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Vol. 40 No. 9 November 2003 ELECTION DAY MONDAY NOVEMBER 10 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ETOBICOKE CIVIC CENTRE 399 THE WEST MALL Candidates for Ward 3 councillor (in alphabetical order) Maurice Ferraro Doug Holiday Amber Saeed Ross Vaughan Make your vote count Airport Noise Complaints: (416) 247-7682 President's Update Greetings! In the hope that you have received this month’s Marklander on time, we are only days away from the municipal election, a very important election, affecting all of us. Having just been through the provincial election, Ontario voters made at least one thing abundantly clear. It is time for a change. Not only was the premier changed, but many incumbent MPP seats were changed as well. Whether you agreed with the result or not, it was refreshing to see the people act on their wishes and get out and vote. How fortunate we are to live in a country, where we have this ability. As we now prepare for the municipal elections, try not to get turned off or claim you’re tired of politics. This municipal election is even more important for us here in our little corner of the world – Markland Wood. Hopefully, many of you were able to attend the recent candidate debates, co-sponsored by the MHA, which gave us a chance to hear the candidates in person. Why should we care? We are no longer just Etobicoke. For better or for worse, we are now officially part of the City of Toronto. We were swept up in the megacity and, before we knew it, we had a new Mayor and one less councillor representing us. As part of the City of Toronto, we now have a vested interest in issues decided downtown at City Hall, and naturally want to make sure that Etobicoke is not adversely affected, but rather enhanced by these decisions. There are plusses and minuses to being part of the “megacity amalgamation”, but many have expressed their perception that the interests of Etobicoke are not being represented adequately or cared about downtown. Many do not feel a part of the decision-making process and, only through the media, learn of some deal, which has been struck behind closed doors The time for effective leadership of the former Etobicoke is now. During the past six years, Etobicoke has lost a part of its autonomy. However, we still contribute as much or more in taxes to the city. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that our interests be effectively put forward and that we in turn are informed of the results. Otherwise, the status quo will continue, our high tax dollars will continue to be taken, but our voices and concerns will be shelved at the back. If you look at some of what the “megacity” has produced over the past six years, this election could not come soon enough. The MFP computer scandal, the deal involving Union Station, the Official Plan for the City itself, the island airport, noise management at Pearson Airport and the list goes on. If you don’t know about some of these issues, you should, because your tax dollars are being used and you will be affected directly or indirectly by any number of these. Responsibility for these things rests with the entire City Council – from the mayor through every city councillor. One thing is certain; we will have a new mayor. Almost all of the candidates are new. Perhaps, as in the provincial election, the citizens of this city will vote for a clean slate. Not only will the mayor change, but perhaps the vast majority of councillors as well. It has been said that the only constant is change. Why should our elected representatives be immune from that. Your right to vote is precious. Exercise it. Take pride in and stick up for your community. Vote to make a difference, promote accountability and make your voice heard. Best regards. Patrick Clifford President, Markland Homes Association
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, From Tom’s Desk It
seems like such a long time ago, but I do have to thank Bev Evans, Diane
McLeod and the Markland Champaign Social volunteers for such a great evening
on September 26. I really had a great time. This event keeps on getting better
and better each year. I hope everyone that attended had as much fun as I had. We
are now in the process of having a new Ontario government assembled at
Queen’s Park. With only 52% of the eligible voters exercising their right to
vote, I feel somewhat disappointed. Voter apathy keeps growing in this
country. It is predicted that only 30%-40% will turn out for the upcoming
municipal election! The City of Toronto has set up advanced poles for your
convenience. The municipal level is the closest layer of governance to us. You
have the chance to directly influence how our police, roads, water, parks and
many other services are delivered. Please take the time to deliver your
message. Please vote on November 10. It is important and your vote does count. Update on the Asian Long horned Beetle Good
news! The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Toronto Forestry
Division considers the Asian Long horned Beetle (ALHB) to be contained.
Thistletown in North Etobicoke was the closest infestation site to Markland
Wood. I tip my hat to both organizations for their quick and thorough actions.
