Leaside Life Issue 13 January 2013

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No. 13 • January 2013

leasidelifenews.com

Leaside Life BRED IN LEASIDE This is the first in a series of occasional articles about famous people raised in Leaside who now live elsewhere.

The Amazing Randi is known around the world, but probably more for what he’s done than by his name.

He first came to world attention in 1972, after a career as a magician, when he debunked the claims of psychic/spoonbender Uri Geller, who sued him in 1991 for $15 million and lost.

He then became what he calls an investigator to disprove claims of the paranormal, occult and supernatural, which he called woowoo. His educational foundation offers $1 million for anyone who can demonstrate a supernatural ability under agreed conditions.

No one has gotten past preliminary tests.

Randall James Hamilton Zwinge, now 84, lived at 27 Rumsey. He broke his back when he was hit by a car in his teen years and spent the next year in a body cast studying magic. After high school he joined the circus. He performed around the world and was often a guest on TV shows, then retired as a magician at 60. In 1986 he was awarded a MacArthur Foundation Genius award.

RANDI, Page 8

Controversy over the new Metrolinx plans for the LRT through Leaside – Page 4

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Better Seed…

ATTRACTS BETTER BIRDS

Leaside Life, January 2013

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LEASIDE RESIDENT Clare Newman, therapeutic recreation specialist, left, volunteer Tathiana Santana Shiguemoto, and young client Batool Hade, at Holland Bloorview hospital.

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Holland Bloorview is now recruiting volunteers 16+ years for its March Break program, an opportunity for high school students to complete their 40 hours of community service in one week.

Volunteers work directly with disabled children in the Creative Arts Respite Camp and Therapeutic Recreation program, engaging them in activities that focus on play.

“Many of our March Break volunteers have such a great experience that they choose to return the next year,” says coordinator Jennifer Hiett.

Holland Bloorview, in north Leaside at 150 Kilgour Rd., is Canada’s largest children's rehabilitation hospital. hollandbloorview.ca/volunteer The hospital says volunteer spots fill quickly. n

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All he wanted was a nice family dog John Henry always wanted a whippet. He likes their style. Lean.

Intelligent. Exceedingly fast. And quiet in the house.

About a year ago he bought Hefner, a one-year-old with the intention of having a family dog. Henry and his wife Dolores have shared their Bessborough Dr. home with two other dogs, a mixed breed and a Yorkie.

Hefner, pick of the litter, was bred to be a show dog. He started winning ribbons at six months and continued after Henry purchased him.

But at the shows Henry discovered lure coursing, a simulation of rabbit chasing, and decided to see if Hefner was up to the challenge.

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What challenge?

Hefner has since been certified by the Canadian Kennel Club in lure coursing. He has already won four rosettes including a first and second place.

In March Henry is taking Hefner to Georgia and Florida to practise and race. That should have Hefner in excellent shape for the Ontario lure coursing season, which starts in the spring and runs through to October.

Henry also hopes to have Hefner certified in straight line racing and oval track racing in 2013.

Hefner, a handsome brindle and white whippet, is larger than average. He’s about 23 inches tall and 40 pounds, 10 pounds above average.

And, like his namesake, Hefner is a DOG, Page 14

Leaside Life, January 2013

By ANDREA VILLIERS

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ANDREA VILLIERS

JOHN HENRY

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Controversy over new Metrolinx plan

Leaside Life, January 2013

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By CAROL BURTIN FRIPP Metrolinx, the provincial organization charged with planning and building the Light Rail Transit (LRT) crosstown line along Eglinton Ave., announced a major change of plans affecting Leaside at a community consultation meeting Dec. 11.

Metrolinx no longer recommends having the trains emerge on the surface at or near Brentcliffe with the rest of the eastern line continuing on the surface. It now supports extending the underground line all the way to Don Mills Rd., tunnelling deep below both the Leslie St. ravine and the Don River.

To compensate, Metrolinx would eliminate two LRT stations, at Leslie and, further east, at Ferrand Dr., thus creating a full two km distance between the Laird and Don Mills stations.

Why are these plans changed, and so late in the process? Metrolinx decided that there are “new property constraints” related to the still-uncompleted condominium on the south side of Eglinton, east of

Brentcliffe: it would need temporary shoring to protect its foundations if the LRT’s tunnel ended at Brentcliffe as originally planned in 2010.

Metrolinx also cites potential traffic disruption along that stretch of the road, and disturbing contaminated soil next to the condominium, during construction.

These recommendations created considerable controversy among the hundred or so attendees who stayed for the question period.

By eliminating a station at Leslie, all Leslie buses would have to carry passengers to the sidewalks above Laird Station, turning the Laird/ Eglinton intersection into a streetlevel transportation hub, adding to congestion in the area. By extending and burying the underground tunnel so deep between Brentcliffe and Don Mills, there’s also a very significant cost factor.

It appears that Metrolinx has not seriously considered alternative options such as a bridge or viaduct above the ravine, for example. Why not?, some attendees asked. Toronto is a city of ravines, with existing

viaducts carrying both subway trains and traffic. Besides, running a train through a longer tunnel requires higher energy operating costs.

Still others said that Metrolinx had underestimated development and ridership growth rates along Leslie St. in forecasting transit needs.

Additionally, the new Aga Khan Cultural Centre, which Toronto Star columnist Christopher Hume has called a “full fledged international destination,” is near the scrapped Ferrand Dr. station and would now necessitate a 500m walk from the nearest station.

The consensus among attendees was that Metrolinx is proposing a short-term strategy at great cost, and that when finished the LRT would already be out of date.

Many came away from the meeting convinced that Metrolinx had already decided to extend the tunnelling and were only “going through the motions” of the public meeting because the Environmental Assessment process required it.

METROLINX, Page 6

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Leaside Life, January 2013

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LORNA KRAWCHUK

Leaside Life, January 2013

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Talbot Park in disrepair

By LORNA KRAWCHUK Talbot Park. Do you know where it is? And do you care if it is falling into disrepair?

Michael Stevenson is a long-time resident of MacNaughton Rd. who’s cared about the park over many years, as evidenced by his thoughtful letters expressing concerns to local councillors, starting in 1998.

The park is a large piece of property that includes Leaside High’s sports field, the baseball park below McDonalds, Leaside Lawn Bowling and the backs of the streets of Bessborough, Cameron and Fleming.

