The South Etobicoke News

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

Former Hamilton teacher and ex Blue Jays’ instructor charged for offences against children

by

A former Hamilton teacher and Toronto Blue Jay’s lead instructor is facing charges of child luring and invitation to sexual touching against children.

John Hashimoto, 56, of Hamilton, was charged March 31 at his home by Halton Regional Police, the force said in a press release.

The suspect was a lead instructor with the Toronto Blue Jays’ academy for young players and a Master Coach Developer and Evaluator for Baseball Canada.

He was also actively involved in youth baseball in the City of Hamilton.

He worked as a seasonal employee with the Blue Jays from 2006 to 2020, when his contract ended due to COVID-19.

The Toronto Blue Jays has said Hashimoto is not a current employee of the organization and has not been for about a year.

The team said the suspect underwent regular criminal record checks as part of his job.

The organization in a statement said they are “deeply disturbed to learn of the charges against a former seasonal employee, but as this is an ongoing legal matter, we cannot comment further at this time.”

The suspect is a retired teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. He worked for the board for more than 30 years at four schools between 1987 to 2019.

The board is in the process of notifying families of the arrest.

Police said the incidents occurred online and the suspect was using the handle David or David 46.

Halton Police believe there could be other victims and are asking anyone with information to contact them.

Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something?” Contact “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca

 

 

Batter Up! Big league baseball played in TO for more than 100 years

by

Members of the Toronto Maple Leafs pro baseball team, with whom icon Babe Ruth hit his first homer.

By DAVE KOSONIC

Pro-baseball fans in our city often think of the Toronto Blue Jay,  but big league ball actually began here 106-years ago with a team called the Toronto Maple Leafs at Hanlan’s Point Stadium.

There on September 5 th , 1914 the legendary Babe Ruth nailed his first homer out of the park as a professional while playing for the Providence Grays against the Toronto Maple Leafs ball club.

In 1968 Maple Leaf Stadium was constructed close to South Etobicoke near Bathurst and Fleet Sts. This former Toronto landmark endured for 42 years until 1968 when it was demolished. It was designed to seat about 23,500 fans but  only about 800 fans attended the final game there on September 4th, 1967.

The men behind Maple Leaf Stadium and the Toronto Maple Leafs growth were team owner Lol Solman, and stadium developer and owner Jack Kent Cooke. Designed by Chapman, Oxley and Bishop, the construction cost was $300,000 but Cooke had to dig deep for $750,000 to complete the project.

The first game at Maple Leaf Stadium was played on April 26, 1926. The Leafs took their opponents the Reading Keystones to the cleaners and claimed victory. Until 1934 all games were played during daytime but night lights flooded the field beginning in 1934 enabling ball games after dark. As a result fan volume increased significantly.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were sold to Cooke in 1951 by Solman so that Cooke ran the whole show that included both the team and the stadium. During the early 1960s Cooke lobbied the Toronto City Council to pay for a new stadium to attract a major league team to Toronto. Council rejected Cook’s proposal.

One of the most dynamic Maple Leaf sluggers was Toronto’s Rocky Nelson, who was a left-handed first baseman who had a very unique batting stance. When opposing team pitchers were facing him while on the mound they knew he had their number to nail a homerun.

Local kids including myself knew exactly where Rocky lived near Burnhamthorpe Rd., and Laurel Ave., in Etobicoke. When we knocked at his door if he was home he was always very kind and genuine with us. Rocky would patiently stand on his front porch and talk baseball with us including providing batting tips. He played one season with Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958 but his career included stints with other teams.

Owner Cooke decided to bail out of playing ball and sold the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1964. The team was sold again in 1967 and their new home was in Louisville, Kentucky.

Maple Leaf Stadium became run down and worn out and it was designated a safety hazard by building inspectors. Demolition of the stadium was completed during 1968 and the property is now occupied by other facilities.

Thus ended professional baseball in Toronto until our beloved Toronto Blue Jays came to town in 1976. The Jays played their first home game at Exhibition Stadium against the Chicago White Sox in 1977 during a snow storm on April 7 th .

-30-

Body health and your wellness by Adrianne

by

In light of the provincial government’s announcement for all gyms, fitness clubs and studios to close on October 10, we once again find ourselves in a state of closure and are left wondering where do we go from here.

