The South Etobicoke News

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

Steaming Pickin’ Chicken still sorely missed by many residents

by

Many area residents are still licking their fingers with delight as they recall from yesteryear a busy fleet of VW Beetles that shuttled steaming barbequed chicken to mouth-watering households.

The popular Pickin’ Chicken BBQ restaurant opened in 1953 and had developed quite a poulet-loving following in its 17-years of operation in a time before take-out food would become as widespread as it is today with Uber Eats, DoorDash and other apps.

The company, aside its chicken, is best remembered for its fleet of colourful Volkswagen Beetles that delivered thousands of chicken legs and breasts dinners and assortments to awaiting Etobicoke and Toronto residents.

The cars were painted in bright colours with the Pickin’ Chicken name, phone number and address.

The beloved restaurant, which would later be copied by eateries as Swiss Chalet and others, stood at the site of Marina del Ray Condominiums, at 2261 Lake Shore Blvd. W., in Mimico.

The business was owned by Saul and Jerry Goldberg, who copied the success and soon opened two other thriving locations on Queen Street W., at Roncesvalles, and on Kingston Road.

Before long there were seven takeout franchise locations and Pickin’ Chicken was one of the favourite order-in meals at the time.

Hungry residents could have their choice of barbecued chicken as eat in, takeout, or delivered to their front door while the meal was still steaming hot.

Many in the community still remember licking their fingers after ordering Pickin’ Chicken on a Friday night.

“It was a great place,” agrees one long-time resident. “The chicken was always good and it was well-ahead of its time.”

But like many fast food outlets over the years, the business went bankrupt in 1970.

The property was sold to a developer who was planning to build a large world class hotel, but due to political pressure those plans were dropped. The property would change ownership more than once before it was finally purchased by corporation.

The 46-floor Palace Pier North Tower was completed in 1978 and the South Tower was finished in 1991. They were at one time the tallest, and one of the most expensive, residential complexes in Canada.

 

Police issue Public Safety Alert due to COVID scams

by

COVID-19 has become one of the top scams being used by thieves today to steal money from seniors and others.

Toronto Police have issued a Public Safety Alert to warn area residents of a rise in recent weeks involving online scams associated to the pandemic.

Detectives say conmen are sending text messages seeking banking information for non-existent ‘fines for leaving the house too many times in a day.’

Officers are warning of various telephone or door-to-door scams including offers to shop for, and deliver, groceries for senior and others as these often include a request for credit card information.

The crooks are also demanding by text banking information for the alleged processing of government payments for Canada Emergency Response Benefits or Canada Revenue Agency.

There are demands for immediate payment with a threat of cancelled services like Internet streaming sites.

Police say beware of e-mails with fraudulent links on topics “Delivery details” for those most likely to be using delivery services or “Special offers” for COVID-19-related products or services.

Fraud cops are warning of sites offering “sale of COVID-19-related products and services, such as testing kits, cleaning products or remedies.”

People should also beware of sites with ‘Notices of Information,’ or from ‘health officials,’ requesting information.

Police are reminding residents to take precautions to protect themselves while online.

They warn online users not to click on random links, never provide personal or banking information, do not install unknown applications, use two-factor authentication for online payments, strong passwords, back up your work regularly and work offline when possible and use software to protect yourself from malware or viruses.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of any fraud can contact police at 416-808-2222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.

Health and Wellness with Adrianne

by

By Adrianne Szabo-Payne

Springtime, particularly May is one of my favourites times of the year, because it brings a promise of colourful flowers, fresh cut grass and the warm days of summer ahead.

This year, in this strange season we are living, being shuttered in our homes, hiding from this invisible menace, getting excited for spring may be tough for many who have to stay home while we wait this out. I struggle daily with keeping routine and finding ways to boost my spirits, because I easily get sucked into the what-ifs, and the feeling of when will this be over? But, as is for all seasons, there is an end and this too shall pass.

So this month, instead of giving into our anger, sadness and anxiety, let’s challenge ourselves to find the silver lining of each day. Some helpful tips I recently picked up from a coaching program I follow suggests to:

Keep a gratitude journal. Log the little things that make your day brighter, whether it’s calling a friend to wish them a beautiful day; getting excited about the new bud you found growing on your orchid plant; or simply being able to share precious time with your loved ones, without the rush of daily life. There are a million things that bring us joy, so long as we look for it.

