Hair of the Dog Run set for New Year’s Day
By Aunalya Turner
THE BALMY Beach Canoe Club’s annual Hair of the Dog Run is set to welcome 2025 on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Start time to register on site will be 11 a.m. on the Boardwalk at the south side of the Balmy Beach Club, 360 Lake Front.
The Hair of the Dog Run, a local tradition, will celebrate its 43rd edition in 2025. The run first took place in 1980 and the event has become a New Year’s Day tradition for many local residents.
All funds raised at the Hair of the Dog Run go to support programs at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. The event is open to serious runners, walkers, adults, children and entire families. Participants have the option of doing either a threekilometre walk or a nine-kilometre run. The walk starts at 11:30 a.m. and the run at noon. To register, go to www.balmybeachcanoe.com/ event-details/2025-hair-of-the-dogrun
Zoning approved for building near Woodbine and Lake Shore Blvd.
By Amarachi Amadike
THE PROPERTY at 73-83 Woodbine Ave. and 3 Buller Ave. (right at the foot of Woodbine just east of the Donald D. Summerville pools) just moved one step closer to construction as the City of Toronto recently passed a zoning bylaw amendment to approve the project.
The Woodbine and Buller avenues development is expected to be a six-storey apartment building
Continued on Page 18
Donations, volunteers needed as Centre 55’s Share A Christmas Program enters final stage
By Amarachi Amadike
CENTRE 55’S 43rd annual Share A
Christmas Program is in full swing.
With the help of neighbourhood residents, local organizations, schools and various community groups, the program has once again found it possible to provide Christmas joy to families that would have otherwise been unable to participate in this year’s festivities.
“Year after year the demand gets bigger and bigger, but somehow we’re able to meet that demand year in and year out,” said Centre 55 Executive Director Reza Khoshdel. “And that’s not possible without all the help and support we get from people in the community.
Last Christmas, Khoshdel told
Beach Metro Community News that the program saw a 30 per cent increase in participants from the previous year as Centre 55 provided assistance to more than 5,300 people.
With the city still feeling economic tremors, he said that this year has seen a similar increase.
“The need this year is even greater than last,” said Khoshdel. “We need all the support that we can get.”
Along with a need for volunteer help, Centre 55 is seeking monetary donations that will go towards gift cards and toys for participating families.
“Any way people can lend a helping hand is greatly appreciated,” said Khoshdel. “The vast majority
of people in our program are getting those gift cards, so everything that we raise is going towards those gift cards – dollar for dollar.”
The program provides grocery gift cards for families as well as toys for children which will be delivered to homes within the operation’s boundaries – north of Lake Ontario, south of Danforth Avenue, east of Coxwell Avenue, and west of Victoria Park Avenue.
However, through the Emergency Toy Program, people living outside these boundaries can still share in the experience, although limited to toys for children 12 years old and younger. “Throughout the years we’ve seen an increase in demand for toys, so that evolved into our Emergency Toy Program,”
said Khoshdel. “People outside the (boundaries) are able to possibly get toys if we have enough at the end of our (Share A Christmas] drive.”
Although much emphasis is put on making Christmas memorable for young participants, the program also caters to households without children, providing access to grocery gift cards by those registered in the program that can be picked up from Centre 55.
To make all this possible, however, community support is vital.
“Some people aren’t able to help financially but they’re definitely able to lend a helping hand,” said Khoshdel. “In whatever capacity people can help, they all chip in and
Continued on Page 21
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Hamper the Reindeer is joined by Centre 55 Office
Manager Paula Pimpao, left, and Centre 55 Executive Director Reza Khoshdel at the Cram the Van event for the Share A Christmas Program on Saturday morning.
Despite some cold windy weather, a big crowd came out for the Santa in the Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting celebration at Kew Gardens park on Saturday, Nov. 30. The event was presented by The Beach BIA and local realtor Shea Warrington’s Shea Sells Boutique. Photo at right, Shea Warrington, left, joins Finn and Gideon, both age 4, and Danielle and Hailey, as they visit with Santa Claus at the event. Photo middle left, the crowd admires the lit tree at the entrance to Kew Gardens on Queen Street East. Photo middle right, Luke and Margot, both age 2, meet with Frosty the Snowman and Elsa from Frozen. Photo at bottom right, carollers sing at Kew Gardens.
PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON
Real Estate Homeward 416-786-4603 sandra.bussin1@gmail.com
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The Belgian Chocolate Shop celebrates 40 years in the Beach
THE BELGIAN Chocolate Shop on Queen Street East in the Beach will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this week.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, the shop located at 2455 Queen St. E. will start a ‘Golden Ticket’ event to mark the special occasion. The Belgian Chocolate Shop has been a family-run business in the Beach since it first opened at Queen Street East and Elmer Avenue in 1984.
The shop was started by Patricia Cohrs and her husband Eric, and when they decided to call it The Belgian Chocolate Shop it was because they were both indeed recent immigrants to Canada from Belgium and had a long association with that country’s chocolate making tradition.
“I’m as Belgian as it gets. I’m the real thing,” said Patricia. “We are the original and true Belgian chocolates here in the Beach.”
Everything at the shop is hand-made and crafted by a “real” Belgian, she said. During some past holiday rushes, Patricia’s sisters would
even fly over from Belgium to help with the making of the chocolates.
She and her husband were both born in Brussels, and had known each other as young children. In 1982, Patricia came to Canada and Eric joined her shortly afterwards.
Patricia lived and worked in Vancouver when she first came to Canada, but by December of 1984 she and Eric were ready to open The Belgian Chocolate Shop.
“We were thinking Quebec, but when we came to the Beach we knew this would be home,” said Patricia.
For the first five years, the shop was at Queen and Elmer but moved east in 1989 after the rent was increased by 400 per cent. For the past 35 years, The Belgian Chocolate Shop has been on the south side of Queen Street East just east of Munro Park Avenue. “We were afraid we would lose a lot of customers when we made the move, but it was only affordable at that far east end of Queen, and people followed us here,” said Patricia.
She mentioned the recent closure of Beach Fish House further west along Queen Street East (that closed last month after the owners said they had been presented with a large rent increase), and said the issue of high rents has been a challenge for local business owners for decades. “The thing is with the rents, it’s not a new phenomenon around here,” said Patricia.
She and her husband bought the building where The Belgian Chocolate Shop is now located and lived
above the store with their children Sylvie and Maithieu. Patricia and Eric later bought a house in the neighbourhood, but family members still live above the shop and share in the businesses’ ownership.
Eric died in 2007, which was a hard time for the family, but they have continued to run the shop, said Patricia. That year and dealing with COVID-19 were the two biggest challenges the business faced, she said.
Along with the support of the community, Patricia said the staff at The Belgian Chocolate Shop have helped make the shop a Beach institution. Leonie has been with the shop for 25 years and Karen for six.
The Golden Ticket event starts Dec. 12 and continues to Dec. 24. The first 100 customers each of those days will receive a chocolate coin with purchases of $12 or more, and each day one of those coins will also contain a Golden Ticket to win a “surprise gift” of chocolates.
For more details, go to https://belgianchocolate.info
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Patricia Cohrs at The Belgian Chocolate Shop.
Beach Dental Care
Gerry DeClute lived a life rooted in the Beach and built on community
By Susan Legge
GERALD (GERRY) De-
Clute, a lifelong Beach resident and East Toronto real estate broker for 43 years, passed away last month at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of deep community ties, kindness, and dedication to those around him.
Born and raised in the heart of the Beach, Gerry’s life was a testament to hard work, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the people and neighbourhood he called home.
Gerry’s family has longstanding ties to the Beach. After his father passed away, six-year-old Gerry moved with his mother to his grandparents’ variety store at Queen Street East and Kingston Road, where they had lived for many years.
“He grew up here, and loved the east and the city,” said his wife, Dorothy DeClute.
Gerry attended Norway Public School and Danforth Technical Institute. At 14, he worked at a gas station at Fallingbrook and Kingston roads, driving tow trucks and fueling his passion for racing and building stock cars with his brother Warren.
Gerry’s career in real estate was shaped early on by helping his mother with her property ventures. Alongside his brother, they supported her by doing home maintenance and repairs in a rooming house in the Beach that she took over when she became a widow,
gaining firsthand experience in the industry.
Inspired by his mother’s enterprising spirit in property management, Gerry earned his real estate license in 1973, said his daughter Rochelle DeClute.
His real estate career began at several Beach-area brokerages, including Gregory Real Estate and Family Trust, before he joined Re/ Max Hallmark in the late 1990s. In 2011, his son Rick and Rochelle founded DeClute Real Estate, now operating under the Union Realty Brokerage banner.
Gerry’s approach to real estate was shaped by his genuine care for people, said Dorothy. He was known for his honesty, often advising clients against selling if it wasn’t in their best interest.
“‘No deal is a good deal if the client isn’t happy,’ he would say,” said Dorothy, and it was a philosophy that endeared him to both clients and colleagues.
Gerry’s generosity wasn’t confined to his work. His home was a revolving door of kindness, where family, friends, and even strangers found a place at the table — especially during the holidays, said Rick. You never knew who would be there for Christmas dinner, his family fondly recalls.
He often opened his home to those who needed a place to stay, including hosting visiting rugby players, and he always ensured no one felt left out.
An avid sportsman, Gerry played and coached hockey
Whether it was baseball, hockey, or rugby, Gerry was a steadfast supporter of local athletics.
