Soldiering On For Others - Good News Toronto

April 2010Act with CourageIn this Q and A column, Communications Coach Vera Heldexplores with Good News Toronto readers important aspects ofcourage that surface in our personal and professional lives.Q: I have a two-day-a-weekconsulting gig at an organization thatdeals with regulatory bodies. To movesome much -needed project pieces along,I sent a memo to our business affiliates.My immediate VP appeared finewith this strategy, but the VP in theother section wrote me a scathing emailtelling me that I’d done a number ofthings wrong — including being fartoo pushy and aggressive. She quotedrules, regulations, sign-offs, and more.I was just trying to get things done ina timely business manner. Prone tohistrionics, the scathing VP is alsocompetitive.A: Competition can bringout the best in folks — and theworst. Even if for all the rightreasons, you did step out ofbounds; make your apologies,revisit, and revise. Clearly thisenvironment has it own uniqueculture and operates at its ownpace, and your job is not to tryto change the culture but toget your specific project workaccomplished. The proverb“when in Rome do as theRomans do” applies. But here’sthe rub: you sound like anentrepreneurial doer, so to betrue to your nature and yourspirit, you may, at the righttime, need to make a switch toan environment that steadfastlyapplauds your “get-up-and-go”approach. The idiom “you can’tput a square peg in a round hole”also aptly applies.Q: My dad’s been in managementfor a few years now but he has no formaltraining. His boss suggested that heand a co-worker enrol in a universitymanagement course one night a weekfrom 6pm to 9pm. My dad is close to50 and the students in his class arein their 20s and 30s. What reallysurprised him is that no one talked inclass. He was also surprised at theirlack of interest in group project work.My brother and I are both at universityand love group projects. He alsocommented that students frequentlycomplained about being tired.A: Your dad’s made someastute observations. Continuingeducation often speaks toworking professionals who aretrying hard to make themselvesmore marketable by attendingnight classes. In addition toworking days, they may haveyoung families and all theresponsibilities that go with that.I admire their drive. Fatigue,however, is common. Yourdad’s in a sweet spot. Withgrown children, he can focuson increasing his knowledgeand bringing added value tohis company. Your dad’s bossmay well have promotion plansalready in the works. I hopethat your dad takes this greatopportunity to learn, grow, andfurther augment his professionalgoals.Q: My colleague “Andrea” islazy and not used to working hard.Recently, our job descriptions wererewritten. When Andrea got hernew job description she said, “Let methink about it.” A few days later shetold our mutual boss that she couldhandle the job. Her job description isidentical to mine and I honestly don’tthink she can do the new job. ShouldI come forward?A: This is an interestingconundrum. As a colleague,undoubtedly you know whatAndrea does well and the areasshe needs to work on. However,I believe that her competencies(or the lack of them) shouldsurface on their own. Your focusneeds to be on surpassing yournew job description and reallyshining in the department. Youhave a built-in opportunity here— take it! Be true to yourselfand all that you are.Please forward queries ontough personal and professionalsituations to Vera atcourage@goodnewstoronto.caVera Held, M.Ed. is a coach,facilitator, speaker, writer, PRconsultant, and the author ofHow Not to Take it Personallywww.veraheld.comGregg Fenton is committed tobringing peace to the world by solvingone conflict at a time.EVA ROSENBAUMwas excited … Meeting withI Gregg Fenten was going to bemy first encounter with a reallive peacemaker!I had emailed Gregg, coordinatorof the Community TransformationProgram of a mediationservices agency at the time, in anattempt to connect with peopleworking in conflict resolution andto gain support for my fledgingwebsite on the subject.“I am always interested inprojects which promote positivesocial change,” he answered.“Conflicts are inevitable,but they don’t have to endin tragedy”In his office, I got lots ofencouragement, and much-neededvalidation. I also began to get toknow and appreciate the extent ofhis efforts and his commitment tohelping people dealing with difficultinterpersonal relationships. Heconfided that he wanted others toavoid the potentially tragic consequencesof destructive conflicts —something that he had experiencedas a child with his parents’ divorceand his father’s suicide.“Conflicts are inevitable, butthey don’t have to end in tragedy,”said Gregg. “If handled skilfully,disagreements can lead to muchneededchange, with a win-winoutcome.”After college, already midcareerin the retail sector but lookingfor a more fulfilling profession,Gregg enrolled in a Dispute ResolutionCertificate Program at YorkUniversity, followed by a Mediationinternship. He was now sure hewanted to have a career in conflictresolution. While still working fulltime in a retail store and volunteeringas a mediator, he started parttimestudies at the University ofToronto. After four years, he washired for the Community ProgramCoordinator position. Continuinghis university education for a totalof ten years, he graduated in 2009with a dual major in EmploymentRelations and Peace and ConflictStudies.He stayed on as a volunteermediator as well. “I always took themost challenging cases, involvingmultiple issues and highly charged,sensitive matters,” Gregg said. “Itwas the best way to push myselfto develop.”He related the story of amarried couple going througha difficult, lengthy immigrationprocess, with no solution in sight.This created a lot of tension, andthey needed help to save their relationship.With Gregg and anothermediator, the couple developedways to communicate more productivelyand peacefully. One ofthem even ended up joining thecentre as a volunteer mediator!“Another rewarding experiencewas to facilitate a processinvolving nine women of variousages and cultures working together.Conflicts among them affectedthe health and productivity ofthe workplace. They learned communicationskills, got to know andunderstand each other better, anddevised more effective ways todeal with their conflicts. At theend everyone brought in a fooddish representing their cultures, tocelebrate their journey together.”I was also fortunate to meeta volunteer in the office workingon the Iranian Family Well-BeingProject — one of the outreachefforts Gregg was directing. Thispilot project served to ensure thesafe and peaceful integration ofpeople from diverse cultures intothe community. Based on TransformativeCommunity Mediation,an approach Gregg developed, itGood News Toronto | 5From Conflict to Transformation:Change with CompassionMediator Gregg Fenton is committed to peaceworked at the grassroots level forsocial change.My big surprise came a fewdays after meeting Gregg. Heinvited me to be a guest on hisradio show! As volunteer producerand host of Mediation Station, aweekly program on Voces Latinas,Gregg teaches us to communicatewith awareness and empathy, andoffers resources to help us dealwith challenging life situations andrelationships.Gregg’s dedication to bringingpeace to our world, overcomingdevastating early experiences, andmaking exceptional efforts to reachhis goals make him my hero.Thank you, Gregg, and bestwishes for continuing success.We can reach Gregg atgreggf@primus.caEva Rosenbaum is a freelancewriter living in Toronto

