The South Etobicoke News

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

Popular drive-in movies at Sherway Mall almost sold out

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See you at the movies!
CF Sherway Gardens Mall is hosting a popular outdoor drive-in-movie experience on Thursdays and Sundays at one of their converted parking lots.

The shows began on July 29 and will run for three weeks. It features a double bill at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and tickets are $10 per car. Tickets are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis with all proceeds being donated to charity.

Many of the older pre-released fun movies are already sold out.

Sherway officials say this is a great way to spend “a fun family night or a date night to remember.”

The mall has partnered with the City of Toronto on their Drive-InTO initiative, which is focused on bringing temporary drive-in entertainment experiences to the City this summer.

On the third weekend, in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada, Sherway will be hosting a special night showcasing  Canadian content including the feature film, True North: Inside the Rise of Toronto Basketball (E); Mighty Jerome (E), which chronicles the rise, fall and redemption of Harry Jerome, Canada’s most record-setting track and field star; and the profoundly moving film, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (E) that tells the powerful story of the death of a young Cree man named Colten Boushie and his family’s fight for justice.

Some of the upcoming movies include:

Saturday, August 8 at 6:00pm – The Wild Life (PG)

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 8 at 9:00pm – Long Shot (14A)

Thursday, August 13 at 6:00pm – True North (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Thursday, August 13 at 9:00pm – nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Friday, August 14 at 6:00pm – Mighty Jerome (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Friday, August 14 at 9:00pm – True North (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 15 at 6:00pm – The Wild Life (PG)

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 15 at 9:00pm – Long Shot (14A)

 

 

Man taken to hospital in morning crash on Horner Ave.

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A man was rushed to hospital this morning after a collision between a car and a motorcycle near Horner and Alderbrae Aves., in South Etobicoke.

Toronto Police Traffic officers say a man suffered a serious injuries in the crash involving a car and motorbike on August 7, around 7 a.m.

“Drivers and pedestrians please move over and allow emergency vehicles to pass,” police said on Twitter afterwards.

Police say the man is expected to survive. The motorist was unhurt.

Some roads were closed in the area as police conducted their investigation.

 

Work to begin on Bell Box Murals and Eighth St. Skatepark

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Sure to beautify our community.

The 2020 Etobicoke Lakeshore Bell Box Murals begin on August 10 and runs until August 23 during which visual artists will paint 16 boxes in the Long Branch and Alderwood areas.

Since 2009 artists from the Murals Project have painted over 350 murals on Bell Canada outdoor utility boxes in 36 communities throughout Toronto, Southern Ontario and Quebec.

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

The Murals Project is a partnership between Councillor Mark Grimes, City of Toronto, Lakeshore Arts, and Community Matters Toronto.

Work is also ongoing on the Eighth St. Skatepark Murals Project to enhance the facility through murals by local artists.

The project began in the summer 2017 with a mural created by Lakeshore Art’s ARTiculate: Youth Leadership In the Arts program, led by artist Moises Frank (Luvsumone). Additionally, the bowl was painted by Moises and artist Javid that year.

In 2018, the project gained momentum through community fundraising and support from Grimes and StreetARToronto. Through consultation with the local community and representative from the Toronto Skateboarding Committee, the project created five new murals across the park by artists Fatspatrol, Peru, Chris Perez, Nick Sweetman, and Moises Frank.

This summer four new murals are being added to the skatepark and upkeep will be made to an existing mural.

This year’s project will focus on providing mentorship in the field of mural art; the project will provide opportunity for artist assistants and one mural art project coordinator to be mentored, in an effort to build up the mural art talent in the city.
Painting at the skatepark is scheduled to run September 8 to 22, with an opening celebration tentatively scheduled for September 26th.

Proceeds from crime groups used to make communities safer

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More than $6 million seized from crime groups is now being used to make our communities safer.

The Proceeds of Crime Front-line Policing (POC-FLP) Grant repurposes funds forfeited during criminal prosecutions and helps local police fight gun and gang crime, human trafficking and sexual violence, Premier Doug Ford said in an August 6  press release.

“By cutting off the resources of these crooks and redirecting that money to our brave men and women in uniform, we will ensure our police can keep our streets safe and put violent criminals behind bars where they belong,” Ford said.

Some $600,000 of this provincial investment will be provided to Toronto Police Service and community partners to implement YourChoice.to and Project Engage.

“YourChoice.to” promotes and supports the rights of survivors of sexual violence in the LGBTQI2S community by offering survivor-centred resources during the investigative process.

