The South Etobicoke News

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

Dr. Ridley loved and respected in 40-years at Alderwood

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So long Dr. Bud.

Many residents are mourning the death Dr. Charles Maynard (Bud) Ridley who treated hundreds of people in the community during his 40-year practice in Alderwood.

Dr. Ridley passed away last May 12 at the age of 95.

Family members say Dr. Ridley grew up in New Toronto and was proud of his city and jumped at any opportunity to share with his family places like the Royal Ontario Museum, High Park and the CNE.
He graduated from University of Toronto School of Medicine in 1951 and opened his general practice on Browns Line where he cared for the Alderwood community for over 40 years.

“He was always proud to be one of the founding doctors of Queensway General Hospital and after he closed his office he continued working on the surgical team there until he was 86, practicing medicine for 60-years,” according to his obituary.

The physician was well-known and loved in the community.

The years spent in Bala with the Muskoka Rest family, the Twin Lakes Hunt Camp in Noelville, or on family trips exploring Canada were the happiest for all of us, his family says.

“He had an abundance of energy whether it was trekking through the sugar bush with a butterfly net or chopping and stacking wood for hours on end,” they say, adding his patience knew no bounds whether it was spending time with his daughters and grandchildren in the boat fishing or being their chauffeur.
His joy and zest for life and his compassion for others earned him the trust and respect of everyone who knew and loved him, according to the obituary.

Online condolences can be left on the Ridley Funeral Home site. Donations in Bud’s memory can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Family members say Bud loved a good party and there will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

Hollywood North hit movies filmed on the Lakeshore Grounds

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Movie blockbusters like Police Academy and it sequels, Suicide Squad, Urban Legend, Strange Brew and many others were filmed at the historic Lakeshore Grounds over the years.

There was a time when some local residents managed to get work as extras on movie shoots that occurred regularly on the 130-acre grounds of the former Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, which is now used by Humber College.

Other movies like Equus, with the late Richard Burton, Phobia and Higher Education were also filmed at the former hospital, in addition to countless TV shows and commercials over time.

Members of the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre (LGIC) says the grounds has served as a popular filming location for movies, television shows, and commercials since 1977.

They used to conduct free tours of the underground network of tunnel that runs under the grounds or talk to groups about the history of the place or locations of where certain movies were filmed.

“Learn about the history of the former Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital as we explore the patient-built underground tunnels and 19th-century cottages,” according to information from LGIC.

“The tour presents an overview of the Hospital’s history, acknowledges the varied experiences of patients and staff across different decades,” says the information. “The tour concludes with an optional entry into one of the un-renovated attics above the cottages.”

The LGIC is part of Humber College that is dedicated to harmony and knowledge around themes of education, mental health, Aboriginal history, environmental sustainability and civic engagement.

The former Mimico Asylum was built in 1888 and officially opened on January 1889.

The facility was closed as a hospital in 1979 with the last 280 patients being transferred to other sites. At its height in 1950, the hospital housed 1,391 patients. It was deemed a historic property in 1988.

Frontline workers at Eatonville get love in hot meals

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A belly-full of love in a hot meal.

Frontline workers at the Eatonville Care Centre, which has seen a number of COVID-19 deaths, were shown love by some community members in the form of hot meals.

Members of the Tibetan Canadian Culture Centre (TCCC), in partnership with Norling Tibetan and Hakka Cuisine, at 1512 Queen St. W., on Friday took 150 steaming meals, to feed workers on all shifts, at the 420 The East Mall Centre.

Two new COVID-19 deaths were reported at Eatonville last week. The nursing home, which is located near Burnhamthorpe Rd., and The East Mall, is one of the hardest hit by the virus, with more than 40 coronavirus-related fatalities.

“The staff at Eatonville went through some challenging times and we want to let them know that we care,” says Tsering Wangyal, president of the TCCC. “This is a small way by our community to thank our frontline Healthcare Heroes for their commitment and hardwork during these unprecedented times.”

The group thanked the frontline staff and were appreciative of the work they do to help the community.

The 247-bed home has 43 active cases among residents, while 98 residents have recovered from the virus. More than 20 staffers are still battling the virus while 77 have recovered. It is among six long-term care facilities in Toronto that have 40 or more reported COVID-19 deaths.

Members of the TCCC plan to deliver 275 meals on May 24 to residents of Kensington Gardens, a non-profit, long-term care home in the heart of Kensington Market, which offers 24-hour care, programs and services for the 350 residents and their families.

The TCCC is raising funds to make more food, dozens of masks and headgear, which are available at their 40 Titan Rd. centre. Donations can also be made online at tcccgc.org.

