Stouffville Review, June 2022

Vol.9 Issue 6 June 2022 

WWW.STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM 

WHAT’S INSIDE 

Doors Open to explore local treasures 

Doors Open is returning to Whitchurch- 

Stouffville this summer. It is part of the 

Stouffville Celebrates Summer Series. 

SEE PAGE 2 

York U earns spot in the top 35 in Times 

Higher Education Impact Rankings 

York University is strengthening its position 

as a leader in creating a sustainable and 

inclusive world, ranking in the world’s top 

35 in the respected Times Higher Education 

Impact Rankings. 

Creative camp for kids 

SEE PAGE 4 

The Latcham Art Centre team is excited 

about the warmer months ahead and will be 

offering seven weeks of Summer Camp this 

July and August. 

Police hand out awards for ‘outstanding work’ 

SEE PAGE 5 

York Regional Police, together with the community, honoured the outstanding work of both sworn and civilian members at the Police 

Appreciation Night Awards ceremony. The award-winning members included those demonstrating investigative excellence and diligence; 

those selflessly giving of their time and talent to better our community; and those building bridges with our diverse communities. 

SEE PAGE 7 

Festival of Colours gala supports MSH 

Colourful Indian attire and saris filled the Hilton 

Toronto/Markham Suites as 450 guests 

came together to enjoy delicious Indian cuisine 

and culture with a featured performance 

by Bollywood singer Shradha Pandit. 

SEE PAGE 11 

COMMUNITY 

Celebrate Art in the Park in June 

Art in the Park is an outdoor art show and sale 

that has been running annually in Stouffville 

since 2015. The event which returns to 

Memorial Park is a celebration of art and 

culture for our community. 

Nursing is a work of heart, 

says MSH specialist 

Pamela Ingley has a unique role at Markham 

Stouffville Hospital as the Perinatal Quality 

Assurance Specialist in Childbirth and 

Children Services department. 

SEE PAGE 2 SEE PAGE 6 

Student mayor impresses council 

The Office of the Mayor has announced the 

winner of the 3rd Annual Mayor for the Day 

contest in Whitchurch-Stouffville. 

SEE PAGE 8 

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2 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW JUNE 2022 STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM 

COMMUNITY 

Celebrate Art in the Park in June 

coordinator. 

Last year’s winner of the People’s 

Choice award, Whynot Designs, will be in 

attendance once again with his wood art. 

This year’s show will feature the expertise 

of approximately 30 artists. The show 

will include fine art paintings, jewellery, 

pottery, textile art, photography and more. 

All artists must submit an application 

along with samples of their artwork to be 

considered for acceptance. The artwork is 

reviewed taking into consideration originality/creativity, 

mastery of technique, overall 

impression, and impact. 

“Town staff would like to thank the Presenting 

Sponsor, telMAX, and the Diamond 

Sponsor, StateView Homes for their support 

of the event,” adds Troiani. 

For more information on Art in the 

Park, visit townofws.ca/artinthepark, @ 

TWSEvents on Facebook or email events@ 

townofws.ca. 

Art in the Park is an outdoor art show 

and sale that has been running annually in 

Stouffville since 2015. 

The event which returns to Memorial 

Park on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — is 

a celebration of art and culture for our community. 

In addition to the diverse group of 

artists showcasing their talents through a 

variety of mediums, the town’s cultural 

facilities also take part by highlighting their 

services and providing crafts and activities to 

the families attending. 

“There is a real energy and excitement 

to this event and the artists are looking forward 

to meeting and engaging with members 

of our community to share their passions 

and talent,” says Julia Troiani, special events 

Doors Open to explore 

local treasures 

Doors Open is returning to Whitchurch- 

Stouffville this summer on June 4th from 10 

a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Governed by the Ontario Heritage Trust 

and organized by participating communities, 

the anticipated event offers an opportunity 

for visitors far and wide to explore experiences 

they may not normally get to see, both 

virtually and in-person. 

Totalling 11 experiences, visitors to 

Doors Open this year will get the opportunity 

to see returning favourites like the Richmond 

Hill Live Steamers, Holy Theotokos 

Convent and Stouffville Memorial Christian 

Church. 

New sites to the repertoire, like 

Stouffville Junction, Ocean Nursery and 

many others, are all free of charge for the 

day. 

Guests can enjoy a guided tour in 

downtown Stouffville by a member of the 

Heritage Advisory Committee. The tour details 

have been researched and fact-checked 

by local historian Fred Robbins. 

Participants can also take a self-guided 

tour of the Jean-Baptiste Lainé Site in south 

Stouffville. 

The museum, library and Latcham Art 

Centre are also venues that you’ll want to 

enjoy during the Doors Open event. 

To welcome this anticipated event 

back, town staff have organized an exciting 

kick-off celebration to be held at Stouffville 

Junction, located at 6162 Main Street in 

Stouffville. 

Here, visitors can be part of a historic 

plaque unveiling celebration, the inaugural 

Heritage Awards presentation, and an official 

start to Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville. 

Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville is 

part of the Stouffville Celebrates Summer 

Series which is presented by telMAX. 

For more information, email wsmuseum@townofws.ca 

or call (905) 727-8954 

ext. 3291.

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM JUNE 2022 

New virtual school named 

after Catholic saint 

3 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW 

The York Catholic District School Board 

(YCDSB) is adding a new virtual school that 

it’s naming after St. Teresa of Calcutta. 

