The South Etobicoke News

Serving Humber * Mimico * Lakeshore Village * Long Branch * Alderwood

Money matters and generating wealth with Rattan

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Hello readers: This month I am covering budgets. So what is a budget: It is the amount of money one has for a specific service or a product. Let us take this to a larger scale in order to create a financial security for a household and/or a business. A good budget is a must.

A budget may be a top down budget or a bottom up budget. A top down budget means one knows the anticipated income and anticipated expenses. With a bottom up budget one knows the expenses and anticipated income is un- known. Generally speaking most budgets take the top down approach.

For a good budget to be effective in meeting the goals of a household one has to know the spending history and going forward one builds on that for the future. A good budget going forward will alert the household if a spending is out of control in a specific area and to take any corrective action. This implies that one has to keep track of your income and expenses and compare them to the budget.

It is not a easy task but once one gets in the rhythm it helps in bringing financial stability to the household.

Generally speaking a budget is by month for a year. What should be in the budget is one’s ability to go down to the lowest level of expenses you want to track.

Here is a list of expense items that should be included in no order; bank charges, entertainment, insurance, internet, rent or mortgage payment, house repair and maintenance, groceries, personal grooming, travel, utilities like heating, electricity and water, property  taxes, auto expenses-insurance, repairs and maintenance, gasoline, car loan or lease, license and tolls. One of the expenses that may be overlooked are licence renewal or passport.

Last, but not the least, contingencies for anything unforeseen as medical and bills should be included. One can and should also incorporate savings into the process. With the passage of time and tracking, if one is over the budget on expenses, you could focus on reducing controllable expenses and if the expenses are lower than budget, treat yourself and the family or put the monies towards savings or mortgage.

A day to day example of a budget is that one has allocated, let’s say $10 per day to cover coffee etc. and you did not spend it. You could put into the kitty or accumulate it for an upcoming event.I encourage the readers to take this ex ercise to know where you are coming from and where you are going.

Rattan Gandhi is owner of Quick Refund Tax, 133 Sixth St. His opin-

ions stems from 15 years of experience. If you have questions, he can

be reached at 905-616-5253 or rattangandhi@gmail.com.

 

Keeping busy with things to do in our community

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Here are some of the many things happening right here.

BOOST YOUR WELLNESS at 2 p.m. on Zoom as  LAMP is offering another free virtual wellness workshop to  help you during COVID. It in-cludes breath work, strengthening exercises, meditations and encouragement. Wellness specialist Mary Craig has been working in the mental health field for more than 20 years and is a certified instructor in Yoga and Qigong. Call or email Jasmin Dooh to register jasmind@lampchc.org or 416-252-6471

COACH CORIN IS BACK on Zoom every Wednesday at 3 p.m. with a series of virtual workshops on October 7, 14, 21 & 28. Facilitator Corin De Sousa is a graduate of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program and the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program from the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI) at Women’s College. Call or email Jasmin Dooh to register jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471.

EMERGENCY FOOD TAKE OUT meals continue to be offered Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:30 a.m. through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Group programs are closed. Phone 416-252-6471. Located at 185 Fifth Street.

GOOD FOOD MARKET OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Lakeshore Village Park. Get fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. The Gardens Lakeshore is hosting several workshops. Contact christianaz@lampchc.org

JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE FOOD TO TABLE PROJECT for young women in the area experiencing food insecurity due to COVID. You can qualify for a monthly $50 gift card. Registration opens the first Monday of the month and you will be notified of pick up date. Program runs until December. Email them at info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca or visit at jeanaugustinecentre.ca

HAVEN ON THE QUEENSWAY HAS SHUT MOST of its programs and services due to COVID but will continue to serve its food bank users by appointment and pick up at their 1533 The Queensway office. Call 416-640-2005 to make arrangements to access the Haven food bank.

