ww The MAKING MERRY IN EAST YORK n It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas OBSERVER Page 5 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 43, No. 12 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, December 5, 2014

n FATAL FIRE Triple murder shocks East York Abused woman fighting for custody of two sons, women’s shelter reveals

By ERICA RAE CHONG The Observer

A woman killed in Saturday’s triple homicide was trying to leave a violent relationship and was fighting for custody Stephanie Hinds /// The Observer of her kids, according to a spokesperson for Dr. Roz’s Healing Place, an abused Fire officials are still investigating, after a Withrow Avenue house was reduced to rubble in a three-alarm blaze women’s centre. on Nov. 21. The occupant, an 81-year-old woman, was found dead on the remains of the main floor. The woman was one of three victims found dead around 4:45 p.m. on Satur- day on the third floor of an apartment building at 85 Thorncliffe Park Dr. Police publicly identified the victims on ‘I saw the fire from a window’ Monday as Zahra Mohamoud Abdille, 43, and her two sons Faris Abdille, 13, HGTV host summons Kostiuk confirmed that firefighters Fire officials say the blaze like- back and saw all the commotion, and Zain Abdille, 8. found the woman’s body on what ly began in the basement or on the that’s when I found out,” says Ta- Police discovered the grisly scene help as neighbour’s was left of the home’s main floor. first floor of the home. It burned so hir Hiro, who lives on Bain Ave- shortly after a man fell to his death onto It is believed the owner of the intensely that the roof collapsed, nue, one street north of Withrow. the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) less than home burns to ground home, whom area residents iden- and homes on either side of it will The fire was completely out by two kilometres away. tified as Andjelka Starcevich, was also need repair. The siding of one noon, but emergency vehicles re- The man was identified on Wednesday By STEPHANIE HINDS a hoarder. home began to peel due to the heat. mained on the scene for much of as Yusuf Abdille, the husband and father The Observer “She was at the front of the build- The entire side of the other home the day. of the murder victims. ing, ground floor, much like we is being replaced, and the front Then a forensic identification Abdille reportedly stayed at the Two local house fires in recent suspected,” Kostiuk told reporters. window had to be broken during a specialist and a crane arrived to as- centre’s shelter between July 10 and weeks have left one woman dead “She was said to have been using a rescue effort. There is visible soot sist in lifting the debris and search- July 23 last year while she battled for and raised concerns about safety walker, so we didn’t think she’d be and ash on the exterior of both ing for the body. custody over her sons. Her efforts were and hoarding. up in one of the bedrooms.” homes. While there is no indication that unsuccessful and she was forced to seek In the first case, an 81-year-old Sebastian Clovis, a Withrow Av- As the fire on Withrow escalated the fire is suspicious in origin, a place to live on the private market, woman was found dead in the rub- enue resident, was awakened by from a two-alarm to a three-alarm there is still a lot of investigating as she did not qualify for affordable ble of her East York-area home af- the light of the blaze. blaze, firefighters were called from left to do. housing due to her income. It is unclear ter a three-alarm blaze on Nov. 21. “I saw the fire from a window another fire downtown to assist in “At this point, we have no idea if Abdille returned home to her husband The three-storey home at 282 and called the police. Then I start- fighting the flames. what started the fire,” Kostiuk said. because she couldn’t afford to rent a Withrow Ave., just outside East ed ringing people’s doorbells to try At one point, there were 15 The other local fire, also said place. York’s southwest corner, was com- and help,” he told reporters. Clovis trucks on the scene. to involve hoarding, occurred last “This is a systemic issue about pletely destroyed. Fire is familiar to viewers of HGTV as “I work 12-hour shifts from Fri- Friday afternoon in Monarch Park. eligibility and support,” said Nawal Division Commander Andrew one of the network’s hosts. day to Sunday, so when I came See page 2 for the full story. Al-Busaidi, manager of Family Child and Youth Services at the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office. Al-Busaidi organized Tuesday’s com- Celebrate the season in song munity vigil for the family. She spoke yesterday to the East York Observer on, the festival’s long-time volun- The show will feature 11-time about the universality of the problem of 22nd annual Riverdale teer organizer, the concert will also Juno winner Murray McLauchlan, domestic violence. Share Concert blends officially launch the Christmas Devin Cuddy, son of Blue Rodeo “Women of all races, races, cultures, season. front man Jim Cuddy, Kim Stock- and religions go through this,” she said. music, holiday spirit “We work so hard during the wood, Pressgang Mutiny and Drew The Observer spoke to 10 residents fall to bring a great show to the Gonsalves of Kobo Town. at 85 Thorncliffe Park Dr. earlier this By PEDER MYHR community and then with the con- There will be local performers week, and all of them expressed shock The Observer cert, it really puts me in the spirt like the Frankland School Choir over the incident. of Christmas,” she said. “I love it and The Wexford Gleeks, a circus “I came back from work around 7:30 This Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m., so much. There’s really a magical performance, dance troupes, com- Photo courtesy of Riverdale Share p.m. and there were 10 cop cars in front the always-anticipated River- feeling in the air.” edy and lots of family-friendly fare of our building. It was really busy and dale Share Concert will celebrate This year’s concert boasts some- like the beloved trio Sharon, Lois Jim Cuddy performed its 22nd year of holiday fun and thing for everyone, bringing a and Bram. at the concert in 2013. n See NEIGHBOURS, page 2 spreading goodwill at The Dan- mixed bag of 19 acts to The Dan- This year, his son Devin forth Music Hall. For Susan Dix- forth Music Hall. n See SINGING, page 3 Cuddy will be featured. 2 NEWS The East York Observer ///Friday, Dec. 5, 2014