“This new school marks an important 

step in offering a remote learning, virtual 

school option for students, as directed by 

the Ministry of Education and supported by 

the YCDSB,” says Director of Education 

Domenic Scuglia. 

“As one of the most revered modern day 

Catholic saints, it makes sense to recognize 

St. Teresa of Calcutta as we work with diligence 

and commitment to serve the needs of 

our newest school community,” says Board 

Chair Elizabeth Crowe. 

About 400 YCDSB students are 

registered for virtual learning during the 

2022-2023 school year. Vince Galea, the new 

school’s first principal, has been with the 

board for 15 years and currently serves as 

principal of St. Gregory the Great Catholic 

Academy in Woodbridge. 

St. Teresa of Calcutta joined the Sisters 

of Loreto in Ireland at age 18 and after receiving 

the name Sister Mary Teresa, taught 

at St. Mary’s School for Girls in Calcutta, 

where she eventually became principal. After 

making her final Profession of Vows in 1937, 

she was called Mother Teresa and in 1950 established 

Missionaries of Charity, a religious 

community dedicated to the service of the 

poorest of the poor. 

Mother Teresa received a Nobel Peace 

Prize in 1979. At the time of her death in 

1997, the Missionaries of Charity had more 

than 4,000 nuns and operated in 123 countries. 

She was canonized by Pope Francis in 

2016. 

Did your kids miss 

routine vaccinations? 

An estimated 60,000 students in Grades 

7 to 12 missed one or more routine vaccinations 

when York Region Public Health was 

forced to put immunization clinics on hold 

amid the pandemic to focus on COVID-19 

vaccinations. 

But appointments for vaccination 

against Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus 

(HPV) and Meningococcal disease can now 

be booked online and will available through 

the summer. 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 

those vaccinations were typically offered in 

school-based clinics for Grade 7 students and 

at public health community clinics. Because 

those clinics were unavailable for the last 

two years, many York residents were unable 

to get the routine immunizations found on 

Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule, 

which could result in increased susceptibility 

to vaccine-preventable diseases and potential 

community spread of those diseases. 

Visit york.ca/immunization-clinics to 

learn more. Stouffville Medical Centre is 

currently offering catch-up student immunization 

clinics for students in Grades 7 and 

up and for eligible individuals who missed 

getting vaccines offered at schools because 

of the pandemic. 

Visit stouffvillemedicalcentre.ca/grade7 

for more information and/or to book an appointment 

online.


York U earns spot in the top 35 in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 

York University is strengthening its 

position as a leader in creating a sustainable 

and inclusive world, ranking in the world’s 

top 35 in the respected Times Higher Education 

Impact Rankings. 

York U has ranked 33 out of 1,406 postsecondary 

institutions, moving up 34 spots 

from its position at 67/1,117 last year. 

The impact ranking is influential as the 

United Nations assesses the performance 

of universities worldwide in meeting its 

sustainable development goals. 

“Our continued recognition as a world 

leader in the Times Higher Education Impact 

Rankings is a testament to York’s steadfast 

commitment to build a more just and sustainable 

future,” said Rhonda Lenton, York’s 

president and vice-chancellor. 

“Sustainability is one of the foundations 

of our University Academic Plan 

2020–2025: Building a Better Future that 

guides teaching, research and operational 

activities. I want to thank the entire York 

community for their extraordinary efforts to 

work together towards the pursuit of peace 

and prosperity for people and the planet – 

both locally and globally.” 

The Times Higher Education Impact 

Rankings considers factors such as research, 

stewardship, outreach and teaching to determine 

the rank for each institution. The UN 

has 17 global sustainable development goals 

for 2030, and York is well ranked among 

the top 100 universities across them. York’s 

focus on sustainability resulted in several top 

rankings: 

• In sustainable cities and communities, 

York ranks in the top 10 globally, 

• In peace and strong institutions, York 

also ranks in the top 10 globally, 

• In gender equality, York ranks No. 1 in 

Canada, and 21 globally. 

Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president 

academic, credited the hard work and 

dedication of students, faculty, staff and 

alumni for contributions that inspire the 

entire York community to help build a better 

future. 

“The UN’s 17 sustainable development 

goals represent fundamental values at 

York,” Philipps said. “They align with the 

six priorities for action that we have set for 

ourselves within the University Academic 

Plan and reaffirm our longstanding values of 

social justice, equity and sustainability. This 

achievement represents the dedication of the 

entire York community.” 

These higher education rankings were 

introduced in 2019 to evaluate universities 

around the world and assess how they were 

meeting the sustainable development goals 

set by the UN. 

“York’s top-35 ranking recognizes the 

university’s dedication to creating a diverse 

community that works together to address 

complex societal challenges and to conduct 

research and scholarly activity that advances 

knowledge and creates positive change,” 

said Amir Asif, vice-president research and 

innovation. 

“York conducts purposeful research that 

is making a difference in our local and global 

communities,” Asif said. “Our researchers 

are dedicated to solving global challenges 

that will lead to a more equitable, sustainable 

and inclusive world.” 

As it is for York, inclusivity is central 

to the UN’s sustainable development goals. 

Both organizations seek to break down barriers 

worldwide. 

The TD Community Engagement Centre 

strives for academic innovation through 

community building, education, and experiential 

learning for the Black Creek Community, 

one of the most diverse communities in 

Toronto. 

Women and children from kindergarten 

to Grade 12 can access programs and 

services through the Carswell Foundation’s 

ground-breaking partnership between the 

School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design 

and the Regent Park School of Music. 

The Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowships 

for Black and Indigenous Scholars provides 

resources, mentorship and up to $70,000 a 

year for learners seeking to get a foothold in 

their career. 

Lenton says York takes a collaborative 

approach to sustainability, bringing people, 

institutions, cities and countries together to 

engage as partners. 

In the GTA, York has been engaging 

with the City of Markham as it prepares 

to open its new Markham Campus where 

construction is underway, as well as with 

business and community leaders working 

to give diverse communities in the region a 

voice. The Keele Campus is being reimagined, 

meanwhile, and will include consultation 

with the communities it serves. 

The university and the City of Vaughan 

have begun looking at how York can play a 

greater role within the Vaughan Healthcare 

Centre Precinct, including a new School of 

Medicine. The precinct is a collaboration 

between York, Vaughan, Mackenzie Health 

and ventureLAB and will create a centre of 

excellence for health, preventative medicine 

and community care. 

York’s partnerships also create positive 

change for international communities. The 

university offers free degree and non-degree 

education programs and supports for refugees 

in Sub-Saharan Africa; and bursaries 

and scholarships to help recent immigrants 

to Canada gain the skills they need to work 

and thrive. 

Philipps says York is well positioned to 

continue to meet the UN’s inclusivity and 

sustainability goals. 

“We are now digging in even deeper to 

right the future by committing to meaningful 

steps, both small and large, toward a more 

just and sustainable future.” 

E 

Ph


Police hand out awards for 

‘outstanding work’ 


Golden 

Student of the month 

McDonald’s is proud to salute this month’s 

Golden Student of the Month, 

ANYA BHOPA 

York Regional Police, together with the community, honoured the outstanding work of both 

sworn and civilian members at the Police Appreciation Night Awards ceremony. 

A police sergeant who saved an unconscious 

man trapped in a burning vehicle just 

moments before it erupted into an inferno 

has been recognized for his bravery and 

heroism. 

York Regional Police (YRP) Sgt. Frank 

Abreu received the Const. Garrett Styles 

Courage in the Line of Duty award at the 

Police Appreciation Night Awards on May 10. 

He was on patrol in September 2019 

and answered a call from dispatch about an 

automated distress signal from a rolled-over 

BMW in Georgina. The vehicle was engulfed 

in flames upon his arrival and though Abreu 

tried to settle the flames, his fire extinguisher 

was no match for the fire. 

He managed to pull the driver to safety. 

“Thankfully, no one else was in the car. Sgt. 

Abreu administered first aid to the driver, 

who suffered serious head injuries during the 

accident,” YRP reports. “If it had not been 

for the quick actions of communicators and 

Sgt. Abreu, this man would have certainly 

perished.” 

YRP, together with the community, honoured 

the “outstanding work” of both sworn 

and civilian members at the Police Appreciation 

Night Awards ceremony. 

“The award-winning members included 

those demonstrating investigative excellence 

and diligence, those selflessly giving of their 

time and talent to better our community, and 

those building bridges with our diverse communities.” 

Const. John Scrymgeour also received 

the Const. Garrett Styles Courage in the Line 

of Duty for his quick decision making after 

a simple arrest at a gas station turned into a 

fight for his life. Det. Zabi Aryaie received 

the Rob Plunkett Outstanding Service to the 

Community Award for his passion and dedication 

in serving vulnerable communities, 

including helping refugees in need of basic 

living necessities. 

Special Events Team Karen Richards, 

Carrie Rutledge, Heather Treftlin, Susan 

Gibbs and Melissa Styles also received the 

Rob Plunkett Outstanding Service to the 

Community Award for fundraising more than 

$1 million over the past two years for the 

YRP Holiday Heroes campaign. 

The Chief of Police Professionalism 

Award went to Project Takeover, a probe 

into organized street racing and stunt driving 

in which over 300 charges were laid and 

70 people were arrested. A second Chief of 

Police Professionalism Award went to Project 

Convalesce, an extensive and complex 

investigation into organized crime involving 

human trafficking, illicit drugs and fraud. 

Assistant Manager of Finance Sunita 

Erry received the Leo McArthur Civilian 

Recognition Award for being a “progressive 

and supportive leader” in the organization 

along with countless hours as a volunteer 

member in the Women in Leadership Internal 

Support Network, where she serves as a 

co-chair. Health and Safety Specialist Bobbi- 

Lyn Baines received the Leo McArthur 

Civilian Recognition Award. for providing 

support to more than 1,800 YRP members 

impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Staff Sgt. Kolin Alexander received the 

Herbert H. Carnegie Award for “working 

tirelessly” to cultivate relationships with 

the communities YRP serve, including the 

Afro-Caribbean Canadian community, and 

representing YRP on the Black Community 

Consultative Round Table. 

Sgt. Mina Rahravan and Strategic Communications 

Specialist Susan Gibbs received 

the Herbert H. Carnegie Award for being 

co-chairs of the York Pride Internal Support 

Network. “Mina and Susan have been long 

time advocates for equity and inclusion, 

especially for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ 

community,” YRP reports. 

Anya is a grade 12 student at Stouffville D.S.S. who is passionate 

about supporting her community and enhancing equitable access 

to resources. A dedicated volunteer, she has accumulated over 

300 hours of service. Anya co-founded The Canadian Courage 

Project: a G.T.A.-based non-profit organization that supports youth 

facing structural vulnerabilities as they transition out of the shelter 

system into independent housing. Since inception last year, C.C.P. 

has supported over 1,000 youth and presented workshops to over 

75,000 youth across Ontario. In addition, Anya volunteered at 

the Stouffville O.S.P.C.A supporting animal welfare and placing 

unhoused animals in their forever homes. In school Anya works 

to amplify student voices as a member of the E.S.P club and, as 

a member of the METOWE club, supports our community through 

various events such as food drives. 

