ww The ‘Mayor must go’ n Editorial Page 6 Observer n East Yorkers react Page 8 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 42, No. 10 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, November 8, 2013 E.Y. councillors line up against Ford Mayor has ‘discredited the office,’ says Davis By MARK CADIZ The Observer

The mayor remains in the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons. “What matters is the conduct of a person who holds the office of mayor,” said John Parker, the city councillor for Ward 26/Don Valley West and once an ally of Ford. “And for the city of , in my view, the conduct we have seen has been woefully inappropriate.” Councillors Janet Davis of Ward 31/Beach- es-East York and Mary Fragedakis of Ward 29/ Toronto-Danforth have been equally damning. Davis, breaking a long silence on Ford’s be- haviour, told a group of reporters this week that Ford “has lost the legitimacy of the mayor’s of- fice. He has discredited himself, the office, this city.” For her part, Fragedakis has been quoted in published reports as saying that the mayor “should take a leave of absence or resign. He should get help.” But so far, the three councillors haven’t spe- cifically indicated to what extent they’ll join others’ efforts to circumvent Ford’s mayoral authority if he refuses to leave office. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair announced on Oct. 31 that police have recovered a video that appears to show Ford smoking crack cocaine and making racist and homophobic remarks. Then, on Tuesday, Ford admitted that he has Madalyn Hamann /// Observer smoked crack — but he said he won’t resign. Hours after Mayor Rob Ford admitted to smoking crack cocaine, protesters gathered at city hall, calling on him to resign. East York’s three representatives on city council have all harshly criticized Ford’s behaviour. n See FORD, page 8

n Environment Green-friendly worm composting not for faint of heart By AROOJ YAQUB poster at Foodshare, says creating The Observer a vermicompost is easy, however, daily maintenance of the compost COMPOSTABLE Slimy, wiggly and squirming are is difficult. all words that describe vermicom- “You need a guiding hand on it, posting, an alternative way to fertil- it could be teachers or even a par- OR NOT? ize your crops. ents’ committee or a volunteer like 4 Vermicomposting uses red wig- myself,” Nevin said. “The trouble is YES gler worms. The worms eat organic you can set up a compost bin, but n Bread matter or waste at a fast pace and if nobody takes care of it, it will n Coffee grounds and filter produce a nutrient-rich secretion tend to attract litter and debris by n Egg shells (crushed) called worm castings. The feces passersby and even people onsite n Fruits produced can then be used to fertil- because it’s a place to dump stuff.” n Vegetables ize gardens and crops. On Oct. 30, Jennifer Franklin, a family stud- n Grains Torontonians shopped and learned ies teacher at Earl Grey Senior n Pasta (plain and cooked) about vermicomposting at the Ever- Public School, is all for vermicom- n Peanut hulls (no nuts) green Brick Works WormShare. posting. She says it was easy to im- Arooj Yaqub /// Observer n Tea leaves and bags “They’re absolutely pivotal for plement vermicomposting into her Volunteers prepare a vermi-composting bin at Ever- the gardening and the earth, be- curriculum. Earl Grey teaches eco green Brick Works’ Wormshare on Oct. 30. 8 NO cause they break everything down. literacy and is ranked as a Gold Eco By doing this we’re just mimicking School. They maintain their waste ing for fertilizer that we could use is getting lost. Without worms we n Dairy products nature’s system, recreating it for our by composting, recycling, energy in the spring again. This is a way of couldn’t grow anything, they com- n Fats own use,” said Karen McMillan, a conservation and waste reduction. keeping connection with how things plete the cycle.” n Feces (animal or human) volunteer with the Riverdale Food The school hopes to achieve plati- grow and what we eat,” Franklin For now, vermicomposting is still n Meats Working Group. “Clean is a very num status in the future. said. “We’re turning into a society making its way into the mainstream n Oils Western way of looking at things “My students create waste when that goes to supermarkets and buys of compost options. You can find n Peanut butter and not the natural system.” they’re cooking. I wanted them to everything. The joy we get in learn- more information at http://ebw.ev- n Twigs Mike Nevin, a part-time com- see an alternative way of compost- ing and that you get from growing ergreen.ca/cal/event/wormshare. 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 8, 2013

POLICE & FIRE Vice-principal under arrest Timothy Fisher, a 49-year-old vice-principal at Danforth Colle- giate and Techni- cal Institute, has been suspended with pay after be- ing charged with obstructing po- Alissa Heidman /// Observer lice. They allege Red Mulberry natural health store (left) now takes the place of what was Leaside’s first store and telephone exchange over that a student 90 years ago. The 19th-century Thomas G. Elgie house (right) at 262 Bessborough Dr. is the oldest home in Leaside. was wanted on outstanding war- rants and that a school staffer was aware of the mat- ter and allowed Lights, camera, Leaside the student to leave the school Leaside documentary grew and grew,” Regan said. before they could Bill Pashby, a Toronto lawyer, is a arrest him. a labour of love for well-known third-generation Leaside resident. He chose to stay in the com- East York filmmakers munity to raise his family. Elderly woman “One of the most interesting things struck by car By ALISSA HEIDMAN is that my two granddaughters live in The Observer the house I grew up in,” he said. An elderly East Pashby has many neighbours in York resident was Anthony Regan and Barry Samuel their 50s that grew up in the houses taken to hospital step into the Leaside library with their they currently live in. with life-threaten- filming equipment and ideas. According to Regan, this seems to ing injuries after The love they share for their com- be a trend. being struck by munity has inspired them to produce a “More and more it’s happening in a car on Sun- documentary titled “100 Years Inside Leaside. People want to stay inside day. The victim Leaside.” the community and (so) they give was hit around The documentary is aimed at their home to their children,” Regan The Lea family moved into this oddly slanted home in the 4:30 p.m.by a chronicling the last century in Leaside said. early 1900s. It was once facing James