Vol. 41
No. 5 May 2004
President’s
Update Greetings
! The community is alive and
well as evidenced by the turnout for the Renforth Creek cleanup, which
occurred on Saturday April 24th. Amazing to see what can be done in
the matter of a few hours with the help of a number of residents, some
planning, a couple of golf carts and a little help from the City, in supplying
the bags and providing for their pickup. Those of you who may have seen the
refuse collecting in this creek at different spots will be happy to see the
area, below Burnhamthorpe by the plaza, along the walk path through the
neighbourhood and along Neilson until you get to Dundas, to be much
improved. A special thanks goes to Richard Boehnke, a long time director
of the Markland Homes Association (MHA), for organizing this and, along with
the help of other directors, making this a very successful community effort.
This is something tangible which benefits us all. Well done, Richard! The other project, entitled “Stewardship of the
Etobicoke Creek”, is still in the planning stage and involves coordination
with other homeowner and ratepayer associations along the Creek. However, our
“portion” of the Creek will likely be a Markland Wood effort and, in
addition to clean up, will involve planting and layout along the stretch that
runs along the Markland Wood border. There should be more to report to you
next month, but in the meantime those of you who would like to be involved
with the direction this takes should get in touch with director, Richard
Boehnke. Like the Renforth Creek clean up, this is a project, which should
attract many different members of the Markland Wood community, young and old
alike, who care about the environment and the appearance of their
surroundings. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the topic of
vandalism, which has been raised by some members of the community and we will
be discussing it at an upcoming meeting.
I will have more to say on this next month. We are
still monitoring, as likely you are, the impending call for a federal
election. We are getting prepared to organize a local debate in the area, as
soon as it is called. One way of informing everyone of events such as a
candidates debate will be to post it on our soon to be launched website. Some
of our directors, with the help of a local resident, have been working to
develop this. I will have more to report on this next month.
It is with sadness I note the passing of Richard Gole
here within the last couple of weeks. Richard
was a resident of Golf Valley Lane and a long time director and volunteer of
his time for the MHA. I met Richard when I first came to the MHA to join a
subcommittee, which was dealing with the new airport runway over part of
Markland Wood. True to his engineering background, he supplied us with all
kinds of data covering noise, engines, flight paths, etc.
Years earlier, he was involved for the MHA, when McDonalds moved into
the Markland Plaza. He worked with them to design a ventilation system that
would vent directly up as opposed to at street level, to mitigate fumes.
Apparently, it is a system that other McDonalds have copied and use today. Our
condolences go out to Helen and his family. We will miss him.
Best regards, Patrick Clifford President, Markland Homes Association Renforth
Creek Clean-up 2004: a huge community success To say
that the Markland Wood community response to cleaning up our Renforth Creek
was a success is a major understatement. On behalf of the Executive of the
Markland Homes Association we thank the many people who came out, including 20
or more scouts from our local 401st Scout Group. It was
overwhelming! We knew Marklanders have good spirit, but the enthusiasm was
amazing. People came as families, as couples and as groups of teenagers. All
ages worked together to really get at the necessary mud work. It was a major
inspiration to all of us. We
easily filled a garbage truck with the strangest collection of trash. Building
material, springs, metal parts, mattresses, sleeping bags and bicycle wheels -
there was quite the collection to cart away by 2:30 p. m. Thanks
to everyone who came and a hug to Bev McHenry for gathering so many people.
More thanks to Caravetta Food Market for their support, and a particularly big
thank you to the Markland Wood Golf and Country Club for making Chris
available with two golf carts complete with trailers.
Let's not forget the good work of the City crews who just kept loading
what we collected - it was great. For
everyone's information, we received a dozen "Thank You" quacks from
our Renforth
Creek ducks who really appreciated the work we did for them. Richard Boehnke 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, Anne-Marie Stoneburgh and Patti Thorne. Airport Noise Complaints: (416) 247-7682 From Tom’s Desk Clean as a
whistle! Congratulations Markland Wood, for your Toronto Clean Up efforts. And
what a great day for a clean up. We had the best weather that one could ask
for; sunshine and not too warm. Over 60 Marklanders showed up for the big
clean up of Renforth Creek. The groups split up and picked up the trash in the
creek, on the banks and in the park. Four big piles of garbage were collected.
You may have seen them on Neilson, Bloor, Toledo or at the back of Caravetta.