Coaching hockey held a special significance for Gerry, though continuing with it wasn’t always easy after the death of his son, Randy.
“We had a brother who passed away when he was six, and our dad had been coaching him in hockey and was quite involved,” said Rochelle.
Continued on Page 5 and later rugby, forming the Toronto Area Rugby Touring Sides (TARTS) with his friends. His passion for the game extended to coaching local teams and sponsoring youth sports in the area.
Gerry generously sup-
ported Beaches minor league sports teams, schools, Community Centre 55, the Beaches Lions Club, the Kinsman Club, and Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) where he was born and passed away.
He was also a mentor to many young people in the community, both professionally and personally.
Gerry also cherished driving the Easter Bunny in his vintage T-Bird during the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade, a long-standing tradition proudly supported by DeClute Real Estate for decades.
His mentorship extended
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Gerry DeClute is seen driving the Easter Bunny along Queen Street East in this family photo taken at the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade.
Riverdale Co-op celebrates completion of affordable housing building on Queen
By Amarachi Amadike
THE CITY of Toronto and Riverdale Co-operative Houses (Riverdale Co-op) officially announced the completion of an affordable housing project at 685 Queen St. E. late last month.
The redevelopment project transformed a nine-unit site into a complex with 26 affordable rental housing units. Receiving more than $8 million in municipal funding and financial incentives such as the waiving of development fees, charges and property taxes, the newly developed building comprises studio, one-bedroom, twobedroom and three-bedroom self-contained units.
The building’s developers put emphasis on prioritizing returning residents and existing Riverdale Co-op members needing accessible units by adding six universally accessible units to the project, as well as 10 barrierfree units. This is Riverdale Co-op’s first fully accessible
building, equipped, for the first time, with an elevator.
“I’m so very happy the new Riverdale Co-op housing is complete, bringing more affordable and accessible co-operative housing to Toronto-Danforth,” said Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher in a city news release announcing the building’s completion on Nov. 22. “I have worked for many years to get the approvals and funding to get this great project across the finish line.”
Riverdale Co-op’s funding agreement with the City of Toronto ensures that the building will be operated as an affordable housing project in perpetuity.
According to the city’s news release, rent for these units is set at 80 per cent of the Average Market Rent (AMR) and will remain so for a 99-year affordability period.
Although, during construction, emphasis was put into residents with disabili-
ties, the city also mandated that five of the units be reserved for artists – a move which Fletcher said will “add even more vitality to the neighbourhood.”
“A big welcome home to the residents of Riverdale Co-op who are moving back into their beautiful new building. And a big welcome to Riverside to all the new residents who will be moving in,” she said.
The building’s journey began in 1904 as a two-and-halfstorey house, on the south side of Queen Street East just west of Broadview Avenue. Since then, the structure has experienced multiple expansions while keeping its original structure.
The latest expansion, however, introduced amenities for modern needs such as a rooftop patio, community room with kitchenette, a laundry room, and bicycle storage space. For more info, go to https://riverdalecoop. ca/685-queen-redevelopment/
A mentor to many in the real estate industry
‘Gerry’ from Page 4 to many in the real estate industry, where he emphasized listening and building relationships over making sales.
“The one thing that really struck me when I was talking to (local realtor) Brent Crawford,” said Dorothy. “He said ‘Gerry realized I was just a kid and needed to take me under his wing.’”
Despite his many accomplishments, Gerry’s proudest role was that of a family man. Married to Dorothy for 37 years, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and animal lover.
Whether it was teaching his grandchildren to divebomb in the pool, sharing fried pickles in Florida, or helping with school events and sports, Gerry’s presence was felt in countless special
moments.
In his later years, Gerry faced health challenges, including Parkinson’s, but he remained positive to the very end, said Dorothy.
“If you asked how he was right up to his last week of life, he’d say, ‘I’m great, I’m perfect, how are you?’” she said.
Gerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy; his four children, Rochelle DeClute (Patrick Devine), Rick DeClute (Kelly Cook), Alicia Thurston (Mike Holownych), and Ford Thurston (Sarah Stemmler); 11 grandchildren: Ryan, Tyler, Janine, Patrick, Keisha, Keighen, Makaela, Emalee, Taylor, Lex, and Olivia; and four great-grandchildren: Finn, Leo, Jack, and Noah.
He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, June Haynes and Joan Sutton; his broth-
er-in-law, Don George; and many nieces and nephews.
Gerry was predeceased by his son, Randy; his brother, Warren DeClute; his sister, Dorthea DeClute; and his brothers-in-law, Milton Fice, Dave Haynes, and Bob Sutton.
A celebration of Gerry’s life was held on Dec. 5 at the Balmy Beach Club, a place close to his heart and within walking distance of nearly every home he lived in.
The family would like to thank the PSWs and caregivers at Providence Villa Adult Day program where Gerry attended for the past 20 months.
In honour of Gerry’s life, they ask that you share a random act of kindness or a donation in Gerry’s name to Providence Villa Adult Day Program by visiting http:// bit.ly/3CYPXaL.
Many fond memories, but it’s time to say goodbye
AmArAchi AmAdike
In My Opinion
A Letter To The Beach:
Driving west, meandering through the mountainous roads that tie Ontario municipalities together, it’s almost impossible to focus on anything other than the vast nature of this land.
Although during this journey I was a slave to Planet Fitness locations that I could shower in – because, let’s face it, there’s no way I was staying at hotels in this economy – I was perfectly happy to be guided down a path that introduced me to the empty skylines that hovered above Lake Huron.
“This place is so beautiful, and big,” I must’ve repeated at least 20 times during a five-day journey.
Subsequently, I was in awe at
Lake Superior’s revelation as my car dragged itself up the hills littered between Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay.
All I could think, each time the world opened up before my eyes, was that “this lake was perfectly named.” It was superior to anything I’d seen.
But with each turn came the awareness that I was inching further, and further, away from a place I’ve called home for so many years.
The last three years – years in which I’ve been associated with Beach Metro Community News –brought me a plethora of knowledge surrounding the intricate system that keeps this province functioning.
However, nothing, I thought as I drove with that lake as my passenger, teaches one about the land. This must be experienced.
It dawned on me that I have so much to learn.
SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH
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Letters to the Editor
Compromise
So often, I’ve reported on issues from a perspective that served Toronto. But speaking to strangers at local coffee shops and convenience stores in small towns across the province, I got a first-hand education of the needs of individuals who reside outside Canada’s most populous city.
I fell in love with the rest of the province. Ironically, this happened as I departed.
Come the following evening, I expected to be parked somewhere in Winnipeg, desperate for a shower from the nearest Planet Fitness before returning to the road.
But first, I needed to survive the unexpected Thunder Bay traffic that my fatigued brain was illequipped for after having become so well acquainted with the freedoms of an open road.
The traffic, however, reminded me of my many trips to the Beach Metro Community News office on bustling Gerrard Street East.
Here, through the countless stories shared with me by community members, I learned about what it really means to be a Torontonian. The joys, the plights.
Now, it’s time to broaden my perspective as a Canadian.
My time at Beach Metro Community News has now reached its end, but I’m proud to have had the opportunity to report on local issues which awakened me to the complexities of Toronto politics.
I’ve carried this experience across Canada with me, like a badge of honour.
And as I continue on my journey, learning about the various lives lived in other parts of this land, I feel eager to compare my findings with methods practised in Toronto with an aim of continuing my duties as a public servant – seeking information, clarity, even from afar.
That being said, it’s time to say goodbye.
During my time as an honorary Beacher, I’ve garnered nothing but fond memories. I was only accused of being an agent for Justin Trudeau one time. That’s pretty good.
The accusation, coming courtesy of a skeptical commenter, was due to the fact that I was hired as a reporter under the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) program – a federally funded initiative from which Beach Metro Community News was not included in during the last round of approvals.
Although I’m not privy to the reasoning behind the LJI denying funding for such a locally important paper, I have hope that, long after I’m gone, local residents will continue to fight for Beach Metro Community News’ survival, just as they have done for so many years before my time here as a reporter.
is needed if we are serious about both the safety of cyclists and public transit
Re: ‘Councillors hold opposing views on removal of some bike lanes’, News, Beach Metro Community News, Nov. 26. I have read with interest the many comments about Bill 212 and the removal of some bike lanes. I also noticed that our Beaches-East York Councillor (Brad Bradford) did not support our Mayor’s motion to oppose the provincial government’s recent removal of three lanes.
If you did and if you looked north, you would see the single column of traffic backed up with at least two full buses packed with people trying to get home. All of which occurs next to an empty bike lane.
Bradford was right to vote the way he did because this issue is not simply a question of whether you do or do not have bike lanes.
What is needed is a compromise, a real solution if we are serious about the long-term safety of cyclists as well
Perhaps the reason for our Councillor’s action is because he, as an avid cycling person, has stood at the corner of Gerrard Street East and Woodbine Avenue on any given weekday at 6 p.m.
as the importance of reliable and fast public transit.
Reducing road capacity is not the solution. Especially when you are advocating for more housing and a greater population as our Mayor is doing every day.
If you need bike lanes (and we do) then build them properly WITHOUT reducing road capacity.
Yes, that can be done, it may cost more but in the long run it is a much better solution. Let’s start with Woodbine here in our area.
Tom Jakobek
Following my letter in Beach Metro Community News on Nov. 12 there have been two developments.