As a small business owner in an industry that has been truly devastated by this pandemic, it is often difficult to put on the brave and smiling face to the world when we really don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

When we were first shut-down in March, I thought, I got this and we are going to be ok.  Those feelings of hope started to waiver as the closure dragged on and on. Four months later we were allowed to reopen our doors and welcome our members back in the gym, although with severe restrictions.

In August I thought surely it would be unlikely that we would get shut-down again.  My thinking was “winter is coming” and exercising outside is less attractive when its cold and wet, and for many people also less safe. Plus, exercise is vital for positive physical and mental well-being and boosts the immune system in the process.  No way they can force us to shutter again!

So, we worked tirelessly to try rebuild the business and entice people back through our doors.  Today, we continue to offer virtual fitness to keep people moving from the comfort and safety of their homes.  We weren’t going to give up on a place that means so much too so many.

I try to live by the rules of silver linings and truly feel that one exists in every situation. When I think about the silver linings discovered through this pandemic, what can I say?  Truthfully, there have been no shortage of challenges, but this season of strange has also exposed us to unique and wonderful experiences.

I can honestly say my creative brain has reawakened in attempts to find new and innovative ways to re-engage my members and try to attract new people to my business.  It has also deepened the relationships I have created with the people who interact with us. The members and guests of Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness are more than just clients, they are the people who keep me going and give me purpose.

I do not know what the future holds for Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness but I do know that we will keep trying to survive.  Reach Adrianne @monkeytreefitness on Facebook; #monkeytreefitnesswellness on Instagram or www.monkeytreewellness.com

Things to do and staying safe and busy in our community

by

NOV. 7 WISE IDEA TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT in the parking lot of LAMP, at 185 Fifth Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., brought to you by the West Toronto Onatario Health Team. Contact 416-252-9701 ext. 308

NOV. 9 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB PRESENTS Dave Brosha, one of the most celebrated creative photographers in the world. He brings us insights for creating great portraiture in 12 lessons. It cost $10 for non-members through eventbrite.caor the ECC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/etobcc. For the fall schedule or to join the club go to http://etobicokecameraclub.org.

NOV. 14  NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE with Dr. Olubamiji, Environmental Engineer Anna and STEAM Facilitator Dilesha from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in a Zoom conference and participate with panel discussions with experts, enhance your skills and network with leaders in their fields.  Put on by the Jean Augustine Centre for Women’s Empowerment, STEAM workshop for women.  For more information call 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca

NOV. 14 FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO ENJOY LIFE: join Monika Meulman of The Healing Muse & Stephanie Fazio of Lealoucooks to learn tips and quick, helpful ideas on how to boost your energy, your nutrition and your spirit. Join us live @healingmuse on Instagram. For more information contact Monika at 416-347-5449 or store@healingmuse.com.

NOV. 13 & 27 LAMP BABY CLUB 0-12 MONTHS VIRTUAL ZOOM programming; November 13 Christine-Fit Mama Training ‘Mom and Baby Fitness Demo,’ from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. On November 27 Song and Rhymes with Carina, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more info contact Carina at 416-252-9701 ext. 244 or email carinap@lampchc.org.

NOV. 21 MASTER CREATORS Meet empowered women working in the beauty, wellness and art industry, as therapeutic arts coach Micah, Muse Hair Studio owner Aisha and Lite It Up owner Valerie from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Partipate in panel discussions with experts and field leaders. For more information call 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca

NOV. 27 LAKESHORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVOCACY and Action Group meeting at LAMP Community Room from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 185 Fifth Street. Help advocate for affordable housing for those on fixed income. Contact Jasmin at 416-252-9701, ext. 308.

NOV. 28 FINANCE YOUR BUSINESS with Chantelle and Sonia from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. put on by the Jean Augustine Centre for Women’s Empowerment, 101 Portland St.,  STEAM workshop for women aged from 19 to 24. For more information call 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca

EVERY TUESDAY UNTIL DECEMBER 15 AT LAMP HANDLE WITH CARE from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. group Zoom interactive program to help parents and caregivers promote the mental health of the children in their lives. To register email Madison at MBanks&the519.org or handlewithcarecanada.org

WARM CLOTHING DRIVE IN SUPPORT of Haven on The Queensway in need of gently used warm clothing for men, women and children. New socks and underwear for men and women, personal hygiene items and clean, gently used winter footwear. Items can be dropped off at Haven every Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 1533 The Queensway. If you cannot get there contact Councillor Mark Grimes office at 416-397-9273 for pick up.

