The South Etobicoke News

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

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.

 

 

SHOPPING – South Etobicoke Shopping Guide of Where to Shop Locally in 2021

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SOUTH ETOBICOKE SHOPPING GUIDE – WHERE TO SHOP LOCALLY IN 2021.

Why fight for a parking spot at Sherway Gardens Mall.

Check out more than 30 locally owned stores in the community where you can find all your needs.

By shopping locally you are also helping your neighbours and helping to make a stronger community, in which funds stay in the community and are not sent abroad.

This advertising is Supported by the Lakeshore Village BIA. It is made possible through a full-page Ad that was donated by Custodia Seniors Support.
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Beyond Taxes and creating financial wealth with Rattan

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BEYOND Taxes and creating wealth with Rattan.

Happy New Year my fellow readers. As we step into the new year, some of us will try to set up some goals and affirmations.

Let us hope you do reach them as the year passes by.

COVID-19 is still here and by the time the vaccine reaches many Canadians it will more likely be by late spring. Do not give up hope, but look forward to a more normal life.

In this column, I will try to recap all the articles I have written about in the previous year.

Debt was the first issue and it is the most difficult financial problem.
Reflect upon how you got into debt and what lifestyle changes one must make to get out of the situation. Focus on the most expensive debt (more likely credit card debt.)

Build up your credit score: It will save you a lot of money in interest in the future. The only debt one should have is mortgage or if this debt is used to earn an income.

Don’t forget 2020 Tax Returns and to get all your paperwork in order, T4s etc. medical expenses, charitable donations, student loan interest, tuition credit, RRSPs and any other relevant documentations that one is aware of.

If you are working from home because of COVID-19, you will not need the Condition of Employment Form.

Remember the CERB is a taxable income. Keep your tax filings current so that you do not miss out on any future benefits that may result from this pandemic.

Investment trends for 2021.This year has seen some households build up a significant bank balance. If you are going to invest in the stock market, experts forecast that 2021 will not be a banner year like 2020 and there might be some adjustments along the way.

If you are looking at the long-term horizon, then the stock market has always seen an upward trend.

My personal preference for an investment vehicle would be under a TFSA umbrella instead of an RRSP.

Planning to buy a home in the coming year: Contribute aggressively into your RRSP and use the funds for the down payment.

Is this a good move. Again the long-term trend is an upswing in the home prices. With low interest rate the prediction is a 5% to 6% increase in prices for the GTA.

Research the market, talk to real estate agents, banks and other individuals within your social realm.

As for interest rates, there are indications they will go up because inflation will creep in as the economy gathers steam.

For the business owner, evaluate the past year and plan for the coming year, given the current situation and the changing environment as it applies to your business.

“Plan your Business and work your Plan” should be your motto. Make sure that you take full advantage of the various rebates offered by the federal, provincial and city officials.

Pay attention to the markets and real estate prices, study the business pages and educate yourself by reading all the materials you can.

Rattan Gandhi is owner of Quick Refund Tax, 133 Sixth St. His opinions stem from 15 years of experience in helping clients in the tax area. He can be reached at 905-616-5253 or rattangandhi@gmail.com.

Health and Wellness in the new year with Adrianne

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HEALTH and Wellness in 2021 by Adrianne, who is one of the best in the field. 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to make an intentional shift and adopt changes designed to improve our health and well-being.

Although setting new habits can be difficult for most of us at the best of times, entering the new year might seem more challenging with the ongoing global pandemic and current lockdown measures.

As a small business owner leaving behind seven months of forced closure in 2020 and facing further weeks or months of lockdown to start off the new year, creating resolutions and setting new habits is the furthest thing from my mind. It is, however, probably the most important shift needed to create a positive path forward.

With the ongoing stress of not knowing if our business will survive continued closure, we must alter our focus towards improving our health habits to ensure we are physically and mentally prepared to face whatever is to come.

One of things I have really fought hard to hold onto during the 2020 closures is maintaining a good routine and clean eating. These will be my main goals to accomplish for 2021.

You have likely heard the expression “you can only control those things that are within your control.” I have accepted the fact that a global pandemic is outside of my control. However, my reaction is how I accept what is happening or not.

This year, I have decided to build better habits to support self-care and self-love and will work hard not to dwell on the things I have no control over, like the restrictions and closures imposed on the business due to the pandemic. These are within my control and will hopefully lead to improvements in other parts of my life.

