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wwThe East YorkObserverFlowerpowern Florist shares tips Page 3Our 40th anniversary year.... Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 41, No. 6 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, April 20, 2012Hospitalsecurity‘a toppriority’By LILIAN ASANTEThe ObserverManagers at Toronto EastGeneral Hospital say securityremains a top priority.TEGH has figured prominentlyon the police blottersince February, with a stringof high-profile incidents.Most dramatically, on Feb.3, a man who had just beenunder psychiatric care at thehospital — and was still inhis hospital gown — was shotand killed by police nearby.Last week, there were twomore developments in twodays: On April 10, policeidentified a Toronto man as asuspect after TEGH securityvideo captured imagesof someone entering emptyrooms — where patients’personal items were stolen.On April 11, a “skimmer”was found attached to anautomatic teller machine atthe hospital. That would allowthe thieves who installed it torecord bank-card informationand PINs. They then use thatinformation to manufacturetheir own illegal bank cards.The police are usinghospital security video totry to identify the skimmingsuspects, like they did in thecase of 52-year-old RussellGordon Scott of Toronto.Scott is wanted in connectionswith the March theftsfrom patients’ rooms at bothTEGH and Princess MargaretHospital.Angela Pappaianni is theco-ordinator of corporatecommunications at TEGH.She said the thief enteredrooms when the patients werenot around.“When the patients andfamily members noticed theirbelongings were gone, theytold security, who notifiedpolice,” Pappaianni said.Those thefts recalled anincident in 2010, when twomen walked into the hospital,went into a dying patient’sroom and took her valuables.In that case as well, securityvideo helped identify the pairof thieves responsible.TEGH has a network of 250security cameras, according toClint Hodges, the manager ofprotection services at TEGH.n See SECURITY, page 3Spring into springWith the sun shining on East York, many people are taking advantage of the spring weather. Here, shoppers enjoy thewarmth on the Danforth as they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.n communityNew Circles removeseconomic barriers toattending the promBy EVAN DE SOUSAThe ObserverProm is a pinnacle moment inmost high school students’ lives.But between the perfect outfit, accessories,a limo and a ticket, promnight can cost hundreds of dollars,which is difficult for families whoare struggling financially.New Circles is a charity in theFlemingdon Park-Thorncliffe Parkarea running a prom boutique betweenApril and June. The boutiqueprovides gently used promclothing and accessories to lowincomestudents.“Most people have dresses in theirclosets maybe they only wore once,or suits that don’t fit anymore,” saidNita Saini, the volunteer programmanager at New Circle.“We thought this was a great placethey could bring it so they couldsupport young people attending theirprom,” Saini said.The boutique has a wide varietyof donated dresses, suits, shoes, jewelryand makeup.“At New Circles, we believe thatan economic barrier shouldn’t allowsomeone not to attend their prom.They should be able to attend thismilestone event in their life,” Sainisaid.April 28 is the official launch dateof the boutique and there are already140 appointments made.The boutique is open Wednesdayto Friday after school throughoutMay and the first week of Junefor appointments.The program began in 2008and benefits students acrossToronto.Last year, the boutiqueserved 350 teenagers,60 of whomwere boys, and Sainipredicts the numberwill increase this year.Saini said she is“humbled by the generosityof the community,”but that NewCircles could alwaysuse more donations.Right now the boutiqueNicki Pulsone /// ObserverLocal charity boutique makes prom possibleneeds more suits for males with athinner physique and new, unusedmakeup.To makean appointment,call416-422-2591,or email Sainiat nita@newcircles.ca.For bestselection, it isadvised tobook early.

2 NEWSTheEast York Observer /// Friday, April 20, 2012PoliceBriefsInquest calledinto shootingThe coroner’soffice announcedlast week thatan inquest willbe held into thedeath of MichaelEligon, a 29-yearoldpsychiatricpatient atToronto EastGeneral Hospitalwho police shoton MilvertonBoulevard onFeb. 3. Heleft TEGH,roamed theneighbourhoodand allegedlythreatenedofficers with twopairs of scissors.The coroner, Dr.James Edwards,says the dateand location ofthe inquest willbe announcedshortly.Suspiciousdeath probedThe body of a55-year-old manwas found onFriday outsidean abandonedhouse on TaylorDrive, in theCoxwell Avenueand O’ConnorDrive area. Policesay the man hadbeen dead for acouple of hours,and his bodyshowed signs ofserious trauma.The body wassent for anautopsy and theinvestigationis continuing.The death hasbeen labeledsuspicious.~ Jabbari WeekesSpring cleanup a successBy SUNNIE HUANGThe Observern FOOD FESTIVALThe upcoming Street Food Block Partywill be the largest food festival to takeplace at the Evergreen Brick Works, accordingto an event organizer.“It’s going to be bigger; twice the sizeof our normal monthly events,” saidKate Clegg, a partner with the TorontoUnderground Market. “We’re going tobe in a way bigger space, which is outdoors.”Hosting the event in an expandedspace also allows more food vendors toSunnie Huang /// ObserverVolunteers with the Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve Committeecollected bags of garbage after the annual spring cleanup of the naturalarea in the Don Valley.If the thought of cleaning upyour yard makes you cringe,think nine hectares.A dozen volunteers joinedthe Todmorden Mills WildflowerPreserve Committeeon Saturday for the annualspring cleanup in the Don Valley.Ward 29/Toronto-Danforthcouncillor Mary Fragedakisand East York Historical Societypresident Jane Pitfieldwere among those in attendance.Equipped with gloves andgarbage bags, volunteers weredivided into three groups tocover the preserve, passinganimal trails, newly plantedjunipers and oaks along theway.In less than half an hour,most of the garbage bags werefull of “treasures” — someweighty, some trivial andsome downright bizarre.Coffee cups and plastic bagswere among the most popularitems that volunteers pickedup. Many of them were blownfrom nearby roads, whileothers had just been droppedby passersby.More noteworthy were amattress-size Dairy Queensign, a Volvo tire rim, an antiquesuitcase and a pair ofplaid boxers.Fragedakis said she was surprisedby how quickly the bagsfilled up.