The South Etobicoke News

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

Popular drive-in movies at Sherway Mall almost sold out

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See you at the movies!
CF Sherway Gardens Mall is hosting a popular outdoor drive-in-movie experience on Thursdays and Sundays at one of their converted parking lots.

The shows began on July 29 and will run for three weeks. It features a double bill at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and tickets are $10 per car. Tickets are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis with all proceeds being donated to charity.

Many of the older pre-released fun movies are already sold out.

Sherway officials say this is a great way to spend “a fun family night or a date night to remember.”

The mall has partnered with the City of Toronto on their Drive-InTO initiative, which is focused on bringing temporary drive-in entertainment experiences to the City this summer.

On the third weekend, in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada, Sherway will be hosting a special night showcasing  Canadian content including the feature film, True North: Inside the Rise of Toronto Basketball (E); Mighty Jerome (E), which chronicles the rise, fall and redemption of Harry Jerome, Canada’s most record-setting track and field star; and the profoundly moving film, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (E) that tells the powerful story of the death of a young Cree man named Colten Boushie and his family’s fight for justice.

Some of the upcoming movies include:

Saturday, August 8 at 6:00pm – The Wild Life (PG)

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 8 at 9:00pm – Long Shot (14A)

Thursday, August 13 at 6:00pm – True North (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Thursday, August 13 at 9:00pm – nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Friday, August 14 at 6:00pm – Mighty Jerome (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Friday, August 14 at 9:00pm – True North (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 15 at 6:00pm – The Wild Life (PG)

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 15 at 9:00pm – Long Shot (14A)

 

 

Man taken to hospital in morning crash on Horner Ave.

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A man was rushed to hospital this morning after a collision between a car and a motorcycle near Horner and Alderbrae Aves., in South Etobicoke.

Toronto Police Traffic officers say a man suffered a serious injuries in the crash involving a car and motorbike on August 7, around 7 a.m.

“Drivers and pedestrians please move over and allow emergency vehicles to pass,” police said on Twitter afterwards.

Police say the man is expected to survive. The motorist was unhurt.

Some roads were closed in the area as police conducted their investigation.

 

Work to begin on Bell Box Murals and Eighth St. Skatepark

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Sure to beautify our community.

The 2020 Etobicoke Lakeshore Bell Box Murals begin on August 10 and runs until August 23 during which visual artists will paint 16 boxes in the Long Branch and Alderwood areas.

Since 2009 artists from the Murals Project have painted over 350 murals on Bell Canada outdoor utility boxes in 36 communities throughout Toronto, Southern Ontario and Quebec.

Selected artists include: Marley Allen-Ash, Heidi Berton, Talie Shalmon, GETSO, Jieun June Kim, Gosia Komorski, Daniela Rocha, Laura Smith, Camila Wong, Nazli Nahidi, Katika Marczell, Linh Thai, Andre Kan, Yasaman Mehrsa, Andrea Rodriguez and Melika Saeeda.

The Murals Project is a partnership between Councillor Mark Grimes, City of Toronto, Lakeshore Arts, and Community Matters Toronto.

Work is also ongoing on the Eighth St. Skatepark Murals Project to enhance the facility through murals by local artists.

The project began in the summer 2017 with a mural created by Lakeshore Art’s ARTiculate: Youth Leadership In the Arts program, led by artist Moises Frank (Luvsumone). Additionally, the bowl was painted by Moises and artist Javid that year.

In 2018, the project gained momentum through community fundraising and support from Grimes and StreetARToronto. Through consultation with the local community and representative from the Toronto Skateboarding Committee, the project created five new murals across the park by artists Fatspatrol, Peru, Chris Perez, Nick Sweetman, and Moises Frank.

This summer four new murals are being added to the skatepark and upkeep will be made to an existing mural.

This year’s project will focus on providing mentorship in the field of mural art; the project will provide opportunity for artist assistants and one mural art project coordinator to be mentored, in an effort to build up the mural art talent in the city.
Painting at the skatepark is scheduled to run September 8 to 22, with an opening celebration tentatively scheduled for September 26th.

Art advocate Ashley Watson now head of Lakeshore Arts

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A champion and advocate for the arts in South Etobicoke has returned as the new Executive Director for Lakeshore Arts.

Ashley Watson, who previously worked for Lakeshore Arts (LSA), began her new role on July 30.

“It’s great to be coming back to Lakeshore Arts and build on the amazing work done by Susan Nagy (previous Executive Director)” Ashley said. “I look forward to collaborating with our staff, board members and the Etobicoke community to continue to grow Lakeshore Art’s inclusive arts programming.”