CONGRATULATIONS ANYA, 

your initiative and dedication are shining 

examples to all volunteers! 

® 

Marcia and Todd Finlayson operate 7 McDonald’s 

Resturants in York region. They also championed 

the building and annual operation of the Ronald 

McDonald Family Room at Markham Stouffville 

Hospital. Through this monthly feature, Marcia and 

Todd are proud to encourage and celebrate the 

volunteers in the Stouffville community who are 

building their own legacy of social responsibility. 

C 2018 McDaonald’s


Nursing is a work of heart, says MSH specialist 

Pamela (Pam) Ingley has a unique role 

at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville 

Hospital (MSH), as the Perinatal Quality 

Assurance Specialist in the Childbirth and 

Children Services department. 

“Pam is fiercely creative and collaborative. 

She is curious and isn’t afraid to speak 

up when she sees processes that need improvement 

and has the knowledge and skills 

to successfully bring change management,” 

says Abigail Corbin, Patient Care Manager, 

Alongside Midwifery Unit at Oak Valley 

Health. “Pam’s passion for efficiency has 

been a huge asset to our program and we feel 

so lucky to work alongside her.” 

In her role, she applied for and won the 

Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada 

(HIROC) Innovation Safety Grant. As a 

result, she has launched Moving Up with 

MoreOB — a program that brings interprofessional 

staff together to learn through rounds, 

simulation and creative learning opportunities. 

“The program encourages courage and 

curiosity,” Ingley says. “Our ultimate goal 

is always patient safety, and this framework 

helps front line staff optimize improvement 

efforts — it’s about being proactive and not 

reactive.” 

It’s no surprise Ingley has often been 

referred to as a team player, always stepping 

up when others need help. A 30-year nursing 

veteran, and having recently received 

her Masters in Health Care Simulation and 

Patient Safety, she is a lifelong learner who 

knows the importance of mentoring and supporting 

younger colleagues. 

“She is a big thinker who cares deeply 

about the staff and patients she works with 

— both by lending a helping hand and by 

Public school board director to retire 

Following a career in public education 

that has spanned more than 30 years, York 

Region District School Board (YRDSB) Director 

of Education Louise Sirisko will retire 

upon the conclusion of her contract. 

Since taking over the helm of the thirdlargest 

school district in Ontario in 2018, she 

oversaw the creation of the board’s Dismantling 

Anti-Black Racism Strategy, a first in 

the province, and also led the board through 

the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sirisko created a Director’s Action Plan 

with a clear focus on the success of underserved 

and underperforming students. She 

earned a reputation for rebuilding relationships 

with the many diverse communities 

in York Region, creating or enhancing their 

participation and support of equitable outcomes 

and student success. 

“I am proud to have had the opportunity 

to be a part of the educational community in 

York Region,” she says. “YRDSB’s commitment 

to building inclusive, respectful and 

welcoming learning and working environments 

that foster student learning, achievement 

and well-being has been evident. I have 

been inspired by the passion and dedication 

of our students, families, staff and community 

partners.” 

Prior to her appointment as Director of 

Pamela Ingley has a unique role at Markham Stouffville Hospital as the Perinatal Quality Assurance 

Specialist in Childbirth and Children Services department. 

Education for YRDSB, Sirisko was director 

of the Special Education/Success for All 

Branch at the Ontario Ministry of Education. 

She began her education career with Peel 

District School Board in 1990 as an elementary 

school teacher and held other positions 

over the years, including vice-principal, 

principal, superintendent of education and 

superintendent of special education. 

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I 

would like to thank Louise for her leadership 

and dedication to public education in York 

Region,” says Chair Allan Tam. “Louise has 

worked tirelessly on behalf of staff members 

and families throughout her five-year tenure 

with our Board. She was appointed as Director 

with a mandate to improve community 

relationships and implement the priorities of 

the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan.” 

thinking innovatively about how to bring in 

improvements,” Corbin adds. 

Ingley goes above and beyond the call of 

duty, not only within our hospital walls, but in 

the community as well. 

“While driving to work one winter day, I 

noticed a car had flipped over multiple times, 

and without any emergency vehicles nearby, 

and without a second thought, I pulled over to 

investigate,” Ingley says. 

A young woman had crawled out of the 

broken windshield, and was sitting next to the 

car. Ingley’s first instinct, of course, was to 

use her expertly honed nursing skills to work 

and examine her and move her away from the 

debris. 

Next, to Ingley’s fear, she peaked inside 

and saw multiple children’s toys. Her heart 

racing, she asked the mother if there we any 

children in the car — to everyone’s relief, her 

young toddler had just been dropped off at 

daycare. 

“It was the scariest day of my life,” says 

Danielle Graziano, the young woman who 

had been in the car accident. “I don’t know 

what the odds are of getting into an accident 

and having a nurse who happens to be on her 

way to work, be the first person to help me. 

She was incredible — patted me down to 

make sure I didn’t have any broken bones and 

she didn’t leave my side. I am unbelievably 

grateful for Pam, she’s my angel, I will never 

forget her.” 

As the police and ambulance arrived, 

it was determined her car had been hit by 

another vehicle, hit a post, and then flipped 

over three times. The patient was transported 

to MSH, and Ingley followed closely behind. 