“We certainly made a difference,”she said. “It’d be amuch more pleasant experienceto be down there. Itseems more natural and notlittered.”Paula Davies, chair of thecommittee, said many peopledon’t realize the benefits ofvolunteering for nature-focusedorganizations.“A lot of people do volunteerwork for other purposes,not a lot of people go for thenatural areas,” she said. “Notonly do you help the naturalarea, but you also get someexercise and you are outdoors.”The preserve has attractedenvironmental studies studentsfrom York Universitywho want to learn more aboutthe challenges and opportunitiesof natural areas.In addition to the annualspring cleanup, volunteersalso help out with weeklyparticipate.“We’re going to have both food trucksand vendors, whereas for Toronto UndergroundMarket events we only havevendors,” she said.Founder Hassel Aviles said tickets forthe event sold out in a matter of hours.Toronto Underground Market usuallyhosts monthly events at the EvergreenBrick Works, where vendors get the opportunityto show off their skills.Shannon Hitchon runs All Mine Caramelsand took part in the April 7 market.She sees participating as a direct avenueto running her own business.restoration activities, such asplant maintenance, weed removaland trail improvement,which usually take place onSaturday mornings.“[The hours] are not verylong, but you really feel likeyou did something good,”Davies said, adding that shehopes to see more youth volunteers.“It’s their future place too,”she said, tossing yet anotherTim Horton’s coffee cup intoher almost-full garbage bag.Block party sold out in hoursBy JOSHUA SPENCEThe Observer“That’s part of why I’mhere,” Hitchon said.“I’m hoping that this is goingto give me the opportunityto openmy own business.”The StreetFood BlockParty takesplace on Saturday,May 5.• ShannonHitchonWhat’sup in e.y.Fitness for agood causeA Leaside fitnessstudio is sponsoringits seventh annualfundraisingevent for the CanadianDiabetesAssociation tomorrow,April 21.All are welcome towalk, run or cyclethrough SunnybrookPark. Fundswill go to theassociation’s research,programsand education.On-site registrationbegins at 9a.m. at NorthleaUnited Church,125 BrentcliffeRd. Participantscan choose fromthe 2K, 5K or 10Kroutes. For moreinformation, visitthe website of“Spring Into Action”at insideoutstudio.ca/actionNew play topremiere in E.Y.The East SidePlayers are presentinga versionof Moliere’s TheHypochondriac,premiering May24 and runninguntil June 9 at thePapermill Theatre,67 Pottery Rd.The show startsat 8 p.m. Wednesdaysto Saturdays,and at 2 p.m. onSundays. Ticketsare $20 for adultsand $15 for students.They’reavailable online atwww.eastsideplayers.ca,or 416-425-0917.~ Jiyoon Ellie KimEast York tenants told to document problemsBy SCOTT BARBERThe ObserverHaving problems with your landlord?“Document, document, document,” saysAnna Rosenbluth, lawyer for Flemingdon CommunityLegal Services.When faced with poor living conditions andrent disputes, thorough documentation is criticalwhen seeking remedy.“A lot of people try to deal with their issuesinformally,” Rosenbluth said.“If something isn’t working, take a picture,or have a neighbour come witness the problem.Make sure to do written maintenance requestsbecause that record can become very importantdown the road.”Laws and regulations governing landlord-tenantrelations are as vast as they are complicated.To the layperson, understanding tenants’ rightsis a daunting task. In order to overcome the issue,the East York Tenants Group held a legalinformation session on Wednesday.Parkdale Community Legal Services hostedthe “know your rights” meeting, seeking to empowerEast York renters with knowledge necessaryfor building effective relationships withlandlords.The meeting gave community members theopportunity to join together in their efforts forbetter living conditions.According to Rosenbluth, the biggest issuefacing East York tenants is rental costs.“Rent is really high in Toronto these days andthey are outside what many families and individualscan afford,” she said. “As a result, a lotof people aren’t able to keep up and they fallinto rental arrears.”Rosenbluth said that tenants often argue incourt that they shouldn’t have to pay full rentbecause of poor living conditions.“It’s an uphill battle for tenants because it’sdifficult to prove the maintenance issues anddocument all of the problems,” she said.In order to successfully dispute unpaid rent,tenants must also show that their landlord wasaware of the maintenance problems in question,which requires proper documentation.Documentation truly was the keyword as lawyersstressed the importance of keeping datedrecords of problems at the tenants’ group meeting.Rosenbluth also recommended that tenantscontact the City of Toronto through its umbrellaphone number, 311.“City inspectors can take a look at your issuesand order your landlord to do the necessaryrepairs,” she said. “They can also apply finesagainst your landlord if they fail to take appropriateaction.”East York tenants are also welcome to contactFlemingdon Community Legal Services, whichoffers free legal aid to citizens living withintheir East Toronto jurisdiction.

