Vol. 39 No. 10 December 2002 President's Update Seasons Greetings! Well it’s here and underway – preparations for the Christmas Season.
Many of you have spent the last month or more preparing the house for winter.
Now it’s time to decorate it for this most festive of seasons. Like many
neighbourhoods in this city, Markland Wood puts on a good show when it comes
to exterior house decorations. It is a wonderful time of the year and children
have a way of making it that much better.
Christmas
is also a sad time of the year for many people. Those who have lost a loved
one in the past year will find this first Christmas a difficult one. If you
know someone in this situation, let him or her know that you care.
Twenty-five years ago this month I lost my best friend at the time to an
accident. His funeral was on the morning of Christmas Eve. Although very
upset, I was unable to truly relate to the devastation his parents must have
felt at that time, until years later. I will go back to see them this
year…to tell them that I have not forgotten…to tell them that I still
care.
It’s difficult not to get caught up in all the “things”
that have to be done at this time of the year. We tend to put pressure on
ourselves, or let the marketers of Christmas do that for us. As you get caught
up in the rush and madness of the season, do yourself a big favour, and take a
little time to give something to others. You will feel the better for it. A neighbour of mine talked me into Christmas caroling last year, a few
nights before the big day. We took the kids, knocked on quite a few doors and
exercised our vocal chords. It
was a lot of fun, especially the looks on some peoples’ faces, when they
realized we were not there collecting for anything.
The Markland Christmas Caravan is a wonderful tradition – 35 years on.
It is one of those things that make this neighbourhood such a special place to
live. (See Martin Ross’ article on the Caravan in this issue.) Please
support the Christmas Caravan with a donation of clothes or non-perishable
food items, if you can. Better yet, come out on Sunday the 15th of
December and join us for a few hours of helping to gather these items or load
the truck. It will be good exercise, fresh air and a chance to see some of
those young faces at the door, as they peer out for a chance to see the guy in
red, who gets around that day in what else… a golf cart.
Wishing each of you a Merry Christmas! Patrick J. Clifford President, Markland Homes Association 2002-2003
Board of Directors EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT: Patrick Clifford, 8 The Green Pines VICE-PRESIDENT:
Tom Napier, 1 Markland Dr. SECRETARY:
Don Matheson, 30 Markwood Cr. TREASURER:
Gerard
Betsch, 14 Winsdale Road DIRECTORS Stephen Blimkie, 197 Markland Drive Richard Boehnke, 67 Markland Dr. Brian Brennand, 2 Markland Dr.
Bev Evans, 8 Winsdale Rd. Graham Maguire, 2
Broadfield Dr. Diane
Mcleod, 15 Aymarn Crt. Associate Directors Helen Boehnke, Bo Lawrentiw, Ian Sillars, Irene Sillars and Patti
Thorne, Christmas
Caravan
What
a wonderful time of the year to spend with family and friends and reflect on
all that we have. This is also the time to stop and think of the hungry and
homeless, and the ones in need. This year, Marklanders should be very proud that we, in our small way,
have helped to feed the needy for 35 years. Yep, this year our little
community will celebrate our 35th Annual Christmas Caravan. On Sunday December 15th, the residents of Markland
Wood will continue our tradition of collecting non-perishable food items and
clothing for distribution to several charities in Toronto. Our Caravan canvases every home in Markland Wood for donations. This
year should be no different than other years, with the exception that, to help
celebrate this milestone, the residents will be even more generous than they
have been in previous years. Last year, we collected over 15,000 pounds of
food, a truckload of clothes and nearly $500 in donations. The charities that
will receive the food and clothing are The Salvation Army, The
Brothers of the Good Shepherd and The Scott Mission. Donated money
will be given to The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. The Caravan usually consists of a Police sound vehicle, a bright red
Fire Truck, a transport truck, to sort and pack the food, and dozens of cheery
elves and, of course, Santa! The parade will start at Markland Wood Plaza at 9:00 a.m., where we
greet new “Caravaners” and the “Old Regulars”. We visit the north side
of Bloor Street in the morning, break for lunch and then collect on the south
side of Bloor Street in the afternoon. Our elves wind down every street,
stopping at every home to pick up your bags of groceries and bring it to the
curbside, for loading onto the truck. The joy is overwhelming, when we see
that every home has contributed. Please don’t disappoint our little
elves. We expect to return to the plaza, tired but excited, at 3:00 p.m.
We then unload the hundreds and hundreds of boxes of sorted food into my
garage for the charities to pick up on Monday morning. This all sounds pretty
exciting, doesn’t it? And it is. Just ask your neighbours. You can’t
imagine the joy we all feel, when all is done. If you will not be home on Caravan morning, just leave your parcel on
your porch or with a neighbour. We do come to every door. Please make us work! We do this every year, because of the great need to help. What other
groups do you know that contribute like this and for as long as we have?
