ww The ROLL Call n Roller derby skates into town Observer Page 5 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 43, No. 6 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, April 25, 2014 Who will lead the Liberals? Candidates line up to represent the Liberals in Beaches-East York riding

By NOLAN WHITE The Observer

The competition is heating up in Beaches-East York to carry the Liberal banner into the next federal election. Businessman Tom McGee is already holding events in the riding to promote his run at the local riding associa- tion’s nomination. Meanwhile, lawyer Jeff Rybak — also the vice-president of the Harmony Hall Centre for Seniors — has launched a website for his campaign to become the Liberals’ candidate in the riding. And now fellow lawyer Nathaniel Erskine-Smith is pro- moting his intent to capture the riding association’s nod. All with the federal election still a year and a half away. But the local Liberals are laying groundwork now in the hope that next year they’ll recapture Beaches-East York from New Democrat MP , who beat incumbent Liberal in 2011. For his part, Smith, 29, says he has had a nearly life-long interest in politics — since his years on student council, back when he attended high school at Malvern Collegiate. He has been a lawyer since 2011, practicing in commercial litigation, but he said he also tries to maintain involvement in public interest matters of the community. In an interview, Smith said that he was born and raised in Beaches-East York. He went on to study politics at Queen’s University, constitutional law in law school at Queen’s and political theory at the University of Oxford. While a 23-year-old student at Queen’s, Smith ran for Kingston city council. Though unsuccessful, he said it was a great learning experience. As for his politics today, he said, “I’m tired of the way Jeremy Hon /// Observer Harper has governed our country and I want to do some- thing about it — and [Justin] Trudeau has called for open Music in the air nominations and generational change within the Liberal Julian Nalli (left) and Nic Ladouceur staked out the Danforth on Wednesday to celebrate spring with some jazz. The duo — Nalli is originally from Langley, B.C. and Ladouceur is from Yellow- n See CANDIDATES, page 8 knife, N.W.T. — say they came to because “there are more opportunities to be creative.” He wasn’t afraid to die, but wanted it to be on his own terms Dr. Donald Low didn’t get the death he’d hoped for. Now his widow has taken up the fight for Canadians’ right to die with dignity

By DAVID KENNEDY microbiologist who would become one of the Several days before his death, Low released cide remains illegal in . The Supreme The Observer public faces of SARS in Toronto, developed a video outlining his attempt to cope with his Court cites the 20-year old ruling in Sue Ro- a working relationship that would eventually terminal illness, and his search for driguez v. British Columbia as authoritative In the spring of 2003, it felt like Toronto was transition into marriage. a way to die with dignity. Now a on the issue. Rodriguez, who struggled with coming apart at the seams. “For Don and I,” Taylor recently told a class registered physician’s assistant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or “Lou Ordinary people walked the streets in surgical of Centennial College journalism students at and teacher at McMaster Uni- Gehrig’s disease,” was not allowed to seek masks and staff at Toronto East General Hos- their East York campus, “SARS was the begin- versity, Taylor has taken up medical assistance to end her own life. pital wore hazmat suits. The emergency room ning of a wonderful romance and relationship her late husband’s legacy and While several legal challenges have been at Scarborough Grace Hospital was shut down that brought two families together.” speaks at events about the need made since, none has set a new precedent. and the World Health Organization issued a The couple was married for 10 happy years for assisted suicide. As a microbiologist and doctor of infec- travel advisory for Toronto. before Low was diagnosed with a rare, untreat- Despite continued chal- tious disease, Donald Low understood SARS was in full swing. able brain-stem tumour in February 2013. He lenges, assisted sui- that there was no treatment or cure Amid the chaos, Maureen Taylor, a health died that September after eight months of de- reporter for the CBC, and Dr. Donald Low, a teriorating health. n TAYLOR n See KEEPING, page 2 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, April 25, 2014