Parts of New York and Chicago have been devastated by this pest. You can read
more about the ALHB on the CFIA or Toronto.ca web sites. Thanks, Tom Napier VP-MHA One Markland Drive 416-622-9630 Important Contact Information: Street Lighting - 395-4448 Roads & Sidewalks - 394-8615 Traffic - 416-394-8453 Emergency Medical Services - 392-9833 Police
- 808-2200 911 – For Real Emergencies! Toronto Department Web Site: http://www.toronto.ca/departments/ Down to Earth Where
do the children play? Well I think it’s fine building Jumbo planes, or taking a ride on a cosmic train, switch on summer from a slot machine, yes get what you want to, if you want, ‘cause you can get anything. I know we’ve come a long way, we’re changing day to day, but tell me, where do the children play? Well you roll on roads over fresh green grass, for your lorry loads pumping petrol gas, and you make them long and you make them tough, but they just go on and on, and it seems that you can’t get off. Oh, I know we’ve come a long way, we’re changing day to day, but tell me, where do the children play? Well you’ve cracked the sky, scrapers fill the air, but will you keep on building higher ‘til there’s no more room up there. Will you make us laugh, will you make us cry, will you tell us when to live, will you tell us when to die. I know we’ve come a long way, we’re changing day to day, but tell me, where do the children play. Taken from Tea for Tillerman by
Cat Stevens (1970) . I’ve always loved Cat Stevens’ music, with his beautiful tunes and often moving lyrics. I recently revisited his work and was especially struck by the words of this song. Once again, as in the John Lennon song “Imagine”, you would do better to listen to the words as the music plays. And the question it poses is so crucial to our lives and the lives of our kids today…where do our children play? I still remember as a kid having so many things to do outside. I lived on the edge of a marsh, so there were no limits to the adventures that awaited, as I stepped out the front door to challenge the day. I try to imagine what awaits my son as he does the same today. The nearest play area is at Millwood and that consists of a very small and restrictive play set. He’s getting a little old for that. Let’s see, the Millwood Park? No, that’s taken up with baseball fields and the forest behind seems to offer little in the way of adventure. I remember walking a laneway beside Mudeford Bay, with a view of Hengistbury Head, where the Vikings Hengist and Horsa were reputed to have landed many centuries before (no doubt looking for a decent bed and breakfast place). My mother tells me that many of the small houses that back onto the laneway (formerly owned by fishermen) were now owned by outsiders and that the laneway had been made into a private road (Does that sound familiar?). The bay itself was a place to wade in as a small kid and later to swim in. Considering the quantity of broken bottles and old bicycles dumped in the water, I’m amazed we didn’t cut ourselves to ribbons. There were times when we got cuts, sometimes bad ones, but I don’t know anyone who died doing it. If the tide were low enough we would wade through the thick mud to the marsh side and walk for a mile or so until we reached the river. For part of the year the marsh was used to keep New Forest ponies, a wonderful small and very hardy horse. With horses came the inevitable foals and occasionally we would be lucky enough to watch a mother as it gave birth. The marshes would flood every day as the tide came in and sometimes, when the springtides were high, the water would come within a hundred feet of the house. The high areas in the marsh were home to countless rabbits and often residents would bring their Jack Russell terriers and let them do what they’re bred to do, go down rabbit holes and terrify and sometimes kill the furry creatures! There were no trees to speak of on the marshes; too wet and too salty, but the gorse bushes were everywhere, as well as huge blackberry bushes, laden with fruit, just waiting to be picked, for immediate consumption, or later in a pie. These were the same bushes that proved so inviting when, as cubs, we would play “capture the flag”. The only real danger during these games was of occasionally stepping into a large horse patty or, as dusk fell, stumbling into a muddy pool. The grass wasn’t cut with machines, just rabbits and horses. The ponds were not man-made, pleasingly designed shapes, but a result of the daily tide, that every day stranded a mixture of fresh and saltwater in low-lying areas. And there was real fishing, fresh and salt water, a short walk from the house. Now, if we wanted real excitement, there was a rubbish dump at the edge of the marsh and we would bring our air rifles and take potshots at the rats in the dump. Then we might decide to climb over the barbed wire into the municipal property and proceed to attempt an assault on the 5-story fire tower. This tower had a hole in the center of the floor on each level and I assume would have resulted in a nasty injury, had anyone fallen down it. No one did, of course, but if my Mum had found out what we were up to, my life would have been unceremoniously shortened. However, looking back, I’m quite sure that, like all mothers, she knew exactly what we were up to. The local playground wasn’t very busy, there was so much else to do elsewhere. There were trees to climb and did we ever climb them, right to the top. I still find it hard to resist when I see a classic “climber”, one of those trees with alternating branches all the way up. The playgrounds had swings with extremely long chains for extra high swinging. There was a seesaw and a strange double swing, which you stood on facing your “opponent” and then proceeded to swing in unison until you were both almost parallel to the ground. I’m not sure how many kids died on these contraptions, but I’m sure there were a few broken bones over the years. My point is that, “way back then”, we had so many things do outside and none involved adults. Admittedly, we had no TV, or computers or video games to distract us. I guess we had to do something to pass the time or die of boredom. But, when I look at some kids nowadays, they look as if they’re dying of boredom and they have all these things. We need to provide our kids with places to go where they can find some sense of adventure, and I don’t mean sending them to camp in summer. (From your editor who, once again,
concludes that you can never go home again!)