1. In the same issue, an In My Opinion column by BeachesEast York Councillor Brad Bradford said the developer was disrespectful to the City of Toronto by wishing to amend the application for the Foodland (Queen and Lee) plan. Among the changes considered, this would add three visitor parking spaces. While three visitor parking spaces would hardly be enough for the expanded supermarket and the 60 condominiums, Bradford voted in favour of the application with no visitor parking.
Sincerely, Amarachi
By Susan Legge
LAST MONTH, the Balmy Beach Club played host to a truly unforgettable night of fundraising for Beach Metro Community News welcoming actors Thomas Craig, known for his portrayal of Inspector Brackenreid on Murdoch Mysteries, and fellow series actors, Peter Keleghan, Lachlan Murdoch and Merle Newell.
The evening which was emceed by CBC journalist Mark Kelley, and aptly titled An Evening with Inspector Brackenreid, not only sold out in less than a week but also marked a significant milestone for us — it was our first major event in a very long time. Thanks to the help of our staff, our volunteer board of directors, plus the amazing team at the Balmy Beach Club who graciously hosted the evening for us, we raised more than $8,000.
The highlight of the evening was, of course, getting to watch the holiday episode of Murdoch Mysteries and the Q&A with the actors on Murdoch Mysteries. After the show, Craig charmed the crowd with behind-the-scenes stories and his wit, and there were plenty of questions for the actors plus a round of trivia questions, along with a silent auction. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and to our silent auction sponsors, Re/Max Hallmark on Queen Street East; Marcia and Tim Doyle; Mourguet in The Beach, and Thomas Craig, whose auction item was a VIP Set Tour for Two that he led himself.
Continued on Page 13
PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE
CBC journalist Mark Kelley, who emceed the evening, is joined by a few cast members from Murdoch Mysteries’ holiday episode.
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Detective Murdoch series author Maureen Jennings, left, and actor Leah Pinsent at the Beach Metro fundraiser.
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
From left to right: Actor Leah Pinsent; Beach Metro Volunteer Board Member Mary Beth Denomy; Murdoch Mysteries guest star Merle Newell who plays Amanda; Lachlan Murdoch, who portrays Constable Henry Higgins; Detective Murdoch series author Maureen Jennings; actors Peter Keleghan (Terrence Myers) and Thomas Craig (Inspector Brackenreid); CBC journalist Mark Kelley; Beach Metro’s Susan Legge; and Balmy Beach Club General Manager Lisa Lamb, all gathered at the Beach Metro fundraiser.
CLIFFSIDE
Community Calendar
DEC. 10: Carolling in the Park at Glen Stewart Park, Queen St. E. and Glen Manor Dr. (south of the bridge), 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sing along with the Salvation Army Band and choirs. Special visitor and refreshments. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Donations can be made at www. scarboroughcitadel.ca. Info: David Breech 416-578-0656
DEC. 11: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) presents author and historian David McPherson, talking about his book “Massey Hall”, at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Admission is free. Info: www.tbeths.com
DEC. 12: Danforth Village Children’s Choir Christmas Concert at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave., 5-5:30 p.m. Admission free. Info: hopeunitedchurch@gmail.com, 416-691-9682
DEC. 12: Memory Boost Workshop for Seniors at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 1 p.m. Learn some easy to apply techniques to sharpen your skills and confidence! $10 + HST. Register at beachessandbox.com
DEC. 12: A Senior Moment luncheon for ladies at Vi Vetha Bistro, 2485 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. Ladies with Christmas and Hanukkah around the corner, more than a raffle is planned. R.S.V.P. a must, please text 647-829-8042 to join us. Only 35 can attend.
DEC. 13: Tot Holiday Pajama Party at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 10 a.m. Little ones and their caregivers are warmly invited to this joyful holiday party! Crafts, cookie decorating, story time, and free play—plus, maybe even a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Pay-What-You-Can. Register at beachessandbox.com
DEC. 13: Seniors Holiday Party Extravaganza at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 1 p.m. Celebrate the season with a potluck lunch, festive ukulele performance by the talented Seniors Ukulele Program, a holiday craft session and more! Register at beachessandbox.com
DEC. 14: Scarborough Harmony Chorus presents “Voices of Joy” at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd., 7 p.m. An evening concert of popular and holiday music. Doors open at 6 p.m. for craft and bake sale. Toiletries drive in support of local shelters. Tickets $25 online at ticketstripe.com/shc2024 or at the door (14 years and under free). SHC is a non-profit, women’s community chorus singing a cappella music in four-part harmony. More info: www.scarboroughharmonychorus.com
DEC. 14: Pancake Breakfast with Santa and his Elves at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Adults $8, children $6, family of 6 $30. Advance tickets: 416-421-6878 ext. 21 DEC 14: Holiday Jazz & Reflection with Joe Sealy, Paul Novotny and Special Guest Heather Bambrick at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Performing songs off their recent Christmas release, ‘The Man in the Red Suit’, as well as well-known holiday classics, this is not a concert you’ll want to miss! Pay-what-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
DEC. 14: St. Nicolas Family Party at St. John The Compassionate Mission, 155 Broadview Ave., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nativity play with live animals!! Live music, pageantry and gifts for children. Lots of food! Info: 416-466-1357, info@stjohnsmision.org
DEC. 15: Breakfast with Santa at Royal Canadian Legion Branches 11 & 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave., 10 a.m. until noon, last seating at 11:30 a.m. Pancakes, Bacon or Sausages, coffee or tea Adults, juice for kids all for $5 (this is not an all you can eat buffet). Prizes for best Ugly Christmas Sweater, picture with Santa. For $1 guess how many candies in the jar - exact or closest will win the Jar! Candy canes for all the children!! Draws done at 11:30 a.m. DEC. 20: Winter Solstice Concert ‘Love beneath the Moon’, written by Mark Battenberg, at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, 43 Kimberley Ave., 7:30 p.m. Featuring guitarist/composer Battenberg, Shakuhachi Master Debbie Danbrook, violinist Shay Steinberg and cellist Cheryl Ockrant. Admission is free. Please bring a food donation for the community pantry.
DEC. 21: Holiday Organ Concert with David Simon at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Let the majestic sound of our organ wash over you and fill you with the spirit of the Holiday season at this ‘not-to-bemissed’ Christmas concert with organist David Simon. Pay-what-you-can. More info: beachunitedchurch.com
DEC. 22: Community Carol Sing and Bake Sale at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 1:305:30 p.m. Bake sale starts at 1:30 p.m. Carol singing starts at 2 p.m. For a $10 fee, select one of the songs to be sung. See website for Carol Selection Form. Painted tiles from our old roof will be available for sale – all proceeds to KRUC. Info: www.kruc.ca, 416-699-6091
DEC. 22: Dramatic Reading of Dylan Thomas’ ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Dr., 3:30-5:30 p.m. Featuring Tom Allen and a stellar line up of readers and musicians. This charitable fundraising event will support Grace Pascoe Food Bank. Refreshments and snacks also included. Tickets are $25. Cash at the door. Tickets/info: office@beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871
DEC. 24: Christmas Eve Carol Service at Danforth Gospel Hall, 2237 Danforth Ave., 9-10:30 p.m. Join us in Christmas Eve as we sing Carols and celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. All are welcome and no collection is taken. Info: www.danforthgospelhall.ca
first visit and annually thereafter. Time slots are handed out and clients are encouraged to arrive at the food bank the time slot they have selected. Info: 416-690-5169
GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Dec. 14, 21 & 28: Chess Club, 1-4 p.m. Drop in for a few games of chess in a casual and welcoming environment. Every Saturday. For all ages. •Dec. 23: Holiday Sing-Along, 2-3 p.m. We’ll sing mostly Christmas carols, with a few other favourites thrown in. For all ages. Please register: 416-393-7718. •Dec. 27: Hanukkah Crafts, 2-3 p.m. Listen to a story and make a variety of Hanukkah crafts. For children and for children-atheart. All ages welcome. Drop-in. Info: 416-393-7717
BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. 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 INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP
LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays –alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), Dec. 10, Jan. 7; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Dec. 17, 31, Jan. 14 •Wednesdays (including Jan. 1) at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.), •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). No lunch Dec. 24, 25, Feb 17, April 9, 16, 21. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869
THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. •Dec. 14: Advent Lessons and Carols service, 4 p.m. •Christmas Eve services: 4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. •Christmas Day service, 10:30 a.m. All are welcome at any of our holiday or weekly worship services. On Sundays, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com or 416-691-2222
JAN. 1: Hair of the Dog Run along the boardwalk at the Balmy Beach Club. Walk starts at 11:30 a.m., run at 12 noon. All funds raised support programs at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. See story page 1. Info: www.balmybeachcanoe.com/event-details/2025-hair-of-the-dog-run FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., is open from 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for members in their household on their
BEACH UNITED CHURCH invites you to share in worship with us each week, led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and acting minister Rev. Daniel Benson. •Dec. 21: Christmas Services, 7:30 p.m. for Longest Night of the Year, as we mark the winter solstice in candlelight and song •Dec. 22: Christmas Cantata with the Beach United Choir, 10:30 a.m. •Dec. 24: Family Christmas Eve service, with the Beach United Choir, 4 p.m., and at 10 p.m. for Candlelight & Carols Christmas Eve with Communion •Dec. 29: Holiday sing-a-long, muffins, cider & more, 10:30 a.m.. Our building is fully accessible. Info: beachunitedchurch.com FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for worship on Sundays for Advent and Christmas at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Fallingbrook is an affirming congregation and is accessible by a lift. Please join us for our special Advent and Christmas Services. •Dec. 15 – Lessons & Carols with the Fallingbrook Choir an Advent Potluck and Carol Sing to follow •Dec. 21 – Blue Christmas Service, 7 p.m. – a time to reflect on the Longest Night of the Year and to remember loved ones who have passed. A gentle reminder that we are not alone. •Dec. 24 Christmas Eve, 7 p.m. A family friendly service of carols, scriptures and candlelight. Info: fboffice@rogers. com, 416-699-3084, fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com. Easy access by TTC from the Victoria Park subway. BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach with strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m. Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. Spreading hope, peace, love and joy and blessings to all this holy season, “For unto us a child is born . . .” Advent Day of Confession: Wed. Dec. 18, 6-7 pm, also avail. 3:45-4:15 pm every Saturday. Christmas/New Year Schedule: Celebrant and Homilist: Fr. Joshua Roldan - Dec. 24 - Children’s Christmas Pageant 4:15 pm followed by Christmas Eve early Mass at 4:30 pm. Carolling at 7:45 pm followed by Mid Eve Mass at 8 pm. Carolling at 9:45 pm followed by Late Eve Mass at 10 pm. No Midnight Mass. Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Mass at 11 am. Dec. 31 - Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (New Year’s Eve Mass) 4:30 pm. Jan. 1 - Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (New Year’s Day Mass) at 11 am. Regular Mass times continue every Sat. at 4:30 pm, every Sun. at 9 am & 11 am, Tue. to Fri. 8:15 am. Contact: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105 ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. All are welcome. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. - both in person and via Zoom. Call the church for info. 416-699-6512. Mark Battenberg free Solstice Concert - Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service - 7:30 p.m. Info: www.stsaviours.ca, www.facebook.com/ churchwithreddoor/. Sermons available on Proclamation! Podcast (now available for free on iTunes). GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E., invites you to our Sunday Worship Service at 11 a.m. in person or live stream on ZOOM, YouTube and Facebook. Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer Wednesday mornings at 6:30 on our prayer line. Dial-in No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code:
Beacher Margot Denomme’s book
The Family Smartphone Guide helps set online safety standards for kids
By Deborah McNorgan
AS THE gift-giving holiday season approaches, many children are badgering parents for their first smartphone.
