Scarborough Fire Department’s 100th anniversary celebrated
The 100th anniversary of the founding of the Scarborough Fire Department and the opening of the Birchmount Fire Hall was celebrated on Sunday. The anniversary date of Nov. 2 marked 100 years exactly from the official opening of the fire hall on Birchmount Road just north of Danforth Avenue and the creation of the Scarborough Fire Department in 1925. Among the many dignitaries at Sunday’s celebration were members of the McCowan family, at left, and the Scott family, at right, beside the fire hall’s cornerstone that was laid in 1925. Robert McCowan was the Reeve of Scarborough Township in 1925 and William Scott was the first Chief of the Scarborough Fire Department. In this photo, Byron Scott is holding the ceremonial trowel used in the 1925 cornerstone ceremony for the fire hall. D. Bruce McCowan (blue hat at left of the cornerstone) presented the trowel to the Toronto Fire Historical Society at Sunday’s celebration.
Remembrance Day ceremonies planned for Tuesday, Nov. 11
REMEMBRANCE DAY ceremonies are being planned for the Beach, East York and southwest Scarborough on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The Beach ceremony takes place at the Kew Gardens cenotaph on Queen Street East opposite Bellefair Avenue.
The Beach ceremony begins with a parade of veterans from Corpus Christi Church on Lockwood Road at 10:30 a.m. to Kew Gardens.
The official ceremony at the cenotaph starts at 10:55 a.m.
In East York, the ceremony takes place at the East York Civic Centre’s Memorial Gardens, 850 Cox-
erans and Royal Canadian Legion members south on Coxwell Avenue to the Memorial Gardens as part of the East York ceremony.
Southwest Scarborough residents can observe Remembrance Day at the Scarborough War Memorial cenotaph, located at the meeting point of Kingston Road and Danforth Avenue, beginning at 10:45 a.m.
The sacrifices made by Canadians during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, peacekeeping missions and other conflicts including Afghanistan are honoured at Remembrance Day services.
Residents raise concerns at meeting on proposal for Murphy’s Law site
By Matthew Stephens
THE LATEST community consultation meeting for a proposal to build an 11-storey mixed-use residential building on the Murphy’s Law site in the Beach raised questions about the timing of the new plan, which has increased in height from an earlier approved six storeys.
“You guys did mention the (City of Toronto) Mid-Rise Guidelines, but that was not approved by the city until December 2024. So, was there some lobbying or conversations with the developer-friendly Ford (Ontario Premier Doug Ford)
coming that were worth waiting for?” asked local resident and meeting attendee Adam Smith during the community feedback portion of the online consultation meeting on the night of Monday, Oct. 27.
At the virtual meeting, city planning staff were joined by developer Sud Group and Bousfields Inc.’s planning consultants and community engagement team on behalf of the developer, as well as BeachesEast York Councillor Brad Bradford, to discuss the latest changes to the development proposal at 1684, 1698, 1700 and 1702 Queen St. E. The site is situated on the northwest corner of Kingston Road and Queen Street East and is currently Continued on Page 17
Beaches Santa Claus parade set for Nov. 16
THE ANNUAL Beaches Santa Claus Parade will take place along Kingston Road on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 16.
Presented by Centre 55, the parade not only welcomes Santa Claus to the community but also serves as the kickoff to fundraising for the annual Share A Christmas campaign which supports families in need during the upcoming holiday season.
First held in 2006, the Beaches Santa Claus parade has become a community tradition enjoyed by generations of residents.
As in past years, this year’s parade will start at Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue at 1 p.m. on Nov. 16.
The parade route will then head west along Kingston Road, before turning north at Walter Street, just before Main Street, and finishing at Centre 55 at Swanwick Avenue and Main Street.
The parade will feature numerous bands, marching groups from local businesses and organizations, and of course Santa Claus.
Centre 55’s Share A Christmas is in its 44th year and it will be helping more than 1,000 East Toronto families this season.
Share A Christmas is in need of cash donations, toys and volunteers to help make this year’s campaign a success.
For information on how to support Share A Christmas, please go to www.centre55.com
Those attending Sunday’s parade are reminded they can bring toonies for volunteers to collect. Toy donations can be dropped off after the parade.
The sponsor of this year’s Beaches Santa Claus Parade is Royal LePage Estate Realty.
For more information on this year’s parade, please visit Centre
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
By Matthew Stephens
AS THE sun set on a brisk October evening, community members gathered at Kew Gardens in anticipation of lighting up the streets for the second annual Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk through the Beach.
The event helped to raise funds for East Toronto shelters Red Door Family Shelter and Nellie’s, both of which support women and families fleeing intimate partner violence. The Thursday, Oct. 23, walk was presented by Royal LePage Estate Realty in the Beach.
“We thank you for coming together to address this issue in our community, and that is violence against women and children perpetrated by their partners,” said Owner and Broker of Record of Royal LePage Estate Realty Chris Dunlop during his opening speech before the walk started.
“We are a light that brings hope to the issue. Red Door and Nellie’s are there in our communities to support women and children escaping violence, and we’re very proud as a company to be able to help fund their activities and their benefits.”
Participants embarked on a three-kilometre walk through Beach streets and along the Boardwalk wearing red hats and flashing red lights to support mothers and children seeking refuge from domestic violence.
The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk first began three years ago, and now takes place in 12 Canadian cities.
Last year’s Night Light Walk contributed another $315,000 to the more than $52 million raised since the foundation’s inception in 1998.
Royal LePage supports more than 200 local women’s transitional shelters across Canada, as well as several
national partner organizations.
President and Chair of Red Door Family Shelter Marissa Andersson emphasized the challenges people face when dealing with domestic abuse – and how events such as Night Light Walk help victims access the support needed to escape abuse and domestic violence.
“At the Red Door Family Shelter, we see the courage that it takes to leave abuse. On average, it takes someone seven attempts to leave an abusive situation,” said Andersson during her opening speech before the walk.
“Many women will live with their abuser for three years, making those seven attempts before they are free…When you’re walking tonight, and you’re thinking ‘Who am I helping? What difference am I making?’ Trust us that you are.”
According to Andersson, Red Door Family Shelter provided approximately 900 people with access to shelter and programming last year – 60 per cent of which were children.
For those who lost their lives to domestic violence last year, Night Light Walk organizers put together a heart-shaped purple light display in the sand just north of the Leuty Lifeguard Station to honour their memory.
“At the end of the walk or near the end of the walk, if you look to the left along the Boardwalk, you will see a purple heart. And that purple heart represents women that have lost their lives in the past year to domestic violence,” said Dunlop.
He mentioned that this year’s light display would include a special light at the heart’s centre to honour the passing of Savannah Kulla, a 29-year-old mother who was shot dead in a Brampton parking lot by her former partner on Oct. 21.
“At the centre of that heart is a new light for Savannah, who tragically lost her life earlier this week in a moment that really highlights the importance of the work that we’re doing,” said Dunlop.
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, who was also in attendance at Thursday’s walk, stressed the important work Royal LePage and local shelters are doing to support women and children who have escaped domestic violence.
“Intimate partner violence is always a crisis in the moment, the moments leading up, and of course, in the moments afterwards,”
said Bradford during his opening speech before the walk began.
“It’s so important that women and partners have access to safe spaces to go to afterwards.”
Funds are continuing to be collected for the Night Light Walk in support of the local shelters.
Donations can be made by going to www.nightlightwalk.ca and clicking on the Toronto walk.
For more information about the Red Door Family Shelter, please go to https:// www.reddoorshelter.ca
For more information about Nellie’s, please go to https://nellies.org
PHOTOS: MATTHEW STEPHENS
Photo above, Melissa Andersson, from the Red Door Shelter; Kiki Sauriol-Roode, Chair of the Royal Le Page Shelter Foundation; Jennifer Burns of Nellie’s shelter; and Chris Dunlop from Royal LePage Estate Realty with the donation cheque of $58,000 from the Night Light Walk in the Beach on Oct. 23. Photo below, walkers stop at the heart display of lights memorial in front of the Leuty Lifeguard Station.
Beach Guild of Fine Art Fall Show slated
THE BEACH Guild of Fine Art Fall Show is set to take place from Nov. 14 to 16 at Beach United Church.
Now in its 30th year, the 2025 show is sponsored by The Richards Group. The Beach Guild of Fine Art (BGFA) was founded in 1994 by a group of Beach artists with a mandate to support each other and to promote and encourage the appreciation of art in the community. They have since grown to 65 members.
This year’s show will feature the works of more than 30 artists, ranging from original paintings to fine art pieces.
The main gallery will have up to four pieces from participating artists with prices starting at $200. The Boutique will showcase smaller paintings, prints, note cards, and painted giftware priced at less than $200. Visitors can look forward to seeing portraiture, landscapes, still life, abstracts, and unique artistic interpretations painted in oils, acrylics, watercolour, and mixed media.
Along with the show at Beach United Church, the IDA Henley Gardens Pharmacy
in Henley Gardens plaza, on Kingston Road just east of Victoria Park Avenue, will also be showcasing the works of Guild artists this month. Until Nov. 16, Beach Guild of Art members Shelly Cinnamon, Yvonne Jamieson, and Donna Gordon’s art will be featured at the IDA Henley Gardens Pharmacy.
The opening reception for the fall show takes place at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. The show will continue until 8 p.m. that day.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, and Sunday, Nov. 16, show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the show is free, and attendees can fill out a ballot for a chance to win a painting by a BGFA member.
Along with highlighting local artists, the BGFA fall show is a holiday tradition in the Beach community and a place where many residents look to buy the “perfect” Christmas gifts.