POLICE & Whs at’ FIRE up in e.y. Witnesses sought Harmonize at after teen shot Harmony Hall An 18-year-old The East York man admitted Barbershoppers himself to hospi- host their annual tal with gunshot charity auction wounds on April on Friday May 2, 12. This followed at Harmony Hall reports that shots Centre for Seniors had been fired on 2 Gower St. in the vicinity of Proceeds go to- Dawes Road and ward Harmonize Victoria Park Av- for Speech and enue. Police say Harmony Hall. that the victim is Tickets are $5 not cooperating, at the door. For but they believe more information there were wit- contact George at nesses to the 416-751-6456. shooting and are asking the public for assistance. Dancers step Anyone with infor- Xuyun Zeng /// The Observer out tomorrow mation is asked to call police at The ‘Shadow’ knows... Trade School To- 416-808-5400 or ronto is running Maureen Mann, adoption counsellor for the Toronto Cat Rescue agency, gives Shadow some love. Crime Stoppers dance classes Shadow was up for adoption at the “adopt-a-thon” held recently at Wag on the Danforth. anonymously at open to everyone 416-222-8477. tomorrow, April 26, at the Ralph Thornton Centre, Man arrested 765 Queen St. E. in luring case Weaving stories out of war They start at 11 a.m. and run until Police arrested a By BETH JARRELL “All of us are affected by war. Like many who write about extraordinary moments of de- 7 p.m. Teachers man on April 15 The Observer Our planet is deeply affect- war, Sileika has a personal con- cision-making where in sec- and students can following reports ed by the succession of war,” nection with some elements of onds everything hangs in the learn more and that someone Unless we learn from our Connelly said when asked why his work. His son served as a balance.” register at trad- was trying to past, it is often said, history she writes about such a difficult soldier in Afghanistan. He said The authors agreed there is eschool.coop/ lure young girls will repeat itself. This was the topic. “We carry the marks of that writing about war allows one element that keeps them Toronto/ into a car in East attitude at the Danforth-Cox- war in our DNA.” us to examine our values. coming back to what they do: York. On April 7, well library branch on April Connelly said that telling “War brings great questions the human aspect. They sur- Students make a 13-year-old girl 16, when a crowd of about people’s stories is what makes of moral high ground,” he said. mised that it is the human con- was walking along 40 gathered to see author Ray her work so interesting, but un- “We like to imagine ourselves nection that makes them keep beautiful music the sidewalk near Robertson moderate a discus- like a journalist, writers don’t as making these great moral going. An ensemble of Danforth and sion panel on writing about war feel the need to be objective decisions.” “When people were talking music students Coxwell avenues in fiction. with their storytelling. But, when asked to sum up [during interviews], I would from Centennial when a man drove Authors Antanis Sileika, “People will tell stories as why he believes people are in- pull out the human bits and College’s East up and tried to Nicole Lundrigan and Karen if telling them will bring them clined to read war fiction, Sile- weave them into my story,” York campus convince her to Connelly were present to de- some relief from the pain they ika said he thinks it’s the same Lundrigan said. is performing get into his car. bate the merits of writing about have experienced,” Sileika reason why he writes it. Lundrigan, who recently tomorrow, April Five days later, war, the challenges they face said. “When you’re collecting “War is very exciting. It’s published her fifth book, added 26, at the Toronto a second girl, and why writing about violent these stories, it feels like you’re horrible and bloody, but it’s that humour will even occa- Centre for the 16, was similarly history is important. doing something.” exciting,” he said. “It’s about sionally surface. Arts, 5040 Yonge approached near St. Tickets are Coxwell and Ger- $15 at the box rard Street. Fidai office or on Nasir has been Ticketmaster. The charged with two Keeping debate alive is Low’s ‘legacy’ show begins at 7 counts of crimi- p.m. nal harassment. Cont’d. from page 1 nity. I wish they could live in choose how I go.” that it’s not abused. No phy- Anyone with ad- my body for 24 hours and I Opponents of assisted sui- sician should have to provide ditional informa- for his illness. think they would change that cide argue that allowing doc- this — only the ones who want Get a head start tion is asked to “When I realized I had a opinion.” tors to help people end their to.” on your garden contact police at disease that was terminal... I Low also talked about how lives is a slippery slope. They Taylor is confident that when 416-808-5400 or looked into alternatives, Low envious he was of certain claim that assisted suicide the Supreme Court revisits the Visit the Trace Crime stoppers said in the video, which was American states, as well as could lead to the forced eutha- issue of assisted suicide, it will Manes Communi- anonymously at released on YouTube. “What several European countries nasia of the elderly or people find that our current laws are ty Centre at 110 416-222-8477. surprised me the most was where assisted suicide has with disabilities. unconstitutional. Rumsey Rd. on ~ Peder Myhr the objection to it. There is been legalized. Taylor is quick to reject Although she acknowledg- May 10 for a plant no place in Canada where you Low was never granted the these assertions. She points es that speaking about the is- sale hosted by the can have support to [die] with type of death he wanted. to examples such as the Neth- sue may not be the best way Garden So long ‘til dignity.” Taylor points out that as the erlands and Belgium where to move past her husband’s Society. Both an- Later in the video, Low plead- baby boomer generation gets assisted suicide is legal, yet death, she intends to keep nuals and perenni- ed for opponents of doctor-as- older, more and more people used sparingly. Still, she em- making presentations, to keep als will be on sale. September sisted suicide to reconsider. will begin to ask themselves phasizes that measures should talking about assisted suicide The sale begins at The East York Observer — a “Why make people suffer questions about ending their be taken to ensure the death is and to keep advocating for a 9 a.m. and ends publication of the journal- for no reason when there’s an lives. in the best interests of both the person’s right to die with dig- at noon. Visit lea- ism students at Centennial alternative?” he asked “Medicine can keep peo- patient and the doctor. nity. sidegardensociety. College’s East York campus “I just don’t understand it. ple alive,” she said, “but it “I would want safeguards “It’s the one thing that may- org for more infor- — will be on hiatus for the mation. summer and will return in Sep- There’s a lot of opposition to can’t make you young again. I in place to make sure that the be I can do as a legacy to him,” tember. Thank you for reading, it — a lot of clinicians have think we’re coming to the re- slippery slope doesn’t hap- she said. “I think he’d be hap- ~ Beth Jarrell and have a great summer. opposition to dying with dig- alization that maybe I want to pen,” she said, “to make sure py that I’m still working on it.” The East York Observer /// Friday, April 25, 2014 NEWS 3 War-displaced families make beautiful music

