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Vol. 40 No. 10 December 2003
Airport Noise Complaints: (416) 247-7682
President's Update This message comes from all of us, your Directors, who are pictured on the front cover. Some of these faces you will recognize as your neighbour or as someone who came to your door recently during the collection of our annual dues. I have had the privilege to work with these directors, who continue to give some of their time for the benefit of us, the community. I have enjoyed meeting many of you over the past month as we do our annual collections. This is a chance for all of the Directors to connect and to hear from you, as to how things are going and any concerns you may have. It is particularly enjoyable to meet some of the young families who have recently moved to the area, and to hear that one of the many reasons they chose to live here was the community spirit. Indeed, it is alive here and it will continue to be here, if all of us pitch in to keep it that way. The municipal election was an exciting one and the results of November 10th gave this city a new mayor. I had the chance to meet David Miller, as well as the other candidates, during our mayoral debate and I did get the sense that Mr. Miller will work on forming closer ties with Etobicoke and making its concerns a part of the city decision-making. Doug Holyday won the Councillor’s seat for Ward 3, of which Markland Wood is a part. As with any new administration, there is a sense of renewed optimism and a looking forward to the issues, which need to be addressed. We will work with Mr. Holyday in making sure our interests and concerns are being represented and addressed at City Hall. We will form closer ties with the mayor’s office, through association with other ratepayers groups. Having these relationships can only benefit us when an issue, important to our area, arises. The only disappointing numbers from the election had to do with the voter turnout. Only 39% of the eligible voters, city-wide, cast their vote for mayor. Given that a number of people in this 39% only vote for the mayor’s office and do not cast any vote for a councillor, that 39% figure becomes even less, with respect to measuring the number of people who exercised their right to vote for a councillor in their area of the ward. One part of Paul Martin’s speech to the Liberal Leadership Convention, a couple of weeks back, that has stayed with me is where he said, in essence, that instead of your MP bringing the message to you from Ottawa, that MP ought to be bringing your message to Ottawa. We would do well to keep this perspective and apply it to Queen’s Park and City Hall in the future. Sunday, December 14th marks our Annual Markland Wood Christmas Caravan. Please support the Christmas Caravan by leaving a donation of clothes or non-perishable food items at your front door or at the sidewalk. Better yet, come out on Sunday the 14th of December and join us for a few hours, helping to gather these items or to load the truck. And to those families new to the area who have young ones, be on the lookout for the man in red who will be helping us on this day, as he makes his rounds to those homes who have their door open and a little one waving a hand. With the Christmas season upon us, make a little time to give or do something for others less fortunate. You will feel and be the better for it.
Wishing each of you a Blessed Christmas! Patrick Clifford President, Markland Homes Association 2003-2004 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 Richard Boehnke, 67 Markland Dr. 621-5089 Brian Brennand, 2 Markland Dr. 622-8011 Bev Evans, 8 Winsdale Rd. 621-2153 Bo Lawrentiw, 110 Mill Rd, 622-9522 Graham Maguire, 2 Broadfield Dr. 620-4398 Diane Mcleod, 15 Aymarn Crt. 622-2183 Associate Directors Stephen Blimkie, Helen Boehnke, Ian Sillars, Irene Sillars and Patti Thorne, Christmas Caravan 2003 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. Marklanders should be very proud that
we, in our small way, have helped feed the needy for over 35 years. This year
should be no different On Sunday December 14th, the residents of Markland Wood will continue their tradition of collecting non-perishable food items and clothing for distribution to several charities in Toronto. Our Caravan visits every home in Markland Wood. Last year, we shared over 15,000 pounds of food, a truckload of clothes and nearly $500. The food and clothing are donated to The Salvation Army, The Brothers of the Good Shepherd and The Scott Mission, while the money goes 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 the 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, bringing them to the curbside for loading. The joy is overwhelming, when we see that every home has contributed. Please don’t disappoint our little elves. We return to the plaza tired, but excited, around 