The South Etobicoke News

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

Get your dancing shoes out for festival at Amos Waites Park

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Do you like to dance!

This foot-moving event takes place on September 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Amos Waites Park.

Dance Together Festival 2020 invites you to move, shake and boogie safely through the “Dance On Map” at the park, at 2441 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Organizers say there will be a vibrant collaboration between dance and visual artists as Mimico Square is transformed in to an open-air dance space waiting for your nimble feet.

So get your tap dance or other type of dancing shoes. Then pick a pathway on the square and follow the steps, or make up your own dance along the way.

Go any time and get your dance on!  You too could be like Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers.

Share your own #danceonmap videos on Instagram and tag @dancetogetherfestival for a chance to win cool art and dance prizes!

Protestors march with signs outside proposed New Toronto shelter

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More than 100 area residents held a noisy protest outside the proposed site of a New Toronto homeless shelter while calling on City Council to find another spot and not one in a prime commercial location.

Area residents called for the shelter to be relocated or for smaller shelters to be created across the city rather that the use of so-called ‘mega-shelters.’

“This is a primary commercial site on our main strip and it is not the right place for a shelter,” says Vashti King, of the New Toronto Ratepayers Association, which organized the September 3 demonstration. “We support the shelter and propose alternate solutions.”

The group is proposing that Councillors create smaller shelters across the city rather than treat people in “mega-shelters.”

Toronto City Council are slated to vote to purchase the 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W. properties in a virtual meeting on September 30. A sale signals a shelter may be coming.

King says more than 300 anti-shelter letters have been sent to Mayor John Tory and others and more than 1,200 area residents voted against the proposal in an online survey. A slightly higher amount voted online for the plan.

Residents warn that there are about 14 social agencies in the area and ‘enough is enough.’

Rattan Gandhi, Treasurer of the Lakeshore Village BIA, was encouraged by the turnout of residents who showed up to voice their concerns.

“The community is very much concerned about this issue,” Gandhi says. “You can just see that by the turnout of people, which is very encouraging.

He believes property taxes may rise since the lack of taxes paid by the shelter will be passed on to local residents and businesses.

Debbie, a community worker, says there are long waits to access the local social agencies for people needing help.

“There are many families who cannot afford to pay rent,” Debbie says. “It is so bad that we are now giving away the highest amount of food vouchers that we ever have.”

News of the shelter, which will have rooms from COVID-19 patients, have split the community with businesses and homeowners calling on Council to relocate the facility.

The site is the former BiWay store and empty office building near Lake Shore Blvd. W. near Eighth St.

Questions raised in the hiring of executive at Lakeshore Arts

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The Board of Directors for Lakeshore Arts is being accused of skirting around their anti-Black equity policies in the recent hiring of an executive director.

The well-known arts program, in an open letter on social media, said they are engaging in an external consultant ‘who specializes in anti-oppression and anti-racism training.’

“This is the first of many steps that will need to be taken to help identify and eliminate white supremacy within Lakeshore Arts,” stated the August 31 letter signed off by the program’s Board of Directors.

It all began after an urgent August 18 letter from Natassia Morris, a former Operations Manager at Lakeshore Arts (LSA), that was signed by six other Black artists.

They claim the recent executive director’s position, which was vacant, was obtained by Ashley Watson, another white woman, despite the program’s anti-black and equality policies that was put in place last June, in which staff committed look at other nationalities for jobs and opportunities.

“We will work to ensure that racialized people attain leadership positions in our organization not only part time, temporary or entry level positions,” Morris wrote.

She complained that Watson had previously held other positions on the Board and was staff at Lakeshore Arts.

‘Your placement of …, another white woman, as the new leader of LSA was a violent action towards the Black communities that support you,” Morris’ letter stated. “It is for this reason that I as a former member of LSA management team and a Black woman (along with other artists) simply cannot remain silent.”

She wrote “the culture of silence equates to complicity, and it has created a dangerous and toxic environment for Black artists, community and non-profit workers.”

“Your placement of Ashley at the helm of your organization is rooted in white supremacist culture,” the letter alleged. “It is a vicious cycle that we have seen repeated ad nauseam.”

They accused the Arts program of harbouring racism.

“Just as anti-Black racism has been an insidious, often unacknowledged across Canada, so too your organization actively evaluate and confront how you have maintained systemic racism and oppression,” the group said. “How will you take action against those in all your operations.”

