JOURNALIST’SJOURNALIST’S THE EAST MESSAGEMESSAGE INSIDEINSIDE OFOF HOPEHOPE Heart to heart

PAGE 4 OBSERVER PAGE 5

Friday • March 6 • 2009 PUBLISHED BY CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING Volume 39 • No. 3 A mother’s anguish Stefanie Rengel’s mom takes stand on Day 1 of trial By MONIQUE PLESSAS allegedly occurred on Oct. 20, Patricia Hung, the mother of 2007. a 14-year- murder Before the knife attack, the victim, took the stand this week Crown prosecutor alleged, D.B. and a packed courtroom listened went to the victim’s house to to emotional testimony that confront her. He told her that contrasted sharply with the ac- the accused wanted him to stab cused’s cool demeanor. Stefanie. He then threw his cell- As the first witness in the trial of phone down on the driveway. a 17-year-old girl accused of pres- “When she calls, tell her I tried suring her boyfriend into mur- so she’ll stop pestering me to kill dering Stefanie Rengel, Hung, you,” D.B. allegedly told Stefanie. Observer, Rahul Gupta who is also a Toronto police offi - Hung testified that her daugh - PRETTY IN PINK : East Yorkers of all ages laced up their skates on Feb. 22 for councillor Janet cer, struggled at ter called her after D.B. left and times to retain told her what had happened. Davis’ sixth annual skating party at East York Memorial Arena. From left, five-year-olds Sophia her composure Hung rushed home, and after Roy, Bianca Barakett-Grossi, Michaela Roy and Olivia Barakett-Grossi show off their skating on the stand speaking with Stefanie, allegedly moves and their smiles. while recount- called D.B.’s mother to let her ing the events know what he had done. Both leading up to mothers agreed Stefanie and her daughter’s D.B. were not to have any fur- Brother last to see slain girl alive murder. HUNG ther contact. By RYAN SANG He watched her until she was Shoebottom was on the phone The 17-year-old girl, who can Hung then called the accused The younger brother of no longer in sight. That would with a 911 dispatcher, Stefanie be identified only as M.T., faces to confront her and explain to her Stefanie Rengel took the stand be the last time he saw his sister mumbled the name of her first-degree murder charges. The that Stefanie was not interested on the second day of the trial of alive. alleged attacker and pointed out victim, who was a student at the in D.B. She further explained his sister’s accused killer. Another witness, 34-year- the direction in which he’d been Rosedale Heights School for the that her daughter was trying to Ian Rengel, 13, told the court old Gavin Shoebottom, also heading. Arts, was killed on New Year’s help her by warning her of D.B.’s on Wednesday that he was testified during Wednesday’s “She was saying, ‘It hurts Day in 2008 near her home on cheating behaviour. Hung al- watching television when he proceedings. He said he was so much. It hurts so much,’” Northdale Boulevard. leged that the accused was “rude heard his sister’s cellphone ring heading home from his wife’s Shoebottom said. The trial started on Tuesday and belligerent” on the phone. on New Year’s Day 2008. dance studio the day the victim He said he tried to comfort the morning with opening state- “Your daughter just has to stop Court heard that Stefanie died. He told the courts that as he teenager, telling her it would “be ments from Crown prosecutor spreading rumours about me,” answered and seemed unsure was driving through East York, OK,” and then he wrapped her Robin Flumerfelt at the the accused, M.T., allegedly told of the person who was calling. he saw Stefanie stumbling near in a blanket he found in his car Court of Justice. her. Ian said he heard the person on a snowbank with a cellphone in and tried to cover her wounds. The accused and her boyfriend Hung warned M.T. to stay away the other end say, “Meet me....” her right hand. According to testimony, cannot be identified under the from Stefanie and assumed the Stefanie then put her boots on. “I rolled down my window and paramedics arrived shortly after Youth Criminal Justice Act. The incident was now behind them. “She said she’s only gonna be asked if she was OK,” Shoebottom and found Stefanie Rengel with boyfriend, known only as D.B., But Flumerfelt alleged that two seconds,” said Ian, who was said. “(Stefanie) said, ‘No, I need no pulse. is also charged with Stefanie’s the accused still harboured 12 at the time, “and she leaves.” help.’” According to the witness, The Crown also showed the murder, and will go on trial later jealousy that escalated to ob- According to Ian’s testimony, she told him that she had been jury the eight-inch knife believed this year. session. The Crown prosecu- Stefanie then walked outside. stabbed, and then she collapsed to have been used by the alleged In his opening statement, tor alleged that MSN messages “I looked out the window to see into the snowbank. killer in the act. Flumerfelt recounted events that See MOTHER, page 8 where she was going,” he said. The court heard that while The trial continues. Toronto fraud case linked to spa on Danforth By OMAR MOSLEH Referring to the Danforth shop- fessional and courteous,” Smith A recently opened Danforth ping district, Hall said: “A lot of said. spa was forced to close after a the activity using the cloned cred- But others, like graduate stu- massive police raid connected it cards occurred in that area…. dent Cindy Lessard, thought to allegations that the spa’s They were actively using cloned something might be amiss. furnishings were paid for with credit cards in the Danforth area, Lessard is a book and magazine fraudulent credit cards. whether it be at the Home De- publishing student at Centennial The Jung Spa, located at 257 pot, Shopper’s Drug Mart, or a College’s East York campus on Danforth Ave., opened on Feb. 8 local coffee shop.” Carlaw Avenue. The students and was raided by over 48 officers Some neighbours of the Jung produce profiles of business own - on Feb. 19. Four people now face Spa expressed surprise at the ers for their magazine “On The a total of more than 100 charges raid and charges. Danforth.” Lessard interviewed in connection with the raid. Brien Smith is a partner in Julia Sung, one of the accused, Const. Todd Hall, of 11 Divi- Martaugh Smith Financial, an and said her behaviour was odd. sion’s major crime unit, is one of insurance broker located directly “She was very evasive,” Les- the leading detectives investigat- behind the spa. He said he was in sard said. “She wouldn’t tell me ing the case – one of the largest the process of providing the spa her age, she wouldn’t tell me he says he’s ever worked on. owners with insurance for their where she went to university.” The charges’ specifics relate to business. Lessard added that she was even much of the spa’s interior, Hall “They were very knowledge- wary of having her photo taken. said, including renovations, but able about their business, pro- See CHARGES, page 8 also “massage tables, TVs, down to the sheets, robes, towels and stool chairs.” The total dollar Your link to NDP convention amount is about $500,000, he East York will be heavily rep- (-James Bay) and An- said. resented at this weekend’s NDP drea Horwath (Hamilton Cen- An investigation into a credit provincial leadership conven- tre) are running to be the NDP’s Observer, Omar Mosleh card cloning ring began last JUNG SPA RAID: Located at 257 Danforth Ave., the spa opened tion in Hamilton. MPPs Michael next leader. Log on to torontoob- June, involved another spa in Prue (Beaches-East York) and server.ca this weekend for con- on Feb. 8 and was raided by police on Feb. 19. Four people now Yorkville, search warrants, and (Toronto-Dan- vention updates. face more than 100 charges in connection with allegations that tips from banks about suspicious forth), along with See NDP, page 8 interior renovations were financed through credit card cloning. credit card activity. Page 2 — East York’s Observer, March 6, 2009 Police beat Six arrested in East York drug bust Six people have been charged with a number of drug-related offences, after an investigation into illegal drug distribution led police to a house near Danforth and Woodbine avenues. Two men were originally arrested and charged after coming out of the residence in question, at 1059 Woodbine Ave. Following the execution of a search warrant on Feb. 25, four additional arrests were made and further charges were laid. Michael Bonear, 22, and James Scullion, 27, have both been charged with possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Anthony Napolitano, 29, has been charged with possession of marijuana and possession of hashish. Matthew Claridge, 22, has been charged with possessing the proceeds of crime. Richard Crimp, 30, and Michelle Cannarella, 27, were charged with eight drug-related offences and with possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of property obtained by crime and several counts of failure to comply with a recognizance. —Monique Plessas

