Man Like a ‘Zombie,’ City ‘In Good Hands’ Mayor to Do the Things That a Mayor E.Y

ww The East York WHERE THEY WERE n East Yorkers remember Observer ‘that day’ 50 years ago Page 3 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 42, No. 11 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, November 22, 2013

Taylor Giffin /// Observer Who was that moustachioed girl? Four members of the Moustache Club at R.H. McGregor Elementary School in East York sport their own ‘Mo’s for Movember. The school has been actively raising money for the anti-cancer cause. Turn to page 5 for the story.

n FORD SCANDAL n ELIGON INQUEST n See FORD, page 8 Man like a ‘zombie,’ City ‘in good hands’ mayor to do the things that a mayor E.Y. councillor says normally does.” constituents glad Ford has partially acknowledged witnesses testify a pattern of bad behaviour includ- council stepped in ing substance abuse, but he has re- Inquest looking into “When I came out, looking out sisted calls for him to resign or take shooting death of my front lawn, I could see a man in By LINDA COTRINA a leave and get treatment. a hospital gown walking down the The Observer Fragedakis said her constituents Eligon, two others street,” witness Barrie White told a have told her that the drama sur- coroner’s court in Toronto on Nov. East York’s representatives at rounding Ford must stop. By SOLA DaSILVA 14. city hall say they think council can “The message that I get over- The Observer “There was a line of eight to 10 move ahead with municipal busi- whelmingly both at community Two men who watched as police police officers across from him. ness, now that they and the majori- events and through emails is that shot and killed Michael Eligon on He was walking zombie-like. They ty of their colleagues have stripped n JOHN PARKER the mayor’s sideshow cannot be Milverton Boulevard last year have were yelling at him, but he was ob- Rob Ford of most of his mayoral allowed to undermine this city,” testified that the mental patient was livious. He never stopped once, no powers. emergency authority to the deputy shes said. “zombie-like” and “wasn’t coher- pause, no nothing. He just walked Councillors Janet Davis of Ward mayor. But what happens next? How ent” during his interaction with right into them. When he was about 31/Beaches-East York, John Park- “If there was any doubt that does council and the city move for- police. four feet from one police officer, the er of Ward 26/Don Valley West council had to demonstrate to the ward — especially with a mayor Eligon, 29, left Toronto East Gen- officer next to him brought out his and Mary Fragedakis of Ward 29/ residents of Toronto that the affairs clinging to his title and a deputy eral Hospital on Feb. 3, 2012 and pistol and shot him three times in Toronto-Danforth voted in favour of the city cannot be trusted in the mayor exercising most of the au- wandered the surrounding East York quick succession: Pop, pop, pop.” of all 21 motions that were put be- hands of the mayor, he provided us thority? neighbourhood. Residents of the The shooting death of Eligon is fore council on Monday to reduce with all the proof we needed with “The mayor hasn’t been particu- area reported seeing Eligon, still in the subject of an inquest that began Ford’s authority. the way he conducted himself,” larly engaged in the normal duties a hospital gown, brandishing a pair on Oct. 15. The same inquest is That included transferring the re- said Parker, referring to Ford’s of a mayor in any event,” Parker of scissors. also examining the deaths of Reyal maining mayoral budget to Deputy sometimes bizarre behaviour at said. When police arrived on the scene Jardine-Douglas, 25, and Sylvia Mayor Norm Kelly and preventing Monday’s council meeting. “He’s much happier being on the near Danforth and Coxwell avenues Klibingaitis, 52, under similar cir- the mayor from designating key Parker, a former ally of Ford, said sidelines playing the role of critic, and asked Eligon to get down on cumstances. items for council debate. It fol- his constituents are “glad council than actually doing the difficult the ground, Eligon did not respond. lowed separate votes on Friday that has stepped in and confirmed for work that a serious government has Instead, he approached them. n See LETHAL, page 2 ended Ford’s authority to make key the residents that the city is in good to do.” appointments and that transferred hands and we’re not relying on the EDITORIAL, page 6 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 w POLICE & Whas t’ FIRE up in e.y. Holiday market comes to town Bessborough Public School will hold its first-ever holiday fundraising event on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 9 p.m. Winter Wonders Holiday Market will take place at All Canadian Self Storage, 1 Laird Dr. Every- thing from jewelry, clothing and Christmas decorations to gourmet foods and flowers n Suspect will be available from over 20 vendors. And if you like oysters, it’s your lucky day; the Man wanted for holiday market will also feature an oyster bar. Attendees are invited to bring a new, sexual assault unwrapped toy or a $5 donation for the New Police at East Circles Holiday Angel Program. For more York’s 54 Division information, go to bessboroughhomeand- are looking for a school.com Courtesy of Kevin Holm, TEGH man in a sexual assault investiga- New surgery centre at TEGH tion. On Oct. 14 Deb Matthews, provincial health minister, and Dr. Carmine Simone, Trivia night raises money for laptops between 7:30 and hospital chief of surgery, tour the “surgicentre” facility at Toronto East 8 p.m., a man sex- General Hospital after Matthews helped officially open it on Monday. Five Centennial College students will host ually assaulted a a trivia night this coming Wednesday, Nov. 29-year-old woman 27, from 7-10 p.m. at the Fox & Fiddle, 535 near the corner n INQUEST Danforth Ave., to raise funds in support of of Broadview and Sky’s the Limit. A $10 donation at the door Mortimer avenues. will