MOST PROGRAMS AT STOREFRONT HUMBER, at 2445 Lake Shore Blvd. W., are cancelled with only essential services, like personal care, support or respite provided. Contact them at 416- 259-4207 or visit sfh@storefronthumber.ca

OCT. 7 COVID FOOD DRIVES Wednesday only from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., being held for “Youth Without Shelter” and “North York Harvest Food Bank.” Please drop off basic foods at Montgomery’s Inn or deliver to Dave Crack. Call 416-550-5145,  by Oct 6. Details at RotaryTorontoWest.ca

OCT 7, 14, 21, and 28 BOTTLE DRIVES on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., being held to support our many local charity projects. Please drop off Beer Store or LCBO bottles or cans and deliver to Montgomery’s Inn or Dave Crack. Contact 416-550- 5145 by Oct 27. Details at RotaryTorontoWest.ca

OCT. 26 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB AWARD Salon Winners for Photographers Choice competition will be awarded with presentations and Nature category critique. New guests welcome. See what we’re about and enjoy some fabulous photo entertainment. Free admission to this virtual session; to register email info@etobicokecameraclub.org.

FREE BOOKS AT CHRIST CHURCH St. James food pantry on the second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., or the last two Wednesdays of the month from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parents can pick up a book and get tips on how to encourage a love of reading at the church at 194 Park Lawn Rd., near The Queensway.

OCT. 31 HALLOWEEN CORNER sponsored by the Lakeshore Village BIA at the corner of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Sixth Street from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Lots of treats. Treat bags will be pre-packed by volunteers to hand off to children as they walk by due to COVID-19. Kids must be wearing face masks or other protective gear.

Officers urging fast-moving cyclists to slow down on area trails

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Slow down cyclists.

Beware of police officers on bicycles enforcing the rules of our bike trails.

Officers say they have been conducting enforcement on Marine Parade Drive and the Humber Bay Park area in search of speeders and careless riders.

Sgt. Lhawang Jongdong, of 22 Division Neighbourhood Community Officer Program, says offences in violation of the Highway Traffic Act applies to both cyclists and drivers of a motor vehicle.

“Cyclists need to slow down,” Jongdong warns. “Speeding, red light fail to stop, disobey stop sign and fail to yield all apply to cyclists as much as drivers of a motor vehicle.”

There has been a large number of complaints from pedestrians about the fast speed of some cyclists using area bike trails.

There are many incidents posted on social media about residents in the Humber Bay Shores and other areas being hit,  or narrowly escaping being plowed into, by fast-moving cyclists, who police say are travelling well above the speed limit.

A number of residents have suffered physical injuries as a result. The area councillor has provided signs urging people to slow down as part of a campaign.

Last July police kicked off a week-long traffic campaign geared to cyclists, which focused on community engagement, education and enforcement.

Last year, police say a total of 64 people were killed on Toronto streets. Of those, 73% were vulnerable road users not in cars, including one cyclist.

The “Big 4” driver behaviours that are known to cause injuries to vulnerable road users are: speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired driving.

Officers are talking to drivers about “dooring incidents,” which happen to cyclists. They also promote the police’s bicycle registry and other ways to prevent bicycle theft.

With more people biking outdoors to take advantage of the city’s ActiveTO program, police are reminding drivers to stay alert and anticipate sharing the road with cyclists.

If you have any concerns call police at 416-808-2200.

Police and Rotarians team up to fight hunger in the community

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Thanks to Toronto Police and Rotary Etobicoke volunteers at-risk families will have more to eat during these challenging times.

More than 160 bags stuffed with food, in addition to some cash donations, were collected in a drive on October 4 from generous community members.

The food will go to the Daily Bread Food Bank for use for Thanksgiving dinners for the needy this weekend, organizers say.

The Rotary Club Toronto West and 22 Division officers have been working side by side for years to take a difference in the community.

“We are service and community-focused that we understand the people we serve, communities and members,” according to organizers. We “show an active commitment to improving the wellbeing of our community members over the long term.”

Police thanked the community for their generosity in helping others.

 

Popular annual Pie Auction cancelled due to the virus

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It was one of our favourite events and now it is gone.

The annual Pie Auction put on by Lakeshore Arts has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

The contest for pie-lovers and those with a sweet tooth has been a crusty mainstay in the Mimico area for the past six years, organizers say.

Instead, organizers will be featuring items from local bakeries and restaurants that have support and helped to make the Pie Auction fundraiser such a huge success.

“Your baking skills and continued support have meant that we can continue to offer various youth programs throughout the year,” the organizers posted on social media.

The Pie Auction was to begin on October 9.

During the event, residents made a bid on a delicious dessert pie or a savoury pie, which were created by residents, art lovers, and “celebrity” chefs in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore community.

