The Marklander

Vol. 43 No. 7 September 2006

Attention Marklanders: it’s that “social” time of the year again!

The Marklandtini Social 2006 will be held on Friday September 29^th at 7:30 pm. Yes, that’s right, this year we are switching to martinis instead of champagne. Please mark off your calendars and come sample Markland’s first signature martini!

Back by popular demand, we are pleased to announce “The Bullets”, a local popular band that already has a great following among Marklanders. This relaxed, cocktail party format of the last several years has been a big success, so don’t miss this opportunity to mix, mingle and dance up a storm with your fellow Marklanders!

Tickets go on sale on Saturday, September 16^th at 10:30 am at the home of Patti and Ernie Thorne on 15 Fieldstone at $40.00 each. We are expecting another sell-out so come out to buy your tickets promptly…you don’t want to miss this fun night out! Anna Schaefer, Social Committee

Terry Fox Run

It was 26 summers ago that a young man from British Columbia captivated Toronto with his determination to find a cure for cancer. Since that time, over $360 million has been raised worldwide in Terry Fox’s name.

The annual Terry Fox Run will return to Etobicoke’s West Deane Park ( Martin Grove Rd., north of Rathburn) on Sunday, September 17^th from 9am to 1pm. Every Markland Wood resident is encouraged to participate in this non-competitive event. Run, walk, bike, wheel, or roll any portion of a 10 km route through the park. There will be lots of fun for all ages, including Re/Max hot air balloon rides, bouncy castles and face painting, post-run massages from Sutherland Chan, cheerleaders from Toronto Power Cheer, music by “Erin Ford & the Good Life” and Wendell Ferguson, a silent auction, M&M Meat Shops BBQ, Golden Griddle pancakes, a dedication tree, and more!

Please help to raise funds for cancer research and to honour the memory of Terry Fox, a truly great Canadian. Pledge forms are available at www.terryfoxrun.org. Donations will also be accepted at the run site. For more information, including how to participate as a team, please feel free to contact Sheila Sprenger, the Run organizer, at (416) 620-1682 or by email at s.sprenger@rogers.com.

Don’t forget our own website at: www.Marklandwood.org

President’s Update

Well, hello Markland Wood. I hope that you all had a great summer. Is it just me, or are the summers going by quicker every year? It was a little over 4 years ago that our family moved into the neighborhood. We purchased the home of the outgoing President of the Association, Rose Kurak and her husband Ed. And here I am 4 years later! Apparently there is something in the water at 102 Mill Rd. I became involved in the MHA, soon after arriving in the area, because it was the strong sense of community, and the different MHA-sponsored events that played a big part in our decision to buy a house here. I am joined this year on the executive by your new VP, Anna Schaefer, the new Secretary, Romeo Sinopoli, and returning Treasurer, Gerard Betsch. I take comfort, knowing that I have such hardworking, dedicated people working with me this year. And that includes all of the other directors and associate directors.

The first thing I would like to do as the new President of the MHA is to personally thank all of the directors, associate directors, and other residents of Markland Wood (and some who live outside of our boundaries), for all of their hard work on behalf of the community. I have said it before, but you would be very hard pressed to find a more active and involved Homes Association and neighborhood in the greater GTA (confirmed to us by Mayor Miller – see below). I will single out one person for a special thank you. Patrick Clifford has handled the President’s duties for the last 4 years, during which the MHA has grown much stronger, not only in membership, but also in the breadth of activities in which we are involved. Each and every resident in Markland Wood owes Patrick a debt of gratitude for his selfless work.

One of the things that I hope to institute this year is a “Markland Wood’s Finest” column in the Marklander. I would like to hear from you regarding any resident of Markland Wood who deserves special recognition. Please submit your nomination to me by email to president@marklandwood.org. I will form a small sub-committee to decide on 1 or 2 “winners” each month, and they will get their photo and a brief description in the Marklander. If I don’t hear from anyone, then I will have to come up with a nominee, so please get in touch. Since this is a brand new initiative, I get to make the first selection, and I nominate Patrick Clifford as the first of Markland Wood’s Finest!

Please support our advertisers. They allow this publication to continue – and I know that, if nothing else, the Marklander is valued by many residents. There was some worry that with the web site up and running we would cut back on, or eliminate the newsletter. Rest assured, this will not happen.

Please consider volunteering your time to one of our activities or committees. We can always use the input of new directors or associate directors. But it isn’t necessary to join the Board, to become involved. We have many residents who choose to get involved in one initiative that interests them. Unfortunately we can only do so much as volunteers, with families etc. The more, the merrier!