“Project Engage” is an expanded component of Toronto Police’s gang prevention strategy to focus on implementing the Comprehensive Gang Model in 12 priority neighbourhoods in Toronto’s Northwest quadrant.

“To promote public safety and fight crime in Toronto, we are providing our frontline police and community partners with the tools they need to do their jobs,” said Etobicoke Lakeshore MPP Christine  a Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General. “This grant program gives us the resources to combat crime and criminal behaviour.”

“Crime should not pay and that is why we are standing up against criminals who prey on Ontario communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. “We are working with law-enforcement and their partners to protect the people of Ontario and ramp up the fight against guns and gangs, human trafficking and sexual violence.”

 

 

Art advocate Ashley Watson now head of Lakeshore Arts

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A champion and advocate for the arts in South Etobicoke has returned as the new Executive Director for Lakeshore Arts.

Ashley Watson, who previously worked for Lakeshore Arts (LSA), began her new role on July 30.

“It’s great to be coming back to Lakeshore Arts and build on the amazing work done by Susan Nagy (previous Executive Director)” Ashley said. “I look forward to collaborating with our staff, board members and the Etobicoke community to continue to grow Lakeshore Art’s inclusive arts programming.”

She is known as an accomplished arts leader, who is well-respected in the arts community.

“Community arts are special since the development and presentation of art is done in collaboration with the community,” Ashley said. “Art is a powerful tool for expression, learning and connecting with each other.”

She is “uniquely qualified to lead the team that delivers LSA community-focused arts programs,” according to a news release. The former teacher is credited for growing LSA from “a local Mimico-focused organization to one working to deliver arts programming to underserved communities across Etobicoke.”

Lakeshore Arts President Marijana Cuvalo says Ashley has a “wealth of experience in championing the arts and advocating for the needs of the South Etobicoke community.”

Cuvalo says the LSA is entering a new chapter “one still extremely committed to driving cultural, social and artistic growth and building inclusive, healthy communities.”

Ashley previously worked a Development and Partnerships Manager and Operations Manager with LSA.

She has served as a founding curator of Humber Galleries where she established multiple gallery spaces and a collection of contemporary Canadian artwork. She holds a Master of Arts degree specializing in Art, Museum and Gallery Studies from University of Leicester, U.K.

Ashley has previously taught at University of Toronto, Humber College and University of Guelph.

 

Keeping busy with things to do in our community

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GOOD FOOD MARKET OPEN
EVERY WEDNESDAY from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Lakeshore Village Park. Get fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. The Gardens Lakeshore is hosting several work- shops Harvesting 101, August 10-14 Food Sustainability. Contact christianaz@lampchc.org

COACH CORIN IS BACK AT LAMP with workshops on
Wednesdays August 5, 12 ,19 and 26 at 3 pm. Coach Corin De Sousa is a graduate of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program and the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program from the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute at
Women’s College. This series will focus on mindfulness meditation on ZOOM. Call or email Jasmin Dooh to register jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471

AUGUST 6 – GENTLE GIANTS: A BIKE TOUR OF GIANT
TREES in Long Branch from 8 a.m. To 10 a.m. Meet at Long Branch Park, 245 Lake Promenade, and learn how trees grow and their benefits to the community. If you live in Long Branch
and want to get the trees on your property inventoried email
Trees40@LBNA.ca

AUGUST 9 – JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE DAY
VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the St. Margarets’ Church and Black Lives Matter Canada. Tickets $20 at smnt.ca Speakers Olympian and Head Coach Tamara Tatham, of U of T basketball and Rev. Michael Blair, Executive Minister, United Church of Canada. Visit
stmargaretsnewtoronto@ gmail.com or contact 416-259-2659.

TENANTS RIGHTS WORKSHOPS and eviction
prevention August 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. on ZOOM. The Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation will be reviewing their latest housing rights resource, Eviction Prevention and Navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board for Community Workers. For more contact LAMP.

THE LAKESHORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
ADVOCACY ACTION group continues to meet.
Contact jasmind@lampchc.org.

THE ETOBICOKE PRAISE CENTRE YOUTH OUTREACH is seeking performers for its online Showcase to be
broadcasted August 14 at 6 p.m. Please send in your audition video by Au- gust 8. Send to 416-252-2463 or by email at
epc_cogop@outlook.com

LAMP COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE deadline for their Awards of Merit nominations is August 21. Also Emergency Food take out meals offered Monday through Saturday from
9:30 am to 11:30 am through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Their food relief voucher program continues

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.

