T HE
BBLOORDALET IMES Neighbourhood news worth repeating
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JUNE 2013 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5
FREE ITEMS RIPE FOR THE PICKING Campbell park hosts monthly Really Really Free Market BY MELISSA MILLERSON
melissa.millerson@gmail.com
RESIDENTS TURN PARKING LOT INTO PAVED PARADISE BY MELISSA MILLERSON
melissa.millerson@gmail.com
Anyone familiar with musician Joni Mitchell is undoubtedly familiar with her 1970 hit “Big Yellow Taxi”, and its chorus that certainly hits home for many city-dwellers. But residents backing onto Dragon Alley Lane, just north of College St., between Sheridan Ave. and Dufferin St. challenged what has become the norm in a city struggling to accommodate increasing traffic to create a garden paradise to call their own. What is now officially Dragon Alley Lane was once just another abandoned lot and an eyesore for the surrounding community. “It was dirty, with syringes and gar-
bage,” recalled resident and garden coordinator Sophia Ilyniak. Taking matters into their own hands, neighbouring residents came together to clean up the lot so that kids in the area could have a safe place to play. However, in 2008 rumors of a Green P parking lot being injected into the space became a reality, which threatened the progress toward what residents had originally envisioned for the space. According to resident and garden coordinator Cheryl Douglass, the community was not consulted on the parking lot until after the project started. “Adam Giambrone (Ward 18 City Councilor preceding current Councilor Ana Bailão) did not meet with us until the same day the paving was done,” she said.
For a couple of years, the 34-space parking lot was just that, but in 2010 residents again came together, this time to create a simple vegetable garden in an unused corner of the lot. “Every year [the garden] got bigger and bigger,” said Ilyniak. This raised concerns from the Toronto Transit Authority, who according to Ilyniak, challenged the legality of a food garden on private property intended for vehicles. Issues such as food contamination and liability topped the list of concerns of Green P Vice President Lorne Persiko, who commented to NOW Magazine back on June 15, 2011. After battling back and forth over the next couple of years, and with the partnership of FoodShare to handle the insurance of the
community garden, Dragon Alley Garden is now operational and being enjoyed by residents again. Garden coordinators Ilyniak and Douglass couldn’t be happier. “There’s definitely a distinct community that has developed here,” said Ilyniak. On May 25, 2013, with representatives from FoodShare and Councillor Bailão, Dragon Alley Lane was officially named in honour of the garden, and is now recognized as a municipal street. Bailão supported the project from the beginning. “[Bailao] just made it happen,” said Douglass. According to a City of Toronto staff report from April 25, 2013, speed bumps are being recommended for the lane at Bailão’s request.
With summer only days away, many residents are cleaning house and getting rid of some unused items, just as hundreds of bargain and treasure hunters across the city are coming out of hibernation to scour the dozens of yard sales, flea markets and estate sales in the GTA for that perfect, must have “new-to-you” item. Marry those two activities together and you get the Really Really Free Market West Toronto, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary in Bloordale next month. On the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the community centre at Campbell Park at 195 Campbell Ave., south west of Dupont St. and Lansdowne Ave., hosts Toronto’s own Really Really Free Market, one of many that take place worldwide. From what is known, the Really Really Free Market (RRFM)...
see FREE MARKET page 3
INSIDE INSIDE COMIC AND GAMING MAGAZINE A profile on the emerging publication
Page 3
DUWEST FEST PICTURE GALLERY A few snapshots from the inaugural event
Page 7
BLOORDALE FILMMAKER CONTINUES HIS WORK Established filmmaker finishes project in Parkdale
Page 9
02 The Bloordale Times June 2013
News
TORONTO FIRM PROPOSES GREEN IDEAS FOR PENDING TRAIN WALL BY KEVIN PUTNAM
Junction Triangle Rail Committee
Residents worried about the looming prospect of 16-foot high noise walls along the Georgetown South rail corridor are getting some expert help from Brown & Storey Architects. The award-winning Toronto firm has been hired by the Junction Triangle Rail Committee and the Wabash Building Society to develop green, secure alternatives to the massive concrete walls Metrolinx plans to install next year in Brockton, Roncesvalles and the Junction Triangle. At a public meeting on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. at the Perth Avenue Housing CoOp, Kim Storey and partner James Brown will make a case for treating the rail corridor as “a positive attribute that can reinvigorate and increase the pedestrian and cycling networks and be a catalyst for re-connecting historically separated neighbourhoods for Toronto residents, and ultimately become a new international gateway for our Pam Am guests and all future visitors.” The architects believe that Metrolinx
has an opportunity to improve the rail corridor as cities around the world recognize these places as newly discovered country where cycling and pedestrian trails have been created in beautiful green linear parks either replacing former rail lines or in parallel to operational tracks. The West Toronto Railpath is a recent example of this trend. Brown & Storey are proposing Metrolinx replace the natural urban forest that has been removed from the corridor with 10,000 new trees. They also recommend a more fine-tuned approach to shared boundaries and the construction of noise walls in stages to determine what is necessary and desired by the community. The presentation comes just days before Metrolinx releases their plans and drawings for the massive barriers.