BY MID NOVEMBER UP TO 500 RECRUITS ARE BEING HIRED by the Ontario government to expand case and contact management to help track, trace and isolate new cases of COVID-19. The province has already hired 100 new contact tracers, many who started work last month. The new recruits and 600 personnel from Statistics Canada will bring the number of case and contact management staff to nearly 4,000 to deal with a surge in the virus. If interested visit www.publichealthontario.ca

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO help out at the Salvation Army, on Thirtieth Street, at this time of the year. More than 800 area families this year will receive Christmas assistance. Please consider donating. Foodbank available. Contact Jennifer at 416- 251-8372 ext. 101.

 

Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade may fall victim with others to COVID

by

The long-awaited 30th annual Etobicoke Santa Claus Parade has become one of dozens of events being cancelled or going virtual this year due to COVID-19.

Dozens of iconic events like the 115th Toronto Santa Claus Parade, Beaches Santa Claus Parade, North Etobicoke Santa Claus Parade, Toronto Christmas Market and even New Years’s Eve on Nathan Phillips Square were cancelled this year.

A scaled- back Halloween Corner sponsored by the Lakeshore Village BIA takes place at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Sixth Street on October 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free treats!

Organizers of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade hope to have a virtual or other form of the event, where Santa may still make an appearance. Details are pending.

‘ It is with heavy hearts we announce that as per regulation and recommendation, there will be no physical parade this year,” organizers of the popular Etobicoke Lakeshore event said on social media. “… we reiterate that we will not be soliciting sponsorship this year, given the impossible year small businesses have faced.”

They say plans are being worked on so the thousands of children and parents who yearly line Lake Shore Blvd. W., in New Toronto and Long Branch can still see the jolly old man.

“We may be physically distant, but we can stay close with creativity, imagination, a little magic, and some help from our dedicated committee volunteers,” they wrote.

The parade attracts dozens of Christmas-related floats from area businesses and has been organized by an army of volunteers for the past three decades.

More than three dozen popular events that occur around in Toronto at this time of the year have been denied permits by the City due to the pandemic, which has surged in recent weeks.

Among the other events cancelled includes: Nuit Blanche, which will be altered or online, CIBC Run for the Cure (altered or online), cancelled outright are Ride to Defeat Diabetes for JDRF, 10th Annual Smoke Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship, Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Just for Laughs Toronto Street Festival, Halloween on Church and Festival of Lights.

The Cavalcade of Lights is also cancelled, Christmas in the Square with the Salvation Army is pending; so is KitzFest, Beaches Lions Christmas Tree Sale, Fairbank Village-Light Up the Holidays, 30th Annual Kensington Market Winter Solstice, Bloor Yorkville Holiday Magic, Riverside Halloween Fest, Heddington Halloween, Hanley Halloween 2020, Korean Week is cancelled, so is Himalayan Mela and the Canadian and Chinese Traditional Art Show.

Other high-profile summer events as Pride Toronto, Caribana, the CNE, Taste of the Danforth, the Honda Indy, Beaches International Jazz Festival and others were cancelled due to the virus.

Toronto mayor ‘Grassroots Bob’ helped to start the Elmer the Safety Elephant program

by

Robert Hood Saunders was the 48th Mayor of Toronto who was best known for helping to start the wildly-popular  Elmer the Elephant Safety program almost 75-years ago.

Saunders was dubbed ‘Grassroots Bob’ by residents for his down-to-earth style when he was elected Mayor from 1945 to 1948.

He was first elected alderman for Ward 4 in 1935 and 1936 and served on the Toronto Board of Control. He was elected Mayor in January 1945 and was re-elected in 1946, 1947 and ’48. Ward 4 now includes large tracts of South Etobicoke.

A lawyer by trade, Grassroots Bob was at one time the President of the Canadian National Exhibition and Chairman of Ontario Hydro, where he went on to do great things and had a facility named after him. He was also a member of the Orange Order in Canada.

He helped to start the Elmer the Safety Elephant program to teach young children to remain safe after a trip to Detroit in 1946.