6 | Good News Toronto April 2010The brain is a marvellousorgan. It has the ability tocontrol everything we do andthe way we do it. The brainis responsible for the basicfunctions of life — those thingswe take for granted, like ourheartbeat and breath — butit also separates us from ouranimal cousins. Our abilityto reason, to feel complexemotions, and to create hasfirmly grounded our place at thetop of the evolutionary ladder.Traditionally, medicine hasdepicted the brain’s function asa stylized map of our body andour higher cognitive functions.Different areas of our braincontrol different motor andsensory paths as well as thosepathways used for higher brainfunction, like judgement andinsight. Depending on theimportance each functionplays, these areas are givenlarger or smaller amounts ofhead space on our brain maps.Our neurotransmitters act likechemical messengers betweenthe thinking and initiation areasof the brain and the physicalexpression as controlled byour body.Popular thinking has beenthat we only use a minusculeportion of our brain and thatonce we exit childhood ourneural networks only evolvethrough the strengthening ofexisting pathways rather thanthe formation of new braincells and connectivity. Moreand more, science is refutingour pre-existing conceptionson the brain’s ability to evolve.As we amass more evidenceabout the way our brainadapts and heals as well as theway neurotransmitters sendmessages to, from, and withinthe brain, it becomes obviousthat there is a lot of untappedpotential hidden in our brains.We know it’s possible toteach blind patients how to“see” using electro-pads onthe tongue. This has a lot todo with the fact that the tongueLife’s ElixirThis is a monthly column by Dr. Zahra Bardaiin which she guides our path to well-beingis one of the strongest andmost sensor-rich organs inthe body. Not by coincidencethe tongue also has the largestproportion of head space onour sensory brain map (alsoknown as a homunculus). Thisgoes to prove that by promotingcompensatory pathways it ispossible to rewire the brain.In practical terms, thismeans one CAN teach an olddog new tricks. In fact, the implicationthat we can continuouslycreate new auxillary pathwaysin our brain to compensate forinjury opens up new explanationsinto why people experiencesimilar disease processesin different ways.So the next logical questionis, how do we promote healthierbrain connections? Part of it isby maintaining healthy lifestylehabits. As many of us know,smoking, alcohol use, highfat and sugar diets, sedentarylifestyles and elevated bloodpressure, cholesterol and bloodsugars are bad for the heart.What’s becoming increasinglyobvious is that what’s bad forthe heart is bad for the brain.Sticking to a diet rich in freshfruits and vegetables with alimited amount of fat, sugar,processing, preservatives, andadditives provides a goodsource of fuel for the brain.The only known way to actuallyincrease brain cells is throughregular cardiovascular exercise.This translates into about150 minutes of moderatelyintense exercise every week.Lastly, appropriate amountsof restorative sleep, meditativepractice, as well as stimulationof the brain through the useof educational video and braingames helps to solidify ourneural networks.Zahra Bardaiis a family physicianIf you have any questionsplease e-mail her atlife@goodnewstoronto.caFrom his life experiences, SpiderJones has carved a path that makes himinspirational to students and his friends.KATHY YOUNGHe is an ex-boxer, an ex-gangmember, and an ex-con. Heis also a mentor, a motivator, anauthor, a singer, a radio and TVpersonality, a philanthropist, andan amazing friend. He is someonefor whom pigeon-holing andstereotyping will never apply, ashe is one of a kind.The person I am referring tois Spider Jones. He is my friend,and a major inspiration to me andmany others — a true local hero.On January 2 nd , when I askedSpider if the creator/publisherof Good News Toronto, EvaKarpati, could have some time onhis CFRB radio show, he withouthesitation said yes. He was noteven aware that I was trying tofulfill an idea for publicity thatI had mentioned to Eva manymonths prior to my request forthe radio time. Spider is a heroto me not only for agreeingand facilitating this request, butfor the genuine enthusiasm heshared for the idea as well asthis wonderful publication. It ishis energy and enthusiasm alongwith his charm that reach out tomany people.Spider’s heroics go beyondGAEL ROSSMeet Lorraine Houston.Founder of Speaking ofDogs, an all-breed dog rescueorganization that operatesunder the charitable umbrellaof K9 Rescue Me and HelpingHomeless Pets, Lorraine beganher journey about 30 years agoworking in various shelters,helping out in any way she could.In 2000 she foundedSpeaking of Dogs, and hassince rescued over 700 dogsof all kinds. They come to herfrom shelters, owner surrenders,My Friend Spider:A SuperheroSpider Jones and his friend Kathy Younghis radio show and book, Outof the Darkness. His Believe toAchieve organization, whichwholeheartedly inspires andmotivates youth to make goodchoices, get a solid education,and follow the right path, takeshim into the auditoriums of manyschools to talk about his past andpresent, and to talk about theyoung people’s futures.Spider has firsthand knowledgeand experience in takingthe wrong path. He did the gangscene in his youth, and it wasn’tuntil he was incarcerated for twoyears in his 20s that he learned toread. In his 30s he went to collegeand graduated in Radio andTelevision Arts. He succeededbecause he believed. To me, thatmakes him a Superhero. Thispuppy mill removals, and crueltycases. In fact, after the horrorof Hurricane Katrina, Lorraineorganized a convoy of five vansand volunteers who traveleddown to Louisiana and broughtback 20 dogs and 1 cat foradoption.She has organized andapproved a number of fosterhomes for the dogs, which arefirst checked by a veterinarian.She also carefully screenspotential owners before adog can be adopted. She isparticularly successful in findinghomes for senior hard-to-placedogs.Lorraine lives in North Yorkwith her husband, two sons, andthree dogs. In addition to herrescue work, Lorraine writes anarticle for a weekly communitypaper giving practical adviceto pet owners. She also organizeseducational seminars on allthings related to dogs, attendedhero works toward having ouryouth believe in themselves sothat they may go on to achievetheir own goals.When he is not lecturing highschools students, acting as MCat fundraisers, singing with hisband, writing a book, or on hisradio show, you will find Spiderenjoying his time with his wifeof 36 years, Jackie Jones. Theyhave raised four children andare now enjoying time with theirseven grandchildren. I askedSpider what he sees in the future,to which he replied, “Keep onbelieving.”Kathy Young is the Facilitator/Director of CareerEd Serviceskathy@careered.caA Best Friend to Many DogsLorraine Houston and Austinby professional breeders, evaluators,and trainers. She is also atrained evaluator for the therapydog program, visiting with herown dog as well. If ever a doghad a best friend, Lorraine is it.To read an excerpt froma wonderful article LorraineHouston wrote about her tripto rescue the dogs from Katrinain Alexandria, Louisiana,please visit our website atwww.goodnewstoronto.caGael Ross is a semi-retired OccupationalTherapist and a volunteerrepresentative at Therapeutic Pawsof Canada