Green Wall (rendering, Brown & Storey Architects), West Toronto Railpath, view north along corridor towards Bloor Street.
Photos taken from the Brown & Storey presentation http://www.brownandstorey.com
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The Bloordale Times June 2013 03
News
COMIC AND GAMING MAGAZINE LOOKS TO GIVE CANADA A VOICE With their office nestled in Bloordale at the Sterling Lofts, Comic and Gaming Magazine looks to reach nation-wide popularity among the gaming community BY ASHLEY COWELL
ashleymcowell@gmail.com
Comics and Gaming is a magazine that has been creating a unique, in-depth look of its subject matter for adult Canadian audiences. For the past three years, Comics and Gaming Magazine has been reaching its readers both in the print and digital form. The magazine was created by Editor in Chief Brendan Frye and Wayne Santos who is currently the magazine’s assignment editor. With no other magazine of its kind in Canada, they had an opportunity to create something entirely unique. Frye says the idea for the magazine originated from the fact that there was no magazine in Canada that covered both comics and gaming industries for adult enthusiasts. “The goal is to give Canadians a voice of their own beyond just American and UK voices,” Frye said. Issues include reviews, interviews, features and post mortems, where the reader can get an idea of how a game or comic did after its release including why it did so well and how
people reacted to the product. Frye said they try to feature something Canadian in every issue but the magazine does cover subjects from the States and around the world. “We try to avoid talking to people in just [public relations],” Frye said. “We want to get beyond that and kind of get into what makes these things interesting and what makes people play them or read them.” The masthead of the last issue included 19 individuals, 12 of them being freelance writers. Frye said the staff is really passionate about the content in the magazine and writers are featured in the magazine based on where their strengths lie. Over the past three years, Frye said the magazine has done moderately well and they are always thinking of new, innovative ways of getting the magazine to readers worldwide, whether it is through the web or through stores. Santos said the magazine is independent in its editorial voice, keeping a small press kind of mentality. “The idea is the magazine is for the people
who are reading it,” Santos said. “We aren’t answering to a lot of companies.” The digital copy is easier to access, cheaper and is colour correct, but there is hesitation to move to a strictly digital magazine. Frye said the print version is the marquee product. It is kept on because of how it originated and also for die-hard readers who want
that physical copy in their hands. “Every single issue is better than the next,” Frye said. “It is a changing bar and we always try to do better than the last issue.” The print version of the magazine is available at Book City, Chapters and Indigo for $10, while the digital version is available on Zinio for $4.95.
Editor in Chief Brendan Frye (right) and Art Director Scott Dixon (left) hold up the most recent edition of Comics and Gaming Magazine. Photo by Ashley Cowell
FREE MARKET from page 1 ...started in a handful of American cities during anti-capitalization protests back in 2003. From then, the movement has spread, with RRFMs found not only in North America, but also in countries like Australia, Greece, Russia, and South Africa among others. Back here in Toronto, goods are both coming and going at a steady pace throughout the day. How it works: Bring your used and unwanted items that are clean and in working condition anytime from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note, that due to storage restrictions, larger items that are not picked up during the day will need to be removed by the donor. Until 6:00 p.m. people come in and take any of the items offered that week. “No money. No swapping” is their motto, perfect for anyone looking for a good bargain. Items typically found at the Market include clothing, toys, games, books, music, kitchenware, tools, and furniture. People also can donate homemade items like baked goods and crafts, as well as services such as haircuts, yoga classes, music lessons, and gardening help. “This is a great way to reuse goods. [The program} can really help people,” said Shawna Bowden, who became a volunteer after first visiting last month.
