M AY 2020
Leaside Life
No. 96
leasidelife.com
Dr. Ben Chan is working on ventilator improvements! Page 4.
Local HEROES
Meet Leasiders who are helping us all survive COVID19...Page 12
BE SAFE, LEASIDERS, AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND OUR VALUABLE ADVERTISERS
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Leaside Life • May 2020
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Until our world got turned upside down mere months ago, if you had asked me to name heroes, I would probably have offered some of the usual suspects...with a sprinkling of Marvel and DC superheroes thrown in for good measure. But today our heroes are frontline healthcare workers, grocery store and restaurant personnel, public transit workers, and so many others who are risking their health and possibly lives for all of us. Closer to home, Leaside has more than its share of heroes, on the frontlines and behind the scenes, engaging in activities to help us during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. In this issue of Leaside Life you’ll meet some of them. You probably know many of them already. Like Ben Chan. Last issue Ben was one of our “green” heroes, who, with his family, has turned green living into a way of life. Lorna Krawchuk discovered that he is also a “COVID-19 hero.” “As a researcher at the University of Toronto, Dr. Chan is working with other U of T researchers to develop a simplified, low-cost ventilator
Jane Auster Editor Leaside Life
that is easy to mass produce, as a backup option in case we run out of regular ventilators in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she writes. And what about the many local sewers who have taken up the Michael Garron Hospital Mask Challenge to create 1,000 face masks per week for the hospital? A number of Leaside stitchers partnered with a team of sewers working through The Neighbourhood Office in Thorncliffe Park to make what must be some of the most colourful, beautiful face masks. Also in this issue, Susan Scandiffio features a host of other Leaside heroes who are more than doing their bit to make a difference. They live among us, they are not celebrities, they are just going about their business. We owe them our appreciation and gratitude. Thank you! ■
YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDED REALTOR I am proud to be a part of such a kind-hearted community. Be safe during this time and take comfort knowing that we are in this together! Contact me for trusted real estate advice that moves you!
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Leaside schools rise to the COVID-19 challenge Rachel Chernos Lin Trustee
in a variety of ways. For example, as emergency remote learning was being established, it became clear that some educators were more experienced and comfortable than others with online teaching. Teachers from Northlea Elementary and Middle School took on leadership roles in the larger teaching community, running webinars on how to use the Brightspace, Google Classroom and Knowledgehook platforms, not only for their Northlea colleagues but for colleagues in other schools as well. In addition, Leaside schools, such as Rolph, Bessborough, and Northlea loaned hundreds of iPads and Chromebooks to our IT depart-
Patrick Rocca bro ker
ment to be temporarily distributed to TDSB families, both within our community and across the city. Leaside schools were also significant contributors to the drive for PPE equipment to keep frontline workers safe. Northlea and Bessborough together donated 100 bottles of hand sanitizer; Leaside High School and Northlea donated many boxes of latex gloves; and Northlea donated more than 60 pairs of goggles from the school’s science lab. And, last but not least, Bessborough’s 3D printer (from the school’s STEM lab) has been flagged as available should it be needed for production of PPE equipment. With emergency remote learning now in full swing, our staff are focused on meeting the challenges of this new environment, continually improving their approaches to best serve all students. As always, I am so proud of how our local TDSB schools have risen to the challenges of this pandemic, helping in so many different ways to support students, staff, and our frontline workers. ■
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Leaside Life • May 2020
When the provincial government announced a ministerial order to close all publicly-funded schools on the late afternoon of March 12, 2020 due to concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, senior executive staff at the TDSB immediately set to work planning for an extended closure of all of our buildings. First, they identified the concerns that required immediate attention. Three priorities were established: the need to remotely contact 220,000 TDSB students (or their families) despite the lack of email addresses for 22,500 families; the need to formulate guiding principles for remote learning that would be accessible to all despite the lack of many families’ access to technology and the internet; and, finally, the need to consider how the TDSB might be able to help the city and province fight COVID-19. Over the last couple of weeks, Leaside schools have played important roles in helping our board achieve some of these priorities and overcome many of these challenges
Ben Chan turns his talents to ventilator research by LORNA KRAWCHUK Take a look back at the April issue of Leaside Life, on our Green Heroes pages, and you will find Ben Chan there, with his and his family’s initiatives to live as green a life as possible. Now Ben has become a hero of a different sort. As a researcher at the University of Toronto, Dr. Chan is working with other U of T researchers to develop a simplified, lowcost ventilator that is easy to mass produce, as a backup option in case we run out of regular ventilators in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his spare time (before the pandemic changed our world), this extraordinary individual enjoyed playing with a local band, The Parkhursts (named for Parkhurst Boulevard of course, where some of the band members live). He plays bass, but is also accomplished on guitar, piano, drums and vocals. In usual times, the band plays at special events in the neighbourhood. “...the highlights of my day right now – living through this period
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HEROES
that is very hard on all of us where it is important to find ways to support, and connect with each other” – find him up on his second floor balcony, with his amps, microphone and guitar at the southeast corner of Bessborough and Sutherland – with the daily 5 p.m. “community singsong” where “during this COVID
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WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE FRONT LINE WORKERS AND THE LEASIDE COMMUNITY FOR DOING THEIR PART DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.
