Issuu

N O V E M B E R 2023

Leaside Life leasidelife.com

No. 138

The Leaside Toy Drive is back! Page 8

LOCAL B US TING IN OR E PP

Leaside war dead honoured in Belgium WE ARE PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY LEASIDE’S OWN ACCURATE DISTRIBUTING 416-429-9102

FACEBOOK/CANADIAN MEMORIAL OF TIGELOT JALHAY

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FALLEN AIRMEN AT JALHAY, BELGIUM AUGUST 27, 2023 PAGE 3.

Editor’s Welcome 2

Leaside Life • November 2023

Remembrance Day remembered

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Lest we forget. The contribution of Leasiders to both World Wars and the wars since then is well-documented, and we have written about these heroes before in Leaside Life. Last year, for instance, heritage columnist Ted DeWelles told us about a special tribute to the 18 young Leaside servicemen killed during World War II: the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society’s (LHPS) firstever Remembrance Day Walk. In this issue, Ted shares a very special story of two young airmen shot down over Belgium during World War II. Their sacrifice in itself is notable but equally notable is what happened afterwards. “As their plane plunged to the ground, the crash was witnessed by local resident and Belgian resistance fighter Albert Adans. After the war, Adans – moved by the courage and sacrifice of the doomed air crew – vowed to

Jane Auster Editor Leaside Life

keep their memory alive,” writes Ted. And for the past 72 years, that’s just what’s happened. Each year the townspeople gather to celebrate and remember the two Leaside airmen and their sacrifice. Read Ted’s article to learn more about this very personal and moving tribute. Elsewhere in this issue we feature the groundbreaking work of Sunnybrook Hospital’s Focused Ultrasound Essential Tremor (FUS) team. These specialists are making a huge difference in the lives of many living with essential tremors. I’ve seen their achievements firsthand. Our friend Steve, a former set builder, was sidelined by this condition until he heard about the work of Dr. Nir Lipsman. Steve went in for out-patient surgery at Sunnybrook on a Tuesday. By Saturday, when he came over for dinner, he was tremor-free. Truly remarkable! n

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Belgian villagers annually honour fallen WWII Leaside airmen

On Nov. 2, 1944, a British Halifax bomber returning from a raid over Dusseldorf, Germany was shot down and crashed outside the Belgian village of Jalhay, east of Liege. The seven crew members (six Canadians and one Scot) included two young men from Leaside – RCAF Flight Officer Robert Pike (the pilot) and RCAF Flight Sergeant Vernon Lazier (the air bomber). The plane exploded in flames, and there were no survivors. All seven airmen are buried at the Hotton War Cemetery in Belgium. Both Lazier and Pike – whose names are inscribed on the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Honour Roll – grew up near one another. Lazier (b. 1922) lived at 29 Heather Rd. and attended Bloor Collegiate Institute; Pike (b. 1923) grew up at 49 Cameron Cresc. and attended North Toronto Collegiate. By many accounts, they were individuals of outstanding character and promise. Vernon Lazier was

described by his recruiting officer as “clean cut, well-spoken and well dressed” and was “fast becoming an ace Air Bomber” according to the official letter his parents received following his death. Robert Pike elicited similar comments. “Pleasant, conscientious, hard-working… with leadership qualities” and “excellent deportment” were terms used by evaluating officers in his flying and ground training assessment.

Ted DeWelles

Leaside Heritage Preservation Society

A town remembers While the death of these brave boys was tragic, what happened afterwards has become a story of hope and inspiration. As their plane plunged to the ground, the crash was witnessed Commemorative plaque honouring the fallen airmen in Belgium. Top: Vernon Lazier, below: Robert Pike.

AIRMEN Page 24

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3 Leaside Life • November 2023

FROM THE COVER

Tim Sellers is jacked to fundraise for mental health invited by another friend to ride to help raise money when Oyler was doing the grueling Ride Across America. This got him into the orbit of cyclists raising money in Jack’s memory.

It’s been a tough time for jack. org fundraiser extraordinaire Tim Sellers, a super active Leasider sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury over the summer. Tim’s always been active in sports – hockey, track and field, but above all cycling. Riding his bike was how he got from his home in Leaside to University of Toronto Schools downtown as a teenager. At Queen’s from 1978-1982, one of his acquaintances was Eric Windeler. Though they lost touch over the years, they met up again at a dinner in 2010 where Eric spoke with pride about his son, Jack, who had just started at Queen’s. A month later, Jack died by suicide. His parents, Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington, started a memorial fund at Kids Help Phone. As it happened, Eric knew Peter Oyler (who grew up in Leaside), owner of local bicycle business Mindset Cycling and an avid competitive long-distance cyclist, and they

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Leaside Life • November 2023

by LORNA KRAWCHUK

came up with the idea of a bike ride as a fundraiser. By coincidence, in 2009, Tim was

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Sales guy It might be useful to know that Tim describes himself as a “sales guy” and has spent his career in Canadian publishing. So, it wasn’t strange that after his 59th birthday, he decided to write occasional emails with the title “Tim and his world” (TAHW), leading up to the momentous 6-0. One of the events he promoted was his participation in the spring ride for Jack.org. After his 60th birthday, he intended to stop these occasional emails, but enjoyed the writing and was so encouraged by people on the list that the emails continue to this day, now under the name “Tim and Hedy’s world,” to include his wife, Hedy. The annual rides for Jack.org continue to build support. Over the years, Tim realized that fundraising for physical ailments was getting more attention, but he also became more aware of the challenges especially around youth mental health. This made fundraising for Jack.org a very good fit. Jack.org, according to the website, has evolved since 2010 into “Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory.” This past spring at the Caledon ride, Tim attracted a total of 91 individual donors and raised $24,103, and was recognized as the top Peer-to-Peer fundraiser. On his list, he has over 200 names, including four who have donated every year. And since Tim still lives in Leaside, if you see him around, he’ll be happy to add you to his list. He’s had many people thank him for making them aware of the need for youth mental health resources support. And yes, you do get an official tax receipt for your donation, but you also get a unique thank you from Tim in the form of a custom short video, just for you. Ever the sales guy! Tim’s cumulative total raised for Jack.org is now over $112,000. Congratulations, Tim. Keep riding! n