It starts with designating a space in the home where you can meditate/exercise/find peace – whatever is needed at the time. We have recently cleared out a room in our home and turned it into the workout space. I understand that depending on your living situation, it isn’t possible for everyone to give up an entire room for this purpose. If you can’t dedicate an entire room, then create a corner where you can find peace and quiet, have space to move your body, and feel well.

You can make simple changes to the morning routine. Setting an early time to rise. For me it’s usually between 5 and 5:30 a.m. For you it might be 6:30 or 7. Whatever your usual wake-up time is, bring it forward by 30-60 minutes to have time to do some important morning stretches, meditation, or a quick 20-minute workout. If this is not your thing, spend this time journaling or sending messages of gratitude to those who impact your life in a positive way.

Starting the morning with a glass of water with a half to full freshly-squeezed lemon is not only hydrating, but also cleansing for the blood and alkalizing for the body. The lemon water is very good in helping to reduce inflammation for those dealing with arthritis pain.

Making good food choices is also helpful to keep the brain clear and focused and the body feeling energized. My family has decided to cut out grains and refined sugars for the new year, to reduce inflammation and digestive upset. Making food changes can be tough in the beginning, but once the body adjusts to the new way of being fueled, it won’t enjoy the old ways and will thank you by having a stronger immunity and ability to manage stress.

There are many things you can do to ensure the start of 2021 is better than the year we are leaving behind. The main thing to remember is you are in control of your destiny and even failure can just be a stepping stone to something greater. Accept the challenges of the year with an open heart and most importantly take the time to stretch, move your body, hydrate, sleep, fuel well, and find your joy. Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous 2021.

Reach Adrianne @monkeytreefitness on Facebook; #monkeytreefitnesswellness on Instagram or www.monkeytreewellness.com

Keeping busy and active for free in the community

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PICK UP and TAKE OUT have become signs of the times that we live in. Courtesy photo.

JANUARY 11 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB Abstract Photography Presentation with photographer Craig Brown to present Complex Distractions, about abstract and ICM Photography. Purchase $10 tickets from the ECC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/etobcc. For schedule go to http://etobicokecameraclub.org.
STARTING JANUARY 12 BIWEEKLY ON TUESDAYS the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment STEAM program for girls to participate in hands on learning opportunities in the field of STEAM. For more information contact email at info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca or phone at 416-253-9797.
JANUARY 17 EMPOWERED GIRLS STEAM program begins at Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment for ages 12 to 17 biweekly on Tuesdays starting Jan. 17. Participate in hands-on learning opportunities in the field of STEAM. Contact 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca
JANUARY 18 TO MARCH 5 FREE ZOOM ONLINE PROGRAMS at the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, 101 Portland St., with more than a dozen popular programs to choose from. Contact information above.
JANUARY 18 TO MARCH 5 FREE ONLINE WINTER PROGRAMS by the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment via Zoom to learn about Chef’s Catering (senior), Craft for a Cause, Reader to reader, Craftastic market and Tik Tok dance. Contact information above.
JANUARY 18 YOUTH COUNCIL, JANUARY 19 Licensed 2 Learn Tutor Training, January 23 Hairology from 12 to 2 p.m., where you can become a scientist of hair. At the Jean Augustine Centre of Young Women’s Empowerment at 416-253-9797.
JANUARY 6, 13, 20, 27 JOIN CORIN every Wednesday at 3 p.m. on Zoom for the continuation of our mindfulness series offered by LAMP.
JANUARY 19, 26 AND FEBRUARY 4 and 11 for LAMP wellness series with Mary Craig at 2 p.m. on Zoom and focus on renewal, mixture of stretches, breathing and self-reflections. Contact Jasmin at 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or email jasmind@lampchc.org
JANUARY IS CARDS OF HOPE MAKING if you have someone who would benefit from receiving an uplifting original Card of Hope in the mail. Very cool. Volunteers are also sought to help make the cards. Contact Jasmin for more information on card making kits.
JANUARY FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD PODS PROJECT and another information session and community leadership training with 5 to 7 workshops. For information on this new project, volunteers supporting others in the community are required. Please contact Jasmin.
JANUARY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING work continues with a community Zoom forum at the end of January about Lakeshore Affordable Housing Advocacy and Action Group. Date to be finalized. Contact Jasmin at 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or email jasmind@lampchc.org
FREE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING FOR INFANTS, children, youth and families by phone or video, no fees or appointments. Qualified counsellors available Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact 1-866-585-6486.
HUMBER COLLEGE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CLINIC is offering free online help to support community members in conflict coaching, conflict de-escalation techniques and facilitated mediations. Trained alternate dispute resolution student adivisors and mediators are available for support by emailing northdrc@ignitestudentlife.com
EMPLOYMENT ONTARIO JOBS provides one-on-one employment training, resume, cover letter, interview preparation and provides links to employers. More than 200 clients have been hired in two years. Book an appointment by calling 416-239-7309. Office near Kipling subway.
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.
ETOBICOKE SERVICES FOR SENIORS (ESS) grocery delivery program. Step 1 register and place order. Step 2 ESS will pick up grocery and deliver to your door. It will cost the price of your groceries and a $3.50 delivery fee. Call 416-243-0127 ext. 555.
KIWANIS KINGSWAY HUMBER COVID RELIEF FUND to help charities in Etobicoke and residents who are in urgent need for funding.  Our COVID Relief Fund is set up to help those organizations.  Visit www.kingswaykiwanishumber.com.
FREE SOUP ON SUNDAY TAKES PLACE EVERY SUNDAY between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, at 156 Sixth Street. Free piping hot soup packed in individual Styrofoam containers ready for take-out and go when you show up.
MONTGOMERY’s INN FOR CURBSIDE PICKUPS ONLY: please continue to support our local farmers and food producers by ordering from the market online from Thursday to Monday and pick up on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at a table outside the main entrance. The Inn is located at 4709 Dundas St.W., and orders can be placed at www.montgomerysinnovators.ca.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP 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.

