Bathurst-Finch Kaleidoscope Winter issue BFK-Winter-2010

every story matters... add yours | winter 2010 | #7

contents

The Bathurst-Finch Communications

Committee, a group of neighbourhood resi-dents who produce the Kaleidoscope, would like to wish you a won-derful winter season, and all the best for the new year, 2010.

Neighbourhood youth responded in good num-bers to our call for cre-ative submissions to our drawing contest. We are pleased to be able to show their beautiful cre-ations in this issue.

Congratulations to the grand prize win-

ner, Tolik Makarov, whose winning art work, Dream, is displayed here.

Are you making any resolutions for 2010? How about giving a few hours a month to Ka-leidoscope? The Com-munications Commit-tee and the Youth Media

Club need new mem-bers who can write (in any language), draw, take photos, and shoot video. Contact the Action for Neighbour-hood Change office at 647-436-0385 for details.

All the best in 2010!!!(continued on p.2)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!С Новым годом!שנה טובה!

Manigong Bagong Taon! Feliz Año Nuevo!

drawing contest 2

arts and crafts 3

celebrations 4

commemoration 6

youth page 8

neighbourhood buzz 10, 29

faces of bathurst-finch Каратэ – путь «пустой руки» в Канаде 13

nutrition 14

community garden 16

interview Why do we dream of apples? 20

health Flu Free This Winter 22

free primary health care 25

mental health and addiction services guide 27

Toronto FUN 31

events calendar 32DREAM Tolik Makarov (16 years) Art Studio Hermitage Helen S. Rostmof (other drawings on page 2)

2 | winter 2010 | bathurst-finch kaleidoscope

drawing contest

Winter Contest Thank You for Submissions

Kaleidoscope Winter 2010, Volume 3, Issue 1

©2008 by Action for Neigh-bourhood Change. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission. Kalei-doscope is published four times per year by Action for Neighbourhood Change. The articles in this newspaper are contributions of individual residents and do not neces-sarily reflect the views of the publisher.We would like to thank all our contributors and our dedicated Newspaper Committee: Nina Zaslavsky, Leonid Predein, Joss Brandt, Julia Kuzeljevich, and Nina Shenhav.

We would greatly appreciate your input. We invite you to send your comments onthe newspaper and your submissions to Action for Neighbourhood Change

ANC staff in Bathurst-Finch are Julie, Hannah, Victoria and Oleg.

Please visit us in our office.Action for Neighbourhood Change5987 Bathurst StreetSuite 104 (2nd Floor)Toronto, ON M2R 1Z3Phone: 647-436-0385E-mail: [email protected]: www.newheightshealth.org/anc

Funding support for this issue pro-vided by the Toronto Central LHIN

Thanks to all our young contributors! Published here are the best entries by: Tamila Rostmof (17), Hugo Lim (13), Jerome Lesov (6), Tommy Shenhav (13), Devashish Kapoor (10), Masha Antipov (8), Daniil Morgunov (5), Maya Shenhav (8)

JOY, Tamila Rostmof (17)

Hugo Lim (13) Tommy Shenhav (13) Hugo Lim (13)

Hugo Lim (13)

Devashish Kapoor (10)Jerome Lesov (6)

Daniil Morgunov (5)Hugo Lim (13)

Masha Antipov (8)

Devashish Kapoor (10) Maya Shenhav (8)

bathurst-finch kaleidoscope | winter 2010 | 3

arts and crafts

arts and crafts fair

The 2nd Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair (the first one was held in Decem-ber of 2008) was a true celebration of talent and diversity of our neigh-bourhood. Vendors who participated in the event showcased beauti-ful unique merchandise including knit and cro-cheted clothing items, hand-made decorations and greeting cards, at-tractive jewelry, hand-crafted leather chairs and purses. Some vend-ors utilized principles of recycling and produced truly unusual gifts. There were amazing lit-tle butterflies that could make any present spe-cial and that used to be paper scraps and plastic bottles. Talk about meta-morphosis! At another booth, the pictures for sale were so beautiful and intricate that it was hard to believe they were made of fish bones. And we should not forget the delicious food pre-pared by the commun-ity members.

Unfortunately the event failed to attract enough people. We hope that more community members will partici-

pate in future events as nothing but involvement of the whole commun-ity can ensure success of community events. If you would like to help plan future events and evalu-ate past events such as this, please contact us at [email protected] (647-436-0384) us to join our planning meetings.

We would like to thank Fisherville Jun-ior High School for pro-viding space for the Arts and Crafts Fair. Spe-cial thanks to our spon-sor Yummy Market who stocked Santa’s bag with presents second year in a row and volunteers Leo-nid Goncharyk and Vic-toria Cheine who agreed to come back and enter-tain children as Santa Claus and Snow Maiden.

The event would not have been possible with-out a group of 20 youth volunteers who helped to set up and clean up the space, supervise various children’s activities and collect participants’ sur-veys and votes.

Thank you to everyone!

Winners of the Best Display Contest:

1.youth activism Group (T-shirts with proceeds go-ing to Street Kids International)

knitters’ and cro-cheters’ nite out Group at the centen-nial library (knit and crocheted items with proceeds used to buy supplies to produce more clothing items for charities)

2.muriel karnaghan (recycled butterflies and decorations)

3.northview heights secondary school stu-dents (hand-made greeting cards and jewelry, home-made festive cookies)

On December 6, our newly formed Events Committee organized their first event – a Community Arts and Crafts Fair. The events committee is a group of Bathurst-Finch residents who get togeth-er to plan, organize and run community events in our neighbourhood.

Arts and Crafts Vendors:carla rudberg (hand-made bibs)cleo bangsoy (baked goods) Galina tichshenko (crochet)ida shchupak (fishbone crafts)Jackie lindo (custom made wreaths)maureen simpson (Jamaican chicken and rice)mike walsh (jewelry)murad doray – lanka life (hand-crafted leath-er chairs and purses, hand-carved jewelry boxes)muriel karnaghan (Decorations)natalie rapoport (Jewelry)neelam & vikas kapoor (Indian food and dessert)nisa atandiyeva (knitting)northview heights students, cyber arts pro-gram (hand-made jewelry, holiday cards, and baked cookies) nuzhat arshad (jewelry, purses, clothing) sanjita parikh (Indian jewelry and crafts) suzanne o’heinl (Christmas crafts)vera artemova - studio 812 (DVDs, CDs, books, cards, calendars)westminster united church (baked goods, cook books, and winter hats)youth activism project (T-shirts)Zelda pasternack – knitters and crocheters’ nite out Group (knitting and crochet apparel)

Sponsors and partners:fisherville Junior high schoolyummy market leonid Goncharyk and victoria cheine

Photo–Ol M

organ

Photo–Hannah Bontogon

It started out as a simple holiday – a small candle-lighting ceremony at home

accompanied by some songs, traditional oil-filled foods like latkes (potato pancakes) or jelly doughnuts, a few added prayers to the regular liturgy and that was it. And considering the timing in the dead of winter, thank G-d for little things.

And then this little holiday met a huge juggernaut in the New World (20th century Amer-ica). And it seemed as if there was the question, ”Are you with me or not?” Slowly, a little bit of Cha-nukah gelt (money) turned in-to an elaborate gift-giving spec-

tacle – even one per day! The few traditional foods morphed into a huge family get-togeth-er. Houses were decorated with blue and white lights and design-er menorahs.

As intermarriage spread, Chrismukkah cards and Cha-nukah bushes sprouted up. The candle-lighting could be done by anyone as its religious sig-nificance receded into the back-ground, as the holiday trans-formed into a Hallmark holiday, devoid of spiritual meaning or significance.

This year, take some time to reconnect to the roots of the holiday. There are 468,000 Goo-gle results for the word “Chanu-kah” (include the ‘h’). Just look at the first screen or two, about 20 entries, of which 10 sites will teach, explain and demonstrate

the hows and whys of Chanukah.In order for something to be

significant to a person, it must be personally meaningful. That sounds like a tautology, but in reality it is not. This writer has thought long and hard as to how to write something that will catch the reader.

This article, or a paragraph or two explaining the meaning of Chanukah, or the spiritual underpinnings of the rituals, will only be meaningful and signifi-cant if the reader will invest part of him or herself in the search.

