Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    1/48

    www.HumberBayShores.org

    HUMBER

    HAPPENINGS

    HUMBER

    HAPPENINGSA Community Publication by the Humber Bay Shores Condominium Association

    ■ LOCAL Farmers Markets

    ■ HST Update■ Using ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

    to KILL Household GERMS

    ■ VOLUME 16

    SPRING 2010

    ■ VOLUME 16

    SPRING 2010

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    2/48

      

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

                                                  

                                                                    

                              

     

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    3/48

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    4/48

    ON THE COVER

    Taken by Joey Huang

    The photo was taken through the glass of awindow on the 10th floor of Marina delRey. What really attracted me was thetexture of the clouds and the lightsdowntown. The lights in the foregroundhighlighting the path to the bridgeenhanced the composition. It was difficultto increase the exposure time without atripod or other stable furniture around.

    Humber Bay Shores

    Condominium Association

    BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident: Leo Blindenbach, Grenadier Landing

    Vice President: Judi Richter-Jacobs, Players ClubTreasurer: Malcolm Gonsalves, Voyageur I & IISecretary: Laura Nash, Marina del ReyPast President: Jim Lord, Palace Pier (Ex-Officio)Director: Angelina Chiu, Newport BeachDirector: Don Henderson, Bal HarbourDirector: Norm Merkosky, Palace PierDirector: Tim Owen, Grand HarbourDirector: Jay Perry, NevisDirector: Simone Purboo, ExplorerDirector: Jim Reekie, Palace PlaceRepresentative: Milai Sousa, Waterford

    COMMITTEE CHAIRSBeautification Initiative: Judi Richter-JacobsCommunications: Simone Purboo

    CompetitiveBenchmarking: Norm Merkosky

    Education: Laura NashHumber Happenings: Jim LordGovernance & Objectives: Norm Merkosky,

    Judi Richter-Jacobs,Safety & Crime Prevention: Simone PurbooTraffic & Transportation: Angelina Chiu, Tim Owen,

    Jim ReekieZoning and Planning: Don Henderson, Tim Owen, Jim Lord

    Email Board Members at [email protected]

    The Humber Happenings Team

    EDITORFiona Maarhuis

    Email: [email protected]

    COPY EDITORChris Wyllie | Evelyn O’Doherty

    GRAPHIC DESIGNERLincoln Graphics Inc.

    ADVERTISINGJim Lord | Fiona Maarhuis

    WRITERSLeo Blindenbach | Amy Brewitt | Mark Grimes

    Garry Kapitan | Kingsway-Lambton United ChurchLakeshore Arts | Jim Lord | Fiona MaarhuisMarie Madi | Frank Mazzullo | Nancy Mellert

    Monianne | Judi Richter-JacobsBarbara Switzer | John Switzer

    Lindan Toole | Toronto Police Services

    PHOTOGRAPHYSandra Laurin | Monianne | Peg Thoen

    PRINTERLincoln Graphics Inc.

    22 Export Avenue, St. Catharines, ON

    TO ADVERTISE IN HUMBER HAPPENINGS,email: [email protected]

    Telephone: 416-503-8817

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org4

    ■ FROM THE EDITOR

    It is with regret that Humber

    Happenings has learned

    that Leo Blindenbach will be

    retiring from his post as

    HBSCA president in March.

    A consummate professional

    and leader, he has shownvision and dedication over

    the last three years in

    working to build a strong

    Humber Bay Shores

    community. At the same

    time as being a major force

    in increasing the influence HBSCA has with

    politicians, city officials and developers, he has

    always recognized and respected the efforts put in

    by volunteers. He was an inspiration to all of us, and

    a joy to work with.

    The same can be said for Jim Lord, past president of

    HBSCA. Jim might easily be called ‘Mr. Humber Bay

    Shores’, having served in the president’s role for

    seven and a half years, six as president, overseeing

    the growth of the HBSCA membership from eight

    condominium corporations to 16 at the same time as

    learning how best to grow HBSCA’s advocacy role

    and influence. After resigning the presidency and his

    board responsibilities at Palace Pier in 2007 owing

    to career pressures, Jim still remained on the HBSCA

    board with the specific responsibility of helping

    Humber Happenings; we have been very grateful for

    his wisdom, guidance and support.

    Finally, Humber Happenings would like to apologize

    to Richard Bergeron of Palace Pier, who was

    mistakenly called “Michael Bergeron” in my “Black,

    White” article in the Winter 2009 issue.

       P   h  o   t  o   b  y   B  e  a  u   t  y  m  a  r   k   P  r  o   d  u  c   t   i  o  n  s

    Fiona Maarhuis

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    5/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   5

    LITIGATION LAWYER 

    Divorce, Support, Property DivisionPersonal Injury, Auto AccidentsWrongful DismissalReal Estate DisputesContractual DisputesMotions, Trials and AppealsCollection, Enforcement ProceedingsLibel and Slander  All levels of Courts

    21 years of Litigation Experience

    Tel: 416 707-2969

    [email protected]

    FREDERICK SIMON HAWA BSc MBA LLB

    Barrister (Practice restricted to Civil Litigation)

    ONTARIO, SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE

     20 Bay Street, suite 1200Toronto, Ontario,M5J 2N8

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    6/48

    ■ TABLE OF CONTENTS

    FEATURES

    14 Yum…this is so fresh! Local Farmers Markets

    Barbara Switzer shares her passion for nearby 

    farmers’ markets.

    16 1000 Acts of Art: A Renaissance in South

    Etobicoke

    Lakeshore Arts announces a new program

    to inspire us to make art a part of our

    everyday lives.

    19 Second Annual Parade of DogsPhotos from Halloween afternoon, 2009.

    20 Nature Can be the Best Decorator A collage of Monianne’s photography,

    Boomerang’s paint colours, and a whimsical

    article on the associations and impact of 

    various colours.

    28 Discovering Genealogy

    in Your Own Backyard:

    Emil Brooker and Humber Bay Shores

     Amy Brewitt uses her professional skills to

    provide us with some background to a name

    that has become part our neighbourhood.

    30 Earth Day versus Earth Hour –

    Which to CelebrateOur own dedicated “greenie” Jim Lord

    primes us to participate.

    35 INTERESTING NEIGHBOURS

    Clarice: Professional PatientNancy Mellert describes Clarice’s involvement

    in the Standardized Patient Program at

    University of Toronto.

    36 Using Ultraviolet Light to

    Kill Household Germs

    Frank Mazzullo tells us about a germ-killing 

    agent known for over a century, and which

    now may help us have clean air in our condos.

    38 Fes, Morocco – A Feast for the SensesLindan Toole waxes euphoric about its sights,

    sounds and tastes.

    44 What is Toastmasters?Marie Madi talks of the benefits of joining this

     worldwide organization and introduces the

    Humber Bay Shore chapter.

    47 TPSlinks

     A new system developed by the Toronto Police

    Service to communicate with the public,

    including how to register to receive it.

    16

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org6

    19

    35

    38

    36

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    7/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   7

    TABLE OF CONTENTS ■

    REGULAR COLUMNS

    26 Fun & Fitness

    32 Winesights

    40 Hidden Treasures

    Cobs Bread, West Bloor Village West 39th Bistro

    42 Councillor’s Corner

    HBSCA

    11 President’s Message – Leo Blindenbach

    12 Cyclists and Pedestrians: Why not Share the Waterfront Trail? – JudiRichter-Jacobs

    13 HST Update - from the HBSCA board

    31 Announcing the 13th Humber Bay ShoresWaterfront Cleanup - May 15th

    4 From the Editor

    8 Letters to the Editor

    20

    26

    31

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    8/48

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org8

    M.I.L.E. (MOVEMENT IS LIFE, EH!)

    January 5, 2010

    Hi Fiona

    I have just finished reading Humber Happenings, and found it very

    interesting. It was passed on to me by two of my students who are

    condo residents in Humber Bay Shores.

    I teach fitness classes for seniors at the Polish Alliance Hall at 2282 Lake

    Shore Blvd. West and Fleecewood Rd. In the fall and spring, we walk for

    an hour along the water and then work out at the hall for an hour each

    Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. In the winter, our

    program is all inside from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Monday and Wednesday.

    I am a qualified fitness instructor and my business is called M.I.L.E.,which stands for “Movement is Life, EH!” My students at the Polish

    Centre are a great group. I thought you might like to know about my

    program, as it is so close by for people living along the waterfront.

    We are the infamous walkers that the city was going to charge to walk

    along the waterfront. I am glad to say that the situation now seems to be

    resolved. I asked Mark Grimes, who originally said I should be charged

    and fined, to join us on one of our walks and to see exactly what we do.

    He agreed and came to the centre. He did the warm-up with us, and then

    walked with us in West Humber Bay Park and back to the Centre. He

    realized we were only passing through the park, with no instruction in the

    park, but instead using this walk as a good way to warm up for our indoor

    fitness class. He also assured us that we would not be bothered by any

    other by-law officer in the future in any of the city parks. I told him it was

    safer for these seniors to be walking with me as a group than on their own

    - we all watch out for each other. Also, we are saving the health system a

    lot of money by getting out regularly and walking. Most people will not

    do this on their own but will as part of a group.