April 2010Good News Toronto | 7A Toronto MomentTwo of our magnificent Arctic wolves at the Toronto Zoophoto by Barry ShainbaumLocal Organic Farming on “The Cutting Veg”Daniel Hoffmann runs “TheCutting Veg,” an organic farm inBrampton with abundance for all.MARTIN C. WINERIn accordance with his personalmandate of improvingthe world, Daniel Hoffmannwas finishing his studies in SocialWork in an effort to root outsocial injustice. However, hesoon became frustrated that hewas trying to cultivate infertilesoil. Daniel feels that people’spersonal problems, such aspoverty and hunger, stem fromthe competitive structures thatgovern our society. “It’s like threepeople fighting over eight piecesof pie. What’s the point of fighting?There’s plenty for everyone!”Daniel set out to demonstratethat “ours is a world of abundance”and opened an organicvegetable farm in Brampton anda related business called “TheCutting Veg.”The organic model is allabout cooperation on all levels.The conveniently located farmwelcomes volunteers and internstrading their time and sweat foragribusiness knowledge andwholesome fresh vegetables.Even plants on the farm cooperate,with onions, garlic, Calendula,and Nasturtium plantednext to other crops to provideeffective insect repellent withoutthe need for toxic chemicals.Daniel actively cooperates withthe earth, “constantly trying tonourish the soil” that in turnnourishes us. Compost, organicmaterial, and “Green Manure”(crops grown with the intent tobe tilled under as fertilizer) allenrich the soil without the needfor petrochemical fertilizers.Daniel set out todemonstrate that “ours is aworld of abundance”The Cutting Veg has threemain lines of business. First,organic produce is distributedthrough farmers’ marketsand Community SupportedAgriculture (CSA). Daniel’s CSAis called “Tikkun Adamah,”which translates loosely fromHebrew as “Improve/Repair theEarth/Soil.” For a small fee ($25or $35 dollars weekly), one canbuy a share in the bounty and pickup fresh produce throughout thegrowing season.Next, “Global Garlic” is aservice whereby food connoisseurscan order all manner ofexotic and unique garlic — Persian,Russian, and Italian, to namea few. While it may be true that“a rose by any other name wouldsmell as sweet,” it turns out thatgarlic of different regions are notequally pungent.The third business line is“Food Coaching,” which offersseveral services to help peoplegrow food, from gardens tofarms, as well as teaching themto store and preserve the harvest.While Daniel would like touproot certain aspects of capitalism,one should not assume heis necessarily against profit. Thenotion that all farmers are poor,toiling in vain under the hot mercilesssun, is not one he shares.“I have learned a small-scaleorganic farmer can make a verygood living.” At the same time,his organic practices ensure thatnature is not harmed; moreover,he is trying to preserve it forfuture generations.The slogan of The CuttingVeg is “Cultivating Personal,Social, Environmental, andEconomic Health through OrganicAgriculture.” Just as theever-present safety recording atthe beginning of a flight remindsus to put the oxygen mask onourselves before attempting toassist others, Daniel emphasizesDaniel Hoffmann reaping the fruits of the collaborative labourthat we must put healthy andnourishing ingredients into ourselvesin order to be active andcontributing citizens.Daniel sees each person as aseed with all the commensuratepotential and power. As we gothrough life we are pollinatedby interactions and experienceswith others. At times we mayfeel small and insignificant as aseed blown on the wind, but ourpower to shape and mould ourgeneration and the generationsafter us is equally unstoppable— provided we find fertile soil.Daniel Hoffmann has set up amodel by which we can all derivethe nutrients — nutritional andsocial — that we need to flourish.Giving him strength is his ownaffirmation:“From one seed an entire orchard can grow:So I shall be the healthiest seed I can be.”More information and opportunitiesto get involved canbe found at:www.thecuttingveg.comMartin C. Winer is a freelance writerin Toronto. He enjoys writing articles aboutsocial action. More details can be found onhis blog: www.martincwiner.com

8 | Good News Toronto April 2010Ch ldren’s HeroesThe artwork is from Mrs. Ramachandran’s Grade 4-5 class at Gosford Public School,located in the Jane and Finch area of Toronto.Kelly Salma Richard AnjaliSelena Nicholas Chatrron LyndaNancy Jephthika Priyanka Asia

April 2010“We hope to combat povertyby promoting economic developmentwithin the families in the communityby equipping children with the skillsand knowledge to succeed in school.”GLORIA CARISSAAt the corner of Finch AvenueWest and Jane Street,a multicultural neighbourhoodrecognized for its dense immigrantpopulation, high crimerate, and poverty, resides a smallchurch that is making a largecontribution to the community.Seated in a modest, brightly litoffice decorated with musicalinstruments and books is PastorThomas Kim of the UniversityPresbyterian Church. A humbleand optimistic man with a visionfor helping the childrenbreak the cycle of poverty andviolence that have become aspectsof community living inthe Jane and Finch area, PastorThomas insists that the HomeworkClub promotes a positiveattitude towards learning andmotivates children to completetheir education in a safe environment.He says, “We hope tocombat poverty by promotingSubmitted by Kenden,a student of Winona DriveSenior Public School.March 27 th , 8:30 to 9:30 pm.Although that is the officialdate and time for EarthHour, Toronto District SchoolBoard schools all over the GTAsaid goodbye to their lights onFriday, March 26 th , from 2:00pm until the end of school,3:00 pm. However, WinonaDrive Senior Public SchoolReaching Up the Homework Clubeconomic development withinthe families in the communityby equipping children with theskills and knowledge to succeedin school.”Sharing Pastor Thomas’s visionis Cecile Huxtable, HomeworkClub Coordinator, andElizabeth Kim, Music Coordinator,both delighted and determinedto help the children “catchup, keep up, and get ahead intheir studies.” With several determinedstaff and 46 scheduleddedicated volunteers, the ReachingUp Homework Club, whichstarted in April 2008 with onlya few children, currently serves39 children Monday throughFriday.