Humbly, this writer realizes that so much has been written (and quite eloquently) and said about this holiday, but when all is said and done, each individual must find out for him or herself what Chanukah truly means.

Happy Chanukah!

Месяц мухаррам имеет особое значение в жизни мусульман. Поскольку 1 мухаррама наступает Новый год по лунному календарю, этот месяц считается священным. В месяце мухаррам, когда Пророк Мухаммед еще не имел достаточное число последователей, ему пришлось совершить знаменитое переселение (ар. хиджра) из Мекки в Медину (Ясриб) вместе с семьей и близкими. Эта дата – 15(16) июля 622 года по григорианскому календарю - считается началом мусульманской эры и поэтому месяц мухаррам так почитается мусульманами.

Хиджра – это начало стре-мительного развития ислам-ской истории. После пере-селения мусульмане из сла-бого меньшинства преобра-зовались в крепкое сильное общество, что не только из-менило Аравийский полуо-стров в социальном и поли-тическом плане, но и значи-тельно повлияло на миро-вые цивилизации. Мусуль-мане открыто заговорили о себе, как об исламском госу-дарстве. И именно этот день стал отсчетом новой эры для мусульман.

Переселение пророка Му-хаммада в Медину несомнен-но было решающим событи-ем, приведшим к формиро-ванию исламской цивилиза-ции, процветавшей в течение многих последующих веков.Как же Мухаммаду удалось

добиться таких результатов? Сейчас любой политик поза-видовал бы такому стреми-тельному развитию, такому четкому управлению. Что же помогло Пророку добиться таких успехов? Власть? Нет. Имущество? Нет. Возмож-но, родственные связи? Не думаю. Вера в Господа, сле-дование Его предписаниям? Да, именно это. У Мухамма-да не было много золота, он не имел замков и дворцов, у него не было многого из того, что имеем мы. Но он имел го-раздо больше – непоколеби-мую веру в Бога.

С этой верой, первым де-лом по прибытию в Медину, Мухаммад начал возведение мечети. Он укрепил узы ве-рующих – провел братание между мусульманами Мекки и Медины. Эта удивительная

атмосфера братства и брат-ских чувств по вере, сфор-мировала дух самоотвержен-ности и преданности, кото-рый глубоко проник в серд-ца сподвижников Пророка. Таким образом, передав бу-дущим поколениям яркий пример любви и искреннего пожертвования ради Аллаха.

«Воистину, верующие – братья. Посему примиряйте братьев и бойтесь Аллаха, – быть может вы будете поми-лованы» (Коран, 49:10).

Chanukah

Хиджра – начало исламской историиНаталия Скрипник

By Rabbi Mark Breslow


celebrations

My earliest memory of Christmas was when I was still living in

the Philippines. I lived there until I was twelve years old, when my family immigrated to Canada. My parents, my sister, brother and I had gone to the midnight Christmas service. When we came back home, Santa Claus had come. Santa left us stockings stuffed with toys and candies. I remember feeling very excited, and I also

wondered how Santa got inside the house, since all the doors had been locked when we left for church! I also remember the “Parol”, a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration that is hung in the doorways of every house. It is a five-point, star-shaped lantern made with bam-boo sticks and coloured paper. The star reminds us of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi, on their way to see the baby Jesus.

Today, more than 35 years later, I have a family of my own. I still feel excited about Christmas. I love the Christ-mas decorations, the Christ-mas carols, and all the family get-togethers. It’s an oppor-tunity to connect with friends and family. Christmas is a busy time for me, especially as I’m a church minister. There are more services to prepare for and people have high expecta-tions at Christmas time.

Christmas is one of the most celebrated times of the year for Christians, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the central figure of Chris-tianity as we believe that God sent him to show us how to love one another, and his life teach-ings and actions ultimately cost him his life. Christians believe

that Jesus has been resurrected and continues to live on. Ad-vent, the four weeks leading to Christmas, is a time when we prepare for the coming of Christ into our lives. On each of the Sundays of Advent, we light a candle of hope, peace, joy and love. These are the at-tributes we endeavour to live out in our day-to-day lives. At Northminster United Church, the 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 is a high-light for families. We re-enact the birth story of Jesus through drama and singing of Christ-mas carols. Each child who at-tends the service is invited to choose a costume to act as one of the following characters: Mary, Joseph, the shepherd, an-gel or Magi. You are welcome to come and take part.

Почему так волнует нас сказание еван-гелистов о Младен-

це, рожденном в убогом вер-тепе? Почему так непохож на другие праздник Рожде-ства? Быть может, причи-на здесь кроется в воспоми-наниях детства, связанных со снегом, тихо падающим за окном, с запахом свечей и елки, с рождественскими напевами и звездными зим-ними ночами? Нет, не толь-ко память о детстве трогает нас в день Рождества, да мно-гие и не имеют таких воспо-минаний. Есть у этого празд-ника неумирающая реальная сила. Миру, погруженному в сумрак, «воссиял свет Разу-ма», и Его сияние неугасимо.

Слабый Ребенок бросает вы-зов царству насилия и нена-висти, испытывает сердца, будит совесть...

Для Христа не нашлось ме-ста в доме. Он родился в хле-ву. Но разве так было толь-ко во дни переписи Августа? Разве не происходит это из века в век?

Окрестности Вифлеема, пастухи, расположившиеся вокруг костров под откры-тым небом. Это те люди, ко-торые не раздумывают и не колеблются. Полные доверия к Богу, поспешат они в город, где первыми удостоятся при-пасть к колыбели Спасителя.

На улицах Иерусалима волхвы разыскивают Царя Иудейского. В их лице встре-

тить Христа идет древняя языческая мудрость. Волх-вы не слышали ангельских гимнов, не видели сияния Славы — только загадочная звезда указывала им цель. Путь волхвов — это терни-стый путь человеческого раз-ума, путь «умножающих зна-ние». Но и он может приво-дить к обретению Бога.

И наконец. Ирод. Предста-витель земной, человеческой власти. Он готов даже пове-рить, что Новорожденный — Мессия, но это не поме-ха его кровавым замыслам. И в каждом столетии иро-ды, тайно страшась и откры-то ненавидя, защищают свою власть ценой преступлений...Звонят рождественские ко-

локола, «Христос раждается — славите, Христос с небес — срящите...». Эта благая весть требует выбора: за кем идти — за Иродом или за пастуха-ми и волхвами.

Слава в вышних Богу

Christmas is coming By Reverend Irene Ty

Прот. Александр Мень


celebrations


commemoration

Remembrance DayInterview with Christopher Rzepa

We honour those who fought for Canada in the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as those who have served since then. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace.

Christopher can you tell us about the history of Remembrance Day?

Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day or Armis-tice Day (the event it commem-orates) – is a day to commem-orate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civil-ians in times of war, specific-ally since the First World War. It is observed on November 11, to recall the end of World War I. On that date in 1918, major hostilities of World War I were formally ended, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, with the Germans sign-ing the Armistice. The day was

specifically dedicated by King George V, on November 7, 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during the war.Why do people wear poppies on this day?

Poppies are worn as the sym-bol of remembrance, a remind-er of the blood-red flower that still grows on the former battle-fields of France and Belgium. The flowers and the larks serve as reminders of nature’s ability to withstand the destructive elements of war by men, a sym-bol of hope in a period of hu-man despair. In Canada, trad-itionally the poppies we wear

are made by disabled Veterans. The two minutes of silence pro-vides another significant way of remembering wartime while thinking of peace. Two min-utes are scarcely enough time for thought and reflection. As we pause and bow our heads, we remember those brave men and women who courageous-ly volunteered for the cause of freedom and peace.

What does Remembrance Day mean to you?

On that day, we acknow-ledge the courage and valour of those who served their country. We have an opportunity to re-flect on the freedom we enjoy, and think about what can be done to preserve peace in other parts of the world. For those of us born during peace time, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives.

By remembering their ser-vice and their sacrifice, we rec-ognize the tradition of free-dom these men and women fought to preserve. They be-lieved that their actions at that

Every year on November 11, Canadians pause for a moment’s silence, to remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.