    Anne Wheatley

    [email protected]

    ■ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

    at

    OLD MILLINN & SPAYour place for a special time

    (416) 236-2641www.oldmilltoronto.com

    EveryThursday, Friday &

    Saturday Night7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

    Come relax and unwind inthe intimate surrouundings

    of The Home Smith Bar.You're just steps away from

    Jazz at it's best!

    We would like to hear from you.

    Do you have a comment about an article, past or present,

    that you have seen in Humber Happenings? 

    Or something that you would like to bring to your neighbours’ attention? Let us know.

    Email letters to | [email protected]

    or MAIL letters to | Suite 3505, 1 Palace Pier Court,

    Etobicoke, ON M8V 3W9

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    9/48

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    10/48

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org10

    Want a littlemore me time?...

    Carve out some me time today! ... Call Linda at 416-503-3332

     www.hearthstone.ca 

     Welcome to the Hearthstone ClubHearthstone is a condominium retirement residence in

    your neighbourhood. Become a Social Member at the

    Hearthstone Club and experience the joys that come

     with exclusive membership. Our services and programs

    cater to your social and recreational needs including,

    access to our full-service Dining Room and Humber Arms Pub, Wellness Centre services, and Fitness and

    Social Programs. Our amenities are state of the art and

    include a fully equipped gym, resistance pool, games

    room, internet lounge and library. We provide the

    perfect atmosphere for gathering with friends and

    neighbours, here at the Hearthstone Club.

    2069 Lake Shore Blvd., W. Unit 301

    Etobicoke, ON M8V 3Z4

    416.503.3332

    e membershipclusiv  with ex 

    thstone Club and experience the joearH

    our neighbourhood. By 

    thstone is a condominium rearH

    t ocome

     

    . Oe membership

    ys that comethstone Club and experience the jo

    ember at theocial Mecome a Sour neighbourhood. B

    esidence inement retirthstone is a condominium r

    thstone Clubeare

     

    ograms

    ys that come

    ember at the

    esidence in

    thstone Club

     

    e at the Hherneighbours,

    e fofect atmospherper

    oom, internet lounge and librarr

    a fully equipped gym, rinclude

    ur amenities arograms. OrPocialS

    llness W ,ub Arms Pvice Daccess to our full-ser

    our social and rcater to y 

    e membershipclusiv  with ex 

     

    thstone Clubeare at the H

    e for gathering with friends and

    vide theopr W .y oom, internet lounge and librar

    gamesesistance pool,a fully equipped gym, r

    t ande state of the arur amenities ar

    itness andvices, and Fe serellness Centrumberoom and Hining R vice D

    eational needs including,ecrour social and r

    oces an prur ser. Oe membership

     

    vide the

    games

    t and

    itness andumber

    eational needs including,

    ograms

     

     v 

    thstone.ca .hear www 

    arC

    416.503.3332

    tobicoke, ON M8V 3Z4E

    d.,lv e Bhor2069 Lake S

    e at the Hherneighbours,

    e out some me time to

    tobicoke, ON M8V 3Z4

    nit 301U.d.,

    .thstone Clubeare at the H

     

    all Linda at 416-503-3332e out some me time today! ... C

     

    all Linda at 416-503-3332

     

    Impeccable, Detailed Cleaning Service…• Using environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies & our own equipment

    •  We care about your home and four legged family members

    • Owner operated, insured & bonded, considerate staff 

    who enjoy their work

    • Satisfaction guaranteed or your money refunded

    • Fair & competitive market driven rates

    Suzanne Clark 2261 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Unit 721, Toronto | [email protected]   416.901.5433

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    11/48

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    President’s Message

    by Leo Blindenbach, President HBSCA

    This is my last column as President

    of the Humber Bay Shores

    Condominium Association, and I

    want take this opportunity to write about

    a topic that is very dear to my heart.

    Many condominium corporation

    boards are facing serious issues,

    having to deal with major capital

    repairs, insurance claims, building

    improvements and in addition, a very

    recent challenge, the implications of

    the provincial government’s Har-

    monized Sales Tax, while at the same

    time trying to maintain reasonable

    condominium fees. It is a difficult and

    complicated juggling act.

    Particularly during these times,

    boards need unit owners’ support,

    not criticism or tactics that

    undermine their efforts. Lately, some

    very dedicated and hard working

    directors have thrown up their hands

    in defeat and resigned. With

    distressing frequency, the unfortunateattitude of too many owners is to

    criticize and complain, rather than try

    to contribute to positive solutions of

    problems or issues.

    Everyone is, of course, entitled to his

    or her opinion, however, voicing that

    opinion in a constructive manner will

    bring far better results than simply

    complaining or, as often happensnot even bringing suggestions or

    concerns to the board’s attention.

    Please stop for a moment to consider

    that boards are comprised of unit

    owners just like you, who have

    volunteered to serve, because they fee

    they can make a positive contribution

    towards tackling problems and making

    the decisions required to run you

    condominium corporation. Criticism

    that is not presented constructively is

    unlikely to achieve the desired resultsinstead, it often just undermines the

    efforts of the board members who are

    working on the issue.

    Serving on a condominium board is a

    time consuming, and unfortunately

    quite often a thankless undertaking -

    all the more reason why your board

    members need your support and

    positive assistance.

    “Criticism, like rain,

    should be gentle enough

    to nourish a man’s 

     growth without 

    destroying his roots.” 

    (Frank A. Clark)

    Finally, I would like to thank 

    everyone who has helped make 

    HBSCA what it is today:

    a strong voice that is listened to

    by many in the municipal and 

    provincial governments.

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   11

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    12/48

    ■ OUR COMMUNITY 

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org12

     W hile most won’t argue the

    merits of these comments,

    as another season arrives

    where we delight in the opportunity

    to enjoy this wonderful waterfront,

    pedestrians are readily reminded that

    they often walk this trail at their

    potential peril.

    Far too many cyclists ride along the

    waterfront area as though it was

    theirs to own and monopolize, giving

    little if any regard to sharing the

    space with small children, adults and

    the frail elderly who want to

    experience this nature on foot.

    Over the last few years, we’ve heard

    numerous accounts (by way of reportsor anecdotes) about individuals who

    were almost hit, or actually hit, and

    maybe even knocked down by cyclists

    who ride their bikes at great speed.

    This is of particular concern for the

    waterfront area between Park Lawn

    and the Humber Bay bridge, where

    there is no signage that clearly

    delineates between a bike and a

    pedestrian lane (as there is along the

    Martin Goodman Trail, east of the

    bridge toward Sunnyside).

    While the reported incidents are said

    to be relatively small in number, many

    argue that one accident is one too

    many. In addition, even those

    pedestrians who have not yet been

    involved in a mishap express

    frustration that they do not have an

    ‘equal right’ to enjoy the outdoors.

    They are scared and intimidated by

    cyclists who think nothing of hogging

    an unmarked lane, and who, when

    asked to share, will shout an

    obscenity or make an unkind,

    unpleasant gesture.

    Through HBSCA, we have engaged

    the City to explore if signs can be put

    up to have everyone recognize that

    the paths are a shared space. While

    such signs cannot dictate common

    sense or courtesy, let’s hope they will

    positively contribute to a safer

    community. Here is to a happy and

    ‘Giving people more 

    access to the waterfront 

    is a key priority for 

    Waterfront Toronto,

    which has already made a number of 

    improvements to the 

     Martin Goodman Trail.

    The Trail is a great way 

    to see our city and to

    experience the outdoors.

    It creates a pathway for 

    people to enjoy access to

    the parks and public 

    spaces along Toronto’s 

    waterfront.’

    CYCLISTS

    and PEDESTRIANSWhy not Share the Waterfront Trail? 

    by Judi Richter-Jacobs 

    1 Taken fromhttp://news.waterfrontoronto.ca/2009/09/waterfront-toronto-opens-new-improved-martin-goodman-trail-at-ontario-place/

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    13/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   13

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    In early December 2009, the Harmonized Sales Tax

    (HST) was passed into law by the Ontario legislature,

    and it is expected to be implemented as planned on

    July 1, 2010.

    However, we understand that there is still time to putforward submissions, and the Association of

    Condominium Managers of Ontario (ACMO) and the

    Canadian Condominium Institute (CCI) Toronto

    Chapter continue to meet with the government’s

    Ministry of Revenue, so that the unique issues faced

    by condominiums will not only be recognized, but

    also addressed in some meaningful way.

    To better understand what ACMO/CCI is putting

    forward, members of HBSCA met with one of their

    representatives in December 2009, just prior to the

    HST being enacted. Given that there appear to be

    limited options, HBSCA supports and endorses thework being led by ACMO and CCI.

    For example, HBSCA supports the proposal that

    long-term contracts, entered into under the

    Condominium Act  (1998) and/or the Green Energy 

     Act, be renegotiated in accordance with their

    appropriate statutes, to allow for some of the

    savings that suppliers will realize as a result of their

    input tax credits to be passed on to condominium

    corporations. Without such a provision, we are not

    confident that those savings will be passed along.

