Cabinet Shuffle Dealt to E.Y. Mpps

The East York BOO! n Enjoy our Halloween photo gallery of East Observer York fun. Page 8 Vol. 40, No. 9 Friday, October 28, 2011 www.torontoobserver.ca Serving our community since 1972

n Politics Cabinet shuffle dealt to E.Y. MPPs

By KRISTIN ANNABLE By JOSH SHMENGE and LLOYD QUANSAH [email protected] The Observer

All of East York’s incumbents retained their seats when the electoral dust settled after the Oct. 6 provincial vote. But that doesn’t mean they retained their Queen’s Park portfolios. Cabinet minister Kathleen Wynne was shuffled again by Premier Dalton McGuinty last week, and on Wednesday, NDP leader Andrea Horwath gave MPPs Michael Prue and Peter Tabuns new responsibilities as well. Wynne, who represents Don Valley West, was provincial @ education minister from 2006 until just last year, O when McGuinty moved l For more on this her to the transporta- story, check tion portfolio. Now us out she’ll serve as minister online at toronto of Aboriginal Affairs observer.ca as well as minister of Octavian Lacatusu /// Observer Municipal Affairs and Housing. She says she’s Jack... and Jills undaunted by the prospect of cabinet ESL students at D.A. Morrison Middle School in East York were recently introduced to the art of carving pumpkins. multitasking. Gulalay Noor (left) and Serene Guragain cheer after becoming the first ones in the class to finish creating their “I think that that’s the challenge and jack-o’-lanterns. I’m excited to take it on,” Wynne said. “I think that I have a good working knowledge of municipalities around the province because I’ve dealt with all of them on transportation issues,” she said. “When I was the minister of education… Parker defends community housing sale I spent a fair bit of time working with people in the aboriginal community… city still has to approve the idea, offered for sale “into a satisfac- the agency is facing. and so I look forward to broadening that Agency planning to along with the province. tory state is double the cost of Koroneos said that the houses relationship.” sell 706 units, some The properties are scattered the repair required for our other will be sold in a slow and steady Even though she just received the throughout Toronto — and the East units” — meaning that the money process, and Parker agreed. ministries last week, she already has of them in East York York area. That includes homes on from selling the homes at market For tenants living in the units, ideas for them. She has been on commit- Aldergrove, Barrington, Brown- value would be invested in multi- Parker said, “We are going to see tees and advisory boards on economic ing, Oakcrest, Queensdale, West unit buildings, which are cheaper to it that our residents’ concerns development for aboriginal people and By ALISSA RANDALL Lynn and Woodward avenues, as to maintain. So these sales would are respected and their sensitivities education. Her current goals in mu- The Observer well as Ellerbeck Street, Milverton help pay for a $650-million repair are accommodated. We don’t want nicipal affairs are to “consolidate and Boulevard and others. backlog. to be disruptive towards our ten- improve the working relationships with East York’s councillors are split According to John Parker, coun- “We have thousands of apart- ants, but at the same time we can’t municipalities.” on the wisdom of selling more cillor for Ward 26/Don Valley ment units, dwellings of various leave our overall housing stock in She said her strong listening and than 700 homes owned by Toronto West and a member of the TCHC kinds, most of which are in an un- the state that it’s in.” learning skills will benefit her new Community Housing located in board allied with Mayor Rob Ford, satisfactory state of repair – some Most of the tenants living in the ministries. their wards and across the rest of the sale is a good idea because of which are in a completely unac- 706 units would be relocated to “Both these portfolios have a lot to the city. Toronto Community Housing has ceptable state,” Parker said. apartment buildings. At the Oct. 21 do with building relationships. It’s very The TCHC board voted on Oct. many properties in the city that are TCHC interim CEO Len Ko- meeting approving the sale of the important to have that skill of listening 21 to sell the dwellings, mostly in a poor state of repair. roneos has been quoted as saying homes, tenants and housing activ- single-family homes, with pro- He contended that the cost of that he hopes to raise $336 million ists argued against the idea, and the n See EAST YORK, page 5 ceeds going to upgrade and repair bringing the single-family dwell- from the sales that would be put to- the agency’s other buildings. The ings and the other units he wants ward that $650-million repair bill n See PROCESS, page 2 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 n COMMUNITY fire & crime It’s time to disconnect, East York Man, 19, dies after shooting Downspouts must flow during storms and better Police are appealing to the public for more protect the environment. information about the fatal shooting of a be separated soon “It is the easiest and best teen at 90 Eastdale Ave. on Oct. 14. way to reduce the overflow,” The victim, Bradley Matheson, 19, was from sewer system he said. “With these down- found in the sixth-floor stairwell of the spouts, rainwater and sew- apartment building near Main Street and By KRISTIN ANNABLE age water combine together. Danforth Avenue shortly before 3:30 p.m., The Observer When there is overflow, this police report. They say Matheson was pro- results in polluted water go- nounced dead at the scene. On Nov. 20, some residents ing directly into the rivers of Anyone with information is asked to con- of East York may be finding the city.” tact police at 416-808-7400 or anonymously themselves either on the tele- By disconnecting these through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS. phone with a local contractor downspouts and attaching a or rolling up their sleeves and “diverter,” storm water will Two suspects sought in mugging preparing to do a little handi- instead flow into the ground. work. Plumber Fred Caprara Two men are wanted in connection with the Toronto Water has reminded agreed that this is beneficial mugging of a 15-year-old boy in the area of homeowners that by this date, for homes and the environ- Halsey Avenue and Dawes Road on Oct. 18. all residents in high-priority ment. The victim was in an apartment building at areas of Toronto (which in- “They don’t have to treat approximately 4 p.m., police say, when the cludes all of East York) must rainwater the same way that muggers followed him into an elevator. Once have their residential down- sewage water has to be treat- inside, they demanded that the boy empty spouts disconnected from the ed,” he said. “Therefore it is Beth Ford /// Observer his pockets. Police report that the victim municipal sewer system. beneficial to have the storm City staff have been providing residents with refused to comply and was punched in the Richard Noehammer, the water go right back into the information on how to properly disconnect their face by one of the men. They took an iPod director of business operations ground where it will eventu- downspouts. This presentation took place at the from the boy’s pocket and fled the scene in for Toronto Water, explained ally make its back into a res- Home Depot at Gerrard Square. an unknown direction. that a downspout is the pipe ervoir.” The first suspect is described as black that carries rainwater from the “By no longer having rain and lakes during big storms. $1,000. and of thin build. He has brown eyes and is roof of a house through the and sewage water going in The disconnection can be Low-income senior cit- 6 -to 6-2 tall. The second accused is black, eavestrough and ultimately the same place, it will prevent done by hiring a contractor. izens and persons with dis- muscular, 5-10 to 6-foot tall and weighing into city sewage drainage sys- overflow,” he added, “which Noehammer said those who abilities will have a chance to approximately 150 pounds. tems. can, in turn, prevent flooding are a little handy can do it apply for a $500 credit toward Most houses in Toronto of basements.” themselves with a trip to a the disconnection, Noeham- Armed man robs pharmacy have that final connection – Caprara also said that this well-stocked hardware store mer said. but not for long. will prevent overworked sew- and about $50. n For more information A man is wanted in connection with a rob- Noehammer said that the age treatment plants from The Toronto Water website on how to disconnect your bery at Hurst Pharmacy at 419 Donlands reasons for the cutoff are to cut opening up the floodgates and quotes the cost to homeowners downspout, go to http:// Ave. on Oct. 17. down on sewage system over- letting raw sewage into rivers as anywhere from $100 to www.toronto.ca At approximately 5:45 p.m., the robber entered the building wearing a disguise and approached the counter, police say. They report that he produced a handgun and demanded he be given narcotics. A 37-year-old Process ‘unacceptable,’ Davis says woman and 49-year-old male, employees of Hurst Pharmacy, handed over the drugs as Cont’d. from page 1 Davis said there are Davis said that when she cil’s executive committee and instructed. board’s two tenant represen- “70,000 people for housing phoned affected tenants in her then the full council. Mayor The gunman fled the scene in an unknown tatives voted against it. on the waiting list in the city ward, she found that most of Rob Ford backs the plan — direction. He is described as black, 5-10 to Janet Davis, coucillor for of Toronto,” including about them didn’t know about the having publicly expressed his 5-11 and of medium build. Ward 31/Beaches-East York, 10,000 people needing hous- decision to sell their homes. wish to see Toronto Commu- is also opposed. ing with three bedrooms. “I hope the TCHC will nity Housing privatized. Victim punches gunman and runs “Toronto Community “We don’t have enough actually (consult) their ten- Then the plan goes to the Housing should not be reduc- large units to afford homes ants so they can speak to their Ontario Ministry of Munici- Police are looking for three teenaged boys ing the units in housing — but with more than one child,” concerns,” Davis said. pal Affairs and Housing — in connection with the attempted robbery of should be increasing them,” she said. “The process is un- The plan will still require now headed by Don Valley a 16-year-old male at Eglinton Avenue East she said. acceptable.” the approval of Toronto coun- West MPP Kathleen Wynne. and Bayview Avenue on Oct. 14. Police report that the muggers approached the victim at approximately 6:50 p.m. and demanded he give them his phone. n your say When the victim refused, police say, one of the trio produced a gun and threatened him. The victim punched the gunman in the Should TCHC sell off its houses? face and fled the scene. The suspects left the area in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured. The first suspect is described as 14 years old, 5-4 and approximately 110 pounds. The second is 14 years old, black and of thin build, police say. The final suspect is described as 14 years old and black. He is 5-2 and weighs about 79 pounds, police say.