By VERA EL-TIMANY The Observer

An East York organization serving war-displaced fam- ilies now in Canada showed off its art and play program at a spring open house. Families from multinational backgrounds gathered recently at Forest Manor Public School in the Road-Sheppard Avenue East area for a celebration of the Turtle House Art/Play Centre. Turtle House is headquartered at 305 Dawes Rd. in East York and describes itself as a special arts program specifically for children and their parents who have come to Canada from regions of conflict in other parts of the world. Representatives visit schools across Toronto, holding activities that include painting, clay work, and music. Virginia Mashingaidze /// The Observer “We meet with settlement workers in different schools Joanne Pais uses a projected “Smart Board” display every day. But while technology creates op- if they have a high percentage of newcomers (to the portunities, she says some students need to learn how to sift through the torrent of information. country),” said Tamam McCallum, executive director of Turtle House. The agency has been running as a non-profit organiza- tion since 2005 and says it strives to provide a positive Teacher advocates for technology and supportive environment for participants. They have run their program at venues in East York, the rest of By VIRGINIA board every day. I can show Kurtis Evans, who teaches certain brain growth, especial- Toronto, and most recently in Markham. MASHINGAIDZE students information on the grades 3 and 4 at Holy Cross, ly when it comes to emotional They celebrate diversity, with people coming from The Observer Internet (and) I can use virtu- said that using technology all growth,” Evans said. various countries — including Iraq, Libya, Egypt and al manipulates, for instance, the time at school isn’t ideal. The bottom line, he added, North Korea. Today’s students are grow- when I’m teaching math,” she “I think you need a balance of is that technology shouldn’t be Ellahe Tamaddon, a Turtle House participant who is ing up in the digital media age. said. “By using those types both,” he said. “You can’t crit- the only means by which stu- originally from Iran, said the agency has had a significant But even with new devices of visuals when I’m teaching, ically and heavily just depend dents acquire information. impact on her life. constantly being created, East it’ll help them interpret the vi- on one teaching technique, and “It can’t be something you “It was just like going into a big family. We had no York’s Holy Cross Catholic suals they’re seeing.” part of the reason is every stu- just entirely depend on,” he one; we knew nobody; we knew nowhere. I mean, every- School is finding ways to in- While technology has creat- dent learns differently.” said. “There are other aspects thing was new. So imagine a family of four coming into a corporate technology into its ed many learning opportuni- Holy Cross has 25 to 30 of school besides the way city that doesn’t know anybody,” Tamaddon said. “Then classrooms. ties for students, Pais said, it’s computers for 400 students. It they access information. A lot you come into a community — a family — that has Joanne Pais teaches grades also led to some problems. also has netbooks, which it’s of school is social-based as everyone look at you in a very friendly way. They have 7 and 8 at the school, on Don- “I think the problem with in the process of trading in for well…. (Technology) is good big smiles, a wonderful atmosphere, food and activities. lands Avenue. She said she technology is that a lot of (stu- iPad minis. and it’s something that I would Everything was so wonderful…. It was so relaxing. It thinks technology is an im- dents) don’t know how to sift “I’ve read studies that show advocate for, but I would ad- was much-needed.” portant tool for her students. through the information,” she that being exposed to too much vocate that it’s used responsi- “I currently use the smart said. technology can actually inhibit bly.”

n POLITICS Dandy up for re-election By JENNA REID Dandy said in an interview. “Although The Observer it’s a large system, it is very much a local issue. It’s where people move and experi- Cathy Dandy is hoping it’s not only bad ence their local community.”As a mother things that happen in threes. of three children who have gone through The public school trustee for Ward 15/ TDSB schools, Dandy said that she has the Toronto-Danforth de- ability to relate to the struggles that come clared her candidacy for a with helping a child navigate through the third term on the Toronto system. District School Board Dandy has a BA from York, and is a can- by filing her nomination didate for a master’s degree from the Ontar- papers with the city last io Institute for Studies in Education at the month. . She said activism is So far, she’s the only n DANDY in her blood. candidate in the ward. “My mother and father were very politi- Other contenders have until September to cally involved,” she said. declare. In 2010, she piled up more than “They were very involved in the com- 22,094 votes — more than triple the votes munity. I became very much focused on cast for the runner-up. social justice. Having grown up in a family She was first elected in 2006, and made a like that, those were the things we talked name for herself that first term with a move about.” to postpone the daily start time at Eastern Now, as a school trustee, she hopes to Paolo Maquiraya /// The Observer Commerce Collegiate Institute until 10 continue to find ways to put her ideals into He’s not fooling around a.m. — to give sleepy teenagers more rest action. before their first class. “We live in a world where it’s complex,” Matt O’Brien headlined a bill of seven comedians who performed at More recently, between 2010 and 2011, Dandy said. “It’s really important to me Fools for a Cause at Eton House on Danforth Avenue on April Fool’s Day. she has served as vice-chair of the board. that schools are placed where people, par- Students from Centennial College’s East York campus organized the “I like the idea of education because it ents and students feel welcome and where charity event to benefit the Friends for Life Foundation. touches the lives of children and youth,” they feel like their needs are being met.” 4 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, April 25, 2014 Local crossing guard takes a walk down memory lane Salmond hopes to give R.H. McGregor school the recognition it deserves

