TC Tibetan MoMos are fresh and made with Ontario ingredients. Photos by Tom Godfrey.

TC Tibetan MoMo, at 182 Royal York
Rd.

It has been a long journey from Nepal and now we have authentic Tibetan-style MoMos cooking right here in South Etobicoke.

TC Tibetan MoMo, at 182 Royal York Rd., is home of one of the first MoMo take-outs in our community.

“My love for MoMo came from watching my father make, cook and serve them to family and friends,” says Llundup Gyatso, who with wife, Tsewang, had a dream to open their own restaurant. “Momos are not only a traditional Tibetan food, they are also symbols of festivities and celebrations.”

MoMos are a staple dish of Tibetans and the recipe as old as the Himalayan mountains. The MoMo is a Tibetan-style dumpling, are also known as perogies, gyoza or dim sum, which contains a meat or vegetable filling, that is dipped in a tasty sauce to achieve a sumptuous flavour.

“Traditional MoMo are a mix of simple dough-wrapped around fillings of a choice of meat or vegetables,” Gyatso explains in his clean and well-stocked store. “It is a very simple food, yet a tasty meal.”

The couple make their own sauces, which range from hot, to vegan or vegetables, in which the piping hot MoMos are dipped for a nice flavour. The prices are affordable and the MoMos quite good. I tried the beef.

The family arrived here in 2012 from Nepal, where Gyatso was born to Tibetan parents, who were forced to flee their homeland during the Chinese occupation.

“It was my wife’s dream to start our own business selling this delicious Tibetan food,” he insists.

They began working on their vision and regularly sell their home-made products at a farmer’s market at Wychwood Barn in Toronto.

“Slowly and steadily TC Tibetan MoMo became a part of life and has now spread its wings,” he says. “The take-out restaurant is now part of a bigger family with a flow of customers who continually show their support.”

They only use fresh produce and ingredients sourced from Ontario farmers, including organic white flour as wrapping.

TC Tibetan MoMo, at 182 Royal York Rd., can be reached by phone at 416-251-7887 or visit http://tctibetanmomo.com/

Long Branch Bald Eagle named Roberta, after the famous Scot poet. Photo by Pat Rice.

It was a treat for bird lovers in Long Branch a day before celebrating Robbie Burns Day.

This rare Bald Headed Eagle was photographed by long-time Long Branch resident Pat Rice on January 24 while it was taking a break on an iconic tree in his backyard.

Bill Zufelt, Director of the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association and Chair of the Association’s History and Culture Committee, said the tree, called Titan, is one of the largest and oldest Red Oak in South Etobicoke.

Some of the oldest trees in the country are in Long Branch, he said.

Zufelt said the famed eagle was Christened “Robert,” in recognition of Robbie Burns Day, which was celebrated worldwide on January 25.

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the late poet Burns, the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet’s birthday, 25 January, known as Burns Night.

“Apparently there are no flying and travel restrictions for our American neighbor’s national birds and it’s a welcoming sign of hope that ‘all’ will return to traveling abroad in the future,” he muses.

The bald eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. A sea eagle, it has two known subspecies and its range includes most of Canada and Alaska, all of the U.S., and northern Mexico. It is found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.

The bald eagle is the national bird of the U.S., and it appears on its seal. In the late 20th century it was on the brink of extirpation and populations have since recovered, and the species was removed from the U.S. government‘s list of endangered species on July 12, 1995 and transferred to the list of threatened species.

It was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the U.S. in 2007.

POLICE  are pn the tail of two men who stabbed a woman and took off. Courtesy photos.

Police have stepped up a hunt for two men who are on the lam for stabbing a woman near The West Mall.

Toronto Police are requesting the public’s assistance in trying to locate the two suspects who are accused of stabbing the woman in the area of The West Mall and Rathburn Rd.

Investigators are running out of leads and are urging anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact them.

The woman is recuperating in hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries after the stabbing, according to 22 Division police.

Officers were called to the area of just after 10:30 p.m. after a citizen telephoned for help.

Police say the two males were seen fleeing into a park in the area.

Officers say there was an argument between the woman and the suspects when she was stabbed.

Anyone with information can contact police at 416-808-2200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on Toronto Crime Stoppers Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

Staff Sgt. Larry McLarty was the first Black officer on the Toronto Police Service and Det. Alton C. Parker (right and on cover) was the first Black detective in Canada, working for Windsor Police. Dept.

Two late great policemen who influenced generations of Black cops in Canada are being remembered for their trailblazing work in February for Black History Month.

Ret. Staff Sergeant Larry McLarty had a long and outstanding career as the first Black cop on the Toronto Police Service and Alton C. Parker rose to become Canada’s first Black detective.

McLarty, aka Larry, a former member of the Jamaican Constabulary Force, worked when he first arrived in Canada as a railway porter, catalogue book packer, night cleaner and in a hospital kitchen before getting a break to return to the work he loved.

When McLarty applied to Toronto Police, he was disappointed to learn he was one-eighth of an inch too short. Then two months later, while being measured for a new suit, he discovered he met the height requirement after all.