Blaze causes $100,000 in damages Andrew CICHOCKI Mary KEANE Dory HOLMES Phyllis PANDOVSKI Toronto Fire Services is investigating the ‘In our society, we ‘We have to protect ‘I think it’s horrible ‘Some of these people cause of a fire in a manufacturing building need to take care of the good safety nets what they’re doing. have lived here for 50 for Crystal Clear Cosmetics at 20 Overlea the less advantaged. If we have here and not How would the politi- years. They should be Blvd. on Oct. 15. Damage is estimated to be any of us were in that allow different govern- cians like it if we did allowed to stay until between $80,000 and $100,000. situation, we’d want ment people to tear that to them? They they retire.’ someone to help us.’ them down.’ need to live.’ ~ Sian Davies The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 NEWS 3 n FIRE Community calendar Beat the flu with free shots

Free flu shots will be administered at the East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave,, on Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Free shots are also available on Jan. 16 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Call 1-877-844- 1944 or go to www.toronto.ca/health for more information. Open house at St. Patrick school

The Toronto Catholic District School Board will be hosting an open house event at St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School, 49 Felstead Ave., on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 416-393- 5546. Holly Berry coming to town Octavian Lacatusu /// Observer Get into the Christmas spirit at St. Luke’s Phillip Kassias, one of the owners of Leaside Cleaners, stands in front of the Bayview Avenue dry Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., during cleaning business. A fire began in the shop, located at the corner of Bayview Avenue and Millwood the Holly Berry Fair. It will take place on Road, on Oct. 14 at about 3 a.m. The store beside it, The Flower Nook, was also badly damaged. Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. There will be crafts, knitted goods, baking, books and much more. Call Lisa ‘I felt like my whole life is gone’ at 416-421-6878, ext. 21, or go to www. stluke.ca for more details. Owners of Leaside and the neighbouring Flower Powell said the estimated “I’m shaking inside — the Nook were gutted. damage from the fire is about shock,” she said. Second career just a step away Cleaners distraught The residents of the apart- $400,000. Kassias said she has been ments above the properties Witness Sarah Byford said working at her dry cleaning Centennial College is hosting a “Second after fire guts shop were evacuated as a safety her boyfriend was smoking business for 22 years. Career” open house at 6 p.m. on Nov. By ALISSA RANDALL measure while firefighters a cigarette outside of their “I was crying and scream- 10 to promote the provincial retraining program for people who have been The Observer battled the blaze, police said, house, located behind the ing and I thought, ‘The world but they added that there were burned building. She said that is over,’” she said. “When you laid off. Further information, including Two businesses were dam- no injuries. he saw black smoke and heard see your business, your whole registration requirements, is available in aged after a fire broke out on Toronto Fire District Chief a bang. life… I felt like my whole life the main office of the college’s East York Bayview Avenue near Mill- Stephan Powell said the fire “It looked like a rocket with is gone.” campus at 951 Carlaw Ave., or at www. wood Road on Oct.14. started in the basement and black smoke,” Byford said. Kassias said she immigrat- centennialcollege.ca/calendar. The blaze began at Leaside it took about an hour for fire The owners of Leaside ed from Greece “with noth- The event itself will be held at a Cleaners, 1540 Bayview Ave., crews to bring it under con- Cleaners, Mimi Kassias and ing,” and after building the sister campus, 941 Progress Ave. in south of Eglinton Avenue, at trol. The fire department has her husband Phillip, said the business over more than two Scarborough. about 3 a.m. attributed the blaze to an elec- fire and the destruction of their decades, “it’s hard to see it Both Leaside Cleaners trical failure. business have been traumatic. burned down, you know?” ~ Octavian Lacatusu War reporter shares tales of Afghanistan

