The South Etobicoke News

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

Pharmacist Russell was twice Mayor of New Toronto

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The Don Russell name has been well-known and respected in the New Toronto area for some 87-years and counting.

Russell’s pharmacy with its blue sign has been part of the community since 1933 at the same Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Sixth Street location.

Russell, a native of Norval, Ont., graduated from the University of Toronto and started his landmark store soon afterwards

He always loved politics and was Mayor of New Toronto for two terms from 1954 to 1967.

The local resident was doing well and by 1950 had three booming pharmacies in Etobicoke to his name.

Energetic and well-known in the community, he gave of time and belonged to a range of organizations; including the Lakeshore Lions, Kingsway Shriners, the Lakeshore Paraplegic Society, the Red Cross, and the New Toronto Library Board.

The pharmacist knew many of the area’s politicians at the time and politics was always close to his heart. Russell entered the fray by winning a one-year term on the Etobicoke School Board in 1948.

He gained confidence and soon won a spot on Etobicoke City Council, where he stayed for two terms. He was making quite a name for himself and ran and won the Mayor’s chair, where he sat for 13-years.

By all accounts Russell was a fairly popular politician, who could be approached and generally cared about the well-being of the community.

As Mayor he and other Etobicoke politicians on Metro Council were against the construction in 1954 of a subway at the time and demanded that fares remain the same in all parts of the city, since Etobicoke was viewed as the outskirts of Toronto.

He then served on Metro Council and was elected to the new Board of Control when Toronto amalgamated with Etobicoke in 1998.

The pharmacist-turned-politician was married to Dorothy Reynolds since 1935 and they had two children, Beverly and Robert, who also became a pharmacist and joined his father’s practice after graduation, according to local historian Denise Harris.
Russell passed away from a heart attack in December 1971 at his Lakeshore Dr., home.

A park at Humber College facility, on Birmingham St., was renamed Don Russell Memorial Park in his honour.

Son Bob carried on the family business until retiring. Today “Don Russell Drugs” still carries on and few seem to be aware of the long political history behind the store, which has new owners.

with files by Denise Harris

Residents help to get a gun off our streets

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Another weapon removed from our streets.

Residents in the Brown’s Line and Evans Ave. area are being credited for helping police to remove a deadly weapon off our streets.

Police say the .40 calibre Smith & Wesson handgun and an extended magazine was left behind by an absent-minded suspect who was shopping at an area store on June 1 just after 3:38 p.m. in broad daylight.

The man left the store, according to a police release, and forgot his bag containing the weapon, which was found by shoppers in the store who immediately called police.

It didn’t take a major investigation because a short time later the accused returned to the store to retrieve his bag containing the Smith & Wesson, but was quickly taken into custody by waiting cops.

A man identified as Nigel Lopez, 21, of Toronto, faces 14 criminal charges, including possession of a loaded restricted firearm weapons dangerous, mischief, escape lawful custody and three counts of possession of a restricted weapon knowing no authority.

He appeared in court at 2201 Finch Avenue West on June 2.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 416-808-2200.

 

FOOD Review: Some Top Tasty Take-out food places in the community

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South Etobicoke is blessed with a number of very good Indian restaurants and this cuisine tends to lend itself to takeout, as it travels and reheats well without any loss of flavour or texture.
Here are some Top Tasty Community Favourite Take-outs which won’t disappoint as reviewed by Wayne Gibson, of the South Etobicoke News.