Dino’s Pizza location hit hard by COVID-19

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Popular pizza maker Dino Ari has been forced to shut his newest location on Kipling Ave., citing poor business due to the pandemic virus.

Dino’s Pizza has been a staple in west-end Toronto for nearly two decades with restaurants in three locations, says the colourful and hard-working founder.

He will be closing his most recently-established restaurant at 871 Kipling Ave., which has a large dining space.

“It was a nice place, a good location for dine-in and a bar,” Ari told blogTO. “But unfortunately, we can’t always win.”

He says most customers were dine-in, with many who came to drink at the bar.

He took over the location about two months before COVID-19 swept in and it has been quiet since for all restaurants, many who now offer curbside pickup and delivery.

Ari says his other locations at 4923 Dundas St. W., and 820 The Queensway continue to prosper as demand for takeout remains high. And while he’s sad to see the new location go, he says he’s grateful to still be doing business at all.

The pizza maker has a long history and loyal following in the community. He is well-known for giving his time and pizza to many local charities: including those involving first responders and other essential workers.

 

Visit Plant Exchange to cop food or flowers

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It is warmer outside, and it is time for planting crops.

The Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society (LEGS) is holding its Plant Exchange that runs from May 15 to June 15.

Plants can be picked up or dropped off at a number of local locations.  Just look for the green Plant Library & Exchange Sign.

The aim of the group is to ‘grow food security and educate the public on permaculture, organic and urban safe food growing practices throughout the South Etobicoke region.’

“We strive to support, connect and create spaces that support vulnerable communities and anyone that wants and needs access to healthy, fresh, and affordable food,’ according to LEGS website.

They also have a food forest garden with permaculture and organic principles at the Daily Bread Food Bank, at 191 New Toronto St.

The group supports people growing plants in their own gardens and exchanging plants, seeds and conversations.

You can pick up for drop off plants at: Mimico Baptist Church, 80 Hillside Ave., on Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; The Healing Muse Apothecary, 2859 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Primrose Ave. and Lake Shore
Blvd. W., Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also at the north-east corner of Park Blvd., and Long Branch Ave., on May 30, May 31, June 6, June 7, June 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Lake Promenade and 23rd Street on May 24, 31, June 4, 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LEGS can be reached at 416-347-5449 or by email: info@legsetobicoke.ca

Police warning seniors of new COVID texting scam

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Just when you think you’ve heard them all.

Canadian and U.S. police are warning seniors and cell phone users of the latest text message scam that is starting to make the rounds to take advantage of COVID-19.

The Thomaston Police Department in Maine posted on Facebook a photo of the alert being sent to people in a text message, which should not be opened.

The message was sent to someone in Maine from an Indiana area code telling them they need to self-isolate because they came in contact with someone who tested positive or has shown symptoms for coronavirus.

The alert also tells you to get tested.

“If you receive a text message like the one pictured, do not click the link!” police wrote on Facebook. “It is not a message from any official agency. It is however a gateway for bad actors to find their way into your world.”

Police said it could be a phishing scam to get your personal information.

“The virus is not the only invisible enemy,” police said. “Be vigilant against all threats!”

Officers say scammers are also targeting seniors with text messages posing as U.S. and Canadian Health officials telling them they need to take a mandatory online COVID-19 test in order to receive the recently approved government stimulus payment.

Police are warning If you receive a similar text message, do not open the link because it is not from an official agency. It is a gateway for criminals to find their way into your wallet, detectives say.

 

From making fun costumes to face masks

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Designs By Gen is a small upholstery shop in New Toronto that has switched over to making masks during these challenging times.

Enterprising Owner and Master Seamstress Geneveene Louwe says she’s busy these days selling her masks to residents, non-profit agencies and taking part in some giveaways.

Louwe prior to COVID-19 used to work with costumes and as a result uses ’fun fabrics,’ which are a ‘little edgy.’

“I like to be honest when I promote sewing masks,” she says. “I am doing this to help people and save the business.”

Her masks are well-designed, colourful and are popular.  She has quite an assortment of masks available.

Louwe can be reached at 647-765-4828 or you can order from www.bespokeoriginal.com or

www.facebook.com/bespokeoriginaldesign

 

Frequent fox, coyote sightings in the area

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This fox was last seen being chased by an angry dog.

There has been a number of sightings and complaints by area residents in regards to foxes, coyotes and other wild animals running through the neighbourhood at all hours.

This fox was seen on May 21 being chased by a dog along an Alderwood street. Residents watched as the animal crossed Brown’s Line and was heading west to nearby parklands.