By JESSE MIRSKY actly the same manner — by ‘What color is the sky?’ it’ll The Observer somebody hiding a bomb in take three days for them to their turban,” he said. get back and say, ‘Blue,’” As Murray Brewster Brewster has published Brewster said. stood on the front steps of his Afghanistan experience His work in Afghanistan the mayor of Kandahar’s in a book called The Savage was full of danger. Brewster compound earlier this year, War. On Oct. 12, he promot- credits extensive wartime he saw three men running ed the book and discussed training, provided by his across the courtyard. journalism with students at employer, for his ability to “The first thing that Centennial College’s East mentally survive his seven crossed my mind… was York campus. tours of duty. suicide bombers,” Brewster Speaking candidly, Brew- “The training that I’ve said. ster highlighted the impor- had, I can’t say enough good The men were actually tance of journalists’ work. about it,” he said. “It helps former Taliban fighters look- “The public has a right to you cope with some of the ing for food and shelter, know and all of you have a things that you’ve seen and but the episode highlighted duty to seek out that infor- some of the instances where the danger that Brewster, a mation,” he said. “I never you’re thinking to yourself, war correspondent with the used to say this, but… you ‘What the heck am I doing Canadian Press, faced in have a duty to seek out here?’” Afghanistan. information by whatever Speaking of the death Unfortunately, the threat means necessary.” of Mayor Hamidi, a man of violence Brewster had He said that access to he considered a friend, foreseen soon proved to be government information is Brewster’s eyes were full of Matthew Wocks /// Observer very real for the mayor, Gh- becoming increasingly dif- gloom. ulam Haider Hamidi. ficult to obtain. “It’s not as much trauma Murray Brewster displays his new book to journalism students. ‘The “A few weeks later, Mr. “If you ask the Depart- as it is sad,” he said. “It’s Savage War’ depicts his time in Afghanistan as a war correspondent and Hamidi got killed in ex- ment of National Defence, really sad.” how he mentally survived the violence and tragedies he encountered. 4 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 n EditoriaLS n columns E. Y. towers left War of 1812 anniversary merits pride, not humility Who told Canadians that it’s Banner and bursting shells behind plaques and memorial sites, there out in the dark wrong to be patriotic? Someone the licence number, and the words just isn’t much in the way of public must have, because a certain “War of 1812” just below the awareness of this key event in With two shootings in two weeks, the East York area has been making the wrong important anniversary is being Maryland label. It turns out that Canadian history. kind of headlines. treated very differently on opposite this is the new standard design for It may be a bit better in the The shootings took place in two of this area’s most disadvantaged communities: sides of the 49th parallel. Maryland plates, commemorating Niagara region, which saw more one on Parma Court and another on Eastdale Avenue. Not long ago, I was in Fort McHenry’s defence of actual fighting, but outside of that, Both of these communities could greatly benefit from the City ofToronto’s Washington, D.C. and I couldn’t Baltimore. the talk about the war is limited to Tower Renewal program. help but notice that some cars Didn’t Canada win that war? a history lesson in grade school or Former mayor David Miller launched the Tower Renewal program in 2008, from neighbouring Maryland were Why aren’t we commemorating it? a trip to Fort York. Even having with the goal of revitalizing the city’s concrete apartment towers. This was sporting a new style of licence Where’s our licence plate? one day of the year dedicated to to be achieved by making the towers more energy-efficient with the use of plate, with a War of 1812 motif. Well, a couple of years ago, remembering this pivotal event green technology, as well as by launching various community It’s a colourful — and predictable something called the Niagara 1812 in our history would be nice. revitalization projects. — red, white and blue, with a Bicentennial Legacy Council in (It wouldn’t even have to be a While the program would involve a substantial investment up- depiction of the Star Spangled Thorold, Ont., actually did offer holiday.) front, tenants and building owners could save millions over the a limited edition Ontario licence But instead, when drivers @ long term. Not to mention the improvement that it could mean to Nick Pescod plate with a War of 1812 theme. along the Gardiner were recently the quality of life for those living in the concrete towers. Have you seen one? Me neither. presented with a billboard for a O The city selected four different regions in which to launch With the 200th anniversary major television documentary l For more about all pilot projects under the program: Etobicoke/York, Scarborough, of the war upon us, Canadians about the War of 1812, they things East York, check Toronto/East York and North York. all over should be preparing to couldn’t help but notice that the out www. Unfortunately, the city’s Toronto/East York pilot locations aren’t celebrate such a proud anniversary. presenter wasn’t even Canadian; it torontoob- actually located in East York proper. And the Tower Renewal We should be making a big deal was PBS and its Buffalo affiliate, server.ca program took another hit when Mayor Rob Ford took office last about this. WNED. year. We need to step outside of Remember how well Canada In one published report, Ford’s chief of staff, Nick Kouvalis, that humble Canadian mindset was able to promote the 2010 described it as a program ‘that subsidizes toilets.’ that downplays patriotism… and Winter Olympics in Vancouver? Fortunately, for both the program and those living in the towers, the province has we need to be as proud of this The Royal Canadian Mint began taken an interest in Tower Renewal and Ford will be increasingly hard-pressed to anniversary as we were when issuing 25-cent coins promoting lump the project in with the ‘gravy’ he’s so adamant about. Sidney Crosby scored his “golden the games in 2006. Why has it While the need in East York may not be as obvious as it is in other areas of the goal.” (After all, if it wasn’t for taken so long for the government city, it is no less pressing. So what will it take for East York to become a higher our victory in 1812, that goal may and the media to promote and priority at city hall? Let’s hope it isn’t another murder. never have happened; we’d all recognize this huge occasion? ~ Alexandra Ward obsess over baseball instead….) It would be tragic if this It’s a surprise to me that anniversary were to go unnoticed. Canada hasn’t done more to So let’s hope that within the next commemorate the war. We don’t few months, we as Canadians have to celebrate the bloodshed. begin tooting our horn more and Libraries take a hit Besides Brock University, a few more about this major anniversary. Local branches could face reduced services O ccupy Toronto a confusing cause

While Margaret Atwood and many library-goers breathed a sigh of relief In recent weeks, hundreds of saw women walking through the and singing while marching to City after Mayor Rob Ford’s decision to keep all Toronto library branches open, Torontonians made their way to streets of Toronto declaring, “I am a Hall in a large group may be fun, the story doesn’t end there. St. James Park to participate in Oc- slut,” I find the idea and issues that when it becomes an integral part of The Toronto Public Library board will now have to vote on a new operat- cupy Toronto, a movement inspired propelled the movement worthy of “the movement” I’d say the move- ing budget that proposes shorter hours and fewer resources for new materials. by Occupy Wall Street. attention. It’s the execution that’s ment has been lost. The proposed 2012 operating budget suggests the S. Walter Stewart branch Protesters young and old held left me feeling a bit unfulfilled. in East York, for example, will suffer a loss of 9.5 hours per week. placards describing their feelings Quite a few protestors have also Cheronne Thurab This change in library operation will inevitably discourage patrons from while chanting, “We are the 99 per taken to spending time in Toronto’s visiting libraries and could cause libraries to become outdated. cent.” But after perusing Occupy financial district on weekends; a The proposed budget will shorten service hours on weekdays as well as Toronto’s website in hopes of paint- time when the alleged one per cent weekends. This will result in many patrons, including students, feeling dis- ing a clearer picture of the move- is at home most likely enjoying the couraged from going to libraries. ment’s ultimate goal, I was left benefits of their corporate jobs. If Currently, many students gather to work in libraries during weekends, on slightly concerned about the point offices are empty and no one is re- their days off from school. If the city reduces library hours on weekends, protesters are trying to make. ally affected, I believe this move- students will have to leave earlier and may, eventually, decide to study else- The sentence that led to my con- ment is failing to become effective. where. cern was, “We have not yet put I’d like to offer the 99 per cent Further, if the new budget establishes that libraries will receive less fund- out a unified message but be sure a bit of advice. Instead of donning ing, the result will be fewer funds available to purchase new resources or it will come.” If they haven’t pro- Robin Hood masks and spending replace damaged and lost materials. This will ultimately increase wait times vided a unified message, then what time staking out empty corporate on holds and will discourage patrons from seeking certain items. exactly are the “99 per cent” trying offices, perhaps it would be more At a time when technology changes very rapidly and new generations re- to prove? beneficial to take a different ap- quire sources in a variety of formats, libraries already struggle to find enough As a student, I can identify and re- proach to the issues. If student debt funding for new materials. In addition to books, patrons now expect libraries late to the major problems with stu- is the problem, perhaps we should to provide them with audio books, e-books, DVDs and more. dent debt, unemployment and finan- look to our government to reduce Rather than receiving an increase in funding to keep up with the demand cial crisis. However, I find myself the cost of tuition. If a lack of em- in new formats, libraries will have to face a reduction in hours and resources. wondering if the protesters’ message ployment is the problem, perhaps This will cause many libraries to become outdated and, although no Toronto is lost, or perhaps it is easy for the we should, again, look to elect a libraries are set to close at the moment, the new budget will inevitably lead to one per cent to ignore because of the government that can create more closures in the near future. way it’s been presented. jobs for citizens. ~ Aneta Tasheva Like this year’s SlutWalk, which While hula hooping, drumming

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- Faculty Editors online EditorS Assignment editor nial College journalism students at the East York Andrew Mair, Stephen Cogan, Ted Barris, Neil Ward, Michelle Grace campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Lindy Oughtred, Phil Alves photo editor 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Louie Piacentini, Dave Johnny production editors Farhana Uddin Observer [email protected]. Telephone 416- Managing Editor Matilda Miranda copy Editors 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Lloyd Quansah Janet Piercey Geoff Mosher, Beth Ford The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 NEWS 5 Mayor still has a chance to change course: Prue