Grassroots Bob pitched the Elmer idea to an editor at The Toronto Evening Telegram newspaper, who agreed to sponsor the program with Toronto Police. They chose an elephant mascot because of the animal’s legendary memory.

Elmer the Safety Elephant was born in 1947. That year, his impact was dramatic. Traffic collisions among Toronto children dropped an astonishing 44 per cent, even though vehicle registrations increased by 10 per cent.

Back then accidental injuries were a leading cause of death and hospitalization for Canadian children up to age 19. The role of Elmer the Safety Elephant was to teach young children how to stay safe.

From the day Elmer appeared, he was an instant hit with kids. Over the years, his image has changed to maintain a positive impact on young children.

As the Safety Elephant’s fame grew, other Ontario communities asked for the program. Demand became so strong that the Telegram, owner of the copyright, authorized the Ontario Safety League to administer the program in Ontario outside Toronto. Elmer’s fame grew by leaps and bounds to encompass schools throughout that province.

By the 1960s, with requests for Elmer pouring in from other provinces, the Canadian Highway Safety Council was asked to assume administration of the program on a national level.

In 1968 that Council amalgamated with two other organizations to become the Canada Safety Council. When The Telegram ceased publication in 1971, the Canada Safety Council negotiated the transfer of all rights to the program. The Canada Safety Council currently holds the trademark and copyright for Elmer the Safety Elephant.

After his resignation as mayor, Saunders became chairman of the Ontario Hydro commission and one of his mandates was developing Ontario’s waterpower resources, especially the massive St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project, which he did successfully.

Grassroots Bob died in 1955 at the young age of 52. He was travelling on Ontario Hydro business when the ice-encrusted Grumman Mallard aircraft in which he was a passenger crashed while approaching the London, Ontario airport. He succumbed to his injuries.

Bars and restaurants to shut earlier as part of COVID guidelines

by

This will hurt.

Barkeepers in the South Etobicoke area are crying foul since they are now required to stop serving booze at 11 p.m., rather than 2 a.m., due to new COVID-19 guidelines.

And the more than 40 strip clubs in Ontario will have to remain closed until further notice to avoid a spread of the virus, according to Premier Doug Ford.

Effective at 12:01 am on Saturday September 26, restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, including nightclubs, will have to stop the sale of alcohol after 11 p.m., and prohibit the consumption of alcohol on the premises from 12 a.m. until 9 a.m.

The guidelines apply to employees, and requires the establishments to close by 12 a.m., and remain closed until 5 a.m., except for takeout or delivery, according to the law.

In addition, businesses or organizations are required to screen its employees for the virus.

The Premier said in the past five weeks Ontario has experienced an increase in the rate of new COVID-19 cases and something has to be done.

“Private social gatherings continue to be a significant source of transmission in many local communities, along with outbreak clusters in restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments,” he said.

The government last week ruled that only 10 persons can be in a bar or indoor space, and 25 outside.
“It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice in order to stop the transmission of COVID-19 and protect our communities,” Ford said in a release.

Starting Friday, people with no symptoms of the coronavirus can visit up to 60 pharmacies in Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, Mississauga, Markham and Huntsville by appointment  for free testing, according to the province.

Not many, if any, of the Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies are located in the South Etobicoke area. The closest pharmacies in our area includes:

Shoppers Drug Mart, 579 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga, at 905- 278-5506 or https://stores.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/store/1275/

Shoppers Drug Mart, 700 Burnhamthorpe Road East, Mississauga, at 905- 279-1812 or  https://stores.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/store/774/

Area residents can also visit St. Joseph Health Care Centre, at 30 The Queensway, to obtain a check for COVID-19.

St. Joseph has two assessment centres: one at its St. Michael’s site and another at the St. Joseph’s site. The centres are equipped with proper precautions such as hand hygiene stations and isolated spaces for those who are being assessed for COVID-19.

If you’re visiting their assessment centres, you’ll be given a mask upon entry and asked to clean your hands, you’ll be registered, and then seen by a team member to be tested for COVID-19. Please remember to bring your health card.

They can be contacted at 416- 530-6000

 

Budding New Toronto comic Dinner is barber with a heart

by

New Toronto’s newest stylist Andy Dinner says he is a ’barber with a heart.’