Lea Lane, which dis- car backing out through interviews with influential, Pashby recalls going tobogganing appeared when the modern road system was built. of a driveway longtime residents. at High Park as a child. It is the same in the area of 100 Years Inside Leaside will be hill where he took his children and Longspur Road woven around the life of Walter David now his granddaughters. and Parkview Hill Newel, a man who paid the ultimate “Some of my best memories are in Crescent. price for Canada’s freedom. He was Leaside,” he said. killed during a training run in the Sec- “I think there’s been a lot of chang- ~Kaitlin Clubley ond World War es but not any more than any other Newel was born and raised in Lea- place.” side, and there are memorials of him Regan and Samuel have released a throughout the community. sneak peak of their production. Whas t’ Regan says this was not their initial With growing interest in the proj- plan, but he and Samuel found their ect and more interviews to conduct, up in e.y. story through Newel. they don’t have an exact release date “We thought it would maybe be of yet. ‘Tis the season... interest to people in the business com- In the meantime, the historical munity, or to even show people what’s community of Leaside excitedly A Christmas fair around the community and it grew and awaits the documentary’s debut. will take place tomorrow, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. For more stories and photos related to East to 2 p.m. at St. York news, features and events, please visit our website at torontoobserver.ca St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church is the oldest of five churches Cuthbert’s Angli- @ in Leaside. can Church, 1399 Bayview Ave. Get O the ‘best lunch in town’ for $7.50. Meeting reviews bylaws for street food vendors ...for bazaars a public consultation meeting at the to change something,” Alexopoulos review the bylaws for mainly two On Saturday, Nov. Local vendors seeking East on Tuesday. said. reasons — permitting vendors to 30, True David- fair and co-operative Baugadis, who has been selling She expects a good business offer a wider range of food items son Acres Long ice cream for more than 50 years, environment in which everyone and assessing how food carts can be Term Care Facil- work environments urged the city to take the concerns would work together and respect made more mobile. ity will host its and expectations of the public, each other. “The proposed bylaw changes By AMIRUL ISLAM annual Holiday BIAs and vendors into account. “I have been selling hot dogs will be opened for more consulta- The Observer Bazaar from 11 “I expect that the city would open since 1982 and we had problems tion in January 2014,” Robertson a.m. to 3 p.m. at A review of the city’s street food up the board in Scarborough, Etobi- before,” Alexopoulos said. said. 200 Dawes Rd. vending bylaws is sure to interest coke and North York because it is a “But we worked together and we He says everything may be final- Proceeds of the both vendors and the general public. megacity right now,” he said. discussed and found a system that is ized within March 2014. event will support “I want that rules and regula- Hot dog vendor Sofia Alexopou- working.” Consultation meetings took place residents’ pro- tions related to street food vending los is not sure what’s really going Senior policy and research officer throughout the city, with the East grams. be fair for every stakeholder,” ice on. Luke Robertson says the Licensing York meeting being the last of the ~Rajesh Sammy cream vendor Peter Baugadis said at “I think they (the city) are going and Standards Committee wants to series. The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 NEWS 3 No more cheques by 2016

By JOANNE KAILEH The Observer East Yorkers will soon be able to re- ceive government cheque payments in one way only — direct deposit. The Government of Canada is in the process of phasing out cheques and by 2016, direct deposit will be the only method of receiving any form of pay Lauren LiBetti/// Observer from the government. Artist Emilia Jajus says the design she painted on a Danforth Avenue traffic signal box is intended to be The Direct Deposit Initiative was im- transparent, so the box blends naturally into the backdrop of the community. plemented as a way of saving taxpayers $17.4 million annually as well as guaran- teeing a safe way of receiving payments. Pierre-Alain Bujold, media relations for Public Works and Government Ser- Artist living ‘outside the box’ vice Canada, says direct deposit is the best option for Canadians. By LAUREN LIBETTI StART program is based in the says most people don’t even notice “It is a proven, reliable and secure form The Observer city’s transportation section, as the grey traffic signal boxes. How- of payment at the lowest possible cost.” part of its graffiti management ever, now that they’re a form of art, The cost to produce cheques is about When the economy took a turn plan, contracting artists, including she says they add beauty and char- 82 cents each, compared to 13 cents for for the worse in 2008, Emilia Jajus Jajus, to beautify 20 of the 2,200 acter to Toronto’s neighbourhoods. direct deposit. jumped for joy. She had been laid traffic signal boxes at intersections “It’s really almost turning the Bujold said many Canadians are al- off from her financial job on King across Toronto. city into this outdoor museum of ready on board and currently accept pay- Street. Jajus was born in Poland and artwork,” Zendel said. ments through direct deposit. “I was jumping up through the moved to Toronto 15 years ago. The initial response to the paint- East York resident Reet Sehr, who al- roof because now, I said, ‘I’m real- She didn’t think Toronto was a ed boxes has been overwhelmingly ready receives government payments in place to earn a living through art. positive, she says, which makes direct deposit form, was not aware of the Now, paintbrush in hand, Jajus her believe the program will only initiative. ly going to glides around living her dream ca- grow in the future. “I don’t know what they’ve been doing start paint- reer. “It just makes people laugh and but, absolutely, there should be aware- ing,’” Jajus “It beautifies the city. It beautifies have a moment of delight,” Ze- ness built,” she said. “I haven’t heard said. “You the community. It makes them talk; ndel said. “And to a certain extent, about it.” might find it it makes them smile,” Jajus said that’s what we really want to do While Sehr does believe it’s a good a paradox that while painting the traffic signal with these boxes.” idea, she is