Monday December 9, 2024
Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre Seniors Glee Club
By: Maryse Ristuccia
Every Thursday afternoon, for going on three years, a group of young at heart seniors get together at Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Center to sing. Some have sung in choirs before, some have never sung, some have musical training and others have no idea about notes or keys. All these seniors came to see what Glee Club for Seniors was about, organized by Priya Hawkins, the Senior Active Living Program Co-ordinator, and they decided to keep coming back.
The group has discovered the many benefits of singing, especially singing together. It helps keep the memory working well, it helps the brain through learning something new, and it helps sinuses and respiratory systems work well. Besides all the physical and mental benefits, the Glee Club is a great opportunity to socialize, make new friends and connect with others in the community. An often overlooked need for seniors who may be on their own or lack friendly companionship. This group of dedicated senior singers recognize the many benefits from their weekly Glee Club attendance and just keep returning.
There have been changes over this time period. A couple of accompanists have come and gone but in 2024, they were led by Dorothy Currie, a wonderful musician and a leader, that always emphasizes the fun aspect of singing together. Anyone in the group can suggest a song that they would like to do and all in the group are encouraged to not worry about mistakes just have fun singing or to take a chance and sing a solo.
Several times a year the Seniors’ Glee Club goes out to entertain at nursing homes or community programs. Their performance is a real treat for the residents of Retirement Suites by the Lake and Chester Village. Not only do the residents enjoy the music but the Glee Club feels a great sense of satisfaction bringing a smile to the residents’ day. Especially when they see the residents sing along.
Three years together, three years of friendships and laughter. Some singers came and decided it wasn’t for them but now the group has a solid base of about 15 people, including two male singers, and they just keep having more fun and getting better and more confident in singing and performing. We are optimistic that the program will continue at BBNC as there are so many positive aspects of BBNC Seniors’ Glee Club.
Wednesday December 4, 2024
Music of the Season at Common Good
Hardiman Bacque will host Music of the Season in support of Feed Scarborough on Sunday December 22nd from 2pm-5pm at Common Good Brewery 475 Ellesmere Rd. Admission is FREE! Family and dog friendly! Live music including your holiday favourites, great local beers and seltzers, plus soda pop, juice and plenty of snacks for the kids (and grownups too). Or bring your own snacks! Video arcade games, board games, and more… Bring non-perishable food items with you, or make an online donation at the event. Tax receipts available. Come celebrate with family and friends and let’s support a hunger-free, resilient Scarborough!
Friday November 29, 2024
City’s First-Ever Early Registration for Senior Programs Announced
From the Office of Councollor Paul Ainslie
I was pleased to announce, with Mayor Olivia Chow, the implementation of my recommendation to City Council in October. This recommendation addressed the various challenges seniors were facing when registering for local community services and programs. The improvements include designated priority times and dates for senior registration.
“With early registration for our older adult programs, we’re improving the registration process, making it more equitable and eliminating challenges. A separate registration time ensures fair opportunity to access programs and services,” said Councillor Paul Ainslie. Early registration begins this Tuesday, November 26 at 10 a.m.
Registration for all winter recreation programs in Etobicoke York and Toronto and East York opens on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 a.m., and for North York and Scarborough on Wednesday, December 4 at 7 a.m.
To assist residents in navigating the new system, the city is offering various forms of support. This includes free in-person help sessions at local community recreation centres and seniors’ centres, as well as virtual help sessions and online video tutorials. More information can be found on the City’s webpage here.
I want to thank all the residents in Scarborough-Guildwood who brought this issue to my attention. Senior access to services and programs is crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive community. Ensuring that seniors can easily participate in various activities and access essential services helps promote their physical and mental health.
Friday November 15, 2024
Oliver Twist …"please sir can I have more" - Ferral Cats in the Bluffs
Written by Maureen Rose Everatt
The following is a true, yet harrowing story just like
the story of Oliver Twist, a novel by Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist 2024.
