Catch da Flava January 2005 www.catchdaflava.com Volume 10 Issue 1 Youth and Student Newspaper Produced by the Regent Park Focus From Rags to Riches: The New Regent Park What will happen when Regent Park gets revitalized?

The Regent Park revitalization is an incredibly complex issue. We’ve been to the meetings, we’ve read the plans, and the following article reflects da Catch da Flava’s understanding of what is going to happen.

n 1949, 's largest community housing project was undertaken in . Developers Ienvisioned Regent Park as an open grassy set- ting with wide parks bounded by buildings that would provide a pretty and affordable place for low-income families to live.

Unfortunately, reality didn't quite mea- sure up to the dream. Even though Regent Park did indeed become a cosier community, there were several unforeseen consequences. In addition to giving families an idyllic place to spend their time, the buildings and parks isolated community mem- bers from the surrounding neighbourhoods and prevented the growth and development of busi- nesses, shops and other services commonly found in a healthy vibrant community. Furthermore, lack of stable and ongoing government investment transformed the once-thought innovative housing complex into a host of neglected and poorly main- tained buildings that have deteriorated beyond worthwhile repair. These are just a few of the rea- sons why in June 2003, the voted 35 against 1 for the redevelopment of the The TCHC is planning to start rebuilding Regent Park later this year. Many residents Regent Park area. were involved in the planning process, but are they ready for the revitalization to In brief, Toronto Community Housing’s begin? Will they be getting everything they had expected? (TCHC) proposed plan will convert Regent Park from a low-income neighbourhood consisting of 2,083 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units into a mixed-income community comprised of new RGI housing units, 700 affordable rental units, 300 units for affordable home ownership and 2,850 new market-rent units. Additionally, the whole street design for the community will be changed to an urban block plan in hopes of integrating the neighbourhood with the rest of downtown Toron- to. The block plan would also render roads more accessible to passing vehicles. This revitalisation project will take from 10 to 15 years to complete and will cost an estimated 450 million dollars. Construction of phase one is scheduled to begin in 2006. As the 12 phases are completed, the over 7,000 residents of Regent Park will be relocated, block by block, to other areas within or near the community. Once built, all residents will have the Coping with Depression Teacher Knows Best: da Sexpert: Is Your opportunity to return to Regent Park. But what are the implications of this gigantic undertaking for Dealing with Bullying Relationship Healthy? the residents of Regent Park? Page 4 Page 7 Page 8 Continued on page 6... POET’S CORNER Editorial Life Illuminates (and still is) in writing fiction--so I began Looking beyond the surface makes things a little by submitting poems. My small contribu- clearer. tions eventually grew into voluntary full- And then the light starts to illuminate from with- length articles. I was convinced that Catch in. da Flava had lots of potential for expansion, Not just one big bright light but lots of little since there are always so many articulate specks of light. young people with opinions. I was enthusi- astic about helping the paper spread, espe- They shine so bright, that you just keep looking cially after meeting all the passionate and VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1 beyond for the hope of things to change. talented people at the Regent Park Focus. WINTER 2005 The fear is that you will lose that moment in time Several years later, here I am to help Catch by the blink of an eye. da Flava keep growing. So you stare motionless, without a care in the THE REGENT PARK FOCUS IS COMMIT- world. With the support of the Regent Park TED TO THE USE OF COMMUNITY-BASED Focus and the youth editorial committee we MEDIA TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND ENGAGE The lights surround a pattern. hope to make Catch da Flava even more YOUTH. Maybe a pattern of your life. entertaining, inspiring, informative--and But one thing is for sure, the pattern is very rigid Greetings from whatever else you’d want it to be. As and stable always, you won’t find teen trash or REGENT PARK FOCUS IS HOME TO: celebrity gossip here, but you will find arti- CATCH DA FLAVA YOUTH AND STUDENT And the lights shine all around it. Catch da Flava’s cles on how to deal with life, news about NEWSPAPER, There are breaks in the structure, which are our community and world issues. Catch da CATCH DA FLAVA ONLINE, believed to be your failures, hardships and valley new editor! ear new and regular readers of Flava will remain a forum where teens get a CATCH DA FLAVA YOUTH RADIO ON experiences. Catch da Flava newspaper, chance to speak out and express their CKLN 88.1 FM, But still there are lights all around it. D thoughts. We want to be your voice and the E.Y.E. VIDEO YOUTH PRODUCTIONS, My name is Bo Wen Chan, and I am voice of your community. To do that we E.Y.E VIDEO CED, The lights are mostly at the breaks of the struc- pleased to announce that I am the new Edi- have to hear from you. Come out to our THE ZAPPAROLI STUDIO FOR ture. tor-In-Chief of Catch da Flava. I inherited youth editorial/radio meetings every Tues- PHOTOGRAPHY, THE FOCUS PHOTO Is it trying to tell you something? the position from Brandi Costain, who day from 6pm to 7pm (you don’t have to GALLERY & THE YOGA DEN Then again, it all depends on how you see your recently graduated from Ryerson Unversity live in Regent Park to take part). If you life. and got a real job (with a large enough can’t make it, that doesn’t mean you can’t REGENT PARK FOCUS IS LOCATED AT: salary to live on...hint hint to our funders) get involved (for example I sometimes have 600 DUNDAS ST. EAST Nicola with a b-ball/student newspaper called The classes on Tuesday nights). For enquiries TORONTO, M5A 2B9 Dish. Congragulations Brandi! We at Catch and submissions, please call 416-863-1074 (ENTRANCE IS AT REAR BASEMENT) LET CATCH DA FLAVA da Flava wish you every sucess. or email us at [email protected] or TEL: (416) 863-1074 BE YOUR VOICE visit the website at www.catchdaflava.com. FAX: (416) 863-9440 Now back to me. I was introduced to WWW.CATCHDAFLAVA.COM Catch da Flava is a student and com- Catch da Flava over 2 years ago by a Best wishes, OL munity youth newspaper that is pub- friend. I was eager to make a publication PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR lished a minimum of four times a track record for myself, since my heart was Bo Wen ADONIS HUGGINS year. The newspaper is distributed FREE to schools, libraries and com- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF munity groups across downtown Editorial: The Tsunami Disaster BO WEN CHAN Toronto.

