The South Etobicoke News

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

Realtor settles in Alderwood and seeks to unite businesses

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Realtor Marta Pozniakowski loves the Alderwood area to work and play. Photo by Tom Godfrey.

Realtor Marta Pozniakowski loves the Alderwood area so much that she purchased an old laundromat and spent thousands to convert it into a spacious expresso bar and real estate office.

The laundromat which has been a fixture for decades in a small plaza besides Il Paesano Pizza, at Brown’s Line and Horner Ave., took about a year to renovate with new fixtures, floors, walls, in addition to many other tasks undertaken, to bring it up to modern standards.

The office is now Re Max Equinox Expresso Bar Namaste, at 392 Brown’s Line, which features a pleasant barista who serves some delicious expresso coffee.

The mother of two young kids and Broker of Record for Re Max opened up her business soon after COVID-19 struck earlier this year.

“In one day the whole world, my schedule, kid’s schedule, work and business plans went down the garbage,” she says. “I really feel like a super woman, after the last few months, juggling my business, new ventures and a busy household with active children.”

She sells commercial real estate and is now accepting more clients in search of residential properties.

“I see so much potential in the Alderwood real estate market,” Pozniakowski smiles. “Someday I will be the biggest realtor in the area.”

Her company is one of the newest in the community and already the realtor is working with other businesses to establish a Brown’s Line Business Improvement Area (BIA) so companies can unite and create opportunities.

“There are many more opportunities as a BIA that is available to us,” she vows. “We are talking about it and trying to get it off the ground.”

Before obtaining her real estate license, she founded the Polish Film Festival, which has been staged annually for 12-years.

“This is the only year that we have not had a Polish Film Festival due to the pandemic,” she notes. “We have been operating the successful festival since 2008.”

The festival has attracted some major Canadian, European film stars over the years.

Pozniakowski has always been interested in movies and is proud to have graduated from film school in her native Poland, before emigrating to Canada in 2007.

She is married to prominent dentist Dr. Jack Pozniakowski, who has been in practice for more than 25-years in the New Toronto area.

Pozniakowski can be reached at 416-746-1551.

 

Health officials warn to get out and get you free flu shot today!

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It’s flu shot Saturday.

Two free outdoor flu clinics are taking place today (November 14) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to make it easier for community residents to remain safe and healthy.

One clinic is taking place at Humber Bay Park, at the west entrance parking lot.

The other clinic is taking place at Silver Creek Park, in the Islington Ave. and Eglington Ave. W. area.

The regular dose flu vaccine is available for those older than six months and residents are urged to bring their health card.

Organizers say those without an OHIP card are also welcome.

The clinics are hosted by the West Toronto Ontario Health Team.

 

 

OPP crime-fighting Canine Unit calendars on sale to help charity

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Charities are the big winners again this year with the hot-selling OPP Canine Unit Calendars, which are now on sale.

The OPP say all the calendars of the beautiful canines were sold out last year and are expected to be sold out again this year.

The calendars illustrate a lineup of some the force’s well-trained canines that are used in everyday duty to help the OPP fight crime.

The force raised $25,000 last year through the sale of the calendars. The funds were used to help the OPP Youth Foundation and Friends of the OPP Museum.

The calendars sell for $10 and are available online at oppshop.on.ca

The online store also sells masks, clothing items and an assortment of OPP merchandise.

Soup to Go Sundays at St. Margaret’s Church on Sixth Street

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Rev. Jacqueline Daley is reminding residents of free Soup Sundays at St. Margaret’s Church, on Sixth Sreet.

Area residents are being invited to St. Margaret’s Anglican Church every Sunday between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a free and piping hot take-out soup.

Rev. Jacqueline Daley says those in need are welcome to visit the 156 Sixth Street church for a pre-made soup, that is ready to go in a styrofoam container.

“This is part of our giving back to the community,” Daley says. “People just have to show up and we will feed them.”

Volunteers usually make dozens of individually-sealed containers of soup that are ready to be picked up by patrons due to the pandemic.

The church has been service the community for more than 100-years.

 

 

Police warning residents of the ‘arguing cabbies’ taxi fraud scam

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Just when you think you’ve heard all the taxi fraud scams. Here’s another and it involves COVID-19 as well.

Toronto Police officers from Downtown’s 52 Division are warning cab users of the latest taxi scam to be reported.

Police in a November 10 press release writes the scam involves a fake taxi that is parked in a high-traffic area.

“One suspect poses as the taxi driver and another suspect poses as a customer,” detectives say. “The two suspects pretend to have a loud argument where the driver refuses to take cash due to COVID-19.”

A member of the public overhears the argument and offers to help by letting the suspect use their debit card to pay for the cab fare, in exchange for cash, according to police.

