ARGOS FOOTBALL STILL RUNNING Argos get great reception Terry Fox Run For Hope at Scarborough practice enters third decade See page 8 See pages 4 and 5 THE EAST OBSERVEROBSERVER • Friday • September 24 • 2010 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/ JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING MALVERN, HIGHLAND CREEK AND WEST HILL • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Community mourns slain UTSC student SARAH DEMILLE The Observer held. The service began with the Principal’s message of The flag flew at half-mast condolence to the school at the community and Leung’s fam- at Scarborough campus on ily and included speeches Sept. 18 in memory of a stu- made by family and friends dent killed in the August bus of the young woman. hostage at- “She was an amazing indi- tack in the vidual, full of ambition and Philippines. determination,” Almas Sul- Doris tan, a fourth-year health stud- (Chung ies student at UTSC said. See) Leung, “She was involved in vari- 21, was ous events around the cam- killed along pus and always put other’s with her DORIS LEUNG needs far ahead of her own,” father Ken A Facebook group was Leung and her 14-year-old created by UTSC students in sister Jessie Leung on Aug. memory of Leung. 23. The family was on the “I created this group to let Manila tourist bus when it other students know about was hijacked by a former po- the loss that our campus un- liceman. derwent, and to let those who Leung, who was entering knew her well appreciate the her fourth year of under- valuable impact that her life graduate studies at the UTSC had on theirs,” said Rupom campus, was remembered by Rahman, a third year inter- FIONA PERSAUD/The Observer her fellow classmates in the national studies and student memorial held in the cam- at UTSC. pus’s Student Centre. Over the coming months Gardeners cultivate their skills Pictures of the young the community will honour woman and bouquets of the young woman’s memory Anette Hurlihey shows off her prize-winning Chinese lantern plant at the Scarborough Garden and Horticul- flowers surrounded the room in several ways, according to tural Society annual flower show. Story on page 7. in which the memorial was the Facebook page. Candidates clash over city’s accessibility

tain times. reation funding proposed Prospective mayors debate Only Rocco Rossi made for the 2015 Pan-American a commitment on the issue, Games. funding for needed facilities saying if he is elected mayor, Rossi said that the money disabled people on social as- would come from city spend- EMILY HUNTER ple with disabilities, located sistance will receive a dis- ing on daycare, recreation The Observer on Danforth Avenue. The counted fare. and skills development – all Toronto’s next mayor is facility’s nearest bus stop is Variety Village, a centre of which Variety Village of- more willing to construct a currently a ten-minute walk that supports 3,350 disabled fers. single bus stop for disabled away and difficult to reach people, has asked for annual Thompson says the solu- people than commit to fund- for the disabled. funding from the city. The tion to Variety’s funding is to ing for special-needs facili- “We need all the stops to EMILY HUNTER/The Observer centre is facing operating reorganize municipal govern- ties. be wheelchair accessible and George Smitherman (left) and Rocco Rossi are among deficits and had massive lay- ment spending Every major candidate has more of them,” spectator Pe- candidates looking to appeal to special needs voters. offs in 2008. Overall, no candidate com- promised to construct a new ter Athanasopoulos said. Pantalone says the prov- mitted to funding Variety Vil- stop in front of Variety Vil- He says there is a “two- ince should provide funding, lage, leaving the center more lage, where the mayoral de- tier” system in Toronto, with plans to expand the TTC’s the bus anywhere. but offered to use his name in accessible with the bus stop, bate over disability was held only half the transit system reach by developing the sub- Rob Ford says disabled in- charity events. but funding still out of reach. Sept. 16. But the candidates accesible. way route with road tolls. dividuals and seniors should Ford says he could get the were less straightforward “If we can make any wins “We have to build a city ride for free, but didn’t make private sector involved to do- For the full story and about finding funding for Va- in the mayoral election, it that is fully accessible.” any commitments. nate money, to listen to an interview riety itself. would be to improve trans- Joe Pantalone says he George Smitherman’s plat- Smitherman says there with the Canadian Papra- Variety Village is a fitness portation for the disabled.” would make sure disabled form also includes making could be assistance with palegic Association, go to and life-skills centre for peo- Sarah Thomson says she people are allowed to get off transit free for seniors at cer- the $15-million special rec- torontoobserver.ca PAGE 2 - The Observer, September 24, 2010 NEWS Road repairs smooth over complaints Lawrence Avenue East remains open during reconstruction

