarch 2 cups of water Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 8-10 drops of essential oil found in everyday conventional A drop or two of food colouring if you cleaning products can increase toxic so desire, but totally unnecessary! indoor air quality? Did You KnowKnow???? We are very fortunate here at City

Park to have vents in our kitchens Long-term, frequent use of air- and bathrooms that help keep air freshening sprays, scented products moving in our homes. (including burning candles) and cleaning products are linked to That said, we are still exposed to cardiovascular health hazards, these VOCs, which come from our especially in those with pre-existing furniture, carpets, upholstery, some lung issues. cosmetics and cleaning products. It’s a good idea to keep windows

open when you clean, and use In winter, because we stay inside ‘green’ household cleaning more and have our windows closed, products. There are some shady there’s less air circulation and we

ones on the market, so it’s important Kitchen DO’s to learn about certain ingredients which you should avoid like • After cooking, collect and put fragrances, chlorine bleach, sodium left-over oil in the freezer, let laureth sulfate, ammonia, freeze, then throw away ethoxylated alcohols and phthalates. • When going out of town, always plug your sink with the basket ~ed strainer covers • Install screens to catch small food particles that get into the sink (they add up quickly) • Always run the hot water for

about a minute after cooking • Keep your eyes and ears open for gurgling and bubbling

The Plumber's Tip!

One of the best ways to easily test Kitchen Do’s and Don’tsDon’t s Kitchen Do’s and Don’t ss your kitchen drains is to fill up your

The pipes in any type of building are sink with water; once filled, reach like arteries to a human body and down and pull the plug: here are some of the best practices. Do's and Don’ts: • If the sink creates a little tornado swirl and ends with a Kitchen DONT’s sucking sound – everything is good! • Avoid pouring cooking oil and • If the water starts to bubble and greasy left-overs down the sink gurgle – a problem is lurking! • Avoid over-the-counter drain chemicals from department Courtesy of CPL (Canada Pipe Lining stores Technologies Ltd.) • When ordering take out, try not to use disposable plates and utensils • Avoid washing pets and animals in the kitchen sink • Avoid throwing kitty litter in ANY plumbing system

If you’re searching down the railing and window ledges. for a great time- For those folks that don’t have a waster that’s good vacuum cleaner, a simple broom, for your brain, try dust bin, and garbage bag do the downloading the trick! ‘Wordbubbles’ game, which is available for both Apple and C’mon folks. Be considerate to your Android users. neighbours. ~ed. The goal is to unscramble a set number of words, in the correct SSStaffStaff Interview order, and using the correct number of letters. This is the second in our series of It’s free, but the hints will cost you, City Park Staff interviews. This and trust me, you will definitely need month, we feature our Security help now and then! ~ed Manager, Jayde Clancy.

Jayde came to our Why do we keep seeing co-op as a Security Members sweeping Guard in September their balcony and 2012. He became brushing the dirt and Acting Security dust through the bottom Manager in May 2015 and over the edge? In addition to and was officially this, we’re also seeing Members promoted in shaking out their dirty rugs and September. linens over the edge of their railings! Jayde’s genuine concern and Not nice. Not nice at all. professionalism come to him genetically. His father is an OPP Don’t you realize that your dirt and constable. His home life includes his dust are falling on the plants, railings fiancée and son, who turned two in and floors of the neighbours below June. They are generally concerned you? for his safety, but Jayde reassures them by discussing the events of his And do you not realize that there is a day and explaining how he and his Co-op by-law that forbids this? staff handled each situation.

It’s very inconsiderate and un- Prior to joining City Park, he worked neighbourly. at a large condominium complex. That situation presented many The smart and best way to clean the varied challenges. The condominium balcony is to vacuum it and wipe had similarities to City Park, but more extreme. Gaining experience in

that position gave Jayde the physically and emotionally. Having grounding and skills that serve him this experience and carrying these so well working for us. traits, I am able to successfully perform my duties in my day-to-day Jayde ensures that his department role as both a Security Guard and works as a functional staff that Manager, and apply similar attends to all site matters related to principles to a team environment. security and safety. Our guards respond to incidents of Members’ “I truly believe that thinking complaints, disputes, medical positively does help with being able matters, parking issues, property to resolve issues and generate a crimes, fire alarms, and assisting positive attitude towards goals and Emergency Services. life success in general. Thinking positively may not always work, but if His days are very full. He keeps it you have a clear understanding and together by effectively planning what think positively to see things he needs to do for the day. He through, I think the outcome and categorizes tasks by level of reward will be that much greater.” importance, so that the most In this writer’s opinion, City Park is important items are dealt with, very lucky to have Jayde looking out leaving room in the day’s schedule in for us. the event that plans change. Least important tasks can be dealt with at Laurel Tate ~ 51 Alexander a later time. At the end of the day, he reviews the staff’s accomplishments, determining if his goals for the day The New Boys on Patrol have been met. On behalf of no one but myself, I Jayde takes his position seriously. would like to welcome two new To him, it’s imperative to remain Security Guards, Matthew DePersiis neutral in all disputes between and Sebastian Koch, to our happy Members. Transparency and City Park family. accountability are paramount. He’s friendly and approachable, yet Matthew joined the City Park maintains an air of authority and Security Team in March of this year dignity. and Sebastian joined in April. Both of these young men shared a similar He says, “I believe that playing semi- journey to City Park: security professional hockey taught me the training, obtaining a security license, core values of being a leader, having and working in a variety of security a strong work ethic, being a team situations. Two pieces of information player, and being strong both that caught my attention: Sebastian

