The South Etobicoke News

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

Batter Up! Big league baseball played in TO for more than 100 years

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Members of the Toronto Maple Leafs pro baseball team, with whom icon Babe Ruth hit his first homer.

By DAVE KOSONIC

Pro-baseball fans in our city often think of the Toronto Blue Jay,  but big league ball actually began here 106-years ago with a team called the Toronto Maple Leafs at Hanlan’s Point Stadium.

There on September 5 th , 1914 the legendary Babe Ruth nailed his first homer out of the park as a professional while playing for the Providence Grays against the Toronto Maple Leafs ball club.

In 1968 Maple Leaf Stadium was constructed close to South Etobicoke near Bathurst and Fleet Sts. This former Toronto landmark endured for 42 years until 1968 when it was demolished. It was designed to seat about 23,500 fans but  only about 800 fans attended the final game there on September 4th, 1967.

The men behind Maple Leaf Stadium and the Toronto Maple Leafs growth were team owner Lol Solman, and stadium developer and owner Jack Kent Cooke. Designed by Chapman, Oxley and Bishop, the construction cost was $300,000 but Cooke had to dig deep for $750,000 to complete the project.

The first game at Maple Leaf Stadium was played on April 26, 1926. The Leafs took their opponents the Reading Keystones to the cleaners and claimed victory. Until 1934 all games were played during daytime but night lights flooded the field beginning in 1934 enabling ball games after dark. As a result fan volume increased significantly.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were sold to Cooke in 1951 by Solman so that Cooke ran the whole show that included both the team and the stadium. During the early 1960s Cooke lobbied the Toronto City Council to pay for a new stadium to attract a major league team to Toronto. Council rejected Cook’s proposal.

One of the most dynamic Maple Leaf sluggers was Toronto’s Rocky Nelson, who was a left-handed first baseman who had a very unique batting stance. When opposing team pitchers were facing him while on the mound they knew he had their number to nail a homerun.

Local kids including myself knew exactly where Rocky lived near Burnhamthorpe Rd., and Laurel Ave., in Etobicoke. When we knocked at his door if he was home he was always very kind and genuine with us. Rocky would patiently stand on his front porch and talk baseball with us including providing batting tips. He played one season with Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958 but his career included stints with other teams.

Owner Cooke decided to bail out of playing ball and sold the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1964. The team was sold again in 1967 and their new home was in Louisville, Kentucky.

Maple Leaf Stadium became run down and worn out and it was designated a safety hazard by building inspectors. Demolition of the stadium was completed during 1968 and the property is now occupied by other facilities.

Thus ended professional baseball in Toronto until our beloved Toronto Blue Jays came to town in 1976. The Jays played their first home game at Exhibition Stadium against the Chicago White Sox in 1977 during a snow storm on April 7 th .

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Neighbourhood Barber Shop trims price for cuts for veterans & servicemen

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A New Toronto barber shop is offering $11 haircuts to all military servicemen and Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Andy Dinner, of Your Neighbourhood Barber Shop, at 2858 Lake Shore Blvd. W., says the $11 cuts will run until Remembrance Day on November 11.

“This one is personal,” Dinner wrote on social media. “My brother Tom is a Major in the Canadian military.”

Tom has served in the military for 18-years and took part in two tours of duty overseas, Dinner says.

“As a thank you to military members, we are doing $11 haircuts for current and veteran military servicemen,” he wrote.

Dinner says half of all tips that he earns during that time will go to @soldieroncanada, a charity he believes in.

The shop made a name for itself by offering $5 off cuts to clients providing they show a receipt that they shopped at a locally-owned restaurant or bar.

 

Hundreds of area residents flock to LAMP for free flu shots

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About 500 happy community residents were able to obtain flu shots at LAMP Community Health Centre despite a shortage of the cold-fighting medication.

The front lawn of LAMP’s Fifth Street property on November 7 was converted into an outdoor medical clinic with tents staffed by dozens of volunteers, who included student nurses from Humber College, qualified nurses and Dr. Noor Amin.