Start your day with purpose and set a routine. Tonight, think about what your day will look like tomorrow. Set an alarm for 20-30 minutes earlier than you woke up today and when it goes off, get up, wash your face, drink a big glass of water and take that extra 20-30 minutes to do some exercise to get your heart pumping. Take a shower and get dressed. Make a list of todos and make sure it’s achievable. Check off your completed tasks. You’ll finish your day feeling productive and satisfied.

Set an intention for the day. This can be as simple as choosing to respond with kindness to something that irritates you; or making a point to stay away from your couch and keep the TV off until after dinner.

I know these tips are not new or revolutionary, but sometimes the reminder of them is helpful. And so, as we work through this month, look for the silver lining in every situation because of the gift it will yield in the end.

 

Adrianne Szabo-Payne can be found at Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness located at 800 Islington Ave. As a certified holistic nutrition and wellness practitioner, her passion for helping others find their path to wellness drives her to bring unique tools and methods for healing to her community. Connect with us @monkeytreefitness on Facebook or #monkeytreefitnesswellness on Instagram, or on our website at www.monkeytreewellness.com

 

Local singer Dante Matas making his mark

by

Etobicoke’s up-and-coming artist Dante Matas loves music and began writing tunes on the piano at the age of eight.

After forming his first band at the Etobicoke School of the Arts as lead singer and guitarist, Dante realized music was his passion and a means to his creative expression.

A multi-instrumentalist and producer, he has obtained a Master of Arts in Philosophy and a penchant for poetry. Dante has combined his interests to create his own unique brand of indie-pop, folk, and experimental music.

He is influenced by the likes of Radiohead, Tame Impala, Sufjan Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and Leonard Cohen among others.

Dante’s music tends to have a contemplative and introspective character to it, but never at the expense of a catchy melody.

Having released both “A Colourful Headache” LP in 2018 and “Midnight Sun” EP in 2017 and promoting them both with an east coast tour, Dante has been steadily putting out new singles to add to his musical repertoire.

His music has been used in commercials, public service announcements, popular YouTube channels and gets airplay on both Canadian and U.S. college radio.

Dante writes and records music, plays frequent shows with his band, and is constantly perfecting his craft. Dante’s overall drive is to communicate human emotion through music and lyrics in a way that resonates with a diverse audience.

He can be reached at dantematas.com

Joe of Mimicombo roller rink will be sadly missed

by

The popular owner of a Mimico roller skating rink who brought James Brown, The Byrds, Ronnie Hawkins, David Clayton Thomas and dozens of early bands to the community has passed.

Joseph ‘Joe’ Bobechki, long-time owner of The Mimicombo, died peacefully on April 18, at Rideaucrest Home, in Kingston, according to his obituary.

Joe was married to wife, Frances, for 54-years and father of daughter, Tanya. He was grandfather of Madeleine, Samantha and Emily. He has brothers Don, Walter and William.

Family members say A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, when COVID-19 has passed.
Joe and his brother, Wally, are best remembered for taking over The Mimicombo in 1958. It was a popular club and roller skating rink that operated at Lake Shore Blvd., and Mimico Ave., for about 25-years.

Young people and adults from Mimico and across the city flocked to the hall to skate, bowl and listen to up-and-coming bands. There was a banquet area for weddings and the venue was a social meeting place for residents.

The brothers are credited for bringing many top-named artists and bands to The Mimicombo. James Brown performed here in November 1965, so did The Ardels, Bobby Kris & The Imperials, Bill Hailey and the Comets, Frank Motley and the Hitchhikers, The Motley Crew, Richie Knight and the Mid-Knights and many others.

It is said that on the evening that James Brown was to play at The Mimicombo, there was a blackout in Mimico and the surrounding areas. When Wally went to pay Brown (even though it looked like the concert was cancelled). James Brown said “No Wally. You are a good man and this is not your fault and he handed the money back to Wally. As soon as the money changed hands again…the lights came on!  The concert was a go.