By JENNA REID The Observer

“It’s not given to them,” says Christo- pher Salmond. “Community isn’t talked about to them.” Salmond is a crossing guard at R.H. Andrea Preciado/// The Observer McGregor Elementary School, on Dr. Karyn Gordon speaks about her book, “Dr. Karyn’s Guide to the Teen Years,” as parents approach her to Mortimer Avenue at Coxwell, and he’s ask her questions and get some tips in the auditorium at Leaside High School on April 7. talking about the heritage of the school and what he sees as a lack of awareness about it. But he’s not just complaining. He’s doing something about it. “It was proposed at the East York Teaching parents to say ‘no’ Historical Society, when the principal of the school suggested that I aid in the By ANDREA PRECIADO principles. overuse of media and overwork old boy. She said she wants her uncovering of the history,” Salmond said The Observer “Here is what spoiling means,” are ultimately causes of kids hav- “children to value all the things in an interview. Gordon told her audience. “You ing unhealthy lifestyles — which we give them. Parents tend to So he and a small group of amateur There’s a difference between are my six-year-old and you’re ultimately lead to plenty of diffi- spoil their kids without knowing historians are canvassing neighbours and spoiling your children and overin- freaking out about something and culties in adulthood. the future consequences. I include alumni for their reminiscences of the dulging them, and Karyn Gordon I give that something to keep you “In the work field you can find myself.” school. tried to explain it during a talk at quiet…. Overindulging is differ- insecure youth, afraid of failing At the end of the event, parents R.H. McGregor was established in Leaside High School on April 7. ent. If you’re freaking out, then I and with no self-confidence or or- had the opportunity to raise ques- the 1920s and named after Canadian Gordon, a motivational speaker am going to give you something ganization skills,” she said. tions and to speak with Gordon. parliamentarian Robert Henry McGregor. and founder of the Danforth-based that is too much, is too big and in- Gordon mentioned the impor- Patricia McDonald is a mother of It was largely rebuilt in the 1970s and relationship consulting firm “dk appropriate for your age.” tance of teaching children from two children and was concerned today educates about 700 students in both Leadership,” spoke to parents Gordon described what she said Grade 1 on about how to maintain about learning how to say “no” to English and French programs. about “Raising Kids in an Age of are the trio of symptoms of over- their bank accounts. her kids. “I helped re-establish the 115th [scout- Overindulgence.” indulgence: that lead parents to “We are paying for everything. “I find it funny how a couple ing group] at McGregor around the late Parents from in and around the fall into the trap of overindulging Paying for it does not teach mon- of seconds can change a parent’s ‘60s and it has been successfully going” Leaside neighbourhood attended their children. ey-management,” she said. “That mindset,” McDonald said. “I am since, Salmond said. the event, which was organized by “The three that I find most is also one of the reasons why going home ready to apply some As the school’s crossing guard, he a school committee. Gordon, who prevalent: We are over-schedul- couples divorce. It’s not how rules and give all the love and re- said he has watched two generations of is also an author and a media com- ing, we are over-eating and we are much money you make, but how spect that they deserve. Dr. Gor- students graduate from the school, and so mentator, encouraged families spending. Those are big barriers,” money is managed.” don is very inspiring. I am very when it was proposed that he aid in con- to pursue balance by following a she said. Audience member Estefania thankful I missed a date with my ducting historical research, Salmond said set of parent-children relationship She added that a lack of time, Gomez is the mother of a 10-year- girlfriend and came here instead.” he was more than willing to help facilitate this special endeavour. With the results of their research, “we are going to bring it all together and have the kids go and look at some places and East Yorkers rise and run three times a week design some sort of program. They are going to try and work it into the Grade 4 By SAMANTHA TURCHAN or Grade 5 curriculums,” Salmond said. The Observer For instance, he said, a social studies unit could be created. But he added that, Every Saturday morning, Jim thanks to the interest of the East York Clayton wakes up before the sun Historical Society, increased awareness of has risen to start his weekend off R.H. McGregor won’t stop at the school- with a morning jog and a trip to a house door. Starbucks on the Danforth at Jones “You’re starting to implant an interest Avenue — a second home to the in the community and what’s around East York-Toronto Runners. them,” Salmond said. “A lot of people Clayton is the co-founder of the don’t realize that what stands in front of local running group. It began in us today wasn’t always like that.” 2009 when it was created on meet- Salmond asks that anyone up.com as a local group. in the community Since then, the group has grown with information to 260 members currently regis- about the school’s tered. history contact him “People just started showing up,” Jenna Reid /// The Observer through email, Clayton said in an interview. “Once The East York-Toronto Runners are transitioning from a winter to spring routine. at christopher@ you get the community feeling in a eastyork.org group is when it begins to really mornings at 6 a.m. and Saturdays Clayton said. “I love helping peo- running levels — whether they’re grow. Sometimes we have people at 8 a.m. You can usually find the ple progress and learn how to run experienced or they’ve never run commuting all the way from Osha- group scattered across the patio and it’s a great opportunity to get to in their life. wa to take part in our runs.” of Starbucks after a run, to grab a know people in your area.” For more information visit their n SALMOND The group runs three times a coffee and chat with other runners. The group is free to join and is website at www.eastyorkrunners. week: Tuesday and Wednesday “I love getting new runners,” welcoming to people of all ages and com. The East York Observer /// Friday, April 25, 2014 NEWS 5 n Beaches-east york school board race More Incumbent wants another shot French By JENNIFER LEE the programs that provided The Observer opportunities for the inner- programs city children vanished,” she A quarter-century… and said, “and when I came back counting. on the board, because I had needed One of East York’s longest- been a trustee in the ’70-’80s, By XUETING ZHAO standing politicians at any I was just flabbergasted at The Observer level has declared her intention the complete lack of concern to carry on. that we didn’t have programs As the father of three Sheila Cary-Meagher, who that balanced income and school-aged children, was first elected as a trustee opportunity.” Navarius Mombo says to what was then the Toronto As a result, Cary-Meagher he understands the Board of Education in 1973, said, she is strongly involved frustrations that many has filed her candidacy papers with Model Schools for Inner East York families for the municipal election on Cities. This program works face when it comes to Oct. 27. She’ll be running to give all children the same French immersion pro- again in Ward 16/Beaches- opportunities and access to grams. Because of this, East York. education. he says, he has decided Cary-Meagher was an “It isn’t yet getting the to run for trustee in elementary school teacher results it should be delivering Ward 16/Beaches-East herself from 1958 until 1961. and I just can’t let go until York in this fall’s mu- During her nine elected terms we’ve squeezed every bit of nicipal election. on the Toronto and Toronto goodness out of the program “I want to advocate District boards she has served that we possibly can,” she for the voiceless, ” he on assorted committees, and said. “Just because