Amanda Kwan “We invest a lot of money The Observer into these roads,” Moeser said. “The last thing you need is for A portion of Lawrence people to cut into them again.” Avenue East is being rebuilt When a new property is after years of complaints built, developers have to from residents about bumpy dig into the road to install road conditions. underground services. Lawrence Avenue East Moeser said several from Kingston Road to subdivisions have been built Rishm a Lucknauth/The Observer Beechgrove Drive is to be along Lawrence Avenue, Teacher Stephen Tong leads one of Agnes McPhail Public School’s new all-day kindergarten classes in a song. dug up, given a new base and creating a patchwork of repaved. uneven asphalt. The street has been in A new Seventh Day Adventist disrepair for Church is Expanding days to expand minds many years, We invest a lot currently being says Ward 44 of money into built across Educators okay with longer kindergarten hours starting this month councillor Ron from the 43 Moeser. these roads, the Division police Rishm a Lucknauth introduce all-day kindergar- program is off to a great start surplus of teachers, this does “It’s almost last thing you station, which The Observer ten, you’ve now increased in her school, which current- not mean more jobs for edu- like going need is for peo- is within the that school by however many ly has two all-day kindergar- cators. through a reconstruction The start of all-day kinder- kindergarteners are at the ten classes. “Part of the criteria for speed bump,” ple to cut into area. garten in ’s schools school. “The fact that the teacher Phase 1 was low overheard he said. “I them again Moeser said this month has some educa- “Some schools are scram- can have more time in the costs,” Harrison said. “In had so many -Ron Moeser the roadwork tors excited about the added bling trying to find extra program to consolidate those other words, find schools that complaints and teaching time despite the space — coat hooks and basic skills through different can accommodate the classes about it.” subsequent moratorium added strain to the system. cubbies, stuff like that — be- means, different activities, is with little to no construction The first phase of prompted the church to Thirty Scarborough schools cause now a big help,” costs, start-up costs.” construction, from start building. now offer all-day kindergar- they’re go- It’s an exciting said Yu. All-day kindergarten is not Beechgrove Avenue to “I said, ‘If you don’t get ten in the first phase of the ing to be According mandatory and parents have Bennett Drive, started in your hookup for the services province’s five-year plan. there for the initiative and I to the Minis- the option of enrolling their August 2009 and finished in and water, you’re not going Seven more will offer it next whole day.” think the ministry try of Educa- children part time. The pro- November 2009. to be able to do it for five year. Even with and the board tion, about gram is provided at no added “ space con- 600 Ontario cost to families, but before- The second phase, from years,’ ” he said. Before the start of the pro- Bennett to Kingston began The busy street will be open gram, every two kindergar- straints, have done their schools now and after-school programs this year in August and is during the reconstruction, teners equalled one full-time the benefits best to get this offer the pro- will be offered at school-spe- expected to be completed in Moeser said. student. Schools are now of all-day program up to a gram. That cific fees, some of which will November. But this means the roadwork faced with double the num- learning number is set be subsidized. Once complete, no roadwork has to be done in portions. ber of kindergarteners. have already wonderful start to increase to “It’s still early,” said Har- can be done along that stretch “It’s tough on residents,” he “We have schools in cer- been identi- -Priscilla Yu 800 in 2011. rison. “It just started a week of Lawrence Avenue East said. tain pockets of the city that fied, he said. Every ago so I think everybody is for five years. This is due to “You have to (repair) one are busting at the seams with “The earlier you can get a classroom will be equipped still feeling it out.” a city policy that places a side, then go back to the other five, six portables on site,” child to learn, the more they with a teacher and an early “It’s an exciting initiative moratorium on construction side. But people have been said Scott Harrison, Ward can take in,” said Harrison. childhood educator who will and I think the ministry and on newly paved streets. very patient.” 19 trustee with the Toronto Priscilla Yu, principal construct a full-day curricu- the board have done their District School Board. “So of Agnes McPhail Public lum of play-based learning best to get this program up to when you turn around and School in Agincourt,“ says the activities. However, with a a wonderful start,” added Yu. Man injured in dash across busy road ryan jhagroo The Observer

A 23-year-old man is expected to survive after being struck by an SUV on the morning of Sept. 13 at the intersection of Markham Road and Ellesmere Avenue. The crash happened shortly before 7 a.m., according to police. The victim was rushed to the trauma centre with apparent head injuries. Witnesses said earlier the ryan jhagroo/The Observer man died from injuries, Police survey damage to the SUV that struck a man at Markham Road and Ellesmere but police later reported he Avenue. Amanda kwan/The Observer survived. The second phase of road reconstruction along Law- Residents of the area the bus when he ran into the The incident caused major away from the intersection. rence Avenue East began in August and is expected to reported the man was running right rear side of a Toyota delays as TTC routes and Police work closed off the finish in November. across the busy road to catch RAV4. other traffic were diverted area for most of the morning. The East Toronto Observer, September 24, 2010 - PAGE 3 NEWS Malvern festival focuses on healthy living Despite low attendance, everyone has lots of fun

