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Vol. 40 No. 4 April 2003
Important dates: May 10th – People’s Forum @ Metro Hall May 24th – Markland Wood Garage Sale June 7th –
Markland Wood Annual General Meeting Airport Noise Complaints: (416) 247-7682 President's Update Greetings! We received quite a few compliments with respect to the March issue of
the Marklander for a couple of the
pieces which were contained in there and we thank you for those. This
publication is one of the main things, which set our homeowners association
apart from many others, who do not have a publication (let alone a monthly
publication) of their own. It is
our main vehicle for communicating community issues, ideas or items of
interest to each other. Often times it is input from residents, which add to
its content. In case anyone should take this monthly publication for granted, I want
to relay to you that quite a bit of time and effort go into its organization
every month. And the main person responsible for this and its resulting
success is the Editor, Graham Maguire. Graham
is a past president and I have worked with him as a fellow director on the MHA
over the last few years, but it is only in these past months that I have
appreciated all that he does to get this publication out to press. On behalf
of all of us, Graham, I want to thank you for the time and effort you give to
the Markland Homes Association and to the Marklander. Some of you have raised questions as to the amount of your 2003 property
assessments. The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) sends out the
annual property assessment notices, which you would have received around last
November. MPAC is a statutory,
non-profit corporation, managed by a board, composed largely of municipal
representatives, which conducts property assessments throughout the province.
The property assessment is the value of the land, buildings and improvements
on the property, as determined by assessors employed by MPAC. You may file a Request for Reconsideration of your assessment with MPAC
directly. An assessor will speak with you, and may be able to explain how your
property was assessed. You may be able to provide the assessor with
information that was not available at the time your property was last
assessed, or correct erroneous information, which may have played a part in
your assessment. Filing with MPAC is free, and in many cases, this service can
help to avoid the Assessment Review Board process altogether.
The Assessment Review Board (ARB) is an independent adjudicative
tribunal whose main function is to hear complaints from people who believe
that properties are incorrectly assessed or classified. The Board also deals
with complaints about other matters such as school support designation and
some property tax appeals. The
Board holds hearings across the province. During a hearing, persons who have
filed a complaint with the Board, or their representatives, have the
opportunity to explain their positions to the Board. If the matter before the
Board concerns the assessed value of a property, MPAC will generally present
evidence to support the value it has placed on the property. Persons with a complaint may ask someone else to represent them at a
hearing. The hearings are open to the public and are relatively informal.
There was an article in the The Etobicoke Guardian on March 16, 2003, entitled “Property owners puzzled by
promises to lower their taxes”. It
mentioned a firm who independently represents homeowners appealing their tax
assessments before the ARB, if you are interested. As pointed out in this article, a Request for Reconsideration
needed to be filed by March 31st.
However, it is my understanding that you can still call up MPAC for an
explanation of your tax assessment at any time. The respective telephone numbers and web site are as follows: MPAC: 1-866-296-6722 ARB: 416-314-6900 www.arb.gov.on
.ca If you feel you should appeal after talking with MPAC, perhaps you can
investigate and coordinate a plan with some other residents who feel the same
way, so as to be ready for taking on next year’s assessment.
The Annual Markland Garage Sale is scheduled to take place on Saturday,
May 24th, so mark this on your calendar. It must mean Spring is
here. Happy Easter. Patrick J. Clifford President, Markland Homes Association 2002-2003
Board of Directors EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT: Patrick Clifford, 8 The Green Pines 621-7695 VICE-PRESIDENT:
Tom Napier, 1 Markland Dr. 622-9630 SECRETARY:
Don Matheson, 30 Markwood Cr. 621-4291 TREASURER: Gerard Betsch, 14 Winsdale Road 620-4896
DIRECTORS Stephen Blimkie, 197 Markland Drive 695-7734 Richard Boehnke, 67 Markland Dr. 621-5089 Brian Brennand, 2 Markland Dr.
622-8011 Bev Evans, 8 Winsdale Rd. 621-2153 Graham Maguire, 2
Broadfield Dr. 620-4398 Diane Mcleod, 15 Aymarn Crt. 622-2183 Associate Directors Helen Boehnke, Bo Lawrentiw, Ian Sillars, Irene Sillars and Patti
Thorne, NOTICE
TO MARKLAND WOOD RESIDENTS A representative from the Markland Homes Association executive and two residents from the community recently convened a meeting with Silverthorn Collegiate staff and student representatives to discuss vandalism concerns in the Stoneglen Dr. area.