Feral cats living in the Birch Cliff Community need more, and if they could speak, they would ask for more help. Just like the novel, humanity needs educated on their suffering, and find out how to help, and how to give more…
I am attempting to gives a snapshot of suffering, and like in the novel, humanity has the capacity to “wake up” to the suffering around us and how to take action. I too am one of those people, I am an animal lover, every animal I have taken in has been abandoned, or in need of specialized care physically or mentally. I thought I knew it all. I didn’t know I would face a reckoning, and my awareness of the suffering of animals would not only enlighten me, but it would also break my heart and compel me to take action to help.
To be honest, I never paid much attention to feral cats, I knew they were out there, and nice people fed then, and that was all. Things dramatically changed in January of 2024. My sister-in-law was hospitalized and asked me to look after her colony of three feral cats.
I had assumed the cats were well cared for; she fed them several times a day. Her husband, my brother had built Katz dinners, or wooden above the ground houses for the food, so they could eat in poor weather. Additionally, he had built several warm sleeping homes, built from rubber-made containers, lined with cat-safe nontoxic Styrofoam, and lined with straw (not hay). She had contacted the Feral Cat Coalition the cats were captured, spayed or neutered for free, including receiving a rabies vaccine. Then returned the cats to my sister-in-law.
I was naively confident that all is well in the world of the feral cat, Boy, was I wrong.
The care of these cats unexpectedly continued for 8 months. During that time, two of the cats “disappeared” they could have been eaten by coyotes, which is often the fate of feral cats, or hit by a car, I don’t know, but either way, the death was horrific.
My heart was broken. The oldest cat, who was named Whitie, but I renamed him to Oliver Twist, because he was streetwise and cunning, couldn’t]t be caught. I tried everything, a fishing net, a raccoon trap, spending hours on the property after giving vet prescribed sleeping pills. However, I couldn’t catch him. The property was sold, and I had to hope that like most feral cats, he had more than one home he visited for food.
During the 8 months, I saw firsthand the life feral cats live, and it’s not pretty. The street wise feral cats soon learned that I would show up every day at the same time, and with food. I soon was joined by feral cats that were “owned” by residents, but not let in the home, and underfed. The owners did not get vaccinations or have the cats spayed or neutered, and not concerned if kittens were produced. More than 20 cats showed up who were living in or around the many commercial buildings across the street. All were hungry,
I observed female cats constantly pregnant and giving birth to two litters a year, some kittens survived, but most didn’t. The feral cats are incrusted with dried blood due to extensive and painful flea bites and have protruding bones due to intestinal worms. They are hungry, often not vaccinated, and suffer daily from respiratory infections, skin liaisons , tumors on their tongue, and battle wounds that never heal. I recall that several years ago one of my sister-in-law’s feral cats showed up missing her tail, with a leaking open wound. Thankfully, she was responsible and gave the cat antibiotics and the wound healed.
I want to end on a positive note. The little orange kitten I found, like the novel by Dickens had a happy ending. I took the cat to Scarbrough Animal Hospital, and she was examined and treated for fleas, and worms. I then looked for a home. Thankfully, a kindhearted soul took her in. The last time I heard the new owner, let’s call him Danny, had ordered her furniture from Amazon, and she was wearing a “diamond” studded collar. She went from sleeping in the cinders of a dirty shed in the depth of a cold winter, to the life of a princess (oh that’s a different story).
So how can you help?
We can help by donating funds to the Feral Cat support through Scarbrough Animal Hospital is doing some fund raising now, and you can drop by anytime to give $3 to $5 dollars.
I want to send thanks to the Birch Cliff community and Scarbrough Animal Hospital who have taken on the plight of animals in need. Last year they raised $700.00 dollars to a dog rescue center, and of course being very community minded, part of the finds raised will go to Feed Scarbrough Food bank on Kingston Rd.