“While at the hospital, the staff were 

having trouble getting a hold of the patient’s 

partner,” Ingley says. “So I stayed by her 

side, went with her to receive scans and 

answered any questions she had, I wanted her 

to know she was safe.” 

To no surprise, Ingley created a bond 

with the young mother — something she often 

does with young nursing students as well. 

Through a potentially life-altering accident, a 

beautiful relationship was formed. 

Remarkably, the patient walked away 

with only a few abrasions on her hand. A 

guardian angel was definitely on her side 

during the accident, and Ingley was there for 

every step of the way. 

Nursing Week, celebrated from May 9 to 

15, is an opportunity to thank and recognize 

all of the nurses who go above and beyond 

the call of duty each and every single day to 

care for our loved ones. Thank you to all the 

nurses at Oak Valley Health for always putting 

patients first and ensuring they have an 

extraordinary patient experience. 

McHappy Day another huge success 

When a child is seriously ill, it takes a 

significant toll on the whole family. Suddenly, 

life as they know it stops and they enter a 

world of worry and uncertainty. 

Layer on the threat of COVID-19 and 

their situation becomes even more complex 

and distressing. 

The Ronald McDonald Family Room 

at Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) 

provides a much-needed respite from the 

stresses of the hospital for families of seriously 

ill children—right inside the Neonatal 

Intensive Care Unit. 

MSH president Jo-anne Marr and Community 

Engagement Senior Advisor Courtney 

Sorger joined the annual McHappy Day 

May fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House 

Charities as community VIPs. They worked 

alongside the McDonald’s crew, creating 

a festive atmosphere and raising funds for 

the Ronald McDonald Family Room at 

Markham Stouffville Hospital. 

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at 

Markham Stouffville Hospital is located on 

the fourth floor of the hospital, down the hall 

from 4WF Children’s Health.



Mertens’ family founds 

first faith community 

Creative camp for kids 

Mertens family photo courtesy of Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum and Community Center, Accession 

# 988.014.163. 

BY FRED ROBBINS, 

STOUFFVILLE HISTORIAN 

The first member of the Mertens family 

to come to Canada was Claus Mertens. A 

handwritten note by Claus says, “We leave 

this country for America, London, 10th May 

1834, Claus Mertens born in Albstedt, Hanover.” 

The family German Bible,1756, has 

pasted inside the front cover a document 

containing the following information: “Port 

of Gravesend, certificate of arrival, Claus 

Mertens, native of Hanover, five feet eight 

inches, sandy hair, fair complexion, blue eyes, 

age 19, sugar baker.” 

This was the note of Claus who had immigrated 

from Germany to England where he 

married Elizabeth Heason in 1810. 

Compulsion military service was 

demanded in Germany. Claus had asked 

his brother Frederick to come to Canada as 

well. Frederick’s two oldest sons, Dedrick 

and John, were just about ready for military 

service, so he decided to bring his family to 

Stouffville so they wouldn’t have to serve. 

The farm was known as “Maple Farm” 

Stouffville. It was located outside the village 

on Lot 34 and Lot 35 Concession 8. Claus 

purchased W ½ of E ½ of Lot 35 and the 

same for Lot 34; on Aug. 11, 1834 form Phillip 

Wideman. Later in 1853 another 50 acres 

was added from the land just south, being Lot 

33, the N E ¼. 

The Maple Farm was first plowed by 

Claus Mertens, the pioneer member of the 

family in Canada. His homestead has been 

gone since the town extended Morstar St. The 

site is approximately where the Royal Canadian 

Legion Hall is located today. 

For many years, Mertens’ family were 

connected to the oldest church in Stouffville. 

Having been early trained and brought up in 

the Protestant faith, bore allegiance in the 

fatherland to the church founded by Martin 

Luther. 

Some years after the family arrived, an 

effort was made by a missionary Rev. Ludwig 

Kribs, to organize a branch of the Congregational 

Church in Stouffville. That church 

was first organized and attended in the sacred 

parlor of the Mertens home with the Mertens 

family as willing hosts. 

On the original farm was a log house 

and barn. To the log house a frame addition 

was shortly added. This addition was the 

time honoured and scared parlor which F. W. 

Mertens as a child entered only by special 

invitation and then in fear and trembling. 

It also contained one bedroom on the 

ground floor, while the second floor was 

divided into two or more bedrooms. While the 

addition in the remodeled form remains, the 

old log portion was removed and replaced by 

what is now the central or main section of this 

home. 

The Mertens family had many connections 

to other families like the Stapleton’s of 

Bloomington and the Hoovers of Markham. 

The family plots are found in various 

cemeteries Dickson Hill, Stouffville, and 

daughter Rebecca in Bloomington. Outstanding 

Mertens were W. J. Mertens an early 

photographer in the village and Chief Joseph 

Mertens on the Fire Brigade. 

The Latcham Art Centre team is excited 

about the warmer months ahead and will be 

offering seven weeks of Summer Camp this 

July and August. 

The program is led by a professional 

artist educator in Latcham’s vibrant studio 

space. Children ages 5 to 11 can express 

their creativity every week with fun and 

artistic activities. 

Each day features three to five art 

projects where students will use a variety of 

Library programs for teens 

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library 

is committed to serving the vibrant and 

diverse teens of our community. 

The library offers study rooms, WIFI, 

Internet computers, and great collections. 

There is a staff member dedicated to supporting 

local youth through programs and 

special events. 