“All our programsare aimed to promoteschool achievement asan important key toovercoming poverty andcombating crime”took it to a whole other level.Recently we were recognizedfor being an Eco School, andwe will most definitely do anythingto live up to and keepour prestigious reputation.As well as having studentsthat are all quite eco-friendly,Winona also has an active EcoClub that meets very often, andeven more so as Earth Hour approached.We came up with severalideas for Earth Hour — batterycompost, regular compost,The Homework Club is afree after-school program helpingchildren from Grades 1through 8 with school assignments.Arriving from 14 schools,including Nil Academy in Scarboroughand Maingate Academyin Mississauga, many childrencome from homes where Englishis not their first languageand parents aren’t able to assistthem with their homework.The volunteers are placementstudents from York Universityand Seneca College, along withteachers, students, and membersof the community.Pastor Thomas says, “TheHomework Cub allows parentsan opportunity to work withoutstressing over the whereaboutsof their children, and providesa safe and caring place for childrento access help for their academicneeds.” He continues, “Asecond program for children inGrade[s] 3 and up, which starteda year ago, teaches them toplay various instruments at nocharge, and on April 24 th , thechildren will present a musicconcert showcasing their newlyacquired talents and accomplishmentsto the community.”Looking forward to startinga Youth Mentoring Program anda Community Youth Orchestra,he says, “All our programsare aimed to promote schoolachievement as an importantkey to overcoming poverty andcombating crime.”The student-friendly fullequipped classrooms are locatedin the lower level of the UniversityPresbyterian Church,1830 Finch Avenue West. Itsdoors are open to all childrenin need of homework assistance.All programs offered arefree and are kept afloat throughgenerous private donations.The Homework Club will beextended for three weeks duringthe summer and there is adire need for volunteers to helpwith homework. Music instructorsare also required, as theGood News Toronto | 9Volunteers and children at the Homework ClubMy Earth Hour Experience at Schooland in the CommunityBecause A BeautifulSMILE Attracts AttentionIf you are uneasy about your smile, you owe itto yourself to explore the possibilities of smileenhancing dentistry. Dr. Eisen and Dr. Jesin’s goalis to provide you with a magnificent smile in acomfortable and caring environment. Withtoday’s advanced techniques almost anything ispossible in creating a beautiful smile. Let us helpyou get the smile you have always desired.Call us for your consultation416-730-8223 www.smile-by-design.caitem switchings, carrying one’sgarbage around, etc. — but wefinally came to the conclusionthat the Eco Club should leavethe other ideas for Earth Dayand concentrate more on awarenessfor Earth Hour — makingour community aware of theeffect one has upon the Earth.On Friday starting at two,the six most active members ofthe Eco Club, our supervisor,Ms. Gesner, and our photographerwent around the communityhanding out and postingflyers with information inthe shape of a light bulb aboutEarth Hour. We also let businessesknow about Earth Hourand asked for them to helpspread the word. In addition tothis, we had an entire class andtheir teacher, Ms. Grigsby, visitingmailboxes with the flyers.I was surprised at what I saw.From the two law firms we visited,one of them encouragedus, saying things along the linesof, “We should all be better citizensto the country!” However,the other refused to even postmusic program is a huge successand will be expanding.For more information onthe Reaching Up HomeworkClub or to volunteer, you maycontact Cecile Huxtable, HomeworkClub Coordinator at647-284-0515Gloria Carissa is a mother oftwo, grandmother of three anda freelance writer athttp://gloriacarissa.blogspot.comour flyer on their door, also statingthat turning off the lightswould affect their business andraise their bills. (What bills?Definitely not the electricitybills, that’s for sure!) But overall,most of the businesses werevery cooperative; many evenknew about Earth Hour beforehandand already had plans toparticipate as best as they could!The Eco Club, Winona, ourcommunity, and TDSB schoolsall over have helped do their partfor the Earth. Now it is your turn.Go ahead, turn off the lights!DR. JERRY JESIN DR. ROBERT EISENCOSMETIC, IMPLANT, & GENERAL DENTISTRY5 Park Home Ave. #130, North Yorkcontact@smile-by-design.cafrom left to right: Ms. Grigsby, Eden, Shedan, Ms. Gesner, Mariam,Danielle, Mandy and me (Kenden)

10 | Good News Toronto April 2010Morning Glory Alleluia SmoothieFor Good News Toronto readerswho’ve been loving life withus one smoothie at a time and forthose who are just about to join us inthis celebration of nourishment forthe body and soul, this fountain-ofyouthsecret is the perfect parfait tostart any day. As April showers bringMay flowers, may April smoothiesbring you morning glory as stunningto your taste as the beautifulblossom is to your eye.Fine foods needed to createthis sensational spring-is-sprungsmoothie:2 tbsp of unsalted roastedpumpkin seeds2 tbsp of ground peanuts(optional)4 cups milk (your choice fromthe spectrum of low-fat to cream, oralmond, soy or rice milk — whateverworks best for your family)1 tbsp of wheat germ1 tbsp of cornmeal2 tsp of CinnamonPitted dates or honey (tosweeten to a yummy taste for thekids and the kid in you too)2 bananas12 (or so) luscious fresh (orfrozen) strawberries — as they say,the more the berrier1 cup of fresh (or frozen)blueberries1 tbsp of peanut butter (soybutter is great if it’s better for yourfamily)For maximum healthful benefits,we keenly recommend choosingthe freshest natural ingredientsfrom your favourite food emporium.Easy-breezy step-by-steps:1. With tender loving care,crumble the pumpkin seeds andthe optional peanuts in a coffeegrinder if you have one. No coffeegrinder? That’s even more perfect.Get a free bonus workout for yourbiceps if you use a mortar and pestleyou love boom for breakfastlunchnow try us forItems may not be exactly as shown.Ryan Betts enjoying a Morning Glory Alleluia Smoothieor whatever else you have handy to mixture into the high-speed blenderpleasantly pulverize seeds and nuts. and add the fruity fruits along with2. Adoring all the goodness in the optional peanut or soy butter.them, in a non-stick pan add the Now blend the bejeebers out of itground seeds and nuts, along with all together on high speed for aboutthe wheat germ, cornmeal, cinnamon,and dates (or honey) to your to do sixty extended arm rolls. It’sone minute — or as long as it takeschosen liquid and simmer over low all about the biceps.heat for five minutes. This is a great 5. Now, singing “Glory, Glorytime to challenge the kids to one Alleluia,” or any melodious exaltationhundred laps around the kitchen you choose, pour your morning gloriousbreakfast drink into glamorousisland. Really!3. Remove from heat, and allow glasses and garnish with somethingto cool in the refrigerator overnight, gorgeous from your garden — orwhile you dream the dreams you with a cinnamon stick if you’re sharingwith someone too macho forwish really will come true.4. When you skip into the cutesy cocktails. Enjoy!kitchen with the delight for the As GNT readers may know, fornew day, transfer your marvellous optimal benefit, we like to meditateon how thankful and lucky we are tobe alive and say “mmmmmmmm”with each sumptuous sip. The mostessential ingredient in any recipefor good living and an excellentlesson to share with our childrentoo is to just do nice things for oneanother. Your children will love youfor taking the time to teach themabout good foods, to help themgrow strong, focused, healthy, andhappy. For more fountain-of-youthtips and recipes, contact Nuraminaat nuramina@rogers.com. If youhave tips you would like to sharewith GNT readers, that’s even better.We’d love to hear your suggestionsfor loving life one smoothie and onegood deed at a time.Nuramina Ibrahim is a healthand fitness guru who enjoys sharing herfountain-of-youth secrets for energetic livingKathleen Betts is a mother of four,freelance writer, and entrepreneurCyber SavioursIn this monthly column, Winnie Czulinski featuresTorontonians who are going above and beyondto help increase internet safety and awareness.TransformingCommunities with TechnologySetting up and heading computerresource centres at local foodbanks. Getting laptops to CentralAmerican countries and other nationsin need. Whatever it is, Torontotechie Jon Alexander is keento help people connect.Professionally, Jon has beena Computer Support Specialist atthe Fields Institute for Researchin Mathematical Sciences at theUniversity of Toronto since 2003.Many years ago, he also beganhelping diverse communities withtechnology needs, and continuesto have great “drive” beyond hiseight-hour workdays.