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ADIN CHAN
Leaside Life • May 2020
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crisis, we band together as a community to pay tribute to the healthcare workers, delivery people and all those keeping us going.” Ben grew up in Toronto and obtained his MD from the University of Toronto. He was originally interested in “student government and big-picture systems issues, so went on to study economics and health systems.” He didn’t stop there. He holds a Master of Public Health (Harvard) and Master of Public Affairs (Princeton) and completed an Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders at Stanford University. He is also an affiliate scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluation Sciences (ICES). At the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at U of T, Ben is an assistant professor of Global Health working on strategy and leadership for healthcare quality. Medical students in one of his classes have just finished practicums in a variety of low-resource locations, ranging from Northern Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and inner-city Toronto to small Caribbean islands, where their emphasis was on “quality management in healthcare in low-income settings.” He keeps his hand in Emergency Medicine by helping out with last-minute demands for additional staffing in small towns such as Clinton and Seaforth in Southwestern Ontario. Recently, he has been doing 24-hour shifts, spread out over three to four days. Over the years, he has provided primary care and been an emergency physician in more than 70 rural and Indigenous communities. Ben is fluent in English and French, nearly fluent in Spanish, and is progressing on the other three official United Nations languages – Russian, Arabic and Mandarin. These are useful for working with the World Bank in Washington, DC where he spends time usually every three months, for missions five to six times a year in countries in French West Africa, and in Latin America where he helps to raise awareness and funds to improve primary care healthcare. Ben serves on the board of directors of Children Believe in Markham. On his board profile page, he describes himself as being “curious, conscientious and creative.” Also quoted – “My childhood dream was to get married and live happily ever after.” He laughs at that quote now, but also says “my wife likes it.” ■
Leaside Life • May 2020
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FOR ALL YOUR WINDOW COVERING NEEDS CONTACT PAUL LUSSIER AT 416-481-7207 OR AT PAUL@PARALLELEINTERIORS.COM
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YOU ARE! I would like to send good wishes & I hope that all of you are staying safe and healthy during this challenging time. We have yet to see what May brings, but so far March & April have been difficult months for Sellers and Buyers to transact. Most, if able are choosing to hold-off on listing their homes & Buyers staying home. Please feel free to contact me to talk about the market so I can help you understand how to potentially move forward when the timing is right for you.
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You can still go for a (solo guided) Jane’s Walk by GEOFF KETTEL Yes, it’s May. For many of us, the first weekend of May is Jane’s Walk time – a chance to explore our own or a new neighbourhood, led by a knowledgeable guide. Leaside has been part of Jane’s Walks for several years. But this year, COVID-19 has dictated no guided Jane’s Walks in Leaside (or anywhere else). COVID-19 has changed many aspects of daily life, but as in so many areas, we are discovering the possibility of converting the group experience to a solitary or virtual experience. We will start simply with a solo guided walking tour of WestCentral Leaside. Each walk takes 60-90 minutes. Now, given that these solo guided walks are brought to you by the “Saving Leaside” guy, please indulge me as I remind you of what I believe to be an essential background context to all the walks: Leaside as a designed cultural heritage landscape – features that make Leaside Leaside – the Todd town plan (streets layout), the tract development of the 1930s through to 1953, and the few “stranded” settler
homes, all of which are set over the earlier Colonial grid. 1. Leaside is believed to be the first new town in Ontario based on Garden City principles, designed as a complete community with residential (west) and industrial (east) uses in 1912 by American-born Frederick Gage Todd, the Montreal landscape architect and one of the founders of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. He apprenticed at Olmsted, Olmsted and Eliot in Brookline, Ma. and was responsible for other model towns in Canada: Mount Royal (Montreal), Shaughnessy Heights and Port Mann (Vancouver), Bowling Green (Port Claire, PQ) and Point Grey, BC. Todd’s street layout sits within the meta grid of Bayview and Eglinton, the railway lines to the southeast, and the Don River. 2. Leaside presents gently curving and diagonal streets with a rhythmic consistency of uniform setbacks and Modern Classicism style architecture including Tudor and Georgian Revival, and Art Moderne and Beaux Arts (former Bayview Playhouse and Agnes Macphail House). The
