I normally discuss topics and strategies related to money matters and
personal finances, but given the current pandemic emergency, this article
will offer some points to consider during this unique climate.
The effects of the pandemic are causing financial issues which most
people are going to have to adjust too.

Once again debt management will become even more imperative
for both the long and short term. Many of us are receiving the Canada
Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or EI payments and know
what cash flows to expect for the next few months.

Make a soft budget and live within these means.
Consolidate your debt! Interest rates are low and I believe that financial
institutions have a duty and are trying to help during this crisis, take
advantage. Saving and budgeting is the priority! Cook your meals and
save money on food costs. Negotiate with your landlord and the mortgage
company where possible, remember your landlord also has bills to pay so
be reasonable.

Use this time to learn a new skill or enhance your knowledge for this
changing world. Many colleges are offering extended online programs.
This virus is going to change how we live, interact with family, friends and society. Since you are confined to your home, reach out and help the
needy, maybe your neighbour or even the food bank.

If you are overspending on luxuries which quickly lose value and utility in times of crisis, then you can avoid making similar purchases. The
ordinary folks of this country will manage with less but the politicians
at all levels, are continuing to draw their big salaries. They need to lead
by example by giving back to communities that need assistance.
The front-line workers, the truckers and delivery people, the sanitation
and janitorial workers and others are putting themselves at risk to
maintain our way of life. Let’s be grateful and support in whatever way
we can.

Did you know that the mechanic who looks after our cars is paid more than
the caretaker who looks after our elderly. We need to balance our priorities. Hyper-capitalism and consumerism has shifted our focus
from the health and well-being of our citizens, to just the mass accumulation of stuff.

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.

It is a sign of our times as workers with a sense of pride placed a custom-sized mask on this bull standing outside Royal York Meat Market at 392 Royal York Rd. The mask has become a symbol of support and in solidarity for our hardworking frontline health care workers and emergency personnel battling COVID-19. Thank you for all your work
Photo by Ian Robertson.

For the first time, the Ontario Police Memorial Ceremony of Remembrance honouring officers who have died in the line of duty was held online.

A virtual ceremony was held on May 3 to honour 267 Ontario police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Instead of the usual crowds, five lone pipers played Amazing Grace, which was streamed live. Viewers were encouraged to stay home and tune in online.

“Today and everyday throughout the year we remember and honour those brave men and women who have died in the line of duty,” says Mike Adair, president of the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation.

Adair said the 11 a.m. ceremony gave viewers a moment of silence “to reflect and remember all of our brothers and sisters from police services close to home and across Canada.”

He said the ceremony is in memory of the valiant Ontario officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

If it weren’t for restrictions placed upon the province as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual ceremony would have attracted hundreds of people as it does yearly to the Ontario Police Memorial site, located on Queen’s Park Crescent.

The flag was lowered to half-mast to acknowledge fallen officers, including Const. Heidi Stevenson of the Nova Scotia RCMP, who was killed last month in the country’s worst mass killing spree that left 22 people dead.

“Recent tragic events in Nova Scotia earlier bring into sharp focus the need to recognize and honour those officers who have given their lives in service to their communities,” says Timmins Police Chief John Gauthier.

It will be quieter in the community this summer as many of our local events are cancelled due to COVID-19.

Organizers of the annual New Toronto Grill Cheese Challenge say the June event has been postponed to a later date due to the pandemic, which requires social distancing and people to remain indoors.

Chris Korwin-Kuczinski, chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA, says the health and safety of the community is their number one priority.

“It is one of our more popular festivals and people understand,” he says.

Many stores are closed, or workers laid off, until the situation improves.

Also cancelled or scale back this summer are high-profiled City events as Pride parade, Toronto Caribbean Carnival, hockey, baseball, basketball and most sports.

Residents say the Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market is also on hold since the City has stopped issuing permits due to COVID-19.

Organizers, it is reported, are looking at other venues to stage the popular market, or a virtual market or to postpone it until the situation improves. No decision has been made if the market will begin on May 30 as planned.

The popular market is has been a mainstay at Humber Bay Park West for many year with dozens of farmer and artisans selling their goods such as fresh produce, meat, herbs, cheeses, preserves and arts and crafts.

Happy social distancing birthday to Canadian Armed Forces vets Ardie and Les.

Jubilant Toronto Police, Firefighters and Alderwood residents lined up outside the homes of the two veterans on Wednesday to bring them birthday greetings. A police officer brought ballons for them.

A spry Ardwell Eyres, of Gair Dr., turned 96 while about a block away his neighbour Les Baldock, of Delma Dr., turned 97.

Friends had posted their birthdays on Facebook and asked residents to stop outside, or drive by, their homes to wave and wish them long lives with many more years to come.

A drive by of police cars with lights flashing wished the men happy birthday as a line of fire fighters  outside their homes together with residents belted out happy birthday.

Each smiling vet was serenaded with happy birthday, as a violinist played; then there was a loud hi-hip hooray and they were presented a senior’s calendar about fire safety as well as a poppy, thanking them for their service.
“I know he is feeling lonely with all this social distancing so if you are walking by Delma, he is usually sitting in his chair in front of the window and will see you wave,” the online post says of Baldock.

Many residents took to social media due to COVID-19 to thank the men for their services.

“My son and I had the pleasure of meeting both of these wonderful men early this evening,” says Sharon Hamilton. “Thank you both for your service.”

“Congrats to the Toronto Fire Service for doing this and happy birthday to our two Alderwood veterans,” wrote Sheila McKinnon.

“My son and I made a sign and drove by Mr. Baldock’s home,” says Barb Gardhouse. “He came out to wave and looks amazing.”