alice hoang roasted corn, catered Carib- The Observer bean food and cake, while youth volunteers handed Organizers of Malvern in out soft drinks and popcorn. Motion are mystified as to why Members of the city’s po- the turnout was dramatically lice, fire, and EMS depart- lower than previous years. ments also came, and were The Malvern Community greeted by grinning, gig- Coalition hosted its 6th an- gling kids wanting to get a nual neighbourhood festival, look inside their vehicles. Sept. 11. The event focused Marie Clarke Walker, the on health and wellness by local residence organizer, encouraging good eating said the goal of the festival is habits and active living. to engage youth in the com- Malvern in Motion chair munity and teach them the Venesse Lewis says she hoped importance of being involved. for a bigger crowd, as nearly “There is both a youth com- 800 people came out last year ponent and a workshop com- compared to 200 this year. ponent so that we can engage alice hoang The Observer Despite fewer people than youth and they can engage us / City council hopeful Ruth Tecle (right) helps facilitate a Good Jobs for All workshop Sept.11 at Malvern in Motion. expected, the grounds out- – frankly, it should be about side the Malvern Community them engaging us more than the generation after that.” Labour coalition Good “If we let our public ser- them back,” Walker said. “If Recreation Centre boomed us engaging them,” Walker Agencies including Taibu Jobs for All held a work- vices – our schools, our we don’t have those things, with music, dance, and laugh- said. “This is their commu- Community Health Centre shop educating about the hospitals, our community you’re looking at user fees ter. The smaller crowd meant nity, their future – most of us and Action for Neighbour- importance of public ser- centres, our libraries, our most people won’t be able more room for kids to play. that are involved are on our hood Change staffed booths vices in building strong roads – collapse, it will to afford, so they won’t be Parents and children lined way out. So the building is promoting strong and healthy communities and making take more than one or two able to have those services up for free food, including for the next generation and individuals and communities. them accessible to everyone. or three generations to get that we currently enjoy.” Mayoral candidates favour fewer city council members

josef jacobson plus,” Carol said. “[Sergio’s] 120,000 constituents each. The Observer figure was made by add- “I go to people’s houses ing operating costs and staff every single week. To double Some of Toronto’s mayoral costs, but councillors never the number of constituents candidates are finding com- spend their whole budget.” is a challenge,” De Baer- mon ground when it comes Aside from salary savings, meaker said. “The quality to downsizing city council. the city would also reduce of service won’t get better.” Rob Ford, Rocco Rossi other costs, including extend- However, this senti- Bradley Featherstone/The Observer and Sarah Thomson have all ed health care, life, dental ment is not shared among Organizer Gisela Bach has been struggling to find support for the cleanup for years. spoken in favour of a pri- and long-term disability in- all Scarborough council- vate member’s surance, pension lors. Ward 44 Councillor bill, put forward There are 15 and severance. Ron Moeser says that since Trash outweighs volunteers by Toronto MPP Some lo- the number of elected of- Mario Sergio councillors cal councillors ficials in Toronto was cut in this summer, who support are concerned half from 106 to 58 in 1998, at Bluffs shoreline cleanup which would cut cuts will affect councillors are now used to the number of reducing governance. overlapping jurisdictions. bradley is something people should authority to open the gate councillors from the size of “I don’t think “When it came to council featherstone think about but they don’t.” so we can drive down the 44 to 23. Sergio council it’s a wise propos- I voted in favour of it,” Mo- The Observer Bach and her friend Roy service road to pick up all said it would al,” said Ward 38 eser said. “It’s a cost effective Wright, president of Save the garbage,” Wright said. reduce civic bu- - Rob Ford Councillor Glenn way to run city council. [The With the sun rising steadi- the Toronto Bluffs, have Most of the garbage is cups reaucracy and De Baeremaeker. larger wards] would put more ly in a clear sky above the made it their mission to and food containers. One pair save taxpayers “I don’t under- pressure on the councillors Scarborough Bluffs, Sun- keep the bluffs clean, even of volunteers found a cell- millions each year. stand why people say there but I think it could be done.” day provided the perfect if no one else wants to help. phone and a pair of shoes. “We’ve already had a are too many councillors. “I’m willing to have the backdrop for the Great Ca- Wright said he has per- “Last year, a cleanup in vote on this,” Ford said. Before amalgamation we had conversation [about reduc- nadian Shoreline Cleanup. sonally adopted the beach Burlington found a wed- “And there are 15 council- over 100 councillors and we ing the number of council- The only problem was no- at the bottom of the Scar- ding dress,” Bach said. lors who support reduc- reduced it to 44. I don’t think lors], but it should be in the body wanted to clean. Only six borough Bluffs and cleans All garbage found is docu- ing the size of council.” anyone’s happier today.” context of improving gov- people volunteered their time it on a regular basis. mented on data cards given to Although this bill“ is be- Currently, each of Scar- ernance,” Carol said. “If to help at the Sept.19 event. the volunteers when they ar- ing pushed by conservative borough’s 10 councillors the plan is to cut council to Gisela Bach has been orga- Garbage out of reach rive so they can keep track of mayoral candidates, Toronto represents about 60,000 save money, it will fail.” nizing the chap- what kind of trash they find. budget chief Shelly Carol residents. If the number ter of the Great Canadian He insists that get- Bach tallies up the data finds errors in Sergio’s math. of councillors is halved, F or up-to-date election Shoreline Cleanup for the ting access to the areas cards and sends the infor- “It is important to note five Scarborough council- coverage visit, past eight years. She said she that need cleaning is as mation to the Vancouver that there is always a sur- lors will represent over torontoobserver.ca is frustrated with the lack of painstaking a task as get- Aquarium, where the event interest from the community. ting people to volunteer. originated. The informa- “This never decomposes “There is no service pick- tion is relayed to The Ocean ever,” Bach said, as she held up for garbage down there, Conservancy, which tallies up a Styrofoam food contain- and that’s the problem. What the numbers to find how er. “So what it does is breaks I personally have to do, I much garbage was removed. apart in very small pieces and have to make arrangements In 2009, the event floats on top of the water. with the park supervisor, cleaned 2,475 kilometres of Then at night feeding animals who has to make arrange- shoreline, removing over come up see it as food, eat it, ments with someone else 160,000 kilograms of gar- then die because of it. This to get to the conservation bage from Canadian shores. From left to right, mayoral candidates Rocco Rossi, Rob Ford and Sarah Thomson. PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, September 24 , 2010 FEATURE THIRTY YEARS LATER, THE DREAM LIVES ON SCARBOROUGH RESIDENTS KEEP TERRY FOX’S HOPE ALIVE SAEDA RAGHE & ANGELA ROTUNDO The Observer