go to donating refurbished laptops to Police were able to under-30 youth. Guests can play trivia and get images from Lethal force ‘justified’ win prizes. For information, call Nicole at security cameras 289-923-3645. in the area and re- SIU says deaths of leased a compos- Getting artsy at Papermill Gallery ite sketch of the three mentally ill ghghgg suspect. He is de- The Don Valley Art Club’s annual art show scribed as brown unavoidable will be on display at the Papermill Gallery ghghghg with a thin build, at the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, 67 between the ages Cont’d. from page 1 Pottery Rd., until Dec. 1. The show will of 20-25. Police run weekends from noon to 5 p.m. and are asking anyone An inquest is mandatory ac- Wednesdays to Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. with information cording to section 25(2) of the For more information, call 416-396-2819. about this incident Coroners Act, where two or to contact them more deaths have a common at 416-808-5400 cause. The three deceased — Crafts and baking at Holly Berry Fair or Crime Stoppers Eligon, Jardine-Douglas and at 416-222-TIPS Klibingaitis —were shot and (8477). killed in separate incidents by St. Luke’s Anglican Church is hosting its Toronto police. annual Holly Berry Fair on Nov. 23 from 9:30 All three approached police a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The church is located while carrying edged weapons. Sola DaSilva /// Observer at 904 Coxwell Ave. The fair will include Assault rifles crafts, baking, knitted goods and more. For They all also suffered from Michael Eligon Sr. (left) leaves the coroners mental illnesses and were ex- information, call 416-421-6878, ext. 21. confiscated court during recess with counsel Peter periencing mental distress at Rosenthal. Police at East the time of their deaths. York’s 54 Division Eligon had been involun- Silent auction at Holiday Bazaar have provided tarily admitted to the hospital It was Klibingaitis who er methods of dealing with the details about an under the Mental Health Act called the police on herself at mentally ill that do no involve The Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place arrest made in the and was under observation in a approximately 9:30 a.m. on firearms. at the True Davidson Acres Long Term Care Dawes Road and psychiatric ward at the TEGH. Oct. 7, 2011. Klibingaitis told “At the hospital, they don’t Facility, 200 Dawes Rd., on Nov. 30 from 11 Danforth Avenue Police shot Jardine-Douglas the 911 operator that she had a have firearms of course, so a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a silent area. On Nov. on Aug. 29, 2010. It was his knife and was going to kill her what they do is try very much auction, craft and bake sale and raffles. For 17, they report, family who called the police mother who was in the bath. to deescalate the situation,” he more information, contact Carolyn at 416- officers recovered for help, telling the 911 dis- When police arrived at said. 556-2813. an assault rifle patcher Jardine-Douglas was Klibingaitis’s Wedgewood According to Rosenthal, the and quantities acting irrationally. At the time, residence, she opened the door security guard in charge at the of marijuana, he was on a TTC bus heading and exited the house with a time when Eligon left the hos- History talk at the library hashish and southbound on Victoria Park. knife still in her right hand. pital testified before the court cocaine. Robert The TTC bus was stopped and Klibingaitis continued to close that those types of incidents The East York Historical Society will welcome Rainshadow, 39, a police officer got on. It was in on the responding officer occur from time and time and guest speaker Dr. John C. Carter at the S. of North York at that point Jardine-Doug- who had been repeatedly yell- they receive training to deal Walter Stewart library branch on Nov. 26 at was charged las reached into his bag and ing loudly that she put down with it. When safety becomes 7:30 p.m. Carter will present a lecture about with 11 counts pulled out a knife. The offi- the knife. In quick succession, a concern, the security guard the shared history of Canada, the United of possessing a cer issued several commands the police officer fired his gun told the court, they use a baton. States and Australia. The library is at 170 restricted firearm to Jardine-Douglas to drop three times at Klibingaitis. “It’s a very interesting con- Memorial Park Ave. For more information, with ammunition the knife. He did not comply. In all three deaths, the dir- trast with police officers, who call 416-429-7821. and possession Instead, much like Eligon, he ector of the province’s Special are trained that you never deal of drugs for continued to advance toward Investigations Unit concluded with a person with an edged Bring out the Trunk Treasures the purpose the officer. the police officers who shot weapon with a baton. In my of trafficking. The officer backed out of and killed the three civilians view, that suggests the police St. Columba and All Hallows Church is Rainshadow the bus and onto the street with did not commit a criminal of- might investigate that possibil- celebrating Christmas with its Trunk appeared in court Jardine-Douglas still inching fence and were “justified in ity in the future,” he said. Treasures Function on Dec. 7 between 10 Nov. 18. forward. The officer fired four using lethal force.” So far, 50 witnesses have a.m. and 3 p.m. For information, call Yvette shots, two of which struck the Peter Rosenthal, counsel given testimony before the at 416-755-0301 or 416-698-2508. ~Mark Cadiz victim. Jardine-Douglas later for the Eligon family, argued court. The inquest is set to last ~ Ali Raza died in hospital. that the police should consid- eight weeks. The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 NEWS 3 n NOV. 22, 1963: 50 YEARS LATER Hollywood got it wrong, author says The Great Escape: A Canadian Story adds patriotic twist to famous tale