Dr Amin said St. Joseph’s Health Centre, where he works on a  COVID-19 Assessment Team, is one of the few places in the community where residents can be tested for COVID-19 that is free and does not require an appointment.

His was the supervising doctor at the LAMP outdoor clinic, ensuring that all procedures went well.

“People are very appreciative to get the flu shots,” Dr. Amin observed. “People were extremely happy and the line-up of people stretched around the block at intervals.”

LAMP Executive Director Keddone Dias said by late noon most of their 500 flu shots were gone.

“We are pleased to open our clinic to better serve the community,” Dias said. “People were very pleased to get their shots here.”

Area residents kept streaming to the clinic for the shots during the nice sunny day.

“They are in and out of here in five minutes,” said one volunteer. “It has been non-stop for some periods.”

LAMP had at one point briefly cancelled the event, due to a shortage of the shots.

There was another outdoor vaccination site at 7 Junction Rd., at Riverside Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging, in the Junction area.

Some larger pharmacies, like Rexall, has had to briefly suspend their inoculation program due to a lack of medication.

Rexall said it was making efforts to secure more flu vaccine doses “promptly” and promised to update its customers via email and online when flu shots became available again.

Health Minster Christine Elliott said that before the pandemic began the Ontario government had been planning a massive flu shot campaign and in preparation for that ordered 5.1 million doses — 700,000 more than 2019. When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Ontario ordered an additional 350,000 doses with help from the federal government

Traffic speeding cameras being moved with two now in Mimico

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Mimico motorists be aware!

The City of Toronto is rotating its array of traffic speeding cameras and two are now installed on Mimico streets to catch lead-footed speeders.

The penny-pinching cameras were moved from other locations and are now operating on Mimico Ave., just west of Station Rd., and Stanley Ave., near Elizabeth St., according to the City’s website.

The 50 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems are being rotated to other locations this month. They were installed last July and so far almost 10,000 speeding tickets, and in excess of 9,700 fines, have been mailed to Toronto drivers.

If you haven’t seen the signage for the new speed cameras, they are coming.

The City said once the systems begin enforcing, the appropriate signs will be posted.

The systems are installed on local, collector and arterial roads in Community Safety Zones near schools. There are two systems per ward to ensure an even distribution.

The ASE systems are mobile and are rotated every three to six months in each ward, according to the City.

“This provides an opportunity to address a greater number of areas with safety concerns and provide a wider-ranging deterrent effect,” according to the site.

“Coming soon” warning signs will be posted 90 days before ticketing begins at any new ASE location and warning letters will not be issued.

The locations are selected through a data-driven approach that considers speed and collision data.

The ASE uses a camera and a speed measurement device to detect and capture images of vehicles travelling in excess of the posted speed limit. It is designed to work in tandem with other methods and strategies, including engineering measures, education initiatives and traditional police enforcement.

The images are reviewed by Provincial Offence Officers and then tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle regardless of who was driving. Upon conviction, the only penalty is a fine – no demerit points will be issued nor will the registered owners driving record be impacted.

Since the devices began ticketing last July, the number of  tickets issued each month has decreased. In the first month, from July 6 to Aug. 5, some 22,301 tickets were mailed with 2,239 repeat offenders. In the second month, from Aug. 6 to Sept. 5, the city says 15,175 tickets were mailed out with 1,198 repeat offenders. In the third month, 9,719 fines were issued, with 604 repeat offenders.

 

Kettlemans Bagel to open their first Toronto store in the community

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Curious shoppers in the Alderwood area are keeping a keen eye on Ottawa bagel store Kettlemans, whose staff has been working for months to open their first Toronto location.

Work has been underway at Alderwood Plaza as the popular bagel chain sets up shop in the community.

The speciality bagel store is slated to open on November 12.

Motorists and pedestrians at the plaza have been watching as the shop take shape behind boarded up front windows.

Residents will finally be able to order their bagels fresh from its wood-fired oven whenever they get hungry. The bagel shop is open 24-hours daily, 365-days a year.

Kettlemans has been training its staff and getting ready for the grand opening.

The company has been operating in Ottawa since 1993, and is considered one of the city’s top bagel spots. It reportedly sells 6,000 bagels a day.

