ww The East York DON’T GO IN THERE! n Student art show Observer challenges viewers Page 5 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 43, No. 4 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, March 28, 2014

Two men shot to death on Danforth Police seeking witnesses to brazen killings

By JOSHUA GENEREUX The Observer

Police have asked the public for help with their investigation into a double homicide on East York’s southern border last week. At around 9 p.m. on March 19, police were called to the area of Danforth and n KHAN Woodbine avenues after reports came in that shots had been n CHEST- fired. NUT- Paul Hantiuk /// Observer They REDDICK found Flying the flag two men lying on the sidewalk, bleeding from A participant helps carry a block-long Greek flag along the Danforth during the annual Greek Independence Day Parade on gunshot wounds to the Sunday, March 23. The parade route stretched from Jones to Broadview avenues. chest. The two were rushed to hospital but died of their wounds. “It is alleged that Social justice advocate wins Macphail award these young men got into an altercation By BRAD GARCIA her involvement with the Lea- can identify with her ideals and community. “We’re honouring Agnes’s outside of a club,” said The Observer side-East York branch of the I feel much more like a follow- “Acting locally, I believe, is memory and we have two Toronto police Const. Canadian Federation of Uni- er or worker bee.” the door to understanding the young women from the TDSB David Hopkinson in a Versatile volunteer Sheila versity Women (CFUW), as Judie Arrowood, a colleague big picture and how we can and Toronto Catholic District statement. Lacroix is the winner of East well as for her volunteer work of Lacroix’s as well as a fellow deal with issues like poverty School Board who were also The two victims York’s highest award for civic at Leaside United Church and CFUW member, nominated and homelessness,” she said. recognized have been identified activism: the Agnes Macphail her work with the Centre for her. “By thinking globally, you can tonight, as Jonathan Ste- Award. Addiction and Mental Health “I nominated Sheila for the see a society with many levels so it was fan Khan, 21, and Since 1994, a community in Toronto. Agnes Macphail award for of support, but a minimum lev- a really Shawn Chestnut-Red- committee has annually recog- She admitted that while she some of the following rea- el of support is needed.” fabu- dick, 22. Hopkinson nized an East Yorker for out- was honoured to have been sons: Sheila has demonstrated Also attending the ceremony lous said both were known standing volunteerism. nominated, she did not expect her concern for others with a were Toronto city officials, in- day.” to police. The Agnes Macphail Award to win the award. special emphasis on education cluding Ward 29/Toronto-Dan- At press time, no ar- is named in honour of the most “It was kind of a surprise, and rights of girls and women, forth councillor Mary Frageda- rests had been made, illustrious figure in East York but it’s very special,” she said. mental health, early childhood kis. and police say no history — Canada’s first fe- “If anything, it really makes education and child care,” Ar- Fragedakis also recently witnesses have come male MP, who was also one of me feel like I’ve really got to rowood said. “She is tireless judged East York’s annual forward. the first two women to sit in the keep going and keep up with and enthusiastic about import- Agnes Macphail speaking Anyone with infor- Ontario Legislature. my ideals.” ant issues.” contest for young people. mation on the case is On Monday evening, the In her acceptance speech, Lacroix expressed her thanks “It’s really great we’re asked to call Crime award in Macphail’s name was Lacroix said that she would not to past award recipients, family honouring someone like Stoppers at 416-222- presented to Lacroix, 63, in the compare herself to Macphail. and supporters, and then com- Sheila who’s done tre- TIPS (8477). Police True Davidson Council Cham- “A reporter asked me if I mented on Macphail’s motto, mendous work in this say tips can also be bers of the East York Civic identify myself with Agnes “think globally, act locally,” city,” she said. submitted online by Centre. Macphail. Well, not quite. Who and how it can still apply and going to 222tips.com. Lacroix was recognized for could?” she said. “However, I help solve problems in the n Lacroix 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, March 28, 2014

POLICE AND FIRE Alert issued Toronto police are warning that an unknown man has been acting suspi- ciously around Secord Elemen- tary School on Barrington Av- enue, in the Main- Danforth area. When approached by school staff at noon on Tues- day, the man walked away, but he left a bag behind. The bag contained dollar store toys. The man reappeared about 15 minutes Vernon Ayiku /// Observer later, but walked Bottoms up! away again when approached by A&W has opened its 200th restaurant in Ontario — its new “urban concept” A&W, located at the corner of Pape and Dan- school staff. Any- forth avenues. From left to right: A&W president Paul Hollands and franchise owners Shamez and Nazmin Dosani toast the one with infor- new restaurant with mugs of the chain’s signature root beer. mation is asked to call police at 416-808-5400, or n POLITICS Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS. Turnbull takes matters into his own hands ~ Observer staff By SOLEDAD VEGA Originally from Kingston, Turnbull Calgary called Cut Red Tape, which pro- The Observer has lived in East York for six years, motes a reduction of red tape citizens Whas t’ working as a carpenter in a building and small businesses have to navigate Mark Turnbull says it all started with restoration company. through. up in e.y. a one-foot strip of city land that denied “It is important from a political stand- Achieving efficiency on city services is him access to his garage. After getting point,” Turnbull said, “that the people not a new electoral promise, but Turnbull his neighbours to sign a petition, he ap- that outspend our millions of dollars said he feels confident that he can reduce Students step up pealed to his city councillor for help. have some concept to how much work overbearing bureaucracy at the municipal But Janet Davis opposed it and the pe- you get done for a million bucks.” level while watching people’s pocket- Students at the tition came to nothing. One of his campaign aims is to allow books. East York campus But Turnbull hopes to turn his defeat yard parking and invest in green pads “There’s not a city