But with all the physical, psychological and legal dangers in the online world, there’s another gift that retired Crown attorney and Beach mom Margot Denommé wants families to consider first.
Her recently launched The Family Smartphone Guide provides practical tips and tools to ensure kids are equipped with the knowledge they need to thrive online while staying safe.
“You wouldn’t hand your child the keys to a car without teaching them the rules of the road,” said Denommé “The same principle applies to smartphones and social media.”
The driver’s handbookinspired guide equips families with a road map for the online world, covering everything from managing screen time and setting boundaries
to understanding the impact of social media and preventing dangers such as cyberbullying and child luring.
The guide draws on insights from leading experts in child health and safety, including Dr. Michelle Ponti, Chair of the Digital Health Task Force for the Canadian Paediatric Society, and criminal defence counsel Julianna Greenspan.
It also includes a family contract – a powerful tool to help parents and kids commit to healthy digital habits together and make safety a
priority from day one. The content includes discussion prompts, monitoring online activity, fostering open communication, and keeping the internet safe, with examples of threats and the legal consequences of online actions.
According to The Centre for Child Protection, reports of online child luring in Canada increased by a whopping 815 per cent over five years, from 220 cases in 2018 to 2,013 in 2022. Reports of sextortion also rose significantly, with a 62 per cent
Continued on Page 17
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The Family Smartphone Guide is available locally at the Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore.
Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto
Bernie Fletcher Canada a favourite location for many Christmas movies
‘Tis the season for Christmas movies and Canada is a favourite location. We are the Great White North after all and must be home to Santa. Elf (2003) gave us the North Pole filmed mostly in Vancouver.
Young Toronto actor Beatrice Schneider plays Imogene Herdman in the recent hit The Best Christmas Pageant Ever from the popular 1972 novel (filmed in Winterpeg).
With the best crews and fake snow, Ontario is the hot spot for holiday rom-coms from Hallmark and Netflix which are more nice than naughty.
Last month Meet Me Next Christmas hit number one on Netflix’s most-watched list. Toronto stands in for New York City.
Layla (Christina Millan) is desperate to find “the holiday’s hottest ticket” for a sold-out Christmas Eve concert and gets fleeced by a scammer at The Comrade bar at 758 Queen St. E. No, it’s not for Taylor Swift. It’s a
Pentatonix concert.
The drag scene for Meet Me Next Christmas was filmed at The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E.
Back on a rainy day in April 2023, Millan was spotted chasing Santa along King Street near the Royal Alex Theatre. Through the magic of movies, the scene is transformed into a winter wonderland of snow and festive lights.
Meet Me Next Christmas was soon overtaken as the most watched on Netflix by Hot Frosty about a magical snowman (Dustin Milligan of Schitt’s Creek) coming
to life for Lacey Chabert, the queen of holiday films. (Hope Springs is Brockville, Ont.)
Milligan plays shirtless Jack with a six-pack (the abdominal snowman?) Born and raised in Yellowknife, he should know something about snow and ice!
Milligan and Chabert were even featured on Entertainment Tonight which poked fun at the film’s popularity rivalling It’s a Wonderful Life
In Hot Frosty, townsfolk gather money in a hat to save the hero in a scene
Continued on Page 11
Christina Millan stars in Meet Me Next Christmas, filmed in and around Toronto.
Some life lessons from Santa
‘Canada’ from Page 10 reminiscent of the Jimmy Stewart classic.
“That is so fetch.”
Sure, the film is flakey, but there are some funny Mean Girls (2004) references in Hot Frosty. When Kathy (Chabert) sees Lindsay Lohan on television she says, “That looks like a girl I went to high school with.”
The Mean Girls sang Jingle Bell Rock at their Winter Talent Show filmed at Malvern Collegiate. Lohan’s character lived on Balsam Road.
With the postal strike, Santa may not be getting many letters this year.
So what if St. Nick gave advice from some holiday movies where Toronto has served as a backdrop?
Guess the film. I double-dog dare you.
Life lessons from Santa
Dear Santa, the neighbours’ hound dogs ate our Christmas turkey. Where should we go for dinner?
Signed, the old man.
Sorry, there really wasn’t a Bo Ling Chop Suey Palace at 744 Gerrard St. E. It’s now French bistro Batifole. Look for the leg lamp in
one corner. (A Christmas Story, 1983, with interior scenes filmed on Pharmacy Avenue.)
Dear Santa, I burned the turkey. Where can I take my son for dinner?
Sorry, Scott, Denny’s in Scarborough is long gone. The building at 2141 Ellesmere Rd. is slated for demolition to make way for a condo. (The Santa Clause, 1994.)
Dear Santa, we are getting crank calls and the police say they are coming from inside the house.
Sorry, sorority sister, ditch that landline in the attic. The old police station on Main Street is now Centre 55. (Black Christmas, 1974.)
Dear Santa, my nine-year old son swore. Should I wash his mouth out with soap?
Sorry, no soap for you! It’s 2024, not 1940. Don’t try this at home. Someday your children are going to decide which “home” you’ll go to. The Cherry Street lift bridge where the “Ohhh… fudge” scene was filmed has now reopened. (A Christmas Story, 1983.)
Dear Santa, Why can’t I get a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas?
Sorry, you’ll shoot your eye out, kid! (A Christmas Story, 1983.)
Seems to me Santa must be Canadian because he sure says “sorry” a lot!
Dear Santa, I have a big, red nose. How can I become one of your reindeer?
You can lead the way for Santa’s sleigh. (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 1964.)
How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? Nothing, it was on the house.
Why didn’t Rudolph make the honour role in school? He went down in history!
My favourite Christmas classic is still It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). For one young girl from Toronto, Carol Coombs, it’s a wonderful memory even though Jimmy Stewart yelled at her for playing the piano.
After her father lost his money in the Depression, Carol was packed off to Hollywood by her mother to become a child star. It was just like in the movies. Carol Coombs is still around and says she’s had “a wonderful life”.
Happy holidays!
Breakfasts with Santa slated for Beaches Recreation Centre, and Legion Branch 22 this coming weekend
By Aunalya Turner
EAST TORONTO residents will have a number of opportunities to enjoy a breakfast with Santa this coming weekend.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Beaches Recreation Centre hosts its Pancake Breakfast from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
The event will feature a visit from Santa and activities for kids.
There is no charge to attend but a donation of a nonperishable food item for distribution to a local food bank will be appreciated.
The Beaches Recreation
Centre is located at 6 Williamson Rd. The Pancake Breakfast is hosted by the Beaches Recreation Advisory Council.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22 and Branch 11 will host a Breakfast with Santa.
It will take place at the Branch 22 Legion, 1240 Woodbine Ave.
The breakfast will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until noon, with the last seating at 11:30 a.m. Those attending can expect pancakes, bacon or sausages, coffee or tea for the adults, and juice for the kids Cost is $5. The orga-
nizers are reminding those coming out for the event that the cost is for one serving, and the event is not an allyou-can eat breakfast buffet.
Kids attending will have the chance to win a prize for the best ugly Christmas sweater as well the opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa.
There will also be a jar full of candies and for $1, those attending can guess how many candies there are inside. Exact or closest guess will win the jar of candies.
Tickets to the Breakfast with Santa will be sold at the door.
