ww The Class is in session Observer n Danforth Tech Page 7 Our 40th anniversary year.... Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 41, No. 8 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, Oct. 12, 2012

Recall boosts local beef

By AKIHIKO TSE The Observer

Despite the ongoing E. coli contamination crisis, which has seen more than 1,700 beef products recalled from across the country and beyond, some East York butchers say the incident has prompted “a renewed sense of faith” in lo- cally grown beef produce. The Canadian Food Inspec- tion Agency announced on Sept. 16 that XL Foods Inc. was recalling certain beef products after traces of E. coli were found in specific brands originating from the process- ing plant in Brooks, Alta. The agency continues warn- ing the public, distributors and food service establishments to Nino Meese-Tamuri /// Observer refrain from consuming, sell- ing or serving the blacklisted Imagining life in space beef products. Eleven people The Science Centre opened its new exhibit, Beyond Planet Earth: The Future of Space Exploration, on Oct. 3. across four provinces have be- Grade 6 students from Forest Manor Public School were among the opening-day visitors — posing in the exhibit’s Mars come sick from the beef. The environment with a life-size model of NASA’s Mars rover, Curiosity. cause of the contamination is still under investigation. Carmen Estrela, owner of Royal Beef on Woodbine Ave., said while she still considers Canadian beef “the best in Community bonding attracts families the world,” the largest recall in Canadian history has done little to strengthen the public’s By ARIELLE QUIGLEY community is the ability for fami- in Thorncliffe Park ever since. She not think this is enough. confidence in mass processed The Observer lies to recognize themselves in their thinks it is a good place to raise her “A lot of my attention is put to- beef. neighbours. two-year-old son Hassaan Moham- wards doing the best we can in According to Estrela, “It is a community of support, faith med. Thorncliffe to meet the needs of the customers trust independent Those who live there say it’s the (and) shared experiences and that is “People from my country and my community there,” he said. butchers because they deal strong sense of community and be- important,” he said. community (keep me here),” she “We’ve made progress and I hope with meat that has been longing that attracts young families to The physical layout of Thorncliffe said. “It feels like home.” to make more progress in the future.” cultivated differently than in Thorncliffe Park. Park is only two square kilometres, John Parker, councillor for Ward large processing plants, in In fact, it’s a combination that’s which Aliweiwi views as an ad- 26, which includes Thorncliffe Park, n Hassaan Mohammed smaller quantities. She added proven to be so attractive that Thorn- vantage. Most of the community’s said having a large number of young that while she has received cliffe now has more children under needs, including the school, com- children can make for a lively neigh- inquiries from customers as to the age of 14 than any other area in munity centre, religious centre and bourhood. However, there are some the safety of her beef, there has , according to the 2011 cen- parks, are within walking distance. challenges that come with it. been no impact on sales. sus. The results, released earlier this “It is fairly concentrated. It’s a “It puts some pressure on the lim- “It’s business as usual,” she year, show that approximately 34 per horseshoe; the buildings are dotted ited resources that we have,” he said. said, noting that Royal Beef, cent of Thorncliffe’s population is along that horseshoe (and) the school “It shows up in schools; it shows up which has been in operation made up of children, and the number is situated in the middle.” Aliweiwi in the recreational spaces and pro- for 25 years, cultivates its beef is growing. said. “Families like to see their kids grams, the parks.” locally and from P.E.I. According to Jehad Aliweiwi, ex- walking to school, if they are not Improvements have already been According to Tim Schmuck- ecutive director of the Thorncliffe walking with them themselves.” made to both R.V. Burgess and Leas- er, owner of Fresh From The Park Neighbourhood Office, the area Fareese Fatima immigrated to ide parks. Parker said the recreation- Farm on Donlands Avenue, the has a large immigrant population. He Canada from India with her family al centre was doubled in size a few recall has reinforced the notion believes part of the attraction to the eight years ago and has been living years ago; however, he still does of “local production for local consumption.” Schmucker said he only Thorncliffe Park Public School enrolment facts: deals with small Ontario fam- ily farms.

Percentage of students in Arielle Quigley /// Observer 1,917 Number of students at school 24% “It confirms for us and grades 4-5 customers an alternative to fac- 76% Percentage of students in Percentage of students whose tory farmers who produce our 97% food,” he said. kindergarten-Grade 3 primary language is not English Agency serves up nutritious food, social interaction

2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 Police Whas t’ Briefs up in e.y. Men charged Calling all fans after chase of royal history