For more information about the Beach Guild of Fine Art and this month’s fall show, please visit online at www.beachguildoffineart.com
By Matthew Stephens
RESIDENTS RECENTLY
had a chance to revisit updated details for a mixeduse development project at 1631-1641 Queen St. E. and 1090 Eastern Ave. that is expected to feature two separate buildings of six and 18 storeys.
On the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Beach United Church, members of the public were invited to a consultation meeting hosted by CreateTO, an agency tasked with managing the city’s real estate assets, and City of Toronto staff. The meeting was held in an open house format to allow for “better community engagement,” according to city staff.
Information boards were placed along the perimeter of the church hall, with members of city staff posted at each to answer questions and engage in one-on-one conversations.
tion that was 12-storeys and remove that to create two separate buildings, which provides us with a lot more flexibility and simplifies the entire project.”
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, who was at the meeting, said the project was delayed so the Harvey’s site could be acquired, a decision he believes was essential.
Smith suggested that “the whole building should be affordable,” in light of the city’s over-priced rental market and lack of “truly affordable housing.”
Of the 328 new units proposed in the city’s plan for the Queen Street East and Eastern Avenue site, city staff say approximately 98 will be affordable.
In response to the request for six storeys on the Queen Street East building, the community feedback slide said the building will include “six-storeys with five storeys of residential, and a ground floor consisting of a day care facility and retail plus a 7th partial storey for enclosed amenity space, limited in size to preserve the look of a 6 storey building on Queen Street.”
Despite the new proposal mostly adhering to public feedback, residents have expressed concern about the height of the 18-storey building facing Eastern Avenue. Glenn Chadwick said he still believes that 18-storeys facing Eastern Avenue could jeopardize the “character” of Queen Street East.
The development proposal, which features a sixstorey building fronting Queen Street East and an 18-storey building fronting Eastern Ave. on a parcel of land just east of Coxwell Avenue, is a collaborative effort between CreateTO and the city’s Housing Now initiative, which aims to build more affordable and mixed-income housing for Torontonians.
The proposal is expected to include market and affordable rental housing, childcare, commercial space, and the development of Kishigo Lane, which will serve as a publicly accessible space named in honour of an Anishinaabe family that lived in the area in the late 18th century.
Although there weren’t many significant changes to the updated proposal since it was first announced in 2020, city staff member Jason Chen said many of the buildings’ updated design changes were made possible following the acquisition of 1641 Queen St. E., which is currently operating as a Harvey’s restaurant.
“With the acquisition of that property, that really did allow us to relook at the project after picking up the additional land to incorporate into the development,” said Chen. “We realized we could separate the middle sec-
“Going out to acquire that Harvey’s site took a lot of time,” said Bradford. “If I was to look back once this thing was built and see that the city had built a building around a fast-food restaurant; that doesn’t make any sense.”
In addition to separating the buildings, as part of the updated proposal, the new design has allowed the childcare space to be moved from two separate storeys in the Eastern Avenue building to one individual space at grade.
However, with the proposed development’s affordable housing prices as low as $1,109 per month for a studio apartment and as high as $2,275 per month for a threebedroom unit, resident Adam Smith said the city is out of touch with what affordability really means.
“When you look at what’s actually affordable for the average person, the affordable rent is what regular rent should be,” said Smith.
“Market rent, which would be the majority of the units, is simply not affordable to anything but the top 30 per cent of incomes these days. I think the entire model, due to the current economics, is just not going to be sustainable for people to actually live in and be able to afford to live in – other than the affordable units, but that’s a minimum.”
City staff also said the affordable unit costs are reflective of a new hybrid model used to allocate affordable housing, which is expected to launch later this year.
As part of the new model, the city’s application system will also include a “methodology to draw tenants from a random draw and a chronological waitlist from across the city,” a system they believe will “give equitable access to both newcomers and current Torontonians.”
The last public meeting to discuss the project, which was held in 2021, faced backlash from many residents concerned that the proposal went against the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines (UDG), which limits building height along Queen Street East in the Beach between Coxwell and Neville Park avenues.
At the meeting, city staff included a slide outlining community concerns which included six-storeys along the Queen Street facing portion of the development, the acquisition of the Harvey’s site, support for development of Kishigo Lane with Indigenous place keeping, strong support for affordable housing and family-sized units, use of the retail space to accommodate a small business, and the protection of city services such as childcare and employment services on site.
“You have the Urban Design Guidelines, and that’s size. But there’s also issues around the quality of these buildings, especially if you’re on a main street like Queen, which has a certain character and has a pedestrian kind of experience with its small stores and not something that’s the same all the way along,” said Chadwick. Chadwick said the Queen Street East UDG should also apply to the easternmost portion of Eastern Avenue, as he referred to the latest development project at 1555 Queen St. E. and 1070 Eastern Ave. as “monolithic.”
On their feedback slide, city staff alluded to other projects along Eastern Avenue (including the Don Summerville building on the west side of Coxwell Avenue), and said “the height reflects the emerging and built context of the area while respecting the character” on Queen Street East. The slide also said the proposed height on Eastern Avenue was necessary to “support the city’s affordable housing targets,” and “make the site economically viable.”
Bradford said the design change to separate the buildings should alleviate some of the height concerns. “Separating the two buildings between Queen and Eastern Avenue will be an important feature. It allows us to move the additional density back towards Eastern while still maintaining the frontage on Queen in keeping with what we’ve seen there before.”
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Residents look at plans,, and talk with city staff members, about the proposal for 1631-1641 Queen St. E. in the Beach during a community open house on the night of Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Beach United Church.
Fear Factory fun in the Beach
The annual Fear Factory Halloween event at the Beaches Recreation Centre took place on the weekend of Oct. 24, 25 and 26. Shown in costume on Oct. 26 are some of the many volunteers who help make Fear Factory so successful in collecting donations of food for Centre 55’s Share A Christmas campaign.
Callista Trio to perform at Kingston Road Village Concert Series
THE CALLISTA Trio will perform at Kingston Road United Church as part of the Kingston Road Village Music Series on Sunday, Nov. 22.
The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. Kingston Road United Church is located at 975 Kingston Rd.
The Callista Trio is made up of Elizabeth Dolin (on cello), Laurence Kayaleh (on violin), and Lucas Porter (on piano).
The trio is considered one of Canada’s newest and most exciting ensembles, and the Nov. 22 concert marks their Toronto stop on their current Ontario tour.
Cellist Elizabeth Dolin shares how it all began:
“We first performed together when Lucas replaced another pianist at the very last minute. Laurence and I have been playing together for 22 years, and the chemistry among the three of us was instantly magical,” said Dolin on how the trio formed.
“The ideal piano trio starts with a virtuosic, sensitive pianist and two string players
who match stylistically—I must say, we fit the bill”
Dolin said they chose the name The Callista Trio from the Greek word for ‘most beautiful.’
“Since then, we’ve performed throughout Quebec and Ontario, and this year we’ll appear in Nova Scotia as well. It’s especially meaningful to play in the Kingston Road Village Concert Series because Tim Dawson, the series director, is an old university friend and fellow musician,” said Dolin.
The program for the Nov. 22 concert will include Rachmaninoff’s Trio Élégiaque No. 1, Beethoven’s Trio Op. 70, No. 2, and Schumann’s Trio No. 3, Op. 110
For the past 13 years, the Kingston Road Village Concert Series has been a labour of love—run entirely by volunteers who believe in the power of live music to build community.
Tickets for the Nov. 22 concert are $35 in advance, and $40 at the door. To order online, please go to www.kruc.ca/concert-series
SING! gala set for Thursday
SING! TORONTO is set to host a gala fundraiser this Thursday night at Reid’s Distillery in Leslieville.
Now approaching its 15th year, SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival has become a staple of the city’s music scene, presenting a vibrant mix of workshops and concert performances every May.
Proceeds from the gala on Thursday, Nov. 6, will help support next year’s festival and local East Toronto initiatives.
This year’s gala will include performances from three vocal groups; Hampton Avenue, a jazz-infused vocal ensemble; Splüsh, an award-winning nine-singer contemporary a cappella group; and Northern Pursuit, a competitive barbershop quartet that’s a blend of classic and modern styles.
The gala takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Reid’s Distillery, which is located at 32 Logan
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Along with the performances, the evening will feature a silent auction, with prizes including theatre and sports tickets, gift certificates, and a distillery experience.
Food will be provided by Fearless Meat, a Beach-area restaurant, and will include vegetarian options for those attending.
Founded by Beach locals Patricia Silver and J-M Erlendson, SING! is a registered charity aiming to empower young and emerging singers.
Its community initiatives include the free I Love to SING! youth music program offered on select Saturdays at Centre 55 on Main Street.
Gala tickets for Thursday night are $50. To purchase tickets, or to learn more about SING! Toronto, please visit https://singtoronto.com
PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE
There are so many reasons to remember on Nov. 11
Gene DomaGala Beach Memories
We should remember Remembrance Day in the Beach for the following reasons:
For the thousands of men and women who joined our great Canadian Army and gave their lives for their country, and the millions who served with distinction.
From the Beach, there were many from some of our great athletic institutions including the Balmy Beach Club (one of the great athletic and recreation clubs in Ontario if not Canada) that came in the hundreds if not thousands to join our armed forces.
Many won medals and honours too numerous to mention.
We should also remember the important work and many members of the Royal Canadian Legion across the country and locally.
The Legion started in the Beach as the Great War Veterans Association shortly after the First World War. The hall was located on the west side of Lee Avenue just north of Queen Street East.