n December 26th 2004, a tsunami We as 14-year-olds believe that TREASURER & ADVERTISING MANAGER The newspaper is produced by the struck several continents and more people should donate money and EMMANUEL KEDINI Catch da Flava youth editorial com- Oclaimed the lives of thousands. In clothing to the people that have been affect- mittee of the Regent Park Focus. Southeast Asia more than 5 million people ed. If you look around your community and YOUTH WRITERS AND EDITORIAL STAFF were affected and left with no food, cloth- see what you have compared to those in the BO WEN CHAN Catch da Flava welcomes letters and ing or shelter. Many people at this very affected areas, you'll realize that you have BRANDI COSTAIN submissions from young moment are still homeless, without food your friends and family beside you. Many CRYSTAL FUNG people (up to age 24). Submissions and clean water, or have no place to sleep. tsunami victims have lost their siblings, FÉNIDE HÉRARD should be no longer than 500 words parents, and friends. Many children were MARYAN HUSSEIN in length. If you would like more The tsunami happened because the killed in the tsunami and many more were EMMANUEL KEDINI information about how you can con- Indian Ocean had an undersea earthquake, orphaned and left with nothing. We should JESSICA UTHAYAKUMARAN tribute to Catch da Flava, call us at which caused the ocean waves above it to do anything possible to help the victims of TYRONE MACLEAN-WILSON (416) 863-1074. split into two waves. One wave travelled the tsunami feel safe. It's during times like towards land and the other wave went out these that people need our support. Even GUEST WRITERS NEXT DEADLINE FOR to sea. The wave which travelled to the donating a dollar would make a big differ- NICOLA SUBMISSIONS IS: shore went much faster than normal, and as ence in the victims’ lives. In a disaster like MICHELLE RICKETTS March 15, 2005 it proceeded, it grew taller and caused huge this we should come together, bring out our PAT WHITTAKER Circulation: 10, 000 tides. By the time these tides hits the shore, spirits and make the world more peaceful. they were over two-stories high and Countries are like one big family and when Catch Da Flava reserves the right to crushed all the boats and buildings close to one member of the family gets hurt, we as CATCH DA FLAVA IS SPONSORED BY: edit submitted articles for space the water. Many boats, beach hotels and the world should help them. THE TIPPET FOUNDATION, THE LAIDLAW and clarification. fishing villages were completely destroyed. FOUNDATION, THE SEARS FOUNDATION The countries with more than 10,000 fatali- AND THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG- ties were Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and by Maryan Hussein and TERM CARE. Published Since 1995 Thailand. Jessica Uthayakumaran, 14, Jarvis Collegiate

Catch da Flava 2 Winter 2005 Junk Food: More Junk Than Food n't leave my wallet empty. One of the main problems with -Glutamic acid junk foods is that they are not merely bad -"Natural" anything flavor Another thing I've for you, but they are also highly addictive -Bouillon or stock broth (chicken, beef, noticed is that there are hardly due to their high sugar content and a dan- etc.) carrageenan any health food chains such as gerous food additive called MSG -Whey protein, whey protein concentrate, Juice4life located near schools. (monosodium glutamate). Few people whey protein isolate Most schools are surrounded take the detrimental effects of MSG seri- -Soy sauce, soy protein isolate, soy pro- by fast food franchises-- ously. But if you eat take-out containing tein concentrate unhealthy, bloat-yourself-up MSG regularly, the glutamate levels in -Malt extract or flavoring, malted barley food venues. And when you your brain can accumulate to dangerous -Maltodextrin only have an hour for lunch, levels and kill your brain cells. The only -anything protein-fortified few of us can afford the time to reason people continue to consume the walk ten blocks to a health chemical is because MSG is an addictive Remember: just because an food restaurant. seasoning agent that makes you love the ingredient says it's "natural," this does not "taste" of take-out food. In proper mean that it hasn't been artificially As consumers are amounts, glutamate is an important chem- processed. Nor does it necessarily imply becoming more aware of the ical for your brain. However, when your that it's healthy. importance of eating healthy, brain cells are exposed to excessive fast food chains are responding amounts of glutamate, your neurons die. The next time you eat out, I sug- by offering seemingly Thus if you regularly eat junk food con- gest that you take a look at what non-fast hat do pizza, French fries, ham- “healthy” menu items. For instance, taining MSG, you will in fact be slowly food restaurants are near you. Avoid burgers, hotdogs and tacos McDonald's has so-called healthy strangling your brain cells. going to those popular fast food and take- Whave in common? They're options, like salad side dishes, on their out chains that you see on commercials, cheap, available almost anywhere you go, menu. However, if eaten with the crou- Still don't believe me? Here are billboards and ads, because just about all and are the major cause of poor nutrition tons, dressing and everything that makes some consequences that have been of them will give you health problems if among young people. Most students them taste good--they will contain more proven to result from excessive neural you eat them daily. Visit a few of those know that they should avoid eating junk fat and calories than a Big Mac! These exposure to glutamate: head injuries, dia- venues you so often walk past without a foods on a regular basis. After all, there's are salads that you can actually classify as betes, severe low blood sugar, infections, second thought. You never know; they a reason why it's called junk food. junk food! If you don't believe me you headaches, brain tumors and strokes. It is may serve what you really want--at the can check out the nutritional information therefore very important for people with same price as your favourite fattening Unfortunately, it's not that easy yourself at www.weightlossforall.com/ the following conditions to avoid excess fast-food franchises. to eat healthy. mcdonalds-calories-list.htm. amounts of free glutamate: infants and children, pregnant women, obese people, First of all, healthy meals can be Places like McDonald's claim headache or migraine sufferers, asthmat- ridiculously expensive. Or should I say that they provide healthy meals, yet we ics and those who have diseases of the that eating unhealthy is darn inexpensive? have learned that even those so-called brain such as Alzheimer's disease. As with food, the same goes for bever- "healthy meals" are more fattening than ages. Thirsty and need a drink? The vast MSG-packed hamburgers! Many other If you want to avoid MSG, read majority of us will most likely ALWAYS fast food franchises are also providing the food labels and avoid products con- grab a can of pop over juice or bottled "healthy meals" that are not much more taining the following: water, mainly because soda is cheaper. If nutritious than McDonald's junk salads. -Hydrolyzed proteins small juice bottles or water were equally Has the word "healthy" become just -Sodium or calcium caseinate priced or cheaper, what drink would you another catch-phrase to sucker you into -Autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, yeast purchase? I would personally take juice eating greasy grub? food, yeast nutrient or water over pop any day if doing so did- -Textured protein da Flava’s Tyrone MacLean-Wilson, 20 A Few Facts About Your Favourite Fattening Foods Did you know that.. One can of Coke contains the equivalent 1 chocolate croissant contains the same of 10 sugar cubes amount of fat as a small bag of chips (about 20 grams) Light roast coffee contains more caffeine than dark roast coffee