He eagerly reapplied to the force and was hired in 1960 making him the first Black officer in Toronto.

The young officer and his family were living in Etobicoke at the time and would live here for many years before moving to Oshawa.

In his 32 years of service, he rose from walking the beat on streets as Bloor and College Sts., to being an initial member of Toronto’s emergency task force. He retired as a Detective Sergeant in 1992.

“He was very proud about being the first black police officer in Toronto,” his son, Michael, said in an interview. “On a personal level, it was an achievement. But on another level, it represented a secure job with steady income, that he could provide for his family.”

Michael said his father faced some discrimination inside and outside of the office as he moved forward in his career.

Also being honoured is Alton C. Parker, who in 1951, became the first Black to hold a rank of Detective in Canada.

Parker was born in Windsor in 1907 and joined the Windsor Police Dept. in 1942 as a mechanic.

He became the force’s first Black Constable and had to face some backlash in the community due his colour.

His outstanding work and personality changed his fellow officer’s views on diversity in the work force. He enjoyed serving the community with dedication and pride, and in 1951 he was promoted to the rank of Detective, making him the first black Detective in Canada.

Parker was a recipient of many awards in recognition for his involvement with the community. In 1976 he received the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, in 1977 he was awarded the queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, and in 1986 he received the Harry Jerome Award for his commitment to youth. In 1988 Detective Alton Parker was named The Person of the Year by the North American Black Historical Museum.

He touched many lives. Detective Alton C. Parker passed away in 1989.

BOZZO overseas his team to bring customers the best Italian sandwiches, cakes and coffee. Bozzo Family photos.

BREAD piping hot just off the baker’s rack and ready for customers.

The owners of the long-established San Remo Bakery in Mimico are temporarily shutting the popular sandwich and coffee spot until February 6 due to COVID-19.

The Bozzo family, who own San Remo, on Royal York Rd., in a post on social media wrote “some of our employees in the baking staff have tested positive for COVID-19.”

“Our father also tested positive,” staff of the family-owned bakery said in a candid note. “We need time to ensure it does not spread further.”

They are in the process of deep-cleaning the bakery and “focus on the health of our family and employees.”

The Bozzos’ said they are working with public health officials and “following their suggestions and protocols.”

“This is not an easy time for us,” the post warns. “It is tough operating during a pandemic and we are heartbroken right now.”

They thank area residents for all the support and well-wishes that they, and their dad, have received.

“Our customers are incredible and we think it is important to be transparent with our community,” they said.

Residents said they miss the fresh, local bakery but it is better to be safe.

“The transparency is brave and refreshing,” Christina Fox responded on social media. “This is one more reason why San Remo Bakery is on the top of the list and many loyal customers will return when you are ready.”

Long-time customer Gina Guidareilli is alerting staff to stay healthy.

“Take care of yourselves and your dad, it is the most important thing at the moment,” Guidareilli wrote. “Thank you for caring about our community.”

“Your health and the health of your family and employees is of utmost importance,” said Paul Wilson.

“Best of luck for a speedy recovery to you, your family, and your staff,” noted LeAnne Armano. “As well, thank you for such a full disclosure to the community that loves you.”

The widely-acclaimed and award winning bakery was founded in 1969 by Natale Bozzo, who arrived here from Italy when he was 15-years-old. The 52-year-old company has been passed on to his three sons.

Questions or comments are directed to julia@sanremobakery.com

PAYING TRIBUTE to Lt.-Gov. Lincoln Alexander on namesake day celebrated on January 21 yearly. Courtesy photo.

TORONTO Police Service horse named ‘Lincoln.’ TPS photo.

Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Lincoln Alexander is being remembered for his lengthy tenure of public service and human rights.

January 21 was Lincoln Alexander Day, which is a national day of recognition marked yearly to honour the first Black member of Parliament in the House of Commons, federal cabinet minister as Minister of Labour, military veteran and champion of equality.

He was born in Toronto in 1922. He died in 2012 at the age of 90.

Alexander’s mom, Mae Rose, was from Jamaica and dad, Lincoln Sr., was a porter on the Canadian Pacific Railway, who arrived here from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Linc, as he was affectionately called, faced a fair bit of discrimination growing up in early Toronto. He first distinguished himself in service to Canada in 1942 as a corporal and wireless operator in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War.

While stationed in Vancouver, he was refused service at a bar because of his race. He reported the incident to a superior officer who refused to take action. Alexander quit the Air Force in 1945 and was granted an honourable discharge. Of that incident, he said: “[A]t that time they didn’t know how to deal with race relations of this sort of thing; they just turned a blind eye to it.”

He married first wife Yvonne Harrison in 1948. A year later he applied for a sales job at Stelco, a steel plant in Hamilton. Although he had references, the support of McMaster University and the mayor of Hamilton, Stelco was unwilling to have a Black man on its sales force.

By 1955, Alexander partnered with Dave Duncan, forming a law firm that he claimed was the first inter-racial law partnership in Canada.

Alexander bought his own home in Hamilton in 1958 and lived there for nearly four decades.