We continue to monitor airport and local traffic issues, work closely with local politicians and other ratepayers groups, and expand our various committee projects, including Vandalism and Safety, Positively Promoting Markland, and Environmental. On that note, we are cautiously optimistic that the natural gas power plant, discussed often last year, will not go ahead in its proposed location. I will keep you posted.

I hope that everyone had a great time at our first Annual Family Fun Day in August. This affair was successful beyond my wildest expectations! We had a number of hard-working volunteers working on the event, but I would like to single out Anna Schaefer for her efforts in pulling this all together. Anna is an event planner extraordinaire, who has lent her efforts to several community happenings. We estimate that 300 people came out to enjoy the music, food, games and to interact with their neighbours. A good time was had by all, and I even got to sit in with the band! For those of you who left early, you missed Mayor David Miller, who came in time to catch the last song, and pull the winner of the 50/50 draw. We will always try and continue to promote events that bring our neighborhood closer together.

The annual community garage sale in May was a roaring success. Our efforts to collect donations at the end of the day, were a little too successful. We had far more than the charity truck could possibly take. I would like to extend a big thank you to Trent and Anna Taylor, who live on Mill Rd. , across from the school. They graciously lent us their garage to store the excess goods, until the truck could return on Monday. I am proud to have neighbors like the Taylors !

It looks like the townhomes at Mill and Bloor will finally be getting under construction some time in September. Our Annual Social takes place September 29^th at the Markland Golf Club. See the cover for details. I highly recommend this event – it is LOTS of fun.

Until next month. Best regards, Greg Rohn

2006-2007 Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE:

PRESIDENT: Greg Rohn

VICE-PRESIDENT: Anna Schaefer

SECRETARY: Romeo Sinopoli

TREASURER: Gerard Betsch

DIRECTORS

Richard Boehnke

Brian Brennand

Patrick Clifford

Bob Cooke

Bev Evans

Michael Georgopoulos

Bo Lawrentiw

Graham Maguire

Paul Marano

Don Matheson

Tom Napier

Peter Sgro

Associate Directors

Stephen Blimkie, Helen Boehnke, Paul Cavanagh, Tamara Greene, Mary Lordan, Ian Sillars, Irene Sillars, Donna Sokic, MP (Pierina) Stokes, Anne-Marie Stoneburgh and Patti Thorne.

Canadian Food For Children and Markland Wood

When I agreed to take on the role of President of MHA, I decided that I wanted to use this modest platform, to do something good for the community and this world that we live in. I have known Dr. Andrew Simone for a number of years and I consider him a good friend and mentor. Dr. Simone, and his wife Joan, run Canadian Food for Children, a non-profit organization that collects donations to feed poor children throughout the world. Companies, requesting anonymity, send non-perishable goods that are not fit for resale in Canada (incorrect packaging etc.). Individuals, schools and churches, including some in our community, donate clothes, soap, money, or whatever they have to give. This is a true not-for-profit charity – 100% of donations make it to the people who need it most. This is not true with many of the charities who solicit your clothing, donations etc. Everyone who works for CFFC across the country, are volunteers. No money is used on fundraising or travel expenses, and all supplies are donated. The rent on the warehouse is paid for by a wealthy donor. They even re-use envelopes – you get the picture.

I have been to the warehouse a number of times and have seen the operation in action. I can state unequivocally that this has to be one of the best run charities out there, and it is one that I truly believe in. Dr. Simone personally visits the countries to make sure that the donations reach the people who need them most. He avoids corruption by only dealing with missionaries, regardless of religious affiliation, to receive and distribute the food and goods. Last year, CFFC shipped about eight million pounds of goods to 22 developing countries.

I encourage every resident of Markland Wood to visit the CFFC warehouse, located at 1258 Lakeshore Road East , Mississauga (just west of Dixie Rd. on the south side). The following is a list of staple items that are always needed: milk powder, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, pasta, flour, rice, canned fish, meats and other goods, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bags, school supplies (paper, pencils, pens, folders, writing tablets), linens, blankets, hand tools, candles, sewing & knitting supplies, playing cards, candy, and good quality clothing.

As my commitment to this initiative, I am willing to take donations at my residence ( 102 Mill Road ), in order to make it easy for everyone. However, I still recommend a visit to the warehouse, so you can see for yourself. Please call me if you have something to donate – I will even pick up, if you are unable to drop something off. PLEASE, ONLY QUALITY USABLE ITEMS FROM THE ABOVE LIST I will be very disappointed if people use this as an opportunity to dump their garbage, as some did at the last garage sale.

So, next time you have a bag of used clothing or other useful items, please consider dropping it off at the CFFC warehouse, or at my home. This is one time that 100% of your donation will go to the people who need it! Markland Wood has proven consistently, that it is a generous caring community. Please continue this tradition.