A police drama The East York gripped the area Historical Society around Victoria will be hosting Park and Sun- Garry Toffoli at rise avenues its meeting this on Oct. 3 when coming Wednes- a pair of men day, Oct. 17, at 2 being searched p.m. Toffoli is the by officers fled. executive director A third suspect of the Canadian then joined the Royal Heritage other two. One Trust and has of the suspects extensive knowl- climbed through edge about the a fence, where history of royalty. police found a The presentation loaded handgun. will be held at the The suspect ran S. Walter Stewart into a commu- library branch, nity centre, the 170 Memorial Emergency Task Photo courtesy of Jeff Jedras Park Ave. Light Force was rushed Deborah Coyne was the first candidate to declare her intention to seek the leadership of the federal refreshments will in and three men Liberal party. The constitutional lawyer wants to run on a campaign of transparency and account- be available. were eventually ability. apprehended. They face a total of 15 charges. ‘My Boy Jack’ Coyne vies for leadership comes to E.Y. Seniors The East Side assaulted in 2008. In June, she an- She wants to unify Cana- Coyne proposes the feder- Players are pre- Former E.Y. nounced her plans to pursue da, combat voter apathy and al government meeting with senting a tale of Police are the Liberal leadership. implement electoral reform. individual provinces to cre- family conflict looking for politician a In an interview, she out- Her platform also includes ate a discourse about health- with the play My the men who lined her platform, including reducing the power of the care issues and programs. Boy Jack — about violently robbed long shot to a re-engagement with Cana- Prime Minister’s Office, en- Nelson Wiseman, profes- Rudyard Kipling three older dian voters, and denounced suring respect for Parliament sor of political science at the sending his myo- victims in the Harper government. and elected representatives, University of Toronto, says pic son to war. It two separate head Liberals “I would like to lead the and increased transparency. the race for the Liberal lead- premieres Oct. incidents on By GEORGIA WILLIAMS party back to being a party of Coyne is also concerned ership will be “anti-climac- 25 and runs until Oct. 5 and 6. Nov. 10 at the The Observer strong national government about healthcare for the ag- tic” since Trudeau threw his A 61-year-old and one Canada,” Coyne ing population. hat in the ring. Papermill The- woman was ’s an- said. “The provincial govern- “I don’t think she (Coyne) atre, 67 Pottery pepper-sprayed nouncement that he’s seek- In the last election the ments are struggling to get in has a chance. In fact, I don’t Rd. The show for her purse at ing the leadership of the fed- Liberals lost seats, reducing place much more long term think anyone has a chance starts at 8 p.m. Sammon and eral Liberal Party is making them to third-party status and care that’s regulated,” she against Trudeau. I think it’s Wednesdays-Sat- Pape avenues, waves, but former East York making the New Democratic said. already been decided he’s urdays, and at 2 and on St. politician Deborah Coyne Party the official Opposition. “We need much more leader,” he said. p.m. on Sundays. Dennis Drive, plans to give her relation a “What has happened over community-based care, more Wiseman also commented Tickets are $20 a 68-year- run for his money. the years is don’t help for families that are car- on the media buzz around the for adults and old male was Coyne is the mother of see the Liberal Party as hav- ing for elderly parents. The Liberal Party leadership. $15 for students. pepper-sprayed former Prime Minister Pierre ing a strong narrative that national government is re- “The Liberals were the They’re avail- and his 73-year- Trudeau’s daughter (and resonates with them,” Coyne sponsible for what I call na- dominant party since 1896, able for purchase old female Justin’s half-sister), Sarah. said. tional health care standards.” so there’s no doubt it’s still online at www. companion was Coyne is a constitutional a shock people are trying to eastsideplayers. pistol-whipped lawyer, was a key opponent come to terms with, the fact ca, or by phone at n For more about all things East York, for jewelry of the , that the party is not only in 416-425-0917. please check out the Toronto Observer and cash. and ran unsuccessfully for government but it’s been website at torontoobserver.ca. ~ Leslie Emmons M.P. in Toronto-Danforth in @ blown out of the water. It’s in ~ Diana Faria 2006 and O third place,” Wiseman said. East York pumpkin parade hits a rough patch

By ALICIA FERRORO organized gatherings, special events, festivals pumpkins. free event could potentially turn into a large The Observer or picnics with over 25 participants in city “We knew that we couldn’t ask people to expense for our non-profit organization due to parks. bring their pumpkins home bureaucratic red tape.” The city is refusing to help clean up after the The Danforth East Community Association with them, since this In the end, officials decided to East York Pumpkin Parade on Nov. 1 at East (DECA) organizes the parade every year. would diffuse the provide bins for pumpkin dis- Lynn Park this year. “When we discovered that the city could magic of hundreds posal. Officials have put their permit policy in not assist us with cleanup after the parade, we of pumpkins “The city is helping with place for the parade, making event organizers were quite dismayed, as this is one of the key brightly lit the cleanup by provid- responsible for their own cleanup. components of the event,” said Sarah Kiriliuk, through- ing bins free of charge in “The size of this event and others across the a public relations representative for DECA. out the East Lynn Park and other city have grown to the point where we need “Neighbours could bring their pumpkins to the evening,” parks with known parades assistance from participants to clean up,” said park for the parade, knowing that they would Kiriliuk for participants to dispose of Toronto parks manager Ray Stukas. be disposed of afterwards.” said. “It was their pumpkins,” Stukas said. Under section 608-11 of the Municipal Organizers worried their small group of vol- quite frustrating Last year, there were at least Photo by Fotolia Code, organizers must obtain a permit for all unteers wouldn’t be able to clean up so many to discover that our 700 pumpkins at the park. The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 FEATURES 3 n our anniversary: 1972-2012 A flashback to the ’80s Observer celebrates 40 years of covering East York

EDITOR’S NOTE campus of the college at 951 Carlaw Avenue. scattered throughout the community every (OBSERVER HISTORY, PART II) By that time, the Observer was already other Friday during the school year. online — one of the first student newspapers But what goes around comes around… and In our last edition, we began a retrospective on in the entire country to make the leap to the earlier this year, the journalism program inau- the Observer and its coverage of the community Internet. Our web companion is at www. gurated a new, separate feature magazine for over the years — as we mark the 40th anniver- torontoobserver.ca and over its two decades, it Scarborough, also under the Observer brand. sary of this newspaper. has evolved into a feature news website for the Since 1972, the Observer has been published entire GTA. by the journalism students of Centennial College. The traditional newsprint edition that you’re But as noted last time, our coverage of East York looking at remains focused on East York was awkward from the old newsroom, which — and fresh copies are avail- wasn’t in East York at all; it was at the college’s able for free pickup at original (and long-gone) campus on Warden 50 locations Avenue in Scarborough. It wasn’t until 1994 that the hub of our reporting finally shifted to a new newsroom in a refurbished