Phot

os–O

l Mor

gan


We have an opportunity to reflect on the freedom we enjoy, and think about what can be done to preserve peace in other parts of the world. For those of us born during peace time, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives. By remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom these men and women fought to preserve.

commemoration

time would make a significant difference for the future, but it is up to us to ensure that their dream of peace is realized. For more than 50 years, Canadian soldiers have come to play a dif-ferent, yet essential, role on the world stage. Our commitment and skills as peacekeepers has gained Canada respect and in-fluence the world over.You are a Vice-Principal at Rockford Public School.Why is this day important for children?

I think it is important that the students be reminded of the contributions of Canadian men and women who died in past wars in pursuit of peace.

It is equally important to re-member the innocent civilians around the world that became casualties of war.

We need to realize that each person can make a difference. It begins in our school. If our stu-

dents treat each other with re-spect and learn to resolve con-flicts peacefully, our world will be a better place. How is it usually observed?

At Rockford School, we often have assemblies where the stu-dents come together to sing songs of peace, to share poetry they have written, and to reflect on what the day means. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause for two minutes of silence in memory of the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service. We re-member these brave men and women for their courage and their devotion to ideals. Can-adians wear poppies, attend ceremonies, and visit memor-ials. For one brief moment of our life, we remember why we must work for peace every day of the year.

Mr. Chris Rzepa is the Vice-Principal at Rockford Public School

youth page


I am a student at Rockford Public School. I celebrate both the winter festivals of India and Canada. India is a land of multicultural religions. Winter holidays are great fun in India. All over India people celebrate the festivals according to their own traditions on the same day. Winter holidays start from Christmas day and ends with Thanksgiving Harvest Festival.ChristmasThe festival of Christ-mas or the birth anni-versary of Jesus Christ is celebrated with great cheer and enthusiasm by Christians all over the country. It falls on December 25th and is also hailed as «Long Day» since from this day the duration of each day is lengthened when compared to the pre-vious days. People in India started celebrat-ing Christmas because of a long association with Christianity.New Year's DayIndians celebrate this day because of its long asso-ciation with the Brit-ish Queen. In fact first day of the year in India doesn't start on the first day of the Gregorian calendar but it has been adopted as a festival. On this day people greet each other with good wishes and sweets are distrib-

uted. The day starts with parties and people start wishing «Happy New Year» right after 12 in the night.LohriIn India December and January are the cold-est months of the year, Lohri celebrations takes place every year near the middle of January. This festival includes the well-known and bouncy Bhangra dance, which ideally suits the occasion and its speedy move-ments generate enough heat in the body to fight off the freezing cold. On Lohri, the dancers per-form around a fire in a ring shape. The first is offered “Chivra” or beat-en rice, dry fruits, nuts and sesame seeds, and “Tilgajak”, another var-iety of sweetened sesa-

me seeds. Then the fire becomes the deity of the occasion.

The «Lohri» and «Makar Sankranthi» are celebrated in Northern India. Lohri marks the end of winter on the last day of Paush, and beginning of Magha (around January 12 and 13), when the sun changes its course.

Lohri is marked with thanksgiving to the Sun God, a mantra is chanted round a fire on the last day of Pans. The Lohri fire is symbolic of the homage to the sun. It is associated with the worship of the sun and fire and is observed by all communities with different names, as Lohri is an exclusively a Punjabi festival.

The dark clouds spread apart,Leaving behind a close memory and yet distant,Of the battles that were lying before this path,And were engraved and deepened in the heartNow have become a warm feeling of glow,The nightmares start to fade away silently, slowThe endless dark is now a ray of love,White and gentle alike a doveRain is falling like endless tears of angels,While the blows of the wind are still countless;A glimpse of dawn…Spreads over the land calmly and profoundWaves break into shore Singing a deep serenade of sorrowRoses keep holding on to that same love which was lostForgetting the painful times that hurt the mostThe empty sky resembles the shining sunWhile tears and stories have been flying to the horizon.

By Andy Oprescu

By Devashish Kapoor(Remembrance Day, Times after the War)

Peace Poem – Dawn of the Change

Do You Know Festivals Are Responsible for Unity, Integrity and Dignity?

Draw

ing–Devashish Kapoor

youth buzz


This fall, a group of 10-12 year olds

met every Tuesday for 8 weeks from 4–6 pm. “The friendship circle is about people meeting each other, playing games and cooperating,” says Patri-cia and Valeria, two par-ticipants. “In the friend-ship circle we learn how to make more friends, how to be respectful and what to look for in a friend,” adds Aytan.

The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre is a mental health centre for children, youth and families. The Community Prevention Program offers free groups and workshops for parents and children that promote healthy relationships and families. The Winter Friendship Circle is for

children ages 7-9 and will begin on January 19–March 9, 2010. To register, please find forms at Centennial Library, or call Marisa Milani at the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre, (416) 633-0515 ext.167 for more information about programs.

The group has been working together to create an article for Kaleidoscope. Watch for the spring issue for an article on the Friendship Circles written by Friendship Circle participants!

Have you ever want-ed to track Santa? Fol-low his every move as he delivers presents to kids around the world! Then it’s time to go to www.noradsanta.org

Every Christmas eve when you go to that website you get to see the current location of Santa with a map show-ing where in the world his location is, his path so far, and where he’s off to next. By the way he begins at the North Pole and ends in Hawaii, go-ing from east to the west side of the world, you’ll

even see some videos of Santa at popular loca-tions delivering presents.

Of those videos you get to see famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower, Pyramids of Egypt, Santa’s own home or more! You better check constantly with the website as Santa is so fast, he goes from one city to another in just minutes. So don’t forget to check it out yourself on Christmas Eve at www.noradsanta.org!

Happy holidays everyone!

Fall Friendship Circle at Centennial Library

Neighbourhood Action Group

Norad Tracks Santa

By Maria Gentle, Marisa Milani

By Bryce Turner

Each fall season, Centennial Library and the Hincks-Dellcrest Centre offer an after-school program for children who are looking to make friends in a welcoming, fun environment.

Sarah, Hyat, Patricia, Aytan, Gavin, Mohsin

The Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) and committees have had their first meetings and are well on their way to planning community projects in the coming year. NAG consists of residents who are rep-resentatives of one of 3 committees, and mem-bers-at-large. Members of NAG will be work-ing to identifying con-

cerns and issues in the neighbourhood that can be addressed through neighbourhood projects or initiatives.

NAG committees include: » Events Committee

» Newspaper/communi-cations committee

» Capacity Building & Training Committee.

A fourth committee of youth has also been formed to bring more of a youth presence to vari-ous activities and events. The idea behind NAG is that more residents are taking leadership in planning and organiz-ing projects and activ-ities. This is also a great platform to engage resi-dents in discussion on issues or topics of con-

cern. The year has just begun, but already there have been great ideas put forward, so it is exciting to see how the NAG and committees will take shape in the next 6 -12 months. If you are in-terested in joining one of these committees or would like more in-formation, please con-tact Hannah by calling: 647-436-0385.


neighbourhood buzz

Draw

ing–Nina Shenhav

Me (smiling excitedly): I don’t believe I know you.Woman: Are you supposed to?Me: I think I know most of the moms here. See? (pointing at two women I recognize, but, all of a sudden, both look extremely busy) I know them. And see? (pointing at a nervous lady, who seems in a hurry to leave) I know her too. But you? You I don’t know.Woman: Well, then, nice to meet you.Me (happy): Likewise. People are so friendly here. Tell me, what’s your resolution for the New Year?Woman (in surprise): Pardon me?Me (taking off my coat): Resolutions! Promises to yourself! I thought you knew English!Woman: Of course I speak

English! I was just a little taken aback by your… raising the subject so unexpectedly...Me (thinking: is this woman getting upset?) Oh, yeah. (still smiling) That’s a habit of mine. I’m such a spontaneous person. That’s one of MY resolutions: to keep being spontaneous. Know what else?She says nothing, so I continue.Me: I have many resolutions, let me tell you.Woman: I’m sure you’ll tell me, even if I don’t let you.Me (laughing): You’re so funny! I want to give more to society, create a healthy society, and, by

society, I mean myself. After all, I’m a part of society, aren’t I?Woman: Well…Me (continuing): And also, I need more attention. I mean, at the end of the day, when my husband massages my back, I think of how, all day long I’ve been listening and listening and giving and giving to everybody else, but what about me? What about myself?!Woman: I can relate. Some-times I feel I’m more of a listen-er. I’m always afraid I’ll bother people with my stories…Me (sincerely): And you probably will!

