The South Etobicoke News

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

 Rexdale’s Admiral Crumple with some fresh tracks inspired by the Las Vegas massacre

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ADMIRAL Crumple is back with some fresh Hip Hop tunes from Vega. Courtesy photos.

 

Up-and-coming Rexdale Begamot Hip Hop artist Admiral Crumple is plugging some new tunes.

Admiral Crumple wants the community to know that he has released his first full-length film to DVD.

He is pleased with the film, Drab Vegas, which was filmed in the City that Never Sleeps five days before the shooting massacre more than three years ago.

“The film is shot in Las Vegas and has a few original Hip Hop beats playing throughout,” says Admiral Crumple. “The conversations are about the challenges, but also the hopes and dreams of modern life.”

The October 2017 massacre saw a gunman open fire on partiers on the Las Vegas Strip attending a Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Some 60 people were killed from the 1,000 shots that were fired by a gunman from the 32 floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Some 411 people were wounded, which rose to 867 when it was all said and done in what is called the worst mass shooting in the U.S.

The gunman later killed himself with the gun.

Admiral Crumple’s film is described as ‘dark and hardcore’ by some, while others said it is “an inspiring documentary, adding to the quality of hip hop and film culture.”

The Official Trailer for Drab Vegas can be viewed at youtube.com

The DVD can be purchased by sending $21.95 + $10 Shipping (U.S.) via Paypal to admiralcrumple@hotmail.com

Remembering popular Elwy Yost and his Saturday Night at the Movies

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Fans loved Elwy Yost (with John Candy right) and his Saturday Night at the Movies.

 

 

 

 

 

By DAVE KOSONIC

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome once again to Saturday Night at the Movies. My name is Elwy Yost.”

That is the welcoming way Canadian television personality Yost began his weekly movie program for 25 years from 1974 to 1999 just after multi-colored stars glistened on viewers TV screens.

Yost had a long connection with Etobicoke and few people knew that he was  a full-time English teacher at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute.

“Well it is that time ladies and gentlemen to turn your lights down very low and put your feet up.” Yost added while introducing a show about alcoholism as presented in the cinema.

“It is harrowing but it is magnificently made and I am very proud of this film,” were words he used while reviewing the Academy Award winning movie The Lost Weekend produced by Billy Wilder and starring Ray Milland with screenplay by Charles Brack.

Yost always appeared very relaxed while he sat back in a comfy chair and turned on his retro film projector and then said with a smile: “If you are ready I am now so let’s roll our projector.”

Yost was well-known for hosting CBC television’s weekday Passport to Adventure series from 1965 to 1967, TVOntario’s weekday Magic Shadows from 1974 to the mid-1980s and Saturday Night at the Movies.

He also authored four books about movies.

The broadcaster  was born in Weston in 1925 and passed away in West Vancouver 2011 of natural causes at the age of 86.  He was married to Lila Ragnild for 60 years and has two sons, Christopher and Graham, who is a producer and screenwriter in Los Angeles. Yost was also a film maker and he produced two movies titled Ida Makes a Movie and Moulin Rouge.

Yost joined the Canadian Infantry in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1945. Other brief employment included construction work at the CNE, working in circulation department at the Toronto Star and a job in the aircraft industry in Malton. Yost earned a degree in sociology from the University of Toronto in 1948. He worked on and off as a panelist on television shows until the late 1960s when he became the permanent host of the CBC radio show It’s Debatable and his career then blossomed.

After Yost’s death in 2011 an editorial in the Toronto Star entertainment section reflected back upon his life. ‘The bald man with the moustache, wire-rim glasses and odd name was an unlikely candidate for stardom…at the peak 250,000 viewers appreciated his appetite for gorging on movies and taking trips to Hollywood to talk with the people who made them.’

Adrian Morrow in the Globe and Mail added, “His father would give him a dime every week to see a film and then have him recount the plot.’

On a personal note I was a student at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate when Yost taught there. I was not in his classes but he always voiced a friendly hello when he passed any student in the hallways.

 

Police Academy actress Marion Ramsey made a number of  films in New Toronto

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Marion Ramsey who acted in all six Police Academy movies has died. She will be sadly missed.