In this instalment of our retrospec- tive, we look back on the first page of a two-page spread that appeared in the Dec. 17, 1989 Observer… reflect- ing on East York over the decade of the 1980s. To its right, the hand- drawn Observer logo along the edge of the page actu- ally served as our n In our next issue, we’ll feature the front-page “flag” second part of this look back on the for a time in the @ ‘80s that we originally carried in our mid-’80s. O end-of-decade edition.... 4 ARTS&LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 New arts group set to beautify East York Only in its first year, the North York Arts Council has already established itself across Flemingdon Park and Leaside

By LOUISE ANDRE Lila Karim, managing arts locally. corporate community, The Observer director for North York “There is tremen- but they also live in Arts, presented plans dous hunger to de- the region, and that A fledgling arts or- for the arts council’s velop arts and to in- is very important to ganization is flexing expansion to North crease activities,” she us,” Karim said. She its creative muscles in York community coun- said. added that the coun- East York’s north end. cil in September. To finance the proj- cil’s collaboration with The year-old North Their vision includes ect, the TAF submitted the Toronto Arts Foun- York Arts Council a hub, currently un- a Local Arts Service dation can only help includes East York dergoing renovations Organization funding increase arts exposure neighbourhoods in at 52 Hillcrest Ave., to application to the city in North York. Ward 26/Don Valley increase arts engage- for 2013 on behalf Hopkinson added West in its catchment ment. The facility will of Arts North York. It that TAF will continue area. Already it’s es- house office space, has already received a working with other tablished ties with gallery areas and a sizable donation from stakeholders and Flemingdon Park and recording studio. condominium devel- councillors to encour- Leaside’s Centennial “Toronto Arts Foun- oper Minto Group Inc. age establishing more Celebration. dation’s next major to subsidize the hub. satellite art hubs in It has even helped venture is the design- The council is com- other city wards. host Toronto-wide ing and incubation prised of business James Pasternak, events like the Tennes- of a new arts service specialists, artists, Ward 10/York Centre see Project — which organization,” Hopkin- residents and part- councillor, said the involved productions son said. ners, including the gravitational pull of of one-act plays by The North York Canadian Film Centre arts activity to Toron- Tennessee Williams in Arts Council plans to and North York Com- to’s downtown has left non-theatrical, com- transition into an in- munity House. surrounding commu- munity venues around dependent, non-profit Karim said area res- nities with inadequate the Danforth and else- organization over idents will also have arts resourcing. Louise Andre /// Observer where. the next five years, a say in its decision- “These are major Claire Hopkinson, with Hopkinson say- making process. problems we have to Claire Hopkinson, executive director of the To- executive director ing there is a strong “They’re (the resi- address,” Pasternak ronto Arts Foundation, spoke to the North York for the Toronto Arts desire that more at- dents) involved in the told Hopkinson and Community Council last month. Foundation (TAF), and tention be given to the arts community, in the Karim. Tintype shutterbug Propelled from pixels to painting embraces history Nigerian artist

By RYAN ENGLISH the image reveals itself.” inspired by The Observer Tintype photography digital animation utilizes natural light Horst Herget has exposure and due to the By DILEEN SIMMS worked for more than 20 long steps and chemical The Observer years as a professional processes involved, only photographer, but what two to three portraits can Jude Ifesieh wants his paint- sets the East York-area be completed within an ings to leap from the canvas. artist apart from his con- hour. Herget says this type “My intention was to make temporaries is his use of photography creates a those lines begin to live, be of tintype photography, unique intimacy between alive,” the 41-year-old artist a scarcely used method the artist and the subject. said, referring to recent pieces. dating back to the 19th “The participant has to “I’m putting more movement Century. really be involved in the in the works.” “I start with a black process,” he says. Ifesieh, who mostly uses piece of metal and pour Herget’s studio is near acrylic and mixed media tech- some collodion and then it Broadview and Danforth nique on canvas or paper, was goes into a bath of silver avenues, and he was one showcased last month at the nitrate,” he explains. “The of the artists participating Toronto Public Library branch Dileen Simms /// Observer silver nitrate gets absorbed in last month’s Danforth on Orchard View Boulevard At a recent solo exhibition, Jude Ifesieh showed ‘Green Light’, one of his lat- into the collodion and it’s East Arts Fair. Katie Mac- near Yonge Street and Eglin- est paintings at the Toronto Public Library. a chemical reaction that Donald, a longtime East ton Avenue. makes it light-sensitive. York resident and owner But the artist also has strong id,” Ifesieh said. skills to bring drama to the she found it interesting. She I take the picture, bring of 100 Mile Child at 348 roots in East York — at the Beverly Ransom teaches a canvas. was particularly drawn to a it back into the Danforth Ave., par- Carlaw Avenue campus of course called Life Drawing for “You can’t actually animate painting of horses. darkroom and ticipated in a tintype Centennial College, where Animation at the college, and on a two-dimensional sur- “It’s more about freedom,” develop it. I portrait session. She he’s broadening his horizons she said she understands what face,” he said. “There’s really she said. “The horse is trying take it out- says the experience in the digital animation pro- Ifesieh is aiming for. going to be an effect… more to escape from somewhere.” side and fix gave her a sense of gram. “He’s working more freely theatrical.” Ifesieh said that while it, and at camaraderie with Ifesieh previously studied and you can see that he’s be- Ransom said special effects van Gogh is still his influ- that point the community. fine arts in Nigeria, and his ing somewhat liberated in are not the only important as- ence where color and impact 16-piece library exhibition expressing movement in his pects of the work; story counts are concerned, Green Light, was his first showing of paint- paintings,” she said. as well and applies to painting. the painting that captured n Horst Ryan English /// ings incorporating a new style Ifesieh cites post-impres- “I think he’s just inspired to Ramirez’s attention, reflects Herget Observer that’s emerging after a year at sionist Vincent van Gogh as keep going in that direction, his new style. Centennial. one of his major influences. to emphasize movement,” she Though not a man of many “I’m looking at putting in a Like the famous artist, If- said. words, he offered: “There’s bit of animation when it comes esieh’s brush strokes express Dirce Ramirez, 19, visited more beauty and creativity yet to making the works more flu- emotion and his new computer the library exhibition and said to be born.” The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 ARTS&LIFE 5 Plaque unveiled for Macphail By JACLYN DUNHAM The Observer