Woman: I beg your pardon?!Me (in a hurry): But you won’t bother ME. ‘Come on, bring it on, what’s on your mind? Told you I’m a good listener, didn’t I?Woman (sighing): Oh, never mind… Me: Okay! So, about me…Woman (interrupting!): Here goes! My sister-in-law had a stroke. My best friend just got divorced and lost her house. And maybe, just maybe, I want a divorce too…Me: That’s nice. And another resolution: I will pamper people in need, and naturally, charity begins at home. Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I bought myself a pair of earrings? And I’m not talking diamonds here …Woman (interrupting again!): I have this big, huge, resolu-tion for next year (putting on her coat). I’m never talking to strangers at the community center again, never! She leaves. I guess she has to go somewhere.Me (cheerful, to her back): That’s a good resolution! Lucky for you, you won’t have to, you already know me!

It’s cold outside, but it’s nice and warm at the community centre.For the third year in a row, my little girl is learning the secret of dance. I’m sitting next to a nice looking mother.

By Nina ShenhavResolutions for the New Year

I’m the kind of girl who’d always prefer to stay home. Some say it’s due to my miserable childhood (thanks to my horrible parents, I’m afraid of the outside world, etc.). Most would say, though, it’s sim-ply ‘cause I’m lazy…

Either way, when winter knocks on my door, I’m the happiest person ever. I welcome winter into my living room, and beg it to stay. Fortunately, winter begs me to stay home as well, so it’s a match made in heaven.

Anyway, I happened to get in-volved with this family, who adores outdoor activities. The man of the house, plus his two adorable descendants, tend to glue their noses to the windows and curse their winter days.I asked my son, “What would you have liked to do if it weren’t minus 10 degrees outside?” “Well,” said the boy, “I’d definitely go on a pic-nic!” Well, folks, this Mom used her initiative and took the virtu-al road. I replied to my son: “How about an indoor picnic?”

The next evening, I make all the preparations for a picnic. I boiled some eggs. I made a po-tato salad. (Mind you, I’m not the greatest chef ever, but I know how to buy store-made salads, and proudly declare it’s home-made!) I fixed adorable salami sandwiches. I cut some fruit. I put everything into nice plas-tic boxes. Why, I even put some marshmallows on sticks!We put a nice thick cozy blan-ket on the floor. We (carefully) lit some candles and set them in the middle. We turned off most of the lights. We turned on a nature sounds CD. (True,

at first my husband insisted on playing the “whales in distress”, but we soon changed to “rivers and streams”…) We opened the boxes, ate with real natural hun-ger, sang some songs (swear to God!), drank water and juice, and in the end, burned some marshmallows over the candles.I tell you, it turned out to be such an amazing night! A few days later, the word got out, so friends and neighbors have in-vited themselves to our next “winter picnic party”. This time, people will bring more dishes, and it will become a real party.Most recommended!

The Perfect (Indoor) Picnic


“You have to try this new face cream!” says the oh-so-cultured lady at the beauty counter. “Otherwise,” she threatens, “your skin will be very (a pause for emphasis), very dry.” I bravely try to hold my ground. “But I’ve got already a very ex-pensive cream at home!” “I’m sure you do,” she says patiently (or not?), “But it’s winter, dear, and your summer creams? You might as well throw them out the window!” I look at the cream that she’s holding so piously, and then at the outra-geous price tag that’s on it, and even though I’m really scared, I decide to pass.

As soon as I get home, I call my beautician and com-plain: “And she ordered me to throw away the cream I had bought from you!” My beaut-ician calms me down, and says, “No way you’re throwing any-thing. It’s true that summer face cream is less effective in the winter, but all you have to do is to add two teaspoons of ol-ive oil for every 50 milligrams of cream…” So, there’s your an-swer for the best winter mois-turizing cream. Just add some natural olive oil to your expen-sive summer cream, and you’re good to go!

The way I saved you money, eh? But, wait, there’s some more savings coming up.

Moisturize your hands…We all know that our palms get dry in winter. They get ragged and uninviting to touch (very bad). But there is an alterna-tive to throwing away your sav-ings on a posh prestigious hand cream. Every night (for at least a week) rub them in canola oil mixed with your regular plain

hand cream. (I’m not implying that you’re a penny pincher, only that you’re a clever woman...) Then put gloves on… Yeah, buy a pair of gloves from the dollar store, and be prepared to ruin them. The moisture from the oil and cream will absorb into your skin during the night, and soon you’ll see the results.

By the way, if you’re an ad-venturous person, try margar-ine before putting on the gloves. The results are even better! (Mind you, if you’re married, your husband might move to another room…)

Keep warm…Did you know that two thin lay-ers of cloth are more warming than one thick layer? To keep your tender body warm, put on two cotton shirts (one could even be a summer t-shirt), then a sweater, and you’re ready to visit any mall, office or friend’s house.

In order to keep warm, you have to protect the body’s ex-tremities, which means: your gorgeous head (a nice wool hat), your delicate hands (fleece mit-tens) and your sexy feet (a nice thick pair of socks or – remem-ber what we talked about a mo-ment ago? – two thin pairs).

If you believe in alternative health methods, then, as long as your extremities are all cov-ered and cozy, you could walk through snow naked!

Scarves and shades You can dress very simply,

and as long as you wear the right scarf and shades, you’ll be as attractive as a movie star. Long, spectacular scarves, in a natural shade do the trick, and please don’t forget accessories

by adding nice inexpensive pins here and there.

Stay slim…It’s a well-known fact that

in the winter we tend to, how shall I put it? We tend to hear phrases like: “Never mind, now we have more of you to love…” If we’re lucky that’s what we hear. If we’re not, it’s just: “Hey, did you gain some weight, or what?” Anyway, we eat more, period. My humble advice is to eat soups. But before you tell me to take a hike (not literally…), listen up.

I know you can’t stand the thought of a cold (hearted) sal-ad now. So, put some effort in-to a nice dense aromatic soup. And I’m not talking about tak-ing a few carrots and zucchi-nis, boiling them to death, and declaring that a soup has been born. Oh, no. Fry some onions in a pan. (Okay, we need a bit of oil, but the calories are worth it for the sake of good taste, plus I know you will put very little oil into the pan). Then cook your favorite veggies, pour them in a blender with the cooking water, the fried onion, some salt and spices. Blend, and it’s done!

Anyway, that’s what keeping Cameron Diaz so skinny, yet content, over this season. I say, what’s good for dear old Cam-eron, is certainly good for us! (Who said she wouldn’t trade for Ms. Diaz’ body? Anybody? Thought so).

Take some tips from the stars…

Jennifer Aniston’s tip for a nice winter season? Rub aroma-

therapy oils all over the body, plus your hair. This “Friend” promises nice healthy look-ing hair and skin, even while strolling in the wind and snow (of California)! Yeah, well… All you have to do is to put some mineral oil on your body and hair once a week, and go to sleep. “In the morning, I sim-ply shower and wash my hair, and as a result I’m all shiny,” she promises. Try it or not, it’s up to you. And what’s Angelina Jolie’s advice for winter? Adopt another child… (Don’t mind me, I simply can’t stand this woman. I bet she’s losing sleep over it too...)

So, my friends, have your-self a merry little winter, and

I’ll see you again in spring!

neighbourhood buzzD

rawing–N

ina Shenhav

A Natural Gorgeous Glow For The HolidaysBy Nina Shenhav


The tradition during Hanuk-kah is to eat dishes with lots of oil. I know it is not the healthi-est holiday, but the food is very tasty.

The minute I see my Dad start making French toast, I

know Hanukkah is here! I learned how to make this dish from my Grandmother, who was born in Israel. Her parents came from Poland and they taught her.

French toast (serves 2): » 2 eggs

» 4 slices of Challah (braided bread) or white bread

» ½ cup milk

» Some shredded yellow cheese.

