The Marklander

Vol. 43 No. 10 October 2006

2006 Markland Wood Scholarship

Congratulations to the winner

Christopher Napier

The Markland Homes Association would like to invite all residents to an

event sponsored by The Islington Ratepayers' & Residents' Association:

Municipal Election Meeting

Wednesday, October 11^th, 7 - 9.30 p.m.

Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall

Programme:

7 - 8.15 p.m. Mayoralty Candidates David Miller & Jane Pitfield

(both have accepted)

8:15 - 9.30 p.m. Councillor Candidates in Wards 3, 4 & 5

(all 9 candidates have accepted)

Each candidate will speak for a maximum of 5 minutes

and then answer questions from the floor.

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

President’s Update

Well, it didn't take long for the Fall weather to settle in! I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving - try not to eat too much! This is a time to reflect and give thanks for all that we have. When you consider what is happening around the world these days, we are very fortunate to be living in Markland Wood. By the time this reaches you, the Marklandtini Social will have come and gone. Look for a review in the next issue. I am sure that fun was had by all. October also means Halloween. Remember that the kids will be very excited - please be careful and watch out for them.

Let me start off this issue by making a request. Please visit our web site www.marklandwood.org and register your email address for News Updates. There is no better or more efficient way for us to get important information out to you. We will not share your email address with anyone else, and we promise not to inundate you with emails. This is important!

I would like to begin this update by congratulating Christopher Napier, our lone Scholarship winner for this year. Christopher is off to the University of Guelph , studying Biochemistry, with a goal of entering Pharmaceutical Research. We will be presenting Chris with his $1000 prize, which he plans to use towards text books, lab notes, a Molecular Model kit and an "over-priced" lab coat. Unfortunately, we only had one applicant this year! Yes you read that right. There was another $1000 waiting for some Markland Wood resident to claim, but no one else took the time to apply. We are reviewing the Scholarship process to see how we can improve it for next year. It was decided at September’s MHA meeting that we want to continue with this program, but it may need some "tweaking" and maybe more promotion. I want to reiterate that this scholarship is rewarded, based on community service and acceptance at a University or College - it is not strictly an academic achievement award. It is very winnable and accessible, and was certainly an opportunity missed this past year. Congratulations Christopher - job well done!

Your MHA has kickstarted the 2006/2007 year and we should soon have updates from the various committees on their projects for the coming year, as they all get going again. One of the main programs that we started last year was the Crime / Safety initiative. We struck four sub committees: Millwood Forest , the McDonald's mall, St. Clement School and an At Large group. The At Large committee has already put on one seminar on street safety for girls and young women, and is planning two more, on Elder Abuse and Bullying. We continue to communicate with the owner of the Mall, but are meeting

resistance to the idea of installing better lighting and signage. St. Clement School has been very cooperative, but there continues to be incidences of graffiti and broken glass. I am happy to report that one of our biggest problem areas last summer, partying in Millwood Forest , seems to have been curtailed this summer, although we are getting reports of this same problem in the Renforth Creek area. There also continue to be reports of egging, paint pellets, graffiti and vandalism. Our main message is to remain vigilant and report ALL incidences to the Police. I cannot stress this last point enough.

As for community improvements, we will soon have a second "Welcome to Markland Wood" sign, this one on Bloor Street, at the west end of our neighborhood. Also, I never realized what a true gem we have in the little forest in Millwood Park . Please read Bob Cooke's article, which should give you a greater appreciation. Stay tuned for some big plans for the park.

I have had several requests for information on child care and baby-sitting services in Markland Wood. As a parent of two young children, I know how real an issue this can be. We do have ads in The Marklander from time to time, and we hope to utilize the web site to add an area for these services. Last issue, I instituted a new feature in The Marklander - "Markland Wood's Finest". I have to apologize to the first recipient, Patrick Clifford, as his photo was omitted by mistake. Anyway, you have seen it regularly over

the last 4 years of his term as President. Please don't forget to send in your nominations - anyone in Markland Wood, who has reached a significant achievement or given back to the community, qualifies. See below for this month’s "winner", Stu McNair. There is a new feature that we would like to add to the Marklander - births / deaths / new arrivals. Last year I wrote a piece after attending the funeral of a young Markland Wood resident. While the response was overwhelmingly positive, there was some negative response along the lines of why would we single out one person, when there were many other loved ones of local residents who have passed away. I have no problem personally defending my article, but I also feel that your newsletter should be a place to commemorate the birth or death, or even the arrival of a new resident. We will not be searching out these people. It will be up to you to send in a brief biography and photo, if desired. Please remember that The Marklander is always looking for articles from residents.

This month the Directors will begin knocking on all of the doors in Markland Wood to collect the annual dues of $10. When you consider all that the Association does, this has to be one of the best bargains around. We look forward to meeting you - it is a great experience. Please have the correct change ready by the door if possible. Feel free to talk to us about any concerns or suggestions you may have. This is a great opportunity for us to get some feedback. Thank you in advance for your support and see you at the door!