Mysterious monolith placed at Humber Bay Shores tagged with graffiti

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MYSTERIOUS MONUMENT placed at Humber Bay Shores has been sprayed with graffiti angering residents.

Total disappointment.

Many residents of Humber Bay Shores are disappointed and frustrated today after a mysterious monument that appeared on the shores of Lake Ontario was sprayed with graffiti by culprits.

The monolith, which only appeared a couple of days ago, was gaining popularity and gaining followers on social media after recent media coverage.

Photos of the once-gleaming monolith, now posted online shows the monument  scarred with red graffiti and markings.

Area residents said the structure mysteriously appeared some time on December 31.

Photos show the picturesque 12-foot tall structure standing over the water’s edge, with the CN tower in the distance.

The monolith appears to be made of metal and is buried in the ground.

Humber Bay residents are proud and delighted after learning of the structure, with some calling it “rogue art” and others wondering if there is a higher form of life involved.

Many are disappointed that the structure was a target for graffiti by someone.

“We were just getting warmed up to this and this is what happens,” one woman said.

Monoliths, most made of metal, have been popping up around the world, with some disappearing just as fast as they appeared.

In the Utah desert, hundreds flocked to see the structure amid a global pandemic before it was removed by athletes worried about the damage to the landscape.

The structures have been found in Manitoba and British Columbia in Canada.

Lucky for athletes that some health professionals can remain open in the lockdown

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OLIVIA POMANTE of Lakeshore Village Massage Therapy and Nadia Haque, in small photo, of Physio in the Six.

By REJEAN CANTLON

The Ontario government announced on December 21 that the province will enter a province-wide lockdown effective Boxing Day, December 26, which will run until January 23.

Fortunately, some area businesses are not affected as part of the 28-day shutdown this time and some area athletes are thankful.

Old-timer recreational hockey player and an active Etobicoke father, Trevor Travis, is pleased with the change.

“Having businesses open that help people in the community with their healing process is important, even during a pandemic”, explains Travis.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that regulated health professionals including dentists, optometrists, chiropractic services, ophthalmologists, physical and occupational therapists and podiatrists and massage therapists will still be able to operate.

In Ontario’s first lockdown last spring, business including physiotherapy, chiropractic services and massage therapists were shuttered.

Local sports enthusiasts with ailing or chronic injuries can take solace in the fact that New Toronto businesses’ like Nadia Haque’s Physio in the Six and Olivia Pomante’s Lakeshore Village Massage Therapy will still have their doors open for their patients.