you’re said in an interview. “I was vice-chair from 1979- poor it doesn’t mean you’re am not running as an 1980. dumb.It means that you have individ- All in all, she has sat as a things working against you Observer file photo ual. I am trustee for 27 years, when a that better-off kids don’t.” Sheila Cary-Meagher, trustee for 27 years, hopes to be re-elected to con- running 14-year hiatus between 1986 The program uses the tinue working on initiatives unique to urban schooling. on and 2000 is accounted for. Learning Opportunities Index, issues.” In an interview, she said that which ranks schools based Cary-Meagher has also Cary-Meagher said if she is “It’s very exciting to be Of the despite her long tenure, there on “measures of external created My School Review, re-elected, she will continue responsible for the education dozen is still work that she wants to challenges affecting student which will give elementary with the work she is doing of the next generation. The high n MOMBO do. success,” to determine which schools in Ward 16 the such as Model Schools and future of the country is based schools One of the main issues that schools need more access to opportunity to design what My School Review. on the children who are in East York or on its she said the board faces is the resources to ensure its students they want their schools to look She added that she thinks coming along now,” she said. borders, Leaside is the ongoing effect of the merger of have equal chances to learn like in the next 10-15 years. there are many areas of “And if they not are well- only one that offers a formerly independent Metro and succeed. Schools will have a chance education that still need to be educated, they are not creative, French immersion pro- school boards — including It then gives those students to implement programs they improved upon by someone if they are not exposed to gram, Mombo said. the former East York Board of the tools and resources they want and shape the overall with maturity and experience important and wonderful “It is too far away Education — in 1998. need to fully participate in experience their students have to give children the best things as well as the basics for families who live “With amalgamation, schools and their communities. while attending them. education possible. then we’re cheating them.” in other parts of the community and is over- crowded,” he said. If elected, Mombo hopes to create new Montessori teacher turns trustee hopeful classes at East York By KIMBERLY AGLIPAY an active parent in their own Collegiate to ac- The Observer school, or a parent for what- commodate students ever reason that is not as ac- graduating from Cos- Marietta Fox was inspired tive — that they get equal burn Middle School’s to pursue her next role in edu- attention,” she said. French immersion cation after watching a TED Fox is starting to build her program. talk called “The Antidote to platform by meeting with Apart from the over- Apathy,” by Dave Meslin. small groups of parents to crowding in classes, he “[The talk] is about people introduce herself and discuss also plans to work on in the community doing more, their hopes and concerns. mental health issues and pushing yourself person- “As a trustee, you’re that and getting parents and ally,” she said. bridge. You’re listening and students involved in “Because this is new to me, hearing what parents want, but helping schools excel. I’m moving into a new learn- you’re actively going out to “The parental en- ing zone. When I researched hear what they want, not just gagement on the educa- who can run for trustee, it said waiting for them to come to tional consequences of you have to be a Canadian you,” she said. students is necessary,” citizen, over 18, with some If Fox gets elected as trust- Mombo said. “Teachers background knowledge and a ee, she doesn’t want her role in could work more mer- willingness to learn. And I am Kimberly Aglipay /// The Observer education to stop there. itoriously with parents so open to learning.” Marietta Fox has entered the race for public school trustee in Beaches- “I’ve been that teacher for to smooth healthy early Fox is a first-time candidate East York. She has 30 years of experience as a Montessori teacher. so many years, and I’m still youthful growth.” for public school trustee in loving it. I love it so much that Mombo has worked Ward 16/Beaches-East York. life. She has been a Montes- she knows the challenges that our Beach schools. We go I don’t want to step away from as an office services “I sensed that there was a sori teacher for 30 years. Her can prevent a parent from be- right up into East York and the it,” she said. administrator at the need for change. I thought three sons, 14, 22 and 26, have ing involved with his or her demographic changes. English “One of the difficulties is Pension Board I could provide a fresh per- attended and graduated from child’s school. as a Second Language, and that if you’re a teacher with and a data entry oper- spective, and a kind of a new TDSB schools. “What I do find is some- both parents working. What I the TDSB you can’t run as a ator at the Canadian energy and enthusiasm to the “I have so much confidence times I talk to parents who really want is for all of those trustee so you have to step Institute of Chartered role,” said Fox, who has been in the public school system have a sense of guilt that parents to feel they have a away from that. That’s why I Accountants. living in Beach Hill for 26 that I send all three children they’re not involved as much voice as well,” she added. think it’s wonderful to have a He is also a former years and is a community ac- there,” she said. in their parent council because, Fox said there is always teacher in that position. Be- board member of Ac- tivist. Fox has sat on the parent say, they’re a single parent or room for more community en- cause you do know exactly cess Alliance Multicul- Learning and education council for eight schools, in- they’re working,” said Fox, a gagement. what’s happening in the class- tural Health Services in have always been both a pas- cluding Danforth Collegiate single mother herself. “The trustee is an advocate room. So I feel like I have a lot Toronto. sion and constant in Fox’s and Technical Institute. But “In Ward 16 it’s not all about for the parent — for either to bring to the role.” 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, April 25, 2014 n COLUMNS n editorials A transit fix-ation Don’t spread the bug y now, you’ve probably wasn’t through the Internet, information, but the discovery oronto’s mayor and city council — including the East York delegation — have been Bheard of the “Heartbleed” either. It was through regular of the Heartbleed bug has once Tat war over the TTC’s future since last fall. Recent reports indicate that the subway bug. It compromises the en- old snail-mail. again underlined the impor- system will finally be unable to handle Toronto’s population by 2031 (never mind its cryption of supposedly private I remember that sinking tance of maintaining healthy intermittent inability to handle Toronto’s population now). information such as usernames feeling when I received a skepticism about the security But some steps are being taken. People living in East York’s north end will be among and passwords. It is estimated letter from a service inform- measures of agencies and the beneficiaries when a Light Rail Transit line is built across the top of the city, along that the bug has affected two- ing me they had accidentally organizations. And I hope the Eglinton Avenue. But that won’t be finished until 2020, and until then, all we can do is thirds of the Internet. sent mail with my personal incident has prompted those hope that motorists will stop yelling at those poor bus drivers plying route 34. Initially, the bug sent people information to someone else. agencies and organi- Meanwhile, someone suggested another LRT along Sheppard for some reason, so frantically checking to see if I was also sent that person’s zations to re-evaluate that’s going through too. And this funny “John Tory” character is making the proposal they’d sent their information information by mistake. their policies