Bathurst-Finch Kaleidoscope Spring Issue BFK-Spring-2010

every story matters... add yours | spring 2010 | #8

contents

career strategy Your Rights at Work 2

celebrations Passover 4 Easter 5 Nowruz 7 Holi Festival 8 Black History Month 9 neighbourhood buzz 10, 29 youth page 12 faces of bathurst-finch Interview with Helen Rostmoff 14 nutrition 16 recipes 17 community life 18 interview Number One Woman 20 neighbourhood event International Women’s Day 22 health Women’s Health: Creating Balance & Renewal in 5 Easy Steps 23 Стресс: пора меняться и двигаться вперед 24

Kaleidoscope Mini-Guide: General ESL and LINC programs 26 events calendar 31

COMMEMORATION Helen S. Rostmof (read the interview on page 14)

career strategy

Kaleidoscope Spring 2010, Volume 3, Issue 2 ©2008 by Action for Neighbourhood Change.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission. Kaleidoscope is published four times per year by Action for Neighbourhood Change. The articles in this newspaper are contributions of individual residents and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

We would like to thank all our contributors and our dedicated Newspaper Committee: Nina Zaslavsky, Leonid Predein, Joss Brandt, and Nina Shenhav.

We would greatly appreciate your input. We invite you to send your comments on the newspaper and your submissions to Action for Neighbourhood Change ANC staff in Bathurst-Finch are Julie, Hannah, Victoria, Oleg, and Tara.

Please visit us in our office.

Action for Neighbourhood Change 5987 Bathurst Street Suite 104 (2nd Floor) Toronto, ON M2R 1Z3 Phone: 647-436-0385 E-mail: anc@newheightshealth.org Website:

www.newheightshealth.org/anc

Know Your Rights at Work

By Victoria Khardas

Finding a good job is extremely important. As we all know, bills pile up and it can be challenging to keep on top of finances. Sometimes people take jobs that are outside their field or below their usual pay rate, in order to make ends meet. Unfortunately, sometimes people are taken advantage of in their jobs. The purpose of this article is to inform you about your rights at work and what to do when your manager breaks the law. Knowing your rights is only the first step. This article also gives you resources to contact, in case you need advice on your particular situation.

U

nder the Employment Standards Act, the practice of charging workers a fee to find work is illegal. This socalled “job finding service” takes advantage of workers who are desperate to find work. Often these workers are new immigrants. Be careful, watch out for scams!

If you are working...

Once you find a job, it is important to make sure your employer is treating you appropriately. The first step is to make sure you have been hired according to standard practices. Make sure your boss provides a contract outlining the job description, your rate of pay, vacation time and benefits (if any), and any other specific details you think should be included.

You are considered an employee of an organization when: »» You receive training from the company »» The company supervises your work »» Your boss gives you a schedule and sets your rate of pay »» You work with company tools and equipment »» Your work is clearly part of the business

If these points do not apply to your current job, you should seek advice.

As an employee of an organization, you have certain rights that are protected by the government and the law. If you have a problem at work, you are protected under the Employment Standards Act, the Human Rights Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. You may be eligible for benefits from the Employment In-

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surance (EI), Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

You could also choose to be selfemployed. You are self-employed when: »» You can control how your work is done »» You can negotiate your pay and when your work has to be done »» You own some of your tools »» You take the full profit or loss from the work

If you are self-employed, make sure to sign a contract for every job you do, with the same details as the contracts described above.

In all employment situations, the most important thing to do is to protect yourself. You can do this in a number of ways, below is a list of suggestions:

»» Keep a record at home of all dates, hours and wages paid to you »» Obtain all your employer’s contact information – name, phone number, address, car licence plate numbers, name (and/or number of the corporation, if appicable), etc. »» Always get a pay slip or record of all your pay »» If your boss is paying you less than minimum wage, keep a record of it »» Calculate how much you should be paid by minimum wage standards »» If your boss is paying everyone less than minimum wage, talk to the other staff. Organize a meeting at the Workers’ Action Centre to discuss how to improve your working conditions

Contracts and temporary employment

Frequently, employers offer short-term con-

career strategy

Under the Employment Standards Act, the practice of charging workers a fee to find work is illegal.

This so-called “job finding service” takes advantage of workers who are desperate to find work, often these workers are new immigrants.

Be careful, watch out for scams! tracts. This often means there will be no benefits and that you will be looking for a job again.

However, contracts can be a good idea, if you are looking to add to your resume and increase your experience. They can also lead to permanent positions within the same organization/ agency. Decide whether you would rather wait for full- time permanent employment, (which could take longer and be more difficult), or try to take a couple of contract positions – in the end it is up to you.

As a contract worker you still have rights. For example, you have the right to paid public holidays or to take another day off with the equivalent amount of pay.

Please see the summary below for your rights as an employee –

either permanent, contract or self-employed.

»» General minimum wage is $10.25 »» You do not have to work more than 8 hours in any one day (except if you have a written agreement with your employer) »» You do not have to work more than 48 hours a week (except if you have an agreement and approval from the Ministry of Labour) »» After 44 hours per week, you should get paid overtime, which is 1.5 times your regular pay (except if you have a written agreement to take paid time off instead of overtime pay) »» Every time you leave a job, your boss must give you a Record of Employment (ROE), which includes your name, the name of the company, the total hours worked,

the total gross wages earned and the reason for leaving

Termination of work:

Resources Do you need additional information? Please

»» You can be fired without notice, if you have worked for less than 3 months »» After the third month, your boss must give you written notice or termination pay instead »» You are entitled to a work place free of discrimination and harassment If you are facing harassment, you can make a complaint to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal at www. hrto.ca »» If you are injured at work, you need to fill out the proper (WSIB) forms and then y ou can receive compensation for your injuries

contact the resources below for follow up questions. Also, feel free to contact New Heights Community Health Centres, at Bathurst and Finch, to organize a workshop on Workers’ Rights. Call 647-436-0385. »» Ministry of Labour: 1-800-531-5551 »» Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): (416) 344-1011 »» Canada Pension Plan (CPP: 1-800-277-9914 »» Employment Insurance (EI): 1-800-206-7218 »» Toronto Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic: (416) 461-2411

If you are facing a problem at work, contact the Workers’ Action Centre at (416) 531-0778, or visit the website at www. workersactioncentre.org, for information on how they work and what they do.

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 3

celebrations

Passover:

By Joss Brandt

Celebration ofFreedom T

he beginning of this Spring festival fell on March 29 and 30 this year. It is an eight-day festival which celebrates the freeing of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. Families invite friends and strangers to celebrate the festival together.

The first two evenings are Seder nights on which the Haggadah

Passover Seder

is read, which tells the Passover story. It tells of the hasty journey from Egypt, at which time they were unable to bake their bread properly and baked Matzot – unleavened bread – instead. The youngest child in the house reads the four questions.

During the eight-day festival, only unleavened bread is eaten and no foods containing

leaven are allowed. Before Passover, the whole house is cleaned and on the night before Passover starts, a symbolic search is made throughout the house for Chametz – leaven. It is customary to place ten pieces of bread in various places, so when the search is carried out, leaven will be found. On the morning after the search, the remain-

ness of Egyptian slavery. The maror is often dipped in charoset to reduce its sharpness.

Maror is used in the seder because of the commandment (in Numbers 9:11) to eat the paschal lamb “with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.”

with wine are symbolic of the mortar used by Hebrew slaves to build Egyptian structures. The charoset is sweet because sweetness is symbolic of God’s kindness, which was able to make even slavery more bearable.

Vegetable (usually parsley) is dipped into salt water during the seder. The salt water represents the tears shed during Egyptian slavery. The dipping of a vegetable as an appetizer is said to date back to biblical times.

The Shankbone is symbolic of the Paschal lamb offered as the Passover sacrifice in biblical times. In some communities, it is common to use a chicken neck in place of the shankbone.

»» 3 oz. ( ¾ cup) ground almonds

The Roasted Egg is symbolic of the festival sacrifice made in biblical times. The egg is also a traditional symbol of mourning, and has been interpreted by some as a symbolic mourning for the loss of the Temple. It is also a symbol of spring – the season in which Passover is always celebrated. The egg should be baked or roasted if possible.

Whisk egg yolks and sugar together until thick and creamy. Fold in the ground almonds. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold in gently. Transfer to a greased 4cup pie dish. Bake in the oven at 350oF for 45 minutes. Serve immediately after removing the pudding from the oven.

Serves 4.

Karpas (vegetable)

The Passover seder is one of the most widely observed of all Jewish customs, and at the center of every seder is a seder plate. Because of the popularity of the Passover seder, and because of the seder plate’s central position in its observance, the plate has become a very common outlet for Jewish artistic expression.

Most seder plates have six dishes for the six symbols of the Passover seder. These are:

Maror (bitter herbs)

Bitter Herbs (usually horseradish) symbolize the bitter-

Chazeret (bitter vegetable)

Bitter Vegetable (often lettuce) is often used in addition to the maror as a bitter herb.

The authorities are divided on the requirement of chazeret, so not all communities use it.

Charoset (apple, nut, spice and wine mixture)

Apple, nuts, and spices ground together and mixed

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ing leaven is burned. Before the search, a candle is lit and a blessing is recited. Special sets of dishes, cutlery, and cooking utensils, are used - one for meat and another for milk.

Typical Passover foods are those using matzo meal, potato flour and lots of eggs.

Happy Passover!

Almond Pudding –

a favourite Passover dessert

Zeroa (shankbone)

Beitzah (egg)

Ingredients: »» 3 eggs »» 4 oz. (1/2 cup) castor sugar

(Source: Jewish Cooking. Carr & Oberman)

celebrations

Смерть, где твое жало? Н

аступает ночь, сгущаются сумерки… Двор перед храмом наполняется людьми. Все томятся в тревожном ожидании… Две тысячи лет назад в такой же тревоге и полном смятении небольшая группа людей пряталась в Иерусалиме, опасаясь гонения властей. Они не были разбойниками, они не совершили ничего противозаконного, они были свидетелями. Мысли о смерти наполняли ум и разрывали сердца. Умер тот, кто был с ними последние годы, тот, кто наполнил их жизни смыслом, правдой и чудом. Эти люди были учениками Христа – сейчас мы называем их апостолами, что в переводе с греческого обозначает посол, посланник. Но в ту ночь они были на грани отчаяния и даже представить себе не могли, что их жизнь, начиная с этого мгновения, изменилась коренным образом, раз и навсегда. Смерть для человека занимает слишком важное место в жизни, чтобы можно было об этом не думать. Страх смерти – это неотъемлемая часть нашего сознания. Каждый человек инстинктивно

ощущает это странное несоответствие от осознания своего я и того, что это я должно умереть и кончиться… Мы чувствуем, что смерть – противоестественна для нас и это рождает страх. Особенно этот страх усиливается, когда на твоих глазах умирает самый близкий для тебя человек. Именно в таком страхе и растерянности перед грядущими событиями находились ученики Христовы в те пасхальные дни. Для человека естественно хотеть всего того, что не противоречит человеческой природе. Но вот смерти, исчезновения, растворения, небытия – этого никто не хочет. Смерть всегда остается некоей тайной, которая заставляет нас всерьез задуматься и, порой, пересмотреть свои жизненные приоритеты. По своей сути, вся жизнь человека – это осмысление того, как наша жизнь соотносится со смертью, это поиск смысла этого таинственного конца. И глубина христианства в том, что оно дает ответ на этот вопрос: настоящее христианское вдохновение не в примирении со смертью, а в борьбе с ней и победе над ней. Первый раз мы встречаемся с темой победы над смертью в Евангелии во время рассказа о воскресении Лазаря. Христос был далек от Иерусалима, когда умер его друг – Лазарь. В Вифании Христос оказался только спустя четыре дня. Здесь он встречает сестер Лазаря: сначалаМарфу, а потом и Марию. Обе говорят Христу: «Господи! Если бы ты был здесь, не умер