The Market is staffed exclusively by volunteers who sign up. Danielle Pallatt-Hall is a long-time visitor and donator to the Market, first discovering the RRFM back in its early days. “I found out through a friend. They told me about it and we went, back when it was in High Park. I had my aura read. It was really cool,” she said. For a couple of years, the RRFM was held once or twice annually, before it made Bloordale its home. Since her first visit, she has brought over her own jewelry, magazines and clothes, while picking up items such as brand new shoes, coffee mugs, and even curtains for her new apartment. “Everybody has stuff that is still good, but you don’t really need or want. This is a good way to clear that out, so stuff doesn’t go to the landfill.” Items that do not get picked up are donated to local not-for-profit organizations, including The Redwood and Sistering women’s centres; Free Geek Toronto, a place that accepts electronic equipment for recycling, while providing free computer training; and Art Junktion, a Toronto District School Board initiative that accepts materials for students to use for various artistic projects. The next Really Really Free Market will be on Saturday, July 6. For more information, go to http://www.rrfmarket. blogspot.ca/
04 The BloordaleTimes June 2013
Feature
LOCAL FILM ENTHUSIAST OFFERS POSITIVE REVIEW FOR HIT MOVIE ‘NOW YOU SEE ME’ BY JESSICA BERRY
myyearatthemovietheatre.tumblr.com
The Review: Running time 115 minutes (translation 1 hour and 55 minutes) Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco (Yes, James Franco’s
brother), Melanie Laurent (Shosanna in Inglourious Basterds), Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine Directors: Louis Leterrier Four magicians/specialists: the mentalist - Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), the escape artist - Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), the sleight of hand magician - Mi-
chael Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), and the pickpocket - Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), are brought together by a mysterious benefactor who gives them the plans and the instructions to start stealing from the rich and give to the poor. A year later, they perform in Las Vegas as “The Four Horsemen”
Local resident Jessica Berry is five months deep in her 365 day challenge and has the tickets to show for it. Photo by Justin Millerson
at a prominent hotel backed by millionaire Arthur Tressler (Michael Cane). The Four Horsemen proceed to rob a bank in Paris, and then rain the crowd with the stolen money. Unbeknownst to them, they are being filmed by Thaddeus Bradley, a magician debunker (Morgan Freeman). The next day an Interpol Agent, Alma Vargas (Melanie Laurent) and an FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo), are put in charge of the investigation. Rhodes hauls The
Four Horsemen into jail, but without any evidence he is forced to let them go. The group performs two more times, once in New Orleans and once in NYC, continuing their Robin Hood methodology of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. The twists in this film are plenty and palpable; and, the strength of the story and plot carry throughout. Now You See Me is entertaining and thrilling, as the action sequences are both unique and creative. As a PG-13 rated film, this will be a great summer movie choice for many parents with 1012 year old children, since the violence is minimum and the sex scenes non-existent. But, the star of the film really is the magic. The producers of this film hired 32 year old Harvardeducated Magician and Puzzler, David Kwong, who designs and advised on illusions for film and TV. Every one of all ages likes magic and I think “Now You See Me” is going to shock a few naysayers and critics at the box office. When the dust settles from this summer’s blockbuster battle royal do not be surprised when Now You See Me sneak into the Top 5. The end of the film is a little cheesy, but this is a movie about magic and everyone really wants to believe in something fantastical (look at the success of The Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings). In the end the cheese is not a dealbreaker for me. Conclusion: Now You See Me will thrill everyone from young to old with its clever use of magic and well plotted dramatic twists and turns. It’s a great summer family film.
T HE
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The Bloordale Times June 2013 05
Letters from your political representatives
COUNCILLOR ANA BAILÃO
416-392-7012
Dear Neighbour, As a result of a nearly two year long process initiated by my office and local resi-
dents, major improvements will take place this summer in Susan Tibaldi Parkette and Carlton Park. As with any proposed change to our community, consultation with our community was my main focus during this improvement process. In the Autumn of 2011, I brought together residents and staff to create a wish-list for each park. Taking our budget for such improvements into account, I then selected several items from each wish-list and brought the proposals back to the community for review and revision in Spring 2012. Once community approval was received, Parks staff generated proposed designs and equipment options. On December 3rd we once again met and finalized our priorities and plans for these parks. Residents continued to provide comments and feedback as we moved