Monday November 11, 2024
Images from Remembrance Day Ceremonies at Cenotaph and RCL Br. 258 Highland Creek
Thursday November 7, 2024
Leaside H.S. defeats Birchmount Park C.I. to win TDSSAA Tier 2 Football Championship
Tuesday October 29, 2024
Leaside H.S. defeats Newtonbrook C.I. 30 - 0 Moves on to TDSSAA Championship Thursday November7 1pm at Birchmount Stadiaum
Friday November 1, 2024
Birchmount Park C.I. defeats Lawrence Park C.I. 31 - 8 Moves on to TDSSAA Championship Thursday November7 1pm at Birchmount Stadiaum
Tuesday October 29, 2024
2 Alarm house fire at 7 Coltbridge Ct. Scarborough. 2 Alarms - 14 Trucks responding - 3 residents in the house. 1 taken to Scarborough General Hosp with very minor injuries. Called in 6:58 am Tuesday October 29
Saturday September 21, 2024
The Bicol Community celebrating the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Peñafrancia;
Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia) is an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A Marian image is permanently enshrined in the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga, Camarines Sur.
Spain
The devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia originates from the province of Salamanca, Spain.[1]
In the 1400s, Simón Vela, who came from a rich family, gave up his inheritance to become a laybrother of a Franciscan convent in Paris. He journeyed to the mountains of Peña de Francia in Salamanca after hearing a voice instructing him to look for a sacred image of Mary. The name of “La Peña de Francia” probably refers to the immigrants who came from France in the 11th and 12th centuries.
The statue had been hidden with other images and church bells to prevent them from falling into the hands of Moors/Saracens.[2] In 1434, Vela found the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia buried under a rock on the mountain of Peña de Francia.[3]
When miraculous healings began to be reported Vela built a chapel to house the image. Later a larger church, the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, was built on the plains at the top of Peña de Francia that was given to the Dominicans to administer. In the fifteenth century, they built the church, the convent and a hospice to accommodate pilgrims. The tower was built in 1767.[4] The image was canonically crowned in 1952.[2]
The Philippines
In 1712, Miguel Robles de Covarrubias, a seminarian studying at the Universidad de Santo Tomas in Manila, and the son of a Spanish official from Peña de Francia fell seriously ill.[5] He had a holy card of the image found by Simón Vela, and placed it on whatever part of his body greatly pained him. This gave him relief from his suffering. In gratitude, he built a small church of nipa by a brook near the Pasig River, which enshrined the circa 1690 canvas copy of the painting. The painting is located at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia de Manila in Paco.
Covarrubias was ordained to the priesthood in Ciudad de Nueva Cáceres (now Naga City), where he became parish priest at the cathedral. He had a local artisan carve a statue replicating the painting of the Virgin, and built a stone church to house the statue.[2] Many miracles were attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, which popularized the devotion with both natives and immigrant Chinese.
The devotion spread outside the Diocese of Nueva Cáceres, which then comprised not only the Bicolandia, but also Tayabas (now Quezon), Marinduque, Laguna, and up to Palanan, Isabela along the Cordillera Central range.
When Francisco Gainza arrived in Naga in 1863 to take possession of the See of Nueva Cáceres, one of his priorities was spreading of devotion. On September 1, 1864, Gainza initiated the Traslación Procession on the Friday before the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, where the image was brought from Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine to the cathedral for a solemn novena, then on the afternoon of the ninth day, a Saturday, returned through the “Traslación por el río” (now called the Fluvial Procession), for her feast on Sunday.[2]
Canonical coronation
On 20 September 1924, the image was canonically crowned by the Apostolic Delegate, Monsignor William Piani, at Naga Cathedral. As part of preparations for the coronation, there was a contest for Best Musical Composition. The winning piece, Himno a la Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, was composed by the Spanish priest Máximo Juguera, and became the Anthem of the Coronation and the feast itself.