Mix eggs with milk and add shredded cheese. Dip the bread slices into the mixture. Warm lots of oil in a frying pan (the Hanukkah thing) and fry the bread. When it’s golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, remove from the pan and serve.

Some people like sour cream on top, or add sugar powder. I like the toast without any topping.

Happy Hanukkah!

French Toast Recipe

לפני שנתיים, ביליתי את החורף הכי כייפי בחיים שלי. אפשר אפילו לומר שביליתי

את החורף ה”אמיתי” הראשון שלי. אתם מבינים,

הגעתי מישראל לפני שנתיים וחצי. אני לא אומר שחורף

ישראלי הוא לא טוב מספיק, אבל את האמת זה חלום של

כל ילד ישראלי שיירד שלג. אני זוכר איך כשרק הגענו

לפה, החברים שלי כל הזמן סיפרו לי אל החורף ועל כל

הפעילויות המהנות שאפשר לעשות בשלג.

יום אחד שמזג האוויר התחיל להתקרר, וכבר היה כתוב בערוץ הטלוויזיה שהולך

לרדת שלג בלילה, לא יכולתי לחכות כבר! התעוררתי

באמצע הלילה לבדוק אם כבר הכל מכוסה בלבן, אבל לא.

השמיים היו בלי עננים, עד כדי כך שיכולתי לראות את הירח. היתי מאוד עצוב, אבל קיוויתי שעוד ירד שלג במשך הלילה.

הרבה לילות נוספים עברו, ועדיין-שום סימן לשלג.

החלטתי שפשוט לא אחכה יותר.

לילה אחד, בסוף נובמבר,

היה לי מאוד קר. הרוח דפקה על החלונות

מאוד חזק עד שהעירה אותי.

הלכתי לחלון לראות אם הוא

סגור היטב, ואז ראיתי את זה. ראיתי את כל העיר מכוסה

בלבן, מכוסה בשלג. סוף סוף שלג... שפשפתי

את העיניים רק ליתר ביטחון, לראות שאני לא חולם. רציתי לצעוק “שלג, שלג!” אבל לא עשיתי את זה, כי כולם בבית

ישנו. לא יכולתי לחזור לישון, בכל

זאת, פעם ראשונה בחיים שלי שאני רואה שלג באמת. בבוקר, ישר אמרתי לכל

המשפחה שלי להסתכל מחוץ לחלון, כולם היו המומים

מהיופי הזה. אחותי ואני כבר רצינו לצאת החוצה ולשחק בשלג. גלשנו עם המזחלת

שלנו. בהתחלה, מאוד פחדתי

בגלל שלא רציתי לפול ולהיות מלא בשלג, אבל אם רציתי

או לא רציתי, בסופו של דבר, הייתי כולי מלא בשלג קר...

אבל לא היה אכפת לי בכלל, נהנתי כל כך!

אפילו ההורים שלי גלשו עם המזחלת ונהנו מאוד )הם

צרחו יותר מאיתנו...(. חשבתי לעצמי שהחורף הוא הזמן הכי מקסים בשנה, אבל בסוף החורף רציתי שהשלג ימס כבר ויתחיל האביב. אני

אוהב את כל העונות. לכל עונה יש משהו מיוחד משלה. למשל,

בסתיו העלים משנים את צבעם, באביב הכול ירוק, בקיץ חם ושמח, ובחורף,כמובן, יורד

שלג.

החורף האמיתי הראשון שלי Каратэ – youth buzz

By Maya Shenhav

Первое, что приходит на ум при упоминании

о Каратэ – это образ бесстрашного

супермена, который крушит всё

на своём пути, чтобы добиться цели. Этот стереотип

пришел к нам из массового

коммерческого кинематографа и не

имеет ничего общего с реальностью.

Что же такое, на самом деле, Каратэ, а, точ-нее, Каратэ-до? Кор-

ни этого Боевого Искусства, как и многое на Востоке, ухо-дят в средневековый Китай. Неоспоримым фактом явля-ется родство Каратэ и тради-ционного Китайского Кунг-фу. Проводником Китайской руки (как изначально назы-валось Каратэ) и фактиче-ски родиной Каратэ являет-ся маленький Южный архи-пелаг Рюкю и его централь-ный остров Окинава. В ге-неалогическом древе почти каждого стиля Каратэ при-сутствует Окинавское влия-ние. На Окинаве до сих пор бережно хранят свое куль-турное наследие, драгоцен-ной жемчужиной которого является Каратэ-до.

Каратэ-до, в первую оче-редь, это – боевое искус-ство. И как любое искус-ство Каратэ имеет свою ду-ховную основу: совершен-ствование духа через совер-шенствование тела. Каратэ-до означает «путь пустой руки». Идеал современного каратэ далёк от навязанно-го нам «киношного» образа.

מאת: תומי שנהב

faces of bathurst-finch


Каратэ – – путь «пустой руки» в КанадеОлег Рэйляну

Поэтому самосовершенство-вание, духовное начало и се-рьезная работа над собой – все это является основой для успешного постижения это-го искусства. Один из патри-архов традиционного Кара-тэ – Гитина Фунакоши – го-ворил: «В Каратэ нет первой атаки»,– т.е. Каратэ несовме-стимо с агрессией.

Я много лет преподавал Каратэ в Молдове. Теперь я обучаю людей в Канаде. Из собственного опыта мо-гу сказать, что агрессивные дети и подростки, либо сра-зу уходят из Каратэ, не найдя подтверждения пресловуто-му кинообразу, либо стано-вятся гораздо спокойнее. За-нятие Каратэ помогает под-росткам входить в совре-менное общество, где много стрессов и агрессии, потому что Каратэ – это, прежде все-го, укрепление духа и само-дисциплина.

Мой Канадский опыт пре-подавания сильно отличает-ся от прежнего Молдавского. В Канаде традиционное Ка-ратэ, как система самосовер-шенствования и навыки са-мообороны уходят на второй план. Здесь в преподавании больше делается акцент на здоровье, спорт и в какой-то мере, на развлечение. Очень интересно наблюдать, как меняются приоритеты в за-висимости от возраста. В Antibes Community Center, где я преподаю Каратэ, у ме-ня есть три возрастные груп-пы. Первая – дети 5-7 лет – с ними мы много играем на базе приёмов Каратэ и об-щеукрепляющих физиче-ских упражнений. Во вто-рой группе (8-12 лет) я боль-ше уделяю внимания оздо-ровительным и спортивным аспектам, т.к. в этом возрас-те начинает проявляться дух соперничества. Третья груп-

па это – взрослые, старше 13 лет. Здесь мы уже вплотную подходим к духовным осно-вам Каратэ и изучаем тра-диционное Каратэ как ком-плексную систему.

Важным фактором обуче-ния Каратэ является его до-ступность. Каратэ могут за-ниматься любые люди не-зависимо от возраста, пола или рассовой принадлежно-сти. Здесь мешает только не-достаточная отдача на трени-ровках и нерегулярные заня-тия. Я рекомендую занимать-ся Каратэ не менее двух раз в неделю, минимум по часу. Такие регулярные трениров-ки позволяют получить ощу-тимые результаты. Мы про-водим аттестацию учени-ков два раза в год, и я каж-дый раз радуюсь возможно-сти вручить очередной пояс моим воспитанникам, когда я вижу их достижения и ду-ховный рост.

Я приглашаю всех желающих изучать окинавский стиль Каратэ—ШОРИН-РЮ

В Каратэ нет первой атаки – Каратэ несовместимо с агрессией

Каратэ име-ет свою духов-ную основу: совершенство-вание духа через совер-шенствование тела.

Antibes Community Center (140 Antibes Dr)

Четверг: 6.00 pm – 6.55 pm Kids (5-7 years) MPR room7.00 pm – 7.55 pm Youths (8-12 years) MPR room

Пятница: 8.00 pm – 9.15 pm Adults (13+ years) MPR room

Воскресенье: 4.30 pm – 5.25 pm Youths (8-12 years) lower level зеркальный зал5.30 pm – 6.25 pm Kids (5-7 years) зеркальн. зал6.25 pm – 7.40 pm Adults (13+ years) зеркальн. залОбучение на Русском, Румынском и Английском языках

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Mr. Oleg Raileanu – Shōrin-Ryū Karate Instructor

nutrition


A nutrition fact label is required on most pre-packaged foods and contains information on the calories and 13 nutrients including fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fibre, sugar, protein, vitamins A + C, calcium and iron of a particular product. Additional nutrients may also be added to the label. The nutrition labels can tell you the quantity of the nutrient, the % of the recommended daily value, or both, of the particular product you are looking at.