School Staff informed us
that, if students are observed committing violations on school property,
residents are encouraged to immediately contact the School Board Facility
Services Emergency Call Center at 416-395-4620. This department is on call 24
hours a day, seven days a week, and will respond in an appropriate manner,
based on the particular situation. Deadline
for the May issue: Friday April 18th. Please note: All submissions for the Marklander should be sent to: Graham Maguire, 2 Broadfield Drive, 620-4398. If "lengthy", it helps if you send it as a Wordperfect or Word
document to my e-mail address: daffodil@pathcom.com. However, short notes
dropped in my post-box are fine! From Tom’s Desk I received a fair amount of response from last month’s paragraph on
the Millwood Park parking lot issue. Thank you for sending me your email. The
telephone calls were also appreciated. According to Toronto Parks and
Recreation, this is now a dead issue and the parking lot won’t be installed. As the winter chill starts to disappear from the air, we are all
starting to think about spring and the new season’s offerings. This leads me
to a subject that I think we should all consider an important issue. We are
now going to be outside more and are going to be bitten by mosquitoes. Some of
these mosquitoes will be carriers of the West Nile Virus. This virus affects
the very young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, sometimes
with serious consequences. We can all do our part to prevent the spread of the
West Nile Virus and control the mosquito population by making sure that we do
not have any standing water on our properties. If you have any old tires,
bottles, cans, pales or anything that can collect water that stands for a few
days, please dispose of them or put them inside, where water cannot collect.
For those with birdbaths, please be sure to change the water every two days.
Those who walk in the treed and creek areas can also help by stepping in the
puddles to stir up the water. This helps kill the mosquito larvae. If you see
a bottle, can, pale or tire in the creeks, please bring it to the nearest
garbage to be disposed of. If we all do a little, we may save someone from
serious illness. Don’t forget to take the usual precautions with clothing
and repellent to protect yourself. In February, I attended two meetings with regard to the “People’s
Forum, What Toronto Needs”. Mr. Pierre Klein, President of the South
Cabbagetown Ratepayer’s Association is heading up this forum. If you are
interested in municipal matters, such as transportation, policing,
infrastructure, affordable housing and good municipal governance, then keep
June 7th free, to attend the workshop at Metro Hall. You can find
out more about this forum on the Internet web site: www.peoplesforum.ca.
I think this is a very important first step in regaining control of the grass
routes. Thanks, Tom Napier VP-MHA One Markland Drive 416-622-9630 Important dates: May 10th – People’s Forum @ Metro Hall May 24th – Markland Wood Garage Sale June 7th –
Markland Wood Annual General Meeting Important Contact Information: Councillor Doug Holyday, Ward 2, 416-392-4002, Email: councillor_holyday@city.toronto.on.ca Hon. Chris Stockwell, MPP Etobicoke Centre, 416-695-1220, Email: chris_stockwellco@ontla.ola.org Hon Allen Rock, MP Etobicoke Centre, 416-231 2301, Email: Rock.A@parl.gc.ca Street Lighting - 416-395-4448 Roads & Sidewalks -
416-394-8615 Traffic - 416-394-8453 Emergency Medical Services - 416-392-9833 Police - 416-808-2200 911 – For Real Emergencies! Toronto Department Web Site: http://www.toronto.ca/departments/ And for a change…. A letter to the Editor: Dear Sir, Since our family bought a home in Markland Wood last year, I have been
interested in the residents' reactions to our sons' long hair. We have three sons in their teen years, who attend school in this area.
As students, they have maintained better than average standards, despite the move to
a strange environment. While they are not angels, their behaviour is as good as
normal for kids their age. They find their pleasures close to home, enjoying
popular "rock" music and sports with their friends. Their father and
I have tried to bring them up in the belief that people are more important
than things. Anyone who knows these boys finds them pleasant and reliable. We
as parents are proud of them. But...they like to wear their hair long. It's not shoulder-length and
stringy, but hanging down the back of the neck a few inches longer than most
boys' hair. My husband and I personally think the shorter hairstyle would be more becoming, and we have said so. However, our three sons choose to wear longer hair, because with them it's very "cool". We respect this preference and so we do not insist that they have conventional haircuts. Although the youngest needs occasional reminders, the other two boys readily shower and shampoo frequently. Cleanliness, then, is not an issue. Their hair is combed neatly several times a day, and is trimmed at home on request. We parents feel that our sons are entitled to freedom of choice within these limits. The majority of our adult fellow-citizens seem to disapprove of this
freedom. Some of them cannot accept a boy with longish hair, (boyish haircuts
for women, however, are considered very fashionable.) I have seen looks of
suspicion cast at my sons' hair, when they were in a public place, behaving
pleasantly and politely. Some women have looked at me, as I walked into a
store or church with one of my sons as if to say, "Have the hippies
invaded Markland Wood?" In conversation with people in this community, I
noticed a persistent linking of long-haired youth with undesirable character
traits, like a bad taste you can't get out of your mouth. No doubt this view is well-founded in some instances, but, on the other
hand, some of our well-barbered adolescents in this area have proved
themselves to be unworthy too. Certain school officials become uneasy at the
sight of a long-haired youth in one of their hallways, even though that person
is an honour student, clean and is well-liked by his teachers. It is obvious to me, then, that many people will make a negative
judgment about individuals like my sons before knowing anything about them. In
our shrinking world of today, with differing cultures and ideologies on our
very doorsteps, this attitude seems out-of-date to me. It is the friendly and
accepting persons who make life endurable in any society; thank goodness, there are many of these in Markland Wood.
