Beach Metro News Oct. 7, 2025

Thanksgiving Food Drive now on at Centre 55

By Matthew Stephens

CENTRE 55 is teaming up with Grace Pascoe Food Bank to host a Thanksgiving Food Drive this week.

The Grace Pascoe Food Bank is based out of Calvary Baptist Church at 72 Main St., just down the road and across the street from Centre 55.

“Thanksgiving is a great time when people are thinking about giving thanks for what they have, and are wanting to give back to others who might be in need,” said Rev. Ruth Bartlett, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to remind the community of the need that’s out there for all of our neighbours who are looking to be able to put food on their tables as well.”

The food drive is now underway and will run until Oct. 9.

Those who wish to drop off contributions can do so each day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Centre 55 at 97 Main St. Non-perishable items can be dropped off at the front reception area. Contributions can also be made at Grace Pascoe Food Bank (Calvary Church) on Wednesdays when receiving crews are on site.

Executive Director of the Calvary Grace Food Bank Debbie Visconti said donations are needed now more than ever as the cost-of-living crisis continues to afflict members

of the community.

“As families struggle to pay for housing and daily essentials such as food, we find an increase in the number of local people coming into our food bank. We could really use the help of the community to assist us in providing the necessary food for families that deal with food insecurity,” said Visconti.

Items most needed include canned vegetables and fruits, canned meats, canned soups and stews, rice, pasta, and beans, boxed stuffing and mashed potatoes, canned cranberry sauce and gravy, peanut butter, cereal and oatmeal, canned tuna and meats, baby food, diapers and formula, as well as granola bars and school snacks.

Financial donations will also be accepted and will receive a tax receipt.

Bartlett said she is thankful for the community’s support of the food bank. “I’m really appreciative of the fact that this ministry of the church is just neighbours helping neighbours. The 40 or so volunteers that we have helping on Wednesdays with the delivery or Thursday nights with either greeting people or registering people or working the food tables – they’re all people that are just neighbours that want to help neighbours,” said Bartlett.

For more information about the Thanksgiving Food Drive, go to www.centre55.com/events/turkeydrive

Night Light Walk in support of local shelters set for the Beach on Oct. 23

THE SECOND annual Night Light Walk Toronto in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk Toronto will be taking place on Thursday, Oct. 23, in the Beach.

The walk is held in a number of Canadian communities to help women and children experiencing domestic violence. The Beach walk will be raising funds the Red Door Family Shelter and Nellie’s shelter, both of which are located in East

Continued on Page 19

Ceremony at

local National Day

for Truth

and Reconciliation a step towards healing

By Natasha Jackson

TO COMMEMORATE the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Blake Street Junior Public School Parent Council and local First Nations Knowledge Keepers hosted a fire ceremony at Kempton Howard Park in East Toronto.

Canada held its first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2021. Since then, many communities have found ways to observe the day.

Visitors to the ceremony in Kempton Howard Park joined organizers around the sacred fire to learn about the residential school system, colonialism, and to pray for those who were affected by Indigenous assimilation.

“When you’re praying today, please pray for them to have peace in their hearts. So that they can heal and they can go forward,” said Lorraine ‘Chickadee’ Theed. She is

an educator and Knowledge Keeper at Blake Street Public School and one of the organizers of the local ceremony.

Additional speakers who attended the event were Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns, TorontoDanforth Public School Trustee

Sara Ehrhardt, and another educator and Knowledge Keeper from Blake Street Public School, Valerie ‘Thunderbird Woman’ Henry.

“I’m hopeful that the work that started to get underway, around building self-determined urban Indigenous education at the TDSB (Toronto District School Board), can continue,” said Ehrhardt

In his speech, Tabuns acknowledged the Grassy Narrows First Nation reserve in Kenora, Ont., and the lack of action taken by the provincial government regarding the pollution of their rivers by mercury poisoning from a pulp and paper company.

“The situation has been going

on for decades, and one of which the government is not taking the actions requested by the community, and thus is contributing to a poisoning that will go on for many decades,” said Tabuns.

Henry and Theed started Truth and Reconciliation fire ceremonies in 2021 after the discovery of the unmarked graves of the missing children from residential schools across Canada. They wanted to create a way to teach children about the history of residential schools and honour those whose lives were lost or affected by trauma.

Prior to the speeches at the ceremony, cedar was wrapped around the microphone stand, one of the sacred medicines in the Medicine Wheel used for protection. The Medicine Wheel has different interpretations and teachings, however, the ways that each sacred medicine can be used is a shared common practice with all Indigenous com-

Continued on Page 24

PHOTO: NATASHA JACKSON

Valerie ‘Thunderbird Woman’ Henry conducts a smudging ceremony while holding an eagle feather her uncle gifted her at last Tuesday’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event at Kempton Howard Park.

Safety concerns lead residents to call for speed bumps on Benlamond Avenue

By Matthew Stephens

RESIDENTS IN the Swanwick and Benlamond avenues area are expressing concerns about reckless driving and a lack of effective speed mitigation infrastructure.

“Yesterday, my three-yearold daughter was nearly struck by a car speeding down Benlamond Avenue. The vehicle was forced to screech to a halt — the driver was so certain of impact that they jumped out of the car believing she had been hit,” said a concerned local resident.

“This is not an isolated incident. Families and daycare groups walk along Benlamond, Glen Oak (Drive), Norwood (Road), and Swanwick every single day, and there have been repeated near misses.”

According to the resident, Toronto City Council had approved the construction of speed bumps, which were supposed to be built along Benlamond Avenue by summer of this year.

Many residents have safety concerns for children attending local schools and daycare facilities in the area.

“Our ‘triangle’ also comprises two extraordinarily nearby public schools, multiple daycares, a highly frequented public park, and a pedestrian-exclusive route connecting Glenmount (Park Road) to our area via a staircase,” said local resident Monika Schmidt.

“I have felt time and again that concerns raised about speeding, vehicles driving the wrong way on a oneway road, and short cutting through our neighbourhood have fallen on deaf ears.”

Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said a petition to build speed bumps was sent to his office in January of this year.

He said progress came to a halt when city staff failed to prepare a report to Toronto and East York Community Council to authorize the installation.

“In January 2025, my office received a petition from residents in support of installing speed humps on Benlamond Avenue, between Main Street and Norwood Road. Following this, I directed city staff to prepare a report to Toronto and East York Community Council to authorize the installation. Unfortunately, staff did not complete this step,” Bradford told Beach Metro Community News

Bradford said he has “directed staff to report back

immediately to the next Community Council meeting with the details required to authorize the installation of speed humps on Benlamond Avenue.”

He has also directed city staff to “accelerate” the installation of “temporary geometric safety improvements” to intersections along Benlamond Avenue and neighbouring streets in the area, which will come in advance of the permanent installation scheduled for 2027.

Schmidt, who is a longtime resident in the area, said the community has been advocating for speed bumps in the area since the 1990s.

“When I was a child, there was a push by residents of Swanwick Avenue to make the intersection at Swanwick and Enderby (Road) safer. At the time, there was no stop sign on Swanwick, and so cars would fly from one end at Main Street to the other at Norwood without so much as looking at Enderby,” said Schmidt.

“The city conducted a study, and concluded that apparently, a stop sign was sufficient.”

City studies on speed mitigation infrastructure in the area around Benlamond Avenue have been ongoing since 2007.

A city assessment at that time determined speed and

traffic volumes on the streets in the surrounding area (particularly Swanwick Avenue) were “too low to justify traffic calming,” and therefore, speed bumps would not be installed on Benlamond or Swanwick avenues.

In the past 18 years, traffic flows have changed and more daycares have opened on Benlamond.

Area residents have also requested that the city extend speed bumps and traffic-calming measures onto Glen Oak, install a four-way stop at the Glen Oak / Norwood / Benlamond / Swanwick intersection, and add a pedestrian crosswalk on Norwood by the park, where daycare groups and families cross on a daily basis.

Bradford said he will work with city staff and community members to implement as many safety measures as possible in the area.

“Some residents have proposed additional specific improvements, including to Glen Oak and Norwood. I will be following up with staff and residents to look into these proposals,” said Bradford.

“I’m committed to improving safety on our neighbourhood streets, and I appreciate the continued advocacy and engagement from residents on this important matter.”

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

A motorcycle heads the wrong direction on the one-way section of Swanwick Avenue between Enderby Road and Main Street.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Cali and Temple, both age 4, hold up the pumpkins they decorated in front of the Black Canary Espresso Bar at Saturday’s Kingston Road Village Fall Festival. Sunny and warm weather brought out big crowds to the festival that was presented by Kingston Road Village businesses.

Poetry festival in Taylor Creek Park heard from Bengali and English poets

By Parvez Chowdhury

THE TORONTO Poetry Festival held recently in Taylor Creek Park was inaugurated by renowned Bangladeshi elocutionist Vaswar Bandyopadhyay.

The festival took place on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the park’s serene, natural setting under open skies.

The opening ceremony featured welcome remarks from acclaimed Englishlanguage Canadian poet Pat Conners and Canadian intellectual and essayist Terry Barker. On behalf of the festival organizing committee, poet Kazi Helal delivered the official address.

The day-long festival was emceed by recitation artists Mary Rashedin and Sampurna Saha, who guided the audience through programs in both Bengali and English.

The festival featured powerful group recitations by Toronto’s Bengalilanguage collectives, including Bachonik, Onnoswor, Uttor-er Janala, and the Writers Club.

The program was also highlighted by solo recitations from a diverse array of artists, including Suman

Malik, Marjia Mou, Dilara Nahar Babu, Anisa Rashid Lucky, Suraiya Urmi, Naima Siddiqua, Aruna Haider, Munia Mili, Julia Nasrin, Ainun Afroze, Flora Suchi D’Rozario, and Syeda Ammatul Fatema Roze.

A distinguished lineup of poets presented their work including former Toronto Poet Laureate and Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke, alongside Jamil Rayhan, Pat Conners, Bazlus Shahid, Giovanno Ricco, Sheuli

Jahan, Richard Green, Taslima Islam, Karen Shenfeld, Ritushree Ghosh, Honey Novick, Saikat Rushdie, Rocco de Giacomo, Badal Ghosh, Mostofa Hoq, and Karl Fliesser.

Additional reflections were offered by visual artist Syed Iqbal, authors Suman Rahman and Subrata Kumar Das, Sadi Mohammad, and playwright Habibullah Dulal. Closing remarks were delivered by poet Mehrub Rahman. This international gathering, a diverse conflu-

ence of multilingual poets and poetry, is set to become an annual event.

The festival began its journey in 2024. The event’s poster was designed by Bangladeshi artist Momin Uddin Khaled, with the aesthetic stage design conceived by Kachi Rana.

The Toronto Poetry Festival is curated by a team including poets Mehrab Rahman, Kazi Helal, Nayan Hafiz, and Parvez Chowdhury, alongside recitation artist Mary Rashedin.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Attendees at the Toronto Poetry Festival in Taylor Creek Park on Saturday, Sept. 13, are shown in this submitted photo.

Beaches-East York Councillor Bradford announces he will run for mayor in 2026

By Alan Shackleton

BEACHES-EAST YORK

Councillor Brad Bradford announced last week that he will be running to be Toronto’s next mayor in the 2026 municipal election.

Bradford made the announcement on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 1, while speaking on the Brandon Gonez Show, which is a Toronto online media platform.

“I’m really excited about it,” said Bradford of the upcoming campaign on the show.

He said his priorities for the campaign will be public safety and implementing practical solutions to the city’s challenges.

“My priorities are going to be very clear. It starts with safety. Safety is number one,” Bradford told Gonez. “That is what I hear everyday from people. They feel less safe than they used to feel. I think the indiscriminate nature of the violence and crime that’s been taking place all across Toronto ... it’s not just one neighbourhood ... in fact, that’s really alarming. It’s everywhere all the time. That’s why people don’t feel safe. They don’t feel safe riding on the TTC.”

Toronto’s next municipal election will be Oct. 26, 2026.