I didn’t have the opportunity to get over to the Millwood Park, but was told
that other Marklanders took the initiative to clean that park. I think that we
should make this an annual event. I want to
give my two cents worth with regard to the recent shooting at the California
Restaurant. If you have not heard or read about this incident, a young woman
was struck in the spine from a bullet that was fired in a “drive-by
shooting” while picking up her daughter’s dinner. This woman is the mother
of a sixteen-year-old special needs child. My hopes and prayers go out to this
recent victim of a crime heard about so often these days, “gunplay”. It
seems that our streets are becoming a firing range with the innocent falling
victim more and more. The only way that I know to stop this needless violence
is to have this issue a priority for the politicians. As the next federal
election (and it is the federal government that control and set the penalties
for gun crimes) draws near, please ask the candidates what they are going to
do to stop these acts. On a lighter note, I hope to see you all at the
Markland Wood Community Garage Sale on May 29. I will be out again to take
photos, so keep the best smiles for me. Thanks, Tom Napier, VP – MHA Email: tlcnapier1@aol.com Contact information for our elected representatives: Doug Holyday, City Councillor, Etobicoke Centre Tel:
416-392-4002 Email: councillor_holyday@toronto.ca Donna Cansfield, MPP Etobicoke Centre Tel: 416-234-2800 Email: dcansfield.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Constituency Office, Etobicoke Centre Federal Tel: 416-231-2301 Email: etobicoke-centre@rogers.com Other
important telephone numbers: 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/ 2003 Markland Wood Scholarship Awards….reminder
of deadlines May 31: deadline for receipt of (a) an essay and (b)
two letters of support. July 31: student’s letter of acceptance and
enrolment in an accredited Canadian University or Community College. All completed submissions should be forwarded to: The Markland Homes Association, PO Box 11, Station “A” Etobicoke, Ontario Attn: The Blinder for the Award Committee 401
Scouts For over
40 years the 401 Scouts have been a part of our Markland Wood community. This
year our activities included a trip to Fort Henry and the Trenton Aircraft
Museum, a visit by Reptilia House, as well as the usual training and
competition camps. Other activities included bowling, Whirly Ball, archery,
tobogganing and swimming. This summer we expect to again send a contingent for
an extended camp at the Haliburton Scout reserve. Over the
years the Group has been involved in various environmental projects, including
an annual clean up of a section of the Etobicoke creek (this year part of the
Toronto wide initiative). We also participate in the deliveries for the Star
Santa Box program. In order
to continue these activities we are currently seeking Group Committee members.
These adults provide administrative support to the Leaders of our Group as
they deliver programs to over 50 youth members. We urgently need a Group
Administrator, Treasurer and Secretary to assist us. Meeting once a month, the
Group Committee ensures the policies and procedures of Scouts Canada are
followed, while also ensuring the Leaders have the resources to conduct their
programs. No prior Scouting experience is required. With a
history dating back close to 100 years, Scouts Canada, the country's leading
youth organization, still offers fun and exciting outdoor adventure for youth
ages 5-26 in communities across Canada. Over 100,000 young people enjoy Scouts
Canada's programs, which are provided by 30,000 caring and dedicated
volunteers. If you can help in any way or would like more information, please
contact either Brad Canivet at 621-8756 or Marty Ross at 621-6931
Letter to the Editor My daughter
and I just finished participating in the community cleanup of the creek and
park from Bloordale church north to the Caravetta mall. It was an amazing
experience for all involved. The transformation from garbage-strewn fields and
creek beds to near pristine conditions was something to behold. A huge amount
of trash was collected by the 40-50 parents and children that pitched in to
this effort. It is time
for our schools to act decisively on this matter. Either make the students
clean up their mess on a regular basis by instituting a "clean up the
school yard" day, or ban students from eating snack foods outside during
recess. I would encourage all parents to talk to their schools about
instituting one of these options, both of which have worked successfully at
other schools. I, like all the others who reluctantly cleaned the Bloordale Vandalism at Neighbouring Schools At this time of the year, when they weather is getting
warmer, there seems to be an increase in acts of vandalism to the exterior of
our schools: increased writing on the walls; broken beer bottles; eggs
splattered on the walls. Not only does this create areas of concern around
safety, but it also adds to the expense of repair and cleaning, We are asking for the community’s help and support
in reporting any incidents of vandalism to 22 Division of the Toronto Police
Department (416-808-2222) or to the TDSB Security Centre (416-395-4620). It is important that we work together as a community
to maintain a safe environment for our children. Millwood staff and students. Deadline
for the June issue: Thurs May 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! School News Millwood Junior School The Fun Fair held on April 17 was a huge success
despite the April showers! There
was something for everyone to enjoy – games galore, crafts from recycled
materials, a jumping castle, loot bags, and a food stand that included bagels
‘n cream cheese, pizza from Milano’s, and a bake sale; not to mention face
painting and tattoos, a silent auction, door prizes raffled off every 20
minutes and ongoing performances by Circus Jonathan, an amazing unicyclist,
juggler and performer extraordinaire. The cakewalk proved to be one of the
most popular events with over a hundred cakes being awarded to the winners. Our thanks go out to all the parents, staff, and students
from Bloordale and Silverthorn who came out and volunteered their time.