The Board said there is an “urgent need to be held accountable for our actions in order to confront and dismantle white supremacy in our organization.”

 

Drive Thru Ribfest taking place at Humber College South campus

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There’s nothing tastier than a piece of  barbeque rib in the summertime.

The community is being invited to a Ribfest Drive Thru barbeque taking place at Humber College South Campus on August 29 and 30.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m. at the Lakeshore campus, at 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Kipling Ave.

The Ribfest is presented by Humber College, Rotary Etobicoke and features award-winning ‘ribbers as Billy Bones BBQ, Uncle Sam’s BBQ Stand, Oklahoma Pistol Pete’s and Alabama’s Finest Camp 31.

“With Toronto beginning to reopen, come out and experience a classic summer favourite at our newly designed Ribfest drive-thru,” according to the event organizers. “Enjoy mouth-watering ribs all from the comfort of your vehicle!”

Organizers say Toronto Ribfest is a not-for-profit event that’s been taking place for 18 years.

They say more than 100,000 supporters attend yearly and donations raised go to helping those in need in the community.

So far, more than $3 million has been raised for Etobicoke local hospitals, community centers, schools, shelters, food banks and charities.

 

Summer Music Series online virtual concert

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Its hot outside and we are aching for some summertime jazz in the city.
The jazz is not going to happen.
But, Lakeshore Arts is partnering with Mimico-by-the-Lake BIA to present The Summer Series on August 28.
The online virtual concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature local and musical acts.
This is a fundraiser for the Jean Augustine Centre for Young women’s Empowerment, which has been forced to cut some of its programming due to COVID-19.
You can donate at jeanaugustinecentre.ca, in honour of the “Summer Music Series.”
Stay tuned for more information and some of the artists being featured.
Also local brewery, Great Lakes Beer has launched a fundraising beer called Empowerment to help raise funds for the centre.
Please note that the Lakeshore Arts Long Branch Public Library mural box was painted in the last few days by artist Nazli Nahidi.

Art painting and sale to support Humber Bay Park

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There will be another Community Sidewalk Painting and Art sale tomorrow in support of Friends of Humber Bay Park.

The painting and sale will take place on August 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Studio Connect, 62 Marine Parade Drive, in Unit 5.

Artist Soudabeh Majidi invites you to add strokes to the painting.

Majidi, a graduate of Ontario College of Art and Design, has been painting and instructing Art for a decade. Soudabeh started to paint Neemo, the family dog who had been changing several homes and eventually became a loved family member in her household.

The Friends of Humber are also hosting their 2020 photo contest of images taken in the park. Photos must be from Humber Bay Park and adjacent areas.

Photographers have until September 15 to get registered and download their shots to fohbp.ca, and access the Photo Contest 2020 tab.

Romaine and Dallas saying goodbye to the NTB and dear friends

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A mom-and-son business team are saying goodbye after 12-years of operating a billiards hall in New Toronto.

Dallas Dyer, and his mom, Romaine Andronyk, have been operating the popular NTB New Toronto Billiards, at 2878 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has been the scene of many good times since 2008.

The saddened couple in a posting on social media say it has been great and they are moving on.

“It’s been 12 wonderful years since we opened our doors,” they wrote. “We have made great memories along the way … but for us, it’s time to move on to other things.”

The duo say they will shut their doors forever on August 29.

“This will be the end of our era,” they told their customers. “We want to thank everyone that has supported us over the years.”

They thanked landlord Gord Faulkner, the former owner of Faulkner Appliances, calling him ‘a stand-up guy for years of mutual respect.”

The pool hall was described as “Etobicoke’s Best Kept Secret,” in that they served ‘a wide range of drink selections plus a special every night to keep our costs affordable and your nights fun.’

The hideaway lounged offered cocktails, brews and pub eats, plus pool tables, darts and regular live music.

“We are a home away from home for a lot of people,” they say. “Memories are made, celebrations are had and friendships are created once you come into NTB.’

The hall hosted or sponsored some of the best pool and dart players and teams like the Canadian Poolplayers’ Association League.

Long-time pool player R. Anthony Rock says the closing will bring tears to his eye.

“I have photo albums on Facebook of the time spent at NTB Lounge from the beginning and over the years,” Rock recalls. “Their closing will bring a tear to the eye, but the fondest memories will bring the broadest smiles.”

Top pool player Tom Polsinelli says the high-quality pool tables are level and the temperature in the venue was always cool enough to keep balls rolling properly.