3:30 p.m. We then unload the hundreds and hundreds of boxes, filled with already 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 it’s all done. If you will not be home on Caravan morning, Sunday December 14th, just leave your parcel on your porch, or with a neighbour. We will come to every door. Please make us work! We do this every year because of the great need to help. What other group do you know that contributes like this and for as long as we have? Thirty-six years is a long time and we as Marklanders do it proudly and cheerfully. We are always in need of volunteers, especially fresh legs in the afternoon. If you would like any further information, please contact any of the directors of your Markland Homes Association or myself. Thank you for your continued support and a Merry Christmas to you all! See you at Caravan, Martin Ross Chair, Christmas Caravan, 621-6931 From Tom’s Desk Thank you, to all on my collection route. It was a lot of fun speaking with you again this year. It was nice to see the new Marklanders, both new homeowners and the newborns. Welcome to Markland Wood! If we receive as many contributions in all of the other routes, Markland will have over 90% participation this year. Thanks again! If you’ve missed our collection volunteers, you can still drop off your $7.00 annual fee to any of the directors listed in this issue. The Ontario provincial election and Toronto municipal elections are now long over. I would like to congratulate Donna Cansfield and Doug Holyday on their victories. Each won their seats with an overwhelming landslide over their opponents. Councillor Holyday received over 70% of the votes cast on November 10th. Ms. Cansfield is the Parliamentary Assistant to Hon. Dwight Duncan, Minister of Energy. Councillor Holyday is now serving his third term, since Toronto was amalgamated. Ms. Cansfield and Councillor Holyday can be reached at the contact information below. Our new Toronto Mayor is David Miller. Mr. Miller also deserves my congratulations, as he was able to rise above the other mayoralty candidates and hold on to that lead. With approximately 40% of the eligible voter turnout, Miller won with over 30,000 votes over John Tory. However, when the statistics are broken down, Downtown Toronto had over 45% turnout compared to the suburbs with only a dismal 35% of the eligible voters turning out to cast their votes. Once again, it is time to put up the Christmas decorations, if you haven’t done it already. I really enjoy this time of year. Since moving to Markland, I have enjoyed the decorations throughout the neighbourhood. I also enjoy participating in the Markland Wood Christmas Caravan. This is a very special event for me. If you cannot participate on Sunday December 14, please be sure to place outside, whatever food or clothing you can spare for those less fortunate than yourself. “Christmas
is coming, the goose is getting fat, Please
put a penny in the old man’s hat. If
you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do. If
you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you”. This is one of my favourite Christmas verses, as it really gets me thinking how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family and neighbourhood. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to everyone! You know Dasher and Dancer, And Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid And Donner and Blitzen, But do you recall The most famous reindeer of all? Please have a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Tom Napier VP-MHA One Markland Drive 416-622-9630 Tlcnapier1@aol.com Important Contact Information: Councillor Doug Holyday, Ward 2 – Tel: 416-392-4002, Email: councillor_holyday@city.toronto.on.ca Donna Cansfield, MPP Etobicoke Centre
– Tel: 416-695-1220,
Email: Donna_Cansfield-MPP-CO@ontla.ola.org Hon Allen Rock, MP Etobicoke Centre
– Tel: 416-231 2301, Email: Rock.A@parl.gc.ca Parks -
416-394-8527 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/ Down to Earth The editor wishes you all the best for the Christmas season. One thing that I’d like to remind you to do is to shovel the snow. There are a number of less fortunate people, especially the more elderly amongst us, who may be relying on you to clear your sidewalks. Be a good neighbour and exercise those muscles at the same time. Your uncleared sidewalk may prevent someone from accessing the services they need, whether they be at the Church or in the shops. Does anyone read the Marklander? Also, for the coming year, a repeat of a previous request that, since this newsletter depends on input from all of us in Markland Wood, we try to keep it interesting and lively. To this end, please send me ideas and articles for future issues. I’m also looking for those special family recipes. I’ve got lots of mine, but this is your newsletter as well, so let me have some of yours. Stop