By MIKE BEAUVAIS ranked Ford second-last were saying wasn’t exactly The Observer among mayors in Canada’s correct.” 15 largest cities. With Ford only a quarter Mayor Rob Ford’s And among all of of the way through his apparent unpopularity in Toronto’s pre-amalgamation four-year mandate, Prue East York is no surprise to municipalities, his rating is doesn’t think that all is Michael Prue. lowest of all in East York. lost for the mayor. He said The former mayor of East Prue believes East Yorkers the opportunity for Ford to York and current MPP for who voted for the mayor change course exists. But Beaches–East York has a now see that they are not Prue is skeptical. simple explanation for the getting what they thought “A week in politics is a 37-per-cent approval rating they had elected. long time and three years for Ford, as found across “What they’re seeing is is forever. He can turn it Toronto by Forum Research. that there are no savings to around, although I doubt he “He is obviously playing be made and, although he will,” said Prue. “He can’t to his strengths and his cut out the license fee and turn it around because it strengths are in the ‘burbs’,” saved everybody $60 who goes against his very being, Prue said. “If you look at owns a car, there’s nothing his very fabric of what he Dennis Wu /// Observer where his strength is, it’s else,” said Prue. said he was going to do. North York, Etobicoke and “There’s no other gravy. He was going to cut out the A flair for the dramatic Scarborough, and where his When you’re a politician gravy and he was going to The East Side Players opened their 44th season last night with Peter Shaffer’s weakness is, is the whole and you say that there’s find deficiencies without Lettice and Lovage. Actors include (l-r) Heather Goodall as Lettice Douffet, downtown core because gravy everywhere and then affecting services and it Emily Ames as Miss Framer and Malorie Mandolidis as Lotte Schoen. he’s playing to another there is none and when cannot be done.” n Read the review at torontoobserver.ca audience.” you’re a politician who What might be the first The poll’s findings were says you’re not going to cut step to right the ship for released last Monday — any services and then start Ford? Prue suggests a before allegations of verbal cutting them right away, simple mea culpa and some East York MPPs shuffled abuse by Ford against city I think people are smart honesty to get the ball 911 dispatchers. The survey enough to see that what you rolling. Cont’d. from page 1 These are responsibilities that Danforth who value educa- and problem solving at the he said his 20 years of experi- tion,” he said. “It means I have n same time,” Wynne said. ence working with the Ministry the opportunity to ensure that your say But she acknowledged that of Employment and Immigra- education is protected. This is having two ministries does tion has prepared him for. going to be critically important present a challenge because she “A lot of people don’t real- with the introduction of all-day How was Ford’s first year? will have to “divide her time” ize the experience I have work- kindergarten.” physically between the two ing with immigration,” he said. Both Prue and Tabuns offices. She said she will have “I worked the last 11 years as said their years of experience her BlackBerry on all the time counsel to the minister of im- helped earn them their new, to “make those connections.” migration, where I helped new- high-profile portfolios. Meanwhile, provincial New ly-landed immigrants, helped “We have been around for a Democratic Party Leader An- deport the bad guys and helped long time. We know the ropes. drea Horwath announced her people settle into Canada.” It makes sense they would new “shadow cabinet” on Tabuns, the MPP for Toron- gives these appointments to Wednesday, and both Michael to-Danforth — and former ex- people who they know can bal- Prue and Peter Tabuns got new ecutive director of Greenpeace ance the issues,” Prue said. assignments. — was energy and environ- Tabuns said he thinks the Gus Karataglidis Kathy ABU-ELEDAM Chris EMERSON Prue, the MPP for Beach- ment critic. Now he’s respon- appointments reflect their ‘With all the changes ‘I just moved to the ‘I haven’t followed es-East York and already the sible for energy and education. experience at both levels of that he’s trying to city, but from what him that closely, but NDP’s finance critic, is now “Education is something government — provincial and do, the sweeping of I’ve heard from every time I see him, also the citizenship and im- that is critical for the people of municipal. all the labourers to other citizens, it’s he comes across migration critic. He’s been the Ontario, and now I get to work “Our abilities that we show- go conservative, it’s all been negative as not the greatest finance critic for the past six closely on policy,” Tabuns said. cased at these levels are being been a difficult one.’ feedback.’ leader.’ years, and said he looks for- “There are many young fami- reflected with these appoint- ward to his new, additional role. lies in the riding of Toronto- ments,” he said. New Canadians take a page from ‘human books’

By CHERONNE THURAB lives in Canada. The program from the beginning of their “We have people from dif- The Observer has partnered with the Toronto journey.” ferent backgrounds, so when Public Library and places set- Rajasekar believes the set- they interview these human Men, women and children tlement workers in branches to tlement program works for a books, (readers) sometimes celebrated Library Settlement help new citizens make con- number of reasons, the prima- find connections,” Firdouz Day on Oct. 22 in a unique nections. ry one being its prime location said. “Each human book has way – reading one of seven Jennifer Rajasekar, co- and easy access to the services something different. There’s a “human books.” ordinator of the library settle- it offers. variety of experiences and sto- East York community lead- ment program, says the human “Our organization is in the ries to tell.” ers were invited to apply for books were all newcomers to heart of the community,” she Jehad Aliweiwi, executive a position as a human book Canada themselves at some said. “We have a settlement director of the Thorncliffe in celebration of the library point, and were gathered from program which helps (new- neighbourhood office and one settlement program’s fifth an- all walks of life. comers) with housing, im- of the human books, finds the niversary. “This is a good opportunity Cheronne Thurab /// Observer migration and employment idea of a human book thrilling The job entailed spending for people to share their expe- Raneem Alturk, 7, chats with “human book” and connecting people with due to the authenticity of the half an hour with a “reader” riences and hear from people Jehad Aliweiwi on Library Settlement Day. schools.” storytelling experience. discussing any number of top- who have started a new life in Ayesha Firdouz, settlement “I think these programs are ics. Canada,” she said. chance to get to know their lo- “It’s a good opportunity for worker at Thorncliffe Public critically important,” he said. The library settlement pro- The event at the Thorncliffe cal branches as well as obtain newcomers to get to know the Library, says readers were ex- “They are a window into a gram was founded to help branch and other libraries information about the settle- service,” she said. “They’ll cited to connect with the hu- new world that you are becom- newcomers establish their provided newcomers with a ment program. have somebody to guide them man books. ing part of.” 6 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 n community

Aneta Tasheva /// Observer Jessica Chang looks for an organic Halloween pumpkin with her son, Noah, at the Brick Works garden market. The former factory site has been immor- talized in a documentary called Brick by Brick: The Story of the Evergreen Brick Works. Building a story, brick by brick Newly released documentary traces the history of the Evergreen Brick Works

By ANETA TASHEVA of the Evergreen Brick Works. and Massey Hall. worked alongside European The Observer She wants to reveal the rich After nearly a century of immigrants. Further, during history of the site and show its production, the factory closed the Second World War, Ger- see Catherine Annau remem- transformation. in 1984. man prisoners of war worked bers driving past the Don “One of the things that’s In 2002, Evergreen began alongside other workers. the film Valley Brick Works during really unique about this site is exploring ideas for building Geoff Cape, co-founder n A Brick by Brick screen- her childhood when pollution how it represents so many dif- environmental projects on the and executive director of ing and fundraiser will overwhelmed the abandoned ferent people in the city over site. Evergreen, said the documen- be held on Nov. 3 from factory. its history,” Annau said. Annau believes the tary will show how the Ev- 7-10 p.m. at the BMO She sees a stark difference The documentary illustrates documentary has appeal for ergreen Brick Works project Atrium inside the Ever- green Brick Works, 550 since Evergreen transformed how three brothers – William, Torontonians because they transformed an abandoned Bayview Ave. the site into a market, sustain- George and John Taylor – will discover much about the factory into a popular green able education hub and park. opened the Brick Works in history of their city. It will space. n The cost is $75 per person, $40 of which is Annau, who grew up in 1889. The factory became so help people understand the “The Achilles heel of the tax-deductible Toronto, has spent the last two successful that builders used workers who lived in Toronto project... is that it’s environ- years directing the documen- its bricks to build Toronto during the time when the n Catherine Annau mental and for some reason n Tickets can be pur- tary Brick by Brick: The Story landmarks such as Casa Loma brick factory functioned, she that gets dismissed as a frill chased at https:// secure.evergreen.ca/ said. Wars),” Annau said. or elitist concept,” Cape said. page/contribute/brick- l For more East York “For the workers, (the The documentary portrays “I think we can get beyond by-brick documentary) has the story of personal stories of several that (type of thinking) once stories, visit us online at n Proceeds will go to bringing a living and creating men who worked at the Brick we start proving our suc- Bike Works, a commu- @ torontoobserver.ca a new life (in Toronto) after Works. They explain that, cess over the next couple of nity bicycle space O the (First and Second World at the factory, Canadians years.” The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 ARTS&LIFE 7 Halloween hijinks

Braydon Keddie /// Observer Kelly Calahan, with her kids (l-r) Shannon, Daniel and Kathleen, sit with their home’s new resident, George the Gravedigger. Robert Geddes (bottom left) sits in front of his darkly decorated Logan Avenue home in anticipation of Monday night’s Halloween festivities. Geddes and his two young sons will be partaking in some trick-or-treating fun.