Canadian Food for Children and Markland Wood

As mentioned in the September issue, I will be collecting items for this charity throughout the year. 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. Please call me at 626-0562, 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 list published in the September issue. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Best regards, Greg Rohn

President MHA

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

Associate Directors

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

Markland Wood’s Finest

Stu McNair

Long time resident Stu McNair first called Markland Wood his home in the summer of 1973. Stu and his wife Irene moved onto Stoneglen, where they raised their daughter Trisha for over 16 years, but decided to move in 1989. However, they didn’t move far. They packed up and paid for a short move to Broadfield Drive , still in Markland Wood, and still their home.

Stu has always been very active with his neighbours, the community and is dedicated to his church family at Bloordale United Church .

He was an active Director with the Markland Homes Association in the late 70s for 9 years. Then, after a short absence, returned to the board again in the mid 90s, serving for many more years. For those of you that know him as your neighbour, many others will know him for his tireless contribution as the “Man in the Red Suit” at our annual Christmas Caravan. Stu has played the part for over 15 years with great enthusiasm and cheer. During all those years he has tried to never miss a young face in the front door or window. Always a hug and a treat.

Stu and his family joined Bloordale United Church in 1975 and he continues to sit on several committees and even sings in the Choir. You can’t mistake his voice on the street, or in the choir. Part of his church life has been his involvement with the “Hustlers Young Men’s Bible Class” since 1955 and currently as acting President.

Stu is a big man with a big heart. “Thanks for your many contributions and your many years in the community”.

Marty Ross

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.

Millwood Forest/Solar Pavilion……future plans?

We are looking into the idea of a community pavilion at Millwood Park (exploratory stage only) and need someone to help us do up a sketch, a rough design to help us get started. If you have design skills or an architectural background and would like to help, please contact Bob Cooke at 695-1224.

Rant………..

Your child tells you they want a dog. You understand that it’s a lot of work; they need to be groomed, washed, fed and walked. You dread walking them at 6:00 a.m. on a cold January morning so they can go to the bathroom. First, you get your child a goldfish, not too much work involved in a goldfish. Then, after a while, they still want a dog. Sooner or later, you give-in and get a cute little puppy. Its fun for a while, but eventually the novelty wears off. Now, you are the one who is in love with the dog; you care for it and take it for several walks daily. Now your child is older and occasionally takes the dog for the walk. Here’s the problem. Your child doesn’t want to walk or be seen with a plastic bag for picking up after the dog does its business. The dog poos on the neighbour’s lawn, and the neighbour has to clean it up when mowing the lawn, or you go for a walk and see droppings every few yards, as your child tried to drag the dog home while it was doing its business. All the times I cut my front lawn this year, on only two occasions was my lawn free from poo. It makes great fertilizer and doesn’t bother some, but children playing and walking to school are different. They will step right in it. That child, who always wanted a dog, now has lasting memories as they walk into the classroom. Remember, whether walking your dog in our beautiful neighbourhood or somewhere else; bring a plastic bag to pickup after your dog.

Webmaster’s Report

I hope everyone had a great summer. I wanted to give you an update on your website, www.marklandwood.org. 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 or 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 . 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

St. Clement Catholic School

Every new school year is filled with excitement, challenges, and quite likely a few surprises. St. Clement Student Editors thought it would be a good idea to start our year off right by mentioning and celebrating our school community in the Marklander.

Recently, our St. Clement grade 8 students assisted with the St. Clement Mass of the Annointing for the Sick on Wednesday, September 20^th. They helped out with the luncheon by serving food to the parishioners. Thank you to the readers, greeters, presenters of the gifts, altar servers, and the students holding the oil for the sick

Upcoming events are our Terry Fox Run on Sept 29^th and the Fall Fun Fair. We have been holding the Terry Fox Run here at St. Clement School for our 19^th year. We are very much looking forward to raising money for a great cause like cancer, besides which, we’re having a lot of fun.

Speaking of fun, we’re holding our annual Fall Fun Fair on Saturday, October 14^th. It starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Activities include: bake sale, silent auction, games, book sale and general store. Come on out and have some fun with the St. Clement School Community. Come on out!

Ali Foris, Alanna Sokic, Julia Fulton, Robert Upenieks, Jake Coetzee & Nicholas Ferracuti (St. Clement School Editors)

Church News

Bloordale United Church

4258 Bloor St. West. Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 1Z7

621-1710 www.bloordale.ca

Morning services at 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Stephen Iverson 621-1710

Oct 1: “Say What! Jesus” Mark 9:38-50 - World Communion Sunday

Oct 8: “Let’s Think BIG!” Matthew 6:25-33

Oct 15: Community Ministries Sunday with Special Guest Barry Rieder, Director of the

Jane-Finch Community Ministry

Oct 22: “Sometimes Jesus is Hard to Misunderstand” Mark 10:35-45

Oct 29: Stewardship Sunday with Guest Preacher the Reverend Robert Trimble

Bloordale United is delighted to welcome our new Minister of Youth and CE Ted Grady! Ted will be developing programs for our Youth, BUC Jrs and Sunday School children and he's eager to meet you. Visit any Sunday or come to one of many weekday youth or children's programs to see why we are growing at BUC!