1 slice of cheesecake contains the daily required amount of fat for an adult female (about 33 grams)

Three strips of cooked bacon contains Haagen Daaz vanilla ice cream contains less fat than a single muffin (muffins more than twice the amount of fat than Compared to other franchises, Tim Hor- generally have 16-20 grams of fat, while non-gourmet vamilla ice cream (19 vs. 7 tons’s plain doughnuts have the least each strip of bacon has about 3) grams of fat per serving) amount of fat (8 grams)

Catch da Flava 3 Winter 2005 TTeeaacchheerr KKnnoowwss BBeesstt For Bullies and the Victims that Kicked Them ears from now, the majority of Anger management for bullies students will fondly look back on Ytheir school years as a time when If you have a problem with get- they experienced health classes about ting into conflict (verbal or physical) with sexuality, school dances, pimples on top others, you need to un-learn this damag- of pimples and lifelong friendships. ing behaviour. Check this out: However for a lot of students, school will be remembered solely as a time when 1. Whenever possible avoid people or sit- they encountered more bullies than they uations that tend to set you off. ever had to deal with at any other point in their lives. Now I am not here to condone 2. Imagine yourself behaving appropriate- violence but I do think you will agree that ly in situations that generally result in bullies as a group need to be stomped out! conflict. Take little steps toward acting like this person in your everyday life. Bullies are boys and girls who With patience and practice you will get a power surge by turning other peo- become the person you envisioned. ple's lives into miserable train wrecks. You know the type: if they are boys their 3. Bullies, like victims, need to seek usual antics involve name-calling, push- counselling if negative behaviour does ing and shoving (especially in the hall- not change. If you are not able to stop ways), intimidating others for their bullying, you need to talk to an individual money and stealing stuff from the gym you trust and get at the real reasons change-rooms or lockers. But, the all- behind the bullying. You are not showing round fave of the boy bully is provoking Teacher knows best arrives just in time to stop bullying in the school hallway weakness but incredible strength by con- others into verbal or physical show- fronting your problems with maturity. downs. Provoking here means the guy and exercises for inquiring minds that Talk to a parent/guardian, friend, teacher, teases his victim with slurs like "scrub," want to know about how to deal with the guidance counsellor, principal or other There you have it: victims stand "broke," "deadbeat" and so forth. This whole bully-victim ting-ting. trusted individual. Remember: bullies tar- up for yourselves and bullies get real and teasing usually escalates into some sort of get victims carefully. People that cannot stop being annoying! School could be a open conflict which the bully unfortu- Advice for victims: be pushed around are ruled out, because paradise without all of this nastiness. nately gets off on because he feels power- bullies know they will not be able to get Well okay a partial paradise--unless they ful for a fleeting moment in time. Advice #1: away with their nonsense. rule out homework, detentions, lunch- Realize that bullies cannot bully someone room meals etc. who refuses to be bullied. Walking with Advice for Bullies While boys tend to have a very confidence can erase your chances of Take care, and remember to IN YOUR FACE type of bullying style, being a target. Exercise #1: wear deodorant. Y'all can get pretty girls have their own hideous bully brand. Think about what is happening stanky during your adolescent years! Female bullying often involves tactics Exercises: in your life at the moment. Who are you like excluding people from the group, Get up right now and walk around the mad at? Who pushes you around? How Watch out for more helpful tips from the spreading rumours about others, or ridi- room. Keep your head up and look do you feel about your appearance? Teacher Knows Best in upcoming issues. culing other girls about their appearance. directly ahead with a confident facial Your personality? Your grades at school? Winner of last week’s “Guess the expression. Think about taking up space Think about what makes you feel unhap- Teacher” contest was Kelly Soares, who Nowadays, schools are taking a and knowing where you are going as you py. correctly guessed the identity of “Teacher strong stance against bullying. Schools take each stride. Walk like this always. Knows Best.” Congragulations Kelly! have come to realize that it is impossible You are in charge of who you are and When you have done some very to have a safe, violence-free school with- where you are going! honest thinking about your own life, write out using active measures against bully- down your thoughts. You need to attack ing. The problem is that bullying tends to Advice #2: the real challenges in your life and not take place away from adults, and teachers Communicating very directly with a bully others around you who have nothing to never hear or see what was going on. This (looking in their eyes and stating what do with it. is common; bullies know when to strike. you want in a confident voice) can stop That's not to say that bullies don't have an any unwanted actions quickly. Exercise #2: audience when they pick on their victims. Think about what makes you In most bullying situations a group of stu- Exercises: happy. What would you like to learn dents are almost always to be found near- Get a mirror or any other object that you about? What interests could you be by. In fact bullies would feel pretty silly can pretend is a person. Look at it directly involved in right now in your life? if no one bothered to stick around and and say very loudly, "NO!" Practice say- watch. ing things such as, "I want you to quit it!" When you have identified activi- "Stop hassling me!" "Leave me alone!" ties that you want to try out, write down As someone who works in the etc. your ideas. Make a plan of action and trenches of a school, day in and day out give it a try. People who are going after (and maybe more importantly someone Advice #3: goals in their life have no time for fool- who actually was a bully and a victim in If a bully continues to bother you it is ishness because they are much too busy. by teacher Michelle Ricketts junior high school), I have some advice necessary to get another person involved.