From the Mediterranean Shore of Syria to
Mimico, Mooring Eats, 2481 Lake Shore Blvd. W. 416-253-7171,  has rapidly made a name for itself with its superb Middle
Eastern dishes. Try their homemade Baba Ghanoush as an appetizer and their Shish Tawook Plate with two sides and a main.  Good take out service, delicious food and a hit on social media. Many residents love the food, which they describe as honest without cutting corners. Its no wonder why they have gained a loyal following.
Serving the Mimico Community for many years, Kothur,2356 Lake Shore Blvd., W., 416-253-5047,  has
earned a reputation for serving quality Indian dishes at
reasonable prices. Try their Shrimp Biryani–shrimp in a tasty
basmati rice matrix with subtle spicing—or their Dal Makani—
dark lentils perfectly spiced. Open for both lunch and dinner.
Further West, in the heart of Alderwood, is Feast of Dilli, 378 Brown’s Line, 647-348-4567, serving reasonably priced Indian dishes. For a milder dish, try their butter chicken and for those liking the heat, the lamb
vindaloo is highly recommended. Again, Cheetah Beer can
be taken out from this Brown’s Line favourite.
Check Merlot, 2994 Bloor St., W., 416-236-0081, for Classic French bistro-style cuisine; for a different dish, try their confit of duck with your choice of wine, followed by a chocolate mousse dessert. Well-liked and has a loyal following. Open now for takeout and delivery.
Black Angus, 3250 Bloor St. W., 416-233-7406, has been serving the community fine steaks for 50 years, now with plenty more menu options. Takeout oràcurbside delivery, or if you wish to wait for full opening, buy
some gift cards now to be ready to enjoy a full dining room
experience later. Half-price wine.
Souvlaki Hut Greek Taverna, 3080 Bloor St. W. 416-
233-2090, Classic Greek cuisine that is well-prepared with quality
ingredients: chicken souvlaki, either in a pita or as a main
course, is excellent. Another Greek favourite, Moussaka, also
makes for a tasty takeout dinner and a vegetarian option is also
available. Tasty take-outs that won’t fail.

Things to do in the community to keep you busy

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JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE FOR YOUNG WOMEN EMPOWERMENT is operating virtual programs in June and
July. Contact 416-253-9797 or email
info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca
LAMP COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE remains closed
until further notice. LAMP is offering some virtual
programs like Mindfulness and Wellness workshops
on Zoom. A four week online mindfulness workshop series
helps people to manage and control their mental health. It takes place June
9, 16, 23 and 30 at 3 p.m. The takeaway meal
program has been expanded to 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 Monday through Saturday
where people can pick up a free takeaway meal at the Birmingham entrance.
The EarlyON services at LAMP will distribute new
and used books free to families in June. For more
information call EarlyON at 416-252-8293. Online
wellness workshops focusing on nurturing your spirit
during COVID-19 takes place June 17 at 2 p.m. and
June 24 at 2 p.m. LAMP is hiring young people for
eight summer job positions thanks to federal funding. To register call or
email jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471 ext. 308.
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, First
Care or other services still open.
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING,
Al-Anon is a mutual support group for those whose
lives are affected by someone’s drinking. Meetings
are free and anonymous. Long Branch Al-Anon
Group meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at LAMP, 185
Fifth St. Also Kingsway Al-Anon Group meets every
Monday at 8 p.m. at St. Georges on the Hill Church,
4600 Dundas St. W.
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 416-257-4207 or visit
sfh@storefronthumber.ca
THE LAKESHORE ENVIRONMENTAL GARDENING
SOCIETY (LEGS) is holding its Plant Exchange that
runs from May 15 to June 15. Plants can be picked
up or dropped off at a number of local locations.
Just look for the green Plant Library & Exchange
Sign. They also have a food forest garden with
permaculture and organic principles at the Daily
Bread Food Bank, at 191 New Toronto St. You can
pick up for drop off plants at: Mimico Baptist Church,
80 Hillside Ave., on Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.; The Healing Muse Apothecary, 2859 Lake
Shore Blvd. W., Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m.; Primrose Ave. and Lake Shore
Blvd. W., Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also at the north-east corner of Park Blvd., and
Long Branch Ave., on June 6, June 7, June 13 and
14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Lake Promenade
and 23rd Street on June 4. LEGS can be reached at
416-347-5449 or: info@legsetobicoke.ca
DONATE TO WOMEN’S HABITAT OF ETOBICOKE
Emergency Fund to help purchase the specific
needs of women and children as food, diapers, baby
formula and program supplies for children and
youth. Contact Lina Almanzan at 416-252-7949
ext. 232 or by email lalmanzan@womens-habitat.ca
FREE ONLINE WELLNESS KIT TO KEEP YOU calm so
you can carry on featuring a workout video focused
on gentle stretching to reduce stress, a selfhypnosis MP3 created for the situation, relaxing
body scanned guided imagery and a selfcompassion exercise to be kind to you. Visit us as
www.holistichappinessworkshops.com
HUMBER COLLEGE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CLINIC is
offering a free online service delivery to support
community members with access to; conflict
coaching, tips and strategies on conflict deescalation techniques and facilitated mediations.
Trained alternative dispute resolution (ADR) student
advisors and mediators from the community are
available by appointment to help by emailing
northdrc@ignitestudentlife.com
TIMOTHY’S PUB HAS LAUNCHED A fundraiser to help
the Salvation Army food bank. Owner Tim Brem
says $1 from the sale of their customer fave
chippers goes directly to the Salvation Army, at 5
Thirtieth St. The pub, at 344 Brown’s Line, has
helped raise funds for many area non-profits
including the Royal Canadian Legion #101 Long
Branch. They are open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and
you can call 416-201-9515 for takeout or delivery.
THE DEMAND FOR FOOD IS SO HIGH DUE TO COVID-19
that a new warehouse has been opened up by the
Daily Bread Food Bank and partners to help feed
the needy. The new space, at 40 Butterick Rd., will
help serve as a distribution hub for more than
60,000 food boxes, or 1,000 pallets for those experiencing hunger. To donate visit dailybread.ca