Observer, Tim Burden REVISITING CANADIAN CULTURE: Canadian author Lee Gowan is part of a group of authors participating in a series developed to help communities rediscover Canadian culture. Eh-plus for Canuck authors By SHAWN STAR I think it’s important that we books they’ve been reading,” he Beavers, peameal bacon and tell our own stories and that we said. “We have this opportunity maple syrup are often associated listen to our own stories. Any not just to present authors, but with Canadian culture — but as culture needs its own stories.” to present a full spectrum of of a few days ago, there’s another Joseph Romain, librarian and Canadian writers.” trait to add to the list. co-ordinator of The “eh” List, East Yorkers Marg and Chuck Observer, Alexandra Kazia The “eh” List, a series of agrees that culture plays a big Pilger are fans of Gowan’s, and CLOSE CALL: A woman trapped in her basement as flames Canadian authors speaking role in defining what makes happy The “eh” List is happening engulfed her home was rescued and rushed to Toronto East at Toronto’s public libraries, Canadian literature unique, in their own backyard. kicked off its spring program and this event is reflective of “It’s an excellent idea,” Marg General Hospital, where she is reported as recovering from with Lee Gowan, who appeared that idea. Pilger said. “It’s introduced us to smoke inhalation. The two-alarm fire badly damaged the semi- at S. Walter Stewart branch “It’s kind of like looking into a lot of Canadian authors.” detached homes at 17 and 19 Woodrow Ave. on Monday on Tuesday, March 3. He read a mirror instead of looking into Chuck Pilger agreed and afternoon, March 2. excerpts from his latest book, a crowd. It’s important to look alluded to the impact such an Confession , and then fielded around in crowds; it’s important event has on Canadian culture. questions from the audience. to know what the other looks “Canadian literature gives us a Gowan didn’t think the like,” he said. “But it’s important window into and allows What’s on importance of the event was to look in a mirror and say, ‘What us to see ourselves,” he said. to share his work with people, do we look like, as Canadians?’ As for Gowan, he thinks The but to see that Canadians are And that’s what you get when “eh” List is a great idea, and he Workshop for caregivers at the CNIB benefitting from reading works you read Canadian authors.” is happy to be a part of it. by their own writers. Romain said The “eh” List is “It’s a good joke. It’d be nice Personal caregivers are invited to join representatives from the “It’s difficult in Canada, since also an excellent way to bring to be an A-List writer, but I’m Canadian National Institute for the Blind and Canadian Hearing we’re so overshadowed by the community face-to-face with definitely an E-H List writer,” Society on Monday, March 30, for an interactive workshop aimed at the United States and we get Canadian authors. he said. “But I’m proud to be on those who work with individuals with vision and/or hearing loss. overwhelmed by their novels “It gives Toronto audiences the The “eh” List, whether it is E-H Included in the session: and their movies,” he said. “So chance to meet the writers whose or A.” • Information on how to access CNIB and CHS services • Presentations by CNIB specialists and CHS counsellors • Interactive activities such as “sighted guides and unfair School board appoints new boss hearing tests” By FARRAH COLE and their families during their of the concerns in her ward that The workshop will be held at the CNIB Centre, 1929 Bayview The appointment of a new di- time under the TDSB. she would like Spence to address Ave., in conference room 118. Admission is free but donations are rector of education for Toronto’s “Kids don’t survive or fail in are the quality of buildings, in- welcome. The workshop runs from 6-8 p.m., with registration at 5:30 public schools has drawn mixed vacuums. It’s largely dependent ner-city social issues and issues p.m. Parking is free at surface level. reviews from the board’s East on what kind of supports they around English as a second lan- For more information or to register, contact Randy Firth at York trustees. receive separate and apart from guage. But her major concern randyfi[email protected] or 416-486-2500, ext. 8282. After an 18-month search that education,” she said. involves the level of administra- drew candidates from all over the Dandy said safety, access to tive stability within the schools. March madness at Science Centre world, the TDSB has appointed adequate mental health resourc- “Because of amalgamation, so Spend your March break at the Ontario Science Centre: From Dr. Christopher Spence, cur- es and nutritional programs are many people retired,” she said. March 14-22, the centre is offering loads of entertainment for the rently the director of education essential to a child’s success at “It is so attractive to retire as whole family. for the Hamilton-Wentworth school, and she hopes Spence soon as you’ve hit your 85 fac- Programs include Fizzical Fizzicks, Cool Science, Science Magic and District School Board. will address these issues when tor, turnover of senior staff is Xbox 360. Sultans of Science: 1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered, Spence will take over in July he assumes his role. extremely fast. [New staff] don’t Space Hall, KidSpark and the Weston Family Innovation Centre are from outgoing director of educa- “(Dr. Spence) understands the have the depth of experience.” showcased exhibitions. tion Gerry Connelly. idea of integrating services right Cary-Meagher said some peo- The OMNIMAX Theatre features films such as The Alps, Mysteries Spence, who has 15 years of into schools,” she said. ple in the board are moving up of the Great Lakes and Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn previous experience within the With a decrease in enrolment, to superintendent status after Battuta inside the domed theatre. TDSB as a principal, teacher many schools seek to use space 15 years of teaching — which Hours of operation for the March Break are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March and board superintendent, will that becomes freed up; Dandy she thinks isn’t enough experi - 14-21, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 22. bring “exciting changes,” said said she hopes Spence will also ence, but happens when there is Admission: adults (18-64) $18 /children (4-12) $11/youth (13-17) and Cathy Dandy, the board trustee address this issue because she a shortage of people. seniors (65+) $13.50. from Toronto-Danforth. said the board has been strug- She described the process of For event times and a full list of admission prices, visit “He brings a real depth of un - gling with the idea of selling or replacing the outgoing director of www.ontariosciencecentre.ca. derstanding to the challenges leasing these open areas -- or de- education as “slow and painful,” our board faces, but he has ciding if they should be used for but said she’s glad the position clearly, in his work in Hamilton, other public services that would is filled. Learn to cook curry, Victorian style sought solutions to problems in support the community. East York’s other public school Learn how to cook like the Victorians cooked: Todmorden Mills a range of ways,” Dandy said. But Beaches-East York trust - trustee, Gerri Gershon of Don Heritage Museum and Art Centre presents “Victorian Curries,” the Dandy hopes Spence will ad- ee Sheila Cary-Meagher is not Valley West, was unavailable for next in its Cast Iron Chef: Historic Cooking series. dress is how to support students as optimistic as Dandy. Some comment. Victorians enjoyed exotic Eastern spices and this workshop will introduce you to a world of their curry dishes. “British cookery is more than just boiled beef and potatoes!” Correction: hottest stars in sky are blue The workshop takes place on March 8, from 1-4 p.m. at the Todmorden A story in the Feb. 6 edition of hottest stars in the sky, the ones particles released by the sun: Mills Heritage Museum and Art Centre at 67 Pottery Rd. the Observer, headlined Science we see, are blue — not yellow. “When the Earth gets in the way, Admission for youth, adults and seniors is $25. Children are free. Centre celebrates astronomy, Astronomer Sara Poirier these particles excite the gases For more information, call 416-396-2819, or e-mail todmorden@ misconstrued information from has also clarified the article’s in our atmosphere, causing them toronto.ca. Pre-registration required. guide Kulin Matchhar. description of what happens to glow, and this is what causes —Mike Crisolago He actually said that the