“One guy had the idea to do something so inspira- tional that it really stirred up the whole country,” Martin LeMoine says. LeMoine has been inspired by Terry Fox since he began running his Marathon of Hope 30 years ago. His father, Joe LeMoine, has been hosting one of Scarbor- ough’s annual Terry Fox runs for 27 years in West Hill. On Sept. 19, a morning full of sunshine, the annual Terry Fox Run took place all over . Scarborough residents came out to Cedarbrook Park on Markham Rd and Old Kingston Rd in West Hill to continue Terry’s run to raise awareness for cancer research. At the West Hill route, Joe LeMoine continues to see dedicated runners year after year, 20 of whom he hon- oured with 30-year participation plaques on Sunday. “When we first began, on that first morning, a group of, mostly runners in those days, climbed the hill in front of 104 Ridgewood Rd and began the first run through the neighborhood of West Rouge,” LeMoine said. “Thirty years later many of those original runners are still com- ing out to… thank Terry for what he did and carry on his mission to conquer cancer in all its forms.” Meanwhile at Cedarbrook Park, bikers, runners, walkers and even roller-bladers passed through a scenic wooded trail to support Terry’s dream. What’s a little healthy competition between friends? “The Incredibles” team members from left to right, Sanjayan Tham- Ken Pearson, who has organized the Cedarbrook Park paran, Puvi Sinna and William Yu finished the race in just under an hour and all within minutes of each other. run for the past 12 years, was motivated by something other than Terry’s vision. “Well, I got lost on a course because it wasn’t marked properly, and I was so mad at the end of it that I said I could do a better job.” Pearson used to run it in West Hill, until he heard there were no volunteers to organize the then city of Scarbor- ough’s annual Terry Fox Run. More than a decade later, Pearson continues his dedication to the cause, surround- ed by his supportive family, friends and participants.

Survival Rates Increase

Beverley Stephenson, a longtime marathoner of the Cedarbrook Park run, is one of few people who holds a personal connection to the Terry Fox Run. “I grew up in Scarborough and I remember being 20 when Terry came through,” said Stephenson. “Since then I’ve run a couple of Marathons but I’ve had a week or so to recover. Everyday he got up and ran a marathon and ran a marathon, and once you’ve run one marathon in your life you realize how incredible it was what he did.” Since Terry Fox started the Marathon of Hope in 1980 close to $500 million for research has been raised worldwide. On Sept. 15 Statistics Canada reported that cancer survival rates since the 1990s are going up. Signifi- cantly, some cancers like liver cancer saw survival rates increase from nine per cent to 17 per cent. The survival rate for Leukemia increased from 44 per The early morning call time of 8am did not deter the Terry Fox Run cheerleaders, a group of girls from Cardinal Newman cent to 54 per cent, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma went high school. Top Row: Jessica Glenny, Brianna Martin, Janet Relova, Stephanie Alejandro, Patrizia Geraneo, Jillian Rubinos, from 51 per cent to 63 per cent. Chantal Brasil. Bottom Row: Aphrodite Kazandjian, Dominique Andre, Megan Teodoro. Some cancers like prostate, skin melanoma and breast cancer had high relative survival ratios: 96 per cent, Left: Sally Hill, 89 percent and 88 per cent respectively. Yet pancreatic son Peyton and cancer rates remain low at six per cent. daughter Calypso The results were based on a five-year survival ratio enjoy a family day from 1992-1994 compared to rates from 2004 to 2006. out while taking The report compared survival rates of people with cancer part in Cedarbrook five years after their diagnoses to people without cancer. Park’s annual Terry Terry Fox started the Marathon of Hope to help raise Fox Run. funds for cancer research, and to ultimately find a cure for cancer. Right: Beverley According to Pearson, Terry said in his famous speech Stephenson is a pro in Scarborough, “I might not be able to finish this, but if when it comes to I don’t someone else has to.” races. She has been “That’s what everyone else is doing — they’re con- a marathon runner tinuing the run for Terry and in memory of him,” said for over fifteen Pearson. years. The East Toronto Observer, September 24, 2010 - PAGE 5 FEATURE THIRTY YEARS LATER, THE DREAM LIVES ON SCARBOROUGH RESIDENTS KEEP TERRY FOX’S HOPE ALIVE