Later, the Great War Veterans became the Royal Canadian Legion. The hall later moved to Kingston Road and Woodbine Avenue, and then later that became the Royal Canadian Legion Baron Byng Beaches Branch 1/42 on Coxwell Avenue, where they remain to this day.
There are many organizations and other individuals who should be noted, and I will mention some
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Letters to the Editor
that I remember personally.
One of our best known sports personalities, and a legend in the Beach, was Ted Reeve. Many will know him now because of the Ted Reeve Arena and the local hockey association that was named after him in 1954. Reeve, who was born in 1902, joined the Royal Canadian Artillery in the Second World War even though he was past military age for most people. He served with the 30th Battery, organized by then Toronto Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe in what was called the Sportsman’s Battery.
One of the great movie directors of all time, Norman Jewison who was born on Lee Avenue and grew up in the Beach, served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. I had the pleasure of speaking to him many years later when we had Norman
Jewison Day in the Beach. He told me about joining the navy and his many harrowing experiences.
Another Beach sports figure who served his country was William Houston, who was the last general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs professional baseball club that played in the International League. He served in the military, lived on Lee Avenue and was a personal friend of mine.
All of our religious institutions sent their young people to join the Canadian Armed Forces and they served with distinction.
One of those was Canon Baynes Reed of St. John’s Norway Anglican Church. He had the honour of representing Toronto to the King and Queen in London.
Also please remember our police and firefighters who signed up for the military and displayed
great courage.
Remember also the war correspondents who represented our media, especially the newspapers. Some of them paid with their lives for their news coverage.
Also remember a mother on Queen Street East who ran a boarding house at which 22 young men who lived there signed up to join the military, including her own two sons.
We must remember as well the doctors and nurses who helped our soldiers regain their health. One of them was Dr. Young whose statue is now in Kew Gardens.
The Beaches Business Association created the cenotaph in Kew Gardens in 1946. I will see you there on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for Remembrance Day. Any comments, suggestions or information about Remembrance Day are appreciated.
Thanks to those who supported charity run in Australia
Re: ‘In My Opinion: John Zimnoch shares memories of the Beach, marathons and charity fundraisers’, Beach Metro Community News, May 28.
Thank you for promoting our marathon run on Australia’s Gold Coast in the Beach Metro Community News back in May of this year.
Out of 39,000 runners, count ‘em, my son Hans and I were the second biggest fundraiser for Children’ Hospital Research with just under $20,000 raised.
We were only beaten by a large corporate team. So second place is not first place, but we will take it.
We were helped enormously in our fundraising by Beachers donating, including former neighbour
Heather on Northview, who I had not seen for 40 years. I also heard from past client Steve Thomas who said he enjoyed the memories which I shared in the Beach Metro Community News column in May. They have stirred more in my sending these thanks, of both people and places.
Regie Lewandowski sent me a lovely clipping of the Balmy Beach girls rugby team from your newspaper, and it made me remember starting a woman’s team at the club in the late 1970s. We went on tour to Montreal, with no shortage of assistant coach applications from the men. Paul Grant was always happy to help with the ladies and he accompa-
nied us.
I then organized a tournament at Upper Canada College with teams coming from Ottawa and Montreal Irish, but the Balmy team subsequently folded as there were no local teams for us to play. It was good while it lasted and very enjoyable.
Rita Fullerton, art teacher, friend and one time landlady designed the logo for our team colours.
When lodging on Munro Park her lovely Irish Mum would pop over and Rita obviously didn’t mind but objected to her taking nips from the whisky bottle, not the nips but her topping up with water so nobody noticed!
Her brother Stewy was a star Beach player and teacher out in
West Hill where I worked in Guildwood as a bank manager for CIBC.
One day two gorgeous young girls came in talking about opening a fashion shop, I must have given them an hour of my time when they handed me a card from their teacher Gerry Allen, who I played rugby with, and it said “April Fool!”
Paddlers down at the Balmy Beach Club were a lovely bunch. John Pineo with his “laugh” and Russ Dunn especially and a great character.
An entertaining man in company was “Colonel” Bill Worthy.
John and Russ also played Antique Rugby and Bill was a Colonel for ending up with a Colonel’s cap after drinks on a train tour to Chi-
cago.
But back to our run in Australia. It was terrific fun but about four kilometres from the finish I was quite tired and thought ‘This won’t do.’ I was happy to quit the run but my spirits picked up as the crowds at the finish line liked me curtseying in my running skirt and thankfully cheered me on.
A month after getting home I had a slight stroke, a TIA but that’s a story for another day. However, I am upset that more running will have to wait for the New Year. So in 2026 it will be another cause to support.
Thanks once more, and kind regards to all friends.
John Zimnoch
Beacher proud to be a part of Blue Jays World Series run
By Alan Shackleton
BEACH RESIDENT Dr. David Lawrence said he was proud to have been a part of the Toronto Blue Jays epic World Series run which came to a dramatic end this past weekend.
Lawrence, 37, is the Lead Team Physician for the Blue Jays.
Though the Jays did not win the World Series, the Major League Baseball championship, the team went into extra innings in the final Game 7 before falling to the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, by only one run. The decisive game, played in Toronto, ended early in the morning of Sunday, Nov. 2, after more than four hours of playing.
“Proud of this 2025 Blue Jays team,” said Lawrence in a statement he was kind enough to send to Beach Metro Community News on Sunday morning.
“A truly special group that cared deeply for each other and the game. Grateful to even play a small part in such an unforgettable journey.”
Prior to the start of the World Series on Friday, Oct. 24, Lawrence spoke with Beach Metro Community News about the season so far, which had included a dramatic Game 7 victory to take the American League championship over the Seattle Mariners earlier that week.
“It’s been a rush of emotions recently and I’m obviously excited for these games and what comes next,” he said in an interview on Oct. 22.
Lawrence, who has been with the Blue Jays in his medical role for the past eight years, said the experiences of winning two American League playoff series and now taking part in the World Series sometimes doesn’t “feel real” as
David Lawrence is Lead Team Physician for the Toronto Blue Jays.
he reflected on what a rare situation he is in.
“It’s so special and such an achievement (for the team). There are a lot of great players and people in baseball who have never been to a World Series, and it doesn’t happen very often in most careers,“ he said.
Lawrence pointed to Jays Head Athletic Trainer Jose Ministral as an example of how difficult and big an achievement it is to reach the World Series. Ministral began his career with the Jays in 2013, and worked for years before that with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and this was his first World Series. Likewise, Jays bench coach Don Mattingly who has had a more than 30-year Major League career as a manager, coach and player (including having his number retired by the New York Yankees) went to his first World Series this season.
“Some (of the Jays) staff have been around forever and never been to the World Series. It’s so important to them and it is such a special thing. You never know in sports,” said Lawrence.
However, being a part of a team going
to the World Series has only been one of Lawrence’s momentous recent life events. His daughter, Dylan Sarah, was born two weeks ago – while the Jays were playing Games 3, 4 and 5 in the American League Championship series in Seattle.
Needless to say, Lawrence did not make the trip to Seattle for those three games. However, he was back with the team in the Rogers Centre for the final two games of the American League Championship Series on Oct. 19 and 20.
Lawrence said he has always been interested in sports medicine, and working for the Jays is both a thrill and an honour.
Growing up in the Bathurst and College streets area, Lawrence said he was always interested in sports. “I grew up playing sports and knew the benefits of participating and living an active lifestyle, so for me it was important to be able to help others stay active,” he said.
Lawrence and his wife Caitlin Tino moved to the Beach about three-and-a half years ago. Caitlin grew up in the Beach. Along with newborn Dylan Sarah, they also have three-year-old son Rowan.
“I swore I’d never live anywhere east of Yonge (Street) but my wife introduced me to the Beach, and I saw it and fell in love with the area,” he said.
Along with his position with the Blue Jays, Lawrence is medical director of the David L. MacIntosh Sports Medicine Clinic at U of T’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, and an assistant professor in U of T’s Family and Community Medicine Department. He has been working with athletes, and sports teams, both amateur and professional, for more than 10 years.
Community Calendar
NOV. 8: Duo 330 - Grand Works for Piano and Organ Duet at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Ryan Baxter & Jingquan Xie will perform selections from Mozart’s sparkling Magic Flute overture to Liszt’s fiery Hungarian Rhapsody. Pay what you can at our doorssuggested minimum $15. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
NOV. 8, 9: Art Guild of Scarborough Fall Art Show & Sale at Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., awards presentation Nov. 8 at 10:15 a.m. Free admission. Parking. Refreshments. Info: theartguildofscarborough.com
NOV. 8, 9: Craft Fair at Corpus Christi Parish, 1810 Queen St. E., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.2 p.m. Local vendors, treats, kids’ activities and more! Info: 416-694-0382, corpuschristito@archtoronto.org
NOV. 11: Beaches Recreation Centre Annual General Meeting at Beaches Rec Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., 7-8:30 p.m. Open to potential new members. Find out how we support the local recreation centre and events we host.