The East York Observer /// Friday, April 20, 2012FEATURES3Hitting all the right notesThere’s strength innumbers for localbarbershoppersBy JODEE BROWNThe ObserverIn today’s talent showera, when the X-Factors andAmerican Idols of the worldare supposed to detect whoNorth America’s next mainstreamsuperstar will be, oneEast York group has showcasedimpeccable singingquality to much less fanfare.The East York Barbershoppersare a somewhat uniquechorus. A group that’s existedfor over 60 years, it consistsof 45 men, mostly seniors,who sing and harmonize forthe love of music. The groupis one of 30 barbershopperschapters in Ontario, all derivedfrom a concept that becamepopular in the 1930s,when men convened at barbershopsto sing songs they heardon the radio before practisingon their own.Pat Hannon, music directorfor the Barbershoppers, isa fourth-generation barbershopper.For him, establishingchemistry is the most importantfactor, given the myriadvoices trying to sing in harmony.“When you’re singing witha group of 20 guys, 30 guysor 100 guys, you’re trying toget everyone the same kindof sound at the same time,”he said. “You create a soundthat is 10 times more powerfulthan one voice or a number ofindividual voices.”The group rehearses everyTuesday at Harmony HallCentre for Seniors, at 2 GowerSt. in the Dawes Road-VictoriaPark Avenue area. The Barbershoppersdonate proceedsfrom their performances towardHarmony Hall’s funding,as well as to other charitableorganizations. These includeHarmonized for Speech, aneffort dedicated toward helpingyoung people with speechimpediments.In addition to catering tospecial needs, the Barbershoppersunveiled a Learn To Singprogram this past Tuesday,April 17. According to Hannon,the program will educatepeople on the fundamentals onsinging, whether or not theyhave experience.“Regardless of what youdo, it’s all very mechanical onhow sound is produced, so ifwe can work these mechanicsthe same way, any voice willimprove,” he said.Jerry Beckerle, formerpresident and current memberof the Barbershoppers, insiststhat such ventures underlinethe group’s unity.“We have a lot of fun. Aswith any group, there aresome issues and so forth, butfor the most parts, the guysare focused on learning to singbetter and wanting to performin public so we can raise somemoney for charity,” he said.Hannon echoes that sentiment,saying the group’smain focus is helping peopleachieve happiness throughmusic.“If we can pass the word onand get people to enjoy singing,then that’s the goal.”Jane Igharo /// ObserverThe East York Barbershoppers sing in perfect harmony during theirTuesday night rehearsal at Harmony Hall.Security proceduresa priority for TEGHCoriandre Lawrence /// ObserverMembers of the North Leaside Women’s Group stop to smell theflowers with local business owner Richard Van Nes (centre). He spoketo them at Northlea United Church on April 3.Discussion bloomswhen florist visitsNorthlea grouptalks tulips withRichard Van NesBy CORIANDRELAWRENCEThe ObserverEvery Tuesday morning,Kathryn Whaley heads toNorthlea United Churchto meet with her women’sgroup.They discuss various serioustopics, from relationshipsand technology, tohealth and medical issues.On April 3, the womengathered their chairsaround Richard Van Nes.Standing more than sixfeet tall, his charisma andhis knowledge of flowerswas engaging. Hediscussed elements of line,form and space when arrangingtulips, carnationsand daisies — a combinationhe is fond of and thewomen agreed.Whaley is a member ofthe North Leaside Women’sGroup (NLWG), a nondenominationalorganizationthat caters to womenof all ages and walks oflife, providing social activitiesfor its members.The group’s president,Paddy Duncan, said representativesfrom a widerange of local businessesare always willing tospeak with members of theorganization, but recentlythey have received moreattention.“We had Alison Symingtonrecently talking tous about cancer research.We’ve had comedians,”she said.“We get some prettyinteresting people andwe welcome guests.”Van Nes, owner of VanNes Flowers, volunteeredtime to share his knowledgeof all things floralwith the group.“I haven’t done one ofthese (visits) for a while. Ienjoy it, but in small businessesit’s tough to maketime,” he said.“This is my passion,this is my work and thisis what I do,” he added.“Whether I am showingpeople a floral arrangementor I’m waiting on acustomer in my store, I puteverything into it.”Cameras, guardskeep watch overhospital patientsn Continued from page 1He has worked in hospital securityfor over 14 years.Hodges said the camerassupplement a team of foursecurity guards who rotate toensure that the facility is monitoredat all times.One guard is on duty in theemergency department, andthe others roam the rest of thefacilities.“We have a patrol systemthat records their location,where they patrol and when thepatrol,” Hodges said.Hodges declined to discussspecifics around the most criticalincident at TEGH recently:the February death of MichaelEligon, 29 — a mentally illman who walked out of TEGHand into the adjacent neighbourhoodwearing a hospitalgown, toque and socks.When police found him, hewas wielding two pairs of scissors.After a standoff with 12O @Toronto police officers, Eligonwas fatally shot on MilvertonBoulevard near Coxwell Avenue.Regional coroner Dr. JamesEdwards announced last weekthat an inquest will be heldinto the death, but he didn’tsay when or where. TEGH hasonly said that it is conductingan internal review around itshandling of Eligon.While not commenting onthe Eligon case specifically,Hodges said TEGH initiatesa security procedure called“Code Yellow” when they noticea patient is missing.“The Code Yellow is initiatedby the nursing staff whenthey notice that a patient is notwhere they are supposed tobe,” he said.Hodges said the second stepis to announce on the hospitalPA system for the patient to returnto their unit.If the patient can’t be found,then staff conduct a thoroughsearch of the hospital. Securityrecords a description ofthe individual on an internaltelephone number that is accessibleby all staff members sothey may assist in the search.“Depending on the seriousnessof the situation or themedical status of that patient,we may involve the TorontoPolice Service,” Hodges said.Although it is not uncommonfor patients to leave thehospital, depending on theirmedical status, some are permittedto do so, while othersare returned to the facility,Hodges explained.“They may walk out on theirown accord or they may decidethat they would like to go toanother facility, or leave ourfacility. It is difficult for us toprevent that,” he said.“We are not a jail, so we donot have those types of securitysystems. So we rely on peopletypically to stay in the hospitalwhen they know they are requiredto do so.”Hodges said the hospital’ssecurity procedures are reassessedannually and after criticalincidents. He said hospitalsecurity also does regular drillsof all of their procedures.“We use those drills to determineareas for improvementand to ensure we are conductingour emergency proceduresproperly,” he said.l For more stories about East York eventsand issues, check out torontoobserver.ca

