NORTHNORTH TORONTORONTOTO Spring 2009

TodayTHINGS 9 YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT NORTH TORONTO

The people who make a great community

Local churches getting hip

Another MulticomMulticomMediaMedia Publication Crescent_JustBoysAd_FINAL 2/3/09 4:09 PM Page 1

Respect Responsibility Honesty Compassion Men of Character from Boys of Promise Respect Responsibility Honesty Compassion

Today’s School for Tomorrow’s World Just B s a co-ed, independent non-denominational school, Grade 7-12 At Crescent we have been educating boys since 1913. We understand boys’ needs and what motivates them. Our school is designed with boys in mind. Where else would you want your son? Tours Available by Appointment 217 Brookbanks Drive, Toronto Phone: (416) 391-1441 grades 3 – 12 please visit our website at www.crescentschool.org www.crestwoodprepco.com FLOOR MODEL SALE Dear Town Crier Reader Quality Outdoor Furniture t is with great pleasure I introduce the Town Crier’s third annual North Toronto Today, Idedicated to showcasing the people, places and ideas that have shaped and continue to impact this vibrant midtown community. As our new glossy cover and reader-friendly magazine format indicate, the Town Crier is com- mitted to constantly improving and adapting to the needs of you, our reader. In a way, that’s the theme of this guide. In “The Nine Things You Don’t Know About North Toronto,” we’ve brought you interesting stories we hope may have you looking at your community in a whole new way. We’ve also explored how important enti- ties – like churches, service-based organizations, independent businesses and artists – continue to hold vital places in our community by responding to the needs of the people they service. And in today’s challenging economic climate, this adaptability is more important than ever before. It shows our willingness to continue to grow and thrive as people and as a community, whether that community is a church congregation or a com- munity of readers. Still, moving forward can’t come at the cost of ignoring our personal histories. That’s why in the profiles section, where we bring you the stories of North Toron- EVERYTHING 30% - 70% OFF* tonians who have made a difference in their community, we highlight author and *Excluding new arrivals. former Town Crier columnist Miriam Bassin Chinsky. It’s gratifying to find those Limited Quantities. Sale end March 31st, 2009 personal connections to North Toronto history so close to our door. That’s also the case for Town Crier employee Mary Young, whose great-grandfather we profile Style and Selection That Fills the Bill here, son of one of the original Scottish immigrant settlers to Fergus who subse- quently moved to North Toronto. The Town Crier is entering its 30th year of telling stories that reflect you and your community. Please join us in celebrating North Toronto Today: the people, the % $, & %0$, places, the ideas. Your success is ours. QUALITY CASUAL FURNITURE

Lori Abittan, Publisher 1280 Castlefield Ave. 416 781-4887 or 1 866 523-4887 www.deckanddock.ca

Another MulticomMedia Publication Diversity Publishers & Printers

Lori Abittan PRODUCTION SERVICES Publisher Tony Lomuto Joe Mastrogiacomo Supervisor Vice President of Finance Mark Winer, Marlene Doreen Iannuzzi De Jesus, Kosta Ketsilis Vice President of New Media Production EDITORIAL Advertising & Sales Eric McMillan Don Bettger EDITOR-in-chief Director, GROUP Sales Gordon Cameron Jennifer Gardiner MANAGING EDITOR Director, Corporate Sales Kelly Gadzala Kathy Homewood DirECTOR, bUSINESS SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR development Shadi Raoufi Kathy Kerluke EDITORIAL DESIGN Business Manager Printed and Distributed by Robert Brackett Director of Distribution

Tony Baron Director of PRINT

James Arscott 105 Wingold Avenue, Production PrePress Manager Toronto, ON M6B 1P8 For all your printing and distribution Anna Maria Arcuri needs call: 416 785 4311 ext. 614 Group Circulation Manager

For a limited time only, you can also find this guide on our corporate website: www.TownCrierOnline.ca 101 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 1P8, Tel: 416 785-4300 Fax: 416 785-7350 MulticomMedia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Multimedia NOVA Corporation, an integrated communications company publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MNC.A

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 3 Did you know Nine fun facts that...?

Home of the Jolly Miller

Have you ever wondered how the Miller Tavern on Yonge St. just south of the 401 got its name? The area known as Hogg’s Hollow developed around three mills on the Don River. Built in 1857 as the York Mills Hotel, the building changed owners several times and was eventually named the Jolly Miller after the supposedly happy owner of the nearby mill. In the 1990s the building housed a busy bar, and is now an upscale tavern that had an1 extensive renovation in 2003. A designated heritage building over 150 years old, the space has had its share of juicy happenings over the years, including gambling raids in the 1930s. There are even rumours of a ghost occupying the building.

Business Parades and Diamonds

If you’re checking out the fun at this year’s Village Day held by the Yonge-Lawrence Village Business Improvement Area, or one of the other BIA summer events along Eglinton Ave., you may be surprised to know that similar events occurred on2 Yonge St. almost 80 years ago. In her 2004 book, The Tailor’s Daughter: Growing Up in North Toronto, author and former Town Crier columnist Miriam Bassin Chinsky tells of growing up in the area in the 1930s and 40s. Chinsky writes of an annual North Toronto Businessmen’s Association parade that kicked off the summer. Everyone in the community came out to the parade, Chinsky recalls, including MPs and other local dignitaries. One year, Alderman Ken Ostrander and four of his brothers, all jewellers, rode through the streets proclaiming they would give a diamond ring to each of the Dionne quintuplets. Chinsky doesn’t reveal if the brothers ever followed through with their promise, but her memory of their announcement is as clear-cut as a diamond.

francis crescia/town crier

4 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 francis crescia/town crier THE ROYAL cypher of King Edward VIII is only on one building in Canada.

Revolutions and Royal Stamp of Approval

The site of the cur- rent Postal Station K on Yonge St. just north of Eglinton is rife with history relating to our monarchist3 ties. Montgomery’s Tavern once stood there, the site of the 1837 Battle of Montgomery’s Tavern. The 15-minute skirmish between a handful of rebels led by William Lyon Macken- zie and loyalist forces was the precursor to the Upper Canada Rebellion. The tavern was burned to the ground during the rebellion and the site later became a hotel. About a century later, in 1936, francis crescia/town crier the building known as Postal Station WILLIAM LYON MACKENZIE K was erected on the site and officially started his rebellion on the dedicated to King Edward VIII - rather same site as the post office. ironically considering the site’s history. Today it is the only building in Canada — and one of the few in the world — to bear the royal insignia of King Edward VIII, who reigned for only 11 months before abdicating to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. In the basement of Postal Station K there’s a museum dedicated to the build- ing’s history and its ties to one of the shortest reigning British monarch ever.

Group of Seven artist helps to sell Lawrence Park

British-born J.E.H. Macdonald, artist and founding mem- ber of the Group of Seven, lived in Toronto until his death in 1932 and in his early days in the city apprenticed at the Toronto Lithography Company. But did you know he designed the promotional brochures for Lawrence Park Estates4 in 1910? Macdonald worked at Grip Engraving Co. at the time, and his design surely reflects the elegant vision for Lawrence Park Estates. But it may not have been so much the elegance as it was the natural allure of the develop- ment that attracted Macdonald to the project. As Toronto historian Bill Gen- ova says, the Lawrence Park development was inspired by the Garden City Movement out of the United Kingdom and featured large lots, shrubbery and sprawling lawns. Macdonald, also a poet who read and admired works by Thoreau, believed in nature’s role in humankind’s spiritual growth and surely appreciated the natural bent of this urban development.

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 5 The tragedy at Hoggs Hollow Death of five workers helped bring in new labour safety laws

Ancient clay and old Toronto houses

Eglinton Park wasn’t always a park: For almost 40 years it was the site of the Pears Brickworks, owned by the Pears family who relocated their Yorkville brickworks to the area in 1885. Ancient glacial lakes left sand and clay deposits that5 were made into yellow-white bricks, common features of old Toronto homes. The Pears (pronounced “peers”) brickyard remained in this location until 1926 or so, when the city bought the space to create the North Toronto Athletic Field. In 1929 the area was renamed Eglinton Park, but historians say some old-timers still call it Pears Park.

francis crescia/town crier REMEMBERING THE DEAD: The sacrifices of five Italian immigrant workers are commemorated on a plaque in Hoggs Hollow.

Tragedy and Labour Reform Commission that established better health and safety laws for such workers in Ontario. In 2000 the city commemorated the workers with a plaque at the In 1960, five Italian immigrant workers died while con- site. In the same year Costi Immigrant Services in North Toronto unveiled structing a watermain tunnel under a river in Hoggs Hol- its “Breaking Ground: The Hoggs Hollow Memorial 40th Anniversary Proj- low at Yonge St. south of Wilson Ave. No criminal charges ect”, a quilted mural that will be hung in the York Mills subway station this were laid but a public outcry over construction safety con- spring that pays tribute to the workers and the safety improvements their ditions6 and a strike by Italian-Canadian construction workers led to a Royal deaths helped to affect.

ADVERTORIAL Ice dams can cause expensive damage to your house, but there are solutions. Peter & Greg Walker Contracting Inc. oof leaks during winter months are very common in Attic insulation Toronto. The leaks are caused by ice dams created Proper attic insulation will prevent the warm house air from by melting snow. Warm air entering the attic from escaping into the attic. Creating an air tight seal between the the house combined with snow covering the roof attic and the house is the best way to insulate the attic. An Rincreases the attic temperature. The warm attic air melts the air tight seal can be created with vapour barriers between the snow nearest the shingles creating a thin layer of water. The ceiling and attic. Foam insulation around chimneys, plumbing layer of water under the weight of the snow is trapped. The stacks, exhaust fans and light fixtures also prevents warm air trapped water is forced between the shingles causing leaks into escaping into the attic. the house. Ice dams can also form on houses that have a daily freeze thaw cycle caused by the sun. Ventilation Proper attic venting will help keep your attic cool and dry. At- tic venting consists of exhaust and intake. The exhaust vents are installed near the peak of the roof and the intake vents are installed in the overhang. Installing the intake vents in the Snow overhang prevents snow and rain from being pulled into the attic. Attic venting should be balanced, where the air flow- ing out equals the air being pulled in. If the exhaust venting is stronger than the intake, warm air will be pulled from the Dammed Water house into the attic. This will increase the likelihood of ice dams. two or three feet thick water can be forced through vents, walls and behind the eaves trough. It is important to check your roof Ice Dam Waterproof underlay in the winter. If you see thick ice forming you should have it professionally removed. Escaping Heat Waterproof underlay can be installed on roof decks to keep Rain Gutter out the water that is forced between the shingles. Shingle De-icing cables manufacturers recommend installing waterproof membrane at De-icing cables are installed on the roof and through the eaves Icicles the roof edge, at least 24 inches past the inside wall. It should trough to melt the ice and snow. When the cables are turned also be installed in the valleys and in high water concentration on, they melt the snow and ice around them. This breaks up areas. Waterproof membrane is designed to prevent leaks from the ice allowing the melting water to flow to the eaves trough. ice dams, but occasionally ice formations will be so large that Areas where ice dams occur every winter may need de-icing the waterproof membranes will not work. When ice becomes cables. SAVE UP TO 25% on your New Roof in 2009 Peter & Greg Walker Contracting Inc. (new government tax credit and Walker incentives) have been serving the roofing needs of Toronto homeowners since 416-233-7086 • www.walkercontracting.ca 1981. They are certified “Select Shingle Roofers”, are fully insured and For your free copy of the Certified Contractors Network booklet “How have been voted the Top Roofing Company in Etobicoke for 8 consecu- to Make a Successful Construction Investment” call 416-233-7086. tive years by The Etobicoke Guardian readers.

NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009

6 - - ______SERIES 416-488-4779 416-488-3671 PROOF 101 Wingold Ave Ontario Toronto, Ph: Fx: Issue: TODAY Date: Feb.10_09 Attention: as published be will Ad by correction no if shown by: received is phone or fax ASAP *Note: has attached proof The care very read been been has effort every fully; in correct it make to made not do we but detail, every responsibility any assume errors. for care proof the read Please names, especially fully, figures. and addresses, OK ❏ Proof Signature: TODAY SERIES 2009 SERIES TODAY !T3T#LEMENTS3CHOOL EACHANDEVERY#LEMENTINE FROMGRADEONETOUNIVERSITYENTRANCE DISCOVERSHERUNIQUEWAYTOSHINE

INTELLIGENT IMAGINATIVE CONFIDENT

3T#LEMENTS3CHOOLTHEREISNOCOMPARISON &ULLSCHOLARSHIPSAVAILABLE6ISITWWWSCSONCAORCALLTOBOOKAPERSONALTOUR

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 7 JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TORONTO TM

SHOWHOUSEFEATURING TORONTO'S FINEST DESIGNERS

francis crescia/town crier We told 50 designers NO ACCIDENT: Every time a city road bends, there’s always a reason. to go to their room. Barn caused jog in Avenue Come see what they did!

May 8 - 31, 2009 at McLean House Bend in the Road and the Willowbank estate Tickets $25.00 Local historian and tour operator Bill Genova has said www.jltshowhouse.org if there’s a bend in the road, there’s always a story behind it. IN SUPPORT OF: Town Crier’s national account manager Mary St. Alban’s Boys’ and Girls’ Club Young7 would tend to agree: There’s a bend in the road in her family’s Women and Babies Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre history that’s bound up with North Toronto’s roots. On present-day Junior League of Toronto Avenue Rd., a curve runs between Eglinton Ave. West and Willow- bank Blvd. Young says according to her uncle, that curve is there SPONSORS because it was part of the property owned by her great-grandfather John J. Gartshore. The curve, apparently, is the original barn road from the property. The story goes that when the city bought the land it didn’t bother straightening the old road – hence the bend.

8 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 Lucille Film, Prayer and Shoes Chenoweth Some of North Toronto’s old movie theatres have proven Sales Representative to be useful for more than just cinematic activities. After the Eglinton Presbyterian Church became St. George United Church in 1926, for example, its members who wanted to remain Presbyterian had nowhere to worship. While8 waiting for a place of worship to call their own, they ended up praying at the Capitol Theatre at Yonge St. and Castlefield Ave. When the President's Award new Glenview Presbyterian Church opened its doors in 1929, hundreds of people had to be turned away, according to an old newspaper report. Chairman's Award While the Capitol is still standing, another local movie house, the Founder's Award Circle Theatre, is no more. Still, the name lives on in Circle Shoes on Malcom McGillivray Award of Distinction Yonge St., whose business name was inspired by the old theatre near the Lucille Chenoweth continues an illustrious 20+ year career in real store. Brother and sister team Stan and Vicky Rados now own the shop estate. She began selling real estate after working as a teacher and vice- their father bought in 1958 from his brother. principal at Branksome Hall Girls School. "After some years of service, I decided to spend some time with my young family. It was at this time that I took my real estate license, " she says. Lucille has never looked back.

Known for her non-confrontational style, good listening skills and reputation Blue bins and Hitler for honesty, integrity and diligence, Lucille’s philosophy to "guide them well, but let them make the final decision," works well for her. In addition to It’s no surprise economy and conservation were earning the James Malcolm McGillivray Award of Distinction for outstanding popular concepts during wartime. But did you know achievement and contribution to the community, she has also earned the that North Toronto used to have recycling boxes President's, Chairman's, Founder's Awards and highest dollar volume in her office. during WWII? In his 1992 book, North Toronto, Lucille’s expertise is in North and Central Toronto, Lawrence Park, Don H. Ritchie shows a picture of a War Salvage Rosedale, Forest Hill, Summerhill and Annex. "I enjoy working Box that appears to be sponsored by an entity called the Bedford with such a variety of people. I find it rewarding when, over and 9 over again, I am able to assist my clients with their housing needs." Park City Limit Business Men’s Association. The box asks people to save cardboard, deposit paper and metal. It reads: “Don’t! throw To book an appointment with Lucille call, 416-481-6137 it away. Throw it at Hitler.” or visit – Kelly Gadzala www.lucillechenoweth.com

        

We love your clothes almost as much as you do…

## ! )  $ #! ' % " ! 5   Top Quality Cleaning 7 5 ! ' # . $ $ Pick-up and Delivery

                Alterations    ! "#$ % &' 535 Eglinton West (   )!  * + ," ," -",    416-322-3127  ! )! .  ! /!  0 12 103+41  5 '' '6'! $ )$$#5 '! $ )$$#5 www. ashfordcleaners.com

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 9          UNIQUE CULTURAL EXCHANGE We are looking for families to host international executives who want to practice English and share an experience with a Canadian family. Requirements: • 20 to 25 minutes to Rosedale subway by public transit Historic • Private bedroom with study area • Private bathroom houses For further information, please contact Language Studies International (LSI) at 416-928-6888 or [email protected]

KOHAI EDUCATIONAL CENTRE 41 Roehampton Ave, Toronto Phone: 416-489-3636 www.kohai.ca email: [email protected]

Kohai provides a quality education for students from preschool to adult who are experiencing difficulties, whether they are behind in academic performance, language and cognitive development, or have behaviour From home problems. We teach academics, the arts, phys. ed. and social skills. We believe everyone can learn. to Hunt Club Unleash your inner Monet Art education for all ages Adults: Oil & Encaustic Painting Workshops, Life Drawing, Business of Art, Watercolour ary Young says she’s always felt attached to North Toron- Children: EcoArt - March Break & Summer, to. MiniArt, Painting through the Ages, Incredible M That’s not just because she lives there. The national Cartooning, tutoring and more... account manager at the Town Crier has several important personal con- nections to the history of the place. 250 Eglinton Ave. West They all started with Young’s great grandfather, John J. Gartshore, son of Scottish immigrant John Gartshore. Call 416-518-6108 Though Gartshore was a businessman who appeared to have taken www.artbarnschool.com over the Toronto Car Wheel Company after his father’s death in 1873, surviving documents suggest he was greatly valued as a civic leader and community builder in both Toronto and the area known as North barn Toronto today. art school The seven-page document from his Nov. 12, 1933 memorial service lists over 10 organizations Gartshore was associated with including the National Council of YMCA. He also founded the Eglinton YMCA and was president for its entire 23-year history. He was the superintendent of Sunday school at Eglinton Presbyte- Celebrating rian Church, which later became Eglinton St. George’s United, for over 19 years! 30 years, and had the church’s chapel named after him. The wood doors that led into the chapel still remain, though the chapel itself didn’t after the church’s renovation in 2001. Young says Gartshore even laid the Specializing in Early Childhood Education, the cornerstone to the church and she swears it’s still there somewhere in curriculum fosters the joy of early learning and the bushes. builds self-esteem. Today the house Gartshore built in the 1880s, Willowbank, still Supported by dynamic, dedicated teachers, the stands on the corner of Oriole Pkwy. and Burnaby Blvd., though many children flourish; laughing and hugs are plentiful. may pass by, not realizing its significance. After inheriting the old Montgomery estate north of Eglinton Ave. Yonge / Lawrence West from James Lesslie, to whom he was related by marriage, Gart- Yonge N. of St. Clair shore built Willowbank. The name presumably honoured his relative and former employer who had named the original Montgomery house HOUSE Page 12

10 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 FINANCIAL CHECK UP

Douglas D. Lamb CA CFP EPC MBA Financial Advisor During these difficult and challenging times, when many are wor- ried about their financial situation and future, I am often asked “How do I know if my advisor is doing a good job?”

photo courtesy Mary young This question can be answered by getting a second opinion and IN ITS PRIME: Willowbank was home to John Garthshore and his family and likely named after a house owned by James Lesslie. understanding the issues and suggestions that might be raised.

I use the Financial Check Up questions listed below in my client review meetings. I would invite you to review them and determine Garthshore was if your advisor is providing you with support for these issues.

a businessman I hope this will help raise some questions for you to discuss with your advisor and if you would like to review these issues who ... was with me, please contact me for a complimentary consultation.

greatly valued Yes No Your Financial Plan & Security [ ] [ ] 1: Do you know your current financial position? as a civic leader [ ] [ ] 2: Do you feel in control of your finances, today and in retirement? and community [ ] [ ] 3: Do you have a realistic plan to achieve your longer term builder financial & life goals? Yes No Your Estate [ ] [ ] 4: Do you have a current Will & Powers of Attorney? [ ] [ ] 5: Are your executors and guardians aware of their responsibilities, your wishes and the resources available to them? [ ] [ ] 6: Are you financially prepared for death, disability or a critical illness? [ ] [ ] 7: Do you know what income & probate taxes your estate would pay?

Yes No Your Investments [ ] [ ] 8: Do you know what kind of investor you are and understand the role your investments play in your financial plan? [ ] [ ] 9: Do you understand the structure of your portfolio and diversification of your investments? [ ] [ ] 10: Are your investments tax efficient?

Dundee Private Investors Inc. Spera Financial Suite 508 1 Eglinton Ave. East Toronto, ON M4P 3A1 Tel 416-489-8500 Fax 416-489-5799 [email protected] www.spera.tv

photo courtesy Mary young A BIRDS-EYE VIEW of Willowbank shows just how much development has taken place in the area since the 1880s. SPERA FINANCIAL

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 11 House saw horses

photo courtesy Mary young TODAY Willowbank is divided into individual apartments rather than being used as a single family home or by the Toronto Hunt Club.

Cont. from Page 10 The Willows. The Willows appears to have been torn down in 1910 and Solution Design Group Inc historians are not certain of its exact location. Born and raised in Scotland, Young says she never saw the inside of Willowbank until recently. However, her mother grew up nearby, spending the early years of her life in a house on Willowbank Blvd. Young says her mother recalls looking north over the back fence and seeing horses from the neighbouring Toronto Hunt Club, which eventually bought the estate and moved its clubhouse into the Willowbank house. By the time it was up for sale about five years ago, Willowbank had already been divided into individual apartments. Young had a chance to see the interior: “The feeling of the house is just wonderful,” she says recalling her visit The Lawrence Park Project The Park Lawrence to Willowbank. A small etched glass window still bears the letters THC, standing for Toronto Hunt Club. 416.551.5182 www.solutiondesign.ca “To me they felt like gracious rooms,” she says. “It’s not an ostentatious Architecture • Interior Design • Landscape Design • Décor house.” – Kelly Gadzala

Reference # 2051 Toronto French School Advertising, Town Crier February 2009

4.24” w x 5.5” d Ink: CMYK

If education means Contacts: the world to you. TFS: Suzanne Tobin (416)484-6533 4/2/.4/&2%.#(3#(//, Email [email protected] Although 90% of TFS students have Production: little or no knowledge of French Maddever Associates Inc. when they enroll, they graduate bilingual. Ross Maddever WWWTFSCA (416)  EXT 4247 (416)486-3199 Email [email protected] "ILINGUALs#OEDUCATIONALs)"$IPLOMA

12 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 “Consumers in a downturn market buy brands they associate with quality and longevity.”