Leaside Life • November 2023

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by MITCH BUBULJ You’d be hard pressed to find a naturopathic doctor (ND) with as much enthusiasm as Taylor Blixt. In fact, the word “blixt” in Swedish means lightning, which is fitting for Taylor and the energy he uses to promote a healthy lifestyle. Taylor is a recently certified ND, having completed his four-year post-graduate program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in North York. During his undergraduate years at Western he majored in medical sciences with a view to applying to medical school but realized his real passion was for holistic, preventive healing. After all, Taylor was raised in a home that combined modern remedies with traditional healing wisdom. He remembers his mom applying a generous dose of golden seal tincture (a medicinal flower) on cuts under an adhesive BandAid. His grandfather was a chiropractic doctor in Manitoba for over 50 years. CCNM

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Leaside Life • November 2023

For Taylor Blixt health is mental, emotional, and spiritual

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turned out to be the right fit. Since the summer of 2023 Taylor has been working at a local establishment, the Village Health Clinic, on Mount Pleasant Road just beside the Regent Theatre. There he helps patients with their overall wellbeing by focusing on nutrition, sleep, stress management and mental health. To achieve that he uses a combination of acupuncture and counselling. Taylor has noticed that many of his patients, at the initial consultation, are overwhelmed by health information that is “out there” and unsure what they really need. He says “my getting to know the patient is key because that way I can improve their mental, emotional and spiritual health. It means sitting with the patient and listening well so that a professional trusting relationship is established. It is after this point that true healing takes place.” A good listener and speaker He has already made community connections by liaising with health teachers at Leaside High School with a view to offering workshops to students on diet, sleep and good overall health. During his high school years in Oakville, Taylor played football so he understands the joys and strains of balancing school and athletics. “I can empathize with the students, especially males, whose body image is often negatively impacted by social media. I am excited to listen to their experiences so that I can help be a catalyst in their developing a healthier self-image.” Taylor is adept at “massaging” patients’ mental concerns. At the Village Health Clinic Taylor offers a service not every naturopathic doctor can provide: Reiki, a Japanese healing technique that helps reduce stress. He did his training and ultimately became a Reiki Master in 2020. He also hosts breathwork and meditation classes, which he says “are proven to relieve stress and increase energy; the beauty of it is it can be used any time, anywhere.” Dr. Blixt has taken the Leaside area by storm; his passion and energy make him an effective practitioner in improving mental, emotional and spiritual health one patient at a time. n

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Leaside Life • November 2023

Leaside Toy Drive delivers joy for 20 years by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO For the 20th straight year, the Leaside Toy Drive will be bringing toys, happiness and excitement to every primary school child in Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park. The community initiative has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception. From collecting and delivering 50 toys in its first year, the project distributed 6,000 toys last year during the holiday season. With the goal of bringing the same number of gifts to kids again this year, the Toy Drive will hit a milestone of 50,000 gifts delivered in the past two decades. With the continued support of generous sponsors and individual donors, this is a target which would not only be astounding but would ensure beaming smiles on the faces of 6,000 kids. How to help Financial donations can be made through the Toy Drive’s website (leasidetoydrive.ca) or via the QR code on this page or the one visible on posters in several participating

stores throughout Leaside. You can also show your support by attending the always popular “Guys Night Out” on November 30th at 7:30 p.m. at the Leaside Pub. With an amazing array of auction items

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(early holiday shopping, anyone?), games, a raffle and prizes, it’s truly an event not to be missed. Valu-mart is also continuing its outstanding support by offering its location as a toy drop-off spot. On November 25th Canadian Tire Leaside will once again host the Toronto Police in their parking lot to fill cruisers with toys in support of Leaside Toy Drive. Special thanks to Andrea and Jeff Marshall for all their incredible support. Drop by and help them fill the cars! Hard to believe but as the toy drive hits its 20th year, there are now adults who were recipients of the program’s toys as kids. Recently, a few approached the committee with their memories of looking forward to receiving the toys each year. The toy drive committee works diligently throughout the year with school principals and staff, toy manufacturers and sponsors to ensure kids receive gifts that are age-appropriate and of great quality and value. High school students can be of great assistance, and receive volunteer hours, by sorting and packaging toys for the various schools. Contact the committee via their website to offer your help. As Lisa Lefebvre of the Toy Drive Committee notes, “The generosity of all the sponsors, donors and volunteers has been monumental over the years. As the saying goes, it truly takes a village to make it happen year after year!” n

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Leaside Life • November 2023

The annual cottage closing is here again For years – even decades – our family tradition had always been to close the cottage at the end of the long Thanksgiving weekend. It was a sensible approach. Autumn was in full swing. The cooler weather had moved in, and there were only a few short weeks until – as the great Gordon Lightfoot might have put it – “the gales of November came slashin’.” But in recent years we’ve been waiting a few extra weeks and closing up the cottage at the end of October, or sometimes even into the first week or so of November. Why the change? There are a few reasons for the shift. First of all, Thanksgiving. Let me give you a snapshot of our Thanksgiving weekend, or as I sometimes refer to it, “Thanksgluttony” weekend. First of all, like Christmas, Thanksgiving is a mandatory-attendance holiday family gathering. So, at our modest Georgian Bay cottage, the masses assemble, including my wife and me, along with our two sons, my twin brother and his wife and their son and daughter – and sometimes her spouse, too, and my