in the for a Yonge Street Relief Line a major part of his platform. That would be a benefit to on a website that was affect- I promptly sent it back, event that their users East York as well — connecting the Danforth with downtown via a new subway line. ed; then they’d scramble to thinking nothing of it. and customers are Scheduled completion date: 2031. change their passwords. There But I panicked when one day affected. For perspective, 2031 is as far away from us as 1997. In 1997, the Hartford Whalers was a lot of confusion around I followed up with As technolo- still existed. Barbara Hall was Toronto’s mayor. And East York was still an autonomous this — including confusion the company and gy advances, municipality. around what websites had they told me they there will East York is in a difficult situation. While the Eglinton LRT and Yonge relief line will been affected in the first place. hadn’t received inevitably help move more East Yorkers more efficiently, there is still the prospect that they’ll And for the ones that were my letter back be bugs be bottlenecking in other areas of the city. For instance, the relief line may just end up affected, users were unsure from the other that no one funneling more people into the Bloor station mess, and from there, getting down to, say, if a patch had been applied person yet. can control. East without a car will remain no easy feat. In other words, going down- to repair the problem. (If not, I know other But this incident town from East York is not going to get much easier in the near future. changing passwords wouldn’t people whose has reminded us Then again, more people using these coming alternatives will reduce pressure on sub- matter.) personal infor- that as much as we way stops like Greenwood, Donlands, and Pape. That means that getting on the morning Then, when the Canada mation has been- need to protect subway may no longer involve an intermediate step of waiting on the platform as a full Revenue Agency was applying exposed through ourselves, compa- train rolls away. And when the subways are working, let’s remember that it still takes a patch of its own, it discov- the fault of the nies are also ex- less than a half-hour to get to the heart of downtown. ered that 900 social insurance companies they pected to keep our In short, the TTC is improving. At non-peak times, buses and subways are still fast numbers were stolen through gave it to. It’s a information secure. forms of transit. And the provincial government has said that it will throw money into Heartbleed. messy, time-con- The Heartbleed bug Ontario transit projects — to the tune of $15 billion. There’s considerable potential for I can imagine the worry that suming ordeal isn’t the first bug to put improvements to Toronto transit in that. will go through the minds of involving back-and- everyone’s information But even now, put it this way: At the end of the day, when waiting five minutes for a those 900 people when the forth updates. at risk. But after its dis- bus is something to complain about, maybe complaining isn’t really necessary. CRA writes to advise them of We are told to covery I expect that every- ~ Louis Pin the breach. I myself have had be vigilant when one, companies and users experience with my personal it comes alike, will be information potentially falling to sharing Kimberly Agilpay even more Doors a-knockin’ into the wrong hands. And it personal cautious. pring has arrived, and with that comes door-knocking galore. East Yorkers can ex- Spect visits from the usual Girl Guides selling cookies, teenage lawn-mowers — not In defence of the sequel to mention reminders to remember a man named Jesus. But with the Toronto municipal here’s a lot to be said mond shines out in the sea of it would almost take a concert- election on Oct. 27, East Yorkers can also expect candidates running for mayor, city Tabout movie sequels. homogenous sludge churned ed effort to screw this up. council and school trustee to be canvassing in the neighbourhood over the summer. Unfortunately, not much of out by the movie industry. It seems that old favour- East Yorkers may even find mayoral wannabes on their front stoop, or hosting neigh- it is good. I’m sure that That would be something ites like Finding Nemo and bourhood rallies. But even if candidates Ford, Stintz, Tory, Chow and Soknacki don’t most of us can agree that like The Incredibles. The Incredibles are getting a show up on the doorstep or around the corner, there’s a good chance that candidates for we should have stopped Even though it has been second chance at life after the council and school board will. And some of them may be surprising. Most reasonably after the first Matrix. a decade, fans of this failure of studios to produce informed citizens of Toronto-Danforth would probably recognize their incumbent coun- Still, it seems that the film have always pined anything but grizzled, grey cillor Mary Fragedakis, for instance. But how about Al Gore? custodians of every for a sequel. And post-apocalyptic futures and Yes, a man named Al Gore who lives near Danforth and Woodbine is running for mayor. successful movie although the formulaic romantic comedies. Chances are you’ve heard the name. But no, this would-be mayor is not that Al Gore. franchise have de- original was And we should be glad. I’ll Matt Mernagh, 40, is another candidate whose name will appear on your ballot for cided to drag out very well-re- draw a parallel to architecture. mayor. You may have heard of his marijuana activism; now you can send him to city hall. adaptations with ceived, it No, really, bear with me for a Mainstream news media tend to concentrate their attention on established front-runners (of- movies parts never got second: ten the incumbents) but that doesn’t mean candidates are going to willingly stay in the dark. two and three that chance In the old days of classical In Toronto-Danforth, newcomer Dave Andre is seeking to oust Fragedakis as councillor, ad infinitum, at bat again. architecture, there were fly- and he kicked off his campaign with a flourish, in the auditorium of the S. Walter Stew- even before our Until now, ing buttresses and gargoyles art library. Meanwhile, Mernagh’s campaign manager, Tracy Lamourie, is a former East favourite British that is. galore. Then came modern- Yorker who says their campaign will be coming full-force into East York and the rest of wizard decided to With the an- ism… which seemed so clean. Toronto. bisect his Deathly nouncement that But what you really got was “Matt is looking to engage youths and people who haven’t previously been engaged (in Hallows. (Cough, The Incredibles 2 something soulless, formulaic. politics) and wants to give them a chance to engage in a campaign and show them how cough-the-Hobbit, is actually going Architects became tired of politic works,” Lamourie says. cough….) to happen, hope what they called “the box.” In But political engagement is a two-way street — and being informed is not just a civic Sequels are usually springs eternal that order to revitalize their craft, right, but a responsibility shared by all voters. characterized by the this will actually to make “post-modern” and In Harper v. Canada, the Supreme Court interpreted the right of meaningful participa- same characters — but be a sequel worth “neo-classical” architecture, tion to include the right to be informed when it ruled that spending limits on third-party rehashed and now as watching. In fact, they had to look to the past. political advertisements are constitutional. one-dimensional as with a fan-base And filmmakers are at the Politicians must engage citizens if they want their support. But citizens must learn about wooden boards… and this strong and stage where they need to, too. the candidates to expand their options. There’s no excuse for complaints of ‘same-old- about as interesting. the original So don’t fear the sequels of same-old’ among voters when it comes to the field vying for council and school board. But, once in producer these shining gems of the past. ~ Henry Chang Li a blue moon, a Christopher Lum back at See them for what they are, a sparkling dia- the helm, necessary return to our roots.