to billions of tonnes of charged the northern lights.” East York’s Observer, March 6, 2009 — Page 3 Tax forum to help disabled lay claims By ANDREW HOOD To register, fill out part A of the Anyone with a registered T2201 form, take it to a doctor disability can claim various to fill out part B and then mail forms of attendant care as it to the CRA. You can print medical expenses, reducing the forms from the Internet at their tax payable. www.cra-arc.gc.ca/forms, or or- The East York chapter of the der them by phone at 1-800-959- Schizophrenia Society of Ontario 2221. (SSO) hosted a public education Along with medical expenses, forum last month at Toronto those registered with a disability East General Hospital. The can claim the non-refundable forum provided information to Disability Tax Credit of $7,021. people with disabilities on how “The trick is to get approved they can receive tax deductions. by the CRA,” said Len Micalles, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treasurer for the East York representative Jim Weir gave chapter of the SSO. “They can a presentation and answered go back 10 years.” questions from the audience. Weir said the CRA allows you “In order to be certified as to claim up to 10 years’ worth qualified or approved, the of the Disability Tax Credit, disability must be prolonged,” if your condition has existed Weir said. in previous tax years and you He explained that “prolonged” haven’t claimed the credits yet. means 12 months or more. If claiming the Disability Tax However, the condition doesn’t Credit, the maximum attendant need to have existed that long. care that can be claimed Rather, a doctor must confirm it becomes $10,000. You can Observer, Stephen Darley will last for at least a year. maximize your tax break with A FORKFUL APPROACH : Claire, 2, was a study in concentration as she worked her The types of attendant care some simple math. If the total way through a plate of pancakes and sausage at the Presteign-Woodbine United Church expenses that can be claimed cost of attendant care for the pancake supper held on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The food was prepared by Girl Guides from include food preparation, year is over $17,021, it’s more the East York neighbourhood. The supper is held annually to raise funds for the church. housekeeping services, laundry worthwhile to claim only the services, health care, activities attendant care credit and not (social programmer), salon the Disability Tax Credit. services, transportation and It’s important to note that East York Garden Club gives two security for a secured unit. for part-time attendant care, These expenses can be claimed a maximum of $10,000 can be by people living in nursing, claimed as a medical expense. green thumbs up to germination retirement and group homes, but The tax credits are used to also in private residences under reduce the tax payable of the By SHAWN STAR like an onerous task, Dolbey EYGC president, it was an effec - the category of “self-contained person concerned to zero. If there Susan Dolbey thinks seed- insists that the hardest part is tive way to deliver the presenta- domestic establishment.” It’s are still credits available at this starting is not only a step-by- simply getting started. tion. important to keep a detailed point, they can be transferred to step process. “There are a lot of people who “She was very informative. record of the costs to submit a spouse or caregiver to lower She discussed the method buy the packages and don’t grow Her information was very easy with the tax forms. their tax payable as well. at the East York Garden Club the seeds,” Dolbey said. “It’s to follow,” Callinan said. “I didn’t A note from a doctor is necessary Bjorn Harper, chair of the (EYGC) meeting, held at the something to play around with think it was too overwhelming if you’re not currently registered East York chapter of the SSO, Stan Wadlow Community Cen- in the basement in winter. It’s for the people here.” with the CRA as having a explained the importance of tre on Feb. 19. sort of fun, I think.” Meanwhile, the winners of this disability. More beneficial than having this public education Dolbey said that on top of As for people who are consid- month’s photography contest, a doctor’s note would be getting forum. seed-starting being a process of ering seed-starting for the first based on the topic “Round,” were the disability approved by the “There are people that aren’t discovery, it is also a lot of fun. time, Dolbey has one piece of voted on at the EYGC meeting. CRA. Once registered, tax aware of the ins and outs, and “You will want to be patient to advice: Karen Bell won the contest, for deductions can be claimed every therefore may be missing some allow for the germination pro- “Just open the package and do the second month in a row, with year so long as the disability deductions that may be available cess to complete,” Dolbey said. it,” she said. her picture of a cactus. There still exists. to them,” he said. “But if you want to have some Carefully tackling one point was a three-way tie for second “Once the certificate is on More detailed information can fun, just open the package.” at a time, Dolbey paced her pre- place between Helen Koski, Su- file, and it is indicated as a be found in the general guide, on Though the germination pro- sentation so the audience could san Evans and Anna Leggatt. permanent condition, there is no the website at www.cra.gc.ca, or cess depends on the plant or follow along and ask questions. Next month’s contest topic is need to file again,” Weir said. by phone at 1-800-959-8281. flower involved, and may seem According to Veronica Callinan, “Square.” Local cafe invites patrons to eat, drink and make music together By MICHELLE NASH outlets for the creative mind. Chaotic at best, the Renaissance Running along one wall, a long Café offers more than just a cup string with clothes pegs hangs of joe. for poets to hang their poems. A mannequin named Wanda, If writers are shy, someone else comfortable chairs and the can take them down and read sweet smell of coffee distinguish them aloud. the tiny cafe. But on Saturday “The line is for if a poet is afternoons the café holds a free- feeling bashful, you still have for-all jam session that really a chance for your poem to be defines the shop. Many of the heard,” Clark said. musicians have been coming The café has also been known for the five years the café has to host a few Tin Foil Hat been open. They range in ages contests along the way. The and instruments, but most contest involves the excitement importantly welcome anyone of judging contestants’ artistry who wishes to join them. in constructing hats made of Located between Coxwell tin foil. Creator and hostess and Woodbine avenues on the Cynthia Gould loves the contest, Danforth, the place begins but loves the venue even more. filling up on a cold Saturday “Randal is very open-minded afternoon. The music begins to Observer, Michelle Nash and gracious when we have play. Randal Clark, the café’s OLDIES BUT GOODIES: Wally, Don, Robert and Harry start off their Saturday country strange parties there. He is a owner, finds that everyone who jam session at the Renaissance café, located between Coxwell and Woodbine avenues wonderful supporter of music comes to play works well with on the Danforth. Every Saturday, these fellows show and play in the afternoon for free. and the arts,” she said. everyone else. Gould goes to the café for “It’s anarchy at it’s best,” he never thought it would grow into to originals, mostly depending to people that come for a guitar everything from coffee to said. “There is no leader, they what it is today, but appreciates on how they feel. lesson,” Clark said. performing with her band, The just all co-operate automatically. what Saturdays have become in “In a couple of hours there will The main group of fellows High Heels Lo Fi, to eating the It’s just a wonderful group of his little café. be as many as twenty people up coming every Saturday originally great food, to organizing parties. people.” Some of the musicians, there playing,” Clark said. came from a bar down the road She says the café brings out the Clark, a retired teacher, is a including Wally, Robert, Don, The stage is small, but the that closed down. Mostly hailing best in everyone. gourmet coffee roaster and a Harry, Mel and Gilles come musicians manage to file in and from the east coast, this group “The folks at the Renaissance sculptor on the side. He opened every week to the Saturday play, always appreciative of croons tunes with everything are like neighbours and family,” the business mostly to sell coffee, Country Afternoon Jam, playing anyone wishing to play along. from guitar to accordion to she said. “You know that every but felt music would create an until they