The hall has also been a venue for darts tournaments, musical jams and variety shows for the LGBT community. Even Toronto Marlies hockey players have been spotted playing ping pong here.

Musician Zuraw has performed in every bar on the Lakeshore

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Long-time area musician Roger Zuraw, whose claim to fame is that he has performed at every bar on the Lakeshore, has released two new discs for his loyal fans.

The popular guitarist, who is known for ‘his pleasant songs about the virtues of Toronto multiculturalism,’ is hoping residents will like his latest CDs ‘Long ago Lakeshore Ramble,” and another of Polish hits, for those who are familiar with his tunes.

Zuraw has been performing in area bars, taverns and other venues for years. Music lovers say beneath his innocuous exterior lurks the ‘raw, passionate heart of a man who’s seen life from both sides, as his songs, such as “Homeless Man” reveals.

He is known for his breakout hits Mimico Jail, Headboard Boogie and I gotta hunch.

“There used to be many more live music venues in the neighbourhood,” he worries. “There was always work in the bars once the people liked you and the band.”

He says much of the work for musicians began drying up before COVID-19, which totally killed the business.

Zuraw also has a line of ‘You’ve gotta love the Shore’ t-shirts for sale.

He has written more than 60 songs over the years, which he sells online, at shows or in the community.

“At one time there were many more musicians like me in the area,” Zuraw frets of past days, when the nightlife in the area was flourishing. “It is hard now to earn a living in this game.”

His discs and t-shirts are about $25 each and you can reach him by email at rogerzurawsong@yahoo.ca.

He will meet you in the community with the items.

 

More marijuana stores setting up shop in the community

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The Ontario government seems to be handing out licences for cannabis stores like candy.

At least 12 marijuana retail or accessory stores will be opening up soon in Etobicoke, with at least nine of them setting up shop in the Lakeshore community.

A comprehensive list of upcoming marijuana stores is published by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) on their website.

AGCO said they issue about 20 cannabis Retail Store Applications monthly from the hundreds of applications that they receive. They applications are dealt with in the order that they are received.

The organization states that cannabis stores are “in progress” of opening at 3409 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Ameri at 3683 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Green Grow Cannabis at 3755 Lakeshore Blvd. W., and Lakeview Cannabis at 4 Mimico Ave.

More stores in various stages of opening include: McCannabis at 5485 Dundas St. W., and 3812 Bloor St. W., Em Jay’s at 5160 Dundas St. W., Tokyo Smoke at 164 Evans Ave., and Etobicoke Cannabis at 1172 The Queensway,

Area councillor Stephen Holyday in a June letter to the AGCO expressed concerns that some of the stores may be too close to schools or parks and they should keep that in mind when they issue permits.

Holyday wrote that he has been contacted by numerous residents who have raised concerns about the poor suitability of the locations and the increased risk of access to cannabis by minors.

“Some locations are very close to more than one school and they are located at or near strip plazas and parks which are frequented by youth,” he noted. “The provincial regulations require a distance of 150 metres between the retailer and a school and many find this too permissive given the context.”

Holyday says AGCO is the regulator and approval authority for the retailers and there is limited opportunity for the public and elected municipal officials to intervene in these decisions.

There are already four marijuana accessory stores in business along Lake Shore Blvd. W., and in Alderwood.

Emerging artist Naz making beautiful art in Long Branch, Alderwood

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Emerging artist and illustrator  Nazli ‘Naz’ Nahidi loves painting contemporary works including Bell Box Murals and cutting-edge street art.

Nahidi  on Monday will be joining more than a dozen visual artists to paint her second Bell Box Mural in south Etobicoke. She painted her first last year.

“Her work is emotionally charged and in part echoes the visceral effects of emotions as well as personifies feelings,” her website says. “She explores themes of connection, disassociation, closeness, fear and being.”

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.

The Iranian-born artist has painted two large outdoor murals in Don Mills and assisted on the maintenance of the Mural Routes Connections mural on Don Mills Rd.

She also last year painted a digital for the Fringe Festival’s temporary patio, Postscript.

For the next two weeks Naz will be painting a box at 1 Thirty Second Street, and she welcomes visitors.

Check out more of her work at https://www.naznahidi.com/ and Instagram: @nznhidi

The Bell Box Murals are a partnership between Ward 3 councillor Mark Grimes, City of Toronto, Lakeshore Arts, and Community Matters Toronto.

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