    In addition, we strongly recommend that every

    consideration be given for a staged or phased

    implementation of the HST as it pertains to items in

    reserve funds, and for operating costs that are

    limited to condominiums. Essentially, we are

    requesting a three-year moratorium on the HST, or at

    least the PST portion that would be applied to items

    in current reserve funds. This would allow boards of

    condominium corporations to manage their current

    reserve fund expenses based on existing

    requirements, and give them an opportunity to

    revise their projected expenses by the time their

    next reserve fund study is completed.

    HBSCA is also exploring the merits of condominium

    corporations registering for the GST, so that they can

    benefit from the input tax credit. We also continue to

    be in contact with Laurel Broten, advocating on

    behalf of our large condominium community.

    HST Update from the HBSCA board 

    CondominiumLegal Team

    Heenan Bla ik ie LL P • L a w ye r s I Patent and Trade-mark Agents • Toronto Montrea l Vancouver

    Québec Ca lgary Sherbrooke Ottawa Trois-Riv ières Vic tor ia Par is Singapore • heenanbla ik ie .com

    8

    21

    9

    6

    1. Denise Lash

    416 360.3566

    [email protected]

    4. Bonnie Roberts Jones

    7. Rhonda Shirreff

    10. Jeremy Warning

    2. Armand Conant

    416 643.6873

    [email protected]

    5. Jayashree Goswami

    8. Kevin Inwood

    3. Tina Flinders

    6. Ryan Treleaven

    9. Howard Krupat

    We are available to:

    r Attend owners and board meetings

    r Draft and review by-laws, rules andagreements

    r Offer advice on employment andlabour matters, human rightscomplaints, insurance claims, privacy

    issues and maintenance and repairs

    Condominium boards rely on our team’s integrated approachto providing comprehensive legal advice and services.

    3

    4   5

    7   8

    10

    r Oversee collection proceduresagainst owners

    r Resolve problems througharbitration, mediation, disputeresolution or litigation

    r Offer strategic, cost-effective,

    pro-active and timely advice

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    14/48

    ■ OUR COMMUNITY 

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org14

    MONDAYS 3-7pm

    Sorauren Market

    Sorauren Park at Wabash Ave., south of Dundas, open May 24 to Oct. 25 (20 vendors)– this is a community-based market with afocus on organic and hard-to-findingredients, vegetables, fruit, spices andmeats, plus very delicious baked goods and

    take-out treats.www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/toronto/farmers-markets/sorauren-park-farmers-market

    TUESDAYS 4-7pm

    Stonegate Farmers’ Market

    Stonegate Farmers’ Market, in the churchparking lot at 194 Park Lawn Rd., just north of The Queensway, open June 22 to Sept. 28 (10vendors) – this is a small, neighbourhood marketbringing fresh produce to an area without manygrocery stores and offering the basics, plusorganic meats and vegetables, fresh bread (fromthe oven at Dufferin Grove (see below)) and

    baked goods, and delicious grilled burgers.

    www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/toronto/farmers-markets/stonegate-farmers-market

    THURSDAYS 3-7pm

    Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market

    Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market,Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St.(between Bloor Street West. and CollegeStreet), open year-round (30 vendors) – themost culturally diverse of our local markets,with a large and varied selection of vegetables, fruit, flower/spice plants, meats,

    baked goods (baked in the community’s ownwood-fired oven daily), and take-out treats.

    www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/toronto/farmers-markets/dufferin-grove-organic-farmers-market

    FRIDAYS 8am-2pm

    Sherway Farmers’ Market

    Sherway Farmers’ Market, in the northparking lot of Sherway Gardens Mall, openMay 1 to Oct. 30 (15 vendors) – all the

    ingredients you could want or need, withmany fruit/vegetable sellers, some organicproduce (including meat), farm-fresh eggs,cheeses, flower/spice plants, and lots of freshly-baked goods.

    www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/toronto/farmers-markets/sherway-gardens-farmers-market

    FRIDAYS, 12 noon-7pm,

    WEEKENDS 9am-6pmGoody’s Natural Market

    Goody’s Natural Market in High Park, next toGrenadier Restaurant, open May 8 to mid-November (1 vendor) – small seasonalproduce seller in a lovely setting, with a focuson organic produce.

    SATURDAYS 8am-2pm

    Etobicoke Farmers’ Market

    Etobicoke Farmers’ Market, Etobicoke CivicCentre (West Mall at Burnhamthorpe), openJune 5 to Nov. 6 (21 vendors) – this is a very

    busy market with wide variety of produce,fresh chicken, and eggs. Come early for thebest selection, but be forewarned: you maynot make it past the apple fritter table withoutgiving in and buying a couple for breakfast.

    www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/toronto/farmers-markets/etobicoke-civic-centre-farmers-market

    SATURDAYS 5am-2pm

    St. Lawrence Farmers’ Market

    St. Lawrence Farmers’ Market, Front Street atJarvis St., open year-round (40 vendors) – averitable shopping mall for food-lovers: organic

    and traditional vegetables, fruit, cheeses,meats, eggs, fish, grains; lots of prepared andready-to-eat food. It would be very difficult tothink of some food you CANNOT find here –that list would certainly be a short one. In thesummer, local farmers bring their produce tothe North Building, and most are open forbusiness before the sun rises.

    www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/toronto/farmers-markets/st.-lawrence-farmers-market

     Yum…this is so fresh!LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

    by Barbara Switzer 

    From the beginning of time,

    people have congregated at 

    markets. They came for many 

    reasons: to buy or trade for food 

     for their families, for social 

    interaction, to share news 

    updates, and to bond as 

    communities. This tradition

    continues, despite the formation

    of large metropolitan centres,

    and today’s markets reflect the 

    pleasure we take in our food 

    and our need to interact with

    each other. Welcome to the 

    eclectic and interesting world 

    of local farmers’ markets in

    Toronto’s west end.

    We are truly fortunate to have 

    at our doorsteps each summer 

    local markets that offer wonderful, fresh, local farm

    produce. In addition to

    providing the freshest local 

    vegetables and fruit, each

    market has its own personality 

    and rhythm – welcoming 

    anyone who takes the time to

    explore its delights. I have 

    chosen to present a short list 

    of markets close by, and show 

    them by day of the week,

     following the tradition of lists 

    published in parts of Europe,

    where people shop several times 

    during the week in different 

    villages for the best ingredients.

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    15/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   15

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    These markets are just the tip of the iceberg for

    Toronto markets, but they are the ones I know best.

    Some markets are large and some small, their

    personalities range from basic foodstuffs to artsy

    creations, from standard Ontario produce to

    international ready-to-eat foods made from fresh

    ingredients. All offer freshly picked produce to

    inspire creativity – you can see, smell and feel the

    freshness in your hands. The onions are firm to the

    touch, the Brussels sprouts are often still on their

    stalks, the basil and dill fill your nose with aroma, and

    the fruits smell of summer delights. There is simply

    nothing quite like the summer taste of Ontario’s

    best: the asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes,

    peaches, pears and corn. And then there are the

    smells of fresh herbs, impossible to ignore and full

    with the promise of heavenly tastes. The farmers are

    happy to tell you about produce you don’t recognize(do you know what a tomatillo is?), and eager to

    suggest cooking tips.

    Best of all is the people-watching fun of market

    activity. So many people from so many different

    walks of life come to participate in a local market

    each person contributing to the atmosphere, sights

    and sounds of the environment.

    The markets evolve as the seasons progress, never

    staying static, but moving from early springasparagus to summer corn and peaches to autumn

    apples and harvest vegetables. You get terrific value

    for your money, help support our wonderful loca

    farmers, and go away with a memory of each

    ingredient as you share your bounty with family and

    friends. And all of this without any plastic wrap.

    For more informationregarding other GTA markets

    www.greenbeltfresh.ca/region/ 

    toronto/farmers-markets/ 

    www.blogto.com/toronto/ 

    the_best_farmers_markets_in_toronto/ 

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    16/48

    ■ OUR COMMUNITY 

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org16

     A website initiative of Lakeshore

    Arts will be launched early this

    spring, allowing you to do all of

    this, right here, in your community.

    We recently received a three-year,

    $150,000 grant from the Ontario

    Trillium Foundation for “1000 ACTS of

    ART” to enhance our organizational

    capacity and to build the website

    which will challenge you, the

    community, to commit and document

    your Acts of Art.

    How does it work?

    It’s simple. Once registered and

    logged in as a user, you can use the

    site to discover a multitude of artsactivities that you can do. For

    example, get inspired to attend an art

    opening, create a painting, read a

    book, or explore a new dance move.

    Once you’ve committed the act, log it

    on the site. Challenge yourself, your

    friends, family, classmates, whomever,

    to become artistically active. The site

    will provide a space to share your acts

    of art by way of photos and video. It

    will also include a place to leave your

    comments, and a directory listing

    local artists, arts organizations, andarts friendly businesses. 1000 Acts of

    Art will reflect the high level of arts

    activity in our community.

    According to Laurel Broten MPP,

    speaking at the October funding

    announcement, “This new funding not

    only develops an interactive, on-line art

    hub, it will also help to create vibrant

    neighbourhoods that help stimulate

    Etobicoke-Lakeshore’s local economy.”

    Susan Nagy, Executive Director,Lakeshore Arts continued, “This unique

    project will allow Lakeshore Arts to

    increase its programming outreach,

    create employment for artists, and

    encourage community engagement.”