In 2024 the Archdiocese of Cáceres celebrated the centennial of the image’s canonical coronation. The theme of the celebration is ¡Se siempre la Reina! (Be always the Queen!), from the concluding verse of the Juguera’s hymn.[6]
Theft of the image
On August 15, 1981, at around 4:30 in the morning, the caretaker of the Peñafrancia Shrine discovered that the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia had disappeared. The police reported that the culprits sawed the iron grills at the back of the church and took the image. The identity of the thieves remained a mystery; with the leading theory that they were selling to a black market of valuable items. The manto and the steel bar which held the image were found on the cemetery grounds of Peñafrancia Shrine without the image. In May 1982, an antique dealer and also a Peñafrancia devotee, Francisco Vecin, acquired information suggesting a man in Mabini St. of Malate, Manila, was selling the image, with it allegedly in the hands of a friend at that time. He reported to Florencio Yllana that the lost image was located in Cebu. On September 3, 1982, the image was turned over to Francisco in a sealed box. The image was returned in Naga on September 8, 1982, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Following the theft, officials opted for the production of a replica to be used in the 1981 Peñafrancia celebrations. Today, the original image is enshrined in the Peñafrancia Basilica, which forms part of the basilica complex along Balatas Street in Naga City, which was built to accommodate the rising numbers of devotees from the Bicol region, as well as nationwide starting in the late 1970s. The replica is used in all of the major processions.
Monday September 16, 2024
A Scarborough Philharmonic Twilight Event at the Clark Center for the Arts in the Guild.
To raise awareness about the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), and help cement Scarborough’s remarkable contribution to the arts, the SPO Outreach Committee is hosting a special Twilight Event on September 19th, from 7 – 9 pm.
The SPO delivers first-class performances from amazing musicians. The orchestra is led by conductor Ron Royer who has a wealth of experience working with Orchestras, Musicals, and on Movie scores. He is dynamic and interesting and has a way of capturing the audience with his vibrant introductions and moving performances. He leads the orchestra with panache!
To help put Scarborough culture on the map, you only need to purchase a $25 ticket! The event includes two short performances by the SPO quartet, complimentary snacks AND a cash bar. And we do actually mean cash – we don’t have the technology to take debit or credit. For the next event, we’ll have all modern technologies in place!
Our goal on the 19th is to promote annual subscription sales. Subscriptions include 5 concerts for the price of 6! The best part is, if you purchase a subscription at our event on the 19th, the $25 ticket for the Twilight Event will be reimbursed, on the spot! Please click on the attachment to see the program, and click below to order tickets.
If you are unable to attend the event, please consider purchasing a subscription from the website. And if you aren’t in the mood for that big of a commitment, please join us at an individual concert this season!
Monday September 16, 2024
Calling all gardeners! City of Toronto opens applications for its Fall PollinateTO Grants
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’s PollinateTO grants!
PollinateTO offers grants of up to $5,000 to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitats on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.
Projects eligible for funding include those that create new pollinator habitats, expand or enhance an existing garden by adding pollinator-friendly plants and/or convert a lawn area, boulevard or hard service into a pollinator garden or rain garden.
The grants are a component of the City’s Pollinator Protection Strategy adopted by Toronto City Council in 2018 to support more than 360 species of bees and more than 100 species of butterflies and other pollinators in Toronto. Many species are in decline due to loss of habitat, climate change and other stressors. Pollinators support healthy and resilient ecosystems that help clean the air, capture carbon, stabilize soil and absorb stormwater.
Since 2019, PollinateTO has supported more than 190 community-led projects, resulting in the creation of 500 gardens and an estimated 25,500 m² of pollinator habitat.
Applications are open until Monday, October 21 and are available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/pollinateTO.
The City is hosting PollinateTO information sessions where interested applicants can learn more about the program. Dates include: – Thursday, September 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Tuesday, October 1 from noon to 1 p.m. – Thursday, October 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Residents can register to an upcoming information session by visiting the City’s PollinateTO webpage: www.toronto.ca/pollinateTO.
Monday September 9, 2024
Fall into Fun: City of Toronto releases fall recreational program listings
Get ready for autumn with an exciting lineup of fall recreational programs. The City of Toronto’s fall recreation program listings are now available online to help residents prepare for registration next month. From swimming lessons and fitness classes to art workshops and cooking classes, there is something for everyone.