“It really is satisfying,” saysJon, who also advocates for affordablehousing and other issuesto alleviate poverty. “I feelso blessed and fortunate to livein Toronto/Canada — and to beable to help out my fellow citizens,both here at home and in otherparts of the world.”For example, when he tooka young Cuban immigrant familyto the Fort York Food Bank (fyfb.com) several years ago, the warmresponse motivated him to offer hiscomputer services. In Spring 2006,he helped the FYFB re-launch aComputer Resource Centre forlow-income food bank clients.“I feel so blessed and fortunate tolive in Toronto/Canada — andto be able to help out my fellowcitizens, both here at home and inother parts of the world”“Many of the resources theyneed to utilize, like social services,housing and job searches, areonline. And being able to use acomputer can help ameliorate theisolation that can happen whenyou’re living on the margin.” Atthe FYFB, clients also can keepin touch with families and friends,and chat in other languages.Jon heads a group of volunteerswho install and maintain networksand do software upgradesand routine maintenance. He alsogathers donations from people whowant to give their old machines newlife. Several of these have been givento food bank recipients.Through organization PlanetGeek.ca,he also helps gatherand refurbish computers out ofthe landfill and into the hands ofthose who wouldn’t have themotherwise, as well as providingthem with training/tech support.Already doing that with projectPCs4 a few years ago, he met otherswith a similar mindset throughthe global grassroots recyclingComputer support specialist JonAlexander helps provide computersand technology to diverse communitiesand projects, like the FortYork Food Bank.Photo by Dennis Hanaganmovement, Freecycle Network.“We decided to pool our resourcesand work together,” he says.With colleagues like co-coordinatorTerry Danyleyko, Jonserves facilities like FlemingdonPark Ministry and food bank.The Rev. Helena-Rose Houldcroftsays, “PlanetGeek helped us setup a computer lab in our ministryand are going to help us dothe same at our After School programme.We have also given awayover 100 computers to predominantlynew immigrants, and thathas made a huge difference in thischallenged community. Jon is oneof those exceptional volunteerswho not only follows throughwith a vision, but continues towork tirelessly with good humourand creativity.”As well, Jon helps get equipmentto students in regions likeCuba, with its network of computing-relatedyouth clubs. “It’sdifficult for a developing country,with not a lot of resources, toget current technology,” he says.“Anything we’ve taken down hasbeen warmly received and muchappreciated.”In his keenness to bridge the digitaldivide, he also works with WirelessToronto.ca— begun through theCentre for Social Innovation — tobring free wireless access to this city.Recent projects include collaboratingon a new computerworkshop/training lab at St. Clare’ssupportive housing downtown.And as part of online group HaitiRewired — and aiming for associationslike Association of Peasants,Fondwa (APF) — he also is tryingto get laptops to that region ingreat need.Jon says his Toronto workplace,the Fields Institute, is verysupportive of his local and globalvolunteer work. And as a ComputerSupport Specialist there, he seessome similarities in his work. “I’mfrontline there, too — just servinga different community!”Winnie Czulinski is a Torontobasedfreelance writer and radiopersonality

April 2010World Partnership Walk:A Walk of LeadersWe have all seen headlines,heard radio ads, listenedto speeches, or watched TVcommercials educating usabout situations in developingcountries, and asking for oursupport.But many of us, myselfincluded, do not feel anyattachment in just giving moneyto some organization. To me,there is not the same personalsatisfaction found in helpingothers simply by calling into aTV or radio station.And while there are variousservice trips I could go on to getthe gratification of physicallybeing able to help someone else,let’s face it: those trips take a lotof time and money — moneythat could be better spent helpingthe people in need.So if you, like myself, are inneed of a physical activity thatyou can partake in to help others,Good News Toronto | 11Azraa’s Kids ColumnEach month Azraa Janmohamed discusses timely topics relevant to teensI suggest the World PartnershipWalk.The World PartnershipWalk, organized by the Aga KhanFoundation, is Canada’s largestannual event to raise awarenessand support for projects indeveloping countries.By helping to buildthe country’s infrastructure(building schools, hospitals, anddeveloping local talent), the AgaKhan Foundation not only helpsto put the country back on itsfeet, but also gives it the toolsto thrive on its own.The money raised alsofunds projects such as ensuringaccess to clean water, educatinggirls and women, and teachinglocal farmers how to properlyand cost-effectively irrigatetheir land.The World Partnership, inits 26 th year, helps alleviate globalpoverty.Each year thousands ofCanadians participate in oneof the nine walks taking placeacross Canada. Together, theyhave raised more than 50 milliondollars.This money is then matchedseven times through variousagencies, and 100% of allmatched and raised money isused to fund these initiatives.But how can you and Iactually see what impact theyhave made?At the walk, there are severalbooths and information standsthat carry the stories and detailedinformation about the projectsthat are underway.Here you can learn aboutfuture projects and ideas, as wellas talk to some relief workerswho have helped people in thesedeveloping countries.Furthermore, the Walkallows you to experience thebeautiful culture of the nationsthat you are supporting throughvarious cultural dances andmusic.On a personal note, whileI was living in Kenya I sawfirsthand the work that the AgaKhan Foundation did for thelocal community. As a result,I am a firm supporter of thisinitiative.All in all, the WorldPartnership Walk is a fun andhealthy initiative that helpsothers further their own lives bygiving them the tools, skills, andknowledge to do so.Through this, a communitywill slowly but surely be ableto become self-sufficient. Oneday they might even be able tohelp another nation in the sameposition they were once in.So, how can you be a partof this?Well, on May 30th, cometo Metro Hall and join theregistered Good News TorontoWorld Partnership Walk team.Bring your friends, family, andeven pets to help walk the Walkto make the world a better place!For more informationabout the World PartnershipWalk or to join the GoodNews Toronto team, visittheir