planned diversity of housing types includes single, semi, multi-family and bungalow house forms, and one/ two/three storey heights. Unique (for Canada) is a concentration of “garden apartment” style multi-family walkup apartment buildings, i.e. Garden Court Apartments (1477 Bayview Avenue); the Talbot Apartments (three blocks – Kelvin Grove, Strathavon, and GlenLeven – Bayview) and Crestview Apartments (Leacrest/Mallory). 3. Several “stranded” houses of early settlers (John Lea Jr., James Lea, Thomas Elgie) are placed in relation to their farms, and the lanes by which they were connected to Bayview and ultimately to Yonge Street, but misplaced in relation to the current street pattern. 4. And finally, Leaside was an independent municipality from 1913 until 1967, when it amalgamated with the Township of East York, and in 1998 it was amalgamated with the other five municipalities to become part of the City of Toronto. Read a detailed description of each walking point on the Leaside Life website. ■
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1. Single-detached houses on Millwood Road, between Bayview Avenue and Donegall Drive, and St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church. 2. MacNaughton Road streetscapes, and Father Caulfield Park at the intersection of MacNaughton Road and Cameron Crescent. 3. Parkhurst Boulevard. 4. Sharron Drive and Bessborough Drive and Bessborough (formerly Leaside) Public School. 5. Junction of McRae Drive, Sharron Drive and Rumsey Road and Leaside branch of the Toronto Public Library. 6. Semi-detached houses at Heath and Airdrie Roads. 7. Millwood Road business street and Trace Manes Park and Leaside United Church. 8. Bessborough Drive at Rumsey. 9. Garden Court Apartments.
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Map created by Kim Auchinachie, Connor Turnbull and Geoff Kettel©
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Leaside Life • May 2020
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Sew right! Mask makers take on a challenge
Leaside Life • May 2020
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Margaret Franklin
by JANIS FERTUCK With her extensive experience in sewing, Leaside resident Margaret Franklin was intrigued when she heard that Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) was asking east end residents to create 1,000 face masks per week for the hospital during the COVID-19 crisis. Then she found an easy way to get involved. A friend told her that The Neighbourhood Office (TNO) in Thorncliffe Park was already working on the project through their partnership with the hospital and its work with the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub. Soon the retired home economics teacher, quilter and weaver contacted Esel Panlaqui, the manager of community development and special projects at TNO, and joined her team of sewers in Flemingdon Park, Thorncliffe Park, Leaside and Don Mills. The MGH Challenge does not involve medical-grade masks used by healthcare providers, but is directed at fabric masks for visitors to the hospital, patients who
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are discharged, and the broader community to help prevent disease transmission. It was natural for TNO to take the challenge because of their existing sewing-related initiatives in Thorncliffe and Flemingdon. When they put out a call on Twitter for the MGH Challenge, they were overwhelmed with responses and took just the first 25 applicants. TNO staff deliver the materials (many of them donated by businesses, individuals and foundations)
We are here to help and proud to serve our community! Bayview & Fleming 1601 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON M4G 3B5 416-489-1873 8am - 10pm* Bayview & Broadway 1860 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON M4G 0C3 416-482-9841 8am - 8pm* *
During the current pandemic, please check website for updated hours. The first hour of business is senior’s hour.
BRIAN MOK
Esel Panlaqui
Peggy Williams
to the sewers, along with a list of safety tips, and then pick up the finished products, which are sanitized before delivery to MGH. The design for the masks is a simple one and instructions are provided on both websites. As Margaret explained, “There are two layers of appropriate fabric: an outside layer of dark-coloured polyester or poly-cotton, and a light-coloured, softer cotton for the inner layer. The mask is then completed by inserting elastics or adding ties and making three pleats at each side.” It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to make each mask, and by Easter she had already created 130. Margaret’s friend, Peggy Williams, is another sewing enthusiast who has become involved in the challenge as she enjoys projects involving “people helping people” and MGH has a special significance for her family. Both Margaret and Peggy have high praise for Esel Panlaqui and enjoy their regular meetings with her and her team of sewers on Zoom. They are impressed by Esel’s leadership and organization of the group. In fact, Margaret says her “life has been enriched” by the experience and Peggy feels “privileged to work with such skilled and enthusiastic women.” Esel reports that the group is proud of their work and the Zoom meetings are “good therapy to help the sewers to connect and find a sense of belonging in the midst of social distancing.” Their goal is to make 2,000 masks in four weeks, and to continue working for as long as necessary, hoping to produce masks for local residents as well. ■
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My advice during COVID-19? Read funny Canadian novels!