Прот. Александр Шмеман

бы брат мой…» И Христос отвечает: «Воскреснет брат твой!» Но когда Христос увидел Марию плачущую и пришедших с ней иудеев плачущих, «Он,– пишет евангелист Иоанн,– возмутился духом и пришел в волнение»… И вот подходит он к гробнице и сам плачет, и окружающие говорят: смотри, как Он любил его. Христос приказывает снять камень, лежавший на гробнице. Когда сняли камень, Он, по словам евангелиста, «воззвал громким голосом: Лазарь, выходи!... И вышел умерший обвитый по рукам и ногам погребальными пеленами…» Как совместить печаль, слезы Христа и эту силу воскресить мертвого? Христос плачет потому, что в этой смерти своего друга Он созерцает торжество смерти в мире, смерти, которой Бог не сотворил, но которая воцарилась и царствует в мире, отравляя жизнь, претворяя всю ее в бессмысленное чередование дней, неумолимо стремящихся к пропасти. И вот этот приказ: «Лазарь,

выходи!» Это – чудо любви, торжествующей над смертью, это – вызов смерти, это – объявление ей войны Христом, это утверждение, что разрушена, умерщвлена должна быть сама смерть! И для того, чтобы разрушить смерть и ее тьму, сам Христос – и это значит сам Бог, сама любовь, сама жизнь – сойдет во гроб встретиться со смертью лицом к лицу, и разрушит ее, и дарует нам вечную жизнь, для которой создал нас Бог. В пасхальную ночь, когда крестный ход, обойдя церковь, останавливается у запертых ее дверей и наступает одна, последняя минута молчания перед взрывом пасхальной радости, в нашем сердце невольно возникает тот же вопрос, который был в сердце женщин, пришедших рано утром ко гробу Христа. Вопрос этот: «Кто отвалит нам камень от гроба?» Совершится ли еще раз это чудо? Станет ли еще раз ночь светлее, чем день? Наполнит ли нас еще раз эта ничем не объяснимая, ни от чего в мире не зависящая радость, которая всю ночь и еще столько дней будет звучать в этом обмене пасхальным приветствием: Христос Воскресе! – Воистину Воскресе! Минута эта всегда приходит. Двери открываются. Мы входим в залитый светом храм. Мы вступаем в ликующую пасхальную заутреню. Но где-то в душе вопрос остается. Что все это значит? Что значит праздновать Пасху в этом мире, наполненном страданием, ненавистью, ме-

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 5

celebrations

лочностью, войнами, что значит петь «смертию смерть поправ» и слушать о том, что «мертвый ни един во гробе», когда смерть остается все еще, несмотря на всю жиз-

ненную суету, единственной абсолютной земной достоверностью... Надо прямо сказать, что окончательного, общеобязательного ответа, такого, который мож-

Easter in Canada E

aster is celebrated in Canada at the same time and in much the same way as it is in other Western countries, like the U.S. This year, Good Friday fell on Friday, April 2, 2010, and Easter Sunday was Sunday, April 4, 2010. Both of these days are statutory (public) holidays in most Canadian provinces.

Easter Sunday is the Sunday immediately following the first full moon after the vernal (spring) equinox. It can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

Good Friday is two days before Easter Sunday and Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. Almost everything is closed Easter Sunday; it’s a popular day for attending church, getting together for a big family meal, and staging an Easter egg hunt.

What’s Open and Closed during Easter: Both Good Friday and Easter Sunday are statutory, or public holidays in Canada, which means that almost everything is closed, including government

6 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

но было бы напечатать в виде научного объяснения пасхальной веры, – такого ответа нет. Каждый здесь свидетельствовать может только о своем собственном и живом опыте и говорить за себя. В живом и личном опыте, когда всматриваешься и вдумываешься в него, вдруг находишь то, на чем все остальное зиждется, что вдруг все освещает таким ослепительным светом, в котором действительно, как воск от лица огня, тают сомнения и вопросы. Всякий раз, когда я открываю Евангелие и читаю о Нем, читаю Его слова, Его умение, я мысленно, от всего сердца и от всего естества, говорю то, что сказали посланные фарисеями, чтобы арестовать Христа, и вернувшиеся, не арестовав Его. Они сказали: «Никогда не говорил человек так, как этот говорит!». Таким образом, первое, что я знаю, это то, что учение Христа живо, и нет ничего в мире, что можно было бы сравнить с ним. Но учение это о Нем, о жиз-

ни вечной, о победе над смертью, о любви, побеждающей и преодолевающей смерть. И я знаю даже, что в жизни, в которой все кажется таким трудным и будничным, единственное, что никогда не изменяет, никогда не оставляет – это внутреннее сознание, что Христос со мной. Для меня Пасха – это не воспоминание о событии прошлого. Это – реальная встреча, в радости и счастье, с Тем, в Ком наше сердце давно узнало и встретило жизнь и свет всякого света. Пасхальная ночь – это свидетельство о том, что Христос жив и Он с нами, и мы живы с Ним. Вся она – призыв увидеть в мире и жизни зарю таинственного дня Царства света. Поэтому так радостно наша душа откликается на пасхальный стих (тропарь): «Христос воскресе из мертвых, смертию смерть поправ и сущим во гробех живот даровав».

Христос воскресе!

offices, banks and schools.

Some exceptions may apply to restaurants or tourist attractions. Call ahead to confirm holiday hours.

On Easter Monday, most people return to work and retail establishments re-open. Government offices, schools and libraries remain closed. Again, call ahead to restaurants, shopping malls and tourist attractions to confirm holiday hours.

This giant Ukrainian Easter Egg (pysanka) was built in 1975 in Vegreville, Canada by (then) University Utah Computer Science Professor,

Ronald Resch. The Vegreville Pysanka was the first physical structure completely designed with computer-aided geometric modeling software.

celebrations

An Ancient

By Ariel Balevi

New Year

Now Ruz (New Day), the Persian New Year, fell on March 20 this year. It is probably one of the oldest holidays in the world, dating back several thousand years.

The holiday celebrates the renewal of life through a number of customs, such as a “spring cleaning” of the home, and parties with family and friends, where special dishes and sweets are generously served. The belief is that the conduct of a person during the holiday will reflect how the year will unfold for them. Affection and forgiveness are encouraged, as we turn over a new leaf to welcome the spring.

According to legend, Jamshid, a king of the Golden Age, subjugated all the demons of the world. He then ordered these demons to raise

Haft Sin Table The haft sin table includes seven items specificly starting with the letter S or Sîn.

The items symbolically correspond to seven creations and holy immortals protecting them.

Traditionally, families attempt to set as beautiful a Haft Sîn table as they can, as it is not only of traditional and spiritual value, but also noticed by visitors during Norouzi visitations and is a reflection of their good taste.

his throne to the sky. From his throne “floating in the heavens,” Jamshid presided over the first celebrations of Now Ruz. This holiday is celebrated not only in Iran, but also in Afghanistan, Kurdistan, and many countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Throughout history there have been many attempts to abolish Now Ruz, but people have been so resilient about this ancient holiday that it is still very much alive, inspiring a number of beloved traditions. Among these is the “Sofreh Haft Seen,” literally, the “Tablecloth with the Seven Things,” which shows the let-

The Haft Sin items are: »» sabzeh – wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing rebirth »» samanu – a sweet pudding made from wheat germ – symbolizing affluence »» senjed – the dried fruit of the oleaster tree – symbolizing love »» sîr – garlic – symbolizing medicine »» sîb – apples – symbolizing beauty and health »» somaq – sumac berries – symbolizing (the color of) sunrise »» serkeh – vinegar – symbolizing age and patience

ter “Seen” (a letter in the Persian alphabet),”a table set with a number of items that symbolize the holiday.” Every home has a sofreh on display throughout the holiday. These items typically include: a green plant (sabzi), vinegar(serkeh), apples (seeb), hyacinths (sonbol), sumac (somaq), coins (sekkeh), garlic (sir), goldfish, hard boiled eggs painted in bright colours, candles, and a clock.

Sometimes a book is also placed on the sofreh. Often the book is the Diwan (poetry

collection) of Hafiz, the great 14th century mystical lyric poet. There is another tradition often followed during this holiday – to make a random selection from the Diwan. The poem chosen this way, is believed to offer advice on a challenging situation, or even foretell how the upcoming year will unfold.

In its celebration of renewal, and its invitation to start life anew, Now Ruz offers a universal message of hope as a new day approaches, leaving behind a winter of discontent.

While traditionally incorrect, sometimes a missing Sin is exchanged with another item starting with an S. For example: sonbol – the fragrant hyacinth flower (the coming of spring), sekkeh – coins (prosperity and wealth).

Other items on the table may include: traditional Iranian pastries such as baghlava, toot, naan-nokhodchi dried nuts, berries and raisins (Aajeel), lit candles (enlightenment and happiness), a mirror, decorated eggs – sometimes one for each member of the family (fertility)– a bowl with goldfish (life, and the sign of Pisces which the sun is leaving) a bowl of water with an or-

ange in it (the earth floating in space), rose water for its magical cleansing powers, the national colors, for a patriotic touch the Quran, the Shahnama and/or the Divan of Hafez.

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 7

celebrations

Holi Festival

By Neelam Kapur

When we celebrate the Holi festival in India, love is carried on a breeze, every field is green, trees are covered with leaves, and flowers and soil are fragrant.

H

oli is celebrated at the end of the winter season, on the last full moon of the lunar month. ‘Palgune’ in (Feb/March), is celebrated as a harvest festival, and welcomes spring in India.

In this colorful festival, people use colored water and wear colored flowers.

Holi is also known as Dhulheti or Dhulandi. Bonfires are lit the day before; also known as Holika Dahan (burning of Holika) or little Holi. The bonifires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape of young Prahlad, son of demon king Hiranyakashipu.

The Hindu mythology behind it is: the demon king punished his son Prahlad in a variety of ways, to denounce Lord Naraayana. He failed in all his

attempts. Finally, he asked his sister Holika, to take Prahlad on her lap and enter a blazing fire. Holika did as her brother asked, and walked through the fire. She miraculously remained unscathed. But Holika’s luck ended by an act of supreme sin against the Lord Devotee, and she was burnt and died.

Prahlad, a staunch devotee of God Vishnu, escaped without any injuries, due to his unshakable devotion.

During this festival, people throw colored water and colored powders on each other.

Colored water is prepared using Tesu flowers, which are first gathered from trees, dried in the sun and then ground up.

Later they are mixed with water to produce orange–yellow colored water, which has medicin-

al properties. The belief is that during the spring season, when the weather is changeable, viral fever and colds are common. Thus, the playful throwing of natural colored powder has a medicinal significance. On this day, people come out wearing pure white clothes and gather in a familiar place, where they play with gay abandon.

For this celebration, food preparation begins in advance of the holiday. Some of the dishes served are: gnjia, papads, kanji and various kinds of snacks, which are served to guests. Traditionally, on the night of Holi, the baitak turns into an event of preparing ‘bhnag’ (cannabis), to make intoxicating milk shakes and collective dance takes

place. The focus of the festival is to eliminate the cast differences in their society. It is celebrated without any distinction of cast, creed, color, status or gender.

This festival, celebrated with a feeling of brotherhood, breaks all barriers of discrimination.

By Tara Ma

Lunar New Year It was recently Lunar New Year!

A

house full of red colors, with fruits to share and a big feast to enjoy. A celebration of the arrival of the new moon and the Year of the Tiger, after the winter solstice. This holiday brought all of us together to celebrate the festivities and the reunion of our family. Of course with all this happening, there were traditions to be adhered to. Lunar New Year is celebrated over the course of three to 15 days, depending on

the family. It all started with cleaning the home as much as we could, prior to the first day of the New Year, to symbolize the cleansing of last year’s bad luck from the home. The broom and dust pan are tucked away on the first day, so that the New Year’s luck would not be swept away. After all that prep work was done, the fun started. Special feasts were one of the major points in all the festivities.