NOV. 14-16: Beach Guild of Fine Art Fall Show & Sale at 140 Wineva Ave., Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come and see original artwork in a variety of mediums, sizes and subjects. Something for everyone! Info: BGFApromo@gmail.com, www.beachguildoffineart.com
NOV. 15: Artists & Artisans Christmas Market at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Dr., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Handcrafted unique gift items and beautiful works of art including Christmas decorations, bags, crochet, baked goods, jewelry, candles, paintings, hair & body products, ceramics, pottery, books, stained glass, toys and more! 50/50 draw, cafe. Info: Debbie Murray debmurray@rogers.com
NOV. 15: Handmade Market at Church of the Resurrection, 1100 Woodbine Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This market features unique handmade pieces from east Toronto artisans. You’ll find economically priced paintings, photography, textile art, woodwork and more. NOV. 15: Peppermint Fair at St. Clair O’Connor Community, 2701 St. Clair Ave. E., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join us at SCOC for a cozy community celebration to start up your Christmas Buzz. Info: www.scoc.ca NOV. 15: Kingston Road United Jewellery Sale at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop early for a wide selection of pre-loved jewellery, scarves, hats, purses, as well as knitting and delicious baked goods. NOV. 15: Acoustic Harvest presents Black Umfolosi at St Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 Advance. $40 at the door. Tickets: https:// ticketscene.ca/events/53314/ Info: acousticharvest.ca NOV. 16: Beaches Santa Claus Parade, 1 p.m. Parade travels along Kingston Road, starting at Victoria Park and ending at Centre 55 (97 Main St.). Info: ww.centre55.com NOV. 16: Wonder Church at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 4 p.m. This 30-45 minute service, designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary children and their families, includes puppets, music, and prayers. Coffee and treats are provided. All are welcome. For more information, contact children’s minister Elizabeth at children@staidansinthebeach.com NOV. 19: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) presents Writer and Historian Jamie Bradburn at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Bradburn will present an illustrated talk entitled: Three Forgotten Toronto Newspapers: The Mail/Mail and Empire, The News and The World. Admission is free. Info: www.tbeths.com
NOV. 20: Strategic Semi-Retirement Seminar at BMO Bank of Montreal, 2183 Queen St. E., 7:158:30 p.m. An in-depth discussion about transitioning from full-time work to semi-retirement. Free. Register: lakesidewellnesstherapy@gmail.com
ideas for gift giving, and so much more. Entry is free & our building is fully accessible. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
NOV. 29, 30: Bundle Up at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, 3150 Danforth Ave. Collecting donations of clothing, towels, drapery, sheets, blankets, footwear, and new toys. Saturday, before and after the 5 p.m. Mass, and Sunday, before and after the 10 a.m. and 12 noon Masses. Info: ssvpdunstans@hotmail.com
NOV. 30 & DEC. 7: Scarborough Model Railroaders Train Show at 17 Jeavons Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy two floors of layouts – HO scale of Southern Ontario through the ages, and N scale through mountainous scenery. Fun for families and all ages! HO and N scale equipment (engines and freight cars) for sale. Admission $10 adults, $5 children. Cash and etransfer. Info: scarborough-model-railroaders.org
BEACHES LIBRARY, 2161 Queen St. E. •Nov. 6: Warm Hearts, Warm Hands: Knitting & Crochet for a Cause, Thursdays, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Create mitts and hats for those in need for donation to local shelters and organizations. Bring your own supplies or use some of ours. Drop-in. •Nov. 8: Chess and Board Game Café Drop-In, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. All skill and interest levels welcome. Drop-in (no registration required) •Nov. 11: LEGO Club, 4-5 p.m. Free. Both LEGO and Duplo blocks will be provided. Drop-in. For children ages 2-12 years and their parents/caregivers. •Nov. 15: Symphony Storytime for Neurodiverse Children, 2-3 p.m. Free. Join us for an inclusive musical storytime, accompanied byTSO cellist Roberta Janzon. While we welcome children of all abilities, this program is designed to be especially welcoming to neurodiverse children. Suitable for school-aged children ages 4 and up. Space is limited. Info: 416-393-7703
GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Nov. 15 & Nov. 22: Chess Club, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Drop in for a few friendly games of chess. All ages. Children under 12 require supervision. No registration required. •Nov. 22: Ashdale Writers Group, 10-11:30 a.m. Meet other writers, share your stories, hone your craft. Drop-in, no registration required. •Nov. 28 & 29: Puppet Show (Strega Nona), 11-11:30 a.m. Two performances to choose from. For children. Drop-in, no registration required. Info: 416-393-7717
DANFORTH/COXWELL LIBRARY, 1675 Danforth Ave. •Nov. 6: Making Toronto More Bird-Friendly, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Learn how to help mitigate threats to birds. Presented by Bird Friendly City Toronto. •Nov. 18: Simplifying Life: A Guide to Downsizing Your Home, 6:30-7:30 p.m. An info session to help navigate the process of downsizing with confidence and clarity. Gain insights into managing attachment to possessions, coping with stress, and more. Space is limited. Register in person or by phone. •Nov. 26: What You Need to Know About Tax, 7-8 p.m. A practical session designed to help you understand Canada’s tax system. Learn why taxes matter, which taxes apply to you, strategies to manage and sometimes reduce taxes, and how to file a tax return. Info: 416-393-7783
beach united christmas market
NOV. 22: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents Callista Trio at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. One of Canada’s most dynamic chamber ensembles: Elizabeth Dolan, Laurence Kayaleh, and Lucas Porter. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at door. Info: kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com NOV. 22: Hollyberry Christmas Market Vendors Call at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Seeking makers and bakers and crafters and creators of lovely things. Tell a friend! Set up begins at 8 a.m. To reserve a table (only 20 available), call 416-421-6878 extension 21. Rental cost $60.
NOV. 23: Benefit Concert for Centre 55’s Share-a-Christmas – Cantemus Singers, directed by Michael Erdman, present “Gloria in Excelsis”, Renaissance Christmas motets and carols by Byrd, Tallis, and Taverner at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 70 Silver Birch Ave., 3 p.m. Fundraiser for Centre 55’s Share-a-Christmas campaign. Tickets at Centre 55 and at the door. General Admission $35. Kids under 12 free. Info: 416-578-6602, www.cantemus.ca
NOV. 24: Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) screening of ‘The Illusion of Abundance’ at Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton St., 6-8 p.m. Hear Indigenous land defender Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso speak about her experiences in the Karipuna Indigenous territory in the Amazon, where she works with Brazil’s Indigenous people who have been fighting to protect their land for generations. Tickets: $35 on EventBrite. All proceeds go to support the work of Canadian Jesuits International with land defenders in Latin America. Info: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-solidaritywith-land-defenders-in-the-amazon-tickets-1743609696539
NOV 29: Christmas Market at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Over 50 local artisans and vendors - bake table, jewelry, knitted toys & ornaments,
BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.). Closed Feb 15 and April 6 •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Nov. 11, 25, Dec. 9; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.) Nov.4, 18, Dec. 2 •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.). Closed April 1 and April 8 •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.). Closed Dec 25 but open Jan 1 •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Closed Dec 26 and Jan 2. Lunch format may vary from site to site. THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. We live this out through our vibrant children’s and youth programs, diverse sacred music offerings, and active community outreach and environmental stewardship ministries. On Sundays, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Wednesdays please join us for the Eucharist Service at 10:30 a.m. Weekly euchre has returned on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. (enter from the northeast side door, $5 to play, all proceeds go to outreach). Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and crafts on Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach with strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m. On Saturday. Nov. 15 we will be having an Artist & Artisan Christmas Market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Fallingbrook is an affirming congregation and is accessible by a lift. Please join us on Live Stream at 10:25 a.m. for our Prelude with our Music Director Nick Jessome. Weekly Worship services and Special Music selections are posted for viewing on our website. For info about Bible Study, Book Club, Tea Time, Hobby Circle, Wee Folks, Choir or other upcoming activities: fboffice@rogers. com, 416-699-3084, fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com
BEACH UNITED CHURCH invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. In addition to Sunday services, Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Links and info: beachunitedchurch.com
The Greek Community of Toronto’s annual Oxi Day Parade took place along Dan forth Avenue on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 26. Oxi Day, which happened on Oct. 28, 1940, marks the anniversary of Greece’s defiance of fascism during the Second World War.
Sports
Neil McNeil wins fifth consecutive OFSAA team cross country title
THE NEIL McNeil Catholic High School cross country team ran to its fifth consecutive provincial championship on Saturday.
Competing in the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) cross country championships in Brampton on Nov. 1, Neil McNeil took home the overall boys team title.
The victory by the Neil McNeil boys extended to five what was already an OFSAA-record four straight overall team championships. Neil McNeil was led to the title by the OFSAA silver-medal winning performance of the Novice boys team.
Members of the Novice team and their placement in Saturday’s OFSAA race were Matthew Martin (18th); Jordan Borden (46th); Ewan Meikle (81st); Calder Taylor (98th) and James Kavos (143rd).
Neil McNeil’s Junior boys team had to overcome the challenge of a collision of runners near the start of their race.
Three members of the team were obstructed by a crash of runners in front of them during the race’s first 100 metres.
However, the Junior boys still went on to record strong individual finishes by Jack McLaren (75th); Lucas Holden (78th); Liam Batchelor (84th); Nathan Biniam (105th); and Joseph Skillicorn (130th).
The Neil McNeil Senior boys team finished fifth overall in their race at OFSAA. The team was paced by Finn Veale (50th); Cecil Jenkins (81st); Ty Machado (99th); and Jack Cohen (129th).
Saturday’s performance at OFSAA was preceded by championship runs by Neil McNeil at the Toronto championships late last month.
The Neil McNeil team won the overall team title at the Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA) championships on Friday, Oct. 24, at Sunnybrook Park.
Leading Neil McNeil to the overall championship were first place finishes by the Novice and Senior teams, and a second place finish by the Junior team.
Members of the Novice team and their finishes in the Sunnybrook race were Matthew Martini (silver medal); Jordan Borden (fifth); Ewan Meikle (sixth); and Calder Taylor (12th).