Terry Fallis Columnist

sister and her husband, accompanied by their three daughters – two of whom bring spouses. It’s taken a few minutes to do my calculations, but I believe that means there can be up to 16 human beings crammed into our cottage for the weekend. No worries about cool temperatures outside, with that many bodies in such close quarters, it feels like a subtropical rain forest inside. Sleeping bags are rolled out on any flat surface – and not just the couches. In fact, if you’ve ever sat on one of our cottage couches, you might well decide that the floor offers a better night’s sleep. We do have a bunkie and a boathouse that accommodate a few intrepid sleepers, but still, Thanksgiving weekend at the cottage can sometimes feel like

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you’re living in a Tokyo commuter train at rush hour. The bottom line is, while we do have enough people to make the list of close-up tasks light work, there is the problem of Thanksgiving dinner and its aftermath to consider. You see, the Thanksgiving feast always includes pumpkin muffins, a 20-plus-lb. bacon-covered turkey, mashed potatoes, turnip, peas, gravy (lots of gravy), pumpkin pie, and finally, a second dessert for those who can’t bear the thought of pumpkin pie. (Yes, I’m part of that demographic.) It’s the meal many in our clan look forward to more than any other across the year. So, here’s the problem. By Saturday evening, everyone is either deep in a turkey coma, or stretched out on beds, couches, floors, and even the fireplace hearth moaning in bloated agony as they try to digest the massive meal they’ve just over-eaten. Believe me, it is not the time to pipe up cheerily with the suggestion that we put the canoe in the boathouse, or install the window shutters, or get the motorboat ready to take to the marina for winter storage. In fact, the paltry task of washing the Thanksgiving dinner dishes nearly defeats us every year, so moving on to cottage close-up jobs is just not in the cards. Then the voice of reason is heard. Our older son Calder loves the cottage and some years ago proposed the new tradition of delaying close-up for a few weeks to give everyone a couple of additional weekends of bliss on the bay. It’s much quieter later in the month as most of the jet skis on the bay have been put away for the season. And often, the weather is lovely, and the fall colours are breathtaking. So once again this year, we stuffed the turkey and then ourselves at the cottage over the Thanksgiving weekend, and then postponed the close-up for a bit longer, to grab every last moment at the family retreat that our grandfather built nearly 60 years ago. Sometimes you just need to change up certain family traditions. A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis grew up in Leaside and is the award-winning writer of nine national bestsellers, all published by McClelland & Stewart. His most recent, A New Season, is now in bookstores. n

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Lest we forget at Sunnybrook Leaside Life • November 2023

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, besides being one of the major trauma hospitals in Canada, is the home to Canada’s largest veterans’ centre. Each year during Veterans’ Week, from November 5 to 11, Canadians remember and honour the brave individuals who served our country in the past, and recognize those who serve in uniform today. The Sunnybrook Cenotaph on Bayview Avenue is an important part of the remembrance. As Sunnybrook staff explained: “The monument is a fixture in the hospital’s identity for passersby on Bayview and it features prominently in our wreath-laying ceremony during our Remembrance Day services each year.” On November 11, veterans and their families attend a special Remembrance Day service in Warrior’s Hall. After the service, veterans, family members, healthcare professionals, volunteers and invited guests move outside for the laying of the memorial wreaths at the Sunnybrook Cenotaph. That

Geoff Kettel

Saving old Leaside

part of the ceremony, which takes place a few minutes after 11 a.m. on that date, is open to the public. Construction at cenotaph Well, not the type of construction Leasiders tend to associate with the term, but rather its refurbishment and restoration. The work includes repointing of the concrete, installation of lighting features, a new ramp, and some general maintenance and cleanup. Most of the work will be completed by November 11, but not all. Resurfacing of the walkway is not expected to be completed, but temporary repairs will allow the ceremony to occur as usual. The Cenotaph site includes more than just the Cenotaph; it’s part of a small park, bounded by limestone walls entered through a formal entrance between two high pillars. The classic design is enhanced by the one sculpture placed in the corner of the park: a headless woman 1.5m tall. John Warkentin, author of Creating Memory, says it’s “clearly a copy in white limestone of some ancient Greek sculpture.” A plaque dating from 1947 explains the origin of this sanctuary: “Sunnybrook. These beautiful grounds, donated to the City of Toronto as a memorial park in honour of the late Joseph Kilgour, were, with the gracious consent and approval of the heirs to the Kilgour estate, conveyed to the Dominion Government in the hour of Canada’s crisis. To be used as a place of healing for those who sacrificed and suffered in the preservation of Canadian Freedom.” To learn more of the story of the Kilgour Estate, and the beneficent Alice Kilgour, wife of Joseph Kilgour, and her magnificent donation, visit the Preface to the Leaside Walking Tour of Bayview Institutions (on the Leaside Life website). Perhaps we may conclude that the Sunnybrook Cenotaph and its small formal park together remind us that “Lest We Forget” might apply to more than one kind of sacrifice and service to our country and fellow citizens. n