Thirty-five years is a long time and we, as Marklanders, do it proudly and
cheerfully. We are always in need of volunteers, especially those with fresh legs in
the afternoon. If you would like any further information, please contact any
of your Homes Association Directors, or myself. Thank you for your continued
support and Merry Christmas to you all. See you at Caravan, Martin Ross Chair, Christmas Caravan 621-6931 ETOBICOKE PARENTS FOR PUBLIC
EDUCATION (EPPE) EPPE is a group made up of concerned parents from Etobicoke, north to
south, who have joined together as a result of the current funding crisis in
education and the serious impact it is having on our public schools. EPPE aims
to facilitate the exchange of information and invites input from parents from
all schools. EPPE held an information meeting on October 29 at St. James United
Church, which 70 parents and representatives attended. The speaker for the
event was Annie Kidder from the People for Education, who spoke about the need
for a guaranteed foundation for every school, citing essential building
blocks, such as a full-time principal, a secretary, a teacher-librarian,
textbooks and so on. Then, for about one hour, parent after parent stood up to express
frustration and alarm about what they see at their schools. The main concerns
raised were: health and safety (stemming from delays in maintenance, large
class sizes, reduction in staff presence), poor quality and delivery of
programs (resulting from inadequate textbooks, computers and library books,
split grade classes), inadequate funding and support for special education,
risk of losing music and physical education programs. Parents
questioned why the government was pushing for further cuts at a time when it
has been acknowledged that the existing funding formula is flawed. They also
asked how the system could sustain further cuts when it has not yet resolved
the issues caused by the cuts in the past four years.
As a follow-up to the event, parents delivered these messages of concern
to the three MPPs in Etobicoke. EPPE parents also gave deputations about the
budget announced by the provincially appointed supervisor, Paul Christie.
Concerns were raised about cuts being made to vice principals, supply
teachers, school secretaries, educational assistants, building maintenance,
and so on, all of which will further jeopardize the safety of children and the
quality of their education. If you would like to be on the EPPE contact list to receive information
updates, please email eppe321@yahoo.ca or phone Irene Ty, 416-233-1378. From Tom’s Desk This month, I had my collection duties to catch up with, so I have had
no dialogue with the city traffic, roads or parks personnel. I was a little
later than usual this year in getting to my collection rounds, but was very
successful and I thank all of you who contributed with your annual Markland
Homes Association membership dues. I met many new Marklanders this year, while collecting for the MHA. I
hope you find Markland Wood as wonderful a community as I do. You are all
welcome to attend the monthly MHA meetings. Each meeting is usually held at
the Etobicoke City Hall (The West Mall and Burnhamthorpe) on the first Monday
of each month, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Exceptions are July and August, when we
recess for the summer, and when there is a statutory holiday on Monday. In the
latter case, we meet on the next Monday of that month. December is always a special month for me. I just love getting my
outside Christmas lights up. Well, I certainly love having them up, as I
don’t always like putting them up. I try to wait until December to do so,
but then up go the lights. I also like getting a fresh Christmas tree.
However, getting the tree to stand straight sometimes causes a little debate
in our household. The Markland Christmas Caravan is another of my fun days in December.
This year, I will be helping out at Bloordale United Church, setting up lunch
and then collecting the donations with many other Marklanders. Come young,
come all, and come with us as we meander through Markland Wood to collect
food, clothing and money for The Salvation Army, The
Brothers of the Good Shepard, The Scott Mission, and The Toronto Star
Christmas Fund charities. This year we celebrate 35 years of the Markland Christmas Caravan.
Santa Claus is taking time off from his work at the North Pole. He will give
support to the volunteers and take photographs with the children and their
families. I especially congratulate Martin Ross for his tireless work and
managing this event. Don’t forget to mark this date on your calendar. I hope all of you have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. ¯Christmas
time is coming. The goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the….¯ Thanks, Tom Napier VP-MHA One Markland Drive Tlcnapier1@aol.com A
Walker’s Christmas Thank You With
summer been and gone and winter coming on, the Markland Wood Walkers wish to
express and advance a vote of thanks to all the good neighbours and good
citizens on Markland Drive, who regularly clear the snow from sidewalks in
front of their homes. The
Walkers are an unorganized and unofficial group of people, who regularly walk
the two-mile circuit of Markland Drive. Some walk clockwise and some counter
clockwise; some walk in the morning and some in the afternoon. All agree,
however, that we are fortunate to have a ring road, ideal for walking, to
circle our neighbourhood, and that walking is an ideal form of exercise that
can be continued for a lifetime. Merry
Christmas to all of our fellow residents of Markland Wood. From a particular
viewpoint, a particularly warm thank you to Anne and Peter Conacher, who every
year put the bright holiday bows on our beautiful little maple trees that line
the boulevards of Conifer Drive. Harvey
Currell. Deadline
for the January issue: Friday, December 20th. 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! Down
to Earth School News Millwood Junior School It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner, but the
children at Millwood believe it! The excitement in the air is contagious, as
everyone is getting excited about Christmas crafts, parties and the holiday
time off, not to mention the holiday itself. The annual Carol Sing will be
held outdoors, as has been every year, on December 18 in front of the school. Last month, the Remembrance Day Assembly was held on the 11th
day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour. Narratives,
reminding us what Remembrance Day is all about, were given by various
students. The choir sang “Peace Train” and “Blowing in the Wind”.