By AMIRUL ISLAM The Observer

The Great Escape is a Hollywood movie that de- picts Allied prisoners of war breaking out of a Ger- man POW camp during the Second World War. But if you’ve seen the movie, you may think it’s a story of American and British soldiers’ bravery. What you might not know is that it’s actually a story involving a great amount of Canadian effort. “The fact of the matter is all those key players (in the escape) were Canadian. All these people depicted in the movie to be Americans or British are Cana- dian,” said Ted Barris, author of the book The Great Escape: A Canadian Story. Barris is a journalist, author, columnist, broadcaster and professor of journalism at Centennial College’s East York campus on Carlaw Avenue. The Great Es- cape: A Canadian Story is his 17th book. All of his books are based on historic facts and about half of Angelica Bottaro /// Observer them are on war or wartime. Pancheta Barnett and Alan Redway show off a copy of the Baltimore Sun newspaper from the The Great Escape happened on the night of March day of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Barnett and Redway participated in a 24, 1944. On the eve of the 70th anniversary of the discussion group last week at the S. Walter Stewart library in which members of the East York historic event, Barris has told the story once again, Historical Society shared their memories of that day a half-century ago. showing the true details. Barris said he believes that few bother to write stories on Canadian characters or context, but that is what he’s done. He added that some other books, movies and docu- Where were you when mentaries mention Canadians in passing. But know- ing how many key roles Canadians played is pretty hard to ignore. “I can’t believe that no one noticed this before. So you heard the news? I don’t know whether it’s ignorance, just ignoring the history or neglect,” he said. question during its Nov. 13 meeting at the heard the news. The movie The Great Escape made Barris realize East York Historical Society S. Walter Stewart library branch. “It was a complete and utter shock,” that when Hollywood takes a story, they may not be members recall what they Pancheta Barnett, vice-president of the Redway said. “That’s the only way to de- particularly concerned about facts. What they want to society, was a young child living in Ja- scribe it.” do is make a marketable movie. were doing that fateful day maica at the time, but she still remembers The Kennedy family has been active in “Hollywood is not bound to tell the truth. They are the event vividly. politics ever since — most notably, John’s just bound to sell tickets,” Barris said. “They spent By ANGELICA BOTTARO “All the schools were closed. It was al- brother Bobby, a U.S. senator, running $4 million and they made $11 million. They accom- The Observer most as if the heavens had declared that for president and assassinated as well in plished what they set out to accomplish and lot of they’ve lost an angel of light,” Barnett 1968, and his other brother, Ted, serving that was at the expense of history.” It was exactly 50 years ago today — said, “and in that moment, the lights went in the senate for 47 years, until his death When authors want to write a book on historical Friday, Nov. 22, 1963 — that U.S. Presi- out.” in 2009. fact, they have to do a lot of research to make it flaw- dent John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Many around the world were shocked According to Redway, JFK’s family in- less. Barris did this extensively. Dallas, Texas; an event that still resonates by the president’s murder — so much volvement in politics may be part of the “I tried to contact, if not the person who is the eye- with people a half-century later. so that some people, like Barnett, didn’t reason his assassination and his politics witness, family members around that person if he has So there has been a spate of media even believe the traumatic news at first. echo to this day. since died,” Barris said. “I interviewed about 20 to 25 remembrances of JFK’s life and death “I thought maybe it wasn’t real. Maybe “There are a lot of fond memories about people who were there. They have given me the first- in recent weeks, many revolving around he’ll come through. But it was the end of his policies and the things he brought in at hand information about the experience being in the the question: ‘Where were you when you the beginning of what would have been,” that time. It’s been a progression of Ken- (POW) camp during this period.” heard the news?’ she said. nedys,” he said. “In my own mind, the The Great Escape: A Canadian Story is a book Bar- Locally, the East York Historical Soci- Alan Redway, a former mayor of East Americans have ‘Obamacare’ because of ris loved to write. He is one of the people who is pio- ety held a discussion addressing that very York, was riding a streetcar when he Teddy Kennedy.” neering the exploration of Canada’s heroic past. “I got the sense of my pa- triotism from veterans. Maybe I learned that sense of pride in country Students throw party to help kids from them,” Barris said. “They expressed it By SAMANTHA BRIDGES card readings and a silent auction, it ment,” Saunders said. and I got caught up in nBarris The Observer brought together a variety of activities. Starting the project in September, it.” Co-creator of the event, Alicia Saun- Saunders and her group were able to get For six students at Centennial Col- ders, knew the fundraiser was going to sponsorship for the venue and the alco- lege’s East York campus, it started out be different than a typical charity fun- hol served. Overwhelmed by the amount as a class assignment. The students held draiser. of support, Saunders is proud her group an event on Nov. 18 called Phony Party, “The idea behind the Phony Party was was able to be successful. a charity event to raise money for Kids when you feel like you’re putting on this “I can’t believe we put all of this to- Help Phone. phony persona for everyone and you’re gether and honestly, whatever we can However, this event was more than not really feeling like yourself. So we raise is amazing to me. I can’t put a just your average cocktail party. With wanted to create an event that brought number on it because I feel anything I activities such as henna tattooing, tarot people together in an uplifting environ- say would be too low.” 4 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 22, 2013

Joanne Kaileh /// Observer

Pens and needles

(Top) Zayden Linton, 8, and his family attended a November flu shot clinic at the East York Civic Centre. He was all smiles once the deed was done.