through detailed design and tendering phases. Our extensive consultation and my funding allocation will allow residents to experience revitalized public parks, featuring the following elements: Susan Tibaldi Parkette 353 Margueretta Avenue · Natural play elements and naturally coloured contemporary playground equipment with wood fibre as the play area’s base material · Large trees to be planted in order to provide shade · Fencing to be added along the laneway in place of existing guard rail · New drinking fountain and dog bowl · Landscaping, including more flowers on the east side of this parkette · Lighting and electrical upgrades, including the addition of power outlets · Additional benches Carlton Park
MP ANDREW CASH 416-654-8048 Over the past two years I have been proud to represent the people of Davenport in the elected chamber of Canada’s Parliament, the House of Commons. Over the past several weeks, a number of very serious scandals have come out of our unelected chamber, the Senate. We’ve always known that the Senate is full of Conservative failed candidates and Liberal cronies but recently things have reached a breaking point. An independent audit showed that Conservative Senators Patrick Brazeau, Pamela Wallin and Mike Duffy and Liberal Senator Mac Harb have been claiming thousands of dollars from a housing allowance they had no right to receive. Now we learn that Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Chief of Staff, Nigel Wright, secretly gave Conservative Senator Mike Duffy a cheque worth over $90,000 so Duffy wouldn’t have to pay back the expenses himself. This means that Duffy won’t be subject to any financial penalty as a result of his fraudulent expense claims. He gets to keep the money he ripped off from taxpayers. What’s worse is that there isn’t much the Canadian public can do to punish these Senators. Senators remain appointed until they reach the age of 75 are not accountable to Canadians. They cannot be removed from office for misspending money or for refusing to pay it back. Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau and Harb will continue to sit as Senators until the day they retire – with a nice pension that many Urban Workers in Toronto can’t get. New Democrats have the solution -- it’s time to abolish the Senate. Every year about $100 million is wasted to prop-up this outdated institution that has become a breeding ground for corruption and partisan backroom deals. In the past the unelected Senate has gone so far as to block Jack Layton’s climate change bill in 2010, which would have set hard emissions-reduction targets, even though it had been approved by elected MPs. Enough is enough – It’s time to get rid of these Senators who are unelected, unaccountable and all too often, under investigation. The NDP has launched a campaign to abolish the Senate. For more information on this campaign, or to sign the petition, visit rolluptheredcarpet.ca. For more information on this, or any other issue, please feel free to contact my office at 416-654-8048 or andrew.cash@parl.gc.ca.
MPP JONAH SCHEIN 416-535-3158 On May 29th, I stood with my NDP colleagues at Queen’s Park and voted to support the 2013 provincial budget. I want to thank the many constituents who took the time to share their thoughts and concerns about the budget and about the future of our province. This winter and spring, Andrea Horwath and our NDP team spent a long time talking and listening to people from across Ontario. I heard clearly from people in Davenport, that despite dissatisfaction with the Liberal Government, you wanted us to avoid an election this spring. So we rolled up our sleeves and worked hard to put your good ideas first in this bud-
20 Edith Avenue · New paved, accessible entrance features at southern corners, with seat walls and landscaping · Hard-surface pathways through the park · Removal of the baseball diamond and restoration to open, grassy space · Installation of permanent fire pit · New drinking fountain with dog bowl and step · Addition of picnic area on existing concrete pad · Reconfiguration of play equipment and addition of rock walls for natural barrier and seating Thank you to all the residents who participated in these projects and will continue to work hard as we acquire the funding, resources and staff time to see these projects realized. I look forward to assisting many similar community projects in the future and welcome you to contact my office at anytime with your idea or interest to improve our neighbourhood. get. Through hard work and tough negotiations we were able to deliver results in the budget. New Democrats fought for and won funding for home care for our seniors, a new jobs strategy to tackle youth unemployment, support for vulnerable people on social assistance to keep more of their money, and relief for families by reducing auto insurance premiums. I also heard your concerns about the Liberal Government’s growing list of scandals, and financial mismanagement. But instead of a vote against the budget that would trigger an election, you asked the NDP to continue our constructive approach - to hold the government accountable and to work together with all MPPs in the legislature to deliver positive results for you. While the government refused our proposal for ombudsman oversight of our healthcare system, we successfully pushed for the establishment of a Financial Accountability Officer to help avoid future scandals like Ornge. Despite the many gains we were able to deliver, this budget still has real flaws. The government refused our proposal to close costly corporate tax loop holes that could contribute more than $1.3 billion in revenue each year. I remain concerned that this Liberal government continues down a path of austerity that fails to make corporations pay their fair share or to make the necessary kinds of investments in public services and infrastructure that will make Ontario fairer and more prosperous. An NDP budget would have taken a very different approach, but I’m pleased that we were able to leverage our power at Queen’s Park to make your voices heard and deliver real results in the budget.