Catch da Flava 4 Winter 2005 The Toronto Rent Bank re you short of rent employer, informa- budgeting, counselling, negotiating with tion about their the landlord and information referrals. and at risk for evic- expenses, and infor- Ation? Maybe the mation concerning The Toronto Rent Bank project Toronto Rent Bank can the eviction notice. has been in operation for four years and is Applicants must be funded by the United Way of Toronto and help. employed, receiving all three levels of government. For more a steady income and information about the Toronto Rent Bank The Toronto Rent Bank is a be a legal tenant. call The Neighborhood Information Post homeless prevention project that helps at 416-924-2543. people stay housed by providing interest- The Toronto free loans to low-income working fami- Rent Bank serves the lies who are in rental arrears. These loans entire city of Toron- prevent people from getting evicted by to. They have eight their landlords. different locations throughout the city, According to Executive Director and people who need Gladis Wong, the Rent Bank helps an a monthly basis. The amount of the pay- a loan should apply at the nearest neigh- average of 17 families per month, and ment is based on the family's monthly bourhood centre. There are centres in less than 1% of the Rent Bank clients get budget. , Scarborough, Woodgreen, evicted after getting a loan. (), York, down- Recently the Rent Bank has town and two centres in . The The maximum amount for a loan expanded its service from families with downtown centre is located at The Neigh- is $2,500.00 or two months rent, whichev- children to include single people, child- borhood Information Post at 269 Gerrard er is less. The repayment of a Toronto less couples, seniors, and youths. To Street, which also serves as the central Rent Bank loan is designed to give people apply for a Rent Bank loan, applicants administration office. Staff at the different a little bit of time to put their finances must show their bank statements, their offices fill out the applications with the back on track while they repay the loan on income, a pay stub or a letter from their clients and are also available to help with da Flava’s Fénide Hérard, 21 Fighting The Inner Demon Depression Among Teens Depression people at risk of seriously hurting them- Well I'd always been pretty affects approxi- selves and others. reclusive at home, so my parents attrib- mately twice as uted my alternating periods of apparent many females as it Even if a depressed person does- irritability and apathy to "teenage atti- does males. Over n't go as far as killing him or herself, no tude." And as far as my friends could tell, 90% of suicide vic- one deserves to be tortured by their I seemed shy but generally pleasant, was tims have a diag- thoughts. I remember days when I just did doing well in school, had parents who nosable psychiatric not want to get out of bed to go to school paid my tuition and was in a long-term illness (Psychiatric because it seemed so utterly pointless-- relationship. Since I was also in good Clinic of North despite the fact that my grades were well health and no one close to me had died, America, 2003). above average. Sometimes I would sleep what on earth could there be for me to This is pretty scary in my closet, hoping I would never wake feel unhappy about? when you also con- up. Often, I couldn't sleep because sider that suicide is unbearable worries about every imagin- the second leading able kind of personal and academic failure cause of death kept me wired. On these occasions, I'd among Canadians take some sedatives and sleeping pills very morning at 11am in the mid- between the ages of 10 and 24, next to with alcohol to help me drift into a dle of class, I discreetly pop open automobile accidents (the 2002 Canadian dreamless oblivion. There were other Emy pill bottle and tap two capsules Psychiatric Association's Mental Illness days when I thought I felt fine and would into the palm of my hand. Whenever I Awareness Week fact sheet). go out, but once in awhile I would end up take my medication, I am fearful that breaking down in public because I could- some of my fellow classmates have Now I'm not implying that all n't handle the self-defeating thoughts that noticed this daily routine, and think that depressed people are suicidal, or that all kept distracting me from my surround- I'm some kind of junkie or a bulimic on suicidal people are depressed. But there's ings. I was too guilty and scared to kill laxatives. Some of my friends used to ask definitely a strong relationship between myself, but I was definitely unable to face me if I was sick, and I would casually the two. Furthermore, the age of onset for my life. reply "No," because I'd assume that they this disorder is usually during adoles- were referring to a physical illness. At cence, which is why it's so important for Maybe you're wondering, "Didn't any rate, I wouldn't disclose to them that-- young people be informed about the ill- anybody else notice that you were acting like approximately 1 in 25 young people-- ness. This disorder severely impairs one's strangely?" Continued on page 8 ... I've been diagnosed with Major Depres- social and cognitive functioning, and puts sive Disorder.

Catch Da Flava 5 Winter 2005 The Regent Park Revitalization

Rumours abound that the RGI ...Continued from cover units will actually be located in segregat- Well on the positive side, after ed buildings with the affordable rental being herded out of their homes and back units. These buildings will be separate again, the inhabitants of Regent Park will from the market-rent buildings. This may get a brand new unit with resouce-effi- be necessary because currently the con- cient electrical and hydro systems. This struction of subsidised housing is no will hopefully make all the moving and longer funded by the provincial and feder- waiting worth the trouble. They will also al government. Instead, the redevelop- be near 250,000 square feet of freshly ment of Regent Park will be driven large- erected retail, commercial, community ly through financial partnerships with and educational establishments; all ameni- developers who, in exchange for premium ties will be virtually at their doorstep. downtown Regent Park land on which to Finally their neighbourhood will look build market units, will provide the nicer, with better-tended parks and resources needed to build the social hous- diverse housing structures ranging from ing. Traditionally, developers do not com- Derek Ballantyne, CEO of TCHC mid-rise buildings to townhouses. (who is a City of Toronto planner) said bine market units with social housing that 383 of the new RGI units would be units (including RGI) in the same build- ings. On the negative side, as TCHC is relocated in places "nearby" in the "east There are also concerns about not going to increase the number of exist- Downtown area." This notion was con- If the RGI units really will be in displacement. Aside from being given ing RGI units, the Regent Park redevelop- firmed in the “Regent Park Revitalization alternative housing during construction, ment will do nothing to reduce the city's Initiative” released on December 13, separate buildings, what will be the conse- quences of the fact that residents in these will affected inhabitants be given a choice subsidized housing crisis. Estimated at 2004, which states that staff should of what kind of housing they will receive, over 65,000 people, Toronto has one of “acquire sites suitable for the develop- buildings will be identifiable as RGI and affordable housing tenants? Will this lead and where it will be located? Will there be the longest waiting lists for affordable ment of social housing in the east down- stress-management programs during the housing in Canada. Considering that it town area in order to build rent-geared-to- to future problems? After redevelopment, Regent Park will be dominated by middle- construction period? How would you like was recently reported that 75% of Toronto income RGI units not replaced at the to deal with 12 years of noise? residents spend two-thirds of their income Regent Park site.” This means that to-high-income residents, and with luck be transformed into one of Toronto's on rent instead of the recommended one- although the absolute number of RGI As far as this redevelopment third, RGI housing is desperately needed. homes will remain unchanged after the hottest communities. But segregated buildings leave low-income residents vul- goes, it is important to be critical, Thus for many housing activists, the rede- development, many RGI units will be although not necessarily anti-revitaliza- velopment of Regent Park is a missed relocated elswhere, which could raise nerable to attacks from fiscally-conserva- tive politicians, discrimination from mid- tion. The project is an ingenious way to opportunity. serious concerns for current residents.For raise the funds to construct new housing example, where will the other RGI units dle-class residents and media stereotyp- ing. These factors may influence succes- and upgrade Regent Park's public image. There are also concerns that be located and what will they look like? But has enough effort been made to TCHC is backtracking on their promise to sive governments to pull the plug on RGI housing, and cause the low-income address the emotional and psychological replace all the 2,083 RGI units in Regent Many of us are holding on to the impacts of long-term construction and dis- Park. TCHC recently released a public idea that at the end of the day, Regent minority to be compelled --either overtly or intrinsically--to leave the area. (Hey, location on current residents? In the wake document stating that a minimum of 1500 Park will be a truly mixed income com- of all the excitement over Regent's RGI units will be replaced. During a com- munity and the days of stigmatization of it’s not like it hasn’t happened before. ) This is an extreme scenario,but segregat- impending revitalization, it is important munity consultation on October 14, 2004 its residents will be over. This, however, that citizens stay informed and work between the Regent Park Community and may not exactly be the case. ing people by income is bound to lead to conflict and stereotyping. together to build the Regent Park that they the city's planning staff, Kyle Knoeck want.