The East York home of one of Canada’s most revered poli- ticians, Agnes Macphail, has finally received recognition for its significance with the in- stallation of a plaque. The ceremony took place on Sept. 30 in front of Macphail’s former residence at 2 Done- Matthew Wocks /// Observer gall Dr. in East York’s Leas- Toronto artist Viktor Mitic’s installation at ide neighbourhood. Members Todmorden Mills was in four parts, which of the East York Historical included paintings shot with guns. Society, the Agnes Macphail Recognition Committee, local politicians and residents of the community gathered outside Nuit Blanche to witness the unveiling. Councillor Mary Frage- Jaclyn Dunham /// Observer dakis attended the ceremony East York dignitaries gather around to unveil the commemorative plaque exhibit opens and said the plaque had spe- outside Agnes Macphail’s former home in Leaside. cial significance for her as a female politician in East York. 1943, where she represented East York Historical Society not know about Macphail. fire on guns “[Macphail] fought for is- York East in the provincial took action. The plaque cost $1,400 and sues of social justice in much legislature. “Councillor Fragedakis and was paid for by 10 donors, By MATTHEW WOCKS the same way I do. She’s a She lived in the house at 2 Councillor Davis did some including the current home- The Observer hero of mine and it’s a plea- Donegall Dr. from 1948 until marvellous political work to owners, Laura and David Sim- sure to be here,” Fragedakis her death in 1954. get it through and so the house mons, who donated $500 for A heritage paper mill-turned-rental space recently said. Lorna Krawchuk, chair of is a designated property for its the installation. showcased an art installation with a mission dramatically Macphail was the first fe- the Agnes Macphail Recogni- historical references,” Kraw- “I think that Agnes different from the creation of paper: the destructive force male elected to Canada’s tion Committee, said getting chuk said. Macphail was a remarkable of guns. House of Commons in 1921, the plaque and historical des- Jane Pitfield, president of woman,” Pitfield said. “Al- The seventh edition of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche took served as one of the first two ignation for the home was a the East York Historical So- though her life was lived in place in Toronto on Sept. 29 from 7 p.m. until sunrise the female MPPs for the area then long time coming. It was sup- ciety, said the plaque on the different places and she was next morning. The celebration of contemporary arts saw known as York East and was a posed to receive a plaque more edge of the property will make originally from Grey Bruce 150 exhibitions spread out across the core of the city. strong advocate for social re- than a decade ago. the home more accessible to County, she spent the last One of those installations – at Todmorden Mills on Pot- form. She moved to Leaside in After years of delay, the community residents who may years of her life in Leaside.” tery Road in East York – was called Wounded Icons and was created by Serbian-born Toronto artist Viktor Mitic. Mitic’s installation was presented in four parts. It included a looping eight-minute video and numerous paintings, but it was a broken-down school bus sitting just Dispelling food bank stereotypes outside the main building that attracted all the attention. “The yellow school bus was shot about 6,000 times By DILEEN SIMMS ics of clients of food banks tario Disability Support Pro- non-English speaking Cana- and its title is called Incident,” the artist said. “It took 12 The Observer across the GTA, based on gram.” dians, more young families hours of constant shooting.” client visits in Toronto’s fed- According to the report, and more children. Mitic, who studied art history at the University of The stereotype of a food eral ridings over a one-year people visiting the food bank The Daily Bread Fall Food Toronto before taking up fine arts at Sheridan College, bank client as visibly down- period, from April 2011 to are older, increasingly better- Drive continues until this Sun- wanted people to experience the effects of gun violence and-out is out-of-date. March 2012. educated and often new im- day, Oct. 14. first-hand. Nowadays, the workers at In East York, the report migrants to Canada. You can download the full “When they see it on television, they can just switch East York’s food banks will says that the number of food “I would say we have had Who’s Hungry: Faces of Hun- the channel,” he said. “This is a tactile representation of tell you, clients often appear bank visits has increased in five or six men just like that ger report at what an actual gun can do.” very “mainstream.” And a Toronto-Danforth by some- in the last 18 months. Men www.dai- The school bus was not the only bullet-riddled vehicle new study confirms that per- where between 25 and 50 per in their 50s who are losing lybread. at the event. At the front of the building sat a Swiss ception: increasingly, food cent. In Beaches-East York, jobs,” Paterson-Watt said. ca cheese-like Volkswagen Golf representing what Mitic re- bank users are well-educat- there was a small decline. Paterson-Watt empha- fers to as a “gas-guzzling” animal that must be destroyed. ed, and have jobs, homes and Statistics for Don Valley sized, however, that the most But with all of the destruction and spent cartridges, Mi- families. It’s just that there’s West were unavailable. noticeable trend is the in- tic did not mince his words when it came to his thoughts no money left over at the end The food bank at Wood- creased use of his food on guns. of the month for food. bine Heights Baptist Church bank by recent arrivals to “I don’t own guns. I rent them,” he said. “I hate guns Sarah Anderson, the com- has been serving its neigh- Canada. He said the last and think they should be banned because they are made munications manager at To- bourhood for more than six two years have seen a for one thing only, and that is to kill.” ronto’s umbrella food bank, years. The staff there dis- pronounced shift to Samantha Beaton works for the City of Toronto and is Daily Bread, says many tribute an average of 105 stationed at Todmorden Mills as a historical interpreter. people simply aren’t earning hampers to households each n Pastor Bob She worked the first shift of the night of Nuit Blanche and enough to provide the neces- week. The WHBC food bank Paterson-Watt said she was taken aback by the powerful imagery. sities of life for themselves coordinator, Bob Paterson- “I think it’s amazing and really interesting. It’s some- Observer