There is a children’s playground off that stub end of Bessborough Dr. and a bit of paved path there too. Of the five entrances to the park, only one is signed, on Hanna Rd., south of Leaside High, on a sign that says 635 Eglinton Ave. East.

For the last two years almost nothing has been undertaken, and Stevenson is not getting answers to

MICHAEL Stevenson shows a tarp covering a mud hole. his letters asking what’s happening.

Yes, the large football field in the middle had a lot of money spent returfing it recently, but “sadly, (it) was not a success, because the sprinkler system was not working during the summer and the grass did not get properly rooted and established. I was there when the service company employee came and repaired the sprinkler system problem in October,” says Stevenson. The resulting mud bowl is now covered by a huge tarp.

At one time there was a continuous walking path along the top of the park between Bessborough and Fleming. Remnants remain, but there is no formal path.

Signage, entrance plantings, more benches, garbage and recycling containers more usefully de-

ployed (especially at the McDonalds end of the park), some trees to act as a break along Eglinton – they’re all on Stevenson’s wish list.

Off the end of Fleming, the entrance park has a garbage and recycling tin, a newspaper pick-up box, some fencing with badly peeling paint and a bit of paved path. New this year are a tree and bench in tribute to the 50 years of volunteering Howard Birnie has given to Leaside baseball.

There are no other public benches in the park, other than bleacher seating around the baseball diamond and running track.

Talbot Park is city-owned, but with Leaside High and Leaside Lawn Bowling having some responsibilities for their primary-used space, there are difficulties in establishing who will follow through on initiatives. At a meeting held in April, 2010, there was talk of establishing a working group to further explore revitalization options. That group met once, in August of 2010, and hasn’t been heard from since.

Is paying some attention to Talbot Park something to consider during our 100th anniversary year? n

Metrolinx From Page 4

Several noted that the TTC was not present to confirm that it could fill in the blanks.

Another meeting was called for, to include the TTC, local city councilors and MPPs, but according to Metrolinx there will be no further public consultation meetings.

The deadline for written comments from the public is Jan. 4. (The LPOA has asked MPP Kathleen Wynne to intervene and request a deferral of the consultation period.)

Contacts: e-mail: crosstown@metrolinx.com/ online: www.thecrosstown.ca/ tel: 416-782-8118.

Community office: (M-W-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.): 1848 Eglinton West (at Dufferin) n

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By JESSICA PEIRCE The reminder email arrives every four weeks, its subject line proclaiming, Trade Date! It is time for 49 Leaside residents to deliver the books they’ve just finished reading to their next destinations, and to eagerly await the new title that will appear on each of their doorsteps.

Such is the nature of our neighbourhood’s alternative to the traditional book club: Leaside Reads.

Sandra Whittaker, Brentcliffe Rd. has been organizing the popular book trade for seven years. The program runs October to summer and offers nearly a year’s worth of reading for the cost of only one hardcover.

Each year, toward the end of the summer, Whittaker puts out the call for interested parties. She divides the names into groups and compiles a schedule for each group that outlines which “first” book each member has been assigned, and where and when they must pass each subsequent title.

SANDRA Whittaker at work.

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A different book club

At the end of the trade year, participants keep their final book.

The program began roughly 12 years ago as a spinoff of the North Leaside Women’s Group, but when Whittaker assumed leadership, she opened it up to the entire Leaside community. Over the years, the group has been comprised almost entirely of women, but she maintains that men are welcome to join.

Members enjoy the convenience, the diversity of the reading materials, and need to buy only one book.

“Being a member of Leaside Reads has given me the opportunity to read a variety of books that normally I might not have chosen,” says Sally Belanger, of Divadale Dr. Laurel Vanderjagt, also of Divadale, says, “It has allowed me to discover new authors without making a trip to the bookstore or library.”

Among the most appealing features of Leaside Reads is the fact that it doesn’t require members to attend or to host meetings, to take part in discussions, or even to read every book. If a particular title does not appeal, it can simply be put aside until the next trade date.

Whittaker puts extensive research and consideration into the selection of the books. She studies newspaper reviews, literary prize shortlists, and online discussion groups; she makes multiple trips to the bookstore to peruse the shelves, and consults with bookstore owner and literary expert Ben McNally.

The list typically boils down to 12 current, critically-acclaimed titles from such genres as contemporary, historical, and crime fiction, and while Whittaker admits that over the years there has been the occasional “bomb,” most of the titles have been very well received.

Whittaker’s own take on Leaside Reads? “I can’t imagine not doing it!”

Not only is she a booklover of the highest order, she enjoys the research and the organization of the program, and claims that the day the box of new books arrives at her door is almost as exciting to her as Christmas morning.

Leaside can look forward to many years of good reading ahead. n

Leaside Life, January 2013

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Leaside Life, January 2013

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THE AMAZING RANDI:

‘Yes, Leaside was good to me’

By THE AMAZING RANDI One big feature of my teen life at 27 Rumsey Rd. was the hill that ran down to Millwood.

I'd trot out my bike, climb aboard, and make that descent at great velocity, passing the Trudeau house, the Wilkinsons, Edgar Fenwick's home, and sliding to a gravelly stop in the British-American gas station at the end.

Mr. Nelson's candy store was just across the street, and there was always a free sample to be handed out if your approach was subtle enough.

Going back up that hill was quite another matter, and I developed great leg muscles as a result.

Visiting back there for a documentary film two years ago (Ed. Note: Google An Honest Liar), I was astonished to find that the spindly tree on what was once my front lawn is now a magnificently-developed shade tree.

At 84, I still remember the names I've quoted here, which also astonishes me.

The Peter Grant family lived next door, the Clappertons lived a few houses south of me, and my friend the ever-popular Bill Clapperton always had samples of tarts from his dad's bakery.

Rolph Road school - which I attended - was a few blocks away, and I performed quite a few astronomical and sensory-perception tests there in the schoolyard.

Later, I had to commute to Oakwood Collegiate in Toronto to finish high school, but Leaside was home.

I easily learned the entire icecream sundae menu at Purdy’s Drug Store on Bayview – 20 cents got me a huge two-flavour sundae, I recall.

I even worked at the Bayview Theatre changing the outdoor marquee once a week, complaining about the perpetual lack of letters needed to compose the words.

We kids would attend the matinee every Saturday to see the Dick Tracy or the Flash Gordon serials with Buster Crabbe. Those smoky space-ships were just dreadful, and we kids laughed at them, and at Ming

the Merciless.

At 27 Rumsey I set up a chemical lab in the basement, from which some pretty exotic odours wafted to the rest of the house.

I even cooked up some capsules of nitrogen trioxide - NO3 - a story that need not be explored here.

I also wired up my lab to a neighbour's house to talk to a kid there, but gave it up when the folks next door complained that our signal got through to their loudspeaker system.

Out beyond Rolph Road school were marvelous fields full of bobolinks and meadow larks that I explored at every opportunity.

27 Rumsey Rd. today.

Across the railroad tracks was an abandoned brick factory and a quarry filled with water and was available for skinny-dipping.

Even more marvelous was a bed of slate there in which I found fossils of ancient sea-life.

I boxed up many of these and delivered them to the Royal Ontario Museum; I never found out whether they ever used them, but my name back then was Randall Zwinge, and one or more might have gotten tagged and displayed.

Yes, Leaside was good to me. n The Royal Ontario Museum has not answered an email query.

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Leaside Life, January 2013

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Leaside Paint Centre 1525 Bayview Ave Toronto M4G3B5 416 489 7900

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Leaside Life, January 2013

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HUSBAND and wife team Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath.

Local comedians headliners for birthday gala Plans are getting set for Leaside’s 100th birthday gala bash, April 27, with local residents Colin Mochrie and Deb McGrath co-emceeing the big event.

It will be at All Canadian Self Storage, 1 Laird, courtesy of owner Hal Spradling.

Mochrie and McGrath are both well-known stage and screen (both TV and movie) comedians.

During the gala, as well as the comedians, there will be a champagne/ martini reception with hors d’oeu-

vres, vintage 1913 dance demo and lesson, a photo op with a Leasidebuilt vintage Durant automobile, a gourmet buffet dinner and dessert, entertainment provided by the Toronto All Stars Big Band and a DJ and dancing.

Tickets will be available early in the new year and tables of eight can be reserved.

Part of the gala event is an exclusive offer to Leaside industrial and corporate institutions for an archival exhibit from each sponsor and

logo representation at the gala.

There will also be prominent logo positioning under Event Sponsor at www.leaside100.ca, Jan. - Dec. 2013.

There will also be an archival exhibit at the Leaside Library, historical walks and a biking tour, all with hope of leaving a legacy by setting the wheels in motion for a heritage conservation district study.

Volunteers are needed for all these projects. www.leaside100.ca will soon have links to the gala. n

Meet your new century’s principals JEFFREY CRANE had a special welcome his first day as principal, four years ago, at Rolph Road. Premier Dalton McGuinty visited for his annual back to school photo op. And Crane has a special connection to Leaside too: Both he and his parents, 30 years earlier, were married in Leaside United Church. He has a degree in Early Childhood Education and was a southpaw pitcher for Toronto all-star rep teams.

SARAH FROST has spent most of her teaching and principalling experience outside Leaside, but she’s no stranger. At one point she lived on Sutherland Dr. and she still frequents Bayview, especially enjoying a stop at Rosie’s Kitchen. She became principal of Bessborough this school year after years in that job in Scarborough.

She has taught French, grades 3-8, special education and French immersion.

ANNE JOHNSTON would have been considered a newcomer to Leaside when she became principal of Bennington Heights in January 2012. But she considers Leaside her home away from home the last 20 years because she has been bringing her four children to the Bayview Family Practice.

She has taught kindergarten to grade 8, including phys ed, and attended high school at nearby North Toronto Collegiate.

KATHY RIBEIRO is a full-fledged Leasider who graduated from Leaside High and as a mother of two sons still lives in the neighbourhood. She has been in education for 27 years, as a teacher and leader at all levels from kindergarten to grade 12 and the last 14 years as an administrator. As principal at Northlea for four years she emphasizes a combination of athletics, arts and academics.

Our last two principals, next month

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Leaside Life, January 2013

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Airplane reactions Congratulations on putting together the most carefully read newssheet that comes to our home.

We totally agree with Will Ashworth's letter in the December issue re: the ridiculous waste of time and taxpayer dollars caused by attention being given to the aircraft noise kerfuffle.

Leaside life and character is being threatened to a huge extent by the savage development of formerly industrial land. Rather than build on the presence of Telus on Laird to encourage high tech industries, we are confronted by the prospect of more low-end merchandising and employment that will come with the likes of Walmart.

The proposed location would likely be the most accessible to central and east Toronto -- a magnet!

One can just imagine the resulting greatly increased traffic volumes that will run right through Leaside.

So called traffic studies don't seem to have any bearing on decision making. Developers seem to rule the municipal world and interests of local citizenry all but ignored.

Would our local politicians please address these more fundamental issues than this "fly-by-night" nonsense.

E. J. Ward, Broadway Ave. I wish that you had emphasized the serious and damaging effects that (airplane) noise has for people, and indeed, for all beings.

This damage is well documented in websites I cited in my previous email - clear evidence to prove its link to permanent hearing loss, increased aggression, cardiovascular damage, hypertension, reduced empathy, and cognitive deficits for young and old alike.

It can probably be argued that rigid denial, and deliberate misunderstanding of the climate crisis, is partly rooted in these effects.

Finally, if I may be permitted to suggest it, your first letter writer (last month) seems to show evidence of at least three of the aforementioned effects.

Thank you for your attention, once more, to this serious health issue.

Barbara Falby, Heathbridge Park

LETTERS leasidelife@gmail.com

Selfish behaviour I am a relative newcomer to Leaside, and would like to make a couple of observations around the current debate over retail development.

First, I see an awful lot of selfish, NIMBY, hypocritical behaviour.

For example, everywhere I turn there are traffic restrictions of some sort. These protect some streets, but result in traffic overflowing onto others. Why are some residents thus protected and not others? I look at the houses on the protected streets and see one, two, even three cars per house. They can drive on my street, and I can’t drive on theirs? How is that fair?

Make no mistake, there are traffic issues in Leaside, and these are going to get worse. They should be addressed. But not in an unfair and unbalanced way.

Second, I heartily agree that the retail development on the east side of Laird is ugly and undesirable. In a city that does, and should, encourage public transit and walking, these developments, by definition, require car transport. Does the left hand ever talk to the right?

However, when I go there I see lots of Leaside friends and neighbours flocking to the new stores and restaurants. How can we oppose the development, if we all stream to the new stores?

The best way to oppose the developments is not to shop there. Boycott the new stores, even if it is a bit inconvenient at times. If there is not enough trade, the stores will go away.

Sure the city can help. But at the end of the day, we should all look into a mirror and ask ourselves if we are being honest in our behaviour.

Michael Beswick, Millwood Rd.

Bad traffic lights In response to the question asked by Carol Burtin Fripp in the Leaside Life November issue concerning the new traffic lights at McRae/Wicksteed and Laird, we feel they are a hazard.

We have witnessed many people disregarding the red light for the left

turn and turning when there is no oncoming traffic.

We saw it happen again recently when a driver wanted to turn left off Wicksteed to go south on Laird and the left turn light was red but the car slowly went into the intersection and turned when there was a space, even though other cars were honking at her.

We have been frustrated when wanting to turn left from McRae to go north on Laird and the line of cars going straight ahead was so long we could not get into the left turn lane.

This meant we would have to wait for the cars to go through the intersection in order to get into the left turn lane, then again wait for the cars to travel with their lights north and south on Laird before we could turn left (with our light).

Instead, once, as there was no oncoming traffic, we went into the oncoming traffic lane (westbound McRae) around the line of cars so we could make the light.

We would like to see the lights go back to the way they were before.

We would also ask that the “no right turn on red light” be removed from south-bound Laird west onto McRae. This sign was put in place some years ago to accommodate the visually impaired employees at the VoicePrint building located on Laird south of McRae. The VoicePrint office was moved about two years ago to Don Mills and Lawrence, therefore the sign is no longer serving its original purpose.

Earl and Elizabeth Barnsley, 213 Donlea Dr.

Walmart changing Thought I'd send a quick note of congratulations on your publication, I've enjoyed reading it over the past year as it is neighbourhood news I'm not getting currently in other form.

On one topic of interest though, the SmartCentre development, I did see a recent article in the Globe which seemed to belie the opinion given last summer by Councillor Parker that the new retail space of 80,000 square feet is too small for Walmart.

It turns out that the 39 Zellers locations acquired by Walmart from Target are quite small, some less than 80,000 square feet, and this deal was done quite deliberately. Small is in fact precisely Walmart Canada's forward-looking strategy as of 2012.

Cheers and keep up the great work!

Jonathan Bishop, Sutherland Dr. LETTERS, Page 13

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Letters From Page 12

For over 25 years children from South Leaside have gone to Northlea elementary school if they wanted to pursue French immersion.

Now the school board has decided that these children should be bused to Yonge and Davisville for French immersion. This starts with children as young as 5.

The Toronto school board trustee for this area is Gerri Gershon. This situation is already causing conflict between people in North and South Leaside. It will devalue homes in South Leaside.

This is a time-sensitive issue as any changes to the school board’s current plans would have to be negotiated by next February.

This issue is destroying our hope of maintaining a unique small town community within the big city and hopes of being a truly bilingual country.

Dr. Dan Buckley, Roxville Ave. LETTERS, Page 14

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Letters Leaside Life, January 2013

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From Page 13

Useful news Anniversary greetings Lorna.

Your December issue is a dandy. Lots of interesting news. Keep up your good work during 2013. The publication's first year has been useful in keeping our community informed.

Norma and Al Crawford, Millwood Rd.

Felt unattached First, congratulations Lorna on the first anniversary of Leaside Life.

Even a monthly paper is a lot of work and you have taken on that task with gusto.

As a relatively new resident (eight years) of Leaside, I was thrilled to see your inaugural issue and have counted on the arrival of each subsequent edition. I believe in supporting the neighbourhood in which I live, in business and politics.

Until Leaside Life began publishing, I felt unattached to any issues that might have been swirling

around me. Not enough local news coverage was or is offered by The Toronto Star, and if you are not directly connected to area groups (my daughter and I are tenants, not landowners), it is difficult to learn what is going on.

By example: finding out about all-candidates meetings only after they have occurred. I look to Leaside Life to help fill this void.

My walking beat is the South Bayview village cluster of stores which I readily support. I love the diversity of products but am less fond of the diversity in store operating hours.

I see no evidence of a Business Improvement Area designation and wonder if creating one might benefit the area with collective clout, in marketing and political presence, particularly in a slower economy with Mt. Pleasant shops just blocks away and an ever-expanding amount of new retail outlets popping up along Laird.

And no, I do not support even the suggestion of a Walmart in our midst.

One question I would like answered: Where are the trees and street furniture promised with the new sidewalk along Bayview from Millwood to Parkhurst? Those rectangles of black asphalt are neither useful nor appealing.

Virginia Kelly, Bayview Ave.

ily a nd your fam I wish you a y it be filled a M ear!

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Dog From Page 3

real man about town. Over the year he and Henry have walked about 1,200 miles—an average of three to five miles daily!

That’s part of a rigorous daily workout devised by Henry, a real estate agent.

At the off-leash park Hefner flies like the wind over the field, twisting and turning chasing imaginary rabbits and playing with other dogs.

He is able to reach speeds of 35 miles an hour.

In hill work he chases balls, sprinting for 100 to 200 yards.

Now he is running up long toboggan hills to increase stamina and endurance.

By the end of a two- to threehour workout, Hefner is ready to rest.

And so is Henry.

Yet at home Hefner is a perfect couch potato. It’s hard to believe that this sweet natured dog is so excited to race it takes all of Henry’s considerable strength to hold him back.

The bond between Henry and Hefner is strong and gets stronger daily.

Henry says, “I wouldn’t sell him for a million dollars cash.” n

If you are looking for information or to buy or sell, please feel free to give me a call!

KAREN BRINKHOF RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd 723 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON, M4S 2N4 416‐486‐5588 (Office) 416‐629‐5323 (Cell) 416‐486‐6988 (Fax) karenbrinkhof@gmail.com

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LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:38 PM Page 16

In our Hood Leaside Life, January 2013

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16 By BETH Well done, once again, to Daryn Everett, Jeff Hohner and Eric Robertson, who organized the 9th Annual Leaside Guys Night Out in support of CP24 Chum Christmas Wish Toy Drive. “Once again we’ve had incredible support from the Leaside community,” report the guys. Held at the Fox & Fiddle, this year’s event generated over $1,700 in donations and a van (instead of a sleigh) full of toys.

Here’s a Leaside “super citizen”!

Ava Morris, a grade 3 student at Rolph Road school, wanted to make a difference while her own mom undergoes treatment for cervical cancer. At a special school assembly Ava cut off her hair to donate it to a Children’s Voice Foundation, Angel Hair for Kids, which makes wigs for children who’ve lost their hair undergoing chemo. At least one other staff member and student joined Ava in cutting off their hair. TVO has named Ava “Super Kid of the Month” and filmed the hair cutting assembly Dec. 11. TVO’s award celebrates youngsters aged 6-14 who make positive waves in the commu-

nity. Principal Jeff Crane expects funds being raised through Ava’s efforts will exceed $2-3,000.

Not sure what’s in the water at the SAHIL building at Bayview and McRae, but the condominium now boasts four residents over 90 years of age. SAHIL is a non-profit Leaside organization dedicated to helping seniors live independently and remain in their neighbourhood.

Here’s a local business that’s truly “smoking”. Anxious to expand into more space, The Smokin’ Cigar at 1699 Bayview is moving across the street to 1540 Bayview at the end of January. Renovations are underway at the site where a fire destroyed Leaside Cleaners over a year ago. The new location gives the store almost four times the space, making it the largest tobacconist in Canada.

Since the original Amsterdam Brewery, Toronto’s first brewpub, relocated to Esander off Laird, “More and more people are starting to find us,” says owner Jeff Carefoot. “So far it’s been good and Saturdays, ‘just crazy’.” The new site features a large space for events, samplings, tours and educational events about beer. Carefoot is already on board to help out with Leaside 100 celebrations in 2013.

Members of the Leaside Business Park gathered for the annual meeting

late this fall then celebrated the holiday season with a dinner at All Canadian Self-Storage—all cooked and served to fellow business park members and significant others by owner of All Canadian, Hal Spradling.

Local resident and business owner Ghatavi Massey has a passion for quinoa so great that he’s set up his business in Leaside and hopes to expand across Canada and internationally. Working with suppliers in Bolivia, Massey sells Pura Quinoa, fully certified organic and gluten free. Some of Massey’s products can be found in the valu-mart on Bayview.

Congratulations Suomi-Koti, the Finnish seniors’ residence and longterm care facility on Eglinton near Laird. Suomi-Koti recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in the community at a special banquet and fundraising event.

Former city councillor Jane Pitfield, is moving back into Leaside to a house on Bessborough.

Celebrity spotting: According to Toronto Life (January), Irish Canadian tenor Colm Wilkinson enjoys a regular swim in the pool at Leaside Gardens. Wilkinson is best known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables on Broadway. He relocated to Toronto in 1989 to play the title role in Phantom of the Opera. n

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LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:38 PM Page 17

Leaside Life, January 2013

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PremierTorontoCentral.com

Leaside Life, January 2013

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18 Deadline for February, January 10 leasidelife@gmail.com

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LEASIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 670 Eglinton, New Year’s Kid’s Club, Wednesday Jan. 2 - Friday Jan. 4, 9–4. For JKGrade 7 with youth in Grade 8 and up appreciated as helpers. Music, crafts, baking, outside play and more. Rev. Angela or Phyllis, 416-422-0510. $30/child per day or $75/child 3 days; $50/family per day or $125/family 3 days. Confidential special assistance and subsidized spaces available.

LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH, evening adult recreational badminton at McRae and Millwood, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-9:30 pm. beginning Jan. 8. $40 or $5 an evening. All levels welcome. Bea Lawford 416-421-1135.

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN LEASIDE-EAST YORK, monthly meeting Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Rd., Thursday Jan.17, 7.30 p.m. Guest speaker Karen Ing, senior lecturer, U of T Centre for the Environment, on climate change. Visitors and new members welcome. www.leaside.org/cfuw.

NORTH LEASIDE WOMEN’S GROUP, Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Rd.: – Jan. 8, Volunteering. Lisa Whitwell will lead a forum to explore volunteer opportunities for everyone in the family.

– Jan. 15, Pat Bourke, a neighbourhood mom, published her first novel, Yesterday's Dead, last April. This young adult book set in Toronto describes the struggles of a young teen during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic.

– Jan. 22, 10 strategies to build and protect your family’s wealth, by NLWG member and RBC Dominion Securities investment advisor Judi Dalton.

– Jan. 29, Gary Miedema will discuss the charitable organization Heritage Toronto that works with citizens to preserve our city's heritage, and its Walks Program.

LEASIDE LIBRARY, 165 McRae Dr. – Chess in the Library, Saturdays, Jan. 526, 12-1:30 p.m. For children, teens and adults, including beginners. Registration required.

– Habitat for Humanity, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7-8 p.m. Learn about the success of this organization and how you can become involved. No registration required.

– National Film Board Film Club, Friday, Jan. 11, 2 p.m., A Prairie Story, Wiebo’s War. No registration required.

– Natural Burial - Respect for the Earth, Monday, Jan. 14, 7-8 p.m. Presentation by

CALENDAR, Page 20

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LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:39 PM Page 19

Leaside Life, January 2013

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new!

Order Party Platters online! fresh2go.metro.ca g Or call our Customer Care Department: 1-877-763-7374 Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday*- 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (*excluding statutory holidays)

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LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:39 PM Page 20

Kathleen Kathle een Wynne,, M MPP PP Don V Valley alley West West

Leaside Life, January 2013

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20

Happy New Ye ear!

Yo ou are invited to the Don Valley W

All Politicians To own Hall H Thursday, Fe ebruar y 7, 2013 7pm to 9pm Toronto Botanical Garden, Garden Hall 777 Lawrence Avenue East To oronto, t ON M3C 1P2 Constituency Office: 795 Eglinton Ave East, Unit 101 To oronto, ON M4G 4E4 416-425-6777 www.kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca

Calendar From Page 18 the Natural Burial Association, which helps people who have loved nature to rest in nature. No registration required.

Teen Movie Night, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 5:30-8 p.m. I Am Number Four. No registration required.

– Women and War, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2-4 p.m. Topics include human rights violations, how women are represented in war and peace processes, and action being taken to prevent gender discrimination and sexual violence. By the Toronto Association for Learning & Preserving the History of WWII in Asia. No registration required.

– Therapy Dog Program, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7-8 p.m. Learn about the program administered by St. John Ambulance. No registration required.

– Family Board Game Day, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2-4 p.m. Celebrate Family Literacy Day with board games. No registration required.

– Geordie Fallis, Monday, Jan. 28, 7-8 p.m., author of From Testicles to Timbuktu. No registration required.

LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY, Thursday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m., Leaside Public Library, Incredible edibles to grow in your garden, with Sonia Day. Guests and new members welcome. leasidegardensociety.org n

Check

www.johnparker.ca

for news and updates

Happy New Year!

ew Year's at my annuale NGardens! e m in jo se ea Pl e at Leasid Day Free Skat .

1 p.m. to 4 p.m January 1st – Councillor

John

Parker WARD 26 · DON VALLEY WEST

councillor_parker@toronto.ca Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West, Suite A13 Toronto ON M5H 2N2 www.johnparker.ca

LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:39 PM Page 21

Leaside Life, January 2013

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LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:39 PM Page 22

Keeping up to changing retail landscape Leaside Life, January 2013

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22 My wife and I moved to Leaside three years ago this past August. We love Leaside, although the nearby meth lab uncovered at Bayview and Parkhurst shortly after our arrival was unsettling. Despite the rocky start, we would definitely have a hard time leaving, partly because there is so much happening here.

In the 41 months we've lived in Leaside the one constant seems to be the changing retail landscape. And since my business is writing about business, I'm looking forward to writing about the changing retail landscape in our community.

Since Sobeys opened at the SmartCentre in January 2008, there's been a barrage of store openings, closings, and relocations. You practically need a program to know who the players are.

When Leaside Village opened on Laird in October, Pet Valu was one of the first tenants to move there, from Bayview and McRae, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was a serious parking shortage.

Until PetSmart moved into Leaside several years ago, the Bayview

Will Ashworth The business of Leaside Pet Valu was one of the franchisor's five best performing stores by revenue. Pet Valu was acquired by Roark Capital Group in July 2009 for $143.7 million. The Atlanta-based private equity firm brought significant franchising experience to the table and immediately went to work rebranding and re-imaging Pet Valu.

A third local pet store, Paws & Claws moved to Bayview a year ago August after RioCan, the owners of Sunnybrook Plaza, were uninterested in providing it with a long-term lease.

Subject to redevelopment speculation for many years, Sunnybrook was bought by RioCan for $18.5 million in 2008. It intends to build a mixed-use development similar to the one it opened in 2011 at 1717 Avenue Rd. That property went through a

contentious development process that ultimately led to the Ontario Municipal Board granting RioCan the right to build a seven-storey mixed-use development that includes retail stores, from which it receives rental income, and condos sold by Tribute Communities, from which it also receives a portion of the profits.

With an LRT stop planned for Bayview and Eglinton, you can be sure RioCan will work with Tribute or some other condo developer to create an even taller building than the one on Avenue Rd. I don't have a problem with a high-density project at that location because Toronto can't afford to build too many new subways and/or LRTs and so one of the only viable alternative is to increase the density at every existing subway stop. But clearly there are opponents to density intensification.

As for Paws & Claws, its owner found the move to Bayview has been a positive one and is only mildly reRETAIL, Page 23

LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:39 PM Page 23

sents the glee with which parking enforcement officers go about their daily revenue generation.

Just as Laird Dr. is well along in its transition from industrial to mixed-use development, Bayview Ave. is also undergoing its own metamorphosis with Dollarama opening.

While it seems odd for a discount store to open on a street where Porsches and Land Rovers park in abundance, the dollar-store demographic actually works in the streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour.

Retail consultant Wendy Evans suggested in a Canadian Business article in 2011 that dollar stores in Canada tend to see a wider demographic than in the U.S. "There's a type of consumer who may drive a Mercedes but gets their stationery from a dollar store,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You'll see them buying a noname brand and driving luxury cars and wearing designer clothing. They care about brands for some things and not others."

My wife is the Canada East district manager for Los Angeles-based True Religion Brand Jeans. The same customers who fork over $300 for a pair of jeans at one of her stores think twice about paying more than a dollar for a pen. Consumers have become far less predictable.

Dollarama's presence on the street will help drive foot traffic to the four-block shopping district, ultimately benefiting retailers and restaurants.

Leaside has come a long way since its incorporation on April 23, 1913. Let's hope the next 100 years will be as exciting as the last ones were.

Happy New Year! n Will Ashworth has worked in and around the financial services industry since 1997. He writes for InvestorPlace.com and Investopedia.com.

Annual LOL The 4th Annual LOL in Leaside fundraiser benefiting the Leaside Arena expansion will be held this year Feb. 22 starting 7:30 p.m.

Limited tickets are available for the usual comedy and entertainment. $80 per person.

Contact charlene@charlenekalia.com for more information.

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From Page 22

Leaside Life, January 2013

Retail

LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:39 PM Page 24

Leaside Life, January 2013

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Transit changes will help Leaside Much has happened on my transit file since the showdown that shook up the TTC commission earlier this year. Two developments in this regard should be of particular interest to Leaside residents: 1. Eglinton LRT Alignment: I presume it is now widely understood that plans for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line include a tunnel through the central portion of its route (from Black Creek Dr. in the west to Brentcliffe Rd. in the east), where the roadway is narrow and traffic is already congested.

The location of the eastern portal is now being rethought. Late this fall, Metrolinx indicated that it is considering extending the tunnel further east to past Don Mills Rd. If implemented, this change in track alignment would eliminate the proposed portal at Brentcliffe. It would therefore also eliminate any interference with the existing left turn lane on westbound Eglinton Ave. at Brentcliffe, which was a concern that some Leaside motorists and business operators expressed to me in connection with the earlier concept.

John Parker Councillor, Toronto Ward 26 Don Valley West

An incidental benefit would be that, in order to accommodate the long gentle slope required to enable the track to pass under the Don River, the tunnel through Leaside would be particularly deep. This would maximize the separation distance between homes on the surface and any vibrations emanating from the trains passing beneath â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another concern expressed to me.

2. Downtown Relief Line: The transit debate of last winter now behind us, we on the TTC have begun to turn our minds to the question of what next.

There was little disagreement that our next priority must be to build a subway line that provides an alternate route linking downtown Toronto with the Danforth line. Such a link, called the Downtown Relief Line, or DRL, will take pressure off the congested Yonge/Bloor station

and reduce passenger volumes on the Yonge line generally. In short, the DRL will benefit more than just the passengers who use it.

As a member of the commission, I joined my colleagues recently in formally declaring the DRL to be Toronto's next transit expansion priority once funds are available to finance its construction and operation.

At the meeting that committed the TTC to the DRL I added a further element that will contribute to its overall value: I ordered up plans to extend the DRL up Don Mills Rd. to the new LRT/bus terminal to be built at Don Mills and Eglinton as part of the Eglinton Crosstown project.

A downtown link from Don Mills and Eglinton will be good for Leaside commuters. A Leaside resident will be able to board the Crosstown at Bayview or Laird and travel directly to Don Mills, and from there take a subway to the core of the city. Taking that route will avoid the crush at Eglinton station and reduce the pressure on that interchange. It will also further reduce passenger volumes on the chronically overcrowded Yonge line. n

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LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:39 PM Page 25

PARALLELE INTERIORS

Alan Redway

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Some racy Leaside stories

BOXING WEEK SALE

Target is coming soon to Thorncliffe, which as we were recently reminded by Lorna Krawchuk, was a part of the former Town of Leaside.

Originally however, only a small part of Thorncliffe was located in Leaside. Most of it was either in North York or East York. But in 1954, on the eve of apartment development, the OMB granted Leaside’s application to annex the entire area.

Prior to 1920 Thorncliffe was farmland but that year it was purchased by Americans who built a race track on the site, which operated for over 40 years. Many famous Canadian horses of the day ran at Thorncliffe including Bunty Lawless, Joey Bomber and Queen’s Own. I well remember the year my Rolph Road school class walked over to the racetrack for our class picnic.

Many other Leaside and East York kids remember sneaking in to watch the races.

But betting the horses was not the only form of gambling at Thorncliffe. Garity’s Club was there as well, located near the present Banigan Dr. (named after Joe Banigan, a former Leaside councillor). The club was the subject of many fruitless police raids

by Leaside Police Chief Sandy Bruce, for whom Sandy Bruce Park on Moore Ave. is named.

Apparently someone always tipped off the operator before Sandy arrived.

Eventually, the building, listed on the assessment roll as a storage warehouse, was blown up. It was rumoured to be the work of a business rival.

In 1952 the Ontario Jockey Club bought the track from its American owners, shut it down and sold it to developers. That is why the Leaside Planning Board was established.

Leaside, a well planned community thanks to Mayor Howard Talbot and his council, never had a planning board until the annexation of Thorncliffe. One of the first things the board did was to recommend the construction of the Charles Hiscott

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Former East York mayor and federal cabinet minister

LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:40 PM Page 26

Redway From Page 25

Leaside Life, January 2013

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26

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Bridge (named after a former Leaside mayor) over the Don Valley to provide a second access to Thorncliffe by linking Overlea with Don Mills Rd. Development quickly followed with streets named Grandstand Place and Milepost Rd., the first indoor plaza in Canada, the 43-storey towers of 85 and 95 Thorncliffe Park Dr., at the time the tallest apartment buildings in the British Commonwealth, Central Park Lodge (now the Leaside Retirement Residence) on William Morgan Dr. (named after a former long-time Leaside reeve, deputy reeve and councillor), R.V. Burgess Park (named after the long serving Leaside municipal clerk), Beth Neilson Dr.(named after the last mayor of Leaside) and more recently the Jenner Jean-Marie Recreation Centre (named after one of Leaside’s members of East York Council).

In 1970 Thorncliffe was home to about 13,000 people. Today the same number of apartment buildings are home to 30,000 people with four new students registering for school each day. No wonder the three schools are bursting at the seams.

Those Thorncliffe residents are not only our neighbours but they are also our fellow Leasiders. n

Graham Shirley Leaside Unite

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No response from the city In response to our last meeting with city planners and Councillor John Parker, the LPOA and Leaside Unite sent a letter dated Sept. 6 outlining several actions we requested the city consider regarding the proposed SmartCentre North development at Laird and Wickstead.

We have not had a formal response to our letter and, at the same time, the matters in relation to this proposed development have continued to move forward.

SHIRLEY, Page 27

LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:40 PM Page 27

Shirley

Leaside Life Published once a month in Leaside,Toronto ON,

by Ruth G. Publishing Inc., 66 Donegall Drive, Toronto ON, M4G 3G5 Circulation 8,500 to every door in M4G PUBLISHER:

Lorna Krawchuk Harry Goldhar, Andrea Villiers ADVERTISING: Ruth Goldhar TYPESETTING: L. Choy

EDITORIAL:

416â&#x20AC;?486â&#x20AC;?7387 leasidelife@gmail.com www.leasidelifenews.com

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We have requested another meeting with the city to specifically get a formal response.

Further, as the senior planner will be releasing his official recommendation in the near future, we wish to continue expressing our opposition to the proposed development.

The current plans represent nearly twice the level of development that has been permitted in recent retail developments along Laird.

Our requests in the letter to the city included: 1) Retaining another consultant to peer review the retail and economic impact assessments as the city's consultant has previously undertaken a number of market capacity and impact studies on behalf of SmartCentres.

2) Including a full assessment of traffic management solutions as part of the technical review in order to consider solutions to the concerns over traffic and the impacts of each of these solutions on residential amenity.

3) Confirming a full traffic analysis is being undertaken with respect to the range of possible impacts on the North Leaside community, as well as to the South Leaside community.

Our goal is to ensure the SmartCentre proposal respects the cohesive neighbourhood qualities we all value and that Leaside has carefully fostered over its near 100-year history.

In the meanwhile, we are embarking on a fundraising drive to cover hiring our own consultants to advise us on our position and strategy. Fundraising letters will be going out across Leaside early in the new year. n

Leaside Life, January 2013

From Page 26

Ba Bayview yview & Fleming F le m in g 1601 B Bayview ayview A Ave ve Tor Toronto onto O ON N M4G M4G 3B5 3B 5 416 416-489-1873 489 1873

YOUR FAMILY HISTORY NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR WALLS TO BE

ENJOYED NOT IN A SHOEBOX IN YOUR CLOSET

LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:40 PM Page 28

Carol Burtin Fripp Vice-president, LPOA

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Leaside Life, January 2013

Lorna IS Leaside

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Lorna Krawchuk was announced as LPOA’s Honorary Member for 2012 at our AGM. Newer Leasiders may only know of her as Publisher of Leaside Life, but she’s been serving Leaside for decades.

As our East York councilor for three terms before the city was amalgamated, she was known for her candour, her willingness to listen, and her ability to convince council on our behalf. Before that, Lorna was president of the LPOA, she volunteered for 35 years with Girl Guides, was an activist in such conservation matters as the Don Valley Watershed Regeneration Council, and church warden and youth group leader at St. Cuthbert’s Church.

She continues as a volunteer in Flemingdon Park’s food bank, and with AMI (formerly VoicePrint). In 2007 she was given the prestigious Agnes Macphail Award.

As I said in my presentation, Lorna IS Leaside, and LPOA is honoured to be able to publicly applaud her many achievements _______

City staff is still receiving reports from the SmartCentre consultants on traffic and retail impacts of this proposed mega-shopping mall, and LPOA/Leaside Unite have been receiving them from the city.

There are still lots of unanswered questions from both the city and us, with requests for further details. A number of the statistics used to support building the SmartCentre North are out of date, as well. More investigation is clearly needed.

We support a planning-based approach to argue traffic and retail impacts on our community’s wellbeing, and are working to reduce the scale of the proposal, which – aside from its effect on Leaside - could set dangerous precedents for yet future proposals, or even encourage increased applications for more density from existing retail centres along Laird.

We are receiving helpful comments from our own responsible and objective consultants, to ensure that Leaside’s interests are protected. n

LeasideLife issue 13 Final_LeasideLifev1 12-12-17 4:40 PM Page 29

Sesame Street link to Elgie house sale The Elgie family home, 262 Bessborough Dr., one of the settler “farmsteads,” is now for sale.

Believed to have been built in the 1840s (not 1880s as I had said in the May Leaside Life article), the house sits towards the back of a wide lot with a circular driveway.

It was the residence of Robert Elgie, son of Thomas Elgie, who was the original settler in the area east and south of what is today Bayview and Eglinton.

It has been significantly altered and substantially enlarged over the years. In 1991 the north part of the property was severed and a house was built on the new lot.

Mary Linholm (nee Syme), the concert pianist and composer, lived there from the 1950s until her death in 2009. She composed music for The Friendly Giant, Sesame Street and the classic film, A Child's Christmas in Wales.

A recording of her music was graciously accepted by the Queen for young Prince Andrew - an unusual honour.

Her husband Sven Lindholm was a builder and writer; he moved out in 2012 due to ill health.

What will happen to the property now? It is rumoured that the house may be demolished and a number of town houses built on the lot. There would be a number of planning obstacles to this proceeding, and in addition the house is included in the City of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties.

This means that in the case of a application for a demolition permit the city has 60 days to consider designation of the property. Councillor Parker has already requested that Heritage staff bring forward a heritage evaluation with a view to designation.

Two other properties, the John Edmund Lea House (33 Heather Rd.) and the Leaside Municipal Building (235 McRae Dr.) which were written about in August, and October respectively, are still for sale.

The status of the third property, 180 Laird Dr., the former CIBC building, is unknown.

45 Sharron Dr. (November 2012) appears to be safe, at least for now. This house, which is representative of the early industrial phase of Leaside’s residential development, was sold recently.

Best wishes for 2013. n

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Saving old Leaside

Leaside Life, January 2013

Geoff Kettel

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Leaside Life, January 2013

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Churches should compare trade secrets $90,000 in 2012 alone! That’s the aggregate amount raised in the fairs, bake and craft sales, bazaars and rummage sales run by the six Leaside churches during 2012.

Each church, of course, operates on its own and concentrates on different things, but there are similarities in the camaraderie and community concern. And I had such a good time talking to the sales organizers that I think we should all meet for coffee some day soon and talk about our trade secrets. We’d probably raise more money.

Leaside United Church is the one we all compare ourselves to. They hold two Awesome Sales each year, and the money they raise just keeps getting better and better. They continually refine how and what they sell. A few years ago they added a booth that only sells purses, shoes and scarves, and it alone cleared $1,200.

(I kept my promise to the organizers not to reveal the sales totals from each sale, but couldn’t resist mentioning the $1,200 profit on those used shoes, etc.)

Leaside United deals in furniture, big time, while the rest of us won’t touch anything that can’t be carried by one person. George Hurst, assisted by Bob Lister, continues to be the able behind-the-scenes problem solvers for Leaside United.

The formula for profit distribution was set years ago at 75 percent for parish operations and 25 percent for outreach projects.

At St. Anselm Catholic Church, the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) is the sponsor and organizer of their once a year Craft & Bake Sale, held on a Sunday morning. Theresa Ryan,

Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life

the convenor for the past two years, says the bakers start in the spring to make 76 Christmas cakes, which go in the church freezers they have bought with earlier years’ profits. In the fall, they make cookies and eight kinds of pies, all of which are frozen until the big day.

Another group of around 30 women gather each Wednesday during the fall to assemble crafts.

This year’s sale very nearly didn’t happen, as there was a power outage at 7:30 on the day of the sale, and the hall used for the sale is down two flights of stairs in a basement. By good luck, the power came back on just before opening time of 9:30 a.m.

Usually, two-thirds of the money stays in the parish, and one-third goes for outreach projects, such as St. Francis Table or the Good Shepherd.

Gina Davidson is the coordinator of the bazaar at St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church on Bayview at Broadway. They switched to a fall bazaar from a spring rummage sale three years ago because this sale “is a lot less work, more money and a better time of year”. A tea room was a much appreciated new addition this year, offering soup, sandwiches and sweets.

The money raised goes to support the annual church budget.

At St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, further south on Bayview, there are also two sales a year, both organized by the Anglican Church

Women, of which I am a member.

The spring effort comprises a major book sale along with a number of other booths with the big community draw of a BBQ and outdoor games on The Green just south of the church. For the Christmas fair in November, a sit-down lunch is a big attraction.

As happens at the other churches, the main work is done in those few frantic days before the sale.

This year, about 80 percent of the profits will be staying in the parish, with 20 percent going to various outreach initiatives such as Moorelands and Flemingdon Park Food Bank.

After not holding a sale for several years, Marg Rockingham and her “eclectic, ad hoc group” at Leaside Presbyterian Church on Eglinton decided that it was time again to hold a rummage sale of clothing and household supplies. The women, with the assistance of a few men of the congregation, were pleased that there appeared to be many people from outside the neighbourhood attending the sale. They had advertised in newspapers, as well as on Craigslist and kijiji.

The money raised went into the general church budget.

The exception to our sale version of fundraising is Northlea United Church on Brentcliffe. Wendy Atkinson, a co-chair of the United Church Women (UCW), said that “stairs to the church basement, aging knees and the decreasing number of women available to help” made them decide that fundraising sales were not for them. Instead, they help with the various community-building events sponsored by their church throughout the year. n

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Leaside Life, January 2013

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