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 them at 416-259-4207 or visit sfh@storefronthumber.ca

MOVIE NIGHTS AT SHERWAY GARDENS runs every weekend until August 15 as a parking lot at Sherway
transforms into an outdoor movie theatre if you’re looking for a fun family or a date night. Tickets are first come first served at $10 a car. Come see movies for all ages. For
more info and to buy tickets https://www.cfshops.com/

MacBeth was an eccentric and beloved Etobicoke politician

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An energetic John P. MacBeth was the last Reeve of the Township of Etobicoke and only Canadian politician we know off to have set foot in all 50 U.S. states.

MacBeth passed away in 1991 at the age of 69 while in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as part of his cross-U.S. tour.

The Etobicoke-born lawyer graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and joined his father’s law firm.

He served in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII from 1943 to 1945 on the corvette ‘Orangeville’ and reached the rank of Petty Officer.

On returning home, he became a member of the Etobicoke Board of Education from 1952 to 1958 and served as Chairman in 1955. He entered local politics and was elected the last Reeve of the Township of Etobicoke from 1963 to 1966 when we became part of Metro and then City of Toronto.

MacBeth loved politics and was elected MPP to represent York West and Humber from 1971 to 1981. He served as Minister of Labour and as Solicitor General from 1975 to 1978 in the government of Bill Davis.

He served briefly as the Minister of Correctional Services in 1977.

One of MacBeth’s greatest accomplishments as MPP was the introduction of mandatory store closings on Sundays, which he piloted through the House during 1976 and 1977.

“I still get letters from people who are thankful that they do not have to work on those days,” he said back then. “The legislation proved to be unwieldy and was eventually repealed in 1992.”

He retired from politics in 1981 to spend more time with wife, Ruth, and their three children. His biography says he enjoyed clothes, cheap cigars and making fires.

In retirement, MacBeth served as Vice-Chairman of the Ontario Police Commission from 1981 to 1987. Under his guidance, the commission recommended tougher controls of police chases in 1985.

The eccentric politician was fascinated by the movie ‘Mutiny on the Bounty,” which starred Marlon Brando, and led him to visit Pitcairn Islands later in life, where some of the mutineers settled.

He even wore the kilt of this ancestors for family gatherings every Christmas, according to records.

MacBeth was very active locally and belonged to the Etobicoke Red Cross, the Kiwanis Club, and served on the Boards of the Etobicoke General Hospital, the Canadian National Exhibition,  the Empire Club Masons Lodge 655 and president of the Ontario Cancer Society.

Guide to Money and Wealth by Rattan

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Hello and I would like to thank you all for your support and patronage for the tax year. This week’s article is going to reflect on some of my observations which I have noticed during the year.

First, I am going to reflect on late filing and the impact it can have on the taxpayer. If you are entitled to benefits like GST and Ontario Trillium, you will not be entitled to them till you file your Return.  A significant number of the Returns that get filed are getting a refund so there is generally little reason to delay. For taxpayer who has a tax liability, late filing means nondeductible interest and penalty. This year the CERB bought out many late filers who were happy with the outcome, including a payout of the Climate Action Initiative (in 2019 the amount is $224).

Second comment will be on the deductions available that taxpayers ignore. These include:  RRSP slips, charitable donations, tuition credits (some part of this can be transferred to a spouse and/or a parent), student loan interest , first time Home Buyer credit and medical expenses ( generally this has to be a significant amount] and lastly rent and/or property tax which results In Ontario Trillium Benefits.  All the deductions should be explored and considered prior to filing.

Third observation relates to request for documentation from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). If one does not comply with the request it will result in a reassessment, result the taxpayer will owe money.

My fourth comment relates to taxpayer who has/was working in two or more jobs.  When it is time to file it is likely they will be required to pay additional taxes at the time of filing your tax return.  Taxpayers can avoid this situation by having additional taxes deducted at source with the primary employer or taking out an RRSP. This happens because every employer will only deduct the mandatory tax deduction as required, but the taxpayer must pay taxes on the total income earned in the year.

My fifth comment relates to RRSP withdrawals, this withdrawal adds to one’s total income and may result in a tax liability.  If the amount is significant and it is towards the end of the year, it may be wise to withdraw some in the current year and the remainder the following year (January). Another option to avoid the tax liability is to have the amount split between the spouses.

Lastly if you have got a refund enjoy the money or better still invest wisely and/or pay down your debt. If you owe money pay on time to avoid interest.