He ran in the 1965 federal election as the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada candidate in Hamilton West but was defeated. He ran again in the 1968 federal election and won the seat, becoming Canada’s first black Member of Parliament.

Alexander was an observer to the United Nations in 1976 and 1978 and served briefly as Minister of Labour in the Progressive Conservative Party‘s minority government headed by Joe Clark from 1979 to 1980.

He held the seat until resigning in 1980, when he was asked to serve as chair of the province’s Workers Compensation Board.

In 1985 he was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and became the first Black to serve in a vice-regal position in Canada.

As viceroy he visited 672 communities, held 675 receptions, received roughly 75,000 guests, attended 4,000 engagements, and visited 230 schools.

Alexander was appointed to the Order of Ontario in 1992 and became a Companion of the Order of Canada. From 1991 to 2007, he served as Chancellor of the University of Guelph.

He was accorded a state funeral and the Ontario government proclaimed January 21 “Lincoln Alexander Day.” He is commemorated on a Black History Month stamp and has had schools and a highway in his beloved Hamilton named after him, including a Toronto Police Service horse named, Lincoln.

 

CHIEF Matthew Pegg was named 2020 Fire Chief of the Year. Courtesy photo.

Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg has a new award to put on his filled shelf.

Pegg, who is also the General Manager of Emergency Management, has been awarded the prestigious 2020 Fire Chief of the Year Award presented by the Ontario Fire Chiefs.

“I am blessed,” Pegg wrote on Twitter. “Wow. Not often do I feel speechless, but I do today. Thank you so much for this. I accept this honour on behalf of each and every member of the Canadian fire service who is giving their all each day. Thanks to my amazing team.”

Pegg is also leading Toronto’s preparedness and response to Covid-19 as the Incident Commander.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done to keep Toronto and Ontario both Fire and COVID-19 safe,’ the Ontario Fire Chiefs said. “The trophy is in the mail.”

They said that Fire Chiefs are special people in that “we walk into chaos at emergency situations, and what do we do? We create order.”

Chief Pegg has been serving as the fourth and current Chief of Toronto Fire Services (TFS) since May 2016. He is the highest-ranking TFS member.

He was appointed General Manager of the City of Toronto’s Office of Emergency Management in 2018.

In March 2020, Pegg was appointed to lead the City of Toronto’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Incident Commander for the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the development and operation of the most complex incident management system in Toronto’s history, including the longest-ever continuous deployment of the Emergency Operations Centre.

HALTON police arrest man for mistreating a wild racoon he had living in his basement. Above the animal being rescued. Police photo.

This is a completely true and totally bizarre occurrence.

A Burlington man face a number of criminal charges for mistreating a racoon that he had living in the basement of his home.

Halton Regional Police had to obtain a search warrant on January 20 to enter the Burlington home. They were assisted by the Burlington Fire Department, Animal Control and Emergency Services officers.

Police said they obtained information that a man was “mistreating” a wild racoon, which lived in his basement.

“Further information was obtained that there were multiple electrical and fire code violations inside the home,” according to a release by Halton police.

Officers said they located a racoon in a locked cage inside the residence.

“Unfortunate due to the health condition of the racoon, it was seized and euthanized by Animal Control,” police said.

A 55-year-old man, whose name was not released, is charged with causing damage or injury to an animal, breach release order, mischief over $5,000 and keep live game wildlife in captivity, which is contrary to the Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Scott Heyerman of the 3 District Street Crime Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 2342.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

SMALL businesses are closing daily in our community due largely to COVID-19 and big box stores. File photo.

The local Lakeshore Village BIA has joined others in calling on the province to ban big box stores from selling non-essential items.

BIA officials have been warning that small businesses in Lakeshore Village and other areas as Long Branch, Mimico and Alderwood are suffering as there are long lineups for big box stores at Sherway Gardens Mall.

A letter was sent to Premier Doug Ford on January 18 by Councillor Brad Bradford and John Kiru, of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), warning that the current public health measures are having a huge impact on small, locally-owned businesses.

They said the letter was on behalf of Toronto’s 84 Business Improvement Areas, which represents more than 70,000 businesses and property owners across the city.

“We are asking you to take urgent action by going one step further in the orders and mandating big box stores and other retailers selling essential goods to close off sections of their stores where non-essential items are displayed,” the businesses told the Premier.

It said that under the latest emergency order big box stores can sell non-essential items in-store and after-hours.

“This puts small businesses at a disadvantage and is a public health concern as it may encourage non-essential travel,” Ford was told.

The province is being asked to demand some changes from the big box stores.

“We are asking you to take urgent action by going one step further in the orders and mandating big box stores and other retailers selling essential goods to close off sections of their stores where non-essential items are displayed,” the letter urged.

It noted that the big box stores need to be kept open to provide essentials goods for folks, especially given the geography and access to online shopping across Ontario.

“But there is also an imperative to be fair with main street businesses who have made incredible sacrifices throughout the pandemic,’ the business owners said.

They are calling for the new public health measures to further curb non-essential travel and to be equitable to all business operators and continue delivering on the support promised to small business owners throughout the health crisis.

Ford for his part last week told residents to forget about the big box stores and support their local businesses.