Nevertheless, each of my sons has had occasion, from experiences with adults
in the neighbourhood, to know that he is tarred with the same brush as the
dirtiest Yorkville drug pusher. One day in a conversation with my son, I remarked that this problem of
prejudice is one of the hazards that males wearing long hair have to face. He
answered like this; "In my opinion, people who are prejudiced against males with long
hair are just as sick as those prejudiced against negroes. I feel sorry for
these sick people, but I don't intend to pattern my life after their
tastes." That is the thinking of one Markland Wood boy, whose hair is no longer
than that of Seiji Ozawa, Toronto’s former symphony conductor. Are we going
to accept him? A Markland Mother This was written to the Editor of the
Marklander in September 1969! 33 years later, and so little has changed! I’d
love to know how those boys turned out. Down
to Earth Well, I was going to discuss the coming gardening season, but all I can
see on the horizon is the West Nile Virus, and so I thought I might begin a
series concerning this issue, and what better place to start than the biology
of that infernal monster, the bane of all our lives, the mosquito.
This information is brought to you by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) in partnership with the Mosquito’s Life Cycle
Almost everyone has had the unpleasant experience of being bitten by a mosquito. Mosquito bites can cause severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to the mosquito's saliva - this is what causes the red bump and itching. But a more serious consequence of some mosquito bites may be transmission of certain serious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and several forms of encephalitis. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases, which afflict humans, but they also can transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworms and eastern equine encephalitis. There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes in the United
States, all of which live in specific habitats, exhibit unique behaviors and
bite different types of animals. Despite these differences, all mosquitoes
share some common traits, such as a four-stage life cycle. After the female
mosquito obtains a blood meal (male mosquitoes do not bite), she lays her eggs
directly on the surface of stagnant water, in a depression, or on the edge of
a container where rainwater may collect and flood the eggs. The eggs hatch and
a mosquito larva or "wriggler" emerges. The larva lives in the
water, feeds and develops into the third stage of the life cycle called a pupa
or "tumbler". The pupa also lives in the water, but no longer feeds.
Finally, the mosquito emerges from the pupal case and the water as a fully
developed adult, ready to bite. The type of standing water in which the mosquito chooses to lay her eggs
depends upon the species. The presence of beneficial predators such as fish
and dragonfly nymphs in permanent ponds, lakes and streams usually keep these
bodies of water relatively free of mosquito larvae. However, portions of
marshes, swamps, clogged ditches and temporary pools and puddles are all
prolific mosquito breeding sites. Other sites in which some species lay their
eggs include tree holes and containers such as old tires, buckets, toys,
potted plant trays and saucers and plastic covers or tarpaulins. Some of the
most annoying and potentially dangerous mosquito species, such as the Asian
tiger mosquito, come from these sites. What You Can Do to Help Fight Mosquitoes Empty standing water in old tires, cemetery urns, buckets, plastic
covers, toys, or any other container where "wrigglers" and
"tumblers" live. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain
barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often. Drain or fill temporary pools with dirt. Keep swimming pools treated and circulating and rain gutters unclogged. Use mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and
precautions closely. Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas
with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes. If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside
during the evening when mosquitoes are most active. Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight." Replace your outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights. Tune in next month for the continuing story: Prevention, including
choice and use of insect repellants and symptoms of West Nile disease. In the
mean time, make sure you follow the above advice to help decrease their
population in Markland Wood. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/overview.htm http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.pdf http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/insectrp.htm School News Silverthorn Collegiate Institute Students and teachers alike returned well rested from the March Break
and a few students were lucky enough to arrive back with a tan and vacation
pictures! In March, the teachers bravely battled against the students in a
special week of competitive sports, organized by the Student Athletic
Association. Badminton, Borden ball (European handball), volleyball and even
basketball games were played with great spirit, to the cheers of enthusiastic
crowds. By the end of the week, there was still some debate over
whether the teachers or the students were the superior athletes!