Leaside Life • May 2020
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When I wrote my last column, the NBA had not yet made its fateful decision to suspend the rest of the basketball season because one of their players had tested positive for COVID-19. You’ll know that from my April column because I wrote about our imminent annual golf pilgrimage to Florida. I’m writing this column on what would have been the final day of this year’s Florida golf odyssey had it not been cancelled, like just about everything else. The world has certainly changed since the NBA toppled that first domino on March 11. I know what you’re thinking. Is he really going to write a humour column about the coronavirus and its profound and unprecedented global impact? Well, not exactly. This virus is serious and deadly. Hardly a topic to joke about. On the other hand, in these strange times, I think we need humour more than ever. We need a break from the mounting numbers. We need a distraction from the economic crisis the shutdown has spawned. We need to find ways to keep it together as we self-isolate with our children or aging parents, or both.
Terry Fallis Columnist
So, while there’s not much humour in all of this, unless you thought it was mildly amusing when our Prime Minister invented the phrase “speaking moistly” – and I confess, I did – we do need to find reasons to laugh to help us get through these weird and dangerous days. (Don’t get me wrong. I think our Prime Minister and premiers are generally doing a great job through all of this.) Humour has a way of inflicting perspective. A bout of infectious, eye-streaming, gut-busting laughter can be the therapeutic catharsis that helps us carry on. So, what can we do to find laughter in times that aren’t very funny? The obvious choice that millions of Canadians are making is binge-streaming funny movies and shows on our tablets and laptops. But that’s an easy answer. Let me
offer a more traditional solution, one that lends itself to the more reflective and contemplative atmosphere self-isolation naturally yields. Why not read a funny book? Marooned in our own homes, many of us have more down time than we’ve ever had in our adult lives. If you’re looking for a way to escape our current reality and have a few laughs along with way, there are far worse ways to kill an hour or two than reading some of these funny Canadian novels. All of these suggestions were finalists or winners of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, one of Canada’s oldest literary awards. King Leary by Paul Quarrington: The late great Quarrington won the Leacock for this funny and moving novel about an aging hockey player. The Figgs by Ali Bryan: A finalist for the Leacock, I loved Bryan’s wonderful and hilarious novel about a family coping with life’s struggles. It may soon be a TV series so stay tuned. Last Impressions by Joseph Kertes: Joe is already a Leacock winner and I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks up a second for his latest novel. This story pushes sadness right against humour and it all works so well. Republic of Dirt by Susan Juby: Juby won the 2016 Leacock Medal for this very funny and poignant novel. These pages turn themselves. Barney’s Version by Mordecai Richler: This compelling tale won Richler his only Leacock Medal in 1998. Among my favourite Richler novels – and I’ve read them all – this one is a winner. [Ed.’s note: And don’t forget Terry Fallis’s own – Albatross.] These are just a few suggestions for when your eyes are crossed from too much screen time. All of these are available through local independent bookstores, most of which are facilitating easy delivery and/or pickup of books ordered over the phone. Look, we all need to take this virus seriously and do our part. Follow these simple but critical rules and we’ll get through this: Stay home. Wash your hands. Don’t go near other people. Read funny Canadian novels. A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis grew up in Leaside and is the award-winning writer of seven national bestsellers, including his most recent, Albatross, all published by McClelland & Stewart. ■
Leaside Life • May 2020
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Keep your spirits high and please, stay home!!
While you are staying at home, the Kreitmaker team would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy navigation through these stressful times. But most importantly we would like to say thanks to all the front-line service providers and all the support in the grocery stores... You rock! If you are thinking about do-it-yourself back yard projects, Kreitmaker can help by supporting you with your landscaping needs. We have an extensive selection of outdoor products: River Rock, Black Mulch, Shredded Pine Mulch, Gromax and Triple Mix, perfect for any stay at home project. Our trucks can deliver to any home. There is no minimum order, from small bags to super sacks, from one yard to 35 yards of aggregates...we will get it to you.
Call us at 416-423-9090. We want to thank you for your continued support through these unprecedented and challenging times, The Kreitmaker Team.