School News Millwood Junior School News By now, everyone is back into the swing of things and are used to their new routines. The Jogging Club is the newest club to start up at Millwood Junior School. The members, who are primarily in the Grade 4 and 5 classes, have collectively jogged a total of 37 kilometers for the month of September. It will be interesting to see how many kilometers it will be by June! Hot Meal Fridays have resumed and the Junior Choir has been practicing each week during lunch hour. We are all looking forward to hearing them perform under the direction of Ms. McWilliam, Ms. Parr and Madame Hanson on Remembrance Day. October 8 was International Walk to School Day and everyone was encouraged to walk to school, instead of driving their cars to drop off or pickup students. All those who walked to school not only got some additional exercise, but helped the environment as well! The Terry Fox Run took place on October 10, with all the Millwood students and teachers participating to raise funds for cancer research. The weather was wonderfully summer-like. This year, the school raised approximately $ 4,000. Way to go, Millwood! Students have been busy carving pumpkins and preparing their costumes, just in time for the Halloween Parade, which will be taking place at 1:00 p.m. on October 31. The princesses, witches, vampires and pirates, along with the rest of the entourage, may be passing your front door, so be on the lookout! After the parade, grandparents and special seniors are invited to stay for tea – we just hope they aren’t frightened off! The Operation Christmas Child shoebox program is back at Millwood. Students are given the opportunity to get into the spirit of giving, by filling empty shoeboxes with small gifts for children of all faiths, who have suffered because of war, natural disaster, poverty, illness or neglect. In the past, our students have proved to be very generous. Larissa
Bayrachny Silverthorn Collegiate Institute Commencement this year was held on October 9th, and had been planned well in advance, since it was the graduation of two classes, due to the double cohort. Over 200 grade 12 and OAC graduates from 2002-2003 returned to Silverthorn to receive their diplomas and awards. The auditorium was filled with supportive staff, family and friends to watch the graduates walk across Silverthorn’s stage for the very last time. Two sets of awards were given out, so that graduates from grade 12 and OAC were equally honoured. The two valedictorian speeches, one from each grade, were the finale of the evening. Among the special guests was school trustee Donna Cansfield, newly elected MPP. On a recent Friday afternoon, Silverthorn boys’ football had a double-header set of games against Richview. It was perfect weather for a fall classic match up of two archrivals. Students attended the games for $3 and were excused from class. Needless to say there was a great turnout of students and interested parents. Our newly formed Spirit Squad cheered as the seniors lost. However, the juniors won. Universities from all over Ontario and Canada have been visiting SCI, to inform students about their schools. Students need to sign up for these presentations in guidance. It’s a great opportunity to get an over-all picture of what each university is like and to ask important questions. On October 22nd and 23rd, all the grade 10s at SCI wrote the mandatory Ontario Literacy Test. They all need to pass this test in order to receive their diplomas when they graduate. They wrote the test on the mornings of those two days, while the other grades enjoyed a morning off. The first semester of school is half-over. Mid-term report cards went out on November 3rd, to give students an idea of how they’re doing so far. If their marks are unsatisfactory, graduating students still have plenty of time to bring them up, because no university will see their marks at this point. Parents’ night is on November 13th, at which time, parents have a chance to speak with the teachers and ask questions, if they have any concerns. Valerie
Foulkes Church News Bloordale United Church 4258 Bloor St. West. Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 1Z7 621-1710 Rev. Allan Baker provides our ministerial leadership
for November & December, while we await the ordination of our new Minister,
Reverend Stephen Iverson, who arrives in January. Please join us…for the joy of
it. 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. Special
Event: Toronto
Police Male Chorus in the Sanctuary of
Bloordale United Church on November 17th at 8:00 p.m. A great musical
entertainment. Tickets are $10.00 each and are available by calling Jackie @
416-239-9419. Tickets are also available after Church.