4TheARTS&LIFEEast York Observer /// Friday, April 20, 2012n 2012 n 1937Jodee Brown /// ObserverPhoto courtesy /// Scotiabank GroupBanking on 100 years of historyBy JODEE BROWNThe ObserverA landmark institution in theheart of the Danforth communityis using its centennial observanceto help launch a revamp of itsfacilities.Scotiabank celebrated the 100thanniversary of its Danforth-Papebranch’s location at 649 DanforthAve. a few weeks ago with acommemorative event attendedby customers and even some citydignitaries.But while looking to the past,branch management is also lookingto the future, with renovation plansto improve the banking experiencefor customers. Part of those plansis a merger with the neighbouringbranch at 661 Danforth, formerlyknown as the National Bank ofGreece until Scotiabank purchasedthe property in 2006.According to the branch’s customerservice manager, Toula Kiritsis,Scotiabank’s evolution has notonly been physical over the years.She says staff have created an atmospherethat clients feel comfortablein, including developing personalrelationships with them.“The essence of banking haschanged over the years,” she said.“We’re now taking care of the customers,not only for their day-todaytransactions, but to help themachieve their financial goals.”The renovations, which arebeginning this spring, include theinstallation of new ATMs, an outletfor wheelchair accessibility and acustomer lounge with televisionsand other accessories to create arelaxing environment.“The most modern amenitieswill be offered. We’ll have a nicelounge area for our customers to sitin. They’ll have a nice viewpoint ofPape and Danforth,” Kiritsis said.“But mostly it will be for customerconvenience and customer service.”Kiritsis said Scotiabank aims torepresent East York’s Greek communityby having employees whocan relate to their customers. Withhalf of the 14 staff members havingGreek ancestry, it makes life easierfor clients who may be uncomfortablespeaking English.“The fact that we have a portionof the staff that can speak Greek,and they can service our customersin Greek, they can get servicein a language that’s familiar tothem… is invaluable,” she said.“Scotiabank understands that whenthe community grows, everyonebenefits.”Bird population heading southBy CORTNEY COOKThe ObserverIt seems counter-intuitivethat a man trying to rebuildendangered bird populationswould support hunting.But Joseph Duff, theco-founder of non-profit organizationOpen Migration,does, and in a visit to EastYork he tried to explain.Many would associateDuff, one of Canada’s leadingcommercial photographers,with the movie he andBill Lishman inspired, FlyAway Home.For the past decade,Duff’s work has involvedresolving issues withthe migration patterns ofcranes and Canada geese.Because of issues such asoverhunting, environmentalencroachment and domestication,those patterns havebeen seriously disturbed.“We’ve influencedeverything in nature, so wecan’t just leave and say ‘Fixit yourselves,’” Duff toldstudents at Centennial College’sCarlaw Avenue campus.“It’s our fault. We havean obligation to step in.”According to Duff, duringthe Depression and SecondPhoto courtesy /// Open MigrationJoseph Duff, co-founder of Open Migration, leads a flock of whoopingcranes south for the winter in his ultra-light aircraft.World War, Canada geesewere overhunted because itwas free food.“When I was kid, it wasrare to see Canadian geese.That was something youreported at dinner-time,”he said. “They were almostendangered.”Duff explained that thegovernment turned the populationdecline around byrestocking lakes with geese.Because of the promotion ofpopulation and the removalof predators controlling theirnumbers, there was somethingof a population boom.Now cities are annoyed withbirds that defecate everywhere.“They used to be a harbingerof changing seasonsand the call of the wild andnow people see them as flyingrats,” he said.So traditional geese-huntingtook hold. The problemhas been that the “nuisance”birds in the parks aren’thunted. Instead, the migratorybirds are the ones beingpelted out of the sky.“The wild population hasdropped 75 per cent and theresident population has exploded,”Duff said. “Everyonehates Canadian geese,but it’s our own fault.”Duff’s proposal is tocull geese if we have to, aslong as there are no naturalpredators near them. It’seither do that or place moreemphasis on regulated hunting,he said.“Hunters are paying for80 per cent of the conservationthat is being done,” hesaid, comparing ammunitiontaxes with naturalists whodon’t pay such taxes.Duff remains passionateabout rebuilding endangeredpopulations like cranes.Though he doesn’t likeinterfering with wildlife, hesaid some sort of managedcull of Canada geese is the“lesser of two evils.”E.Y. patios openuntil midnightBy BRAYDON KEDDIEThe ObserverDanforth bar and restaurantpatios will get to keep theirmidnight closing times, afterToronto-East York CommunityCouncil voted on Tuesday tocontinue the patio pilot project— and consider making midnightclosings permanent.Before the pilot project, patiosclosed at 11. But two yearsago, experimental midnightclosings began under city observation.There have been complaints,and some cafes have beencharged with staying open past12. Those bylaw cases have yetto be heard.But the community councillorsagreed on Tuesday that,overall, midnight closings havebalanced business and residentinterests.Felix O’Callaghan, wholives near Danforth and Carlawavenues, said some of the businessesaround his home haven’thad much control over their volumelevels. But he thinks it’s theresponsibility of the customersto keep it down, not the businessowners.“You wouldn’t hear music ornoise... but you might hear guysthat were on their way out of thebar,” he said.“It comes down to personalresponsibility and realizing,‘The sun’s down, it’s 12o’clock, yeah we’re still on thepatio but we shouldn’t be shoutingand there’s people that haveto sleep in the area too.’”With homes so close to someof the cafes, some businessowners have been proactive.John Klianis, manager ofPappas Grill on the corner ofDanforth and Arundel Avenue,said he believes in being considerateof the residents around hisrestaurant.He hasn’t found any problemswith keeping it open late,and in his 20 years with therestaurant, he said he’s never receiveda noise complaint.“I don’t play loud, boisterousmusic here,” Klianis said.“I don’t create unwanted, unneedednoise because there’s 20feet away from me houses andfamilies. For me it wouldn’t be asmart thing to make loud musicin the late nights.”