    And Outreach Coordinator, Denise

    Hastings added, “1000 Acts of Art will

    not only inspire people to make art a

    A Renaissance in South Etobicoke

    Would you like to

    purchase a piece of art 

     from a professional artist 

    who lives in your 

    neighbourhood? Want to

     find where to take that 

    art, music or dance class,

    and want it to be just 

    around the corner? 

     Always think you have 

    to go downtown to

    experience the art 

    community?

    From left: Susan Nagy, Executive Director, Wendy Smith, Board & Volunteer (holding the sign),Kathleen Burke, Program Director, Melissa McGrath, Youth Coordinator ,Denise Hastings Outreach Coordinator - 1000 Acts

    Photographer: Justin Harrington – SNAP Etobicoke

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    17/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   17

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    Luc Meola

    Broker of Record

    WESTVIEW REALTY INC. BROKERAGE

    416-201-9000

    [email protected]

     Marina Del Rey 

     Professional Centre

     2275 Lakeshore Boulevard West 

    Five story office building with spaceavailable from 200 sq. ft. to 5000 sq. ft.

    PRICES START AT $600 per month

    SERVICES INCLUDE

    24 hour security | Underground parkingModern building built in 1990 with heat and air conditioning

    Two elevators | High End finishings | On site management

    Current ground floor tenants include Royal Bank, Rabba Fine Foods,Ruberto Salon and Marina Cleaners.

    part of their everyday lives, but will also connect

    them to Etobicoke artists and arts organizations,

    which in turn will help build community.”

    Be on the lookout for the boldly coloured “target”

    logo, signifying involvement with the initiative, in

    neighbourhood storefronts and cafes.

    Get in on the ACT!

    Check for the website launch Early Spring 

    www.1000-acts-of-art.ca

    Lakeshore Arts and The Smith Zone Exhibition

    space are located in Mimico at

    2422 Lake Shore Blvd West. 416-201-7093

    Lakeshore Arts is a not-for-profit charity, which

    delivers over 20 multi-disciplinary, all-ages art

    programs to the community, provides advocacy and

    networking opportunities for artists, and uses art as a

    catalyst for change. Lakeshore Arts receives funding

    from Toronto Cultural Services, The Ontario Arts

    Council, and The Ontario Trillium Foundation, with

    generous support from Humber College, The

    Playwrights Guild of Canada, The Rotary Club TorontoWest, The Assembly Hall, Angela & Paul Giraudy

    Royal LePage Kingsway, CANON, The Toronto Public

    Library, Sherway Gardens, and The Palais Royale.

    For more information go to www.lakeshorearts.ca.

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    18/48

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org18

    SAVE TODAY - PLAN FOR  TOMORROW

    “I’m doing some smart estate planning, right now.”

    Part of living well is planning res ponsi bly. That’s where pre-planning 

    your  f inal expenses comes in. It’s not mor  bid - it’s smart!By doing something today you will be saving yourself and your  f amily on 

    the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

    Be smart - call 416-259-3705 f or  a f ree planning guide and see how you

    can save 8% taxes by acting right now.

    Ridley Funeral Home

    3080 Lak e Shore Blvd. W.

    www.RidleyFuneralHome.com

     

     

     

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    19/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   19

    Despite grey and blustery weather, over 18 dog

    owners dressed their darlings in an intriguing

    variety of Halloween wear to take part in the

    parade, now becoming a Humber Bay Shores tradition.

    There were an angel, a ballerina, a pair of beach boys, a

    butterfly, a crocodile, a fireman, a couple of French

    sailors and many others. The contestants themselves

    loved all the fuss being made over them, and enjoyed

    socializing with each other in their doggy way.

    Doggie Central sponsored the parade and set up an

    obstacle course, including jumps and a long tube

    “tunnel”, which some of the contestants were

    persuaded to tackle. The Doggie Central

    representatives also undertook the challenging task of

     judging which dog had the best costume, with the

    prize going to both of the beach boys. One was

    Jackson, proudly owned by Adam Ruhnke of Palace

    Place. Regrettably, Humber Happenings was unable to

    find out the name of the other beach boy, or his owner.

    Eileen Bigley of Palace Place, owner of the ebullientRomper, has been the motivating force and hard

    working parade organizer for the last two years. She

    promised us that there will be another parade next year.

    Doggie Central is located at 160 Lakeshore Road

    East, Mississauga (905) 271-7781, or at 3151

    Lenworth Drive, Mississauga, (905) 624-0420.

    Thanks to photographers Jane Bigley and Craig Ruhnke 

    SECOND ANNUAL

    Parade of Dogs Halloween Afternoon, 2009

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    The Winners

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    20/48

    ■ OUR COMMUNITY 

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org

    20

    Photography by 

     Monianne 

    Paint Chips from

    Boomerang Paints 

    Thinking of redecorating? Scared

    about choosing colours? Want

    to do it as cheaply as possible –

    and with as little damage to the

    environment as possible?

    Many colour consultants suggest

    taking inspiration from nature. So

    Monianne and Boomerang, the only

    Canadian supplier of recycled paints,have provided us with some

    decorating ideas based on the

    beauties of Humber Bay Shores.

    Think of a perfect summer day on

    Humber Bay, where the yachts cut a

    slash of bright white across an

    expanse of ever-changing blues.

    Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable,

    and committed. The colour of ocean and

    sky, it is perceived as a constant in our

    lives. It can cause the body to produce

    chemicals that are calming; however, not

    all blues are serene. Electric or brilliant

    blues are dynamic and engaging colours

    that express exhilaration.

    A pure blue is the colour of inspiration,

    sincerity, and spirituality. Ancient

    Egyptians used lapis lazuli to represent

    heaven, and blue symbolizes the Virgin

    Mary. According to John Ruskin, “Blue

    colour is everlastingly appointed by

    the deity to be a source of delight.”

    Using well-chosen shades of blue in

    the home can provide a gentle and

    soothing look. For instance, you could

    have pale blue walls, a darker blue sofa,

    and soft furnishings in other shades of

    blue. Using such colour combinations,

    Nature Can Be The Best Decorator

    by Monianne and Fiona Maarhuis 

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    21/48

    and allowing the eye to travel easily

    from one colour to the next, can bring

    an ambience of harmony, but if you

    choose this scheme, you must use a

    variety of shades and/or patterns toavoid monotony.

    The elegant shape of the Humber Bay

    Bridge, also affectionately know as

    the “Thunderbird Bridge”, sits in

    striking contrast to the Humber River

    and foliage on its banks, accented by

    the gentle beige of the swaying grass.

    Beige is a chameleon, taking on some

    of the attributes of the stronger warm

    or cool colours it accompanies. On its

    own, it can be a calm and neutralbackground, with some of the warmth

    of brown and the crisp coolness of

    white. It can be a relaxing colour for a

    room, but can also be dull and boring,

    unless coupled with other colours.

    Like the rest of the brown palette,

    beige conveys stability, reliability, and

    approachability, and an association

    with all things natural or organic. It

    conveys a feeling of wholesomeness,

    of connection with the earth, and a

    sense of orderliness.

    The photograph on the next page, a

    wild white rose on the Waterfront Trail

    in perfect light, reflects the infinite

    shades of white, complemented by

    subtle shades of pink.

    White is the colour that isn’t a colour, or

    that is all colours combined, depending

    on your viewpoint. White is symbolic of

    purity, cleanliness, and innocence. In

    most western countries, white is the

    colour for brides. In the East, it’s the

    colour for mourning and funerals.White goes well with almost any

    colour, although too much bright

    white can be blinding. White can be a

    good neutral background colour

    when combined with other colours.

    You can use white to signify

    cleanliness, purity, or softness. Some

    neutral beige, ivory, and creams carry

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   21

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    Boomerang paints areavailable at all RONA outlets.

    The nearest outlet toHumber Bay Shores is,

    4208 Dundas Street West,416-232-1460

    RONA will also acceptleftover paint to be passedto Boomerang for recycling.

    For other outlets, check outwww.boomerangpaint.com

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    22/48

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org22

    Lynn Tribbling EXCEPTIONAL

    Real Estate...

    EXCEPTIONALRealtor

    MEET...

     www.lynntribbling.com

    10 Years…10 Trophies

    Including:#1 Realtor - Toronto#2 Realtor - Canada

    Top 1% of 126,000 Realtors Worldwide

    President’s Club -10 yrs Outstanding Achievement*

    *Based on Coldwell Banker listing and sold statistics 1998-2008

    10 Years…10 Trophies

    Including:

    #1 Realtor - Toronto#2 Realtor - Canada

    Top 1% of 126,000 Realtors Worldwide

    President’s Club -10 yrs Outstanding Achievement*

    *Based on Coldwell Banker listing and sold statistics 1998-2008

    Award-Winning

    Sales Representative

    Coldwell Banker Terrequity Realty Brokerage

    DIRECT: 416-252-2221OFFICE: 416-366-8800

    EMAIL: [email protected]

    Award-Winning

    Sales Representative

    Coldwell Banker Terrequity Realty Brokerage

    DIRECT: 416-252-2221

    OFFICE: 416-366-8800EMAIL: [email protected]

    In the time it takes you todrink your next cup of coffee,

    acres of tropical forest will be lost.