U.S. actress Marion Ramsey spent a lot of time in New Toronto filming six highly successful “Police Academy” films.

The squeaky-voice star of the 1980 and 1990s movie franchise passed away on January 7 at her Los Angeles home after falling ill. She was 73.

Ramsey gained famed playing Officer Laverne Hooks in the memorable “Police Academy” franchise that were filmed at the former Lakeshore Psychiatric Institute, now Humber College, at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Kipling Ave.

A number of indoor scenes were shot in a nearby studio.

The Philadelphia-born actress was well-liked had a long and memorable career.

In 1964, she appeared in “Hello, Dolly!,” and in the 1970s she established herself as a theatre, film and television talent. On stage, she acted in “Miss Moffat,” and on screen she took part in the variety show “Keep On Truckin.”

She rocketed to fame in 1984 with the first “Police Academy,” which was filmed in the South Etobicoke area. Cast members could always be seen milling around with residents.

Ramsey’s character remained popular and she acted in six installments of the movie until the last one “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege,” in 1989.

She also had an illustrious career on Broadway in productions like “Hello Dolly” and “Eubie.”

Ramsey will also be remembered for her appearances on “The Jeffersons” and was a regular on Bill Cosby’s sketch comedy series “Cos.”

In addition, she did voiceovers for “The Addams Family” cartoon series and “Robot Chicken.”

Her final role was in 2018′s “When I Sing.”

She leaves behind three brothers.

RIP Marion.

Top Indigenous performer who is best known for Indie drama ‘Bella Ciao’ passes

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MANY are mourning the death of ‘up-and-coming’ Indigenous actor Taran Kootenyahoo. Courtesy photos.

Many Canadians today are mourning the death of an up-and-coming Indigenous actor and artist Taran Kootenhayoo who has passed away.

Kootenyahoo, who was based in Vancouver, died on December 31, on New Year’s Eve, with no cause of death given. He was 27.

The actor was on the verge of “breaking out” and had developed a loyal following in South Etobicoke.

Born in Cold Lake, Alberta and a member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Kootenhayoo attended acting school at Capilano College in Vancouver and graduated in 2015.

He was best known as Niki, a young homeless man looking for his missing sister, in Bella Ciao!, the 2018 indie feature by Director Carolyn Combs about intersecting characters in an east Vancouver multicultural community.

“Our loss is immeasurable. He was a gifted and disciplined collaborator, a warm and generous friend,” the Bella Ciao website mourned in the death of a talented actor.

“Words don’t capture our deep respect and affection for him,” the post stated. “We wish him well on his journey.”

In a 2018 profile for Hollywood North Magazine, Kootenhayoo said he hoped the role of Niki would encourage other Indigenous youth to follow his lead into acting.

“It means that I get to have representation as an Indigenous person in a story that isn’t stereotypical for an Indigenous actor,” he told the magazine. “I’m very glad to be part of it and hopefully inspire other Indigenous youth or anybody else that aspires to do whatever they want and have fun with it.”

Besides a number of screenplays and live theater roles in western Canada, Kootenhayoo also played the character of Remy in the 2018 Canadian TV series Literally, and voiced the role of Randall in the animated fantasy series Molly of Denali.

Section 35, an Indigenous streetwear maker, for which Kootenhayoo modeled its latest fashions, grieved on Instagram. “Creator called a legend home. We love you and you will be missed. Rest in Power Brother.”

The actor was named as a Star to Watch at the Whistler Film Festival in 2018 and earned the Most Promising Newcomer trophy at the Jessie Theatre Awards a year later

“I want him to be remembered for his care for people, the environment and passion for his work,” said his older sister, Cheyanna Kootenhayoo, who performs under the name DJ Kookum.

She has been overwhelmed with the amount of support and tributes for her brother, including a graffiti mural that was painted at a Vancouver skatepark. “I’m just seeing all of the social media stuff and people are sending their condolences. The community is hurt all across the country,” she said.

 

 

New Toronto billiard hall owner followed his acting dreams to Hollywood movies

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By DAVE KOSONIC

John ‘Doc’ Cassidy is a former New Toronto billiard hall owner who went on to live his dream by acting in Hollywood movies.

Cassidy became an actor and consultant in a popular 1980 Hollywood movie ‘Carny,’ which was a big-office hit starring Gary Busey and Jodie Foster, who were making a name for themselves.