has a handcuff license and Matthew EEEasyEasy PPPeasyPeasy SSSlowSlow worked Nuit Blanche and overnight CCCookerCooker RRRecipeRecipe shifts at McDonald’s. The overnight gig at McDonald’s would fit into my definition of Hell. Mongolian Beef Matthew and Sebastian believe in a bundle of qualities that make for a In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine successful the following: security 2 cloves of minced garlic guard: there 2 tsp finely grated ginger should be a 1 small onion, chopped willingness to 1 large carrot, cut into strips provide 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips customer 1 cup brown sugar (use less if you service, demonstrate common don’t like it very sweet) sense, and be flexible in facing the ¼ cup sweet chili sauce myriad of situations that surface at ½ cup low sodium soy sauce City Park. Both these young men 1 cup water want to contribute to a safe and Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. happy environment at City Park. Good luck with that, boys. While waiting, slice 1kg of round beef steak into small strips. Using ½ Sebastian and Matthew try to affect cup of cornstarch, dredge each a balance between work and piece. personal life. Sebastian boats in the When the hour’s up, add the beef to summer and rides his ATV; Matthew the slow cooker and give it a stir. plays sports, works out, and Cover and continue to cook on high practises positive thinking. Matthew for 2 hours. In the last half-hour or is aiming for a career in policing, so, make some brown rice (it’s much while Sebastian wants to continue to healthier than white). grow as a person and build on his Serve the Mongolian Beef on a bed of experiences at City Park. rice sprinkled with sliced green onion. So, welcome to City Park, gentlemen. The ride may be bumpy From the onepotchefshow.com but never dull. website. Check it out…he’s a hoot!

~ed Tom Maunder ~ 51 Alexander

CHFT Sector Report ––– April 8, 2016 -Very active working with co-ops and by Paul Kazlauskas, CHFC to host election meetings City Park Delegate -Provided detailed briefings for candidates of all parties In 2012/13 the CHFT Board of -Relationships with other Directors created a five-year plan organizations primarily built on that would strategically guide the government relations in end-of- federation and help determine the operating agreements key priorities of the federation with -They are working with other groups feedback from the members. Next through the Social Planning Council. year, they will start on the next five- -CHFT signed a memorandum of co- year plan. The board felt it important operation with other federations. to highlight the success of the -CHFT worked with member co-ops federation’s efforts over the last to become 2020-certified, giving co- couple of years to the members. The ops the tools they need to thrive in board shared updates to its key the long run. priorities outlined in the five-year -Continue portable workshops plan. They include: teaching member co-ops best 1. Addressing the end of the practices operating agreements and transition -Providing additional resources in planning key areas like chairing skills 2. Government Relations and -International co-operative political action organization featured two 3. Building networks and solidarity presentations about the CHFT 4. Promotion of co-op values Diversity Scholarship 5. Ongoing education and training -CHFT has developed new partners 6. Leadership renewal and youth to expand the Cost Cutters Program engagement -New web design for homepage and 7. Communications and technology other webpages underway will 8. Expand Cost Cutters and bulk launch in May 2016 purchasing Some of the highlights and updates Ongoing updates about CHFT’S work in the summarized progress report can always be found online at include: www.coophousing.com , on CHFT’s -CHFT worked closely on a case by Facebook page, in their weekly e- case basis with co-ops coming out of newsletters, or follow their Twitter their operating agreements. feed @coophousing3 -CHFT worked with the City to provide shelter allowances to low income members at Beech Hall and Norris Crescent.

CHFT Sector Report ––– May 12, 2016 serves as Liaison to the Landscape by Paul Kazlauskas, Project, and he is City Park’s Delegate to the Cooperative Housing City Park Delegate Federation of Toronto.