grow tired. The “It really ranges from people banjo. time you go, you’ll have a great ambiance for customers. He sounds range from 1930s music that have played professionally The café also offers other conversation.” Page 4 — East York’s Observer, March 6, 2009 Solar pilot project testing the wa ters in East York area By SHAWN STAR stall solar panels, according to Taking that hot shower in Vince Hughes of the Windfall the morning just might save Ecology Centre. you some money. “You get a $300 rebate for Piloting a project in East getting the eco-audits – $150 York, environmental group from both provincial and fed- Solar Neighbourhoods says by eral governments,” he ex- using solar panels to heat wa- plained. ter, the average homeowner Canada tends to be viewed can save approximately $300 as an environmentally friendly annually on his or her water country, but solar paneling is bill. one department where it lags Members of the organiza- behind. tion, along with local environ- Germany installed more than Observer, Meghan Housley mental groups Windfall and 140,000 units in 2006 alone, RISE Again, presented their and China currently has over JOINING FORCES : Forty-two members of the Toronto police, OPP and RCMP ran a RIDE program ideas to the public at a free 35 million in use. spot check to catch impaired drivers on Feb. 21 at the Bloor viaduct. The spot check took place meeting on Feb. 26. It was held Local resident Jeanie between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. Officers stopped 2,850 cars. at the Danforth/ Stewart doesn’t Coxwell Library see why it took and attracted a ‘I think it’s excellent. so long to gain Toronto police RIDE program crowd of hom- I wish it had hap- popularity. eowners eager “I think it’s to know more pened years and excellent. I wish cracks down on drunk driving about what they years ago. I would it had happened can do to reduce have wasted less years and years By MEGHAN HOUSLEY “You always hear ‘If I could themselves at the end of the their carbon ago,” Stewart Police are determined to keep only turn the clock back’,” West bridge. This tactic caught anyone footprints. money on gas.’ said. “I would the public safe from impaired said. “I don’t want to hear that pulling a U-turn, attempting to D a n i e l l e —Jeanie Stewart have wasted drivers. again; if you’re over the limit, evade the police check. Murray, pro- less money on Straddling the Bloor viaduct you’re under arrest.” Police deem drivers impaired gram co-ordina- gas.” on Feb. 21, Toronto police, West coordinated law when they have 80 mg of alco- tor for Solar Neighbourhoods, Though Stewart isn’t sure if Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) enforcement collaboration hol per 100 ml of blood. At that thinks East Yorkers owe it to the project will be cost-effective and Royal Canadian Mounted on the viaduct, sending the point, the driver themselves to get involved with for her, since the presenta- Police (RCMP) conducted the message that police services is charged, loses the project. tions announced it would take biggest RIDE spot check in are working together to stop his or her licence “If they take part, they help upwards of 10 years in order the program’s history. Amid impaired driving. Spread over for 90 days and the neighbourhood,” Murrey to break even on your invest- heavy snowfall, 42 officers, five three locations at Pottery is fined $1,000. said. “They will make it a ment. However, she is still ex- Mothers Against Drunk Driving Road, Broadview and Danforth Drivers testing sustainable community as a cited about it and hopes to be volunteers and five tow trucks Avenues, police stopped 2,850 below 80 mg whole.” involved. took over the bridge above the cars and found 86 drivers but failing the The process of having so- “There’s lots of things to con- Don Valley Parkway from 11 had been drinking. Of those, DECAIRE breath test re- lar hot water heating panels sider,” she said. “But I want to p.m. to 3 a.m. 74 drivers passed the breath ceive a 12-hour installed, from an initial eco- do it because it’s a good thing The Reduce test, 11 received warnings and licence suspension and have audit of your home to the final to do.” I m p a i r e d one driver was charged with their car impounded, a $300 in- installation, can cost anywhere Murray acknowledged the D r i v i n g impaired driving. convenience. from $3,500-$8,500. decision-making process in- Everywhere Staff superintendent Glenn West hopes the financial costs Murray said she knows not volved for the residents of (RIDE) program Decaire said the strategic of impaired driving will deter everyone can afford to solar- East York, but her message consists of location helped reach a lot of people from taking a chance, but ize their homes, but the group was clear. police officers people. acknowledges it is the emotional is taking steps to involve as “This is a great opportu- conducting WEST “The greater the number of costs that really drive the many people as possible. nity to make your difference spot checks vehicles we can stop, the more message home. “We’re trying to make it af- against energy costs,” Murrey on drivers, questioning them opportunity to arrest those that “It is devastating to the fordable,” she said. “We’re in- said. “It lowers your carbon on their alcohol intake. If are drinking and driving,” he family and loved ones (to lose stalling solar panels in some footprint and can help finan- police suspect a driver of being said. “There were a number of someone to drunk driving) and community housing because cially amidst the recession.” impaired, the driver is requested events downtown and (when) it’s devastating to the impaired we would like to see it go on ev- For more information on to a breath test. people leave those events, the themselves,” West said. “I’m ery home.” solar hot water heating and Sgt. Jack West of the Toronto traffic flows in these directions.” a believer that everybody who Various branches of the this initiative, visit the Solar police traffic division thinks a To prevent drivers from leaves their house to go to work government offer incentives Neighbourhoods website at zero-tolerance approach is key escaping the spot check, Decaire in the morning deserves to come to homeowners wishing to in- www.solarneighbourhoods. to avoiding tragedies. and other officers stationed home safe.” Afghan journalist brings message of hope, change By SEAN SILLERS After only four months on often harasses journalists for In Afghanistan, where the the government payroll, he the identities of their sources, government mandates the level quit to join in the fight for free journalists are not legally of freedom of speech, how does speech, joining his younger required to reveal them. one man go from working at a brother Faheem Dashti, The August election could be corrupt Information Ministry to editor of Afghanistan’s largest a turning point for unfettered becoming one of the government’s independent newspaper Kabul freedom of speech. most outspoken critics? Weekly , as a translator and “If Karzai loses the next elec- Ahmad Zia, a lawyer and columnist. tion, it would certainly be better journalist, spoke at Centennial Zia believes Afghans must for freedom of speech,” he said. College’s East York campus on have access to the truth. Zia believes foreign govern- Feb. 23 about his experiences He believes working in an ments should refocus their after returning to his homeland environment in which the attention in Afghanistan to work of Afghanistan. government produces a monthly together to form strategies that In 2000, Zia fled to Canada magazine promoting the would help rebuild the country. with his family to escape the minister’s achievements creates “Reconstruction should be Taliban and spent six years an element of mistrust and Canada’s main role. Countries studying broadcast journalism. secrecy between the state and (with troops in Afghanistan) Following his studies, he left independent media. must unify strategies,” he said. his family behind in 2006 to “Government officials are While optimistic about the fu- return to Afghanistan. all afraid for their positions… ture of Afghanistan, Zia warns Hoping to help rebuild they can’t communicate with of dire consequences if the West his ravaged country, Zia the people,” he said. “Ministers fails to unify its approach to re- all think the people are their construction. gained a job working for the servants.” “Afghanistan doesn’t have Information Ministry and later Yet Zia sees hope for the future much to lose,” he said, “but if the Observer, Sean Sillers discovered he was being paid if voices such as his continue to international community fails, VOICE OF FREEDOM: Ahmad Zia, a journalist working in to make excuses for the Karzai be heard. the Taliban could take control Afghanistan, speaks to journalism