How many people look at the nutrition labels on food packaging? When I ask this question dur-ing group nutrition educa-tion sessions, most people put up their hand. Great! When I ask, “What’s the most import-ant thing to look at on the label first?” I get a myriad of answers – the calories, the fat, the so-dium, the sugar, etc. Not so great – this tells me that most people aren’t using the nutri-tion facts label correctly. What is the first thing that you should look at on the label? If you an-swered the serving size, you are one of the few people who an-swered correctly! The rest of the numbers are meaningless to you if you don’t know what portion of the product the in-formation is for. Using the ex-ample of the pictured label, if you eat four slices of the par-ticular product, then you need to double all the numbers given, as the information given is for two slices.Let’s take a closer look at nutrition labels. When you look at the label you will notice that fat is listed, and then underneath, saturated and trans fat are listed separately. You will also notice that there is a percentage: % Daily Value (% DV) listed on the right-hand side of the column. Using our

example label again, we can see that two slices gives us 1.5 g fat, representing 2% of our daily value for fat, and 0.3 g saturat-ed fat + 0.5 g trans fat, repre-senting 4% of our daily value. How do those numbers fit in-to our daily intake of fat? It’s worth knowing that women can have approximately 45-60 grams of fat per day and men can have 60-90 grams per day, the majority coming from heart healthier mono and polyunsat-urated fat (from products like olive oil, canola oil and other plant foods such as nuts), and the minority coming from sat-urated fat (from foods of ani-mal origin, such as butter or ice cream). The % DV for nutri-tion labelling is based on a ref-erence amount 65 g, so in our label example, 1.5 g is 2% of 65 g. The saturated and trans fat

are listed separately so that you know how much of that 1.5 g is heart-unfriendly saturated and /or trans fat - subtracting 0.3 and 0.8 g from 1.5 g tells us that the remaining 0.7 g are some combination of mono and poly-unsaturated fat.

If all these numbers are con-fusing, a quick way to tell if a product is reasonably healthy with regard to its fat content is: if a food that has a % DV of 5% or less it would be low in fat. If the % DV is %15 or higher, it’s getting high. We do need fat in our diet, but it is prudent to keep saturated and trans fat under control. Too much sat-urated fat may cause a rise in LDL – the “bad cholesterol.” Trans fats raise the bad chol-esterol and lower HDL – the “good cholesterol.” If a person is eating a 2,000 calorie/day diet, the limit on saturated and trans fat per day would be 20 g. To put that in perspective, a Big Mac has 10 g of saturated fat, 50 g of cheddar cheese has 10 g, 75 g of pan-fried, extra lean ground beef has 3 g, and ½ c (125 ml) of premium vanilla ice cream has almost 12 g. Some brands of microwave popcorn have up to 6 g of trans fats per serving 6 g. is a lot considering we don’t want to have any trans fats in our diets. Other places you may find trans fats are hard margarines, commercial-ly fried foods and bakery prod-ucts that are made with short-ening, margarine or oils con-taining partially hydrogenated oils and fats, crackers, cookies,

Nutrition Labels – Get the Facts

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By Jenny Lyttle, R.D.

In this issue we will take a look at nutritional la-bels, specifically fat, and spend some time learning what those grams of fat mean. Next issue we will take a look at other sections of the label.

nutrition


donuts, cakes, pastries, muf-fins, croissants, snack foods and fried foods, such as french fries and breaded foods. How-ever, the food supply is rapidly changing and the trans fat con-tent of many of these products has now been reduced.What about the cholesterol in a product? For most people, saturated fat will have a bigger impact on their cholesterol than consum-ing dietary cholesterol. People with high cholesterol may be told to limit their daily intake

to 200 -300 mg of dietary chol-esterol per day. For more detailed information on nutrition labels, you can visit :

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/label-etiquet/nutrition/index-eng.php

If you have any questions on the information presented in this article, please send an

e-mail to [email protected] and your questions will be answered in

our next issue.

Turkey and Vegetable Stir-FryThis recipe is from thedailygreen.com. If turkey is part of your holiday menu, this is a great idea to use up leftover meat. Serve this savory stir-fry over steamed brown rice or soba noodles.

ingredients » 2 tablespoons chili paste with garlic

» 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or distilled wine vinegar

» 2 teaspoons light soy sauce

» 2 tablespoons water

» 1 teaspoon cornstarch

» 2 teaspoons peanut oil

» 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

» 2 tablespoons finely chopped ginger root

» 3 cups broccoli florets

» 3 cups sliced bok choy

» 1 cup sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms

» 2 cups cooked dark turkey meat

directions1. In a small bowl, stir together chili paste, vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch and water; set aside.2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and bok choy and stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green, about 2 minutes. Add shiitakes and stir-fry until softened, about 1 minute. Add poultry meat and stir until heated through. Add the reserved chili-paste mixture and stir until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Serve immediately (4 Servings).

nutrition (based on individual servings) » calories: 190

» total fat: 6 g

» cholesterol: 78 mg

» sodium: 212 mg

» carbohydrates: 12 g

» protein: 3 g

Find this article at: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/turkey-vegetable-stir-fry

Creamy Parsnips & PearsThe parsnip is often overlooked, but quite delicious! This recipe makes a nice change from mashed potatoes, and can easily be made in advance if you are planning to do any entertaining over the holidays. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a potato masher.

ingredients » 2 lbs parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

» 1 large pear, (bartlett or anjou), peeled, cored and halved

» 4 cloves garlic, peeled

» 1 tablespoon margarine

» 2 teaspoons lemon juice

» 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

» freshly ground pepper, to taste

directions1. Place parsnips, pear and garlic in a large saucepan and cover with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the parsnips are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.2. Drain and transfer to a food processor. Add butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Process until completely smooth. Scrape into a serving bowl and serve hot. (To keep puree hot for up to 1 hour, cover with parchment or wax paper and set the bowl in a pan of barely simmering water.)

tip:Make ahead of time: Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a covered casserole at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes.

From EatingWell: Fall 2004 http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/creamy_parsnips_pears.html


community garden

October Dig-InOn Sunday, October 18, we finally got to do some plant-ing in our community garden - a dream I had 10 years ago – to establish a community gar-den in our neighbourhood. It’s fantastic to see this dream be-come a reality! It’s also great that we can help green the City and increase the number of community gardens in Toron-to, part of taking action to clean the air and be part of the Live Green program.

The weather man was smil-ing down on us and provided sunny, warm weather – a per-fect day for gardening. Sol, Val & Emily, Tamara, Lina, An-gela & Jacob and myself plant-ed spring bulbs, garlic and raspberry trees and strawberry plants donated from a neigh-bourhood garden. Hopefully they’ve had time to put down some healthy roots and will flourish next spring. We also planted rye which will nourish the soil for our spring garden. A big event will be planned in the spring when we officially open the garden. A big thank you to Angela for supplying the seeds, bulbs and equipment and for all her support, with-out which this would not have been possible. Thanks to every-one who attended. The photos are great Hannah, thanks - fun Fall memories. See you all in our oasis of beauty next spring!

Unwind this winter .... wake up and smell the flowers! Gardening season over? No way! One can grow herbs/plants indoors over the winter. For many years I’ve success-fully kept my impatients, ivy, geranium and herbs growing indoors, and they come back beautifully in the summer - I have the photos to prove it! Green your home with a lit-tle tender loving care (TLC) for your plants. Many plants clean indoor air, (see Fall, 2008 issue of Kaleidoscope), so you’re cleaning the air in your home at the same time - a great in-centive to start digging! It’s also a fun hobby for children and “sews the seeds” for intro-ducing them to good nutrition and a healthy diet and lifestyle. No need to speed to the store before a dinner party when

it’s - 20 degrees outside -- you can pick garden-fresh chives, oregano, rosemary or thyme straight from your window-sill containers, for your favour-ite soups or stews. Herbs also make a great snack combina-tion. Try it – I guarantee you’ll like it!