website, http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/,and search Good News Torontounder “Search Participants.”I urge all our readers, thestaff and volunteers at GoodNews Toronto, and friends andfamily to sign up and helpmake Good News Toronto a teamof heroes.We hope to see you at theWalk!Azraa Janmohamed is aGrade 10 student attendinghigh school in Toronto.To respond to Azraa pleasee-mail her atinfo@goodnewstoronto.caCuddle Up and ReadIn this monthly column, EttaKaner shares some of her favouritechildren’s books written for a varietyof ages on the theme of friendship.Dear Readers,This month, I’d like to sharetwo novels written for childrenaged nine to twelve. Both booksare about the complexities ofrelationships with peers, familymembers, and neighbours, andboth are published by SecondStory Press.While your child might wantto read these books on his/herown, I suggest that you either askto share the reading or read themindependently so that you candiscuss their themes, plots, andcharacters. This is an opportunityto discuss issues relevant toIllustration by Ashley Nitkinyour child’s maturation processat a time when kids are relyingmore and more on peers andthe internet to sort out theiremotions and value systems.Home Free, by SharonJennings, is written as thememoir of an 11-year-old girl,Leanna, who aspires to becomea writer. Consequently, Leannais a voracious reader and strivesto use mature vocabulary inher writing and speaking. Herfavourite book character isAnne Shirley from Anne ofGreen Gables. When an orphannamed Cassandra becomes hernext-door neighbour, Leannahopes that she has found herkindred spirit. Before this actuallyhappens, the two girls go on anemotional roller coaster ride thatincludes conflicts with peers,parents, and each other — aswell as the death of someoneclose to Leanna. By the end ofthe book, both girls have maturedand are better able to deal withthe challenges of life.The Contest, written byCaroline Stellings, is also aboutan 11-year-old girl, Rosy, whoidolizes L.M. Montgomery, theauthor of Anne of Green Gables.Rosy is a spunky, resourceful, andpersistent pre-teen who lives inan impoverished neighbourhoodin Hamilton. The plot revolvesaround Rosy’s plan to win an Anneof Green Gables look-alike contest.In addition to being half Mohawkwith no red hair, Rosy is too poorto buy material for a costume andhas no means of transportationto the contest, held out of town.But through hard work and thesupport of many neighbours,Rosy overcomes her obstaclesand makes it to the contest.Interwoven throughout the storyis a developing relationship withLydia, a new friend who, althoughfinancially rich, is emotionallyimpoverished.Caroline has created a castof characters who can serve aswonderful role models for ourpreteens. While these charactersare far from perfect and oftenhumorous, their hearts andactions are in the right place.Happy reading!Etta Kaner is a teacher andchildren’s author. Her most recent bookis Have You Ever Seen a StorkBuild a Log Cabin?

12 | Good News Toronto April 2010ey Paul, Why can’t I“Hget online?” Sighing,I remind him, “This keepshappening, and I’m gettingpretty tired of it.”I’m frustrated becausein order to run my Speech-Language Pathology and Niabusinesses, I need to haveaccess to the internet.He’s irritated too. “Ah jeez,I’m in the middle of helping myclients close their house. Thisis not good timing and theyare really testing my patience.I’ll give our internet serviceprovider a call.”After 30 minutes on thephone and a battle of wits andpatience, Paul reports, “Theyhave disconnected our internetaccess. It will be down forseven days.”“You must be kidding!”“Nope,” Paul shrugs. “It’sour ‘punishment’ (their words,Rhyme and ReasonEach month Jennifer Hicks and Paul Kralik regale us with a different perspective on current issuesnot mine) for unknowinglyhaving a virus on one of ourcomputers.”Now my voice starts toget louder. “WHAT?!?!? Theycan’t do that!”“Wait a second, Jenn, justlisten. It’s really inconvenientfor us, yes, but an active virusimpacts their entire network.So they’re giving us a weekto run virus scans and getdebugged if necessary. We’llmanage.”“I don’t know about that. Ialready feel symptoms of IWScoming on.”Confused, Paul says,“IWS?”“Internet WithdrawalSyndrome. I’m going to phonethem right now and cancel ourservices!” I shout in frustration.I stop and look at my right hand.“Oh. Did you see that?”“What?”Torontocentric Crosswordsby Alixe MacRaeAlixe MacRae is a passionate puzzlefan and creator, who believes in moreCanadian puzzle content“I just had an episode of‘phantom internet pain.’ Weird.It was a flash of searing painthat caused my hand to jerklike I was moving my mouseto sign in to my email.”“Very funny. Why don’tyou watch a movie to distractyourself,” Paul suggests.“But I need to advertise mynew class on Facebook. And Ihave to email my sister. And Ineed to post on my blog. I’mfeeling a little isolated and lostwithout internet access.”Paul reminds me, “Youknow, you could pick up thephone and call your sister. Youboth have phones.”“That’s not the point. Idon’t like the feeling of beingpenalized for something I havevery little control over. Besides,even if I called my sister, shewouldn’t answer, because she’sonline!”Paul thinks for a moment.“You know what? Over theyears we’ve both developed ahabit of sitting in front of acomputer screen for hours ata time. It’s our entertainmentand our source of socialstimulation. Now that we don’thave internet access, it’s makingme realize how much it hasmade us favour the electronicworld over the real world. It’scrazy. We have become sodependent on the internet andnow that it’s gone, we’re lost.”“Are you saying I’maddicted to my computer?”“Not at all. Just thinkabout it this way. The modemis a modern-day version ofthe ‘idiot box.’ We can use itto become smarter, yes, but wedon’t need to focus our wholelives around the internet. Wedidn’t have it when we weregrowing up and we seem tohave turned out just fine.”“Good point,” I say. “Hey,where’s our Scrabble board?We used to play that all thetime. Loser makes dinner.”“You’re on.” Paul rubs hisbelly and smacks his lips. “I’mlooking forward to the steakdinner you’ll be making!”Paul Kralik is a Secondary SchoolTeacher at Northern Secondaryand Jennifer Hicks is a Speech-Language Pathologist helping peoplemanage the effects of brain injuryAnswers on page 14