and their families. Watt, says that his agency is /// thing I have never seen before,” she said. “People end up at a food among those who have expe- Once Beaton’s shift finished at 1 a.m., she planned on bank if they cannot afford to rienced an increase in usage: heading downtown to take in the rest of the installations. pay rent and also buy food,” “There has probably been Julian Sleath, the program manager for special events, Anderson said. about a five per cent (differ- said with the number of projects at this year’s Nuit A new study commis- ence) in the last 18 months.” Dileen Simms Blanche, he was sure there would be something to suit sioned by Daily Bread looks “We have a consistent base everyone. at the changing demograph- of people on welfare and On- “The city itself is commissioning 64 projects,” he said, “and in the independent program there are another 96 projects.” Hunger by the numbers As midnight rolled around back at Todmorden Mills, Mitic said he had not seen a lot of people and did not ex- n Beaches-East York foodbanks: 18,568 visits per n Beaches-East York: 23% of clients regularly use a pect to, considering the distance from the downtown core. year foodbank for one to two years That did not diminish his resolve, however. n Toronto-Danforth foodbanks: 56,313 visits per n Toronto-Danforth: 18% of clients regularly use “I am stuck here (at Todmorden])” he said, “but I am year foodbank for one to two years here until the very end.” 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 n COLUMNS n editorials What’s Halloween’s gender? C alling the casino bluff t’s only two and a half worker. Oh, how I longed that this holiday entails. weeks until Halloween to be able to dress as the This is especially important he talk about where to put a Toronto casino — and whether to have one at all Iand I’m sure we can all fully-clothed 1920s mobster to note on a day that is so — has been front and centre for months now. It’s clear that some big “gaming” already picture the children that went with the “mobster’s focused on young, impres- T(translation: gambling) interests have their sights set on the city and that’s caused running rampant on sugar wife” costume (the latter sionable minds. some Torontonians to express concern about the effect on the community as a and happiness highs, the crafted from a quarter of the So, before buying your whole… and especially the neighbourhoods unlucky enough to be situated around shamelessly cheesy decora- amount of fabric). child the “diva devil light any casino. tions dating back to the In hindsight, I believe that up girl” costume or “spe- One of the things that is troubling for people who are against this proposal is that early ’90s — and the equally perhaps I was yearning less cial forces commando boy” if the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) approves Toronto as a site for shameless portrayal of so- for the extra cloth, and more costume (both found at a casino and the provincial government backs it, the city will be able to do nothing cialized gender roles. for a character whose spirithalloween.com), take to stop it from happening. The province has the power to implement what is called a I was fortunate enough existence wasn’t a moment to consider ministerial zoning order, which would override local bylaws. in my youth to have rather dependent exclusively what kind of gender A lot of the talk around the idea of a casino has taken place at Toronto-East York liberal parents who encour- on her male coun- roles and relation- community council. But that’s misleading, because nobody has seriously suggested a aged creative thinking terpart. At least ships you’re teaching casino for East York; it’s big-brother Toronto (and especially certain sites downtown when it came to Halloween “Mobster’s Wife” your children. Try or along the waterfront) that has piqued the interest of Caesars Entertainment and costumes. Although I did was one of the to keep the same others. go trick or treating as Sailor few costumes thing in mind when But according to city planning reports, zoning in Toronto and in East York does not Moon one year (the short available that contemplating your allow for casinos. And it would be unfair for the OLG and the province to ignore that skirt was compensated for lacked the own “Swiss hottie” and put one in anyway — especially when so many residents and community leaders with some white leggings), word “sexy” as a or “inflatable sumo have profound concerns about the effect of a casino. my extensive costume his- descriptor on the wrestler” costume. The OLG claims that it will not put a casino into a municipality that does not want tory includes the likes of package. If your daughter one. It would be nice if we could leave it at that. But there are enough advocates lumberjack, dinosaur, and Looking at my wants to be a zombie of a casino and enough differing ways to read the balance between support and blue M&M… all of which younger cousin or if your son wants to opposition, that the anti-casino campaign must continue. were paraded with surprising this Halloween, be a cat, what are you There are many who are concerned about the negative economic, social and confidence among a group being forced by her demonstrating by sug- environmental impact that a casino could have. That’s why the zoning bylaws are of friends dressed as pretty mother to dress as gesting instead that she there in the first place. These rules state what property can be used for and what it princesses and angels. something “pretty,” go as a fairy or he as a cannot be used for. There is good justification behind the anti-casino portions of Halloweens as a teenage I’m still trying to cowboy? our zoning bylaws and if they are overridden, it will undermine the municipality’s girl proved more difficult to wrap my head around If all else fails, there’s precious system of self-governance. soldier through, as buying an the blatant sexism always the delicious op- off-the-shelf adult costume and perpetuation tion for anyone of either ~ Katie Wright meant a choice between of gender to hardly-appropriate-to-wear- dated dress up as in-public and I-may-be- gender Becky Robertson a cheese- Counselling for change mistaken-for-a-sex-trade- roles burger.