December Gardening Tips:Check the home humidi-fier is over 40% to benefit houseplants.

Place Poinsettias in a warm spot in a room with sufficient light, not in direct sun. Avoid hot/cold drafts.

Make sure it’s in a waterproof container and high up, away from children or pets. When soil is dry, water the plant thoroughly – discard excess water from the saucer. Temper-ature should not exceed 72 de-grees during the day or 60 de-

grees at night. (Prolongs the bright colour).

Decorate your home with evergreen boughs (spruce, fir, holly fruit, crabapples) for Xmas.

Wrap burlap around shrubs/trees that need protection.

Mulch tender perennials when the ground starts to freeze.(Source: markcullen.com)

January meeting for com-munity gardeners – date to be announced.

When we meet in Janu-ary, we can vote on a name

for our garden. I’m hoping to invite a gardening expert to speak to our group and an-

swer our gardening ques-tions. Stay tuned!

If you have any questions, email us at:

[email protected]

Bathurst-Finch Community Garden UpdateBy Joss Brandt

Phot

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herb Guide: fresh versus dried herbsThey may have the same flavour, but dried herbs are much more concentrated than fresh. The following guide will help you choose how much to use.

Herb Fresh Dried/Bottled

Basil ¼ cup (50ml) 1 Tbsp (15 ml)

Dill 2 Tbsp (30ml) 1 tsp (5 ml)

Garlic 2 cloves 2 tsp chopped (l0ml)

Ginger ¼ cup chopped (50ml) 1 Tbsp

or

1 Tbsp fresh (l5 ml) 2 tsp (10 ml)

Mint 2 Tbsp chopped (30ml) ½ tsp (2 ml)

Rosemary 2 Tbsp chopped (30ml) 2 tsp (10 ml)

Sage ¼ cup minced (50ml) 2 tsp crumbled (15 ml)

Thyme 1 Tbsp chopped (15ml) 1 tsp (5 ml)(Reprinted with permission Chatelaine Original article appeared May, 2003)


Herbs can very easily be grown in a sunny windowsill garden all winter long. Supermarkets offer fresh herbs if you don’t grow your own. They can be used for everything from cough syrup and sore throat remedies to herbal teas. They add a delicious taste to soups, stews or salads. Most chefs use organi-cally-grown herbs in their cook-ing and for decorating a variety of dishes and desserts.

The following remedies are meant for common daily living only, for any unknown illnesses, speak to your doctor.

Linda Gabris, the writer, grew up in the rural woods in Mus-koka, Ontario. Her Grandma had cures for almost every com-mon ailment. People came from miles around to get her advice. The following are some of her natural remedies:

Homemade Herbal Cough SyrupChoose from: sage, thyme, pars-ley, lavender, oregano, mint or rosemary. Add 3 cups mixed herbs or ½ cup dried herbs to 2 cups of water. Fresh or grated ginger root, chamomile flowers or dried plantain leaf can be added to the herbs. Bring mix-ture to a boil, simmer about 20 minutes or until reduced to half. Remove from heat, cover and steep until cold. Strain liquid in-to a clean pan. Put on the stove and add l cup of creamed clover honey. Heat until blended. Cool. Pour into sterilized bottle and cap. Take l tsp as needed. Store cough syrup in a cool place, it will save indefinitely.

Sage Tea for Sore ThroatFresh plant: 2 Tbsp fresh sage leaf or l tsp dried plant. Place in a heated teapot and cover with l cup of boiling water. Steep for

5 mins. Add lemon for treating sore throat. Honey can be add-ed to sweeten.

Thyme Tea for Cough/BronchitisTake thyme tea for breaking up coughs associated with bron-chitis. Steep 2 Tbsps fresh plant, or l tsp dried plant per cup of boiling water, for 15 mins. Oregano Tea for Sinus Con-gestion: Make the same as the thyme tea. A blend of the 2 herbs makes a potent tea for any cold or flu virus.

Dandelion Tea to Boost the Immune System2 Tbsp dried flowers per cup of water. Cover with boiling water, let steep for 5 mins. Can be sweetened with honey. Wards off colds and flu.

Mint Tea for Colds and FluWild mint, garden mint or lem-on balm taste good. Use a small handful of fresh plant per cup of boiling water, or l Tbsp for dried plant. Can be sweetened with honey. (Lemon balm herb-al tea is used for relieving anx-iety, stress and tension).

Parsley Tea for Sore Throat and Mouth InfectionsFrom fresh plant, put sever-al sprigs of parsley in a teapot, cover with l cup of boiling water and steep until all the goodness has been leached out of the plant - about 15 mins. If you use dried herbs, use l tsp per cup. Fresh is more potent. Can also be used for treating bad breath.

Tbsp = Tablespoontsp = teaspoon

(Reprinted with permission Vitality magazine:

www.vitalitymagazine.com)

homemade herbal remedies

By Linda Gabris for Vitality Magazine

INGReDIeNTS: » 1 cup grated carrot

» 1 cup grated white potato firmly packed

» 1 cup grated sweet potato

» 2 Tbspns grated onion ¼ cup chopped parsley

» 4 beaten eggs 1 clove crushed garlic

» 1/3 cup flour 1 tspn salt

» fresh black pepper juice of ½ lemon

PRePARATION:Place grated sweet and white potatoes in a colander over a bowl. Salt lightly and let stand 15 minutes. Rinse and squeeze out well to get rid of all the extra water. (Use water for soup stock). Combine all ingredients and mix well. Fry in butter in a pan until brown and crisp. Serve immediately, topped with yogurt or sour cream and fresh-chopped chives. Garnish with tomato wedges and lots of fresh, raw vegetable sticks.

(4 – 6 servings)

Happy Chanukah!

Source: Moosewood Cookbook© 1977 Mollie Katzen

Sweet Potato Pancakessubmitted by Joss Brandt

Winter Ailments? Grandma Knows Best!


community news

Over the past few months, we have con-firmed that we will be

building a brand new struc-ture close to the intersection of Bathurst and Finch, on part of the land next to Northview Heights Secondary School (we are still confirming the ex-act site). Our beautiful new building will be environment-

ally-friendly, surrounded by public green space and house a range of programs, servi-ces and spaces for the whole neighbourhood.

We are excited and proud to be working with the To-ronto District School Board, our Trustee, James Pasternak, Northview Heights Principal, Peter Paputsis, our City Coun-

cillor Mike Feldman, our Mem-ber of Provincial Parliament Monte Kwinter, our Member of Parliament Ken Dryden, ar-ea residents, and the incred-ible Northview Heights staff to move this project forward. We also want to say a big thank you to the many dedicated and visionary residents and com-munity agency workers who

are standing with us as we work to make this dream a reality! Below please find some details about the satellite Community Health Centre and Commun-ity Hub.

For more information, please contact the Bathurst-Finch Community Office at

647-436-0385 or email [email protected]

Big News for the Bathurst-Finch Hub!

By Julie Callaghan & Amy Katz

For more than two years, New Heights Community Health Centres has been working to bring a satellite Community Health Centre and Community Hub to the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. We are very happy to report we are getting much closer to our goal!

Site development proposal for Bathurst-Finch Community Hub by Hilditch Architects—’Environment.’


community news

The Bathurst-Finch Community Hub will have two elements.The first element is a satellite Community Health Centre with health care staff including: a family doctor, a nurse prac-titioner, a registered practical nurse, a chiropodist (foot doc-tor), a dietitian, a social worker, a health promoter and a com-munity health worker/case co-ordinator. You will be able to come here to see a family doc-tor and to access a variety of services. All of our services are free and you do not have to have a health card to access them. Capital funding for the satel-lite Community Health Cen-tre is from the Ontario Min-istry of Health and Long-Term Care, and operating funds are provided through the Toronto Central Local Health Integra-tion Network.

The second element is the Community Hub itself, which will house a variety of programs and services including services for new immigrants, employ-ment services, youth services, seniors' services, counselling and much more. The hub will also provide community space where area residents can meet, organize and create programs and events. The Community Hub is funded by the United Way Toronto.