Prefects hosted Staff Appreciation Week, which included a lavish breakfast and a pizza lunch for over 90 staff members. A massive thank-you card signed by many SCI students was presented to Ms. McKenzie, our Principal, on the Silverthorn Broadcasting System. This is a live television show produced by students every morning. Each classroom is equipped with a colour television that allows everyone to view the announcements and other special school programs. Students on their own also wrote their favourite teachers personal notes of gratitude, thanking them for their hard work. Several sports teams have started up for the new season, including co-ed
volleyball, badminton and baseball. Unfortunately, a long-standing Silverthorn
tradition was ended when the annual Semi-Formal was cancelled due to a lack of
interest. The Semi-Formal was always open to everyone, but the majority of
students that attended were from grades 10 and 11. However, this year’s
Formal Committee is busy planning the 2003 Formal, which will be held in June
for all the graduating students. This year’s location is the beautiful
Atlantis at Ontario Place. Just as a point of interest, Silverthorn draws students from a large
area, bounded by Eglinton, Hwy. 427 and Dundas, so walking to school is not
always possible. SCI encourages parents to pick up and drop off their children
on Markland, to ease congestion in the parking lots and on Mill Road. Heather Foulkes Church News Bloordale United Church 4258 Bloor St. West. Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 1Z7 416-621-1710 ALL WORSHIP SERVICES ARE AT 10:30
a.m. Saturday
April 5: RUMMAGE SALE - 9:30
a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Sunday,
April 6: NOTE: - CHANGE TO DAYLIGHT TIME Theme:
“The Road
Ahead” Sunday,
April 13: Palm Sunday
- Communion Theme:
“Consequences” Thursday,
April 17: Maundy Thursday-Joint Service Richview
United Church - 7:30 p.m. Friday,
April 18: Good Friday -
Joint Service St.
James United Church - 10:30 a.m. CHOIR
CANTATA: “Once Upon a Tree” Sunday,
April 20: Easter Sunrise Service - Centennial Hill -
6:26 a.m. Breakfast
at Richview United Church following Sunrise Service Easter
Sunday Service at Bloordale Theme:
“Not a Secret” Sunday,
April 27: Theme: “With
All Your Heart” Sunday
School Sandwich and Muffin Lunch Communications
Committee Auction Sunday,
May 25: Maryann Skinner’s Last Sunday at Bloordale St. James United Church 400 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke (Just west of 427 on the south side of Burnhamthorpe Road.) Phone 416-622-4113 Celebration Service 9:00 a.m. (includes Sunday School) Traditional Service 10:30 a.m. (includes Sunday School, baby sitting) Fellowship with tea or coffee after service The Church of Christ the
King 475 Rathburn Road,
Etobicoke Just West of the 427 416-621-3630 April 18: Good Friday 10:30 a.m. Service April 20: SonRise
Service On Centennial Hill 6:16
a.m. April 20: Easter 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. April 26: A.C.W Rummage
Sale 9:00 a.m. till 12 noon April 27: The Gathering
West The Last One Before the
Summer Break 7:00 p.m. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND
Also CHECK US OUT ON OUR
WEB SITE http://netcomsolutions-ont.com/Christ_King
People and Places Children's Hunt for Easter Eggs The Canadian Federation of University Women, Etobicoke, as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations, will sponsor the Etobicoke Philharmonic Concert on April 25 at 8:00 p.m. Kipling Collegiate. This concert includes works by Beethoven, Bach and Bruckner. Your support will provide funds for Music Scholarships awarded by the Philharmonic. Call Pat Joyce for tickets 416-622-5628 SPRING INTO ACTION With Bloordale’s Spring Auction Sunday, April 27th 12:15 - 2:15p.m. Preview Items 11:30 a.m. - 12:15p.m. during Outreach Lunch Bloordale United Church - Gymnasium Here are some delightful “Spring into Action”
auction items that have been confirmed already: Two hours of gardening by Sylvia Szot Lunch for Two at the Agora Restaurant (Art Gallery of Ontario) Chocolate Sleigh (for Christmas time) by Karen Waterman How can you support Bloordale United Church's Live Auction? 1. Contribute your Time, Talent or a Service Are you famous for your baked pies, strawberry jam or quilting skills? Do you have season’s tickets to the Blue Jays or a local theatre and
are you willing to donate a set of tickets for a great cause? Promise to babysit, mow the lawn, tutor, walk the dog, etc. If you would like to contribute, please call us today! 2. Attend on Sunday, April 27th … bring some neighbours if
you like! You’re welcome to attend church (10:30 start time) and the outreach