Members of the Senior team and
their finishes at the Sunnybrook race were Finn Veale (silver medal); Ty Machado (fourth); Cecil Jenkins (sixth); and Owen Mielniczuk (seventh).
Members of the Junior team and their finishes at the Sunnybrook race were Joseph Skillicorn (fourth); Lucas Hadden (fifth); Liam Batchelor (sixth); and Jack McLaren (eighth).
During the 17-year run of winning the TDCAA Overall Boys Team Championship, Neil McNeil has also maintained a perfect record of qualifying 51 out of a total of 51 possible teams to OFSAA within that time period.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Members of the Neil McNeil Catholic High School cross country team show of their OFSAA championship banner after winning the overall boys team title for the fifth year in a row on Saturday in Brampton.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Neil McNeil Novice cross country team members Matthew Martin, Jordan Borden, Ewan Meikle, Calder Taylor, and James Kavos with their silver medals they won at OFSAA on Saturday.
TUESDAY 4TH - 6:30pm TO 9pm
HOME PORTRAITS PT.1
FRIDAY 7TH – 6:30pm TO 9:30pm
INTRO TO HOLIDAY WATER COLOURS
SATURDAY 8TH – 10:30am TO 1:30pm
BEGINNER TATTING LACE JEWELLERY
SATURDAY 8th – 2:30pm to 5:30pm
SEWING MACHINE BASICS: HOLIDAY ED.
SUNDAY 9th – 1:30pm to 5pm
NEEDLE FELTED MUSHROOMS
TUESDAY 11th 6:30pm to 9pm
HOME PORTRAITS PT. 2
FRIDAY 14th 9am to 4pm
NOVEMBER WORKSHOPS
FRIDAY 21st – 10am to 1:30pm PAPER QUILLING HOLIDAY CARD & ORNAMENT
SATURDAY 22nd – 10:30am to 1:30pm BEGINNER CROCHET EAR WARMERS
SATURDAY 22nd – 2:30pm to 5pm WINTER ROSE CUPCAKE BOUQUETS
WEDNESDAY 26th – 7pm to 9pm COMMUNITY CRAFT NIGHT
THURSDAY 27th – 6:30pm to 8:30pm FRESH AND DRIED WREATH MAKING
WICKED 2: PA DAY OF CRAFTS MAGIC AND OZ FRIDAY 28th – 7pm to 9pm MAKE YOUR OWN VEGAN SOAP
FRIDAY 14th – 6:30pm to 9:30pm
HOLIDAY LINOCUT & BLOCK PRINTING
SATURDAY 15th – 10am to 1pm
PYSANKY: UKRAINIAN EGG DECORATING
SATURDAY 15th – 2:30pm to 4:30pm
ALCOHOL INK PAINTING
TUESDAY 18th – 7pm to 9pm
PAINT A WINTER WELCOME MAT
THURSDAY 20th – 6:30pm to 9pm
NEEDLE FELTED ORNAMENTS
SATURDAY 29th – 10:30am to 1:30pm SOY CANDLE MAKING
SATURDAY 29th – 2:30pm to 5:30pm KINTSUGI FOR BEGINNERS
Notre Dame Novice cross country girls win Toronto championship
November is Make a Will month
“If there’s something you can do to help people after you’ve gone, that gives you a good feeling,” says Rosaline Cameron, who’s leaving a gift in her will to Michael Garron Hospital. “I tell people about the hospital’s sense of community. When you enter the doors, you feel calmer and know you’re in a place where they’ll help you.”
Generous supporters made Michael Garron Hospital what it is today. Future gifts planned now will help us serve our community’s evolving needs in the future.
This November, join Rosaline and create a legacy to support the health and well-being of your family, friends and neighbours for generations to come.
For a free brochure, scan the QR code or contact Laura Byl, Legacy Giving Manager 416-469-6580 ext. 2322 laura.byl@tehn.ca
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
The Notre Dame Catholic High School cross country team recently won the Toronto championship in the Novice girls division. The team won the title at Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA) championships held on Oct. 24 at Sunnybrook Park.
In the Novice girls race, the team was led by Addison Salmon (third place and bronze medal); Grace Thomson (fourth); Isabella Kocan (eighth); Audrey DeLeon (10th); Rosie Young (13th); and Olivia Reyes (34th).
St. John’s church on Kingston Road in 1969
By David Van Dyke
The St. John’s Parish is located on Kingston Road between Walter Street and Malvern Avenue. It has served the Roman Catholic community since 1932. This image above was taken in 1969 by an unknown photographer. Do you have a photograph of Kingston Road you’d like to share with our readership? Why not contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com.
on Queen is a
owned Gallery representing Canadian artists and artisans since 2004. Featuring handmade jewelry, blown glass, original artwork and more. We're sure you'll find the perfect gift for yourself or someone special.
Bernie Fletcher Mae Martin and Wayward celebrate Toronto and
alloween may be over, but monsters, vampires and killer clowns are still “streaming” into our living rooms. Filming in Toronto has mostly turned away from theatrical releases toward services like Netflix and Prime Video. The most disturbing character may be Evelyn (Toni Collette), the director of a cult-like academy for troubled teens in the eerie
thriller Wayward
Created by and starring Mae Martin, the limited series is set in 2003 in Toronto and fictional Tall Pines, Vermont.
When it was released in late September, Wayward became the Number One watched show worldwide for Netflix.
Known for stand-up comedy, Mae Martin was born and raised in Toronto.
Father James Chatto was a child actor in Lord of the Rings (1963) before becoming an acclaimed food writer.
Uncle Daniel Chatto is married to Princess Margaret’s daughter Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones.
Martin identifies as nonbinary and plays a trans male police officer, Alex, in a seemingly idyllic small town in Vermont where nothing is as it seems.
Alex investigates mysterious disappearances from the Tall Pines Academy.
Martin was inspired to create Wayward by the story of a teen friend who was sent to a similar school in the United States.
Two Toronto teens end up in the prison-like “school” where abuse is common.
What to do with a problem like Leila? Don’t send
them to Tall Pines!
“We’re survivors. We’re Canadian, remember!”
The series was filmed in and around Toronto, including Millbrook, conservation areas and Ted’s Restaurant in Scarborough.
More than 2,400 local crew members were involved including actors Sarah Gadon and Beach-raised Patrick J. Adams.
At a TIFF screening
Martin said, “I feel proudly Torontonian after working with this incredible crew” and “I’m so proud to have made the show here.”
Martin, Gadon and Collette even swam and kayaked on our beaches.
Do vampires even like beaches? The Vampire Lestat (Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire) was spotted filming at Scarborough Bluffs. I hope they wore sunscreen.
Frankenstein is ready to lurch onto Netflix on Nov. 7.
When Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro received the key to our city from Mayor Olivia Chow, he proclaimed, “Toronto is the best place to make movies.”
The busy Mexican director del Toro has said, “I love this city and I’ve felt re-
ally appreciated here since 1996.”
He’s resided on and off in the Beach and Leslieville and is vocal in his support of local businesses such as the Fox Theatre, Ed’s Real Scoop ice cream, The Great Escape Book Store and the Sunset Grill.
Why are kids vanishing again in small towns?
Beware killer clowns in It: Welcome to Derry, which arrived on HBO/Crave just in time for Halloween.
Filmed in Port Hope and all around the Greater Toronto Area, this eightpart prequel series is set in 1962 Derry, Maine: “Visit the town everyone is dying to see.”
Pennywise is a fictional clown, but Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (Peacock) tells the horrific, real-life story of a serial killer who entertained children.
If you spotted a vintage ice cream truck near the baseball diamond at Kew Gardens, here’s the scoop. It was serving up more tricks than treats, and was just a prop for the horror film Ice Cream Man.
I wouldn’t advise trying flavour delights such as “Creepy crawly”, “Serpent swirl” or “Locust lick”! But that’s just me.
Mae Martin plays police officer Alex in the Netflix series Wayward which is based in Toronto and Vermont.
Height, parking and messy condition of building site among community concerns
‘Residents’ from Page 1
occupied by a protected heritage building that was most recently home to the Murphy’s Law Pub.
Some of the significant changes to the new plan since the initial 2022 proposal include an increased height from six to 11 storeys in what will now be a rental building, the closure of the adjacent laneway (Penny Lane) for a pedestrian connection, “townhouse” and “landscaping” features, retail space at grade, and the reopening of Murphy’s Law.
As part of the new proposal, the building will include 216 residential units, with two studio units, 71 two-bedroom units, 106 onebedroom units, and 37 three-bedroom units, as well as 54 vehicular parking spaces and 240 bicycle parking spaces.
“A Zoning By-Law Amendment Application for the site was approved in July 2022 for a six-storey building. But the project team revisited the proposal between 2022 and 2024. Due to market conditions, which have unfortunately made the approved condominium project unfeasible to build at six-storeys,” said Bousfields Inc. planning consultant David Morse during the presentation on behalf of the developer in an earlier part of the meeting.
“In addition to this, the project was revisited in response to some of the province’s direction and focus for new housing in areas that could accommodate growth.”
During city staff’s presentation at the meeting, City Planner Sean Guenther said the City of Toronto’s Mid-Rise Guidelines, which were updated in 2024, are currently being used to “guide their work” when looking at mid-rise development applications across the city.
According to Toronto’s Mid-Rise Guidelines, mid-rise buildings are generally defined as any building that is five to 14 storeys. In response to Smith’s question regarding prior knowledge of the latest updates to city guidelines and the province’s Building Faster Act, which allows increased building density, Morse said that Bousfields Inc. has taken part in ongoing studies to update the city’s Mid-Rise Guidelines since 2016.