- Neil Sussman, Marketing Director, De Beers Diamond Jewellers.

The MX-5 Miata was toasted by the Guiness book www.gyromazda.ca of world records for best selling sports car in the world. The Mazda3 was the best selling compact car in Canada and outsold Nissan’s entire passenger car line up for January 2009

LAST CALL ON REMAINING 2008 INVENTORY

Stk #17582/17886 2008 Mazda3 GX (2 to choose)...... $12995 Stk #18020 2008 Mazda3 GS with moonroof auto. . . . . $16599 Stk #17969 2008 Mazda3 GT auto...... $18299 Stk #17050 2008 Mazdaspeed3...... $24995 Stk #17913 2008 Mazda6 GT V6...... $24995 Stk #17578 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata GT...... $27995 Stk #17775 2008 Mazda CX9 GT AWD...... $34995 Stk #17516 2008 Mazda B3000 Cab+ Auto AC...... $15495 Stk #17730 2008 Mazda B4000 Cab+ SE Auto 4x4...... $16995

Prices exclude Freight, PDE, Dealer Charges and taxes. Cash credits applied to advertised vehicles. Sale prices reflect factory rebates. Limited quantities available. Offer valid on remaining new in stock 2008/2008.5 models. Offers good from Feb 10 while supplies last. See Gyro Mazda for details. 134 Laird Drive, Toronto 1-866-315-5451 www.gyro.mazda.ca

OUR PRE-DELIVERY COMMITMENT MEANS EVERY NEW MAZDA IS CHECKED OUT, GASSED UP AND FITTED WITH FLOOR MATS. • ASK ABOUT OUR OUTSTANDING COMPREHENSIVE AND POWERTRAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE. ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL OFFERS FOR EXISTING MAZDA CUSTOMERS. GRADUATES GET AN ADDITIONAL CASH AWARD OF UP TO $,000 TOWARDS A PURCHASE OR LEASE. Prices are plus freight, PDI, lic., dealer charges and taxes. Sale prices reflect factory rebates. †0% APR Purchase Financing for 48/60 months is available on all new 2008 Mazda vehicles, including Mazda5, CX-7, CX-9 and Tribute – Based on a representative agreement using an MSRP of $21,895/$35,095/$42,995/$24,475 for the 2008 Mazda5 GS/2008 Mazda CX-7 GS AWD/2008 Mazda CX-9 GS AWD/2008 Mazda Tribute GX-I4 FWD with a financed amount of $21,895/$35,095/$42,995/$24,475, the cost of borrowing for a 48/60-month term with $0 down is $0/$0/$0/$0, total finance obligation is $21,895/$35,095/$42,995/$24,475. 1.9% APR Purchase Financing for 72 months is available on all new 2008 Mazda vehicles, including Mazda5, CX-7, CX-9 and Tribute – Based on a representative agreement using an MSRP of $21,895/$35,095/$42,995/$24,475 for the 2008 Mazda5 GS/2008 Mazda CX-7 GS AWD/2008 Mazda CX-9 GS AWD/2008 Mazda Tribute GX-I4 FWD with a financed amount of $21,895/$35,095/$42,995/$24,475, the cost of borrowing for a 72-month term with $0 down is $1,289/$2,057/$2,509/$653, total finance obligation is $23,184/$37,152/$45,504/$25,128. ▼2.9% APR Purchase Financing for 84 months is available on all new 2008 Mazda vehicles, including Mazda5, CX-7, CX-9 and Tribute – Based on a representative agreement using an MSRP of $21,895/$35,095/$42,995/$24,475 for the 2008 Mazda5 GS/2008 Mazda CX-7 GS AWD/2008 Mazda CX-9 GS AWD/2008 Mazda Tribute GX-I4 FWD with a financed amount of $21,895/$35,095/$42,995/$24,475, the cost of borrowing for an 84-month term with $0 down is $2,297/$3,713/$4,549/$1,817, total finance obligation is $24,192/$38,808/$47,544/$26,292. For Purchase Financing – $1,390 freight and P.D.E. for all 2008 Mazda5/CX-7/CX-9/Tribute models,2009$65 PPSA, licence,NORTHinsurance, taxes TORONTOand other dealer charges Tareoextra.DAYDown payment 13 may be required. See your dealer for complete program details. Don’t even think about a security deposit. It’d just mean more paperwork for us. And besides: we like you. Licence, insurance, taxes and other dealer charges extra. Dealer may sell/lease for less. Limited quantities available. Dealer order or trade may be necessary on certain vehicles. Offers available from February 1, 2008 until February 29, 2008. Lease and Finance on approved credit for qualified customers only. See your dealer for details. ŸBased on 2008 fuel consumption ratings published by Natural Resources Canada. ♦2008 CX-7, CX-9 and Tribute models tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs). Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). ††Offer available on select 2007 models only. $8,300 credit is only available on 2007 RX-8 GT models with the Performance Package. See your dealer for complete details. *Prices are plus freight, PDI, License, Dealer charges and taxes. Sale prices reflect factory rebates. belonged to my ancestors,” she said. “This mag- nificent brick structure stood where my ancestors had planted crops, raised livestock and borne children. “It’s so precious,” she said. “I believe it is important to remember our ancestors and celebrate their lives because they are also precious.” Armstrong continued searching for more records about the Sniders. Her only clues before were nestled in a green ledger containing informa- Historic tion her uncle Herbert had collected. Her uncle began researching the family in earnest duing the 1960s and had discovered the houses exploits of the four Loyalist sons of Jacob Sch- neider, a farmer in Upper Mount Bethel, Pennsyl- francis crescia/town crier vania and how they were captured in New Jersey. Unfortunately for the quartet, they’d been sentenced to death as traitors by the revolutionary government but were pardoned, and then escaped to the British lines at Staten Island. A loyal home But it wasn’t until 2000 that Armstrong’s search for the Snider lineage came to life, when Siegel helped bring together more descendants at a Duplex Ave.’s oldest residence family reunion over the Canada Day weekend. It started at Fort York East Blockhouse, where Bill Siegel, who owned the home from 1979 to those who came watched invasion re-enactors act 2008 was responsible for much of its restoration. out the sack of York in 1813. Siegel also gave the he Snider house on Duplex Ave. was built And more than 200 years later, a descendant of guests a tour of the Snider home. in 1811 by Martin Snider, a Loyalist from the Snider’s decided to trace her family’s connec- The Siegel makeover combined the original TPhiladelphia who purchased the farm and tion to the heritage home. charm with attractive furnishings appropriate to built a home for his family. Patricia Armstrong, Snider’s great-great-great the Duplex Ave. home’s style and history. According to heritage records, the building is granddaughter, began searching for clues to her “Those smitten with a fascination for family the oldest surviving home in the neighbourhood. ancestors’ past after retiring in 1996. history never tire of visiting the places where their It stayed in the Snider family until 1880 when it However, nothing prepared Armstrong, 80, for ancestors lived, loved and laboured,” Armstrong was sold to the Sparrows who eventually sold it to how she felt standing in front of the home. said. a man named James Brownlow in 1910. “I stood there trying to digest the fact this land – Alexandra Christopoulos

At e.p.i.c. School, our teachers listen. And then we take the time to explore your child’s unique needs and interests. Operating as a not-for-profit, e.p.i.c. School offers Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. In addition to our engaging curriculum, children are given an introduction to French, music, art, drama and stay active under the guidance of our physical education specialists. epicschool.com 416-489-0132 111 Manor Rd. E. Toronto

14 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009
 
        Register Now for
     Summer Camp      &  !"       # September Ages: Infant — 14 years
$     %     • Low student / teacher ratio
    • Enhance concentration  &'('  &'(( and good work habits Open House      • Learn through hands-on Thursdays @ all 5 location experience 9:00—11:30 , 1:00—3:30
)    • Happy & stimulating 5 Convenient Locations in  &''*+&'(' environment North York & Thornhill     • Physical Education, York Mills & Leslie 416-510-1200 Music, Drama Yonge & Steeles 905-889-0012    • French Program, Science Yonge & 401 416-222-5097      • Extra Curricular Activities Yonge & Sheppard 416-222-5940 ( , - .  /   0  1   0   • Nutritious hot lunches Sheppard & Willowdale 416-250-1022 2  3  - ( 4
- , ,
- & * ,  1 1 15           5  Visit us @ www.cmschool.net

Dear Neighbours and Friends: I would like to thank you for re-electing me as your Member of Parliament for a seventh term. It continues to be a special honour and privilege to serve the community of North Toronto. It is, after all, my community. I have lived and worked here since the early 1970’s. My wife Mirella and I have raised four children in this vibrant neighbourhood. As always, I and my staff in the Toronto and Ottawa offices are here to help you with all matters related to the federal government. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance. Please visit my website at www.joevolpemp.ca to view my work on your behalf in the community and Ottawa. Kindest Regards,

t in T es ow GOLD n The Hon. Joe Volpe, P.C., M.P. B Eglinton-Lawrence AWARD 2008 North of Eglinton South of Eglinton 2685 Yonge St. 2140 Yonge St. 416-932-2811 416-849-2214 www.cestbonrestaurant.com

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 15 Coming in from the cold Gord and Debbie Krofchick

hen the winter chills the destitute and it’s hard for them to sons are now shift leaders. find a place that thaws out their worries, Gord and Debbie “We started 10 years ago and it’s the sort of thing that grows on you Krofchick are the warm blanket around their shoulders. because we get to know some of the people quite well,” Gord Krofchick W says. “And you know there’s some success stories.” The pair are two of the co-chairs of the Out of the Cold program, and they work around the clock to ensure the homeless and those needing extra He pointed to a man who has achieved sobriety for close to a year.