    Reward farmers who maintain forest-like habitat

    for birds and wildlife by purchasing their certified

    Bird Friendly®coffee.

    Drop by our cafe-by-the-lake for a wide selectionof organic, shade grown, fair trade coffees.

    See the birds in person on a CCFEW bird walk

    sponsored by Birds and Beans.

    For more information visit:

    www.birdsandbeans.ca/birds.html

    2413 Lake Shore Boulevard West (at Mimico Avenue) 416 -913 -9221

    the same attributes as white, but are

    more subdued and less brilliant than

    plain white.

    Pink, like its close cousin red, has more

    personal associations than other

    colours.

    Pinks can be youthful, fun, and exciting:

    they are sensual and passionate without

    being too aggressive. Pink can also be

    the colour of happiness and

    lightheartedness. In Japan, pink even has

    a masculine association. The annual

    spring blooming of the pink-blossomed

    cherry trees (the Sakura) is said to

    represent the young Japanese warriors

    who fell in battle in the prime of life (the

    Samurai).

    Decorating with the pinks doesn’t needto be “girly” and “cotton-candy sweet”.

    The subtler or stronger shades, such as

    peony, raspberry, fuchsia, or magenta

    can satisfy even the most subtle or

    masculine of tastes.

    ■ OUR COMMUNITY 

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    23/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   23

     Kumar, Jerry, Steve and the rest of the staff encourage you to visit us

    at Park Lawn and Lake Shore today 

     St err  Kuma

    awn and Lark Lat P

    , Steve and the rest of the staff encourage you to visit us

    e ore oaawn and L

    , Steve and the rest of the staff encourage you to visit us

    e Shore today 

    , Steve and the rest of the staff encourage you to visit us, Steve and the rest of the staff encourage you to visit us

    Park Lawn Esso

     A proud memberof the Humber

    Bay ShoresCommunity f 

    wn Esso

    oud memberof the Humber

    esrCommunity f 

    over 10 yearsears

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    Art for Goodness’ Sake13th Annual Art Show and Sale 

    Saturday, April 10, 2010 | 10 am to 4 pmKingsway-Lambton United Church

    85 The Kingsway at Prince Edward Drive, Etobicoke

    Over 500 pieces will be displayed from the works of over 30 artists.

    They include original contemporary and traditional art paintings,

    quilts, sculptures, woodturning, ceramics, jewellery, folk art,

    and photography. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet

    and talk with the artists.

    Admission is $10.00, payable at the door. VISA, MasterCard,

    cash or cheque will be accepted. Every admission ticket will be

    entered into a draw for “Illuminated Interior” by Ciba Karisik,an original oil painting on 10” x 8” board (see inset photo).

    Complimentary refreshments will be served.

    Proceeds from the sale will support 25 local charities.

    See www.kingswaylambton.ca/art_show.html for a preview and map

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    24/48

    It’s COOLER by the Lake..

    Just steps away from your doorstep…is a village and shopping district located along Lake Shore Blvd. Wes

    Mimico by the Lake BIA runs between Allen

    Avenue and Alexander Street, and is within walking

    distance of the lake.

    The area is conveniently accessible by foot, bike,

    street car, or car, for most residents and has

    cafe’s, restaurants, clubs and retailers. It serves

    approximately 20,000 local residents.

    Mimico By The Lake Business Improvement

    Area (BIA) was established in 1986 as a non-profit

    organization. It is operated on a volunteer basis by

    local business and property owners, who in most

    cases are also residents.

    The BIA’s vision is to encourage local businesses,

    residents, and organizations to work together to

    make this a better eco-friendly community in which

    to live, work, shop and play.

    In recent years, the area has been revitalized with

    the establishment of boutique shops such as

    Birds and Beans Coffee Shop, Chasers Fresh

    Juices, Café du Lac, VOS Massage Therapy

    and Lakeshore Arts. Many of these businesses

    support local artists and musicians who entertain

    at these establishments.

    The former Red & White was renovated and

    re-opened as Valu-mart. In addition, new

    businesses such as Kingsway Health and

    The Great Canadian Oil Change have opened.

    As a group, we sponsor local events such as the

    Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 

    Amos Waites Park and The MimicoFest. Look

    for more events in the newly built Mimico by the

    Lake Square in Amos Waites Park.

    We hope that Mimico by the Lake will become

    your exclusive dining and “boutique” shopping

    area. While you are here, visit the NEW Mimico

    Linear Lakefront Park (pictured above).

    Come explore our BIA! Become a fan of our new

    Facebook page and keep up with all the latest

    events in the community at: http://Facebook.

    com/MimicoByTheLake .

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    25/48

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    26/48

    ■ FUN & FITNESS

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org26

    For many people, New Years Day means not

    only the dawn of a new year, but also new

    resolutions. But for some, it’s the day they go

    for a swim in Lake Ontario to support a local charity.

    “For most dippers, it’s a spur-of-the-moment

    decision,” said Ian MacLeod, co-founder of theToronto Polar Bear Club.

    Braving a bitter wind chill (-12) and falling snow at

    Sunnyside Beach, 212 so-called “Dippers” ran for the

    icy water, most wearing only bathing suits and wigs

    or silly hats. About 2000 spectators cheered them

    on. It was the fifth annual Sunnyside Beach Polar

    Bear dip in support of Habitat for Humanity, and

    raised more than $20,000 for the charity.

    I had a chance to talk to several of the Dippers.

    Crazy you might think? No! Well, maybe just a little

    bit…OK, maybe a lot. Ann was the top fundraiser out

    of the 212 participants, raising over $1500. I asked

    her what it felt like jumping into the freezing water.

    “Wellll, … if you really want to know…stab your entire

    body with about a thousand needles and that will

    give you an idea … then multiply that by ten,” she

    replied with a loud laugh.

    It was George’s fifth year. “You always regret doing it

    after, but for some reason, you forget what it’s like,

    and you want to do it again,” he muttered, as he

    shuffled to put his clothes back on his pink body.

     And how did you

    start  your New Year? by Garry Kapitan

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    27/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   27

    FUN & FITNESS ■

    Crystal lit up a cigarette and immediately butted it

    out. “I quit . . . never again!” she swore. “The worst

    part of today is your feet turn practically into ice

    cubes,” she continued, teeth chattering. “I’m glad I

    made the commitment to quit smoking.”

    Les and Emilia got engaged last night. “We decidedat the last minute to come this morning. Once we

    thaw out, we will start planning the wedding.

    Where’s the coffee?”

    Frank resolved to lose 40 pounds this year. “That’s

    the only reason I came. It was on a dare from my

    wife. I have tried everything over the years. Even

    tried starving myself … geez, I can’t stop shivering.

    This is the only exercise I’ve ever done. Any ideas?”

    Theresa hollered, “This is the year I’ll become

    pregnant”, much to the delight of her husband, who

    held her hand as they both charged out of thefreezing water. “I know we are both crazy. The next

    time we do this will be in Cuba.”

    Have I inspired you to do the Polar Bear Dip next

    year? Can’t you see how much fun it was? OK, the

    vision of a thousand needles stabbing you might not

    have been too encouraging! But if you are looking to

    give back in 2010, and not sure of a charity to support

    with either your time or money, keep the Polar BearDip for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity in mind

    It’s just a short walk east on the boardwalk.

    Will I see you at the beach next year? I plan to be a

    spectator again. Join me: January 1, 2011, 11:30 am.

    See you on the trails or in the water.

    Garry Kapitan

    [email protected]

    Photo Credit Henry Chan

    Email: [email protected]

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    28/48

    ■ OUR COMMUNITY 

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org28

    Genealogy has always been something that

    intrigued me on many different levels. I

    suppose the initial interest stemmed from the

    all-important questions “Who am I?” and “How did I

    come to live here?”. I quickly realized that studying

    their family history helps people come to a better

    understanding of themselves and, on a broader level,

    to a better understanding about the communities in

    which they live.

    We see examples of family history throughout the

    neighbourhoods of South Etobicoke, where, for

    example, street names reflect the contributions of

    various individuals to their communities. In the

    Humber Bay community, “Brookers Lane” is one

    such street, which was named after “Brooker’s Bar-

    B-Que”, a drive-in reputed for its foot-long hot dogsthat once stood on the south side of Lake Shore, just

    west of the Humber.

    In his book I Remember Sunnyside: the Rise and Fall 

    of a Magical Era, Mike Filey writes “Emil Brooker and

    his wife, known as Ma and Pa Brooker…opened one

    of the city’s first drive-in restaurants just west of the

    Humber River on the south side of Lake Shore

    Boulevard.1” Among Brooker’s contributions to the

    community were a gathering place at his drive-in,

    and a bathhouse for bathing near the Humber River

    on the shore of Lake Ontario. (See photo). But who

    were “Ma and Pa Brooker”, and what was their story?