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DEBBIE SNATENCHUK Emergency Room Nurse St. Michael’s Hospital
Leaside Life • May 2020
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Local “My ‘work family’ are all amazing – we work as a big team – doctors, nurses, cleaning staff, clerical etc. – and we all seem to have a crazy sense of humour that pulls us through – hard to put in words, but we have each other’s backs. We all have a very long and difficult road ahead of us. No one is immune, no age, sex or race – it does not discriminate! This is REAL – Stay home!!!”
JENNY NG Clinical Pharmacist, Nephrology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre “COVID-19 has certainly changed how healthcare is delivered but as health-care professionals we are happy that we can be there to guide and support our patients. Through these changing times it has been heartwarming to witness the kindness and thoughtfulness of friends and neighbours, resilience of our patients, dedication of our team members, and the understanding from our families. We are all in this together – stay positive, stay strong and stay safe!” DR. JOHN F. FLANNERY Physical Medicine & Rehab, Associate Professor, U of T Medical Director, Musculoskeletal & Multisystem Rehab Program, Toronto “During emergency situations, like the COVID 19 pandemic, Rehab’s initial role is supportive by helping acute care facilities decant their relatively stable patients in order to enable increased capacity by keeping medical beds free for those acutely ill. In the second phase, the Rehab team will be assisting the fortunate survivors regain function from damage due to their prolonged ventilation.”
JULIE WASPE Registered Nurse, Professional Practice Leader Clinical Informatics Liaison
HEROES
2020. The world has turned upside down. An unfathomable pandemic has unleashed physical, emotional, and economic strain in every corner of the globe. Days of uncertainty and fear have turned into weeks, and weeks have turned into months. In our tiny corner of the earth we look for glimmers of joy and find them in a child’s painting of a rainbow or in a sidewalkchalked message of hope. We yearn for stability and familiarity. For good health. For employment. For strength. And while we may be fraught with uncertainty, we are surrounded by signs of hope in the heroes who walk amongst us. We offer our sincerest gratitude to all who have been working tirelessly and courageously to keep us healthy, to keep us fed, and to keep us safe.
CELINE MCMAHON Co-owner, Freshii Leaside & Danforth “So far, Freshii Leaside and Danforth have raised over 200 meals to be donated! We dropped our first delivery to St. Mike’s Hospital with about 50 meals plus snacks. My husband and I (co-owners) said we have to somehow find a positive in all this negativity. It has been so nice to see our communities coming together to help during these uncertain times.”
“Thank you to my family for their support and to everyone for staying home. Every little bit helps. My advice is to stay calm and remember to not get captivated by all the challenges, take time to remember the good things too. We’re in this together.”
MARISA BATTISTELLA Clinical Pharmacist, Hemodialysis Unit Toronto General Hospital, UHN Associate Professor, U of T
“It is heart-warming to see the compassion and empathy frontline workers continue to have for the patients but also amongst each other. Between drivers who get patients to dialysis, cleaning staff, social workers, dietitians, dialysis technologists, nurses, pharmacists, doctors – all working together to do our jobs to ensure patients are taken care of and are safe; but also keeping each other safe. I have so much appreciation and gratitude for all frontline workers. With unity and teamwork (at a social distance) we got this!”
DR. DAVID SHERGOLD Emergency Physician, Humber River Hospital, Staff Physician, Sunnybrook Veterans’ Centre
“Working with wonderful teams at Sunnybrook Veterans’ Centre, Humber River Hospital ER, and at the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf...together caring for others and one another! Always inspired by my family, Elizabeth and our 3 sons...and our 3 dogs!! Forgot to give you a quote that I find especially meaningful during these times. It comes from my favourite movie...Can you guess it? ‘There’s no place like home.’”
Researched by Susan Scandiffio
ANGELA LEAHEY Nurse, Manager, Ambulatory Oncology Clinic, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre “Our main goal during COVID-19 has been to ensure that our staff and patients are safe. Thorough screening, assessment, and testing of those cancer patients with upper respiratory symptoms are of key importance. The teamwork and drive toward this common goal has been stellar and we’re proud of how quickly we responded to the need.”
“The term ‘exponential growth’ has been heard almost daily during this COVID-19 pandemic. During these difficult times, we need to rethink our way of life and our interconnection with the planet. When this is over, I hope we focus on ‘exponential growth’ of compassion, generosity, patience, and simplicity.”
TAMMY NIVET Store Manager, Bayview valu-mart “A big thank you to my team here at the store as this is very stressful for all of us, to all the frontline workers who are out there every day fighting to keep everything going for the public, and also to all the essential businesses that are still going out there!!”