Besides their ‘award-winning world famous’ bagels, the company also carries deli sandwiches, spreads, salad and baked treats.

“We’ve prided ourselves on a passion for offering foods of the highest quality, with premium grade ingredients, that are made with old world care,” the company says on its website.

Fans of the bagel are already calling on social media for another store to be opened in the Kitchener Waterloo area.

 

 

The Seaway Hotel was a hit with Torontonians for 38 years on the Lake

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By DAVE KOSONIC

During it’s heyday the former Seaway Hotel at 2000 Lakeshore Blvd. W., had  gained a following due to the building’ s sleek and innovative modern design that was a hit with Toronto residents.

The Seaway designers received a prestigious award for their architectural skills during the 38 years the hotel operated on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Completed in 1954, the former Seaway Hotel was described as one of the ’first truly Modernist motor hotels in Canada.’

“Its crisp, clean lines eschewed the kitschy themes of the time and earned architects Ants Elken and R.W. Becksted a 1955 Massey Silver Medal,” according to records.

This landmark building opened in 1955 and was demolished in 1993 to make space for an on-ramp to the Gardiner Expressway East.

Sources indicate that the Seaway originated from the Sunnyside Motor Hotel, near the popular Sunnyside Amusement Park, which in its heyday was a top Toronto hotspot.

During its  era the Seaway experienced many interesting twists-and-turns. The original 1955 structure was three storeys tall and a 12-floor tower was added in 1963 that greatly increased the number of rooms.

During the post-war years the demand for motel-style accommodations steadily grew in an era of the popularity of the motorcar.

The designers stretched the Seaway horizontally so that guests could enjoy a southerly

view over Lake Ontario and enjoy the lights at night. Passersby recall that the structure was

painted white with the exception of the dark Roman red bricks at the ends of the building.

The white Seaway Hotel sign which later changed to the Seaway Towers Motor Hotel was quite visible as customers were looking for this place

The atmosphere at the Seaway was enhanced by wraparound balconies, a rooftop patio and a

swimming pool. Its restaurant, enclosed in glass as well as a lounge, and banquet hall

attracted many patrons. An elaborate green marble stairway led to a discreet bar.

The food and beverage servers at the Seaway were very classy and sophisticated and wore

finely-tailored outfits. But as the saying goes – all good things must come to an end.

Upon the Seaway demolition and the completion of the replacement Gardiner on-ramp

a new structure was constructed nearby. It is known as the Four Points By Sheraton Toronto

Lakeshore Hotel located at 1926 Lakeshore Blvd. W.

On a personal note. I took my high school sweetheart on a special date to the former

Seaway on her birthday back in the day for a fancy dinner in the dining room. Guess I was

trying to impress her. The legal age to consume alcohol then was 21 and neither of us had

reached that magic number. But the server just told us not to tell anyone and he gave us each

a nice little glass of wine.

 

 

LAMP flu shots on Saturday at their Fifth Street parking lot

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Officials from LAMP Community Health Centre say their outdoor flu clinics will take place tomorrow for residents to obtain a free flu shot.

The clinics will continue despite a shortage of flu vaccine that has led to a number of large pharmacies to take a pause in their programs citing a lack of medication.

The LAMP clinics will take place on Saturday November 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in their 185 Fifth Street parking lot.

There is another outdoor vaccination site at 7 Junction Rd., at Riverside Cardiology and Diagnostic Imaging, in the Junction area.

Officials said “all are welcome for regular dose vaccinations while supplies last.”

It is free and no appointment is necessary.

The program, which is hosted by the West Toronto Ontario Health Team, will provide shots for everyone from six months and older.

Those seeking shots are advised to bring their health cards, even though organizers say those without an OHIP are also welcomed.

The outdoor vaccinations was initially cancelled due to a lack of medication.

A number of pharmacies and offices have posted messages on social media cancelling their flu shot programs due to a shortage of the medication.

Rexall Pharmacy said their program is cancelled until further notice.

Rexall said it was making efforts to secure more flu vaccine doses “promptly” and promised to update its customers via email and online when flu shots became available again.