Poppy wreaths were ceremoniously laid out, as members of the Brownies, Guides,
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts stood by in uniform. Mr. Green, a WWII veteran,
honoured us with his presence and his memories. His daughter, Heather, spoke
to us and gave us some insight as to what the family endured during the war
and how it separated many people for a very long time. We can only imagine
what it must have been like and hope that we will not need to experience the
same with our children. Operation Christmas Child was once again successfully organized at the
school. Students collected shoeboxes and filled them with toys, pencils and
other miscellaneous items to be sent off to less fortunate children in the
world. Last month also saw the end of the Multiple Sclerosis Read-a-Thon,
helping to raise funds for MS research. The week of November 2, Grade One
children across Canada received a copy of “When Jeremiah Found Mrs.
Ming” by Sharon Jennings, during TD Children’s Book Week. Our
Grade Ones received theirs’, too. Several classes made the trip out to McMichael Gallery, as part of their
Group of Seven studies. This is the first of many field trips planned for
various classes throughout the school year. Larissa Bayrachny Silverthorn Collegiate Institute
After a great start to the year, Silverthorn students have remained
active and enjoyed an eventful fall. On the mornings of October 23 and 24,
Grade 10 students wrote the mandatory provincial Literacy Test required to
graduate. The rest of the school enjoyed the mornings off, causing the Grade
10s to question the fairness of it all! For
last year’s test, Silverthorn students achieved results that were
significantly higher than the provincial average. November 6th was “Take Your Kids to Work” day, giving the
Grade 9s the opportunity to follow their parents on a typical day at work.
Provincially, over 400,000 students took advantage of this program. It allows
students to more fully understand their parent’s jobs and also gain insight
into a profession that they may be considering. After
the mid-term report cards were given out, parents were given the chance to
meet with the teachers. Parents were able to learn about the curriculum and
discuss their child’s progress. SCI Vibes, our student-run newspaper, came out with its first edition of
the year. This bimonthly newspaper is distributed free-of-charge to every
student. Last year, it was financed by a donation from the School Council, and
this year, fund-raising will be done through the sale of Krispy Kreme
donuts.
Each Friday, the entire school stops and reads for twenty minutes, giving
students the chance to read the school newspaper. Every class attended the Remembrance Day assemblies, and students
donated money to receive poppies. The school band played O’ Canada, students
read poems, and a video presentation, produced by students, was shown. For only four dollars and a non-perishable food item, students could see
the Hypnotist Show, which was held after school. This hilarious event had the
audience screaming with laughter, as fellow students were hypnotized. The
Student Activity Council organized this fun event that was attended by both
staff and students. SCI has a very advanced language lab, which helps our learning disabled
students. We recently hosted an open house for interested educators, who were
most impressed with the program. The computer technology includes software to
help students with both reading and writing. Bloordale Middle School has a
similar lab and we are proud to continue to offer this important aid to
student learning. Numerous clubs are planning for a busy holiday season, and SCI wishes
everyone a happy holiday! 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. December
1st : “Hope” Communion December
8th : “Peace” Carol Singing December
15th : “Joy” White Gift Collection December
22nd : “Love” Christmas Pageant December
29th : New Year’s service HOLLY
TEA AND BAZAAR Saturday,
December 7th CHOIR
CANTATA Sunday,
December 15th at 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Candlelight Musical
Programme to delight all ages! Christmas
Caroling and Hot Chocolate Party Friday,
December 20th at 6:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS
PAGEANT Sunday,
December 22nd at 10:30 a.m. Worship Service will be followed by
our Special Children’s Christmas Pageant in the gymnasium… If your child would like to be a
little angel or shepherd, please call Sylvia Szot 416-626-2424 CHRISTMAS
EVE Tuesday, December 24th 7:00
p.m. & 9:00 p.m. 7:00
p.m. Family Time – come on
your own or bring family & friends 9:00
p.m. Communion Service –
a quieter service with candlelight St.