contract I’ve ever of Centennial Col- into victory on Oct. 27. to replace street parking. worked on or dealt with that I couldn’t lege have orga- “I’ve always been politically inter- After a year of failed attempts to meet have saved 10 per cent,” he said. nized two charity ested, but I never aspired to run for nMark Turnbull with Davis about his petition for parking The third focus of Turnbull’s cam- fundraisers for the anything or be a councillor,” he said. access, Turnbull said he became more paign is to ensure that the Charter of next two weeks. “It really came about from the treat- Turnbull is one of four candidates and more aggravated by the rigid bureau- Rights is upheld at the municipal level. On Monday, March ment that I received at the hands of the registered in the race for city council cracy of the system. “The government is not supposed to 31 at 7 p.m., city — and specifically the local coun- from Ward 31/Beaches-East York — And so a new idea was born: He would put you under induced stress, and that’s they’ll host games cillor.” including Davis, the incumbent. model his campaign after a program in one of our strongest arguments.” and a raffle for people 19+ at the Fox & Fiddle, 535 Danforth Ave. All proceeds go to Local candidate opposes big-box development Camp Oochigeas, a camp that chil- By ARTURO CHANG He’s also been a paramedic and a Sparrow mentioned plans such as the in the ward,” he said. “(If) at all pos- dren with cancer The Observer teacher at Humber College. proposed Costco retail store on Overlea sible, I will have a physical office in can attend at no “My experience is wide and gives Boulevard in Thorncliffe Park, which is Ward 26…. I will be holding office charge to their Union leader, actor and former me an interesting perspective on how going to be discussed at a public meet- hours there every week... If we can’t families. Then, federal politician David Sparrow is people live,” he said. ing later this year. The plan calls for do that, I’ve already talked to the on April 7, it’s the first candidate out of the gate in Sparrow has lived in Leaside for the demolition of the former Coca-Cola Thorncliffe Neighborhood Office and another charity Ward 26. 12 years, but has also lived in other corporate office site and its replacement I will hold weekly office hours right fundraiser, includ- Sparrow is the only person so far East York neighbourhoods, including — a 14,543 square-metre Costco store, there.” ing mechanical to file for the city council seat in the Flemingdon Park. He said he’s op- a fuel station and 607 parking spaces. When it comes to Toronto’s may- bull-riding. It’s Don Valley West. Incumbent John posed to the current “big-box” devel- “That’s going to impact pedestrian oral race, Sparrow said he wants called “The Rowdy Parker and other contenders have opment projects that he said Parker traffic, that’s going to impact lifestyles scandal-plagued Roundup” and until September to declare. supports. — the health and happiness of these Rob Ford it will be held Sparrow is the current president of “(Big-box development) is defin- communities,” Sparrow said. He also out and at the Rock ‘n’ ACTRA Toronto, a union represent- ing us as a retail shopping area and is promised to push for a councillor con- someone Horse Saloon, ing 13,000 professional media per- changing the character of these com- stituency office in the ward, because he new in. 250 Adelaide St. formers in the city. As an actor him- munities,” he said. “The city planning said it’s unfair for constituents to have W. It starts at self, he has appeared in TV shows department creates policy on a sort of to travel downtown to see their repre- 7:30 p.m. Tick- such as Star Trek: Voyager and Monk one-size-fits-all basis. And yet, different sentative. nDavid ets are $10 and are available at and in the federal election of 2008, communities have different characters.” “Mayor (Rob) Ford cut the bud- Sparrow Sparrow ran as the NDP candidate in “I think it’s up to the representative gets to city council for their offices, ticketpicket.com/ Don Valley West. He finished a dis- of those communities — the councillor and our representative, for that therowdyroundup tant third in a five-candidate field. — to stand up for those communities.” reason, doesn’t have an office ~ Erin Sandel The East York Observer /// Friday, March 28, 2014 NEWS 3 n COMMUNITY Artist gets up close and personal ‘Malala’s dad’

By ERIN BUCKLEY shares story wanted to do. It’s a part of The Observer who I am.… I could never follow any other path.” Soft lines depict an in- Other standout pieces in with Secord timate moment, frozen in the gallery include “Elu- time; shades of red overlie sive Revisited” and “The By DOUA HREICHE a sensual array of care- Impermanence of Mo- The Observer fully placed brush strokes. ments.” The titles capture It’s called “The Invita- the essence of the entire When Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala tion,” and it highlights exhibit. With each piece Yousafzai’s father, walked out of Secord Sara Brown’s latest per- comes a sense of deeply Elementary School after speaking with sonal art movement. striking emotion, provid- teachers and students on March 20, it “My goal was to visu- ing a window into what was not the end of his visit. His words ally convey the emotions would have been just a left an imprint on the students, who experienced when you’re fleeting moment. remain fascinated by the courage and in someone’s close per- “Honestly, all of these beliefs of his daughter. sonal space,” said Brown, pieces are very personal to Malala Yousafzai is the Pakistani edu- a second-year visual arts me,” Brown said. “They cation advocate who was shot in the face student at Centennial each represent moments in by a Taliban gunman in October 2012, College. “The feeling of time, and the emotion that when she was just 15 years old. Her intimacy when you’re in enveloped those moments. father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, has always such close proximity that Although the feeling cap- supported her activism. During his first they’re not wholly vis- tured with each piece is visit to Canada last week, he spoke to ible.” different, each painting Grade 4 and 5 students at Secord about Her paintings are on holds the same weight for the power and importance of education. display until April 8 in me.” “The event concluded, but for us it was the second-floor “Cor- Brown uses acrylic on a beginning of another journey; who else ridor Gallery” of the col- canvas to illustrate what can we imitate so that we too can create lege’s East York campus, she