students at Centennial government’s secrecy and He explained that while of Pakistan, which has a nuclear College’s East York campus on Feb. 23. disseminate lies. the attorney general’s office bomb.” East York’s Observer, March 6, 2009 — Page 5 Youth art program aims to teach kids through creativity By CAROLINE GEORGE Granell began the program For the last three years, police three years ago with 20 children Const. Kelly Granell has worked originally participating. the beat. The art beat, that is. Now that number has grown For two hours each week, to 70, with more children on a Granell runs the ProAction waiting list. Youth Art Program at the Royal She said the program’s popu- Canadian Legion on Pape Av- larity is so great she often has enue. parents asking when the pro- It gives at-risk youth an op- grams will restart. portunity to engage in creative Michelle Luff, whose children activities. Michael and Shawn frequent the The Legion provides free space program, said it’s great because for the program, with funding of the fun activities and addi- provided by ProAction Cops and tional quality time with her chil- Kids, an organization bringing dren it provides. local police and children togeth- “It’s awesome because only er. one or two kids from each school Participants, ranging in age are picked and they (the chil- from seven to 14, include chil- dren) like coming because there dren from the eight schools en- are different things to do each Obsever, Monique Plessas compassing Granell’s beat at 54 week,” Granell said. “I love com- POLICE CHASE ENDS: Police arrested four suspects after they chased a car in the East York Division. ing because I can stay with them area late Wednesday night. The pursuit ended on Main Street, just north of Danforth Avenue, just She said the program helps and we’re doing something to- before 10 p.m. The province’s Special Investigation Unit is conducting an investigation into the kids who are not athletically in- gether.” incident, because three of the four suspects had to be taken to hospital — one after being pepper- clined open up to the possibilities Although Granell does not of learning through creativity. know how long the program will sprayed. “There are all kinds of pro- run, she hopes to continue with grams running around the city, it for as long as possible because but none of them are art-based,” of its positive influence. Granell said. “There are kids “We want to get the kids com- E.Y. councillor promotes area who don’t like to play hockey or fortable with the police and we soccer.” want to get them comfortable Granell really enjoys working with doing the right thing and for new city investment plans with the kids and tries to come understanding how to work in up with different projects each a group before they go off and By MIKE CRISOLAGO “More software design, com- development, and as the light week, but said it’s sometimes start growing,” Granell said. Don Valley West councillor munication businesses of that rail line goes in, we might be difficult to find projects that are “We want them to go down the John Parker hopes to bring a type, I’m expecting will probably able to encourage that.” stimulating. right path.” particular area of his East York find a home in ,” Parker Parker also noted the land “I have to come up with some- The program runs Monday ward to the attention of a new said. “What we’ve come to call situated above or next to TTC thing that works,” Granell said. nights at the Royal Canadian city agency intended to lure ‘knowledge-based businesses’ subway stations along Danforth “If it doesn’t work, the kids are Legion at Pape Avenue, south of investment to Toronto. rather than conventional, indus- belongs to the city. He proposed not interested.” O’Connor Drive. “I am going to beat the drum trial businesses.” either “major attractions, or vigorously on behalf of the Toronto-Danforth councillor major places of employment, or Leaside Business Park as an echoes Parker, citing nodes for residential use” for outstanding place for new the Industrial Business Park off most of the space currently being business investment,” Parker of O’Connor Drive in East York, used as parking lots. said. as a location with possibilities While the effect of the agencies The councillor plans to attract like Leaside. on the landscape of East York re- the attention of Invest Toronto “You’ve got two industrial mains unknown, the councillors – an agency designed to attract commercial parks,” Ootes said. hope residents from all areas of foreign investment to the city in “The attraction would have to the city will share in the success fresh and original ways. Along be in terms of services — IT and and realize the potential of both with partner Build Toronto, retail and so on [coming in].” Build and Invest Toronto: “To which is tasked with promoting Parker said he also hopes that create jobs, to get value out of developments on under-utilized development will occur closer to land that the city owns, and to city land, the two groups expect the Danforth once construction generate desirable development to maximise the potential of of a new light rail line is on land in areas where we want the city’s $18 billion real-estate completed. that development to take place,” portfolio. If successful, they could “Maybe we can attract more Parker said. generate an extra $150 million business investment, because “In general terms I hope that in profits for the city each year. it’ll be easier for customers both are successful,” Ootes Observer, Caroline George Parker envisions the area, and employees to get to work,” said, “and that indirectly, East PUT YOUR HANDS UP : Ten-year-old Michael Luff (left) and once home to major industries Parker said. “There are areas of York benefits as a result of that four-year-old Shawn Luff (right) are all smiles as they proudly like auto factories, as a business my ward where we want to see because the city benefits as a display the paper mache hands they made with Const. Kelly park focused on light industry. more industrial and business whole.” Granell. Heart lecture shows us how to treat our tickers By JESSICKA LODUCA “Bad news is really bad for your said. “The reason is because of- Having a big heart is usually heart because it actually causes ten you don’t know you have it, considered a good thing. In real- your heart to work harder by re- and then one day, you’re gone. ity, it means you have increased leasing stress hormones,” Thu- There are many risk factors for risk for heart disease. na said. “Stress hormones are heart disease, some preventable February was Heart Month, so designed by that fight or flight and others not. Factors that you it’s no wonder the final install - acute stress action that our an- unfortunately cannot change ment of last month’s Carrot Com- cestors needed to survive, but it include your age, sex, ethnicity mon health lecture was ensuring causes our heart to work harder and family history.” proper care of one’s heart. than it needs to.” Lifestyle changes are the best On Feb. 26, Joel Thuna, mas- Instead, the old saying, “laugh- solution in preventing heart ter herbalist and general man- ter is the best medicine,” actually disease, especially considering ager of Global Botanicals, and proves true. Laughing increases that smoking is the number one Dr. Claude Gallant discussed blood flow to the heart, making cause. Smoking doubles the risk the importance of heart mainte- it an important factor in reduc- and even non-smokers can be af- nance. ing heart disease. fected by secondhand smoke. “Cardiovascular disease is the Thuna also suggested checking “When you look at a healthy number one killer in Canada blood pressure, also known as hy- heart, it’s supposed to look red, and what’s surprising is that it pertension, on a regular basis as like meat,” Dr. Gallant said. “An precedes cancer by more than well as making lifestyle changes unhealthy heart would be yellow double,” Dr. Gallant said. and maintaining a healthy diet because it’s surrounded by fat.” Observer, Jessicka Loduca During his lecture, Thuna said to keep your heart strong. According to Thuna, regulating HEART TO HEART : Dr. Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna address stress levels take a toll on your “High blood pressure is also salt intake can reduce the risk of the audience at the Carrot Common on Danforth Avenue. vascular organ. known as the silent killer,” he future heart problems. Page 6 — East York’s Observer, March 6, 2009 The Violence needn’t be part of Serving OBSERVER East York www.torontoobserver.ca • the ‘good ol’ hockey game’ Centennial College East York campus P.O. Box 631, Station A, Scarborough, ON M1K 5E9