Here are some of the upcoming offerings: 

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a 

virtual teen-led assembly that meets once a 

month to discuss and advise the library on 

services and materials. Teens can earn one 

volunteer hour for actively participating. For 

monthly meeting details and to receive the 

Zoom link, email teens@wsplibrary.ca 

The library team is providing additional 

hours in June just for teen students. Study 

hall hours will run on June 16 and 23 from 

8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on June 17 and 24 

from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students need to arrive 

30 minutes before the start time to participate. 

Compete with your friends on the 

Nintendo Switch or PS4. Choose from the 

library’s video game collection or bring 

your own. Drop-in; no registration required. 

media and techniques. Weather permitting, 

students will also have the opportunity to 

play outside each day. 

While masks and face coverings are no 

longer mandated by Public Health, Latcham 

Art Centre recognizes the importance of personal 

choice and encourages those who feel 

more comfortable wearing a mask in public 

settings to continue to do so. 

For more information, visit latchamartcentre.ca/programs. 

Participants will need a valid library card to 

sign out video games and controllers. The 

Video Game Drop-In takes place in the Teen 

Lounge. 

To view all the latest events, including 

the Teen Maker Hub, Cooking with Teens 

and Beginner Sewing Class, visit wsplibrary. 

ca/teens and select “What’s On.” For more 

information on any of the teen programs, 

email teens@wsplibrary.ca.


Centre for excellence 

‘celebrates’ Black voices 

JUNE 2022 

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM 

Nethira Vithakaran was “sworn in” at a recent council meeting as the Mayor for the Day. Photo 

courtesy of Dennis Hristovski. 

Student mayor impresses council 

York Region District School Board’s 

(YRDSB) new Centre for Black Student 

Excellence promises to make “real and transformative” 

change while “celebrating” Black 

voices. 

The centre is launching with a new 

website hub that offers videos, podcasts, resources, 

programs and information designed 

to dismantle anti-Black racism and celebrate 

Black excellence. 

“The creation of the Centre for Black 

Student Excellence reflects our focus on 

making real and transformative change in 

our system,” says Associate Director of 

Education Cecil Roach. “The ultimate goal 

is to work to eliminate barriers that YRDSB 

data shows have resulted in stark disparities 

and disproportionalities for Black students’ 

achievement and well-being.” 

Darcie Sutherland, principal of Dismantling 

Anti-Black Racism, echoes that 

enthusiasm. “We are excited to introduce this 

space that celebrates Black voices and Black 

excellence and provides a hub of information 

for students, families and community in support 

of our ongoing work to dismantle anti- 

Black racism,” he says. “We look forward to 

continuing to grow and enhance this online 

space.” 

The YRDSB established an Anti-Black 

Racism Steering Committee in June 2019 

with the goal of developing a strategy to 

dismantle anti-Black racism at the YRDSB. 

“This central hub of information is part of 

our ongoing work to implement the actions 

outlined in the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism 

Strategy,” says Director Louise Sirisko. 

Co-developed by York Region Black 

community leaders, YRDSB staff and in 

consultation with students, the strategy features 

seven priorities, which include creating 

a “culturally relevant and Black-affirming” 

curriculum and hiring and supporting Black 

staff. The strategy says the public education 

system evolved within an historical context 

of white supremacy, colonialism and anti- 

Black racism, which in turn informed school 

board policies and practices as well as 

individual attitudes toward Black students, 

families and staff. 

The Office of the Mayor has announced 

the winner of the 3rd Annual Mayor for the 

Day contest in Whitchurch-Stouffville. 

Nethira Vithakaran was “sworn in” at a 

recent Wednesday night council meeting as 

the Mayor for the Day. 

Soon-to-be eleven-year-old, Mayor 

Vithakaran was picked up from Glad Park 

Public School in style by a Fire Truck from 

Station 51. 

From there, Mayor Lovatt escorted her 

on several tours of town facilities including 

the Operations Centre, Fire Station 51, the 

Leisure Centre and Town Hall. 

Following dinner with Mayor, Council 

and Staff, Vithakaran ended her term as 

Mayor by opening the council meeting while 

sitting in the Mayor’s seat. 

“Nethira’s video submission was so 

well thought-out and organized, Mayor Iain 

E 

Lovatt said. “Her ideas were not only practical 

and feasible but also inclusionary and she 

took the initiative to link each idea to our 

town values. We were thoroughly impressed 

by her presentation!” 

“Being Mayor for the day was a fantastic 

experience for me,” Vithakaran said. 

“Including a bouncy ride on a fire truck. 

I gained a lot of additional info about the 

Town of Stouffville and the wonderful facilities 

that serve the community. Together we 

build a caring community.” 

Open to Whitchurch-Stouffville students 

in grades 5-7, the Mayor for the Day contest 

launched in February and gave students an 

opportunity to share their ideas of how to 

make Whitchurch- Stouffville an even better 

place to live. Applicants were invited to submit 

either an essay or a three-minute video. 

Ph


Stouffville hands out inaugural Heritage Awards 


Former Mansion House Hotel (currently the Stouffville Junction) is being recognized with a 

Heritage Award. Photo courtesy of the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum. 

Two Heritage Awards will be handed 

out this month: one for a commercial property 

and the other for a residential property. 

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is 

recognizing these two properties at a special 

plaque unveiling ceremony on June 4 as the 

first recipients of the Whitchurch-Stouffville 

Heritage Awards. 

This year’s recipients are the gothic 

style two-storey residence at 233 Second 

Street and the former Mansion House Hotel 

(currently the Stouffville Junction) at 6162 

Main Street on the corner of Edward Street. 