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT help have a good meal. “This year I saw an old fellow and I said, ‘You look good’, and he said, Starting at 5:15 p.m. every Tuesday night from Jan. 6 to March 31 the ‘You recognize — I’ve been off drugs for eight months, I’ve found my own Krofchicks, along with volunteers from Beth Sholom and Beth Tzedec place, I have a job and I just came by to have dinner and say hello.’ ” synagogues, serve about 150 people. The Krofchicks say they help the community because it sets a pattern in “They come out and have a great chicken dinner — a really sumptuous life. Gord has actively encouraged other families to get involved. meal,” Gord Krofchick says. “And we have all these donations of baked “I love to see parents and kids because it is instilling in these young goods and fresh fruits and vegetables, which are things that they don’t get families that it’s important to help in the community.” in their diet very often.” But Krofchick admitted helping the poor is a never-ending battle. On top of the dinners, Beth Sholom Synagogue provides a place for “We’re really just a Band-Aid because it’s hard for us to do more than socializing, watching movies, creating art. It also provides 50 spots for offer accommodations and a safe environment,” he says. “There’s a lot of overnight accommodations. need.” After a good night’s rest, those who stay at the Allen Expy. and Eglinton After another shelter servicing the city’s downtown core closed up, about Ave. place of worship receive bagged lunches and a subway token before 200 people were left to find another place to sleep on Tuesday nights. they leave. “We’ve had increased demand this year for our services,” he says. “We Generous contributors including Ron White Shoes, TD Bank and the are limited because we only have so many mats for people to sleep on and Kosher Food Bank donate all of the necessities to keep the program func- only so much room. tioning. “It’s kind of a fine equilibrium: you don’t want to push things beyond its Originally shift leaders, the couple made the jump to managing Out-of- capacity because a safe, welcoming environment becomes out of control.” the-Cold two years ago. They’ve also made it a family affair, as their two – Brian Baker

Early Expressions March Break and Summer Fun Day Camps

Offering a unique and integrative learning environment over the March Break and Summer holidays based on individualized learning needs, low staff-to-camper ratios, and one-on-one shadow assistance where applicable. Our camps are open to all children Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3 with a focus on: • Academic Curriculum • Social and Play Skills • Indoor and Outdoor Earth Science Experiences • Music, Drama, and Visual Arts • Sensory Integration & Motor Movement • Life & Self-Help Skills • Speech & Language Skills 144 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto Tel: (416) 932-9105 Fax: (416) 932-9258 www.early-expressions.ca

16 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 Writing and remembering Miriam Bassin Chinsky GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT

orth Toronto’s social, political and cultural landscape has shifted dramatically since Miriam Bassin Chinsky was a child milling about her father’s custom tailor shop. N The 83-year-old journalist and former Town Crier col- umnist can recall a time when skyscrapers didn’t dominate prime real estate, her childhood stomping grounds were homogenously white and conservative, and anti-Semitism was par for the course. “Jewish people had businesses there but they didn’t live there,” she says from her Yonge and Sheppard home. “They didn’t feel comfortable. But my father did. He wanted to be able to walk from his store home to eat lunch.” This isn’t to say Bassin Chinsky is bitter about her North Toronto upbringing. In fact, she’s anything but. photo courtesY Gord and Debbie Krofchick Reflecting on her past, the life-long North Toronto resident is buoyant, passionate and prone to girlish laughter. Armed with a story for every occasion, Bassin Chinsky has built a career out of penning affecting, oft-times humourous personal anecdotes that Selfless good

for charitable causes, he says, and he dam Ragusa lives by a noble and his council plan to donate thou- philosophy: Nothing should sands of dollars more. ever be done solely for adula- Meanwhile, Ragusa is a member of Ation. the school’s rugby and Reach for the The grade 12 Marshall McLuhan Top trivia teams. Outside the McLu- high school student says to operate any han school community, Ragusa serves other way would stifle anyone’s ambi- on the Catholic Student Leadership tion to do selfless good. Impact Team and balances all that with In his three and a half years at a part-time job. McLuhan, Ragusa has And he’s on pace to fin- involved himself in myriad ish on the honour roll for extracurricular activities: the fourth time. corey lewis/town crier participating in the Asper “Grade 12 has definitely Foundation’s Holocaust been the defining year for gives readers glimpses of Toronto’s yesteryear — both the good my high school life,” he and bad.

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT Memorial Studies program, volunteering with the Soci- says. “I am lucky to have Bassin Chinksy has written for a number of publications includ- eta Unita charity, not to the opportunity to do all of ing the Canadian Jewish News and The Enterprise. A collection of mention winning multiple this.” her Town Crier columns were republished in The Tailor’s Daughter: awards as part of a school photo courtesy Next up is university, Growing up in North Toronto, a chronicle her life in the ’30s, ’40s production at the Sears Drama Adam Ragusa hopefully at the Rotman and ’50s. Festival. School of Management at “Some days the story writes itself,” she says. “Other days I have It all culminated this year in his role the University of Toronto to pursue a to go over and over and over it. But I’m very patient so that doesn’t as student council president. commerce degree. After that, he says, bother me at all.” “I am just a normal teenager trying he’ll likely try his hand at marketing or And though she’s been writing professionally since she was in to make sense of this life and find his enter the company his father founded high school, Bassin Chinsky admits that writing wasn’t her first place in this world with the help of the and still runs, Sussex Strategy Group. love. people around him,” he says. “All the while,” Ragusa says, “I try “Truthfully, I would have loved to have been an architect, but I Ragusa has led his council to a to do what I can for others.” was not very good in math beyond straight math,” she laughs. record-breaking level of cash collected – Philip Alves – Corey Lewis

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 17 A heart full of history GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT

lorianna de giorgio/town crier Don Ritchie

graphs of North Toronto in his home to fashion a Since the 1992 publication of North Toronto, a he history of North Toronto isn’t found in library out of them. His garden is even historical book that took him 40 years to research, Ritchie the many libraries that dot the ever-chang- with one of North Toronto’s oldest trees in the has penned several short histories on his ancestors ing neighbourhood. centre of it. and the neighbourhood. T Nor does it lie in the stores, restaurants “I don’t know why but I enjoy doing that sort of He is currently writing a short history of his and schools – both private or public – that dif- thing,” Ritchie says about historical writing. “Much family, focusing on how they came to Canada in ferentiate North Toronto from the other midtown of what I look at now, I say nobody is ever going to the 1800s from the United Kingdom. neighbourhoods in the city. give a damn about that but maybe they will. He’s written two paragraphs. Rather, North Toronto’s history lies in the mind “I don’t think many people are interested in the Ritchie’s own history is just as interesting as and quite arguably the heart, of Don Ritchie, a background of their area …” North Toronto’s as along with his historical work, charming 91-year-old who is the author of the And why is he interested? he served as a naval officer in the Second World famed 1990s tell-all about the area. “Just because I am,” he says, with a laugh. “I War, worked in the book publishing industry as an It’s been 17 years since his simply-titled, North am born that way.” editor and book sales representative and has even Toronto came out, yet Ritchie still lives and breathes Ritchie, who cracks his fair share of jokes dur- dabbled in art, including painting and sketches. what he penned. ing the 30-minute interview, has lived in the same When he’s not researching or writing, Ritchie At his home just north of the Yonge and Eglin- house his entire life as his parents bought it in spends time with his ever-growing family, includ- ton intersection, Ritchie keeps a healthy collection 1918, the year he was born. ing his three grown children, several grandchildren of historical memorabilia not just about his life and His impressive historical collection is proof and one great-grandchild, recently welcomed to family, but the area in general. that Ritchie hasn’t retired from the role of North the family – and no doubt wealth of history. There are enough books, papers and photo- Toronto’s historian just yet. – Lorianna De Giorgio Teens becoming SAINTS

seniors who pay for $9 an hour for her work. Christine Hurlbut, a program administrator eenager Anita Feher has inherited three “I sometimes cook and clean for them,” said with SAINTS, has a long history with the com- new grandmothers. the 17-year-old. “It’s also keeping people com- munity. The Lawrence Park CI student said pany. “I grew up here,” she said. “My connection to Tthis is just one of the unseen benefits of “You get a nice connection with them,” she North Toronto goes back to the 1840s.” volunteering and working with Student Assis- added. “I feel like they are my grandparents.” Her family used to have a farm in the area tance In North Toronto for Seniors. And she’s found the work rewarding. back when much of the city was still agricultural Feher has completed some of her high school “It’s a nice feeling that someone’s relying on land. volunteer hours with SAINTS, but now has three you.” SENIORS Page 20

18 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 B-ball a key policing tool

ost days you’re likely to find Peter Henry in his police uniform at 53 Division but occasionally he trades in his blues for the basketball jersey. Both uniforms come with the territory for the

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT M officer in charge of the division’s community response unit. Whether it’s participating at basketball games, or school events, Henry dispels the tired cliché of the gruff, unap- proachable officer by being a positive police presence. In addition to mentoring students, his unit hosts or is invited to several friendly tournaments at local schools that bring police and youth together for recreation. Building relationships is something Henry is particularly intent on fostering in North Toronto. “I know when I was young and I saw a policeman I didn’t want to be around (him), it made me uneasy,” he said. “We want to break those barriers and let the kids see the police in a more comfortable context.” francis crescia/town crier Officers in the community response unit are typically the THREE GENERATIONS: Al, Bob and Phil Crawford pose with a portrait long-term problem-solvers, as opposed to primary response of founder Morley Crawford. officers, who respond to 911 calls. That often means on-the-ground work with residents and local merchants to understand and address both the criminal and social trends in the area. A family calling “I guess in a sense it’s more rewarding in that we can see results and can link directly to different community members and develop partnerships,” Henry says. That means dealing with everything from graffiti and Morley Bedford Funeral Services street level drugs, to traffic dilemmas and homelessness. Henry has a long professional history in North Toronto. “One thing for sure: I wasn’t going to be a farmer like my brothers In 2001, after transferring from neighbouring 33 Division, and father were.” Henry landed at 53 Division. So says Bob Crawford, vice-chairman of the Morley Bedford Funeral Originally assigned as a front-line uniformed officer, Services in North Toronto, which is entering its 90th year in business this Henry was soon given the opportunity to train part-time in year. community response. It proved to be a good fit. The funeral director has worked at the family business for over 60 “Things worked out really well and that sort of paved the years and is believed to be the longest serving licensed funeral director road to coming back full-time,” he said. “I haven’t looked in Toronto. back since.” “It went so fast,” Crawford says of his time with the funeral home, Although he bounced around the division, Henry recently which his uncle started in Woodstock in 1919 and moved to Toronto five returned to community response, this time as the unit’s man- years later. Its current Eglinton Ave. West location has been the business’s ager. He also marked his 20th year as a police officer. home since 1934. Henry said the most rewarding aspect of his job is working Not that Crawford is planning on retiring anytime soon. The 78-year with people. old will work “till my faculties fail me,” he says with a chuckle. “Just helping people on a daily basis with their problems, Crawford joined his uncle in the business in 1949 on a trial basis and people in crisis,” he says. “And I think with a lot of police decided to train in the field after six months. He says when he received (officers), that’s just sort of an intrinsic part of their personal- his first thank-you letter a few months into the job he thought, “maybe ity.” this is for me.” – Karolyn Coorsh Now running the business with his sons, Alan and Phil, he says the key to the business’s longevity has been its ability to adapt to the com- munity. “Every funeral is different today,” he says, and customs are no longer cast in stone. A board member of the Neighbourhood Interfaith Community Group for 15 years, Crawford actively contributes to North Toronto, as do Alan and Phil. Though it may be too soon to talk about his legacy, Crawford says the one thing above all that he hopes he’s passed on to his sons is integrity and honesty. It’s a people business after all, he says. Being a funeral director is more rewarding than some would suppose, Phil says. “It’s almost like a calling,” he says. “The gratitude and respect received is amazing, because you’re guiding families with compassion.” photo courtsey toronto police service – Kelly Gadzala with files from Alexandra Christopoulos