The victim then inputs the PIN number for their debit card into the modified Point of Sale terminal, which police say, records their card data and PIN number.

“After the transaction is successful, the victim is given another bank card resembling their own card and accepts cash from the one suspect before leaving,” states the press release.

Police say the “suspects are then in possession of the victim’s debit card and use the PIN number to make a number of fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.”
Detectives believe there are others operating similar scams as well as further victims. Anyone who has any information, or believes they have been a victim of a taxi scam, is urged to contact police.

The public is being reminded to be vigilant when using any type of public transport that results in debit or credit card transactions.
Officers warn not to leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a Point of Sale terminal anywhere or at any time and be aware of taxi numbers and company names when using their services.

Taxi users should also remember the driver’s identification that is displayed in clear view in the rear of the cab and do not make payments for an unknown person, using your personal card, in exchange for cash.

They should also inspect their card after each transaction to ensure it is theirs and cover their fingers when entering a PIN.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.

 

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

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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 .

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Neighbourhood Barber Shop trims price for cuts for veterans & servicemen

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A New Toronto barber shop is offering $11 haircuts to all military servicemen and Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Andy Dinner, of Your Neighbourhood Barber Shop, at 2858 Lake Shore Blvd. W., says the $11 cuts will run until Remembrance Day on November 11.

“This one is personal,” Dinner wrote on social media. “My brother Tom is a Major in the Canadian military.”

Tom has served in the military for 18-years and took part in two tours of duty overseas, Dinner says.

“As a thank you to military members, we are doing $11 haircuts for current and veteran military servicemen,” he wrote.

Dinner says half of all tips that he earns during that time will go to @soldieroncanada, a charity he believes in.

The shop made a name for itself by offering $5 off cuts to clients providing they show a receipt that they shopped at a locally-owned restaurant or bar.

 

Kettlemans Bagel to open their first Toronto store in the community

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Curious shoppers in the Alderwood area are keeping a keen eye on Ottawa bagel store Kettlemans, whose staff has been working for months to open their first Toronto location.

Work has been underway at Alderwood Plaza as the popular bagel chain sets up shop in the community.

The speciality bagel store is slated to open on November 12.

Motorists and pedestrians at the plaza have been watching as the shop take shape behind boarded up front windows.

Residents will finally be able to order their bagels fresh from its wood-fired oven whenever they get hungry. The bagel shop is open 24-hours daily, 365-days a year.

Kettlemans has been training its staff and getting ready for the grand opening.

The company has been operating in Ottawa since 1993, and is considered one of the city’s top bagel spots. It reportedly sells 6,000 bagels a day.

Besides their ‘award-winning world famous’ bagels, the company also carries deli sandwiches, spreads, salad and baked treats.

“We’ve prided ourselves on a passion for offering foods of the highest quality, with premium grade ingredients, that are made with old world care,” the company says on its website.

Fans of the bagel are already calling on social media for another store to be opened in the Kitchener Waterloo area.

 

 

Body health and your wellness by Adrianne

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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

Community residents urged to support our local businesses

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More and more area residents are patronizing local stores and restaurants to help keep them open as they fight for survival due to COVID-19.

Many restaurants and bars are financially hurting with a ban of dining in and upcoming cold weather, which will deter many from going out to eat in heat-filled patios.

The City of Toronto have approved the use of the patios until next Spring.

Many restaurants and bars that offer indoor dining, or drinks, will not be allowed to reopen until at least November 8 after being ordered shut for 28-days on October 10. They remain open from the sale of takeout orders only.

Indoor dining at bars and restaurants was banned province-wide when the pandemic hit in the spring, and is prohibited once more in the virus hotspots of Toronto, Peel Region, York Region and Ottawa.

The owners of the bars in Long Branch, New Toronto and Mimico say business is slow and many are not sure how long they can remain open.

There are campaigns in the area by members of the various Business Improvement Areas for residents to shop locally now than ever before as the holiday season begin, which is when most businesses make their money from gift-giving.

Many small restaurants and bars in the community are offering take- out specials (See Page 8) to attract more customers. Now is probably the best time to buy take-out meals due to price, except as restaurants seek lower commissions from food delivery services like Uber or Door Dash.

Several restaurants in the area have installed tents, or shelter, on their patios to shield people from the inclement weather and recoup some of their costs. Still some restaurant owners have suggested that winter patios are too costly to operate.

Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, chair of the board of the Lake Shore Village Business Improvement Association (BIA), is urging residents to support businesses and services in their community.
“We all have to support each other,” Korwin-Kuczynski says. ‘We have to work to keep all our businesses open and sound financially.”

The BIA says when you shop locally more money stays in our local economy and small businesses can grow or create more local jobs.

Residents can also shrink their carbon footprint by supporting local merchants and spending less time on the road. And, who knows, your customers may find something different or unique than at a big box store.