The East York Observer /// Friday, April 20, 2012ARTS&LIFE5CBC’s beloved traffic guru switches lanesFormer East Yorkerhelped drivers planroutes for 40 yearsBy MICHAEL BAGHELThe ObserverJim Curran retired lastmonth after 40 years of reportingon Toronto’s rush-hourtraffic for CBC Radio. But hecan trace the root of his careerback much farther than that,back to his childhood growingup in post-war East York.Curran was born at TorontoEast General Hospital.He attended George WebsterElementary School and St.Clair Junior High School, nowknown as Gordon A. BrownMiddle School, before movingto North York as a teen.Three broadcasters lived onCurran’s street in East York: aman Curran knew only as Mr.Cook, who worked at CRFB;Hal Kelly, a baseball andhockey announcer; and EddieLuther, who coincidentallywas a traffic reporter.“I was always fascinatedwith Mr. Kelly. He was one ofthose men with a deep, deep,resonant voice,” Curran said,“and when you’re eight yearsold, it’s just awesome, especiallywhen you’ve heard (hisvoice) on the radio. So maybethat was a subconsciousthing.”From a young age, Curranwas also intrigued by radioitself.“I used to have the shortwaveon, close my eyes, putmy hand on the dial of theshortwave radio and just turnthe dial slowly and hear thevoices,” Curran said, “and Iwould just be fascinated thatthese voices were comingfrom all around the world.”Curran never expected tomake traffic reporting his career.When he graduated fromRyerson with a diploma inradio-television arts and took ajob reporting traffic for CBC,he saw it as a stepping stone inhis career.“I thought, ‘Well, there’smy opportunity to get in thedoor to become a radio producer,’”Curran said. “Fortyyears later, well, I was stilldoing traffic!”Still, Curran is glad he keptthe same role for almost hisentire career. He credits hisco-workers at CBC with makinghis time there so enjoyable.He said leaving the peoplehe worked with was oneof the toughest things aboutretirement.He’s also grateful for the opportunitieshe had at the CBCoutside of traffic coverage.“For about eight years I dida music quiz in the afternoon(and) I hosted a travel showfor three summers,” Curransaid.His freelance work alsoextended beyond the CBC,thanks to his decision tocontinue learning new skillsthroughout his career.“Ten years ago I realizedthere should be life afterCBC,” Curran said. “I starteddoing video work, took somecourses at Ryerson and actuallygot a job shooting videofor a travel show for threeyears.”Curran has independentlyproduced a number of videoprojects for different clientsand plans to continue doingso.First, however, he plans totravel with his wife, Wendy,who is also retiring at the endof the month.Michael Baghel /// ObserverNewly retired Jim Curran reflects on a photo in his CBC scrapbook. Colleaguesand well-wishers wrote messages for Curran in the scrapbook at aretirement celebration after his final shift on Metro Morning on March 29.Paying the price for being lateStudents can ‘buyout’ of detentionsby forking out $2By ALDIS BRENNANn COMMUNITYE.Y. Strategy hasthe right plansfor local youthTo the staff, it’s a fundraiser.To some students, it’sa fine — and an unfair oneat that.Marc Garneau CollegiateInstitute on Overlea Boulevardbegan a new policy thismonth after a surprise March30 announcement by principalRicky Goldenberg.“It was first explainedthat starting on the followingMonday, students caughtarriving late for first periodclass would be chargedtwo dollars,” said TommyDonnelly, who works for theschool’s student-run newspaper,The Reckoner.By that following Monday,Donnelly said, the policywas clarified.“Any student who arrivedlate for the first period wasgiven a detention whichthey could ‘buy out of’ bypaying the two dollars,” heexplained.Money raised from thepolicy will support a fundraisingproject for the schoolacross the street, Valley ParkMiddle School.The sister school is inthe middle of a ‘Go Green’campaign, raising moneyAldis Brennan /// ObserverMarc Garneau Collegiate Institute has introduced a new late policy.Students may donate $2 for the Go Green Cricket Field at Valley Park.for a new, environmentallysustainablecricket field.Shari Schwartz-Maltz, aspokesperson for the TorontoDistrict School Board,spoke on her behalf.“When students are late,they receive a detention,which is common practice inall our schools,” Schwartz-Maltz said.“If they want to insteadcontribute a toonietowards that particularcharity, then their detentionis lifted.”Administration at MarcGarneau decided to institutethe policy in an attempt tocurb lateness.“Principals have theirown ways of reinforcingdiscipline in their schools,”Schwartz-Maltz said.“The principal felt that thiswas an innovative way ofencouraging students not tobe late to class.”According to Schwartz-Maltz, there has been nonegative public reaction tothe policy.But some students at MarcGarneau don’t like it.Student council attemptedto have the rule changed, butto no avail.“When people are able to‘buy out’ of a punishment,I feel it turns the rule bookinto a menu, with a pricewritten in beside everythingwe aren’t supposed to do,”Donnelly said.“Someone with a lot ofmoney is then able to dowhatever they want withoutworrying about the consequences.Someone with lessmoney would not have thisfreedom.”By JIYOON ELLIE KIMThe ObserverA group of churches, communityagencies and businessesin the Pape-Danforth areaare working together to makeEast York a safer community.The East York Strategy offersa positive space for localyouth with support from police,schools, businesses andpoliticians.After five years of persistenteffort, the headquartersat Bethany Baptist Church onPape Avenue at Cosburn nowhosts about 200 youth in itssports and social programs onweekday evenings.The program took its cuefrom the original EtobicokeStrategy. Bethany’s pastor, JimParker, said the disconnectionbetween some youth and therest of the community drovehim to take the initiative.It mainly revolves aroundmultiple leagues and drop-insports sessions supported bythe dozen or so sponsoringchurches, and about 20 othercommunity leaders, organizationsand businesses.But the program has also invitedpeople like city councillorMary Fragedakis and policeofficers from 54 Divisionto speak to the youth.Parker explained how suchsmall events make change.“When the police officerscome in to speak, kids ingrades 3-5 get so excited thatthey raise their hands to theirsockets,” he said.Some of the teens in middleand high school are skepticalat first, the pastor said, buteven they gradually open up.They’re initially suspiciousof the police, for instance, butthen a sense of personal acquaintancehelps them see theofficers more fairly and thinktwice before engaging in recklessaction.And the reverse is true too,Parker said; the program hasalso helped the officers betterunderstand the teens withoutpreconceived notions.Parker said the communityas a whole has a responsibilityto guide local youth to evaluatedifferent options in front ofthem.“Kids don’t grow up dreamingto be bad. They all wantto be good,” he said. “If theyare exposed to positive modelswho make constructive choices,many of them tend to makethe best decision.”