pearheaded by the Canadian Alliance of Mental Awareness and Mental Health, Oct. S1 to 7 marked Mental Illness Awareness Week. MIAW carries on where Mental Books: To ban or not to ban? Health Week, in May, left off. The week brings awareness and focus to the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses ept. 30 kicked off the that many great works of literary worth, precisely and disorders, how to get help, the stigma of having a mental disorder and the impact on American Library Asso- literature, both classic and because of their controver- the families of persons with a mental disorder. Sciation’s 30th annual Banned modern, have been on the sial content. By introducing These disorders are not talked about often enough, because people are embarrassed Book Week. Like its Cana- chopping block. To Kill A concepts that are often taboo about having them. Mental illnesses can include anything from autism to depression to dian counterpart, Freedom Mockingbird, The Lord of or difficult, they engage ADHD. And it isn’t always obvious when someone has a mental illness. to Read Week in February, The Flies, Fahrenheit 451 readers to think critically East York resident Mary-Katherine Dooher is the mother of two sons — both with the goal of Banned Book (ironically), The Diary of and form their own views on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Week is to draw national Anne Frank and The Catcher contentious topics. The sons have been going to Kinark, a provincial mental health organization for attention to books that are in the Rye have all been That’s why our school children, and have received counselling for several years now. One is in the day therapy or have been challenged, on the list repeat- system has books like To Kill program, which helps him with his coping skills. He has a hard time expressing his censored, or banned in edly. According to the a Mockingbird and The Stone emotions, and instead of voicing his feelings, he would act out. schools, public librar- Canadian Library As- Angel in its curriculum. If “With Kinark, we were able to teach him to use his words to describe his feelings,” ies or countries sociation, famous issues of race, sex, violence Dooher said. “Aside from Kinark, we had (him) involved in Resources for Exceptional altogether. Canadian works and substance abuse aren’t Children, Durham Behaviour Management, Grandview and the Reach Ahead program in A book is chal- like Margaret introduced and studied in school.” lenged, censored Atwood’s The a safe forum, how are our “Medication is only a small part of the solution. There has to be behaviour therapy, or banned because Handmaid’s youth supposed to compre- IEPs with the schools and modified schedules to ensure a person with ADHD is someone thought it Tale and Mar- hend controversy outside the successful,” Dooher said. unsuitable for reading garet Lawrence’s classroom? Kinark has facilities located in Markham and Richmond Hill, but the organization and took steps to re- The Stone Angel Moreover, who gets to offers its counselling services to children in East York and York and Durham regions as strict access or remove have also been decide which books stock our well. it from shelves. challenged. The shelves? Who has that right? Dooher’s boys are often deemed as “unintelligent” because of their inattentiveness. Sex, violence, drugs, most recent memo- How is the appropriateness This stigma infuriates Dooher. language, homosexual- rable challenge in of these books measured, “ADHD kids are known to be brilliant, but they learn faster and differently from what ity and racism come many minds is likely and when does it stop? We is taught in school,” Dooher said. “They are often bored and act out.” up again and again as that of J.K Rowling’s are not sheep. Should we not Her words serve as a reminder to the rest of us — especially those of us in settings reasons to attempt limiting bestselling Harry Pot- have the right to choose what like schools, etc. — that we need to be supportive. That includes being informed, and literature. Incest, prostitu- ter series. we read? We always have the retaining our sense of perspective… like Dooher: tion and anti-family themes Novels like ability to put it down. “I can tell you this…. There’s never a dull moment at home. Their minds are phenom- are also common reasons these, however, Besides, you can challenge enal and I wouldn’t change them for anything.” for a poten- can and censor books all you tial ban. often want. If people really want to ~ Carleigh O’Connell It’s no Morgaine Craven be of read them, they’ll find them secret great on the Internet.