In May 1966 the club was converted to roller skating and attracted young people from far and wide.

The skaters and dancers would never know that the bowling alley doubled as a homeless shelter at night, with Joe and Wally opening their doors to the unfortunate. Many of the less fortunate took advantage of the family’s generosity to get back on their feet again.

 

Oscar Peterson lived here and is a Lakeshore Legend

by

Many of us walk by a portrait of celebrated jazz pianist Oscar Peterson who helped to transform music and is one of six Lakeshore Legends heroes whose mural grace a Sixth Street wall.
Many residents didn’t realize the Montreal-born musician had long ties to our community and had lived in Mimico for a number of years in the 1960s and 70s’.
Peterson, who was born in 1925 and composed more than 400 pieces, during the 1960s lived at Amadeo Garden Court Complex in two apartments overlooking Lake Ontario, according to local historians and residents.
“For years Peterson frequented the mom-and-pop stores along the Lakeshore,” and according to his widow, Kelly Peterson “loved spending time by the water.”
He was often seen in Marie Curtis Park, which he loved, before moving to Mississauga.
The portrait of Peterson made it into Lakeshore Legends due to his love for the area and its residents, according to the Lakeshore Village BIA, which sponsored the artwork.
Peterson died of kidney failure at his Mississauga home in December 23, 2007.
He loved the area because some of his musician friends as Horace Lapp, a silent film accompanist, and trombonist pal Butch Watanabe also lived in the area.
The word-renowned pianist was the winner of eight Grammy Awards and worked with top musicians as Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. His song “Hymn To Freedom” rose to become one of the top crusade songs of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.
He loved York University and served as the university’s fifth chancellor and was involved in the York music program.
Peterson was recognized by the City of Mississauga in 2003 when a street was named for him and he was presented with a Civic Award of Merit. He had postage stamp unveiled in his honour, along with his name on plaques and numerous schools. He was also inducted to the Order of Canada in 1972.
The mural, by Toronto artist Chris Irvine, pays tribute to fellow Lakeshore Legends like NHL star Dave Bolland, marathoner Jerome Drayton, skater Petra Burka, swimmer Lou Gamble and others who led extraordinary lives and contributed to the rich cultural fabric of our community.

Alderwood’s Singing O’Connors a vaudeville hit

by

A City of Toronto heritage plaque stands outside a Connorvale Ave., home where the famous Alderwood Singing O’Connor Sisters vaudeville stars grew up.
The sisters, who were at one time billed as the Six Singing O’Connor Sisters, included Vera, Kathleen, Madeleine, Geraldine, Kathleen and Vera. They were the daughters of farmers, who never lost their roots, even as they became a hit at vaudeville dance halls and theatres in Canada and the U.S. from 1910 to 1937.
The six girls were part of nine children of John Jr. and Ellen, who both loved music. Ellen was a professional singer and John Jr. played the violin, so there was always music at the O’Connor home and it is said that harmony singing came naturally to the girls, who would often perform at area banquets and concerts.
It wasn’t until 1910 when they received a big break. A family friend arranged for them to sing for Michael Shea, the owner of the Shea Theatre Chain, who was so impressed with their singing that he signed them on the spot.
By 1912 the singers, who were dubbed ‘the only authentic six sister group ever in show business,’ were performing on stages across North America with stars of the day, who included Jimmie Durante, Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker and Eddie Cantor.
The group grew popular packing shows and receiving rave reviews. But by 1925, three of the girls had married and the group became a quartet.
The sisters retired in 1937, but continued to sing close to home for private parties and wartime benefits. They last appeared on stage in 1973 for a CBC show. In 1989, the last surviving sister, Geraldine, moved out of the house, and it was sold and demolished.
The plaque was installed in 2009 in front of a new house that now sits at 12 Connorvale Ave.
The Singing O’Connors became known as the “Greatest Singing Voices in Vaudeville,” and some of their earliest numbers were arranged by a young George Gershwin, who was just beginning his career as a composer.
Their 12-minute act featured comedy and fans loved the expensive costumes that they wore.
It is said the girls returned home every summer from touring to help with the family’s 80-hectare farm on the west side of Brown’s Line, between Horner Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W.