(Right) Mary Furlong, 56, also visited the East York clinic earlier this month. She said she gets the flu shot every year without fail.

(Bottom) Jenn Moffat (right) from the S. Wal- ter Stewart library branch hosts a mini-books workshop for youth aged 11 to 18 using Japanese bookbinding methods.

Joanne Kaileh /// Observer

Joie Ann Merana /// Observer The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 ARTS & LIFE 5 n COMMUNITY Students open to skilled trades Trustees say students want more information about trades, technology

By SOLA DaSILVA The Observer

Skilled trades are underrepresented in career courses in Toronto District School Board (TDSB) schools, according to a new report that was presented at the Nov. 13 meeting of the public school board. “There are 85,000 jobs available right Taylor Giffin /// Observer now in the construction and related Members of the Moustache Club, R.H. McGregor Elementary School teacher Laura Colacci and the girls’ fa- trades. When these people start retiring thers show off their moustaches for the camera. there will be another 71,000. These posi- tions will not be filled by our graduates because they are not trained,” said Irene Atkinson, trustee for Ward 7. The two student trustees on the TDSB, Lasses with ’staches Ramna Safeer and Jesse Waugh, presented the report. Based on the outcomes of “Not a lot of people know what Movember East York school, is helping with the club, she surveys and meetings with fellow stu- East York girls don moustaches actually is,” Brown said. “They just know that says the girls deserve all the credit. dents, they reported that students want to raise money for Movember you should grow a moustache. But then when “It was all them,” she said. “They came up to know more about skilled trades. you actually make it clear that it is for cancer with idea themselves. I facilitated everything According to Waugh and Safeer, many By TAYLOR GIFFIN and raising money then they may think that for them as far as setting up the account online students find career days outdated and The Observer maybe I should do that (donate money).” and making sure they included the link in the too general. Students In total, the school has raised just under school newsletter and getting other dads in- also want to be ex- Just because you can’t grow a moustache $2,400 so far. That amount is expected to grow volved. I just helped them make it all happen. posed to new careers doesn’t mean you can’t take part in Movem- before the event ends. It was their idea.” being created by tech- ber. Movember is an initiative that lasts the entire After seeing moustaches everywhere they nology. A group of girls from R.H. McGregor El- month of November and helps raise funds and went, the girls thought it would be a good idea Trustees Sam ementary School is showing everyone exactly awareness of men’s health, specifically pros- to create their own club at school, Brown says. Sotiropoulos, Pa- how you can do it. tate and testicular cancer and mental health “At first it was just going to be a club where n CARY- mela Gough and Angela Brown, 10, a Grade 5 student at the challenges. we did moustache-themed stuff, but then we John Hastings also MEAGHER school and one of the girls who helped in the Last year in Canada alone there were 247, thought that we could raise money,” she said. weighed in. creation of the Moustache Club, understands 441 participants and over $42.6 million was If you would like to donate to Movember, or “Let’s face it, there is more to the month-long event than just raised. specifically to the R.H. McGregor Moustache skilled trades are wonderful and… one growing a Mo (slang for moustache). Although Laura Colacci, a teacher at the Club, you can visit http://ca.movember.com/ of the lucrative career paths that we can steer students on,” Sotiropoulos said. For Gough, career preparation comes way too late and should begin at the elementary level. According to Hastings, many fami- Hospital wins silver for mental health lies do not encourage their children to pursue careers in trades. He pointed out By JOIE ANN MERANA delivered at four levels. Organizations that have been running the program for three parents need to be involved in making The Observer participate must comply with certain stan- years so that we can see some more data.” sure their children participate in such dards and implement them in the workplace. When organizations place an importance on opportunities. Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) The program starts with employees taking a mental health, the workplace benefits. TEGH Sheila Cary-Meagher, the trustee helps prove that hospitals care for more than survey. One of the surveys, Guarding Minds has seen these positive results. representing Ward 16/Beaches-East just their patients. at Work, is used to reveal risk factors that “Overall our absenteeism has been reduced, York, said she thinks courses like TEGH won silver at the Mental Health employers must be aware of. and the number of absences specifically carpentry, automobile mechanics and at Work awards by Great West Life and “They (organizations) then submit their ap- related to mental health issues have been plumbing should be re-introduced to the Mental Health Commission of Canada. plication and they tell us how they meet each reduced,” said Nancy Cassleman, director of the curriculum. The awards are given based on Excellence one of those requirements,” Cestnick said. Human Resources, Organization Wellness “Back then, there used to be classes Canada’s Progressive Excellence Program. “Then we talk to the managers, senior team and Quality. like home economics and manual This program highlights the importance of and find as many front line workers as we Christine Devine, TEGH Wellness coordi- training; the kind of stuff that got you mental health in the workplace. can. And we just confirm that what they said nator, agreed. ready before you went into high school “If you look at the statistics that the mental in the application is in fact happening.” “Everything we do here, right down to and then you went into high school health commission has published, one out TEGH received level three (silver) this year employee training, considers the psychologi- having that training,” she said. of five will be touched by mental health in and it aims to attain level four (gold) in the cal health and welfare of our employees,” she According to Cary-Meagher, past some ways,” said Kathryn Cestnick, senior future. said. “People don’t leave their souls when education reforms “wiped out” skilled vice-president of Excellence Canada. “People “They were very close to gold. Next year, I they come into work. We want them to know trade courses from the curriculum can be ill at work and therefore not being wouldn’t be surprised if they got gold,” Cest- that their work is important and that they are under the assumption that every high productive.” nick said. “The only difference between level cared for and valued as part of the organiza- school graduate would go to univer- The Mental Health at Work program is three and four is that with gold you would tion.” sity.