lunch being organized by the Sunday School. Or simply drop in for the live
auction – during lunch you can preview the items that will be going up for
bid. We will have a live auctioneer to keep us entertained and to make sure
the bidding goes at an enjoyable pace… all are welcome to attend - the more
the merrier! 3. Bid on items of interest to you (payable in cash or cheque) Treat yourself to something special … or buy a gift for family or
friends. For more information, please contact Jackie Trimble 416-239-9419 or Lee
Sampson 416-621-4486. Terry Tan Child Centres have been a part of the Markland Community for over thirty years. The organization has two sites, one located in Bloordale United Church and the other in Eatonville Junior School. A Parent/Community Board of Directors operates the centres. Our unique and dedicated blend of quality service to children and their families has become widely acknowledged. The centres provide childcare from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The programs operate Monday to Friday, 12 months of the year. Terry Tan is licensed to accept children from 18 months to 10 years of age. Children attending the Bloordale site are escorted to and from the two local schools (Millwood Junior School and St Clements Separate School). Children attending the Eatonville site attend school at Eatonville Junior School or are bussed to St Elizabeth Separate School. Having children attend their local school ensures that children are able to maintain community relationships and contacts. Hot lunches are served daily by our exceptional on site cook. Our programs strive to meet the needs of the children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs, through a variety of interesting and age appropriate activities. Our centres boast an integrated program providing children with special needs the opportunity to learn and grow in a natural environment. Our on-site Resource Teachers and Consultant from the Etobicoke Preschool Consultation Group provide additional support and information for children, families and staff. Our front line staff are Early Childhood Educated and all receive their
annual CPR refresher course. If you are interested in further information or
registration, please contact the Supervisors at: Bloordale Site
Bloordale United Church
4258 Bloor Street West
Samira Kassam
416-621-4822
Eatonville Site Eatonville Junior School 15 Rossburn Drive Tara Rowe 416-621-9722 The Parent Education Network Hello! We are the Parent Education Network, a non-profit group of
parents and parent educators who provide parenting courses, seminars and other
support to families in Etobicoke. You may have known us earlier as the
Etobicoke Family Life Education Council, when we had an office in Mill Valley
School. We have changed our name, but still offer the same great programs.
We'd like to speak with you! Please call us with any questions or ideas about
parenting issues in the west-end. Tel: 416-255-8969. Or check out our website at www. parenteducationnetwork. Ca.
Thanks! And Happy Parenting!! Parenting
courses available this spring from Parent Education Network: (For
information or to register, call 416-255-8969) Single
Parents Are Successful! Starts April 1, for 6 consecutive Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, at Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Ave. Fee: $90, includes materials. Living
With Teens and Surviving Starts April 2, for 6 consecutive Wednesday, 7:30 - 9:00 pm, at Lambton Kingsway JMS, 525 Prince Edward Dr. Fee: $90 (couples $135) Bullying:
What Can Parents Do? One evening, Thursday April 10, 7:15 - 9 PM, Brentwood Library,
2nd floor, 36 Brentwood Rd. N. (west of Royal York & Bloor). Fee: $10 adv/ $15 at door Presenter: Pearl Rimer of the Toronto Child Abuse Centre Call early to register! 416-255-8969 Positive
Discipline For parents of children 11 years & younger. Starts April 10, for 6 consecutive Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, at John G. Althouse School, 130 Lloyd Manor Dr. Fee: $90 (couples $135) Co-Parenting
for Divorced or Separated Parents 3 sessions: April 22, May 27, June 24, 7 - 9 pm, at Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia St. Fee: $45 (for 3 sessions). Etobicoke Senior Games 2003 OPENING
CEREMONIES Wednesday,
April 9, 12:00 p.m. R.C.L. Branch
101 Etobicoke
District 17A Senior Games hold annual one day tournaments in 17 different
events. These events are open to anyone 55 and over. This
year, the events are: Bid
Euchre, April
11, 12.30 p.m. Fri. Thistletown
Senior Centre Duplicate
Bridge, April 14, 12.30
p.m. Mon. Horner
Avenue Senior Centre Cribbage,
April 23, 1:00 p.m. Wed. Thistletown
Senior Centre Carpet Bowling |