Proceeds from the auctioned pies went to the many community arts programs delivered to more than 10,000 people yearly, according to Lakeshore Arts.

Calypso History Month in Toronto being streamed for fans

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This is for our residents from the Caribbean who are looking for some heat.

This month is Calypso History Month in Toronto and you don’t have to leave your home to play mas. A virtual Calypso symposium is taking place on October 17, at 3 p.m., online at www.famaaly.net

Join moderator Prof. Lennox Borrel,  organizer George Maharaj and special guest Michael Lashley for livestreaming fun. Fans of Trinidadian Calypso music are urged to log in to hear Rhoma Spencer talk about “Calypso as Drama and Theatricality.”

Don’t miss Christopher Pinheiro presentation of  “The Mighty Spoiler’s Return,” Lindy Burgess with  “Old Lady Walk a Mile, “ a musical tribute to icon Lord Kitchener.

Local legend King Cosmos will tell you all about Calypso in Canada from 1947 and Roger Gibbs has some exciting facts about vintage calypso in Barbados from the 1930’s.

“Reserve the date, get your popcorn, mauby, Carib, accra, doubles, corn soup etc. and spend the afternoon with some of the calypso experts in Toronto,” according to organizers.

 

Mimico lacrosse phenom commits to University of Michigan

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By REJEAN CANTLON

If you are a Mimico minor lacrosse fan or have watched the Mimico Jr. A Lacrosse team over the last few years, you know the last name Thomson. Tim and Amanda Thomson raised 4 boys, all of them have a love for this game that goes beyond passion. All have played for Mimico since they were Tykes. All have had great success within the game with older brother Tanner being selected to play in the National Lacrosse League (box lacrosse indoors vs teams like the Toronto Rock) and the Major Lacrosse League (field lacrosse played outdoors in the US) last year. Last month, it was the youngest Thomson’s time to shine. Finlay Thomson received a scholarship to the University of Michigan, arguably one of the most prestigious public universities in the US.

“As coach at various levels I have had the good fortune to be surrounded by some very talented players,” said Mimico Jr A Head Coach, DJ Clevely. “Finlay is without a doubt the most talented lacrosse player I have ever been around and had the opportunity to coach. Truly the sky is the limit for Finlay in whatever he decides to do. I am extremely proud of him on his recent commitment to the University of Michigan.”

Finn, as his team-mates know him, credits his 3 older brothers for pushing him to succeed in the sport they all love.  “Lacrosse was brought upon my oldest brother and from then on, our family didn’t look back. Watching my brothers do great things in the arena and on the field brought my parents’ great joy.”  The University of Michigan was an obvious choice for Finn, for one, “it’s super close for my family and friends to come watch a game. Michigan’s also top tier university for academics and historic significance,” said Thomson. He added that one of the most enticing reasons he chose Michigan is the “the facilities, staff and vision Michigan has for the lacrosse team. They really invest in their athletes and make sure they are treated properly.”  Young Finlay is certainly proud of his choice including the campus and the environment that lies ahead for him.

Last season Finn received the Bob McCabe Award for most Outstanding Graduating Box Player and the Barb Cormier Award for Most Outstanding Graduating Field Player. There is a reason Michigan picked him up so early. Mimico and South Etobicoke salutes Finlay and wishes the Thomson family every success. Go Blue!

Amateur sports teams gear up to play this season

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By REJEAN CANTLON

It’s a popular expression within the road hockey crowd. For those who do not happen to know people who play Canada’s national winter sport on the street, “GAME ON” is a common term used during a game that has been interrupted to signal it is time to continue. “GAME ON” is often preceded by the term “CAR”.

Isaac Brown, a 11-year-old Long Branch road hockey expert explains it this way. “It’s easy. You yell “CAR”, then you move the nets and get out of the way. When the car passes, you yell, “GAME ON” to let everyone know it’s time to come back and play.”

For many South Etobicoke hockey players, “GAME ON” is something that they have been longing to hear since their season was prematurely cancelled early this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19. On September 1 the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) announced their return to play Game Plan that outlines timelines, protocols and procedures for the up-coming 2020-21 ice hockey season.

In the GTHL’s online document there are five periods or steps to their return to play Game Plan. It is not until the final step where minor hockey will look somewhat the same as it did last season, pre-COVID. That final step is being referred to as “Overtime” which is set for no earlier than December 1, 2020, although there is no guarantee that will happen by then.