Return of Leafs jersey shows how special our community is
desmond Brown
In My Opinion
By now you’re most likely aware of the challenges facing Beach Metro Community News and almost every other news organization in this country. Survival and sustainability of our beloved local publication, along with covering the stories important to our community, are some of the main priorities of our volunteer board, which I sit on.
In partnership with the Balmy Beach Club, we organized a major fundraiser for the paper on Monday Nov. 25 – An Evening with Inspector Brackenreid of Murdoch Mysteries. It was an incredibly successful event that sold out immediately.
Another integral part of the evening was the silent auction, where generous contributors donated items such as a backstage tour of the studios where Murdoch Mysteries is filmed, and Raptors and Leafs tickets. However, there was one item that was missing for the auction during that evening. It was a prized item donated by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
When we decided to have a silent auction, I reached out my friend Greg with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Without hesitation, he agreed to send us something for the auction.
On the Friday before the event, Greg told me the item was being couriered to the Beach Metro Community News office at 2196 Gerrard St. E. Our worries were that the item would be delivered when the office was closed, so Susan Legge, our publisher, left a note on the door, saying , “Do not leave packages after hours …..leave them at the convenience store.”
We thought we had it covered. End of day Friday came, and the delivery still hadn’t arrived. Maybe the courier will deliver it on the weekend, we hoped, and it will be left at the variety store.
On Monday morning, the day of the event, it still had not arrived. I immediately texted Greg and he said their records show it had delivered on Friday.
delivered there.
That’s when he also told me that they had shipped us an Auston Matthews jersey! I got in touch with Susan, who said she’d go knock on the door where the jersey was delivered, and if no one was home, she’d leave a note on the door explaining the package delivered to them was a mistake, and that it was intended for a fundraising event.
I immediately left my office and headed up to the Beach Metro office to see if I could help. Susan was busy organizing other aspects of our event and had not yet been able to get away to retrieve the jersey, so I grabbed the letter she prepared and headed out the door.
When I arrived at the address, I knocked on the door, but no answer. So, I taped the letter to the door and hoped that the person who received the jersey would do the right thing and return it to us in time for the event.
At about 6:15 p.m., I arrived at Balmy Beach Club for the event and the first thing I did was seek out Susan to find out if we had received the jersey yet. Nope. Oh well. Someone has an early Christmas present. And in the big scheme of things, it’s just a hockey jersey.
The next morning after the event, I got a text from Susan, saying, “A fellow just walked in the door with it!”
She also attached a photo of the autographed Auston Matthews jersey!
I asked, “Who was he? Did you speak to him?”
Susan said no. “The guy just dropped it off and left quickly.”
The next day, the fellow called Susan to explain that he had just seen the letter on his door and returned the jersey the day before because it was addressed to the paper. He still didn’t leave his name, but as a gesture of gratitude, Susan delivered a gift card to his home.
I really thought the jersey was long gone. However, the kindness and thoughtfulness demonstrated by this gentleman, shows how special this community is!
Whoever you are, Beach Metro Community News sincerely thanks you!
The Auston Matthews jersey may have missed our Murdoch Mysteries event but the case of its brief disappearance was solved, and it will be made available at a future date as part of the fundraising we do for our newspaper.
I asked him to double check the address was 2196 Gerrard St. E. Problem solved, said Greg. His mailroom had inadvertently put the wrong address (which I won’t disclose but was wrong by one digit – which is an understandable error that has probably happened to all of us at one time or another) on the packing slip, and the package was
- Local realtor Desmond Brown is a member of Beach Metro Community News’ volunteer executive board.
Fundraiser helps raise over $8K for Beach Metro
‘Beach’ from Page 7 sure we can continue to report on what matters most to our community, we need to explore new ways of supporting our work. The funds raised from this event will go directly into keeping Beach Metro strong and sustainable.
The winners of the silent auction VIP tour of the Murdoch Mysteries set were super-fan Terri Neville, who has followed the show from the start, and John Alston, who was thrilled to be able to solve his annual dilemma of what to give Terri for Christmas and who enjoyed the tour, too.
As someone who had the privilege of joining them last week on the set, I saw firsthand just how much care and thought goes into this muchloved show which is based in Toronto in the early 1900s — and I was reminded how much local stories, whether on TV or in the pages of Beach Metro, resonate with people.
This fundraising evening was about more than enjoying a fantastic night out (though it was that, too!). It was part of a broader strategy for Beach Metro: to extend our brand, to connect with you—our readers—in person, and to create unique opportunities that remind us all why local journalism matters. Events like these are also crucial for our financial health.
Like so many independent news outlets, we face the challenge of declining advertising revenue. To en-
As we look back on 2024, I’m happy to say that thanks to our advertisers and supporters, we’re back in the black. This year has brought challenges, opportunities, and milestones, including the launch of our new website and the bittersweet departure of reporter Amarachi Amadike, who is moving west for new opportunities.
Your support has been invaluable throughout 2024 and since our first issue was published on March 1, 1972.
Whether you’ve read an article, advertised, attended an event, shared your story, or are one of our dedicated carriers and captains who ensure the newspaper reaches its readers, you’ve helped make everything we do possible.
Thank you for believing in local news and for being such an integral part of Beach Metro. Here’s to more shared experiences, great journalism, and community connections in 2025. Have a wonderful holiday season.
to a generous silent auction donation by Craig to the sold-out Beach Metro fundraiser, An Evening with Inspector Brackenreid. The event was held at the Balmy Beach Club on Nov. 25.
registration is now open 361 Glebeholme Blvd. (Danforth & Coxwell) 416-469-2799 www.pegasusstudios.com
PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE Terri Neville and John Alston, centre, join Murdoch Mysteries stars Yannick Bisson, left, and Thomas Craig on the set during the filming of the series. The couple had the unique opportunity to tour the studio, thanks
The Main Menu
It’s turkey time: Tips for Christmas dinner and leftovers
JAn mAin
is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
Christmas dinner is an anticipated festive treat. And the bird, most often turkey, plays centre stage.
The consumer has a number of choices: a large, free range fresh turkey often in the 20-pound range and the most expensive or a frozen turkey, frequently on a special price before Christmas. Even less expensive and good value is a “utility bird.” Again, it is a frozen bird but good quality and a lesser grade and price because it may have a tear in the skin or is missing a minor part such as a wing or drumstick. It is still quality meat but because of the “missing part” is not the same grade and thus, is sold at a reduced rate. If you are on a strict budget, the utility bird is the way to go – quality at a lesser rate.
Because turkey is such a versatile meat of excellent quality, the bigger the bird the more you have for wonderful leftover meals. There are many who feel the turkey dinner the second day is even better than the one on Christmas Day! As a single, I relish turkey leftovers in the freezer. The meat can be transformed into countless tasty meals. Because the cooked meat can be frozen for several months, you can make a variety of flavourful recipes without repeating the same menu.
However, a frozen bird is an added responsibility. You have to thaw it properly:
• Thaw in the refrigerator on a tray in the plastic wrapper it came in.
• Allow 5 hours per pound or 10 hours per
kilogram to thaw turkey.
• Never stuff the bird ahead of time. In fact, I prefer to leave the turkey unstuffed, simply cut up an onion, celery stalk and lemon half to put inside the cavity for flavour and bake the stuffing in a separate casserole. The turkey cooks faster unstuffed and the stuffing is easier to digest because it does not absorb all the fat and juices from the turkey.
• Use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh to judge perfectly roasted turkey, about 20 minutes / pound roasted at 325 F (160 F) to reach the desired temperature (185 F/ 85 C).
• When turkey is done, remove from oven to a warm platter and tent with foil for 20 minutes to allow juices to distribute evenly before carving. Cut legs from turkey with carving knife and fork. Cut thigh from drumstick at joint. Slice breast meat; arrange meat on platter to serve with stuffing casserole.
Turkey Soup
Leftover turkey, including the turkey carcass, should be covered and refrigerated as soon as possible after the initial carving to prevent contamination. The turkey carcass is essential for one of the most delicious recipes of all – turkey soup – so good on Boxing Day! Turkey meat should be packaged in suitable portions for use and frozen if not going to be used immediately.
To Make Turkey Stock for Soup:
1 turkey carcass, broken into usable portions
Cold water to cover, about 14 cups
2 onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 bay leaves
2 tsp (10 mL) leaf thyme
Several pieces of parsley
In a large stock pot or saucepan, place the turkey carcass (broken into usable pieces); cover with cold water and add the chopped onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, thyme and parsley. Bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer and simmer 1 ½ hours. Strain and discard all solids. The vegetable goodness has all gone into the stock and is not worth saving. Cool the stock; skim and discard any fat. Remove and save any turkey meat from the carcass. You now have stock to make soup, usually 6-8 cups 1 ½-3 L stock.
To Make Turkey Soup: To reserved stock, add the following:
2 each, onions and carrots peeled and diced
1 leek, chopped (optional)
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cups (500 mL) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
2 tsp (10 mL) leaf thyme
Reserved turkey meat; add enough meat to make 2-3 cups (500-750 mL)
3/4-1 cup (250 mL) long grain rice
1 cup (250 mL) fresh chopped parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
To the turkey stock add onions, carrots, leeks, celery, mushrooms, thyme, bay leaf and rice. Bring to the boil; reduce heat and simmer until rice and vegetables are tender, about 25-30 minutes. Add turkey meat, stir in parsley; add salt and black pepper to taste. Makes about 12 cups (3 L). Serve soup with crusty bread and a green salad.