Bradford said he announced early in order to have ample time to have his message heard and so that his intentions are clear.

“A lot of people have been asking me about my plans for next year. Although the campaign period doesn’t start until May, I wanted to be open and direct with people about the decision that I’ve made,” Bradford told Beach Metro Community News

“And I’m all in — my name will be on the ballot for mayor next October.”

In June of 2023, Bradford was among 102 candidates who ran in the Toronto mayoral byelection to replace John Tory who stepped down. Olivia Chow won that byelection, and Bradford was eighth.

He said he’s expecting a different result in 2026.

Bradford also stressed the differences between himself and Chow. Specifically, he said Chow has not put enough focus on the city’s core services and that is having a negative impact on the lives of residents.

“I love this city, and I believe we really need to do a better job of delivering on the basic services that people rely on so that we can make Toronto the best city in the world,” he said.

“That means a sharper focus on public safety, making life more affordable, and making it easier to move around the city.”

He said listening to the concerns of residents is critical for an elected representative, be they mayor or councillor. “Public service starts with listening and learning, and that’s what I’ve done and will continue to do with residents in our community and right across the city. I know we all believe Toronto is worth fighting for.”

Bradford was first elected as councillor for BeachesEast York in the 2018 municipal election. Though he has declared for mayor, he said he will continue to make serving residents of the ward a priority over the next year.

“Job number one is continuing to deliver for the residents of Beaches-East York. It’s a privilege to represent this amazing community and I don’t take it lightly. My team and I will continue to deliver for residents, making sure you can access the services you need and fighting for improvements to make our streets, parks and neighbourhoods even better,” he said.

Chow has not yet said if she will be running for mayor in 2026.

Transition to new Blue Box system must be smooth and seamless

Mary-Margaret McMahon MPP

Beaches—East York

Times they are a changin’ for our beloved Blue Box

- known as a world class recycling system!

Ontario is the birthplace of the Blue Box, the world’s first curbside recycling program. It made its official debut in Kitchener in 1981. Since then, Ontario’s Blue Box has become a fi xture at the end of every driveway and an award winning and coveted blueprint for recycling programs in more than 150 countries around the world. It’s a homegrown story that was evolving and revising as new recy-

cling technologies made it possible for Ontarians to add more materials to their Blue Boxes.

The program is seen as a highly successful environmental initiative that helped to grow Ontario’s green economy, shaping a positive future by diverting more waste from our landfills and waterways to create cleaner, healthier, more sustainable communities.

A ground breaking movement in the 1980s now needs to keep up with the times and translate into meaningful 2025 pro-action. In light of the threat and reality of (U.S. President) Trump’s tariffs, the status quo must shift with a focus on ensuring that Canada is as self-sufficient as possible, including ending our shipping of waste to Michigan! The cost of inaction on

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Letters to the Editor

this front will be exorbitant.

Currently, Ontario sends approximately 10,000 tons of nonhousehold waste south of the border every single day. This is not sustainable, not smart, and not sensible.

We also need to recognize that Ontario’s landfill sites are nearing capacity and the lifespan for the City of Toronto’s Green Lane Landfill in Southwold (near London) will be reached in 2035. The clock is ticking! Torontonians alone produce approximately one million tons of garbage annually.

Change can be seen ahead as we embark on a new and innovative refresh of the Blue Box. But it needs to be done right, with the full intention of genuinely reducing, reusing, and recycling our

waste; by exploring innovative solutions and ideas to create a strong circular economy.

The transition to a new recycling system needs to be smooth and seamless with a well-implemented, rock solid communication strategy! As the provincial representative for Beaches-East York and the Liberal Critic for the Environment and Climate Action, I want to be a big part of making sure the government does not stand in the way of making this happen now.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates that producers are accountable for the financial burden and execution of recycling products and packaging. The hope is that this shift in responsibility will promote a circular economy

and incentivize eco-conscious decisions that prioritize truly recyclable materials, over singleuse waste.

EPR will also provide much needed standardization of what can be recycled. This will translate to an expansion of materials eligible for collection and ultimately reduce packaging which can extend the lifespan of Ontario landfills.

Unfortunately, the current government wants to delay the enforcement of the recycling recovery targets from 2026 to 2031 pushing them off for five years! They also plan to water down the regulations by removing the expansion of recycling to multi-family units, schools, and long-term care homes

Tobogganing fun at Glen Manor no longer possible

Re: ‘We need to do our part to take care of the Glen Stewart Ravine’, Letters, Beach Metro Community News, Sept. 23.

Thank you to those who have championed the protection of the Glen Stewart ravine.

I was fortunate to attend a guided walk there recently and have enjoyed many other walks there over the years.

I was extremely dismayed, however, to witness what the city has done to Glen Manor Park north of the bridge and halfway below the bridge. A place to walk your dog, but what about the children?

In my childhood, the park was a visually open, safe place for children to play games, tag, baseball etc...where parents could keep watch. This is no longer possible.

Also, in winter, we spent hours tobogganing down the tree-free east and west slopes.

The trees and shrubs now planted there have completely prevented children’s fresh air enjoyment of this outdoor winter activity for which I am extremely sad.

Stuart

Sue

Sue Stuart sent in this undated photo of the east slope of Glen Manor Park (north of the bridge) as it once looked. Children regularly used both the east and west slopes of the park to toboggan in years past as they were tree-free. That is no longer the case.

Provincial supervision will impact Toronto school boards and education

By Michelle Aarts and Kevin Morrison

This past spring the Minister of Education put five Ontario school boards ‘under supervision’ to address financial concerns, despite independent audits of Toronto Catholic (by Deloitte LLP) and Toronto District (by Price Waterhouse Cooper) that indicated no evidence of wrongdoing or mismanagement and confirmed that both boards are well governed by their respective trustees and staff.

Two-thirds of Ontario school boards are currently in deficit or barely making ends meet, totalling $200 million in deficit provincially this year. It is important that Toronto families and communities understand what ministry supervision is and how it affects local schools and education.

What do school board trustees do?

A school trustee’s mandate is to support student success and wellbeing through governance of policy, program priorities, and finances. They are required to operate in public, in consultation with the community, and they serve in a myriad of roles that support student needs, build community partnership, and determine the long-term management and success of the education system.

Trustees are an important community resource, connecting daily with families, school councils, and neighbours to help navigate the education system. There are numerous reasons why families don’t trust the education system and trustees help build relationships and ensure that the correct staff are supporting individual situations. Positive relationships are critical to family engagement in education.

Trustees are responsible for identifying and reporting the needs and priorities of their community to ensure the system addresses gaps and inconsistencies. For school boards under supervision it is hard to imagine how a single individual can support all families and communities, and meet all the requirements for effective, public governance.

What is a Ministry supervisor?

The Minister of Education can appoint a supervisor to take over the “duties of the Board of Trustees” for a variety of reasons. In the past, such as for Peel DSB in 2020, supervisors were education experts who worked with trustees and staff to address issues identified by the Ministry; they continued to hold public meetings and consult with families.

The supervisors appointed to TCDSB and TDSB are Frank Benedetto, an insurance litigator, and Rohit Gupta, a Metrolinx advisor. Trustees have been dismissed, there are no longer public board meetings, and supervisor decisions are simply posted after the fact. Decisions are being handed down from Queen’s Park rather than based on local consultation. This significant shift in practice removes public consultation and accountability.

The role of trustee isn’t about the elected individual; they are the persons elected by the community to provide voice to local concerns. Loss of voice for families means lack of oversight for the system and diminished advocacy.

Families in each board are now directed to a single generic email address rather than a person they can connect with. Parents and disability advocates are sounding alarms, highlighting that families’ needs are going unheard and calls/emails unanswered by the supervisors. For families of students with special needs their trustee is a critical resource for support and advocacy.

In addition school board advisory committees and partnerships have been ‘paused until further notice’. There is no longer a mechanism for the community to delegate to the school board. All decisions are now happening behind closed doors without public consultation or communication.

Centralized decisions instead of local priorities

Each school board serves a unique community with local needs and priorities for programs. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world with the broadest range of student needs and so Toronto schools offer a diverse array of supports and programs for student engagement, and positive experiences and outcomes. Many of these programs are not recognized or funded by the Ministry.

Supervisors are currently reviewing local programs and budgets and this summer the TDSB supervisor cancelled a board decision and increased class sizes for special education classes. The resources and programs that make Toron-

to schools unique are at risk under centralized, bureaucratic decision making, especially if those supports and programs cost more than the government is willing to invest.

Each school board funds the local priorities needed to support success and wellbeing. There is a significant disconnect between the cost of education and the funding provided by the Ontario government.

The Ministry does not fund many costs including the full cost of federal CPP and EI obligations ($43M gap for TDSB). Special education is underfunded at 71 of the 72 Ontario school boards with a total gap of $800 million this year ($38M TDSB, $25M TCDSB).

Loss of local funding

Toronto programs and resources, including mental health and safety, libraries, class sizes, pools and swim instruction, outdoor education, music, community support staff, and technology, are unfunded or only partially funded by the province.

Toronto’s education systems have steadily improved engagement and graduation rates, in part because they have chosen over the years to support more than Back to Basics. One impact this fall is the additional chaos caused by forcing schools to comply strictly with the Ministry’s class size funding, rather than funding stability for students and staff.

Both TCDSB and TDSB have cut from central management over the years in order to maintain local programming. The Minister has tasked supervisors with fixing

Continued on Page 9

Designer 3- storey townhouse that feels just like a semi!

This newer-build offers 3 ver y spacious bedrooms

The Transformative Power of Gratitude — and How You Can Share It

Gratitude is one of those deceptively simple practices that can change lives. It requires no money, no special skill, and little time — only the willingness to notice and acknowledge the good that exists around us. Yet, despite its power, many of us don’t practice it as often as we could.

Research suggests that around 1 in 5 people could be considered dispositionally ungrateful, meaning they are less likely to notice or express appreciation. Many more may feel gratitude but fail to express it, creating the impression of indifference. This gap highlights why gratitude deserves renewed attention, especially in a time when communities and families face increasing pressures.

When people think of gratitude, they sometimes imagine it tied to big events: a promotion, recovery from illness, or an unexpected gift. But gratitude truly thrives in the small, everyday details we too often overlook.

Consider the basic comforts many enjoy: a warm bed, food on the table, clean water, electricity, or the security of a safe home. Or think about the sensory joys — the sound of birds in the morning, a breeze through the window, or the taste of a favourite meal. Even moments of health, like walking without pain or breathing easily, are profound blessings when we pause to recognize them.

Noticing these “ordinary” gifts doesn’t just lift spirits in the moment; studies in positive psychology show it builds resilience, reduces stress, and increases overall happiness.

Gratitude is not only about things, but about people. None of us gets through life alone, and many of the quiet contributions around us go unacknowledged.

There are family members who provide love and encouragement, friends who check in when we need it most, neighbours who shovel a walkway without being asked, or coworkers who step up when we’re under pressure. There are also the countless strangers — the grocery clerk, the bus driver, the delivery worker — who keep the daily rhythm of life moving.

Expressing thanks to these people, even in simple ways, strengthens relationships and fosters trust. It tells others that their effort matters, and in turn, encourages kindness to ripple outward.

This mindset is contagious. By modelling gratitude, grateful people inspire others to pay closer attention to life’s gifts.

As powerful as gratitude is personally, it becomes even more meaningful when it is shared. One way to do this is by honouring or remembering someone who has made a difference in your life through a gift that helps others.

Red Door Family Shelter, Toronto’s largest family shelter, is inviting the community to do just that through its Giving Thanks campaign. Supporters can make a donation in honour or in memory of someone they are grateful for, turning appreciation into action that helps families in crisis.

It’s a way to express thanks not only with words but with tangible impact — ensuring that women, children, and families facing hardship have shelter, support, and a pathway to stability.

For more information, or to dedicate a gift of gratitude, visit www.givingthanks.to.