6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 n COLUMNS n editorials More from Ford We are all Canadian hoever coined the term nority or another by the year explain and defend my Cana- t’s no surprise that Rob Ford has been in the news around the world lately. W“visible minority” 2031. That’s roughly 14.1 dian-ness to people who were I Ever since his infamous admission that he smoked crack cocaine, Ford has been un- might have not meant any- million people. unaware of what it meant to der fire for assorted misbehaviour — including sexual harassment allegations, a drinking thing negative by it, but to The agency also projects be Canadian. and driving admission and even his lack of ability to speak of his wife with decency. second-generation Canadians that 47 per cent of sec- And that was fine, because But Ford isn’t taking any of this criticism lying down. He and his brother, Councillor who fall into the category ond-generation Canadians I thought it was my duty to Doug Ford, have been making the media rounds to defend themselves. And the ‘mayor- — like me — there’s still an (Canadian-born and having play ambassador for the True in-name’ was even reportedly handing out Ford fridge magnets and business cards during inference that our “Canadi- at least one parent born out- North strong and free. a personal visit to East York’s Gordon A. Brown Middle School on Wednesday. an-ness” is somehow under- side of Canada) will Now back home, it has On what’s turned out to be their one and only talk show on Sun News TV, The Brothers mined. belong to a visible become even clearer how Ford repeated their standard talking points around the scandal. Along with that, they had A visible minority, as minority group. the term “visible minority” journalists like Ezra Levant there to pitch in, going so far as to make Ford seem like the defined by Statistics Cana- But like many could be discouraging to victim of liberal fat cats. da, is a group of “persons, members of vis- someone’s sense of inclu- Levant shared stories of several other politicians with drug abuse problems and issues with other than aboriginal ible minority sion. Labelling a fellow Ca- the law that he said were downplayed by the media — and even went as far as to compare peoples, who are groups, I’ve nadian as a visible minority Ford’s treatment by the press to how the paparazzi treated Princess Diana before her death. non-Caucasian in found that is, in a way, challenging And Ford, being the ‘everyman’ that he is, promised personal change in the upcoming race or non-white there’s a time someone’s Canadian-ness months and said he still plans to run for re-election next October. in colour.” when there’s and putting him or her in After this past Monday, he has little power beyond his title as mayor, but this may just Although Stats a need to defensive mode. be a good thing for him. This is going to give council the chance to mess up the finances Canada has a prove It’s one thing to prove far worse than Ford might have. The only good thing it seems he has done is budgeting, clinical definition where you your identity while abroad, and now, if council mishandles that, it will only help improve Ford’s overall rating. This for it, the term still come from. but to have to do it within makes the next few months tricky for the councillors. Any slip-up with the budget will runs a lot deeper My Cana- your own borders only slows make Ford, with all of his personal shortcomings, actually look good. And they don’t than what it was dian-ness was our progress down. want that. originally meant for. It’s a first tested while Yes, it’s a good thing On Monday’s Sun TV show, Ford even went so far as to say that he would do a drug term that is now out of date I lived abroad. that other countries such and alcohol test “right now” and forwarded a motion for the council to have to do the and risks isolating people in The words, “I’m as France and Sweden are same. The majority of the council denied the motion when he first had it out in city coun- Canadian society. Canadian,” coming inspired by our diversity and cil last week, but he actually makes a good point. Why not test city council? If they’re The growing diversity is a from of my mouth want to follow our path to clean from drugs, then they have absolutely nothing to worry about. reality our society faces and brought looks of better integrating their citi- As far as Rob Ford’s career goes, at this point he isn’t just a politician; he has made it has become a characteristic doubt and even zens, but there is still plenty to celebrity status. He’s been the main source of comedy for late-night talk shows such as of our national identity. Stats bewilderment. of room for improvement. Jimmy Kimmel and Jay Leno for weeks and in the past week, he’s been interviewed by Canada predicts that one-third There were many And one small step in that different U.S. news networks. Nobody, it seems, can look away from this train wreck. His of Canada’s popu- times direction is to stop