“This is crazy,” one resident said. “This fox was fearless.”

City workers point to a family of high-profile foxes living under the Boardwalk near Cherry Beach. The family had garnered so much social media attention that barriers had to be erected near their nest to keep people away.

City of Toronto officials say there were more than 1,250 sightings of coyotes last year.

Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) workers the wild animals usually hang out near ravine systems, large grassy fields, and “large parks where small mammals — a main staple in their diet — are plentiful.”

A coyote trotting up and down a residential street is an unusual occurrence, which has been increasing in frequency to the point where some residents are posting signs around dog parks to warn pet owners of potential coyote attacks.

The City will not remove coyotes, in accordance with Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, but Toronto Animal Services may take sick or injured coyotes to a wildlife rehabilitation facility where they can recover before going back to where they were first captured.

“Coyotes may approach pets that are not supervised, especially cats and small dogs. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pet while they are outside,” warns the city.

They are also reminding residents to never feed a coyote or any wild animal, since it is detrimental to the community and the animals themselves.”

Long and proud history of Fire Station 435 on Eighth St.

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This is a story of ‘The Lone Wolf.’

Local firefighters and residents are proud of the distinguished history of Station 435 at 130 Eighth Street which was built in 1929 and turns 91-years-old this year.

Dubbed ‘R435: The Lone Wolf,’ the station was  part of the New Toronto Fire Dept., (NTFD) which served Mimico and Long Branch, before it was absorbed by the Etobicoke Fire Dept. (EFD) in 1967 and later Toronto Fire Services under amalgamation in 1998.

The first volunteer fire brigade was organized in the area around 1914, according to records, which described the equipment as “rudimentary’ and consisted of two lengthy pieces of hose, a wheelbarrow and axes placed at Fourth and Twenty Second Streets.

A hand-drawn hose cart was later obtained to make life a little easier for the volunteer firemen.

It wasn’t until 1918 that The Lone Wolf obtained its first motorized apparatus; a pumper built on a McLaughlin-Buick chassis.

Built in 1929, the two-bay fire hall and living quarters is pretty much the same today. The facility was manned by two paid fire fighters of a then 24-man strong EFD. It originally housed both the New Toronto municipal offices and volunteer fire department.

With the area undergoing rapid industrial growth during WW11, the NTFD became the first in Etobicoke to purchase an aerial truck, an American LaFrance 85′ mid-mount with a steel ladder that was delivered in 1954.

Proud fire fighters bragged about their state-of-the-art truck that could pump 850 gallons per minute at a raging blaze. The station would handle about 200 calls yearly.

By the 1950s the department had expanded to 26 paid men and by 1965 the use of volunteers was discontinued.

New Toronto amalgamated with neighbouring municipalities in 1967 to form the Borough of Etobicoke. The NTFD was no more and re-designated Etobicoke Fire Department Station 9.

Perhaps their busiest night on record was in 1954 when Hurricane Hazel struck killing dozens of people, including five volunteer fire fighters from the Kingsway-Lambton station. Dozens of residents were rescued along the Lakeshore that night, including several that had been swept into the Etobicoke Creek.

The station was re-numbered Station 435 in 1998 with amalgamation. Fire fighter Jon Lasiuk recalled their new patch says, the “Lone Wolf” remains “On Shore Patrol, protecting the south-west corner of Toronto.”

Tibetans giving back in these troubled times

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Members of the Tibetan Canadian Culture Center (TCCC) in partnership with Himalayan Kitchen, at 1526 Queen St. W., were handing out 233 hot lunch boxes on May 19 to those in need at the E.W. Bickle Centre for Complex Continuing Care, on 130 Dunn Ave., in the City’s west end.

“This is a small way by our community to thank our frontline Healthcare Heroes for their commitment and hardwork during these unprecedented times,” says TCCC president Tsering Wangyal. “We are all in this together and we all have to come together to show our kindness.”

The group thanked the frontline staff and were appreciative of the work they do to help the community.

The Bickle Centre provides palliative care for patients and have an interdisciplinary team that addresses areas as pain management, symptom control, physical comfort and emotional, psychological and spiritual needs.

Members of the TCCC plan to deliver on May 22 some 150 hot meals to the Eatonville Care Centre, with almost 250 residents; and 275 meals on May 24 to residents of Kensington Gardens, a non-profit, long-term care home in the heart of Kensington Market, which offers 24-hour care, programs and services for the 350 residents and their families.

The TCCC has also been raising funds to make more food, dozens of masks and headgear, which are available at their 40 Titan Rd. centre. Donations can also be made online at tcccgc.org.