James United Church
400
Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke (Just
west of 427 on the south side of Burnhamthorpe Road.) Phone 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 Special
Events: Sunday December 8, 10:30 a.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant Sunday December 15, 2:00 p.m. “The Spirit of
Christmas”
Familiar songs, carols and readings Featuring the St. James Junior
Choir and Youth
Choir,
And The St. James Chancel Choir Sunday December 15, 7:30 p.m. “Candlelight
Carol Service” Our annual inspirational service of music and spoken work celebrating the birth of Christ, featuring the St.
James Chancel
Choir and Senior Choir December 24, 7:00 p.m. Christmas
Eve Family Service December 24, 11:00 p.m. Christmas
Eve Communion Service The
Church of Christ the King 475 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke Just West of the 427 621-3630 December
8: Kids Club Pageant At the 10:30 a.m. Service December
15: The Star of Bethlehem at 7:00
p.m. A Christmas Pageant Presented by The Choirs of Christ
the King Together with the Children and
Pageant Presenters December
24: Family Christmas Eve Service at 4:30
p.m. Carols & Holy Communion at
7:30 p.m. Holy Communion at 11:00 p.m. December
25: Christmas - Holy Communion at the 10:30
a.m. Service PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND Also: check us out on our website http://netcomsolutions-ont.com/Christ_King
Rehoboth Fellowship Christian
Reformed Church
800 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke 416-622-9647 Rehoboth Fellowship Christian
Reformed Church, a community church in Markland Wood, invites you to its
worship every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., to its program for people of all ages and
to its fellowship! As its pastor for 15 years and a
resident of Markland Wood, I consider it a privilege to serve you and to
welcome you among us! Reverend John Tenyenhuis. People and Places A 401st Christmas Tree Scouts Christmas Trees
The 401st Beavers, Cubs, Scouts,
Venturers and Rovers will be selling quality Christmas Trees at the Bloordale
United Church lot, starting on Saturday November 30th. When it comes to buying your tree this year,
please remember to help support your local Scout group. The experiences
provided by the 401st don’t just happen. They depend on the
dedicated volunteer Leaders, fees paid by the youth, and on the contributions
made by our community. You can buy a loss-leader tree…or you can spend a
little more, get a great tree and help the youth. Trees: Scotch Pine, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and
White pine Place: Bloordale United Church Saturday November 30th – December
21st (Sat. 9 – 6, Sun. 12 – 6, Weeknights, 6
– 9) Thank
you for your continued support
HOLLY
TEA & BAZAAR Bloordale United Church U.C.W. Holly
Tea and Bazaar, will take place on Saturday, December 7th from
1:00-4:00p.m. $3.50 will get you tea, coffee, scones, whipped cream and
homemade jam. There will be lots of crafts, baked goods and books for sale.
The Cookie Corner was a great success last year! To supplement your
Christmas baking, you can choose from a wide selection of special Christmas
cookies. Chose the combination of your liking. Come to this Annual Fundraiser
and bring a friend. Parent
and Tot Coffee Time On alternate Tuesday mornings at
Bloordale United Church. Rm 13. Coffee is provided, but bring a snack for your
little one. Make
a friend, bring a friend, be a friend. For more information, call Sylvia
at 626-2424. CENTENNIAL
PARK SKATING CLUB With that little blast of snow we
had recently, most of you are thinking we must succumb to old man winter.
Alternatively, you could get in the groove by slapping on the old skates and
getting some great lessons. Our Winter season starts January 4 and runs until
April 12. Registration for winter classes is on December 9th and 11th from 5
to 8 p.m. Our Learn to Skate classes are for
children, ages 3 and up, for Teenage 16 and up, and for Adults. Classes are on
Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays from 5:10 to 6:15 p.m., Wednesdays
from 6:10 to 7:10 p.m., and Saturdays from 3:10 to 4:00 p.m. For any
additional information, please visit our office located on the second floor of
Centennial Arena during the class times mentioned, or leave us a message on
the Club line at (416) 621-4439. Centennial Park Skating Club is
sanctioned by Skate Canada; coaches are Skate Canada Certified and it is a
non-profit organization.
The Etobicoke Youth Choir gives its
Annual Christmas Concert On Saturday December
7th, the Etobicoke Youth
Choir under the directorship of Louise Jardine, with accompanist Pascal Du Perron, presents
its annual Christmas performance, entitled “Angels Singing Deo”, at 7:30pm
in St. Luke’s United Church, 516 The Kingsway (at Kipling), Etobicoke.
We welcome families, friends and community members of all ages, to join
us, at this joyous season, in a celebration of song. Admission:
Adults $10, seniors $8 and children under 12 years, $5. For tickets or more
information, please call the Choir Manager, Gloria MacLean, at (416) 742-3949. Join
The Etobicoke Youth Choir! The Etobicoke Youth Choir will hold auditions for the second half of its season on January 7th, 2003. Young people 7-19 who love to sing are welcome to apply. Previous ch |