6 OPINIONTheEast York Observer /// Friday, April 20, 2012n editorialsn ColumnGive and receiveYour community is what you make it. With a realization of the needs of thepeople around you, and with work on their behalf, you can make your communitystronger. Those who do it say that helping others is its own reward. Andthat anyone can make a difference.But for others, public service volunteerism is just too hard — or too personallyunrewarding. After all, we have jobs and personal lives to attend to.Perhaps these folks just need a reminder that, much like in a family, the community‘chain’ is only as strong as its weakest link and can falter when just onelink is failing. Sometimes, the stronger links have to share their strength to shoreup those weaker ones.A person doesn’t fall on hard times without a reason; pay cuts, work layoffsand medical issues are just some of the causes that can leave a hard-workingperson at rock-bottom.Giving of our ‘time, talent and treasure’ is a great way to help. And besidessupporting your community, it’s a great way to have fun and experience newthings.On April 14, Uber Swap, an East York-area fundraiser going into its sixth year,had its spring clothing swap at the Queen Street East Presbyterian Church locatedat 947 Queen St. E. near Carlaw Avenue. Uber Swap is held four times per yearand is a seasonal event.It’s a charity fundraiser with a bit of a twist. Anyone can participate but everyonehas to bring at least one bag of good-quality items for trading. Everyoneleaves with the satisfaction of helping the unfortunate and finding somethingunique and of good value.It’s a fundraiser that reaches out to those along the southern border of EastYork who love vintage items. The door entry price is only $10. And the best thingabout Uber Swap is that it donates leftover items to the Centre for Addiction andMental Health, as well as a portion of the admission fee to help the underweardrive of the Red Door Shelter.Community public service events like Uber Swap help strengthen our communitywhile giving back to contributors. They’re fun and personal ways of helpingout those in need. They’re quick and can be a great choice for a family outing.They can work into personal schedules and help you and your children have abetter understanding of teamwork and community involvement. There are alwaysfundraisers and other events like Uber Swap that need extra helping hands, so getout and get involved.Public service, through donations, volunteerism, or both, teaches a great lifelessonto those of any age… that we all need each other to get through hard times.~ Jessica VellaThe rewards of artPs3s, Nintendos, Wiis, Xboxes and computers generally are redefining theword “fun” for today’s kids. They have become glued to these shiny screensand have forgotten that their brains are capable of more than being reduced to adaze by an animated world.Whatever happened to emotions, thoughts and other artistic impulses thatcould be expressed by big, inky markers or small, fragile crayons or wet, glossypaint? Today’s kids have forgotten that they can conjure up their own world ofadventure and excitement through art. And some parents seem to forget that theirchildren need mental and physical stimulation that goes beyond contemplatinghow to defeat a dragon or aggressively pressing fingers against buttons. Someparents also seem to forget that art is less expensive than technological gadgets.In many ways, art and other non-digital pursuits can accomplish what videogames can’t. Art promotes creativity and open-mindedness among individuals,which will benefit them in their professional and private lives. Kids whoparticipate in art often have a willingness and a curiosity to learn new things andit allows them to think strategically. Art also opens the mind and the heart to creativeexpression. So while art awakens the senses and stimulates the mind, videogames seem limiting by comparison.James Okore, an East York student, put it well. Okore is in the fine arts programat the Carlaw Avenue campus of Centennial College. He says he never hadan obsession with video games. He took up art at a young age and is thankful forthe confidence it provided him.“I was a bit shy when growing up and a bit anti-social, but after doing myartwork… people started to come by and ask me how I do what I do or theycommented on my work. It made me more social and I gave myself forward andI talked.... It helped me to build relationships with people,” said Okore — whohopes to pursue art as a career.Thankfully for young people in East York, our community centres offerdiverse art programs through the city’s parks and recreation department, like artsand crafts, painting, drawing and pottery that will challenge a kid’s mind and allowthem to discover their potential, just like James Okore did.Perhaps it’s time for a gentle reminder to those youngsters’ parents that art isthe oil that lubricates our soul, our mind and our life.~ Jane IgharoSo long, farewell East YorkBy LUCY QIand CLARISA PESSOAThe ObserverThe East York Observer is published by the journalismstudents of Centennial College — whose academicyear is now winding down.So this will be the last edition of the Observer untilthe fall, and on behalf of our colleagues in the CarlawAvenue newsroom, we’d like to wish everyonean amazing summer filled with refreshment and relaxation.When school resumes in September, we’ll beworking on the Observer’s sister publications — theToronto Observer news website and the ScarboroughObserver magazine. So these are our last days of coverageof the East York community.A new student staff is waiting in the wings and willtake over from us as the leaves get ready to turn colour.Although we’ve only been reporting on East Yorkfor a few months, we think we still made a connectionwith this community on a close and personal level.We have been out and about in East York — at the localschools and churches, at community and culturalMatthew Wocks /// ObserverThe outgoing Observer staff says goodbye and thanks to the East York community.events. And it has been a pleasure.After spending time gathering information in theneighborhoods of East York, we have realized thetrue spirit of the community.In an urban setting, East York still maintains asmall-town charm, despite its location so close todowntown Toronto.And there’s been plenty of news that’s been fun tocover: East York has gone through an election, threatsof municipal workers’ strikes, upset among apartment-dwellers,the derailing of a merger betweenToronto East General Hospital and the ScarboroughHospital, and announcements of austerity at variouslevels of government that will echo for months oryears to come (especially at the school level, whereresidents may well soon see the closure of neighbourhoodschools).We have experienced an eerily warm winter together— one which we won’t soon forget but arecollectively happy to put behind us.Now that our team will be passing on the responsibilitiesof the Observer to another group, we want toleave you with a little something special to rememberus by....