    Through examination of vital archives and census

    records, we can learn more about the family whose

    name still holds a place in the history of our

    community. To find the name of Emil Brooker’s wife,

    I searched the Ontario Marriage Registrations Index.(Marriage registrations became mandatory in

    Ontario in 1869, and the Archives of Ontario holds

    these registration records up until 1927.) Having

    searched for and located the marriage registration

    for Emil Brooker, I discovered that Emil and his wife,

    Alice Jane Dale, were married in Toronto on January

    11, 1900. The registration also tells us that Alice was

    a widow when she married Emil, and that her maiden

    name was Pinch. Now that we know who “Ma and Pa

    Brooker” were, let’s find out a bit more about them.

    Emil and Alice’s marriage registration tells us that

    Emil was born in Canada in about 1875, and thatAlice was born in Canada in about 1869. The

    registration also tells us the names of Emil’s and

    Alice’s parents, who were Abraham Brooker and

    Emma Miller, and Thomas William Pinch and Alice

    Jane Cosby (or possibly Casby). Emil was living in

    Toronto at the time of the marriage, and his

    occupation is listed as “Salesman”. Marriage

    registrations can provide a wealth of information,

    but as with all records, there is always the possibility

    of error or variation, and so it is helpful not to take

    the information as complete fact until there is other

    evidence to support it. To find other evidence,

    census records are a very valuable resource.

    Discovering Genealogyin Your Own Backyard

    Emil Brooker and Humber Bay Shores 

    by Amy Brewitt 

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    29/48

    Emil Brooker’s bath

    house, built for people 

    who could afford to pay 

    to swim, was on the 

    beach just to the east of 

    this “free” bathing beach,with its water slide and 

    participants. Spectators 

    are standing on a bridge 

    constructed in 1912 by 

    Grand Trunk Railway.

    Photo credit:City of Toronto Archives,(Fonds 1244, f1244_it0220a)

    1 Filey, Mike. I RememberSunnyside: The Rise and

    Fall of a Magical Era,Second Edition.(Dundurn Press: Toronto,1996), p. 45.

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   29

    Have you ever wonderedabout your ownfamily history?

    Amy Brewitt providesgenealogical research services.www.amybrewittgenalogy.com

    She can be reached at416 402 5972, [email protected]

    OUR COMMUINITY ■

    In the 1881 Canadian Census, we find

    Emil living with his parents and three

    younger sisters, Augusta, Emma, and

    Agnes, in East York. Abraham Brooker

    is listed as having been born in

    Austria in about 1845, and his wife,

    Emma is listed as having been born in

    Prussia in about 1855. Abraham

    appears to be supporting his family

    from his occupation as a labourer, an

    occupation he held over the course of

    quite a few years, as evidenced in the

    birth registrations of some of his and

    Emma’s children, all born in Toronto.

    An example of variation is found in

    this record: the family is enumerated

    under the surname “Brugger”.

    Emil (recorded as “Edward”) and Alice

    Brooker appear in the 1901 CanadianCensus living in Toronto, Ward 3. While

    an exact address was not given, they

    would have been living somewhere

    between University Avenue/Avenue

    Road and Jarvis Street. Finding the

    exact address might be possible with a

    little more digging, and conducting

    research through the Toronto City

    Directories during this time period

    would be the first step.

    The census lists Emil’s birth date as

    November 13, 1874, and his birthplace

    as Ontario. Alice’s date of birth is listed

    as July 5, 1868, and her birthplace as

    Ontario as well, which gives us a bitmore information than the marriage

    registration, which listed both of their

    birthplaces simply as “Canada”. Emil’s

    occupation was listed as “Agent”, and

    there is no further suggestion in this

    resource as to what type of “Agent” he

    may have been, but the record does

    indicate that Emil was making

    approximately $500.00 per year.

    Emil Brooker was brought up in

    Toronto, growing up as the city

    grew. While his early years werespent east of Etobicoke, Emil and

    his family made their way west of

    the Humber River to lend their

    entrepreneurial and community

    spirit to help shape the Humber Bay

    neighbourhood of the early 1900s. It

    is this spirit that is recollected in the

    name of “Brooker’s Lane”.

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    30/48

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    31/48

    31

    OUR COMMUNITY ■

    Glass bottle 1 million years

    Fishing line 600 years

    Plastic bottle 450 years

    Disposable diapers 450 years

    Aluminum can 80-200 years

    Rubber boot sole 50-80 years

    Foamed plastic cup 50 years

    Tin can 50 years

    Leather 50 years

    Nylon fabric 30-40 years

    Plastic film canister 20-30 years

    Plastic bag 10-20 years

    Cigarette filter 1-5 years

    Wool sock 1-5 years

    Plywood 1-3 years

    Waxed milk carton 3 months

    Apple core 2 months

    Newspaper 6 weeks

    Banana peel 2-5 weeks

    Paper towel 2-4 weeks

    (Information adapted from the U.S.

     National Park Service.)

    ANNUALSpringCLEAN-UP2010

    WE NEEDYOUR HELP

    Please show that you care about ourneighborhood and join us for the 14th

    annual Humber Bay Shores Cleanup

    Children are Welcome

    CLEAN UP SUPPLIES WILL BE PROVIDED

    WEARING BOOTS IS A GOOD IDEA

    WHEN SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010

    (Rain or Shine)

    9:00 AM • COFFEE AND DONUTS

    9:30 AM • NOON – CLEANUP

    NOON • BARBECUE LUNCHFOR VOLUNTEERS

    hosted by MIMICO YACHT CLUB

    WHERE Humber Bay Park West

    (near the pedestrian bridge acrossMimico Creek by the ESSO station)

    PLEASE TELL A NEIGHBOUR

       H   u   m    b   e   r   B   a   y

       S   H   O   R   E   S

    P L E A S E S AV E T H E D AT E

    Saturday, May 15th, 2010 | 14th Humber Bay Shores Waterfront Cleanup

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010

    ?

    Did you know?• that every year, caring residents of Humber Bay Shores 

    come out to keep our lake shore clean? 

    • that every year we find most of the following items? • how long it takes for these items to decompose in the environment? 

    Come buy your 

    limited editionorganic cotton

    t-shirt featuring 

    the art of local 

    Lake Shore artist,

    Lorna Livey 

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    32/48

    ■  WINESIGHTS

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org

    32

    Discover Portugalby John Switzer 

    Portugal is the historic home of many explorers

    who travelled to the outer reaches of their

    world in Renaissance and Elizabethan times,

    funded by the kings and queens of their day.

    Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Bartholemeu

    Dias and Pedro Alvares Cabral were famous for the

    voyages they led, and the great wealth and power

    they brought back to Portugal. Portugal even claims

    Christopher Columbus as one of its own.

    There is a long history of Portuguese winemaking.

    Roman influences were the most significant in earlytimes, and favourable trade agreements with

    England encouraged the Portuguese wine industry

    from the 18th century.

    Portugal is best known for Port wine, the rich, often-

    unctuous, dark, fortified wine that originates from

    the Douro region in the north. The Douro is the

    oldest designated wine region in the world with a

    history dating from the early 16th century. Port is still

    made in the quintas (farms) of the Douro Valley, and

    matured in the lodges of the city of Vila Nova de

    Gaia, on the southern shore of the Douro River,

    opposite Oporto.

    The Portuguese wine story does not stop with Port.

    Portugal has been known for still wines for centuries,

    and today’s wines are among the most exciting in

    the world of wine. Its emergence as a new “Old

    World” region is attributed to climate, terroir, grape

    varieties, winemaking techniques, and value.

    Portugal enjoys what winemakers call a

    Mediterranean climate; with the Atlantic Ocean

    moderating air temperatures in what otherwise is

    the warmest country in Europe. While summer

    temperatures can climb as high as 50°C in parts of

    the Douro Valley, this is the exception and moderate

    temperatures prevail in both the north and the south

    – winter and summer. The country receives heavy

    rains in the north and light rains in the south, which

    allows cultivation of grapes to match the levels of

    precipitation. Sunshine hours are high throughout

    the year. This, along with very hilly terrain in grape

    country, provides excellent conditions for ripening.

    A diverse array of indigenous grapes make

    Portuguese wines unique. First, however, wine lovers

    need to learn a new vocabulary that includes such

    varieties as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Roriz, Baga,

    Arinta, Bical, Loureiro. These are grapes that have little

    Here is a cross-section of wines recently offered in the LCBO Vintages program

    Aragones de Sao Miguel desDescobidores 2007

    This wine was released last October and flewoff the shelves. It is a Vinho Regional from theAlentejano, located in the southeastern part of 

    Portugal. The colour is deep purple and thenose is intense. It is full of herbs, spice, andripe, black fruits. There is bright acidity andgrippy tannins. This wine can be enjoyed nowor aged for another two to four years.

    LCBO number 0131847$17.95 per bottle

    DOC Douro Crasto VinhoTinto 2007

    This is a Vintages Essential wine made from ablend of Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional, TourigaFrance, and Tinta Barocca grapes. It is a beauty

    with a complex nose of smoked meat, blackcurrants, wet earth, and licorice. The palate isextra dry. It is intense with black pepper, blackcurrants, light vanilla and prunes. The wine isbalanced with grippy tannins and crisp aciditycomplementing the fruit and secondaryflavours. Serve with leg of lamb.