The owner of Your Neighbourhood Barbershop, at 2858 Lakeshore Blvd. W., recently purchased $50 in coupons from his neighbour, Big Guy’s Little Coffee Shop, to give free coffees to his customers.

A part-time stand-up comic, he is also working with LAMP and St. Margarets’ Church, on Sixth Street, to provide free trims for those in need or seeking jobs.

“That’s just the type of guy I am,” Dinner says. “I am from around here. I like the people and they support me.”

He is an affable stylist, who makes customers feel welcomed and at home in his shop. The bright and friendly salon has been opened for just over a month and customers, or friends, are checking it out.

“Awesome addition to New Toronto,” says area resident, Jay Schramek. “Had a trim today. Fantastic service and outstanding cut.”

He also provides a $10 discount for seniors and there are further savings for those seeking cuts who suffer from Down Syndrome and autism, he says.

“There are a lot of seniors in need of support in the community,” Dinner notes.  “I want to make people look good and feel good about themselves.”

As he says: “I am a bald barber and want to make people appreciate their hair.”

When not styling, Dinner (yes, his real name) is busy cracking jokes.

He recently appeared and received good reviews at a comedy show featured at Kitchen On Sixth Restaurant, which is always busy.

“He is funny,” one attendee said. “His jokes about growing up were pretty good.”

Dinner is involved in different charities or projects in the community that some call him a “barber with a heart.”

Your Neighbourhood Barbershop can be reached at 416-919-7463 or by email at info@yourneighbourhoodbarbershop.com

 

 

Officer Dekezel makes a difference in the lives of at-risk girls

by

A female Etobicoke police officer is being recognized for helping at-risk girls tackle some of life’s biggest challenges.

Jennifer Dekezel, an officer with the force’s Community Response Unit, started the Girlz Will Be Girlz program eight years ago after receiving a call from an elementary school principal in a high-crime area.

“The principal had me in and I spoke with a few young girls who were being bullied, and I spoke to the bullies too,” said Dekezel.

The principal was impressed with Dekezel, and asked her to come back.

The group started with just four girls, meeting weekly. Now it has grown to close to 25 girls between eight and 17 years old, with some girls coming back year after year.

Dekezel has been presented with a Special Recognition Award for her work by the Association of Black Law Enforcers.

Principals and teachers refer students to Dekezel’s group. They can be newcomers, introverts, bullying victims, or bullies themselves or anyone who might benefit from bonding with a group and a strong mentor.

Dekezel takes the girls on outings, as well as individual activities like back-to-school shopping and ice cream trips. She has also sat in hospital rooms after suicide attempts and taken late-night phone calls from girls who need someone to talk to.

Dekezel, who is from Manitoba is half Trinidadian and half Italian. She didn’t know her parents growing up and was adopted by a Winnipeg family of Belgian and Scottish-English heritage.

Some of the girls who have been with Dekezel have gone on to start groups of their own, like one 12-year-old who started an anger-management group at her school.

One of the biggest differences Dekezel has noticed is with newcomer girls, who come from communities where police are viewed with suspicion.

“Having a police officer who is a friend makes a huge difference,” she says. “Those girls go and talk to their parents, who talk to their neighbours, and the list goes on.”

The group receives partial funding from Pro-Action Cops and Kids with Dekezel covering the rest out of her own pocket. She is in search of sponsors.

Story by Kevin Masterman, Toronto Police Service.

 

 

Police warn of phoney sales or service people as the temps fall

by

Police are warning area residents at this time of the year to be wary of salesmen or service people who appear at their door offering deals too good to be true.

Police are advising seniors and other homeowners to ask to see the person’s identification and then phone the company listed to confirm if the person works there or if the company exists.

The alleged service people may claim to be from companies that perform roofing, snow removal, heating or cooling services, in which work may be required as the temperatures fall.

The warning stems from the September 8 arrest of a Toronto man in an eavestrough cleaning scheme in south Etobicoke, police said in a press release.

Officers at 22 Division were last month made aware of a man reportedly attending multiple addresses of senior citizens in the area.

Police claim a man would offer eavestrough cleaning or claimed to have completed eavestrough cleaning. He would then demand money for a service not provided, police allege.

In most cases the work is never completed as the suspect takes off with your money.

Brian Bingley, 60, has been arrested and charged for robbery.