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 David Kennedy Erin Sandel campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor Jeremy Hon 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Erica Rae Chong production editors Observer photo editor Erin Buckley [email protected]. Telephone 416- 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Leandro Diaz-Matus Preston Dozsa The East York Observer /// Friday, April 25, 2014 FEATURES 7

Courtesy of City of Toronto Archives Turning back the clock We continue our series of photos portraying East York as it once was — drawn from the City of Toronto Archives. Textual information on these two pictures is scant; one is described simply as a plowing match in East York township, post-1900. And the other’s caption just refers to the stables at Sunnybrook Farm post-1900. That would put it near the corner of what is now Bayview and Eglinton avenues. Are two subway exits better than one? The TTC says yes, but Chester station’s neighbours worry about construction noise, parking

By XUYUN ZENG quality of life as they deal with “As recently as 10 years ago, wondering if people’s opinion’s and might start to feel less like a The Observer construction noise, crime, parking there was a fire in Greenwood sta- will be respected,” Fragedakis said, residential area. Parking issues, no issues and expropriation of proper- tion.... In a situation like that, we “and I am going to make sure that more street ball-hockey and pres- The TTC will build a second ty. Another resident offered a coun- may have the train stop at Chester the neighbours’ opinions are going sure for rezoning were among his exit at Chester subway station at terpoint, saying that he appreciates and a full train has to (be evacuat- to be respected.” and his wife’s fears. East York’s southwest corner, and the TTC improving accessibility by ed) before the smoke comes down The TTC stepped up its efforts “People like us don’t want to so TTC staff met with the public doing this, and his comments were the tunnel. to consult the public after a fra- have a whole lot of people sud- at Jackman Avenue Junior Public received with applause by others. At the same meeting, people cas between residents, the city’s denly,” Wyman said. “A quiet little School last month to explain the “Right now, there is one entrance were urged to participate in the ombudsman and the TTC about street corner suddenly becomes a need for it and to form a working to Chester station. By providing “local working group” that will second exits at Greenwood and major thoroughfare.” group. another some distance away, for discuss the details. Ward 29/To- Donlands stations. According to a “I’m hopeful that people are hap- The representatives of the transit some people it will be closer to ronto-Danforth Councillor Mary press release from the ombudsman, py that there is a process in place commission said in their presenta- their business, closer to their home, Fragedakis said this will help estab- the TTC fared poorly in community versus what happened the last time tion that having a second exit will to use that exit,” said the TTC’s lish the particular concerns of her consultations. we had this discussion in this ward improve customer convenience and head of property development, constituents. Bill Wyman, who lives near around second exits,” Fragedakis provide an additional exit in case of Anna Pace. “I think that if you start to Donlands station, understands that said, “where the TTC came and emergency. She added that a second exit can come to the process, to hear what the TTC wants to maximize public presented locations and wanted to But some residents in attendance enhance safety — and provided a people’s concerns are, it will be benefit, but he fears that his com- discuss the landscaping around the replied that it will disrupt their scenario to illustrate her point. revealed there. Tonight, people are munity might get increasingly busy building.”

Honouring her brother

Tazeen Alam, younger sister of Moeen Alam, gave a speech during the Moeen Centre’s annual fundraising dinner on April 12 at Leaside Gardens. Moeen Centre is a non-profit organization that offers services for young adults who are physically disabled and developmentally challenged. The centre was built in memory of Moeen Alam, who was physically and developmentally challenged and lost his life at the age of 18 in a house fire. His family then decided to open a place to help families that may face the same frustrations. The centre is run completely based on private donations. Tazeen Alam said the services from Moeen Centre have a huge impact on not only the young adults, but also their families. She said if the centre can help even only one family to improve their quality of life, it is worthwhile.

Xueting Zhao /// The Observer 8 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, April 25, 2014