CARLA FINDLATER Clinical Pharmacist, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre “My words of wisdom: As I am often reminded by a good friend, find JOY in the little things each day. Remember everyone has their own anxieties and concerns right now, so be patient with others and we will all get through this crazy time together. Stay well!”
OLIVIA & RACHAEL FEATHER Owners, Olde Yorke Fish & Chips
ADAM HUME & DAYNA GIESLER Paramedic & New Mother With Adam’s job as a York Region paramedic, and Dayna home with a newish baby, they could say their family is already contributing to our broader community. But as soon as the ‘Stay at Home’ message went out, there were notices in the building from them offering to help where needed – and they have followed through!
JESSICA SLOTNICK Social Worker, Street Health “I’m a frontline social worker and provide case management support to homeless folks who suffer from mental health and/ or addiction issues. Although our services have changed as a result of this pandemic, we still continue to provide emergency nursing care, harm reduction support and operate our overdose prevention site. The government is telling people to stay home to be safe, and unfortunately this isn’t a reality for the people we see every day.”
“On what would have been our 23rd anniversary we closed our dining room as mandated by the city. Many of our employees have been with us for years. Closing and staying at home ensured we could all be safe. The following week we donated 2 car loads full of fruit, produce, dairy, and beverages to a local women’s shelter and over 40 bags of potatoes to Second Harvest. We also donated takeout packaging to a local nursing home as they are no longer serving meals on plates. For 15 years I worked as an RN. I worked during SARS, which was difficult, but this is a particularly worrisome time for all people who continue to provide face to face service no matter what their profession. Equal is the worry for small businesses, many of which will simply not survive. Together, as a community we will keep doing what we need to do and support each other in any way we can.” GEORGE LOVENCE UPS Delivery Driver Thanks George for delivering parcels with a smile during COVID-19 and in Leaside for 25 years!
JIM AGUANNO Store Manager, Sobeys on Laird “We are very proud to serve our community and we are very proud of how well everyone has come together in response to this new social normal. Thank you for your cooperation and respecting the policies we have implemented to ensure the safety of the community, and the safety of my amazing employees.”
DOUG NICHOLSON/ SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE
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Leaside Life • May 2020
DR. JOAO REZENDE-NETO Trauma Surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital and Professor at U of T.
Mental health support when you need it
Leaside Life • May 2020
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by SUZANNE PARK May is Mental Health Month and this year is more challenging than most. Luckily, Leaside has access to a number of organizations, groups and individuals helping us stay mentally healthy during these difficult times. Organizations on the front lines of delivering mental health services have had to pivot quickly and modify how they continue to deliver services and support their staff and community. But they continue to be ready to support those in need: EHN Canada - Bellwood “We are staying buoyant,” says Hillary Webster, digital marketing manager at EHN Canada’s Bellwood location in Leaside. Most on the corporate and professional services team are working from home – a fairly smooth transition. The safety of our clients and staff is our top priority. “Staff including doctors and nurses providing services to our in-residence clients adhere to the strictest anti-infection and screening protocol possible. All outside support groups and program alumni in the aftercare maintenance phase are
continuing online. EHN Canada’s online platform originally designed to serve rural clients has been operating effectively for two years and was easily expanded to serve clients living closer to the Leaside facility. I’m so proud of our staff and clients who have quickly adapted to the changes. Everyone on-site is spaced six feet apart and has been able to spread out into areas vacated by staff working from home.” EHN Canada’s free online support group meetings are open to all community members. For corporations and businesses, she adds that “every month we offer workshops addressing workplace issues such as frequent absenteeism, decreased productivity levels and increased compensation and disability claims.” The Leaside Therapy Centre The Leaside Therapy Centre, a group of 20 therapists who typically offer services out of a Leaside location, have also shifted quickly to provide services online while their offices are closed due to COVID19. Centre Director Sherri Betel is a match-maker of sorts. “I vet and endorse local therapists and link
them with clients,” she says. “Our services address relationship issues, stress, anxiety and depression, self-improvement assessments and coaching.” For the centre, “the transition to online delivery was a stretch for some of us as most of our services have been traditionally delivered in person at our offices at 1395 Bayview. As the business leader, I quickly learned how to conduct virtual meetings with the Centre’s professionals to maintain connections and address any challenges.” She’s optimistic that “this may be a time when more people will seek out online support as many clients have commented how much they appreciate the convenience and continuing support while isolated at home.” She advises making “self-care and maintaining connections with family, friends or a professional a priority.” Need help? EHN Canada: https://www.edgewoodhealthnetwork.com. Leaside Therapy Centre: https:// www.leasidetherapycentre.com. ■
Kathleen Wynne, MPP
Don Valley West
The COVID 19 virus has changed all our lives. To be safe we have to stay separate from each other as much as we possibly can. We listen to public health professionals and we stay home to keep the people we love safe and healthy. Thank you for what you are doing in your own lives to stay healthy. Thank you to all of the key workers who make sure we have food, who pick up our waste, who look after us when we are sick, who ensure we still have trains and buses and safe roads to get around. Thank you and stay well. We will get through this together.