The Game Plan started early last month with step 1, the “Warm-up” where parents could register their children to play with reduced players on the ice surface amongst other social distancing protocols.

The next step has been coined the “1st Period”. This is where team selection/grouping of players will start, yet they will still be not be competing with other teams. Then “2nd Period” will advance on October 7th to have teams playing against other teams 3-on-3 or 4-on-4. This will include local house-league clubs like Mimico, Faustina and Humber Valley. The “3rd Period” is scheduled to see an increase to 5-on-5 play.

Throughout all of these first 4 steps the GTHL’s plan discourages spectators from cheering or yelling during play. In addition, the number of people allowed to watch these young athletes will be restricted by the province’s Reopening Ontario Act.  Finally, the last step, the “Overtime” period is billed to see hockey “return to normal” with inter-branch play and no spectator restrictions.

The GTHL admits that “hockey is going to look different in the next few months” and that the process will “provide a unique opportunity to focus on many of the positive things that hockey can do for our community.”  Young ​Isaac is certainly looking forward to yelling “GAME ON” on the ice with his friends and team-mates on the Reps AAA Elite Hockey Club as soon as possible.

 

Police arrest women with booster bags accused of stealing batteries

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They are brave and are hooked on stealing.

Two young women have been arrested by police and booster bags, used for stealing were seized, after $2,500 worth of batteries were allegedly stolen from a South Etobicoke store.

Police say the women were arrested at a local hardware store “with a high-end bag.”

“These bags are known as booster bags which are insulated and lined with custom hand-rolled tin foil inside,” officers from 22 Division said on October 1 in a Tweet.

The foil is said to avert detection of the stolen goods from anti-theft devices inside the stores. They say the bags, which are used by organized theft rings, expand as more stolen goods are placed inside.

Police say a sharp eye security officer detected the thieves and called police. The women were arrested and charged accordingly, according to police.

Officers have not revealed the names of the women.

Police called the thefts ‘sophisticated and organized’ and that it costs Canadian retailers about $4.67 billion yearly.

It results in Canadian consumers paying 20 per cent more for goods as a result of retail theft, according to a social media campaign last year.

In Toronto last year, a joint investigation by loss-prevention officers and Toronto Police resulted in three arrests in connection with an elaborate and organized shoplifting ring targeting mall stores.

Nearly $390,000 in clothing had been stolen and $90,000 in personal items, including shampoo and hand cream, for a grand total of nearly $500,000.

The stolen goods were allegedly being sold from a semi-detached home North York, detectives say.

Much of the ‘hot’ goods are also sold at pop-up events, warehouse sales, flea markets and low-income malls in neighbourhoods where people do not ask many questions if the price is low, police say.

Stolen goods may also show up mixed among legitimate goods at convenience stores and discount stores owned by unscrupulous vendors.

Police say harsher penalties are required since retail theft is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward crime. The penalties are minimal.

Even people who offend multiple times are only held in jail for a couple of days before they are released. He says criminals know they won’t face serious jail time for stealing from a retailer, so they stick to it.

 

Police trying to return six prized war medals to rightful owner

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Members  of South Etobicoke’s  large veteran community are being asked to keep an eye out for six stolen war medals.

Police are trying the find the owner of the rare World War II medals that were recovered during a drug investigation.

Officers say members of 51 Division Major Crime Unit were conducting a drug probe last September 22 in downtown Toronto when they located the medals “that did not belong to the person they were investigating.”

Police say the medals were found near a large quantity of crystal met and other drugs in the Church and Wellesley Streets area.

Hard-working detectives would like to return the medals back to their owner.

The medals are described as a 1939-1945 Star, Burma Campaign Star, Italy Campaign Star, 1939-1945 Voluntary Service Medal and 1939-1945 War Medal (Merchant Marines).

“These medals represent a significant contribution for voluntary service during the Second World War, on three continents spanning the entirety of the war from 1939 to 1945,” said Det. Const. Paul Walker.

“Having myself served on two NATO deployments with the British Forces, the sacrifice given to earn these medals is not lost on me,” he reflects. “I hope to return these medals, as their loss is almost certainly devastating for the person who earned them.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).