She is known as an accomplished arts leader, who is well-respected in the arts community.

“Community arts are special since the development and presentation of art is done in collaboration with the community,” Ashley said. “Art is a powerful tool for expression, learning and connecting with each other.”

She is “uniquely qualified to lead the team that delivers LSA community-focused arts programs,” according to a news release. The former teacher is credited for growing LSA from “a local Mimico-focused organization to one working to deliver arts programming to underserved communities across Etobicoke.”

Lakeshore Arts President Marijana Cuvalo says Ashley has a “wealth of experience in championing the arts and advocating for the needs of the South Etobicoke community.”

Cuvalo says the LSA is entering a new chapter “one still extremely committed to driving cultural, social and artistic growth and building inclusive, healthy communities.”

Ashley previously worked a Development and Partnerships Manager and Operations Manager with LSA.

She has served as a founding curator of Humber Galleries where she established multiple gallery spaces and a collection of contemporary Canadian artwork. She holds a Master of Arts degree specializing in Art, Museum and Gallery Studies from University of Leicester, U.K.

Ashley has previously taught at University of Toronto, Humber College and University of Guelph.

 

Keeping busy with things to do in our community

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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 work- shops Harvesting 101, August 10-14 Food Sustainability. Contact christianaz@lampchc.org

COACH CORIN IS BACK AT LAMP with workshops on
Wednesdays August 5, 12 ,19 and 26 at 3 pm. Coach Corin De Sousa is a graduate of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program and the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program from the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute at
Women’s College. This series will focus on mindfulness meditation on ZOOM. Call or email Jasmin Dooh to register jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471

AUGUST 6 – GENTLE GIANTS: A BIKE TOUR OF GIANT
TREES in Long Branch from 8 a.m. To 10 a.m. Meet at Long Branch Park, 245 Lake Promenade, and learn how trees grow and their benefits to the community. If you live in Long Branch
and want to get the trees on your property inventoried email
Trees40@LBNA.ca

AUGUST 9 – JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE DAY
VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the St. Margarets’ Church and Black Lives Matter Canada. Tickets $20 at smnt.ca Speakers Olympian and Head Coach Tamara Tatham, of U of T basketball and Rev. Michael Blair, Executive Minister, United Church of Canada. Visit
stmargaretsnewtoronto@ gmail.com or contact 416-259-2659.

TENANTS RIGHTS WORKSHOPS and eviction
prevention August 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. on ZOOM. The Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation will be reviewing their latest housing rights resource, Eviction Prevention and Navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board for Community Workers. For more contact LAMP.

THE LAKESHORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
ADVOCACY ACTION group continues to meet.
Contact jasmind@lampchc.org.

THE ETOBICOKE PRAISE CENTRE YOUTH OUTREACH is seeking performers for its online Showcase to be
broadcasted August 14 at 6 p.m. Please send in your audition video by Au- gust 8. Send to 416-252-2463 or by email at
epc_cogop@outlook.com

LAMP COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE deadline for their Awards of Merit nominations is August 21. Also Emergency Food take out meals offered Monday through Saturday from
9:30 am to 11:30 am through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Their food relief voucher program continues

HAVEN ON THE QUEENSWAY HAS SHUT MOST of its programs and services due to COVID 19 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. For more call them at 416-259-4207 or visit sfh@storefronthumber.ca

MOVIE NIGHTS AT SHERWAY GARDENS runs every weekend until August 15 as a parking lot at Sherway
transforms into an outdoor movie theatre if you’re looking for a fun family or a date night. Tickets are first come first served at $10 a car. Come see movies for all ages. For
more info and to buy tickets https://www.cfshops.com/

Some top patios and meeting spots in our community

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Darlene Simpson is doing a lot better these days.
The owner of Dakota’s Sports Bar & Grill, at 2814 Lake Shore Blvd. W., is applauding Stage 3 and the return of inside dining.
But on this hot day customers want the sun and she is welcoming them to her large roadside patio she shares with Halibut House Fish and Chips, which is part of the City’s CafeTO program, which is credited with helping
many area companies stay afloat.
More people were ducking under the tents for a cold
drink to escape from today’s heat.
“It has been a long time since we have had this many
people in here,” Simpson says. “The outdoor patio has
made a tremendous difference for us.”
At hers, and all the outdoor patios along Lake Shore Blvd. W., people are ordering meals and glad to be outside again with their friends.
At The Big Guy’s Little Coffee Shop, at 2861 Lake Shore Blvd. W., the patio has helped the ‘Big Guy’ stay in business as the outdoor area always has customers.