What does the

Terry Fox Run mean to you?

The Martinez Family: “We’ve been run- ning for four years at Cedarbrook Park, and we love to support cancer patients and some of our friends.”

Ravinna Raveenthiran with dad Mylvaganam Thabymuthu: “Because I wanted to show how much I care about Terry Fox.”

Wanda Wierzbicki, Krystina Elbertsen and Rob Elbertsen: “We think it’s a good cause and I think there are a lot of people that have had to fight cancer. My Ken Pearson, volunteer for Cedarbrook Park’s annual Terry Fox Run is dad actually passed a legend to his supportive group of family and friends. Pearson orga- nizes the run every year, and has done so for the last twelve. away from cancer so that’s what actually Toronto Police officers Rob Mackinnan, Marta Bialecka and Paul Photography by Saeda Raghe & Angela Rotundo started it for me.” Tonna came out to show their support for this worthy cause. PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, September 24, 2010 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Scarce advertising damages league

t’s a new round of sports registration and the Scarborough Hockey Association (SHA) is in trouble. This isn’t new. IThe Observer previously featured the SHA’s challenges to increase enrolment and its struggle to stay separate from the Greater Toronto Hockey League. This season the SHA had to scrap a new development league, an inexpensive bridge between house league and competitive hockey, due to low enrolment. The league would have operated solely in Scarborough, but now players who want to play at this level will have to go through other leagues. It’s a story that’s becoming common in Scarborough: hockey teams losing enrolment and Scarborough’s immigrant population is to blame. But is that really the truth? Two years ago Hockey Night In Canada began broadcasting it’s games in Punjabi and Mandarin, which is a great way to attract more viewers. The SHA should have taken a page out of the CBC’s handbook and stopped and looked at its neighbours. The SHA spent $5,000 promoting and advertising its newest program, to its members and held two public information sessions. But how many advertisements went out to new people? How many were placed in mosques, temples, or cultural centres? How many potential Sidney Crosbys live in Scarborough who don’t speak English as a first language? We may never find out because they weren’t contacted. It’s a shame because the developmental league would have given youth a chance to play hockey at a low price and hone their skills, but by bypassing new recruits the league is ultimately setting itself up for failure. Who knows how many kids would have continued playing in the SHA once they had a taste of the developmental league and started to love the sport? We may never know, and that’s the real problem. - Nadia Persaud BRADLEY FEATHERSTONE/The Observer Declining voters a rising concern Kindergarten: quality vs. quantity? he streets almost ring with a collective groan when ith the school day extended, Obama saying “those that out-teach us election time nears. All the front doors and windows kindergarteners might be today will out-compete us tomorrow” clamp shut to silence the campaign cheers. Pages of able to hit the snooze button to defend his decision to implement the newspapersT flip faster than usual and tempers rise on televised Wat naptime — but many adults are program and push people to vote liberal debates. anything but restful about the changes. doesn’t seem to fly in this situation. It’s not that we don’t know the vote dates. It’s not that we Debate rages over the full-day My Grade 7 teacher said children don’t don’t know the local candidates and local issues. It’s not that kindergarten program, estimated to cost spend enough time with their families. we don’t support our democratic system. We just don’t seem to Ontarians $1.5 billion a year, even as the Kids are at school for six hours, parents show up and make our voices count. province is facing a deficit of nearly $20 Alice Hoang come home from work around 5 p.m., In the 2006 election, only 38.3 per cent of eligible voters billion. mom or dad spends half an hour or so in hit the polling stations in Scarborough. Toronto as a whole While Premier Dalton McGuinty the kitchen, and the family eats dinner. saw only 39.3 per cent of voters exercising their right. These is accommodating working parents, Will these extra The kids then shut themselves in their numbers were rounded up, according to the City of Toronto. taxpayers are not very happy - especially hours of school rooms to do homework or chat on MSN. That is an embarrassing turnout. It’s what I’d call an after the recent introduction of the HST time benefit So the only quality time parents and undemocratic turnout. In order to pass a bill, Parliament - as a large portion of the province’s children get together is that precious needs 50 pecent plus one member. These voter turnout population will have to pay for the gain children in the hour at the dinner table. statistics aren’t even close to this number. It’s hard to justify a of a small demographic. long-run? Perhaps McGuinty would like to get government, especially a local one, when there isn’t a sizable Some say that McGuinty is making kids used to this 21st century family number of voters. early childhood education and the dynamic at an earlier age. But will Councillors rarely change, and are re-elected by a low implementation of full-day kindergarten a that Ontario’s education ministry said these extra hours of school time benefit percentage of voters. This leaves Toronto in literally the same political wedge issue. content isn’t added to the full-day children in the long-run? place as the election before. Issues evolve, debates continue, Some complain the new program is program and kids won’t be tested like in The government is imposing a and tensions remain. New solutions aren’t being offered as new just free daycare - a place for working Grade 1. Rather it’s a mix of kindergarten “building for the future” image, but perspectives on council are lacking. parents to drop off their kids for the and early learning. politicians should change the curriculum Not-for-profit research groups are trying to address this government to babysit. Activities grounded in play allow by taking a “quality over quantity” issue. Better Ballots has hosted four town hall meetings across It seems like the overall sentiment is that children to learn “more broadly and approach. Toronto to get voter input on poll reforms. Among those parents who don’t have to pay for daycare deeply,” but couldn’t this be done Maybe changing public education without making“ the day twice as long? at the other end of the system might be options are weekend voting and online and phone voting. anymore will benefit most from this. These are current strategies that are being used in other While school is being “enhanced” for Don’t get me wrong - kids being more sensible. Canadian cities like Montreal and Peterborough. kindergarteners, parents won’t worry able to interact with their peers in an Then again, who knows? Once upon Allowing voters to vote from the comfort of their home about their kids being stressed from environment that lets them be physically a time when I came home from my half- might be a feasible solution. One of the major complaints studying. and intellectually challenged is always a day of kindergarten and my dad asked I have heard from voters is time constraints. They find it The Toronto Star reported last spring plus. But for McGuinty to quote Barack me what I did, I replied: “Just play toys.” difficult to make it to the polling station because of work and other commitments. Personally, I find that a weak excuse. The polling stations are opened for days and voter statistics seem to THE EAST TORONTO guarantee that there is hardly any wait time. OBSERVER The East Toronto Observer Serving Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek is published by Is this apathy then just laziness? Have Torontonians found it Managing Editor: Caitlin Stojanovski University of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. too much of an inconvenience to have a say in how their city Online Editor: Sarah Moore We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Assignment Editor: Megan Harris Please address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, 755 is run? Copy Editors: Billy Courtice,Bradley Featherstone, Patrycja Klucznik Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416-289-5168. Hopefully I am wrong and voters will realize how important Photo Editor: Angela Rotundo Email: [email protected] their voice is and be sure to share it on Oct. 25. Production Editor: Saeda Raghe The opinions expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. - Caitlin Stojanovski Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair The Toronto Observer, a companion website, is at torontoobserver.ca The East Toronto Observer, September 24, 2010 - PAGE 7 ARTS & LIFE Local artists sing, dance for peace