hogging those things! Merry Christmas. Ho.Ho.Ho! The Editor School News Millwood Junior School Remembrance Day was very well attended, not only by students, but by parents as well. The Grade 5 students presented at the assembly, with the choir performing “Calling All Angels”, under the direction of Ms. McWilliam. Once again, we were fortunate to have a real live World War II veteran, Mr. Green, visit us and recall his time in the war for those gathered. We thank him for honoring us with his presence. Poppy wreaths were ceremoniously laid out with members of Beavers, Cubs, Brownies, Guides and Scouts standing by in uniform. Millwood Junior has been conducting Bullying Workshops for staff and parents, once again. These have proven to be very effective and informative in dealing with everyday situations that arise amongst students. Pyjama Day was fun for those who dared to appear in their nighties! Those who did handed over a donation for the privilege to Sleeping Children Around the World. This organization provides bed kits for children in Third World countries and the school has been involved in fundraising efforts on their behalf for many years. In previous years, Millwood has donated funds that have provided bed kits for hundreds of children. A bed kit may include a grass mat, a blanket, two sheets, a pillow or a mosquito net, as well as other items, to make a child’s rest more comfortable. The students in Ms. McWilliam’s class have been eagerly taking turns walking Georgia during their lunch hour. Georgia, a Golden Retriever Poodle, visits the classroom one day a week in the first term, and twice a week after the holidays, as part of the Paws for Success program. The goals are: To increase student interest in academic endeavors To increase student achievement through learners’ interest in animals To increase positive student behaviour To increase self esteem, confidence and empathy towards others With Christmas just around the corner, the children at Millwood are having a difficult time not thinking about the holidays! Holiday crafts are in the works, parties are being planned and the choir is busy rehearsing for the Annual Evening Carol Sing. The Carol Sing has been taking place outdoors, in front of the school, for many years now. It is a favourite occasion of many to get together with other Millwood families and share in the festive season. With everyone singing and drinking hot chocolate, Scrooge does not dare to make an appearance! The Carol Sing will be on Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m. On behalf of Millwood Junior School, we’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Larissa
Bayrachny Bloordale Middle School To start off the new school year, Bloordale had a magazine fundraiser. It was very successful. The funds we raised will help benefit our library and our school. In the month of October, we had the Student Council elections. Dmitry Dubovitsky was voted President and Nazlee Maghsoudi was voted Vice-President for the coming school year. We would like to congratulate all the candidates for running a wonderful campaign. In November, we had another successful fundraiser. Thank you to the staff and parent volunteers who helped organize our Book Fair. Also, at the end of October we had an afternoon of Hallowe’en activities, which included games, movies, activities in the gym and a dance. All of the students had a lot of fun at this event. Special thanks to the Student Council for also planning our Remembrance Day assembly. In addition to the moment of silence, students spoke about those who fought in previous wars. We heard the band and strings play, the choir sing, and we saw a drama presentation. We are looking forward to our Winter Concert on December 18th. As you can see, Bloordale has much to
celebrate. We have a great school! By: Dmitry Dubovitsky and Nazlee
Maghsoudi Silverthorn Collegiate Institute Recently, the “Crime Stoppers” police programme visited Silverthorn. Students were informed of how to give anonymous tips for any crimes they may have witnessed. Just call 416-222-TIPS if you have any useful information. L.I.G.H.T. is Silverthorn’s Christian club and this year they participated once again in a very worthwhile project called Operation Christmas Child. Donors would decide to buy for a boy or girl, they could choose the age, and then they would fill a shoebox with little gifts. The boxes are sent all over the world to less fortunate children. This way, a child’s Christmas could be made special by ensuring they would not go empty-handed. The student council did an amazing job organizing this year’s semi-formal. It was held at the school, to reduce costs for the guests (tickets were $25 per person), but the SAC managed to transform the cafeteria for the theme “Academy Awards”, red carpet and all! There were 120 guests, who enjoyed dinner and dancing.