06 The Bloordale Times June 2013
New In Business ~ News
GLOBAL GIFTS AND DÉCOR READY FOR PURCHASE ON BLOOR ST With much of his inspiration coming from Brazil, new shop owner Craig Williamson looks to bring a taste of the tropics to residents in Bloordale Village BY MELISSA MILLERSON
melissa.millerson@gmail.com
Great new businesses have been popping up all over Bloordale, and Zebuu is now another pretty face to the commercial landscape on Bloor West. Located at 1265 Bloor St. W., this décor boutique is a destination for unique, handcrafted gift and lifestyle items from across the globe. Despite being a new business to Bloordale, owner Craig Williamson has been working with some of the store’s signature products for years, including the dozens of handcrafted wooden birds from Brazil that line the main showroom. “My husband is from Brazil. I actually lived there for a year. I got to know the artists and wanted to bring [their work] back here,” said Williamson. After returning from his year abroad, Williamson began selling the wooden birds wholesale to places like museum gift shops. He gradually expanded his product offerings from several artists and craftspeople from Brazil, but with his handmade selections, Williamson was challenged by corporate
buyers who often are looking for large quantities of exact items. Determined to bring a touch of beauty of Brazil to Toronto, Williamson began looking for a place to set up shop to sell to consumers directly. Already having a business connection with Town down the street, Bloordale seemed like a perfect fit, being such a multi-cultural and artistic community. “We wanted to be part of the community and give people an option so they don’t have to go to Queen West. It’s been a really good response [from the community]. Everyone has been really supportive,” said Williamson. Also from Brazil are beautiful blown glass vases, wooden sculptures, decorative bowls, and beautiful hand-woven cotton throws, each one made individually on traditional wooden looms. A wide selection of candles is available, including St. Eval from Concord, UK, and some decorative candle pots from India. All-natural scented soaps, including a best selling volcanic clay bar, are also available at a great price point. Local pieces include handcrafted pine lamps from Northumberland,
Ontario, as well as framed bird and animal prints by Williamson’s husband, illustrator Geraldo Valério. Williamson is planning to host an art showing of Geraldo’s work at Zebuu in the near future. Even after only a little over a month since their grand opening on May 3, 2013, traffic has been steady as curious pedestrians poke their heads in to see the new space. Local resident Kelly Connor came in looking for a perfect wedding gift for a friend “who has everything.” “I love to see shops like [Zebuu] pop up. The area is changing, it’s becoming trendy and people are liking it,” said Connor. After some debate among the selection, a wrapped signature wooden bird will rest on a wedding gift table in the near future. Zebuu is open Sunday 11:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday to The slick interior of Zebuu. Photo by Melissa Millerson Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday NEW - NHT now provides enhanced support 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for those struggling with Memory Loss Closed MonNHT Opens The ‘Oasis’ June 2013 - The Oasis is a new community dedicated days.
OASIS SPRING RUN RESULTS On May 25, the West Toronto Railpath was decorated with a slew of running enthusiasts for the fifth annual Oasis Spring Run fundraiser. The event, hosted by the Oasis Dufferin Community Centre, featured over 80 participants running in four and eight kilometre distances. The turnout was the largest ever for the event and as result, the community centre raised its highest total to date. As per Oasis Dufferin Com-
munity Centre’s website, over $7,500 was raised, a stark improvement from last year’s total of roughly $4,000. Money raised will contribute to a variety of causes relating to the community centre including helping people - notably immigrants - with emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Leading the way for the 4 km race was Kevin Mok who ran the distance in 14:12. Close behind was
Peter Chng (14:23) and Kevin Wong (15:05) who finished second and third respectively. Jose Tellez Suazo was the first to cross the 8 km finish line. Suazo ran the race in 28:27 and was followed by Nathan McCoy (31:36) and Nana Mantey (31:49). The top three finishers in each race received free entry in this year’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon dated for Oct. 20.
to serving seniors who are struggling with the challenges of everyday living which have been heightened by memory loss. This attractive residence, in our new redeveloped community, provides a setting which can help you overcome anxiety, loneliness and boredom. The Oasis has all the benefits of the larger community that is New Horizons while embracing a companionship approach to day to day living. Call today for more information on how you can benefit from community living at NHT.
Let the Oasis become “Home”. Discover new meaning in life, enjoy new experiences, make new friends, and restore old skills. A whole new experience is waiting.
Kevin Mok (left), Jose Tellez Suazo (right). Photos courtesy Quincy McColgan
AFFORDABLE SENIOR LIVING IN THE HEART OF BLOORDALE VILLAGE
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The Bloordale Times June 2013 07
Feature ~ Photo Gallery
GARAGE SALES BECOMING A HIT AS WARM WEATHER SURFACES BY MARY B. VALENCIA
marybvalencia@yahoo.ca
Maybe you’ve noticed the signs taped carefully at College, Dundas and Bloor St. corner lamp posts, perused the Craigslist adverts or hit the pavement early on a weekend morning, but yard sales are all over the neighbourhood. Some people, like area resident Sarah Selecky, host yard sales for the purging and the spring cleaning benefit. “I love getting rid of stuff!” she said.