using $20 bobbleheads sold out in about an hour and it was later reported that they were selling lation will belong Mark A. Cadiz when I the term “visible minority” on EBay for $500. He doesn’t have followers based on his politics anymore; he has fans. to one visible mi- had to altogether. It would be one thing if we could say that it’s because the allegations are so serious that so many people are concerned with this story. But that’s not the case. Several other Canadian politicians have admitted to recreational drug use, or have been caught doing illegal things. The difference with Ford is that his outlandishness is a magnet for every news media outlet in the Western world. T ime to lend an ear But the ironic outcome here may be that his lack of power since the council votes of the past week will give people an unfiltered view of what goes on at council. Rob Ford may epression, anxiety and said that mental illness can be ing up, in turn, can lead to an not be the right person to have the title of Mayor of Toronto, but we may find through Dbipolar disorder cause close to contagious. even more dire turn of events council’s handling of the budget that Ford really was the one protecting the pocketbook their sufferers serious dis- What have I learned about — like self-harm. of the ‘little guys.’ tress; yet these mental illness- dealing with people close God forbid that any of us ~ Angelica Bottaro es tend to be minimized or to me who are struggling ever be left in the pos- even overlooked altogether. with this? Maybe lend an ition of wondering if You’ll often hear them ear to listen with, share a we ‘could have done dismissed by people who say smile, or even extend an more.’ L et’s stop bullying things like ‘it’s just a phase’ occasional hug in hopes So take the time or ‘it’s an excuse.’ of making it just a during your busy n case you haven’t heard, the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League are in As a society, we have little better. day to really Ithe midst of a situation involving bullying. become focused on physical I don’t really open your eyes, First, these types of situation should never exist. Whether on the football field or in the well-being and emphasize know how this clear your mind classroom. But they still do. exercise, good sleep and a all works. But I and listen when If you look at the most recent information made available by the Toronto District healthy diet. And yet, a per- do want to make someone speaks. School Board through its website, we may try to prevent bullying, but it is still prevalent. son’s mental state is more it work. I want Be aware of what In 2011-2012, there were 457 cases of bullying that ended up in a student’s suspension. important than an abdominal to be able to help they may be asking That does not include the other infractions that could be considered bullying that end up “six-pack.” to get those I care you — perhaps in their own category. As a society, we’ve come about out of the asking indirectly. If That number is way too high. It works out to around one and a half suspensions per some distance when it comes mental state they we really listen, we school day. And we have to consider the countless other cases that aren’t even detected. to awareness and acceptance are in. might actually hear Looking at the Dolphins situation, where Ritchie Incognito is said have used racist re- of mental health issues. Because at the a cry for help. marks and death threats aimed at teammate Jonathan Martin and his family, it took a long But we’ve still got a long end of it all, it af- And just the simple time for information to finally surface. It’s been reported the bullying started during the way to go. I have seen how fects all aspects of act of listening could 2012 season. That means over a year passed since the bullying allegedly began. mental illness affects those their lives. serve a therapeutic In fact, the TDSB census of grades 7 to 12 shows that 79 per cent of students report I care about in my life. One People with a men- purpose for someone having been bullied through insults or name-calling directed toward them. That is a stag- feels the need to help out. But tal illness might miss in pain. People need gering high number. And that same census says 27 per cent of students have been on the by not being able to do so work, lose friends, lose to know that someone receiving end of physical bullying. — these can be serious ill- motivation and hope. else cares and that Sure, ‘kids will be kids.’ But times have changed. We need to realize that if we don’t nesses, after all, and few of us And I never want their issues matter. And continue to try addressing this problem, the bullies of school become the bullies of sports have the expertise to address to allow them to that their troubles aren’t and politics and the world. them — one can also start to get into that an excuse ~ Taylor Giffin feel sad or frustrated. state of giv- Joie Ann Merana or ‘just a In this sense, it could be ing up. Giv- phase.’