CHFT’S 42nd AGM took place at Paul moved in to City Park in 2004. Oakham House, 55 Gould St. He came to Toronto from his Toronto, at 7 p.m. hometown of North Bay in 1974. He was very active in competitive body- The highlights included: building; he was Mr. Toronto 1983. 1. 2015 audited financial statements He also worked in window display, 2. Appointment of the auditor men’s wear, and interior decorating; 3. Election of the Board of Directors his work was showcased in almost every mall in the city. He’s lived in 4. Anniversary award presentations several North American locations, for 20, 25, 40 and 80 years (Campus including Montreal, New York, Los Co-operative Residence). Angeles, San Francisco, and Florida. 5. Thank you to retiring director Bob In his own words, he knows all the ‘A Wiseman Gays’ in New York. Being involved in 6. 2016 CHFT’s Diversity Scholarship the body-building scene is definitely Program an ‘in’ to the gay community. 7. Honorary Lifetime Award presentation to Jo-Anne McNamara He is also personally invested in party politics. For decades, he’s 8. Government relations report been on the Executive of his party in our riding of Toronto Centre. He Interview with a Director works on every campaign, federal and provincial, and has been well- Here is another in our ongoing series acquainted with all the candidates in of interviews of our Board of every election. Directors. Here at City Park, Paul has Paul Kazlauskas was been a member of the appointed to the Board – his Landscape Committee/ first time as a Director – in Project for about five years. September 2015. An His work in his pod, north of appointment was necessary the front door of 51, was because only four always lovely. He definitely has candidates were nominated an eye for beauty and design. to fill five vacant positions. His term He was also a member of the By- ends this September. (Board Laws Committee/Project. appointments are for one year.) He

Paul wants to tell the Members of You Can Have Bed Bugs and Not City Park to, “Keep faith in the co-op Know It ~ Here’s What tototo Look Out system.” For NoteNote: The Landscape Project is A study in New Jersey found the looking for new Volunteers. If you creepy-crawlers in 12 percent of enjoy gardening and would like to low-income homes and nearly 50 join, please leave your name and percent of people were unaware of contact information at the Office. an infestation. Here's how to tell if you've got them, and where they love Laurel Tate ~ 51 Alexander to hide.

It’s no secret that bed bugs are seriously freaky creatures. After all, they like to live in your bed and feed on your blood while you’re sleeping . Now, scientists at Rutgers University are trying to determine where bed bug outbreaks happen, and how to prevent and control them.

In a new study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology , Rutgers researchers examined more than 2,000 low-income apartments in New Jersey for the presence of bed bugs. What they discovered: 12 percent of apartments had bed bug infestations.

Researchers also found that beds were ‘significantly’ more likely to contain bed bugs than sofas or upholstered chairs, and women were more likely to report bed bug bite symptoms than men were (although they didn’t specify whether women had worse reactions or were simply more sensitive to the bites).

Perhaps the most disturbing finding: While 68 percent of people with bed bug infestations had symptoms, nearly 50 percent of the bed bug

infestations happened in apartments have a box spring, flip your mattress where residents didn’t know they and look at the top part, all the way had the critters. around the edge. (Adult bed bugs will be about the size of a tick, Potter So, how are you supposed to know if says, while babies can be the size of you have bed bugs or just some skin a speck of dust.) condition? Experts say there are a few telling signs. Found some? Experts agree that it’s a good idea to call in a professional One of the most common symptoms to help, if you can afford it. But, you is waking up with bites or finding don’t have to twiddle your thumbs bites on your body that you can’t while you wait. “Any professional explain, bed bug expert Jeffrey that tells you not to touch anything White, technical director for BedBug until they get there is setting an Central, tells SELF. But there’s a unrealistic expectation,” White says. caveat: Everyone reacts differently to being bitten by a bed bug. “For There are a few things you can do some people, it can take up to two while waiting for help to arrive, Ron weeks for them to react,” White Harrison, Ph.D., an entomologist says. with Orkin, tells SELF. The first is to reduce clutter around your bed. The bites themselves don’t look “Clutter means there are hiding unique to bed bugs, White says, but places for bed bugs,” he says. “But they do tend to show up it’s important to bag clutter on the arms, shoulders, in your bedroom and throw neck, and face ~ all of it away outside your house, which are exposed while so you don’t accidentally you’re sleeping, and scatter bed bugs around therefore easier to reach. your place.” Bites that show up in rows or clusters are also “You can also purchase a concerning, he says. mattress encasement, i.e. a cover that goes over your mattress and If you suspect that you have bed box spring, to contain the bed bugs”, bugs, it’s time to look for them. Harrison says. Michael Potter, Ph.D., a professor of entomology at University of Potter recommends purchasing bed Kentucky, tells SELF that it’s a good bug monitors. While they’re idea to inspect your mattress and designed to help you figure out if you box spring, paying special attention have bed bugs, they can be placed to the area near the headboard. under your bed and catch the “Look in the seams - bed bugs love critters, reducing the number of edges - and folds,” he says. If you bites you’ll get.