This is a If you have questions or concerns for the TCHC, you can reach them at 416-981-6990 or write to model of 931 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4W 2H2 or what the email: [email protected] new Regent Park will look like

da Flava’s Bo Wen Chan, 21, University of Toronto

Catch Da Flava 6 Winter 2005 The Regent Park Revitalization Not All of Regent Park is Destined for Redevelopment by the TCHC egent Park is scheduled for redevelopment late nity space, additional units of low-income housing to help families with life issues that may arise due to next year, but there are four pieces of land within (about 39-45 units), and a worship space. forced relocation, such as the loss of a home, history and Rthe area that the Toronto Community Housing social networks. Committee (TCHC) cannot touch. This is because they “We don't want [the poor] to have less belong to four neighbourhood churches that are privately “We want to have a community conver- owned. One of these revitalization-exempt properties is services here because of the redevelop- the Christian Resource Centre (CRC) located at 40 Oak ment." sation about the kinds of things they St. Since 1981, the CRC has been providing social sup- want in this site." port and community development services to homeless This expansion of the CRC is necessary because and marginalised members of Toronto society. But what it already barely manages to accommodate the many will happen to the centre when all the surrounding build- people it serves daily. With the revitalization of Regent The only thing that may hinder the reconstruc- ings start coming down? Park, Blair and Nazer predict that more space and tion of the CRC and the operation of its several dozen resources will be needed to handle the influx of new peo- charitable programs that are currently running, is fund- “We don't want [the poor] to have less services ple entering the area over the next several years. Their ing. The projected cost of the project will be about $10 here because of the redevelopment," says Phil Nazar, plans will show up on TCHC blueprints of the revitalized million, and as TCHC does not own the land on which Community Development worker and Pastoral Minister community. However, Blair stresses that "TCHC is not the centre is situated, it will not help pay for the CRC's at the CRC. Executive Director Michael Blair agrees: driving the redevelopment of this site; one of the things plans to expand and improve their services to the com- "This is an opportunity to rethink our commitment to our we want folks to be aware of is [...] it's our investment munity. Whatever negotiations take place with private mission." Over the past few years, Blair and Nazar have [...] we want to have a community conversation about the and government funders during the next few years will been in conversation with the TCHC about their own kinds of things they want in this site." be crucial in determining the fate of this long-standing, plans to rebuild the centre. much-needed organization. The CRC plans to begin their redevelopment The CRC's plans are as follows: they want the during phase 6 of the TCHC-led Regent Park redevelop- adjacent parkland to be part of the centre, and to recon- ment so that displaced residents can have in-neighbour- da Flava’s Bo Wen Chan, 21, figure their current site to include three essential compo- hood homes to live in while construction is going on. University of Toronto nents. These components include a program and commu- The CRC would also like to hire a community chaplain Your Opinions on the Redevelopment

“I don’t think it’s a good idea “I think it would be good for the “I think it would be a good positive “I think the revitalization of because people have to move community because all the trouble change for the community. The Regent Park would dramatically and stuff and they have to that we have in the past and gettin’ buildings are falling apart and alter the community as we know it. different types of people within the rehabilitate their life.” that affects how people feel.” Towards the good or the bad--I area would be good and I guess wouldn’t know till it happens.” that’s that.” -Marlon -Tyrone -Marcus -Kaylin

What are your opinions and concerns about the redevelopment? Voice your views at www.catchdaflava.com!

Catch da Flava 7 Winter 2005 Dealing with depression, and then some may need to be patient). Their goal is to other hand, cannot prescribe medication to see your family doctor or school coun- ... Continued from page 5 help you understand yourself, make sense unless s/he is medically licensed. sellor. The internet is also an information The fact is that there was no obvi- of your thoughts and help you gain the mine, but less useful when it comes to ous reason for me to be unhappy, but I psychological capacity to function in soci- I've also come across something getting tangible aid. If there's an emer- still felt that way. Of course, not everyone ety. Therapy sessions are usually about an called "bibliotherapy," which claims that gency where someone is seriously in dan- will act or feel the same way I did if they hour long and can be weekly, biweekly or reading certain books and doing writing ger of getting hurt, call the Gerstein Cen- are depressed, but the underlying feelings exercises that focus tre's Crisis Line at (416) 929-5200 or drop of overwhelming sadness, helplessness on changing the in at their clinic at 100 Charles St. W (for and hopelessness that characterise the ill- way you think about directions, visit http://www.gersteincen- ness will be prevalent in a depressed per- yourself can help tre.org/contact.html). You can also admit son's thoughts and behaviours. you help yourself yourself or someone else to the The Cen- further recover from tre for Addiction and Mental Health/ These days, I'm still not sure if I a depressive Clarke Institute of Psychiatry's emergency really have "depression;" diagnoses of episode. If you're room at 250 College St. (east of Spadina mental disorders are relative, after all. (In interested, you can Ave.). I find that these places are more fact, my doctor doesn't seem so sure about read Feeling Good: helpful than phone help lines or hospitals my diagnosis, either.) But after I finally The New Mood because they deal specifically with people decided to see one of my school psychia- Therapy by David who have psychological problems, and trists and take medication (following a B. Burns. This book also offer a place to stay for awhile if lengthy period of deliberation and much can be found at someone needs or wants to be removed convincing by several doctors), I've been most bookstores for from their immediate environment. slowly--sometimes really slowly, it $9.99. (Disclaimer: seems--getting better. No one can tell with I tried this and it With the help of therapy and certainty what causes depression, but at didn't really work close support of friends and family, I am least we can be somewhat comforted to monthly depending on the patient's situa- for me, but that was probably because I managing to lead a healthy and "normal" know that there are ways to manage it. tion. A psychiatrist may prescribe you didn't find time to stick to the exercises.) life in spite of my "depression." You can These usually include talking to a thera- medication if s/he deems it appropriate for too. pist, usually a psychologist or a psychia- your case (and these drugs usually take a In any case, if you suspect that trist (sometimes several at first, who will few weeks to start working, so again you you or someone close to you may be suf- all ask you the same questions, so you need patience). A psychologist, on the fering from depression, I really urge you Anonymous, 21 The Signs and Symptoms of Depression

he Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (which is the guidebook that doctors use to help them diagnose psychological disor- Tders) classifies depression as a mood disorder with the following symptoms: A depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities for at least 2 weeks. This mood must represent a change from the person's normal mood and must impair social, occupational, educational or other important functioning. At least five of the following symptoms must also be included:

Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report or observation made by others. (In children and adolescents, this may Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day be characterized as an irritable mood.)

Feelings of worthlessness or Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, excessive or inappropriate guilt activities most of the day, nearly every day nearly every day

Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisive- Significant weight loss when not ness, nearly every day dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day

If you or anyone you know is suffering from suspected depression, you can call Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at (416) 535-8501 ext. 6878 for an assessment

Catch da Flava 8 Winter 2005 NO!! FACE OFF YES!! eople are debating whether or not ociety should take advantage of the Phys Ed should be mandatory in Should Phys Ed be mandatory time when youth and children are in Pgrades 10, 11, and 12. I say Sschool to teach them valuable skills NO!!! Phys Ed should be an option that throughout high school? and instill positive attitudes that go students can choose to take--even in beyond reading, writing and arithmetic. grade 9--and here are the reasons why. Take physical education, for example. It's increasingly evident that each year more When I think back to grade 9, I and more students are going to their class- conclude that gym was a complete es with wider waist lines. waste of time. I had to purchase my uniform for $30 along with a swim cap. There are many reasons why stu- The sports that we played in our classes dents are getting overweight each year, were not ones that appealed to a lot of but the lack of physical education in high us. Take swimming for example. schools undoubtedly contributes to the Swimming for the grade 9s is mandato- epidemic. According to the Canadian ry at our school because we have a Diabetes Association, more and more pool. The pool, however, was very dirty children are being affected by Type 2 because a lot of people used the pool (non-jeuvenile) diabetes each year. without taking a shower first. Schools Twenty years ago, diabetes was a disease also try to save money by not regularly that affected only adults. Now children as cleaning the pools. My sister once told young as nine years old are being diag- me that they found a dead cockroach in nosed with the disease. her school pool. Yeck! So not only is swimming not enjoyable, but it's also a It's not rocket science that physical potential health hazard! education in schools is an important mea- sure that should be used to fight diabetes Even sports that are considered and obesity. So why have school boards fun to most students become a drag in across the country reduced the number of gym class. This is because the focus in Phys Ed is currently a course requirement in grade 9 hours of Phys Ed in their curriculums, or Phys Ed is on drills and learning the for all Ontario students. It has recently been suggest- eliminated physical education altogether? correct rules, not on actual playing, which is what most students would like ed that gym should become a mandatory subject Some obviously ignorant people to do. Practicing skills and learning the throughout high school because many young people believe that physical education can be rules wouldn't be so bad if we had not reduced or eliminated as a cost-saving already done so in grades 7 and 8. But are not getting enough exercise. Two youths debate measure. While school administration at we did! the local level has saved money by not the issue. providing enough Phys Ed teachers and People are always saying that gym facilities, society picks up the bill in Phys Ed should be mandatory because a the form of skyrocketing health costs lot of students are overweight and phys- numbering in the billions. Ontario cur- ical activity helps students stay fit while they're in school. But there are also a lot of stu- rently spends almost 40% of their revenue on health care. Much of these costs could dents that do take Phys Ed who are still overweight. If an overweight student attends gym be eliminated if schools continued to provide comprehensive physical education class in the morning and then eats three slices of pizza, a large fries and a coke for lunch, classes to all students in all grades. gym class won't be much use to them. If the overweight or unfit student decides that they want to take Phys Ed to help themselves, then that's great. But that is not a reason to The argument that physical education should be implemented only by per- make Phys Ed mandatory and to insist that everyone in grade 9 has to take it. sonal choice is ludicrous when you consider the fact that many overweight adults regret that they stopped being physically active in their teenage years. It’s all about An important part of a high school education is learning to make choices. The prevention: forcing teens to take gym now will help prevent heart and other health TDSB obviously trusts that students can choose some of their courses, so why not trust problems later. them to make the right decisions when it comes to taking Phys Ed? I believe that Phys Ed should not be mandatory for any grades in high school. Instead, students should be given options. This way, they will not waste money buying gym uniforms for grade 9 only to find it stuffed under their bed or in the bottom of their closet when they get into grade 10.