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 Ali Raza Taylor Giffin campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor Sola DaSilva 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Louie Piacentini Mark A. Cadiz production editors Observer [email protected]. Telephone 416- Dave Johnny photo editor Alissa Heidman 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Andrew Mair Alexandra Gater Samantha Bridges The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 ARTS & LIFE 7 n LETTER TO THE EDITOR New Costco Funding might not details mean jobs incorrect for locals Your Oct. 11th issue reported on the recent opening of the second rink at the Official warns Thorncliffe newly expanded Leaside residents not to get their Memorial Community Gar- dens (“Strap on those skates, hopes up about proposal East York”). Linda Cotrina /// Observer In what is otherwise an Puppet master By ALISSA HEIDMAN excellent article, there is one A performance of Robert Munsch’s The Paper Bag Princess was a real hit with The Observer sentence that I feel obliged children attending the Nov. 15 show at the Pape-Danforth library. Marion Scott, the to correct: library’s children’s services specialist, was the one who brought the puppets to life. You state that “the project Thorncliffe Park residents hoping got $12.5 million from the a proposed Costco store in their com- municipal, provincial and munity would mean jobs should be federal governments.” This prepared for disappointment, says a is not correct. $12.5 million Seeking that unique find member of a local organization. is the approximate total cost Masood Alam, a member of the of the project, of which $7.5 Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office By LINDA COTRINA million was financed by City The Observer who lives in the area himself, says he of Toronto debentures, all of has a problem with residents being which must be repaid from When Deborah Mallory, an ar- given employment expectations. future operating revenues of tisan, goes hunting for fabrics, she He estimates fewer than 50 per cent the arena. Almost $3.5 has looks for ones that speak to her. of Costco’s jobs would go to Thorn- been raised through commu- “When I bring it home, I start to cliffers, should the plan go through. nity fundraising from indi- touch it and work with it. It (the “There are people in Thorncliffe viduals, families and busi- fabric) basically tells me what it who are giving nesses in Leaside, East York wants me to do,” she said. false assurances and the surrounding areas. Mallory works with fabrics to that (Thorncliffers) The remaining $1.5 is a loan create scarves, purses and shawls will be getting jobs from Infrastructure Ontario. all by hand. Her work was part of at Costco. I don’t @ Again, this is a loan, all of the Toronto East Rotary Club’s agree with that,” O which must be paid back. fourth annual arts and crafts sale Alam said. l For more The City of Toronto that took place last Saturday at While some are stories on all purchased the land beside Eastminster United Church. Linda Cotrina /// Observer arguing that the things East York, please the original rink where the “Most of them are one of a Customers browse through the one-of-a-kind clothing on proposed construc- visit us online new rink would be built at a kinds, but for some I will make sale at the Rotary Club’s annual arts and crafts sale. tion site for the at cost of approximately $1.1 four or five, but every one is a little big-box store, the toronto observer.ca million. The city worked bit different,” she said. things for herself, but that led her who makes jewelry out of fossils former Coca-Cola closely with the arena board “You’re walking away with a turning her hobby into her passion. found in Morrocco, East Afri- headquarters at throughout the process and one of a kind and that’s special to The event featured over 40 ar- ca and Ontario, it’s an event he 42-46 Overlea Blvd., should be des- supervised the actual con- me because I think women are one tisans and raised money for pro- wouldn’t miss. ignated as a heritage property, others struction. No grant from any of a kind.” grams such as Out of the Cold, “It’s been wonderful. I’ve had welcome the idea with hopes of em- level of government was part Mallory has been participating a program providing shelter and people come through to talk to me ployment opportunities. of the $12.5 million financ- in the event since its inception. meals to those in need in East about things they’ve purchased Thorncliffe is an immigrant coming of the project. She began working with fabric York. from me before and it’s just fabu- munity where residents have a median We are very proud of the about 10 years ago by making For William Basztyk, an artisan lous,” Basztyk said. income of less than $36,000 a year, beautiful new Leaside arena which makes employment opportunity and believe it is a great ex- good news. ample of how a local com- However, Thorncliffers might not munity board and public and Long-time resident ‘proud’ of E.Y. meet Costco’s employment require- private sectors can work to- ments. gether successfully in com- By MADOLYN MACCALUM Burgess Elementary School, where swimming in a big quarry that was Alam said big companies like munity-building, demon- The Observer he played on the softball team. down behind what is now the Ever- Costco have a hiring process and re- strating how local volunteers “I was a pretty good softball play- green Brick Works. quirements that may not be such good and donors can continue to Today, East York is known to er,” hed said. “I played shortstop, “We didn’t wear any clothes. We news. make a difference. some as just a part of the city of just like my dad.” would just jump in and swim around “They will bring in their trained and Toronto. But for at least one local England’s love of softball didn’t there,” he said. “The water was experienced staff first. Associate jobs Ray White resident, it will always be East York. stop when he beautiful!” or shipping and receiving jobs or cus- Board Chair The East York Historical Society stopped playing. While the quarry is no longer tomer support jobs, these might come Leaside Memorial hosted a meeting on Nov. 13 at the He said he looks there, England still swims every day to Thorncliffe, but still they cannot Community Gardens S. Walter Stewart library where the forward to soft- at the East York Community Centre. only provide these jobs to Thorn- featured speaker was George Eng- ball season be- One of England’s best memories cliffers alone,” he said. Editor’s note: We welcome land. cause he enjoys was when he was 16 and a big cir- Big-box companies like Costco your input. You can visit watching games cus came to East York. The circus look for such things as basic language, England, 88, has lived in East nEngland us in rm. 149 of the East York for most of his life. In fact, he at Dieppe Park. was set up at the end of his street on communication, cashier and technical York campus of Centen- has lived in the same house for the England said he was always glad Woodville Avenue. He said that it skills as well as computer training nial College, 951 Carlaw last 83 years. He recalled how he to get home at the end of the day, was a big thing for East York then. during their hiring processes. Alam Ave. Or you can address spent his life in East York and how it as his mother was a great cook and “There were elephants walking said residents who may have hoped to correspondence to The East has changed over the years. used to make good apple pies. up and down my street,” he said. “I one day be employed by Costco may York Observer, Centennial England moved to his house on “Davies had a big orchard on couldn’t even believe it!” be lacking some of these skills as new- College, East York campus, Woodville Avenue, near the cor- Broadview Avenue,” he said, “and I England has collected a lot of comers to Canada. P.O. Box 631, Station A, ner of Pape Avenue and O’Connor would go over there at times, climb memories over the years and said In the meantime, the idea for this Scarborough, ON M1K 5E9. Drive, when he was five years old — over the fence, go up the tree and get he is proud to call himself an East Costco is only a proposal. Community Telephone 416-289-5107, in 1930. He grew up in that house some apples.” Yorker. consultations still need to take place fax 416-289-5111, e-mail c/o and raised his seven children in it. When he wasn’t taking apples “I’m proud of East York,” he said. before the proposal can be approved. scogan@centennialcollege. He remembers going to William from the orchard, England was “I never want to leave.” 8 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 Seeking better language and speech services Catholic school board agrees to get provincial help for students who have speech difficulties

