ww The A TRIBUTE TO OUR HEROES n Stories of bravery, OBSERVER remembrance Pages 5, 7 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 43, No. 10 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 His tour East York of duty election included wrapup a teddy Full coverage bear of all wards By OBSERVER STAFF By SAMIRA MOHYEDDIN The Observer The Observer Last week’s election in East During his tour of duty in York provided some drama, Afghanistan, Reservist Oscar with two high-profile upsets. Trachmann transported more In Don Valley West, the than fuel, troops, supplies and rematch between incumbent ammunition. He also carried a councillor John Parker and new member of his regiment ‑ community activist Jon Burn‑ a foot-long furry friend named side played out to a reversal Teddy. of 2010 — when Parker won “Teddy would come with over Burnside. This time, it me on every patrol,” Trach‑ was Burnside’s turn. And he mann said, “and I would send won handily, by more than pictures of him with me in the 3,000 votes. tank and on the airfield back to In -Danforth, Cathy the class.” Dandy was ousted from the The teddy bear was a gift public school board by new‑ from his Grade 6 pen pals at comer Jennifer Story. It was Mother Teresa Catholic School widely reported that the local in London, Ont. NDP establishment had shift‑ Trachmann began the pen ed its support from Dandy to pal program during his second Story, and in the land of the operational tour in Afghani‑ late Jack Layton, that may stan. He first deployed in 2006 have made the difference. and volunteered again in 2008, When the votes were count‑ returning to Canada in 2009. ed, Story had almost twice as “When I landed in London, many as Dandy. the whole Grade 6 class was Otherwise, East York opt‑ there to greet me,” he said. ed to return incumbents — Trachmann, who will speak including Don Valley West at a 10:30 Remembrance Day public school trustee Gerri observance at the Carlaw Av‑ Gershon, Toronto-Danforth enue campus of Centennial councillor Mary Fragedakis, College, first joined the Royal Beaches-East York council‑ Canadian Regiment (RCR) as lor Janet Davis, Beaches-East an infantryman in 1994. Be‑ York public school trustee cause he wasn’t 18 yet, his Sheila Cary-Meagher and East mother had to sign his enlist‑ York Catholic school trustee ment papers. Angela Kennedy. Full coverage of the election n See TEDDY, page 5 results is on pages 2-4 and 6. Grieving parents, classmates seek student’s lost backpack By JENNIFER LEE opposite,” Gonzales said. “It was about “It would be great if Jasun’s backpack and ERIN SANDEL showing the best of people.” could be retrieved,” his father Gulshan The Observer Jasun Singh was a student in the joint Singh said. “There could be a valuable journalism program run by the Universi‑ parting message from him to us. We In the spring of 2014, the editors of ty of Toronto and Centennial College at would love to see it.” Freshly Pressed magazine were scram‑ the college’s Carlaw Avenue campus. He The backpack that went missing was bling to find photos for their upcoming was 21 and in his graduating year. He black and large in size. Anyone with issue. Like the East York Observer, occasionally contributed to this newspa‑ information about its whereabouts is Freshly Pressed is published by the jour‑ per, and to our online sister publication, encouraged to contact the East York Ob‑ nalism students of Centennial College at the Toronto Observer. server at 416-289-5000, ext. 8824, or by their campus in East York. Faced with On Oct. 30, he took his own life. He email at [email protected]. this particular production problem back was last seen alive on the Leaside Bridge “We will make it our mission to help in the spring, editor Dennis Gonzales at around 1 p.m. His backpack was left save other lives,” said his father. “We found the answer in contributing photog‑ sitting on the bridge but was found and will work towards that objective to rapher Jasun Singh. taken by someone shortly afterward. honour Jasun’s memory.” “A lot of photography is almost about Singh’s parents say they want nothing Jasun Singh was a talented photographer who exploitation — and his was the complete more than to find it. n See BEHIND THE LENS, page 2 captured ‘the best of people’ in his pictures. 2 NEWS The East York Observer ///Friday, Nov. 7, 2014

WHAT’S UP IN E.Y. Don Valley West vote recap By SAM TURCHAN considering that, when the pair race, long-time trustee Ger- but it proved to not be a decid- — 6,167 (27 per cent); Ishrath Remembering The Observer faced off in 2010, Parker won ri Gershon was once again ing factor when the votes were Velshi — 3,055 (13 per cent); by just 415 votes. re-elected. Gershon has held counted: Gershon took almost David Sparrow — 1,786 (eight with music It’s out with John and in This time, perhaps with the her spot since 1997 as trustee half the votes, totaling 16,196, per cent); Wasim Vania — St. Barnabas with Jon in Don Valley West. help of ’s endorse- for Toronto District School ahead of Don Hedrick who got 1,033 (four per cent); Dimitre Church invites Jon Burnside was the only ment, Burnside’s winning Board Ward 13. just over a third and Pushpa Popov — 578 (two per cent). East Yorkers candidate across Toronto’s 44 margin was 3,248 votes. Some had wondered if Ger- Mathanalingam who garnered Don Valley West/TDSB to the church’s council wards to successfully On election night, Burnside shon might be vulnerable at the rest. Ward 13 trustee: Gerri Ger- Remembrance challenge an incumbent — in tweeted that he’s “honoured the polls this time, consider- The final numbers: shon — 16,196 (47 per cent); Day concert this this case, John Parker. and humbled.” ing some recent, unflattering Don Valley West/Ward 26 Don Hedrick — 12,523 (36 Sunday, Nov. 9, It was one of the most close- Meanwhile in the Don Val- publicity about Gershon’s use councillor: Jon Burnside — per cent); Pushpa Mathanalin- at 4 p.m. Tickets ly watched races in the city, ley West public school board of her trustee expense account, 9,415 (42 per cent); John Parker gam — 5,522 (16 per cent). are $15. Youth under 16 are free. The proceeds will go toward the Gershon wants to restore public trust ongoing organ refurbishment By SONYA NOV-SAN of the field over opponents Patricia Parulekar, a market project. Call Neil The Observer Don Hedrick and Pushpa researcher, has supported Houlton at 416- Mathanalingam. Hedrick was Gershon for many years and is 410-1504 for Some candidates watched in second with 37 per cent of happy with her re-election. more details. last week’s municipal election the vote and Mathanalingam “I give her my best wishes. results in bars or resturants, but had 16 per cent. (She is) a leader that belongs Gerri Gershon chose a quieter Gershon is one of several in many places. I’m glad she Police chief option. The incumbent for the trustees who faced scrutiny chose education,” Parulekar in the house public school trustee race in about the board’s spending, said. “Toronto badly needs Don Valley West celebrated following reports that she her sanity. I’ve known her for Police from East her re-election privately, with charged a tour of Israel to many years and have seen her York’s 54 Division just a few friends. taxpayers. She said the trip was grace under pressure.” are hosting a town “I’m thrilled I get four more meant to promote interfaith Over the next four years, hall meeting on years to serve my ward. But I relations after concerns were Gershon hopes to address Monday, Nov. 10, am sad because many of the raised regarding Muslim the issues she pointed out at Estonian House, candidates that I admire lost prayer within one of her in her platform, including 958 Broadview the election,” she said. “The schools. collaborating with the city Ave., beginning board will have about 50-per- “We’ve had some bad press,” and the province to refurbish at 6:40 p.m. cent new members.” she acknowledged. “The most and build new schools that Speakers will When the final results were important thing that needs to preserve green space. She discuss trends in counted on Monday night, be done now is reinstating the also plans on bringing greater File photo///The Observer neighbourhood Gershon ended up with 16,196 trust between the public and fiscal accountability through Gerri Gershon has been re-elected public crime, and Chief votes, winning 47 per cent the board’s trustees.” improved communications. school trustee in Don Valley West. will be present to speak about community policing. Members Mathanalingam remains hopeful for next time of the public are welcome to By CATHERINE MAGPILE “This was my first time and easily won a fourth term, wanted to implement change gam said, “yet I’ve never met attend and to ask The Observer people didn’t know about with 47 per cent of the in the relationships between or heard from her.” questions. me, so maybe I’ll have better votes. board members and the com- She added that she’s still Pushpa Mathanalingam is luck next time.” So she’ll keep the school munity. Mathanalingam feels hopeful for the future of the already thinking about next In her first campaign, she board seat that she’s held there is a lack of communica- school board. Behind the lens: time. managed to earn 5,522 votes, since 2006. Don Hedrick was tion between the TDSB and And even outside elective Jasun’s photos As CEO of Ontario Occu- or about 16 per cent of the runner-up, with 37 per cent the community, which she office, Mathanalingam said pational Health and Safety total. of the vote. had hoped to improve. she will continue to work An exhibit Consultants Corporation, she “I’m very positive about Referring to Gershon, She was the first candidate with the Toronto school featuring the is back to her routine. But the amount of votes I man- Mathanalingam said, “She’s to file papers for the race, system. work of the late Mathanalingam maintains aged to get,” Mathanalingam a very experienced person shortly after she finished “I think I’m a role model photojournalist pride in her failed campaign said. for this position so I’m sure school in early April. for not only my kids, but for Jasun Singh will for public school board in Despite some controver- she’ll do her best to help the “I noticed my daughter had other kids also,” she said. “I be held at the Don Valley West — and she sy surrounding her trustee system.” the same school board trust- can do it. I can make some East York campus hints at trying again. spending, Gerri Gershon Mathanalingam said she ee” as years ago, Mathanalin- changes for the future.” of Centennial College, 951 Carlaw Ave., beginning Nov. Parker praises team after losing seat in Ward 26 17 and running through Dec. 1. By BRITTANY ROGERS and Dimitre Popov. “(John) almost lost last The show will be The Observer Incumbent Parker received time, and this time, I think, called The Eye 6,167 votes, putting him in had he been more aggressive of the Beholder Last week’s municipal elec- second place with 28 per cent and gotten his message out to and will be in the tion results placed John Park- of the vote. Burnside won people and they saw what he Corridor Gallery. er in a unique position — but with 9,415 votes, 53.1 per had done....” Anyone who is not one that he wanted. cent of the total. At the party, Parker ad- interested in Parker was the only incum- When asked about the race, dressed his team and sup- seeing the world bent Toronto city councillor Parker said “there were two porters saying, “you couldn’t through the to lose his seat. After two clearly distinctive products have done anything more or lens of our late terms on council, he was de- offered in Ward 26 in this different.” Then he added: colleague and feated by Jon Burnside, the election and the voters decid- “If the election results were friend is welcome challenger who nipped at his ed that they wanted the other determined by the quality of to attend. The heels, just 400 votes behind product.” people that associated them- gallery is open him, in 2010. Hal Spradling, owner of All selves with the particular can- seven days a week Ward 26 hosted six candi- Canadian Self-Storage and didates, I have no doubt at all and admission is dates, also including Ishrath one of Parker’s main support- who would have won.” free. File photo /// The Observer Velshi — who won the Toron- ers, believed Parker’s flaw Parker said he has not de- ~ Donston Wilson John Parker (left) has lost his seat on council to to Star’s endorsement — and was a lack of aggression in cided if he is going to run in challenger Jon Burnside. David Sparrow, Wasim Vania this year’s election. the 2018 municipal elections. The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 ELECTION 3 Fragedakis rolls over her rivals Incumbent nabs 59 per cent of the votes in Ward 29 — more than double that of closest competitor

By ERIN SANDEL eyes, “who had confidence in green, family friendly Ward and JENNIFER LEE me and re-elected me to rep- 29,” Fragedakis said. “I look The Observer resent them for another four.” forward to it. It’s going to be Despite having five rivals, exciting.” The landslide landed at 535 Fragedakis took an actual plu- Some of the issues that she Danforth Avenue — the Fox rality of votes: 59 per cent, plans on tackling include in- and Fiddle restaurant, where more than double her nearest creasing park spaces, growing Mary Fragedakis and her sup- rival, Dave Andre. and maintaining the tree can- porters gathered for the results The other candidates were opy and improving the lives of last week’s municipal elec- John Papadakis, Ricardo Fran- of the residents in the area. tion. cis, Jimmy Vlachos and Hank Senior safety is one of her top It wasn’t until 8 p.m., when Martyn. priorities, especially consider- the polls closed, that the “They were closer in line ing that her own parents live in restaurant began to fill up. But with their campaigns,” said Ward 29. Fragedakis even got then more than 100 anxious Fragedakis campaign worker emotional when she thanked voters piled into the pub, star- Dale Kowcenuk, referring to her family for all of the work ing at the televisions, waiting Fragedakis and Andre. “The they put into her re-election for the results for Ward 29. other candidates were quite campaign. The entire restaurant erupt- right-wing.” “I couldn’t have done it Jennifer Lee /// The Observer ed with excitement when Mary Fragedakis said she without them,” she said. “My Mary Fragedakis congratulated John Tory in her victory speech. Fragedakis was declared elect- wouldn’t be taking any time mom, who has knocked on ed Toronto-Danforth council- off after the campaign, and doors with me for the last two Fragedakis was also pleased mayoral race. “So congratula- NDP establishment, said she lor for a second time. that she’s already begun work- months, my sister who has with the change at the top of tions to John Tory and I look has high hopes for the future of “I want to thank everyone ing toward improvements for worked on my campaign from city council. forward to working with him.” the city and the new mayor. who has believed in me these Ward 29. the beginning and everyone in “The people have decided Fragedakis, who is known to “Hopefully it won’t be as last four years,” Fragedakis “We’re going to contin- my family who has been by and they’ve decided it’s John be generally left-of-centre and tumultuous as the last four said, with tears welling in her ue to build a more livable, my side.” Tory,” Fragedakis said of the to enjoy the support of the local years,” she said.

Despite the loss, Andre keeps his head up Tale of Toronto-Danforth: Defeated candidate Liberal MP however, he said “my desire on Danforth Avenue on elec- Maria Min- and my passion to serve the tion night. Recap of ward vote tallies encouraged by na and from community does not end here. One of his team members, Case Ootes, I will continue to find ways to Norma Churchill, said she One incumbent of her main competition, number of votes the long- contribute.” supported Andre because she Dave Andre. time East He promised to eventually “believes in him.” Fragedakis won a total By VERA EL-TIMANY out while another York politi- help build a transit system that “Andre ran a very positive of 59 per cent of the votes and DOUA HREICHE n ANDRE cian who is is the envy of New York and campaign,” she said. “He coasts to victory cast, actually improving The Observer now leading Mayor John To- Chicago. keeps a very positive attitude. By JENNA REID her margin from the 2010 Andre also promised Ward It’s refreshing to know there Dave Andre says he’s not ry’s transition team. The Observer election, when she won going away, even though his But on election night, Andre 29 that he would create sup- are people in politics like this.” with 42 per cent of the high-profile campaign was was runner-up, and a poor sec- porting programs for families “Roughly 5,000 people What a difference four vote. laid low last week. ond at that, with less than half who need a little extra help voted for us, so obviously years makes. The numerical results: Andre ran hard for Toron- the votes of incumbent Mary and to help youth find mean- there’s a lot of people in the In 2010, Cathy Dandy Toronto-Danforth to-Danforth councillor starting Fragedakis. ingful employment. ward that resonated with the won the race for Toronto TDSB trustee: Jennifer in January, and he gathered Andre described his expe- His team still cheered for message I put forward,” An- District School Board Story — 18,019 (49 per some significant endorsements rience as “challenging.” In an him as soon as he entered the dre said, “and that’s really en- trustee with 75 per cent of cent); Cathy Dandy — — including nods from former interview with the Observer, Factory Girl restaurant located couraging.” the vote. 9,893 (27 per cent); Maria In last week’s munici- Saras-Voutsinas — 4,984 pal election, Dandy was (13 per cent); Robert outpaced by newcomer Johnston — 2,527 (six per This is one election ‘Story’ with happy ending Jennifer Story, approxi- cent); Sergio Otoya — 933 mately two-to-one. In the (two per cent). By VERNON AYIKU a field of five candidates for In the hard work to do at the TDSB,” end, Story had 18,019 Toronto-Danforth coun- The Observer the ward’s school board seat, end, Story Story told her election-night votes, a near-plurality cillor: Mary Fragedakis soundly defeating incumbent won with 49 gathering, after being intro- among the five candidates, — 11, 904 (59 per cent); Incoming Toronto-Danforth trustee Cathy Dandy. per cent of duced by Fletcher to the roaring and Dandy had 9,893, or Dave Andre — 4,950 (24 school trustee Jennifer Story It was one of the more inter- the vote, or approval of the crowd. 27 per cent. per cent) John Papadakis – says that her first priority is to esting Toronto school board rac- 18,019 votes. With Tabuns at her side, Another Toronto-Dan- 2,000 (nine per cent); Ri- return stability to the Toronto es this election, as the local New Dandy had n she said she believes his en- forth incumbent had a cardo Francis — 528 (two District School Board. Democratic establishment’s just over half STORYT dorsement helped her a great much easier time of it; per cent); Jimmy Vlachos Backed by local political stal- support shifted from Dandy to that — 9,893 votes, or 27 per cent deal because of how well-re- councillor Mary Frageda- — 428 (two per cent); warts Peter Tabuns and Paula Story in the heavily NDP-influ- of the total. spected he is by voters in the kis coasted to re-election, Hank Martyn — 249 (one Fletcher, Story prevailed over enced ward. “We have some incredibly area. almost 7,000 votes ahead per cent). ‘It was a challenging campaign,’ says disappointed Dandy Public school trustee’s at the candidate’s election-night board candidates coalesced shortly about her as a modate teenage “biorhythms,” as gathering, held at Sarah’s Café and after 9 p.m., spelling a decisive human being,” well as three new French immersion 8-year run comes to end Bar on Danforth Avenue. defeat and the end of Dandy’s eight- Pipher said. “We sites. “It was a challenging campaign,” year run as public school trustee for know that she “It is an end of an education By BRANDON BERNARD Dandy said — moistness forming in Toronto-Danforth. didn’t lose for chapter,” Dandy told her supporters. The Observer her eyes. “Horrible things were said Dandy said she will not run again those reasons.” “I don’t know where I’ll go next. I Last week’s defeat of incumbent about me, things that were untrue, for trustee. Her campaign manager, During her n DANDY guess this is goodbye, thank you to public school trustee Cathy Dandy but we decided to take the high Mandy Pipher, blamed old-fash- time as trustee, all of you, you’ve all been fabulous, was greeted with a disappointed route.” ioned politics for the defeat. Dandy has helped create the late- and we will all meet again — but hush, murmurs and even some tears The results for the five school “It’s not about her record, it’s not start high school program to accom- just not in education.” 4 ELECTION The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 Incumbent wins Beaches-East York Beaches-E.Y. Councillor Janet Davis re-elected to her seat for fourth term in southeastern ward ‘untouched’ By DEIDRA BARTON 12,697 votes — 9,674 more thanked her staff for all on childcare,” she said. by results The Observer than closest contender their hard work. “That’s my area of specialty George Papadakis, who had “The win is a testament for several decades. I’ve Veterans back Janet Davis says she’s 3,023, or 14 per cent of the to the amazing work that been a childcare activist. “thrilled” that voters in total. my staff do every single day I heard loudly and clearly for another four Ward 31/Beaches-East “I didn’t really know to provide good customer on the doorsteps of Ward years in Ward 31 York have returned her to who would be in second service,” she said. “I heard 31 that we need more council for a fourth term. place,” said Davis about about that every day on the affordable childcare.” By ERICA RAE-CHONG “We had four serious her competitor Papadakis. doorstep.… So working The demographics for The Observer candidates who were “There’s a large Greek hard, working together with Ward 31 have shifted in n DAVIS running against me,” she community here and he ran communities and building the last 10 years from one There were upsets in two said on election night at her a hard-fought campaign. the kind of city we want is of the oldest wards in the community. of East York’s three munic- victory celebration at Hirut There was still a 7,300-vote what I want to continue to city to one of the youngest. “I pushed that for the ipal wards last week. But in Café and Restaurant on margin, but I do obviously do.” With this change, Davis last five years and we will Beaches-East York, voters Danforth Avenue, adding congratulate all the other Davis said her first order said there are a lot of be seeing programs that opted to stay the course and that she’s “really just so candidates. They worked of business this term is young families in need of provide financial support,” maintain the political status excited” about earning over hard and that is what the to focus on the younger childcare. she said. “There are still quo. 60 per cent of the ballots democratic process is all generation. Another order of business thousands of families that In both the city council cast. about.” “I know there’s would be her program have lead pipes leading into contest and the race for pub- Davis ended up with At the celebration, Davis compensation on the way for safe lead pipes for the their homes.” lic school trustee, incum- bents were returned to office with healthy margins of vic- n CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD tory. When it came to the com- petition for city councillor, Janet Davis easily prevailed Recap of TCDSB vote over her eight rivals. And in the public school board race, Kennedy remains on track with a clear victory incumbent Sheila Cary-Me- agher also ran well ahead of By ERIC PEMBER interest prior to the 2010 election. But her opponents. The Observer despite opposition from both the Catholic Davis garnered 12,697 of archdiocese and the teachers’ union, she won the 20,546 votes cast. She Last week’s election returns quickly re-election and was ultimately cleared of the finished almost 10,000 votes drained whatever drama had built up in the allegations. ahead of runner-up George race for Catholic school trustee from East This time around, she enjoyed an actual Papadakis, who got only York. plurality of votes, despite having three 3,023 votes, or about 15 per Once tabulators started counting the votes competitors. She garnered almost 54 per cent cent of the total. after 8 p.m., it was quickly apparent that Angela of ballots cast. This will be Davis’s fourth Kennedy would be East York’s representative Her closest competitor, Kevin Morrison, term as city councillor for at the Toronto Catholic District School Board got around 26 per cent of the votes. So Ward 31. for another four years. Kennedy won the seat Kennedy’s margin of victory was even wider Meanwhile, Sheila for the TCDSB’s Ward 11, covering all of East than four years ago, when she got 47 per cent Cary-Meagher will return yet York, in a landslide. and Morrison got 33 per cent. Andrea Preciado /// The Observer again as trustee for Toronto It marks another chapter in what has been a The other two candidates were even further Brenda MacDonald, a Ward 31 council candi- District School Board’s Ward remarkable political story. back: Desmond Alvares got 14 per cent of the date who finished in the middle of the pack, 16. Kennedy was accused of a conflict-of- vote, and Christmas Sy got six per cent. watches the election returns with supporters. Cary-Meagher garnered 15,245 of 35,410 votes, or 43 per cent of the total. That’s 11 per cent more than her nearest competitor, Marietta Fox. Kennedy eager to make changes after re-election Cary-Meagher, a self-pro- fessed “passionate advocate Landslide victory for Catholic trustee after raking in double her opponent’s vote of the TDSB Model Schools for Inner Cities program,” By LEANDRO DIAZ- saying, ‘I always voted for is one of East York’s lon- MATUS her (Kennedy). You don’t gest-standing politicians, The Observer need to convince me,’” she serving her ward as a trustee Angela Kennedy is back said. “She clearly deserves for the last 27 years. for a fifth consecutive term winning.” The final tally: as East York trustee on the As the chair of the Beaches-East York/Ward Toronto Catholic District Catholic School Advisory 31 councillor: Janet Davis — School Board. Council, Kennedy “sees the 12,697 votes (62 per cent); Kennedy, who was first issues in the school board,” George Papadakis — 3,023 elected to the position in Andreoli said. “Some things votes (15 per cent); Russell November 2000, captured need to be changed. She Rahman — 1,652 votes (eight 53 per cent of the votes is there for the job. She per cent); Brenda MacDonald in TCDSB Ward 11 last is there to do the job she — 1,291 votes (six per cent); week. That translated into was elected to do. Not to Janet Sherbanowski — 858 9,045 votes – over twice do the job that will get her votes (four per cent); Mark the number earned by of elected.” Turnbull — 462 votes (two second-place finisher Kevin Kennedy said she was per cent); Michael Sokovnin Morrison, who came in at thrilled with the win. — 174 votes (0.8 per cent); 4,452. “I am really happy to Stephen Prince — 133 votes At her election have the ratepayers and (0.6 per cent). night gathering, held Brittany Campbell /// The Observer taxpayers reaffirm that they Beaches-East York/Ward at Kennedy’s home, Angela Kennedy canvasses in the run-up to her re-election as East want me as a person to 16 TDSB trustee: Sheila volunteers and assistants York trustee for Toronto Catholic District School Board. represent them,” she said. Cary-Meagher — 15,245 gathered around the living “It’s nice to get a large votes (43 per cent); Marietta room TV, cheering as news declared in unison as the Kennedy’s assistant, said, each other, volunteer Ilda percentage of the vote to Fox — 11,552 votes (33 per came in of the win. final results were announced. “I’m so proud of you!” Nako expressed her gratitude know that I have a mandate cent); Jen Sagar — 6,705 “Elected!” Kennedy and Raising a glass to the As those attending the to the voters. on behalf of the people I votes (19 per cent); Navarius volunteer Michelle Andreoli victor, Marlene D’Silva, gathered hugged and praised “I love hearing people represent.” Mombo — 1,908 votes (5 per cent). The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 REMEMBER 5 Teddy helped veteran feel close to home Webcam conversations with partner also eased separation during his tour of duty

Cont’d. from page 1

Trachmann’s father had served in the Polish military before the family moved to Canada and that Polish background helped Oscar during his first tour as a ma- chine-gunner in Bosnia in 1997. “I was often called upon for my language skills be- cause Polish is similar to Bosnian,” he said. Trachmann celebrated his 20th birthday there. Today, he lives in London with his common-law part- ner, Tracy, in the house they bought between his first and Dennis Gonzales /// The Observer second tours in Afghanistan. Despite the distance, it was during his overseas service Jim Jenkins holds an April, 1945 picture of himself and his crew after his half-track was that Trachmann felt closest to Tracy, and he credits tech- destroyed by an anti-tank mine in Germany. nology for making that possible. “She brought me to Christmas dinner with the family and would put the laptop on the table,” he said. The occasions shared via webcam were not always Canadian recalls Juno Beach joyous. Trachmann recalled sitting in his tent talking to Tracy ‘We’re going to be on France in the morning.” ing. kins said. “I didn’t see a single via a webcam when explosions began and the tent began Artillery Gunner Jenkins, “When we first hit the (German) plane get away.” shaking. on the coast of France then 19, knew that he and the beach, we had six feet of water On the beach now, Jenkins “I calmly told her I had to go back to work and I came rest of the 19th Field Regiment (in front of us); it was just too drove his trusty half-track ar- back on the webcam two hours later,” he said. in the morning,’ his of the Royal Canadian Artil- deep to get (our equipment) moured vehicle past barbed On his way back to the tent, back to the webcam, senior officer said lery, would be landing in Nor- off,” he said. wire and signs warning of Trachmann stopped. mandy on Juno Beach as part They had to pull the ramp up land-mines. He said his expe- “I told her I would have come back sooner, but I had to By DAKODA SANNEN of D-Day, the greatest amphib- and try again. On the second rience on the farm gave him stop and get some pie,” he said. “She got very angry with The Observer ious landing ever attempted. try, with more velocity, they the ability to drive anything me. Sometimes I think the tour was much harder on her Jenkins, now 90 years old, faced another problem. and everything. That half- than it was for me.” Jim Jenkins remembers is one of the featured speakers “We hit a sandbar this time,” track took him from the shores Trachmann continues to be a reservist, while working boarding a barge on the En- for Tuesday’s Remembrance Jenkins said. “It swung the of Juno Beach as far as Ger- full-time at Ontario Power Generation in Pickering. glish Channel early on June 6, Day observance at the East boat right into another empty many. “I miss the camaraderie (of military service) and focus- 1944. But until he was aboard, York campus of Centenni- ship.” And it got Jenkins to within ing on taking care of everyone around me,” he said. no one explained to the Oak- al College. That observance Jenkins’ crew improvised, weeks of the end of the war in wood, Ont. native where he will take place in the campus using acetylene torches to cut Europe. was going. library at 951 Carlaw Avenue away enough metal to lower On April 12, 1945, however, His senior officer, Capt. El- beginning at 10:30 a.m. on their ramp and get ashore. All Jenkins ran over two big box mer D. Bell, made the situa- Tuesday. the while, they were attacked mines that exploded beneath tion a little clearer. Jenkins remembers the not- by German mortar shells and the half-track vehicle and ren- “Boys, there’s no more so-graceful landing he made enemy aircraft. dered it useless. training,” Bell said. “We’re as the invasion of Northwest- “The sky was black with our (More on this story at www. going to be on the coast of ern Europe began that morn- own (fighter aircraft),” Jen- torontoobserver.ca) Celebrating sisterhood during the war Member of the WRENS has fond memories of her time in the navy

By NINA RAYNARS a telegrapher at the Gordon around a lot and we went to The Observer Head Navy radio station near a couple of dances,” she said. Victoria, B.C. “We usually went with girls. For Alison Carter, the Sec- “My father encouraged We didn’t go with the boys. ond World War was an expe- me; he was a veteran of the … Not us, anyway.” rience and an escape. First World War. He thought In 2012, Carter joined the “I was only 18 when I it would be an experience for WREN Association of Toron- joined the Navy. I had never me,” she said. “I was kind of to hoping to reconnect with been away from home,” she scared, but excited about this some of the veterans with Photo courtesy of Oscar Trachmann said. “Part of me knew it was new experience.” whom she’d served during Oscar Trachmann and Teddy at Kandahar the war effort, but I thought it During her training in Galt, the war. She said she found Air Field in Afghanistan. would be an adventure.” Carter said she entered a kind solace in paying homage to Originally from East York, of sisterhood she had never fallen soldiers. Carter enlisted in the Roy- experienced. “We would go the (East al Canadian Navy with the She learned how to get n CARTER York) Civic Centre in our nREMEMBRANCE WRENS (Women’s Royal along with others. In return, freshly pressed, smart blue DAY CEREMONY Canadian Navy Service) in she learned about other peo- and lower bunks was fun.” uniforms. And we would 1943, but she wasn’t called to ple from different parts of the During Carter’s time off, swing in style as we marched Tuesday, Nov. 11, 10:45 a.m. serve until 1944. country. she joined other WRENS on around the cenotaph,” Carter East York Civic Centre For six months, she took “I liked being with other weekend getaways to Mon- said. Memorial Gardens (850 her basic training at Saint-Hy- girls,” she said. “The process treal. “The cheering crowd made Coxwell Ave.) acinthe, Que., and in Galt, of getting used to living with “They had a hostel for us feel (proud) because we Ont. Then she was posted as a lot of other girls in upper servicewomen. We walked were being celebrated.” 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 n COLUMNS n EDITORIALS Tory on right track The culture of catcalling Let me preface this by “It’s not about you.” alone — by strangers whom saying that I will never know I remember saying this they may feel no attraction But new mayor’s transit plan raises questions what it’s like to be an attrac- same statement to a white for. tive woman in a male-dom- friend of mine several They are undressed by the It’s hard to see the results of the mayoral election as anything but a win-win. A win inated world. But for some months back about the anger eyes of people they don’t for Toronto. A win for East York. reason, I once thought I that took place in Ferguson, know and it isn’t always Olivia Chow may have been the sentimental favourite of many East Yorkers — could tell them how they Missouri, over the shooting subtle. especially those living in the southern end of the community. But East York overall should feel. of Michael Brown. I said It’s an invasion of privacy. — from hardcore New Democratic Toronto-Danforth to left-tilting Beaches-East York Just last month, a heated “It’s not about you.” I said The reality for some woman to centrist Don Valley West — saw the sense in casting its vote for the candidate most argument took place in the it because one can never tell is that strangers can touch likely to close the book on the dysfunction of the last four years. Observer newsroom about someone whose life experi- her body without actually Unlike 2010, when Beaches-East York and Don Valley west voted for a YouTube video that has ences have been influenced making physical contact. and Toronto-Danforth voted for George Smitherman, this time it was a clean sweep reached 10 million views. by race how to feel about a What many men like in East York’s three municipal wards: John Tory’s conservative sensibilities may not The setup of the video situation regarding that myself have failed to align with East York’s left-of-centre inclination, but voters here saw him as intelli- was simple: a woman walks very issue. understand in this debate gent, dignified and hardworking… the right combination to lead the city. along Manhattan’s busy Before my fellow is that discomfort is an It’s encouraging that Tory already seems to be seizing the reins. And a top priori- streets alone, with a hidden men rise up in protest, emotion unique to the ty for him and for the new city council will have to be transportation — especially cameraman following behind it’s important to individual. transit. her. understand what’s My lack of Poll after poll showed that this is the number one issue, in East York and across It doesn’t take long until defined as ha- experience on Toronto. During his campaign, Tory campaigned vigorously for his ambitious “Smart- you start to hear the familiar rassment in the the subject Track” plan. catcalls that men like myself first place: ‘Ha- of living as But his rivals, and some objective onlookers, have raised serious questions about have all used at one point. rassment covers a woman the plan. How will it improve service and how much time and money will it really The video concludes with a a wide range of removes my require? And, speaking of money, just who is going to pay for it? We are, after all, message about the wrongs of behaviours of an right to say talking about $8 billion. (And that may well be an underestimate.) harassment towards women. offensive nature. whether some- The good news is that the province has already committed to shouldering much of What struck a nerve with It is commonly thing should be the burden. But there are aspects to SmartTrack that just aren’t funded yet. me was the idea that these understood as be- considered ha- Let’s hope that Tory goes for a combination of sources to make up this shortfall, rather tame and hostile haviour intended rassment or not. and that he carefully considers the impact on East Yorkers and Torontonians generally “compliments” were used as to disturb or upset, Much in the if the burden is borne primarily by taxpayers. There are, after all, other options that examples to prove a point and it is character- same way a Tory should exploit for funding SmartTrack. about harassment being bad. istically repetitive.’ non-minority per- For instance, Tory has a good working relationship with the province of Ontario and Do we now live in a world Do you think son can hardly tell Premier Kathleen Wynne, so provincial support should be one area of focus. where an honest compliment women choose me how to feel As already mentioned, Queen’s Park is already an important source of funding for can be seen as legitimate how they look? No about perceived Toronto transit improvements. But there’s still more money there. harassment? one can really con- racism. It’s all And considering the importance of this city and its economy to the rest of the I remember others along trol this, yet each about perspec- province, it’s only reasonable that we should get more support from the provincial with myself voicing this and every day tives, people, and government. question in our own ways, some receive one thing to be It’s inevitable that taxes on East Yorkers and Torontonians generally will come into but it was something said in comments learned from play here at some point. But our new mayor should, when it comes to SmartTrack, the middle of this firestorm based on their Noel Ransome this is to re- listen to his conservative inner voice, and tax very carefully. that spoke to me: appearance spect them. ~ Ali Naqvi Fairytale ending for Story Not so ‘Marvel’-lous times? A wave of excitement hit How could they not? For ever for comic fandom. the Internet last week as Mar- every geek hoping to see So why am I left a little The NDP casts its shadow, but maybe for good vel Studios announced their favourite comic book uneasy about it all? their lineup of films character hit the big screen Through all of this excite- It seems like election night was full of surprises when it came to the Toronto District through 2019. this is a dream come true. ment, I can’t help but wonder: School Board. The announcement Characters like Deadpool, Is this too much? Is there a Half of the 22 trustees across the city are fresh faces, and that could usher in a new came as a counterpunch Wonder Woman, Dr. threat of over-saturating Hol- era. And one of those fresh faces belongs to Jennifer Story, who scored an upset in To- to DC’s big reve- Strange, Black lywood with all these comic ronto-Danforth over incumbent Cathy Dandy. lation just a few Panther, Flash, book films? It had been widely reported that the local (and powerful) NDP establishment had weeks prior. In to- Captain Marvel, Well, in my opinion, yes. abandoned Dandy for Story, but it was still a surprise to see Dandy’s support go from tal, there are now Aquaman, Shaz- No matter the critical suc- three-quarters of the electorate in 2010 to one-quarter in 2014. Especially since she was 33 major comic am, Cyborg and cess of each film, I have to generally seen as a hard-working and innovative trustee… and she even got a solid elec- book films set to Green Lantern wonder how these films will tion-eve endorsement from Toronto’s most widely read newspaper. The Star said she be released from are going to have make money, considering that was a reasonable person amidst some quarrelsome colleagues, and she was supportive the end of 2014 their own solo they will all, more than likely, of students with mental health issues or biorhythms suited to the late-start high school until 2020 from films, while major feature budgets of at least that she helped start. Marvel, DC, Sony and groups like DC’s $100 million. Story explained that Dandy didn’t make enough of an effort to talk to the parents of 20th Century Fox. Suicide Squad and Make no mistake, as much the ward. Maybe there was some overconfidence in the Dandy camp. Or maybe this On top of that, there Marvel’s Inhumans as these movies are being ambitious newcomer just did a better job in her “ground campaign.” are another six comic are also slated to made for fans, they’re being But whatever the reasons, it may be that Story and the other newcomers who will book films yet to re- hit the big screen. made to make money. And soon be sitting around the board table at 5050 Yonge St. are a positive development. ceive release dates. Throw in the nu- in my estimation, at least $3 The TDSB has seemed gridlocked lately, and it’s even had its share of scandals. Now This has led to many merous sequels billion is being invested in these fresh faces can bring some fresh air with them. They’ll have a chance to set a new fans calling the for established them. agenda and a new tone. next seven years franchises and That’s one heck of a gam- the “Golden this should be ble. ~Deidra Barton Age” of comic Paolo Maquiraya about the most Let’s hope it turns out to be book films. exciting time justified.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- FACULTY EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR COPY EDITORS nial College journalism students at the East York Lindy Oughtred Andrea C. Preciado Erin Sandel campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan ASSIGNMENT EDITOR Samantha Turchan 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Donston Wilson PRODUCTION EDITORS OBSERVER PHOTO EDITOR Arturo Chang [email protected]. Telephone 416- 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Jennifer Lee Leandro Diaz-Matus The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 REMEMBER 7 Creating a sense of law and order

By EVAN PANG The Observer

Derrick Gaudet’s job in Afghanistan was generating respect where there was none. “You can’t get older people to respect the police (in Afghani- stan),” he said. “They Nicholas Misketi /// The Observer are already set in their Music teacher Ian Speck rehearses a performance with Grade 8 students at Glen Ames Senior Public School. Each class ways.” will share its reflections on remembrance through a performance at the school’s Remembrance Day ceremony Nov. 11. On Dec. 31, 2014, Canada’s combat oper- ations in Afghanistan will end. Following 13 years of war, Canadian Honouring veterans a leaf at a time Forces are trying to leave behind law and By NICHOLAS MISKETI die — not like my old bones.… Memo- the rest of our class will act it out and Music teacher Ian Speck also helps order in the country. The Observer ries, they’re ever-livin’ things.” make sound effects to it,” one Grade 8 organize the ceremony. He will sing the Sgt. Gaudet is a dog On Remembrance Day, students will student said. words to “In Flanders Fields,” the tradi- handler at Toronto A story about a child’s desire to pre- assemble in the school’s gymnasium in This combination of poetry and dra- tional Remembrance Day poem written Police Services in East serve the memory of fallen soldiers front of a recreation of the “Memorial” ma will represent what the act of re- by Canadian John McCrae. As he sings, York. In 2012, he vol- will help students at Glen Ames Senior tree on the gymnasium wall. Each class membrance means to them. students will act out the lyrics in dramat- unteered to go overseas Public School learn the significance of will contribute a branch to the tree and Teacher Laura Kingelin helps orga- ic performance. “It’s designed to give to work with the other Nov. 11. each student will add a leaf to the class’s nize the assembly. She explained the them a deeper understanding of what police officers of the In the story, called “Memorial,” the branch containing written expressions importance of the students sharing a remembering is all about,” Speck said. European Union train- boy fears the town’s decision to remove of remembrance. connection to remembrance at the cer- In preparation for the ceremony, the ing the Afghan police a tree planted by his great-grandfather When the tree is completed, each emony. students will have read the Memorial force. It requires more as a memorial to fallen comrades might class will respond with its own perfor- “If the students make that connection, story. Kingelin said the tree shows stu- than just building a law also remove their memory. mance piece. Through this performance it’s something that will stay with them dents that they all share in this experi- enforcement unit. “That don’t mean they’ll forget,” the piece before their peers, each class will and they will pass on,” Kingelin said. ence together. “The (police) officers old veteran says. “It’s the fight in you share how they remember. “It’s how they will keep the memory “It brings it home to them that they over there were like they’ll remember. That memory won’t “Two students will read a poem and alive.” are all connected,” Kingelin said. military,” he said. “If someone did something wrong, they would just hit you over the back of the head, put you into Officer says he’ll always have time for cadets a truck and take you away.… The people By SANA FATANI “Anything that is a positive speaking to youth. Johnson gets paid $70 for graduated from the program. might never see you The Observer thing in my life, I can definite- Johnson spent six years as a administering the cadet pro- “One cadet who joined the again.” ly contribute to the cadet pro- cadet before moving to a staff gram once a week for three military program is now a fire While in Afghanistan, He has next to no spare time gram,” he said. position that he’s held for eight hours. In reality, he logs at chief of one of the biggest mil- Gaudet was stationed at in his life. Jonathan Johnson is At 24, Johnson serves as years now. Today he leads 16 least triple the number of itary fire halls in the country,” a German forces base, a fourth-year biology major at a commanding officer of the staff members and seven par- working hours on the books. he said. just outside of Fayz- the University of Toronto. He 330th Danforth Tech Squad- ents’ committee board mem- Johnson explained that he’s For Johnson, it appears abad, the capital and works at a retail and logistics ron of cadets, based in East bers. in charge of almost 100 cadets there will always be room in largest city in the north- company. York. “The program is very en- at the moment. his life for the cadet program. ern province of Bada- And despite all that, he ded- The cadet program teaches riching,” he said. “I care He said the most rewarding “It (has) helped me become khshan. Each morning icates 12 hours a week to a life skills such as leadership, because I’m able to impact aspect of his work is seeing the person…I am today,” he he would leave the base group of military cadets. time management and public someone’s life.” cadets come back after they’ve said. in an armoured vehicle and drive straight to the police headquarters in the heart of the city. Remembering the ‘sailors that weren’t saved’ “There’s military people everywhere, By KATHERINE FORTE ship.” / Memories of those young lives so evidence of buildings The Observer But one morning in November heroically spent.” being blown up,” 1943 was different: only two ships For the past three years at the East Gaudet said, There were supposed to be three made port. The Athabaskan didn’t York Remembrance Day ceremo- “But there are (also) ships. return. ny, Aldred has recited In Flanders flowers growing, Each day, in the lead-up to D-Day, “We were there to see the ships Fields, followed by a personal writ- people doing their the HMCS Huron, Haida and Atha- come in,” Aldred said. “Right away ing inspired by what he witnessed business. There’re baskan would leave port and sail into you’re fearful of how many of the while serving aboard HMCS Prince people going on with the English Channel off Plymouth, guys went down with the ship… how Robert during the Second World their lives even though England. many were saved. Some did escape War. there’s a war going on “We’d see those three destroyers in the captain’s motorboat; others This year, Aldred plans to read around them.” going out at dusk just when it’s get- were captured by the Germans.” Sailor’s Lament. Gaudet spent his time ting dark,” said Second World War In his poem Sailor’s Lament, Al- “This is what I’m thinking of: training the police chief veteran Jack Aldred. dred remembered the Athabaskan sailors that weren’t saved,” he said. and his staff to devel- “They had to go clear the (En- and her crew. “They died in the English Channel op respect among the glish) Channel of German ships and “…’neath the unforgiving waves / and they’re in unmarked graves. people, to give them a then… we’d see them come back the Are many unmarked sailors’ graves. They’re just down there with the sense of security in a next morning with shell holes in the / So let the little poppy represent our ship.” n ALDRED war-torn country. 8 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 7, 2014

n COMMUNITY

Henry Chang Li /// The Observer East York flag FoodShare volunteer Carolynne Fairweather checks the produce to ensure freshness. Each week, she helps set up a mobile market and Dawes Road and Gower Street in East York. a reminder of This grocery store comes to you ‘what we were’ By HENRY CHANG LI It’s one of five mobile markets if there are mobility issues choice for seniors. The Observer run in Toronto by Foodshare, or health concerns. So Food- “An elderly man came and a non-profit organization. Share brings the store to the bought three (pieces of) ba- Head of flag program says it’s still a Every Wednesday at 4 “The selection isn’t that people. nana and sweet potato,” she symbol of E.Y.’s history and community p.m., rain or shine, FoodShare great at the nearest store,” They start by collecting said. “We sell things individ- Toronto brings its mobile gro- said East York resident Judy produce from suppliers across ually. We don’t tell them they cery store to East York. Appleby, who visits the mar- Ontario in a building near have to buy a whole bunch. By JEREMY HON When it’s ‘shine,’ cus- ket every week. “I find the se- Dufferin and Bloor. Then vol- They aren’t pressured to buy The Observer tomers browse the selection lection here pretty good.” unteers like Kirkland sort out a whole bunch for a cheaper The East York Histor- of fruits and vegetables on Fresh fruits and vegeta- and divide the produce among price when they can’t finish it ical Society is hoping stands set up in the parking bles are inaccessible to many five different mobile markets. before it expires.” that a new wave of those lot of Harmony Hall on Gow- people across Toronto. For “We pack things that are Fairweather said the mar- distinctive East York flags er Street. And when it’s ‘rain’ low-income families, food high in nutrients and vita- ket teaches children how to will soon be waving in the – or snow or too cold for can be expensive and the mins,” she said. “We buy make healthy life choices. former borough. comfort – the market moves nearest store may be miles whatever is in season.” “There’s mothers at home Alan Redway is one of inside an apartment building away, said Foodshare volun- FoodShare volunteer and with little people,” she said. the driving forces behind at Gower and Dawes Road. teer Deborah Kirkland. East York resident Car- “They bring their little peo- the society. And for five n REDWAY Aimed at seniors and While this isn’t the case olynne Fairweather helps ple with them and it’s an ed- years starting in 1977, he low-income families, the for people living near Dawes set up the mobile market at ucation for them. They learn was mayor of East York — when it was politically auton- store is both convenient and and Gower, even a 10-min- Dawes and Gower. She said about shopping and how to omous, prior to amalgamation. He now remembers how inexpensive, customers say. ute journey can be daunting it offers convenience and buy the right things.” he couldn’t help but notice that of all the municipalities making up what was then called “,” his was the only one missing a flag. So after approval from East York council, he organized Mastering the fine art of ‘horse ballet’ a contest that would encourage the design for the new flag. This contest not only received hundreds of submis- Local rider and her family affair. She credits her sions but also donations from companies and businesses parents with her success and such as Peak Freans, Coca Cola, Canada Wire and Cable. horse compete in says they were the driving “The flags are a symbol of uniqueness,” Redway said. force behind both her and “It sets East York apart from other cities and municipal- Quebec after only her younger sister, who also ities.” 3 weeks of practice rides and competes. The winning flag is composed of the initials of the bor- “They’re the best support- ough, EY, along with a maple leaf. Many believe the ‘Y’ By BETH JARRELL ers, and they have been there symbolizes the two branches of the Don River. for me their entire lives,” she The Observer A board director of the East York Historical Society, said. Margaret McRae, heads the flag program. She is in charge When East York horseback “My mom is my biggest of ordering and selling the flags. rider Tori Pittman stepped supporter. She knows how I “We started by ordering 200 desktop 4x6 inch flags on into the dressage arena in work and I can trust her with a stand which we sold for $10,” McRae explained. “Then Blainville, Quebec last anything.” we ordered and sold 25 flags, three feet by six feet, and month for her first-ever out- Although she did not place later 15 flags, 27 by 54 inches.” of-province competition, she in the Quebec show, Pittman McRae stated that “all the larger flags have been sold, wasn’t quite sure what to ex- hopes the experience will but there are still lots of desktop flags remaining.” So the pect. Photo courtesy of Ed Pittman help her grow as a rider as society is advertising them for sale. At the time of the show, Tori Pittman and her 18-year-old Westphalian she moves on to the nation- She said that even in the era of the “mega-city,” the Pittman had only been riding cross are partners in dressage. al stage. Currently, Pittman flags remain a symbol of the history and community that her 18-year-old Westphalian spends her time riding, train- is East York. cross for three weeks, an in- not have asked for a better “There was something ing horses for people and “I feel a very deep loyalty to East York. It’s been my credible feat in a sport where partner.” about dressage that stuck teaching dressage lessons home since 1980,” McRae said. “It’s a well-run munic- the bond between horse and Dressage, although a French with me,” Pittman said. “I twice weekly. ipality with a great spirit. The flags help represent and rider is paramount. term itself, is one of the main loved dance when I took it as “I would not be the person remind what we were…. Especially with new residents, it “That bond, that relation- events for English-style rid- a kid, and the higher you get, I am without riding, and I is important for us to show them the history.” ship and mutual trust takes ers. It is also called “horse the more you have to make it don’t think I would be happy For more information on the East York flags, visit time to develop, so it’s in- ballet,” as riders must do a se- look like you’re just sitting without it,” she said. “I love www.eastyork.org or visit the East York Historical Soci- credible that I was able to ries of movements with their there when you’re actually the thrill of competing, and ety’s own website at www.eastyork.org/eyhs. work with this amazing horse that mimics the famous doing a million things.” would love to keep doing it horse,” Pittman said. “I could dance style. For Pittman, riding is a my entire life.”