Gratitude doesn’t eliminate challenges, but it does shift how we face them. It softens the edges of hardship, strengthens bonds, and creates a sense of abundance even in modest circumstances. While 1 in 5 people may lean toward ingratitude, all of us can move toward the other side of the spectrum — by noticing the little things, appreciating the people around us, and turning gratitude into action.

After all, gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a way of living — and a way of giving.

CLIFFSIDE MEATS & DELI

Community Calendar

For the holiday, we will have FRESH free-run Turkeys, Capons, Mennonite-raised Chickens, and old-fashioned bone-in Hams Also Acadian Tourtiere Meat Pies, Steak & Kidney Pies, Chicken Pot Pies, Scotch Pies and Cornish Pasty

ORDER EARLY

Happy Thanksgiving to all our customers! TUES, WED,

EAST END MUSIC FEST

OCT. 8: Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society at Scarborough Village Recreation Ctr. (Kingston/Markham Rds.), 7:30 p.m. Guests welcome. Free - including refreshments. Topic: Spring Bulbs by expert Dugald Cameron. OCT. 9: Metrolinx Information Session at Danforth GO station, 213 Main St., 4-8 p.m. Metrolinx reps will be on hand to answer questions about the early works progress and the planned construction work which includes a new south platform, extension of the pedestrian tunnel and a new ancillary building. Info: 416-202-3900, TorontoEast@metrolinx.com, metrolinx.com/projects-and-programs/go-expansion

OCT. 9: Nuts and Bolts of Podcasting for Teens at Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E., 4-5 p.m. Learn how to choose the right format for your podcast, write a compelling script, and keep your audience hooked with a strong call to action. Free. Info: 416-393-7703

OCT. 15: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society presents former local resident and author, Keith Black, at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Black will discuss his book “Boom” which talks about growing up in the Beach and East End Toronto during the 1950’s. Info: www.tbeths.com

OCT. 15: Healthy Aging and Key Financial Considerations Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 2 p.m. Join E.A. Hergott of RBC Wealth Management for this free, informative session about how to prepare financially for aging. Light refreshments provided. Register at www.beachessandbox.com

OCT. 16: Writing, Editing & Publishing – a Workshop on the Creative Process at Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E., 6:30-8 p.m. Local author Ainsley Doty offers practical tools, real-world advice, and a roadmap for bringing your novel to life. Free. Info and registration: 416-393-7703

OCT. 16: Apple Galette Cooking Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 6:30 p.m. Join Ava Chilelli in this hands on cooking workshop where you will learn how to make a flaky, buttery crust from scratch and fill it with spiced apples to create a beautiful, freeform galette. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike! Register at www.beachessandbox.com

OCT. 18: East End Adventure, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. This Michael Garron Hospital fundraiser features a funfilled expedition through the neighbourhood visiting local hot spots and completing challenges, and ends with a family-friendly festival at Monarch Park. Info and registration: eastendadventure.ca

OCT. 18: Ask a Sommelier – Navigating Wine Labels, Lists, and Restaurant Etiquette at Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E., 1-3 p.m. Sommelier Christopher LaFleur will make approaching a wine list (and the ritual around the first taste) make sense, and break down label terminology, teaching you which terms actually matter and what to ignore. Info and registration: 416-393-7703 OCT. 18: Bright Lit Big City at Hirut Café and Jazz Venue, 2050 Danforth Ave., 3-5 p.m. Join us for a relaxed afternoon of fiction and poetry reading by the authors. $10. Info: 416-551-7560, brightlitbigcity@gmail.com OCT. 19: The Truth About Singing: You Really Can! a free workshop by Hear & Now Music at Dimensions Gallery, 1626 Queen St. E., 5 p.m. This workshop will uncover why everyone can sing, demystify tone deafness, pitch, and rhythm, and introduce practical exercises to experience your voice in ways you’ve never tried before. Info: www.hearandnowmusiclessons.ca/ event/the-truth-about-singing-you-really-can/

OCT. 19: Wonder Church at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 4 p.m. St. Aidan’s is excited to offer a service designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary children and their families called. This 30-45 minute service 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

OCT 20: Jam Nite at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. on Monday, Oct 20 at 7pm. Bring your instrument and/or voice, and come jam with fellow community members on musical favourites old and new. All ages welcome. More info: beachunitedchurch.com More info: beachunitedchurch.com

OCT. 20: Saving Toronto’s Native Trees – Before They’re Gone at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7:30-9 p.m., with presenter Steve Smith. Info: www.eygc.ca

OCT 22: A Senior Moment Luncheon at Garden Gate Restaurant (the GOOF), 2379 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. Fascinators again. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042.

OCT. 23: Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Night Light Walk at Kew Gardens, 6:15 p.m. The 3k walk, held in support of women and children experiencing domestic violence, begins and ends at Kew Gardens. Info: www.nightlightwalk.ca

OCT. 23: Fall Watercolours Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 6 p.m. Settle into an inspiring evening of art as local watercolour artist Linda Borris guides you step-by-step through painting a cozy fall landscape. Register at www.beachessandbox.com

OCT. 25: Murder on A Cruise – Murder Mystery Dinner at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 6-9:30 p.m. Unravel a web of secrets and lies at this fundraiser for St. Paul’s. A night of suspense and delicious food awaits! Includes starter, main, desert, wine, coffee/ tea. $60 per person. Info: stpaulsscarborough.org

OCT. 25: Mark Battenberg’s Autumn Trilogy of Music Part 3 – The Final Chapter at Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Ave., 7:30 p.m. ‘Canticles for an October Night’, the Chamber Music creations of Beaches composer/ guitarist Mark Battenberg, featuring the amazing Cellist Sybil Shannahan and Violinist Suhashini Arulanandam

and Shakuhachi Flute master Debbie Danbrook. $20 or pay what you can. Produced by Mark Battenberg markbattenbergcreations.com. Music proudly made in Canada.

OCT. 25: East End Music Fest at Sanctuary.TO East End Food Hub, 1470 Gerrard St. E., 7 p.m. Local music, food, art and a silent auction. Presented by Applegrove. Info: applegrovecc.ca/special-projects/east-end-music-fest

OCT. 25 & 27: Ghost Walk, hosted by Toronto Beaches Lions Club, 7 p.m. Suggested donation $20. More details in next edition. Info and registration: www.beacheslions.com, or call Andy 416-985-1176

OCT. 26: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents Percussiano3 at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 2 p.m. One piano, two pianists, and percussion, with Marcel and Elizabeth Bergmann and Rod Thomas Squance. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at door. Info: kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com

OCT. 30: Make Your Own Charcuterie Board Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 6:30 p.m. Join Ava Chilelli for an immersive experience where you’ll learn the art of selecting, pairing, and arranging an array of premium meats, cheeses, fruits, and condiments to create a stunning and delicious charcuterie masterpiece. Register at www.beachessandbox.com

OCT. 31-NOV. 2: Danforth Bible Conference at Danforth Gospel Hall, 2237 Danforth Ave. This year’s theme is Christian Living: Living for Christ in an ungodly world. All are welcome, no collection. For times of meetings visit our website: www.danforthgospelhall.ca

NOV. 1: Pumpkin Parade at Ed McCleverty Playground (Ted Reeve playground), 6:30-8:30 p.m. rain or shine. Bring your pumpkins to the wading pool for a final night to glow together with neighbourhood pumpkins. Pumpkins will be disposed of in a City provided bin. NOV. 1, 2: Day of the Dead at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E. Join us for a weekend of free, friendly family workshops and demonstrations at Beaches Sandbox in celebration of the Day of the Dead. Register at www.beachessandbox.com

MONDAYS: WEE FOLKS DROP IN at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. (except statutory holidays). For ages up to 3 years old, with caregivers. Play and story time with snack. Info at 416-699-3084.

TUESDAYS: EAST YORK FARMERS’ MARKET at East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Market runs to Oct. 28.

THURSDAYS: EAST LYNN FARMERS’ MARKET at East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave., 3-7 p.m. Market runs to Oct. 9. Info: eastlynnparkfarmersmarket.ca

SUNDAYS: LESLIEVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET at Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Outdoor market runs to Oct. 26. Info: leslievillemarket.com

OPERATION VETBUILD is a Royal Canadian Legion peer-to-peer program by veterans for veterans and includes RCMP and allied veterans, run by the RCL’s BSO/OSI Special Section, with an objective to help improve mental health through hobby and in this case, model building. Free to veterans. No experience is necessary! All materials are supplied. Meetings are the last Saturday of the month at RCL Br. 10, 1083 Pape Ave. Next meeting: Oct. 25, 12 noon-4 p.m. Info: James Le Roy torontoopvetbuild@gmail.com, 416-735-7362 BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m., beginning Oct.14. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Oct. 14, 28, Nov. 11, 25; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.) Oct. 21, Nov.4, 18 •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.) •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Lunch format may vary from site to site. Future dates to be published later in the fall. MEDITATIONS FOR WORLD PEACE class at Atisha Buddhist Centre, 1823 Gerrard St. E., on Sundays from 10-11 am (Free). “Simply Meditate” on Wednesdays from 10-11 am ($10). Thursdays Lunchtime Meditation 12:15-12:45 pm ($5). Drop-in classes. Everyone is welcome. Info: atisha.ca, atisha.centre@gmail.com

BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. Info: www.mentalwellness.help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups

A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113

AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113

BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., 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. For links to our upcoming worship services, or information about our upcoming events and programs, please visit our website at beachunitedchurch.com.

Letters to the Editor

Murphy’s Law site concerns shared

Re: ‘Virtual community meeting on 11-storey proposal for Murphy’s Law site set for Oct. 6’, News, Beach Metro Community News, Sept. 23.

The proposed building application includes a wind study. The engineers report is very technical and questions need to be asked as wind sheer is a big problem and this intersection is a very windy spot right now. It will be impossible for pedestrian seniors and folks with mobility challenges to navigate through the intersection as the amplified wind due to sheer will be horrific. An enclosed pedestrian ramped bridge over Queen Street East needs to be added to provide pedestrian safety during fall and winter.

The proposal should be deferred until after the 2026 municipal election so residents have time to discuss what type of condo highrise neighbourhood we all want to live in.

J. Reitsma

Re-open Murphy’s Law pub now

The Murphy’s Law site was approved in 2022 but no building has taken place. During these years, Murphy’s Law pub remains

closed. The loss of this elegant pub in the western end of the Beach is disadvantageous for other local businesses and is an eyesore in the high-traffic area of Queen Street East and Kingston Road.

Across the street we have 3,000 music visitors to History that in the past would dine before their concert. On a sunny day we have visitors returning from Woodbine Park and Woodbine Beach, looking for a refreshing pint. The current boarded-up building is an eyesore, encourages rodents and vandalism.

The pub has been closed since 2022 and new plans are still just a proposal. The owner of the building should be required to open and licence Murphy’s Law pub within three months or Jan. 1, 2026, whichever comes sooner. The cost to a developer of Murphy’s being closed may be insignificant, but the impact on the community is immense.

In the interest of the community - given there are still many years to go - the city should require Murphy’s Law to re-open while the new proposal is being considered. Abhay Sharma

Toronto school closures possible

‘Provincial’ from Page 7

deficits, however the supervisor appointed to Thames Valley DSB in April recently released a new budget that cuts more than 100 school supports, and has doubled the TVDSB deficit to $32 million.

The supervisors at TCDSB and TDSB could force compliance with Ministry funding, but not without significant cuts to staff and programs. Simply reducing spending won’t help students or generate the investments our children need for success.

Premier (Doug) Ford and Education Minister (Paul) Calandra speculate that they might close and sell schools in order to balance budgets at supervised boards. Five schools in TVDSB have recently been flagged for closure. Selling schools to float the operating budget has never been allowed, it is a bad financial practice that does not address underlying cost or Ministry underfunding.

Ironically, the Ministry has refused to allow local boards to do their own work to review and consolidate undercapacity schools since 2018. More importantly, school closures should never be a strictly financial decision. Some schools, like alternative schools or special education sites, are purposefully small to support student needs. There also must be space nearby to accept new students. School consolidations must involve community consultations, to hear and understand the needs of the local community. Under supervision decisions about school closures can be made by Queen’s Park, where the government has long eyed valuable Toronto properties for development.