WHAT’S UP IN E.Y. Put your money where their mouths are East York Meals on Wheels is ask- ing workplaces to try a different kind of food drive this holiday season. They’re being challenged to get involved with the “Winter Warm-Up” program that of- fers help to those whose health, age or ability makes it difficult for them to shop or cook healthy meals for themselves. For $90 and up, work- places can buy a Roxana Chiriac /// The Observer variety of spon- Ring around the Christmas tree sorship packages, East York children practise their skating technique at the Dieppe Park Skating Rink, which opened for the season last Sat- ranging from a urday. The rink is located at 455 Cosburn Ave. daily hot meal for a month to spon- soring an annual day-trip. Dona- n POLITICS tions via Visa and Hoarding Mastercard will be accepted by Fragedakis hoping to collaborate hampers telephone at 416- 424-3322. Money East York councillor Fragedakis said she’s opti- term of council. orders payable to mistic about the start of the “I hope there will be less firefighters’ East York Meals optimistic about new municipal regime. She drama and less scandals com- on Wheels can be said she’s hopeful that John pared to the past four years,” mailed to Winter next four years with Tory’s tenure will be “more she said. efforts Warm-Up Pro- productive, unlike the last When it comes to her own By ARTURO CHANG gram, East York Mayor four years.” agenda, she said, “My ongo- Meals on Wheels, Councillor Burnside, now ing top priorities are to im- The Observer 2 Thorncliffe Park By ALI NAQVI The Observer representing Ward 26/Don prove traffic and congestion Dr., Unit 52, To- Valley West, told reporters and community safety.” Firefighters had to fight ronto, ON, The generally good vibra- that when he moved into his As for SmartTrack, the both fire and obstructing piles M4H 1H2. tions at city hall this week office, he discovered that the Tory plan for public transit of useless belongings when — as the Ford era officially files on constituent concerns improvements, “I want to see they arrived at a burning home ended and the Tory era began that had been maintained more details on SmartTrack,” on Monarch Park Avenue last Candy Cane Tea — were tempered by some by defeated incumbent John n FRAGEDAKIS Fragedakis said, “and see Friday, Nov. 28. comes to town bad vibes among the East Parker had been shredded. the plan more articulated in No one was hurt in the York representatives. That followed advice from cabinet, called the executive a more fleshed-out manner, blaze. Presteign-Wood- Incoming councillor Jon the city clerk’s office to all committee. with more details.” Toronto Fire was called bine United Burnside complained that councillors that constituent Conspicuous for their ab- Generally, she said, “I to the scene at around 2 p.m. Church will hold his predecessor, John Parker, files should not be shared for sence were newcomers like hope to work more collabo- after flames erupted in the a Candy Cane Tea hadn’t saved constituent files reasons of confidentiality. Burnside and left-leaning ratively and in an productive single-storey bungalow, near and Bazaar on for him. Meanwhile, Mayor Tory councillors like Janet Davis manner with the newly elect- Coxwell and Mortimer av- Saturday, Dec. And the East York council- unveiled his administra- from Ward 31/Beaches-East ed mayor…. That’s my hope enues. Platoon Chief Kev- 6 from 11 a.m. lors were passed over when tion — including committee York and Fragedakis from and that’s my expectation. in Shaw said the fire likely to 3 p.m. at the the new mayor announced chairs and the councillors Ward 29/Toronto-Danforth. We are here to advance is- started in the basement, and church, 2538 St. his new team. whom he’s tapped as his Still, Fragedakis said, sues that are important to all the home, which belongs to Clair Ave. E. Still, councillor Mary lieutenants on the mayor’s she’s upbeat about the next the people in the city.” a 60-year old man, was very difficult to get into because of Math, writing apparent hoarding. n CRIME “The crews, when they got skills needed there through the back door, were only able to get in may- Share your read- be two, three feet,” Shaw said. ing, writing and Neighbours find murders ‘astonishing’ “Pretty much floor to ceiling basic math skills of just debris in the building.” with another. The ‘I’m still watching 35th floor. thing like this has happened of the city’s safety. Shaw said the home was East York Learn- “This is a very safe area,” there, as far as he knows. “This is the first time I’ve filled with everything from ing Experience is the news to find out said Marwa Sheikh. “We “The situation is still un- experienced such an event furniture to stereos and micro- looking for literacy have 24-hour security at known. Should I be worried? and it’s very astonishing for waves. A garbarge truck had to volunteers willing more,’ one man says the front desk and we have Should I not be worried? I’m me,” Iqbal said. “I came here be called in to help dispose of to be trained to security cameras. It’s just a still watching the news to with the idea that Canada is a some of the items so firefight- Cont’d. from page 1 teach other adults. very family- and communi- find out more,” he said. safe country with a low crime ers could finish squelching hot For information, a lot of police officers were ty-oriented building.” Yasir Iqbal, a new immi- rate, so it’s surprising for spots. call 416-425 inside the building, in the Serge Kalachou, who has grant from Pakistan who has me to learn that three bodies Neighbours said that the -2666. hallway and in the lobby lived in the building with his lived in the building for the were found here.” man, who lived by himself in chatting,” said Aashna family for two years, says last six months, said this inci- ~ With files from the house, was known to be ~ Katherine Forte Thakkar, a resident of the this is the first time some- dent changes his impression Samira Mohyeddin a hoarder. He wasn’t home at the time of the fire. The East York Observer /// Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 NEWS 3 Opera mob descends on library Obeah Opera gets ready to perform at the upcoming 2015 Pan Am games in Toronto