Community prays for the George Floyd family

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South Etobicoke residents are transfixed on protests taking place in Minneapolis and other cities across the U.S. following the killing of George Floyd by police.
People in our community are praying for their neighbours down south and for those in the Black community who are seeking dignity and respect.

Residents here are monitoring the destruction, which included the burning down of a police station, which is taking place in the U.S. in the wake of the death of George, a handcuffed Black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck for about eight minutes.

Hand-made signs, as this one, have appeared in New Toronto and elsewhere in the community in which residents makes note of the racial protests that have split U.S. communities.

 

 

 

Wrestler Sweet Daddy Siki was way before his time

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We all loved him!

Wrestler Reginald Siki was the dirt-poor son of a Texas sharecropper who moved to Toronto, where he dyed his hair blonde and changed his name to Sweet Daddy Siki to become a fan favourite who packed Maple Leaf Gardens for years.

Busloads of fans would jam the Gardens every weekend to moan over the latest antics of the popular and well-liked Siki, or to see him get pounded by an irate opponent. He was a main card attraction who made his debut in 1962 and wrestled at the Carlton St. shrine until 1980.
Siki, who was born in 1940 in Montgomery, Texas, began learning the ropes at Compton College in Los Angeles. By the 1950s, he was fighting in New Mexico.
He is called the “Jackie Robinson of professional wrestling” for facing intense discrimination in the U.S. south, where he was once forced to fight in front of the KKK.
Having suffered enough racism, he and his late long-time Canadian wife moved to Toronto in 1961. He fought in venues across the country and was a fixture at Stampede Wrestling for years.