- Michelle Aarts, Ph.D., and Kevin Morrison are Beaches-East York residents, parents, and elected trustees for TDSB (Toronto District School Board) and TCDSB (Toronto Catholic Disrict School Board) respectively.

Ontario government moving backwards

‘Transition’ from Page 6

essentially denying residents a waste diversion option afforded to others.

They ended the working group they created to plan for non-alcoholic beverage containers, voted against my Private Members’ Bill 53 for a Bottle Deposit Return System, and are now removing beverage recovery targets for “out of home” packages.

Expansion of recycling in our public spaces will not happen now and the targets for flexible plastic recovery are being reduced and delayed. This government is moving Ontario backwards!

We have no time to waste - quite literally.

Working with all stakeholders, especially the producers is key to the success of this new program.

Tweaking targets marginally while still moving forward with waste diversion goals and a circular economy focus is prudent, but immediate delays will absolutely put us up a creek without a paddle!

The government needs to stay on task moving forward on the path to full EPR implementation. Ontario is known as a global leader with the legacy of the incredible Blue Box recycling program, so let’s now be renowned for our approach to the circular economy!

Arts & Entertainment

Percussiano3 to open Kingston Road Concert Series on Oct. 26

PERCUSSIANO3 IS set to captivate Kingston Road Concert Series audiences with their bold, energetic, and surprising performance on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 26. Featuring two pianists and one percussionist, this innovative trio is redefining the boundaries between classical, contemporary, and percussive music through dynamic live concerts that combine virtuosic musicianship with entertaining flair. Touring with an expansive setup — including vibraphone, gongs, drum kit, and a shared piano — Percussiano3 offers more than just a recital. Each performance

is a high-voltage journey through rhythm, resonance, and sonic landscapes.

The ensemble has gained a reputation for its unique instrumentation, intense ensemble chemistry, and its ability to surprise audiences with both humour and depth.

“We don’t just perform classical music,” said Elizabeth Bergmann, one of the pianists of Percussiano3.

“We create an experience — something lively, something joyful, and always a little unexpected.”

Bringing together a rich palette of musical colours, Percussiano3 explores new possibilities in sound and space both rhythmically and

lyrically. The interplay between four hands at the piano and an ever-shifting array of percussion instruments results in performances that are as visually engaging as they are sonically thrilling.

From transporting delicate mallet instruments and gongs, bells and drums to adapting to the acoustic challenges of each venue, touring with Percussiano3 is a complex endeavour — but one fuelled by passion, precision, and a shared sense of vitality.

For their upcoming performance to open the Kingston Road Concert Series’ Fall 2025 season at Kingston Road United Church, Percussiano3

will play a wide variety of pieces.

The audience can expect to hear Copland’s Hoe Down, selected tangos by Astor Piazzolla, Chabrier’s España and songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story

All the pieces performed are uniquely presented as the group’s own arrangements and adaptations.

Whether performing in concert halls, contemporary music festivals, or unconventional spaces, the trio brings with them an infectious enthusiasm and a spirit of exploration, leaving audiences talking long after the final note.

The Sunday, Oct. 26, concert be-

gins at 2 p.m.

Kingston Road United Church is located at 975 Kingston Rd.

Tickets for the concert are $35 in advance, $40 at the door.

To order tickets online, please go to https://percussiano3.eventbrite. ca Other performances for the fall 2025 season of the Kingston Road Concert Series are Callista Trio –Bienvenue Montreal on the night of Saturday, Nov. 22; and J.S. Bach Christmas Oratorio (Eat, Drink and Be Merry) on Sunday, Dec. 7.

For more on the concert series, please go to www.kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com

Audrey Maxwell is still going strong on the squash court at age 80

By Jessica Shackleton

THE BALMY Beach Club sits at the end of Beech Avenue. It has been a staple in the community for more than 100 years and boasts a patio with a beautiful view of Lake Ontario. Home of many sports including rugby and paddling, it’s where 80-year-old Audrey Maxwell plays squash.

Beach Metro Community News recently watched one of Maxwell’s matches from the squash gallery at the Balmy Beach Club. She wore a purple skirt and running shoes with her club squash Dri-FIT T-shirt. Her reddishbrown hair was tied in a high ponytail with her bangs out.

She was playing a fast-paced game against a player named Maura. After a few warm-up hits, the two got down to business. It’s easy to understand the objective of the game and the sound of the ball hitting the wall and shoes running after it echoed through the space.

Fellow Balmy Beach Club member, squash player, and friend Jen Rowe noticed that Maxwell is the only women’s squash player in the over-80 category in Ontario and one of two in Canada. Squash Canada lists only Maxwell and Naomi Stern in the over-80 ranked players list.

Beach Metro Community News met with Maxwell and Rowe on the club’s patio recently to hear about what motivates Maxwell to continue playing squash, what she enjoys about life, and why staying active is so important.

“I love life. Joie de vivre. Oh my gosh, I love living,” she said.

This mindset is the most important thing to know about Maxwell. Squash is one of the healthiest sports there is to participate in because it’s so good for cardio and keeps players constantly moving.

Maxwell was born near the end of the Second World War in Belfast, Northern Ireland,

to an Irish father and English mother. She went to elementary school in Ireland and the family moved back to England in the early 1950s. The family ran a fish-and-chips shop in York. She liked to swim and bike as a kid, but otherwise wasn’t into sports.

She ultimately moved to Canada in 1974, arriving in Montreal. Eventually, she and her two daughters moved to Ontario and lived in Mississauga. Now, she calls Flemingdon Park home.

Maxwell is not walking distance from the Balmy Beach Club, but she said she doesn’t mind making the drive down several times a week.

“I’m usually down a couple times a week for squash and in the summertime, a couple times for lawn bowling,” she said.

After moving to Ontario, she took courses to find work and learned from her daughters in that time. After trying many jobs, Maxwell worked as a corporate event planner for 20 years. She loved it and hopes everyone finds a job they enjoy as much as she did.

“No matter what you’re doing, you’re constantly learning and wherever life takes you – and none of us actually know – you just grab it with both hands and enjoy it,” she said.

Maxwell retired at 65. Her last day of work was on a Friday and she was in Australia by Monday. She has travelled extensively, and one of her most recent trips was to Thailand to visit her daughter’s yoga teacher training school.

“I absolutely love travel. There are still a couple of places on my bucket list that I might get to but I don’t want to say it out loud,” said Maxwell. “I’ve done most of the things I’ve really wanted to do. I’ve done skydiving, helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, hang gliding. I’m still waiting on the hot air balloon.”

She started playing squash in 1980 while living in Montreal. After some life changes,

Audrey Maxwell met with Beach Metro Community News recently to talk about squash, the club and the importance of staying active.

she was alone with her two daughters and she was looking to move forward. It was love at first try when she picked up a racquet and learned to play squash. “Hooked. Totally,” she said. “It was therapy.”

Legendary Canadian squash player Sharif Khan also calls Toronto home and he was a mentor to Maxwell. Contrary to rumour, they didn’t play an exhibition game but the two did cross paths in the squash world. “Sharif was my mentor. When I joined (his) club in the early nineties, he would give us a lot of encouragement and tips. Sharif was a really amazing mentor and I still see him,” she said.

While working at trade shows, someone had tickets to watch a match at Khan’s glass court at the Sheraton Centre and that was the first time Maxwell saw him seriously play. She said it was “awesome” and over the years she went to watch different players take part in international matches.

“They did a few international tournaments. I went to two of them in Barbados and that’s how I came to be here at the Balmy Beach,” she said. “I met a member from here and he

said, ‘Come down and have a drink, and why don’t you join?’ and that’s how I joined.”

Maxwell became a member of the Balmy Beach Club in 2004, and said she enjoys the camaraderie in the squash sector.

“This group that we have here is so special, it is so amazing, there are no words to describe the feeling of being together and sharing this love of the game,” she said.

Though squash is her favourite sport, she also lawn bowls and has helped with teaching young business executives who learned to lawn bowl through corporate events at the club, similar in a way to those she used to organize. Beyond the squash court, Maxwell keeps busy trying recipes. She volunteers at Michael Garron Hospital, loves to read and is also dedicated to doing yoga.

Everyone at the Balmy Beach Club knows Maxwell, and they all light up when she’s mentioned. She’s clearly a cherished member of the community and club, and she is touched by that. “It means the world, it really does. If I can inspire one person to enjoy life as much as I do, then I feel like I’ve been very successful in my life. There’s nothing more I could ask for,” she said. “I’m truly blessed.”

Rowe said she is in awe of her friend. “Audrey is phenomenal and she inspires all of us. She approaches life with such grace and humility and takes everything in stride and keeps on going. I look forward to seeing you open up the 85 plus group and then the 90 plus group,” Rowe said, looking over at Maxwell.

Maxwell agreed. “I like that. I’m going to play as long as I can. I said I was going to still be playing at 50, and here I am 30 years later.”

With that, the rest of the beautiful September afternoon stretched out. Rowe went to the squash court to have a hit with her husband and Maxwell was on her way home, planning to stop to get ingredients for her latest baking recipe.

PHOTO: JESSICA SHACKLETON

Pirates of the New World: Island of Gold

By Jessica Shackleton

THE VIEW of Lake Ontario from the picnic tables at Kew Gardens is seen through the trees, with a cloudless blue sky. The lake wasn’t full of pirates chasing treasure that September afternoon, but it was where Beach Metro Community News sat down with Ronan Goudie and Lucas Bergantim, author and illustrator respectively of Pirates of the New World: Island of Gold.

A Beacher, 23-year-old Goudie attended Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute in Scarborough. He especially enjoyed and excelled in English and history courses and has put all of that together to create his first book.

“I’ve always wanted to be a writer, a storyteller. My entire life, I’d come up with ideas, write little scripts, short stories, and other ideas,” he said.

“I always knew writing was my passion, and a few years after high school, still figuring out what to do, I just started writing it.”

Goudie figured he had to start somewhere, so he eased into it with a pirate story, something he had always liked. He sat with his laptop and started writing the story down.

The story follows a ragtag pirate crew who must work together to complete three tasks to reach the Island of Gold. It’s aimed towards kids and is all about teamwork, fun, and adventure, inspired by real history and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Goudie said he is a big fan of pirates and felt the world was due for a good pirate story. He was also inspired by those around him.

“The main character, Captain Jonesy, was my dog, so a little tribute to him,” he said, showing a pawprint tattoo on his wrist.

As he was putting it together, Goudie was deciding whether to make it a picture book or a chapter book, and realized he liked the style that was a mix of the two. Books such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne are written with both chapters and illustrations.

Once Goudie had a plan for his book, he called up fellow Beacher Bergantim.

“I was thinking I’m going to need an artist, I’m not an artist by hand at all,” said Goudie.

“There’s no one else I’d rather do it with. If I were to do this with anyone, it would be him.”

Bergantim is a tattoo artist and has done all of Goudie’s tattoos. The two have known each other for years and are good friends. They first connected through Goudie’s aunt. Bergantim graduated from Senator O’Connor College School in North York, and

he really got into art in high school but said he could usually be found drawing growing up. He remembers taking a piece of paper and tracing Kim Possible on the TV.

He said there isn’t much difference in tattoo art and paper art for him.

“Paper doesn’t move around. Paper’s nice and flat. It’s tough to get used to working on skin,” said Bergantim. “Other than that, it’s pretty much the same. Just a piece of paper, I have to talk to.”

When Goudie approached Bergantim with the book illustration idea, he was immediately on board. Bergantim has worked on children’s books before, but Island of Gold is the first to get published.

Goudie wrote the story, and wherever there was a spot for an illustration, he gave a description and let Bergantim put his artist’s spin on it.

“The descriptions were pretty specific, but I had some flexibility, obviously. There was a little bit of back and forth at the start, but it was pretty easy,” said Bergantim.

Since reading and writing have always been such a central part of Goudie’s life, finally seeing his work printed was huge.