Quick Turkey Pot Pie
One of my all- time favourites, turkey pot pie is the ultimate comfort food and so tasty served with a salad and leftover Christmas goodies for dessert! For simplicity, buy a frozen pie shell and defrost it for the pie topping.
1 frozen 9-inch (23 cm) pie shell de-
frosted
Filling:
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup (50 mL) butter
1/3 cup (75 mL) all-purpose flour
4 cups (1 L) chicken stock
2 each, chopped carrots, celery
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2-3 cups (500 mL) mushrooms, sliced
1 cup (250 mL) red pepper, chopped
4 cups (1 L) turkey cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp (5 mL) each, thyme and tarragon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup (50 ml) dry sherry (optional)
1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Invert pie shell onto parchment paper. Remove foil plate and flatten pastry on paper with hands. Using cookie cutter or paring knife cut out large pastry shapes (use Christmas cookie shapes) for pie topping. Arrange shapes on baking sheet and bake about 10-15 minutes or until golden. Set aside.
In large saucepan, melt butter over medium, cook onion until softened about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook until flour is golden. Gradually whisk in chicken stock stirring constantly and cook until thickened about 5-10 minutes. Add carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and red pepper; cook until tender-crisp, about 10 minutes. Stir in turkey, thyme, tarragon, salt, pepper and sherry if using. Cook about 5 minutes. Stir in parsley. Taste. Adjust seasoning. Spoon filling into 12 cup (3 L) baking dish and arrange pastry cutouts on top. Bake 20-30 minutes or until heated through. (Leftover pastry cutouts can be served with the individual servings of pie.) Makes 6-8 servings.
By David Van Dyke
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
PHOTO: CITY OF TORONTO ARCHIVES
EAST ON QUEEN STREET EAST
‘Beacher’ from Page 9 bedroom, where activity –including risky Tik Tok challenges, AI scams and deep fakes, and human trafficking attempts – can go unmonitored.
increase and an average of 10 cases reported daily. According to Public Safety Canada, three in 10 Canadian youth aged 12 to 18 have experience cyberbullying.
“If that was happening in the park across the street, you’re not going to be going to that park anymore,” said Denommé, adding that parents should not hesitate to change their families’ smartphone rules. “We have to assess the situation and adjust now that we know more.”
She applauds the Australian government’s recent legislation banning social media for children under 16. “I think it’s a great, bold statement. I love it because people need to understand how dangerous these devices are…Logistically it could have its challenges..but the fact that it raises awareness is a good thing.”
Denommé said if she were raising young children now, she would not give them a smart phone (or any screen) before Grade 9, and that one of the biggest dangers is smartphones in a child’s
The digital world is complex and treacherous and parents are becoming overwhelmed as they struggle keep up, said Denommé Parental controls aren’t enough because “kids are always going to out-tech parents.”
If worried about pushback from their kids, moms and dads should not hesitate to remind them that the phone belongs to the person paying the bills, not the person using it, and that a parent’s primary job is to keep their child safe, not to be popular.
Open communication is key, said Denommé, especially if a child does wind up in trouble, for example, after sharing explicit images of themselves or others, which can have devastating legal consequences. “Let your child know that regardless of what happens, that you are there for them and you will get through it,“ she said.
Cyberbullying increasing among Canadian youth
Denommé is the founder of Raising Awareness About Digital Dangers (RAADD).
After 26 years as a Crown attorney, she witnessed how low self-esteem and social media can harm children.
A mother of two, she is also the author of Mommy, Am I Pretty? and is deeply concerned about the unrealistic beauty standards set by social media. In 2013, Denommé launched the Celebrate YOU! Tour, reaching more than 150 schools across Canada and the United States, promoting positive self-esteem, resilience, and self-love. She also educates parents on the mental, physical, and legal implications of smartphone use.
Denommé has also made presentations to the Canadian Paediatric Society, the Ontario Public Service and school groups, and is available for additional speaking engagements and school visits.
Locally, The Family Smartphone Guide is available at Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore on Kingston Road, and also online.
Reindeer Cafe Cookbook launch at Beaches Sandbox
A LAUNCH party for The Reindeer Cafe Cookbook: Tasty Treats from the North Pole, written by local resident Loredana Cunti, is set for the Beaches Sandbox,
2181 Queen St. E., on Sunday, Dec 15, at 3:30 p.m. The Christmas cookbook is for families, children and friends. Proceeds from the book’s sale go to Stepstones
For Youth, a charity helping young people in and from foster care develop essential life skills. The book is available at Indigo. For info, contact loredana@loreworks.ca.
Is your life impacted by urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or prolapse? It is likely related to your pelvic oor. Pelvic oor issues can have a signi cant impact on your quality of life and can a ect both men and women. You may often feel alone, but you’re not, and you do not have to su er in silence. UROSPOT o ers 30-minute complimentary consultations where you will learn a lot about your body, get your questions answered and decide what treatment is right for you. UROSPOT will help empower you with knowledge, con dence, and a path to a restored quality of life if you’re experiencing some of these common symptoms.
1. Bladder Leaks and Urgency
The fear of bladder leaks or constantly needing access to a restroom may cause social withdrawal and avoidance of activities like exercising, attending events, or traveling. Nighttime urgency and frequent bathroom trips can disrupt sleep patterns leading to fatigue.
2. Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is another issue that can result from pelvic health problems. It can include pain during sex, and low libido. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low selfesteem and reluctance to engage in intimacy.
3. Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which one or more of the pelvic organs drop from their normal position and protrude into the vaginal canal. This can lead to physical discomfort, frustration, and embarrassment.
Ways to Help Improve Quality of Life Related to These Issues:
Fortunately, there are many ways to address these pelvic health issues and improve quality of life. UROSPOT, the pelvic oor experts in your neighbourhood, o er a non-invasive care model that helps both women and men su ering from many types of pelvic health issues. Using advanced technology, their “Kegel Throne” e ectively performs the equivalent of 11,000 Kegels in just 28 minutes simply by sitting on a chair.
The chair uses high intensity focused electromagnetic energy to help issues like prolapse, sexual functioning, and bladder leaks and urgency. Complementing this advanced technology, the team of pelvic oor experts at UROSPOT will customize a care plan for you, incorporating education and health coaching to empower you and foster a sense of freedom as your progress.
UROSPOT is an innovation in health care, disrupting the industry in a powerful and positive way. Poor pelvic health no longer gets to a ect every waking moment. UROSPOT o ers a complimentary consultation that’s educational, informative, and all about you. This holiday season pledge to take care of your pelvic health.
We are located in the heart of The Beach at 2128 Queen Street East near Hammersmith Ave. Book your complimentary consultation today by visiting our website at UROSPOT.com, or please call us at (416) 521-3176.
Six-storey building will add 86 residential units to area near foot of Woodbine Avenue
be a six-storey apartment building containing 5,756 square metres of residential gross floor area.
‘Zoning’ from Page 1 Although progress has been made, residents are still awaiting specific details regarding when the vacant units on the site will be torn down to give way for the new development.
This will add 86 residential dwelling units (expected to be 58 one-bedroom units, 19 two-bedroom units, and nine three-bedroom units) to the community.
The site currently contains four single and semidetached dwellings, ranging from one to two storeys. These buildings are vacant.
In the months leading up to Toronto Council’s decision, residents in the neigbourhood had complained about the messy condition of the site which they thought was left idle by developers for too long.
In July, Toronto Council passed the initial zoning bylaw amendment, however, the approval came with conditions that mandated the developer, Beachwood LP, to submit a revised Functional Servicing and Stormwater Management Report due to the site location.
The developers were also ordered to make financial arrangements to secure the construction of “any improvements to the municipal infrastructure in connection with the accepted Stormwa-
ter Management and Site Servicing Report”, according to the city.
In addition, the General Manager of Transportation Services was asked to explore the feasibility of excluding those who will become residents of 73-83 Woodbine Ave. and 3 Buller Ave. from being allowed to get permit parking on neighbourhood streets.
Currently, there are 40 vehicle parking spaces and 98 bicycle parking spaces proposed to be included in the building for the new residents.
For more information regarding this development process, contact City Planner Sean Geunther at Sean. Guenther@toronto.ca
Make community’s needs a priority
‘Approval’ from Page 6
2. Recently, I received a notice from the City Clerk that the developer’s proposal has been approved by Toronto Council.
If city councillors want the respect of Beach residents, they might act on the views of the residents, and not
depend on the social conscience of a developer.
The Beach is losing its charm due to crowding and irresponsible development that ignores the need for adequate parking. This creates real problems for residents and visitors. Parking is already a nightmare.
I won’t support a business that makes the neighbourhood worse. I won’t vote again for a councillor whose actions are not solving the Beach’s parking problem. It’s time for developers and city leaders to prioritize the community’s needs. Brian McDonnell
SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo
All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com
DR. PAULA MICELI Clinical/Health Psychologist Consultations • Individual Therapy Virtual & In-person Services Over 9 years experience. 416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.com
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals in our community
Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com
& Psychotherapist Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Wellness Life Coaching 416-951-8280 www.modernsocialworker.ca
Carolyn Dallman Downes Registered Psychotherapist Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Relationships. www.CarolynDallmanDownes.com 416-363-0065
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com 416-690-6800
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
COACH JAZZ
Holistic Fitness Coach! Forget rigid programs; let’s create a balanced, empowering routine that cooperates with your body. hello@coachjazz.com www.coachjazz.com
NEXT DEADLINE DECEMBER 30
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
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
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
Janet D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A
Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Counselling for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232 www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling
palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516
KATHRYN WRIGHT
Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
GARRY M. CASS
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com
Glover & Associates
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
Jen Goddard, R.M.T.
Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East 416-690-6257
or visit beachmetro.com and click the
@beachmetro
@beachmetronews
@BeachMetroNews www.beachmetro.com/support-us/
Thursday, December 19
Blue Christmas at 6:30pm a time to sit with the difficult feelings that can emerge during the holidays. Glen Rhodes Campus as part of The
Glen Rhodes Campus Family Service 5:00pm Stay for pizza afterwards!
Neil McNeil volleyballers win eighth city title in a row, finish fifth at OFSAA
THE NEIL McNeil Catholic High School Senior boys volleyball team celebrated another successful season, securing its eighth consecutive Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA) championship and finishing fifth at the boys’ AAA OFSAA championships in Kingston.
At the TDCAA final, the Neil McNeil Maroons claimed a decisive 3-0 victory over École Catholique Saint-Frère-André, completing an undefeated season in league play. Remarkably, the team dropped only one set across 10 matches played.
The OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) tournament, held Nov. 21 to 23 in Kingston, marked Neil McNeil’s ninth straight appearance at the provincial championships.
Seeded fourth, the Maroons started pool play with a narrow 2-0 loss (25-23, 25-23) to
West Carlton Secondary School of Ottawa.
The Maroons quickly rebounded, winning their next three matches in straight sets against Central Peel, Oakville Trafalgar, and St. Michael’s College (Toronto).
Neil McNeil’s 3-1 record in pool play secured a second-place finish and a quarterfinal matchup against the two-time defending OFSAA champions, Uxbridge Secondary School. Despite a hard-fought battle, Uxbridge prevailed 3-0 and went on to claim their third consecutive provincial title.
“I was proud of the way our team competed all tournament long,” said Maroons head coach Dave Egan. “Unfortunately, the early loss sent us on a path that required facing Uxbridge, who were clearly the best team in the tournament again this year. Another TDCAA championship and another top-five OFSAA finish gives us lots to be proud of.”
PHOTO: JEREMY LINSKILL
The Neil McNeil Catholic High School senior boys volleyball team members are: Back row (L-R): Head Coach Dave Egan, Einstein Menya, Andy Rose, Marcus Matejka, Marcus Barrett, Ben Moses-Yi, Robbie Fay (captain), Juwel Paul, Cole Linskill, Eden Raine, Simon Day, Tony Morale, Jason Milne. Front (L-R): Daniel Morale, Ian Johnson, Jackson Bremner, Parker Dutton, Julian Cichocki, and Marshall Devlin.
Volunteers needed on Dec. 17 and 18
‘Donations’ from Page 1 all that, collectively, really makes a difference.”
Next week, Centre 55 will especially be in need of volunteers to help with the sorting and delivery of donated toys and other items to the families and individuals in need.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, volunteers will be needed to help sort donations. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, volunteers will be needed to help deliver the donations. To find out how to volunteer on Dec. 17 and 18, please contact Centre 55 at 416-691-1113.
Anyone who would like to donate can do
so in-person at Centre 55 (97 Main St.). Cash donations are welcome as well as credit card donations which can be made by phone or on the website at www.canadahelps.org/en/ dn/29476
Cheques are also payable to “Community Centre 55” while e-transfers should be addressed to accounting@centre55.com.
All donations are tax deductible so donors are encouraged to include a postal or email address to receive a charitable tax receipt.
To volunteer to help as a volunteer with Share A Christmas, please go to www.centre55.com/volunteer
Elected Officials Must Refocus on Jobs
Most Canadians recognize there could be an election coming soon. I am running to be the next Federal Liberal candidate for Beaches-East York. While canvassing thousands of people in the last six months, many of you took the time to share what matters to you. Everyone has their own story, but the same three issues were raised: Jobs, Housing and Affordability
Beaches-East York includes families that are affluent and those struggling to pay rent and buy food. Almost everyone I have listened to is nervous. They are worried about their jobs, about not being able to support their families, and they believe their children will have even less than they have now.
Since 2004, I’ve worked in the social work field in Toronto’s east end, supporting non-profit and community agencies, advocating for marginalized communities and delivering crisis mediation for families. Over this period, the people in our community that I’ve helped to support have all told me that a decent job is not only critical to their economic
wellbeing and life satisfaction, but to their ability to contribute. Very few people wish to collect social assistance.
This is my motivation for seeking the nomination to be your federal Liberal candidate. A strong economy and productive, happy workforce is the foundation for offering progressive and compassionate government; a government that champions and implements strong social programs like national childcare, dental care and pharmacare, while caring for our least fortunate.
I know the importance of work and the dignity that a decent job can bring. There is no substitute for feeling proud of yourself—and being able to support your family, gives us that pride. There is a pressing
need for more opportunities.
As the next MP for Beaches-East York, I will work relentlessly to protect and improve our way of life; so that climbing the economic ladder through hard work is always possible. I will fight to ensure that economic opportunities are within reach and where young people feel empowered to shoot for the stars and reach their full potential.
Summer Nudel is a community advocate who has lived, worked and volunteered in Beaches-East York for more than 10 years. She is currently seeking the federal Liberal nomination for Beaches-East York.
PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON
Those attending Hamper’s Breakfast with Santa at Centre 55 on Saturday morning had a chance to meet with the man in red. Photo at left, Hector, 4, and George, 3, with Santa. Photo above, Olivia, 8, and Avery, 4, and their mom visit with Santa Claus.
Winona Gallop’s advocacy for cyclists helped create waterfront bike trails
By Matthew Stephens
BIKE LANES in Toronto have been a heated topic of discussion in recent years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, major roads across the city including Danforth Avenue have been reworked to provide cyclists with their own lanes to commute in.
Now, as the Ontario government moves forward with a plan to remove bike lanes from Bloor West, Yonge and University, city residents can fondly reminisce about one of Toronto’s oldest bike lanes and the Beach area activist who fought for its creation.
The year was 1969, Toronto’s infrastructure was changing, and with that change came a revitalized mode of transportation as bicycles were making a resurgence as an
effective means to travel across the bustling city.
As the main contributor to the Waterfront Bike Trail’s creation, Beacher Winona Gallop and her team laid the groundwork for the trail that has become a staple in the East Toronto community. From the late 1960s to early 1970s, Gallop (who recently turned 90) acted as one of the first advocates for the establishment of safe bike routes in the city.
“The motivation was simply to have a safer designated means for recreational travel,” Gallop’s daughter Virginia told Beach Metro Community News recently.
In a 2018 interview with The Globe and Mail, Gallop described her motivation to fight for the Waterfront Trail as a “Duty to contribute; to try to make things better.”
GREEN PARTY MEET-UP
December 18th 7pm
The Green Party knows small business! (and housing and health care and the climate crisis) If you or someone you know is a leader in your community, maybe the Green Party is a path forward for you.
Come to our meet-up at Padma - 3020 Danforth (Near Victoria Park) or visit www.gpo.ca/become-a-candidate or email beacheseastyork@gpo.ca
There will be a 2nd meet-up on January 8th (same time and place)
Before the existence of the Waterfront Bike Trail, Virginia mentioned that cyclists would ride along the “uneven” wooden planks of the Boardwalk in the Beach. However, this was against the rules of the city, and it wasn’t long before Winona and her daughter were stopped by a park warden and issued a warn-
ing for cycling in a prohibited area. Frustrated by a lack of accessible bicycle routes, Gallop got to work and devised a proposal for Toronto Council’s parks and recreation committee to consider a small bike path to be constructed adjacent to the Boardwalk.
Continued on Page 23
Photo above, a cyclist heads east on the Martin Goodman Trail towards Woodbine Avenue recently. Photo at left, Winona Gallop was one of the key community members who helped get the Waterfront Bike Trail, now the Martin Goodman Trail, created more than 50 years ago.
Gallop fought for bike trail in the Beach
from Page 22
In March 1970, the proposal for a two-kilometre path from Balmy Beach to Ashbridges Bay was approved on an “experimental” basis.
As the trail quickly gained traction amongst cyclists in the community, Gallop soon expanded on her plans for the trail and proposed a fivekilometre westward extension all the way to Cherry Beach.
The proposal for the extension proved to be more challenging among government officials with jurisdiction over the area.
However, after eventually being granted approval from the city, Gallop and the Harbour Bikeway group – along with her son Paul and summer students –grabbed their tools and got to work mapping out and extending the trail.
According to The Globe and Mail story, Gallop was shocked to find that “no one complained” about the work she and her team were doing. Between planning trail routes, fighting for approval from the Toronto Harbour
Commission, and establishing a construction crew, Virginia believes that her mother’s biggest challenge along the way was raising four children as a single mother.
“My mom was a single mom, so I think that the adversity that she dealt with was being a single parent raising her four children by herself and taking on projects that were unheard of,” said Virginia.
By August 1978, after years of planning, judicial barriers and construction, Gallop’s efforts to establish the Waterfront Bike Trail from Balmy Beach to the Humber River was finally complete – all except for a 740-metre gap at the bottom of Leslie Street by Tommy Thompson Park.
Over the late 1970s, other sections of the waterfront cycling path started to develop. And by 1984, the completed trail – now renamed in the memory of former Toronto Star president and editorin-chief Martin Goodman –stretched approximately 19 kilometres.