It truly brought joy to all of us

8 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

as we spent time chatting to our heart’s content. It renewed our sense of family. With all our

bellies full, red envelopes of luck given to the young ones, as we celebrated the New Year!

celebrations

Black History Month at Rockford Public School

Black History Month is the remembrance of important figures and events in the history of people of African descent. It is celebrated annually in the United States (U.S.) and Canada in February, and the United Kingdom (UK) in October.

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he remembrance was founded in 1926 by U.S. historian, Carter G. Woodson. Woodson chose the second week of February, because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans: former President, Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave, Frederick Douglass.

Each year at Rockford Public School, we plan activities to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent.

Every morning during February, students from various classes read interesting articles about famous North American heroes of African ancestry, over the public address system. For the first time, we had the Zillionaire contest, which is similar to the television game show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” Students in grades 5 and 6 competed in this exciting game, by answering questions about famous African Canadian heroes.

On Friday afternoon, February 26, 2010, there was a Black History Celebration Assembly in our large gym. In attend-

Photos–Ol Morgan.com

By Hugh Reynolds

ance were School Superintendent, John Chasty, Principal, Gladys Beaton, and Vice-Principal, Christopher Rzepa. This exciting and fun-filled celebration commenced with the singing of the Black National Anthem. The Guest Speaker was Mr. Robert Small, the famous African American artist responsible for creating the annual Black History poster series called “Legacy.” In his speech, Mr. Small motivated the students by assuring them that they can achieve anything they want in life, if they dare to dream. He also produced sketches of famous television characters, and allowed students to guess the names of these characters.

Students from various classes performed songs and danced to the music of famous African American musicians, such as Michael Jackson. Guest performers included students from the Africentric Alternative School and a dance group called “Keeping it Real.”

Overall, the staff, students and parents in attendance were enlightened by the presentations and we anticipate an even bigger celebration in 2011. bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 9

neighbourhood buzz

Talks from the Community Centre

By Nina Shenhav

I look at my girl glued to the TV. She doesn’t seem to be planning to leave it any time soon.

Me: Well, are you getting ready, or what?

Daughter: Or what.

Me: Come on, we’re late for your swimming class.

Daughter: Not interested. Told you before I hate swimming.

Me (to my husband, who has just entered the living room): She’s giving me attitude!

Husband: The girl hates to swim. Don’t you remember what happened last time?

Me: I didn’t mean to almost let her drown. I saw Sharon, and so I left her just for a second…

Daughter: Mommy? Am I adopted?

Husband: Enough already.

She’s not going, that’s all.

Me: Okay. So can you watch her?

Husband: Where are you going, if you don’t mind me asking?

Me: To the swimming class.

Without her there, I’ll have more time to make new friends.

Husband: Wouldn’t the other Moms be surprised to see you coming by yourself?

Me: Most of us come without kids.

Daughter: Mommy? Am I disturbing your life?

Husband: Nina, you don’t need those ladies. You’re constantly beefing about them. You said they’re a bunch of losers.

Me: They’re no losers, I tell you.

Husband: Anyway, I’m not watching the girl, I have things to do.

Daughter: Daddy? Am I adopted?

Husband: Just the other day, you told me all about Sharon’s

previous husbands. Mind you, I couldn’t sleep for days.

Me: And so you shouldn’t. We sleep at night.

Husband: That woman is a real loser.

Me: Just so you know, that loser has met a very, very rich guy.

Husband: So you admit she’s a loser.

Me: He well may be her third husband, God willing, so bite your tongue. We may have a new very posh friend soon.

Husband: Not holding my breath.

Me: He’s already bought her diamond earrings!

Daughter: Daddy? Are we very poor? Will I have a roof over my head?

Husband: Give me a break, Nina. I don’t want you near a

person who pays no attention to her kids.

Daughter: Daddy?…

Husband: Hush, we’re talking here!

Me: It’s not her fault her kids are such savages. They really liked Barry…

Husband: Barry? The second husband?

Me: Barry, the hamster, which the first husband accidentally killed.

Daughter: Mommy? Who got killed?! Who?!

Me: Know what? Never mind!

Don’t watch her. I’m not in the mood anymore. I’m staying home.

Husband: Very good. It’s extremely important for a child to have her parents there for her!

How ’bout some bath tips?

If you want to spoil me, just draw me a bath. But not just any water running bath. It needs luxurious bath oils, bath salts, bath bombs, and sensual candles lit all around.

I

could be a fury of the world, but a good expensive bath adventure would ease my nerves almost completely.

(Pour me a glass of good Champagne, throw in some Richart chocolates, and I’m yours forever. Well, at least for a few nice moments.)

So, going into a bath products store is a real treat for me (and next time we’ll talk extensively about creams and lotions.

Can’t wait).

“Gosh! I love this bath oil,”

gasps my friend, Sarah, as she grabs a beautiful bottle in a posh beauty shop. “And I simply adore this bath salts,” I add excitedly and take the green aromatic glass jar.

I know my friend Sarah. She’s a “bathoholic” much like me.

So imagine my surprise when I find those same products almost as good as new when I visit her a month later. “How?” I ask gaping at her. “How come you have all the goods and I’m left with almost nothing. What,

10 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

have you stopped bathing all of a sudden?”

Sarah hugs me ever so lightly and laughs: “So that’s what you think?” she says, then explains: “The expensive oil we bought? I simply used half the bottle and then added inexpensive cooking oil. What’s good for my inner body is great for the outside too. It smells the same, it looks the same, and I save a lot of money. When I’m done with the bottle, I don’t throw it away.

I simply buy another one, pour

By Nina Shenhav half into the old one, and mix with the canola cooking oil. I get two for the price of one.”

I groan in admiration when she continues: “Same goes for the bath salts. I put half of regular kosher salt that costs like a buck, and I’m good to go same texture, same aroma, same color, well maybe a bit brighter, that’s all.”

So, how ’bout my Sarah?

Some would say she’s a penny pincher. I say: “Why not give it a try?”

neighbourhood buzz

Spring Brings Happiness to Most of Us

Drawings–Nina Shenhav

Let’s take a look at four more moments of joy…

When the boss decides to take a vacation…

When you find your perfect outfit, in an additional color…

When you feel Mommy and Daddy are proud of you…

When someone tells you he had a dream about you…

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 11

youth page

Dogs

By Maya Shenhav Dogs can save people’s lives. For

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hey are men’s best friends, they are always by our side, and they help the blind. Dogs.

Did you know that Collie dogs are a good, balanced, sociable, and smart breed of dogs?

The Collie gets along with anyone, even with strangers, and it makes a great pet. It is also very sensitive. The Collie needs a lot of attention and love from its owner. The Collie dog really likes to spend time with the family. I guess it thinks it’s one of the siblings.

Did you know that Huskies were first used as sled dogs by a man named Martin Frobisher?

It was in 1577. The Huskies can run very fast for a long period of time.

Did you know that the German Shepherds are actually so smart, that they help the blind to get along with life without needing the help of other people? The German shepherd dogs are also very strong and can rescue people in need.

Dogs can be very helpful.

Some dogs even help the police.

example, when there is a fire, they can rescue people from burning houses. We should appreciate them for that.

When I first came to Canada, two and a half years ago, we lived at our friend’s house, and they had three dogs. I loved them so much I felt they were my own. Their names were: Lacky, Shooky, and Laxy. They were so cute. Back then I didn’t know any English and didn’t feel comfortable to try and speak with other children. But the dogs spoke my language.

Dogs can understand all the languages in the world. Do you know why? Because dogs speak the language of love. See, I didn’t have to know English to talk to them.

Another thing I learned about dogs while living with our friends was that as much as they want to be polite, they wouldn’t resist eating the food that you left on the table, even if you left it just for a moment…

So pay attention.

Remember that if you ever need a true friend, who would love you unconditionally and stay with you in times of need, you’ll find that friend in your dog.

Passover Cookie Recipes

By Tommy Shenhav

Whenever Passover comes, I get all giddy, because I adore the sweet treats this holiday has to offer.

O

rthodox Jews are not allowed to eat yeast dough throughout the holiday, so we eat lots of Matzos, and dishes with Matzo dough (dough without yeast).

Back in Israel, my aunt Pnina, baked two kinds of cookies for us, and I’ll let you have the recipes. We’ve tried it at home ourselves, and they turned out very tasty.

For10 coconut mini macaroons, you’ll need: »» 1 egg »» 2 tbs. sugar »» Pinch of salt »» 3.5 oz. Baker’s Shredded Coconut

Blend the first three ingredients until they’re creamy and then stir in the coconut.

Place the spoonfuls on a greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 3500F for 15 minutes. Remove them immediately from the tray.

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The other kind of cookies, are the amazing brownies. For 24 cookies you’ll need: »» 3/4 stick unsalted butter, softened »» 3/4 cup sugar »» 5 eggs, separated »» 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate »» 6 oz. finely ground almonds »» Pinch of salt

Cream butter and sugar together, then mix in the egg yolks.

Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Cool, and add it to the butter mixture.

Add ground almonds.

Beat the egg whites until they’re stiff, but not dry. Fold into the batter. Now pour into a 9” sq. greased baking tin, and bake in a preheated oven at 3500F for 45 min.

Cool and cut into squares.

Hope you’ll enjoy these treats.

And for those of you who celebrate–Happy Passover!

youth page

Inspiration

By Andy Oprescu

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er hair was blowing in the wind, reflected in the sun shining on the glowing blades of evergreen grass. The sun was shining on her eyelashes, lighting her face. The clouds were slowly flying through the endless sky, reflected by her thoughts and dreams.

As a gentle breeze was tangling the soft leaves of spring, my grandmother was remembering the lost events of her unforgotten childhood. She was slowly reciting an old rhythm of a lullaby as I sat near her.

The abstract barrier of sound danced freely, like a cobalt blue bird opening its delicate wings.

As the song kept flowing, a gentle, sad hint made me decide my dream to be a writer. But something was holding me back from my resolution – a strong feeling of inability. I told my grandmother. For a few seconds she watched the small nightingales above us as they sang. It felt like an emotional veil of melancholy. She calmly looked

at me, asking how the nightingale is able to fly and why. I didn’t know the answer. My grandmother observed a bird again as it flew to the vast depths of the empty sky. Then she told me the answer in one word, ‘’will.’’

Later on, I understood the true meaning of her explanation about the nightingale. At first it is a weak golden spot of floss, unable to raise its silky wings, or spread its profound voice. As time passes, it starts to learn by taking small steps.

It advances as time rushes by. The spirit that keeps it going is its perseverance, hopes and dreams of succeeding. The bird’s will keeps its ambitions alive until its dream comes true.

I realize my grandmother’s message now, and always try to remember it when I’m depressed and when I wrote this story. I am going to work towards my dream like the nightingale, persevering and learning from my mistakes, with a misty thought of inspiration...

Earth Day Canada

By Nikita Kaisar

During Earth Week – April 16 to April 25 this year – there are many events taking place across the country. Earth Day Canada is a national organization which informs people of our impact on the planet and how to reduce it.

This organization reaches people of all ages through Eco-action teams. The Forest Hill Zen Fashion Show 2010 is

taking place on April 22, 7:00– 8:30 pm at Forest Hill Collegiate, 730 Eglinton Avenue West, in Toronto. The Forest Hill Social Action Club and the Environmental Club have joined together to educate students through eco-fashion, at Forest Hill Collegiate Institute. The Forest Hill Zen Fashion Show uses clothing made from fair trade brands. April is the time

to begin our spring cleani ng, when the weather gets warmer. Check out our summer issue to see photos from this event.

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 13

faces of bathurst-finch

Эрмитаж Helen Rostmoff

By Oleg Morgunov

В прошлом номере Калейдоскопа мы опубликовали работы детей, которые были присланы на наш конкурс. Первое место заняла работа ученика Helen Rostmoff. Сегодня мы в арт-студии Hermitage беседуем с Helen.