Where do you stand on this issue? E-mail your thoughts and comments to: [email protected]

da Flava’s Crystal Fung, 16, da Flava’s Emmanuel Kidini, 23 Jarvis Collegiate

Catch da Flava 9 Winter 2005 Ask da Sexpert Knowing When to Call it Quits: The Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship ompanionship is one of Your partner has a record of abusing the things that most Your partner their past lovers and accepts and defends Chuman beings crave. calls you bad the use of violence by others. From a young age, we are sold names. fabulous fantasies of what a rela- Control is the key word to tionship should be like. We Your partner remember when trying to figure out if dream about these fantasies in yells at you you're in an abusive relationship or not. If our teenage years and end up and blames you can think of any way in which your chasing a romanticized ideal of you when boyfriend or girlfriend is trying to control the perfect relationship. The something you then you need to get out of the rela- reality is that no one and nothing goes wrong in tionship fast. on this earth is perfect, and this their life. includes relationships. Just because a relationship isn't per- Your partner fect doesn't mean that it's a bad tries to stop one. But in a world of fantasy you from doing and romanticized partnerships, things you love would you be able to realize to do, like when yours is becoming an playing on the unhealthy nightmare? Would basketball you know what to do and where team or volun- da Flava’s Sexpert to turn if your relationship was teering in the becoming increasingly danger- community. ous? It's definitely time to call it Do you have any questions or concerns for da Sexpert? quits when a relationship becomes emo- Your partner gets angry when you don't Your partner makes all the decisions in Don’t be afraid to ask! tionally, physically or sexually dangerous. drop everything for them. the relationship and refuses to take your But what are the warning signs? views and desires into consideration. E-mail me: Your partner becomes extremely jealous [email protected] With the help of Daniel Michel, and possessive, and thinks these destruc- Your partner pressures or forces you to a social worker at the Regent Park Com- tive displays of emotion are signs of love. have sex, or to have sex you're uncomfort- munity Health Centre and some research, able with. da Sexpert offers advice about relationships and sex in every I've managed to put together a list of the Your partner tries to keep you away from issue of Catch da Flava. warning signs of a potentially dangerous your friends and family and doesn't let Your partner threatens physical violence. and/or violent relationship: you make new friends.

FILMS: Surrounded by Water Michele Clarke Your Ad Could Go Eden’s Wake Michelle Brown Gift for the Living Tamika Miller Here! Reunion Frances-Anne Solomon Intermission-complimentary refreshments served Do you want to spread the word about Forbidden Sue Maluwa Bruce, Beate Kunath and youth and community-related goods, Yvonne Zuchmantel services or events? Are you on a tight Me in the Mirror Karen Chapman Excuse Me Sir Helen McKnight budget? Then Catch da Flava may be Almost Forgot My Bones Tanya Evanson and Katrin your solution! Bowen Safer Sex Amber Wyn and Karen Lewis (Regent Park Catch da Flava is distributed to 10,000 Focus E.Y.E. Video) households, schools and community centres Panel discussion and Q&A with filmmakers (moderat- all across the GTA. ed by Alison Duke) Prices: Tickets: $10 at door or $8 in advance and 1/8 page - $50 limited sliding scale at: 1/4 page - $75 Friday February 11 2005 1/2 page - $150 6:30-9:30pm (doors open 6:00pm) Toronto Women’s Bookstore Full page - $300 73 Harbord St. (at Spadina) A Different Booklist If your ad has a deadline, we will meet it 746 Bathurst St. (south of Bloor) or else give you a full refund! National Film Board of Canada For more information call: Wheelchair Accessible. Free childcare available by (416) 863-1074 150 John St. (south of Queen) registering before Feb. 7. Call 416-533-8157.

Catch da Flava 10 Winter 2005 In Conversation With George Smitherman

tant that I listen to them. I got to be part of we've been addressing all kinds of prob- Smitherman: I can't blame anybody but Pathways to Education; I think that lems for people in nursing homes…the myself. I'm the Minister of Health and I'm addresses one of the issues that affect resi- list goes on and on and on. It's so cool supposed to set a good example, so I try dents, which is education and access to though, I get to be involved in so many to talk about it publicly. It's mostly about post-secondary education, so that's one amazing things. I'm really at an awesome bad food habits. I can't really say it's any- thing that I've been very involved with. place. thing but my own lack of discipline. I've adopted a theme: continuous improve- da Flava: What are the other issues that da Flava: So is that why you went into ment. affect residents of the Regent Park com- politics? munity? da Flava: Is there anything else you'd like Smitherman: It's about having a chance young people to know about you? Smitherman: I think the issues that affect to work for people--public service. Regent Park are similar to the issues that Smitherman: I just want people to know affect everybody: health care and educa- da Flava: Aside from public service, what that I love Regent Park, I think it's a really tion. But I think in Regent Park we have made you want to get into politics to cool place; it's taught me a lot. As a com- to make sure that those services address begin with? munity I'm proud of it. It's taught me per- The Honourable George Smitherman the particular challenges of communities severance, it's taught me about unity, it's like Regent Park. We've got to make sure Smitherman: The fact is that my grand- shown me some of the challenges that iberal candidate George Smither- we're helping kids that have English as mother was a great admire of Pierre Canadians face. Just after I was elected man, was first elected M.P.P. for second language, we work with the Trudeau so I guess I absorbed a lot of there were 6 murders in 6 weeks--that was LToronto Centre-Rosedale in 1999. Regent Park Community Health Centre to that. In 1980 when he had lost, I got brutal, man--but the community has risen He was re-elected again in 2003 when the make sure that health care is accessible to active in Liberal Party politics and I up. The redevelopment is built off the Liberals, under the leadership of Dalton all those people. There's a local flavour turned 16 during that campaign. The peo- minds of people in Regent Park. It's teach- McGuinty, swept into power. Shortly that has to be considered. [Regent Park ple in that campaign treated me like an ing a lot of other communities how it's afterwards M.P.P George Smitherman has] got a vibrant heart and soul. adult. They gave me adult things to do done. was appointed Ontario's new Minister of and I worked my ass off. It will sound a Health and Long Term Care. Catch da da Flava: Do you have any concerns bit corny but it's a bit like a family. In Conversation is a new Catch da Flava Flava member Vinh Duong had an oppor- about the redevelopment? section devoted to conversations with peo- tunity to speak with The Honourable da Flava: What would you like to see ple who represent our youth voice and our George Smitherman in late November. Smitherman: I think that we have contin- accomplished at the end of your term in communities at the local, provincial and ue to make sure that the voice of the com- office? federal level of government. Next issue In da Flava: Just to begin, can you tell us a munity is really utilised and remains Conversations will feature City Council- little about what you do? strong, and we protect those that call Smitherman: By the time we go for re- lor Pam McConnell. Regent Park home- that nobody gets dis- election, I think Ontarians are going to see Smitherman: I've got two jobs: I'm a located. I think that Regent Park has a a government that worked its ass off and politician-I'm a member of the provincial very proud community. has improved the public services in Check Out parliament for the riding of Toronto Cen- Ontario including education and health- tre Rosedale, and because my party is the da Flava: What are some of your chal- care. I think we got Ontario on a good Catch da Flava governing party in Ontario, I also have lenges as the Minister for Health? path. It's all about what we can do to max- been given the privilege of serving as the imize the capacity of pushing every per- Online @ Minister of Health and Long Term Care. Smitherman: Not enough hours in the son. www.catchdaflava.com day. Last night I got home at 11:30 pm. da Flava: What does an M.P.P. do? These days the biggest challenge is that da Flava: When you do get some spare there isn't enough time. The Ministry of time, what do you do? Smitherman: It's an advocate. I work on Health is a thirty billion dollar operation. behalf of about 115 thousand people in It's got a lot going on. You've got to pri- Smitherman: That's a good question. . oritise, and everyone is faced with this. What I've learned to do is I've figured out We're often trying to do many many how much goodness I can carve out of 24 da Flava: What do you think are the pri- things at one time. hours. If I only have an hour of spare mary issues affecting young people and time, what I hope to do is to catch an people in Regent Park? da Flava: What's taking up all your time? episode of The Simpsons. My weight's up there so I try to stay active, I play hockey, Smitherman: Well I think that I've had Smitherman: A whole bunch of different I've taken up tennis. the opportunity to speak to a lot of youth things. I've got maybe 15 big issues going in Regent Park but I don't pretend to be a on at one time: hospital funding, we're da Flava: If you're active, why do you voice for them. So I think that it's impor- trying to change the condition for nurses, think your weight is still up there? Radio with an Urban Youth Perspective.... Tune in to Catch da Flava Youth Radio on CKLN 88.1 FM every Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m.