Prefects’ study club is up and running. Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday after school, Prefects are available to tutor other SCI students for any course that they might need extra help with. This is a great opportunity to get one-on-one tutoring …and it’s free! The Music Department is rehearsing diligently for their Winter Concert on December 11th. There will be performances by the concert band, orchestra, stage band and many more ensembles. Don’t miss it! The Music Department is also fundraising for a trip to Boston in Spring 2004. The Languages Department is planning their second trip to Europe for this March break. They will be visiting France and Spain. Their fundraising is beginning as well. December is one of our busiest months and we look forward to more holiday cheer… Valerie
Foulkes Church News Bloordale United Church 4258 Bloor St. West. Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 1Z7 621-1710 Morning
(10:30 a.m.) Services December
7th: White Gifts December
14th: Carol Singing December
21st: Christmas Pageant December
28th: Rev. Robert Trimble Evening
Services: 7:30
p.m. December 14th:
Candlelight Choir Cantata 7:00
p.m. December 24th: Family
Christmas Eve 9:00
p.m. December 24th:
Communion Special
Events: 1:00
– 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6th Holly Tea & Bazaar featuring: Tea (coffee or juice) with fresh-baked scones,
whipped cream & jam - $3.50. Christmas
Baking and Crafts, Books and a large Christmas Cookie Corner (mix or match
your dozen or more cookies). We are grateful for the Ministry of the Rev. Allan
Baker as we await the induction of our new Minister, Rev. Stephen Iverson, in
January. Junior/Youth
Choir Come & sing! No experience required. Led by
Church Organist, Ms. Margie Dulude. Invite a friend and come out for a practise –
Sundays at Bloordale United Church in Room 13 from 11:45 a.m.– 12:15
p.m. For details, contact Margie at 626-0431. RENFORTH
BAPTIST CHURCH 621-1990 PASTOR - Rev. Godfrey Green A church, which just celebrated its 165th anniversary in the same community, has a history. On the corner of Burnhamthorpe and Renforth, the story began on the Mercer family farm in 1838 when neighbours gathered for worship and praise. In 1882, they built a new brick structure named Ebenezer Baptist Church on Burnhamthorpe Road, where cars now park for Renforth Church, re-built and re-named in 1954. It is associated with the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec and the Baptist World Alliance.
St. James United Church 400 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke (Just west of 427 on the south side of Burnhamthorpe Road.) 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: CHILDREN’S
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Sunday December 14, 10:30 a.m. “THE
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS” Sunday December 14, 2:00 p.m. Familiar songs, carols and readings featuring the St. James Youth and Junior Choirs and the St. James Chancel Choir. “CANDLELIGHT
CAROL SERVICE” Sunday December 21, 7:30 p.m. Featuring the St. James Chancel and Senior Choirs. CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE 7:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS COMMUNION SERVICE 11:00 p.m. The Church of Christ the
King 475 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke Just West of the 427 621-3630 M.M.P. 1st and 3rd Sunday Communion 2nd and 4th Sunday Gathering NEW TIME AT 4:00 p.m. December
7th: A Christmas Special December
14th: Kids Club Pageant at the 10:30
a.m. Service December
21th: "That Perfect
Light"-Family Carol Service at 7:00 p.m. December
24th: Family Christmas Eve Service at
4:30 p.m. Carols & Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m. December
25th: Christmas-Holy Communion at
10:30 a.m. January 4th: The
Gathering West at 4:00 p.m. Please
plan to attend
Check out our website at: http://netcomsolutions-ont.com/Christ_King Rehoboth
Fellowship Christian Reformed Church 800 Burnhamthorpe Road (just east of Mill Rd.) Etobicoke 622-9647 Reverend John Tenyenhuis People and Places Memories
come alive. Recently my father received a package from his brother in Holland filled with old audio tapes. And I mean old! Even my kids had no idea what a 6-inch reel, with “brown tape” around it, could be used for. I tried to explain how the reel to reel audio tapes worked, but finally just settled for – “These reels make memories come alive.” When I was growing up my grandparents lived in Holland, so our only form of communication with them was via these tapes and of course letters, once we were old enough to write. My family and I are thrilled to now have these tapes, after thinking they had been discarded long ago. Unfortunately, mixed with our delight is a little problem. We no longer have a way to play these audio reels. Ultimately, we would like to convert these reels to CDs, but first we must be able to play them. If anyone happens to have tucked away, in the depths of their basement, a 2-speed, 4-track reel-to-reel audio player, I would love to borrow it (or if you’d like to sell it that would be great too). So, when you’re rooting through your basement to get out all the Christmas decorations, if you stumble across an old reel-to-reel audio player, I’d really appreciate a call. Hopefully, there is a “pack-rat” out there who can help make our memories come alive. You can reach me at 416 695-8714. Thanks, Angela A 401st Christmas Tree The Scouts will be selling top quality Christmas trees again this year. Scotch Pine, Balsam Fir and Fraser Firs will be available at Bloordale United Church, starting Saturday November 29th until Sunday December 21st. With the generosity of our community, we do sell out every year. So come out early! The tree lot will be open Saturdays 9-6, Sundays 12– 6 and weeknights 6 – 9.. Please support our Scouting group. Merry
Christmas from the 401st. Scout Group
attend
its 30th Anniversary OPEN
HOUSE on Saturday, December 20
from 3 to 5 p.m. at Centennial Arena, East side at Renforth and
Rathburn. Admission is free. There will be public skating, refreshments, Santa
and a skating show. Hope to see you there. The Etobicoke Newcomers Club for Women Are
you new to the area? Interested
in making new friendships? Join
us on the first Tuesday of each month at Kingsway Lambton United Church, 85
The Kingsway. The next meeting is
on January 6th 2004 at 7:30 pm. The
club is a not for profit women’s social organization and is affiliated with
the National Newcomers’ Council of Canada.