Я вижу потрясающие работы Ваших воспитанников. Как Вы поняли, что хотите преподавать детям? Каждый человек проходит в своей жизни через разные периоды. Сначала ты только учишься, работаешь над собой, выбираешь свой жизненный путь, потом ты занимаешься своим любимым делом, к которому ты призван, и, в какой-то момент, начинаешь понимать, что хочется не только пассивно принимать участие в выставках, но и передавать свой опыт другим. Расскажите немного о себе. Где Вы выросли, какое у Вас образование? Я выросла в СанктПетербурге, и, хотя, тогда он назывался Ленинградом, этот город для меня всегда был Петербургом. Я закончила академию искусств им. В.И. Мухиной в СанктПетербурге. Каждый день, на протяжении пяти лет, мы занимались по четыре часа рисунком или живописью плюс композицией и историей искусств. Я до сих пор помню моего первого преподавателя – Юрия Соломоновича Левина. Он давал возможность

раскрываться нашим талантам и, при этом, был очень требовательным. Например, за лето в течение трех месяцев, мы, дети 12-14 лет, должны были нарисовать и сдать сто законченных работ и мои родители практически каждый день вывозили меня на финский залив, чтобы я могла рисовать эти прекрасные пейзажи, а когда лил дождь, то я работала дома над натюрмортами. Это очень сильно помогло. Все, кто учился у Юрия Соломоновича, стали потом известными и талантливыми художниками. А как Вы начали преподавать? Когда я стала членом Союза художников, я начала преподавать живопись и рисунок в Детской художественной школе. Это было как бы обязанностью. Например, члены Союза театральных деятелей и кинематографистов организовывали бесплатные концерты или помогали ставить спектакли во Дворце пионеров и школьников. И вот здесь я начала понимать, что учиться и творить – это одно, а преподавать – это совсем другое. Каждый ученик – это творческая личность и, поэтому, к каждому нужно находить свой подход. Можно ли говорить о том, что существует метод Helen Rostmoff? Я училась у педагогов, которые закончили Академию Художеств и учились у таких знаменитых художников,

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как Петров-Водкин и Филонов, которые, в свое время, учились в Италии. Мой подход к обучению можно назвать модернизированным методом преподавания русской классической Академии художеств. Мои уроки для детей длятся не более двух часов, один-два раза в неделю. Мои ученики приобретают серьезную базу для того, чтобы дальше развиваться, если они захотят посвятить себя живописи или скульптуре. Что является основой Вашего метода преподавания? На мой взгляд, самое важ-

ное для каждого ребенка – это познание самого себя и выражение себя в творчестве. Каждый ребенок – это самостоятельная личность. Моя задача – помочь детям раскрыться и вселить в них веру в самих себя. Когда человек уверен в себе, то ему легко жить, легко общаться с другими. Такой человек несет в наш мир позитивную энергию и делает других счастливыми. Какие качества Вы развиваете у детей? Видение красоты мира, веру в себя, целеустремленность, нацеленность на успех.

MEMORY Helen S. Rostmof

Photo–Ol Morgan.com

faces of bathurst-finch

Art Studio Hermitage owner, Helen S. Rostmoff, with her students

Что Вы изучаете с детьми? На моих занятиях мы изучаем историю искусств, основы композиции, основы рисования и построения фигуры человека. Мы занимаемся лепкой для развития пространственного мышления. Мы изучаем различные направления и стили, начиная с русских народных традиций (Палех, Хохлома, Жостово, Дымковская игрушка, Гжель) и вплоть до творчества Шагала или Сальвадора Дали. Мы делаем работы в стиле импрессионизма и кубизма. Когда мы изучаем живопись я учу своих воспитанников работать в разных жанрах: натюрморт, пейзаж, портрет, фэнтази. Мы используем разную технику: акварель, акрилик, пастель. Дети какого возраста приходят к Вам на занятия? Я занимаюсь не только с детьми, поэтому возраст моих учеников иногда сильно отличается: от 5 до 65 лет…

Скажите, а Вы сами учитесь чему-нибудь у детей? Да, безусловно! Я учусь у них раскованности, самовыражению, беспредельной фантазии и безбоязненности в образах… В каких выставках Вы и Ваши воспитанники принимаете участие? Мы в основном участвуем в местных выставках, которые проходят в библиотеках, Civic Centre, Bernard Betel Centre. Кем становятся Ваши ученики?

Архитекторами, графикдизайнерами, дизайнерами по интерьеру, фашндизайнерами, мультипликаторами, арт-директорами, преподавателями арт и, самое главное, замечательными, отзывчивыми и успешными людьми. Каким видом искусства Вам нравится заниматься больше всего?

Мне очень нравится примитивистская живопись. Пожалуй, самые близкие мне художники – это Гюстав Климт и Одилон Редон Давно ли Вы приехали в Канаду и что повлияло на Ваше решение остаться здесь? В Канаду я переехала из Израиля в 1996 году, получив статус landed immigrant as a distribution culture to Canada. Климат здесь гораздо ближе к тому, где я выросла. В Торонто нет такой удушающей жары, как в Тель-Авиве и, самое главное, – здесь нет военных действий. В Торонто, да и в Канаде в целом, живут милые спокойные и воспитанные люди, здесь нет опасений, что однажды в твой дом вдруг попадет ракета… Вы скучаете по Петербургу? Недавно со мной произошел удивительный случай. Мне приснился один из пейзажей на Финском заливе, который я когда-то рисовала.

Моя задача – помочь детям раскрыться и вселить в них веру в самих себя. Когда человек уверен в себе, то ему легко жить, легко общаться с другими. Такой человек несет в наш мир позитивную энергию и делает других счастливыми. Я проснулась с удивительной легкостью и рука сама потянулась к кисти. Я очень быстро восстановила по памяти этот пейзаж. Наверное, это можно назвать ностальгией… Я назвала эту картину Memory. Над чем Вы сейчас работаете? Какие у Вас планы? Я хочу закончить большую картину «Зебра» в технике арт-декор. Что бы Вы хотели пожелать нашим читателям? Я желаю всем видеть наш мир красивым и удивительным и наслаждаться этим. Посмотрите как прекрасны розовые тучки на фиолетовом небе во время заката. Когда вы гуляете по парку, обратите внимание на то, какие интересные деревья вокруг и как красива игра света и тени. Будьте счастливы, будьте успешны и радуйте ваших близких !

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 15

nutrition

Nutrition Labels – Get the Facts

Photo–Ol Morgan.com

By Jenny Lyttle, R.D.

W

In the December 2009 issue of Kaleidoscope, we looked at nutrition labels found on food packaging, specifically fat and cholesterol.

Let’s take a look at the sodium, carbohydrate (fibre, sugar), protein and the vitamins and minerals that appear on the nutrition labels.

e talked about sodium in greater detail in the Fall 2009 issue of Kaleidoscope, so if there are any faithful readers out there, you may remember that 2300 mg of sodium is our upper limit of sodium for the day; however, we should be shooting for a lower target of 1500 mg per day for health.

If you don’t know what your daily limit of sodium should be, you can use the (%DV) to quickly tell if a product has a little or a lot of sodium; a (%DV) of 5% or less would be considered low in sodium, while a product with 15% or more would be considered high in sodium.

What about those carbs?

Health Canada says that 4565% of the calories in our diet should come from carbohydrates, (from different types of foods, like grains,fruits, dairy and some vegetables). So, the 9% value that you see on our example food label tells us how much the serving size contributes, if 60% of your calories were coming from carbohydrates. For the most part, we do not need to worry about this value, unless you have dia-

betes. It is important for those with diabetes to determine how much carbohydrate they eat, so as to control their blood sugar levels, by dividing carbohydrate evenly into meals and snacks throughout the day. For those without diabetes, and keen to know how to use this information, it can help you to know how many servings of carbohydrates you are having. One carbohydrate serving is equal to 15 g – our example food label shows that two slices gives us about 2 servings of carbohydrate (15 g x 2 = 30 g, our product serving is approximately 2 servings). This information can help to compare our intake to Canada’s Food Guide, and make informed food choices about our serving sizes of carbohydrates. A practical

16 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

use for this would be to take a look at bagels. A bagel that has 55 g of carbohydrate (a typical coffee outlet bagel) will give you about 3 ½ servings of carbohydrate. According to Canada’s Food Guide, this would provide half of the recommended number of carbohydrate servings for a female aged 14 and older.

Fibre is a part of plant-based foods that can’t be digested by the body; benefits of having enough fibre in the diet include regular bowels and greater satiety value, as higher-fibre foods take longer to digest and help people feel fuller, and better blood sugar control, because foods with more fibre take longer to break down and enter the blood stream. The % DV for fibre on nutrition labels is based on a reference amount of 25 g of fibre. However, recommendations for fibre vary among age groups – for example, males aged 14-50 are recommended to have 38 g fibre/day. Use the (% DV) to quickly tell if a prod-

uct has a little or a lot of fibre.

You may wonder why there isn’t a (%DV) next to the sugar on nutrition labels. This is because a recommendation hasn’t been established yet. However, current advice is to limit added sugars (like the kind in pop and desserts, not fruit or dairy products) to 10% of daily calories. This works out to about 10 tsp of sugar/ day – the amount in one can of Coke.

There is also no % DV value for protein; this is because the amount of protein that people are eating is not a public health concern – most people are getting enough protein. A (%DV) is only required if a claim is made that a product is high in protein.

Finally, you will notice that there is only a % DV for vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron. This is because vitamin and mineral recommendations are expressed in many different units of measurement, so it’s less confusing to have just the (%DV) shown. How should you use the (%DV) for these nutrients? Compare products and get more of these nutrients – 15% or higher means that the product would be considered high in these nutrients.

“It’s not what you eat that you should be concerned about, it’s what you are not eating that should concern you.”

(Dr. Joe Schwarcz, McGill University)

recipes

Mediterranean Asparagus and Tomato This recipe is from Foodland Ontario. Spring is here, and so is Ontario asparagus come May. Simple is often the best treatment, particularly when you have freshly picked Ontario Asparagus. Try to buy similar sized stalks for an attractive presentation and for even cooking. This can be doubled or tripled and served at an early summer buffet or barbecue. It’s wonderful with all grilled meats.

Ingredients

Tasty Tofu Tofu is soybean curd that results from a process similar to cheese or yogurt making.

It is used in stir-fries, vegetable dips, bread spreads and fruit smoothies. It is very healthy and easy to digest, very high in protein, low in calories and fat and is economical.

The beauty of tofu is that because it is relatively flavorless, it can be used to take on the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with. It comes in various consistencies, (soft to extra-firm). It can be used as a dairy and egg alternative when cooking or baking. It will keep for a week if submerged in fresh water and refrigerated. Change the water daily. (Vegetarian Times, April, 1998)

Tofu Cutlets or Chunks

»» 2 tbsp (25 mL) red wine vinegar

»» 2 x 8 oz. tofu cakes

¼ teaspoon basil

»» l large onion, diced

¼ teaspoon oregano

»» 1 tsp (5 mL) Dijon mustard

»» 2 cups Tamari

l cup nutritional yeast

»» 1 tsp (5 mL) liquid honey

»» l-2 teaspoons cooking oil

2 cloves garlic, diced

»» 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each of salt and dried basil

»» 2 teaspoons lemon juice

»» 1/4 cup (50 mL) olive oil

Directions

»» 1 lb (500 g) Ontario Asparagus »» 1 ripe Ontario Greenhouse Tomato, seeded and diced »» 1/4 cup (50 mL) freshly grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese »» Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

In small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, basil and pepper; slowly whisk in oil until smooth. Set aside.

Break asparagus. In large pot of boiling water, cook asparagusuntil bright green and tender-crisp, 2 to 4 minutes (depending on thickness of stalk). Drain and chill under cold water. Drain well and place in shallow dish.

Sprinkle tomato over asparagus. Pour vinaigrette over top and shake dish to coat. Let stand at room temperature for up to 1 hour. Garnish each serving with Parmesan and fresh basil leaves (if using).

Nutrients per serving »» Protein: 5.0 grams »» Fat: 13.0 grams »» Carbohydrates: 8.0 grams »» Calories: 169 Check out http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/ for availability of other Ontario produce.

Drain tofu well. Cutlets – cut tofu into slices ¼ inch thick. Chunks – cut into 1 inch cubes. Saute onions and garlic until golden brown. Make a mixture of tamari, oil, spices and sauteed onion and garlic. Place tofu in mixture to marinate, then dip into nutritional yeast until thoroughly covered. Oil a cookie sheet.

Place tofu pieces on sheet and bake 325 F for 5-7 minutes on each side, then broil until crispy. Can be cooked in frying pan.

(Paulette Eisen – A Diet for All Reasons)

Lemon-Lime Cream Tofu Pie »» 11/2 lbs. tofu

1/3 cup limeade concentrate

»» 1 cup sugar or honey

2 T vanilla

»» ¼ cup oil

1 teaspoon ginger powder

»» 1/3 cup lemon juice

1 T constarch

»» Crust: l pkg. graham crackers, crushed »» 2 T. sugar or honey »» 1 cube melted butter (enough to mix)

Directions

Blend together tofu, sugar, oil lemon juice, limeade concentrate, vanilla, ginger powder and corn starch until smooth and creamy.

Combine crust ingredients and push evenly into 9-inch pie plate.

Pour tofu blend into crust. Bake at 350 F for 25 mins. or until lightly brown. Don’t overbake. Cool and top with fresh fruit or fruit topping. (M. Obis, Food Editor, Vegetarian Times)

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 17

neighbourhood networks

Community Garden Update

By Joss Brandt & Hannah Bontogon

Photos–Hannah Bontogon

Spring is just around the corner and the Community Garden will be opening soon for the 2010 season! The Steering Committee invites you to attend their Opening Dig-In in early May. The date for this event is to be announced.

Community Garden members did some planting last fall. There was a long delay in getting started, due to the City of Toronto strike, but we were lucky to catch the end of the season and planted spring bulbs, garlic, rye, raspberry bushes, and strawberry plants

donated from a resident in the neighbourhood. Many more plants, herbs and veggies will be planted this season.

Volunteers are welcome. You can be involved as a gardener and register for a plot in the garden, or also be part of the steering committee. The committee helps with the planning and organizing of various garden events, and gardening workshops.

The garden is a wonderful way to access fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables while beautifying the neighbourhood.

For more information please email BFgarden@gmail.com or call 647-436-0385, and you will be notified of the next community garden meeting

18 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

neighbourhood networks

Neighbourhood Action Group Update The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) is an emerging Resident Council in the Bathurst-Finch area, working together to form a stronger neighbourhood.

They began meeting in October, 2009 to address issues and concerns, and began a planning and organizing process to take action on these issues.

The membership has grown to roughly 16 members, including committee members. NAG members are volunteers who are residents in the neighbourhood. Members attend regular monthly meetings and other planning meetings, if necessary. Some are also committee members of either the: 1) Events Committee, 2) Training Committee, or 3) Communications Committee.

The issues the NAG is currently working on are: 1) improving snow removal on the sidewalks, and 2) improving road, traffic and pedestrian safety.

Residents have come forward to share their dangerous experiences as pedestrians or drivers. On January 21st, 2010, The Toronto Star highlighted intersections in this neighbourhood -- including Bathurst and Steeles, and Bathurst and Finch – as being considered amongst the most dangerous in Toronto. Residents also shared their frustrations with inadequate snow removal in previous years.

This neighbourhood has a higher percentage of senior citizens than any other in the City of Toronto. Many residents live in high rise apartment build-

ings and do not have vehicles.

Mothers and caregivers walk with their children in strollers and have expressed their concerns about safety. The NAG has agreed that walkability is very important in order to remain mobile and walk safely. They have declared their commitment to addressing this issue and advocating for improvements.

The NAG will be leading a Jane’s Walk Event on Sunday May 2, 2010, to gather the community together and talk about how walking conditions in the neighbourhood can be improved.

By Hannah Bontogon

This event will celebrate the neighbourhood and also investigate the walkability and potential for improvement. The event began in Toronto in 2007 and spread to many other cities, including New York, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax, Salt Lake City and many more cities. It is also a tribute to Jane Jacobs, who was a leader in the area and championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians.

For more information about the Jane’s Walk Event, or if you are interested in joining the NAG or a committee, please contact Hannah at: 647-436-0385.

By Amy Katz

Welcome to the Bathurst-Finch Network The Bathurst-Finch Network (BFN) is a growing community network in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. Here is some information about our recent activities!

A

bout six months ago, a group of people met to discuss the development of a community network for the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. Some of us are residents in the neighbourhood. Many of us are workers from community agencies, the City of Toronto and the Toronto District School Board who are connected in some way to the area.

Today, our network, which we call the ‘Bathurst-Finch Network’ (BFN), has grown a lot. We have a general membership, a steering committee and several sub-committees. One

example is our seniors committee, which is working on issues like improved transportation for seniors in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood and a guide to seniors services. Another example is our food committee, which is working on bringing a second community garden to the area.

We’re also very excited about our events committee, which is planning a big community event for Sunday, April 18th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Northview Heights SecondarySchool (550 Finch Avenue West at Bathurst and Finch). We’re

calling it Bathurst-Finch Community Day, and here’s what we have planned. All activities are free of charge:

»» Free community cafe. »» All day live music. »» Opportunities to talk oneon-one with settlement and employment counsellors. »» Workshop on tenants rights. »» Summary legal advice about landlord/tenant issues; »» Employment insurance and social assistance. »» Information about services and programs in the BathurstFinch neighbourhood. »» Free child care upon request and activities for children.

Please add this to your calendar! If you have questions or suggestions, or would like to request child care for the event, please email at anc@newheightshealth.org.

Would you like more information about the Bathurst-Finch Network?

Are you interested in attending a general meeting, joining a subcommittee or receiving our email newsletter?

Please contact Amy Katz at

akatz@newheightshealth.org

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 19

interview

Number One Woman

By Nina Zaslavsky

Quite often when I see successful, extraordinary people, I am besieged by questions: “Why does one person get everything in life and others, either very little or absolutely nothing? How can one person be so bright, attractive, charming, and focussed?”

A

nd when at last you receive a detailed answer to this emotionally trite question, another one arises: “Why does this person - who already has both recognition and prosperity - need to work 24 hours a day, take on responsibility for huge amounts of money and people’s fate, worry about projects and not live the life of a simple person?”

Why would anyone do that, especially a young, beautiful woman - fluent in English, with Canadian management experience. Why not settle down and enjoy the pleasures of Canadian life?

These questions passed through my head and vanished during my hour-anda-half interview with Svetlana Dvoretskaia, founder and president of “Show One Productions.” To me, she is the number one producer in Toronto.

In three years, I have never missed any of her shows. At first I did not know who was behind this production company, but always knew that it guaranteed a high level performance. Vladimir Spivakov, Yury Bashmet, Saint-Petersburg Ice Ballet, Michel Legrand and other celebrities always received standing ova-

tions. When I first met the organizer of “Show One Productions,” I was amazed by her beauty and energy.

Canadians first recognized Svetlana Dvoretskaia and the English-speaking press showered her with compliments on the Internet – a new immigrant from Saint-Petersburg, daughter of a well-known pianist, who chose Toronto as her new home in 1998. In record breaking time, Dvoretskaia took a worthy place in a wellfunctioning industry. The attitude of the majority of show business sharks changed from guarded to respectful, and a former competitor, Svetlana gradually became a friend and business partner for many of them. She may seem like the embodiment of the Cinderella story – look at all the stars she is working with, in the best concert halls in Canada. However, words like “luck” and “success” are not in her vocabulary. She works hard.

SD: If I was told two years ago that I would work with Georgiev, Hvorostovsky, or the Rotterdam Symphony Orchestra, I would not have believed it… In the next eight weeks I have 12 projects, and that is a lot for one producer.

I believe you have more than enough stress in your life, not everything goes smoothly when you work with a lot of people …

The most terrible thing happened during the ice ballet tour, with their performance of Sleeping Beauty.

We ordered the compressor and attendants from the United

20 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

States. (In Canada, theatres work with trade-union workers. The way it works is, in the morning 100 people come – 50 are there to work, and the others are present just in case.

They receive $50-60 per hour and do not work overtime.

At 8 a.m. I got a call that the truck had overturned and the compressor had been slightly broken, but hopefully everything would be fine. Another truck had been sent and we just had to be patient.

We knew that the press had to be cancelled, but we didn’t have time to call everyone.

Journalists came, the ice was not on the stage, and the truck was stuck at customs. Embarrassment and bad publicity! I was up all night with the director. We invited the best expert on compressors from far away. Eventually at l a.m. the truck came. The expert looked at the broken compressor and said that if it worked, he would believe in miracles. During those 15 minutes of trying to start the compressor, my whole life flashed before my eyes!

At last the compressor started working, but instead of 24 hours for preparing the ice, we only had 16. So everyone started to work as if in an accelerated film. Night changed into day and all of us at the theatre worked until 7 p.m., without sleep or rest. When the curtains opened, we were anxious about the performance because the ice was far from ideal. But the public did not notice anything, and the performance was a great success.

NZ: Who agrees to work with you under so much pressure?

I work with very professional people, I do not save on P.R. I have a magnificent production manager because I don’t understand any of the technical issues. There are always great women and men around who are sincerely willing to help.

Lately I had to restructure my work because I can not simultaneously be engaged in signing a contract for half-a-million dollars and speaking with people about tickets. You can go mad. I believe that the best way to do things is to do them yourself, but it is necessary to delegate duties, otherwise you will never be able to expand your business.

Is it true that you once sold more than 1,000 tickets in a week?

Yes, I was distributing them myself at night, but then it was my only project, and I staked my future on it.

Did you have 1,300 phone numbers?

SD: Of course, not! We advertised, but people would call to say they were in the store and there were tickets for “row B” only and they would like to have “row C.” So I would promise them to deliver the tickets. I was working in the office during the day and at night delivered the tickets. There were times when I distributed flyers near Roy Thomson Hall, talked to people in the street and invited them to concerts. I know every single job in the project. You just have to try everything once. Now I am not engaged in as many functions as before, but I keep asking people

interview

to write about what they think great experience. Before that I of my concerts, what they liked wasn't able to work the Westand what they didn’t like…” ern way - 16 hours a day. Even though nobody was forced to work those hours, without that What’s your attitude towards you just couldn’t make it. All competition?

SD: Positive! Although I was around, there were girls and pretty concerned when the con- boys with their own problems, servatory opened. I was worried conflicts and fights. It was far I’d get trampled. I am a small from my dream job. At a cerproducer. Later, I found out they tain point, I realised that if nowere afraid of me as well! And body was offering me a worthy not just them. A lot of big organ- job, I should create one myself. izations with administrative re- I must say that I have lots of sources, well-oiled mechanisms friends in show business, and and professionals, were watch- at some point I went with my ing my work to see how I, an im- very close friends on a tour in migrant without solid financial America, made a few contacts, support or connections, could organized small concerts, and fill huge concert halls. Recent- then met Vladimir Spivakov. I ly one serious person admitted was lucky. He studied with my that my presence in this mar- Mum, they had a very warm reket had been irritating him for lationship, and so he gave me a a long time, however, but now chance. He introduced me as a he knows that I am not that big serious American-agent, and I – they have 300 projects a year, could not let him down. That’s while I have only five. Now he when I sold 1,300 tickets. From realizes that since I already that point on, my serious caexist, it’s better to be friends reer began. It took off like a with me – and we are friends.” rocket, and my uncertainties vanished! Though, to tell you the truth, I probably didn't So how can you become part have time to even develop of an already developed them. I work a lot, I make serstructure?

I dreamed of a normal career. ious decisions on my own, and But I would become bored I communicate with people at any job in a month. I am a who have reached the top. But fast learner and I react badly I am very critical of myself to idiocy. I longed for flexibil- and never tell myself «good ity. I have changed now. When girl,» even after a very successyou're in business you under- ful concert. All my happiness stand the importance of com- lasts as long as the concert goes promising. In 1998, I gradu- on. Thank God, my shows are ated from a university in St. usually packed. When people Petersburg with a degree in see that, they say “this is how show business, which I never producers make millions!” used. I got a job in a fashion Try to explain that you need magazine and at first I was very to sell at least 2 300 seats out happy. Then I got bored; I was of 2 600, simply to pay off the planning to go back to school, performers and trade unions, but the bills were piling up and and all your profit is from 300 they had to be paid. At some extra tickets. But only those point I was hired as a manager who work in this business can in a corporation, and it was a understand that.

If two years ago I was told that I would work with Gergiev, Hvorostovsky, Rotterdam Symphony Orchestra, I would not have believed it… In the next eight weeks I have 12 projects, and that is a lot for one producer.

Where do you usually feel more comfortablee - among Canadians or Russian-speakers?

I'm somewhere in the middle.

Most of my friends speak Russian, of course, but professionally, I tend to be more comfortable in a Canadian environment.

Do you regret leaving Russia?

Never! As I don’t regret working in a store for 16 hours. Immigration is such a big experience, such happiness, I could never reject it - despite all the difficulties. Was I lucky, was I in the right place at the right time with a genius and a nice person like Spivakov? What if we accidentally met, he would remember my Mum and think what a good girl I was, we would have had coffee and parted. If I was still working at a store at that time and was dreaming of whatever, he would have told me to call him when I was ready… And then what if he did not remember me if I called?

The blessing falling from the sky - it’s not for me. I have to work very hard and a lot, and when I do it, I am seen and heard.

So to achieve something, one needs?...

Just no matter what, do what you want to do and believe in, then everything will come together. In this country it is necessary to work a lot, if there are no savings. But imagine wasting nine hours of your day. It is the scariest thing for me.

Who do you want to thank for support?

Everyone: friends, they know themselves, and enemies. Nobody is a mistake in our lives.

Thanks to all! ... And when the enormous Roy Thomson Hall explodes with applause, compliments in English return you to reality – you’re not in Russia, this is a tour. Deep inside my twice immigrated soul, there is a feeling of pride for my roots. And I mentally send a sincere thank you to this tiny woman for everything she does. “Spasibo,” from all of us Russian-speakers in Canada.

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 21

neighbourhood event

International Women’s Day

By Elena Ivanova

R

epresentatives from different communities, most of them women, came to support the first fundraising initiative for the North York Women’s Shelter by the Successful Woman’s Council.

This non-profit organization founded by Nina Zaslavsky, Tatiana Predeina and Elmira Ibraimova, has a strong membership, comprised of immigrant women who share a wealth of knowledge and experience between them. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Lada Tarasova, the women came together to learn, grow and support each other.

They also believe that it is important to support those who are less fortunate. With this in mind, the group decided to organize a fundraising event in honour of International Women’s Day. The members felt that the North York Women’s Shelter would be the perfect recipient, because the group meets in North York, many of its members live there and the shelter is in North York.

Tatiana, Elmira and Nina, who

On Monday, March 8, approximately 100 people came to celebrate International Women’s Day at the Columbus Centre.

Representatives from different communities, most of them women, came to support the first fundraising initiative for the North York Women’s Shelter by the Successful Woman’s Council.

started the Successful Woman’s Council, put all the pieces in place to organize a successful event. They asked Nancy Oomen, a member of their club, to chair the event, and as word spread, it became clear that many people were happy to participate.

On March 8, everything fell into place perfectly, with an exciting program led by the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Councillor Karen Stintz.

Nancy Oomen, who chaired the event said, “we called tonight’s event the BLOSSOM fundraiser and each letter stands alone in meaning, and reflects what the shelter gives each resident.”

“You will learn to BELIEVE in yourself as you learn to LAUGH through the tears on a road to OPTIMISM which will teach you to SHINE. Your SMILE will light up a room and so OPPORTUNITY will come your way because of the hard work by the North York Women’s Shelter staff, who guided you toward new beginnings and a future full of MAGIC.” She went on to say,

22 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

“these words truly give meaning to what women and children are helped to achieve, as they go to the shelter to find their way out of unfortunate circumstances.” Nancy added that for the Successful Woman’s Club, “tonight’s cause has created a stronger bond and given all our members that “feel good” feeling.”

Charlene Catchpole, Executive Director of the North York Women’s Shelter, and all of her staff, do an incredible job in helping women gain confidence and put them on the path to a new life, free of abuse. In 2004, a Statistics Canada report showed that 95,000 women and children, were admitted to 473 shelters across the country in a one year period. It takes a lot of strength and courage to break through the many emotions and challenges to ask for help. The North York Women’s Shelter is open 365 days a year and operates a 24-hour emergency hotline, offering hope and guidance for a better life to those who come to the door or call.

The event was reflective of the multicultural flavour of our wonderful City, and the generosity of many local businesses.

Patrons were greeted by wonderful music played by violinist, Victoria Dickushina, and pianist, Oksana Samokhina.

Later on in the evening, Rena Green, a Canadian-Russian designer, convinced Nancy Oomen and Councillor Stintz, to participate in an impromptu show of her handmade jewellery, shawls and hats.

Without the help of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors, musicians and artists, we would not have achieved this level of success.

Thanks goes out to all of them.

The Successful Woman’s Council is pleased to have been part of helping to raise awareness, along with the support of its sponsors, volunteers and attendees, and is looking forward to an even more successful event in the future.

More information about the organization is available at: www.swcouncil.ca

neighbourhood event

Monte Kwinter and Ken Dryden

Annual Skating Party

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 23

health

Стресс: пора меняться

By Elmira Ibraimova

и двигаться вперед Организаторы Bathurst & Finch community Center провели семинары на тему «Управление стрессом» Целью этих встреч было показать как воспринимать стрессовые ситуации, как строить отношения, как научиться принимать и любить себя. Фасилитатор этих встреч Эльмира Ибраимова поделилась в этой статье своим мыслями о стрессе.

С

тресс – это часть нашей жизни, это сигналы, что пора меняться, двигаться вперед. Но к сожалению, типичная реакция подавляющего большинства искать причины во вне и эмоционально реагировать на происходящее. Оглянитесь вокруг, сколько среди нас людей живущих в негативе, критикующих всех и вся.Порой это вполне логичные аргументированные рассуждения, но которые в конце концов приводят к паранояльным заключениям типа «существуют психическое воздействие на иммигрантов через определенные частоты», «всюду специально созданы барьеры, жизнь иммигрантов обречена» или вообще аппокалипсическое «мир

управляется невидимыми силами».

И «ЧТО ЖЕ ДЕЛАТЬ?».

Типичный ответ «Да ничего, разве со всем этим справишься, это не в наших силах.» К сожалению, подобные рассуждения появляются как оправдание собственного бессилия, неспособности справиться с одной ситуацией, затем с другой и в конце концов просто опускаются руки. На тренингах по управлению стрессом я провожу простое упражнение, даю участникам задание: внимательно посмотрите друг на друга, и посчитайте, сколько одежды черного цвета на присутствующих. Будьте очень внимательны, смотрите на все

24 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

вещи и не упустите ничего. Затем я прошу закрыть глаза и ответить, сколько светлых вещей на присутствующих. Ответы как правило неточные. Мне часто возражают, что задание было посчитать черный цвет. Но в условии была фраза «быть очень внимательными и смотреть на все вещи...». Суть упражнения состоит в том, что участники видели все вещи, но поскольку дана была установка на черный, выделяли только этот цвет,– все остальные цвета просто ускальзали мимо, хотя и были в поле зрения. То же самое происходит и в нашей жизни. Потерпев неудачу мы находим оправдение, мы снимаем с себя ответственность и находим «виноватых». Возможно так оно и есть, но это не важно, важно то, ЧТО в качестве установки мы поместим в свое сознание. Если мы создаем установку «люди ужасны» (как в упражнении – посчитайте черный цвет), то осознано или нет мы будем замечать вокруг ужасные вещи, ужасные собы-

тия, ужасных людей, мы их будем выделять и, более того воволекаться в эти ситуации. В результате получаем подтверждение собственному заключению и срастно всем доказываем на реальных примерах что «люди ужасны». А ведь вокруг есть все цвета и желтые, и белые, и розовые. Но установка на черное, уводит наше внимание, также как уводит она от позитивных событий, людей, ситуаций. И наоборот, если мы настроены позитивно, мы фильтруем обстоятельства, соответствующие нашим установкам. Пример позитивной установки - умение принимать любую ситуацию, видеть в ней не проблемы, а пути выхода из нее, искать новые возможности для осуществления своих намерений . Такая позиция возможна, если есть вера в себя. Как только мы научаемся принимать себя, мы становимся способными принимать других и решать любые обстоятельства. Но это длительный процесс и требущий огромного желания и усилий. Об этом будет в следующих выпусках.

название health рубрики

As modern women living in a big city, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities; be it upgrading our studies, working or searching for work, caring for our family, or responding to the needs of our friends.

In Toronto, we often have to battle with immigration stress as well; the stress of learning to speak a new language, navigating unfamiliar streets, struggling with understanding the school system, or trying to find a family doctor. Suddenly things that were so easy in our home countries become enormously challenging in a new environment. Remember the first time you tried to exchange an item in the supermarket? Suddenly you realized you had to speak to the person behind the counter…in English! You had the phrase prepared, but unexpectedly your lips felt stuck together. When your son brought a note home from school you weren’t able to read it. You understood each word but what did they all mean together? At the end of the day, your husband confessed he thought he’d failed the job interview you so hoped for. Needless to say, there are days when we feel everything is too much for us.

So often, while taking care of others, we forget about the most important person. Let me introduce you to that important person ...

Please stand up and go to the mirror, look at your reflection and say “Hi (your name) nice to meet you. You are such a wonderful person. From now on I am going to take care of you, every single day. I promise.”

But in order to do this, what are the things any woman can

Women’s Health: Jen Quinlan & Julia Fursova

Creating Balance & Renewal in 5 Easy Steps do to take better care of herself? Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that can instantly make us healthier and more resilient. However, if there was one, that magic pill would include the following: supportive relationships, self-care, community involvement, taking action and asking for help.

Supportive relationships:

Why are they important? Because if we live, work and spend time with people who genuinely care about us, we are better off physically, mentally and emotionally. Seek and nurture relationships that make you feel good. Try to limit interaction with people who regularly disappoint, frustrate or hurt you. In other words, be selective about people in your life.

Of course, it is not always possible to avoid all negative interactions, that’s why it is especially important to rely on your positive relationships during difficult times.

Self Care:

It literally means taking care of yourself, the same way you care for others. When your family member gets flu or simply has a bad day, perhaps you make a nice cup of herbal tea for him or her. So, do it for yourself when you feel tired or lack energy. Here are a few examples of how to pamper yourself: »» Take some time to relax and decompress »» Drink a cup of tea »» Listen to your favorite music »» Go for a walk »» Have a bubble bath »» Start a hobby

Do something that makes you feel good and happy, and add other activities to the suggested list!

Community Involvement:

Perhaps it is part of common wisdom -- in difficult times try to help others who are in an even worse situation than yours. A shared burden is half a burden. Shared joy is double joy. Getting involved in activities can relieve stress, and allows us to take a break from our hectic schedule, to do something else and refocus. Volunteering is a great way to get involved. A number of organizations are always looking for volunteers including: New Heights CHCs, Host Program and North York Women’s Centre. It is also an additional opportunity to receive professional training and stay active professionally if you are un- or underemployed, or to try new professional directions.

Taking Action/Control:

It is never good for your health to feel powerless. Concerned about safety, cleanliness or snow removal in the neighbourhood? Concerned about something else? Instead of passive complaining, take charge of a situation! Join the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and start making a change in your neighbourhood.