April 2010Gaining PerspectiveEach month Brian Baumal offers us opportunitiesto look at ourselves in new ways.When the Rubber Hits theSelf-Improvement RoadSelf-improvement is oneof the hardest things thatpeople will ever have to do.Instinctively, I think we allknow that it is challenging tochange, and this is made evenmore complicated when wehave to examine and cometo terms with both our pastand present. However, if selfimprovementis done correctly,this self-acceptance comes. Toomany times, however, one’sjourney toward self-acceptanceis sidetracked by a false senseof self-improvement. We getfooled into thinking that wehave improved, when in factwe have fallen into a trap. Overthe past few months I havehad the opportunity to leadand participate in many selfimprovementgroups. Basedon my observations, below aresome things to look out for asyou engage in self-improvement:Avoid the Allure ofPsychological Theory. Thereare some people who get sobogged down in understandingand applying psychologicaltheory to others and to varioussituations that they wind upforgetting about themselves.Understanding psychologicaltheory is at best a nice adjunctto self-improvement, but it isnot necessary to have a detailedunderstanding of it. The nexttime you find yourself thinkingabout psychological theory, findways to experience the theoryand apply it to your own growth.Forget about ChangingAnyone Else. Self-improvementis just that, SELF-improvement,not OTHER-improvement.People engaged in selfimprovementgain a confidenceand enthusiasm and try tochange others in their lives.One of the true signs thatyou’ve arrived at your own selfimprovementdestination is thatyou no longer want to changethose around you. Rather, youbecome curious about what yourreaction to other people saysabout yourself. You are then ina place to make decisions basedon your own needs instead ofchanging the character of thosearound you.Ignore Your Mind. Peoplewho engage in self-improvementoften get a better sense of theirwants and needs. However,these rarely represent the trueneeds of the individual. Themind constructs these needsto avoid feeling fear, rejection,and sadness, and we construepeople and things as those thatcan either help or hinder ourpursuits. True self-improvementremoves the need to pursueacceptance, yet at the same timeallows us to make decisions thatare satisfactory to us on a deeperand more authentic level.Accept Everything, EspeciallyYour Own Fears.You can become aware of yourwants and needs, but know thatunderneath those are fears andpast thoughts. When you havea need, ask yourself what wouldhappen if you did not achieveit. Note that this does not meanyou should set yourself up forfailure, but if you can understandthe underlying fear, thewant or need gets put into betterperspective, and you are betterable to act on it.Don’t Confuse SELF-Improvementwith CIRCUM-STANCE-Improvement. Intoday’s world, many peopleconfuse making lists, followinga “Power Plan,” or generalachievement as self-improvement.However that is “CIR-CUMSTANCE-Improvement”not “SELF-Improvement.”“CIRCUMSTANCE-Improvement”will not necessarily lead to“SELF-Improvement.” I’m surewe can all think of many peoplewho have great circumstance(e.g. wealth and fame) but arenot at peace with themselves.One way to help improve bothyour circumstances and yourselfis to make two separate lists, andrealize that each is separate fromthe other. In this way, you maybegin to become aware that itis possible to improve yourselfwithout improvement in yourcircumstance, and that’s wherethe rubber really hits the selfimprovementroad.Brian Baumal practices Gestalt Psychotherapyin Leslieville. His websiteis www.TorontoTherapySite.comWith gratitude to Dr. LeaRossiter, who has held my handthroughout this journey.LYNNE HAYTrauma, illness, and sufferingare as necessary to thehuman existence as are vitality,good health, and rich abundance.These spectres lingeraround the dark shadows oflife, waiting to catapult theirvictims into a spiralling tunnelof darkness and despair. This isa moment of death and rebirth,all intertwined in one long unravellingrope that suspends ourpast, present, and future.Millions of people aroundthe world live each day battlingchronic illness and pain; theylive with broken bodies, brokenspirits, and broken dreams.Pain threatens our senseof stability and predictability.It is an unwelcome disruptionto our efforts to live a full andbountiful life. And yet, there isa contradiction in the role ofpain and illness. Both cast adark shadow on the present andthe future, but through which amost profound enlightenmentis possible.The question is, do illnessand pain truly cripple us, orare we simply suspended fora moment in time, cocooning,evolving, transforming? Paindoes present a bittersweetlesson: it stops us in our tracks,but it also offers us time toreflect, time to heal, time tobring out the best in ourselvesand those around us.Several years ago, I suffereda serious head and back injury,which knocked the wind andwhine out of me. For years, Ifound myself going throughthe motions of life in a blur.On the outside, I tried to appearfunctional and hopeful; on theinside I was shattered and griefstricken.Little did I know thenthat the very thing that hadbrought me to my knees wasthe very thing that would oneday be my redemption. Painforced me to value every singlemoment, because I did not knowhow many more I had left. Irelearned how to revel in thesmall mysteries, to focus on themoment … to listen intently andto observe in awe. With time,the constant hammering in myhead and back became a droningpulse, and I could finally see themagnificence of being alive.My journey has clarifiedwho I really am and what directionI need to travel in. I am justan ordinary person, with all theordinary riches in life. The onlything that makes any one of usextraordinary is our willingnessto allow life to transform us, toallow suffering to humble us,and to welcome the many gracesthat adversity brings.On the road to recovery andself discovery, I have found astunning diversity of beliefs andviewpoints. Each one providedme with different tools toredefine and redirect my journey.I have been offered courage,hope, and strength; the secret, Idiscovered, was to reach out forit and hold on tight when it came.Good News Toronto | 13Growing Pains: Moving FromMisery to MindfulnessLittle did I know then thatthe very thing that hadbrought me to my knees wasthe very thing that wouldone day be my redemption.By Boubacar LeyeClear eyessilky eyesshining flames of lifeclear eyesimages of lightEach day I continue to focuson life rather than pain, andthough pain has been a longtimecompanion, I have learnedto surrender to it, allowing itto soften, and exhaling moreoften. Whether we are healthyor not, we are required to makeconscious decisions each day,to look for the good, the joyful,and the virtuous.Choosing to live a life ofabundance is in the eye of thebeholder. What is abundance toone is scarcity to another. Painforces me to focus on what isabundant in my life, to highlightthe victories and not the losses.And so, I choose to live mylife more fully, more urgently,more ardently — and always ingratitude.Lynne Hay is an educator who iscurrently writing a book on the upsideof living with chronic painClear eyesI glanced spring burstingout from your hidden heartthe valley was green and youngand the early fall dressed thenwith loveClear eyessilky solemn eyesflyfly smooth ‘ n softfly confident and brightYou are dear to me.Boubacar Leye was born inSenegal and has been living inToronto for 14 years.“Nothing great wasever achieved withoutenthusiasm!”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