#106 - 55 Rankin Cres 416 - 452 - 4530 416 - 452 - 4875
Others go for the deals to be had on strollers, extension cords, clothes and books. Bloordale comedian Catherine McCormick said, “I love how a sunset stroll on Saturday or Sunday leads to free scores from the unsold remainders.” But yard sales have also taken on a new life as many Bloordale residents have gotten “organized” throwing multi-household street sales and creating an atmosphere where the deals come second to the neighbourly chit chat, relaxed hanging out and where city life, for a few hours anyway, slows down. Face painting has become a popular lure to these sales for the children as well as the selling of baked goods and sometimes a street barbeque. They turn themselves into mini festivals happily welcoming the warm-
er weather. Not only do the street sales increase camaraderie, but they’re a good way to reuse and recycle consumer goods. Want to have a street sale? Talk to your neighbours, put flyers in their mailboxes saying you are having a yard sale and invite them to join. The more the merrier. It doesn’t have to be a super early start, 11 a.m. is just fine! Once you’ve picked your date, set your stuff out front (laying goods on a tarp is handy if it starts to rain), make a pot of coffee, grab a few glazed donuts and take on the role of bargaining market merchant for the day. You will be surprised not only by the deals to be made, but the people you will meet.
One of many Bloordale garage sales. Photo by Melissa Millerson
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The Bloordale Times June 2013 09
Feature ~ Health & Wellness
THE VAST IMPORTANCE OF HONEYBEES TO HUMAN SURVIVAL BY OLIVER COUTO
beekeeper@thebeeshop.net
Ever wonder where that spoonful of food that you are about to put into your mouth comes from? Well, rest assured that every third spoonful is thanks to the amazing pollination services of the lovely honey bee. There are almost 20,000 different species of bees, but the vast majority of them are solitary and live underground. The honeybee is among the few bees that live in a large colony of 50-60 thousand members. There are about nine different species of honeybees. They originally came to North America from Europe with the first settlers. The honeybee is given her name precisely because she produces lots of honey. These are surplus to the stores she has for overwintering and which she generously shares with her beekeeper. For millions of years the honeybee has been turning the earth into a paradise. There is a saying attributed to Albert Einstein that goes: “if there were no more bees’ hu-
manity would perish in four years.” David Suzuki in his May 2008 talk on pollinators at the Brickworks said: “if there were no more bees or ants whole ecosystems would collapse, whereas if we humans were to disappear only about 12 species would go with us 2 of them being microbes in our stomachs and under our armpits!” Did you know that honeybees visit over 2 million flowers to make a pound of honey? The honeybee is a creature of love; she helps nature to make love. If you want to be a better lover you must study the honeybee! Through her pollination services she delicately joins the masculine and feminine principles of the flowers she visits which in turn renders Nature beautiful, fruitful and abundant. Fruits, berries and vegetable flowers that are pollinated by the honeybee are large, well formed, colorful, tasty and abundant with good seed set whereas wind or self pollinated fruits, flowers and vegetables are puny, misshapen, poor in color, taste and seed set. Farmers
pay ready money to beekeepers to bring their hives on their fields because crop yields go up by as much as 200 per cent due to honeybee pollination.
health@drjenniferbaer.com
With warmer weather comes the desire for quick, fresh, easy meals. Here are two summer bean salads that are colourful, crunchy and satisfying. They both employ leftover corn - so at your next BBQ throw a few extra ears on the grill (or boil or roast them), and slightly undercook these cobs to use in salads the next day. Simply cool and cut off the cob. The recipes also both include beans – high in vitamins, minerals and fibre, beans have a good combination of carbohydrates and protein; while simultaneously being low in fat and calories. If you’re a good planner – soak dry beans overnight, discard the water and cook in fresh water. If not, you can use the shortcut of canned beans. If so, opt for organic beans, which are preserved in seaweed instead of salt, and choose BPA-free cans like Eden Organics. For both recipes: Simply toss
all ingredients well in a large bowl and adjust seasonings. Not a cilantro person? Try basil, parsley or dill. Black Bean Salsa (makes 8 servings) 3 ears Corn, cut off cob 1 jalapeno pepper, very finely diced (or chili pepper if you like more heat) 1 red bell pepper, diced 2 mangoes, diced ¼ cup red onion, finely diced 3-4 Tbs fresh lime juice ½ cup cilantro, chopped 3 cups cooked black beans (or go with 2 x Eden Organic BPAfree canned) S&P to taste A perennial favourite of my family, I serve this salsa alongside any grilled poultry, fish or seafood with some baked tortilla chips and homemade guacamole & salsa – a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Nutrition Info (per serving): 147 calories, 1.2g fat, 29.4g carbohydrates (6.6g fibre, 9.5g sugar), 6.5g protein. High in Vitamin C, B6, magnesium.
thereby giving constant forage to the bees. A list of bee friendly plants is available for free at The Bee Shop 1340 Bloor St. W. at Lansdowne Ave..