There are three types of people – those who watch things happen, others who complain when things happen, or those who make things happen. The latter group is so much more fun!

And finally, ask for help.

While it is important to feel strong and be in charge of your

life, it is also equally important to recognize our limitations and admit when we need help.

Asking for help is not a weakness, it shows wisdom.

Below is a list of resources for women in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. Remember, you can ask for help and offer help, depending on your particular situation. Often, people who come to the organization to ask for help, later become volunteers offering their help to others.

New Heights Community Health Centres, BathurstFinch Satellite, 5987 Bathurst Street, unit 104: call 647- 4360385 to ask about health promoting groups and programs.

Book an appointment with the Social Worker or Dietitian, or access our Family Doctor and/ or Nurse Practitioner.

North York Community House, HOST Program – 638 Sheppard Avenue west, unit 220: call (416) 636-2600 to ask about programs for new Canadians, volunteer opportunities, ESL groups and more.

North York Women’s Centre – 201 Caribou Road, (near Bathurst and Lawrence intersection): call (416) 781-0439 to ask about a consultation with a Lawyer regarding Family Law, women’s personal development and support groups, or facilitators’ training program.

Griffin Centre, 24 Silverview Drive, (closest intersection Yonge and Cummer), call (416) 222-1321 to access services supporting youth, also adults and their families on the issues related to mental health.

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mini-guide

Kaleidoscope Mini-Guide:

By Sarah Crossleyz

General ESL and LINC programs

Please note: the guide is a work in progress, and is not comprehensive. This is our first set of listings, and it won’t be our last. We are looking for your input! If there are agencies, groups or programs you think we should add to our guide, please contact us at:

akatz@newheightshealth.org

General ESL and LINC programs listed below are for the Bathurst/Finch Community and surrounding areas.

ELT, SLT, Workplace Preparation, Special Needs ESL and Talk English Cafes listed below are city-wide as many of these programs are not offered in all areas. This information is current with the websites and publications of the organizations that offer them, however they may be subject to change and it is always best to call the organization for course dates and times.

A big thank you to Sarah Crossley from Toronto Employment and Social Services for compiling this information!

GENERAL ESL (TDSB) Open to all – no immigration restrictions $7.00 registration fee

Fisherville JHS

West Don Apartments

Mon to Thurs 4:30–6:30pm – literacy, beginner, immediate and multi-level Mon/Wed 7–9:30 pm – ESL literacy, intermediate Tues/Th 7–9 pm – beginner multi-level

6250 Bathurst St. (Bathurst and Steeles) (416) 338-4300

Mon/Wed 1 –3 pm – High Beginner Tues/Th 10 –12 am – Beginner

List of Abbreviations LINC – Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada ESL – English as a Second Language CLB – Canadian Language Benchmarks FT – full-time PT – part-time TDSB – Toronto District School Board SLT – Specialized Language Training ELT – Enhanced Language Training TOEFL – Test Of English as a Foreign Language

425 Patricia Ave. (Bathurst and Patricia) (416) 338-4300

JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services)

Bathurst Heights Adult Learning Centre

640 Lawrence Ave. W (Lawrence and Allen Expressway) (416) 395-4980

Classes are offered Mon –Fri in at various times amongst all levels including computer skills, conversation, TOEFL, and conversation specialty classes Bathurst Place

15 Hove Street and 3036 Bathurst 4600 Bathurst St. St. (Bathurst and (Sheppard/Bathurst Lawrence) and Bathurst/Finch) (416) 395-4980 (416) 635-7044 or (416) Mon/Wed/Fri – 9:00 –1:00pm – Beginner Tues/ 338-4300

Classes are offered Mon –Fri in at various times amongst all levels

Barbara Frum Library

20 Covington Rd. (Bathurst and Lawrence) (416) 395-4980

Tues/Th 9:00 am to 1:00 pm – Beginner (benchmarks 1 to 4)

Th – 9:00 – 12:00pm – Beginner Drewry Place

33 Drewry Ave. (Drewry and Yonge) (416) 338-4300

Tues/Th 9:30 am to 11:30 am – beginner Tues/Th 1:00 –3:00pm – Intermediate

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Edithvale Community Centre

Newtonbrook United Church

Mon –Fri 8:30 –1:30pm – TOEFL Mon –Fri 8:30 –12:30pm – Intermediate/ Advanced Mon –Fri 2:00 –4:00 pm – TWE

Mon/Wed 9:30 –11:30 am – Beginner Mon/Wed 1:00 – 3:00 pm – intermediate

7 Edithvale Dr. (Finch and Bathurst) (416) 395-4980

Kempford Apartments

5430 Yonge St. (Yonge and Finch) (416) 338-4300

Tues/Th – 1:00 –3:00 pm – multi-level Mitchell Field Community Centre

89 Church Ave. (Yonge and Finch) (416) 338-4300

Tues/Th – 8:30am –12:30 pm – beginner Mon/Wed/ Fri – 8:30am –12:30 pm – intermediate

53 Cummer Ave. (Yonge and Finch) (416) 338-4300

North York Seniors Centre (for Seniors over 55 years old)

21 Hendon Ave. (Finch and Yonge) (416) 338-4300

Mon –Fri 9:30 –12:00pm – multilevel

North York Central Library

5120 Yonge St. (Yonge and North York Civic Centre) (416) 338-4300

Tues/Wed/Fri 9:30 –11:30 am – beginner, intermediate, advanced Mon 9:30 –12:00 am – beginner Mon 6:00 –8:30 pm – Citizen Preparation Tues/Th 6:00 –8:30 pm – TOEFL

general esl and linc programs

Sheppard Place

4455 Bathurst St. (Sheppard and Bathurst) (416) 338-4300

Mon/Wed 9:00 –12:00 am – multi-level St. Patrick’s Anglican Church

1087 Lillian St. (Steeles and Yonge) (416) 338-4300

Mon to Thurs 9:00 – 11:30 am – multi-level LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA (LINC) TDSB Classes are offered FT Mon-Fri amongst all levels - must be assessed at YMCA No fees, Open to Convention Refugees and Permanent Residents Can apply for transportation bursary ( will give for one way only) Childcare: from 6 months to 5 years Cummer LINC

500 Cummer Ave. (Bayview and Cummer) (416) 395-4820

Kenton Learning Centre LINC

34 Kenton Dr. (416) 395-8486

Willowdale LINC

250 Sheppard Ave. E. (Willowdale and Sheppard) (416) 395-8214

JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services)

15 Hove Street and 4600 Bathurst St. (Sheppard/Bathurst and Bathurst/Finch)

(416) 635-7044 or (416) Midland Ave. 338-4300 3660 Midland Ave. Transportation Bursary: (Midland and Mc one way fare for single Nicoll) people, two way fare for (416) 396-4434

students with children Childcare: from 2/12 years to 5 years ELT (ENHANCED LANGUAGE TRAINING) TDSB for employment - Engineering, IT, Accounting, Sales/Marketing and Administration Sectors. Classes are offered FT (M-F 9:00am2:30pm) and last for 8 weeks which includes mentoring and work placement.

No fees. Transportation Bursary: TTC provided. Open to Convention Refugees and Permanent Residents Cummer Centre

500 Cummer Ave. (Bayview and Cummer) (416) 395-3669

Jones Ave. Adult Centre

540 Jones Ave. (Danforth and Jones) (416) 395-3669

Sheppard Centre

170 Sheppard Ave. E (Yonge and Sheppard)

Consumers Road

515 Consumers Rd. (Consumers and Victoria Park) (416) 350-8270

ELT for Financial Services Four Seasons Place

17 Four Seasons Place (Burnhamthorpe and East Mall) (416) 394-2241

ELT for Financial Services -

ELT for immigrant Women - Focus on the retail, administration and customer service professions.

St.William Adult ESL Centre

343 Jones Ave. (Jones and Gerrard) (416) 397-6959

Requirements: minimum of CLB 7 in each of the 4 language areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening) ELT for ESL Instructors Classes run for 10 weeks and are offered twice a year and are FT 9:00am to 2:30pm.

Corvetti Education Centre

(provides by COSTI) 760 College St. (College between Ossington and Bathurst) (416) 534-7400

Requirements: an advanced level of English and occupational training/experience in the profession ELT for Childcare - Classes are 10 weeks in duration and include 2 weeks of preemployment preparation workshops and 8 weeks of assisted job placement and support.

Language and Skills Training Services (provides by COSTI) Transportation Bursary: one way fare provided Sheridan Mall

(provides by COSTI) 1700 Wilson Ave. Ste.#206 (416) 244-9980

Requirements: an advanced level of English and

occupational training/experience in the profession ELT for Office Administration/Customer Service - Classes are 10 weeks in duration and include 2 weeks of pre-employment preparation workshops and 8 weeks of assisted job placement and support. ELT for Accounting and Finance - Classes are 10 weeks in duration and include 2 weeks of preemployment preparation workshops and 8 weeks of assisted job placement and support.

JVS North (a joint project with ACCESS, Microskills, Jobstart,Humber College and Seneca College)

1280 Finch Ave. W Ste #607 (Finch and Keele) (416) 661-3010, ext. 358

Requirements: at least LINC level 5 or CLB level 6 with educational background/ work experience in home country ELT for IT- FT classes include sector specific coaching and job development.

ELT for Finance/Banking - FT classes include sector specific coaching and job development. ELT for Engineering -FT classes include sector specific coaching and job development.

Jobstart (a joint project with Skills for Change)

219 Dufferin St. (King and Dufferin) (416) 231-2295

Open to permanent Residents and Convention Refugees over 18 years old and are internationally trained in IT with relevant experience. Must have at least CLB level of 6/7.

ELT for IT Professionals FT course with 6 weeks of

sector specific IT language training, up to 8 weeks of IT work placement.

Also includes a referral to the Mentoring Partnership and job development support.

Skills for Change

No Transportation Bursary provided.

Funds may be provided for childcare 791 St.Clair Ave. W (St.Clair W between Bathurst and Dufferin) (416) 658-3101 ext.211

Requirements: CLB levels 7-9 required.

ELT for Engineers, Engineering Technicians and Technologists - FT, 9:30am to 3:00pm 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Includes mentoring, work placement and job development support.

SLT (SPECIALIZED LANGUAGE TRAINING) Provider:TDSB Open to all – no immigration restrictions TDSB

1641 Pharmacy Ave. Room 212 (Pharmacy, south of the 401) (416) 396-2904

SLT for Hospitality training is in 2 phases, each 9 weeks long with 10 hours of training per week. Curriculum covers CLB level 4 and 5, workshops will run from workplace sites wherever possible (TDSB training site available if employee cannot provide space). SLT for Skilled Trades - open to those in Electrical or Carpentry Trades, training is in 2 phases, each 9 weeks long with 10 hours of training per week. Curriculum covers CLB level 4

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 27

general esl and linc programs

and 5, workshops will run from workplace sites wherever possible (TDSB training site available if employee cannot provide space). no fees Jones Ave. Adult Centre

540 Jones Ave. (Danforth and Jones) (416) 393-9645

SLT for Internationally Trained Nurses Pre-bridging program for internationally-trained RN’s and RPN’s. Course is designed to upgrade English language requirements to enter a bridging program for nurses. $7.00 registration fee Must Call for Locations and times

(416) 397-6219

Open to all - no immigration restrictions Specialized Language Training for Childcare Classes run both FT (12 weeks) and PT (30 weeks) for people interested in going into the fields of home daycare, ECE or ECA. Previous experience/qualifications not required. CLB assessment is required. Specialized Language Training for Home Healthcare Classes run PT (4 hours a week) for people interested in or currently working in the fields of personal support worker, home support worker, and home cleaners. CLB assessment is required. $7.00 registration fee

WORKPLACE PREPARATION Provider:TDSB Open to all - no immigration restrictions.

Overland Learning Centre

55 Overland Dr. (Lawrence and Don Mills) (416) 395-5080

Requirements:CLB level 5.