By NICHOLAS MISKETI cused of practising witchcraft The Observer during the Salem witchcraft trials of the 1690s — is the It’s not every day that an a original work of creator, com- cappella singing flash mob poser, librettist and performer takes over a library — but Nicole Brooks. that’s just what happened last She wrote and composed it Friday night, Nov. 28, at the as a Caribbean folk song and Carlaw Avenue campus of says incorporating different Centennial College. genres of urban music into the And the results were record- opera made it connect with ed on video for posterity and more people. promotion. “Everyone seems to have Volunteer extras, who were some kind of tie to it,” Brooks in on the act, still looked said. “It crosses cultures and pleasantly surprised as per- generations.” formers emerged from among Last year, Brooks pitched them in song. her opera’s concept to rep- Christina Hough, a student resentatives of PanaMania, at the East York campus who the cultural component of the was involved with the produc- Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Para- tion, said she enjoyed the ex- pan Am games. Next summer, Nicholas Misketi /// The Observer perience. Obeah Opera will showcase “I love the music and it was their performance at the games Nicole Brooks (centre right) leads vocalists from Obeah Opera in a musical flash mob at Centen- especially awesome to hear it as one of 27 commissioned nial College’s East York campus library. Centennial students filmed the performance for a viral in this space,” Hough said. acts. video assignment intended to support the opera’s fundraising campaign. Vocalists from Obeah Op- In anticipation of that mo- era, a local Afrocentric troupe, ment in the international spot- Glace Lawrence, helped to viral,” Lawrence said. “We funds to stage the perfor- Brooks said. “Now, I’m call- performed one of the theme light, a group of Centennial lead the video’s production, want to link it back to the cam- mance. Brooks has set a goal ing on the public to contribute songs from their theatrical students produced the video and said that her group intends paign they will put in place for of $250,000 to help build the and see if they can make this piece for the video. “Di Moon for a class assignment. They to support the ongoing fund- people to donate.” set, design the period cos- a reality.” Song,” about the opera’s main plan to release it as a promo- raising efforts of Obeah Opera While the Toronto games tumes and assemble a cast of For more information, or to character, Tituba — a slave tional video in the hope that with the video. have provided some funding, 25 vocalists. donate, visit www.nightwood- girl among the first women ac- it will go viral. One of them, “The hope is that it does go the opera needs additional “This is a collective work,” theatre.net