‘Tis the day of the last issue, when all through the room,Everyone is cheering, even the broom.The papers are stacked by the wall with care,Hoping someone will read them, somewhere out there.The editors are smiling, and nodding their heads,The reporters, finally sleeping, are snug in their beds.Flashbacks are creeping into their dreams,For the term’s been much harder than what it had seemed.There were children doing backflips, all through the gym,And a group of men who sang harmonized hymns.There were cellphones being stolen at night on the streets,And old couples in love, offering marriage tip sheets.There were politics, politics, politicians, and fights,All claiming to be the best, and claiming to be right.There were fashion shows, accidents, library strikes and more,Some good, some bad, all memorable, for sure!Then all of a sudden, the clock struck one,The year is now over, and summer’s begun.The reporters woke up, with sleep in their eyes,Glanced at the time, and let out a sigh.Through thick and thin, and unanswered calls,We’ve made it through with iron balls.We hope East York enjoyed our paper,Have a great summer, and see you later!The East YorkObserverThe East York Observer is published by CentennialCollege journalism students at the East Yorkcampus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/oscogan@centennialcollege.ca. Telephone 416-289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111Faculty EditorsLindy OughtredStephen CoganLouie PiacentiniDave JohnnyAndrew MairManaging EditorDylan RobertsonAssignment editorValentina Krgovicphoto editorLucy Qicopy EditorsTichaon TapambwaShaun Thompsonproduction editorsJane IgharoElita Tsilo

The East York Observer /// Friday, April 20, 2012SPORTS7Zenaira Ali /// ObserverTeam Philadelphia won the mini-Stanley Cup after defeating Team Detroit 4-2 in the East York Hockey Association’s peewee division final. The boyscelebrate next to their prize, along with their coaching staff, at East York Memorial Arena.Hockey club hoists mini-Stanley Cup in victoryBy ZENAIRA ALIThe ObserverThe atmosphere was tense atEast York Memorial Arena ashockey players and spectatorsawaited the puck drop for thefinal game of the season. TheStanley Cup was up for grabs.The East York Hockey Association’s(EYHA) 67th annualLittle Stanley Cup Day wasMarch 31.In its final day of the season,champions of the peewee divisionwere awarded a threefoot-NHL-authorizedreplicaof the Stanley Cup.It was a matchup between“Philadelphia” and “Detroit”in a game that could have goneeither way, given how wellplayers performed at both endsof the ice.Although Detroit scored anearly goal, Philadelphia tied itup before the end of the firstperiod and went on to scoretwo more goals as the gamecontinued.Team Detroit managed toclose Philadelphia’s lead toone goal over the next periodand pulled their goalie in a lastminuteattempt to tie the game.But an empty-netter fromPhiladelphia’s Jacob Hannah,his second goal of the game,sealed the deal. The final scorewas 4-2 Philadelphia.Passersby approached Hannahoutside the locker room,asking about his big game.“It feels good,” he said witha shy smile.Team Philadelphia goalieSam Swift stopped many closeshots to keep his team in thegame.“It’s amazing,” Swift saidafterwards.He has been a goalie since hewas six years old.“I decided to play goal justone year and I really liked it,”Swift said. “I’ve been playinggoal ever since.”Detroit goalie Noah Lawlessalso had a standout performanceand was awardedthe Don Murray Award for topEYHA peewee goalie of theseason after the game.Team Philadelphia CoachJeff Seccull was thrilled for hisplayers.“It’s really exciting for theboys,” he said. “It’s a oncein-a-lifetimeopportunity forthem so I’m really excited forthem.”But he added that his firstCup win was gratifying forhim as well.“It was nice to see themcome back,” Seccull said. “It’srewarding for me because I seeit through the boys.”NHL legends pass the puck for MS researchBy ZENAIRA ALIThe ObserverNHL alumni and theAmalgamated Transit Union(ATU) Local 113 All-Starstook to an area ice rink latelast month to raise money fora good cause.Proceeds from the March24 fundraiser at Ted ReeveArena went to the SamuelLunenfeld Research Instituteat Mount Sinai Hospital.The institute’s senior investigator,Dr. John Roder, saidthe funds are valuable to theresearchers.“It’s a wonderful relationshipthat we have withthe Amalgamated TransitUnion,” Roder said.“This ongoing support iscritical to help further ourwork.”This year’s tournamentconsisted of a game and skillscompetition at the Main Streetarena between NHL alumniand the transit workersATU Local 113’s Stan Rossellwas part of the team thatinitiated the event 26 yearsago.“We played the first game atVarsity Arena with a UnitedWay function the TTC wasputting on,” he said. “Thenthe union took over the program.”The local later switchedcharities to multiple sclerosis(MS) to show solidarity withanother union in the UnitedStates.“We had a president thathad that disease out of LosAngeles,” Rossell said. “SoToronto tied in to raise moneyfor that cause as well.”Rossell estimates they’veraised $800,000 from variousfundraisers to date and creditsthe neighbourhood for itssupport.“The game is really a communityevent,” he said. “Wehave a lot of fun and it goestowards a good cause.”Attending this year wasWayne Gretzky’s father, WalterGretzky.“He was great,” Rossellsaid. “He must’ve signed autographsfor two and a halfhours.”The NHL old-timers endedup winning the game.“I think we’ve only beatenthem twice in 26 years, butit’s not about winning,” jokedRossell.Kaitlin Clubley /// ObserverWalter Gretzky waves at the crowd at Ted Reeve Arena during the NHL Alumni and ATU Local 113fundraising game, which benefited multiple sclerosis research.