“Yes, the new Mid-Rise Guidelines were approved in 2024, but the study for the new Mid-Rise Guidelines had been going on for more than three years before that. In fact, it had been studied since 2016 with an update before that, and there were evolving thoughts on rear transition, height of buildings, things like that,” said Morse.
“It wasn’t that we were tipped off, it was that we were part of the process and being consulted with the city about updating the Urban Design Guidelines. So, we took our cue from those updates, we worked with city staff, and we tried to put together a proposal that met the city’s new Mid-Rise Guidelines. And then they were updated and released in late 2024.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Bradford addressed the technical issues that saw the initial online meeting cancelled on the evening of Monday, Oct. 6.
“I want to acknowledge the technical issues that we had on the last meeting. There are a lot of folks who care passionately about this site and this proposal, and it’s so important that we’re all heard and that everyone gets an opportunity to engage and provide their input,” he said.
Among several public concerns, including building height, a drawn-out timeline since site acquisition, increased traffic, and a lack of site maintenance over the past years – many attendees at the meeting challenged Bousfield’s description of the site being “unfeasible” at six storeys, despite the previously approved building height.
Another concern amongst residents was that the site has remained unchanged since it was acquired back in 2022, apart from the
demolition of several existing buildings, including the former Days Inn hotel.
During the community feedback segment of the meeting, several residents called out the current state of the site, complaining that the developer’s lack of maintenance has “depreciated” property values in the surrounding area for the last three years.
Morse said the existing buildings at the site in 2022 were demolished with “full intention” to build the six-storey building proposed in their initial application.
“In 2022, the world looked pretty different in terms of the market conditions, with the housing market for a condominium development versus one today, which is more conducive to a rental building development,” said Morse.
“The site just wasn’t feasible to build at six storeys in the condominium model, and that sparked the need for the developer to move forward with something different.”
One attendee called out the proposal for transitioning from condos to rental units at the site, to which Morse said the developer couldn’t secure bank funding unless the site moved from condos to rental units as a result of “rising interest rates and land-holding values” in the condo market.
Prior to the meeting, some residents had expressed concerns that the height of the proposed building exceeded the six-storey limit established by the city as part of the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines, which were approved after extensive community consultation back in 2012. The Queen Street East UDG limits building heights along Queen Street East to six storeys between Coxwell Avenue and Nursewood Road in the Beach, and includes a number of design and architectural rules intended to preserve the area’s character.
Although concerns regarding the Queen Street East guidelines were not raised during the meeting, many residents of past meetings had expected the guidelines to apply to the Murphy’s Law proposal. During his presentation, Guenther told attendees that the city’s Mid-Rise guidelines would be used as the framework for assessing this proposal.
In regards to parking in the area, resident David Donnelly was confused to find that the number of parking spots on the site has decreased since the initial proposal, despite the new plan calling for a significant increase in height and number of unit spaces.
“There is a shrinkage in parking down to 40 spaces, including visitor parking. The number of units has gone up from 90 to 216, yet the parking has gone down fractionally,” said Donnelly.
In his comments at the beginning of the meeting, Bradford was adamant that any development in Beach-East York would not be allowed to include new on-street permit parking permissions on existing streets in the area.
“I know there’s a lot of parking concerns with this, so I’ll just say this as a reminder: I do not and have never permitted any new developments in Beaches-East York to be eligible for permit parking,” said Bradford.
“My philosophy is if you need parking, you need to secure it within the building. Whatever this application is and what it lands at, there will be no exception to that rule.”
However, many residents still worry that the proposed building’s new residents will arrive with vehicles and opt for parking in the surrounding area without permits.
Despite many attendees expressing concern about the updated proposal, longtime resident Janice Rushford voiced her approval for the project, mentioning that it could help to revitalize the area and serve as a building that could allow downsizing residents to remain within the Beach community.
For more information regarding the project, please go to www.queenkingston.ca
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo
All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com
Occupational Therapy for kids of all ages. Fine motor, school readiness, self-regulation. TorontoKidsOT.ca 416-391-6179
PSYCHOTHERAPY
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate & Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation.
• Audit services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com kriens@krienslarose.com
Melani Norman CPA, CMA
Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516
FUNERAL SERVICES
eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium. 647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
Glover & Associates
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
Cantemus Singers concert slated for St. Aidan’s in the Beach
AFTER A hiatus of five years, the Cantemus Singers are returning to Toronto’s early music scene with concerts of Tudor motets and carols for Advent and Christmas.
In Gloria in Excelsis, the singers will explore the shift in music style that accompanied England’s move from Catholicism to its unique form of Protestantism. Featured will be works composed during the reign of Henry VIII in the intricate late medieval polyphonic style by Taverner and Tallis. The singers will also be introducing the music of Nicholas Ludford via Gloria in Excelsis from his Missa Christi Virgo Delectissima, a work for five voices likely composed in the 1530s.
The core ensemble of the Cantemus Singers is comprised of Chloe Matamoros, soprano; Clare Tremain, alto; Valdis Jevtejevs, ten-
or; Ian Speck, baritone; and Paul Oros, bass.
The concert will be presented on the weekend of Nov. 22 and 23 with performances downtown and in the Beach. On Saturday, Nov. 22, the concert will be performed at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Sq. (behind the Eaton Centre), at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 23, the concert will be performed at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, Queen Street East at Silver Birch Avenue in the Beach at 3 p.m. The St. Aidan’s concert is a benefit to raise money for Centre 55’s Share-a-Christmas program. Tickets are available at the door for $35 general admission, with children under 12 free; or call 416578-6602 to have tickets set aside for pick-up/ payment by e-transfer. For more info, please visit the website at www.cantemus.ca
Scarborough Model Railroaders open houses on Nov.
THE SCARBOROUGH Model Railroaders will be hosting open houses on Sunday, Nov. 30, and on Sunday, Dec. 7.
The open houses will take place at the Scarborough Model Railroaders clubhouse, 17 Jeavons Ave., in the Birchmount and Danforth roads area.
The open houses will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, either cash or e-transfer.
The Scarborough Model Railroaders’ set up features one of the largest model train layouts in Ontario, including two floors of model railroads at the clubhouse.
30 and Dec. 7
The club features a 1,500-square-foot HO scale layout that models Southern Ontario through different time periods, with a mixture of passenger and freight trains, and a 1,300-square-foot N scale layout running through mountain scenery.
At the upcoming open houses, the Scarborough Model Railroaders will also be selling large numbers of HO and N Scale equipment, including engines (DC and DCC) and freight cars.
For more information on the open houses being hosted by the Scarborough Model Railroaders, please go to https://scarboroughmodel-railroaders.org/loom
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Join us for an in-depth discussion about transitioning from full-time work to semi-retirement with con dence.
Vicky’s Hair Styling celebrates decades of serving East York, upcoming change of ownership
By Natasha Jackson
SPANNING MORE than 50 years on Pape and Cosburn, Vicky’s Hair Styling has been a staple in the East York community.
The salon will be celebrating this commemorative milestone on Sunday, Nov. 9, with an open house for customers and community members that afternoon. Food and drinks will be provided.
Vicky Simone, the owner of the salon, started her hair journey back on July 17, 1959, after graduating from Charles of the Ritz School of Advanced Hair Fashions in New York.
After she graduated, she came back to Toronto and opened her first business in the West End at the age of 21. Later, Simone got married and moved to East York with her husband, where she started her beloved salon at Pape and Cosburn.
“I could have worked downtown, but it attracted me to work, to give, to serve the community,” said Vicky.
“It’s been a place where everybody comes, and I have served mothers, grandmothers and children and it’s been a joy serving this community.”
Vicky has created a special place that many hold close to their hearts in East York. Since the salon first opened, she has aimed to make it feel like home, creating a safe and relaxing space where people can get their hair done.
With its old-fashioned charm and classic salon style, Vicky’s salon has always been about the people first.
They offer a variety of hair styling options at affordable prices that are harder to find
at newer salons, such as chemical perms with hair rods and curlers, and backcombing sections of hair while adding mousse and hairspray to give it volume and height. This is one of the reasons why they have a large, older clientele who have stayed since the salon opened.
One of their oldest clients, Edith Woodly, lived to 106. Vicky held a birthday party for her 103rd birthday at the salon. She was a patron of the salon for more than 40 years, “faithfully every week,” said Vicky.
“The people were important ... I didn’t chase the money. I treated people like a family,” said Vicky.
Vicky believes that in order to be a successful hairdresser, you must always listen to your clientele first and know what they want. It is all about the people and the service you provide to them.
“It’s not about what you want to show, but what they interpret ... sometimes a client that doesn’t quite know what they want. But they don’t know how to describe how, so it’s up to you to interpret,” said Vicky.
Beach Metro Community News recently spoke with some of the hairdressers who have worked with Vicky for many years, reaching past decades.
Patricia Emmens is a close friend and a hairdresser who has worked at Vicky’s for more than 21 years. She began her career as a shampoo girl in England at the age of 14 and has continued to work in hairdressing ever since.
Emmens shared what it means to her to be a part of this salon and give back to the community.
Continued on Page 21
PHOTOS: NATASHA JACKSON
Vicky Simone, centre, is joined by Patricia Emmens, left, and Eleanor Houston, right, recently at Vicky’s Hair Styling in East York.
Vicky Simone is shown in front of a hair studio in New York City where she studied the late 1950s.
Family atmosphere at Vicky’s
‘Vicky’s’ from Page 20
“You get to know all the personal lives, you know, like families and all those kinds of things,” said Emmens. “...it’s more or less they confide in you lots of things, you know, but the memories, I just love it. I love my job, I’ve always loved it.”