THE EDITORIAL BOARD It pulses through the blood superstars of the game have Managing Editor: Alexandra Kazia of many Canadians. It is an extraordinary influence over Assignment Editor: Jenna Conter addiction. Television sets tune Steve their legions of young fans. Copy Editors: Farrah Cole, Caroline George in nightly, acting as enablers They must be held accountable Photo Editor: Monique Plessas Darley Production Editor: Will Senn of the fix that so many addicts for their actions. Society must Faculty Editors: Lindy Oughtred, Stephen Cogan, Louie crave. pressure the game to change. Piacentini, Dave Johnny This addiction is similar to It seems that the doors Journalism Program Co-ordinator: Stephen Cogan so many others. It creeps into of an arena are becoming a aah, as the addict’s drug begins COMMENT your life at a young age and psychological threshold beyond slowly its vice-like grip squeezes to take effect. which societal standards do not its victims until they succumb. How does the simple, harmless, apply. Perfectly legal, although highly positive love of the game become The cavernous surrounds of McGuinty steps up, addictive, its highs have various a raging addiction, where anti- the rink shield the world from forms. social, criminal behaviour is hockey and hockey from the The addiction is hockey. lauded nightly? What was the world. Morning, afternoon and tipping point and when did our At what point in this double but may be too late evening we’re inundated with pure love of the game become life do children make the live games, tape-delayed games lost in pursuit of the next fist- transition from playing a East York may well be the child poverty capital of the megacity. and commentary in a multitude fight? seemingly innocent game to one Children are considered impoverished if they live in a household of languages. The game’s Don Sanderson’s tragic death of fist-fights and skullduggery? where disposable income is half the nation’s average. And in the influence, through the mass must act as a wake-up call to the Is it naively hopeful to suggest most recent data that we found, from 2005, East York had the media, grows wider daily. hockey community. Sanderson, that children and teenagers are highest child poverty rate among all of the pre-amalgamation The laws of supply and 21, who played for the Whitby not being coached how to fight in municipalities: a whopping 34.4 per cent. demand begin to take effect. Is Dunlops, a senior-league hockey order to fuel our addiction? Yes, more than a third of East York children are living in poverty. it any wonder that in the face team, hit his head on the ice Are we proud when they play From 1997 to 2005, the number of impoverished children in East of constant exposure the hockey during a fight and succumbed to hard but fair, score a goal or York grew from an estimated 5,940 to more than 8,000. fan is continually seeking his his injuries three weeks later on win and lose with equal grace? Not that the rest of the city is far behind. Between 1997 and 2005, next fix and an even better high? Jan. 2, 2009. Or are we more proud when our the child poverty rate in Toronto went from 28.1 per cent to 31.3 per Fighting appears to be that next Where do we draw the line children become bullies and their cent. So it’s not just East York. Especially in the old municipalities high. in our pursuit of pugilistic fists become the star players? of Toronto, Scarborough and , rates of child poverty have It is an interesting double- pleasure? Hockey is a tough Hockey addiction need not been steadily increasing. standard when a fight appearing game, not without risk. However, be a negative thing. Knowing But a bill passed by the provincial government last week could on the news constitutes a adding death by fighting to the that hockey is a microcosm of change this trend, because it specifically targets child poverty. crime, such as assault, and is list of occupational hazards life itself will go a long way in On one hand, the province’s decision to act on child poverty condemned by the addicts, yet associated with the game is ensuring that the standards we couldn’t have happened at a better time, considering the recession identical actions in the sports truly frightening. maintain on a daily basis are that’s deepening and threatening families with marginal finances broadcast stimulate positive The professional game must not lost for an hour or two of already. moans and groans of ooh and take the lead on this issue. The sporting escapism. But on the other, one could also be excused for asking why the Liberals took so long to do something about this. According to Premier Dalton McGuinty, “There is no shortage of evidence that if we don’t address these problems in the early years, the costs will only be greater later on.” Be a smart shopper: stick Thanks for pointing out the obvious, Mr.McGuinty. This has always been the case and successive governments — at all levels — have still allowed the problem of child poverty to fester. But better late than never. Hopefully our leaders at City Hall, to local, seasonal produce Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill will now also consider the other, growing gaps in our social safety net. —Omar Mosleh Time is money. A common misconception is Being a vegetarian and that vegetarianism is overly occasional organic eater for Jessicka expensive. over 14 years, sometimes it’s But unless you are buying pre- East Yorkers might hard to maintain a healthy, Loduca packaged vegetarian meals, it well-balanced diet on a budget. can actually be a less expensive Sometimes it’s easier and less alternative to healthy eating. take over the NDP expensive to eat Kraft Dinner, It would cost the same – if not instead of spending $200 every organic produce. Also, buying less – to make a delicious stir-fry East York could soon be at the epicentre of the struggle for social couple of weeks on organic produce that’s in season is easier from scratch, rather than buying rights and equality across the province and across the country. groceries. on the wallet. Don’t buy organic it pre-made at a supermarket. The Ontario (ONDP) leadership conven- I’ll admit organic food does strawberries in December like I If you were to compare the two, tion starts today, March 6, in Hamilton. of Beaches- taste better and I’m sure my body did, or you’ll end up spending an you would find non-vegetarians East York and Peter Tabuns of Toronto-Danforth are two candi- can do without all the additives. arm and a leg. actually spend more money per dates for the leadership. But one question often arises: Another option to control costs week if they eat natural foods If one of these two MPPs wins, East York will become a true incu- why does it cost so much? is to comparison-shop. because meat products, milk bator for social change. The leaders of both the provincial and fed- The answer is simple. There is If you are on a limited budget, and cheese become costly. eral NDP would be from ridings in East York. Already, , more substance to organic food. you can check out any organic When people depend heavily the leader of the New Democrats federally, hails from our very own Organic food contains more sources in your area, as well on prepared, processed or Toronto-Danforth. nutritional vitamins and as online and make your own packaged foods, they end up However, the Ontario NDP has challenges to overcome. minerals and grows slower price comparisons. Then you can spending more than those who According to Prue’s website, www.prueforleader.ca, 94 per cent than non-organic food because shop where things are cheaper, eat natural foods prepared of Ontarians don’t trust the ONDP with the economy — and 85 per of a lack of chemical pesticides. even if it means going to several themselves. cent of Ontarians actually prefer a different party altogether. Organic food is free from all different places to get everything If you don’t have access to But the NDP has a tradition of political aspiration and influence. additives, pesticides, growth you want. organic produce, don’t fret. If When the NDP was known as the Co-operative Commonwealth hormones and preservatives. You’re probably thinking it you follow a vegetarian diet, Federation (CCF), it directly influenced the creation of employment The best way to stick to organic would be easier to stick with your food is still benefiting your insurance, old-age pensions and a fundamental leftward political food without breaking the bank less healthy alternatives, but body. Maybe organic food can be shift in Canada. is to find a local organic specialty at what cost to your body? compared to DVD players. The ONDP also used its balance-of-power position to negotiate the store or farmer’s market. They North Americans have become They are really expensive at implementation of several policies, including pay equity legislation, don’t raise the prices nearly as consumed with money and first, but once there becomes in return for its support