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A “green warrior” wins the LGS scholarship! Congratulations to Sara EscallonSotomayor, who won this year’s $2,000 Leaside Garden Society Scholarship award. She’s a graduate of Leaside High, a North Toronto elite soccer player, coach, tutor and my new green hero! Sara has always been fascinated by nature with a particular interest in plants. Starting at a very young age, she gardened with her parents (growing vegetables and berries) at their Parkhurst Blvd. home. Today, she’s an avid gardener and plant collector with more than 30 houseplants under her care in her Montreal apartment. Now, in her final year of study at McGill University, Sara is pursuing an interdisciplinary degree in Environment and Geography. As a student of the environment (with courses in Desert Ecology, Biodiversity and Soil) she has become increasingly interested in the relationship between plant communities and environmental change, as well as the relationship between humans and the natural world. In her outstanding and inspira-

The Leaside Gardener Debora Kuchme Columnist

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Leaside Life • November 2023

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tional application essay for the LGS she wrote, “Humans need plant communities; plant communities need humans to change so they can continue to provide for all life on Earth.” Next summer, Sara will be doing her honours project research in the Peruvian Amazon. And this scholarship will help fund the opportunity to implement her own project about the relationships between human and plant communities in the Amazon. I asked Sara her thoughts on climate change, and she held nothing back. “Our world is being changed at a rate that is going to cause tremendous harm to all of its inhabitants. Millions of people are going to suffer, and thousands of species are already going extinct,” she said. Sara believes that prioritizing individual interests and actions among peoples, nations, corporations or continents is what has led to this mess. But she also sees climate change as a collective action problem and says that only through collective action can we make progress. “We have faced collective action problems for all of our existence, and our ability to work together to solve them is what makes us unique.” What can gardeners do (right now) to help restore our planet? I asked. She replied that there are three things we can do immediately: • Educate yourself. It’s important to look at the environment and environmental problems holistically and have a locally rooted perspective. • Vote. Learn about the climate programs of your elected officials. Don’t let yourself be greenwashed! • Take action. Solutions start in your own community. Plant pollinator-friendly plants and avoid the use of pesticides and fertilizers (they damage our lakes!). Volunteer in invasive species removal. Above all, get involved. Sara’s green dreams are fueled with a lot of hope, which she seems to find everywhere. Hope in the millions of people across the world who demand their leaders take action every Friday. Hope in the many ingenious ways species are adapting to the new realities of environmental change, and by the remarkable resilience they have shown. But for me, it’s Sara and other young people like her who give me the most

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“Smile, it’s a turkey of a holiday!” Leaside Life • November 2023

of the smiles I witness seem based on some level of stress. Not mine. Mine Ah, Thanksgiving. It’s like a is steeped in serenity. dress rehearsal for the big show – That’s because I decided to be December. And by dress rehearsal, stress-free this year. Just one stop: I really mean “stress test.” Cumbrae’s. A Thanksgiving And so it was this past dinner, prepared in tin foil THE Thanksgiving, as I walked pans, ready to heat and LEASIDE down Bayview. eat. Done. Sure, go OBSERVER There are the people wreakahead, call me ing traffic havoc as they creep lazy, but I am the along in their cars, hoping for only one with a the miracle of miracles: a legal street genuine smile parking spot. While others – the truly on their face privileged – are stopped entirely, this day. All the hazard lights on, as their partner others are really dashes into Dollarama for “just a roll just masks. Among of tin foil!” The tinted windows on the dozen or so I encountered, there their Cadillac Escalade shield them were some standouts: from the eye-lasers aimed at them. The Botox smile: Not a result of Inside, a loud Taylor Swift drowns any injection, but the look is the out most of the frustrated honking. same. This is a smile with eyebrows On the sidewalks, it’s not much raised above wide, unblinking eyes. different. Everyone is on some form It’s usually shot at someone trying to of mission that revolves around the butt into line. If a smile could kick, impending turkeyfest. People impathis one would be a high roundtiently scurry around each other house to the noggin. trying to get the best potted mum, or The squinty smile: A multi-purmost unblemished, GMO tomato. pose, personal favourite. It’s a pasAnd we’re all smiling. Sort of. Most sive-aggressive smile that says, “I’m by DAVID CRICHTON

going in the door before letting you come out.” The “Are you moving?” smile: It’s the smile we give to that person sitting in a parking spot, brake lights on, just waiting, and as such believes they have no obligation to pay. So, there they sit, on their phone, in that selfish limbo land of parking-but-not-parking. The no-lip smile: The lips are thin, almost invisible, and flat. The non-verbal equivalent of, “You can see my hands are full so could you hold the damned door open?” The proud smile: This is the smile usually worn by the married man because he finally picked up the exact items he was told. Also known as the smile of massive relief. The “other” tip smile: This one is a two-fer: two smiles for the price of one. Both the giver and the recipient exchange their own very different versions with one another. It’s the smile you give when you are passed the payment machine and asked for a tip even though you’re just picking up food, not dining in, and not sitting down. The suggested tips are tiered at 15%, 18%, 20%, Other. You pick “other” and punch in a zero. Or, feeling guilty, maybe you punch in a number less than 15. (Which is almost more of an insult than zero, I’m told.) You give a sheepish smile. The receiver, upon viewing your selection, asks if you require a receipt, while shooting back their version that says, “Really, schmuck?” (Not that I do this, of course.) With that, I leave with my takeout and walk past Passion Fruits where I come face to face with the Tin Foil Dollarama Dasher. I go to my left, they go to their right. They go to their left, I go to my right. Rinse, repeat. I chuckle at this awkward mirrored sidewalk shuffle we’re caught in. Unamused, my dance partner treats me to the “get out of my way, you idiot” smile and runs off to their waiting car, leaving me slightly deflated. I raise the corner of my mouth and give my “whatever” smile. Their Escalade’s door swings open and Taylor Swift responds in kind, “Shake it off, shake it off.…” n