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Leaside Life • May 2020
fitlearning
Will you be planting a Victory Garden in 2020?
Leaside Life • May 2020
16
“A Vegetable Garden for Every Home” was the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture campaign slogan during WWI. This is when the War Garden movement became a civic duty and called upon ordinary citizens (mostly women and children) to grow food in any space they could find. Backyards, parks, school grounds, empty lots and even small window boxes were to be used – all in an effort to help feed the troops and combat widespread starvation due to food rationing here at home. It was a tremendous endeavour and extremely successful, producing tons of well-needed nutritious food. The War Gardens soon became known as Victory Gardens and they were needed again during WWII. In many ways, COVID-19 is a war and some now refer to it as WWC. Is it time we embrace Victory Gardens once again? According to seed sales, many have already started. My Leaside Life colleague, Holly Reid, has told me all about her new raised garden bed that will soon be planted with vegetables. I’ve started too, and this is something we all need to be doing
The Leaside Gardener: Debora Kuchme Columnist
whether we have gardening experience or not, whether we have a large or small garden, and even if we just have a balcony. During the last two wars, everyone quickly learned how to grow some food and we can do that too. But even before COVID-19, community gardens were providing the same positive Victory Garden results for neighbourhoods with more modest incomes or where urban development placed density above the need for essential and usable greenspace. An excellent example is the many community gardens in Thorncliffe Park. Originally designed as a planned community (featuring high rise apartments) for 12,500 residents, it is now home to more than 30,000. With mostly modest income families
from diverse cultural backgrounds, Thorncliffe Park numbers many residents who rely on their community gardens. This is where they can connect to nature and their neighbours while growing fresh food that is helping to feed thousands of local families. But because of COVID-19, the need for social distancing has become critical in preventing the spread of this virus. As a result, our provincial government has put a temporary stop to our using all park grounds, including public land used for community gardens. How will this affect the many residents who depend on these community gardens for fresh food during COVID-19? As I write this, there are a few petitions circulating to enlighten the government on how these community gardens provide an essential food service. Though we have no idea how things will unfold, it sure seems like the right time to start planting our very own Victory Gardens. Visit leasidelife.com for some of my ideas on how to start yours. ■
Just a reminder from Laird Automotive.
While you’re staying home, we’re staying open.
We know you’re counting on us and that’s a responsibility we take seriously. So we’re staying open for the mom who’s got to have a safe way to travel to her chemo appointments. And for the healthcare and frontline workers we’re honoured to call our customers. And for the folks who are delivering your groceries and medications. And for everyone else in our community who could use one less thing to worry about. Give us a call or drop us an email. We’re here to help, Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm.
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Carmen Jones: “Just a nurse biking to work” by HOLLY REID Her patients have always deemed Carmen Jones to be essential. But amid the COVID-19 pandemic she’s seeing greater appreciation for critical workers like her. As an oncology nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital, Carmen works with women being treated for ovarian and endometrial cancers. “Over the years, I’ve received lots of heartfelt thanks from my patients, but this is the first time in my career that people have thanked me just for coming to work,” she notes. In this time of physical distancing, essential workers who rely on transit are worried about crowding and contracting the virus. Perhaps this is why more people are travelling by bike. In Toronto the evidence is anecdotal, but both New York and Chicago have reported a surge in bike travel. Carmen, who regularly commutes by bike, explains that “social distancing is easier on a bike. Plus, you benefit from physical exercise and can decompress after work.” These days, with fewer drivers on the road, cycling can feel safer.
Local
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JOANNA BANCROFT
Leaside Life • May 2020
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But the pandemic has underscored the need for more public space. As Carmen points out, “This could go on for months and people need space to safely exercise and get around.”