    LCBO number 081588$14.95 per bottle

    DOC Vino Verde Quinta da Lixa2007

    This is a very good quality white wine with asupple mouth feel, juicy acid, and medium+flavor intensity. It is made with the Loureiro

    grape, and the alcohol is a pleasing 11.5% byvolume. It is full of pineapple, flinty minerals,grapefruit, melon and bell pepper. The finish islong, clean and crisp. Match this wine withspicy shellfish.

    LCBO number 973529$15.95 per bottle

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    33/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   33

     WINESIGHTS ■

    or no international exposure, yet have a character that

    suggest it’s only a matter of time before they become

    the Viogniers and Shirazes of tomorrow. The common

    characteristic of today’s Portuguese wines is brilliant

    fruit expression, crisp acidity, medium body and, in the

    case of its reds, grainy tannins. Both whites and reds

    are juicy, structured wines.

    As Portugal emerged from its isolation with the end of

    the Estado Novo dictatorship in 1974, Portuguese

    winemaking started to modernize; this progress has

    continued into the 21st century. Winemakers travel to

    other countries to learn techniques and attend the bestschools around the world; and many foreign

    winemakers come to Portugal to work in an ideal

    climate with grapes of distinctive character. The effects

    are seen in the bottle: wines that once were thin, green

    and unbalanced, are now rich, complex and elegant.

    If all these factors are not enough, Portuguese wines

    are among the best values in the world. This likely

    will not go on forever, but for the time being, there

    are incredible values available, and we see a growing

    number of Portuguese wines offered by the LCBO.

    See John’s Winesights blog atwinesightswinenotes.blogspot.com

    He can be reached at [email protected]

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    34/48

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org34

    M I M I C O C R U I S I N G C L U B

     AN OASIS IN THE CITY.

    Imagine enjoying lunch or dinner overlookingour fabulous harbour with family and friends,or a relaxing dockside picnic.

    A limited number of social memberships are currently

    available in our Club. The beautiful clubhouse and

    grounds are Humber Bay’s best kept secret.

      For enquiries we invite you to contact our Membership Director,

    Patrick O’Brien at 416-252-7737, extension 225 or

    [email protected].

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    35/48

    INTERESTING NEIGHBOURS ■

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   35

    Clarice, a long-time resident of

    the Humber Bay Shores area,

    has been working as a

    “professional patient” for the

    Standardized Patient Program at the

    University of Toronto for the last eight

    years. During the course of her work,Clarice has been called upon to be a

    patient with arthritis, osteoporosis,

    Parkinson’s disease, a victim of

    substance abuse, and a variety of

    other illnesses with diverse symptoms.

    She says the work is both stimulating

    and challenging because the

    standardized professional patient

    must portray all the dimensions of a

    role, from physical symptoms to a

    variety of emotional and psycho-

    social characteristics that mightprovide challenges for a student or

    doctor being tested or trained. She

    also enjoys the interaction with others

    who are doing the same kind of work

    — not surprising — since this kind of

    work draws interesting people from

    all walks of life, including visual

    artists, retired teachers, lawyers,

    doctors, home makers, and actors.

    The idea of using simulated patients

    has been around since the 1960s,

    when professionals in this field

    realized that real patients were not

    always available for teaching and

    testing students. Simulated patients

    could be made available, as needed,

    and could be trained to portray

    various patient scenarios in a

    standardized way. Simulated or

    “model” patients could also be

    coached in giving constructive

    feedback. The first program in

    Canada to use standardized “model”

    patients was established at McMaster

    University in the early 1970s, and ten

    years later, a program began at the

    University of Toronto.

    Standardized patients are used in

    health professional team training

    procedural and surgical skill training

    teaching videos, and numerous

    experiential workshops. The University

    of Toronto program also provides

    standardized patients for pharmacy

    and physiotherapy applications, and

    dispute resolution simulation.

    People who do this work come from

    all walks of life and range in age from

    10 to 85 years. Many are actors, but

    that is not a requirement for doing this

     job. What the program requires are

    people with flexible schedules who

    are “intelligent, emotionally mature

    articulate, reliable and generous in

    spirit”. If accepted into the program

    new “patients” are trained in providing

    constructive feedback, and receive

    detailed coaching for each role they

    will play, so that the simulation is both

    real and the same each time they play

    it. In some cases, makeup might be

    used to simulate a physical conditionor perhaps a prop, such as a

    wheelchair..

    Clarice participates in the University

    of Toronto Standardized Patient

    program approximately twice a year

    spring and fall, during the

    examination and assessment process

    for new doctors.

    CLARICE - Professional Patient by Nancy Mellert 

    The following article 

    is the first in what we 

    hope will be a series of 

    articles on people in our 

    Humber Bay Shores community who have, or 

    have had, interesting or 

    unusual lives, jobs or 

    hobbies. If you know 

    someone whose story you

    think would interest their 

    neighbours, and who is 

    willing to let us tell it,

    please contact the editor at [email protected]

    or 416-503-8817.

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    36/48

    ■ HEALTH & WELFARE

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org36

    For over a century scientists have been aware of

    the germ-killing properties of ultraviolet light

    (UV). The antimicrobial power of UV is used in

    water treatment facilities, in the food industry, and in

    hospitals, where it is used to clean the air, reduce the

    threat of airborne infection, and to disinfect surfaces

    and surgical instruments. Today this powerful

    disinfecting technology is also available for our homes

    and businesses and can make them healthier and safer.

    The name means “beyond violet” (from Latin ultra,

    “beyond”), violet being the colour of the shortestwavelengths of visible light. Natural sunlight carries

    ultraviolet as part of an invisible “C” band, but much

    of the UV-C band is usually filtered out by the earth’s

    atmosphere, and does not reach indoors.

    Indoor Pollutants in Your HomeMost people spend the majority of their time inside

    their homes. The Environmental Protection Agency

    warns us that the air inside our homes may be up to

    five times more polluted than outside air, and has

    listed indoor air quality as one of the top five

    environmental health risks today.

    Microscopic mold, mildew, bacteria and viruses can

    linger in the air, leading to allergies, asthma,

    respiratory disease and infection. These unseen

    microorganism biohazards like to live inside an air

    conditioning system, where the moist environment

    encourages them to breed, multiply and grow. Once

    airborne, they become unseen particles that can

    pose a serious health threat.

    Mold growth on the cooling coils and the interior of

    the air handler can also significantly reduce the

    efficiency of the system.

    Common indoor pollutants include:• pollen

    • mold and spores

    • bacteria and viruses

    • dust mites

    • pet dander

    Even the cleanest home can be a breeding ground

    for undetected microorganisms living within an air

    conditioning system.

    How Can UV Light Help?A germicidal UV system attacks and sterilizes

    microorganisms on the cooling coils and

    surrounding areas.

    Light produced by germicidal UV-C lamps

    penetrates the cell walls of the microorganisms, and

    alters their DNA structure. The resulting cellular

    damage either kills the cells, or prevents them from

    reproducing. Because UV-C band light is ordinarily

    filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere, microscopic

    organisms have no defense against it.

    When properly integrated into a heating, ventilating

    and air conditioning (HVAC) system, germicidalultraviolet light is an effective method for minimizing

    indoor air contamination. Its benefits include

    improved indoor air quality; relief from allergies and

    asthma; reduced airborne infections; and a cleaner

    HVAC system, which in turn saves energy and

    reduces the need for system maintenance.

    Frank Mazzullo is the President of Thermo Cool

    Mechanical Systems: www.thermocoolmech.com.

    He can be reached at 905-264-8099.

    Using Ultraviolet Light

    to Kill Household Germs

    by Frank Mazzullo

    Dust Mite Leågionella SARS Pollen Staph Anthracis

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    37/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   37

    Stone Empire100 The East Mall, Unit 14,Toronto, ON M8Z 5X2

    T 416-354-2134 F 416-354-2350

    E [email protected]

    www.stoneempire.ca

    SHOP HOURSMonday-Friday 10am - 7pm

    Saturday 9am - 1pmSunday Closed

    COUNTER TOPS

    ■ Granite ■ Marble ■ Quartz ■ Onyx 

    ■ Choose from a wide selectionof natural stone tiles

    ■ Hand made limestone mantels

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    38/48

    ■ TRAVEL & LEISURE

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org38

     V isitors to Fes are presented with a kaleidoscope

    of new and exciting sights, sounds and flavours

    - a true feast for the senses!

    Fes is the most densely populated walled city in the

    world. Old Fes (Fes al Bali) was founded in 789 and

    New Fes (Fes el Jedid) in the 1200s. As you meander

    through the complicated labyrinth of their narrow

    streets and alleys, you may well think that life hasn’t

    changed since then.

    Every corner you turn will reward you with

    wonderful new sensations. In the souqs of Fes El-

    Bali, stalls are grouped together according to their

    products. You will find areas devoted to the leather

    tanneries, to metal workers, to wood workers, to tile

    makers and weavers, all interspersed among

    mosques and mdersas.

    The food souqs carry an astounding array of fresh

    fruits and vegetables, bundles of fresh green mint and

    coriander, rose and orange flower waters, meats and

    chickens, and seemingly hundreds of kinds of spices,

    tightly rolled into little cones for you to take home.

    Street foods cry out to anyone feeling hungry. From

    tiny cafes, from carts and stands, sometimes even

    from an upturned box, vendors offer specialties such

    as harira, Moroccan salads, kebabs, and pancakes

    with sweet honey.