“I saw myself on six or seven occasions during the movie.” Cassidy said in 1980. “It just hit me like a bolt of lightning and I didn’t know what to say. “

‘The Doc,’ as he was dubbed, was 59-years-old in 1980, operating Cassidy’s School of Billiards, on Lake Shore Blvd. W., in New Toronto, where he taught his students the art of pool playing.

The former billiard ace and carnival game hustler, who lived in South Etobicoke, spent 15 years on the CNE Midway from the mid-1940s until the early 1960s, where he said he learned “every corner of the carnival.”

‘Carny,’ which also starred Canadian Robbie Robertson, is a movie that portrays the rough-and-tumble lives of carnival workers or carnies who travelled through the U.S. putting on shows.

He said carnies had their own lingo. Those who operated the rides were known as ‘ride girls and ride boys’ and others who hustled the midway game, were known as ’game girls and game boys.’

The Doc explained that the chances of winning a big stuffed panda were slim.

Carny was a major production that was filmed in 1980 in Savannah, Georgia.  The storyline is about a carnival comes to a small town.

In the flick “Donna, 18, meets Frankie and Patch, two carnival hustlers. They earn their living by mercilessly taunting spectators to try to dump one of them into the water by throwing balls. Donna is tired of her work as a waitress and follows them through the South.”’

The movie is written by Mattias Thuresson and directed by Robert Kaylor. Cassidy played ‘Harry the Hat’ in the 107-minute drama.

He explained that it was easy for him to portray the fast-talking Harry because it what was natural for him as a former midway barker.

The Doc recalled that one of his most memorable moments on the movie set occurred when the entire cast and crew gave him a standing ovation when a big scene that included him was shot in “one take.”

He had spent about ten-weeks at the Lorimar Production set at Savannah, doing consulting and acting for the movie.

The Doc, who had never acted previously, said he first viewed Carny at the Imperial Six theatre in downtown Toronto in 1980. After the movie he said he sat down in a café near Yonge Street had a couple of beers and spilled a few tears of joy.

“It might be the start of quite a future for me,“ he said later. If still alive the Doc would be age 99 but his fate is unknown.

The former New Toronto business owner went on to make other films, which included: Hangmen, Yanks, Matilda, Yanks and Bob Martin.

Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson making movie in Queensway and Kipling area

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Woody and Kevin in the area filming Sony comedy. BlogTo photo.

Two of Hollywood’s top actors Woody Harrelson and Kevin Hart have been seen wandering around The Queensway and Kipling area recently working on a movie.

The pair are filming a new Sony comedy called The Man From Toronto, which has also been shooting in downtown Toronto and Brampton.

It is reported that they have been busy at a large production set that was erected  in The Queensway and Kipling area.

The story tells the story of the “the world’s deadliest assassin and New York’s biggest screw-up who are mistaken for each other at an Airbnb rental,” according to promotional materials.

The Queensway and Kipling area is believed to be he base camp for this part of production.

Filming for the much-anticipated action-comedy was originally due to begin back in the spring, but production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Man From Toronto is expected to filming in the city until Dec. 15.  It is set to premiere on Sept. 17, 2021.

 

Humber College getting new Cultural Hub, residences and arts venues

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Humber College is probably the largest landholder in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Kipling Ave. area.

Now work is underway at the college’s Lakeshore Campus to construct two student residences, two performing arts venues and other learning spaces on the historic grounds.

Construction has begun on a new Humber Cultural Hub, which will be completed in 2024. It is designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and being built by Ellis Don. It is one of a number of expansion and renovation projects that the college is undertaking.

The student residences will be eight and nine storeys tall, and will add rooms for up to 300 students. It will add 124,000 square feet of new living space, according to the plans.

The residences will rise up out of a two-storey podium that will have a new cafeteria and a new gym.

The Hub will also have two music and performing arts venues, one with 600 seats and another that can hold 150 people.

The venues can act as a potential destination for arts programs and even festivals in west Toronto, college officials say.

The Hub will be home to studios for recording, 3D animation, multimedia production, computer labs and an Indigenous classroom.

When it’s done, the project will connect to an existing library and a student residence..