Contrary to what you may have Interviews of applicants are heard, you don’t need to throw all of conducted twice a month. your stuff away. White says putting your bedding (and clothes, if you V Recommend (or not) Approval of suspect they’re infested) through a Membership hot/dry cycle in your dryer will kill off The Committee is responsible for bed bugs that may be living there. reporting to and making recommendations to the Board of Finally, you can use a vacuum to Directors; reviewing priority cases suck some of them up. “They can live (internal moves and external move- in the bag or filter, so dispose of both ins). in an outdoor trash can afterward,” says White. V Greet New Members While freaky, experts say it’s The Committee Members meet with completely possible to get rid of a all new Co-op Members, to bed bug infestation. familiarize them with the Co-Op by- laws; acquaint them with the “If you don’t allow it to get out of committees and projects on which control, ridding yourself of bedbugs they can volunteer; inform them on is fairly straightforward,” White says. different aspects of living in City “It’s nothing to lose your mind over.” Park, e.g. garbage disposal, laundry facilities, recycling program, etc. (from the self.com website ) Currently, MSC has 12 active MMMembershipMembership SSSelectionSelection CCCommitteeCommittee Members. It’s a vital and very busy committee; new Co-op Members are The Membership Selection and needed to add to the existing hard- Welcoming Committees working group. amalgamated in December 2014 to: If you’re interested in joining, please leave your contact information with V Evaluate Membership Applications the Co-op Office. The Membership Selection Committee (MSC) meets on the third ‘‘‘Fraying‘Fraying at the EdgesEdges’’’’ Monday of each month, excepting holidays. Committee policy (creating No, this not the title of my or amending) and discussions of new autobiography. It is the title of an applicants are conducted at this article chronicling the fascinating time. personal experience narrative of Geri Taylor as she confronts the V Interview Prospective Members early stages of Alzheimer’s. The article is written by N.R. Kleinfield

and appears in a recent issue of the normal, a fact of human life. Learn New York Times. The article is both the organizational value of the timely and instructive. What I have iPhone, develop a Find My Friends written below are my gleanings from application, keep a daily journal to the story of Taylor’s journey. Please chart the course of the disease, join read the article which can be research and political action groups, accessed on the NYT website. write a play.

The first indication for Taylor that “The pain doesn’t go away, but I things were not right occurred when adjust to it day by day, making she did not recognize herself in the changes and accommodations as bathroom mirror. Over the ensuing necessary.” Fight on, Geri. days and months, other hints Tom Maunder ~ 51 Alexander appeared: the vanishing of belongings, trouble with elapsed time, loss of sequencing, less What Is City ParkPark???? interest in food. Trained in nursing and health administration, Taylor City Park is about housing, but we knew the steps and was not afraid of are also a community. Members not confronting the issues. only become residents, they are Members of a co-operative A visit to the family doctor led to an community/lifestyle. appointment with a neurologist and the battle was joined. The Mini Members of This Community: Mental State Examination revealed • Volunteer whenever possible, mild cognitive impairment and either with a formal Aricept was prescribed. To quote Committee/Project or on a Taylor, “… it’s like Purgatory before “Special Event” basis. Hell.” Taylor had joined the ranks of the Americans who are struck with • Participate in Member Alzheimer every 67 seconds. Two meetings. thirds of these are women. • Share common interests in safe, secure, decent, How to fight the good fight? Pep talk affordable housing. with a husband who was having • Commit to support each other. trouble adjusting to the diagnosis and the behaviours. Choosing the • Choose to share responsibility time & place to tell family & friends. for the well-being of the Siblings like to be told separately; community and to appreciate friends embrace or flee. Join groups each other’s differences. like Caringkind and Memory Works, groups that make Alzheimer seem

• Ensure that the Co-op is a safe Unsigned submissions will not be place to be, where one can considered.

express their own point of view. City Park Lawn Sale May 282828 ththth City Park Co-op Web Site address: http://www.cityparkco-op.ca

Link Project

This Project publishes City Park Co- op’s newsletter under the title LINK. It’s what you’re reading right now.

It is published quarterly. Articles and photos are taken from submissions by Members and Staff. We rely on these contributions to inform Members of news and events in and around our Co-op. These can be sent to the Project by email to [email protected] or can be dropped at the Co-op Office.

We would be pleased to have more Members join LINK. If you enjoy reading, writing, or gathering news and information, please consider becoming a Volunteer on this Project. It’s one of many valuable ways to contribute to the City Park community.

SUBMISSIONS TO LINK

All Members are encouraged to submit material of interest to the for reading this issue of Membership for publication in LINK. LINK. If you are about to All submissions should be one page throw it away, kindly or less, TYPED or CLEARLY take it back to the rack at the front PRINTED and include your full name, door so another Member can read it. building and apartment number. Much appreciated from your friends at LINK.