Alexandra Ward /// Observer

Alexandra Ward /// Observer 8 ARTS&LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 Radio host mixes music with design

By MELANIE SCHAWILL Centennial College Inter- The Observer net radio co-ordinator Jules Elder says the facilities are It’s only a short walk available to anybody who from the graphic design attends any of the Centen- classrooms to the radio nial campuses. station at Centennial Col- “It’s not only for jour- lege’s East York campus, nalism, radio and television but it was still a bit of a or broadcasting students,” leap for second-year graph- he said. “Any students that ics student Josh Skinner to are a member of the col- get behind a microphone lege could use it.” and start programming He added that it’s great Alexandra Ward /// Observer alternative music for the for students who want to Artist and Centennial College teacher David McClyment displays his work at the college’s East York World Wide Web. expand their horizons. campus. McClyment organized a show of faculty art, which is open to the public in the “Corridor Skinner began his own “It gives students an op- Gallery,” upstairs at 951 Carlaw Ave., until this Monday, Oct. 31. radio show last year with portunity to practise what the Centennial College In- they learn in their class- ternet radio station — with room,” he said. “(And) a focus on GTA artists. also to pursue their own “I figured that there is interest.” Teacher transforms ‘hallway so much talent here,” he Skinner agrees it has said. “There are so many opened doors for him. talented people just in our Without his radio show, he backyard.” would never have learned to nowhere’ into art gallery He was frustrated with web design. mainstream stations and “I think it’s great they Students, faculty work?” said McClyment, who space is to provide a venue professional career above and wanted to focus on songs just allow any students to is co-ordinator of the college’s for the students to show their beyond teaching,” McClyment that weren’t played. go in because if they didn’t needed a place to fine arts studio program and an work because I think that’s said. “I got sick of hearing the I wouldn’t be doing half artist himself. really important on an es- “I dare say that like most of same six songs every hour, the stuff I’m doing now,” show their work “Well, they don’t. That just thetic level, but also in terms us that are here we love teach- every day,” he said. “So I he said. “I wouldn’t have By ALEXANDRA WARD seems to be counter-intuitive of professional practices,” he ing, but our first calling is the started playing music from bothered with it.” The Observer to me. If you’re going to be a said. creative aspect and so all of us artists around the world “If you can find a way visual artist, you need to en- The Corridor Gallery, up- keep this stuff going.” that you never hear.” to bring your program into When David McClyment gage your audience.” stairs at 951 Carlaw Ave., is While McClyment acknowl- Skinner uses his website, a different light, you can first arrived at Centennial Col- So what was once an empty currently showing an exhibi- edges that there are some in- along with Twitter, to help find a way to make your lege’s East York campus, there hallway to nowhere is now tion of work by faculty mem- herent risks in showing your attract listeners. program work with another was no gallery space for stu- gallery space. bers. It will be on display until work to students, he also feels “The site is a huge part fathom of media,” he said. dents to show their work. McClyment said that stu- this Monday, Oct. 31, and it’s that it’s necessary. of the show,” he said. Skinner’s show can be “I remember talking to the dents were initially reluctant open to the public. “I think to be anonymous is “Graphic design has helped heard every Friday at 5 dean and saying that… as a to show their work because “In the visual arts pro- just as bad, possibly worse,” a lot because it’s help me p.m. To listen, follow the school that has a very large there had not been a culture of gram, virtually everyone who he said. “Everyone here is get the design sensibility, instructions at www.cen- visual arts curriculum… how exhibition at the school. teaches here is a professional proud of their work. This is so it looks great and it’s tennialcollege.ca/thecentre/ do the students show their “My main thrust for this artist that maintains an active who they are visually.” functional.” radio Comedians put the accent on Toronto

over the past decade, CBC Ra- when you’re talking about your show held at the Danforth Music bin. Lubin, who hosted MTV Live ‘Little Show That dio’s Tracy Rideout expressed a own, which usually people love Hall was crucial for Rideout, and and appeared in his own Comedy Could’ celebrates a pleasant surprise at the show’s to hear, the stories are so real she conveyed her gratitude for Central Premium Blend special, success. and they can relate it procuring the building said that performing in East York decade of laughter “I didn’t think I’d be doing to their own sto- for the night. has been something he had been it 10 years later, to tell you the ries,” explained “I wanted the looking to do for some time. By MIKE BEAUVAIS truth,” said Rideout, the producer Spadone, who was show to be in “I went to two schools that I The Observer of Radio One’s Laugh Out Loud born and raised the commu- loved, East York Collegiate and An audience of more than with Craig Norris. “This is ‘The in Toronto. nity. I didn’t Eastern Commerce, and I grew up 1,400 people at the Danforth Little Show That Could.’” “Coming to want it to around here,” Lubin said. “You Music Hall discovered on Oct. 19 For Frank Spadone, another of Toronto, doing be in a large, don’t know how many times I’ve that laughter is the same in any the evening’s performers, “Ac- a show here, corporatized thought ‘Man, I’d love to perform language. cent on Toronto” represented a especially theatre,” Ride- in my neighbourhood,’ even if it Eight of Canada’s most promi- homecoming — and the tour- with a show out said. was at East York Collegiate or at nent standup comedians, such as ing veteran of close to 15 years like this and “I wanted it to Eastern Commerce.” Angelo Tsarouchas and Debra jumped at the chance to appear on other com- be in a commu- Even though this year’s edition DiGiovanni, took the stage for the the bill. ics, who are nity and a family- of “Accent on Toronto” only just 10th annual “Accent on Toronto,” “Toronto’s one of those cities. bringing in owned business…. finished, Rideout has some ideas a celebration of ethnic comedy. There’s so much diversity and (their commu- It’s been here since for how she would like the show Having seen her project grow so many cultures here that, even nities)…. Angelo 1919,” she added, to enter its second decade. (Tsarouchas) is on it, referring to the music “Now that the show has its own l For more on this story and so the Greeks are hall. energy and its own drive and its here…. Filipinos. Nobody on the card was own press and people come back others, please visit us online at It’s great.” more excited for the show to year after year, I want to intro- @ torontoobserver.ca Having the be held in the East York area duce (the audience) to some new O decade-milestone than area resident Gilson Lu- people,” she said. The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 SPORTS 9 Karate Academy helps give E.Y. some punch