A honeybee in flight. Photo courtesy Creative Commons
ASK YOUR BLOORDALE NUTRITIONIST AND NATUROPATH DR. JENNIFER BAER BY DR. JENNIFER BAER
In an urban setting to help honeybees and other pollinators you can plant a pollinator garden with plants that bloom at different times throughout spring and summer
Summer Bean & Corn Salad (6 servings) 4 ears Corn, cut off cob 3 cups Kidney Beans, cooked 2 large Carrots, diced or grated 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved 1/4 red onion, finely diced 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced 1 large bunch cilantro, chopped 6 oz Greek Feta, crumbled 2 limes, juiced 1 Tbs honey, melted 2 Tbs olive oil S&P to taste This colourful and flavourful salad is a meal in itself – toss with salad greens and pair with some whole grain/ seed crackers, or a bowl of vegetable soup. Nutrition Info (per serving): 294 calories, 12.1g fat, 36g carbohydrates (10.2 fibre, 5.9 sugar), 13.8g protein. High in Vitamin A, calcium. Jennifer Baer, is your lo-
cal Naturopathic Doctor, trained chef and Registered Holistic Nutritionist. She enthusiastically promotes wellness and prevention through a nutritious diet,
positive attitude and active lifestyle. For more recipes and information about her training, programs and services, please visit: http://www.drjenniferbaer.com
Dr. Jennifer Baer, licensed nutritionist and naturopath.
10 The Bloordale Times June 2013
News ~ Community Contributions
BLOORDALE BASED FILMMAKER SHOOTS FILM IN PARKDALE BY MARY B. VALENCIA
marybvalencia@yahoo.ca
Film shot at Bloor St. and Westmoreland Ave. “Chili and Cheese”. Photo courtesy Joe Pingue
“Sublimator” - Part III Written by Brent Wells
Chelsey Paton made her way through the crowd, which had fallen into an awkward hush. Much of that had to do with Chelsey’s very presence. Her mother’s burial had been earlier that morning. Many of the townsfolk were still in funereal dress. The other reason it was oddly silent was the spreading realization that Chelsey must be right. An uneducated hermit doesn’t build the invention of the century in his backyard, does he? There was a frank, open embarrassment in the air about the quickness with which the miracle had been judged. As Chelsey neared the sublimator, its construction became even less convincing: what appeared to be solid steel walls from a distance were nothing more than aluminum plates welded together. Its lights and gauges now looked like the junkpile decorations of a child’s treehouse. And as she came face-to-face with Mr. Warich, it was apparent that a sweaty, nervous twitch was lurking beneath the man’s confident glow. “How do you generate the temperatures necessary to sublimate solid waste?” Chelsey asked Mr. Warich. “A combination of combustion and chemical processes,” was his answer. Chelsey pressed her palm to the side of the machine. “Why isn’t it hot?” she asked. This gesture was met by gasps and murmurs from the crowd. Mr. Warich chuckled and shook his head. “There are vents to ensure the sublimator does not overheat,” he said, in a reassuring tone. “And what sort of pressure must be achieved?” asked Chelsey. “The chamber is airtight, and must be pressurized. . . I’d be happy to discuss the specifics and share my technology another time. This is simply a first demonstration-” Chelsey, ignoring Mr. Warich’s attempt to steer the conversation, climbed the stepladder onto the
Bloordale resident and filmmaker Joe Pingue has worked with some pretty big names in the film business including Keifer Sutherland (Pompei), Gary Oldman (Book of Eli), Julianne Moore (Blindness) and an upcoming David Cronenberg project, but films and stories about Toronto is where his passion lies. Upcoming at the Lab Cab Festival: Parkdale (July 27 and 28) is Pingue’s homage to Parkdale in “The Fur Store”. Pingue used to live above the Queen St. shop which operated from the 1970s to 2003, when the building went up for sale. Pingue, who had been wondering what The Fur Store owner did all day, decided to shoot a film. “The location is a character. There’s no set dressing in this film, it’s as is, dust and all,” he said, “and because the owner was there all day by himself he becomes a fixture in his store.