Candidates lining up for Liberal nomination

Cont’d. from page 1

Party of Canada. And I think I can carry that banner incredibly well and I want to be involved.” Smith said that if he is chosen by local Liberals to represent the party in next year’s general election, he’ll campaign on a platform Paul Hantiuk /// The Observer of better environmental Skaters at the second annual GTA Rollergirls community day at the Ted Reeve Arena pick themselves up after a four-way spill. protection and carbon regulation, democrat- ic reform for fairer elections, affordable education, and evi- Derby girls roll through Main Street dence-based scientific decision-making in By PAUL HANTIUK Easter Sunday, the derby crew was also It’s a rough sport and injuries hap- The game operates within a circuit government. The Observer out in force to skate in pen, but even with the fast-pace and similar to speed skating. On the track, “I think we see very Easter parade. stiff hits, the players all react with each team has a “jammer.” The jammer little of it right now,” If you remember watching roller “GTA Rollergirls have been around equanimity when they get bowled over. is tasked with breaking through block- he said. “We have a derby on television, you might put it for a number of years,” said “Disgrace It’s the kind of mutual respect you of- ers from each team and then scoring government who has somewhere in the athletic pantheon Jones” (Nikki Tremblay) — who has ten miss in professional sports. The points by doing laps around the track. a terrible track record next to something like professional played for the “Debs” but who can also league prides itself on being inclusive The game is divided into two-minute on the environment, wrestling. However, here in the East be found on the sidelines running the to all, but there are preparations and intervals known as jams. a government who is York area, the GTA Rollergirls do their merchandise table. training required to keep up. Derby is its own subculture. Its pro- implementing reforms best to make the punk styling and brash “Girls of every shape and colour and “There’s a lot of commitment,” said moters see it as an uplifting release of to our election laws alter egos associated with the sport size getting together to have fun and CAT the Conqueror (Cat Kaddie) of the tension and a self-confidence booster. under the argument of the topper to an inclusive communi- be themselves. Derby is about bring- Debs. “First, when you start, you have “We’re not a league you have to au- fairness, when those ty-minded event. ing the best out in everyone. And who to go through a 10-week module, and dition for, try out for; that’s what we reforms are incredibly On April 19, the “G-sTARs” played knew that hitting could bring that out then you have to pass a minimum skill want to put out there — the ‘hug’ of unfair in fact and we the Derby Debutants (the “Debs”) at in people?” test which probably takes about four derby,” said Jones. “I would love to see have a government that the Ted Reeve Arena on Main Street, in In addition to helping the Lions Club hours where you learn everything from more bringing kids to derby. My little cancelled the long-form their second-annual community game and other community-minded groups, hitting to stopping and falling and the girl — she’s five — I would love to census, and general- in support of the Beaches Lions Club. GTA Rollergirls founder Splat Benatar rules of the game.” have her strive to be a derby girl.” ly ignores experts in The G-sTARs won 287-13 after a (Cynthia Brooks) was recognized on She added: “You hear a lot about The Ted Reeve Arena will next see different policy fields two periods of rough and tumble may- Saturday with a 2014 Governor Gen- derby community and I didn’t really Rollergirl action on Saturday, May 17, in implementing their hem. Still, the mood was unmistakably eral’s Caring Canadian Award. The understand what that meant but it’s at 7 p.m., when the G-sTARs will take policies.” one of camaraderie. And the next day, league and its teams are not-for-profit. amazing.” on the RDD Striking Vikings. Ultimately, he said, if he’s eventually elected to the House n COMMUNITY of Commons from Beaches-East York, “I will work hard to raise these issue in the House Artifacts provide clues to East York’s history of Commons.” Also vying to be By TANYA DEBI theological differences. He went vintage bricks from two different about the publishing of Our Danforth: the Liberal candidate The Observer on to form St. John’s Evangelical brickyards from the mid-1900s. One One Hundred Years of Memories. in Beaches-East York Church, which later changed to Cal- was from the Logan The book’s content and photos is another lawyer, 39 The spotlight shone on the Dan- vary Church and joined the Gospel company and the mostly came from local residents. It year-old Jeff Rybak. forth during a “field trip” by the East Churches of Canada. other from the J. has sold a thousand copies, which, Besides his work for York Historical Society on April 16. “It eventually became the largest Price company. Moorhouse said, “I’m told is quite Harmony Hall, Rybak’s The organization held a social at church in its denomination,” Moor- Moorhouse also an accomplishment for a Canadian website resume also the Nisbet Lodge on Pape Avenue house said. displayed another book.” includes committee just north of Danforth to share Former East York politician and East York treasure The reviewed the work for YouthLink, an n memories of the storied thoroughfare historical society vice-president Alan that he found no- moorhouse book, which helped it cross the Cana- east-end organization that runs along East York’s southern Redway was also where near East York. da-U.S. border. advocating for disad- boundary. in attendance, and “I was at a garage sale up in Grey “I had got a phone call from a lady vantaged young people. Glen Moorhouse, the executive he remembered the County and this fellow had a pair in Texas, and she had grown up in the The nomination director of Nisbet, a Christian seniors’ early stages of the of ice tongs and I kept looking at Danforth area, but lived in Texas for will be decided by the residence, spoke to the audience first church. them,” Moorhouse said, “and I saw many years,” Moorhouse said. “She riding association at a on the history of his facility and its “My grandfather the initials for the Lake Simcoe Ice kept in touch by reading the Toronto meeting that is yet to be sister buildings: McClintock Manor n Ryedwa used to say that as Company, so that’s where those came Star online and she read the book re- scheduled. and Calvary Church. he walked along from.” view and then she ordered six copies In the meantime, the Calvary Church has been serving the Danforth in those days, Billy The Lake Simcoe Ice Company on the spot!” association executive is East York since 1928 and its members Nisbet would be there with a coffee was located in East York and supplied Redway chimed in with another inviting all Liberals to founded Nisbet Lodge. Nisbet Lodge pot collecting money to build the residents across the city with ice, in memory about how things have really its upcoming executive is part of the “Continuum of Care church,” Redway said. a time when food was kept cool with changed. meeting, on Wednes- Model,” alongside McClintock Man- Moorhouse had with him a col- ice boxes, before the use of refrig- “My dad took me to Jack Fraser’s day, April 30 at 7 p.m. or, an apartment building for seniors. lection of items from erators. It lasted for over 60 years. right around the corner here. At that in the second-floor Rev. Billy Nisbet was originally including an advertisement from the What was the head office is now loft time I got two complete new suits, for Alex Christie Room of the pastor of St. John’s Presbyterian Don Valley Brick Company, dating townhomes. $50,” he said, “and that was a lot of Community Centre 55, Church, but he left the church over back to the 1950s, and original Moorhouse also talked proudly money back then.” 97 Main St.