In recent years, construction has bridged the gaps
along the downtown harbourfront; extended the trail west of the Humber River and along the foot of Leslie Street. What was once a disjointed cycling experience with inconsistencies and the occasional intersection with motor traffic, has now become the cohesive paved trail that many cyclists now know and love today. All thanks to the efforts of Winona Gallop’s team and their persistence in establishing safe and centralized bicycle routes in the city.
In addition to being a pivotal advocate for the Toronto Martin Goodman Trail, Gallop also stands as an honorary member of the Beach Guild of Fine Art as she was one of the group’s founding members.
Although she may be unaware of the present issues surrounding bike lanes in the city, Virginia believes her mother is aware of the Waterfront bike trail’s impact on bike lanes in the city.
“The start that she made was impactful. I think she would say she knows that was the start,” said Virginia.
Winter Solstice Concert on Dec. 20 at St. Saviour’s
LOVE BENEATH the Moon, a Winter Solstice Concert, is set for Friday, Dec. 20, at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, 43 Kimberley Ave., at 7:30 p.m.
The performance will feature Beach com-
poser Mark Battenberg, Shakuhachi Master Debbie Danbrook, violinist Shay Steinberg and cellist Cheryl Ockrant. Admission is free.
Those attending are asked to bring nonperishable food items for donation.
‘Winona’
Dr. Allan Katchky
Dr. Cindy Greenspoon
Dr. Ashley Katchky
Dr. Ryan Schure
Dr. Danielle Meyerson
Dr. Sharice Molko
Dr. Puneet Sunda
Dr. Lindsay Katchky and the staff of the Quarry Dental Office extend best wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season and a healthy 2025.
A donation has been made to the Daily Bread Food Bank in honour of our valued patients in the community.
Collected Joy celebrates 10 years of community and Canadian designs
By Erin Horrocks-Pope
COLLECTED JOY, a cherished shop in Kingston Road Village, recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary.
Founded and operated by Sharon Smyl, a long-time member of the community, the boutique has become a go-to destination for unique, locally made products.
Over the last decade, Collected Joy has offered customers an inviting space to discover beautifully crafted goods while also building meaningful connections within the neighbourhood.
Smyl opened Collected Joy with the intention of creating more than just a store. As a mother, she wanted a place
where her children could come after school and where she could be part of the daily rhythms of her neighbourhood. In the 10 years since, Smyl has accomplished this and more.
Her shop is known for showcasing some of the best Canadian designers and makers, offering everything from handmade jewelry and wellness products to candles, home décor, stationery, journals, and much more.
Collected Joy is also where you can find neighbourhood merchandise such as branded tote bags and T-shirts. These items, along with the shop’s carefully curated selection of gifts, make it the perfect place to find some-
thing special for yourself or someone you love. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry, a cozy blanket, or a thoughtful card for a milestone event, Collected Joy has something for everyone.
Reflecting on the last decade, Smyl shared how much she has enjoyed growing her business in the community she calls home.
“The last 10 years have been so fun; it feels like it went by in the blink of an eye,” she said. “I’ve always loved the neighbourhood, but Collected Joy somehow made me fall in love with it even more by getting to know my community in a
Continued on Page 25
PHOTO: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE
Sharon Smyl, founder and owner of Collected Joy, stands proudly in her Kingston Road Village shop as it celebrates 10 years of showcasing Canadian-made treasures and fostering a close-knit community.
Part of an ‘amazing community’
‘Collected’ from Page 24 Mount Pleasant Village.
in a new way.”
Not long after opening her shop, Smyl took on a leadership role within the Kingston Road Village business community.
She was instrumental in organizing an unofficial Business Improvement Area (BIA) for neighbouring businesses, many of which are also run by women.
This collective effort helped shape Kingston Road Village into a thriving hub over the last 10 years.
The businesses work together to create a unique shopping experience for residents and visitors, often hosting events and community fundraisers that further strengthen the ties within the area.
In 2019, after several years of success at her Kingston Road location, Smyl expanded her business by opening a second Collected Joy shop in
She brought the same sense of community and celebration of Canadian artisans to this new neighbourhood, offering a similar range of locally crafted products. A few years later, Smyl opened her third location in Bloor West Village, continuing to grow her brand while staying true to her original vision.
Despite the success of these new ventures, Smyl holds a special place in her heart for the Kingston Road Village location.
“My original shop will always be my baby,” she said, explaining that it’s where she learned how to be an entrepreneur, found her love for building relationships with customers, and truly became a part of this amazing community.
As Collected Joy celebrates 10 years, Smyl remains deeply connected to
her neighbourhood.
Her passion for supporting local makers and fostering community shines through in everything she does. She has helped create a space where customers can not only find unique, thoughtful gifts but also feel a sense of belonging.
The anniversary of Collected Joy is more than just a milestone for the shop. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy that comes from supporting local businesses.
As Smyl looks forward to the future, she said she will continue to stay committed to her mission of sharing Canadian-made treasures and bringing joy to her customers, one beautifully crafted item at a time.
Collected Joy is located at 1035 Kingston Rd. Shoppers can also browse Collected Joy’s collection online at www.collected-joy.com
Beaches Presbyterian to host reading of A Child’s Christmas in Wales on Dec. 22
BEACHES PRESBYTE-
RIAN Church will host a reading of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales by well-known broadcaster Tom Allen on Sunday, Dec. 22. The reading takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (intermission included).
Allen’s reading will also feature Canadian musicians and artists such as Lori Gemmell, Patricia O’Callaghan, Wes Allen, Julia Aplin, John Gzowski, and more.
Tickets are $30, and all proceeds will go to the Daily Bread Food Bank.
To book tickets, please contact Beaches Presbyterian Church (65 Glen Manor Dr.) at 416-699-5871 or office@beacheschurch.org
MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon and MP Nate Erskine-Smith
invite you to join our annual
2025 New Year’s Levée
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Drop by for refreshments, lively conversation & good company.
MR. FIX-IT
PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (1r)
Peter the Handyman
INDOOR / OUTDOOR
General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (19)
BCM Junk Removal Friendly, Efficient & Affordable ALL Junk & Renovation Debris Light Demo Landscape Cleanup Call anytime! Blake 416 873 0205 (15/25 JUNK REMOVAL Same Day Service 647-303-3190
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All jobs, big or small, done with experience. Residential / Commercial. 416-562-8644 seantalbot59@gmailcom
RILEYS’ CLEANING SERVICES
A family business since 1956 Tile and Grout Cleaning
We also do Windows and Eaves. 416 421-5758 rileyswindowcleaning.com (r)
BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE
416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (19r)
EXTREME CLEANING
I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos. Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 (19$)
Marvelous Touch Cleaning
- basic and major cleaning - move-in/move-out cleaning
- post construction & renovation cleanup 647-206-0285
Touchmarvelous8@gmail.com (21)
EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES
offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo
Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (19$)
Kleancare Cleaning
We offer:
• Commercial & Residential
• Deep Clean
• Regular Cleaning3
Call Erika 647-989-5188 (19r)
DARNASH CLEANING
Let us do your dirty work
Residential/Commercial Cleaning Landscaping, Carpentry & Upholstery Cleaning Floor Stripping & Waxing 416-414-7082 Ins. & Bonded darnashcleaning.ca (19.)
Irene Seliotis
Quality House Cleaning Reliable, Trustworthy & Always Thorough Cell: 647.278.7490
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Tutoring
Local bilingual Girl Guides group now welcoming new members
ARE YOU looking for a fun, exciting way for your daughter to make new friends, learn valuable life skills, and explore the world around her? Look no further than the 115 Toronto Bilingual Girl Guides Group in East Toronto, where girls in Grades 4, 5, and 6 come together to build confidence, create lasting memories, and discover their full potential.
At the Girl Guides meetings, the beauty of both of Canada’s official languages are embraced, offering a truly bilingual experience that celebrates
the richness of our community.
Whether your daughter speaks English, French, or both, she’ll feel right at home in this inclusive, welcoming environment. It’s a unique opportunity to practice language skills, share cultural traditions, and make friends from all walks of life — all while having fun!
The fun never stops in Girl Guides!
Every week on Thursday nights from 6:15 to 8 p.m. at Ecole Elementaire Georges Etienne Cartier on Gainsborough Road, the girls participate in
a wide variety of activities designed to spark their creativity, curiosity, and teamwork. When girls join the 115 Toronto Bilingual Girl Guides, they’re not just learning new skills, but they’re also making lifelong friendships. If you’re looking for a place where your daughter can grow, learn, and make memories in a safe, supportive, and bilingual environment, the 115 Toronto Bilingual Girl Guide group is the place.
For more info, please contact 115bilingualguides@gmail.com
MURPHY
ROOFING, REPAIRS DUN-RITE
Meeting on 90 Eastdale set for Jan. 14
A PUBLIC Meeting on a proposed 40-storey residential apartment building at 90 Eastdale Ave. in East York that had originally been slated to take place in early December has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.
Held by Toronto and East York Community Council, the meeting is set for 10 a.m. at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., in Committee Room 1.
The proposed building will have 546 residential units, of which 35 will be replacements for existing rental units already on the site. There will be 304 vehicle parking spaces and 598 bicycle parking spaces in the proposed building. At the conclusion of the Public Meeting and a discussion on Rental Replacement requirements connected to the development, Toronto and East York Community Council is expected to make a recommendation on the proposal to be forwarded to the next meeting of Toronto Council. To take part in the Jan. 14 Public Meeting, please register by email to teycc@ toronto.ca by noon on Jan. 13.
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