Best regards, Greg Rohn

First Annual Markland Family Fun Day-A Great Success!

On Saturday, August 12^th, your Markland Homes Association presented the community's first Annual Family Fun Day. Marklanders came out in full force under beautiful sunny skies to enjoy great food, live music and lots of games and activities for the kids. It was hoped that planning this day for our familys to spend time together in our local community would start a new Markland Wood tradition, and judging from the response and the great time everybody had, Markland Wood's Family Fun Day will become an annual event! We estimate that over 300 people showed up at Millwood School between 11 and 3, including visits by Borys Wrzesnewskyj and Mayor David Miller! Mayor Miller announced the winner of the day's 50/50 Draw Prize, and warmly acknowledged Markland Wood as a very special community. After accepting a hat, with Markland Wood's new "Circle of Friends" logo, from new MHA President (and bongo master!) Greg Rohn, he complemented the Markland Homes Association on being one of the most active and organized ratepayer's associations in Toronto . Money raised, as a result of Family Fun Day, will go towards funding some of the MHA's upcoming initiatives.

Putting together the Family Fun Day required a tremendous amount of planning and organization in advance. We are very grateful to Anna Schaefer, VP of MHA, who pulled it all together, and to the many MHA directors, volunteers, and residents, who pitched in to help make it such a success! We would also like to thank the following sponsors, who kindly contributed products and services. We truly appreciate their support, and couldn't have done it without them! We apologize if we have left anyone out.

Adrian Greenaway and Jamie Bonk's Band

Bruno's

Bloor Business Services

Future Bakery

Karen Henderson

Kisko

Liz Grigg

M&M's at Six Points

The Market Spot

McDonald's on Mill Road

Millwood School

Plain and Simple

Toronto Police Traffic Services

Toronto Firefighter's Association

Please mark your 2007 calendars for Saturday, August 11th and plan to bring the family out to join us for our second Annual Family Fun Day. You don't want to miss it!

Bev Evans, MHA Director

Positively Promoting Markland Committee

We Marklanders have a natural treasure in our midst; a rare remaining piece of natural forest in Etobicoke.

Where? The forest at the north end of Millwood Park . What makes it so unique? Well, just ask Vojka Miladinovic, Urban Forestry Planner with the Parks, Forestry & Recreation department at the City of Toronto .

She studied the park in the spring of this year and was enthused by what she saw. “What you have here is a forested natural area, which is quite uncommon within the City of Toronto ”. I see trees here which are scarce and, in some cases, quite extraordinary in size. For example, the burr oak tree at the edge of the forest near the ball diamond measures 116 centimetres in diameter.”

The large trees go back to the will of Newman Silverthorn, who owned nearly 1,000 acres, including the 400 acres that comprise today’s Markland Wood. Newman loved the forested area, which exceeded 100 acres, and was well ahead of his time in his desire to leave some areas entirely natural.

Newman passed on in 1918. He left the farm to future generations:

“with the right to cut down all dead standing trees thereon and to convert the same and all fallen timber thereon to his own use, but he shall not fell or destroy any live timber thereon except where it may be necessary to open any road or roads on or through the same.”

Due to Newman’s desire to see the forest stay natural, wildlife, trees and flowers flourished. When Marc Cavotti bought the land in 1958, with the intention of building homes, some local residents feared the loss of wildlife and wrote to local papers. One such article was written by Mary C. A. Finch. A brief extract follows:

“In these woods, great grey beech trees tower over slender maples. Hemlock, pine and spruce drop their aromatic cones to the thick brown leaf carpet. Giant elms spread their fanlike branches, on which enormous crows’ nests rest.

In these woods, a rosepink covering of spring beauty appears each spring. Blue, white and pink hepaticas peep through brown leaves: the pure white bloodroot and wild columbine cluster here and there: hundreds of jack-in-the-pulpits and myriads of white trilliums bloom in May and June. Here I find marsh marigolds, purple, white and yellow violets, wild phlox….”

Unfortunately, the remaining forest is quite small. Moreover, it is being ‘invaded’ by non-native trees and shrubs, which encroach deeper and deeper into the natural forest each year.

The City plans to do something about this. Plans call for non-native trees and shrubs to be removed and small native trees (whip-size) to be planted in openings over this growing season and next.

Please do your part to help preserve this rare piece of forest. When you walk through, please stay on the paths. Take your children through and let them know how special this place is, and that it is theirs to care for and their children’s as well.