Catch da Flava 11 Winter 2005 REGENT PARK COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Regent Park Focus The Dreamers: Remembering the Dead Happenings my God.' When they reached St. against violence, and this is the next big ******************************************** Bartholomew Street and Regent Street [...] project they plan to undertake to support Catch da Flava Radio they were floating and I said, 'O my God their cause. Over the next few years, the we have to have a memorial garden in Dreamers will be getting in contact with Tune in to Catch da Flava Radio honor for all of these children.' [...] All of parents who want their children commem- every Tuesday at 7:30pm on CKLN those children were together and they orated in the garden. The garden itself will 88.1 to catch up on the latest youth- were so beautiful." This was the dream of materialise through hard work in multiple related news, hear interviews with Elsaida Douglas, whose son Clement died phases. The memorial garden will be an special guests and participate in on May 10th, 2001. This vision has emblem of community solidarity and heated debates about issues YOU inspired her to create a memorial garden peace. As the Dreamers member Patricia care about. for all the youth that have died in Regent Wynter (mother of the late Chad Wynters) Park. She is not doing this alone, but with states, "I think that it gives a real positive Want to be a radio host or learn the support of the Dreamers, a decade-old message that dreams can come true and it how to tech? Come to the Regent had a dream. I saw a circle of children organisation of mothers whose children is important that we remember the ones Park Focus (600 Dundas St. E, rear and it was the most beautiful children have died due to violence. “It doesn't mat- who have died and having this memorial basement) on Tuesdays at 7pm. Iin a circle I ever seen. I said to ter if they died by violence, gun or acci- is very, very significant of that." myself, 'O my God, O my God, these are dent,” says Elsaida. Throughout the past ******************************************** the children who died in Regent Park, O decade, the Dreamers has been rallying by Pat Whittaker Journalists Wanted

Submit your poetry, opinion pieces Want to Learn to Cook? Need A Caterer? and articles to Catch da Flava ob Jackson is the Drop-in Coordi- enced self-sustaining caterers--a win-win elite caterers. If you are interested in join- newspaper by sending them to nator for the catering program at situation for program members and event- ing the program and/or taking advantage [email protected] Bthe Christian Community Centre. holders. New members are trained by the of its services, feel free to contact Bob The program teaches people how to shop old ones, some of which have been with Jackson at the Christian Resource Centre Also come out to our weekly news- and cook for events in and around the the program for 4 years. It is Jackson's job (40 Oak St.)at 416-363-4234. paper meeting Tuesdays at 6pm at downtown area. Not only does the pro- to supervise the catering stock and make the Regent Park Focus (600 Dundas gram provide catering services for cheap- sure the operation runs smoothly. The St. E, rear basement) to get assign- er than conventional prices, but it also project is so successful that it even caters da Flava’s Tyrone ments and share your ideas about trains groups of people to become experi- for Daniel and Daniel, Cabbagetown's MacLean-Wilson, 20 the newspaper. Community Christmans Party 2004 a ******************************************** New Library Opens Free Yoga Classes Success! n December 18th, 2004, Parks and Recreation hosted a Wednesdays 5:30-7:30pm (all) community Christmas party at the Regent Park Commu- Fridays 1 pm-3pm Onity Centre. Approximately 150 children and parents (women only) attended the event, which featured a magic show, the Dixon at Regent Park Focus Hall Drum- ming Group, ******************************************** Regent Park DJing and Breakdancing Focus Workshops videos, chil- drens arts Learn how to spin, scratch and mix and crafts, with DJGrouch, and groove with B- music, and a Girl Nylda Gilardo every Thursday whole lot of evening from 6pm-8pm at 600 Dun- food. The das St. E. These workshops are highlight of FREE to youth ages 12-24! Call 416- the party 863-1074 for more information. was the arrival of n October 14 2004, the opened a ******************************************** “Santa new branch, The St. James Town Branch at 495 Sher- New Photography Workshop Claus” who Obourne Stree (at Wellesley Avenue). This new library delivered features a children’s area with a parenting collection, 14 com- Learn to take digital pictures and gifts to all puters with free high-speed Internet and 4 kid-friendly comput- develop black and white pho- who were ers, 2 study/seminar rooms, adult literacy and English as a Sec- tographs every Saturday afternoon. present. ond Language materials, collections in 10 different languages To register, call 416-863-074 and more. The library is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30pm-8:30pm, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-6pm ******************************************** “Santa Claus” Omar Peters at the and Saturdauys from 9-5pm. For more informations, call 416- Be Heard! community Christmas party 393-7744 or visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca Join the Regent Park Focus month- ly youth membership meetings to discuss programs and issues that interest you. Meetings will take place on the last Tuesday of each month from 6pm-8pm. Refreshments will be provided. Next meeting: Tuesday February 22, 2005.

Catch da Flava 12 January 2005