Activities vary from bridge to book club, social gatherings and visits
to many Toronto exhibits. We have
several events for couples throughout the year. We are always open to new ideas and welcome the participation
of new members. For
further information call Vi at (416) 237-0961. The Etobicoke Youth Choir Is seeking new members. Auditions:
1st week of January 2004 For information and appointments, call Gloria MacLean at 416-742-3949 Young people, ages 7-19, are welcome to join the choir. You don’t need to live in Etobicoke to be a member of the choir. Previous choral experience, though desirable, is not necessary. The Choir is a non-profit organization under the guidance of an experienced music director, accompanist and manager. During the choir season, which runs from September to June, members enhance their performance skills through weekly rehearsals, workshop weekends, public appearances, and two major productions. If you would like to see the Choir perform, come to our Christmas Concert, “Sing Noel”, on Saturday December 6th, 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Church (corner of The Kingsway and Kipling). Tickets at the door are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 dollars for children. Parent and Tot Coffee Time At Bloordale United Church, Room 13, on alternate
Tuesday mornings between 9:15-11:15 a.m. Coffee is provided, but bring
a snack for your little one (s). December 16, January 13 and 27. Make
a friend, bring a friend, be a friend. For more information, call Karen
Miteff at 621-2293. 2004
Arts Etobicoke Benefit Concert for Arts Education $15 from every ticket sold goes to arts education programs in your schools and community. Give the Gift of Entertainment this Holiday Season! Mama
Mia! It’s Louise Pitre in Concert!
Silverthorn Auditorium 291 Mill Road Two Performances Only! February 29 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $45 and $35 Box Office: 416-622-8731 The celebrated, Tony-nominated star of the hit
musical comedy Mama Mia! is back from Broadway with a fresh new
repertoire, including selections from her latest CD, "All of my Life
Has Led to This”, guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet. This is
an exclusive engagement and will be Ms. Pitre's first concert in the Toronto
area, after returning from New York. She is delighted to be performing in
support of arts education programs in West Toronto. For more information visit: www.artsetobicoke.com The Neilson Park Creative Centre 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke ON M9C 1V7 Call for entries 2004
Artists’ Choice WINTER EXHIBITION January 5-25, 2004 Open to all artists. Entry deadline December 15. November
25-December 19 In
the Main gallery: “Still Figuring It Out” Susan Dain - Karen Darling - Brian Smith, Paintings, drawings and sculpture of the human form. In
the Hall Gallery: Rena Sava - Marc Lambert - Jen Snyder An exhibit and sale of affordable paintings in watercolours, oils and acrylics. Information: 622-5294 Open:
Tues-Sat, 9-4 p.m. Tuesday,
7-9 p.m. Sunday,
noon to 4 p.m. Wheelchair
accessible. Free admission and parking. www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com Email:
npcc@idirect.com MARKLANDER STAFF President: Patrick Clifford 621-7695 Editor: Graham Maguire 620-4398 Advertising: Brian Brennand 622-8011 Distribution: Richard Boehnke 621-5089 Setup Spalding Creative 255-9033 Printing Stu McNair 621-5272 Community Classified Lost
in recent windstorm: one large black barbecue cover
(approx 7’ x 4’ x 3’ For Sale: Mahogany dining suite: six cane-back chairs, including two armchairs and
oval table. All in very good condition. Any reasonable price will be
considered. Call 416-543-3399. Rent-A-Kid If you need a good reliable 10-year-old to run errands for you, and for jobs such as mowing your lawn, walking your dog, and raking your leaves, then call Tom at 621-7693 or meet me in person at 31 Broadfield Drive. Estimates are free. The
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