By COREY SAVARD The Observer A motion was passed at the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s Special Education Committee meeting on Tuesday to send a letter to the Minister of Education, Health, and Child and Youth Services to better deliver speech and language services. The committee wants to allow certified board profes- sionals to determine whether a child is eligible for pro- grams at Ontario Community Care Access Joie Ann Merana /// Observer Centres (CCAC). Trustee Angela Kennedy (Ward 11/ Holy Cross Catholic School students raised $939 for Philippine typhoon relief through their Beaches-East York) said there is a dupli- Toonie Tuesday and Pyjama Day. Students who are part of the Me to We humanitarian group voted @ cate in assessment and it is an unnecessary to wear their pyjamas and donate two dollars apiece to help Filipinos following Typhoon Haiyan. O headache for parents who have children l For more with a speech impediment or needing help East York stories, with language skills. please “CCAC is saying even though you spent check us all this time and asked all these questions out online Toonies for typhoon relief and parents have filled out all the forms at toronto observer.ca and shows they require CCAC services, By JOIE ANN MERANA er and one of the supervisors of the Me diate students are planning a garage sale, they say they will not accept that and say The Observer to We group at Holy Cross. known as Santa’s Shop. they will do their own assessment of the child,” Kennedy The school raised $938.80, which it “Santa’s Shop would be just a week said. Pyjamas and toonies can make a big will pass on to the Archdiocese of To- before Christmas and what we do is we She also said that the board is strapped for funds and impact. ronto for relaying to the Philippines. collect gently-used items. And the chil- funds saved from removing duplicate assessments would go On Tuesday, many of the students at At this time, the Canadian government dren are allowed to buy gifts for their toward improving the board’s “excellent” services program. Holy Cross Catholic School brought two will match the relief efforts. The school family members for cheap,” said Jensen. Frank Piddisi, superintendent of social services, in- dollars each for the Toonie Tuesday fun- has a population of approximately 50 per The money raised at this event will also formed the board that an investigation was done by the draiser for Philippines typhoon relief. It cent Filipinos. The typhoon has affected be sent to the Philippines. Malvern Speech and Language Integration Project on how was part of an initiative across the To- a lot of the students. Mark Stadnyk, the school’s principal, better to deliver services and the project submitted 15 rec- ronto Catholic District School Board. At “(The typhoon) hit home for them also plans on having a Christmas concert ommendations to the provincial government. Holy Cross, the Me to We humanitarian and their families,” said Janet Jensen, as another avenue for fundraising. “One of the key provisions was that the speech and lan- group of students also voted to include a a Grade 4 teacher and supervisor of Me “The concert is scheduled for Dec. guage professional whether they work at the board or at chance to wear pyjamas when they do- to We. “We found that students were not 12 taking place at St. Patrick’s High the CACC should be accepted because they are from the nated the two dollars. only bringing toonies, but they’re bring- School. We are hoping to get the money same college,” Pidissi said. “Since they were going to bring in the ing a whole bunch of piggy bank money before that so that the federal govern- The board determines whether students are eligible for two dollars, we thought why not have a or five dollars and $20.” ment can match the funds that we bring CACC services at a young age and takes students out of fun day with the pyjama day as well,” The school will continue planning in,” Stadnyk said. “We are projected to their regular classes and brings them to one of the desig- says Kristy Goldring, a Grade 5-6 teach- events to raise more funds. The interme- make close to $2,000.” nated schools in Toronto to receive services. East York photographer showcases European odyssey

of the countries she visited. Exhibit captures “I went to all these places and portraits of locals was feeling a lot like an outsider because I was someone who didn’t from across Europe know the language, the surround- ings,” Gater said. “But the little By LARRY CHEUNG interactions I had with the locals The Observer were great, I felt less of an outsider Meet Alexandra Gater, East York and more connected.” resident, photographer and journal- Gater thinks the portraits she took ism student. could serve as a beacon for connect- Armed with her camera and ac- ing with others, regardless of gender, companied by her best friend Angela race, beliefs. Conjaerts, Gater travelled to Europe “We’re all so similar but different this past summer, visiting 11 coun- at the same time, the things that we tries and 31 cities. do might be different, but we are still Her free show of photos from that at the end of the day all humans,” trip, hey, hi, hello debuted last week Gater said. “I think that a lot of the in the Corridor Gallery at Centennial time we have difficulty relating to College’s East York campus. one another, but photography helps Gater hopes to share the intrica- me relate to others more easily.” cies of life, the overlooked and the hey, hi, hello runs until the first taken for granted through a series of week of December. The gallery is on Larry Cheung /// Observer portraits she took of locals in many the second floor at 951 Carlaw Ave. Alexandra Gater poses in front of one of her photographs, “The Skater Boys.”