Ruben Pires, of Delicia Bakery and Pastry, at 2864 Lake
Shore Blvd. W., is bustling as his side patio is always filled
with coffee and snack lovers.“We had seen about 33 bakeries and loved this area right away,” recalls Pires. “We loved the people and the sense of community that exists in the area.”
In Long Branch residents love T.J. O’Shea’s Irish Snug, at
3481 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which boasts a large back patio
and a loyal following due to the good food and vibes.
Also rocking is Southside Johnny’s Bar & Grill, at 3653
Lake Shore Blvd. W., which features a great side patio that is
popular with locals.
Just west at the Pulcinella Ristorante and Wine Bar, at
3687 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Staff say their business has
picked up in Stage 3 and with the opening of inside dining and their street patio that seems to be always packed.

Many local residents love Sloppy Joe’s Bar & Grill, at 3527 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has developed quite a loyal following who love the chicken wings and other pub eats. The
bar which has its popular outdoor patio in front of the building, has installed another that runs along its side on Thirty Third St.

Another area favourite is Timothy’s Pub, at 344 Brown’s Line, which is known for its live music and loyal Alderwood following, who love the food and atmosphere.

The Westwood Theatre showed first-run flicks for 50-plus years

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By DAVE KOSONIC

The long-gone Westwood Theatre went down like the Titanic, the last movie shown at the storied south Etobicoke movie house.

Development was expected to be completed this Spring on the 13.8-acre site that is soon to be home of a new Etobicoke Civic Centre, public square, recreation centre, library, office space and child care facility.

Many moviegoers like to recall the good old days when they could enjoy first-run movies at the Westwood while munching on candy floss, hot dogs and popcorn.

The Westwood was located at the southeast corner of Six Points, or spaghetti junction, where Bloor and Dundas Sts. and Kipling Ave. met.  This location was highly accessible, there was plenty of free parking and theatre seated about 1,000 fans.

The popular cinema opened in February 1952 and the featured flicks as Laughter in Paradise and You Never Can Tell. Dudley Dumont was the first manager whose success included screening good movies at discount prices so that the seats were always filled. By 1996 it cost $3 to see the thriller Mars Attacks.

The Westwood opened with one screen. In 1968 an addition was built on the east side of the building that included a second screen.  In 1980 the large original screen was divided in half creating three theatres.  Movie buffs were overjoyed with more and more movies to view.

The Saturday afternoon matinees were packed with school kids who were dropped off at the front door of the show.  Many of these youngsters were more interested in the snack bar rather than the movies being screened.  Groups of young guys would often sit in the back rows and get noisy.  The ushers, who wore dapper tailored uniforms, would shine their flashlights on the youths and order them to sit still.

Sadly, for countless Westwood fans the theatre was closed in 1998, and ironically the last movie shown was Titanic.  The facility was shut because some politicians at the time thought that the theatre land could be better used for other purposes.  But that vision is taking a long time.

Before the Etobicoke landmark was demolished in 2013, it served as a shelter for homeless cats and In 2003 was used for the filming of the movie Resident Evil.

Some Westwood lovers wanted the old and bold Westwood sign saved and displayed to mark the theatre’s more than 50-years of operation, but that did not occur.

 

 

Long Branch author wins Emerging Writer prize for debut book

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Congratulations to Long Branch author J.R. McConvey whose book of short stories won a 2020 Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize.

The prize supports Canadian debut authors by helping to kick-start their careers, according to a news release.  Three Canadian authors were selected this year.

McConvey, an area screenwriter, has been published in Malahat Review, Joyland and the Dalhousie Review. He was also long-listed for the 2016 CBC Poetry Prize.

His first book, a short-story collection, Different Beasts, which is being recognized was published in 2019. It takes the prize in the speculative fiction category.

Judge Andrew Pyper says this is the ‘kind of storytelling that burns certain images into the reader’s mind.’

“McConvey’s imagination is curious and ready for travel,” Pyper wrote. “It was a difficult task choosing a winner for this year’s shortlist, which is good news for everyone.”

Different Beasts is a short story collection that explores the beastly side of humanity and the human side of monsters. The characters are both otherworldly and earth-bound, ranging from mutant angels and insectoid demon-gods to politicians and parents.

The 12 stories in Different Beasts ask what it means to be both human and monster. Shape-shifting waifs, haunted stuffies, scavenging drones, insectoid demon-gods, and mutant angels all come to life in this wildly imagined debut, according to the release.

“In this wild, fantastical, viscerally memorable debut, J.R. McConvey explores the power dynamics that undergird social relationships and crystallize into structures of fealty and worship, fear and control, aspiration and desire,” according to reviewers.

The Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize is now in its sixth year. The winners were selected from a shortlist of talented Canadian writers. The shortlist was chosen by Kobo’s team of booksellers, with book completion rates, customer ratings, and reviews taken into consideration along with our specialists’ collective gift for spotting unique stories, new voices and under-the-radar talent.

The book is available on Amazon.ca

 

Five top Lakeshore community students selected for scholarships

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Five up-and-coming top south Etobicoke students have been awarded scholarships to continue their studies next semester.

The students were selected as 2020 Penny Bethke Scholarship recipients, which is part of the of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT) Diversity Scholarship Program that was founded in 2004. Some 30 students are selected for scholarships providing they live in CHFT member co-ops.

Congratulations to the five high-achieving students from the Lakeshore community.

Madhumitha Ramamurthy, (in photo) of Mimico Co-operative Homes, volunteered at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in the summers and at Lakeshore Lodge on weekends. At the hospital, she welcomed and directed visitors. At Lakeshore Lodge, she planned and assisted in recreation activities in arts and music for the residents. She is starting a second year of a life sciences program at the University of Toronto this fall.

Alia Omar-Bujak is graduating from Richview Collegiate Institute. She is a First Aider with MedVents Canada and a youth leader and mentor at her church, who has helped with a teen drop-in night. She plans to attend the University of Toronto to study paramedicine.

Raquelle Johnson is graduating from Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts, where helped with fundraisers and events at the school’s Antilleans Culture Club. She was a Healthy Schools representative at Wexford, promoting good nutrition. She will be starting a forensic science program at the University of Toronto.

Makeda Kafele-Green is graduating this year from Oakwood Collegiate Institute. She has been active at Oakwood as an Ambassador. As a member of Afro-Can, she started the Black Youth Book Club, aiming to break stereotypes about black students and literacy. She will attend Wilfrid Laurier University to study Community Music.

Taylor Seichter is graduating this year from Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute, where she has been involved in a range of social justice activities. She has provided 400-hours of service over two years to Rosalie Hall, an agency that assists young parents and children. She will enter Centennial College this fall to study child and youth care.

The scholarships are for students who are graduating from high school, or are currently enrolled in a post-secondary program or are returning to school after a break to complete an undergraduate program. It has awarded over 380 scholarships equalling more than $2 million to students in nine areas of Canada.

The scholarships are $5,000 distributed over four years.

Alterna Savings, in partnership CHFT, has awarded five Penny Bethke Scholarships to young community leaders who help strengthen cooperatives and their communities.

Local bars and restaurants move to Stage 3 for indoor dining

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The owners of South Etobicoke bars and restaurants are breathing a sigh of relief that Stage 3 of Ontario’s recovery plan begins Friday, when they can begin inside dining again.

Toronto and Peel Region were yesterday given the Stage 3 green light by the Ministry of Health, which reported its fewest number of new cases since last March.

Stage 3 allows for activities such as indoor dining in restaurants, live performing arts shows and the reopening of movie theatres and playgrounds. It also permits larger gatherings of people, though social distancing requirements remain in place.

Restaurants can offer indoor dine-in service, provided that all patrons are seated when eating or drinking and that tables are separated by at least two metres or have plexiglass or other impermeable barriers separating them.

“We have made tremendous progress that allows us to return to something a little closer to our normal lives this summer, but we are not out of the woods yet,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement.

Residents on Friday can participate in expanded social gatherings and organized public events, in which  Indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted. These gatherings remain subject to compliance with provincial physical distancing requirements of a two-metre distance from anyone outside your household or 10-person social circle.

Members of the Lakeshore Village BIA say their stores, bars and restaurants have been hurting due to the pandemic.

“The opening to Stage 3 is great news for some area businesses,” says Chris Korwin Kuczynski, Head of the Chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA. “This is great news for our bars, restaurants and some other businesses.”

The City’s bylaws on physical distancing in City parks and squares remains in effect, as does the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw for indoor public spaces.

More than 800 City playgrounds and play structures, community and recreation centres, and libraries will also be open for on-site services.

Many bars will have to gather contact information for patrons in the event contact tracing is required or maintain sanitary conditions for patrons.

The number of patients in Ontario hospitals with confirmed cases of the illness declined down to 91, the fewest since the province began reporting hospitalization figures on April 1. The number of those patients being treated in intensive care units and with ventilators also declined