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 Sarah Taguiam Arielle Quigley campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor Jaclyn Dunham 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Louie Piacentini Louise Andre production editors Observer [email protected]. Telephone 416- Dave Johnny photo editor Melissa Loparco 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Andrew Mair Matthew Wocks Dennis Wu The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 FEATURES 7 Walking to help speech institute

By REBECCA RAVEENDRAN The Observer A performance by 13-year-old rapper Jake Zeldin, aka Lil JaXe, put people in an en- thusiastic mood just in time for the first annual stuttering awareness walk, held in East York on Sept. 23. Zeldin, the walk ambassador, has coped Courtesy of John Wilson with stuttering since he began to speak. Dozens East York’s southern edge, depicted with all of the watersheds not usually included on a standard map. present had speech and stuttering difficul- ties, but supported by friends and family, the walk was a success. Shedding light on lost waterways The walk aimed to raise funds support- mental features can still be felt. These landforms have left notable little trashed ravine, which is so des- ing speech therapy, Environmentalist “These rivers really define and cre- hills around the top of the Bayview perately eroded.” education and research ate the civic space in the city, and extension, along Sammon Avenue, as He also touched on the Coxwell programs at the Speech looks at history of help us understand how the city was well as on Donlands Avenue and Don Sanitary Trunk Sewer, a huge old and Stuttering Insti- East York’s creeks formed,” Wilson said to the group. Mills Road. sewer main that is currently being re- tute. It wound through As examples, he cited the devia- “Understanding the natural fea- constructed around a site near the in- Taylor Creek Park, off By BECKY ROBINSON tions of streets like Kingston Road tures provides explanations for cur- tersection of Coxwell Boulevard and Dawes Road north of The Observer and Mortimer Avenue, whose shapes rent conditions like how the roads O’Connor Drive. Danforth. reflect creeks in the area. are, where we have water issues The line serves 750,000 households “I am pleased with The concept of watersheds — let He added that intersections like and flooded basements, or high wa- and is routed through natural ravines. the turnout,” said Greg alone running watersheds that are Dawes Road and Victoria Park Av- ter tables that complicate construc- As East York’s sanitary sewers run O’Grady, the walk “lost” — may be a difficult one to enue were built over rivers that still tion,” said Janet Davis of the EYHS. under all of the branches of the Don founder and a graduate grasp. flow underground — but still make “It’s very good to understand what’s River, the construction on the trunk of the Speech and Stut- But as John Wilson explained brief appearances on the surface beneath the ground to understand sewer has been delayed a few times tering Institute’s Preci- to the East York Historical Society throughout the community. what’s happening above the ground.” as water is found underneath it. sion Fluency Shaping at its September meeting, the East “Every place on the face of the earth Wilson’s speech not only addressed “The historical knowledge is all we program. “This is our York area hosts many waterways and drains water and frequently there are the history and presence of these lost have to go on for some of these prob- first one, so I wasn’t unique landforms that exist either un- streams that have never been identi- rivers and landforms, but also current lems,” Davis said. “We have to make sure how many would seen or ignored and are therefore lost. fied, or are only identifiable by the issues that involve them. sure we have the best information be turning up. But the In particular, he said, some creeks people who live there,” he said. “We can see some of the problems possible to maintain the infrastruc- most important thing in East York have been deliberately Ferris Creek is the reason Dawes we have from burying these streams,” ture and protect the environment.” is the fundraising and buried to accommodate development. Road does not fit the typical street Wilson said to the audience. “The Wilson leads lost rivers tours in the awareness of stutter- Wilson, the former chair of the grid of the city, he said, although the water is not pooled, it isn’t slowed area several times a month. For more ing.” community environmental group creek has been buried. down... so it just blasts out into a poor information, go to www.lostrivers.ca Paul L’Heureux, Bring Back The Don and a current Other key lost environmental fea- chair of the institute, member of the Lost Rivers Associa- tures discussed included the Lake Iro- l For more East York stories, please stressed the importance tion, showed the group gathered at the quois shore cliffs and sandbars, which check out torontoobserver.ca of acknowledging stut- S. Walter Stewart library branch just are the result of a prehistoric glacial @ tering in society. how the presence of these environ- lake. “It is approximately O one in 100 children who have a speech or stuttering challenge, so it’s a rather large Night school back in business after blaze issue,” he said. “It’s about self-esteem and By GEORGIA WILLIAMS offered there, from metal work portant to me and being an “It’s great to have the com- your own feelings The Observer to tai chi. artist myself, it was just as munity come into the school… about yourself.” The school is one of the disappointing to see that they the evening classes are prob- More than 300,000 The hallways of Danforth only continuing education couldn’t finish their projects.” ably 34 per cent seniors,” Canadians stutter, and Tech are once again buzzing sites to offer metal and wood Despite the school’s closure De’Andrea said. the walk provided with activity on Wednesday working, which are always in the spring, enrolment re- The variety and affordabil- many with an opportu- and Thursday evenings. popular on registration day. mained high for fall program- ity of evening classes are the nity to express them- Night classes held by the Jass Poblcion has attended ming. This was no surprise to main draw for registrants, she selves freely. Toronto District School Board the metal shop classes at Dan- staff. said. “The first time I ever for continuing education are in forth Tech for over a decade. “Approximately 600 people The continuing education met people that stutter the fourth week of the fall term “I’ve made long dividers, a registered for fall 2012 pro- refund policy is also attractive was a little over a year after a fire closed the school coffee table, window bars,” he n Peter Ronan gramming at Danforth Tech to people who may be hesitant ago. Since then I’ve down for about five months said. “I’m retired, so I like to and we expect 400 for next to commit to a course. gone down the road to earlier this year. come.” fered a full refund, Angela spring,” said Liz De’Andrea, “We have probably the accept my stuttering Evening classes were forced Poblcion, like many of his Milana, office administrator program manager of adult and best refund policy around,” a lot more and being to shut down halfway through fellow students, was in the for continuing education for continuing education for the De’Andrea said. “You can at- more open about it,” the semester. final stages of a project last Danforth Tech, recognized the TDSB. tend two classes and still re- said Samuel Dunsiger, Now, local residents are spring when the fire ended his personal loss students felt. The classes don’t just fa- quest a refund if you find it a volunteer who stut- once again filling the class- semester early. “I was shocked and sad- cilitate continued learning, wasn’t a fit for you.” ters. rooms to partake in some of And while all continuing dened to hear about the fire,” she said, but connect area resi- Enrolment for the winter the 44 general interest courses education students were of- she said. “My clients are im- dents as well. term begins on Nov. 19. 8 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 Abused dog inspires hope