It couldn’t have happened without you! The Millwood Olympics took place on May 4 at
Centennial Park Stadium. Students
were bussed out for the day to enjoy the opening ceremonies and participate as
athletes in various track and field events.
As far as medal placements go, everyone was a winner that day! Education Week took place May 3 – 7 during which
many special events took place. In addition to the Millwood Olympics held that
week, kindergarten registration took place and the Choral Singing Concert was
held much to the delight of many. The project, under the direction of Madame
Hanson, has made many trips over the course of the last few months to
Silverthorn Collegiate, where our students took part in rehearsals with
students from various other schools. Singing
in harmony with so many others is an experience they will always remember. Mrs. Pollock has left for maternity leave and we are
anticipating her announcement of a healthy baby boy OR girl. Welcome Mrs. Davy
back to Millwood. Grade 3 EQAO testing is also taking place this month.
Millwood has always exceeded the provincial average, of which the
school is very proud. Classes from Kindergarten to grade 3 have been
participating in the Blue Spruce Reading Program, reading the ten best picture
books for 2004 chosen by teachers and librarians across Ontario.
Students will be voting on their favourite book and author.
The Silver Birch Club, a reading club for Grade 4 and 5, is in the
midst of voting for their favourite Canadian author and book.
Room 10 and 22 made a trip to the Centennial
Greenhouse as artists-in-residence, sketching their favourite plants and
flowers. This is part of an art
unit focusing on the renowned artist, Georgia O’Keefe. The Dance-a-Thon is scheduled for June 10 so if you
catch a glimpse of 600 students dancing out on the school grounds along with
all the Millwood staff, consider it another exciting day at Millwood. Larissa Bayrachny Silverthorn Collegiate Institute
At the beginning of April, SCI participated in World
Vision’s 30-hour famine. Students fasted for 30 hours to raise money for
needy people around the world. SAC and LIGHT organized a sleepover at the
school. We played sports, watched TV and played cards to pass the time. It was
a huge success and we raised over $1,500 for this worthy cause! The infamous
“Camp Medeba” grade 10 leadership camp takes place May 5-8. It gives grade
10s a chance to participate in a wide variety of activities, organized by
senior leaders at SCI to build leadership and teamwork skills. This camp is
the most fun you’ll have in high school. At the end
of May, the SAC will be organizing a Carnival to carry on the tradition from
last year. I’m sure students are hoping they’ll be another dunk tank,
because who wouldn’t want to dunk their calculus teacher?!
The next
School Council meeting, on May 20th, is in SCI’s library and all
parents are welcome. This will be the last meeting for this school year and
the agenda will include issues relevant to planning next year. Also, on May
27th, the music department will be putting on their Spring Concert
in our auditorium. The community is most welcome to enjoy this special
evening. You can buy tickets at the door. Valerie
Foulkes Church News Bloordale
United Church 4258 Bloor St. West. Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 1Z7
621-1710 Morning
services at 10:30 a.m. Youth/Young Adult Singers & Musicians St. Clement Catholic Church The St.
Clement Catholic Church, part of the Markland Wood community for almost 40
years, will be taking orders for flats of garden flowers and hanging baskets,
with delivery in time for the May long weekend. Both the quality and the price
are excellent.
Net proceeds from this sale will benefit ShareLife, a Catholic
charity reaching out to many less fortunate in our community. The elderly, the
deaf, victims of abuse, street kids and the mentally ill are just a few of the
many 100,000 people benefiting from one of the 34 ShareLife agencies.