PATRYCJA KLUCZNIK said Myzz Layce, the event The Observer coordinator, going by her stage name. “Talented young As cars pulled up in front men going to jail over gun of Zoom Bar in Scarborough violence. Who doesn’t think and young people gathered in music brings peace? My main the parking lot, it was clear message is, if you have tal- something was going on that ent, why waste it? So this Thursday night. event is to show youth they Scarborough’s talent came should work toward their tal- together Sept. 16 to perform ent instead of doing senseless at Music Brings Peace to raise things.” money for the East Metro East Metro Youth Services Youth Services violence inter- is a children’s mental health vention project. centre serving in East Toronto Inside as DJs set up equip- since 1974, with locations all ment, singers and rappers over Scarborough. checked the feedback on the “I work for them, I see PATRYCJA KLUCZNIK/The Observer mics, and dancers changed what they do and I decided Richard Chippy (left) and Jermal Humphrey perform at the Zoom Bar. into their performance attire. to help them out because they music,” he said. “It’s also a “The reason why I started help everybody out,” Layce bar. Photographers positioned The next act was Richard raphy. The point of the Music chance for aspiring artists to this event was because I was said. themselves as the music blared “Chippster” Chippy, 23, and Brings Peace show is to show get a chance to network.” sick of what I was seeing on As the first act came on and the show began. Jermal “J.L Vocalz.” Hum- there are many ways to direct the news and in everyday stage, the crowd (mostly Chukwuemeka “Chuxx” phrey. 21, Humphrey sang an your anger, Humphrey said. For a video of the life, people dying through teens) took seats by the dance Eke, 22, a rapper of four years, original track, while Chippy “Direct it to something event, visit senseless acts of violence,” floor or gathered around the performed two songs. performed original choreog- you’re good at, such as torontoobserver.ca Sun shines on West Rouge family day, lighting up community spirit