Pharmacies make it easier to get flu shot

By BRANDON the province’s official web- “It’s a good service for BERNARD site, www.ontario.ca the patient. They can take The Observer Free flu shots are avail- the flu shot anywhere, any- able at doctors’ offices, pub- time,” Rofael said of adding It’s the most sniffly time lic health clinics and now at pharmacies to the list of of the year. some pharmacies. places offering the vaccine. And while many of us get The latter choice was “They don’t have to make off relatively easily with added to make it easier for an appointment; they don’t muscle aches, fatigue and people to get their vaccine, have to wait for the doc- fever, about 350 Canadians Rofael says, although it’s tors.” die each year of the flu and not available to children Those at greater risk of its complications, according under the age of five. Those developing flu-related com- Photo courtesy of Riverdale Share to the Public Health Agency between one and five must plications include the elder- Members of the Frankland School Choir wowed the crowd at last year’s of Canada’s website. go to a doctor’s office or ly, pregnant women, people Riverdale Share Concert. They’ll be back for an encore this year. And that, says pharma- public health unit, accord- with other health problems cist Abraam Rofael of the ing to www.ontario.ca and children under five. Care and Health Pharmacy on Danforth Avenue, is a Singing to help those in need shame, especially since there’s a simple way of Cont’d. from page 1 worth all of the work that gets puts into it. preventing it or reducing its “(This) is such an amazing community and we severity — a flu shot. Mike Tanner will be hosting the event. He really care about each other here,” she said. “So “There are too many says it’s a real honour being a part of such an what we can do with Riverdale Share is help out Canadians dying every exciting group of performers. those that need it. And that is what community year because of the flu,” “It’s just such an amazing experience,” he is really about; helping each other.” Rofael said as he filled said. “It’s such a diverse group, but they all Admission is $20, plus a non-perishable food prescriptions at the local blend together in such a truly special way. It’s item. pharmacy. really something.” Tickets can be purchased on the organiza- “Getting the flu shot is the The star of the night will undoubtedly be the tion’s website, www.riverdaleshare.com; or at only way to prevent it.” big man himself — Santa Claus. The Big Carrot, 348 Danforth Ave.; Treasure The flu sends about The event is 100-per-cent volunteer-run. It Island Toys, 581 Danforth Ave.; and It’s My 200,000 people to the doc- hopes to generate over $30,000 and collect food Party, 423 Danforth Ave. tor each year in Ontario, Brandon Bernard /// The Observer items for families in need in the community. For up-to-the-minute news on the organiza- while another 1,000 are Pharmacist Abraam Rofael says the best way Susan Dixon says helping those in need is tion, you can follow it on Twitter @riverdale- hospitalized, according to to prevent the flu is to do like the sign says. what makes The Riverdale Share Concert well share. 4 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 Ootes eases move from Ford to Tory Former East York politician heads new mayor’s transition team, just as he did four years ago for Ford

By KATHERINE FORTE tes explained. 27 victory over Doug Ford and Oliv- Transition Advisory Council, a sec- what he’s heard from that group. So The Observer His final council term ended in ia Chow, and it’s just tying up loose ondary source of information for the it’s input to the transition team to 2010, but he almost immediately ends now, considering that the new transition team. help him refine his agenda.” He’s familiar to East Yorkers as an went to work for , as Ford city council, with Tory at its head, “This is a group of The Transitional Advisory Coun- elected politician, but even though replaced outgoing Toronto mayor met officially for the first time this people; they meet for cil’s agenda for discussions in- he’s retired from the campaign trail David Miller. past Tuesday. three hours, they get cludes housing, Tory’s “Smart- himself, Case Ootes still walks the Four years later, an encore. This “The mayor needs a transition a briefing from staff Track” transit plan and other halls of local power. time, the John Tory transition team team because you’re going from and then there is a ways to ease gridlock in the This fall, he’s been reprising his has been comprised of 10 people, one administration to another…. It’s discussion,” Ootes city. It’s something that Tory role as head of the new mayor’s tran- including the mayor-elect’s princi- basically a five-week intensive pro- said. “The may- may carry into the future, even sition team. He did it four years ago pal secretary and chief of staff, as cess,” Ootes said. “We started the or-elect is there to after the official change in ad- for Rob Ford, and he’s just wrapping well as citizens selected by Ootes day after the election and have been hear them out and ministrations. it up now for John Tory. and Tory. Ootes’ past city hall ex- going ever since.” at the end, he sum- “He may want to continue with “I first got elected in 1988,” Ootes perience is something that he says is Ootes noted the differences in marizes that group,” Ootes said. said in an interview with the Observ- essential in his role as chief of the working with Ford and Tory. “It’s important for er at city hall. transition team. “The mayor-elect (Tory) is very a mayor to have He continued to represent East “I know the politics of city hall, involved in the process. He reads all input from a lot York as the representative for Toron- how things work on the council floor, the manuals before the briefings and of people from to-Danforth at city council, after the how things work behind the scenes so his having read the manuals gives diverse back- province’s forced merger of the for- and so on,” Ootes said. “I have that him the information that he needs grounds, and mer Metro Toronto municipalities. background, which is really import- to focus in on, and then direct staff diverse experi- “I was at amalgamation. I was a ant when you’re doing a transition to come up with some plan,” Ootes ences.” deputy mayor for Mayor Lastman, from mayor-elect to mayor.” said. “He’s much more hands-on.” so I have a background knowledge The transition team assembled al- As well as the transition team, n OOTES of city hall and how it works,” Oo- most immediately after Tory’s Oct. Ootes has also been chairing the n SPORTS New school policy aims to keep you in the loop By HASSAN MOHAMUD The Observer The tentative approval of the “Good Neighbour Policy” at a fall meeting of the Toronto Catholic District School Board should eventually make for a better-informed community, according to East York’s representative to the board. Ward 11 trustee Angela Kennedy explained that the policy, which includes notifying neighbours situated near a TCDSB school when it comes to things like events and construction, was provisionally approved Ramon Lafee/// The Observer without much debate. (L-R) Terry Caffery, Dr. Sidney Soanes, Peter Krol and Christine Pellerin were all smiles at last Friday’s Leaside Sports Hall “What I can do with that of Fame induction ceremony. Leaside’s Athlete of the Year, skater Ayanna Badali, was also at the event. now is consult with my own schools in Ward 11 to get their feedback and any amendments or changes if Leaside sports greats honoured there are areas in the policy that people are not happy Late football star Joe of Fame in a ceremony held at Leaside Championships in Osaka, Japan. family and friends who came here. with,” she said. Arena last Friday. “My advice to anyone who wants We were really looking forward to it,” Kennedy just won another ‘King’ Krol among those The event also celebrated the an- to get into speed skating is that age Krol said. term on the separate school nouncement of Leaside’s Athlete of is not an issue. If you are older, don’t “My father was a well-respected board, and she said that in inducted into Leaside the Year, skater Ayanna Badali. give up to excel and try hard on the player for the Argonauts. I never real- addition to the eventual Sport Hall of Fame “It’s just a great honour after all sport,” Badali said. “I started late as ized how good he was until he stopped finalization of the Good the hard work that I have done on my well and honestly you can still follow playing and then I started hearing all Neighbour Policy, she hopes sport and in school, in Leaside High your dreams.” these things, because I was quite to work on the issue of By RAMON LAFEE School,” Badali said. “It feels like all Joe Krol was one of the most be- young when he was playing.” geographic boundaries for The Observer the hard work has finally paid off.” loved Argonauts players, leading the Krol also gave a piece of advice for school admission. Not only are they in the commu- The native and resident of Leaside team to five Grey Cups. He died in young people who are making up their “I will be canvassing each nity’s heart, but from now on, they’ll won Ontario provincial speed skating 2008 and is remembered as one of minds about getting into football. one of my schools in Ward also be in its hall of fame. titles in 2013 and 2014, competing for Canada greatest athletes ever. Krol is “If you love the game, stick with it, 11 individually to ask them Former hockey players Jack Team Ontario. also in the Canadian Football League because you’re never going to regret if the current boundaries that Caffery and Christine Pellerin, foot- Badali is now training for the Cana- Hall of Fame. it,” he said. are being used for admission ball star Joe “King” Krol and figure da Winter Games, to be held in Prince Representing his father, Peter Krol “It will teach you a lot of disci- of students are the ones that skating judge Dr. Sidney Soanes were George next year. She hopes to repre- accepted the award. pline and keep you in good shape as those schools are happy inducted into the Leaside Sports Hall sent Canada at the 2015 World Junior “This is a great honour for me, my well.” with,” she said. The East York Observer /// Friday Dec. 5, 2014 FEATURES 5 East York shows holiday spirit

Photos by Evan Pang Alexander the Great Parkette, located at the corner of Logan and Danforth avenues, turned on the Christmas lights last weekend. Passersby stopped to take photographs and enjoy the festive spirit.

Photos by Sana Fatani (L-R) Fiona Atkins, Veronica Loranty, Maddy Driscol and Danielle Loranty display their handmade Christmas cards at a workshop at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site on Saturday.

Fiona Atkins uses glitter on her third card. Happy Holidays from the staff of the East York Observer! With this issue, we conclude publication for the year. Our student reporters and editors are preparing for Christmas break and then internships in newsrooms in Toronto and beyond. We’ll re-open our offices with a brand new staff in early January, and resume publication soon afterward. 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 n COLUMN n EDITORIALS Ferguson’s lessons Make sure we do not go down the same road East Yorkers can be excused for their bewilderment at last week’s events in Fergu- son, Missouri. We live in a cosmopolitan community ourselves, and there are certainly disparities connected to the mix of backgrounds that we see among our residents. But nothing like the dysfunction of Ferguson. Still, many people here, like many south of the border, were watching the run-up to last week’s grand jury decision to not indict police officer Darren Wilson. A quick refresher, for those who may need it: Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown, an 18-year-old unarmed black student, after an altercation between the two on Aug. 9. Brown and his friend Dorian Johnson were walking in the middle of the street, shortly before Wilson drove up alone in his police vehicle, and asked the men to move to the sidewalk. It was only then when a confrontation occurred between Brown and the offi- cer, which led to Brown being fatally shot. There were peaceful protests as well as violent riots in the days immediately after- ward, but they had subsided — until last week, when, on Monday, it was announced that a decision had been made by the grand jury to not indict Wilson. That revived some of the anger from the summer, and as the night wore on, there was another flurry Samantha Turchan /// The Observer of rioting, looting and confrontations with police officers. And not just Monday night. Members of this year’s East York Observer staff are moving on to their And not just in Ferguson. There were even (mercifully peaceful) protests in Toronto last internships. A fresh roster of reporters is waiting in the wings to take week... and now, another wave of protests in the U.S., after another grand jury decided over starting in January. on Wednesday to not indict a New York police officer after he used a chokehold on a suspect and the suspect died. The shooting reminds us all of the longstanding racial tensions between Afri- can-Americans and the police. Ultimately, the protests weren’t just about Brown’s Farewell from 2014 staff death; they were an expression of deep frustration among a constituency of the Fer- guson community. Some residents were tired of not being heard, and a decision that Our first assignment for the journalism But now we have little problem with cold-call- seemed to ignore cries for justice was the final straw. program at Centennial College was certainly ing strangers or scouring the community The disappointing images of fire and chaos were a response to this betrayal — and a memorable. Two weeks into the course, most in-person for a possible story. lack of trust in the criminal justice system in the United States. Here at home, we can of us were shocked to learn that we had to Mind you, we have developed the longest consider ourselves fortunate that relations between authorities and minorities haven’t interview people — real people — almost list of rejections in our lives from possible reached anything like this crisis point. But in East York and the rest of Toronto, we still immediately. sources this year. But we have also amassed have our controversies around things like racial profiling and carding; let’s just make Armed with nothing but hand-held Marantz impressive lists of contacts that will undeni- sure that we don’t slide down that slippery American slope. audio recorders, we awkwardly stood in the ably be a great help throughout our futures in midst of people participating in the Terry Fox journalism. ~ Donston Wilson Run — people whom we hoped would have an It’s fair to say that most of us came here amazing story for us to relay to our teacher, in hoping to concentrate on the prestigious role of the form of a practice newspaper feature. writing and/or the glamourous job of broad- But look at us now. With this edition, most casting. But we leave with skills in everything Stop judging religions of us conclude our relationship with the East from interviewing to photography to web York Observer that our program publishes design. from Centennial’s East York campus. The pa- Now it is time for our familiar group to Extremist members don’t represent the faith per is now going on Christmas hiatus; next se- disperse and to go off to our placements in pro- Anyone familiar with East York knows that our neighbourhoods are densely pop- mester we’ll be on our internships; and a new fessional newsrooms outside East York — and ulated with people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds – neighbourhoods crop of student-journalists will be taking over in many cases, far outside Toronto. Then, after such as Thorncliffe, Flemingdon Park and Crescent Town. the Observer newsroom at 951 Carlaw Ave. graduation this spring, paid work somewhere. Considering this variety, and our close quarters, it’s important that East Yorkers be But while finally being done our work (Fingers crossed!) on guard against stereotyping religious groups. For as long as extremist members – of for the term is a great feeling, it also carries But no matter where we are, we will all any specific religion – paint a distorted image of that faith, uninformed citizens may some sadness. For the past three semesters, be connected with our time at Centennial well come to believe that extremists represent it entirely. we’ve worked hard together — spending early College’s East York campus. The campus from This is a grave mistake. mornings and late nights working away on as- which dozens of eager journalists fanned out People need to understand that they cannot generalize the actions of one, 20, 300 or signments both for Observer and for our other to explore the community, got to know East several thousand individuals, as representing a group of faith across the globe. courses. We’ve met deadlines, stressed out York’s residents and uncovered interesting There are more than seven billion people living on this planet. In a 2010 demo- together and had the cafeteria workers running stories that hadn’t yet been told in our com- graphic study, constructed by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and around replacing the coffee that we’ve binged munity. Like interviewing idealistic first-time Public Life, approximately 5.8 billion of them were classified as religiously affiliated. on to keep ourselves awake. candidates running for municipal office, or in- That’s 84 per cent. In East York, data from Statistics Canada suggests that about two- We’ve done things that many of us had terviewing military veterans with moving war thirds of residents claim a religious affiliation. never done before and we’ve hopefully honed stories in the run-up to Remembrance Day. The vast majority of our religious neighbours are decent and peaceful people. But ourselves from unsure students into confident In January, the Observer will be staffed by some are forced to try and mend a tarnished image left behind by extremists of their and multifaceted journalists. new, promising journalists who will spend their faith. In a fast-paced world spinning with prolific media, it becomes easy to associate Some of us already live in East York, but days and nights in the news lab developing tragic headlines with religious labels – and increasingly difficult to separate them. some of us have had to commute from the friendships and their journalistic skills as we The question becomes: how can we become knowledgeable of different religions, other side of the GTA to get here each day. once did not too long ago. while understanding the difference between real faith and extremism? Whatever the distance, during our time writing We would like to wish the Observer’s in- The answer is simple. Know thy neighbour. And there are many ways to learn about for the East York Observer, we have all felt coming roster of reporters and editors luck, and different faiths. Public schools offer religion courses for students; public libraries like citizens of East York. we’d like to thank our faculty for guiding us contain large selections of books including religious texts or books introducing read- We got to know this community and prac- along the way — and helping us through hard ers to various faiths. Numerous free e-books are also available online and the Internet tised covering local news from Leaside in the times during our stay. allows web-surfers to easily research the beliefs of others. north to the Danforth in the south, and from And, of course, we would like to thank the And you can always ask. Crescent Town in the east to Evergreen Brick wonderful community of East York for letting “Can you tell me about your faith?” Works in the west. When we started on the us share your stories and reading our newspa- Communication is the first step toward peace. East York beat, many of us were so shy that per that we worked so hard on. Best wishes we’d try to interview people by e-mail, rather and good luck to you all! ~ Roxana Chiriac than telephoning, or (heaven forbid!) actually going out and speaking to people face-to-face. ~ Natalia Makarski