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Leaside Gardens celebrates its 70th anniversary In last month’s Leaside Life, I read with great fascination Ted DeWelles’ account of the military manoeuvres that took place in the earliest days of our neighbourhood. Ted’s article reminded me that November is a month that evokes a special feeling of pride for our neighbourhood. A pride that is rooted in Leaside’s history, especially for the contributions and sacrifices in defence of freedom those Leasiders and Leaside organizations made in both WWI and WWII. For those new to the community, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (or “Leaside Gardens”) opened its doors in 1951 and hosted its first hockey game on Oct. 6, 1952. A registered war memorial, Leaside Gardens was named in honour of our war veterans. The plaque outside reads: “In memory of the men of the Town of Leaside who gave their lives for their country in the Second World War – 1939-1945.” Ray White, former Leaside Gardens board chair, wrote in

Glenn Asano The Business of Leaside

ice rinks were served to hungry postgame skaters to celebrate the milestone. But the capstone anniversary events, a flag ceremony featuring players from the Leaside Wildcats and an archival exhibit, are scheduled to take place from Fri., Nov. 10th to Sun., Nov. 12.

TORONTO LEASIDE WILDCATS

Leaside Life • November 2023

Members of the Toronto Leaside Wildcats lowering the RCAF flag at the Mount Pleasant Mausoleum Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2022. The flag will be mounted and placed at the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, joining a collection of memorabilia of the 432 “Leaside” Squadron.

Leaside Life about an event that took place 10 years ago, “On Nov. 8, 2013, 50 years after the original dedication in 1963 and on the 100th anniversary of the Town of Leaside the Leaside Gardens board rededicated the beautiful new combined facility. In attendance were several family members of three of the men for whom this memorial is named: the Lazier, Newel and Wilbur families. It was my distinct honour and privilege to hold the Silver Cross presented to Flying Officer Walter Newel’s mother, Lillian, on that day.” Thanks largely to Ray’s efforts, Leaside Memorial Community Gardens is a registered war memorial.

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Archival exhibit honours the past This year Leaside Gardens celebrates its 70th anniversary by paying homage to its dual roles as a centre for sports in the community and a memorial honouring those from Leaside who served. Earlier in the year, anniversary cakes decorated as

Over the years, Leaside Gardens has received several donations in addition to a growing number of artifacts and memorabilia it has collected over time. These items tell its story, particularly as related to its role as a war memorial and the home of many local sports teams. But time itself has proven to be an enemy of preservation and the board decided that without corrective action, much of this treasured archive could eventually be lost. Working together with the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society, the board initiated a plan in January 2023 to inventory and digitize its collection in order to preserve it for the benefit of future generations. As luck would have it, local Leasider Kennis Kim, an acknowledged expert of art conservation and history, gratefully volunteered her expertise to guide and assist board members through the archival process. I’m pleased to report that this

GARDENS Page 20

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Leaside Life • November 2023

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Leaside Life leasidelife.com Editor: Jane W. Auster Publisher: Lorna Krawchuk Webmaster: Erin Sorhaug Graphic Design: Robin Dickie Advertising: Karli Vezina

FH Publishing Inc. 1 Wiltshire Ave, unit 114 Toronto, Ontario M6N 2V7 Comments, Letters to the Editor, Advertising Enquiries: Contact: 416-504-8047 leasidelifepublishing@gmail.com leasidelife@gmail.com Published monthly in Leaside, Toronto, ON. Circulation 10,000 to every home and business in Leaside & Bennington.

No part of the editorial content of this publication may be reprinted without the publisher’s written permission. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. No liability is assumed for errors or omissions. All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertised. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising that does not meet the standards of the publication.

Nominations for the 2024 Agnes Macphail Award will be accepted until midnight, Jan. 12, 2024. A person resident in the former Borough of East York, which includes Leaside, who has made outstanding contributions as a volunteer, advocate, contributor to community life and leader in social justice issues – such as women’s rights, fairness to seniors, criminal justice system and penal reform, international peace and disarmament, or access to adequate housing, healthcare and education, would be an ideal candidate. Full information is on the City of Toronto website. City of Toronto/ City Government/Awards and Tributes/Awards/Agnes Macphail Award. n

PORTRAIT BY IRMA COUCILL

Agnes Macphail Award nominations now open

LEASIDE GARDENS From Page 18 “heavy lifting” has now been complete and Leaside Gardens is excited to invite the community to enjoy the collection in person before the physical items are placed in long-term storage for preservation. Over time, it is envisioned that the digitized collection could make its way online for ease-of-access to all in the future. Leaside Gardens invites the community to view its collection of artifacts and memorabilia from Nov. 10-12th in the William Lea room to celebrate the occasion of Leaside Gardens’ 70th anniversary. Visitors can view various sports team photos, some dating back to the ’50s, along with medals, plaques and other donated items of interest for the enjoyment of the community. Flag ceremony to feature the Toronto Leaside Wildcats To kick off the Leaside Gardens archival exhibit, the board is excited to work with the RCAF Foundation and the Toronto Leaside Wildcats to conduct a flag ceremony at the facility. Last year, on Nov. 11, 2022, the RCAF Foundation held its 12th annual Remembrance Day ceremony from the steps of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Mausoleum. At sunset, the RCAF flag was lowered and representatives from the Toronto Leaside Wildcats assisted with this special sunset ceremony. The RCAF Foundation has mounted the flag, and in partnership with the Toronto Leaside Wildcats, will donate it to Leaside Gardens where it will join the collection of memorabilia of the 432 “Leaside” Squadron to be safeguarded. The 432 “Leaside” Squadron of the RCAF was formed May 1943 and adopted the motto “Saeviter ad lucem,” which translates

to “Ferociously towards the light.” At the Nov. 10th ceremony, on the occasion of Leaside Gardens’ 70th and 50 years of girls hockey in Leaside, representatives from Leaside Gardens will receive the flag from the RCAF Foundation and the Toronto Leaside Wildcats on behalf of the community. The ceremony will also mark the official opening of the Leaside Gardens archival exhibit where the RCAF flag will be on display for all to view over the Remembrance Day weekend. Did you know? Two Toronto Leaside Wildcats alumna were drafted into the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL): Kristin Della Rovere and Emma Buckles; and two former Toronto Wildcat coaches/ instructors have been named as head coaches in the newly formed PWHL: Kori Cheverie and Courtney (Birchard) Kessel. n