KIRSTEN PARUCHA tion, he founded the first ever annual Family Day, since the The Observer Family Day 17 years ago. association provides funds “To start Family Day, it for the event. According to The West Rouge commu- took a year’s worth of con- Bugden, the main purpose of nity was out in full force to vincing the board,” recalled the event is to show the com- celebrate a double whammy Burnet. munity their appreciation for of communal milestones. The cel- partaking On Sept. 18, the 17th an- ebration con- We raise money in the mul- nual West Rouge Family Day sisted of live throughout the tiple yearly and the 50th anniversary of music and year, and then festivities the West Rouge Sports and dance per- and events Recreation Association held formances, a this is the big around the a collaborative outdoor event reptilia show, giveback day community. at the West Rouge community and games - Martin Bugden “ W e centre. and activities raise money Fiona persaud/The Observer “It gives us a chance to get for children. throughout Scarborough youth leader Jean Cope, third from right, mentors kids in gardening. out and see everyone,” said Snacks were also sold and a the year, and then this is the Don Burnet, founder of West special BBQ was available big giveback day,” Bugden Rouge Family Day. “It lets ev- during the lunch hour. said. “We partner with the Flowers a blooming good time eryone know they’re not alone Martin Bugden, current City of Toronto, with West in the community.” president of the West Rouge Rouge and other sponsors to FIONA PERSAUD Horticultural Society is improving environmental, At the celebration, Burnet, Sports and Recreation As- make today a big success.” The Observer a division of the Ontario economic, as well as social 78, was sporting a green t-shirt sociation, takes pride in the Horticultural Association. and community well being. with “West Rouge Volunteer” “ While would-be Toronto Hurlihey said the club holds Mayoral candidate Joe written across the front — a mayors talk about beautifying 200 members and views Pantalone proposed strategies vintage piece of clothing in- the city by planting trees and Scarborough as a community similar to the Toronto Food sisted Burnet, and an antique growing food, some local ripe with passionate Strategy Project, promising since it’s one of the first vol- residents are taking steps to gardeners of all ages. to plant 1,000 fruit trees each unteer shirts of Family Day. do this in their own yard. “I think that if you teach year. Pantalone also proposed Burnet, accompanied by his They got to show off their children at a really young increasing the number of wife, Margaret, 77, was com- skills at the Scarborough age about gardening, it’s community gardens in the fortable wearing the t-shirt Garden and Horticultural something that will stay with city. without a jacket because he Society annual flower show them for their whole life,” The 2010 report found claimed the weather had never on Sept. 11. said Jean Cope, Scarborough that many youth display an turned sour on Family Day. “I joined just to learn more garden society member and interest in learning to garden “I hope I’m not going to about gardening,” said Anette leader of the junior group. and would welcome training break the spell by saying this, Hurlihey, who won first place The 2010 Toronto Food and mentorship from seniors but we have not had rain for for her Chinese lantern plant. Strategy report, “Cultivating in the community who would any Family Days. The sun is “A lot of people think if Food Connections: Toward serve as a resource to the shining and it’s an absolute you’re part of the garden club a Healthy and Sustainable younger generation. beautiful day,” said Burnet. you know everything. I don’t, Food System for Toronto,” “It’s a garden club and The couple was also out I joined because I wanted to was submitted last June to the we have fun. We learn. We celebrating the anniversary of learn more.” Toronto Board of Health. The do crafts. We learn about the community’s Sports and Founded in 1925, the report revealed the potential planting and we have a good Recreation Association. Dur- KIRSTEN PARUCHA/The Observer Scarborough Garden and that horticulture has for time,” Cope said. ing his time with the associa- Kids race around West Rouge for family day festivities. PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, September 24, 2010 SPORTS Argonauts huddle up in Scarborough

RYAN JHAGROO “It feels great to be one of The Observer the people to start the team back, great for the student The Toronto Argonauts population and the commu- ran through offensive and nity. Now people in the area defensive drills for the first can come out and see the time ever in Scarborough last football games,” Jones said. Wednesday, in recognition of While Rita, Douglas and their $80,000 donation to the Hoare agree the spirit and TDSB football programs. passion for Toronto high Coaches and players took school football isn’t at the to the gridiron at Sir Robert level of their American L. Borden Business Techni- counterparts, they also agree cal Institute’s football field, that dedicated athletic pro- marking the return of high grams are a step towards that school football to three To- goal. ronto-area high schools. In total, TDSB high school Along with Borden, football will receive $80,000 Secondary as part of a mentorship and School and Col- funding program entitled legiate Institute are to each Level The Playing Field, a receive a $10,000 donation partnership between The Ar- for the 2010 season. gos Foundation, the Toronto “In the Toronto area, we District School Board, and lost a lot of schools that did the Toronto Foundation for have football. So the life- student success. RYAN JHAGROO/The Observer blood of the CFL and the The Toronto Argonaunts pracitse at Sir Robert L. Borden - marking their first time playing on Scarborough soil. Last year, the program universities is the amount of helped the return of four kids that are playing and this TDSB high school football is a great opportunity for us football program, said Borden pensive it can be.” coach, Keith Hoare. ricular sports activities.” teams. to help,” said Argos general head coach, Martin Douglas. The outlook for Toronto “We’ve got better infra- “It’s been close to 20 manager Adam Rita. “It’s one of the reasons high school football was structure. It’s very tough to years, since not having a For more photos of the The $10,000 will go a long football has dropped off the bleak before the donations, get funding from schools, for team,” Thistletown running Argonauts, visit way to ensuring a revitalized circuit, because of how ex- said Thistletown C.I. head football and other extra-cur- back Tristan Jones said. torontoobserver.ca SHA’s struggles continue Lack of enrollment signals the end to competitive hockey in Scarborough, yet the league remains optimistic JOSH UNGAR portunity to play competitive competitive organizations The Observer hockey without having to when you can’t even get 100 travel to or To- kids together,” Wahl said. After a tumultuous season ronto proper to find a team. Regardless of these set- last year that saw the remain- While the league was unable backs, Wahl said the future ing competitive Scarborough to get going, it wasn’t for lack is bright for the SHA and the Hockey Association (SHA) of effort. league still strives to provide teams amalgamated into the “The decision comes af- affordable hockey for both Greater Toronto Hockey ter the SHA spent approxi- competitive and house league League (GTHL), the SHA is mately $5,000 on promotion players. ready to turn a new page. and advertising of the new “Registration has been very But not without a few mi- program,” said Wahl in press strong this year, hopefully the JOSH UNGAR/The Observer nor glitches first. In the off- release this summer. “We growing pains are over,” Wahl The West Hill Blue Jays went undefeated to win the Scarborough championship season the SHA attempted to mailed information packages said. “All the publicity we’ve launch a minor development to every player registered in had, bad or good, it brought league to replace their now the SHA during the 2009-10 attention to what we’re trying defunct A-level league. season, conducted two public to do here. Blue Jays are king of the hill However on July 24, the information sessions and held Wahl estimates the SHA development league was 13 registration nights in an at- will run 60 house league JOSH UNGAR Park. They also blanked the els. The league promotes fair grounded before it ever got a tempt to recruit youth to the teams and cater to approxi- The Observer Wexford-Agincourt league play, equal opportunity and chance to take flight. program.” mately 1,000 players this sea- champion Pirates 10-0 on exercise for kids in a genera- “It was just the numbers, At the time of the decision son through their Scarborough The big league Blue Jays their way to the finals. tion where physical activity the same plight as we have to cancel the league, only 44 Youth Hockey League. Play- squad isn’t the only ball team “When Cassie made the fi- is sorely lacking. been dealing with for some players had enrolled in the ers who want to play com- in the city racking up the runs nal catch and we won, it felt “It helps keep kids outside time now,” said Ed Wahl, program. 152 were required. petitive hockey can enroll in this year. great,” a smiling Massie said and out of trouble,” said um- SHA president. Wahl still hopes to one day es- the Scarborough Ice Raiders The West Hill Blue Jays after the game as he clutched pire Kevin Marshall. “And The planned development tablish the program. but will be competing in the proved too much for the his trophy. even better, it keeps them league was to give “It’s not off the table, we’ll GTHL. competition on the weekend, The two-day tournament from playing video games.” kids in Scarbor- bring it to the parents next “Practices are held at our going undefeated over three featured the three top teams Aside from athletic skills, ough the op- year and see what the level of facilities in Scarborough, games on their way to win- from the Scarborough base- the kids develop lasting interest is like,” Wahl said. but the games will be held ning the Scarborough Base- ball leagues, including West friendships and useful life After several years of in- in North York or some of the ball Association Pee Wee Hill, Wexford-Agincourt skills. sufficient interest and steadily GTHL arenas,” Wahl said. “It House League championship. and Birchmount. A fourth “As long as the kids are out declining numbers, last year is absolutely more expensive, “It was a lot of fun,” said team, from the East Toronto having fun and learning, it’s a the SHA finally could no lon- but it’s still the cheapest hock- Shane Massie, who pitched League, was unable to attend. good thing,” McDonell said. ger support their competitive ey in the city.” the final inning for the Jays. “From what I gather, “They’re going to make some hockey league, forcing the “As much as things have “I hope to come back next the East Toronto division errors and miss some catches, amalgamation with the changed, we still try to provide year and try to win again.” couldn’t get enough players but we try to teach them to GTHL. the most accessible, economic The Jays showcased their together,” said Birchmount just keep smiling.” “You can’t hockey in the city,” Wahl said. offensive prowess by beat- Baseball League convener Al “I love watching these kids run six “It’s still a work in progress, ing the house league champs McDonell. grow and get better, some of but things are com- from the Birchmount Base- Teams are made up of 12- them I’ve been watching play The Observer file photo ing together.” ball League 11-4 to earn the and 13-year-old boys and for years,” proud West Hill citywide title at Birchmount girls of all different skill lev- parent Eric Brewer said.