“It was stressful, it was fun. There’s always a stressful part because you’re hoping things will work out, and sometimes you secondguess yourself and rewrite things, rework chapters,” he said. “Majorly, it was just fun and exciting. To actually envision it and put it down and see it come to life.”

Goudie and Bergantim also shared some words of wisdom for aspiring writers and artists.

“It’s going to suck a lot at first, same thing with drawing, there’s going to be some bad ones at first,” said Bergantim. “You just have to push through it.”

“If you want to be a writer, if you want to write a book, write a script, anything, pursue your dreams. At times, I thought it wouldn’t be possible until I actually put pen to paper, finger to keyboard and made it happen,” said Goudie. “I believe in anyone out there with an idea, I believe they can do it.”

Pirates of the New World: Island of Gold is the first of a trilogy, for both young readers and adults reading to them.

Goudie is also currently working on a western, another genre he enjoys as a fan of history.

The book is available at major retailers such as Indigo and online. To learn more, please visit the publisher at https://books. friesenpress.com

PHOTO: JESSICA SHACKLETON

Ronan Goudie, left, and Lucas Bergantim, right, recently sat down with Beach Metro Community News to talk about their book Pirates of the New World: Island of Gold.

Cardinal inspires author’s children’s book on dealing with family cancer diagnosis

By Julia Sawicki

AFTER HER brother’s cancer diagnosis, Daniela Lockie’s world came to a halt. She was just a little girl, burdened with emotions she didn’t understand, grappling with confusion, fear, anger, sadness, and a strange guilt she couldn’t quite place.

“Some people would ask me if I was OK, and I’d say, ‘Yeah, I’m OK,’ because what do you say as a little kid when you see your loved one going through something so hard?”

There’s no guidebook on how a child should feel when someone they love is sick. That need was what inspired Lockie to create Red: My Northern Cardinal, a self-published children’s book dedicated to the forgotten sibling of a child battling cancer.

The story follows a young girl named Dani, who is watching her brother’s cancer journey, struggling to adjust to the changes within her family.

One night, a little talking cardinal appears outside her window. The bird, named Red, guides her through her family’s journey, helping her navigate the pain and confusion she feels. With the help of Red, she learns that whatever happens, her feelings matter too, and she has the strength and love of her family to help her get through the hard times.

Originally from Peru, Lockie came to Canada for university before settling in the Beach with her husband. Now a mother of two, she faces cancer again, this time with her father’s diagnosis. While looking at her own children, she realized how young she herself was when she felt like she had to be strong.

After years of working in marketing, Lockie decided that she wanted to create the book she wished she had when her brother was sick.

“I needed to do something for the kids, to tell them that if they’re going through something like that, it’s OK to feel everything that they’re feeling,” she said.

The inspiration for Red emerged out of a literal runin with a bird at Tommy Thompson Park. The encounter came at a crucial time after her father was

diagnosed. Lockie was out for a jog when she saw her cardinal for the first time, sparking the inspiration for the story’s feathered sidekick.

“A lot of people say that that’s my bird. When my dad had been diagnosed with cancer, I was thinking I needed a sign that everything’s going to be OK. And then I saw the cardinal,” she explained.

Lockie wrote and illustrated the short story. She said it started out as writing different thoughts, and remembering how she felt during that chapter of her life and the questions she had.

She called the beginning writing process, “like a journal.” Jotting down these ideas became healing for her as well. The negative emotions she pushed aside became crucial as she allowed herself to feel. As a child, Lockie was angry about her brother’s diagnosis and death and “now I have to be angry again.”

But focusing on the positive, on the cardinal, helped her realize that something good could come out of the grief.

“I started thinking that maybe if I transform this, maybe I can feel a little bit better,” said Lockie.

After costs, 100 per cent of

the royalties from Red: My Northern Cardinal, are going towards organizations supporting children with cancer and their families.

Lockie is hoping to help those going through what she and her family experienced, becoming an advocate and voice for the children that need it. The book’s Instagram page (@redthestory) posted a quote, “When a child has cancer, their siblings feel it too.”

That is exactly what Lockie wants to remind readers. Her goal is to create a support tool for parents and kids coping with childhood cancer, finding ways to guide families through discussing these feelings, and processing the complicated emotions as a family.

“While this is something that is happening to a loved one, in a way it’s also happening to the kid. They need to be supported and be free to feel how he or she feels,” she said.

Red: My Northern Cardinal is currently being sold on Amazon, and through the book’s website. Lockie has also published a Spanishlanguage version of the book titled Mi Cardinal Nortino Red

For more information, please visit www.redthestory.com BEACH MUSICIAN, composer, producer and songwriter Mark Battenberg will perform the final concert of his Autumn Trilogy of Music series on Saturday, Oct. 25, at

ensemble of Battenberg’s written and arranged music for guitar, cello, violin, and shakuhachi flute. Tickets are $20 but admission is based on “pay what you can”.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Beach author Daniela Lockie with her book Red: My Northern Cardinal.

PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255

leslierennie@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

ACUPUNCTURE

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van

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Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

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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

Dashwood & Dashwood

Barristers & Solicitors

Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

Snider & DiGregorio

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Family • Wills & Estates

Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca

KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

Janet D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East 416 690-6257 Open Saturdays

CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M. KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.) 416-690-2112 Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.

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

Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium. 647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca

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Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith

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Julienne’s Patisserie wins top honours at CNE’s Cake Decorating contest

By Matthew Stephens

HELD ANNUALLY for the last 146 years, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has become a generational staple for Torontonians and Canadians alike.

In addition to a long list of events and activities, the CNE is also host to a plethora of different competitions – ranging from athletics and the arts to culinary ingenuity.

This year, at the CNE’s first-ever Cake Decorating Competition, local bakery Julienne’s Patisserie (2195 Gerrard St. E.) won first place and the People’s Choice Award for their unique cake design, which was both heartfelt and awe-inspiring.

“The cake’s design was kind of a whole mismatch of things. My grandma worked at the CNE for 21 years and the cafe is named after her – so first and foremost, we wanted to incorporate my grandma, as well as my teammate Rachel’s grandma into the cake design,” said Julienne’s owner and head baker Jessica Lee.

The award-winning cake stood four-feet tall. It was adorned with ribbons, miniature versions of CNE rides and food vendors, old photos of Jessica and her teammate Rachel’s grandmother, and topped off with a bucket of cake-pop fried chicken to symbolize Rachel’s grandmother’s favourite food.

For this year’s competition theme, “unexpected pairings,” Jessica and Rachel focused on a combination of sweet and savoury ingredients.

“We really went hard with the unexpected pairings,” said Lee.

“The second layer, we did a chocolate Coca-Cola, and then we had a corn dog cake, which was a cornbread cake with hotdogs in it and a ketchup buttercream, a honey mustard curd, and then a butter pickle jelly inside.”

Lee found some of the unexpected combinations to be more delicious than she expected, and has since added pairings like the Coca-Cola chocolate cake to the bakery’s selection.

Each layer of the cake was baked at her Gerrard Street East bakery and assembled at the CNE.

The cake was crafted with an overarching mission to celebrate the grandmother who paved the way for Julienne’s Patisserie’s existence.

“It was really a full circle moment to be at the CNE in a place where my grandma

worked, and then to win a competition for something that me and her did when I was growing up,” said Lee.

“It just goes to show her impact. Even though she’s not here anymore, she still has an impact on people.”

Julienne’s is named after Lee’s grandmother, whose legacy and love of baking served as the inspiration behind the vibrant pink cafe.

“She taught me how to bake growing up, and it’s been a forever thing. We always dreamed of opening our own bakery together, it just happened later down the line,” said Lee.

Julienne was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sep-

tember 2021 and passed away in May of 2022.

In her earlier years, Julienne imparted her wisdom and baking skills to Jessica, who would later go on to open the bakery in her grandmother’s name.

For Lee, the CNE win is a tribute to her grandmother’s enduring influence.

“It just goes to show that what you do during the time that you’re here will impact everybody surrounding you – regardless if it’s people that you know or don’t know,” she said.

For more info about Julienne’s Patisserie, visit the website at https://juliennes. ca

PHOTOS: SUBMITTED

Photo above shows the cake made and designed by Julienne’s Patisserie that won first place and the People’s Choice Award at the recent CNE Cake Decorating Competition. Photo below, Julienne’s owner and head baker Jessica Lee with the CNE award.

Bernie

Fletcher

What were police vehicles from Boston and Hudson Springs doing on the not-so-mean streets of Beach neighbourhoods? No worries, they were just prop cars for two new television shows starring Donnie Wahlberg and Patrick Dempsey. While Hollywood stars walked TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) red carpets last month, local crews were busy setting up orange cones in the Beach Triangle for Boston Blue and in the Upper Beach for Memory of a Killer.

Toronto is the great pretender playing everything from small towns to big cities.

The beautiful, old homes in the area around Malvern Collegiate can pass for a sleepy village in upstate New York in Memory of a Killer, a new Fox TV show about a hitman who is dealing with earlyonset Alzheimer’s.

Dempsey, (“McDreamy” on Grey’s Anatomy), plays a family man with a double life who is losing his memory but gaining a conscience. Now his worlds are colliding. Can he outsmart his enemies and save his family before he forgets his past? Watch for filming on Pickering Street, Balsam Avenue and the leafy, heritage street of Lyall Avenue.

Toronto is a go-to place for filming sequels and spin-offs. Boston Blue follows Wahlberg’s detective character from Blue Bloods as he moves from the N.Y.P.D. to Boston Police, but it’s really Toronto streets we see, including Brookmount Road and Gerrard Street East. The new CBS show premieres at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. Wahlberg plays a fish out of water, the new kid on the block so to speak. He has said that “you can’t fake what Boston looks like,”

but similar to Good Will Hunting only a few scenes were filmed in his hometown. Iconic Fenway Park gives way to St. Lawrence Market in the season opener. The show is also a homecoming for co-star Gloria Reuben who grew up in Scarborough.

When Wahlberg goes to the Boston Blue studio, he has to walk through the set of Sheriff Country, a CBS/Global spin-off from Fire Country which debuts the same night of Oct. 17.

Once again Toronto is a chameleon, playing the small town of Edgewater, California where everybody knows each other.

While Fire Country is filmed in Vancouver, the new show shoots in Toronto and Milton because lead actor Morena Baccharin has three young children in New York City and wasn’t willing to make all the long treks to the west coast. There’s “no way that would work”.

If you prefer medical shows, there’s season two of Brilliant Minds (Mondays) and Doc (Tuesdays) which just filmed scenes at Dawes Road Cemetery. These are only a few of the many television series which call Toronto home.

Note: Some might argue that the Beach Triangle and the Upper Beach(es) are not really “the Beach”, but I like to think of the whole area as part of our community. We do have the feel of a small town.

While we’re not really Sheriff Country, we might be called “Dog Country”.

My friend Linda Edwards, a longtime Beach Metro Community News carrier, was kind enough to loan me the book Fifteen Dogs after reading my article on the Glen Stewart Ravine which appeared in the Sept. 9 edition of the paper.

The 2015 Giller Prize-winning novel by Andre Alexis imagines what it would be like if dogs were granted language and human consciousness.

A mutt named Prince writes poetry (no doggerel) and his favourite places are the ravine and lakefront, preferring “the stretch of Toronto bounded by Woodbine, Kingston Road, Victoria Park and Lake Ontario. Dividing his time amongst a number of houses and masters, he had come to think of the Beach as home. He knew it intimately and loved some of its pleasures; for instance going down from Kingston Road into the vegetal secret that was Glen Stewart Park.”

How does a dog see our world? “Prince knew any number of safe paths through his territory: escape routes, shortcuts, diversions. He could—if he had to—sniff his way from Kingston and Main all the way to the bottom of Neville Park, from Kew Beach east and north to where Willow and Balsam meet.” Dogs are all about the sniffing, OK, mostly urine.

So next time you walk through the ravine or stroll along our streets, sand and shore, stop and smell the roses. Breathe in and appreciate the aromas of nature all around us. Maybe not the pee. Woof, woof.