“The award winners represent the 

town’s rich history, with each property having 

made an extraordinary effort towards the 

Town unveils land 

acknowledgement plaque 

conservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse 

of a built heritage property,” said Shannon 

Jaffer, Manager of Heritage, Events and Theatre 

Operations for the Town of Stouffville. 

The residence at 233 Second Street was 

built in the Ontario Gothic style in 1887 

for David Williams, a hostler (who tended 

horses for a hotel). It was also the long-time 

home of David Grove, a retired farmer, 

and Allen B. Closson, who owned a nearby 

onion storage barn. This building is in the 

neighbourhood west of the railway tracks, 

which in the 1880s, experienced a ‘building 

boom.’ 

“Those who have made contributions 

to this property are to be commended for 

the impressive sympathetic additions and 

seamless modern extensions all in keeping 

with the home’s original style,” said Krista 

Rauchenstein, supervisor of the Whitchurch- 

Stouffville Museum. 

Stouffville Junction, formerly known as 

the Mansion House Hotel, was built around 

1879 by Elijah Miller. Originally servicing 

business travellers who arrived by train, it 

accommodated 75-100 guests. It was considered 

one of the best hotels north of Toronto. 

It was elegantly furnished and had electric 

lighting and hot water heating. There were 

stables along the north of the property. 

“The recent work completed at 

Stouffville Junction has set a new standard 

for heritage presentation in our community,” 

Jaffer said. “From its impeccably researched 

copper roofing to its phenomenally restored 

brickwork, the restored building is a beautiful 

cornerstone on Main Street.” 

A Heritage Awards presentation, 

complete with plaque unveilings, will take 

place at 9:30 a.m. on June 4, at Stouffville 

Junction. The ceremony will be part of 

Stouffville Celebrates Heritage which includes 

the kick-off to the 17th annual Doors 

Open Whitchurch-Stouffville which will 

have a variety of sites open to the public 

throughout the day for free. 

Over 700 properties are listed in the 

Town’s Built Heritage Inventory – a database 

of buildings of significant physical 

and cultural value throughout Whitchurch- 

Stouffville. Eligible individuals, corporations, 

and organizations, having made an 

extraordinary effort towards heritage preservation, 

can be nominated for future heritage 

awards. The awards are selected by a subcommittee 

of the Town’s Heritage Advisory 

Committee. 

The land acknowledgement plaque for 

the town was unveiled on May 17th at Town 

Hall, recognizing the contributions of Indigenous 

peoples to this place. 

Grand Chief Rémy Vincent and Chief 

William Romain of the Huron-Wendat Nation 

joined Mayor Iain Lovatt and council 

members in the ceremony. Together they 

unveiled the plaque at the entrance to the 

Municipal Offices at 111 Sandiford Drive. 

Earlier that day Chief Emily Whetung of 

Curve Lake First Nation was able to join the 

delegation. 

“I was honoured to welcome Grand 

Chief Vincent, Chief Romain and Chief 

Whetung to Whitchurch-Stouffville for this 

historic moment,” Lovatt said. “The plaque 

is a symbol of our commitment to making 

the promise and challenge of Truth and Reconciliation 

real in our community.” 

The acknowledgement reads: “The 

Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville acknowledges 

this land is the treaty territory of the 

Williams Treaty First Nations. It is also the 

traditional territory of other Anishinaabeg 

peoples, the Huron-Wendat, and the Haudenosaunee. 

We also recognize the contributions 

of all Indigenous peoples to this place 

l-r): Chief William Romain of the Huron-Wendat 

Nation, Grand Chief Rémy Vincent of the 

Huron-Wendat Nation, Mayor Iain Lovatt and 

councillors Richard Bartley, Maurice Smith 

and Hugo Kroon. 

and commit to a continued dialogue and 

greater respect for the land we have come to 

share. Recognition of the contributions and 

historic importance of Indigenous peoples 

must also be clearly and overtly connected 

to our collective commitment to make the 

promise of Truth and Reconciliation real in 

our communities.” 

The land acknowledgement was formally 

adopted by Mayor and Council at the 

November 16, 2021 council meeting. The 

acknowledgement is read at every Council 

and Council Appointed Committee meetings.


Delving into D 

BY SHANA DANIEL, RHN 

As we all turn our heaters into hibernation 

mode and begin our spring clean 

routines, daylight extends and days become 

warmer. 

We marvel at the sun’s ability to heat 

our very environment which was engulfed in 

minus temps just a few short months ago. 

Acknowledging that there are always 

two “camps” in any extreme climate using 

summer as this example, one says “bring on 

my SPF 80 and give me shade” whereas the 

other says, “beam me up Scotty” marvelling 

at the suns strength, for some, the very definition 

of summer. 

Whatever camp you belong to, it’s 

important to remind of some physiological 

effects which sunshine plays a role in within 

our bodies. 

Firstly, vitamin D isn’t really a vitamin 

– it’s a hormone. It’s required to absorb 

calcium from the gut and dump it into the 

bloodstream. Vitamin D is mostly produced 

in the skin in response to sunlight as it’s 

produced from cholesterol in your skin when 

it’s exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from 

the sun. These rays hit cholesterol in the skin 

cells, providing the energy for vitamin D 

synthesis to occur. 

Sunscreen contains chemicals that either 

reflect, absorb or scatter sunlight. When this 

happens, the skin is exposed to lower levels 

of harmful UV rays which has its benefits, yet 

a caveat for optimal D absorption. 