Don’t miss out on the chance to stay active, make new friends and enjoy the season to the fullest. Registration for fall recreation programs – that begin on Saturday, September 28 – opens on: • Tuesday, September 10, 7 a.m. (Etobicoke York, Toronto and East York) • Wednesday, September 11, 7 a.m. (North York and Scarborough) Residents can visit the City’s Fall Recreation webpage to learn more about fall programs and registration information and dates for their local facility: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/program-activities/fall-recreation-programs/.
The City is proud to offer thousands of recreation programs for all ages, skill levels and interests. Approximately 16,000 registered courses with nearly 157,000 spaces will be offered in arts, fitness, sports, skating and swimming programs.
The quickest and easiest way to register for recreation programs is online. Registration by phone will also be available by calling 416-396-7378 from 7 a.m. on registration dates. For in-person registration support, five community centre locations will be open on the following dates, from 7 a.m. to noon:
In-person registration on Wednesday, September 11 • Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd. • Dennis R. Timbrell Resource Centre, 29 St. Dennis Dr.
Residents who require help preparing for registration can call 416-396-7378, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the City will offer extended hours on Monday, September 9 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The call centre will be open for extended hours on registration days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The City’s recreation programs are popular, and many have waitlists. If registrants are unable to attend their program, they are asked to contact their local community centre or call the customer service line at 416-396-7378 to cancel their registration so that a spot can be offered to someone else.
Discounts and free recreation programs
Many community centres offer free recreation programs including leisure swimming and drop-in programs for children, youth and older adults. Participants 60 years and older receive a 50 per cent discount on the regular price of adult recreation programs excluding private, semi-private and small group lessons. More information about free programs and other subsidies for recreation programs is available on the City’s Free & Lower-Cost Recreation Options webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/how-to-use-our-services/how-to-register-for-recreation-programs/free-lower-cost-recreation-options/.
Welcome Policy annual credit
The Welcome Policy credit can be used to register for City recreation programs including fall recreation. Those receiving social assistance (Ontario Works) and living in Toronto are pre-approved to receive this credit and should speak to their caseworker or apply online. Toronto residents with family income that meets the criteria may also apply. More information on the criteria and how to apply can be found on the Welcome Policy webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/child-family-support/welcome-policy-recreation-fee-subsidy/
Thursday May 16,, 2024
Celebrate the Victoria Day long weekend with family friendly activities
The City of Toronto is once again offering a wide range of fun activities and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy during the Victoria Day long weekend.
Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
The City’s fireworks display will be held at Ashbridges Bay Park on Monday, May 20, at 10 p.m. The show will feature beautiful fireworks and a spectacular finale. Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is accessible by public transit. Attendees are encouraged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home. Information about TTC schedules, routes and expanded long weekend service is available on the TTC’s webpage: www.ttc.ca/.
Important reminder about fireworks
Fireworks on Victoria Day and Canada Day are allowed until 11 p.m. without a permit for residents on private property. Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property that is not owned by the person setting off the fireworks.
Fireworks should be handled and supervised by adults 18 years of age or older. People under 18 years old are not permitted to discharge fireworks. Those setting off fireworks must be mindful of their surroundings and not discharge fireworks where they may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property.
The City’s bylaw enforcement officers and Toronto Police Services will be patrolling various parks and waterfront areas to ensure compliance with the Fireworks Bylaw. The misuse or illegal sale of fireworks can be reported to 311 by phone or by submitting a service request at www.toronto.ca/311. In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1.
Safe fireworks disposal
Those choosing to set off fireworks on their own private property must also safely dispose the fireworks as improper disposal can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and at facilities.
To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Put the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and dispose of them in your Garbage Bin. Never put used or unused fireworks in the Blue Bin.
More information about fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal is available on the City’s fireworks webpage: www.toronto.ca/fireworks.