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- FACULTY EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR COPY EDITORS nial College journalism students at the East York Lindy Oughtred Samira Mohyeddin Natalia Makarski campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan ASSIGNMENT EDITOR Paolo Maquiraya 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Erica Rae Chong PRODUCTION EDITORS OBSERVER PHOTO EDITOR Nicholas Misketi [email protected]. Telephone 416- 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Sam Turchan Jennifer Lee The East York Observer /// Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 FEATURES 7

Photos courtesy of Ghosts of Christmas (and TTC) Past We continue our series of photos portraying East York as it once was — drawn from the archives of the City of Toronto. These 56-year-old pictures show two views of TTC buses decorated for Christmas and driving along Eglinton Avenue near Laird Drive in Leaside during the festive season of 1958. n THE ARTS Tune in to Podcast 1 Trillion for unique tales Radio show becomes a campus on Carlaw Avenue, is now — both in terms of interest and ting our own website, and also enrolled in Centennial’s new “Ad- listening habits. looking into putting it on iTunes reality with the help vanced Script to Screen” course “Podcasts are an alternative to to download,” Emeny said. “We taught under the auspices of the mainstream media. Our stories encourage everyone to listen in.” of broadcast students broadcast and film program. can be shared on subway rides His collaborators in Podcast 1 Emeny says that he signed up home, at the school, wherever,” Trillion include fellow classmates By LUCY QI for the new course because of his Emeny said. Ragean Gillesepe, Chrysanthy The Observer passion for screenwriting — but Downloadable from the web Michaelides, Lianne Gluck, Nick Behind the tinted glass of a ra- through it, he’s discovered that he at the listeners’ convenience, the Paddison, Pradeep Raj, Andrily dio control room on the first floor has a knack for radio. shows will feature interviews with Koval, Meera Rao, Jacob Dunvo of Centennial College’s East York “It’s a great learning experience professionals in broadcasting and and Arjun Chopra. campus, a new on-air personality and a chance to focus on an au- film. “We really enjoyed making the has been born. dio medium as opposed to visual “We want to provide journal- podcast,” Emeny said, but it’s the What started off as just a vague ones,” Emeny said. ists, video-makers, and storytell- audience who will “make this idea has taken root in the mind of “By creating a channel we be- ers alike a source and output for happen and continue to fuel our Ben Emeny, and with the help and come less online and more real, their creativity.” enthusiasm.” support of his classmates and pro- more involved, and more connect- So far, two episodes have been “They are sure to relate to the Lucy Qi///The Observer fessors, “Podcast 1 Trillion” has ed with the listeners.” recorded. Each is 16 minutes in topics,” he added, and through Ben Emeny communicates with taken off. Emeny says Podcast 1 Trillion length. They can be found at cen- feedback, “offer us fresh insights his niche audience via Podcast 1 Emeny, a graduate of the graph- was created for an audience that tennialondemand.com. to make each show better than the Trillion. ic design program at the college’s could best be described as “niche” “We are in the process of get- last.” Leaside Junior Wildcats defeat top-tier Chinese team

By DOUA HREICHE Mariah Hinds. The Observer Team captain Katriona McNeilly would tack on the final goal of the game in the third The Leaside Junior Wildcats of the Pro- period. Mariah Hinds picked up the assist. vincial Women’s Hockey League squared Jennifer Smith, the president of the Toronto off against some international competition in Leaside Girls Hockey Association, said that late November. The 10th-ranked team in the this was just the latest exhibition match-up league faced off against Team China, the 14th- between the two teams. They’ve squared off ranked team in the International Ice Hockey against each other the last handful of years. Federations’ Division I Group B. “These girls that were on the ice today, Those standings may have made it seem one or two of them have played Team China like a battle of a hockey David versus Goliath, before, but for most of them, this is their first Doua Hreiche/// The Observer but David emerged triumphant, with a 3-0 win time playing a national women’s team,” Smith Members of the Leaside Junior Wildcats are all smiles after their 3-0 over the Chinese. said. win over Team China. After a scoreless first period, the Wildcats Although it was a 3-0 win for the Wildcats, struck in the second with a goal by Cynthia the game was still a challenge for the team. McNeilly said. belts where we can try out some different Cavanagh on assists by Bronte Mutukistna The girls playing on the Wildcats range be- For Leaside, this was a well-played com- combinations, some different plays,” said Kim and Olivia Kariunas. From there the Wildcats tween 13 and 18 years old, while the average petitive game, but it ultimately represents just McCullough, Leaside’s head coach. “So as wouldn’t look back. age on Team China is about 22. another stepping stone in another competitive of this weekend we continue with our league They would strike again near the end of “They were older, so they were a bit more season. play and we’ve got only one-third of the way the second period with a goal by Emma Pye physical than I think we were used to, and “We are continuing in our league; this is through our regular season, so we still have a with assists from Jessica Robichaud and they moved the puck really well,” Katriona a great opportunity to get a game under our long way to go.” 8 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 An East York camera clickfest

Donston Wilson /// The Observer (Clockwise from above) Patrons peruse the baked goods, Santa Claus pops by and a dog makes new friends at the True Davidson Acres Long-Term Care Annual Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 29. Channing Decker (centre), one-half of the Danforth’s homegrown tag-team, The Fraternity, sends his opponent Shane Sabre (left) of The Goat Brigade into the boot of a fan at ringside. Decker and tag-team partner Trent Gibson entertained the lively crowd at the ‘Smackdown in Greektown’ pro-wrestling event at Estonian House on Nov. 16. Shai Kohen of the White Ribbon Campaign leads a seminar about traditional gender roles and stopping violence against women at Centennial College’s East York campus on Nov. 19. Artist Monica displays her monoprint art (the piece in the upper-right corner) during the Don Valley Art Club’s fall show and sale at the Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum. Donston Wilson /// The Observer

Sana Fatani /// The Observer Donston Wilson /// The Observer

Natalia Makarski/// The Observer Nicholas Misketi /// The Observer