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 19 Lawrence Park’s

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT Mr. Football

photo courtesy chuck richardson Chuck Richardson

26 years. Richardson helped revive his alma mat- Richardson hopes the players he’s coached and t’s fair to say Chuck Richardson is a football er’s pigskin program in the early 1990s through the people he’s worked with can take something nut. the creation of the Lawrence Park Football Alumni from his love for football. And he wants the same for North Toronto. Association. “We should not be afraid to tackle a vision we I “Given that achievement is greater than any And when teacher work-to-rule threatened the strongly believe in,” the Yonge and Lawrence area single moment, memory or a cumulative effect of high school football season in 1998, Richardson native said. “There have been many people in my both … I am very prideful and humbled by the created the Southern Ontario Football Conference. life who have said that I have given up too much in power of our sport,” said Richardson in an email The league included teams from the old Great my ambition to grow football in my community. about why enjoys what he does. Lakes Football League and a new team with local “But I don’t,” he added. “Dedicating time to “And more importantly the way we frame it as players: the Lawrence Park Wildcats. reaching a goal can lead to other unexpected posi- a vehicle to change a young person’s life.” That team is now the Metro Toronto Wildcats tive outcomes along the way that may surpass that The Lawrence Park Collegiate alumnus has and the organization is entering its 10th season of goal.” been involved with minor football in the area for play with three teams: varsity, junior and peewee. – Carmine Bonanno Seniors get help with housework

Cont. from Page 18 Students don’t provide any type of personal care ser- She sees the 31-year-old program as a win-win for vices, but do things like snow clearing or light housework students and seniors. that can make it easier for seniors to live independently. Teens get to work in small blocks of their free time The charity receives some money from the province and get some spending money or earn volunteer hours. and city and also issues tax receipts for all donations “They may be going through hard times at home but over $10. It serves people living between Bathurst St. to this is someone who appreciates them,” said Hurlbut. Bayview Ave. and Bloor St. to the 401. And sometimes friendships develop that last years. “We cover wealthy areas such as Rosedale and Forest For those 65 and older, they get social interaction and Hill but also seniors’ and public housing with people liv- some help with the laundry or gardening at a relative low ing with limited incomes,” said Hurlbut. cost, she said. Students or seniors wanting to find out more can call “Most importantly, it allows them to stay in their 416-481-6284 or www.saintstoronto.ca. – Kris Scheuer home as long as possible,” Hurlbut. photo courtesy SAINTS

20 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 “I can read, go online, for a walk or The Taylor Statten Camps join friends for lunch. I ll my days Leaders in camping since 1921 with what suits me.”

www.chartwellreit.ca THE INDEPENDENCE I WANT Enjoy life the way you want. Our caring sta is here to support your independence. We put a world of options and a variety of services at your nger tips. You make your own choices, and we’ll help you maintain your independent lifestyle, eortlessly.

Four Teddington Park Avenue Retirement Residence www.taylorstattencamps.com 4 Teddington Park Ave., Toronto, ON Tel: 416.486.6959 Fax:416.486.1837 Call 416-481-2986

The exclusive feature that this Hunter Douglas Gallery offers is a Gallery Gold Guarantee. This unique program is designed to ensure that all customers are 100 percent satisfied with their purchase. Customers have 20 days to try out their new window coverings. If, for any reason, they are not satisfied in product, style or fit – they then have 20 days to return the product and choose a new one. This is Hunter Douglas’ 20/20 Gallery Gold Guarantee – and this is one of the many qualities that make Sun Shades unique in such a competitive market.

For every order placed before GET THE March 31st you will receive Wh a t e v e r y o u c a n i m a g i n e we c a n m a k e i t a r e a l i t y REAL HD FREE INSTALLATION

TORONTO 1075 Yonge St., (North of Bloor) WINDOW FASHIONS 416-924-5060 AURORA RICHMOND HILL BOLTON OAKVILLE VAUGHAN 905-713-2862 905-770-9705 905-951-8400 905-827-1341 905-738-8955 toll free: 1-800-346-9501 www.sunshadesblinds.ca

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 21 - - Sun Shades NT Today mark Jennifer Gardiner 09 Mar. ______...... Today 416-488-4779 416-488-3671 ...... PROOF 101 Wingold Ave Ontario Toronto, Ph: Fx: Issue: North Toronto Date: Feb. 17 Attention: as published be will Ad by correction no if shown by: received is phone or fax ASAP *Note: has attached proof The care very read been been has effort every fully; in correct it make to made not do we but detail, every responsibility any assume errors. for care proof the read Please names, especially fully, figures. and addresses, OK ❏ Proof Signature: Client . . . .Papers ...... Issue . . . . . Layout 4 x 77 Sales Rep TODAY SERIES 2009 SERIES TODAY Let them eat cake for cancer Bronwyn Best Yonge / Lawrence 100 Ranleigh Ave Registering for September 2009! 1585 Yonge St. (at Heath) Yorkminister Park Baptist Church Tel: 416-486-4911 hen Bronwyn Best was diagnosed with breast cancer on Dec. 5, 2001, it ended up being one of the happiest days of her life. GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT W That’s because it’s also the date her husband, André Le Roux, proposed to her. Living cancer-free for over seven years, Best, also known as the Cake Lady for her annual fundraising bake-off, has learned what doesn’t kill you not only makes you stronger, but more content. Maria Montessori School “My sister died at 41, so I’m grateful for every year I have,” she says lounging in the living room of her Keewatin Ave. home. “I’m 58 and For children two and a half to twelve. I’m adamant.” Best was born just outside of Kobe, Japan in 1950 but would spend her first five years in Nagasaki, one of two Japanese cities hit with Operating under the atomic bombs by the Americans during the Second World War. The guidelines of the after-effects of those bombings, Best says, was the likely precursor to Association Montessori her family’s history with cancer. “I’m the only one other than my sister who’s had breast cancer in Internationale the family on both sides,” says Best, whose mother, also born in Japan, recently developed colon cancer. 123 Brentcliffe Rd., Toronto (416) 423-9123 www.mariamontessori.ca The world is big. Start small.

andrew rampersaud/town crier

At age six, Best immigrated to the U.S. and would stay there until she attended the University of Toronto. Best drew inspiration for her summer bake-off Cakes for Cancer from Vancouverite Marg Meikle, who was known as CBC Radio’s The Answer Lady. Meikle developed Parkinson’s disease and every November she would hold Porridge for Parkinson’s breakfasts. “I’ve loved to do parties and do the baking,” says Best. “I pick an afternoon in the summer and we just invite everyone I can think of for afternoon tea from 2–5 p.m. I make all the cakes and we ask people to come with their appetites, their friends and their chequebooks.” The Cake Lady also admits she gets some of her recipes from American author Diane Mott Davidson, who writes mystery novels centred around food. “Some of the cakes and stuff like ‘scout’s brownies’ and ‘lethal lay- Small classes. Co-educational. Pre-K to Grade 6. ers’ have come from Dying for Chocolate and Tough Cookie.” A nurturing atmosphere and enriched programs. In Cakes for Cancer’s six summers, Best has raised over $44,000 for Open Door Days every Wednesday in March the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation of Ontario. She hopes to make and April. To book a tour, contact it $50,000 this year. Kelly Shimizu at 416 423 5017 x 43 or “I met this man and his wife during the third summer and he’s had [email protected] cancer more than once,” she says. “He said, ‘I sit there in the hospital having chemo with everybody else. It’s not a happy situation. It’s so www.childrensgardenschool.com wonderful to come and just enjoy myself and feel like I’m just a person 670 Eglinton Ave. E. (at Bayview) like anybody else’ and that has always stuck with me. That made it (416) 423-5017 worthwhile.” – Andrew Rampersaud

22 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 E.W. SMITH ROOFING est 1979 (Family Owned Business) umers’ Ch s ™ o The Best Sofa on Award ic C e • Shingles • Flat Roofs *B 2008 * e us c in For en es cell • Eavestrough s Ex In Town • Skylights • Roof Repairs

• Fully Insured & Reliable • Work Guaranteed • Job Clean & Neat

Whether you are in the market to buy a new sofa or reupholster an existing one, Call 416-467-7663 Markham Furniture is your one stop shop. After managing the Barrymore Furniture plant for many years, Bill Rizk founded Markham Furniture. Ten years later, he is building the best and the most reasonably priced Now is the time for ROOF INSPECTION sofa or chair in the city. ow is the time to and sometimes lack of ventila- Hardwood frames, web and coil springs, high density foam and superb tailoring are the foundation of every new sofa or chair built by Markham Furniture. They also display the inspect your roof and tion. If you have too much heat latest in sofa styles and fabric choices. get any needed repairs in the attic, then ask your roof- done.N If your roof is over 20 ing contractor how to improve Reupholstering an existing sofa or chair makes a lot of sense. They can restore your timeless years old, you should have an ventilation. Water penetration furniture to its original beauty and comfort. inspection as the manufactur- due to snow and ice build up Markham Furniture sells directly to the public. Their furniture is competitively priced er’s warranty in most cases has may have afftected you during coupled with superb service. ended. If the roof is 15 to 21 this cold winter. Call us to find Visit their showrooms at : years old and you see cracked, out what you can do about it. Toronto Markham 3335 Yonge Street 1020 Denison St.#115 curled, raised or cupped shin- Call E.W. Smith Roofing (N. of Lawrence@ Fairlawn Ave.) (1light west of Warden Ave.) gles, have it inspected. These at 416-640-0220 905-947-9575 are signs of wear and aging 416-467-7663. Open 7 days a week www.markhamfurniture.com Open Monday to Saturday

Celebrating 85 Years in Business! DOMINION ROOFING We’ve got you covered! Shingling • Eavestroughing • Custom Roo ng & Copper Work Aluminum &Vinyl Siding • Sot • Fascia • Repairs • Over 35 Years in Business FOR A FREE ESTIMATE • Popular & Rare Orchid Plants DomiomininiononRRoooo n ng.com • Silk Orchid Arrangements or (416)789-0601 ext. 285 • Orchid Supplies & Repotting Service • Gift Certificates • Local Delivery

416-961-2639 1202 Yonge Street (across from Summerhill LCBO) GreaterToronto Home Builders’ Association www.orchidsshoppe.com Sub-Contractor of the Year Award Winner!