calls “enveloped emo- Erin Buckley /// Observer change,” said Secord vice-principal An- 951 Carlaw Avenue. The tion,” a theme becoming Sara Brown is a second-year Centennial College student and up- astasia Poulis. exhibit, Breathe, is open more and more ingrained and-coming artist. Today, the hallways of the school to the public at no charge in many of her pieces. are filled with drawings, art and quotes and showcases one of the Though shy about her While it’s still early in The piercingly evident them,” she said. “I’m about Malala. brightest talents in East artwork at first, Brown is her career, Brown has al- emotion in every one of very drawn to the beauty “Malala is kind, courageous and a re- York. The seven paintings certain about the direction ready begun selling her Brown’s pieces leaves of individual moments, sistant person,” one student wrote. “She demonstrate her strength she wants her path as an paintings, finding herself the viewer struck with moments that are often taught me that no matter what, everyone as a contemporary artist. artist to go. with a quickly expanding the sheer intensity of her considered fleeting or in- is important and they can stand up for For Sara, the art was al- “I have several new fan-base. work. significant. I think there’s what they believe in.” ways there. projects underway right The beautifully swirling “I just want to continue something to be harnessed Poulis said the school has formed a “I’ve been painting now, all of which are in- “Found in a Blue Dress,” to explore this very per- from appreciating the lit- group of female students called Young since I was old enough tending to push the bound- an older work from sonal connection that peo- tle things, no matter how Women On The Move. In this group, to pick up a paintbrush,” aries of visual intimacy,” Brown, sold for almost ple have with each other brief or inconsequential girls are taught about gender issues and Brown said. “It’s all I ever she said. $500 on Saatchi Art. and the world around they may seem.” how to be confident. The visit from Zi- auddin Yousafzai strengthened their con- nection to Malala, although they have never met her. Middle-school student criticizes mayor in speech “(It) completely elevated them,” Poulis said, “in terms of their belief in them- By DILLON HILES his drug use. speech was called “What selves and the power they have to create The Observer Dwyer, 12, was co- is Reality?” Dwyer’s change.” winner of the Macphail included her thoughts As a result of the discussion with The audience at the 21st award program’s affiliated on the mayor’s attitudes Yousafzai, students at Secord are now annual Agnes Macphail public speaking contest, toward the media, his learning about the meaning of patriarchy. awards ceremony on held last month. She tied comments about women Yun Cheng, a Grade 5 teacher at Se- Monday evening got more with another girl, Kate and sexuality, his admitted cord, explained how some students felt than it bargained for when Mader, from St. Anselm drug use and his frequent about meeting Malala’s father. Jenni Dwyer of Westwood Catholic School, for first absence from Toronto’s “I had one who didn’t wash her hand Middle School took the place. annual Gay Pride parades. for a day because she was so proud to microphone and lambasted Both girls were asked Video of Dwyer’s speech shake his hand,” Cheng said, “and then Dillon Hiles /// Observer Toronto Mayor Rob Ford to present their speeches is on our companion she created a little piece of art work Jenni Dwyer, 12, delivers her speech at for “embarrassing” the city at the Macphail ceremony website, torontoobserver. where she scrubbed her hand down so the Agnes Macphail awards ceremony. and repeatedly lying about on Monday. Mader’s ca she can have that forever.” ‘East York has lost its identity,’ Sokovnin says

By VERNON AYIKU incumbent councillor Janet Davis Sokovnin has taken a shot at ready for another try, because he’s benefits. The Observer and represent Ward 31/Beaches- council before, running in 1991 in fed up. When asked what makes him East York on city council. what was then the Borough of East “There are far too many coun- qualified to be a councillor, he said, Michael Sokovnin, 61, has lived Born in a refugee camp in Treste, York’s Ward 1 cillors with their own personal “I think common sense.” in and out of East York for nearly Italy, Sokovnin moved to Canada — the north- agenda,” he said in an interview. “I He added that he defines his po- 50 years. A resident of the com- from Sweden when he was 12 years eastern half of look at them and it’s like, ‘It’s my litical views as right-of-centre. munity before the forced merger of old. He was a football city all-star what is now ball and I don’t want to share.’” “I am not in anyone’s pocket,” the Borough of East York into the in high school at East York Col- Toronto’s Ward Describing himself as a team he said — contrasting himself mega-city of Toronto, Sokovnin legiate. Afterward, attending the 31/Beaches- player, he says that if elected, he against incumbent Davis, whom he now says that “East York has lost University of Toronto — where East York. But would like to take part of his salary described as a “professional politi- nSokovnin its ‘ideality.’ It was a place where he got a degree in education — he he came in last and put it toward something East cian.” people wanted to live.” continued to play… and even made in a four-candidate field, garnering York can benefit from, like commu- “What has she done for East So Sokovnin has filed nomination a brief run in the CFL, before be- 610 votes out of about 8,000 cast. nity fireworks or a scholarship. York?” he asked — adding that if papers to run in the Oct. 27 mu- coming an educator for the Toronto Twenty-three years after that foray He also said that he would like anyone can tell him, he will step nicipal election. He hopes to unseat District School Board. into politics, Sokovnin says he’s to work for more senior citizen aside. 4 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, March 28, 2014 n Science centre Kids use science to steal the show The Ontario Science Centre opened its doors for March Break, with programs for kids of all ages

Photos courtesy of Tara Noelle, Ontario Science Centre Cayde McKinstray, 8, helps to demonstrate Skateboarders from C.J. Skateboard Park & The Famous PEOPLE Players perform Bringing “What’s the Matter?” — a show that helps kids School demonstrate force, momentum, gravity, Light to Life, a play that teaches spectators of understand solids, liquids and gases. torque and friction through skateboarding. all ages about evolution.