concerned about what seniors in the low of box at Danforth and Logan. “It’s Jajus hopes East York will cher- who are not aware of the change and not the economy, also educational. It raises aware- ish, admire and protect her artwork. using electronic banking will feel about I started my art ness that there is art in the city.” She says she no longer believes To- the switch. business.” This is Jajus’s smallest project, ronto is just a business city; it’s a “If it’s going to save money in the long Jajus is part of a but it’s no less important to her. hub for art as well. run it’s probably good, but there should pilot project called She designed the traffic box at “My husband used to be very, be a long phase-in period because there’s Outside the Box by Street Danforth and Logan to be transpar- very skeptical. He didn’t believe probably a lot of older people. I’m think- Art Toronto (StART). The ent, so it blends in with the foun- we could add any money to our ing of my dad who still goes to the bank tain and shops behind it. income,” Jajus said. “Now he asks and get cheques coming home and he nJajus Lilie Zendel, manager of StART, me, ‘Can I prime a wall for you?’” doesn’t do online banking.” Libraries get ready, get set, get reading

By LUCY ONEKA saying it’s not just about family time, but parents go to after the program,” Lee The Observer books and literature as well. said, adding that it’s important that “We base our Ready for Reading pro- parents get their children involved in Through their Ready for Reading pro- gram on the American Library Associa- programs such as these because it helps gram, East York’s library branches are tion’s program called ‘Every child ready parents interact with other parents and introducing children to reading at a very to read,’” Lee said. become familiar with others in the com- early age. The Ready for Reading program munity. According to Sandra Lee, a children’s promotes six skills for children: I like Jeni Armstrong, a parent, said her librarian with the books (print motivation), I hear words older son participated in family time, (TPL), special family times have been (phonological awareness), I know words one of the Ready for Reading programs. introduced to highlight the importance (vocabulary), I can tell a story (narrative Armstrong now goes with her daughter, of literacy. skills), I see words (print awareness) and Juno. She said it’s a chance to get out, “We encourage parents and caregiv- I know letters (letter knowledge). meet other kids, meet other parents and ers to instill in their children these skills “If you start them early, familiarizing do some socializing. Armstrong said it’s before they actually start school because them with books, rhymes and songs, also a way for her daughter to get famil- we feel that literacy is so important. If they will have that interest. When they iar with the library building, so that she they start early, they will have an advan- go to school, they will be ready,” Lee is excited to go there. tage,” Lee said. said. “They will also enjoy reading and “My daughter and I read a lot at home. The TPL began putting the program participating.” Family time is important because my together in 2007. Six years later, it’s up She added that parents have come daughter Juno gets to meet other kids as and running across the city, including at back and asked for a specific book that well as other families,” Armstrong said. all East York branches. has been used during the program be- There are several Ready for Read- Lucy Oneka/// Observer Ready for Reading encompasses sev- cause their child liked it. ing programs available for different age Parents and children gather at Danforth/ eral resources and activities, with Lee “They have a display of books that groups, from birth to five years. Coxwell library branch for family time. 4 REMEMBER The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 Army vet paid hefty price for Ilin Finch said saying no no to returning By SOLEDAD VEGA to N-Ireland The Observer

In the fall of 1973, when sectarian violence was at its worst in Northern Ire- land, the British Army asked Ilin Finch to sign on for a full 22-year service — service that would have placed him in the middle of The Troubles, as the violence was known. “I told them, ‘I don’t care what I have to do to get out, but I’m not going back,’” Finch recalled. Finch paid a price for his decision. To get discharged, the army demoted him to private and took away his pension. “Pension-wise, I don’t get anywhere near to what I should be entitled to get, but I can live with that,” he said. David Kennedy/// Observer The Troubles had already taken nearly 1,000 lives when Finch opted out. David Morgan (front, centre) has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion’s “Then I heard that the sergeant who Woodbine Heights branch for years, and has served in executive capacities there. took over in my unit (came) back in three days in a body bag,” Finch said. Ilin Finch, 65, served in the British Army for 11 years and completed six tours of active duty in Northern Ireland Honouring a brother’s sacrifice when The Troubles first started in 1969. As a British Army vet living in Local man wears killed in action March 1 while Morgan remains an active Canada, Finch has served the Royal serving with the Essex Scottish member of Branch 22 of the Roy- Canadian Legion (East Toronto Branch beloved brother’s Regiment in Germany. al Canadian Legion in Woodbine 11 on Dawes Road) for 22 years. “I was just six years old,” Mor- Heights. Despite forfeiting his pension back in dog tag around his gan recalled. “But it really hit the Once serving on the legion’s the U.K., Finch found Veterans Affairs neck every day sisters. Three of them are older.... executive committee, he is now Canada sympathetic to his lost pension. It was bad in the house when it president of the seniors’ club. “I just recently received the cheque, happened.” Meanwhile, Morgan continues By DAVID KENNEDY which I’m now going to receive every Morgan’s memory of his to voice his support for Canadian The Observer three months,” Finch said. “I was mak- brother inspired him to join the peacekeepers overseas. ing up my monthly income on savings, David Morgan remembers his Army Cadets as a boy. As he “I’m very, very proud of our but … I am a lot more comfortable brother, Edward Morgan, hoist- grew older, he wanted to join the boys,” he said. now.” ing him onto his shoulders in the army, but he was underage. In or- “I wish I could do that.... Every Remembrance Day, Finch family’s backyard near Green- der to serve, he needed a parent’s Those guys are doing