14 | Good News Toronto April 2010BILL BELFONTAINEOver the past year, throughmy office window, I havewatched an upscale condominiumrise from the sandy pit excavatedat St. Clair Avenue West andAvenue Road. Daily, the bucketloads of concrete were pouredinto place by the careful expertiseof the operator of a mammothconstruction crane assisted bytradesmen.It seemed to take a fewshort weeks until the greytower reached its top and wasimmediately clad in colouredbricks.Windows were soon installed.Only by viewing theconstant rise and descent ofan exterior construction cagefilled with workmen and materialswas I kept speculating howmuch time remained beforeindividuals or families beganto move in.For many months, seductivepromotion billboardsGreen and LeanDr. Martin Kijazi’s column will return next monthextolled the siren calls of theextraordinary lifestyle awaitingeveryone once the inside wascompleted and ready for theiroccupancy.They’ll be my new neighbours,I thought; a mere twoblocks away — and hopefullya very acceptable addition tothe neighbourhood.The good news is thatwe can hold on toeverything worthwhileby remembering thateveryone is created equal.That set me to thinking thatonly minor neighbourly contactappeared to be possible, unless,of course, I chose to venture adiscreet “Hello” should I passthem on the street.Then, during a small leapin perspective that followed,I found myself wistfullycomparing buildings to people.I asked myself, “Howoften do I see someone withSeek the Best in Othersan attractive personal shell,projecting a near-perfect humanexterior?” But too oftenthey remain completed shellsthat still await the constructionof the beautiful inner valuesthat can replace the grey wallsand hallways that become theirtrue selves.Could good subconsciousthoughts be developed by them;thoughts that assure they’ll bemore valuable social beings, alivewith the substance of caring forothers and thus assuring thebetter world we need?Have you met such peoplewith the hollowness of poorethics or an understandingof which they are eitherunaware or just don’t care,simply because ego satisfactionovercomes their social andfamilial deficiencies?Take the time to askyourself why they wouldnot choose to accept andsponsor new ideas and attitudesthat would benefit primarilythemselves and the humanityof inner kindness, capableof surrounding them with acaring aura.Is there anything possiblewe can do to create change, orshall we accept the inevitableand walk away not even feelingregret for them?The good news is thatwe can hold on to everythingworthwhile by remembering thateveryone is created equal; we arepeers. And while some of usare a little too long in the toothto still be bringing up childrenwith this belief, it is importantto continue to hold dear thesevalues by remaining an exampleof what a good neighbour can be.As the jargon of modernsound bites tells us, “It takes awhole village to raise a child.”If so, much good can bemade available to raise betterchildren, using this wonderfulvillage mentality. We can be partof that extraordinary base thatprovides such a boon to thosewho choose to make the villageconcept work.When you awake tomorrowmorning — and every morning— permit me to suggest thatyou start your day devoted tothinking in terms of being a“villager.”In your local urban communities,smile and say, “Goodday,” to the strangers walkingby — and don’t be surprisedhow many smile back, becausethey want it too.Bill Belfontaine is recently retiredfrom active book publishing. He hasestablished a consulting practice toassist those who plan to write theirautobiography or to create a biographyCrossword answersNext issue:Tuesday, May 4 th , 2010

April 2010Soldiering On For OthersContinued from page 1the torch; Jody was given therare opportunity to hold both theOlympic as well as the Paralympicstorch. Jody says, “Getting a profileas a Paralympics athlete, this wasa big honour.”When asked how he feelswhen told he is an inspiration,Jody says, “I didn’t set out to bean inspiration, but it definitelymakes me up my game, knowingmy positive attitude affectsothers — it keeps me going.”Interestingly, Jody is inspiredby inspiring. It took him a longtime to accept that his actionsimpacted others, but once hedid, he channelled this power to“soldier on,” so to speak. Jodytakes the positive energy ofothers and uses it to push thelimits and raise the bar, bothfor himself as well as for others.Talking to Jody makesevident that he believes there isnothing he cannot do; in fact, heREADER SUBMISSIONAlbert Schweitzer:The World CitizenGALINA VAKHROMOVAExample is not the main thing“ in influencing others. It isthe only thing.” -Albert SchweitzerAlbert Schweitzer was afamous philosopher, musician,theologian, and physician. Authorof the Reverence for Life philosophy,he received the Nobel PeacePrize in 1952 and was appointedto the Order of Merit by QueenElizabeth.In his book Out of My Lifeand Thought he wrote, “The greatfault of all ethics hitherto has beenthat they believed themselves tohave to deal only with the relationsof man to man. In reality,however, the question is what ishis attitude to the world and alllife that comes within his reach.A man is ethical only when life, assuch, is sacred to him, and that ofplants and animals as that of hisfellow men, and when he devoteshimself helpfully to all life that isin need of help.”Albert Schweitzer was bornon January 14, 1875 in Alsace,France — then a part of Germany.Actively living his own philosophy,Albert Schweitzer devoted hislife to direct service in Africa asa doctor. In 1913, he establisheda hospital at Lambarene, Gabon.Today his hospital services 5,000people and employs staff fromdifferent countries.Albert Schweitzer inspiredmillions; he showed us how richa human life can be. His personalphilosophy was based on a Reverencefor Life: “We all belongtogether. All men are membersof a global community.” EarthDay, observed on April 22, is awonderful way for us all to endeavourto enact his reverence for lifephilosophy through becoming aglobal community and protectingour earth.Small Things We Can Doto Help Our Environment:• think about planting something• schedule your baking to occur all at once to reduceyour energy consumption• don’t pour good water down the drain – give it to yourpets or plants instead• dump used coffee grounds near your plants as a beginnercomposter• start an office carpool• see if you can shower in four minutesdemonstrates this in his everydaylife. He discusses his desire tocomplete an Adventure Race,which involves mountain biking,canoeing, and trail running. Hesays, “I’ll be the one guy withprosthetics doing adventureraces!” Perhaps this healthyattitude towards life and thebelief that nothing can stophim from achieving his dreamsis what makes Jody so inspiring.Rather than giving up hope,Jody turned his situation intoa positive one. He does not seehimself as disabled; he says, “IInquire about advertising atadvertising@goodnewstoronto.cacall it adaptive. I’ve had to adaptmy life — that’s all.”And he’s right. Jody is able todo everything he has always beenable to, just in a different way.His positive attitude is inspiring,and his laidback outlook on lifeis humbling.“Getting a profile as aParalympics athlete, thiswas a big honour”Master Corporal Jody Miticis just one of those people youhave to admire. His humilityand down-to-earth attitudeGood News Toronto | 15make him instantly likeable, andhis determination to succeedis commendable. He achievedgreatness serving his country forover a decade, and he continuesto achieve greatness just bybeing Jody Mitic: never givingup, soldiering on.Kate De Freitas is a freelance writer

16 | Good News Toronto April 2010Where great work and great peoplecome together.Supporting thriving and caring communities is important to us. Blakes wasnamed one of "Canada's Best Diversity Employers" and one of "Greater Toronto'sTop Employers" for 2010 and is a pioneer among Canadian law firms supportingour lawyers’ pro bono legal service in the community.MONTRÉAL OTTAWA TORONTO CALGARY VANCOUVER NEW YORK CHICAGO LONDON BAHRAIN AL-KHOBAR* BEIJING SHANGHAI* blakes.com*Associated OfficeBlake, Cassels & Graydon LLP