The holistic way to ease pain Most East Yorkers ‘fine’ with By JENNA REID taining health,” Tick told those at- rate of serious allergies due to sug- The Observer tending a Feb. 27 seminar at Carrot ars in our diets,” Tick said. “These new fees for illegal parking Common on Danforth Avenue. “If sugars create ‘leaky gut’ — a space According to the Canadian Pain you get yourself healthy, the damage created in the stomach from the un- Some call for leeway park on the main street,” Ansari Society, an Oshawa-based lobby will repair itself. Damaged nerve digested food, which affects our im- said. group that advocates pain treatment cells can continue to grow once this mune system.” for delivery trucks Ansari explained that parking as a basic human right, “pain is the collaboration is initiated.” So Tick recommends a variation on traffic arteries is a “hassle for most common reason for seeking Many of the people present at the of cold turkey: “No sugar for seven By BRITTANY DEMPSTER the traffic.” health care and as a presenting com- talk, entitled “Holistic Pain Relief,” days in order to reset our sugar crav- The Observer Joy Henderson-Gregg is a plaint accounts for up to 78 per cent said they were directly affected by ings, and as a result, our bodies will supervisor at a local day care, of visits to the emergency depart- chronic pain — or have loved ones want much less of it.” East Yorkers are turning in and agrees with the increased fine ment.” who are affected. But generally, what Tick recom- mixed reviews on the new, higher — to a point. Dr. Heather Tick has embraced the Tick recommends a variety of mends is reflective of the medical: fines for illegal parking. “I just worry about delivery fight against pain. She’s an advocate solutions for pain relief, including a healthy exercise regime coupled Illegal parking during rush trucks,” she said. “I think there for dealing with it in a holistic way. some very unconventional ones, like with a healthy diet. hour can now cost $150 rather should be an exemption (for Having been conventionally trained mini-trampolines to increase circu- So why is it that today we see an than the previous amount of $60. them), because it looks like a lot as a family doctor, Tick says she lation for those with arthritis and increased rate of allergies, especial- The new fine came into effect of delivery trucks… will be the has come to feel that the medical improving the body’s antioxidants ly in children? Tick equates much with the stated purpose of reduc- ones that will probably really get instruction she originally received by drinking cinnamon mixed with of that to the preservatives in our ing congestion and the number of hit for this, and I think that it (the did not provide her with the skills warm water. foods. Proof of this, she said, can be accidents. fine) is quite steep.” she needed to provide relief to pain- She also recommends eliminat- seen in the results of her research on Farur Ansari, an East York Henderson-Gregg also said ridden patients. ing sugars as completely as possible newborns. resident, is pleased with the delivery trucks sometimes make “How do we deal with patients from our diets, in order to stabilize “Two hundred chemicals in a test increased fine. deliveries during rush hour, and who are suffering from chronic our immune systems. conducted on newborns were found “People need to get home dur- there should be a certain time pain? Focus on wellness and main- “Today we experience a higher in these babies,” Tick said. ing rush hour (and) no one should when they can have “leeway.” Dandy: High school decisions not to be taken lightly By DEIDRA BARTON asked kids who are only 12 or 13 to group describing itself as “an in- less likely to graduate, and a major- The Observer decide whether they’re going into dependent organization working ity don’t go to college. academic or applied,” said Dandy, to support public education,” con- On the other hand, Dandy ob- To paraphrase the old poem, in referring to the two high school cludes that students shouldn’t have served, the number of students who spring, a young person’s fancy streams of courses that lead to dif- to make these choices until Grade drop out of university in their first turns not-so-lightly to thoughts of ferent post-secondary paths. 10, giving them more understand- year is very high, and she thinks post-secondary… and careers be- “I think it creates an incredible ing and time when it comes to their the reason is that students have un- yond. For many high schoolers (and strain.” future. knowingly committed to something their parents), the decisions they’re Dandy is the Toronto District That’s because the different path- they’re not ready for. pressed to make now about courses School Board trustee for Ward 15/ ways can affect academic achieve- “They should get a strong founda- leading to university or college Toronto-Danforth. ment and cut off future options. tion in all the subject matters and weigh heavily on them. Choosing between the academic n Cathy Dandy Dandy agrees with the suggestion they should get good teachers that And East York school trustee stream (which theoretically leads to that students should make a choice give them that strong foundation — Cathy Dandy agrees with some university) or applied (which leads making the decisions can be as when they’re a bit older. and then maybe, Grade 11 or Grade who say that the decision-making to college or other post-secondary) young as 13 years old. “I think it’s a great idea,” she said. 12, they should be getting a sense process may be coming too soon. doesn’t seem like a big deal until A report written by People for According to People for Educa- of what they feel that they’re good “I think it’s ridiculous that we you realize the students who are Education, a Toronto-based lobby tion, students in applied courses are in,” she said. The East York Observer /// Friday, March 28, 2014 FEATURES 5 n HISTORY Historian shares tales of wartime Zeppelins By DAVID KENNEDY The Observer