a hell of pays his respects at Branch 11. He can’t wood and Gerrard one afternoon consent. n Edward Morgan a job. I wish I was there holding march in the Nov. 11 observance be- in 1944. “Dad kind of went along with their hands.” cause of a leg injury, but each Remem- His brother was in uniform, on what I wanted to do, but Mom Morgan regrets that he himself brance Day he acknowledges life and leave before shipping out to Eu- didn’t like it because she’d lost He relishes the memory of didn’t have the opportunity to death decisions soldiers make. rope. It is one of the few concrete her first-born,” he said. becoming a non-commissioned serve overseas. “Don’t forget the guys and ladies who memories he has of his brother. “She wouldn’t sign, but Dad officer. He completed training “I wish I’d have been old made this country what it is,” he said. Too young then to understand did. It was good for me because in Niagara and at Camp Borden, enough to go,” he said. “Their sacrifices allowed me to be sit- why, David Morgan remembers a I wanted to do it. I wanted to go.” received his stripes and was sta- Nevertheless, every day David ting here now enjoying my drink in my pall falling over his house in the Retired Sgt. David Morgan, tioned at the Fort York Armoury. Morgan wears his brother’s dog own legion and still be alive to enjoy it.” spring of 1945. 74, Toronto Scottish Regiment, As a drill sergeant, he trained re- tag around his neck in remem- Edward Morgan, 19, had been served from 1960-1967. cruits to become infantrymen. brance. Serviceman helped keep the peace in Middle East peacekeeping force. quarter-tonne trucks to deliver mes- eight years. UN peacekeeping “My dad (served during the Second sages. She considers him one of the branch World War) and my uncles, of course, When his tour ended and he re- patrons, and jokes that he can be found veteran will remember his brothers. I guess that’s it… my turned to Canada, Zuber remembered walking in at 3 p.m. every day. ‘good times and bad’ family, you know.… They were all in his father meeting him when the ship “He has sort of made this his the service.” docked. home here,” Pierce said. “He’s be- In 1956, Zuber left Canada aboard “My dad took me by the arm… come our surrogate member, you By CATHERINE MAGPILE HMCS Magnificent en route to Egypt. when I came out of the service and he know.” The Observer “(Our job was) trying to keep peace said, ‘I’m in the legion. You’re going Every year she and Zuber go to dif- between the Israelis and the Arabs,” to join too,’” Zuber said. ferent schools and community func- The only scar on Peiter Zuber’s he said. Since then, he’s been a member en- tions to educate children about the act body is one he gave himself. For the 18 months he was deployed, joying the feeling of camaraderie and of remembrance. On his left forearm in faded black he travelled between Egypt and Israel the community fostered at 9 Dawes This Remembrance Day, Zuber ink, and now, 50 years old, a tattoo as a dispatch rider. Rd. knows exactly what he will be doing. reads ‘UNEF EGYPT.’ Zuber wears He drove different machines such Youth education co-ordinator “Sit back and remember,” he said. n Zuber it proudly as a veteran of the UN as ferret scout cars, jeeps and three- Helen Pierce has known Zuber for “The good times and the bad.” The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 REMEMBER 5 Veteran shares lessons of war with students

By LOUIS PIN The Observer

Until Robert Raby lowers the East York Collegiate flag at the civic centre on Remembrance Day, he will be working as tirelessly as he does every fall. “I used to march,” Raby said. “There was another fel- low who used to do the flag, so they asked me to do it.… It’s a nice service.” Madolyn MacCallum /// Observer Raby, 80, has visited schools such as Diefenbaker East York residents have been collecting poppies from the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Cam- Elementary and St. Brigid Catholic Elementary for over paign boxes to show recognition and remember Canada’s veterans. a decade to talk with students about Remembrance Day. Woodbine Heights Canadian Legion often asks him to do the visits and he’s more than happy to go where he Remember a vet, wear a poppy is needed. “The kids have to know By MADOLYN MacCALLUM Gord Pearce, treasurer at the city with these boxes col- more people understand. what goes on,” he said. The Observer Branch 11, who has been lecting money for their various “There are big ads in the lo- “If they ever get a chance, with the branch for 14 years, branches. Pearce said Branch cal papers and on the bus shel- they should go to Europe It’s that time of year again, explains why the initiative is 11 raised close to $40,000 dur- ters across Toronto,” he said. and just see the thousands when red and black flowers important. ing the Poppy campaign last To Pearce, the poppy signi- of graves.” grace the lapels of jackets “It does help the veterans. year. He likes the support the fies Flanders Fields, where Raby, a veteran of the across the city. A lot of them are down on East York community is pro- fallen soldiers were laid to rest Korean War, comes from The annual Poppy cam- their luck and need money,” viding to this year’s drive. during the First World War. a long line of Canadians paign, hosted by the Royal Ca- he said. “A lot of them are in “It’s very good,” he said. “A The Royal Canadian Legion who’ve done military n Raby nadian Legion, is in full swing nursing homes, which we help lot of people are starting to says wearing a poppy helps service. His niece, Susan, at legions around the city in- support.” wear poppies.” show recognition to the many has served in the military cluding East York’s Branch Each legion across the city Pearce said he doesn’t know Canadians who fought for our for the last 30 years, and was one of the first women to 11. The campaign started on delivers boxes of poppies to if everyone grasps the poppy’s freedom. graduate from the Royal Canadian Military College. Oct. 25 and goes until Mon- schools and stores, where peo- significance, but likes that Poppies can be picked up at Those looking to find Raby in early November will day, Remembrance Day. It has ple can donate money before they still take them, support- various locations around the find him at the Eaton Centre. A long-time volunteer for helped raise money for Cana- picking up their poppy. Tag- ing the legion, and thinks the city until Nov. 11, in time for the Poppy Campaign, Raby goes to Dundas Square at dian veterans since 1925. gers are also scattered around campaign’s ads are helping Remembrance Day. least six days a week to ask for donations. “It’s unbelievable, just unbelievable down there,” he said. “We couldn’t hardly even carry the stuff home (on Friday), the people are so nice to you.” ‘Basically, we’re all the same,’ veteran says Raby served with the Royal Canadian Regiment in the ’50s. He is one of only seven regular veterans at By SAMIRA MOHYEDDIN Born in 1923, Aldred joined of the Royal Canadian Legion building. Woodbine Heights. He is a life member of the branch, a The Observer the Royal Canadian Navy in in East York. This year, Aldred will be testament to his efforts over the last 25 years. During that 1942 and set sail on the HMCS This past summer, with the commemorating Remem- time, Raby has acted as the sergeant-at-arms, served on On a wall in his one-bed- Prince Robert. He doesn’t have help of friends, family and brance Day by reciting John the executive board, and as the sports officer. room apartment on Cosburn any stories about the horrors of faculty and McCrae’s poem, “In Flanders “(Lifetime membership) is quite an honour,” said Avenue hangs a community war. Instead, he recalls an im- staff, Aldred published a mem- Fields,” written during the Muriel Ganny, treasurer for the Woodbine Legion’s service award. portant lesson he learned serv- oir of his own wartime experi- First World War. Ladies Auxiliary. “He’s done a lot of work, held a lot of “I got that one when I had ing his country. ences and the stories of other Despite being retired from positions.” the lights put up at the cross- “The war for me meant veterans. his crossing guard duties, Al- On Remembrance Day, Raby will be helping like he walk at Carlaw and Mortimer meeting people of all different “There are only about 15 of dred remains a community does every year. He’ll talk with the children at school, Avenue,” Jack Aldred said. races and religions and realiz- us left, so I thought it was im- activist. When the mail arrives he’ll see people walk by with their poppies, and at the Aldred had served as the ing that we should get along. portant to tell our stories before each day, he records the time in end of the East York parade, he will lower the flag yet crossing guard on that corner Basically, we are all the same,” it gets too late,” he said. his notebook. again. for 24 years. he said. Currently going into its “I am keeping a log of what Elsewhere on the wall, Al- After the war, Aldred joined second printing, the book has time the mail comes in every l For more Remembrance dred, 90, proudly displays a Canada Post and served for generated enough profit that day,” he said. “(If) it comes too “Dean’s Award” from nearby 40 years. During that time, he Aldred has donated money to late.... I want to start a petition Day stories, visit us online at @ torontoobserver.ca Centennial College. joined the Todmorden branch repair a leaky roof at the legion in the building.” O Navigator’s D-Day secret stayed with him until after war By XUETING ZHAO were hours of boredom his wartime experience plants. were concerned, in all in a training school in The Observer interspersed with short while selling Remem- Day after day, he and my letters, I always told Canada, across the At- periods of abject terror.” brance Day poppies at his aircrew comrades them I was still in train- lantic, navigator Joyner Mac Joyner kept a That night before Sunnybrook Hospital flew to the targets 350 ing. I didn’t tell them was flying 2,000 feet secret throughout the D-Day, Joyner and his just outside of East to 400 miles away, I was in combat, until above Germany, trying Second World War. His Lancaster bomber crew York. dropped their bombs after I finished my tour to locate the night’s final combat operation helped clear the way for Joyner enlisted in the and returned to their of operations.” target. took him over France the Allied paratroop- air force when he was base in England. When Mac Joyner’s “I didn’t want to on the eve of D-Day, ers as they jumped into 18. After 16 months of But Mac Joyner’s younger brother and worry them,” he said. June 6, 1944. Normandy. And as top training in both Canada secret turned out to be a sister were warm and When the war ended, “Our bombing raids secret as the D-Day op- and Great Britain, he personal one. safe with their par- Joyner knew he could tended to last anywhere eration was, that wasn’t then flew combat op- “I never told my fam- ents, listening to them break his silence. from eight to 10 hours,” the secret he kept. erations over Germany ily (I was in combat),” reading letters from “It was a great relief,” n Joyner Joyner said. “So there Mac Joyner recounted to destroy industrial he said. “As far as they him describing his life he said. 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 n COLUMNS n editorials Ford must resign R eykjavik vs. Toronto, t all started on Oct. 26, 2010, when we elected our mayor. Right after he admitted to Ian old impaired driving conviction (connected charges of marijuana possession were a tale of two mayors dropped), we gave Mayor Rob Ford the benefit of the doubt. Was that 1999 misbe- haviour a sign that voters should have taken more seriously? In retrospect, yes, but we few weeks ago, an elder- ning for re-election — as he gave him a chance anyway. OK, to be precise, voters in Beaches-East York and Don A ly lady called into a local claims he will — then we Valley West joined other outlying wards in giving him a chance. Toronto-Danforth and radio show in Reykjavik, Ice- have the luxury of democ- the rest of the city centre voted for his opponent, George Smitherman. land and begged the mayor, racy to decide that we don’t Just three months later, Ford looked to prove his supporters right by delivering on Jon Gnarr, to resign. She said want him as mayor anymore. two election promises — killing the $60 vehicle registration tax and cutting council- the mayor acts like a clown Just as the citizens of Reyk- lors’ office budgets. May 2011 marked the mayor’s victory in a city council vote to go and has disgraced the honour- javik wanted a funny man to ahead with plans for privatized garbage collection west of Yonge Street to Etobicoke. able mayoral position. run their city, we can say no Then we first saw the small snowball that would eventually become the avalanche of Gnarr has never admitted to our not-so-funny man. controversy that has buried Ford. to using crack cocaine. His As it turns out, it was On Oct. 24, 2011, what seemed like a simple joke by CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Min- worst behaviour, according Gnarr himself who was the utes led to Ford calling police to his home. That small snowball grew quickly in March to the caller, was dressing in elderly lady that called into 2012 when the conflict-of-interest allegations began. Our football-loving mayor used drag for the Reykjavik gay the radio show. corporate and lobbyist donations for his private football charity. pride parade. The impersonation was Ford was ordered out of office; then reinstated on appeal; a defamation lawsuit His 2010 campaign gained his way of telling the people against him was dismissed... and then fresh allegations of substance abuse: an intoxi- international attention be- of Reykjavik that he does cated appearance at a gala, another at Taste of the Danforth, another at City Hall on St. cause Gnarr, a known come- not intend to run in the next Patrick’s Day. Most of all: smoking crack and making homophobic and racist remarks dian in Iceland, ran for may- elections. in a no-longer-so-mysterious video. or originally as a joke.The Next year, Toronto will not Not to mention what surfaced yesterday afternoon, as this newspaper was going to people of Reykjavik took be the only city to have may- press: a short, shaky cellphone video of Ford profanely ranting about beating someone well to this joke; his “Best oral elections. to death. Considering the lack of context and the fact that Ford was, by his own admis- Party” got over 34 per cent The people of Reykja- sion, “extremely, extremely inebriated,” it’s hard to know just what significance this of votes, winning the party vik will head to the voting has. But there’s no indication that he’s going to give up his fight to stay in his job. six seats on city council. booths as well. The biggest Make no mistake, however; despite Ford’s protestations, his misuse of alcohol and Now the good people of difference between the two other substances goes back years, and as anyone with a close relationship to a long- Toronto have an important elections is that the majority time alcohol abuser will tell you, simply saying ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘It’ll never happen decision to make. If Mayor of people in Reykjavik will again’ is meaningless. Ford continues to insist on be sad to see their mayor Naomi Grosman And let’s not forget the other shoes that are waiting to drop. Like more sealed court remaining in office and run- leave. documents that may see the light of day as soon as next week. Like a criminal trial involving a man captured in police surveillance exchanging mysterious packages with the mayor — including at one of the mayor’s young daughter’s soccer games. This man needs help. This city needs a mayor. Not more bad behaviour. Not more lies. If Rob Ford won’t take time out to really address his issues — for his family’s sake, his friends’ and colleagues’, and for the sake of the city that he claims to love Olympic clothing: — then East York’s representatives to city hall should join others on council to try to move past him. The proposal by councillors John Filion and Paul Ainslie to strip Ford of his powers to hire and fire members of the city’s executive committee is a good first step. who really benefits? The city doesn’t need this circus in the mayor’s office anymore. We don’t need a leader whose personal problems overshadow and encroach on what should be work on he start of the 100- enough time for people to training that allows them to behalf of Torontonians. Tday countdown to get excited and purchase represent our country at the But as we join the chorus calling for Ford’s immediate resignation, we should re- the 2014 Sochi Winter them as gifts. highest level. member one thing: We voted for him. And if, in a worst-case scenario, he’s still around Olympic Games saw the A sly marketing ploy HBC creates new mittens next Oct. 27, let’s show the world that the third-largest city in North America has release of the uniforms by HBC? Not at all. every year but the ones sold enough dignity to rectify its past error. to be worn by Can- Of course, this during an Olympic year are ~ James Tessier adian athletes. will provide the the big sellers. Hudson’s Bay company with The more they sell, the Company huge revenues more money becomes avail- (HBC) un- as Canadians able to our athletes. TTC transparency veiled the quickly scoop And this year, we can ex- red, white up the mer- pect more sales. HBC has he appointment of a contractor for the Woodbine subway station renovation and and yes, chandise, included infant sizes as well Tupgrade project has been delayed by at least one month. The Toronto Transit black out- especially as red mitten pins. Commission says that this setback will not delay the completion of the project. But fits that will more of those HBC is in the business there may be something going on behind the scenes that should be discussed. be shown off iconic red mit- of making money and, yes, The TTC had a meeting on Oct. 23, at which it was supposed to choose this con- during the open- tens. they are doing so through tractor for the Woodbine station. A total of eight companies bid for the project. The ing and closing During the 2010 some exploitation of Can- meeting was held in camera and apparently the project was sent to commission staff ceremonies, as Vancouver Games, adians’ nationalistic pride for further scrutiny. well as around HBC was able to and our desire to support our There could be some technical and financial details that must be scrutinized more the Olympic sell more than three athletes. cautiously. It is also understandable that the transit authority might need more explana- village and million pairs of mit- But can you blame them? tion from the bidders before making any decision. when our athletes tens, raising more At least they are helping So why not just explain the holdup, rather than leave us wondering — and imagin- stand on the po- than $9 million our athletes compete and are ing worse scenarios? The TTC went through a series of public consultation meetings dium. for the Canadian giving us something to cheer before giving the project its final shape. Fair enough; as an institution committed to Perhaps just Olympic Foundation about. public service, TTC’s initiatives should always be subject to reasonable public surveil- as notably, the (COF). So even if HBC makes a lance. uniforms were The COF provides fortune with our money, they But for public surveillance to be practical, there needs to be transparency. And, in unveiled 56 athletes with fund- give back where the money this case, more transparency than is being afforded here. days before ing so they should be going — to the ~ Amirul Islam Christmas Taylor Giffin can receive athletes that we, as purchas- — in just the type of ers, are hoping to support.

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 Mark A. Cadiz Lauren LiBetti campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor SeYoung Park 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Louie Piacentini Arooj Yaqub production editors Observer [email protected]. Telephone 416- Dave Johnny photo editor Naomi Grosman 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Andrew Mair Rajesh Sammy Ali Raza The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 NEWS 7 n LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Video Talking series brings good change for you I found the column written by Ali Raza (“Poverty is to By SEYOUNG PARK The Observer blame,” Oct. 11) very inter- esting. I agree with it fully, as I believe that one should not Medical experts are reach- associate the action of indi- ing out to the public, one video viduals or a small group with at a time. the belief system of a whole The Toronto East General nation. Hospital (TEGH) Foundation But this is what’s happening launched the What’s Up, Doc? through popular media. Prob- online video series to com- ably that’s what brings them municate with residents and readership and viewership. supporters. The informative It’s a vicious cycle that we videos offer tips on health is- and they are following, which sues and answer the public’s doesn’t seem to break easy. health-related questions. But writing about it, talking “The launch of What’s Up, about it and feeling the need Doc? is about setting a new to change something will Alissa Heidman /// Observer standard of patient care and bring that cycle to an end making sure our residents are sometime. Or at least mini- Strutting their (sweet-sounding) stuff informed,” said Teresa Vasi- mize the effect. lopoulos, president of TEGH Students in the new music program at Centennial College’s East York campus are holding regular People like you are helping Foundation. Wednesday concerts in the Carlaw Avenue building’s lobby area. Here, Zackary Beaudoin sings, by bringing it out. Thank you The first video of the series accompanied by guitarist Valentina Morelli. and keep writing. features Dr. Rajiv Sin- Ayesha Ahmed gal, head of Victoria Park Avenue the division of Urology at TEGH, Need a pressure cooker? in time for Movem- nSingal Article early hiccups as the Tool ber. In Kitchen Library Library. Eventually, Boyer 2012, he raised $46,000 for hopes to get exclusive store- prostate cancer care. He was captured stocks everything front space so there’s room the number one fundraising for cooking workshops and physician in Canada and the from appliances classes. She says she also seventh worldwide. Singal ‘essence’ to fondue sets wouldn’t mind having the stresses the importance of help of volunteers. awareness and discussion. I was pleasantly surprised to “It requires a certain “What we really want to do see the article about my late By LAUREN LIBETTI amount of passion for what is promote awareness and we father on the Observer’s front The Observer I’m doing in my spare time thought it’s a good video to page (“He loved planes, fami- in order to have the energy start with for that series be- ly and Cookie,” Oct. 25). From juicers to chocolate and drive to keep going with cause it’s Movember,” he said. Samantha Bridges really fondue sets, the Kitchen Li- it, even when I’m exhaust- “It’s just a way to engage peo- captured the essence of my fa- brary is offering patrons the ed,” Boyer said, “but there’s ple on what to look for, what ther and the tone in the article ability to cook, or bake, like no lack of passion with the risk factors are for prostate was perfect, in my opinion. a celebrity chef. Kitchen Library.” cancer and how to start a di- A big thanks to you and For $50 a year, you can Boyer added there is a alogue with family members your editors for taking the ‘check out’ appliances for ‘sweet spot’ for identifying and with their doctors.” time to talk with my mother up to five days at the newly items that would be good in a The videos are not an al- and me. opened non-profit. library. Expensive items that ternative to doctor’s appoint- You did a great job and my Dayna Boyer, a senior web you don’t use all the time, ments. The purpose of the se- family and I are very grateful. and copy editor at George like camping or gardening ries is to provide information You have a wonderful sensi- Brown College, came up equipment, are ideal. and encourage viewers to get a tivity and I am sure you will with the idea while volun- “It doesn’t just have to proper diagnosis. be very successful. teering at the Toronto Tool be kitchen appliances, tools “There’s often a lot of con- Library. and books. It can be all fusion among both the public Marlene Kadin “I’m really passionate sorts of things,” Boyer said. and family doctors in terms of about cooking and food in “So we’ll hopefully expand how to look for prostate can- Editor’s note: We welcome general,” Boyer said, “so the through the city over the next cer and what the risk factors your input. You can visit Kitchen Library really hit couple years and help a lot are,” Singal said. “The starting us in rm. 149 of the East home for me as an idea.” of other people start similar point with men is to be aware Lauren LiBetti /// Observer York campus of Centen- Ryan Dyment, founder of projects.” and hopefully have the ability nial College, 951 Carlaw the Toronto Tool Library, Members can rent expensive kitchen equip- Boyer and Dyment both to ask the right questions when Ave. Or you can address jumped on Boyer’s idea and ment, from juicers to chocolate fondue sets, at described the two libraries they go and see their doctor correspondence to The East even offered her space in the East York’s newly opened Kitchen Library. as part of a sharing economy, so that they can be evaluated York Observer, Centennial Tool Library’s east-end loca- similar to the popular shared properly.” College, East York campus, tion, at 1803 Danforth Ave., “The Tool Library is get- ing to bring in new faces to car movement. Viewers are encouraged P.O. Box 631, Station A, near Coxwell. ting much more successful our space.” “It also empowers people to submit their health-related Scarborough, ON M1K 5E9. The Tool Library and as a result of the Kitchen Li- Boyer says Dyment pro- because now they have ac- questions online. The online Telephone 416-289-5107, Kitchen Library share a roof, brary being here,” Dyment vided invaluable mentorship cess to things,” Dyment said. question form and videos can fax 416-289-5111, e-mail c/o and sometimes customers said, “because it’s a phe- and prevented her from ex- “I think there’s a wealth in be found at foundation.tegh. scogan@centennialcollege. too. nomenal program that’s go- periencing some of the same sharing.” on.ca/WhatsUpDoc 8 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 on y ur say Ford won’t budge Was Ford’s apology enough for you?

Cont’d. from page 1 unscientific sampling suggests that Apparently running for re-election opinion seems to run generally next fall with the slogan, “Ford more against the mayor. years,” the mayor maintains that after “Having somebody who is not able his admissions and apologies, it’s to demonstrate integrity on how they business as usual, even when many behave and how they treat the citizens of his fellow councillors are calling of Toronto and having us support that for him to step down and get help for person in office is very damaging to Therese Beaupre Andrea Horning Harry Hasoulas Stella Watters alcohol and other substance abuse. the city,” said one East York resident, ‘Not at all. I think he’s ‘When you apologize, ‘He’s the face of our ‘I don’t have a Meanwhile, investigations into his Esther Laquer. morally and ethi- you only reveal half community, of our reaction. There are activities and associations continue. Although city politics has been cally corrupt. I don’t the sin, so I think city. A city of almost other issues that are At press time yesterday, a new video compared to a circus recently, East believe an apology there’s more to come. four million people. more important to surfaced. It appears to have been York councillors Parker and Davis, is going to change I would like to hear People believe think about that we secretly recorded and it shows Ford along with some of their colleagues, the behaviour he’s that he wants to get that he’s saving us should be focusing money — the five or on.’ profanely ranting about beating some- say they’d like to turn their attention exhibited over the some help for his past three years. I problem and then $10 he’s saving us one to death. There was no context. back to governing the city. think he should be the city can decide on taxes — but the Ford hastily addressed reporters, “The way to build a stronger city out of office. I think for itself.’ amount of tour- saying only that he was “extremely, is not to focus on what Rob Ford is we should have a ist dollars that it extremely inebriated” when the going to do next, but to focus on what recall.’ is detracting is far recording was made. we are going to do next,” Vaughan away from what he’s On the streets of East York, an said. saving. ‘ n HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Distinguished artist’s works at Todmorden

By LUCY ONEKA The Observer

The work of Chinkok Tan, one of Canada’s distin- guished artists, goes on dis- play tomorrow, Nov. 9, until Monday at the Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre on Pottery Road. Tan has won many awards for his unique style of paint- ing, with the first one com- ing at age 15. He was living in Malaysia at the time. “The first time I won the award, I felt so high,” Tan said. Now 72, Tan started Lacing up painting at the age of nine. He says he has always loved painting despite his parents’ objections. for some “It’s all I wanted to do. When something is your calling, you just have to do Courtesy of Chinkok Tan football it,” he said. Tan came to Canada in 1967 and has since sold many of his The Danforth Tech Hawks art pieces. He is also an educator, teaching at the Ontario Col- block off the Bulldogs, while lege of Arts and Design University. At the OCADU, Tan teach- visiting Winston Churchill es students how to paint with the “seeing brain.” in Scarborough. The Hawks He says many universities have failed to teach students to lost the game, but put up a think creatively. For example, in order for an artwork to be fight until the very end. painted the right way, there should be an ability to comprehend what they see. Artists should also know shapes and light values. “Everything appears in shapes and light values. It is a method of seeing and painting,” says Tan, adding that these are the se- cret to great artworks. “A lot of famous artists practised these methods or they wouldn’t be able to paint in such a unique style.” He says art, as a subject in schools, is very important because it gives a person many skills. “There are many things that a human being must possess; common sense, logical and analytical ability. Art gives you all those skills,” Tan said. Removing art from the curriculum there- fore, he says, is a bad idea. Tan has also published many books. The latest is Watercolor Basics: Shape and Light Value. It teaches his unique artistic Madolyn MacCallum /// Observer methods.