College officials say the Hub will spark exciting possibilities for students, local cultural and creative industries and the community.

It will provide access to talent development, entrepreneurial supports and applied research, according to college information. It will also benefit culturally underserved local communities, build new appreciation and opportunities for the creative arts, attract new jobs and industries to the area and enrich the local economy.

Humber says his facility will enhance the training and career-readiness of students while allowing the college to solve business challenges for industry in the creative and performing arts.

“The Humber Cultural Hub will be a nexus for immersive, interdisciplinary performances, unique audience engagement and future focused pedagogical delivery that will enhance the Humber experience for students, faculty, alumni, industry and the community,” says Guillermo Acosta, a Senior Dean, of Faculty of Media and Creative Arts.

 

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)

 

 

Oscar Peterson’s ex-wife Sandy who had roots here passes away

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Sandra Cynthia Andrews Peterson, the former wife of acclaimed musician Oscar Peterson, has passed after an accidental fall down a flight of stairs.

Sandy, who had strong links to south Etobicoke, was 83.

Born in Kirkland Lake, she was a graduate of Etobicoke Collegiate and Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing, according to her obituary, which states she passed away on June 27.

Sandy worked at Toronto General as an Operating Room (OR) nurse during the beginning of open heart surgeries. She became Head OR nurse there and at Grace Hospital in Toronto.

“Soon thereafter, she met, fell in love with and married jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson, and she travelled most of the world with him from the 60’s and first part of the 1970’s,” according to the family.

It was during that time that Sandy and soon-to-be eight-time Grammy Awards winner Oscar lived at Amadeo Garden Court in Mimico for a number of years, where they spent a lot of time at the local stores and at Marie Curtis and area parks.

A mural of Oscar is now in the Lake Shore Village Wall of Legends with others who helped to transform the area.

The couple divorced in 1974 and she began working in the customer service department of Sears Canada.
Sandy later married James Andrews and moved to Nashville for 12 years before returning to Canada, to requalify as a registered nurse before joining Collingwood General and Marine Hospital from which she retired on her 80th birthday.
A busy person, she was an avid golfer and bridge player and was very involved with Probus, the Cinema Club and book clubs, as she was a voracious reader and a lover of all music, especially jazz. She was a philanthropist, a wonderful cook and fabulous baker.

“Always there to help any and all of her friends and family she was an extremely generous woman loved by all,” according to her obituary. “She had incredible presence in any situation with a smile and infectious laugh that could be heard everywhere.”
The family wish to thank the medical staff at both Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital Critical Care Unit for the extraordinary care given to Sandy. Collingwood Hospital, in particular, went above and beyond in both the care and kindness given to Sandy and that shown to the family.

 

Party and hang your flags up high on Canada Day

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Fly your flags high and be proud!

Merchants in the Lakeshore Village BIA are urging residents and others get out and display their Canadian flags tomorrow to honour our front-line emergency workers who show their true colours every day in battling COVID-19.

The BIA’s campaign calls on residents to shop locally and express thanks to the many area front-line workers by putting up Canadian flags or a drawing of a flag on their home or store windows.

“Say thank you to our front-line workers by putting up a Canadian flag or drawing of our flag,” says Kris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA. “Let’s show our heroes some love and respect.”

The BIA is also lobbying to have a public holiday declared in honour of the Canadian flag. February 15 was declared the National Flag of Canada Day in 1965.

This year most in-person events were cancelled due to the virus.

The CN Tower will be celebrating Canada Day with a 15-minute light show beginning at 10 p.m.

The fireworks will be streamed at www.cntower.ca and accompanied with a playlist featuring music by a diverse group of Canadian artists simulcast on CHUM FM, 104.5.

There is also a virtual all-star program in which residents will see over 50 artists perform, including Haviah Mighty, Gordon Lightfoot, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Ali Hassan, Cris Derksen, The Next Generation Leahy and more.

An emphasis on Toronto culture is part of the event, with some performances happening both live and pre-recorded from venues around the city like the newly renovated El Mocombo.

Canada Day 2020 livestreams will be available on July 1 beginning at 9 a.m.​ on YouTube.

Don’t forget your downloadable Celebration Kits are also available for free and include Canada-themed crafts, games, recipes, outdoor activities and more.