SCHOLARSHIP From Page 14 hope. These “green warriors” choose not to battle with Mother Nature, but instead, join forces with her to find solutions to the problems we have created. Perhaps this closing line from Sara’s essay says it best: “With everything I learn during my time at McGill, I hope to be a part of the next generation of creative, open-minded, innovative thinkers to help build a better future for all living things, everywhere.” This scholarship has been established to honour the initiative of those who in the 1980s had the foresight and energy to form the Leaside Garden Society. n

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Hooked on the north but attached to Leaside by JANIS FERTUCK Several weeks ago, the Leaside High School retired teachers’ network (including me) was buzzing with the news that a graduate from 1995, Claudia Kraft, was spotted on the news in her role as medical director for the Northwest Territories and a spokesperson during the recent wildfire crisis. She was reporting on patients returning to Yellowknife hospitals after being evacuated during this period. Dr. Kraft’s important role comes as no surprise to her teachers, based on her talents and many accomplishments during her time at LHS. Highlights from those years include two drama productions, special projects in biology, English and history, and two trips to Japan. In her final year, she excelled as school captain, working with staff, students and other community members. After LHS, Claudia attended Queen’s for biology and political science, then earned her Master’s in biology. While in graduate school, she volunteered with Queen’s

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Claudia Kraft and her sons on Great Slave Lake

STEVE KRAUS

Leaside Life • November 2023

Medical Outreach, where she met her future spouse, Steve Kraus, and decided to enter medical school. As part of her training, she did rotations in Nunavut, Inuvik and Iqaluit as well as a family medicine residency at UBC (Kelowna).

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These experiences got her “hooked on northern life and work and the richness of community and culture in the North.” She lived in Nunavut, then moved to Yellowknife in 2013 while adding emergency and addiction medicine to her specialties. Today, she, Steve, also a physician, and their two sons, Henry, 7, and Sasha, 5, love living “in close proximity to the land.” Over time, Claudia has taken on more leadership roles, eventually stepping into her current role in 2022 as the director of all hospitals, health centres, long-term care and the system as a whole. She now participates in system design and innovation as well as managing the core work of hospitals, primary and continuing care. She finds the job extremely challenging, but very meaningful as she “learns and grows and stretches every day.” Claudia’s most daunting challenges, however, occurred in the past few months with the worst wildfire season on record. Her work involved navigating complex patient movement, planning and executing patient evacuations during extremely dangerous conditions. It was her job to be the clinical lead for most of those operations and all of the partnerships with the jurisdictions to ensure continued quality of care for all patients, both inside and outside the territory, and then to reverse the process after the crisis subsided. She also acted as the primary spokesperson for the health system to provide information

KRAFT Page 24

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Leaside Life • November 2023

Leaside Children’s House

AIRMEN From Page 3

Leaside Life • November 2023

by local resident and Belgian resistance fighter Albert Adans. After the war, Adans – moved by the courage and sacrifice of the doomed air crew – vowed to keep their memory alive. On Sept. 23, 1951, he kept his promise by unveiling a six-foot, 3.5-ton granite monument, which he erected in their honour at Jalhay. Attached to the monument is a bronze plaque on which are written the names of Pike, Lazier and their fallen colleagues. The plot of land where the monument rests is officially designated as Canadian soil. There is also a portion of the plane’s wing on the site. Every year since then – for the past 72 years – a ceremony is held at Jalhay on the last Sunday of August to memorialize the crew members and their families and to show the town’s gratitude for their sacrifice. Participants include local dignitaries, representatives of the Canadian Forces as well as the family members of Albert Adans, who have maintained the memorial since Adans’ death in 1980. Relatives of the air crew also attend. Robert Pike’s nephew, for

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KRAFT From Page 22 example, has attended the service several times in recent years. The service itself is dignified and moving. It involves a wreath-laying ceremony with an honour guard, speeches, and a religious service (including Mass) followed by luncheon. Photos and videos of the service are available on Facebook and YouTube. (See, for example: https://www.youtube. c o m / w a t c h ? v = n y U O AY 0 G pIs.) In November 2009, Global News aired a news story of the event, and this too is available online: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=OnfMI809sQI. It is comforting to know that nearly 80 years after their deaths, the memory of these young airmen remains alive in the hearts and minds of the residents of this small Belgian village – over 6,000 kilometres from Leaside. As Remembrance Day approaches, may we all be inspired by their example. Photo sources: Cover and plaque: Canadian Memorial of Tigelot Jalhay, Belgium Facebook page. Airmen: Canadian Virtual War Memorial. n

to the media. At the same time, Claudia was coping with evacuation as a parent, the displacement and separation of her family, a case of Covid and “relentless hours of work.” She says that through these difficult times, she was “grateful to have truly amazing family and friend support, including in Leaside for part of the evacuation with family and some amazing help from fellow Leaside alumni.” Claudia occasionally does get back to Leaside, where her mother still lives, for holidays and visits, and says that stressful times make her miss her loved ones even more than usual. She has even noticed similarities between Leaside and Yellowknife. Both are small, but vibrant neighbourhoods, “rich with volunteers keen to build a great community.” And like Leaside, Yellowknife is “very family-focused and a great place to raise kids with great schools.” But unlike Leaside’s urban landscape, Yellowknife is “nestled in the Canadian Shield with an endless expanse of jack pines and lakes.” No wonder Claudia is now hooked on the North. n

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25 Leaside Life • November 2023

We’re listed in the phone book. Not on the stock exchange.