loading platform. The entire crowd watched with anticipation as she peered into the machine’s open cavity. Inside, she saw the empty metal bottom, stained with a few splashes of garbage juice, and nothing else. She formed an idea about how the sublimator worked. It was simple. Once the lid closed, a trap door fell open inside the machine, dropping the garbage into a dug-out pit. Likely dug by Warich alone, it probably wasn’t very deep. That’s why he specified organic waste, thought Chelsey. It would decompose, allowing more trash to be piled on top. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for a demonstration of common sense,” announced Chelsey. “I volunteer myself to be sublimated.” This broke the sustained silence of the crowd. “What are you thinking? Don’t get in there!” someone shouted. “I’ll be fine, folks,” said Chelsey, looking over the precipice. “It’s all a hoax.” Chelsey’s neighbour Sam rushed over to the platform. “Chelsey, think about this,” he said. “We don’t know what goes on in there.” “Wouldn’t you love to find out?” asked Chelsey, as she leapt down into the machine. She landed on its floor with a resonant, hollow thud. The sound made her smile. She stomped around a few times for effect. “Can you hear that?” she yelled to the crowd outside. “Hollow as my mother’s casket!” A figure appeared over Chelsey, its darkened face coming into focus a moment later. “You made a critical mistake, Warich,” said Chelsey, to the man standing above her. “Airtight chambers don’t work well with air vents.” “You made a mistake, too,” said Mr. Warich, with an odd grin. “Coming home.” He threw the lid shut. The last earthly sounds that Chelsey Paton heard were the click of the locking mechanism, and a momentary hum that might have been the clamour of voices through metal.
He’s lost his wife and feels lost in the world.” The Fur Store is a testament to the varied characters and stories that set the historical foundations for neighbourhoods like Parkdale or Bloordale. And Pingue is looking forward to the Lab Cab Festival: Parkdale screening in the same building where the fur store used to be. “It’ll add another layer to the rich history of the space,” he said. The Fur Store inspired Pingue’s 2009 neighbourhood film “Chili and Cheese” filmed over three days at Bloor St. and Westmoreland Ave.. “It’s about a guy who has an altercation with a clerk behind a 7-11 type convenience counter and didn’t see him as a human. He knows this is wrong,” said Pingue. Perhaps a broad statement on how we start to dehumanize our neighbourly interactions when big chains set in, the film has been screened internationally and won several awards including Best in Show at Encoun-
ters, Europe’s oldest short film festival in Bristol. If Pingue made another story about Bloordale what would it be about? “Gentrification and the cultural drain. I know it’s part of economic growth, the drain, and that’s unavoidable,” said Pingue, “but it’s important to try and keep rents affordable or artists and working families will up and go to other neighbourhoods, or even leave the city.” And where would he shoot this film? “On Bloor St. between Brock and Lansdowne the exteriors are so diverse and rich visually.” You can check out The Fur Store as well as the work of 100 other local interdisciplinary artists in the shops and businesses on Queen St. between Dufferin St. and Roncesvalles Ave. at the free Lab Cab Festival: Parkdale on July 27 and 28. Screenings will be between noon and 6 p.m.. Go to http://www.labcab.ca for more information.
Get your cuts and styles from North American renowned hairstylist Christopher Anthony. Book your appointment below!
The Bloordale Times June 2013 11
Community Contributions
Comics...
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A CONTRIBUTOR? HAVE A HAND IN YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER? WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING PHOTOS, COMICS, POEMS, PUZZLES AND SHORT STORIES FOR THIS PAGE. EMAIL US AT THEBLOORDALETIMES@GMAIL.COM!
Puzzles...
sudoku Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1-9, without repeating any.
LA Centre for Acve Living presents
Learn about what’s available in your community, discover volunteer opportunies, collect grab bags and free samples! Exhibits, draws, refreshments, live entertainment and more! Parcipate in our fitness demonstraon, aend one of our informaonal seminars! 10:30am
Fire Safety Prevenon by Toronto Fire Services
11:00am
Fitness demonstraon
11:30am
ONPEA - What you need to know about Elder Abuse - Recognion, Prevenon and Intervenon
12:15pm
GreenSaver - Lower your Bills with Free Energy Saving Programs from Enbridge and Toronto Hydro
Look for the balloons!
HOW TO FIND US?
Bloor St. W.
Lansdowne Ave.
Wallace Ave.
Paton Rd.
Rankin
Cres.
Symington Ave.
Bus 168 Symington from Dundas W. Subway St.
Dundas St. W.
LA Centre for Acve Living Friday, June 14, 2013 10:00am - 1:00pm 55 Rankin Crescent
77
Dekoven Mews Bus Stop
55
Lansdowne Subway St.
Walkway from Bloor St.
This event sponsored jointly by the Older Adult Centres’ Associaon of Ontario and the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat