Markham Stouffville Review, September 2023
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STOUFFVILLE<br />
Vol.12 Issue 9 <strong>September</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />
WWW.STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM<br />
WWW.MARKHAMREVIEW.COM<br />
WHAT’S INSIDE<br />
Retiring educator leaves ‘lasting,<br />
indelible legacy’<br />
An educator who has had a “profound effect” in<br />
his many roles at York Region District School<br />
Board and on the public education system over<br />
a 42-year career will retire this fall.<br />
SEE PAGE 3<br />
Police to replace fleet with new-look vehicles<br />
Beginning this summer, York Regional Police<br />
offi cers began hitting the road in new cruisers and<br />
other fl eet vehicles that include new striping that<br />
promises to increase visibility.<br />
SEE PAGE 7<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre returns with Drinking Alone<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> students beat the heat<br />
in competition<br />
Back to school health boosters<br />
Packing lunches, water bottles and indoor shoes<br />
for our little ones complete with their new backpack<br />
makes <strong>September</strong> mornings much different than<br />
summer ones.<br />
After a triumphant return to live performance last year, <strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre returns for its <strong>2023</strong>/2024 season with Norm<br />
Foster’s Drinking Alone for nine performances between <strong>September</strong> 20 and 30 at the Backstage Theatre on the <strong>Markham</strong> Museum<br />
grounds. SEE PAGE 11<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
SEE PAGE 5<br />
A team of <strong>Markham</strong> students placed third out of<br />
nearly 50 teams in an international environment<br />
competition.<br />
Local singer boasts impressive<br />
following on Spotify<br />
SEE PAGE 6<br />
Local pop and EDM blending solo artist Janet Tung<br />
returns with the captivating new cover of Anne-<br />
Marie’s hit ‘2002.’<br />
SEE PAGE 10<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> Fair tradition continues<br />
The urban and rural worlds meet at the<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> Fair on <strong>September</strong> 28, 29, 30, and<br />
October 1. There is something for everyone<br />
to celebrate – from art and entertainment to<br />
animals and country cooking.<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> students among<br />
board’s top scholars<br />
Two <strong>Markham</strong> high school graduates are<br />
among the public school board’s top scholars<br />
for the 2022-<strong>2023</strong> school year.<br />
Getting creative at<br />
Latcham Art Centre<br />
Latcham Art Centre continues to engage the<br />
community with successful art programs.<br />
You don’t have to miss out on local news and<br />
information. Just check out markhamreview.com<br />
and stouffvillereview.com for fresh, original articles,<br />
updated daily. Did you miss a print edition?<br />
Catch up with our replica e-paper, available<br />
anytime on our website.<br />
SEE PAGE 2 SEE PAGE 5<br />
SEE PAGE 8<br />
SUBSCRIPTIONS<br />
& SINGLE TICKETS<br />
NOW ON<br />
SALE!<br />
flatomarkhamtheatre.ca / 905.305.7469<br />
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2 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
Building Safer Communities Fund targets <strong>Markham</strong> for resident-led initiatives<br />
BY STEPHEN SWEET<br />
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> is working with the Canadian<br />
government to try and make our communities<br />
safer.<br />
Four focus areas in York Region,<br />
including south-central <strong>Markham</strong>, are being<br />
included in a community action program to<br />
increase safety in those locales via residentled<br />
plans.<br />
“York Region collaborated with Public<br />
Safety Canada to receive funding under the<br />
Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF)<br />
to increase education and awareness about<br />
community safety and well-being,” said<br />
Lisa Alfieri Sladen, York Region’s manager<br />
of Community Innovation and Partnerships.<br />
“This is including, but not limited to,<br />
education and awareness of the risks and<br />
consequences of gang involvement.<br />
“The region will use this funding to<br />
roll out the Community Violence Prevention<br />
Fund to help address underlying social risk<br />
factors, with a focus on promoting youth<br />
and community resiliency and lowering barriers<br />
to services.”<br />
Through the BSCF, York Region will<br />
receive $7.3 million over four years to help<br />
support and implement the Community<br />
Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) plan.<br />
Along with <strong>Markham</strong>, three other<br />
locales in northern Georgina, central Newmarket<br />
and south-central Richmond Hill<br />
were chosen for this initiative.<br />
“The decision behind all (of) the focus<br />
areas was based on data and research,” she<br />
said. “Focus areas were determined using a<br />
composite measure of data across three domains:<br />
economic stability, social and human<br />
development, and health and well-being.<br />
“These were also validated through<br />
consultations with residents and local municipalities.”<br />
Given the vast differences between<br />
demographics even within communities of<br />
York Region, there is no expectation of running<br />
a ‘one size fits all’ program.<br />
“Effective community development<br />
initiatives acknowledge that each community<br />
is unique,” she said. “Taking an<br />
approach that factors in these unique needs<br />
allows York Region to coordinate culturally<br />
appropriate and relevant supports.<br />
“By focusing on those communities<br />
that can benefit the most, the CSWB Plan<br />
provides the opportunity to leverage local<br />
resources and strengths and bridge gaps to<br />
make the greatest impact.”<br />
Another element which she sees as a<br />
key to potential success is that the ideas are<br />
to come from community members themselves.<br />
This way, the plans can empower<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> residents and open the floor to<br />
some potential long-term solutions.<br />
“Creating resident-led initiatives<br />
allows for increased capacity building in<br />
grassroots groups that may not have had<br />
access to funding previously,” she said.<br />
“There are many leaders throughout our<br />
York Region will receive $7.3 million over four years to help support and implement the Community<br />
Safety and Well-Being plan. (YR photo)<br />
communities who have great ideas, (have)<br />
lived experiences and (carry) a strong<br />
understanding of their community’s needs<br />
who can inform and lead this work.”<br />
Having the ideas come from people<br />
living in the city, she feels, can lead to a<br />
greater benefit.<br />
“Our goal is to empower the residents<br />
who are passionate about creating positive<br />
change in their local communities by providing<br />
them with resources to equip them<br />
for success,” she said. “With the guidance<br />
of a local non-profit and York Region’s<br />
Community Development team, these<br />
residents will have the opportunity to bring<br />
their local solutions to fruition.<br />
“This also means that culturally appropriate<br />
and relevant support is available<br />
when connecting with communities that can<br />
benefit most.”<br />
Those with ideas for plans can receive<br />
up to $4000 to implement their projects.<br />
Each resident-led group must be made up of<br />
at least five community members who are<br />
not related to one another and not live at the<br />
same address.<br />
They must either be members of a<br />
resident group or have come together to<br />
implement a community violence prevention<br />
project.<br />
Applications for the plans will be<br />
evaluated on an ongoing basis until November<br />
30, <strong>2023</strong>, or until all funds have been<br />
allocated.<br />
For more information about the Community<br />
Violence Prevention Fund, as well<br />
as to find a link to the application online,<br />
visit york.ca/CommunityAction.<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> Fair tradition continues<br />
The urban and rural worlds meet at the<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> Fair on <strong>September</strong> 28, 29, 30,<br />
and October 1.<br />
There is something for everyone to<br />
celebrate – from art and entertainment to<br />
animals and country cooking.<br />
“It’s the best of both worlds,” said<br />
Chris Reesor, <strong>2023</strong> <strong>Markham</strong> Fair President.<br />
“<strong>Markham</strong> has the features of the city<br />
at its doorstep and 179 years of agricultural<br />
heritage behind its Fair.”<br />
Hundreds of dedicated volunteers<br />
continue to be the core strength of this<br />
cornerstone community event which attracts<br />
upwards of 70,000 attendees.<br />
It’s quite a package for the whole family.<br />
This year the <strong>Markham</strong> Fair features<br />
a variety of performers, from a meet and<br />
greet with Paw Patrol’s Chase and Sky to<br />
the renowned Freestyle MX Big Air Insanity<br />
and Monster Truck Crush show to the<br />
fabulous President’s Choice SuperDogs.<br />
They also have a terrific Teen Talent Show,<br />
Best Scarecrow, and Best Dressed Pet competitions,<br />
as well as a Monster Midway for<br />
fun.<br />
Others will enjoy the High-Octane<br />
Tractor Pulls, a Demo Derby, Livestock<br />
shows, and the biggest Pumpkins and<br />
Squashes you’ll ever see.<br />
With all those activities, you’re guaranteed<br />
to work up an appetite for some of the<br />
best country cooking and home baking that<br />
every city wishes it had.<br />
It’s all at the 179th <strong>Markham</strong> Fair. See<br />
you there!<br />
Visit markhamfair.ca for more information.
SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
COMMUNITY 3 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW<br />
Retiring educator leaves ‘lasting, indelible legacy’<br />
Associate Director Cecil Roach is set to retire on <strong>September</strong> 29.<br />
An educator who has had a “profound<br />
effect” in his many roles at York Region<br />
District School Board (YRDSB) and on<br />
the public education system over a 42-year<br />
career will retire this fall.<br />
Associate Director of Equitable<br />
Outcomes and Schools Cecil Roach joined<br />
YRDSB in 1999 as an administrator and<br />
“has always been guided by the belief that<br />
public education is democracy’s foundation<br />
and that schools are places where students,<br />
regardless of their social identity, have<br />
equal opportunity to realize dreams,” the<br />
Board reports.<br />
Roach immigrated to Canada from<br />
Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory<br />
in the Caribbean, in his early teens. He<br />
launched his career teaching English in<br />
Quebec and moved to Ontario in 1989,<br />
where he taught at Marc Garneau Collegiate<br />
Institute in East York before becoming an<br />
administrator in 1995.<br />
In his years with YRDSB, Roach<br />
served as Vice Principal, Principal, Student<br />
Success Principal, Special Assistant to<br />
the Director, Superintendent of Schools,<br />
Superintendent of Inclusivity and Community<br />
Services, Coordinating Superintendent<br />
of Equity and Community Services,<br />
Coordinating Superintendent of Indigenous<br />
Education and Equity, and Acting Associate<br />
Director of Education, Equitable Outcomes<br />
and Schools.<br />
“Associate Director Roach has played<br />
a vital role in leading the equity and inclusivity<br />
work of YRDSB over the past 12<br />
years,” Board Chair Ron Lynn says. “Cecil<br />
has in-depth knowledge in working with<br />
complex equity issues and has been a strong<br />
voice for equity and inclusivity work. His<br />
contributions will leave a lasting and indelible<br />
legacy.”<br />
Roach’s long list of achievements<br />
includes founding the Equity Strategy,<br />
Steering and Action Committee and cofounding<br />
the Alliance of Educators for<br />
Black Students. He led the implementation<br />
of YRDSB’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism<br />
Strategy and the creation of the YRDSB<br />
Centre for Black Student Excellence.<br />
Provincially, Roach served on the<br />
Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association’s<br />
Equity Committee. He was an<br />
instructor with Ontario Principals’ Council’s<br />
Supervisory Officer Qualification program<br />
and many of his mentees are now following<br />
in his footsteps as superintendents.<br />
Roach has earned numerous awards,<br />
including African Canadian Achievement<br />
Award in 2015 for Excellence in Education<br />
and the 2019 Urban Alliance Award for<br />
Race Relations and Education. He has lent<br />
his expertise to numerous community organizations,<br />
including the York Region Immigration<br />
Partnership Council and <strong>Markham</strong><br />
African Caribbean Canadian Association.<br />
Roach’s retirement is effective <strong>September</strong><br />
29. “I have seen firsthand the profound<br />
effect Cecil’s work has had on countless<br />
youth at YRDSB,” says Scott Yake, former<br />
Interim Director of Education. “One cannot<br />
overstate the immeasurable contributions<br />
that Mr. Roach has made during his tenure<br />
at YRDSB. He will be missed and we wish<br />
him all the best in retirement.”
4 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
Local companies among Best Workplaces for Youth<br />
per cent of the company’s employee population<br />
must be aged 35 years or younger and<br />
at least 50 employees aged under 35 years<br />
must complete the survey.<br />
Techtronic Industries Canada Inc.<br />
(TTI), also of <strong>Markham</strong>, designs, manufactures<br />
and markets power tools, outdoor<br />
power equipment and floorcare appliances<br />
for consumers and professional and industrial<br />
users in the home improvement, repair<br />
and construction industries.<br />
Its employee perks include an annual<br />
president’s award trip and holiday<br />
travel voucher draw. Quarterly recognition<br />
awards reward employees who demonstrate<br />
exemplary behaviour in job performance,<br />
initiative and drive, team player, or communication.<br />
Recipients receive $500.<br />
Venterra Realty (Canada) Inc. of<br />
Richmond Hill was founded in 2001. The<br />
company develops, owns, and manages<br />
apartment communities in 19 cities that<br />
provide housing to over 44,000 people and<br />
15,000 pets..<br />
Team members receive eight paid<br />
hours each year to volunteer in the service<br />
activity of their choice as individuals or as<br />
teams. Venterra has teamed up with Yellow<br />
Brick House, for instance, to offer opportunities<br />
for employees to fundraise and<br />
donate their time at the donation warehouse<br />
and gardening at community shelters. As<br />
part of its lifelong learning reimbursement<br />
program, team members can attend conferences,<br />
pursue a degree, take courses or<br />
other avenues to build upon their skills.<br />
Two <strong>Markham</strong>-based companies and<br />
one in Richmond Hill have made Great<br />
Place to Work’s <strong>2023</strong> list of Best Workplaces<br />
for Today’s Youth.<br />
Since entering the Canadian market<br />
in 1983, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. has<br />
grown into one of the best-selling and<br />
award-winning foreign manufacturers in the<br />
country. It offers a full lineup of vehicles,<br />
from subcompact and sport utility to luxury.<br />
Employees enjoy numerous perks.<br />
Manager level team members and up drive<br />
the newest Hyundai vehicles, a benefit<br />
that includes a gas card, winter tires, cost<br />
of insurance and maintenance. They can<br />
choose a new vehicle about every 20,000<br />
kilometres. Last year, Hyundai topped up its<br />
Parental, Compassionate Care and Family<br />
Caregiver Leaves. Each office has a Wall<br />
of Gratitude that invites team members to<br />
leave a thank-you note to colleagues. It also<br />
offers a virtual ‘Kudoboard’ to increase its<br />
“attitude of gratitude” within its culture.<br />
The Best Workplace for Today’s Youth<br />
list recognizes companies that are making<br />
significant efforts to empower and support<br />
the younger generation. To be eligible, at<br />
least 90 per cent of employees must agree<br />
with the statement: ‘People are treated fairly<br />
regardless of their age.’ Also, at least 30
SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
COMMUNITY 5 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> students<br />
among board’s top scholars<br />
Emmanuel Shun-Hei Ko of Bill Hogarth Secondary School graduated with a 99.83 per cent average.<br />
Two <strong>Markham</strong> high school graduates<br />
are among the public school board’s top<br />
scholars for the 2022-<strong>2023</strong> school year.<br />
Emmanuel Shun-Hei Ko of Bill Hogarth<br />
Secondary School graduated with a<br />
99.83 per cent average. Warrick Tsui, also<br />
of Bill Hogarth, graduated with a 99.67 per<br />
cent average.<br />
“Congratulations to this year’s top<br />
scholars on their well-deserved success,”<br />
says York Region District School Board<br />
(YRDSB) Chair Ron Lynn. “My trustee colleagues<br />
and I are proud of their accomplishments<br />
and the families who have supported<br />
them as they pursued their goals.”<br />
Top scholars and their average also<br />
include Maria Oprea of Richmond Hill<br />
High School (99.67 per cent), Kristopher<br />
(Haonan) Zhao of Thornhill S.S. (99.83 per<br />
cent), David Kofman of Westmount Collegiate<br />
Institute in Thornhill (99.83), Flora<br />
Hu of Thornlea S.S., also in Thornhill (99.7<br />
per cent) and Dante Nicola Capobianco of<br />
Tommy Douglas S.S. in Woodbridge (99.67<br />
per cent).<br />
“Thank you to all the educators, principals<br />
and school staff for inspiring and supporting<br />
these outstanding students,” Director<br />
of Education (Interim) Scott Yake says.<br />
“Their commitment to delivering highquality<br />
instruction every day in YRDSB<br />
classrooms is reflected in the exceptional<br />
achievements of these students.”<br />
Police to replace fleet<br />
with new-look vehicles<br />
<strong>Stouffville</strong> hires new town clerk<br />
The Town of <strong>Stouffville</strong> recently announced<br />
the hiring of Becky Jamieson as<br />
the new Director of Corporate Services and<br />
Town Clerk.<br />
Jamieson joins <strong>Stouffville</strong> from the<br />
Township of Scugog, where she served<br />
as the Director of Corporate Services and<br />
Clerk. She played a pivotal role in enhancing<br />
governance practices, implementing<br />
digital solutions, and conducting the recent<br />
municipal election. Prior to that, she served<br />
as the Municipal Clerk at the Township of<br />
Brock, where she demonstrated exemplary<br />
leadership in managing council operations,<br />
policy development, tourism, and economic<br />
development activities.<br />
As the Director of Corporate Services<br />
and Town Clerk, Jamieson will oversee a<br />
wide range of essential functions, fulfilling<br />
the statutory duties of the Municipal Clerk,<br />
and providing leadership to the Town’s<br />
Information Technology and Municipal Law<br />
Enforcement areas.<br />
“We are thrilled to welcome Becky<br />
to our team,” said <strong>Stouffville</strong> Mayor Iain<br />
Lovatt. “Becky’s diverse skillset and proven<br />
leadership abilities make her an ideal fit for<br />
this crucial role. Her expertise in various<br />
areas will strengthen our organization and<br />
help us continue providing high-quality<br />
services to our residents.”<br />
“Becky’s extensive experience will be<br />
instrumental in driving forward the Town’s<br />
governance practices,” said Sunny Bains,<br />
<strong>Stouffville</strong>’s Chief Administrative Officer.<br />
“Her results-oriented leadership style and<br />
The Town of <strong>Stouffville</strong> recently announced<br />
the hiring of Becky Jamieson as the new<br />
Director of Corporate Services and Town<br />
Clerk.<br />
thorough understanding of municipal operations<br />
will be invaluable assets in advancing<br />
<strong>Stouffville</strong>’s strategic goals.”<br />
“I am honoured to join the Town of<br />
<strong>Stouffville</strong> as the Director of Corporate<br />
Services and Town Clerk,” said Jamieson.<br />
“I look forward to building on the strong<br />
foundation already in place and contributing<br />
to <strong>Stouffville</strong>’s continued success.”<br />
Jamieson’s first day was July 24.<br />
“We’re pleased to offer our frontline offi cers<br />
a more comfortable, safer vehicle that also<br />
increases their visibility in the community,”<br />
Chief Jim MacSween says.<br />
Beginning this summer, York Regional<br />
Police (YRP) officers began hitting the<br />
road in new cruisers and other fleet vehicles<br />
that include new striping that promises to<br />
increase visibility.<br />
“We’re pleased to offer our frontline<br />
officers a more comfortable, safer vehicle<br />
that also increases their visibility in the community,”<br />
Chief Jim MacSween says. “The<br />
new design is modern, appealing and easily<br />
recognizable to citizens and will assist in our<br />
crime prevention and patrol efforts.”<br />
The two-tone base design is a simpler,<br />
yet bolder blue-on-white and white-on-blue<br />
combination than the current design, which<br />
is 10 years old. Though it has a nostalgic<br />
feel, it maintains a distinctive look that’s<br />
common throughout police agencies within<br />
Ontario, YRP reports.<br />
The new vehicles focus on ergonomics<br />
and comfort for frontline officers, whose<br />
vehicles can serve as their office for 12 hours<br />
a day. New features include in-car equipment<br />
placement for ease of access, a redesigned<br />
equipment enclosure for the trunk to maximize<br />
equipment capacity, and additional side<br />
and forward lighting to enhance intersection<br />
visibility and clearing ability.<br />
A modular design and construction<br />
will reduce downtime related to repairing,<br />
building, commissioning and decommissioning<br />
the vehicles. The vehicles feature a more<br />
rugged and louder siren. Electronically operated<br />
spotlights are tied into the emergency<br />
lighting system; lights and sirens are integrated<br />
into the vehicle on-board computer;<br />
and vehicle-to-vehicle syncing of emergency<br />
lights offers more control and ease when<br />
working on scene.<br />
The new design was selected from more<br />
than 40 choices with input from members<br />
of the District Community Liaison Committee,<br />
Police Community Advisory Committee<br />
and the Investigative Services Community<br />
Advisory Committee.<br />
Vehicles will be replaced on their regular<br />
replacement schedule once they reach<br />
their end-of-service life. It will take a few<br />
years to replace the entire YRP fleet.
6 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
Blast from the past with hits from<br />
Abba and the Bee Gees<br />
Abbamania brings its three-time soldout<br />
show back to Flato <strong>Markham</strong> Theatre on<br />
Oct. 5.<br />
The show consists of studio musicians<br />
that recreate Abba live in concert. They are<br />
the only Abba production to perform twice<br />
for the cast of Mama Mia. Hear the hits<br />
from Waterloo, S.O.S. to Dancing Queen.<br />
Also as part of the same show, you will<br />
get to enjoy Night Fever as the Bee Gees.<br />
With all the high harmonies and stage<br />
presence of the Bee Gees, they will be performing<br />
songs from Jive Talking, To Love<br />
Somebody, Stayin’ Alive to You Should Be<br />
Dancing, to name a few.<br />
Abbamania and Night Fever perform<br />
hundreds of concerts each year, and they<br />
will take you back in time when Abba and<br />
the Bee Gees ruled the pop music world.<br />
The fabulous night of entertainment<br />
also includes Kara Chandler and Will Chambers.<br />
Chandler, with an incredible voice and<br />
unbelievable look, recreates Cher perfectly.<br />
Chalmers’ flawless replication of Neil Diamond’s<br />
singing voice and his natural resemblance,<br />
combined with his outstanding stage<br />
presence, captivates audiences wherever he<br />
goes.<br />
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more<br />
details.<br />
Team Ontario members Kevin Lin, Jason Deng, Diya Rangrej, Ella Wen and Emily Lim at the<br />
NCF-Envirothon awards ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Team Ontario)<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> students beat<br />
the heat in competition<br />
A team of <strong>Markham</strong> students placed<br />
third out of nearly 50 teams in an international<br />
environment competition.<br />
Emily Lim, Kevin Lin, Jason Deng,<br />
Diya Rangrej and Ella Wen of Markville<br />
Secondary School qualified to compete at<br />
the <strong>2023</strong> National Conservation Foundation<br />
(NCF)-Envirothon in New Brunswick after<br />
placing and advancing from regional and<br />
provincial Envirothons.<br />
The annual event educates students<br />
about the environment and conservation<br />
of natural resources through hands-on<br />
outdoor experiences, academic study and<br />
collaborative competitions. Its vision is to<br />
give students the knowledge and skills to<br />
educate others, inspire action in their local<br />
communities, and promote a lifelong commitment<br />
to environmental stewardship and<br />
sustainability.<br />
This year’s competition, held from July<br />
23 to 28 at Mount Allison University in<br />
Tantramar (formerly Sackville), drew teams<br />
from across North America, as well as China<br />
and Singapore. The theme was Adapting<br />
to Climate Change. Students learned about<br />
factors contributing to a changing climate,<br />
the effects of those changes on the environment<br />
and natural resources, and the unique<br />
challenges facing communities that depend<br />
on natural resources.<br />
As they explored the impacts on human<br />
social and economic systems, students<br />
learned about management strategies for<br />
mitigating and adapting to a changing climate,<br />
and the roles of innovative technologies<br />
and programs in responding to local<br />
and global changes.<br />
Hundreds of thousands of students<br />
have competed in Envirothon since its<br />
beginnings in 1979, the NCF reports. Many<br />
alumni work in the environment and/or<br />
natural resources in such careers as forest<br />
rangers, climate change scientists, biologists,<br />
conservationists and soil scientists.<br />
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<strong>2023</strong>-08-16 12:09 AM
SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
COMMUNITY 7 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre returns with Drinking Alone<br />
BY JEFF JONES<br />
After a triumphant return to live performance<br />
last year, <strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre<br />
returns for its <strong>2023</strong>/2024 season with Norm<br />
Foster’s Drinking Alone for nine performances<br />
between <strong>September</strong> 20 and 30 at the<br />
Backstage Theatre on the <strong>Markham</strong> Museum<br />
grounds.<br />
For the past few full seasons, <strong>Markham</strong><br />
Little Theatre has produced its first show at<br />
the group’s rehearsal space, converted into<br />
the 100-seat black box Backstage Theatre at<br />
the <strong>Markham</strong> Museum, before returning to<br />
the <strong>Markham</strong> Theatre stage. This season will<br />
be no different. Of course, <strong>Markham</strong> Little<br />
Theatre treasures its long-standing relationship<br />
with the <strong>Markham</strong> Theatre and still<br />
produces the majority of its shows there, but<br />
the habit of doing a show a year at the museum<br />
has become something of a cherished<br />
tradition as well.<br />
“Our director, Marlene Foran, has<br />
directed numerous plays at Backstage,”<br />
explains Sarah McDonald, one of the show’s<br />
producers. “She understands both the limitations<br />
and strengths of a small space and is<br />
able to create worlds that have thrilled our<br />
audiences.”<br />
“The Backstage theatre is the perfect<br />
venue for intimate character-driven plays,<br />
Drinking Alone is such a play,” says Marlene<br />
Foran, the show’s director. “Foster explores<br />
the complexities of a family in a poignant<br />
and comedic way. Backstage is the perfect<br />
place to become involved in this family’s<br />
The cast of Drinking Alone from left to right: Judy Atherton, Mark Boyko, Tristan Stansfi eld,<br />
Puneet Bajwa, and Lindsay Woodford.<br />
life.”<br />
In the show, the leading character, Joe<br />
Todd, organizes a birthday party for his<br />
estranged father while simultaneously hiring<br />
an escort to pose as his fiancé. Family secrets<br />
and conflicts soon erupt long before the<br />
cake comes out at this dysfunctional family<br />
reunion.<br />
The five-person cast features a mix of<br />
stalwart and fresh faces. Longtime MLTers,<br />
Tristan Stansfield, Mark Boyko and Judy<br />
Atherton are joined by newcomers Puneet<br />
Bajwa, Lindsay Woodford.<br />
“This cast is five actors who bring<br />
experience, creativity and heart,” Foran says.<br />
“It has been such an enjoyable experience to<br />
bring these characters and this play to life.”<br />
“There’s been a lot of laughter and<br />
comradery during rehearsals, adds McDonald,<br />
“we are looking forward to a wonderful<br />
show.”<br />
Of course, in addition to familiar faces<br />
onstage, audiences will also recognize the<br />
writing of Norm Foster; a Canadian playwright<br />
who, while quietly becoming something<br />
of a legend in regional theatre circles,<br />
has been featured by <strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre<br />
regularly and far more than any other single<br />
playwright.<br />
“Foster is definitely one of our favourite<br />
playwrights,” McDonald says. “His characters<br />
and their circumstances feel familiar and<br />
there are moments of revelation that make<br />
Foster’s story-telling more than simple comedy,<br />
and we know that our audiences enjoy<br />
the mix of truth and humour.”<br />
“The challenge in the production is that<br />
Norm Foster delicately balances the comedy<br />
with tragedy,” Foran explains. “The challenge<br />
is to recognize where both occur and<br />
seamlessly blend them. The play addresses<br />
serious issues but is also funny, which<br />
heightens the enjoyment.”<br />
Company members are always quick<br />
to point out that while <strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre<br />
has earned the kind of praise for over<br />
five decades that is usually reserved for a<br />
professional company, it remains an entirely<br />
volunteer organization…and, something of a<br />
family.<br />
“Most audience members don’t realize<br />
the number of people it takes to put together<br />
a performance. More than just actors and<br />
directors there are designers, builders, stage<br />
managers, producers, crew; at times the list<br />
feels endless,” McDonald says. “Our cast<br />
and crew come together simply for the love<br />
of the show, but it’s a lot of work. We are<br />
always looking for new volunteers.”<br />
This tradition of coming together is<br />
likely the true key to MLT’s ongoing success<br />
and might also be why starting their season<br />
with a show about family is a good idea.<br />
“Come see Drinking Alone and be a part<br />
of the family,” says Foran.<br />
<strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre’s production of<br />
Drinking Alone runs <strong>September</strong> 20-23 and<br />
27-30 at <strong>Markham</strong> Little Theatre’s Backstage<br />
Theatre on the grounds of the <strong>Markham</strong><br />
Museum. All shows start at 8 p.m., with an<br />
additional 2 p.m. matinée on Saturday, <strong>September</strong><br />
30. Tickets are on sale through the<br />
Flato <strong>Markham</strong> Theatre box office at (905)<br />
305-7469<br />
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more details<br />
or to purchase tickets.
8 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
Keep the Faith takes you<br />
back to the 80s<br />
Family Paint Night takes place Oct. 11.<br />
Getting creative at Latcham<br />
Bon Jovi tribute band, Keep the Faith,<br />
is set to perform at <strong>Markham</strong> Theatre for<br />
one night on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m.<br />
Show organizers say the band provides<br />
you with the unequivocal live concert<br />
performance you come to expect from a Bon<br />
Jovi tribute.<br />
Every note, every move, and every detail<br />
have been carefully crafted and choreographed<br />
to deliver you the ultimate Bon Jovi<br />
experience, say show organizers.<br />
While family-friendly, this high energy,<br />
intensely interactive journey will take you<br />
back to the 80s and 90s with the big Bon<br />
Jovi radio hits such as Wanted Dead or<br />
Alive, Livin’ on a Prayer, It’s My Life and<br />
Always to name a few.<br />
This show is for the diehards too so<br />
don’t be surprised if you hear a few rare Jovi<br />
songs as well as covers that are performed at<br />
a Bon Jovi concert like Hallelujah and Old<br />
Time Rock n Roll.<br />
So be ready to join Keep The Faith for<br />
an amazing ride you will be talking about<br />
for a long time to come. The group has<br />
performed over 600 shows and keeps getting<br />
better.<br />
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more<br />
details.<br />
Latcham Art Centre (LAC) continues<br />
to engage the community with successful<br />
art programs.<br />
The LAC team has a lineup of exciting<br />
programs designed to foster creativity and<br />
artistic exploration for all ages.<br />
Here’s a preview of what’s to come:<br />
Creative Foundations 1: Starting<br />
on <strong>September</strong> 16, this program, led by<br />
a professional artist educator, is perfect<br />
for children aged 5 to 8. Participants will<br />
develop confidence, creative thinking skills,<br />
and knowledge about different types of art.<br />
Through hands-on activities, they will explore<br />
various materials, learn about colours,<br />
and shapes, setting a solid foundation for<br />
their artistic journey.<br />
Creative Foundations 2: Calling all<br />
aspiring young artists aged 9 to 12. Get<br />
ready to take your artistic journey to the<br />
next level. Designed to challenge and<br />
inspire young participants, this <strong>September</strong><br />
16 program encourages them to embrace<br />
creative risks and explore a world of artistic<br />
possibilities. The program will delve into a<br />
variety of media and techniques, empowering<br />
your child to unleash their imagination<br />
and create awe-inspiring works of art.<br />
Enroll in Creative Foundations 2 today and<br />
unlock the true potential of their creative<br />
spirit.<br />
Art and Wellness Workshop: Discover<br />
the powerful combination of mindfulness<br />
techniques and creative expression in this<br />
October 4 workshop designed for ages 18<br />
and above. By using various art materials,<br />
participants will tap into their inner creativity,<br />
cultivate awareness, manage stress and<br />
anxiety, and develop a deeper connection<br />
with their emotions and thoughts. No prior<br />
art-making experience is required.<br />
Life-Drawing Workshop: Ideal for<br />
young artists aged 12 to 17 considering a<br />
career in art, the workshop on October 5<br />
provides an opportunity to draw from a<br />
clothed live model. This guided workshop<br />
aims to build confidence in observational<br />
and technical skills. While all necessary<br />
supplies will be provided, participants are<br />
welcome to bring their own if desired.<br />
Family Paint Night: On October 11,<br />
join the Group of Seven-inspired painting<br />
activity, celebrating the beauty of nature.<br />
Families can come together in the amazing<br />
studio, bond, and create lasting memories<br />
while unleashing their creativity. No prior<br />
experience is required, and each ticket<br />
includes all materials necessary for acrylic<br />
painting.<br />
Visit latchamartcentre.ca/programs for<br />
more information,
SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
COMMUNITY 9 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW<br />
Sultans of String:<br />
Walking Through the Fire<br />
Thursday, <strong>September</strong> 28 // 8pm<br />
Twin Flames & Friends<br />
Saturday, <strong>September</strong> 30 // 8pm<br />
SAMAJAM:<br />
YOU are the Show!<br />
Saturday, October 14 // 2pm<br />
Sunday, October 15 // 11am & 3pm<br />
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder<br />
Wednesday, October 18 // 8pm<br />
Howie Mandel<br />
Monday, October 23 // 8pm<br />
Little Pear Garden<br />
Dance Company:<br />
Spectrum of Connection<br />
Thursday, October 26 // 8pm<br />
Brass Transit<br />
Friday, October 27 // 8pm<br />
PRESENTS<br />
Saturday, October 28<br />
Blue<br />
Rodeo<br />
Classic Albums Live:<br />
Fleetwood Mac, Rumours<br />
Thursday, November 9 // 8pm<br />
Men of the Deeps:<br />
Christmas in the Mine<br />
Friday, December 1 // 8pm<br />
The Manhattan Transfer:<br />
Farewell Tour<br />
Saturday, December 2 // 3pm & 8pm<br />
The Next Generation Leahy<br />
Friday, December 15 // 8pm<br />
A Ben Heppner Christmas<br />
Saturday, December 16 // 8pm<br />
SUBSCRIPTIONS & SINGLE TICKETS<br />
NOW ON SALE!<br />
ELVIS<br />
Wonderful World of Christmas<br />
Thursday, December 21 // 8pm<br />
Friday, December 22 // 8pm<br />
Saturday December 23 // 3pm & 8pm<br />
Emilie-Claire Barlow<br />
Saturday, January 27 // 8pm<br />
Classic Albums Live:<br />
Queen, News of the World<br />
Friday, February 9 // 8pm<br />
Celtic Tenors<br />
Saturday, March 16 // 3pm & 8pm<br />
Thursday, April 18 // 8pm<br />
360 ALLSTARS<br />
Saturday, May 4 // 4pm & 8pm<br />
Chris Funk the Wonderist<br />
Wednesday, December 27 // 2pm & 7pm<br />
Circa:<br />
Humans 2.0<br />
Thursday, February 1 // 8pm<br />
LOL <strong>Markham</strong>!<br />
with Ali Hassan & Friends<br />
Saturday, February 10 // 8pm<br />
Tisra: Zakir Hussain<br />
with Debopriya Chatterjee<br />
& Sabir Khan<br />
Friday, March 29 // 8pm<br />
Jeans ‘n Classics:<br />
An Innocent Man -<br />
The Music of Billy Joel<br />
Friday, April 19 // 8pm<br />
Ballet Jörgen’s<br />
Anne of Green Gables<br />
The Ballet<br />
Friday, May 17 // 8pm<br />
Saturday, May 18 // 2pm<br />
Ballet Jörgen<br />
The Nutcracker:<br />
A Canadian Tradition<br />
Saturday, December 30 // 2pm & 7pm<br />
Sunday, December 31 // 11am & 3pm<br />
Jeanick Fournier<br />
Sings Celine<br />
Friday, February 2 // 8pm<br />
Darcy Oake Illusionist<br />
Thursday, February 29 // 8pm<br />
Friday, March 1 // 8pm<br />
Saturday, March 2 // 2pm & 7pm<br />
Sunday, March 3 // 11am & 3pm<br />
The Peking Acrobats<br />
Saturday, March 30 // 2pm & 7pm<br />
Sunday, March 31 // 11am & 3pm<br />
MOTUS O dance theatre:<br />
Confessions of a<br />
Professional Dancer<br />
Wednesday, May 1 // 8pm<br />
Dominic Mancuso<br />
& Vittorio Mezza:<br />
Dances in my Mind<br />
Friday, January 19 // 8pm<br />
Jazz Divas<br />
Laila Biali<br />
Dominique Fils-Aimé<br />
Sammy Jackson<br />
Thursday, February 8 // 8pm<br />
Malevo<br />
Saturday, March 9 // 8pm<br />
Kiran Ahluwalia<br />
Wednesday, April 17 // 8pm<br />
Matthew Whitaker<br />
Thursday, May 2 // 8pm<br />
ONLY $ 15<br />
Learn more at flatomarkhamtheatre.ca<br />
flatomarkhamtheatre.ca / 905.305.7469<br />
230110 FMT_Rogers Media Full Page 10x13_23.24 Season Now on Sale August <strong>2023</strong>.indd 1 <strong>2023</strong>-08-09 9:57 AM
10 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
Local singer boasts impressive following on Spotify<br />
Janet Tung went to Unionville High School and was part of the Arts Unionville Dance program.<br />
(Monography photo)<br />
ture on the new cover alongside Le Bober,<br />
the new cover showcases Tung’s ability to<br />
take well-known hits and make them her<br />
own.<br />
“Producer Le Bober truly has an innate<br />
skill to create chill covers for Magic<br />
Records,” Tung explains. “This time he<br />
teamed up with me through Amal Simakin<br />
(A&R) to lay down a refresh of one<br />
of Anne-Marie’s hits ‘2002’ crafting a<br />
nostalgic atmosphere, perfect for a summer<br />
night. The vocals for this song was humbly<br />
recorded in my bedroom closet, but Le<br />
Bobers talented producing, mixing and<br />
mastering skills brought this cover to life.<br />
“The track evokes the bittersweet<br />
nature of reminiscing about a past relationship,<br />
sentimental feelings of my childhood,<br />
creating a sense of familiarity and relatability.”<br />
As an independent artist, Tung has<br />
achieved remarkable success, boasting<br />
an impressive following of over 250,000<br />
monthly listeners on Spotify alone. Her<br />
music effortlessly blends electronic and<br />
dance-pop influences. Her distinctive sound<br />
has struck a chord with listeners worldwide,<br />
making her an artist who is undoubtedly<br />
worth watching.<br />
Tung’s dedication to her craft, combined<br />
with a soulful musicality and genuine<br />
passion for connecting with her audience,<br />
sets her apart as a rising star in the contemporary<br />
music scene. With each new release,<br />
she continues to capture hearts and inspire<br />
music enthusiasts from all walks of life.<br />
As her popularity continues to grow,<br />
she remains committed to her artistic<br />
integrity, producing music that reflects her<br />
true self while maintaining her unwavering<br />
passion for creativity and innovation.<br />
out Janet Tung at youtube.com/janettung.<br />
Local pop and EDM blending solo artist<br />
Janet Tung returns with the captivating<br />
new cover of Anne-Marie’s hit ‘2002.’<br />
Joining forces with producer Le Bober<br />
the track infuses the original track’s structure<br />
with an infectious dance beat and a<br />
new-found sense of euphoric energy.<br />
A self-taught guitarist since the tender<br />
age of eight, she has been honing her craft<br />
in songwriting and music production, and<br />
building hype for her catchy melodies and<br />
heartfelt lyricism.<br />
Tung’s journey began by uploading<br />
popular song covers on YouTube, where<br />
her raw talent quickly garnered a devoted<br />
fan base. Her debut single, “One More<br />
Time,” served as a breakthrough, propelling<br />
her to newfound recognition and<br />
earning her a coveted publishing deal with<br />
ROBA Music.<br />
Now returning to her roots thanks to<br />
being picked up by Magic Records to fea-<br />
Celebrating nature’s bounty<br />
BY NICK CAGNA<br />
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter<br />
York Region is home to 21 forest tracts<br />
and more than 150 kilometres of trails. Every<br />
year during National Forest Week, residents<br />
in York Region get together to honour<br />
and appreciate the essential contributions of<br />
these woods.<br />
This week-long celebration creates a<br />
greater appreciation for the region’s forests,<br />
their critical ecological role, and the importance<br />
of sustainable forest management.<br />
York Region’s forests play a critical<br />
role in supporting the region’s ecosystem.<br />
These woodlands act as natural habitats for<br />
countless plant and animal species, promoting<br />
biodiversity and ensuring ecological<br />
balance.<br />
Forests also function as a carbon sink,<br />
capturing and storing carbon dioxide, thus<br />
playing a vital role in mitigating climate<br />
change. Moreover, these green spaces<br />
contribute to clean air and water, providing<br />
essential services for both urban and rural<br />
communities alike.<br />
James Lane, Manager of Natural Heritage<br />
and Forestry Services in Public Works<br />
at York Region, says our communities play<br />
a large role in caring for our green space.<br />
“Together, it is our shared responsibility<br />
to protect this essential natural resource<br />
and do our part to keep it healthy for future<br />
generations,” Lane says.<br />
During National Forest Week, happening<br />
<strong>September</strong> 17-23, the communities of<br />
York Region come together to celebrate the<br />
significance of their forests and raise awareness<br />
about their conservation. Organized by<br />
local environmental groups, conservation<br />
organizations, and government bodies, the<br />
week is filled with a wide range of engaging<br />
and educational events for people of all<br />
ages.<br />
Residents are encouraged to join<br />
guided nature walks led by knowledgeable<br />
experts.<br />
“To celebrate National Forest Week,<br />
residents are invited to participate in<br />
the York Regional Forest Fall Festival<br />
at Hollidge Tract (16389 Highway 48,<br />
Whitchurch-<strong>Stouffville</strong>) on Saturday,<br />
<strong>September</strong> 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Lane<br />
explains.<br />
These walks offer a unique opportunity<br />
to explore the diverse plant and animal<br />
life that thrives in York Region’s forests.<br />
Participants learn about the importance of<br />
biodiversity and the need for preserving<br />
these natural treasures.<br />
Celebrating the aesthetic beauty of the<br />
forests, art and photography exhibitions<br />
showcase stunning visuals captured by local<br />
artists and photographers. This creative<br />
display serves as a reminder of the profound<br />
impact of nature on human emotions and<br />
well-being.<br />
National Forest Week encourages family<br />
participation through fun activities such<br />
as treasure hunts, storytelling sessions, and<br />
nature-themed games. These activities help<br />
instil a sense of responsibility for preserving<br />
the environment in younger generations.<br />
Throughout the week, environmental<br />
organizations organize fundraising drives<br />
to support local forest conservation efforts.<br />
These initiatives encourage community<br />
members to actively contribute to safeguarding<br />
the forests for future generations.<br />
In 2022, over 100 residents attended<br />
a National Forest Week pop-up event at<br />
various York Regional Forest tracts to learn<br />
about and experience the benefits of the<br />
Forest; tree seedlings were given to participants<br />
to plant in their yards.<br />
You can sign up for guided forest<br />
walks and other nature activities at york.ca/<br />
newsroom/campaigns-projects/york-regional-forest-walks-and-events.
SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
Oak Valley Health’s people are rising to the occasion<br />
11 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW<br />
BY ALANNA SLOAN<br />
Oak Valley Health has launched its Resilience<br />
in Stressful Events (RISE) program<br />
for its teams across the organization.<br />
RISE offers confidential, anonymous,<br />
and timely peer support to Oak Valley<br />
Health staff, professional staff, and volunteers<br />
who have been affected by a stressful,<br />
patient-related event.<br />
The program was originally developed<br />
and implemented at Johns Hopkins<br />
Hospital and has been successfully adopted<br />
by many other health care organizations.<br />
Oak Valley Health is the second health care<br />
organization in Canada to implement the<br />
RISE program, after Royal Victoria Hospital<br />
in Barrie.<br />
“The RISE program is an important<br />
piece of our recently launched <strong>2023</strong>-2026<br />
People Plan, helping us build a greater<br />
people-centred culture and support staff<br />
well-being,” says Jo-anne Marr, president<br />
and chief executive officer of Oak Valley<br />
Health. “The RISE program has been<br />
many months in the making, with extensive<br />
training for our peer responders, and I’m<br />
excited to see it come to life.”<br />
At Oak Valley Health, volunteer peer<br />
responders are available via telephone from<br />
Members of the RISE team at an information booth at Oak Valley Health’s <strong>Markham</strong><br />
<strong>Stouffville</strong> Hospital.<br />
Back to school health boosters<br />
3 to 8 p.m., seven days a week, to listen,<br />
offer emotional support, and provide information<br />
on available resources.<br />
“This program attracted many of our<br />
most compassionate team members and<br />
they are here to listen, support and guide to<br />
resources,” says Vivian Yee, who manages<br />
the RISE program. “It is also designed to<br />
be completely anonymous so callers do not<br />
have to share their name or any details.”<br />
The group of 24 peer responders<br />
is very diverse, representing <strong>Markham</strong><br />
<strong>Stouffville</strong> Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital,<br />
and the Reactivation Care Centre. They<br />
are also a mix of frontline clinical, nonclinical,<br />
management, and volunteers, with<br />
an average of 11.4 years of service at Oak<br />
Valley Health.<br />
“The RISE program allows for the<br />
individual that is seeking support to talk to<br />
someone who has a connection to them,”<br />
says Liz Price, patient care manager and<br />
RISE peer responder at Oak Valley Health.<br />
“The peer responders have direct experience<br />
within the health care system, and<br />
they can approach the situation as a peer<br />
and offer an ear to actively listen.”<br />
Oak Valley Health offers several other<br />
wellness resources to staff, including access<br />
to staff and physician wellness leaders,<br />
access to spiritual care, and an Employee<br />
Assistance Program.<br />
BY SHANA DANIEL, RHN<br />
As fall nears, we waver between t-<br />
shirts and hoodies for earlier mornings.<br />
Packing lunches, water bottles and<br />
indoor shoes for our little ones complete<br />
with their new backpack makes <strong>September</strong><br />
mornings much different than summer ones.<br />
And with it all, comes a change of<br />
weather and runny noses to follow suit.<br />
Although common and healthy for little<br />
bodies to fight off germs naturally, a little<br />
help from whole foods can go a long way<br />
in shortening the duration of emptying<br />
the Kleenex boxes and enduring sleepless<br />
nights of coughing spells.<br />
Is breakfast the most important meal of<br />
the day? Yes, as the body has been in a state<br />
of sedentary activity for hours while sleeping,<br />
its restorative systems have been hard<br />
at work. Fuel the body for its daily activity<br />
requirements with a meal containing protein<br />
and carbohydrates, complemented with<br />
healthy fats for sustained energy and satiety<br />
until lunchtime.<br />
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in<br />
boosting your kid’s superpowers. Enhancing<br />
meals with citrus fruits like oranges,<br />
grapefruits and lemons is a surefire way to<br />
achieve this. Sliced fruit is my favourite<br />
vs concentrated juices since the benefits of<br />
the fibre are included as well as the natural<br />
citrus oils from the rinds of these delicious<br />
options.<br />
Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries<br />
are packed with antioxidants also<br />
related to boosting cellular health. Fun ways<br />
to include them are in smoothies and as<br />
toppings for various meals. Yogurt contains<br />
probiotics that can support gut health and<br />
boost immunity, while nuts and seeds are<br />
good sources of vitamin E and healthy fats,<br />
which can aid immune response. A perfect<br />
way to combine these ingredients in a fun<br />
way is to make a yogurt parfait to start the<br />
day incorporating these immune boosters.<br />
On the savoury side, spinach and other<br />
leafy greens provide vitamins A and C, as<br />
well as other nutrients essential for immune<br />
function.<br />
Garlic contains compounds with potential<br />
immune-boosting properties like allicin<br />
which the body absorbs from raw garlic.<br />
Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene,<br />
which converts to vitamin A, supporting the<br />
immune system as well. Incorporating these<br />
ingredients as a spinach omelette with a<br />
side of roasted sweet potatoes is a tasty way<br />
to enjoy an immune-boosting meal.<br />
Bear in mind that regular physical activity<br />
and a regulated sleep cycle also have<br />
a positive outcome towards a healthy body.<br />
Boosting immunity naturally will<br />
always be a win-win for your little ones<br />
fighting ability to ward off germs. Remember<br />
that a mild dose of the common cold<br />
doesn’t mean an unhealthy body. It’s the<br />
body’s ability to fight off the germ for a<br />
faster recovery which is important.<br />
Stay active, eat well and dress for the<br />
elements for a healthy start to your little<br />
one’s new school year.
12 MARKHAM STOUFFVILLE REVIEW<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2023</strong><br />
Back to School<br />
Back to Learning<br />
IT’S SUCH AN EXCITING<br />
TIME OF YEAR, GETTING BACK<br />
TO OUR FRIENDS AND<br />
OUR SCHOOLS.<br />
Adults<br />
There will be lots of kids around<br />
the roads, drive with extra caution<br />
at this time of year.<br />
Kids<br />
Remember to have fun, but always<br />
to be smart & safe on the roads<br />
and on the playground.<br />
Back to School,<br />
Back to Safety!