St. James United Church 400 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke (Just west of 427 on the south side of Burnhamthorpe Road.) 622-4113 Craft
Show: Saturday, November 8 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Admission $1:00 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. Starting November
2nd: Every 1st sunday of the month November 8:
Christmas Bazaar 9 a.m.- noon November 9: Brass
Rings Quintet in Concert 7:00 p.m. November 16: A.C.W.
Exchange Sermon by The Rev.
Chris Horn at the 10:30 a.m.
service
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 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 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. 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). November 4, 18 and December 2.
Make a friend, bring a friend, be a friend. For more information, call Karen
Miteff at 621-2293. The Neilson Park Creative Centre 56 Neilson Drive, Etobicoke ON M9C 1V7 Art & Craft Sale
Come to the 2003 Winter
Artfest where over 40 artists will present their creations in textile,
pottery, paintings, jewellery, woodwork and much more. This sale will be held
on Saturday, Nov. 22 (11:00a.m. to
5:00p.m.) and Sunday, Nov. 23 (11:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.) For more information call 622-5294. November 4- 23 In
the Hall Gallery: Humber
Valley Art Club Exhibition An annual exhibit of members’ work in oils, watercolours, fluid acrylics and other media. Call for entries 2004 Artists’ Choice WINTER EXHIBITION January 5-25, 2004 Open to all artists. Entry deadline December 15. 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 Janet’s Recipe CHEWY
CHOCOLATE-GINGER COOKIES 7oz semi-sweet chocolate 1½ cup plus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour 1¼ tsp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp cloves ¼ tsp nutmeg 1 tbsp cocoa powder 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 tbsp ginger (fresh, grated) ½ cup dark brown sugar ¼ cup molasses 1 tsp baking soda 1¼ tsp boiling water ¼ cup sugar Chop chocolate into chunks. In a medium bowl, sift flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cocoa. In a large bowl, beat butter and grated ginger until whitened, about 4 minutes. Add brown sugar and beat until combined. Add molasses and beat until combined. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in boiling water. Beat half of the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Beat in the baking soda mixture, then the remaining half of the flour mixture. Mix in the chocolate, turn onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat dough out to about 1 inch thickness, seal with wrap, refrigerate until firm (2 hrs). Heat oven to 325F. Roll dough into 1½ in. balls; place 2 in. apart on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate 20 min. Roll balls in sugar. Bake until surfaces crack slightly, 13-15 min. Let cool 5 min, before removing from tray. Community Classified Wanted: An old
reel to reel tape player. A 2-speed, 4-track reel to reel would be
preferable. Please call Angela at 695-8714. I’d be happy to buy it from you! Nanny For Hire: Loving,
experienced, live-out Nanny with car, available immediately. Excellent
references. Please call Michelle
at (905) 624-0521 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
Kid Sitters If you’re searching for a babysitter or two, then we’re the girls for you! We are three certified babysitting experts from Markland Wood, who will look after your children of any age. Depending on your needs, either one or two of us can babysit your children. We are responsible and trustworthy, and we hope you will call us next time you need help with your kids, your home, your plants, or your pets. We are Kathleen, 15; Melanie, 14; and Carolyne, 15. Call 620-4398 or 620-5740. For
Sale: Gameboy Advance, $75. Colour Gameboy adaptor. 30” round, floral
fabric-covered designer table, with glass top, $75.
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