Where streets are congested, people on bikes should take extra care. “I keep my distance by going slower and giving pedestrians and other cyclists a wide berth when passing.” A few weeks ago, Carmen strapped on a sign reading “Just a nurse biking to work” and headed off on her bike. “I wanted to remind people that those on bikes have places to go, we contribute to the world and have people who count on us.” After plenty of thumbs-up and seeing drivers giving her lots of room, Carmen tweeted “100% of drivers improve their driving when I wear this sign,” and garnered 5,000 likes in just one day! When the pandemic has passed, Carmen hopes the goodwill will remain. “We can make our streets safer if we continue what we’ve been doing during the outbreak – thinking about each other and acting to keep everyone safe.” Holly Reid is a recreational road rider and cycling commuter. An advocate for safe cycling, she is a member of Cycle Don Valley Midtown, Cycle Toronto’s advocacy group for Wards15/16. ■
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DO YOU KNOW A GREAT SPORTS LEADER, VOLUNTEER, ATHLETE OR TEAM? Nominations are now open for the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame and for Athlete/Team of the Year, 2020. ALSO Nominations are now being accepted for Historic Teams for induction into the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame. Visit leasidesports.com to nominate or for eligibility criteria. DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS JUNE 5, 2020.
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We wish all community members the very best as we go through these challenging times.
! u o Y Thank
We plan to hold the 2020 Induction Ceremony and Community Reception on Friday, November 13 at Leaside Memorial Gardens Arena.
Stay the course
Leaside Life • May 2020
20
The Real Estate Tradition
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Last month, the City of Toronto enacted stronger measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. While the situation is evolving daily, it remains critical that we continue following the recommendations of Public Health officials across the country to practise physical distancing and stay home whenever possible. During these uncertain times, I would encourage you to visit www.toronto.ca/covid19 for accurate and up-to-date information on COVID-19, along with health advice, answers to frequently asked questions, and regular updates on affected City services. My office also provides regular updates by email, which you can sign up to receive by visiting my website at www.jayerobinson.ca. I know that life has changed drastically for many of us over the last few weeks, but it has been encouraging to see the level of engagement and compassion demonstrated in the Leaside community. From cheering for frontline workers on our doorsteps each evening, to helping vul-
Jaye Robinson Councillor
nerable members of our community complete essential errands, Leaside is an example of how resilient our city can be in the face of an unprecedented challenge. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of this virus, and I’d like to thank you for doing your part during this difficult time. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the City's response to COVID-19, my office remains available to serve you by phone at 416-395-6408, or by email at councillor_robinson@toronto.ca. ■
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Use this time to get to know the LRA better
Leaside Life • May 2020
22
by CAROL BURTIN FRIPP, Co-President, LRA During these weeks of self isolation, with too much free time on our hands, I have a suggestion, courtesy of the Leaside Residents Association. Go to the LRA website (lpoa.ca) and catch up on local information and initiatives. You’ll find everything from useful contacts for neighbourhood COVID-19-related assistance, to tips on how to avoid health scams. There are announcements on planning, development, and traffic issues, as well our actions, in detail and sorted by month and year. Take the time to be completely up to date on Leaside matters. Virtual monthly meetings Monthly meetings of the LRA board continue during the shutdown. Having our meetings and discussions in public is an important mandate of the LRA, and thanks to technology we can maintain accessibility to these meetings. Our May 6th meeting will take place online. If you wish to depute or raise issues or questions for discussion, we can invite you to join us if you let us
know (by going to lpoa.ca) by May 6th. Meanwhile, we continue to work on neighbourhood issues as before. The LRA has not shut down! For instance, we are engaged in two matters related to the Crosstown construction. The first involves the southeast corner of Bayview and Eglinton, where the Leaside LRT station will be located. On Bayview immediately south of this are quadriplexes, heritage-designated houses. We have been asked to meet with Crosstown to discuss construction that could affect the house closest to the station-to-be. That discussion has twice been postponed. The second matter relates to a retaining wall and tree removal by the portal of the LRT tunnel just east of Brentcliffe Road. The Crosstown crew proceeded with this work without prior consultation or even notice to either nearby residents or the LRA, which swung into action once we found out. Stay tuned for further details.
supply you with the information to link to it. During this period of social distancing we want to continue to be as accessible as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us. ■
If you wish to be part of a deputation to the LRA’s online May 6th meeting at 7:30 p.m., please contact us by that date (lpoa.ca) and we will
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Thank you to our health care heroes and first responders, pharmacists, grocery store employees, transit employees, those who transport our food & products and to the many more who go to work to serve our community. Thank you for keeping us safe and healthy.
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