Local family creating this event. She The event starts at 7 has been working in the p.m. at Whistler’s Grille, never thought field of animal rescue for 995 Broadview Ave. at 20 years. the corner of Mortimer. “I came across Hope’s The donations and Shantal Otchere /// Observer finding a pet story and it went from funds collected from the Home for the holidays? there,” Eini said. “A event will go toward the would change whole bunch of people Toronto Humane Society. Wag On The Danforth, a pet supplies store, partnered up with Toronto just bonded over this It will cost $20 for Animal Services to host a cat adopt-a-thon on Thanksgiving weekend. their lives story and created Paws admission. Donations for Hope and Faith The of blankets, leashes, Movement.” toys and food items are By KATIE WRIGHT She believes it is accepted and there will The Observer important to raise be live music, psychic awareness about animeal readings, a raffle and a There’s strength Janet and Shane Smith cruelty and how brutal it live caricature artist at the found a dog whom they can be. event for the attendees’ later named Hope. She “We’re supposed to entertainment. in numbers for was so badly beaten that be civilized. This is not Prior to the event, there she succumbed to her civilized behavior,” have been donation boxes injuries just 19 days after Eini said — including set up at some veterinary she was rescued. euthanasia of animals clinics. nursing mothers A teenager was arrested in her indictment. There is also an online for tying Hope to a tree “These animals are very art auction which will out in the woods with an important and because close the event, and can electrical cord. The cord of our overbreeding, already be accessed on East York Civic nearly decapitated her. there’s all this disease Facebook. After the death of Hope, and neglect and death. So Savazzi said many Centre hosts Shane Smith formed the there are many reasons volunteers offer their organization called Paws why I’m involved.” time to the animal rights breastfeeding for Hope and Faith in Julia Savazzi, a dog movement. memory of the dog. groomer and animal “Everybody knows challenge The organization’s goal lover, runs a blog called about the Toronto is to spread awareness Little Pet House. She is Humane Society, but By MAYA AKBAY of animal cruelty and the advertising the event and we forget, so it’s good The Observer importance of helping plans to attend for the to remind people about animals. first time. those animals that need The Toronto Breastfeed- As a practical matter, “I think that any event our help,” Savazzi said. ing Challenge promotes Smith said, Paws for that raises awareness Smith said that even breastfeeding and pro- Hope and Faith advocates about that organization though Hope is no longer vides support for nursing for no-kill shelters and (Paws for Hope and with us, her legacy lives moms. the prevention of animal Faith) and helps support on and she will remain On Sept. 29, 62 moms, abuse. that organization and a symbol for neglected, accompanied by their He’d even like people will be collecting a lot abused and abandoned families, friends and the to consider the week of of donations of food and animals. media, breastfed their Oct. 11-17 as a special blankets and that kind For more information babies at the East York week of remembrance for of stuff is important,” about the organization, Civic Centre. The event Photo courtesy of FourBees Photography Hope and of resolve to Savazzi said. event or other ways to allowed these women to The Toronto Breast Feeding Network supports prevent animal abuse. help, contact Siggie get together with other nursing mothers and their right to breastfeed Starting Oct. Eini at 416-712-2116 or breastfeeding moms, in public. 13, a group of [email protected] showing strength in num- dedicated bers. allies are Michelle Branco, a vol- their experiences with one tance of mothers support- putting on unteer for the organiza- another. ing each other. the second tion and private lactation “The Toronto Breast- The event closed with annual Paws l For more consultant, said it is im- feeding Challenge is an a fashion show of mater- for Hope and Faith stories, go portant that the communi- excellent way to present nity and nursing clothes, benefit, taking place to www. ty supports breastfeeding breastfeeding as a cultural raffles, a free lunch and a at Whistler’s Grille in @ torontoob- server.ca mothers. norm,” Ferneyhough said. walk around the grounds. East York. O “It gives us an oppor- The event, sponsored “East York provides Siggie Eini, the tunity to remind mothers by programs including us such a great space, event’s organizer, of their rights so that they Scarborough Hospital and it’s a fantastic location,” has dedicated a know they’re entitled to Mt. Sinai Hospital, hosted Branco said. lot of her time to breastfeed and not worry, a speech by So-Yan Seto “We’ve done it in East because all these organi- from Toronto Public York for the past two zations are behind them,” Health. years.” she said. Seto talked about the 12 The goal was to beat Monica Ferneyhough new breastfeeding initia- last year’s record —but Photo by Fotolia works at Toronto East tives from Toronto Public that didn’t happen this General Hospital’s Health that started in the time. (TEGH) Breastfeeding past year. Branco is hopeful that Resource Centre. She said A speaker from Toronto increasing media aware- the event gives mothers East General’s nursing ness will help give some an opportunity to share staff stressed the impor- exposure to the event.