Youth Group meets every other Tuesday evening from 6:30- 8 pm in room 13. Youth from grades six and up are welcome to attend and bring a friend.

BUC Juniors’ Club will resume on Friday October 13, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in room 13 and in the gym. Kids in grades 3, 4 and 5 are welcome to come and have fun at our "sports and planning" night.

Parent and Tot Coffee group is looking for one or more individuals to help greet parents, caregivers and children from our local community at this informal coffee group. Gatherings usually take place every other Tuesday morning from 9:15 - 11:15 a.m. in room 13. Space and coffee supplies are provided by BUC and no church affiliation is required. If you like to get out and meet new people this opportunity is for you! Call the church office for more details.

St. Clement Church

Saturday: 4:45 p.m.

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

Confessions

Saturday: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Oct 14: St. Vincent de Paul Bundle Sunday

Oct 14: St. Clement Youth Leaders – Coffee Sunday

All proceeds to the Uganda Initiative

Saturday October 21: Oktoberfest Celebration sponsored by the St. Clement Social Committee- 6:00 p.m.

Tickets - $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 years and under

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.

People and Places

Jazz Concert Series at Islington

This year’s concert series has something for everyone. We begin with, the world famous Climax Jazz Band, which returns to make Islington’s sanctuary rock with their Dixieland music on Saturday, October 28th from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

The Voices of Showtime, a male choir, presents “Moments to Remember”, a wonderful range of old favourites up to the 1950s, on Saturday, February 24th at 8:00 p.m. If you have heard them before, you won’t want to miss their humorous and melodic show.

On Saturday, April 21st at 8:00 p.m., Gene DiNovi, on the grand piano, and Neil Swainton, on the bass, play a blend of Gershwin favourites and Gene’s own beautiful scores. Gene has worked with many of the most famous people in New York and Hollywood and he entertains us with stories as he introduces each piece.

Islington United Church is located at 25 Burnhamthorpe Road (one light west of Dundas and Islington and one short block north of Dundas). Parking and wheelchair accessible. Tickets for any of the concerts are only $20 each. Tickets for all of the concerts are available from Bill or Rosemary Drinnan at 621-2897.

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

In the Main Gallery: Until Oct 15

Unveiling the Prism - Camille Muller & Doug Mays

The exciting mixed media and collage of Camille Muller and the vibrant watercolours of Doug Mays, both teachers of fine art.

In the Hall Gallery: Until Oct 15

"Adornments"

Story-telling still life paintings in aquamedia by Bett Fairbanks.

In the Main Gallery: Oct 16 to Nov 5

"Earth, Air, Fire and Water"

Recent works by the Etobicoke Printmakers

Reception: Sunday, October 22, from 1-4 p.m.

www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com

Email: info@neilsonparkcreativecentre.com

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.

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

DEFINITELY NOT Anna’s Recipe

Spotted ~~Dick~~ Richard Rides Again

This was once a very famous pudding, but it's now sadly forgotten – except by a certain supermarket that had a problem with its name! Just the thing to serve for Sunday lunch after a freezing cold, wintry walk. The ultimate comfort pudding.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the suet pastry:

4 oz (110 g) self-raising flour

2 oz (50 g) fresh white breadcrumbs
3 oz (75 g) shredded suet
2 fl oz (55 ml) milk
salt

For the filling:

6 oz (175 g) raisins
1 medium cooking apple (weighing about 6 oz/175 g), washed, cored and roughly chopped (no need to peel)
3 oz (75 g) dark soft brown sugar
grated zest ½ lemon

You will also need a sheet of kitchen foil measuring 10 x 14 inches (25.5 x 35 cm), and a steamer.

Mix the filling ingredients together in a bowl. Then make the suet pastry: sift the flour into a bowl, add the breadcrumbs, suet and a pinch of salt, and mix to combine. Mix the milk with 2 fl oz (55 ml) water and add a little to the dry ingredients, sprinkling it here and there. Now, using a flat-bladed knife, begin to mix, adding a little more liquid until the mixture looks as if it is coming together. Finish off using your hands, adding drops of liquid until you end up with a smooth, elastic dough that feels moist.

Next, transfer the dough to a flat, lightly floured surface and roll it out to a rectangle roughly measuring 8 x 12 inches (20 x 30 cm). Spread the filling evenly over it and roll it up gently and carefully from the narrow end. Wrap the pudding in the kitchen foil, twisting it at each end to form a seal.

Fit a steamer over a saucepan filled with boiling water from a kettle and as soon as it comes back to the boil, pop the pudding in, put a lid on and steam for 2 hours, keeping the water at a steady simmer, and making sure it is topped up if it needs it. Serve the pudding in warmed bowls, cut in thick slices, with Traditional English Custard – an absolutely essential accompaniment.

This recipe is taken from Delia Smith’s How to Cook Book Three.