A large man, with a soft voice, Siki was best-known for his unique moves that included the “coco butt, airplane spin and neck-breaker,” which had rivals in pain on the mat.
Siki was a pioneer, who had grown more popular than the headline fighters, as Whipper Billy Watson, Gene “Big Thunder” Kiniski, Abdullah The Butcher, Dick “The Bulldog” Brower and Lord Athol Layton.
‘Mr. Irresistible’, as he was dubbed by fans, Siki was then earning a whopping $3,000 a bout and was receiving bundles of mail from fans around the world.
He brought sizzle and glamour to the ring and many fans booed as Siki would take out his white hand-held mirrors and begin admiring his good looks and well-built body.
“He was a Black wrestler who had a gimmick that wasn’t rooted in his colour,” one magazine said. “He didn’t want you to hate him because he was Black. You were supposed to hate him because he was a vain, rude, arrogant prima donna.”
In a time when ring attire consisted of solid colour trunks and black boots, Siki’s were candy-striped. His boots were white, with the backs cut out to show off his calf muscles. With bleached hair and mustache, he wore sequined robes and Jackie Kennedy sunglasses on his way to the ring.
“I saw my first wrestling match at the age of 14, and I knew right then that is what I wanted to do,” recalled Siki, who was at one time a corporal in the U.S. Army.

He was a regular fixture in the Parkdale area, where he lived and for years drove around in a converted hearse. Along the way, Siki has earned six major wrestling belts, including the Austria-Asian championship, the North American championship, which he held for three years; the Texas championship and the tag-team heavyweight crown.
His body has suffered a tremendous toll from the sport. His injuries included two broken ribs, his hands were broken twice, his ankle and leg broken and half-his-face paralyzed, after being kicked in the face.
To this day fans still recall his signature phrases: “I’m the Women’s Pet and the Man’s Regret” and “A lot of people try to copy me, but there’s only one Niagara Falls and only one Mona Lisa. And there’s only one Mr. Irresistible”.
Siki has mentored and influenced today’s top stars, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Adam “Edge” Copeland, Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Trish Stratus.
Today, he remains secluded and friends say he isn’t feeling well these days to talk.
A documentary called Sweet Daddy Siki was aired by the CBC’s Documentary Channel on June 11, 2017.

 

 

Community donates to LAMP to feed the poor

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Etobicoke Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth and Global Medic ‘s Rahul Singh, in photo, who founded the David McAnthony Foundation, which operates Global Medic, stop by LAMP to help with COVID 19 emergency response.

Christine and Rahul delivered 20 boxes of dry staples to LAMP including lentils, peas, barley, rice, chickpeas and kidney beans LAMP is grateful for their kindness and generosity. Global Medic earlier in the month donated 174 Hygiene kits to LAMP.

LAMP CHC is slowly scaling up primary health care services and clinical operations to include in addition to essential services increasing the number of in-person visits of patient or clients designated ‘need to be seen’.

In response to social isolation LAMP is offering some virtual programs like Mindfulness and Wellness workshops on Zoom. A four-week online mindfulness workshop series helps people to manage and control their mental health. It takes place June 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 3 pm.

The Centre’s takeaway meal program has been expanded to include Fridays through the adult drop in. Now from 9:30 am to 11:30 Monday through Saturday people can pick up a free takeaway meal at the Birmingham St. entrance.

The EarlyON services at LAMP will distribute new and used books free of charge to families in June. For more information call EarlyON at 416-252-8293

Two online wellness workshops focusing on nurturing your spirit during COVID-19 takes place June 17 at 2 p.m. and June 24 at 2 p.m.

LAMP is also hiring young people for eight summer job positions thanks to federal funding.

To register call or email jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471 ext. 308.

 

Politicians roughed up at Sir Adam Beck School

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Tensions once ran high at Alderwood’s Sir Adam Beck Junior School as two local politicians were roughed up and detained by an angry crowd.

Next month will mark the 84th year since Etobicoke Reeve William A. Armstrong was roughed up and forcibly confined at Sir Adam Beck School, at 544 Horner Ave., as part of a labour dispute.

Armstrong, who was in 1946 the chair of  Etobicoke’s first planning board, and Relief Officer Charles Grubbe, were forcibly kept in a basement boiler room of the school for more than 18-hours, before arrangements were reached so they could leave.

Grubbe was using the school as a pay office to disperse payments to some 2,168 men who were unemployed and receiving relief benefits in cash or vouchers for use to purchase food and other items, according to local historian Denise Harris.