Any excess vitamin D is stored in your 

body fat for later use within limits, with excess 

turning into a dangerous toxicity that can 

also occur. 

Almost every cell in your body has a 

receptor for vitamin D. It’s essential to many 

processes, including bone health, and immune 

system function and can help protect against 

cancer. 

Vitamin D has several important functions. 

Perhaps the most vital are regulating 

the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and 

facilitating normal immune system function. 

D can also be found in foods such as 

fatty fish, fish oil and liver, as well as certain 

fortified foods and supplements. There 

are two forms of vitamin D in the diet and 

supplements: 

• Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol): found in 

some mushrooms. 

• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): found in 

oily fish, fish liver oil, and egg yolks. 

D3 is the more powerful of the two types and 

raises vitamin D levels almost twice as much 

as D2. 

Evidence suggests that vitamin D works 

with magnesium and vitamins A and K to 

promote health. It’s for this very reason that 

eating balanced meals contributes to optimal 

absorption in conjunction with smart supplementation 

under the guidance of a holistic 

nutrition professional. 

In my practice, I’d have to admit that 

in the hypotheticals of this subject alone, 

the sunshine vitamin confidently sits in the 

middle of a teeter-totter. We’ve all been 

versed on its importance and relevance in the 

wake of the epidemic which shut down our 

world for two years. We’ve turned to various 

news sources broadcasting the latest findings 

in nutritional health research. 

We’re left with decisions to make for 

ourselves. We know its vital role for optimal 

health and we know the caveat to overdoing 

it when exposing our skin to the rays which 

help our bodies absorb it. We are equipped 

with the knowledge to know which foods 

contain it and which form is better absorbed. 

Now we put it all into a neat equation 

and make it work. My suggestion? Choose a 

mineral sunscreen containing SPF naturally 

from the active ingredient zinc oxide and 

be sun smart, allowing just enough time for 

your skin’s exposure to be beneficial. Drink 

water to optimize cellular activity during 

exposure. Eat your vegetables for the array 

of antioxidants they contain, which will turn 

on the receptors your system needs to absorb 

it. Time your sunshine exposure and focus on 

functional foods which boast high levels of 

vitamin D. 

Yes, it’s essential. 

In a toolbox of many items, make D one 

of top priority for your body’s requirements 

with these gorgeous summer months right 

around the corner.


Festival of Colours gala 

supports MSH 


The Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Family Foundation was the lead donor for this year’s Festival of 

Colours gala. Mr. Nanji receives a token of appreciation from Oak Valley Health’s President & 

CEO Jo-anne Marr and MSHF CEO Suzette Strong. 

On May 14, colourful Indian attire and 

saris filled the Hilton Toronto/Markham 

Suites as 450 guests came together to enjoy 

delicious Indian cuisine and culture with a 

featured performance by Bollywood singer 

Shradha Pandit. 

Guests also took part in a live auction 

in support of the expansion of child and 

adolescent mental health care at Oak Valley 

Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital 

(MSH). 

MSH Foundation (MSHF) is proud to 

partner once again with leaders from the 

South Asian community for Festival of Colours 

presented by RBC. 

CTV National News correspondent 

Merella Fernandez emceed the evening and 

was joined by MP Helena Jaczek, York Region 

Chairman Wayne Emmerson, Markham 

Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Stouffville 

Mayor Iain Lovatt, and several other councillors. 

“The pandemic has brought to light, and 

exacerbated, care needs in our community 

and at the top of that list is mental health care 

for our children and youth,” said Jo-anne 

Marr, President and CEO at Oak Valley 

Health. “The need for these services within 

the paediatric population is at record highs 

due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The planned 

expansion of Child and Adolescent Mental 

Health Services will have a substantial and 

positive impact including reducing wait 

times, improving outcomes, and extending 

support for children and their families.” 

The gala raised $400,000 to enable the 

expansion and enhancement of the child and 

adolescent programs within the Gulshan & 

Pyarali G. Nanji Mental Health Services. 

“It is incredible to witness the community 

come together to help make a lasting 

impact on the lives of the many patients who 

turn to MSH in their time of need,” said 

Suzette Strong, CEO of MSHF. “Every dollar 

raised ensures our patients can receive the 

critical care they need when they need it.” 

Imtiaz Seyid, event co-chair, and MSHF 

board member thanked the Gulshan & Pyarali 

G. Nanji Family Foundation, Lead Donor 

of the event, as well as Presenting Sponsor 

RBC. 

“We wish to personally recognize all our 

generous sponsors, especially our Presenting 

Sponsor, RBC,” Seyid says. “Our deepest 

gratitude on behalf of the entire hospital goes 

to the Gulshan and Pyarali G. Nanji Family 

Foundation for their outstanding contribution 

as Lead Donor. Your support is deeply 

appreciated and we are truly grateful for your 

commitment to our hospital.” 

“Our heartfelt appreciation for making 

this Festival of Colours a memorable 

experience and especially for ensuring that 

the youth in our community can find the 

opportunity for a better future at Markham 

Stouffville Hospital,” added Indu Bains, 

event co-chair. 

To donate, visit support.mshf.on.ca/festivalofcolours2022. 

E 

Ph


JUNE 2022 

STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM 

Posttraumatic 

stress disorder used 

to be unavoidable. 

Not Today. 

Today, CAMH researchers are making discoveries 

that could prevent PTSD after a traumatic event. 

With your donation, we can find more ways to 

stop mental illness before it starts. 

Mental health research 

is saving lives today.

Stouffville Review, June 2022

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