Health Minster Christine Elliott said that before the pandemic began the Ontario government had been planning a massive flu shot campaign and in preparation for that ordered 5.1 million doses — 700,000 more than 2019. When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Ontario ordered an additional 350,000 doses with help from the federal government.

 

Gatehouse annual transforming trauma conference Nov. 22 – 27

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As part of a community committed to the healing of victims of trauma, we hope you, your colleagues, will join us for The Gatehouse 10th Annual Transforming Trauma Conference from November 22 to 27.

This year, organizers say, the event has gone virtual as a series of topic focused live webinars and registration is free.
This event will gather together; social agencies, health care professionals, first responders, and survivors of trauma in the Greater Toronto area and beyond to exchange ideas, share evidence-based approaches to prevent and treat the symptoms and impact of trauma.

It is our intention that attendees will be educated and empowered to become agents of transformation for themselves and those who have been impacted, according to Gatehouse officials.

We need everyone’s support to spread awareness. Registration is required for each session. Maximum 100 participants per webinar.
Visit Conference information and registration page online to learn more about the sessional line up and register today for this year’s virtual conference at www.thegatehouse.org

This event was funded by The Department of Justice Canadas’ Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.

 

 

Halloween lives in the eyes of these smiling costumed children

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Dozens of area smiling costumed children with smiling faces were treated with bags of candy to celebrate Halloween this year.

It was a chilly October 31 evening as volunteers with the Lake Shore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) handed out about 300 bags of pre-made treats using a long tool with a grip to children as they walked on the sidewalk at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Sixth Street.

Organizers say the turnout was not as much as previous years due to the threat of COVID-19, which had many kids staying indoors.

Many children were escorted by their parents as they made their way ecstatically to the candy.

“It is nice to see people handing out candy this year,” many parents said. “A lot of children did not come out due to the COVID warnings.”

The gloved and masked organizers were there from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. when just about all the treats were gone.

 

 

Making money and your wealth by Rattan

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Hello Readers, last week I wrote about budgets and if any you attempted to undertake the exercise one would have realized it was not any easy task. Having said that it was my way of helping you to develop a relationship with money. An alternate to developing a budget and monitoring it is to, not spend more than what you make in a day. This a relatively simple exercise requiring self-control and discipline.

During these COVID-19 days it is important to maintain a good physical, mental and financial health. The former two one can use the medical facilities available to all. For your fiscal health you may choose to deal with a Financial Planner.  To have a good financial health one needs to have a good Credit score, a good saving plan, a good retirement plan, living debt free with an affordable roof over your head.

A good Credit Score is 720 plus. At this level the banks will talk to you about your need for loans or mortgage. Landlords will have no issues in renting to you. Insurance companies will give you a favourable rate on your automobile insurance. A credit score of 620 is on the low end. Look at your credit score and take all the actions to bring it up to a more desirable level

A savings plan is a must, to build up a cushion for unanticipated expenses or situations. Even if start of with a $1 daily you are on the way. Your savings should cover anywhere three to six months of spending.  These saving could be any form GICs or Mutual Funds as long as you have access to these funds in a relatively short notice. More importantly it will give you confidence as you move forward.

Retirement plan would require a lot more thought, depending upon what stage of life you are at. Look at your current spending at estimate what you will need when you retire, hopefully your house is paid of kids (if any) are settled and you are ready for the next stage of your life. This plan should looked at periodically with help of a trusted financial adviser.

Debt is a big killer even with the low interest rates, especially if it is credit card debt. Every effort should be made to reduce your debt it zero. Only good debt is a mortgage and if you have the stomach to borrow and invest. Getting out of the burden of debt will give you confidence to move forward to a more meaning full life. The interest cost of your debt is in after-tax dollars, in other words you have to earn an income pay taxes and use the money to the interest.

Get your Financial health in shape, get started today.

Rattan Gandhi is owner of Quick Refund Tax, 133 Sixth St. His opinions stem from 15 years of experience in helping clients in the tax area. If you have questions, he can be reached at 905-616-5253 or rattangandhi@gmail.com.