Thank you to Sheila Dunn of the Protect Our Ravines Initiative for her nice letter to the editor in the Sept. 23 paper. It’s uncanny (uncanine-y) that my better half and I walk a Golden Retriever who loves the same route as Prince through the ravine down to the lake.

Beaches Musicfest set for Queen Street East on Sunday afternoons

THE BEACH Starbucks will be hosting the first annual Beaches Musicfest at its Queen Street East location this month and next.

The free music festival will run Sunday afternoons until Nov. 2 and will exclusively feature acoustic-based singer/songwriters from the Beach and East Toronto area. Performances start at 2:30 p.m. Damon de Szegheo, head of Oak Artist

Management and organizer of Beaches Musicfest, said the decision to feature local artists is what sets the event apart from other music festivals in the city.

“The Beaches has always been very supportive of music and culture and is such a special place to live and work. We felt that it is time for the people who live in this community to see what exceptional musical talent is

happening right here,” said de Szegheo in a news release.

Artists performing are sixth generation folk/Canadiana singer Mark Cassidy on Oct. 12; Beach native and Nashville singer-songwriter Kate Gillespie on Oct. 19; indie rock performer Dan Hendrik on Oct. 26; and sharp pop and alternative songstress Sam Casey on Nov. 2. The festival began on Oct. 5 with a

performance by Melanna Orr. All shows will be hosted by award winning singer/songwriter and Beach resident Kristy Hagerman. “We have so much talent here that it’s time they had their own platform to let the community know,” said Hagerman.

The Beach Starbucks is at 1960 Queen St. E. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/beachesmusicfest

PHOTO: BERNIE FLETCHER

A “Hudson Springs New York” police car is parked in a driveway on Lyall Avenue for filming of the Fox TV show Memory of a Killer.

Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope remembered by brother Fred

By Jessica Shackleton

EVERY SEPTEMBER, across Canada, students learn about Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope. Last month, students at Gledhill Junior Public School heard Terry’s story from a very special guest, his older brother, Fred Fox.

Gledhill students and staff greeted Fox with signs and Terry Fox Run T-shirts when he came to visit on Sept. 9. Fred told the students about growing up with Terry and what his legacy means to him and Canadians.

Fred is a year older than Terry, and they have a younger brother and sister named Darrell and Judy. Fred Fox holds the title of Supporter Relations at the Terry Fox Foundation.

Fred said he and Terry did everything together as kids, and Terry was very athletic. Their mother taught them early on to finish what they start. In his first year at Simon Fraser University, Terry was diagnosed with a cancerous osteosarcoma and had his right leg amputated above the knee.

“I was 19 and Terry was 18, and I can honestly tell you, even though we were older teenagers, we had no idea what cancer was. We didn’t know how serious it was, what it meant, what would eventually happen,” he said. “People didn’t talk about cancer in the same way as they do today.”

For Terry, cancer was just another challenge to overcome. Terry was marathon training on his artificial leg, which was meant for walking and not running. Fred remembered Terry told his parents he was planning to run in the Vancouver Marathon, but he had a bigger goal in mind.

“He said, ‘I’ve decided to run across Canada. I want to raise money for cancer research so no one else in the future will have to suffer from a cancer diagnosis,’” said Fred. “Mom was very protective. She told Terry she thought it was a crazy idea.”

When Terry started his run on April 12, 1980, from Outer Cove, Newfoundland, only a few people and local media were there. By the time he reached Ontario, all of Canada knew what he was doing.

“He wasn’t running to become a hero, he wasn’t running

Walk slated to start at Kew Gardens

‘Night’ from Page 1

Toronto. The three-kilometre walk begins and ends at Kew Gardens park on Queen Street East, and will travel through the Beach neighbourhood including Glen Manor Park, Ivan Forrest Gardens and along the Boardwalk.

The Night Light Walk in the Beach is the only one that takes place in Toronto and for the second year in a row is organized by Royal LePage Estate Realty.

Chris Dunlop, who is the Owner and Broker of Record for Royal LePage Estate Realty, said that he is proud his organization is presenting the walk in Toronto and he expects to be doing so for many years to come.

“One hundred per cent it is going to an annual thing,” said Dunlop in an interview with Beach Metro Community News.

Last year’s inaugural walk in the Beach raised more than $56,000 for the two East Toronto shelters, and the goal for this year’s walk is $75,000. Dunlop said after the success of the 2024 walk, there was no question that it would be held again in the Beach.

“We had so much community support and it was a nobrainer that we would be doing it again,” he said.

Dunlop said the walk sees tremendous participation and support from local residents and businesses, and its reach is also beginning to be felt beyond the East Toronto area.

“We have very strong support in this community, but the walk is also starting to get traction in other parts of the city.”

Dunlop said the Night Light Walk is both an opportunity to raise funds in support of Red Door and Nellies, but to also talk about the issue of domestic violence and that it can impact anyone regardless of economic or social status.

“It’s about having conversations about this very real issue in our community, and it’s a chance for people to share experiences at the event,” he said.

The Night Light Walk Toronto will begin at Kew Gardens on Oct. 23 at 6:15 p.m. For information on how to take part, donate, or volunteer to help, please go to www.nightlightwalk. ca and click on the Toronto walk.

Fred Fox, right, is joined by Gledhill Junior Public School students Lucas (Grade 2), and Darko and Kevaun (Grade 5) during a recent visit to the school.

to become famous, he wasn’t running to become rich from what he was doing. None of that stuff mattered,” said Fred. “All that mattered to Terry was that he was making a difference and it would help other people. That’s what kept him going. He ran one step at a time, one telephone pole at a time, one mile at a time.”

Terry’s run was halted near Thunder Bay by cancer returning in September 1980. Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22.

Gledhill is a kindergarten to Grade 5 school and the gym is located in the Terry Fox Community Centre, one of the many buildings named after him across the country. “When I walked in, it was so welcoming, seeing so many Terry Fox Run T-shirts. Those red T-shirts represent the work you guys are doing every year when you raise money for cancer research, that it’s working,” said Fred.

Gledhill has been raising money during the Terry Fox Run for 24 years and has raised more than $101,000 through its participation. Last year, the school raised $10,200. At this year’s run on Sept. 25, Gledhill students and staff raised more than $8,000 with more donations still to come in.

PHOTO: JESSICA SHACKLETON

Beaches Lions Club celebrates 90 years of community service

By Susan Legge

In 1935, a small group of east-end resi-

dents gathered above the Mountain Dew Restaurant on Queen Street East with a simple idea: neighbours helping neighbours.

They called themselves the Toronto Beaches Lions Club, and over nine decades their mix of community spirit, fundraising creativity, and good humour has left an indelible mark on the community and beyond.

From the days of bingo nights at Greenwood Racetrack to the Easter Bunny’s unforgettable helicopter landing on the Boardwalk, and the iconic annual Christmas tree sale which continues to this day, the Lions have always known how to make service feel like celebration.

And while the Easter Parade and Christmas tree sales are their most visible traditions, much of their work has been quieter — building seniors’ housing, collecting eyeglasses for distribution through its recycling program, and supporting countless local charities, schools, sports teams, camps and much more, for almost a century.

That legacy of giving continued at the club’s 90th anniversary gala event on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club, as the Lions presented the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation with a $25,000 donation to help fund the expansion of the Stavro Emergency Department.

“This $25,000 gift, along with the many gifts the Lions have given over the past 12 years, has added up to nearly $100,000,” said Mitze Mourinho, president of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation.

“We are so thrilled and just love this partnership.”

The evening also marked a historic moment for the club as Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford were inducted as members in a traditional candlelight ceremony, receiving the Lions’ iconic yellow vests — a symbol often worn when working in the public at fundraising and community events.

“Well, 90 years … since 1935! Building seniors’ homes … helping people that are the most in need … neighbours helping neighbours, that’s what it’s all about. Character!” said Chow.

Bradford also highlighted the Lions’ impact across generations.

“The Lions do so many things — extra support for seniors, for kids, and of course the Jazz Fest and everything (Lion member) Lido (Chilelli) does to celebrate music and culture. The money always goes right back into our community. Tonight, we’re celebrating a gift to Michael Garron Hospital, an institution near and dear to so many of us.

That’s your service, your time, your talent, your treasure — and that’s why it’s such an honour to be part of an organization like this,” Bradford told attendees at the soldout gala.

Beaches-East York MP Nathaniel ErskineSmith said the Lions’ work often flies under the radar.

“Everyone knows about the Easter Parade, the Christmas trees, and Canada Day, but they also help individuals and organizations in need. Our community simply wouldn’t be the same giving community without them.”

He recalled his own initiation into the club about a decade ago. “I’ve got to be honest — when I was sworn in, I think I was wearing a lei and a Hawaiian shirt. It was a completely different vibe.”

Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon brought her trademark humour to the gala podium, recalling her first Lions meeting.

“We stood in a circle, held hands, and roared three times. I thought, ‘where even am I? This feels like Fred Flintstone’s Water Buffalo Lodge,’” she said.

“This club is so unassuming and behind the scenes. No one really knows everything you do,” she said, adding that the world would be a better place if everyone volunteered like the Lions do.

Many of the club’s members have been local politicians, giving rise to its nickname, “the Mayor’s Club.” Past members include Toronto mayors Hiram McCallum, Bob Saunders, Don Summerville, Art Eggleton, and June Rowlands.

The Sept. 27 also included several awards recognizing long-standing service. Among the honourees was Beach Metro Community News route captain Robert (Bob) Norman, who received the Helen Keller Fellowship Award for his untiring dedication.

A walk through 90 years of history

Club member Summer Nudel led attendees through a video retrospective scripted by immediate past-president Andy Buhot. It detailed the club’s many decades of service, challenges and community milestones.

Here are just a few:

• 1935 – Founded over the Mountain Dew restaurant at 1972A Queen Street East. Twenty-five men stay until 2 a.m., singing, organizing, and setting the tone for the meetings that would come to characterize the club.

• 1935 – Children’s matinee at the Beach Theatre: admission? A tin of food to support “war work and service funds.”

• 1940s – Summer carnivals at Balmy Beach Club become the club’s main annual

event.

• 1948 – A spectacular Christmas celebration at the CNE nearly bankrupts the club after losing $40,000, but community support helps it rebound.

• 1953 – Kew Gardens wading pool opens, complete with a fountain shooting up from the centre inspired by a visit to New York’s Central Park — at a cost of $12,000. The pool’s design was later copied across Toronto and is one of the club’s most enduring projects.

• 1966 – The Beaches Lions Centennial Apartments seniors’ residence at 50 Norway Avenue opens and is given to Metro Housing for $1.

• 1967 – the Easter Parade begins with the Bunny arriving by helicopter on the Boardwalk.

• 1974 – Due to its popularity, the Easter Parade moves to Queen Street East, and the Beaches Lions became its official organizer and sponsor in 1981.

• Late 1960s and 1970s – The club provided seed money for three East End institutions that remain vital today: Community Centre 55, Senior Link, and Beach Metro Community News

• 1983–early 1990s – Giant bingos at Greenwood Racetrack boost membership from eight to nearly 80.

• 1987 – Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Kew Gardens begins, which will resume this year after a hiatus.

• 1989 – First female members join, forming the Lady Lions segment.

• 1991 – Club buys its own clubhouse from the Boy Scouts and renames it the Jonathan Ashbridge Community Centre which can be rented by the public and for community events.

• 2000s – Organizes the local Terry Fox Run for many years and holds an annual walk to raise money for guide dogs, which will happen again this year along with a plant drive.

• 2016 – After more than 25 years in Kew Gardens, the club’s annual Christmas tree sale operations moves to the west of the Donald Summerville pools by Woodbine Beach.

• 2025 – $25,000 donation to Michael Garron Hospital adds to nearly $100,000 given over the past 12 years.