of the minority Liberal government. high as the supermarket chains convenience and are forgetting more of a demand, the prices Just a few weeks ago Jack Layton almost formed a coalition gov- do and you’ll find better quality about their well-being. will eventually drop. ernment with Stephane Dion of the Liberals and Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc Quebecois. This pressured Prime Minister Stephen Harper to alter the Conservatives’ budget to reflect NDP and Liberal con - cern over the recession’s toll on Canadians. Clearly the NDP has ongoing, significant influence in Canadian We welcome your input politics. New Democrats can take considerable satisfaction in the balance they bring to Canadian government — and in the political voice that The Observer is published by Centennial College journalism students under facul- they give to those Canadians most in need. ty supervision. Our offices are in Room 149 of the Centre for Creative Communica - If the NDP becomes centred federally and provincially in East tions, 951 Carlaw Ave., East York. Please address correspondence to the Observer, York after the ONDP leadership convention, the citizens of this Centennial College, East York campus, P.O. Box 631, Station A, Scarborough, ON community will have the opportunity to carry on and even enhance M1K 5E9. Telephone 416-289-5107, fax 416-289-5111, e-mail c/o scogan@centen - a rich tradition of social struggle. But with that opportunity will come responsibility: East Yorkers nialcollege.ca. Opinions in the Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the will have to push the future leader of the provincial New Democrats college. Our companion website, the Toronto Observer, is at www.torontoobserver.ca. to think big. —Andrew Hood COMMENT East York’s Observer, March 6, 2009 — Page 7 Bullying allergies: new twist to peanut debate How’s this for a new twist on schoolyard bullying: a young boy is chased by devilish classmates who tell him they have peanuts. For a child with a severe peanut allergy, it must have been terrifying. It seems that the glasses-wearing, pocket-protector sporting teacher’s pet who once reigned as the supreme “geek” target for bullies has been booted from his throne. Now a kid with the simple inability to stomach a basic food product risks being targeted. Fortunately, there haven’t been any reported incidents of this kind of harassment in East York (one of Canada’s national newspapers reported the bullying cited above). But peanut allergies and their significant implications are certainly familiar to local schoolchildren — and their parents. East York schools have banned peanut butter from their students’ lunch boxes in an effort to create the safest environment possible for all children. A staff member at Observer, Mallory Hendry Victoria Park Elementary School, for instance, pointed out THEY’RE ALL HUGS: Rob Scheid, top, Barb Black and Grant Armstrong demonstrate the “belly that parents are asked not to pack peanut products. If they laugh” cuddling technique at a recent meeting of The Cuddle Up group in East York. do, the child is asked to return it home with them at the end of day. In just under a decade, the proportion of Canadian children Affectionate cuddlers are who have severe peanut allergies has grown to 1.5 per cent. Years ago, peanut allergies were not as feared as they are now. There was a time when those suffering from nut allergies really just friendly people would eat their lunch directly next to someone spreading the potentially deadly condiment on a slice of bread. But soon, as the number of peanut allergies multiplied, the protein- By MALLORY HENDRY to join, she explained. assume there’s more going on powered product was forced into exile. It was a sad day for Barb Black wears a pink Rob Scheid is a member of the than foot rubs and massages. T-shirt with “Champion Spooner” group and sees it as a way to be Even friends and family young children everywhere. printed on it. Two silhouettes social with people, but on a more members have questions. Now children, parents and some school staff in Canada are are cuddling beneath the words physical, friendly level. He says “I’ve been testing the waters at arguing to bring peanut butter back into cafeterias and packed on her chest. he is embarrassed to talk about work and among friends and the lunches. Not surprisingly, there have been objections to that A “C” sits on her left shoulder; it sometimes because he is new reaction’s mixed,” Black said. from parents of children who would then be in harm’s way. her name is printed on the back. to the cuddling scene. “It’s interesting. You get the ‘uh To avoid placing their loved ones in a bubble, some parents Her clothing is appropriate “I’m still trying to get into huhs,’ which implies all sorts of have taken even stronger measures to remove their children because she is, literally, the it but I’ve heard that it helps things, and then you get the ‘oh from possible harm, such as homeschooling. captain of a cuddling group that people with social anxiety and sure,’ nudge, nudge, wink, wink At Victoria Park Elementary, the staffer we spoke with said does, in fact, spoon. She calls it I’m trying to work with mine,” and you have to explain to them “Cuddle Up.” Scheid said. “It helps tear down it’s not a clever innuendo.” that the risk of harming the few severely allergic children Black is naturally affectionate, a lot of barriers people put up in Armstrong hasn’t been as open is far greater than the frustration of other children craving she says, although usually just their lives.” in his workplace, assuming that their Kraft. All they have to do is wait until they get home; in personal relationships. This is Scheid hopes that dealing with his fellow construction workers then they can munch their peanut products to their hearts’ her first experience facilitating a his anxiety in social situations would make fun of him for it. content. group that she says more or less will help him be more comfort- But he hasn’t found other people That seems like the right balance. While both sides have fell into her lap. It was originally able with starting a relationship. he shares his pastime with to be points, the priority should be keeping children safe and happy a website – meetup.com – but Conversly, Grant Armstrong overly judgmental. He has open- at school… alongside their peers. the group leader disappeared sees his time at the cuddle group minded friends, he said, although —Jenna Conter and Black asked the group if as filling a need so he doesn’t the sex stigma is popular. they, along with her, would try rush into a relationship just to “People get that idea pretty and save it. scratch an itch. easily about anything,” For Black, these groups are “It’s better to have a regular Armstrong said. “Even if you tell a way to meet new people and circle of people that I can cuddle them it isn’t. And it isn’t!” serve as an alternative to the with so I’m not feeling deprived The problem is society’s dating scene. of something and getting into obsession with sex, to sell “I’m not the type to bump a relationship because of that,” everything from diapers to my cart into somebody at the Armstrong said. radios, Black said. Society is too supermarket,” Black said. “It’s Some people simply don’t get sex-saturated, and this is the the affectionate social side of me enough physical interaction from group’s small way of balancing without the pressure of sex.” their personal relationships, it out. Black hopes that as If it helps, one can think of especially if they’re single. more people learn about cuddle these groups as a kind of “friends Though Black can’t speak for groups, the assumptions and with benefits” interaction, where all members, she thinks it’s negative stereotypes will fall the only benefit is platonic hu - possible these groups are a sort away. She wants the general man contact. The need for affec- of layover for people who, for public to understand that their tion is basic, according to Black. whatever reason, are not ready groups are simply filling a niche To protect members, who hold for relationships. in society. meetings once a month in their There are singles, widowers “Anything I would hope the homes, Black moved the group and divorcees who enjoy the readers get out of this is that it’s to Facebook. Because of that benefits of human contact ok, it’s safe, there’s nothing to medium’s access to profiles, it without the added strings of a be afraid of,” Black said. “That’s Observer, Jenna Conter gives a better sense of who wants relationship. But people always the basic message.” February warmed the heart but left black history in the cold Before we turned the page on Stroke Foundation? to black history. Why would a Observer include dark-skinned our calendars a few days ago, a To all who still