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. If you have questions, he can be reached at 905-616-5253 or rattangandhi@gmail.com.

Health and Wellness with Adrianne

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As this season progresses, and we continue to wait for news on when things will fully reopen, I am finding myself feeling increasingly stressed about pretty much everything.  With this endless waiting for restrictions to be lifted, and the uncertainty of what is to come in our future, it’s hard not to let things get to you.   What will our new “norm” look like?  Will our jobs be safe? Will our economy bounce back? It’s enough to drive anyone a bit sideways.  Certainly, we can all use some help managing this stressful time.

So, there are the well-known stress-busting techniques that you can implement such as meditation, exercise, singing at the top of your lungs while driving, etc.  Albeit helpful, these techniques provide short-term relief.

Adding nutritional support to help combat stress should be incorporated into everyone’s daily regime at every age.  We know that anti-oxidant rich foods like berries, fish oils, greens, nuts and seeds, and dark chocolate are great for fighting oxidative stress, but there is another group of foods and botanicals that really helps the body manage mental and physical stress over a longer period.  These are called adaptogens.

Adaptogens are herbs and botanicals that increase bodily resistance to physical, chemical, and biological noxious agents, and encourage homeostasis in the body without disturbing body functions at a normal level – well that’s the more scientific explanation any way.  In a nutshell, these botanicals and herbs help the mind and body deal with stress in a way that prevents exhaustion and over-release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, that keep us in a constant state of fight or flight.

The negative side-effects of consistent over-release of cortisol include weight gain, generally around the abdominal area, mental and physical exhaustion, and a number of other undesirable conditions.

Take note that adaptogens are effective when taken over a period of time, so they are not meant to be a quick fix.

Which adaptogens are the best?  Depending on what you’re trying to achieve health-wise, there is no wrong choice.  Adaptogens are found in botanicals and herbs like – ashwagandha, ginseng, reishi mushrooms, aloe vera, rosemary and milk thistle, to name a few.   They are able to help the body balance out in a number of ways such as soothing exhausted adrenal glands, boosting energy levels and cognitive function, lowering blood sugar, boosting mental performance and physical stamina, and so on.  The possibilities are truly endless.

If you would like to learn more about adaptogens and which ones are the best for your needs, feel free to send us an email to info@monkeytreewellness.com.

Until then, we wish everyone a peace and tranquility, and a positive outlook for tomorrow.  Namaste.

The Westwood Theatre showed first-run flicks for 50-plus years

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By DAVE KOSONIC

The long-gone Westwood Theatre went down like the Titanic, the last movie shown at the storied south Etobicoke movie house.

Development was expected to be completed this Spring on the 13.8-acre site that is soon to be home of a new Etobicoke Civic Centre, public square, recreation centre, library, office space and child care facility.

Many moviegoers like to recall the good old days when they could enjoy first-run movies at the Westwood while munching on candy floss, hot dogs and popcorn.

The Westwood was located at the southeast corner of Six Points, or spaghetti junction, where Bloor and Dundas Sts. and Kipling Ave. met.  This location was highly accessible, there was plenty of free parking and theatre seated about 1,000 fans.

The popular cinema opened in February 1952 and the featured flicks as Laughter in Paradise and You Never Can Tell. Dudley Dumont was the first manager whose success included screening good movies at discount prices so that the seats were always filled. By 1996 it cost $3 to see the thriller Mars Attacks.

The Westwood opened with one screen. In 1968 an addition was built on the east side of the building that included a second screen.  In 1980 the large original screen was divided in half creating three theatres.  Movie buffs were overjoyed with more and more movies to view.

The Saturday afternoon matinees were packed with school kids who were dropped off at the front door of the show.  Many of these youngsters were more interested in the snack bar rather than the movies being screened.  Groups of young guys would often sit in the back rows and get noisy.  The ushers, who wore dapper tailored uniforms, would shine their flashlights on the youths and order them to sit still.

Sadly, for countless Westwood fans the theatre was closed in 1998, and ironically the last movie shown was Titanic.  The facility was shut because some politicians at the time thought that the theatre land could be better used for other purposes.  But that vision is taking a long time.

Before the Etobicoke landmark was demolished in 2013, it served as a shelter for homeless cats and In 2003 was used for the filming of the movie Resident Evil.

Some Westwood lovers wanted the old and bold Westwood sign saved and displayed to mark the theatre’s more than 50-years of operation, but that did not occur.