“That was also something I enjoyed here, because it was like a family situation, too. With the seniors and everybody, we’d laugh ... Vicky’s very sociable and you’d have coffee and cookies. It was very laid back that way,” said Eleanor Houston, also a hairdresser and close friend of Vicky’s for more than 21 years.
Houston talked about the camaraderie she shares with Vicky and the others at the salon. How even in times when they’re stressed, they can come together and support one another as good friends.
Charlie Nucifora has worked alongside Vicky over the last 21 years. He first started a hairdressing business in 1984 on Coxwell Avenue and joined Vicky three years later.
As a child, Nucifora was inspired to become a hairdresser after visiting a salon with his mother in the 1970s. He talked about how wonderful it has
been being a part of an establishment that has “been around forever”, and how great it has been making a positive impact on so many people’s lives.
“So when people come in here, you know everybody knows each other. Everybody talks to each other. It’s quite familiar. So it’s quite like a family. And there’s a sense of security here and a sense of belonging,” said Nucifora.
The salon will undergo some changes in the new year. On Jan. 1, 2026, Mary (Mehri) Ataei will be taking over Vicky’s position as the salon’s owner and head manager.
Vicky, however, will still be working at the salon part-time to mentor.
“She’s a lovely girl. She’s going to be taking over, and she has asked me to stay ... she wants to learn what made me successful here,” said Vicky. “So I will stay on, and I have no plans yet to retire.”
Vicky has not set a retirement date, but mentioned that “eventually” she will.
She believes the salon will continue to serve the East York community well, preserving classic hair-styling traditions for long-time clients while also embracing modern trends.
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East End Adventure celebrates community, raises funds for Michael Garron Hospital
By Jessica Shackleton
IF YOU were out in the neighbourhood on Saturday, Oct. 18, you may have seen people in white t-shirts racing around. They were participating in the first East End Adventure, a fundraiser put on by Michael Garron Hospital.
It started and ended at Monarch Park on what turned out to be a lovely fall day. On their quest back to the park, racers visited local businesses and completed challenges.
The winning team was Purple Presents, which happened to be Michael Garron volunteers. The top fundraisers were Crash Cart, a team made up of emergency room physicians at the hospital.
The prizes were donations from companies such as Lululemon, Porter Airlines, Accor Hotels, and local businesses.
Dr. Nadia Incardona and Dr. Jefferson Hayre were members of Team Crash Cart, and they said taking part in the East End Adventure was an important chance to show support for the community, local businesses and the hospital.
“It’s about bringing the
ident, Annual, Events and Operations at Michael Garron, was thrilled with how the day went. She was stationed at Monarch Park all day and heard from those around the neighbourhood about how everyone came together to make it happen.
“People walked through the park not knowing what was going on, and were excited when they realized it was for Michael Garron,” she said.
Racers and sponsors enjoyed the celebration into late Saturday afternoon sunshine.
Team Crash Cart were the top fundraisers at the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation’s East End Adventure on Saturday, Oct. 18. community together, supporting local businesses, and the local hospital while having a great time,” said Incardona about why the event is important.
“As physicians, we really appreciate the community supporting us in our work and helping us to give back to the community,” said Hayre.
Michael Garron Hospital takes its role in the East Toronto community seriously, and the East End Adventure
helped connect the people who rely on the hospital’s services every day.
There were games, food, and live music throughout the day (and even a beer garden supported by local breweries) on the Saturday at Monarch Park, helping to make the day a true community festival.
East End Adventure required 64 volunteers on the course and at the festival to make it happen.
Mary Cranston, Vice Pres-
Cranston said East End Adventure will be back next year. The event was extremely successful, and the organizers plan to build on how the inaugural one went as they continue into the future.
“We were really lucky with the weather, and we may do it at a different time next year, but we want to do the same thing and get even more people involved,” she said.
East End Adventure raised a total of $413,686. To learn more about the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, please visit https://mghf. akaraisin.com/ui/eastendadventure
Zimbabwe’s Black Umfolosi to perform at Acoustic Harvest
ACOUSTIC HARVEST will host a performance by Black Umfolosi on the night of Saturday, Nov. 15.
Black Umfolosi is a world-renowned vocal and dance ensemble from Zimbabwe who have captivated audiences around the world. The group’s performances blend traditional African song, dance, and storytelling.
They are a self-taught a cappella group that was founded in 1982 by then-school-age members who wanted to develop themselves and contribute to the community. Black Umfolosi specializes in imbube music, gumboot dance, and Zulu dance. Imbube music is a
traditional style of vocal music featuring rich harmonies. They have toured extensively both nationally and internationally
Acoustic Harvest has hosted Black Umfolosi a number of times throughout the past 28 years, and it’s always been a can’t-miss event. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Performances take place at St. Paul’s United Church which is located at 200 McIntosh St.
To learn more about Black Umfolosi and Acoustic Harvest, and to get tickets, please visit: https://ticketscene.ca/events/53314/
Pegasus Community Project’s Pajamas for a Purpose planned
EAST TORONTO’S Pegasus Community
Project is hosting a fundraising event this coming weekend in which staffers will spend 12 hours engaging in art challenges.
The overnight event will take place in the window at 1428 Danforth Ave., which is just east of Monarch Park Avenue.
As part of the event, Pegasus Community Project employees will wear pajamas during the “create-a-thon”.
Pajamas for a Purpose is raising money for Pegasus programs at all five of its locations in East Toronto.
The staff will rotate hourly as they create projects, including crocheting, painting, writing, and interactive arts.
Pegasus Community Project has been operating in Toronto for 31 years and currently
supports 60 adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
Programs run at all five locations on weekdays and two on the weekend.
They also operate The Pegasus Shoppe, a second-hand store that helps fund programs located a 931 Kingston Rd.
Pajamas for a Purpose begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, and ends at 6 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Danforth Avenue location. Pegasus Community Project is inviting everyone to stop by and cheer on the creators during the event.
To donate to Pegasus Community Project and Pajamas for a Purpose, or to learn more, go to www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ pegasus-community-project-for-adults-withspecial-needs-inco
PHOTO: MICHAEL GARRON HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Dip of Hope held in memory of Christopher Hope
By Sam Heffer
A LITTLE before the sun rose on Sunday, Oct. 19, the sky was a stunning mixture of golden, lavender light, while whitecapped waves surged and crashed on the beach at the bottom of Silverbirch Avenue. This is where a group of individuals gathered for the Third Annual Christopher Hope Memorial Dip.
Chris was an inspiring adventurer and cold-water enthusiast who passed away in 2023 at the age of 85 while dipping in the ocean out west. He remains an inspiration for those of us who choose to embrace cold plunging and swimming in the lake year-round as Christopher did.
Chris’ long-time friend, Carlos Yu, organized the informal event once again this year.
He described how we continue to honour Chris’ remarkable spirit and legendary legacy with our annual Dip of Hope.
“For those who didn’t know him – Chris was in his eighties and dipped in Lake Ontario every single day – ice, snow, storm or shine — 365 days a year,” said Carlos. “His secret? He once told me: ‘Carlos, you’re meeting the happiest man in the world…because this moment is the happiest moment of my life.’”
Shortly after sunrise, the group headed into Lake Ontario, eager to enjoy the sunshine and the surf — bobbing, bodysurfing and laughing. One can only imagine that Chris would be smiling at this joie de vivre in the lake.
Carlos was full of gratitude: “This is the spirit that we carry forward: presence, courage, connection and joy. Thank you to everyone who came out to honour Christopher and to keep that spark alive this morning in the cool, pastel light of a perfect October sunrise.”
the morning of Sunday, Oct. 19.
Open house on shoreline plans for Ashbridges Bay Park slated for Nov. 5
By Matthew Stephens
THE TORONTO and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) will host an information session to provide residents with more details regarding the Ashbridges Bay Park East Shoreline Maintenance Project on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 5.
The drop-in information session will be held at Toronto United Mennonite Church (1774 Queen St. E.) from 6 to 8 p.m.
During the meeting, members of the project team will be available to answer questions about the construction project.
The work carried out by the proj-
ect team is expected to repair shoreline damage and protect Ashbridges Bay Park from future erosion damage caused by waves and rising water levels in Lake Ontario. In 2019, the TRCA found that the shoreline’s existing erosion control structures sustained damage from two severe weather events and determined the shoreline was in “failing condition”.
Erosion control structures in the area have been listed as a “high priority” for major maintenance due to proximity of backshore erosion to the park trail, which poses a significant risk to public safety.
The TRCA website said the portion of the park subject to construction will
remain closed to ensure public safety.
The project is expected to begin as early as December with an estimated timeline of two to three years. The project will include the total removal of all invasive vegetation back from the boulders along the shoreline, including the non-native invasive ailanthus tree.
TRCA are now in the final stages of planning before construction of the eastern shoreline commences later this year.
For more information regarding the Ashbridges Bay Park East Headlands Shoreline Maintenance Project, please go to the TRCA website at https://trca. ca and use the search words Ashbridges Bay Park East Shoreline.
Jamie Bradburn to talk Toronto newspapers at historical society event
THE BEACH and East Toronto Historical Society will host a presentation by writer and historian Jamie Bradburn later this month.
Bradburn will present an illustrated talk titled Three Forgotten Toronto Newspapers: The Mail/Mail and Empire, The News and The World.