Leaside Life • November 2023

by SUZANNE PARK Everyone (I talked to) passionately agrees, the team is the hero of this story. What team, you might ask? Sunnybrook Hospital’s Focused Ultrasound Essential Tremor (FUS) team, including physicists, engineers, neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, psychiatrists, research managers, coordinators, and psychologists. “An A team advancing tremor treatments” according to clinical director Dr. Nir Lipsman. “With our multi-pronged approach at the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, we advance treatment for patients and make tools like FUS more widely available. We work closely with our community partners like primary care physicians and neurologists to help patients with tremor who have reached the limits of conventional treatments, and who are referred to our multidisciplinary clinic. We’ve treated close to 400 patients. Typically, once referred and screened, eligible patients are into

Gary Fairfoul with his children, l-r, Belinda, Todd and Fawn.

SARAH FAULKNER

Sunnybrook heroes advance essential tremor treatment

the clinic within three months and treated a few months later.” According to Sunnybrook’s website, “Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a non-invasive, image-guided surgical technology that uses multiple sources of ultrasound energy, arranged in a specially designed helmet, to target

areas deep within the brain. The ability to focus ultrasound energy non-invasively, through the human skull, was largely pioneered by scientists at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. This work created a springboard for the development of new therapeutic applications, by enabling

The 9th Annual Reception and Induction Ceremony Friday, November 17, 2023 William Lea Room Leaside Memorial Community Gardens

Tickets $40.00 Doors open at 6:30pm • Reception and Cash Bar • Induction Ceremony and Presentations • 7: 30pm Please visit our website at leasidesports.com for information on ticket sales.

The following will be inducted into the LSHOF on November 17, 2023: Tim Ampleford and David Chambers Recognition of the LifeTime Contribution Award Recipient 2023 : Barry Samuel Recognition of Athlete of the Year 2023: Eleanor Voykin

HEROES continued is somewhat unique. Unlike many others whose essential tremor comes on rapidly and dramatically later in life, I was born with a mild tremor, as was my mom. We both learned to live with it. I’m retired now yet I enjoyed a long career as an educator including principal of the Toronto Island School.” But at age 60, his tremors increased, especially with writing, to the point where his signature became illegible. “Then, one day my daughter Fawn called me. She said, ‘Dad, I just read a story about a man who had essential tremor. He qualified for and was successfully treated in Sunnybrook’s essential tremor clinical trial. Let’s contact them.’ I contacted Sunnybrook right away, was accepted into the trial and had my successful treatment in May. The next day, I wrote a two-page letter to my daughter thanking her for finding Dr. Lipsman. My first letter in 10 years.” Contact Dr. Lipsman’s team if you or someone you know has essential tremor: https://sunnybrook. ca/research/content/?page=sri-centres-focused-ultrasound-home. n

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27 Leaside Life • November 2023

surgeons and scientists safe and precise access to deeper brain structures, without opening the skull. Sunnybrook has become a global leader in FUS research and clinical trials and is the only Canadian site designated as a Focused Ultrasound Centre of Excellence by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation recognizing the scientific leadership of Dr. Kullervo Hynynen, VP, Research & Innovation, and the contributions of Dr. Nir Lipsman, the Clinical Director, and the team.” Recent patient Gary Fairfoul is certainly a believer. “...Dr. Lipsman and his team are all heroes bringing life changing results to patients like me. They’re skilled scientists and gifted artists. I am so appreciative of their talents and contributions.” Essential tremor can be life-changing for patients in their daily lives. According to Dr. Lipsman, patients tend to develop tremors at age 50 and beyond. While often slight at outset, the condition can increase and make simple tasks like drinking a glass of water or cutting with a knife or scissors very difficult. Gary commented, “My experience

Cycle Don Valley Midtown celebrates five years! Leaside Life • November 2023

by HOLLY REID It’s hard to believe that five years ago a group of Leaside cyclists met to figure out what to do with Toronto’s new 25-ward system. We were to be a chapter of Cycle Toronto for the new Ward 15 but that meant leaving behind longtime connections with our neighbours in Flemingdon Park. We decided to think big, keep our existing allies and welcome more from other neighbourhoods in both Ward 15 and Ward 16. Our name – Cycle Don Valley Midtown – reflected our orientation around the Don Valley and location in the middle of Toronto. Big challenges, great enthusiasm Geographically, we covered a big area where most of the safe cycling space was located on trails in the Don Valley. But there were some encouraging projects on the horizon – Eglinton Avenue was planned to have a bikeway spanning 19 km in conjunction with the Crosstown

LRT, and the East Don Trail and CYCLING the Meadoway were to provide IN LEASIDE a complete trail connection from Rouge Urban Park to the waterfront. Calls to remove the newly installed bike lanes in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park connected us with community members who supported safe cycling. Lots happening and more to come Below is a detailed summary of some of the cycling initiatives we’ve worked on. A blossoming cycling community This year I’ve seen more people of all ages out on bikes in Leaside and I like to think we’ve had a hand in that. We’ve been long-time supporters of Gateway Bike Hub and its programs. The Women’s Cycling Network was founded by our members. We are founding organizers of Yonge4All, local residents

committed to a safer Yonge Street for everyone. And we collaborated with Cycle Toronto Midtown to create Cycle55+ to encourage more people to bike as they age. Post Covid we are back to hosting group rides and the occasional social. We continue to meet virtually on the last Wednesday of every month and newcomers are most welcome. Join us and help make cycling better where you live. Contact cycledonvalleymidtown@cycleto.ca to join our email list. n

Location

What’s involved

Status/timeline

Thorncliffe Park Drive bike lanes

Increased on-street parking, added protections and safety measures.