8 FEATURES TheEast York Observer /// Friday, April 20, 2012Nikki Pulsone /// ObserverBridal designer Lea-Anne Belter shows off some pieces of her springsummercollection. This East Yorker recently moved her flagship storeto Broadview and Dundas, a location closer to home.Entrepreneuris proud to callEast York homeBy REBECCA STECKHAMThe ObserverThe area around EastYork’s southwest corner recentlyreceived a breath offresh air when East YorkerLea-Ann Belter decided tomove the flagship store ofher chain of designer bridalsalons.Although the new outlet— at Broadview Avenueand Dundas Street — isa few blocks outside EastYork’s borders, Belter stillconsiders her shop to bepart of the East York community.She’s called East Yorkhome for over 25 years —which is part of the reasonshe wanted to relocate herstore from its previouslocation, in the Queen Eastarea.“I really like the eastend,” she said. “I like theSome councillors are infavour of reinstatingwaived fees next yearBy TEONA BAETUThe ObserverThe city’s decision to waive permitfees for usage of sport fields is apopular one.“We’re all ecstatic that the situationgot rectified because it put us in a badspot,” said Andrew Pace, president ofthe East York Baseball Association.The proposed fees caused an uproarin sports leagues because when theywere announced, many leagues alreadyregistered and charged players.neighbourhood. I’ve livedhere a long time. I reallylove it.”Belter, who studied fashionat Toronto’s InternationalAcademy of Merchandisingand Design, alwaysknew she had a knack forcreativity and design.When she designed andcreated her brother’s fiancée’swedding gown aftershe graduated, it becameclear where her passion lay.Today, 22 years later, shehas bridal stores on bothsides of the Atlantic Ocean,including six in Canada, 50in the U.S., five in the U.K.and one in Mexico.“I have to do a line twicea year and show it at BridalFashion Week in NewYork,” she said.Belter said it’s not onlyher romantic and naturalstyle that distinguishes heras a designer.But while Ward 26/Don ValleyWest councillor John Parker acknowledgesthat the timing may have beenoff, he thinks the fees are necessary.“I think we did the right thing,” Parkersaid. “We just did the right thing alittle later than we should have.”The decision to waive the fees for2012 was clear to city council onApril 9, when councillors unanimouslyvoted 41-0 in support. But theroad ahead is not as clear.Some councillors favour reinstatingthe fees in 2013 after consultationwith various sports leagues, whileothers think added costs are a badidea altogether. Parker maintains thatthe fees are necessary.“Right now we do not have theIt’s also the fact that allher gowns are designed andmanufactured in her ownstore.She chose the new flagshiplocation specifically inthe hope of giving back alittle to the community sheconsiders home.The designer said thattrends this spring and summerare moving towardlonger sleeves and awayfrom strapless, but lace isalways in style.Each design is meticulouslycreated and manufacturedover a long periodof time, with Belter spendingmonths with the gowns.Instead of calling gownsby their style code, designsare given names such asAllison and Kaitlin.“They’re all my creations.It’s almost like they’remy children,” Belter said.“They all get names.”Movie brings backmemories of earlierdays at high schoolrevenues to finance the expenses thatwe’ve got and we are doing the bestwe can to keep the expenses as low aspossible,” Parker said.But Ward 31/Beaches-East YorkEYCI remembers coachesthrough documentaryBy BRAYDON KEDDIEThe ObserverThe Canadian AutomobileAssociation (CAA) has againlaunched its “Worst Roads”campaign, set on finding the20 most abysmal thoroughfaresin the province.Ontarians are being askedto vote for the roads they findmost dangerous and in needof upgrades. After the mostrecent poll, two East Yorkroads made the list: Bayviewand Eglinton avenues,ranked 16th and 17th overall.Dan Petersen is an EastBraydon Keddie /// ObserverNorman Dyson, formerSuperior Court judge,hosts a documentaryscreening.The stories of three EastYork coaches and their schoolhave been captured in a documentarycalled Working ClassHeroes.The movie recounts the historyof East York CollegiateInstitute (EYCI) through thememories of former facultyand students from the 1950s.Former EYCI coaches MirkHager, Harry Hull and BruceMiller are the heroes of thefilm as they are rememberedfor shaping the school’s footballteam, the Goliaths.EYCI alumni Norman Dysonshowed the film at theMarch 27 meeting of the EastYork Historical Society.“(The documentary) enunciateshow people from aworking-class neighbourhoodcould come togetherand produce people that becomeleaders in their field,”Dyson said.“There are many doctors,lawyers and businessmenwho have come out of thesoil of East York and that’s astory that should be told.”Being under the wings ofthese coaches inspired DysonYork mechanic and believesthis year, not many localroads will make the list.“Nobody has come in fromthis area saying any of theroads are bad this year,” hesaid. “When the roads freezeand defrost, that’s whencracks and potholes happen.But there was no deep freezethis year, so I think we gotpretty lucky with no potholesthis year.”As for the CAA campaign,Petersen believes it is doing itsjob. Petersen said in his commute,he has noticed roads inpoor condition being mended.councillor Janet Davis is concernedthat fees may make sport leagues toocostly.“For many leagues, the new feeswill make their programs unaffordablefor families,” she said.Pace said he wouldn’t mind payingthe fee for 2013, even though itis more like a tax. The difference betweena fee and a tax is that a fee’sproceeds could be allocated to thefields, whereas taxes are for generalrevenues.“The funds were not going to gotoward hiring any additional staff orimproving the quality of the fieldswhatsoever,” Davis said. But Parkercompared the fees to TTC fares.“We all contribute to the overalland other former students toput together a scholarship intheir name.“We’re not selling the documentary,”Dyson said.“But to get a copy youcan make a donation of $50or more to the Hager-Hull-Miller Scholarship Fund Association.”The film, produced by Dyson’sson, includes archivalfootage and audio of studentsand faculty from the 1950s,as well as interviews withEYCI graduates and reunionswith their former classmates.It also goes into some ofdetail of how East York andits neighbourhoods werebuilt from the ground up.Margaret McRae of theEast York Historical Societysaid it was a good ideato have the film shown tomembers for its connectionto their past.“It’s about East Yorkand all of our members arepassionate East Yorkers,”McRae said.“Many of them did go tothe school. It brought backmemories for them.”Will Bayview, Eglintonrepeat as ‘worst roads’?By NICHOLAS PROSPEROThe Observer“Eglinton was really bad acouple years ago, but now thesection of it I travel is perfect,”he said.“I would have to say theroads are in fairly good conditionin this area.”Potholes can grow the longerthey are left unfixed, dueto continued abuse from theelements and vehicles.Potholes can also cause seriousdamage to cars, with themost common damage beingpunctured tires, crushed rimsand suspension issues. Someproblems can cost over $500to repair.City takes sport field fees off the table – for nowPhoto courtesy /// Andrew Pacecost of running the bus, but the particularperson who rides the bus paysthe ticket to get on,” he said.Pace said he would be unwilling topay the fee unless there is an actualbenefit to teams attached. He addedthat municipalities who charge feesalso keep them “immaculate,” whereashis team does a lot of maintenance.Parker said he is grateful for the extrawork leagues do to maintain fields,but the city can’t afford to maintainits fields at a professional level.“We have a number of leagues thatplay at a competitive level and theyrequire a field that is maintained to aprofessional standard,” Parker said.“Those organizations take responsibilityfor upgrading the fields.”