    Your other senses will also be overwhelmed. You willbe dazzled by walls of zelliges, glittering mosaic tiles,

    and tadillakdt, a rich hand-rubbed finish that gives a

    soft, marble-smooth luster to walls. Donkeys, weighed

    down with goods, wind their way through the narrow

    streets and alleys; men and women pass by dressed in

    djellabahs, hooded robes of cotton or wool.

    You will be charmed by Gnaoua music wafting

    through the air, or alerted by frequent and urgent

    shouts of “balak, balak”, warning you that an

    overloaded donkey is coming through.

    The combined influences of the native Berbers,

    Jews, and Arabs, have produced one of the world’s

    richest and most refined cuisines. Your palate will becontinually tantalized.

    The Berbers contributed the most famous dishes:

    couscous, tagines (long-simmering stews of meat,

    poultry or vegetables), and harira, the soup that has

    become one of the staples for breaking the fast at

    Ramadan. Arab spice traders introduced cinnamon,

    cumin, ginger, saffron and turmeric. The Moors

    brought olives, almonds and fruit trees, and the

    concept of enhancing meat dishes with fruit and

    nuts. Tomatoes, peppers and potatoes came from

    the New World.

    The sophisticated courts of the imperial cities, Fes,

    Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat, have all developed

    rich and lavish culinary traditions. There are some

    regional differences between the countryside, the

    mountain regions, along the seacoast, and cities such

    as Essaouira, Tangier and Tetouan with large

    Andalusian populations. Today, however, most dishes

    can be found in cities throughout the country, and

    visitors will find little variation in restaurant menus.

    If arranged beforehand, you can spend the day in the

    forests outside of the town of Azrou in the Middle

    Atlas, roasting a lamb over embers. This Berbermethod of cooking (a mechoui) produces as moist

    and sumptuous a lamb as you’ll ever eat. The

    accompanying couscous with vegetables is cooked

    over a gas burner. The entire feast will be eaten

    traditionally (with your right hand) and shared by all,

    while sitting on a colourful Moroccan rug.

    At the top end of the scale, fine restaurants cater to

    those who want traditional Moroccan cuisine, in

    Fes, MoroccoA Feast for the Senses

    by Lindan Toole Buying Dat

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    39/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   39

    TRAVEL & LEISURE ■

    BUMPER REPAIR 

    DOOR DINGES? HAIL DAMAGE? WAX ‘N SHINE?

    MINOR DENTS?WHEEL REFINISH?

    395 Evans  Avenue, just west of Kipling

    416-259-6344, or [email protected]

     Ask Dina at ext. 238 for an appointment

    Imagine getting your vehicle back

    the same day.....looking like new!

    Low Cost 

    Same-Day

    AppearanceServices

     

    Read our reviews

    and menus online at:

    www.cafedulac.ca

     Québecois cuisine!

    Our weekly specialsDon’t forget the Café serves...oronto’s BES gourmet poutine Lunch from Wednesday to Friday Prix Fixe uesday – 3 course meal for $25 or $30 steak option  BYOW $5

    uncorking fee Wednesday or Tursday Live Blues alternating Friday’s

    Original Montreal-style Sunday brunch featuring crêpes, St. Viateur bagelswith smoked salmon and other treats...

    For the foodiesWhen time is short...call to order your own Chef-made paté, traditional tourtiére, venisonmeatloaf, venison sheppards pie, assorted terrines or sugar pie! Also sold at

    Cheese Boutique and other ne retailers in your neighbourhood!

    2350 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Etobicoke   3 blocks west of Parklawn, north side

    reservations: 416.848.7381 or [email protected]   catering   private parties

    truly elegant surroundings. Dinner begins with a

    selection of eight to ten Moroccan salads, a tagine,

    and finishes with a dessert like a b’steeya, with

    sweet almond cream. Morocco was a French

    protectorate for 40 odd years, so as well superbfood prepared with the finest ingredients, you can

    expect French service, fine linens, and fine wines,

    (all usually at a cost per person of 400 to 600

    dirham, or $50 to $75 US.)

    There are so many things to see, to hear, to smell and

    to taste. A first visit to Morocco will simply whet your

    appetite for a return trip.

    So what are you waiting for? Get out your guidebooks

    and call your travel agent — Morocco awaits.

    Lindan Toole is with Mediterranean Kitchens Cooking Vacations.www.mediterranean-kitchens.com

    She can be contacted at 416-457-3038 [email protected].

    Lamb tagine with quince Seffarine Square Festival In hte Souks Moroccan Salads

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    40/48

    SPRING 2010 HumberBayShores.org40

    Some of the freshest and most

    delicious breads that can be

    found close to Humber Bay

    Shores come from COBS in Bloor

    West Village.

    At COBS, handcrafted breads are

    baked every day, from scratch, on the

    premises, with fresh ingredients - no

    pre-made dough shipped from a

    distant factory for COBS. Baking

    continues all day, even up to half an

    hour before closing, so every

    customer can get warm, fresh bread.

    I discovered this great bakery one day

    last summer. Their friendly staff were

    handing out tasty, bite-sized morsels

    to passersby. I noticed that many

    people popped the bread into their

    mouths and walked on, only to stop a

    few paces later, do an about-turn, and

    return to the bakery. “They must be

    on to a good thing,” I thought, and

    tried some bread myself. I am now a

    regular customer.

    COBS features a range of Continental

    breads, all hand-moulded, made from

    unbleached white flour, as are their

    white Traditional loaves. If you have a

    sweet tooth but still want a healthy

    treat, the Apricot Delight, made with

    no added sugar or oil, is guilt free.

    A variety of exciting flavours, such as

    chives, spinach, garlic or variouscheeses in their savoury Twisted

    Delights turn every meal into a party!

    Of all the COBS products, however,

    my favourites are the Seeded Loaves,

     just bursting with grains.

    The ingredients for all the products

    are detailed on their informative

    website, www.cobsbread.com, which

    also gives instructions on how to cut

    and store bread. I never worry about

    buying too much, as all the breads

    come in clear wrappers, ready to

    freeze, and can be kept frozen up to

    four months.

    COBS bread proudly boasts “No Day

    Old Bread Sold Here.” While this

    reflects the popularity of the bakery,

    it is also because of the philanthropic

    company End of Day Giving Program.

    At the end of each day, seven local

    charities are encouraged to come and

    pick up any unsold bread. COBS also

    runs a “Raising Dough” program, for

    which schools and community groups

    are encouraged to register their

    names. If, when a customer pays for a

    purchase, he or she mentions the

    name of a particular group, COBS

    sets aside 5% of the purchase price

    for the charity, to be paid out as asingle sum once a year.

    The Bloor Street store is a franchise

    within a world-wide bakery network

    that is originally from Australia. The

    name came from the COB loaf, one of

    their most popular crusty breads, but

    some people think the name should

    stand for Canada’s Own Bread Stores

    - such an interesting amalgam of a

    large, socially responsible corporation

    and charming local baker.

    COBS Bread | Bloor West Village 

    by Monianne 

    ■ HIDDEN TREASURE

    COBS Bread2204 Bloor Street West416-763-3200 | www.cobsbread.com

    Mon - Sat | 6 am-8 pmSunday & Holidays | 6 am–6 pm

    Photos of COBS by MariaK

  • 8/16/2019 Humber Happenings Volume 16 (Spring 2010)

    41/48

    HumberBayShores.org SPRING 2010   41

     A t least six people have told me that Humber

    Happenings should feature an article on West

    39th Bistro; however, none of them had the

    time in their busy schedules, and/or thought their

    writing skills good enough to do it justice.

    Elizabeth Hart and Millie Yustin of Palace Place make

    a point of visiting all the restaurants in the

    neighbourhood. They told me they were

    “particularly impressed with the freshness of theingredients and the quality of the food.” Elizabeth

    raved about “the sublime dressing on my spinach

    salad.” They continued, “the menu was simple, but

    well balanced, and the presentation perfect. Other

    customers seemed equally pleased with their meals.

    We had some delightful conversations.”

    Millie has since taken a group of 12 to the restaurant,

    who enjoyed it so much, they chose to return for

    their Christmas get together. Apparently, “one lady,

    who has always before been particularly classy,

    actually took her bread and cleaned her soup bowl.”

    Olivia McGuire from Players Club told me that she has

    dined at the West 39th Bistro on several occasions,

    and she considered it to be one of her top five

    restaurants in Toronto. “As a world traveler, I have

    been to numerous restaurants, and West 39th Bistro

    ranks among the best. A combination of delicious

    food, incredible service, a hands-on owner, and a

    New York ambience makes for an amazing dining

    experience. When dining at this Bistro, allow lots of

    time, you won’t be rushed out, nor will you want to

    leave — they offer a very warm and welcoming

    environment. Truly a diamond in the rough!”

    Peter and Catherine Jamieson from Marina del Rey

    are equally impressed: “We recently moved into the

    Humber/Lake Shore area. As we were exploring our

    new neighbourhood and its dining establishments,

    we were pleased to discover West 39th Bistro. It

    made an immediate impression with its upscale

    ambience, white table linens, and