Completed 2021

Renewing Overlea

Reconstruction of Overlea Bridge to include protected space for people walking and cycling, and safety improvements at all intersections.

Approved in 2022. Construction 2024 to 2026.

Midtown Yonge Complete Street

ActiveTO pilot project to bring a complete street to Yonge in Midtown.

Pilot implemented in 2021, made permanent in 2023. Study on extending north – 2024.

Millwood Road Safety Improvements

Protected bike lanes on the Leaside bridge and safer intersections.

Postponed until 2024, with work on Overlea/Millwood intersection being coordinated with Metrolinx.

Bayview – Sutherland Crossing

Safe crossing of Bayview from Sutherland Drive to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery for people walking and biking.

At North York Community Council on October 17, 2023

Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan

Near-term improvements include speed controls, some intersection improvements and conversion of some angled parking to parallel parking. Longer-term safe cycling network within Leaside.

At North York Community Council on October 17, 2023. For consideration after Crosstown LRT opens

Eglinton TOday

Quick-build complete street on Eglinton to include protected bike lanes. Protections to be added by the City to bike lanes from Brentcliffe to Kennedy after Metrolinx’s work is complete.

Phase 1 – Keele to Mt. Pleasant – 2024 Phase 2 – Mt. Pleasant to Brentcliffe – 2025

East Don Trail

Connection from Lower Don Trail to the Meadoway with new tunnel and pedestrian bridge at the Metrolinx rail corridor.

TRCA update says work will be completed November 2023

Don Mills Crossing Trail Bridge

Connection from the Don Mills Trail to Eglinton Avenue E. with a pedestrian/ bike bridge over the CP rail line.

Approved in 2021, construction anticipated to be completed by 2025

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Leaside Life • November 2023

The Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan: Phase One is here By the time you read this, the first phase of the City’s Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan (LNTP) will have been presented to North York Community Council. Over the past three or four years the LNTP team has been collecting data on traffic volumes, speeds, and patterns, and holding occasional public consultations on Zoom. I am able to give you some general comments in this edition of Leaside Life. A more detailed report will follow next month, by which time the North York Community Council will have received Phase One of the study and voted on proposals made – so far – by the LNTP team. If you have previously contacted the LNTP planners, or sent suggestions to them, you will have received an email in mid-October listing the details of Phase One. If you attended the June 2023 LNTP Zoom event, you may recall the map of Leaside illustrating Phase One’s recommendations. These are quite modest proposals, not yet a full neighbourhood pattern. Before anything happens, there will first have to be further communication with residents, followed by a detailed polling process. This is only Phase One. Phase Two is in the still distant future, delaying a more complete approach to our traffic problems. More about my concerns about that in next month’s column! Additional talking points: school streets receive extra attention, with speed humps (not “bumps”) located mid-block. You may question the effectiveness of speed humps, and the specific locations chosen, but

Carol Burtin Fripp Co-president, LRA

they have the advantage of being relatively low cost. Leasiders may also want to suggest use of paint (which is also low cost) to redesign more neighbourhood intersections, as the comparative cost of more permanent physical measures could prevent or delay their installation. New traffic signal Another proposal, made many times, is going to North York Community Council now: to install a traffic signal at Bayview Avenue and Sutherland Drive, to provide a muchneeded safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, and easier access to Bayview for the TTC Route 88 bus. We support the traffic signal, with the strong recommendation that measures be taken to ensure the result does not encourage Bayview drivers to turn into Sutherland at that corner. The LRA proposes, if the new traffic signal is approved, that traffic on Sutherland (and Bessborough Drive north of Sutherland, parallel to Bayview) be counted both before and after installation to measure actual impact, and any issues be addressed promptly. We also need to know: will the traffic signal be operated by pushbutton (or transponders for TTC drivers?), with a head start signal (LPI) for pedestrians. A long or short

signal? The current dangerous crossing situation must be addressed. Among other recommendations in Phase One of the LNTP are that angle parking by Trace Manes and near Laird at McRae be replaced by parallel parking, with possible overnight parking regulations and/or permit parking to be considered. Regarding Phase One as a whole, I think most Leasiders expect more of a long-term, truly area-wide, strategy from the City. I am disappointed that there was no opportunity to schedule another public consultation meeting before submitting Phase One to North York Community Council. We ask for more consultation opportunities as we move ahead to ensure opportunity for fine-tuning. What do you think? If you write to the LNTP team or Councillor Robinson, please send us a copy. Our AGM will take place on Wed., Nov. 22, in the William Lea Room at Leaside Gardens, at 7:30 p.m. We have invited our Councillor Jaye Robinson, MPP Stephanie Bowman, and MP Rob Oliphant, and are approaching additional speakers you’ll want to hear from. This is a great opportunity to find out all Leaside’s issues, ask your questions and share your opinions! The LRA board meets on the first Wednesday of each month, in the Trace Manes building at Rumsey and Millwood, and we welcome deputations and attendees. The next monthly meeting takes place on Wed., Nov. 1, at 7:30 p.m. You can always find us at www.leasideresidents.ca. n

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