ESL Home Healthcare Worker Program - 9 week program combining co-op placement in real work setting and relevant ESL instruction. First Aid certification included in course. $7.00 registration fee St. William Adult ESL Centre

343 Jones Ave. (Jones and Gerrard) (416) 397-6070

Requirements: CLB levels 4 to 7.

ESL Hospital Volunteer Training Program - For clients interested or with experience in the Healthcare professions who need language upgrading, includes volunteering in a hospital setting.

Childcare: ages 31 months to 72 months Skills for Change

791 St.Clair Ave. W (St.Clair W between Bathurst and Dufferin) (416) 658-3101

ESL Clerical Accounting to improve langauge skills relevant to the profession.

ESL Retail and Customer Service Skills - to improve langauge skills relevant to the profession. ESL Advanced English for Internationally Educated Professionals - to improve langauge skills relevant to the profession. ESL Language Upgrading for Internationally Trained Teachers - to

improve langauge skills relevant to the profession. no Corvetti Education Centre

Provider: TCDSB/ COSTI 760 College St. (College between Ossington and Bathurst) (416) 534-7400

Open to Convention Refugees, Permanent Residents, and Canadian Citizens.

CLB levels 5-8.

ESL Business English and Computers - to improve langauge skills relevant to the profession. no fees ESL FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS/ Provider: TDSB $7.00 registration fee Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture

194 Jarvis St. 2nd Fl. (Jarvis and Dundas) (416) 363-1066

Open to all - no immigration restrictions however specifically for victims of torture who are unable to attend regular ESL classes Classes run from M-Th, 12:30-3:30pm and are for high beginner and intermediate level learners.

Hong Fook Mental Health Association

260 Spadina Ave. Ste. #408 (Spadina and Dundas) (416) 493-4242

Open to all - no immigration restrictions however is for the Chinese/ South Asian Community who are unable to attend regular classes due to mental health or emotional difficulties.

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Mon/Tues/Th- 10:00am12:00 pm - beginner/ intermediate Wed/Fri 10:00am-12:00 pm - Cantonese Beginner CONVERSATION CAFES ACCES Employment

Various Locations (416) 921-1800

Open to all - no immigration restrictions.

Classes are led by a qualified ESL instructor as well as informal group discussion, to develop skills in making small talk; building relationships with clients, co-workers and managers; working effectively in teams; and understanding the nuances of workplace culture. Gives the opportunity to practice and enhance your pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary.

English Conversation Cafe for Job Seekers

Where: YMCA North York Employment and Newcomer Programs 4580 Dufferin Street, 2nd Floor, (North West corner of Finch/ Dufferin)

When: Every Monday, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Requirements: (Minimum level 3 English). Registration not required

Contact: Noa Lipton at (416)635-9622 ext. 24

English Conversation Cafe for everyone Practice your English in a casual, friendly setting over a cup of coffee.

Where: Antibes Community Centre, 140 Antibes Drive , (off Bathurst, north of Finch) When: Every Wednesday, 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Requirements: None

Contact: Joanna at (416)630-6481 ext. 30

English Conversation Cafe for everyone

Where: Gales Family Pavilion, 4600 Bathurst Street, (new building next door to Lipa Green Building)

When: Every Thursday, 7:00 to 8:30 pm Requirements: None

Contact: Joanna at (416)630-6481 ext. 30

neighbourhood buzz

Men & Women:

By Vera Samarkina

Challenging Stereotypes

W

hen it comes to differences between men and women, everyone agrees they exist: we look different, have differing values and do not enjoy the same activities. Moreover, men and women provide particular social roles in achieving a successful family life. These are stereotypes, but that’s the way it is … Immigration to Canada is often a turning point in one’s life. A new start challenges many aspects of traditional views and stereotypes.

Each family has its own unique history of immigration.

Although with most families, the idea of moving to another country was initially more welcomed by adventurous men, but questioned more carefully by women. Stereotypically, and rationally, it is easily explained by natural instincts – a desire to expand the “hunting territory,” on one hand, and to make sure the “nest” is comfortable, on the other hand. Strategy is what men have always been good at, leaving tactical questions to meticulous women.

Getting reestablished in our new home country is the next, and most challenging step of the immigration process. If you are prepared to adapt to change, it will define your success. But most importantly, it will make the transition that much easier.

Those who are ready to sacrifice their stereotypical social roles and modify their traditional lifestyle, may find themselves

more at home in Canada, than those who stick to their former model of living. Quite often, women are less demanding in terms of career, and more oriented to supporting their husbands in career building during the first year. They start doing odd jobs in order to provide their partner with more opportunities to professionally establish themselves. Thus, for a time, women turn into breadwinners, unconsciously questioning the traditional status of men. Eight out of ten women interviewed in a survey, admitted that for them integration into a new reality was much easier than for their husbands: more flexible by nature, women quite often succeed in learning and building a strong network in a shorter period of time, and start

appreciating the Canadian experience in both professional and personal terms.

Although these changes enrich women with great experiences, they may completely turn their family life upside down.

Fear of the future, depression and frustration – all these problems may be felt by a man who is not yet established. It could cause misunderstandings in a family if he forgets about the temporary nature of these changes. Most importantly, this period is great in terms of observing new options: What if two people realize that being self-employed is more interesting for them than working for a well-known company? What if a man, while having this short break from moneymaking, figures out that babysitting is what he has uncon-

sciously dreamt about all his life, but never had a chance to think about? What if…?

The last and most thrilling step of immigration is simply to enjoy your life! Moving to another country creates great opportunities to be happy. Although this sounds vague, it is still the most common feeling. Although men and women think differently, we are alike when it comes to the desire to be happy – whatever that means! The “what if” question may arise in any family, creating numerous opportunities for both sexes. The Canadian reality is about breaking stereotypes – so by being open-minded and changing their ideas about stereotypical social roles, they might actually enjoy the journey!

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | spring 2010 | 29

neighbourhood buzz

Childcare Training

H

ave you ever thought to yourself ‘I’d like to work with children, but don’t know how to get started?’ If so, you are in good company at Bathurst and Finch.

For three months, a group of 26 dedicated women have attended New Heights Community Health Centres’ Childcare Training Program. This program was designed specifically for people who are interested in working with children in either a day care or home day care setting. Participants found this program incredibly helpful and worthwhile.

Below, please read a comment from one of our participants, Ms. Teresita Tajanlangit.

New Heights Health Community Centres, Bathurst and Finch Satellite, launched a

Childcare Training Program in December, 2009. The program lasted for 9 weeks, meeting twice a week for 2½ hours. The program also included 10 hours of practical placement. The course provided the 26 trainees with the knowledge, skills and attitude to ensure the holistic development of children in day cares. Subjects covered in the course included the Day Nurseries Act, child development, children with special needs, content and methods of fun learning, caregivers health and welfare, effective communication, and how to start a day care. The training ensured that trainees are more than ready to take on the challenge of providing quality child care services as well as increased their employability. To boot, CPR and First Aid training certified the

Photo–Ol Morgan.com

Program: a Success

“would be” day care providers, thus arming the trainees with the right tools to work with day care centres or to start a home day care.

The dynamic duo and the ever-supportive Julia Fursova and Jen Quinlan were hands on, as they ensured child care services for parents with kids, provided healthy snacks, conducted workshops, provided encouragement, critique and evaluation.

The training impressed upon me the importance of treating children as individuals with

natural characteristics that can be nurtured for optimum development at home, in day cares, and in formal schooling.

As a trained child care provider, I have the responsibility to create an enabling environment for a child and to contribute to the full development of his or her potential.

Are you interested in being part of this training program? If you live in the Bathurst and Finch community, please register! Call Jen or Julia at 647-436-0385 for more information.

Communication Skills Training

Over 20 residents have completed a 4-day Communication Skills Training in late March.

This training covered a range of topics including: »» Effective Communication Skills »» Learning about Diversity, Intercultural and Inclusive communication »» Communication skills in Relationships and addressing Conflict »» Communication Skills in the Work Place.

This training was planned by the NAG Training Committee who identified communication skills as a neighbourhood-wide

matter. By offering this training community members can build their skills and be able to work together for a stronger neighbourhood.

Each of the sessions was facilitated by Community Engagement Worker, Hannah Bontogon along with resident committee members, Babur Beg, Anuradha Balasubramanian, and Elmira Ibraimova.

Babur is an active volunteer in the community with the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) who has previously worked with Multilateral agencies and governments in development work. Anura-

30 | spring 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

dha is also an active volunteer with the NAG and received training from the United Way, in their Community Builders, Train the Trainers Program.

She used this learning to cofacilitate this training. Elmira is a foreign trained psychologist who has done workshops in stress management, and self help, and contributed to the session on Communication in Relationships.

The last session on Communication Skills in the work place was facilitated by the YMCA Employment Centre.

Many new comers who are still orienting themselves to Can-

ada found it helpful and will hopefully be able to apply their newly learned skills throughout their involvement in the community.

Congratulations to the committee members on a successful training, and all the participants who received a Certificate of Attendance for completing all four sessions!

We will be offering this training again in the summer. If you are interested in participating or would like more information please contact Hannah 647-436-0385

events calendar

Women’s Groups

Join these groups to meet new friends, widen your social networks and receive new information. We invite various guests-speakers; some of the sessions are facilitated by women participants. Refreshments and childcare provided on site for some of our groups.

Victoria - Russian speaking Women’s Group

Dates: ongoing Day: fourth Monday of each month Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St. unit 104/106).

For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

English Conversation Café

We invite all residents who would like to improve their English to attend English Conversation Café. Refreshments are provided.

Dates, Times and Location: To be determined For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

Knitters’ Night Out

Dates: ongoing Day: Tuesday Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Location: Centennial Library The knitting group invites everyone regardless of age, gender and skill level.

For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385 or Centennial Library at 416-395-5490.

Seniors’ Health Club Second Wind

Sessions include gentle fitness exercise, healthy snacks and informational talks with various health specialists, including registered dietitian, stress management consultant, and meditation specialist.

Dates: ongoing Days: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 1-3 p.m.

Location: 6250 Bathurst St., meeting room.

Newcomer and Health Workshops

A workshop for community members who are interested in receiving more information on the health care system (including access and rights) in Canada. Workshop will be delivered in English, however, interpretation will be available. Date, Time and Location: TBA For more information, contact: BF Community Office at (647) 436-0385

Youth Media Club

For youth interested in different aspects of media, including writing, photography, art and graphic design, newspaper publishing and blogging.

Dates: ongoing Day: alternate Monday Time: 3:30-5 pm Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St., unit 104/106). For more information, contact: 647-436-0385

Youth Health Ambassador Program

is a workshop series for youth who want to become peer leaders in health promotion.

When: Every other Wednesday Where: Centennial Library (578 Finch Ave West, basement) Time: 4-6pm Contact Jen Quinlan for more information at 647 436 0385

Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG)

Bathurst-Finch Resident Association working on planning and organizing neighbourhood activities, events and projects. Membership consists of anyone living, working or attending school in the BF neighbourhood. NAG has four working groups to address different priorities in the neighbourhood: communications committee (working on BathurstFinch Kaleidoscope community newspaper and website), events committee, capacity building committee and youth committee.

For more information on how to get involved and meeting dates, contact Hannah Bontogon at (647) 436-0385

Community Advisory Panel (CAP)

A group of residents and other stakeholders in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood who advise New Heights CHCs on various matters concerning the development of Bathurst-Finch Community Hub and Satellite Community Health Centre. The group meets on a second Monday of every other month and welcomes new members.

Dates: May 10, July 12, September 13, November 8, 2010 Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St., unit 104/106).

For more information, contact: Bathurst-Finch Community Office at 647-436-0385

Antibes Rhythmic Gymnastics

Youth Chill Zone

Drop-in space for youth Dates: ongoing Day: Wednesday Time: 3-6 pm. Location: Centennial Library.

For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385 or Centennial Library at 416-395-5490.

year round lessons summer camps shows for parents every month

140 Antibes Drive 416-823-3017 www.antibesrg.net

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celebrations

World Health Day