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 23 SailSail inin thethe CityCity Sail all summer for under $500. Unlimited Lessons ™ Unlimited Use of Fleet™;^ghiXaVhhZhhiVgiZVganBVn 6AAB:B7:GH=>EH>C8AJ9:### ▲ learn to sail in club-owned boats (Albacores, Lasers and Hobies) ▲ free CYA beginner lessons & race training ▲ our waterfront clubhouse...your cottage in the city ▲ fabulous parties, races and regattas ▲ located near Cherry Beach ▲ an adult non-profit sailing club run by people just like you ...everyone is welcome! 8Vaa)&+")+&"(++%orlll#bddgZYVaZ#Xdb CZlbZbWZgh^c[dgbVi^dcc^\]ih April 16 and May 14, 7:00pm to 9:30pm at Mooredale House, 146 Crescent Rd. (east of the Rosedale subway station) BVgnBXBV]dc/ membership director

francis crescia/town crier THE NORTH TORONTO Tennis Club grew out of from the North Toronto t in T es ow Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club in the 1930s. GOLD n B AWARD 2008 Having a ball North Toronto tennis clubs are bouncing back

working, they’ve been sitting in an Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday • Dinner: Monday – Saturday • Closed Sundays ennis anyone? office or working in a plant all day, 502 Eglinton Ave. W Or what about lawn bowl- so they like to get out and hit some (between Avenue Rd & Spadina Rd) 416-488-7729 ing? balls at night,” Warrington added. See Menu @ www.ferraro502.com T Croquet, perhaps? Maguire and Warrington say While these activities may not be membership at their respective clubs the most visible sports on television is on the rise. But it wasn’t always so or in the newspaper, they do play a peachy, says Warrington. large role in North Toronto, and have A boom occurred in the 1980s for done so for nearly a century. tennis clubs in particular. However, The North Toronto Lawn Bowl- what went up had to come down. ing and Croquet Club has resided in “The demographics changed in Lytton Park since 1912. The North the early 1990s where a lot of the Toronto Tennis Club grew out of the women went to work … and golf NTLBCC soon after and will enter became a favourite past time, so its 73rd year this spring. there was less tennis being played.” Muir Ravine has housed the Law- The neighbourhood also changed. rence Park Bowling Club for 93 North Toronto became what both years, while the Wanless Park Tennis Maguire and Warrington called a Club has been part of the neighbour- “mixed-bag” with different races and hood since 1952. religions. So how have these clubs been Tennis, lawn bowling and cro- able to survive for so long? Wanless quet weren’t favourite past times of club president Alan Maguire says it the community’s new members, but has a lot to do with location. instead of fearing for their existence, “The neighbourhood has a demo- the clubs did something about it. graphic that is very interested in “Our membership increased being healthy,” says Maguire, who because we wanted to be out there has been a member at Wanless for 15 more and we became much more years and president for 12. “People accessible with the Internet,” Magu- want to get out and stay healthy. ire says. “Our approach was to be Paul Warrington, North Toronto part of the neighbourhood.” Tennis Club president from 1996 to Back at Lytton Park, Warrington 2000, says residents enjoy meeting says the creation of children’s day their neighbours and want to feel part camps is “without a shadow of a of the community. doubt” the biggest change he’s seen “It gives us (seniors and retired in his time at NTTC. people) somewhere to go, it doesn’t “We’re always looking at differ- cost much, we get some exercise and ent models to appeal to the entire we get to meet some new people,” neighbourhood,” Maguire says. says the 75-year-old, who has been a “Being part of the community is NTTC member since the late 1970s. very important.” “For those middle-aged and still – Carmine Bonanno

24 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 Clubs still play Providing an important a service role

francis crescia/town crier KIWANIS CLUB of Toronto president Geoff Ryan says that dispelling the myth of the organization as an old boys club is key to its future success.

and hearing disabilities, they will advocate on to, says president Geoff Ryan. Because of the he world has changed. behalf of any request for free eyewear. But current economic crisis there is an added effect At least according to Douglas it’s not often they get letters for such requests for his organization. Lowry, president of Toronto Central though. Kiwanis’s foundation is built on the inheri- TLions Club. In addition to helping those with disabili- tance of charter member T.P. Loblaw. After the In the past service clubs like his were in ties, the organization offers scholarships to grocery store giant passed away, he left a fair such demand employers would pay their work- York, U of T, Ryerson and George Brown Col- portion of his estate to the group. ers to join them. lege. And it’s expected that Lions members aid “Obviously we had a lot of our money in Now, organizations like Lions, Optimists, in the event of a natural disaster. trusts, in investments … so we’re down quite Kinsmen, Rotary, Kiwanis and the IODE — But raising the funds for the club’s good a bit,” Ryan says. “It’s from that money that founded as the Imperial Order of the Daughters work is tougher when there are only 20 mem- we invest where we do our budget each year of the Empire — are having a hard time attract- bers. Toronto Central does have nest egg of and decide how much money our foundation is ing members to their ranks. money that was provided to them by charter going to give out.” For the Lions, Lowry says not a lot of member and lawyer Harry Newman to help Kiwanis’ main focus is helping underprivi- people are aware of what the community group further its good works. leged children. The Toronto group provides does. With a mandate to help those with sight It’s the same for the Kiwanis Club of Toron- LEAVE Page 26

BUYERS OF ESTATE JEWELLERY Made in Germany • Tradition since 1774

Boston B UY S ELL T RAD E Kerala A T VAN R I J K ’ S Jewel IT’ S M O RE THAN A B USINESS... IT’ S A PASSIO N . For more than 230 years it has Gizeh been BIRKENSTOCK’S objective

DIAMO N D S & G O L D to offer high quality products that support & maintain the natural R O LEX W ATCHES functions of the feet. Madrid C ARTIER • Perfect Balance • Perfect Weight Distribution PATEK W ATCHES • Toe Gripper A NTIQUE JEWELLERY • Two-Width System Arizona • Perfect Fit Stroke and • Perfection is Our Trademark Flowers

2597 Yonge St. (North of Eglinton) 90 E GLINTO N E AST Circle 416-489-4379 416-440-1233 • 416-440-0123 4)0&4

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 25 Rosewell Gardens 515 Rosewell Avenue Leave It To Beaver Luxury Apartment Rentals in the Heart of North Toronto Membership peaked in the 50s and 60s when companies would pay employees to join OPEN HOUSE Every Weekend Saturdays 11-5 and Sundays 11-4 Refreshments will be served Cont. from Page 25 money to boys’ and girls’ clubs in Regent Park and the Trinity-Bellwood area. “The mandate is serving children of the world, that’s kind of the focus of Kiwanis International,” Ryan says. They celebrated 90 years in 2007, with only 50 members. Ryan esti- mated that the group had its peak membership in the 50s and 60s. “It was very much apart of that Leave It To Beaver-type middle class corporate family man ethos,” he says. “I mean we had members who had joined because their companies would pay them to join Kiwanis.” Still, Kiwanis has taken steps to reinvent itself and dispel the myth of Rosewell Gardens is located at Lawrence Avenue West and Avenue Road, walking being an old boys’ club. distance to the Lawrence Subway Station and steps to gourmet food shops including “We’ve been going through a bit of a strategic planning right now to see Pusateris, restaurants and high end boutiques. The neighbourhood is also home to how the club can re-imagine themselves so we can have a future and be many parks, public and private schools including Havergal College. Each designer increasingly relevant and be smarter with the resources we have.” suite is equipped with 3 stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite raised breakfast bar, Ryan admits he never even thought he would join a service club when stacked washer and dryer, window blinds and more. Storage locker is included with he was growing up, but once he joined seven years ago and got to know the every suite. Rosewell Gardens showcases an exquisite array of services and amenities members, it was a great networking opportunity. including 24 hour concierge, fitness room, fully furnished guest suite and party room. Before he became president, he took the lead on the membership com- Call to arrange a tour today! mittee, tackling the issue of getting more volunteers interested. But in order to do so he had to convince established 416-447-2900 members of the need to adapt to the cultural [email protected] climes of today. www.oxfordresidential.ca The three main functions of Kiwanis Our club include community involvement, profes- sional development and a way to make new is fairly friends. The last function, Ryan says, is Learn to Skate outdated. with “I sort of identified (the problem) and progressive explained it to them,” he says. “For the The North Toronto Skating Club younger generation coming up, I think two of in spite of those three are still valid: the opportunity to Join us for Small Groups! be involved in the community and do service the actual Game Days! Badges and Fun! and also the professional development — the ANNUAL SKATER SHOWCASE people you meet, but they’re not going to age of our Friday April 3, 2009 find their friends at Kiwanis.” 7:00 PM - Tickets at the Door The Lions club is also constantly evolv- ing. members Back in the day, boxing matches were • Safe and Fun instruction located in North Toronto Memorial Arena, 174 Orchard View Blvd. arranged for fundraisers, and as a sign of the times, the ways of collecting money for special needs have shifted to • 3 1/2 years old and up. skate-a-thons. • Skate Canada sanctioned programs taught by As for the Lions, Lowry says sports are a big thing. After all, they helped nationally certified coaches. start the Lou Marsh Award, given to Canada’s top athlete annually, and the • Spring School runs April 6/09 - May 11/09 NHL’s Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player • Fall/Winter Season begins in September 2009 throughout the playoffs. email us to receive our 09/10 season brochure, available in June! Unlike the Lions and Kiwanis, the IODE is an all-female organization [email protected] whose roots run deep within hospitals and Canada’s military. Originally started as an effort to support the troops during the Boer War, it has now directed its focus to literacy with their program Born to Read, and to purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for hospitals. Chris Bateman, president of the IODE, is optimistic that service clubs Some of the Skaters will continue to be a part of the Canadian fabric. For the IODE when one who participated in the group shuts down, another one opens. annual NTSC Club “We adapt all the time,” she says. “When we see a need, we change.” Competition on Feb. 10th Ryan shares her optimism. “I think our club is fairly progressive in spite of the actual age of our Photo: David Burkholder members,” he says, adding his predecessor was Kiwanis Toronto’s first female president. “I think we’re still relevant, and we can still do a lot of 416-485-2721 good. “There’s still a lot of life left to it.” www.northtorontoskatingclub.com – Brian Baker

26 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 QUITE SIMPLY THE FINEST PAINT WE’VE EVER MADE™

Discover your aura today, at my aura paint.ca Actual colours may not appear exactly as shown. Colour accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore® paints. benjaminmoore.ca Aura is the most important advance in paint technology in over 50 • Due to its unique “colour-lock” technology, no more than 2 coats years; it is designed to meet or exceed the State of California’s strict are needed – even tinted to the deepest, most vivid colours. environmental protection standards (the most stringent in the world). • Aura is a rapid-dry product; the surface can be re-coated after only Key Aura features: 1 hour. • Available in 4 sheens; matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. Each • Ultra-low VOC levels – even tinted to the darkest colours. surface is fully washable, allowing the consumer the choice of any Aura has it all – easy application, ultra-durability, brilliant colours, and sheen on any surface the best environmental-friendliness in the business.

Lgg\i:XeX[X;\ZfiXk`e^:\eki\ DfeXiZ_GX`ekj C\Xj`[\GX`ek:\eki\ Gif>cfGX`ekj *),0Pfe^\Jk% *-)';l]]\i`eJk% (,),9Xpm`\n8m\% 0+*Hl\\eJk%

Yonge St.

Avenue Rd. Carlaw Ave.

Dufferin. Manor Rd. E.

Wilson E. Bayview Ave. Queen St. E.