do not know, man whose personal origins or people who are Bajan, Guya- friend and I were walking down Black History Month was started Alyshia ancestry originate in a hot place nese, Ghanaian, Ethiopian, Ja- the street when we saw a poster in 1926 by an African-American choose cold, bleak February as maican and Antiguan. As for the that read, “February is Heart man named Carter G. Woodson. Collins the time we should celebrate our majority of people I know, only a Month.” It was by the Heart and Originally, it was just a week, history? few are of African descent. Stroke Foundation. and it was called “Negro History And I say “black” deliberately, Some people think there’s no Wait just a second. Wasn’t Week.” because I think African-Canadi- longer a reason to observe Black February supposed to be Black It was the second week of Feb- Lincoln and abolitionist and for- an is an imprecise, unfair term. I History Month — now that a History Month? So are you tell- ruary because that timeframe mer slave Frederick Douglass. myself am not of African descent black man holds the highest of- ing me that not only do we, black marked the birthdays of two But whatever the history — and I actually find it offensive fice in the world. But that hardly people, get the shortest and cold- Americans who influenced the books tell us, I find it strange when I am referred to as an Afri- makes sense. Whites have held est month of the year, but it’s lives and social conditions of that an African-American man can. My mother is from Trinidad that office since 1776; have we not even really ours? We have African-Americans. Those men would choose February as the and my father is from Jamaica. ever ignored white history? I to share it with The Heart and were former president Abraham timeframe for anything related My colleagues on the East York don’t think so. Page 8 — East York’s Observer, March 6, 2009

East York MPPs Michael Prue and Peter Tabuns are among four candidates vying to replace as leader of the provincial New Democrats. Follow our coverage from the floor of the Hamilton leadership convention this Michael Prue weekend at torontoobserver.ca — and read their positions here: Peter Tabuns Age: 60 Age: 58 Cities power regions — Prue wants cities to Building a sustainable future — Tabuns Political Experience: fuel economic growth in Ontario. To that effect, wants to see an economy based primarily on Political Experience: Mayor of East York, 1993 he advocates the elimination of the Ontario renewable energy. He says the energy prices City of Toronto councillor to 1997. Elected to Municipal Board in cities with populations greater consumers pay won’t necessarily go up in a move from 1990 to ‘97. Deputy inaugural Toronto City than 50,000 as it is “anti-democratic”; reforming away from fossil fuels and nuclear power, because mayor. Executive director Council as councillor for the property tax structure, which he believes energy sources such as conservation and solar hot forces cities to be dependent on tax revenues; and water are competitive with fossil fuels. of Greenpeace Canada East York. Elected as MPP allowing cities to establish their own versions “I actually think a new energy economy would from 1999 to ‘04. MPP for for Beaches-East York in of the City of Toronto Act, which would expand be affordable and probably be cheaper,” Tabuns Toronto-Danforth, 2006 to 2001 and re-elected twice. municipal powers. said. the present. “We would free up cities by giving them the “I was speaking with a developer (Tom Rand) tools to grow the economy,” he said. who is building a hotel in using In his words: Prue also supports a Buy Ontario policy, geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling,” In his words: “People don’t trust the NDP which would award local businesses government he said. “He’s going to reduce his electricity and “Building a sustainable in this province because contracts if their bids are within 10 per cent of the gas consumption by 60 per cent.” economy is the single lowest bid. Rand himself claims an 80-per-cent reduction in most important thing they don’t think we can Changing the culture of the party — If energy use for his Planet Traveller youth hostel win an election, and they elected leader, Prue would reform the NDP party project. we can do to protect don’t have confidence in structure to make it a viable force in provincial Preserving our social infrastructure — the environment. That’s our handling of economic politics again. He would institute a six-point plan Tabuns would put renewed emphasis on health the core of any climate for making the party “election ready”, including care, education and social services. protection plan. We need issues. We need to convince providing $10,000 to all local ridings for making “If you don’t have high quality in those areas, Ontarians that the NDP can election signs and paying for all non-television then you have a population that is not going to be large-scale investment in govern effectively.” advertising. Prue would also seek to re-invigorate healthy, and you’re going to have a population that renewable energy, and a the party’s youth wing which, he feels, has is not well-educated,” Tabuns said. “And I don’t transition away from fossil dwindled due to neglect from party leadership. think you can take on the 21st century without and nuclear fuels, to an Contact Info: “We have a terrible record with the young,” he those things being in place.” economy that is primarily Constituency office: said. Labour law reform — Tabuns takes a strong Prue believes that in the past, the provincial pro-union stance. He would reinstate so-called based on renewable 1821 Danforth Ave., NDP was more concerned with maintaining its “card-based certification” for unions, which makes energy.” East York, ON existing seats rather than winning an election. He it easier for workplaces to unionize. The practice, Phone: (416) 669-1032 hopes to attract new Canadians and individuals which had been in use in Ontario since the 1950s, E-mail: mprue-co@ whose values are in line with the NDP, but who was repealed by the Conservative Contact info: have historically voted Liberal. government in 1995. Constituency office: ndp.on.ca “We only seriously ran in 20 ridings (in the Asked whether he thinks a strong pro-union Facebook: Michael Prue last provincial election),” Prue said. “We need to stance might be unpalatable in today’s economy, 421 Donlands Ave., for Leader change to win.” Tabuns said people need to earn decent livings so East York, ON Decarbonization — Like Tabuns, Prue wants they can spend enough money to keep the economy Phone: (416) 461-0223 Ontario to move away from dependence on fossil moving. E-mail: tabunsp-co@ fuels. He would authorize the conversion of all “It’s been unionization that’s actually created ndp.on.ca coal-powered plants to biomass as well as invest the bulk of the middle class in this province,” in green technologies to make Ontario an industry he said. “Frankly, if you want to have a secure Facebook: Peter Tabuns leader. Prue would also require new buildings society, and one with opportunity for the majority to have energy-saving measures, such as solar of people who live in it, unionization is a very paneling, and would provide financial aid for the important piece.” retrofitting of existing structures. Compiled by Prue also supports the construction of green Compiled by RAHUL GUPTA transit, such as LRTs, to connect regions. TIM BURDEN Mother cries for slain teen Cont’d. from page 1 between the accused and her boyfriend exchanged the following day indicate M.T. was still pressuring him to kill Stefanie. “I want her dead. LOL. We’ve been through this,” M.T. allegedly wrote. “If it takes more than a week then we’re just gonna be friends.” Nine weeks later, Stefanie was dead. As Flumerfelt recounted the chilling details of Stefanie’s murder, Patricia Hung wiped away tears. Flumerfelt alleged that D.B. coerced Stefanie to meet him outside on Jan. 1, 2008, stabbed her six times, and left her to die. Flumerfelt told the jury that the accused “didn’t just counsel or encourage, but pressured” her teenaged boyfriend to kill Stefanie. Charges laid in case of alleged spa fraud Cont’d. from page 1 But when Lessard attended the spa’s opening night, “Everyone seemed genuinely happy for her. I overheard conversations about people saying, ‘Oh, you worked so hard for this, it’s been so many years.’” Filip Djukic, 39, Julia Sung, 25, Goran Sadic, 44, and Milena Sadic, 41, all of Toronto, face 114 Observer, Conor O Brien charges, including fraud, theft and participating in PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST: Students from five different East York public schools came together on Feb. 17 a criminal organization. for the 12th annual Public Speaking Contest at the East York Civic Centre.