A flurry of conversation spread through the crowd as the older audience mem- bers remembered the excite- ment they felt at the sight and sound of a dirigible as it passed over southern Ontario in the 1930s. None of them had ever seen or heard any- thing like it before. Their memories had been jogged by aviation historian Kevin Hyde’s description of how residents of London first reacted to seeing and hearing German Zeppelins in the First World War. But those airships had a more malevolent intent, and Londoners had much more of a reason to fear. An audience of about 50 aviation and history enthu- siasts gathered March 18 at the S. Walter Stewart library branch. They listened to Hyde speak about the German Zeppelin File photo from Fotolia raids on England during what German Imperial Navy Zeppelin LZ 18 was launched in 1913. Kevin Hyde spoke at the S. Walter Stewart library about the is also referred to as the Great involvement of Zeppelins in the First World War. War, between 1914 and 1918. The Germans had hoped the in Vietnam.” At the beginning of the war, ing down a 700-foot Zeppelin hit the metal frame and create Hyde laughed, giving one ex- air raids would demoralize Still, over the course of the the English had to scramble usually took more than shoot- a spark. ample of a Zeppelin missing the British and end the war. First World War, more than to find ways to counter the ing at it for hours on end. An alternative was to fly its target. Hyde was quick to dismiss 500 people were killed dur- Zeppelins, Hyde explained, The hydrogen gasbags that over the Zeppelin and drop “Only 15 miles off,” he said. this idea. ing Zeppelin raids over Eng- because they usually flew Zeppelins are famous for are custom-made darts that would “Not bad for those days.” “Air raids didn’t work in land. Ultimately, however, the anywhere from 9,000-14,000 not as easy to ignite as the explode on impact. But nei- Hyde concluded that while the First World War,” he said. bombings never dampened feet up. 1937 Hindenberg disaster and ther method was wholly suc- the Zeppelin raids did not dra- Nor did they work in the Sec- England’s fighting spirit. “The British did not have folklore generally would have cessful, Hyde said. matically change the course ond World War, he added. But shooting down a Zeppe- aircraft capable of reaching people believe. While the British had trou- of the First World War, they “They didn’t work in the lin was no small achievement. that altitude until 1916,” he Before incendiary weapons, ble shooting the Zeppelins set the stage for how impor- Blitz, they didn’t work in “These were enormous ma- said. British pilots and observers down, the German Zeppelin tant air supremacy would be the Allied raids over Ger- chines,” Hyde said, “some as Even when the British im- would fire guns at the Zep- crews had equal trouble hit- during the Battle of Britain in many and they didn’t work long as 700 feet.” proved their aircraft, bring- pelins, hoping a bullet would ting their bombing targets. the 1940s. College artists showcase work for the first time By ERIN SANDEL morrow. approach to the project. The Observer “This is about exposure,” She uses her shadow box to McClyment said. demonstrate the interconnec- There’s still time, but only At the beginning of the tivity of people, regardless a little, to take in the pre- semester, the students in the of distance. Her inspiration: miere exhibition of a group program were given small Typhoon Haiyan, the most of up-and-coming artists wooden boxes, and the free- deadly typhoon to ever hit from East York. dom to turn these boxes into the Philippines. The tropical “There are firsts for every- whatever they wanted. The storm devastated the country, thing in life, and I’d say for project would eventually be- and killed more than 6,000 two-thirds of the artists in come the exhibit that opened people. here, this is their very first March 20, called Don’t Go In “It broke my heart…. It just show,” said David McCly- There. The students collec- tore me up,” Manighas said. ment, who helped organize tively named the exhibit, and “That is my inspiration.” the show. He’s the co-ordina- prepared for the opening for Manighas’ shadow box is tor of the fine arts program at the entire semester. lined with newspapers. In the Centennial College’s campus Olivia Simms, an artist in middle is a hand, with flags on Carlaw Avenue — and her first year of the program, of different nations painted the emerging artists’ lead used this project to address on it. The hand is holding the teacher. one of her own life struggles. world. She believes that the “They are all nerved up,” Her shadow box is inspired typhoon demonstrated the Erin Sandel /// Observer McClyment said when the by her obsessive-compulsive willingness of other nations show opened, “and I am so disorder. Katrina Manighas, a student in the fine arts program at Centennial Col- to help the Philippines when happy for them.” “It is something that has lege, is showcasing her shadow box entitled “We Are One.” the country was in need. But it’s just a one-week always been a controlling “Part of my goal as an exhibition, and today and force in my life and I have to live with, it can also be her obsessions, she hopes of the pieces have anecdotes instructor is to not only help tomorrow are its last days. never really realized it until a positive driving force in that her art will inspire oth- that are personal to the artist, them be creative, but to help It’s at the Urban Gallery, 400 now,” Simms said. “I want your life.” ers, and generate strength. but others are inspired by them understand the business Queen St. E., and open for to show people that although Simms described her shad- Almost 30 artists’ shadow international events. and professional aspect of viewing until 5 p.m. today, obsessive-compulsive disor- ow box as a window into her boxes are being displayed One student, Katrina Ma- being an artist,” McClyment March 28, and 1-6 p.m. to- der is something that is hard soul. Rather than internalize in Don’t Go In There. Many nighas, took a more worldly said. 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, March 28, 2014 n COLUMNS n editorials Thorncliffe Park’s new Ban the word bossy? arlier this month, Face- and the hashtag #BanBossy sources. Ebook’s chief operating was trending on Facebook “Before you spend time, ‘status’: Two views officer, Sheryl Sandberg, and Twitter. money and your good inten- launched an online campaign Not everyone agreed with tions on the perceived issues titled “Ban Bossy.” The ini- the message. Many took to behind girls being called tiative was fuelled by some social media to criticize the ‘bossy,’ please consider in- Don’t forget rest of E.Y. of today’s most iconic wom- movement. stead these real-world prob- en, including Condoleezza Parenting experts say all lems,” Dickinson wrote on ith the upcoming municipal election, transit, infrastructure and seniors’ care are Rice, Jennifer Garner and children go through a “bossy” Facebook. Wamong the issues that candidates in East York are looking to address. But are Beyoncé. phase. Feminists exclaim Below that, Dickinson post- they considering cost-effective strategies to improve our vulnerable geographic areas, The star-studded posse ‘Bossy? So what! I’ve ed a laundry list of issues such given that these communities within East York may soon have fewer resources? has asked that people been called worse,’ and as lack of education, sexual The city is now ranking neighbourhoods based on 15 criteria, including health, eco- ban the word “bossy.” insist Sandberg and oth- abuse, genital mutilation and nomics, social development and education. The campaign’s ers should focus child labour. One bottom line is that the new “neighbourhood improvement areas” now being motive is to em- on the more What is it about “bossy” that prioritized for help may receive millions of dollars in public and private assistance. power girls to deroga- gets everyone so fired up? We But there may be less attention (and less funding) for the areas on the old “priority lead. It’s a tory de- don’t have to ban bossy, or any neighbourhood” list. joint opera- scriptions other word for that matter. We The old list includes Flemingdon Park and Crescent Town. They’ve been retained tion between of women. shouldn’t have to shield girls on the new list, but the city has now added Thorncliffe Park and other neighbourhoods LeanIn.Org and Anti-feminists say from negative labels. In fact, across Toronto. And some are now concerned that the original priority neighbour- the Girl Scouts of the the campaign is a we can’t. They’re everywhere. hoods may not receive the same attention or resources from governments or other USA. feminist plea for em- Even without labels like supporters. According to its web- powerment. It plays “bossy” or “pushy,” a girl who While no existing resources will be taken away, additional money is in jeopardy for site, a confidence gap the victim card and is worried that people will the original priority neighbourhoods. That’s something East York candidates should develops between girls and resorts to speech po- judge or dislike her for being fight for (although some politicians are reluctant to even acknowledge that some parts boys while they go through licing. aggressive will continue to of the city are disadvantaged; witness our mayor’s dismissal of the lengthened list). school. Arlene Dickinson, think twice before taking on Some candidates in wards 26, 29 and 31 are already campaigning for things like “When a little boy asserts Canadian entrepreneur leadership roles. improved public transit. While transportation is always unfinished business, let’s hope himself, he’s called a ‘lead- and television star on Instead, teach girls (and these contenders don’t forget about the administration of resources and local initia- er,’” states the site. “Yet CBC’s Dragons’ Den, boys) to place less emphasis tives that help improve East York. Curtailing future neighbourhood-based funding and when a little girl does the says the campaign is on others’ opinions. resources would undo some important gains made so far. This means fewer renovated same, she risks being brand- commendable, but Yes, #BanBossy is definitely facilities for the community and less employment support, among other things. ed ‘bossy.’” not worth the collec- catchier than #DontLetOther- Some of the candidates for Don Valley West, Toronto-Danforth and Beaches-East Within days, tive star sPutYouDown. But something York are newcomers in the political arena, which can be considered an asset or a thousands pledged Erica Rae Chong power that really deserves to be drawback. With a wide spectrum of candidates, ranging from civil engineers to actors, to “Ban Bossy” and re- banned is this campaign. it is most likely that their platforms will be defined in the upcoming months. Hope- fully, along with the veterans, they will focus on initiatives to mitigate the social and economic challenges affecting local residents of their neighbourhoods. ~ Soledad Vega S pring fever: The app

ast York gardens will small talk when you can skip more I realize that knowing Remember Toronto, too Esoon be blossoming, that whole process complete- someone has right-swiped me along with new relationships ly?’ and is interested is satisfac- hile some residents of Thorncliffe Park are rejoicing about receiving more city in what some refer to as the After completing their pro- tion enough. Wfunding due to its new “Neighbourhood Improvement Area” status, there’s a “dating season.” file, Tinder users choose the I realize that dating apps are catch. It’s a big one that should concern everyone. The number of neighbourhoods As warmer weather ap- desired age range and location still just that… apps. A dis- across Toronto that were receiving aid under the 2005 Toronto-United Way “Priority proaches, bar patios along the that they are interested in. traction from everyday Neighbourhood” system was 22. Under the new system, that number is now 31. Danforth are starting to open Possible matches then pop life. Unless the city is willing to raise the budget for the program entirely, helping and people are taking to the up, allowing you to swipe It’s funny that as the Thorncliffe Park will only distract from assisting other neighbourhoods. Mayor Ford’s outdoors. But are these pick- right (‘How you doin’?’) or sun starts to peek its aversion to raising taxes virtually guarantees a difficult situation forThorncliffe, along up spots becoming a thing of left (‘Thanks, but no head out, going out- with other disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Thorncliffe may get funding, or part of it, the past? thanks’). If two peo- side and meeting but it might be at the cost of decreased funding in other areas of the city. When it comes to dating, ple right-swipe each someone is facil- Under the new system, eight Toronto neighbourhoods dropped off of the funding the Internet is playing a big- other, they are no- itated by staying list. And because the old system and the new system don’t measure the same variables ger role in connecting people tified — and then indoors. to determine the health of a neighbourhood, they might as well be comparing apples every day. Dating apps take are able to mes- It’s possible to oranges. We have no way of knowing if those eight places really still needed their things one step further. And no sage one another. that apps like funding, Or whether the problems there will re-emerge as their funding disappears. app does it better than Tinder. It is interesting to Tinder are putting That’s not to say Thorncliffe doesn’t need help — or any of the other places added As a 21-year-old who grew think that the swipe a death to rejec- to the program. The new method is meant to be a better version of the 2005 system. up with single parents, I’ve of a thumb can get tion, but by doing But “meant to be” is not always “actually is,” and when we’re talking about poverty, been a firsthand witness to rid of the mystery of so, are creating a services, and education, it’s better that we err on the side of caution. the ever-changing approach in-person encounters. communication dis- The program requires a new budget. Making sure that the funds aren’t spread so thin to dating. Prior to the age of Rejection is, for lack connect. to the point of being ineffective is key. Worried residents should petition their council- smartphones, the way to do of a better term, scary What I do know is lors to improve the budget, so the program doesn’t lose its effectiveness. things was to go out and meet as hell. You would that I’m willing to make But “improve” doesn’t necessarily imply a tax hike to cover the cost of expanding someone. Then online dating think that avoiding a fool of myself in public the number of neighbourhoods served. Such a rash action would be as ill-advised as sites smacked you in the back that process com- if it means people like me inaction on the issue. of the head and said, ‘Why go pletely would result won’t be so quick to hide What is needed is level-headed thinking and a smart re-evaluation of the budget in out when you can meet people in a sigh of relief. But behind their phone as order to maximize the new system’s effectiveness. Overhead and administrative costs from home?’ the more my friends much as we already would be a good place to start. It would be better to improve efficiency to minimize So that became the norm… and I discuss our ex- do. any tax increase. until apps like Tinder come periences Take the risk. ~ Christopher Lum along and said ‘It’s been fun, with this Brad Garcia Embarrassment but why sit at home making app, the is important.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- Faculty Editors Managing editor copy Editors nial College journalism students at the East York Lindy Oughtred Paul Hantiuk Erin Buckley campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor David Kennedy 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Preston Dozsa production editors Observer photo editor Kimberly Aglipay [email protected]. Telephone 416- 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Tanya Debi Beth Jarrell The East York Observer /// Friday, March 28, 2014 OP-ED 7 A glimpse back to yesteryear... The second instalment in the Observer’s retrospective of local images from the City of Toronto Archives

The Toronto archives’ description of the photo at left describes it simply as “meeting of the Don Rivers, Don Valley, East York Township, between 1929 and 1939.” The image at right is the architect Pentland and Baker’s original rendering of the East York Community Centre, built in the 1960s, and still serving the community at 1081 1/2 Pape Ave.

n REVIEW n COLUMN Vacation blues By ANDREA PRECIADO The Observer I’m on my spring break, and as I write this article, with the sun beating down on my skin here in South America, I’m coming to realize that I have a love-hate relationship with vacations. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful when I say this, knowing that my Observer colleagues back in East York are feeling pretty sun-starved. For me, though, it comes down to the work that has led to the break. I’m a native of Colombia, but I’ve lived in Toronto for over five years. And when I have a desire to go back home, it comes at a cost. What do I get my family members? How do I replace my wardrobe for the hot weather? Who should I visit Paolo Maquiraya /// Observer and when? What if I leave someone out? What should I Nadia Tadros (left), Farrah Ammouri (centre) and Revital Zacharie — the subjects of Daniel bring? And on and on. Ferguson’s documentary Jerusalem — pose for reporters at the film’s Toronto premiere, held at This also doesn’t factor in the price I’ve had to pay this the Ontario Science Centre’s IMAX Dome theatre. year in particular, as travel companies take advantage of the harsh winter we’ve had in Canada. In total, I’m sure I’ve spent well over $1,500 just for my air tickets, the A cinematic appeal for unity gifts for family and a warm-weather wardrobe. When did the process of preparing for a vacation be- By PAOLO MAQUIRAYA then Farrah,” Ferguson said. “So we the city has to do with how the three ma- come just as demanding as the daily routine, if not more? The Observer thought, ‘My goodness, we gotta have jor faiths all co-exist with each other — or Everyone talks about the positives of taking a break from a Jewish girl here,’ and Revital was cast sometimes fail to. the stress of things — how refreshing it is. But what For Daniel Ferguson’s latest documenta- last-minute.” Though the three women aren’t sis- about when the vacation itself is stress-inducing? When it ry Jerusalem, now showing in the Ontario “One of the ideas I had initially was that ters by blood, they are essentially sisters becomes all about making sure every detail is perfect? Science Centre’s IMAX Dome, the cast- I didn’t want the audience to know who in faith as they all share the same God of After all, my vacation needs to be about me, myself ing of three women as the subject of the was Jewish, Christian and Muslim until Abraham. and I, not about pleasing the people that surround me. film was something that the director says later in the film,” he added, “but in the end Their faith and the city’s quarters may But this means logging off, ignoring the backlog of came naturally. The 45-minute film is seen we didn’t have that luxury in a 45-minute keep them separate, but the film gave work that awaits me and focusing on the day-to-day. It through the eyes of three teenagers: a Jew, film.” them the opportunity to interact with and means doing things differently; instead of waking up and a Christian and a Muslim, all living in Je- But despite scrapping that idea from the learn from one another and build a friend- checking my phone, I can wake up and take a walk in the rusalem. final product, the film still has the effect of ship that has gone beyond the film. sun, and remove myself from the routine I’ve been used “The idea from the beginning was not communicating a portrayal of three young The love they share for their city and to. So I have to get rid of the planning that keeps me on necessarily on women,” Ferguson told women who could have been sisters had their devotion to their faith are things that a permanent schedule… and take it easy while just doing reporters at the film’s Science Centre pre- they not been identified in the film. many audience members will be able to things that make me happy. miere, “although we quickly became en- One member of the audience during relate to. As such, the film gives hope to These guidelines won’t guarantee a perfect vacation, amored with that idea.” the film’s post-screening news conference not only the three women, but viewers as but the goal isn’t perfection; it’s for a stress-free time. So It just so happened that the first two pointed out that very sentiment during the well. will I still half-hate the idea of vacations after writing this cast in the film (Nadia Tadros and Farrah question period. It was a statement that re- “It gets people to think about the city article? Hopefully not, because this will be the last piece Ammouri) were a driving force behind the flects Ferguson’s objective with Jerusalem. in a new context,” Ferguson said. “I think of work I give in to, before moving out of my comfort decision to cast a third woman to represent “Jerusalem forces you to confront your the authenticity of the young women is zone and embracing this warm, sunny day. Judaism (Revital Zacharie). own assumptions,” he said. important. And I really believe cinema “Very quickly, we cast Nadia first and And one of the main assumptions about has the power to change the world.” 8 ARTS & LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, March 28, 2014