Businesses like Nadia’s and Olivia’s have been advised by The Ministry and their professionals’ regulatory colleges that they can remain open to serve their clients. They feel fortunate that they can continue to provide the care that is needed and deserved.

“The health and well-being of our clients has always been our first priority. With that being said, we are making sure that through this pandemic all proper protective measures are being followed”, explains Pomante. “Mask wearing, hand sanitizing and completion of the screening form are mandatory before entry into the treatment room.”

Haque says her team has worked hard throughout this pandemic to ensure that they are going above and beyond the regulations to serve the community in the most responsible and safe way possible.

“We are screening patients, masks are mandatory, we are enforcing physical distancing, hand hygiene, clinic hygiene, and offer contactless payment options. We’ve taken every possible measure into consideration and adapted our policies and procedures to be as vigilant as possible,” Haque insists. “Our patient’s health and wellness have always number one to us.”

Physio in the Six is located at 2917 Lake Shore Blvd. W., and can be reached at 647-748-2917. Lakeshore Village Massage Therapy is located at 2976 Lake Shore Blvd. W., and can be reached at 416-251-7171.

 

 

 

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.

Toronto Police find missing Long Branch teenager – now back home

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POLICE AND AREA RESIDENTS are trying to locate Cassandra Morrissey, 14, who was last seen in Long Branch. Courtesy photos.

Toronto Police have located a Long Branch girl who was missing for many hours.

Cassandra Morrissey, 14,  who has now been located, was last seen on Monday, December 21, around 9 p.m., police said in a release.

Her friends and family members have taken to social media in hopes that someone would recognize Cassandra and call police.

Police said she was last seen in the Twenty Sixth Street and Lake Shore Blvd. W. area.

Police wrote that Cassandra has been located and is safe.

Cassandra is described as 5-foot-three, with medium build and short wavy brown hair.

She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a black puffy jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

 

 

Step back in time at the iconic Valhalla Inn with wild deer and mermaids

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The Valhalla Inn featured mermaids who swam and entertained guests. There was also a herd of deer. Courtesy photos.

By DAVE KOSONIC

The historic Valhalla Inn was a South Etobicoke hub of activity from its grand opening in 1963 to the nostalgic closing party attended by hundreds of regulars in 2009 after 46 years in business.

The popular Inn, which featured wild deer and mermaid, was once described as “the most eccentric airport hotel,” and was located near The East Mall and Bloor St. W. It was also dubbed “a city hotel in a country setting,” as the hotel would sell itself.

Many patrons remember sitting in the Mermaid Lounge and peeking through the portholes into the nearby pool at the modern-day mermaids, who were staff in mermaid costumes. Others recall sitting in a dining room while watching wild deer frisking around in an enclosed courtyard.

Developer Edmund Peachy was inspired by Scandinavian architecture and culture during his travels to Europe and deviated from the standard motor inns of the early 1960s.

Peachey realized that the Valhalla Inn would be ideally located to provide easy access to Toronto International Airport and downtown Toronto for business people staying there. It was a success for many years.

The Nordic Dining Lounge had three peaked roofs that were inspired by the Viking longhouses of past centuries. The exterior featured weathered cedar planks, brown brick and rough cut stone.

Inside the Nordic and Scandinavian influence was enhanced by wood, brick and stone highlighted by bronze and copper. The outside Valhalla Inn signs were in honor of the mythical resting place for Viking warriors who died in battle. There was also a large covering over the front entrance that extended to the free parking lot that protected customers from the weather.

The original Valhalla Inn structure was square-shaped with two tiers of rooms around three sides with the exception of the front of the inn. During later years a multi-floor tower was re-constructed to increase the number of guest rooms and conference facilities.

After the Valhalla Inn closed in 2009 and was subsequently demolished the property was taken over by other developers. Part of the deal required that some remnants of the original Valhalla Inn should be retained in the new structure. The most recent property owners are Michael and George Kalmar who also own the Old Mill in Toronto.

Now several condos tower over the site along with various other residences but the memories and spirit of the original Valhalla Inn likely remain in the minds of thousands from both near and far.

Those memories may include the many parties, events and a bartender who mixed drinks there for 40-years before retiring.

A local heritage group has promised to preserve key elements of the building, including the carved dragon ship’s prow bar in the dining lounge, the massive handles of the front door, and key pieces of signage, including those from the entrance to the basement Mermaid Bar.