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Neighbours Of FEBRUARY 2018 | VOLUME 3 Issue 2

Leaside BENNINGTONHeights PHY A R G ID WILLIAMS PHOTO V y DA

The Kelly Family: Cover photo b Bringing Warmth to FEATURE STORY FEATURE STORY

The Kelly Family: Bringing Warmth to Leaside

By Richard S. Todd Dana Ryckman, London, & Neil Kelly Joe & Neil Kelly in front of the old church house - 1397 Photos by David Williams Photography

Leaving one’s home country for another takes courage, back to our area for generations. conviction, and dedication, even when coming to a welcom- Their story starts between Donegal Bay and the Blue Stack to raise their four children: Helen, Sharon, Neil, and Joy. The tinues to provide the honest work, quality craftsmanship, and ing country such as . Millions of people have moved Mountains in the historic picturesque town of Donegal, lo- children all attended local schools and went on to attend trusted advice that Joe built the company’s reputation on. here to pursue their dreams, and their success stories add cated in Ulster, Ireland. It was here that Joe and Marion met, McMaster, Western, York, and Western Universities, re- In 1985, the family settled in the old church house beside to the rich history and cultural fabric of our great nation. became high school sweethearts, and began their journey spectively. The Kelly family has now grown to include seven St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church on Bayview Avenue. This Leaside residents Joe and Marion Kelly are one such through life together. grandchildren: Myah, Hannah, Cooper, Jules, London, Ma- home has since been converted into offices that house both couple with an amazing story of hard work, commitment to “Joe and I met at a local dance,” says Marion. “Joe had son, and Kelly. Kelly’s Heating and Air Conditioning and The Bayview Natu- family, and community involvement that will continue to give his hair cut in a very trendy Beatles style. After a few years In 1981, Joe launched his own business, Kelly’s Heating ral Heath Clinic, which is owned by their daughter, Sharon, of dating, we made plans to get married, but both of us had and Air Conditioning, in Leaside. The idea to enter the trades who’s now a doctor of naturopathic medicine. ambitions to leave Donegal for greener pastures. Joe found came from his father, Niall Kelly, who recognized Joe’s skills The other two Kelly children are also in the field of health the perfect place for us here in Canada.” early on. care. Helen earned her degree in nursing and currently Acting upon the advice of his brother, Joe sought hous- “Joe has always shown an interest and aptitude in me- works at General Hospital. Joy graduated from ing and work here in so he and Marion had a firm chanical work,” Marion says. “His skills were so profound the University of Western with a degree in sociology foundation to start their life together. In 1973, after one year that his father suggested he attend trade school in Ireland.” of health and aging, and is currently on maternity leave. away, he returned to Ireland to marry her. In the beginning,David Trombley he worked completely on his own, per- Despite commitment to their various careers, the Kelly fam- “We had a small ceremony in Donegal,” Marion says. “And sonally taking phone calls, writing up invoices, and perform- ily, now numbering 17 in total, makes sure to get together at then we packed up and moved to Toronto the very next day!” ing all the installation, service, and maintenance work him- Joe and Marion’s house for pizza night every Friday. They Joe and Marion purchased their first house on Soudan self. But through determined effort, and with the help of his also travel as a group, having made annual visits to Aruba Avenue. Seeing real estate as a great way to provide for the son Neil, what was once a one-man operation grew over the for the past 20 years. Joe and Marion now spend their win- present and build their future in their new country, Joe began years into a full-service team of nine employees. ters there, but are never alone for long as their children and buying houses, digging out basements and renovating the Neil is now the company vice president, running its daily grandchildren all come to visit throughout the winter months. upstairs for tenancy while working at his day job. The hours operations. He started working with his father on weekends Following local sports such as the Toronto Blue Jays and were long, but Joe was known throughout the community as during his high school years, and then went on to obtain his Toronto Maple Leafs is another favourite pastime, as is spon- always being cheery and having a positive outlook. gas fitters license and bachelor of administrative studies in soring local baseball and hockey teams. The family also co- He was also well supported by Marion, who stayed home 2006. Counting his father as his biggest inspiration, Neil con- sponsors the Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle

4 Neighbours of LEASIDE & BENNINGTON HEIGHTS FEBRUARY 2018 5 FEATURE STORY CALENDAR destination, Yorkville Village this winter. and Tooling Centre and learn the basics School Fun Fair each year. OF EVENTS The sophisticated neighbourhood like how to patch drywall from Canada’s continues to undergo massive changes Handyman, Shawn Monteith. It’s these acts of working together and in retail, luxury hospitality and real estate Meet one-on-one with renovators, interior giving back that have integrated the Kel- Friday, March 2 and provides the ultimate backdrop to designers and certified landscapers lys into our community, a spirit that Joe Laugh out Loud in Leaside spotlight fashion, art and culture. for complimentary consultations. @ The William Lea Room, Leaside Memorial Shining a spotlight on fashion, art and culture www.gtahomeandrenoshow.com sums up quite nicely. Gardens with a global twist, the reimagined bi-annual “We have always loved this neighbour- Join us for an evening of adult comedy, music, celebration will include a speaker series with Thru Fri. Feb. 23 food and friends benefiting the non-profit charity internationally renowned designers and industry hood,” he says. “Community has always Moorelands. Since 1912, Moorelands has experts, runway shows and special presentations. Rigoletto been important to us, and we’ve always been helping bridge the opportunity gap for www.torontofashionweek.to @ for the Performing unprivileged kids. Their wilderness camp and city Arts, 145 West supported local business and in turn programs teach life lessons. Sat. Feb. 10 One of the world’s most popular operas, Rigoletto, have been supported as well. Leaside Featuring an oyster bar, gourmet appetizers, returns to Toronto’s Four Seasons Centre stage Steam Whistle’s Roundhouse this winter in a production from acclaimed has a real sense of peace, community, silent/live auction, sweet treats and so much more! Winter Craft Beer Festival American director Christopher Alden. and security, and all with a small town Time: 6:30 pm @ outside Steam A tragedy of Shakespearean dimensions, the feel. The small boutiques, wide choice of Tickets: $90 per person Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Avenue opera features some of Verdi’s most passionate To purchase tickets or tables, visit buytickets. Don your stompin’ boots, pull on a toque and and heartbreaking melodies, including the restaurants, and truly caring people make at/Leasidelol9 or contact Charlene at charlene@ wear your best retro ski gear because it’s time famous tenor aria “La donna è mobile.” to hoist a pint or two with the Craft Brewers www.coc.ca this a great neighbourhood to live in!” charlenekalia.com. of Ontario while the snowflakes are falling. The Winter Craft Beer Festival showcases beers Sat. Feb 24 – Sat. Feb 25 Mon. Feb 5 – Wed. Feb. 7 from bona fide Ontario Craft Brewers, based Sesame Street Live on their passion to re-kindle and keep alive Toronto Fashion Week @ Hershey Centre, 5500 Rose the spirit of traditional brewing: independent @ Yorkville Village Cherry Place, Mississauga ownership, smaller batches, artisanal styles, Toronto Fashion Week returns to Toronto’s Take part in the sunniest and funniest street quality ingredients, all-natural and undiluted. recently renovated and premier luxury retail celebration, Sesame Street Live at the Hershey Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Do you know a neighbour who has Centre in Mississauga. The inaugural production Cost: From $25 features favourite Sesame Street pals Elmo, a story to share? Nominate your www.craftbeerfest.ca Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and more in a brand- neighbour to be featured in new sensory adventure live on stage. one of our upcoming issues! Tue. Feb. 13 – Sun. Feb. 18 From the moment the curtain rises, parents and Come From Away children alike will be on their feet dancing along Contact us at to a pop-infused soundtrack with new Sesame @ , 260 West Street friends and live emcees Casey and [email protected]. After a sold-out, standing-room-only Caleb. A unique, up-close-and-personal Toronto engagement before heading to pre-show experience will be offered at an Broadway, Come From Away returns to additional charge prior to select performances, Toronto due to overwhelming demand. allowing families the opportunity to tour the Set shortly after the tragic events of September on-stage neighborhood of their favourite, furry 11, 2001, 38 planes with 6,579 passengers friends before they arrive for the main show. are stranded in a small town in Newfoundland Cost: Tickets from $15.00 as air traffic is suspended. The locals open www.sesamestreetlive.com Purchase a massage and get a facial for just up their homes to these weary travellers, * offering a sign of hope in a troubling time. Time: Visit website for times Thru Sun. Mar. 4 Tickets: $69.00 - $200.00 Toronto Light Festival YOUR LOCAL www.mirvish.com/shows @ The $ The Toronto Light Festival is a visual journey and imaginative cerebral adventure designed to Fri. Feb. 16 – Mon. Feb. 19 entertain and inspire. During the cold, dark days The GTA Home & Reno Show

* See or call spa for details. * See or call spa for of winter, City residents can experience one of the RECOMMENDED REALTOR @ The International Centre, 6900 largest open-air lighting galleries in 45 Airport Road, Mississauga at the Distillery Historic District. The event exhibits The GTA Home & Reno Show brings over 300 the creativity of local & international light artists. of the GTA’s finest contractors, suppliers and Cost: Free design experts on hand to the International Time: 11:00 pm Thinking Of Selling Or Buying? Centre. Find everything you need to kick-start www.torontolightfest.com your next home project under one roof. While at the show, get hands-on in DIY Contact Charlene for trusted Real Estate advice that moves you!

416.925.9191 [email protected] www.charlenekalia.com

Chairman’s Awardwww.At forHo Topm eLevelInLea Salesside .Performancecom charlene@charlenekaSALESlia REPRESENTATIVE.com Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage 1300 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1X3 This is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.

Recommended By Your Neighbours In Leaside And Bennington Heights!

6 Neighbours of LEASIDE & BENNINGTON HEIGHTS FEBRUARY 2018 7