Millwood Rd. Fg\e Lawrence Ave. Lawrence Ave. Jle[Xpj Eastern Ave. N N Merton St. N N

benjaminmoore.ca

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 27 "A Private School with Experience" The family way Avenue Road of doing biz

f Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, then Avenue Rd. is one of its quintessential main streets. The northern portion of the thoroughfare, between Wilson and WHO? ILawrence Ave. West, has been home to several family-run shops for • Students in Grades 1-12 many decades, many of which are now in the caring hands of the second generation: WHAT? OPEN • Private School Offering Enriched Traditional Programme WHY? HOUSE: MOM ’N TOT STORE • A Quality Education April 16th Toy Town owner Shari Bricks’ • Individualized programmes childhood consisted of not only • Summer Learning Workshops Grades 1-8 7:00pm - playing with toys but learning how • Summer High School Credits 8:30pm to sell them, so it seemed only • Tutoring Services natural that she take over the fam- Please R.S.V.P ily biz. WHERE? One of the oldest independently • 55 Scarsdale Road (York Mills and Leslie) owned toy stores in the city, Shari’s father Harry had purchased the www.willowwoodschool.ca 416-444-7644 landmark from its previous owner in 1984. As adolescents, Shari and her brothers spent their weekends and summers helping out while learning the ins and outs of retail. Shari, 37, took over after her photo courtsey Toy Town

 father’s health didn’t allow him to SHARI BRICKS has been involved work anymore. with her family’s toy store all her “I guess he realized it would life. 
be a good legacy for his family as
 

 
 well,” says the mother of two young girls. Although Toy Town attracts a loyal following from beyond Toronto’s     
    borders, Shari says the locals are her largest and most consistent draw. “When they find a good store they know it and they’re loyal to it,” Bricks says of the surrounding residents. “You don’t need to leave Avenue Rd. “That’s what attracts people, they don’t have to go very far to get what they need.” As for her own children she says she would “definitely involve them in the business” when they are a bit older. “They want to work there now,” she says, laughing.

A LABOUR OF LOVE Sometimes the bond between generations goes beyond bloodlines: just ask Carole Nelles. The retired nurse spends her days managing the Handy Book Exchange, a job she calls “a labour of love”, in honour of her friend, Olive Navis, who passed away two years ago at age 89. Navis, whose family owns the new and used bookstore, hired Nelles to
%!#*# +, - .
# # -/# 0 work with her three decades ago when a mutual friend introduced them. 1, /-+-*.**20 " .1+,-* “I kind of became the daughter she never had,” Nelles says. #.3/ 1 0#-. 0 * "  / By all accounts Navis was the neighbourhood go-to person for literature *-,- 4/ 1* /+,  ##-, -" and a good chat over coffee. “She said she didn’t have customers, she had friends,” says her son Alan. Olive, who was already in her 50s when she got into the biz, had a remark-
  

  able knack for finding the right book for her friends.   ! "# # $%"%$"&'() “She was basically guiding the reading habits of hundreds, if not thou- sands, of residents in North Toronto,” says Alan, who left the store in Nelles’ . ,.0 care after his mother’s passing.   #. 1 Even when Navis became too frail to come to work, she was able to help

28 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 The family way Through individualized special education instruction, we enable each of doing biz student with a learning disability to succeed.

karolyn coorsh/town crier Open House FOODIE HUB: Ararat, owned by Peter and Aurora Kashkarian, has long been a hot spot to find that ursday April 16th special ingredient for your supper. 9:30am - 11:30am • 5:00pm - 7:00pm locate a book over the phone. “Mom would say ‘Go into the back, fourth bookcase, third shelf down, it’s got a red spine on it,’ ” says Alan. Today, the Handy Book Exchange, filled with ceiling-high stacks and brown bookcases, remains the neighbourhood bookstore. Nelles carries on the same traditions, including keeping a box of dog treats on hand for the local canines. There may not be enough room for a coffee shop and slick advertising, but Nelles is able to offer a wealth of knowledge, espe- cially since she reads every new book that comes into the store. “People who come in here say it’s so personal,” she says.

FOUR DECADES ON AVENUE: When Peter Kashkarian and his parents Gerard and Araxi opened Ara- rat in 1969, they were one of the only fine foods stores around. “People didn’t even know where to find pita bread,” says Peter. Even with other specialty stores today, local residents and serious foodies (Bonnie Stern is a client) seek out their products and expertise. “The difficult ingredients that they never find, we have it here,” Peter says. “People they find us and they say ‘Peter you have this?’ ‘I said of course we have it.’ ” We They carry foods from 50 countries, including a huge selection of olives, cheeses and spices. More than that, Peter and his wife Aurora say they have a genuine affection for their customers, whom they all know by name. Play “We have grandchildren coming back, and their parents say (to them) ‘you know I used to be like your size, I used to shop in this store 40 years ago,’ ” he says. “You feel honoured to see those kids coming back.” Chaim Talpalar has been shopping there since he was 13. “It’s got that Old World charm and feel about it,” he says, standing at For the counter with a handful of products. Although Gerard passed away in 2001, Peter, his mom, known affec- tionately as Mama to her customers, Aurora and “many nieces and neph- ews” continue to help run the store six days a week. “The food business is my life,” says Peter. Fun!

THE NEW GENERATION: We’re your neighbourhood hockey House League The camaraderie among long-standing businesses has impressed some newbies on the strip, including Helen Laniak, owner of Girls and Pearls. for girls and boys ages 4 to 19. Laniak says she was given a warm welcome when she opened her Our next season runs from late September 2009 store more than a year ago, including a bouquet of flowers from Flower John, the florist across the street. through to early April 2010. One day shortly after her grand opening Laniak found herself in a pickle. With no staff and a meeting to attend, Laniak needed someone to On-line registration will start in Spring 2009 keep the store open, so Elizabeth Schindler, owner of Elizabeth Schindler - watch our website after March Break for Couture across the street, lent her staff for the day. “It’s just a really nice kind of community, we kind of share the triumphs all the details! and woes of retail and we try to support each other,” Laniak said. It’s a loyalty she sees in customers too. For more information, please visit our website at; “They really have a concern for the shops on the street,” she said. “I have a ton of customers that come back to see me all the time.” www.nthockey.ca – Karolyn Coorsh

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 29 Visual arts are strong North Toronto offers several opportunities to exhibit

Photo Courtesy Marvyne Jenoff Toronto Group of Artists’ annual ABSTRACT painting and photography is the speciality of North Toronto he art scene in North Toronto show, where such local visual artists artist Marvyne Jenoff. She seeks to play with visual experiences. rivals that of any neighbour- as Joan McGivney, Joseph Sipos, hood south of Bloor St. Donna Tranquada and Helena Wulff Jenoff doesn’t open her home up of her life. T North Toronto boasts its de Sandusky have all exhibited. to art shows, preferring to run her “I play with visual experiences.” fair share of arts festivals thanks to Past shows have displayed the abstract art and photography exhibits Jenoff photographs and paints the likes of the Lorindale Art Show local artists’ different depictions of at libraries and community centres everything from found objects to and the North Toronto Group of Art- North Toronto, such as the people, around North Toronto, the artist is office supplies, including rubber ists’ Fine Art Show, slated this year architecture and diverse happen- open to appreciating different forms bands and paper clips. She often for Nov. 6–7. ings that make the neighbourhood of art. photographs objects through glass or The midtown neighbourhood also unique. Her recent show, titled “Light plastic to give a different illusion. offers up a thriving artists’ scene, The Lorindale show, which first and Water: Experimental Photogra- Having lived in North Toronto for with individuals from a variety of took place a few years ago on Lorin- phy and Watermedia”, at Northern six years, Jenoff is well aware of the backgrounds, including visual art, dale Ave., has artists opening up their District Library focused on water- artists in it. theatre, music and dance. homes and studios to the public. based artwork and photography. “I guess people do the same The Fairlawn Neighbourhood Past shows have showcased the “(My artwork) is nothing straight- things with the surroundings, as I do Centre on Fairlawn Ave. is often work of photographer David Morris forward, like a portrait or (a) land- with the little objects around me,” home to group art exhibits, includ- and painter Steve Gaetz. scape (drawing),” says Jenoff, who says Jenoff, about artists who depict ing past showings of the North While abstract artist Marvyne has been a visual artist for the most North Toronto in their artwork.

What if you could buy Beautiful, Quality, Canadian Made Solid Wood Dining, Kitchen and Bedroom Furniture ..and Design It Yourself? You Can!

At the

Store

Lighting • Custom Rugs

2708 YONGE ST. (1/2 Block North of Sporting Life) 416 481 4617 • www.dinecstore.com

30 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 Experience the difference this spring at Adrian’s!

t in T es ow Trusted for over 50 GOLD n B AWARD 2008 years to meet your footwear needs Thanks again for your vote of confidence!

“Quality footwear, properly fitted”

3228 Yonge St. Humbertown Shopping Centre 416-485-6203 Dundas & Royal York Rd

francis crescia/town crier 416-237-9757 LET THERE BE JAZZ: Reverend Deborah Hart of Eglinton St. George’s United Church brought musicians in to liven up the church’s services. Churches reach out Finding new ways to fill the pews

magine you’re in church on Sunday. The minister is halfway through her sermon when a saxophone bursts forth with a divinely inspired riff. Far from being upset with the interruption, the minister praises it. I A scene like this is the idea behind Jazz Epiphanies at Eglinton St. George’s United Church. The church recently wrapped up the February series, where musicians played jazz between hymns and during the sermon. “They improv on scripture,” says Reverend Deborah Hart who is in charge of outreach at Eglinton St. George’s. There’s no doubt about it: Churches are a-changing. Walk into a number of them in North Toronto and you’ll find not just jazz singers and sermons. You’ll also discover naturopathic doctors, eco seminars, movie nights and even wine-tasting events. Churches aren’t just ministering to the soul anymore. The really progres- sive ones are also nourishing the body, brain and emotions. And they’re telling you about it with snappy taglines and a strong web presence. “It’s looking at life much more holistically,” says Hart of her church’s atti- tude and vision. Gone are the days, she says, when places of worship would just open their doors and people would come in. “We’re trying a variety of ways to relate faith to the rest of (the congrega- tion’s) lives,” she says. Hart touts Eglinton St. George’s wellness centre and ministry as one such program. After the church’s 2001–2002 renovation, she says and her fellow ministers asked the question, “How do you brand a church?”. Wellness programs are a good fit for a community that’s stressed, she says. HUMAN Page 32