Your Association is exploring additional ways of cherishing this space. We hope to have this area formally recognized as a “Cultural Heritage Landscape” by the City, with signs at each entranceway to the forest. We will keep you posted on our progress.

Webmaster’s Report

I hope everyone had a great summer. I wanted to give you an update as to your http://www.marklandwood.org website. Currently we are running at approximately 60% of our allotted memory, so I have to be careful as to what can be kept on hand and I may have to delete the photo page soon. If you haven’t had the chance to download the photographs taken during the 2005/6 events, this may be you last chance to do so. Please go to http://www.marklandwood.org/zip/mha_photos.htm to download these photographs.

Traffic (visitors) on the website was down considerably over the holidays, but this was to be expected. Our busiest month for website hits (visitors or browsers) was in May, where we had almost twice the amount of bandwidth (memory allocated to visitors to the website) as we had in June, July and August. I hope this trend does not continue, so please make your community website your home page.

Just to let you know, if you search for Markland Wood on Google.com, Yahoo.com and MSN.com, our website was listed on top. It is very interesting to see all of the other Markland websites listed as well. It’s nice to finish in first place sometimes.

Recently, Greg Rohn forwarded an email to me from a new resident whose family will be moving to Markland Wood in September. They found the website very helpful. Unfortunately, I found a hole in the website’s armour. Our new neighbour needs a babysitter or childcare service for their children. Thus, I was wondering if a web page should be set up to list those that provide this service, whether individuals or companies. I am not exactly sure what the list should look like, but I have found out, from one of our Trustees, that it would be a great service to many local communities. This issue will be open for discussion at the next MHA meeting, so please send your comments to webmaster@marklandwood.org or even better, please participate in the discussion and join us at the next meeting at the Etobicoke Civic Centre on Monday September 11 @ 7:30 p.m..

Over the summer, a few “News From Markland Wood” email broadcasts were sent out. If you have not registered, please do so by sending an email to news@marklandwood.org. If you received your email, please let us know if you like the format and if there is anything you would like to change or add to the email broadcast system.

Kindest Regards, MHA Webmaster

School News

Silverthorn Collegiate

School is Back in Session

Sasi Vinayagamoorthy

As a new school year begins, Silverthorn is preparing to make the upcoming year as memorable as the previous one.

The school will start the year with two significant changes. With vice-principal, Mr. Siddiq, moving on to Thistletown Collegiate Institute, Silverthorn will welcome Mr. Shoss to the administrative team. Secondly, students will be pleased to learn that they can, starting this school year, expect to have a late start every Wednesday.

Registration occurs in late August and early September; the first full day of classes is shortly after on Wednesday, September 6^th. Photo Day is the following Thursday, September 14^th.

The much-anticipated Grade Nine Dance occurs on the following day, September 15^th. This will give newcomers to Silverthorn an opportunity to become familiar with their classmates.

From September 18^th to September 22^nd, a large number of S.C.I.’s students will participate in a leadership camp designed for the tenth graders. Grade eleven and twelve leaders and executive members are currently preparing for this event which is often described as a highlight of life at Silverthorn.

Near the end of the month, on September 28^th, parents of ninth grade students will be able to attend Grade Nine Curriculum Night in which they will be introduced to grade nine courses, extracurricular activities, and much more.

Evidently, the year is off to a good start!

Church News

Bloordale United Church

4258 Bloor St. West . Etobicoke , Ontario , M9C 1Z7 621-1710

Morning services at 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Stephen Iverson 621-1710

Call Sylvia Szot 626-2424 for BUC Juniors Club information

Check out our NEW website: www.bloordale.ca

St. Clement Church

Saturday: 4:45 p.m.

Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Confession

Saturday: 9:30-10:00 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Renforth Baptist Church
627 Burnhamthorpe Road . M9C 2Y9, 621-1990
Sunday services at 10:30 a.m.

PASTOR - Rev. Godfrey Green

St. James United Church

400 Burnhamthorpe Road .

Just east of Hwy 427 at The East Mall.

Sunday service: 10:30 a.m. with inspirational music by award-winning choirs.

Challenging sermons, children's stories and hymns. Nursery care available.

The Church of Christ the King

475 Rathburn Road , Etobicoke. 621-3630

Just West of Hwy. 427

Regular service times:

Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday: 10:30 a.m.

Also check us out on our website:

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

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church

3962 Bloor St. W. Etobicoke
416-231-4014 office@saintmatts.ca
Services: Sundays at 8 and 10 a.m.
Children's Program and Nursery at 10 a.m.
Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. (BCP). For more information please call the church office.