By RORY BARRS it as his passion. likes Danforth’s welcoming The Observer In his early 20s, the Toronto environment, and that it isn’t native began his formal training too “hard core.” Armand Portelli was hesitant in Shotokan, a style of karate Peter Jaukovic, 30, is one of to participate when his mother, that would become the founda- the many amiable instructors Laarni, first brought him to tion of his school. that help differentiate the stu- observe a karate class as a After 18 years on the Dan- dio from its competition. three-year-old. forth, three years ago Davis “Our overall goal is to share But after just a few weeks relocated slightly north to Pape what we know,” said Jaukovic, of watching from the sidelines, and Cosburn Avenue, looking a 24-year veteran of the sport. Armand found the courage, to entrench his academy in a “Some schools just treat you took the plunge and happily more family-oriented neighbor- like another member, but we enrolled at Danforth Karate hood. try to make it more like a fam- Academy. His current enrollment of ily environment.” Now seven, he is one of the roughly 100 students includes For $110 a month, students most advanced students at his children and adults, from ages can attend as many classes as age at the Pape Avenue school. three to 65. they wish, up to a maximum “It’s amazing what they At first glance, a karate of five scheduled lessons per learn,” said Laarni. “It teaches lesson can often be intimidat- age group. them how to be patient and to ing, with instructors barking Davis believes it is more listen.” out orders. Though discipline vital than ever to market a Since taking up the marital and focus remain important karate school as a place where art, Laarni has noticed a materi- components of the classes, you students can learn and enjoy al difference in her son’s ability won’t find teachers shouting or themselves, all at a competi- to focus on his schoolwork and berating students at Danforth tive price point. other extracurricular activities. Karate. Over the last decade, the This comes as no surprise to “There’s more than one way market of after-school clubs Gordon Davis, the founder and to get a point across,” said Da- and private dojos has grown to head instructor at the academy. vis, 52, whose affable nature be oversaturated. “Although it’s a physical translates into his instruction “It has become a little bit activity, there’s much more to methods. “We like to let kids commercial, where people it than that,” said Davis, who be kids.” are just looking for an activity holds a sixth-degree black belt. When Laarni Portelli was for their child,” said Davis. “It’s learning how to focus, first shopping around for “When I was training, you had concentrate and set goals for karate schools for her son, to really want to be there. If Rory Barrs /// Observer yourself.” she was turned off a location you want to keep the kids, you The Danforth Karate Academy has an enrolment of about 100 students, Davis first took up the sport closer to home by the way have to make it fun and excit- which includes children and adults from age three all they way up to age 65. at 10, immediately recognizing the children were treated. She ing for them.” Toronto Newsgirls breaking boxing boundaries are all women sharing stuff.” she said. “Men are different, Trailblazer for Parris came to the News- they spit on the floor and women getting girls Boxing club three years they looked at us in a way we ago through the Shape Your didn’t appreciate. They also involved in male- Life program, whose goal is didn’t really want us there, to express anger and aggres- so we moved to Sully’s and dominated sport sion in a positive way. stayed there until 1996.” “I’m a survivor of violence Moving to Toronto from By CLAUDIA LAROUCHE and it was a way for me to New Brunswick 23 years ago, The Observer express anger and kicking out Howe began boxing at the To- in a healthy way,” said Par- ronto Newsboys Club to gain a There are a few hallways ris, who has nine fights under better self confidence. to walk through in the un- the belt. “I saw a photo of a woman welcoming basement of a After the eight-week with a boxing glove in a news- massive building on Carlaw program, she received three paper, and I thought that’s Avenue in East York, but fol- months membership at the what I want to do,” she said. lowing the smell of sweat is club for free and has never “At that time, being gay was the best way to find Savoy left. not the same thing that it is to- Howe and her women. Henry has been training day, it was harder and I didn’t Standing on the doorstep, for only eight months, and want to be afraid, so boxing the view is submerged by already had a fight last June. seemed a good way to get rid punching bags, ring, mat- “I’m having fun right of that feeling,” said Howe, tresses, mirrors, lockers, now. It feels good and I like who has had 15 amateur fights. boxing gloves, and more fighting. I want to become Times have changed since importantly Howe and the a professional,” said the then. Howe is very excited women who are the soul of 28-year-old. by the bright future ahead in the Toronto Newsgirls Box- A 2010 National silver women’s boxing with the sport ing Club. . medalist, Howe founded the having made its debut recently It’s more than 30 minutes Newsgirls Boxing Club in at the 2011 Pan American before the class begins, and 1996 within the walls of the Games in Mexico as well as among those gathered are Unitas Boxing Club where next summer at the 2012 Lon- Shawn ‘The Beast’ Henry and women shared the space with don Olympics. Sonnja ‘Fearless’ Parris, who men. “This is very good and are already training while Two years later, it became important for women to be Howe, the owner, works at obvious to Howe that women able to fight and compete,” her office in the background. needed their own space to she said. “It’s also good for the “I love it,” said the feel comfortable and to be younger girls to see women 30-year-old Parris. “I come able to focus. reaching the top in boxing. Claudia Larouche /// Observer here every day and I like the “We needed a place to They can say ‘Me too, I want “I’m having fun right now. It feels good and I like fighting. I want to become training aspect and that we feel safe and in confidence,” to do that’.” a professional,” 28-year-old Shawn ‘the Beast’ Henry, above, said. 10 SPORTS The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 Bosshart living the dreams as just a regular Jane Former Olympian now coaching youth

By ADAM MARTIN peted for the Canadian The Observer national team. Her confident attitude carried her into the Sydney Dominique Bosshart has Games. She beat Finland, tasted the highs and lows but lost to Russia next. of life as a professional Since the Russian combat- athlete. ant made it to the finals, A practitioner of taek- Bosshart was carried over wondo, the current resident to the consolation bracket of East York represented to fight for third place. She Canada at the 2000 Olym- defeated Croatia to claim pic Games in Sydney, the bronze for herself and Australia, winning a bronze her country. medal in the women’s “I was just really happy,” heavyweight division (+67 Bosshart said. “It was an kg) at only 22 years of age. amazing experience. I was That was undoubtedly proud at the moment and the crowning achievement afterwards to be able to do of her career. that. I didn’t realize how But when she crashed much it can affect other and burned, losing both people at the time.” her matches at the 2004 Athens, however, was a Olympic Games in Athens, different story. Bosshart was forced to ree- “I think overall my mind valuate her fighting career. state wasn’t as good as it “A lot of little things was in Sydney,” Bosshart happened in my life that said. “My focus was off, I led to say, ‘Maybe it’s time had a small injury, and a lot to end it. Maybe it’s time Ryan Fines /// Observer of little things were nagging to quit,’” the 34-year old Members at the East York Curling Club guide a rock toward rings, but Saturday’s activities were put me. It was disappointing.” Bosshart said. After deciding to take on hold while President’s Choice used their house as the backdrop for an upcoming TV commercial. Just like that, she would some time off, Bosshart be forced to say goodbye focused on finishing her to active competition, one degree in sociology at the of her greatest joys, and University of Toronto, say hello to living life as a while also working part- normal person working a time at Home Depot to help Spotlight shines on regular job. pay the bills. When Bosshart was But she missed her pas- 13-years old, her brother, sion. David, convinced her to Luckily for Bosshart, a come and try taekwondo friend bought a taekwondo with him. Bosshart fell in school and invited her to love with the martial art E.Y. Curling Club teach once a week. Then, an- right away. other acquaintance tore his “We saw black belts who Achilles’ tendon, and pretty were going to nationals, President’s Choice brings lights, cameras, action and volunteers for commercial shoot soon she was instructing at competing for medals,” two different places. Bosshart said. “I thought, By RYAN FINES than 1200 curlers weekly the “[Weston] threw a few York’s local curling house She just may have found ‘Wow, that’s so cool!’ I was The Observer her true calling. tidy six-sheet curling house, rocks, and did pretty good and due to the hustle and really impressed.” “I feel like I’m learning nestled at 901 Cosburn Ave., actually,” said Gerry Barker, bustle needed to film, it may Bosshart in- so much and I find myself Carolyn Fleming’s days at is a welcoming site. a member of EYCC’s senior be the last. stantly became a growing as a coach,” Boss- the East York Curling Club Recreational curlers so- men’s curlers. “Then they put “There are a lot of de- favourite of her hart said. “I want to be able coach, Vic- are generally quite busy. cialize between games while a tray of cookies on a rock mands that need to be met, to help kids set their goals tor Black, Fleming has worked as the the stained wooden beams and pushed it along the ice so I probably couldn’t do that and realize they have the and also club and facility manager at on the ceiling, red and green and swept it into the rings, again,” said the club man- potential to do what they of Grandmaster the city-owned EYCC for 13 table settings and a gas fire- fun stuff like that.” ager. want to do.” Kang, who years, but last Saturday may place radiate an air of Cana- When selecting a broad was visiting have been her most eventful dian hospitality. demographic to test out prod- the Landmark day on the job yet. Invaded by lights, cam- ucts, a curling club provides branch of his taek- News you With President’s Choice eras, and action, ordinary a wonderful variation of wondo operation using the EYCC as the back- activities at EYCC were shut opinion since the sport is em- in 1991 when he first can use took notice of her. drop for its latest television down Oct. 22 to meet the bus- braced by Canadian men and Right away he told commercial marketing appe- tling needs of the commercial women both young and old. coach Black, “Oh tizers and desserts, Fleming’s shoot. “It’s a winter activity for East York that girl, you have to cozy club was thrust into the Nearly 200 volunteers a Christmas-themed com- Curling Club push that girl.” spotlight. posed as subjects in filming mercial,” said Mike Vince, Soon enough, “It was very, very busy but which used the curling club, another curler at EYCC who schedule: Bosshart saw herself it went quite well,” Fleming converted into a winter set- was part of the shoot. “And it n Monday: Daytime being shuttled back and said. “They had their food ting, to sample PC’s newest works better than hockey be- women, 1 p.m. forth between her little and banners set up out on the products. cause curling offers more of a town of Landmark and the ice and up here in the lounge “The place was packed, social setting. n Tuesday: Mixed big city of Winnipeg. as different staging areas dur- said Fleming. “And the atten- “There’s no prize for win- first draw, 6:45 p.m. “My parents started ing the shoot.” tion to detail was incredible ning, it’s just a good place driving me to the city to During a typical work day with tablecloths, centrepieces and a good group of people n Wednesday: Men’s practice,” Bosshart said. Fleming manages all busi- and other decorations cre- to play with. You get to kid “It was an hour outside the first draw, 6:45 p.m. ness at EYCC, ranging from ating a Christmas theme in around and play with differ- city, and it was a big com- Dominique scheduling and staffing to here.” ent guys every week, so you mitment for my parents and Bosshart even my coach to take time maintenance and bartending. PC chairman Galen get a chance to meet every- n Thursday: Men’s first draw, 6:45 p.m. out of their lives to drive As busy as she is, Fleming Weston wandered the club body.” me down.” handles all of this with lots of offering samples of his com- Officially opened in 1965, From 1993 until 2007, smiling and laughter. pany’s products to the people Saturday’s commercial shoot n Friday: Mixed first the future Olympian com- Despite an active sched- during the filming, and even was the first event of its draw, 7:15 p.m. ule that accommodates more tried his hand at curling. type to be carried out at East From Lindy: Alima is going out Wednesday morning to get four ‘person on the street’ points of view to fill in the bottom of this page. There will be four one-col mugs and comments (the ones here now are just fillers). Please don’t adjust the page!