All ShareLife agencies share the Catholic tradition of serving the
community regardless of race, religion or culture. “The rich man is not one who is in possession of
much, but one who gives much” St. John Chrysostom For more
information on how to order the flowers, please contact the church office @
621-4060 RENFORTH BAPTIST CHURCH 621-1990 PASTOR -
Rev. Godfrey Green 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 MUSICALE FOR MOTHERS' DAY
on Sunday, May 9 at 2 p.m. One hour concert of beautiful music with the St.
James Chancel Choir, under the direction of Clive Dunstan, plus the renowned
Handbell Choir of Kingsway Baptist Church, under the direction of Mel Hurst.
Sacred music and lighter Broadway show tunes. Free will offering at the door. The
Church of Christ the King 475
Rathburn Road, Etobicoke Just
West of Hwy. 427 621-3630
M.M.P.
1st and 3rd Sunday Communion
2nd and 4th Sunday May 29:
The Burlington Male Welsh Choir at 7:00 p.m. Tickets
are $12 per person Our last
Gathering West before the summer break was May 2nd SORRY WE
MISSED YOU. See you
in September. Also
CHECK US OUT ON OUR WEB SITE 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 A Thank You to my neighbours Please send my heartfelt "Thank You" to
wonderful friends and neighbours for their support during the sad loss of my
wife Lucy, who passed away very suddenly on April 3rd. Ron Parsons Join the Markland Munchkins The
Markland Munchkins is a local co-op camp organized with fun in mind for
younger kids. In pairs, parents
take turns organizing simple, creative events in and around the neighbourhood.
It is a great way for the kids to make friends and to be busy.
In the past we have enjoyed events at Millwood Park, splash pads, and
Centennial Park. We have had
teddy bear picnic and adventures under the sea.
Another summer of Markland Munchkin events is currently in the planning
stages. If you would like to participate in this year’s fun, an
informal open house is being held at my house on Wednesday, May 19 from 7:30
pm to 9:00 pm. For more
information please call Christine Giorno at 416-626-8978. Welcome to the new Eatonville P.S. Parenting and
Family Literacy Centre 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). Next dates, May 18 and
June 1. Make a friend, bring a friend, be a friend. For more
information, call Karen Miteff at 621-2293. BRIDGE Markland
Wood Marathon Bridge Club is looking for new members for the
2004/2005 season. We have two groups: Mixed, one evening per month Ladies, two afternoons per month. The new season starts in September. For more
information, please contact Iris or Hugh
Van Melle at 626-3249. If you play bridge and you don’t have a partner, call
us anyway. We may be able to find a partner for you. The current season ends with
a banquet on Thursday May 20th at the Markland Wood Golf and
Country Club. Meet our members and join us for dinner.
The Neilson Park Creative Centre 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke ON M9C 1V7 10th
Annual ART IN
THE PARK Sunday,
June 6th Participate
in one of West Toronto’s biggest and best outdoor art events — a creative
showcase for artists, artisans and craftspeople, and a community festival with
music, refreshments, art demos, and much more Giant
Annual Book and Plant Sale Saturday May 15th, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. Thousands of books for sale at great prices in
every category imaginable. Books are sorted for easy browsing. Great plants for your house and garden. Annuals and perennials ready to plant and admire. Admission
fee: $1 or food bank donation In the
Galleries In the Main Gallery To May 16 “The Milkweed Art Show” New works in fabric art, installation, mixed media,
painting, photography, poetry and sculpture by the Milkweed Collective. In the Hall Gallery To May 9 The Wildfire Project a mixed media collaboration by the Milkweed Collective May
10-16 Examining Artwork in Depth featuring
the work of Etobicoke students participating in the Milkweed workshops. Reception,
sponsored by Arts Etobicoke: Friday, May 14 from 7-9 p.m. In the Main Gallery May 18 to June 6 Calligraphic Arts Guild of
Toronto 30th Anniversary Celebration An exhibition of artwork created by Guild Members over
the past 30 years In the Hall Gallery May 18 to June 6 “The Hook and Eye” Hand-hooked projects by the Heritage Rugcrafters of Etobicoke 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 Editor:
Graham Maguire Advertising:
Brian Brennand Photographer: Tom
Napier Distribution:
Richard Boehnke Setup
Spalding Creative |