Nine decades later, the TBLC shows that the tradition of neighbours helping neighbours is alive, well, and making a difference. “True to our motto, ‘We Serve,’ we work tirelessly to engage the community and

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The earliest known photo of the Toronto Beaches Lions Club, taken in December 1935 in front of the Beach Theatre on Queen Street East following a children’s matinee. Pictured, from left: Mac Roberts, Jack Dee, Wyn Beckett (uncertain), Reed Cook, Larry Dowden (on truck), Jack Pezzack, Walter Godsoe and Jerry McIlroy; from the right are Scott MacDonald and George Morrell. The club celebrated its 90th anniversary with a gala event on Saturday, Sept. 27.

PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE

Left to right: Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, Michael Garron Hospital Foundation President Mitze Mourinho, Toronto Beaches Lions Club President Maria Dawson, Beaches–East York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Toronto Beaches Lions Club Treasurer Sharon Ramsden, and Beaches–East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon are shown at the club’s 90th anniversary gala, where the Lions presented the foundation with a $25,000 donation to support the expansion of the Stavro Emergency Department. Continued

21

Enriching the lives of others for nine decades

‘Beaches’ from Page 20

strive to enrich the lives of others, albeit with a healthy dose of humour and camaraderie amongst our members,” said TBLC President Maria Dawson in her message in the gala program.

One of the club’s newer members, 32-year-old Daniel Loberto, proves the Lions isn’t just for longtime or older members — younger residents are getting involved too.

After moving to the Beach with his wife Danielle in 2023, he said they were immediately welcomed by a close-knit community of neighbours, which made settling into their new home easy. Since then, they’ve spent plenty of time exploring the Boardwalk, strolling along Queen, and enjoying local dog parks with their new pup, Bones.

“I felt indebted to a Beaches community that both supported my family while providing us with numerous public spaces to enjoy in our free time. It became very important to me to give back to this same community,” said Loberto.

“The Toronto Beaches Lions Club appealed to me because they help reinforce our tightknit community by bringing together neighbours for great causes.”

Later this year, the club plans to host a membership drive and ukulele lessons at The Kingston House.

The Toronto Beaches Lions Club is part of a global network of 49,000 Lions Clubs serving 1.4 million members in 200 countries and regions. According to Lions Clubs International, during 2024–2025, Lions worldwide reported 75,191 service activities, benefiting over 13 million people. For more information about the Toronto Beaches Lions Club visit beacheslions. com

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2128 Queen Street East

Photo at left, kids enjoy opening day at the Toronto Beaches Lions Club–funded wading pool in Kew Gardens in 1953. Built at a cost of $12,000, the community project became a neighbourhood landmark and its iconic design went on to inspire wading pools across the city.

Photo below left, a member of the Toronto Beaches Lions Club collects donations along the Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade route on Queen Street East in this undated photo.

Photo below, Members of the Toronto Beaches Lions Club gather in their signature boat float in front of the Lions clubhouse. The boat, a long-time tradition, makes its annual appearance in the Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade.

The Main Menu

Making the most of the Thanksgiving turkey

properly.

Jan Main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com

EBarbecue Turkey

A barbecued turkey is the way my family always cooks their turkey winter and summer.

Caring For Gardens And Landscapes Since 2000

ach year when we are celebrating Thanksgiving, we give special thanks for this celebratory meal. This year, of all years, with food prices soaring I propose that we give special thanks to turkeys who still provide good quality protein at relatively reasonable prices.

To make the most of your “good buy- the turkey,” I have some tips to make the most of your turkey for a delicious Thanksgiving.

• Protein foods (meat, fish and poultry) have increased in cost the most among groceries. However, turkey, especially a frozen turkey, is a good buy and much less expensive than a fresh, freerange bird. Frozen birds are excellent quality and produce delicious results if defrosted and cooked

• Allow at least 3 days to defrost your bird in the refrigerator on a tray. Once defrosted follow the cooking instructions or for faster results, see the barbecue method below.

• If you can get a frozen utility bird, it is even less expensive and is still excellent quality. The “utility” quality means that perhaps the skin has been torn in one place or the turkey is missing a wing or leg. However, the remaining bird remains excellent quality.

• Buy the biggest turkey you can because it will give you a number of meals both for the celebration but also in the future. Cooked turkey meat freezes well if wrapped properly for up to 8 weeks. It can be used in countless dishes: soups, casseroles or simply for a yummy turkey sandwich.

• Consider cooking your turkey on the barbecue unstuffed as this will free up your oven for vegetable dishes and desserts. Stuffing can be baked in the oven.

• Buy a large, heavy duty disposable foil pan at the dollar store. Wash it before use and place the turkey on a rack in clean foil pan. The best part about this technique is you can throw out the cooking pan once you are finished, and if you wish, without washing!

• Preheat barbecue to medium high.

• Place an inch of water or mixture of water and chicken stock with white wine and bay leaf in bottom of the foil pan. This will ensure that the turkey stays moist during cooking.

• Place turkey on the rack. Squeeze the juice of 1 to 2 lemons on the turkey’s skin.

• Place the used lemon skins inside the bird with a peeled onion but no stuffing. (Stuffing is done separately in a casserole in the oven.)

• Season outside of the bird with salt, pepper and

a sprinkle of dried thyme. Cover carefully with barbecue quality foil, place on rack in pre-heated barbecue and cook about 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 185 F degrees.

• Remove pan with bird to rack and cover and rest at least 10 minutes before carving.

• Carve sufficient meat from bird to serve everyone with enough for second helpings.

• Cover and refrigerate bird to take apart later. Once all meat is removed from bird, save the carcass, cover and refrigerate or freeze for future use. Turkey may be frozen for up to 4 months.

Turkey Stock

After you have enjoyed a turkey meal, you have the makings of a delicious stock. If you don’t feel like making stock immediately, simply break up the carcass, wrap in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months.

Continued on Page 23

Minimalism is the theme of upcoming f8 photo exhibit

THE BEACH-BASED f8 Photography Collective is hosting an exhibition downtown next month.

The local collective is celebrating 17 years of contemporary photography with this show, and the theme is Minimalism.

“Photographic understatement is the order of the day in this exhibit with maximum attention on the main subject of these works. See how each f8 artist brings a minimalist approach to their unique subject matter and ponder the visual impact achieved,” said a news release from the collective.

The exhibit will take place at Youngplace, 180 Shaw St., from Nov. 6 to 21.

Fellow artists, art lovers, and critics are invited to view the exhibit’s must-see photography with a minimalistic approach.

The opening reception will be hosted on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Exhibit times are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photographers from f8 participating in the exhibition are Maureen Littlewood, Catherine MacKinnon, Rod Trider, John Wallace, Lily Markovic, Anthony Schatzky, Selby Shanly, and Natalie Shields. Artists’ recep-

tions will be on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information, please go to www. f8photographycollective.com/f8-Artists.

Applegrove hosts East End Music Fest

THE APPLEGROVE community organization will host the second annual East End Music Fest on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The festival takes place in the sanctuary of the East End Food Hub (Glen Rhodes United Church) at 1470 Gerrard St. E. at 7 p.m.

Featured performers are Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar; Marker Starling and Annika Zee. All of the artists taking part are from East Toronto. There will also be a silent auction of works by local artists as part of the festival. “Celebrate the amazing musical and artistic talents of the east end while supporting community programs,” said the organizers in a news release.

Applegrove is a multi-service community organization based out of the East End Food Hub and Duke of Connaught Public School. Tickets are available by going to https:// applegrovecc.ca/special-projects/east-endmusic-fest/ or at the door.

Turkey soup is a meal in a bowl

‘Making’ from Page 22

You can make the stock anytime then use at your convenience.

Turkey stock is used to make gravy, soup and is the backbone of many dishes.

6 whole cloves

1 onion, peeled

1 turkey carcass broken into pieces

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

6 whole peppercorns

1 bay leaf

1 tsp ( 5 mL) dried thyme leaves

Cold water to cover, about 12 cups (3 L)

Stick cloves in onion.

Place in large stainlesssteel saucepan or stock pot along with turkey carcass, carrots, celery, peppercorns, bay leaf and thyme. Cover with water.

Bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer and simmer 1 ½ hours skimming any froth that rises to the surface.

Set a fine mesh sieve over a large container. Ladle stock into sieve, leaving behind dregs.

Remove meat from carcass and save for another use. Discard bones, vegetables and bay leaf.

Let stock cool. Remove any congealed fat on surface and ladle stock into plastic containers.

Date, label and freeze for up to 4 months. Makes about 12 cups. 3 L.

Turkey Soup

There are some people who enjoy turkey soup more than the turkey dinner! It’s a meal in a bowl!

12 cups (3 L) basic turkey stock

2 carrots, peeled and

chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 leeks, chopped or substitute onions in unavailable 1/2 cup (125 mL) small pasta, rice or barley

2 cups (500 mL chopped turkey meat 1/2 cup (125 mL

chopped fresh parsley

Salt and black pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, combine turkey stock, carrots, celery, onion and pasta.

Bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer covered 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Stir in turkey meat and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately or cool soup and ladle into freezer containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Date and label. Makes about 12 cups (3 L).

Thomas Squance.

Sponsored by:

Karin Schemeit and Larry Williamson

East End Adventure in support of Michael Garron Hospital planned for Saturday, Oct. 18

MICHAEL GARRON Hospital is inviting the neighbourhood to come out for the very first East End Adventure this month. It’s a fundraiser, scavenger hunt, Amazing Race, choose-your-ownadventure style competition that can be done for fun or to win.

Mary Cranston is Vice President, Annual, Events and Operations at the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, and is one of the organizers of the East End Adventure.

Leane Besky,Agent 2243 Queen St E Toronto ON 416-690-7900 leane@leanebesky.com leanebesky.com

“We fundraise to serve our community and serve the folks in the east end and beyond who access our services in the best way possible,” she said. “So when we were thinking about what to do, we really wanted to have something that was accessible for people in the community, both in the hospital and outside the east end.”

Located on Coxwell Avenue, Michael Garron Hospital puts a large focus on mental health and wellness in the East Toronto area it serves and is known as the “hospital with no walls.”

According to a report by the Toronto

Foundation called Vital Signs, Torontonians are less civically engaged, lonelier, and struggling with mental health. Some of the calls to action in the report to help residents overcome these challenges included promoting ways for people to get to know their neighbours.

The Michael Garron Hospital Foundation ran with that idea in coming up with the East End Adventure.

“What we wanted to do was provide an opportunity, create an event for our neighbours to buck the trend of that report. Because it’s a natural tie-in with our focus on wellness and mental health, and we want to be working for and with the community,” said Cranston. “We thought this event would be a good concept.”

In the East End Adventure, participants will get to engage with their community while raising funds for the local hospital. It’s also a chance to show some pride in and help promote neighbourhoods, businesses and places within the community. And participants get to do this at an in-person event with other

residents sharing a common cause.

“People in this neighbourhood, when you walk around, feel real ownership of the place,” said Cranston. “It’s a really neat place.”

Participants in the East End Adventure can expect stops at local businesses, a fire station and a library.

“All sorts of community organizations are involved because we want people to see that it’s not just for Michael Garron, that we all depend on each other in this area,” said Cranston. “It’s the same in all of Toronto, and we want them to feel the connection.”

The East End Adventure is on Saturday, Oct. 18, starting and ending at Monarch Park (115 Felstead Ave.).

The event will include an awards ceremony, barbecue, and festival. The adventure will begin with participants checking in at 10 a.m. and will continue through the day, with prize presentations slated to start at 3 p.m.

To register and for more information, please visit: https://mghf.akaraisin. com/ui/eastendadventure

Sacred fire, smudging ceremony held

‘Ceremony’ from Page 1

munities. Tobacco is always used first and is for connecting with the Creator, spirits and ancestors; cedar is for safety and protection; sage to cleanse and purify spaces during ceremonies and teachings; and sweetgrass is also for purification and protection, but also can create a calming effect when used in a healing circle.