n COMMUNITY New president puts history at top of agenda

By ALI NAQVI The Observer The old board is history at the East York Historical Society, and leading the new board is Pat Bar- nett. Barnett, a former vice-presi- Sana Fatani /// Observer dent, was elected to replace the A helping hand now-retired Margaret McRae. Children and teens attended a demonstration of the art of Mehndi Henna tattoos on March 14 at the S. Walter Stew- Joining Barnett on the new board art branch of the library. Here, artist Hina Yasir creates an intricate tattoo on the hand of one of the participants. is Alan Redway, a former East York member of Parliament and mayor — when East York was Students want new internship law still a borough. Val Dodge will be By VIRGINIA MASHINGAIDZE legislation at Queen’s Park that, if media management firm in Van- “We don’t think unpaid intern- the society’s new The Observer passed, will provide unpaid interns couver that, “once we called and ships are the right thing to do, and treasurer. n Barnett with more rights and protection un- let them know that their unpaid our union agrees, and when we ne- The board con- In East York, reaction is gener- der the law. internships were contravening the gotiated the last contract with them sists of nine voting members. The ally positive to proposed improve- Barry Waite, professor and pro- employment standard regulation, five years ago, both sides put this EYHS was founded in 1980 and ments in the arrangements for stu- gram co-ordinator for Riverso’s actually went back and revised their into the contract,” he said. holds regular afternoon and eve- dent interns in the workplace. program at Centennial College, be- internship program and paid their “When they’re an intern with ning meetings to explore history At the Carlaw Avenue campus lieves internships that aren’t under a past and present interns.” Globe and Mail, they work along- generally, but with an emphasis of Centennial College, corporate school umbrella should be paid. Still, Cio- side the regular staff. They get the on East York. communications student Mike Riv- “Under the law, a company can- chon said, for same training as a permanent staff In a statement,Barnett reiter- erso said that it’s wrong in the first not derive more benefits than a stu- the post-sec- member does.” ated the goal to “bring together place to ask young people to work dent,” he explained, “so if an orga- ondary student This summer, Sheppard added, people interested in the diverse for free. nization outside a school program looking to break the paper will have a summer in- heritage of East York; to study, “I know some of my fellow stu- wants to offer an internship, unless into an industry, ternship program that is a fully paid hold, preserve and present his- dents are currently working jobs they can meet the criteria set up “it seems like n Riverso contract position that allows interns torical facts relating to the region; while they’re in school just to get by by the government, they should be the unpaid in- to be paid exactly the same as jour- to increase understanding of our — and I know some who’ve been paying the student.” ternship is where you need to start.” nalists who are just starting at the heritage and involve new people looking for internships,” he said. That means that young people But she agreed with Waite that Globe and Mail. in our community.” “They’re living paycheque to pay- shouldn’t be strung along in unpaid once a student graduates, the situa- “Fifty per cent are people gradu- Recent figures put the group’s cheque and they need to find a job internships after graduation. tion changes. ating this year and it would be their membership at about 100, and or something that will pay them.” “Once they’ve graduated,” Waite “Most students come out with first job,” he said. the society says that’s on the rise. Next month, Riverso will be said, “I think if I look at students debt so to have to worry about mak- For his part, student Riverso said More information can be found taking an internship at the MaRS going into the public relations in- ing OSAP payments and have to that the fight for equality for interns at http://eastyork.org/eyhs.html Discovery District, a public-private dustry, they should be paid within sustain themselves while working isn’t just about money. It’s about partnership headquartered on Col- an established entry level salary — for free is not a sustainable situa- giving them a real-life work experi- lege Street in Toronto that promotes certainly above minimum wage.” tion,” she said. ence. medical and other new technolo- Barbara Ciochon, vice-president The Globe and Mail’s edito- “By paying interns, you are Safety key focus gies. of communications for the Cana- rial department has no unpaid in- showing that you value their work,” Currently, there are few laws that dian Intern Association, said that ternships. Newspaper editor and he said, “and they’re going to ap- during East York regulate internship programs in On- interns are sometimes exploited, but co-ordinator for internships Jim preciate that they are being valued tario. On March 4, Davenport MPP it’s not always intentional. Sheppard said he believes unpaid and their work means something to council meeting Jonah Schein proposed provincial She cited the example of a social internships are wrong. the office or to the company.” By ALI NAQVI The Observer Community safety ranked high on the agenda at the Toronto and East York community council meeting held at city hall on Feb. 25. About 150 people attended the meeting, which included a mea- sure for improved safety for an East York street. “We are making improvements in a number of neighbourhoods to improve pedestrian safety,” said Janet Davis, the councillor for Ward 31/Beaches-East York. “One is to provide a crosswalk on Dawes Road… at Beth Street; it will allow residents to cross safely to the bus stop.” That’s in the area of Victoria Park Avenue and St. Clair Avenue East. The change “will make our residential neighbourhoods safe,” Hassan Mohamud /// Observer Davis said. “It is my role to help facilitate that community dialogue Portraits on parade and to make the city work better Centennial College’s East York campus on Carlaw Avenue threw open its doors on Sunday as part of a college-wide open for our residents.” house. These portraits were part of the fine arts program’s display.