The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 SPORTS 11

OFSAA Saints OK as underdogs past By ANDREW ROBICHAUD champions The Observer 2002-2011 Head coach Kevin Jeffers flashed a smile and a fist pump at the Eastern Commerce Saints practice AAAA 2011 on Monday as his players Gold: Vaughan executed the system that has Silver: Loyola made the team so successful (Oakville) over the past 10 years. Bronze: Father Henry The senior boy’s basketball Carr squad has seen better days 4th: J. Clarke of late. After four straight Richardson (Ajax) Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) titles from 2002- AAAA 2010 2005, the last two trips to the Gold: Oakwood provincial tournament have Silver: St. Thomas ended in the quarter-finals More (Hamilton) – last year to the eventual Bronze: Mother Teresa champions from Vaughan. 4th: Vaughan Eastern Commerce’s trouble began as senior players fell into ineligibility AAAA 2009 issues leaving the team Gold: Eastern shorthanded for a major part Commerce of the 2010 season and into Silver: Mother Teresa OFSAA. Bronze: Pickering Guard Ammanuel Diressa 4th: Notre Dame has been with the team for (Welland) four years and says the dark Andrew Robichaud /// Observer time weighed heavily on the remaining players and Saints head coach Kevin Jeffers, middle, runs a tough system. However, through heavy breaths and AAAA 2008 sweat dripping off his players foreheads, he sometimes finds the time to make a joke and share a laugh. Gold: Pickering the relationships with the Silver: Eastern ineligible players he felt had Jeffers says finalizing the afraid of hard work, they want “I’m glad I don’t have that around its neck, but second Commerce let the group down. extra time, they want extra bull’s eye on my back. I’m year point guard James Bronze: Beal (London) “We were upset with the roster for the season was minutes and they understand glad that it’s on someone else’s. Sylvester says the team 4th: Mother Teresa guys because we were relying harder than most years – partly what it means to be successful We just want to be happy believes in its potential more on them and we look at this because he had 60 players at and put a banner on the wall.” and play basketball,” he said. than anyone else, and that’s all team as a family,” he said. “But tryouts and has opted for an AAAA 2007 Down to a roster of 11 “The dumb thing, everyone that matters. we were happy the juniors A and B team – but there is a Gold: Pickering players, Jeffers feels he has says, ‘Oh, Eastern is here,’ and “We think we can be really were coming up to help us.” certain type of human being Silver: Eastern found that group of guys who they still say it. You have that good if we all just stick to the And that’s the path the that can play for Eastern Commerce Saints have taken heading into can continue to leave the tiger lurking in the bushes and principle and trust each other, Bronze: Father Henry Commerce, and that criteria is this season. Only four players Eastern Commerce mark in coaches know what we can bring help and communicate. Carr written in stone. remain from last year’s squad, gyms across the city and the do, we just have to live up to We can be a great team,” he 4th: Sir John A including Diressa, while the “Hard workers who give us province, but the rest of the it now.” said. “This season I just hope Macdonald (Waterloo) rest of the roster has been filled their all, show up, get it done teams they’ll face may not be Two premature exits from we come together and try to out by junior promotions and in the classroom and they’re as scared as in past years, just OFSAA have the Saints win OFSAA, that’s what I

transfer students. leaders,” he said. “They’re not cautious. wearing the underdog tag want.” AAAA 2006 Gold: Mother Teresa Silver: West Hill Bronze: Pickering 4th: Father Henry Carr Sylvester gets the point this year By ANDREW ROBICHAUD Frustrated? Yes. fruition over the summer. because I wanted him to be at me and stays in my head,” AAAA 2005 The Observer Demoralized? No. Sylvester was invited to a point guard,” Jeffers said. he said. “Mentally, I’m Gold: Eastern Impatient? Yes. Giving up? play for a team run by Saints “If he would have played thinking the play is over and Commerce Not a chance. head coach Kevin Jeffers, with the seniors he would I have to make a better play Silver: Mother Teresa James Sylvester was a Bronze: West Hill backup point guard for an The 17-year-old is now however Jeffers opted to have been behind three because you can’t go back in in his second year with have the young guard play other point guards and he time to change it, you have 4th: Cathedral entire season, played a little (Hamilton) bit of a shooting guard role, the team and is gearing up on a junior level team, wouldn’t have got the reps.” to look forward.” and mostly just kept his to begin the season as the despite possessing the skills Sylvester had the According to Jeffers, starting point guard, quite opportunity to play big his growth has not gone mouth shut on the bench to play for the older group. minutes and be the anchor unnoticed and the plan for AAAA 2004 of the Eastern Commerce the change from his role in “It was the summer that Gold: Eastern of an offence, both valuable Sylvester will benefit the Saints senior boys’ his rookie season. he played with us… I didn’t Commerce tools for experience and a young guard but also the basketball team. It all sort of came to take him to the senior team Silver: Cathedral way to constantly develop team as a whole. (Hamilton) the primary skills of a point “You can see his Bronze: Frontenac guard. development. He’s making (Kingston) “I think it was a good plays, making reads and 4th: Mother Teresa decision he made for me we don’t want him to just to play at a younger level be a pure passer, he is too because I had to work on talented for that,” Jeffers