The history of The News goes back to its founding in 1881 through to 1919. The World lasted from 1880 to 1921. The Mail/ Mail and Empire is now known as The Globe and Mail
The presentation is slated for Wednesday, Nov. 19, and will take place between 7 and 8:15 p.m at the Beaches Sandbox at 2181 Queen St. E.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about the presentation, please visit The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society’s website at www.tbeths.com
PHOTO: NATASHA LEMIRE-BLAIR
Participants in the Third Annual Christopher Hope Memorial Dip prepare to enter Lake Ontario as the sun rises on
Leane Besky,Agent 2243 Queen St E Toronto ON 416-690-7900 leane@leanebesky.com leanebesky.com
The Main Menu Warming flavours to help welcome cooler weather
Jan main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
It’s definitely fall! Time for cozy dinners and warming flavours — soups, stews and hearty fare of all sorts.
With that in mind, I have chosen a selection of dishes that can be altered a variety of ways to suit the contents of your refrigerator and to be flexible with any food bargains that may be available to you when you are out shopping.
All of these recipes can be made in advance and frozen for future meals.
Enjoy the luxury of our recent harvest and choose the foods that set your taste buds tingling!
A Curry of Pork and Apples
Pork continues to be the most economical meat in the supermarket.
Make the most of it in this tasty everyday curry which can be jazzed up for company with accompanying bowls of condiments – a chutney, toasted coconut, lemon and lime wedges, yogurt, cashews or peanuts.
Serve with steaming bas-
mati rice cooked with a cinnamon stick and bay leaf for added flavour - recipe follows.
This is an ideal “entertaining stew” because for best flavour it needs to be made a day ahead of serving and re- heated.
Serve with the condiments suggested and a raita (cucumber salad).
2 lbs (1 Kg) pork butt or pork chops or lamb or chicken cut into 1- inch (2.5 cm) pieces
3-4 cups (1 L) tomato juice
2 cups (500 mL) 2 or
3 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup (250 mL) raisins or chopped dates or chopped apricots, washed and dried
In large saucepan or
Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat.
Add onions, ginger, curry, garlic and cayenne.
Cook for 5 - 8 minutes or until onions are softened.
Stir in your chosen meat: pork, lamb or chicken, and cook stirring frequently about 10 – 15 minutes or until browned.
Stir in 3 cups of tomato juice. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer covered for 30 minutes.
Stir in apples and dried fruit; simmer another 15 – 20 minutes or until meat is tender.
Add extra tomato juice if sauce is too thick. Serves 4.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice has a distinctive, delicate taste which reminds me of popping corn – very enticing. It is the perfect companion to this stew.
2 cups (400 mL) basmati rice, rinsed well in several changes of water and let stand in room temperature water about 10-15 minutes.
Drain and follow directions
3 cups (750 mL) water 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter
1 each, cinnamon stick and bay leaf
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
Once you have drained the rice, bring a saucepan with the measured water, butter, cinnamon stick, bay leaf and salt to the boil.
Add the drained rice, bring back to the boil, put lid on, and cook until water has been absorbed and rice is cooked about 5-10 minutes. Discard cinnamon stick and bay leaf and serve at once or keep covered until ready to serve with stew.
1/2 English cucumber thinly sliced with skin on Additions such as chopped mint and/or coriander or parsley
In a bowl, stir together yogurt, cucumber slices and chosen additions.
Cover and refrigerate. May be made several hours before serving. Makes 2-4 servings.
Any Vegetable Soup
This is about the simplest soup ever!
You can make it with carrots or sweet potato or leeks and potato or broccoli or cauliflower.
First, decide which vegetable flavour you want and which one do you have on hand.
Then add the remaining ingredients; for example, for carrot soup:
Tip: Canned milk is an excellent example of calcium - because the milk has been concentrated during the processing it actually gives you twice the calcium content of regular milk and a rich creamy taste and texture without the fat of whipping cream.
It makes a gorgeous “creamy” soup with none of the fat calories.
2 lbs vegetable chosen such as carrots, peeled and chopped
Raita is a cooling yogurt salad made with whole milk yogurt and a variety of chopped vegetables such as cucumber and/or tomatoes flavoured, if you choose, with black mustard seeds and a variety of herbs such as dill, mint, coriander, parsley or chervil.
You can take your pick of flavours for this as some people have a dislike to coriander because to them it smells and tastes yucky! (So be warned before adding. Feel free to make it the way you wish!)
1 cup (250 mL) whole milk plain yogurt
1 large can evaporated milk - whole or 2% 1/4 cup (50 mL) of garnish such as fresh chopped parsley or coriander
In a large saucepan add: carrots, onion, celery, chicken stock, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to boil over medium high heat and cook until vegetables are very tender about 20 -30 minutes. Check to make sure they are tender. Discard bay leaf.
Add mixture to blender or food processor or use a stick processor to blend until smooth. Stir in canned milk. Taste adjust seasoning and serve piping hot with garnish if desired. Makes 4-6 servings.
Lest We Forget
and her dog Kinsey in front of the Branch’s cenotaph
Rockett has been making the large tissue paper door poppies shown in this photo for the past six years in support of the Legion Branch Poppy Fund. New for this year are “pup poppies” as seen on Kinsey’s leash. Rockett’s poppies are made with the permission of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Door poppies to raise funds for local Legion now available
FOR THE sixth year in a row, Beach resident Margot Rockett is making door poppies to help raise funds for Royal Canadian Legion Baron Byng Branch on Coxwell Avenue in advance of next week’s Remembrance Day.
Rockett makes the paper door poppies under a special licence granted by the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Fund, and all the money raised goes towards Baron Byng Branch’s fund which supports a number of programs for veterans and their families.
Some of those programs supported by the Legion Poppy Fund include help for veterans facing homelessness, service dogs for those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and donations to veterans’ homes and care facilities. In the case of Baron Byng Branch’s fund, support is given to the Sunnybrook Hospital Veterans’ Centre, the Leave the Streets Behind program for veterans dealing with homelessness, medical supports and
supplies for veterans at home, and the Ruck 2 Remember Run among other services.
Cost for the large tissue-paper poppies is $10 and they can be ordered from Rockett by contacting her at doorpoppies@gmail.com.
Rockett said that new for this year’s fundraising campaign she is also offering smaller sized “pup poppies” that can be attached to dogs’ leashes for the cost of $5. Those wishing to order poppies from Rockett are asked to do so as soon as possible.
Rockett first began making the door poppies in 2020 and did so as a way to raise funds for the Legion’s Poppy Fund, but also to remember her own father Lloyd Rockett who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War. “With the world the way it is now it is so important that we remember, and it is especially important for young people to know as we need to learn from our history,” said Rockett.
Ceremonies to take place locally
‘Remembrance’ from Page 1
reminded that members of local Royal Canadian Legion branches are now selling poppies with proceeds going to the Legion Poppy Fund that helps veterans and their families who are in need.
Many local businesses, including Beach Metro Community News, also have poppy boxes available for residents to purchase a poppy and donate to their local Legion branch.
HONOURING VETERANS
The 2025 Poppy Campaign Starts Friday, October 31st, 2025, through to Monday November 10, 2025. November 11th is Remembrance Day.
Veterans, Legionnaires, Cadets, and Volunteers Will be out with Poppies... Please say "Hello!"
Counter boxes will be delivered to those businesses that Supported the Campaign in previous years.
If you do not have a Poppy counter box at your business location and would like one, please contact me; I will make arrangements to get one delivered.
You May also Donate to the Poppy Campaign via Email at: donation@rcl11.com Please specify “Poppy” in the memo.
Linda Green, 2025 Poppy Chair Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 9 Dawes Rd. Toronto, ON. M4C 5A8 firstvice@rcl11.com | 416.699.1353
Thank you for your continued support!
The 2024 Poppy Campaign. Branch #11 collected: From Poppy Donations: $60,972.81 Branch #11 donated $20,250.00 to Veterans, Veteran organizations and Programs
If you have any questions on the donation process or inquiries about the Funds collected feel free to call or email.
Branch 11 Poppy Campaign areas: Woodbine Ave. to Victoria Park Ave., Lake Ontario to St. Clair Ave. E. & Parliament St. over to Yonge St. From
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Kim Monckton, President of Royal Canadian Legion Baron Byng Branch 1/42, is joined by Margot Rockett
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Toronto Beach Chorale concert set for Sunday, Dec. 14, at Kingston Road United
THE TORONTO Beach Chorale (TBC) is kicking off its 2025-26 season next month.
The TBC is a local, audition-based choir made up of 40 enthusiastic singers that participate in the season’s events.
Singing classical choral music, the TBC has three scheduled performances for the 2025-26 season.
The first performance, Ceremony of Carols, will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Kingston Road United Church.
The concert will feature a serenade of Christmas carols and other seasonal arrangements.
Ceremony of Carols was the first performance that the TBC had ever done, but this time they are incorporating new elements from a 1950s rendition of the production.
Mervin Fick, the artistic director of the TBC, said he is “looking forward to this rather hybrid combination of combining those two scores.”
Schubert and the Romantics is the second performance for the TBC’s upcoming season and will be taking place on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. at St Aidan’s in the Beach.
The concert will feature compositions from Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, and choral music by Felix Mendelssohn and Anton Bruckner. “We’re doing what will be Toronto Beach Chorale’s first performance of the Schubert Concerted Mass in G Major,” said Fick.
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Carmina Burana is the TBC’s final show of the season, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Kingston Road United Church. This performance is in collaboration with the TorQ Percussion Quartet as well as the Mississauga Chamber Singers. Tickets for this season’s TBC concerts are $35 for adults and $25 for youth. For more info or to order concert tickets, go to www.torontobeachchorale.com