“These medicines are used in everyday life by smudging in ceremony. It is believed that the Creator and the Spirit is attracted to the aroma. Therefore, they allow us to better connect with our Creator, spirits and even our own ancestors. Each medicine has different uses, with unique benefits,” said Theed. Families and guests were

given tobacco wrapped in red cloth to burn in the fire.

The red cloth is to represent the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLQBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG2S+) and the Red Road – representing a spiritual path in Indigenous culture of living life in good faith.

At Tuesday’s event, a smudging ceremony was held before visitors could approach the fire pit.

All of the sacred medicines – white buffalo sage, tobacco, cedar and sweetgrass are mixed together and burned in an abalone shell, and the smoke is smudged onto the visitors before entering the sacred fire area.

While the smudging and the fire ceremony were oc-

curring, a drumming and singing performance was played by two of the volunteer organizers, Michael ‘Thunder Bird’ and Anthony, until the event concluded. Theed spoke about the importance of the ceremony to Beach Metro Community News

“It is to honour their generations, honour their elders, so that they don’t miss out on any of the stories before the elders pass. To talk to them and find their songs, their stories, their food, their cultures, their dances, their clothing. Whatever is their culture, they need to know it and embrace it, and not be afraid of it. Just learn the stories so that they can tell their children’s children,” said Theed.

By David Van Dyke

The Fox Theatre is the oldest continuously operating cinema in Toronto. The movie house was established in 1914, right around the time when Keith Richards first picked up a guitar.

I don’t know any Beach resident who hasn’t watched a movie there. The archival photograph above was taken in 1977. One of the movies displayed on the marquee is W.C. Fields and Me, a comedy made in 1976 starring Rod Steiger. Do you have an old photo of the Fox you’d like to share with our readership? Why not contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com A look back at the Fox in 1977

FORMER LOCAL resident and author

Keith Black will be returning to East Toronto this month to talk about his book BOOM: A Child of the Beach in Toronto Remembers the 50s.

Presented by The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society, the talk will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E.

The book BOOM is about Black’s real-life experiences as a child growing up and living in the Beach during the 1950s. The book provides a nostalgic and detailed

look back into what life was like back then, with childhood games, community cultural events, local landmarks, and historical moments.

Those wishing to learn more about BOOM can go to the Beach Metro Community News website. Type in the search the book’s title to read many of the book’s chapters which were presented online in 2020. For more information on The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society and on Black’s Oct. 15 presentation, please go to www.tbeths.com

NEXT DEADLINE

October 14

Announcement

WEDDING OFFICIANT RITE LIFE

Toronto’s Urban Officiant Wedding Ceremonies & Solemnization 416-834-1696 • ritelife.ca paul.belyea@icloud.com (14r)

Join us for a fun game of Euchre at St. Aidan’s Church 2423 Queen Street East Enter through northeast side door

Tuesdays, Oct. 14 - Dec. 16 • 7-9PM

$5 to play & all proceeds benefit Outreach. Info: 416-691-2222 (14)

Older adults aged 65+ are invited to participate in research at TMU’s Cognitive Aging Lab. Incentives will be provided for participation. Please contact cal@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000 ext. 554987 (14)

Social/Events

East York Trivia Mondays

How trivial can you be? Come test your knowledge and support Family Shed - Veterans Leading Resilience. Where veterans and civilians work on projects should to shoulder. converse@familyshed.ca www.FamilyShed.ca/trivia (17)

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers Needed to deliver BEACH METRO NEWS

Routes available throughout the Beach, Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS melinda@beachmetro.com

Apartment/ Home for Rent

LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call Harding & King R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable. Call now 416-699-9714 x8 www.hardingandking.com

Collectibles

Clair Ave. E. • Hrs: 11-6 Thu-Sat 416-606-7843 / 905-978-0626 stclairantiquestoronto@gmail.com stclairantiques.com (14$ Computer Services ONSITE COMPUTER SERVICES Fast, Reliable,

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE,

AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (14r)

Peter the Handyman

INDOOR / OUTDOOR

General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences

Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252(14e)

BCM Junk Removal

Friendly, Efficient & Affordable ALL Junk & Renovation Debris Light Demo Landscape Cleanup Call anytime! Blake 416 873 0205 (15) MAN WITH PICK-UP TRUCK

For light moves/deliveries, junk removal, cleanups, etc. Efficient. Best rates. 647-806-7620 (14r)

All classified ads may also be viewed at www.beachmetro.com

Cleaning Services

HEALTHY HOME

(19)

RILEYS’ CLEANING SERVICES

A family business since 1956 Tile and Grout Cleaning

We also do Windows and Eaves. 416 421-5758 rileyswindowcleaning.com (r)

(15)

IN CDN AND U.S. TAXES HOME CALLS & PICK-UP SERVICES AVAILABLE EFILE PERSONAL, BUSINESS & CORPORATE 416-699-6641 • tariqabstax@gmail.com angela.abstax@gmail.com BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE 161 Main Street, Toronto M4E 2V9 Serving the Community for Over 40 years (22/26 EXACT TAX SERVICES TIM O’MEARA TAX ACCOUNTANT 416-691-7556

• small Business corPoraTe • Back Filing (14) Expert Bookkeeping, Small business specialists, Strong on QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”. A la carte services. Affordable rates. Antonella 416-464-2766 (18r)

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, dryers, washers, dishwashers, microwaves, heating & air conditioning. Warranty • Credit Cards Accepted • Seniors Discount • Call 416-616-0388 (16e) WASTE PICKUP & DISPOSAL U load, we dump We operate a blue 2020 Dodge pickup and black

Pet Services

Kuri K9 Massage

I am a mobile Certified Canine and Feline Massage Therapist working in the Toronto area since 2013. I offer Swedish massage and other massage therapies and modalities to your fur babies in the comfort of your home.

Phone/Text 416-471-3955 kurik9massage.com (14)

Willow’s Dog Friends

Dog walks • Overnights • Hangouts •

Contact Willow at 647-891-5714

See my work & testimonials on Instagram @ willowsdogfriends (19)

KAIA’S PLACE

DOG BOARDING / DAYCARE & TRAINING

Because Every Pup Deserves a Second Home!

Instagram: @kaias_place18

Facebook: Kaia’s Place 416-699-9291 (14.)

416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (14r)

KLEANCARE CLEANING We offer:

Commercial & Residential

Regular Cleaning Call Erika 647-989-5188 (14r)

HNC HOME SERVICES Window Cleaning, Eavestrough Cleaning, Powerwashing & more 10% promo code: Metro10 www.hnchomeservices.ca 647-568-8698 (15r)

BUBBLES

WINDOW CLEANING

THANKSGIVING SPECIAL! Call us or visit our website today to book. 416.668.0410 info@bubblescleaningservices.com

Humane removal of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES,

Fourth annual Evangeline Walks Thanksgiving fundraiser for Covenant House slated

LESLIEVILLE RESIDENT Evangeline Link will be walking 100 kilometres this Thanksgiving weekend to raise money for Covenant House.

This weekend’s walk will be her fourth year completing the Evangeline Walks trek which starts in Brinbrook (near Hamilton) and finishes up in Toronto.

Link, 13, has been doing the fundraising walk over the Thanksgiving weekend since 2022.

According to the Evangeline Walks website, over the past

three years, the walk has raised $35,000 in support of Covenant House.

This year’s walk takes place from Friday, Oct. 10, through to Thanksgiving Monday on Oct. 13.

Link is inviting others to walk alongside her during this year’s trek. Through her website, supporters can find Link’s route, pick a day, and create their own fundraising page for Covenant House. Link will be wearing a sash showcasing the event’s sponsors to stand out while she does the walk. She

MBX

Master

PAINTING INC.

• Interior & Exterior Painting • Deck & Fence Staining • Stairs Staining

• Drywall & Repairs

Local resident with 20+ yrs experience Rob 647-274-1197 rhanousek@gmail.com (20)

Heather Feather Painting, Design and Wallpaper Installation

Experienced, reliable, and detail-oriented painter & wallpaper installer based in Toronto. Specializing in all styles. 20 years professional experience. Clean work, timely service, and satisfaction guaranteed. Colour consultations available! www.heatherfeather.ca 905-923-0156 (14..)

Plumbers

BEACH PLUMBING

Small Repairs to complete houses

Renovations 416 691-3555

50 years in the Beach (r)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING

Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (14r)

TOM DAY Plumbing & Drains

All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622 24 hr. - lic# P1624 (14.r)

MASTER PLUMBER PLUMBER CONTRACTOR

Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94

George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872 (14r)

Marc The Plumber

Master Plumber • Lic. & Ins. Complete Bathrooms Small Repairs Renovations 416-456-9999 Follow on Facebook (14x5)

Electricians

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Fault Finding EV Charger Wiring & Install Service Upgrades Potlights & Lighting GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC DECLAN O’MEARA 416-875-5781 ESA LIC# 7002668 (1/26)

CEJA ELECTRIC

ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069 MAstEr ElECtriCiAn insurEd CARL 647-787-5818 (r) MASTER

(14r)

VanDeursen Construction & Fine Carpentry

Certified carpenter with 10+ yrs exp.

the Beach. Fully insured &WSIB. Contracting service specializing in finish carpentry, home remodeling/additions, drywall/ plastering, decks/fences. And much more. Free estimates • 647 888 4805 mvdcontracting@gmail.com (14)

GREAT WOOD SOLUTIONS • Renovations • Carpentry Your Project is our Passion 647-207-0124 patrick@greatwoodsolutions.com (19)

maTThew Tormey Design & wooDworking Beautifully designed and lovingly built custom cabinets. Over 20 years in business. 416 356-3056 matthewtormey@rogers.com www.matthewtormey.ca (15)

Repair, Stain & Build Call or Text 647-463-3436 (16)

TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.

Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach over 20 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (15r)

ROOFING, REPAIRS DUN-RITE

Shingles, Flats, Eavestroughs Fascia & Soffit Chimney tuck pointing 15% off for Seniors • All work guaranteed 647-857-5656 (15r)

J. BROW ROOFING

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Cell: 416-788-9020 Lic# B16393 (14.) CITYWIDE

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Beach Co Roofing

Your neighborhood flat roofing specialist. 647-309-8056 (14r)

SMALL ROOFING JOBS REPAIRS EAVESTROUGH CLEANING & FIXING • YARD CLEANUP No Money Up Front NEWFIE TONY 647-462-3556 (15)

NEXT DEADLINE

October 14

Masonry

BEACHES BLUFFS MASONRY

Brick • Block • Concrete • Stone www.beachesbluffs.com beachesbluffs@gmail.com 416-988-2589 (14.r)

BRICK SPECIALIST

Masonry & brickwork. Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block. scotstonecontracting@gmail.com www.scotstonecontracting.ca Call Scott 416.858.2452 (14..)

will also be giving out flyers to share information about her mission with Covenant House and about the sponsors. She aims to raise $15,000 during this year’s walk. However, with additional people joining her and creating their own fundraising sites, she hopes the total can reach $20,000.

Covenant House is the largest agency in Canada serving atrisk youth, including those that are unhoused or trafficked. For more information on Evangeline Walks, or to make a donation, please visit https://evangelinewalks.ca

JDB MASONRY

• Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca 416-738-2119 (14r)

YORK MASONRY

S pecializing in: - Chimneys - Tuck-pointing - Brick/block repair - Patios Serving the Beaches for over a decade. Adam 416-895-1186 yorkmasonry@gmail.com yorkmasonry.com (14.e)

Trades

HANDYMAN

Roofing & Aluminum

An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches www.laniganscontracting.ca 416-569-2181 (r)

ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION! Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus: 416-910-8033 (14r)

GEORGE’S MASONRY AND STONEWORKS Flagstone patios • Retaining walls • Porches brickworks • Masonry restoration • Fireplaces rebuild Cell: 647 - 280 - 1827 wonderstone1004@gmail. com 19)

OTTO’S MASONRY Your neighbour for over 45 yrs!! Chimneys.Brickwork.Interlock Pavers Concrete.Porches.Stone To BOOK NOW Call: 416 467 1717 Email: info@ottosmasonry.ca Website: www.ottosmasonry.ca (15)