my guard skills and I think said. “We want him to be a AAAA 2003 Gold: Eastern that it improved much better creator; create for himself Commerce than before,” Sylvester said. and create for others.” Silver: Father Henry “I was in the gym working Jeffers feels he has found Carr out early in the morning, his anchor as the season Bronze: Cathedral so I think my dribbling and approaches, but also that the (Hamilton) shooting went up.” sky is the limit for the up- 4th: AN Myer (Niagara It also allowed Sylvester and-coming star. Falls) to mature as a leader on “This year, you see he is

the court. A maturity that now our point guard. He’s has taught him how to fight going to start as our point AAAA 2002 through the bumps and guard, get a lot of playing Gold: Eastern bruises that come with the time, and he’ll finish as Commerce sport. our point guard,” he said. Silver: Oakwood Andrew Robichaud /// Observer “My decision making got “After another year, he’ll be Bronze: Nelson James Sylvester, left, trained through the summer playing for a team run by better, too, because when I amazing to see and amazing 4th: John McGregor Saints head coach Kevin Jeffers, right, in order to improve as a point guard. made a bad decision it gets to have.” (Chatham) The East York 4-PAGE Sports special n Dominique Bosshart went from the Olympics to coaching youth, and could not be happier Observer Page 10 Vol. 40, No. 9 Friday, October 28, 2011 www.torontoobserver.ca Serving our community since 1972

Leaside linebacker Ryan returns despite unlikely odds

By PATRICK KEIRNAN behind him, Leaside’s The Observer captain just wanted to forget about what happened Sean Ryan has returned last year and focus on the for yet another football 2011 season, where they season at Leaside, but his currently sit in third place journey back to the gridiron in the South Tier 1 Senior wasn’t easy. division with a record of Last season brought 3-2. success for the Lancers’ “First game I was a little star linebacker as he led nervous going in, I just his team to the City Finals, hadn’t had contact in a the best finish in school while,” Ryan said. “To get history, but Ryan’s run that out of the way with no was cut short when he was problems or complications injured in the semi-final was just a weight off my game against Agincourt shoulders.” Collegiate. For the rest of Ryan’s “It was a standard team and coaching staff, outside run play,” Ryan seeing him back on the said. “I was chasing the field and playing without quarterback and a receiver side affects or hindrances is coming back the other way all they could ask for. caught me with a blindside “He didn’t look hesitant Jonathan Brazeau /// Observer hit. It was a legal hit; it was at all,” said head coach Leaside Lancers quarterback Dan Giacomello scrambles to avoid the rush against the Central just unfortunate the way it Jim Georgiadis following Tech Blues at Central Technical School on Oct. 21. Central Tech won the game 12-0. went down. Ryan’s first game back. “It was scary for me…I “He’s playing the game at blacked out on the field and full speed, which is a good suffered a major concus- sign to see.” sion.” Ryan plays a huge role on the Lancers’ squad The severity of head and his senior status has trauma suffered forced Perfecting the pocket brought more responsibil- Ryan to watch his team ity. compete in the City Finals with the Lancers and the Wild- little things like communica- “He’s a team captain, L ancers’ Giacomello taking advantage from the sidelines; a game cats, has seen Giacomello tion skills and leadership,” I expect him to be the Leaside would later lose grow and mature as a quarter- Giacomello said. leader,” said defensive of chance to lead Leaside under centre 16-14. back over the years. “I’m more out-spoken now. I coordinator Csaba Vegh. “I Still, the now 12th “He’s very smart in the way like getting involved in things expect him to be the person By JONATHAN BRAZEAU city final,” Giacomello said. Grader remained humble he approaches the game,” and it’s helped me try out new to take control of situations The Observer “Most of our team looked up Vegh said. “He makes great things like clubs and teams.” and proud of his team’s and make plays on the to them and we want to be as reads, especially as a high That confidence is rubbing accomplishments, despite football field.” good or better than them. Dan Giacomello was given school quarterback. off on his team too. ultimately coming up short. Lancers’ football hasn’t “We’re trying very hard to the chance to lead the Leas- “He’s definitely a leader on “He’s got such a personality “Just to be able to make always had success on fill what was placed on us last ide Lancers and he’s running the team. The quarterback that guys just feel very confi- it that far with such a small the field, but with a bitter year. There was a lot of pres- away with the opportunity. sometimes has to be your best dent around him,” Georgiadis school compared to the taste still lingering in their sure and with a 3-2 season, I The 17-year-old quarterback player and he’s right up there.” said. guys we were going up mouths, Leaside is looking think our team handled it very guided Leaside to a 3-2 record Lancers head coach Jim “When a situation is stressful against was really big for to make it back to the post- well.” in the TDSSAA regular season Georgiadis added that Gia- or it’s a dire part of the game, the team,” Ryan said. season and as deep into Giacomello picked up as and the senior boys team is on comello’s confidence level has he’s someone who can keep it While it was a big and them as possible. much experience as he could their way to the Tier 1 South taken a huge step forward this very calm in the huddle and scary blow to Ryan and “Of course our goal is to before taking over the role. Region semi-finals to face season. the players around him believe the rest of the Lancers, he make the playoffs, first and He previously played with the the Northern Red Knights at “He’s getting to the point in him, he believes in himself was fortunate to have time foremost are the playoffs,” Toronto Junior Argonauts of Birchmount Stadium on Fri- now where he’s able to sit back and it’s starting to show.” on his side and was able said Georgiadis. “If we the Canadian Junior Football day. and be able to read defences Leaside now faces a North- to recover gradually over get to that second season League and with the Metro To- Giacomello believes he’s im- and pick out open receivers,” ern team that got the better of the summer, preparing him and get in that tournament ronto Wildcats of the Ontario proved a lot since taking over Georgiadis said. “There’s real- them on Sept. 30 with the Red for a strong and healthy we’re going to do the best Varsity Football League. the starting role at the begin- ly a confidence about his game Knights winning 38-7, how- comeback. we can to go as far as we The experience with the Wil- ning of the season. right now. ever, Giacomello is up for the With the injury now can.” cats over the summer helped “I feel like this is a really “He’s shown a lot of leader- challenge. Giacomello as he was able great big breakout season for ship out there and he runs the “They definitely beat us to bounce back from being me,” Giacomello said. down last game,” Giacomello benched during the playoffs. offence really well. We’re re- “The coach is giving me said. “We’re looking forward “It definitely gave me a dif- ally pleased with his progress more chances and I couldn’t to keeping it a close game and ferent perspective that I have and his performance each and be more thankful to him.” hopefully pulling out with the to keep fighting for first posi- every week.” The Lancers had a lot to win.” tion, it’s never secured,” Gia- Giacomello said he wasn’t prove entering the 2011 sea- Giacomello is still undecided comello said. always that confident and son. Leaside came within two about which university or col- “This team needs me a lot football has changed him as a points of winning the city lege he’ll attend next year but this season, so I’m just go- person. championship last year, losing hopes football will be part of ing to be here and step up for “When I was younger I 16-14 to the Richview Saints his schedule. them.” wasn’t the most socially active Starting quarterback Michael “I’m not entirely sure if I’m Csaba Vegh, who coaches guy so [football has helped] Gallagher graduated after the able to keep up with the aca- school year, handing over the demics and football but I’m l For more sports coverage Jonathan Brazeau /// Observer pivotal position to his backup. always open to the option,” Sean Ryan, right, has fought through a lot “That was a great motivation from the Observer, go to Giacomello said. “I love foot- seeing him as the cover boy @ torontoobserver.ca ball and would love to play it of adversity to return to the game he loves. and taking the team into the O for as long as I could.”