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 31 t in T es o GOLD w

B n AWARD IN TORONT O 2008 FOR OVER 40 YEARS! Using

• Lobsters ranging from 1lb to new ideas 4 lbs in our tanks RESTAURANT • Fully Licensed • Live Lobsters flown • Casual Atmosphere • Children’s Menu in fresh from the • Open for Dinner 7 Days a Maritimes Week from 5:00pm • Comfortable, casual & lively atmosphere • Menu also includes other High Quality Seafood, Filet Mignon & Rack of Lamb 1962 Avenue Road 5 blocks south of Hwy. 401 416.787.3211 www.lobstertrap.ca Human touch BBQ DIRTY? BBQ BROKEN? still big Hart herself practises reiki, while others in the centre offer therapeutic BBQ GAS LINE? touch, reflexology and naturopathy. One of the church’s new tenants after the renovation is a wellness services company called the Daily Apple. For a little T.L.C. “There are members of the congregation who think it’s great and others who think it’s wacko,” Hart says of the wellness services, which are open to the public. call BBQ BOY Churches have lost their connection with the community, says Reverend Derek Macleod, and they must find ways to restore it. A minister at Glenview Presbyterian Church over a year, Macleod is liter- @ 416-588-6293 ally the new face of that church and is spearheading its new strategic plan. WEBER • BROIL KING • NAPOLEAN The 36-year old says the church hired someone younger after a crises in leadership with a previous minister led to people leaving the church. Membership is down in all churches, including Glenview, he says. While Perfect BBQ all the time the goal is always to grow, spiritually and otherwise, Macleod says it isn’t s the trend continues We can service, install gas necessarily the case that he wants to attract just young people. with outdoor cook- piping, assemble “I don’t want a church that’s all old or all young.” Aing, more customers are and overhaul your Even so, there’s no denying Macleod’s methods for keeping connected to his congregation and the community aren’t exactly traditionl. He posts his investing in high-end BBQ. With over 10 sermons online, replete with references to the New Yorker and by the early BBQ’s. Now we see years of service and spring hopes to have the church’s new website online. It will feature podcasts consumers spend- knowledge we know of his sermons and other interactive elements. ing between that our customers “It’s really important,” he says of being accessible online to the commu- nity. It gives people a safe way to explore the church, he says, and it allows $1500.00 to get a perfect former friends and snowbirds to stay connected. $10,000 on top BBQ all the “It’s like the kitchen where everyone gathers,” he says. of the line outdoor time. Still, online communities can’t replace reality, he says: “I want to have grills. Call us at real relationships.” BBQ Boy provide var- 416-588-6293 or People are looking for different answers from their church, Hart suggests, 905-773-3433. than they did in the past. ious services for your BBQ. The church is no longer the place for absolute answers, she says, but

32 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 We’re opening our doors to you! Hazelton Place Retirement Residence is opening its doors and would like to invite you to attend our Antique Appraisal Clinic. Please RSVP by March 23rd 416-928-0111 Friday March 27th - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Your jewellery, watches and coins will be verbally appraised by Waddington’s Auction House.

Complimentary Refreshments & Tours will be provided. Monthly rates starting at only $2995 including 3 meals a day, recreational francis crescia/town crier PODCASTS AND PRAYERS: Reverend Derek Macleod of Glenview Pres- programs, housekeeping and 24 hour emergency nursing response. byterian Church posts his sermons online and will soon be podcasting them from the church’s new website. 111 Avenue Road, Toronto (416) 928-0111 rather a place to ask hard questions. People have learned in the last 15 years that progress and money isn’t the answer, says Hart. That means offering secular programs, like the “more pastoral” discussion groups Hart says the church offers, including the grief group she leads. Sup- porting a community, she suggests, means responding to its needs emotional Ductless Air Conditioning and otherwise. “You don’t have to park your brain at the door,” she says. “Or your Made HASSLE FREE! In just ONE DAY heart.” DUCTLESS AIR CONDITIONING David Appleyard would tend to agree. The member of The Anglican Fujitsu’s Technologically advanced Church of St. Clement, Eglinton helps organize the church’s year-old Forty “DUCTLESS” Air Conditioning Systems Sales & Minute Forum series, which he refers to as secular talks on a variety of are designed specifically for environments with electric or Service subjects. hot water heating, problem areas or computer rooms. “We don’t try to put on a religious series,” he says. “We’ve got bodies and Apartments souls and brains. We’re looking at serving our community.” NO DUCTS, NO MESS, NO PROBLEM! & Condos The forums occur throughout the year in six-week intervals and have
0OF
%BZ
*OTUBMMBUJPO


6MUSB
2VJFU
0QFSBUJPO


'VMMZ
3FNPUF
$POUSPMMFE NO PROBLEM! featured talks by Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne, TV personality
$PNQMFUF
ZFBS
8BSSBOUZ and green author Gill Deacon, and other interesting people mostly from the FREE area. Consultations Some individuals have a fabulous story to tell, Appleyard says, such as the author who wrote a book on his 40-year long battle with a mood disorder and came in to speak of his experiences. Referrals “I tell you, you could have heard a pin drop,” he says of that talk. “It was Available one of the most moving experiences.” Sessions are free and there’s no obligation to stay for the religious service NEW that follows, he says – or even to be a church member. Appleyard says he STANDARD knows someone who attends a nearby Roman Catholic church who zips over Clean Air to the forums after his own church service. FEATURE Collects Appleyard sees the series is a form of outreach. Homeless people need Special Plasma Filter Dust food and shelter, he says, while others need mental stimulation. High performance electronic air cleaner Electrostatic Filter “One fellow in he’s 80s, as sharp as a tack, says it’s the best thing he’s removes dust and odor, improving indoor Ionization Filter experienced.” air quality. Great for smokers, people with Though he says the church doesn’t have an agenda, Appleyard admits the allergies and pets. Dirty Air series is getting a reaction in the community. “People are talking about St Clement’s more than they were 12 months ago.” And there’s nothing wrong with the church being known for some- thing, he says: “I’d like to think what we’re doing is branding the church.” 



– Kelly Gadzala We install furnaces, fireplaces & central air conditioning

2009 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 33 Who to call in North Toronto Clip & save this directory of community Taxes services in the North Toronto area. Property tax inquiries...... 416-338-4TAX Howard Moscoe, Ward 15 Councillor City Hall, Suite B30...... 416-392-4027 City Agencies Toronto Transit Commission Email...... [email protected] Customer service...... 416-393-4000 City of Toronto Rates & schedules...... 416-393-4636 Karen Stintz, Ward 16 Councillor Access Toronto: Website...... www.ttc.ca City Hall, Suite B32...... 416-392-4090 Information and referral.... 416-338-0338 Email...... [email protected] Email...... [email protected] Water Website...... www.karenstintz.com Fax...... 416-338-0685 General enquiry...... 416-338-8888 Website...... www.toronto.ca Billing and accounts...... 416-338-4829 Mike Colle, Eglinton-Lawrence MPP Drinking water quality...... 416-392-2894 2882 Dufferin St...... 416-781-2395 Animal Services Website...... www.mikecolle.com Dog/cat licence...... 416-338-PAWS Community Centres & Email...... [email protected] Services Garbage, recycling & yard waste bylaws Joe Volpe, Eglinton-Lawrence MP Waste enforcement: illegal dumping, Central Eglinton Community Centre 511 Lawrence Ave. West...... 416-781-5583 littering on city property, illegal 160 Eglinton Ave. East: Website...... www.joevolpemp.ca recycling and collection...... Telephone...... 416-392-0511 Email...... [email protected] 416-392-0843/73 Fax...... 416-392-0514 Customer service...... 416-338-2010 Francois Guerin, French Public School Household hazardous waste.416-392-4330 Larry Grossman Forest Hill Memorial Trustee...... 416-397-2030 340 Chaplin Cres...... 416-488-1800 Website...... www.csdcso.on.ca Cycling Cycling Committee...... 416-392-7592 North Toronto Memorial Arena Howard Goodman, Eglinton-Lawrence Post & ring installations...... 416-392-9253 200 Eglinton Ave. West...... 416-485-0301 Trustee...... 416-481-7794 Bicycle safety...... 416-392-1311 Email...... [email protected] SPRINT Death registrations Senior Peoples’ Resources in North Josh Matlow, St. Paul’s Trustee...... General enquiry...... 416-392-7036 Toronto 416-397-9162 140 Merton St., 2nd floor...... 416-481-6411 Website...... www.joshmatlow.ca Housing Website...... www.sprint-homecare.ca Email...... [email protected] Improvement loans/grants.. 416-392-7620 Community housing...... 416-981-5500 SAINTS Maria Rizzo, Toronto Catholic School Market rent units...... 416-981-7368 Student Assistance in N. Toronto for Seniors Board Trustee Email...... [email protected] 100 Ranleigh Ave...... 416-481-6284 Telephone...... 416-512-3405 Website...... www.torontohousing.ca Website...... www.saintstoronto.ca Email...... [email protected] Subsidized housing applications: 176 Elm St...... 416-981-6111 Fairlawn Neighbourhood Centre Business Associations Email...... [email protected] 28 Fairlawn Ave...... 416-488-3446 Website..... www.housingconnections.ca Fax...... 416-481-4109 Upper Village BIA...... 416-782-1696 Website...... Website...... www.uppervillagetoronto.ca Long-term care www.fairlawnneighbourhoodcentre. Homemakers & nurses...... 416-392-8545 com York Eglinton Way BIA...... 416-789-1835 Supportive housing...... 416-392-8545 Email...... [email protected] Website...... www.yorkbia.com Homes for the aged...... 416-392-8906 P.O.I.N.T Eglinton Way BIA...... 416-487-3294 Marriage Licence People and Organizations in North Toronto Email...... [email protected] General enquiry...... 416-392-7036 Office...... 416-487-2390 Website...... www.theeglintonway.com Community Info. Service...... 416-487-2427 Parking Website...... www.pointinc.org Yonge Lawrence Village BIA...... 416-657 4313 Toronto Parking Authority... 416-393-7275 Email...... [email protected] 24 Hour Hotline...... 416-393-7300 North Toronto Green Community Website....www.yongelawrencevillage-bia.com Parking Tag & Ticket (credit 40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 252 card payment, inquiries).416-397-TAGS ...... 416-781-7663 Avenue Road Shops Streets & sidewalk snow clearing Email...... [email protected] Website...... www.avenueroadshops.com Customer service (24 hrs.).... 416-338-9999 Website...... www.torontogreen.ca Email...... [email protected] Winter Snow Operations...416-338-SNOW Street cleaning and repair Elected Representatives Town Crier Customer service (24 hrs.).... 416-338-9999 Litter cleanup...... 416-39-CLEAN Cliff Jenkins, Ward 25 Councillor News tips or advertising information City Hall, Suite A12...... 416-395-6408 ...... 416-785-4300 Street lighting Email...... [email protected] Email...... [email protected] Light out calls...... 416-542-3195 Website...... www.cliffjenkins.com Website...... www.towncrieronline.ca

34 NORTH TORONTO ToDAY 2009 Today’s School for Tomorrow’s World a co-ed, independent non-denominational school, Grade 7-12 Tours Available by Appointment 217 Brookbanks Drive, Toronto Phone: (416) 391-1441 www.crestwoodprepco.com Kinnear10x125:Layout 1 2/13/09 1:38 PM Page 1

North Toronto

We live here. We cycle through here.

We shop here.

We frequent the local cafés here.

We enjoy our life here.

Top 1% of all Sales Representatives* #1 Unit Sales, Johnston & Daniel 2008 We stroll along the streets here. & We buy and sell homes here. We play with our children in the parks here. Broker Call For: We know the neighbourhood well here. Our Market Commentary Our Exclusive Home Preparatory Plan An Up-to-date Opinion of Value Adding Value to Our Neighbourhood ™

ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD. TORONTO’S #1 REAL ESTATE **   
     BROKERAGE *Toronto Real Estate Board. Dollar Value 2008. Client Line: 416.485.1475 **Based on 2004 to 2008 values of listings sold from TREB MLS. Office: 416.489.2121 We respect all agency relationships.