The men during the Depression era were expected to work on road maintenance or other jobs and many felt they deserved more pay, which sparked rotating strikes and public protests at the time.

On July 8, 1936 the school was packed with about 500 relief workers, strikers and supporters. A confrontation broke out after Grubbe ran out of money resulting in some workers not getting paid.

The strikers allowed Grubbe to call Reeve Armstrong who arrived at the school about 4:30 p.m., according to reports.

“When Armstrong tried to leave the building at 5 p.m., he was forcibly prevented from doing so,” according to newspaper accounts. “Both Grubbe and Armstrong were confined to the stifling and dripping basement boiler room for more than 18 hours.”

A member of the union warned “the reeve and relief officer will be fed the ‘same grub’ as being brought in to feed the union guys.”

After several unsuccessful bargaining attempts the men were finally released after compensation was received by all the workers.

Armstrong, a former head of employee relations at Ontario Hydro, served as Reeve from 1934 to 1936.

Many people at the time had a hard time coping with a heatwave that took place from July 8 to July 15,  which saw swimming pools packed with thousands of residents, with some people sleeping outdoors in parks.

Some 225 Toronto residents died as a result of the heatwave. With files by Denise Harris.

Chief Saunders urges residents to get tested

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It’s only a matter of minutes.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders takes a couple minutes from the job to get a drive-thru COVID-19 test.

Saunders says he doesn’t have any symptoms of the virus.

“As first responders it can be difficult to maintain physical distancing doing our jobs,” the Chief says. “We do our best to protect the public and getting tested is important. “

He urges residents to follow public health directives to help keep everyone safe.

Members of the public can receive a free check by driving to the Etobicoke Drive-Thru Assessment Centre, located near Etobicoke General Hospital in the Humber College overflow parking lot, off Queen’s Plate Drive at Highway 27.

The Assessment Centre is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Officials say motorists do not need to leave their cars to be assessed or tested.

Patients will remain in their vehicle for the duration of their screening and assessment. They are screened upon arrival to determine if they are eligible for testing. Those who meet the assessment criteria will be directed to drive toward the testing area where a nasal swab will be taken. The Assessment Centre includes plenty of signage and staff are available to direct you.

The drive-thru model protects the health and safety of hospital staff working at the centre. Individuals without cars can access the centre through a separate walk-in assessment and testing area.

Your family doctor will receive your results, or a health official will contact you if the test is found to be positive.

The Ontario government is working on increasing its testing to about 14,000 people daily.

Restaurants helping to feed frontline workers

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Long Branch cake guru Monja Chiara was searching for ways to help in these trying times when she came across an initiative called Sustain the Line, which helps feed frontline workers battling COVID-19.

The owner of Cake Star, at 3431 Lake Shore Blvd. W., is one of a number of Etobicoke businesses which have volunteered for the program that fed more than 1,200 meals to hard-working medical and emergency workers in their first two weeks.

“This is a great program,” Chiara says. “We have fed many frontline workers and they truly appreciate the meals.”

A fixture on a number of TV baking shows, she says many restaurants want to help feed healthcare workers, but don’t have the support they need to do so.

Their purpose, according to the group’s website, is to connect local food businesses able and willing to deliver meals to frontline healthcare workers to supporters willing to fund these meals.

Anyone who wants to donate funds or deliver meals can get in touch using a Sustain the Line website. The donor pays the food provider a lump sum to make the meals, and then the provider gets in touch with local healthcare workers.

The concept started with Toronto’s Mission Watch Company and Old Road BBQ in Nova Scotia committing to feed frontline workers for a month in Nova Scotia. NextLevel (New Jersey), Conduit Law (Toronto) and Aron Brand (Montreal) joined them within days to expand the idea to North America.

The non-profit organization aims to connect more small food businesses to those who want to fund meals for frontline healthcare workers.

To donate or volunteer visit www.sustaintheline.com/