St. Philip's Lutheran Church

61 West Deane Park Drive

Etobicoke , M9B 2S1

(near Rathburn and The East Mall)

Phone: 622-5577

Web: www.stphilipslutherantoronto.com

Pastor: Doug Kramer

Pastoral Intern: Gloria Ryder

Director of Children's & Youth Ministry:

Steve Elshaw

Director of Music: Paul Wisniewski

Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m.

Sunday School: 11:00 a.m.

Sun. Sept. 10: Fall Barbeque on the church lawn at 11:30 am.. Everyone welcome

Sun. Sept. 24: 10:00 a.m. Focus on Parish Nursing

New members are welcome to join our Music Ministry.

We offer Adult Vocal Choir, Junior Vocal Choir and Handbell Choir.

People and Places

At our recent Markland Wood Garage Sale, I set up a table with a sign that read,

“This is an “Honour Table”. If you see something you can use, you are welcome to take it. All I ask is that you make a small donation for the Etobicoke Humane Society. I will match whatever the table earns. Last year’s table generated $40. We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

As a result I was able to donate $150. The table earned $69.

From a Markland Wood animal lover.

Want to help make Bloordale Park more fun?

Bloordale Park is located behind Bloordale United Church next to the tennis courts. The park is in a great location off the Renforth Creek path, but is in need of some TLC. If you are interested in learning more or helping out, join us for an open house/information meeting on Wednesday, Sept 20th at 8:00 p.m. at Timothy's cafe on Bloor and The West Mall or contact Danielle Everleigh at 626 9567.

It's back -CHALK AND CHOCOLATE from Creative Arts Studios!!

Explore your artistic talent in a small group followed by chocolate treats and discussion. Graphite pencils, and conte chalks are used to create Still Life and Figures.

We begin classes with guided imagery, relaxation techniques, then drawing from October 3 to October 31 - 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Materials and handouts are provided in cost).

Karen Henderson has been an Occupational Therapist BSc.OT., MEd. for the past 30 years, a life long artist, traveller, a teacher and she has studied at the OCAD.

She has had two shows at the Neilson Art Centre – “SHOW of HANDS”- portraits, nudes and hands and “from EYE TO HAND” -Photographs of Egypt , Israel and Italy . She has also shown at the University Women's clubs .She and her family have been residents of Markland Wood for 25 Years .

Enrollment is limited, so call soon: 621-9888.

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 7:30 p.m. at Kingsway Lambton United Church , 85 The Kingsway. For further information call Joanne Longo 255-9032.

Parenting and Family Literacy Centre

The Parenting and Family Literacy Centre at Eatonville School is runs from Mondays – Thursdays, 8:45 - 1:45. We are a drop in centre where you stay and play with your child. It is a free service run by the Toronto District School Board. Come and play, paint, dress-up, read books and participate in our story and music time! We are open when the school is open. (unfortunately not March break or summer).
Ruth Schefter, Instructor.

The Neilson Park Creative Centre

56 Neilson Drive , Etobicoke ON M9C 1V7

Information: 622-5294

Open: Mon-Sat, 9-3 p.m.

Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Wheelchair accessible. Free admission and parking.

www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com

Email: info@neilsonparkcreativecentre.com

MARKLANDER STAFF

President: Greg Rohn

Editor: Graham Maguire

Advertising: Brian Brennand

Photographer: Tom Napier

Distribution: Richard Boehnke

Creative & Design: BBS Printing & Graphics 231-3693

Printing: BBS Printing & Signs 231-3693

Anna’s Recipes

Back to school, back to work; September is definitely back to reality! The summer was wonderful, but I find that, as I get older, it just goes faster and faster. This month’s recipe is a little “pick-me-up” to help you all get started with the new school year.

Tiramisu

2 cups espresso coffee

1/3 cup sweet Italian vermouth

40 Italian “Savoiardi” Lady Finger cookies

500 grams Mascarpone cream cheese

5 eggs

5 tbsps sugar

Bittersweet chocolate for shaving

Separate the yolks from the whites into two different mixing bowls. In the bowl with the yolks, add sugar, and beat yolk mixture with an electric mixer until consistency is creamy. Add mascarpone cheese and mix thoroughly. In the other bowl, beat egg whites until they turn into fluffy white peaks. Carefully fold white peaks into the creamy yolk mixture. In another bowl, mix together espresso and vermouth. Dip the cookies in coffee mixture for a few seconds, making sure they are wet outside but still somewhat dry in the middle. Arrange dipped cookies in one tightly-packed layer on the bottom of a cake pan. Pour ½ of the cream on top of the cookies and spread evenly. Add a second layer of soaked lady fingers, then evenly spread the remaining cream on top. Plastic wrap the cake pan and leave tiramisu in the fridge for 4 hours.