Can residents of the Bathurst-Finch area access free primary health care from New Heights Community Health Centres now? Yes. Right now, we are already of-fering free health care services to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in the Bathurst-Finch area (between Bathurst and Keele, be-tween Wilson and Steeles).

The family doctor, registered practical nurse, and chiropodist for Bathurst-Finch are available to you right now. Until we have our new building, they will be working out of our main site at 12 Flemington Road in the Lawrence Heights area.

Our social worker and diet-ician are both offering appoint-ments out of our Bathurst-Finch Community Office, at 5987 Bathurst Street, Suite 104 (2nd floor).

All of these services are free, and you do not need a health card. Interpreters are provid-ed if required. Our commun-ity health worker/case co-or-dinator speaks English and Russian and our social work-er speaks English, Russian and Hebrew.

When will it be ready? We hope to have our new build-ing ready by late 2011.

We look forward to talking to you about our primary health care services.

To access these services, please fill out the form you’ll find inserted in this maga-zine, and fax it back to us at: 647-436-0386 or mail it back to us at:New Heights CHCs, Bathurst-Finch Site 12 Flemington Road, Toronto, ON M6A 2N4

For more information or for help with the form: call

Julia Fursova or Larissa Kleiman at 647-436-0385.

We can help you in English, Russian, Hebrew and Tagal-og. We can also help with in-terpreters in other languages

if required.

You can also email us at [email protected]

What is a Community Hub?

Site development proposal for Bath-urst-Finch Community Hub by Hilditch Architects—’Community.’


interview

It's late and I am in Alena's cozy kitchen listening to the story of her life and

success.«Ever since I was a child my

grandmother and mother tried to convince me that I should become a musician. I began to study music at the age of six. Later I was sent to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) to attend Music College and I couldn't imagine a different life. Not that I loved it… My family sim-ply decided I could do anything but cinema. I, however, always dreamed about cinema. My grandfather was one on those who built the Odessa motion picture studio and our entire family worked there. I grew up in this studio, playing with film cases. But my mom told me that she would never allow me to be in the film industry because it was 'a mad house and a big mess'.”

After graduation from the Music College, Alena was sent to a small Russian village far away from home to work as a music teacher. She, however, desperately wanted to return to Odessa to work at the motion picture studio – in any cap-acity, even as a janitor. So, she got a job as an intern to the film editor, cutting negatives.

At the time, the Odessa mo-tion picture studio was work-ing on a famous Russian mov-ie, called Magicians (Charod-ei). Alena helped to assemble the film, and from time to time offered her comments. «No one is forbidden to talk, right? Well, I talked: this I would do differently and that would be better this way. The film dir-ector, Constantine Bromb-erg, overheard me once. An-other time he asked my opin-

ion. At our third encounter, he pronounced his «sentence»: you are in the wrong place, you should be part of the editor-ial board. Bromberg asked the management to promote me and I became a musical editor.»

At some point, Alena decid-ed she wanted more. She ap-plied for the linguistic pro-gram at the University of Odes-sa. She worked during the day and studied at night. Soon she became part of the editorial

board and it proved to be even more interesting than her work as a negative cutter and music-al editor. But she wanted more – she wanted to write her own script.

The subjects for Alena's two films, Wild Love and Zephyr in Chocolate, were prompt-ed by life itself. People loved the movies, their creators be-came popular, but in between festivals and parties, acknow-ledgement and compliments, Alena was working on a differ-ent scenario – immigration to Canada.

«In the 90s, the movie in-dustry witnessed the arrival of large and not always clean money. It proved to be far worse than the communist censor-ship. Whoever paid, made the movie and quality didn't enter into the equation. The movie industry was falling apart right before my eyes. Plus my hus-band was on the brink of losing his job at the polytechnic insti-tute. I was pleading with him to start the immigration process. The director I was working with said about my plans: “It's not the country you are leav-ing, you are leaving the cinema forever.” But it was only half true. By the time I left, Soviet cinematography had already

Why do we dream of apples? I read Alena’s story three years ago. Since then Alena had her first book, Why Did Ma-rina Dream of Apples, published. It contains a collection of short stories and a novel. The book, available only in Russian language, can be purchased in Toronto’s book-stores and soon will be available in the Russian section of the Toronto Public Library.

By Nina Zaslavsky

In the beginning there was a word. A story to be more exact. I read it in one of the Russian newspapers. The story surprised me with its imaginative power, ease of style and unusual energy. I remembered the author – Alena Joukova.Turns out she has been living in Toronto for over 10 years, and her biography includes: journalist and screenwriter father; film editor mother; programmer husband; a daughter who works in the Canadian film industry; a poodle; three University degrees, two scripts for famous feature films, and also a large number of friends – well-known writers, actors, directors, musicians and simply good people.


interview

ceased to exist. The cinema as we knew it was disappearing, it was dying.”

«Soon my family came to To-ronto. We settled in a high rise on Goldfinch street. I thought I’d start to teach music, but people in the building warned me that our building already had a music teacher on each floor. They said: “Forget it, you will be much better off work-ing at a store, and tell your pro-grammer husband that he could probably find work as a porter.” We lived on a budget, and when my friends called to tell me that my films had been invited to different film festivals, I would start to sob, understanding that my life in the cinema was over.”

«After some thinking, I de-cided to put an ad in the news-paper as a teacher of music. I got my first student, a very tal-ented girl, Jessica, who became the first–prize winner of many competitions. After that I didn't need to advertise anymore. I got new students by word of mouth. The desire to write gradually re-turned. Two keyboards – com-puter and piano – were my battlefields on which I fought all my fears and doubts. My first story was published in the Russian-Canadian Info Toron-to newspaper. After that my life became about writing.”

«I am terrified by the thought that there was a moment of fear when I could have betrayed my-self. I could have gotten new training, earned more money and become a completely un-happy person. But everything fell into place. I have a circle of friends who make me feel good, a job I enjoy, support of my hus-band, success of my daughter who's continuing our film leg-acy. She works on specials effect in the cinema, and I am very happy about it. Throughout my

life, almost all my friends were somehow connected to the world of cinema. With some of them we grew up in the same “sandbox.” Every time I meet old friends from my past film life, I realize how much I miss that kind of interaction.»– When did you begin to write stories?

«About five years ago. I was overwhelmed by the feeling of freedom of writing a book, com-pared to the rigid structure of a script. But even now, people say that reading my stories is like watching a movie…»

Alena's first story was based on real life observations. Ma-dame Dubirstein paints a colourful picture of Odessa, where Alena’s Russian grand-mother Yevdokia was trying to help her neighbour, a lonely and abandoned Jewish old woman. Either this woman or other Jew-ish neighbours taught Alena's grandmother how to cook a traditional Jewish dish, gifilte-fish. This dish was proudly pre-sented at a dinner for Alena’s fi-ancé's parents, and it scared her potential father-in-law, an anti-Semite high-ranker in the city of Odessa. He didn’t want a Jew-ish daughter-in-law so the en-gagement was off. Thus the Jew-ish theme appeared in Alena's writing. Famous poet and writ-er Igor Guberman, who lives in Israel, named her as one of his favourite Jewish writers along with Ludmila Ulitskaya and Dina Rubina.– Alena, how do you create a story?

«It is an interesting process. It starts with an image, sometimes a smell, a strange sensation of a stranger living inside me. Right now I always see an older, slight-ly overweight woman, always out of breath and sweaty, con-stantly reapplying her pow-

der. She is not old yet, but very lonely. Next to her is a young man, possibly her son. I do not know yet what to do with them. The story may be born before Christmas and will be another yuletide story…”– What would you say is the biggest immigration challenge for a person of art?

«The feeling of being in a de-sert. You lose your social net-work. It can be reestablished but it takes a lot of time. Canada is a unique country with enormous possibilities. My problem is the language. I will never be able to write in English as easily as I do in Russian. Maybe someone will translate my stories.»– What is your New Year wish for all immigrants?

«Not to betray yourself. Even if you have to step back for some time, go back to your profession, and continue to fight. Other-wise you degrade. Work has to bring happiness. Learn to lis-ten to people and absorb new things. I often remember the

immigration officer who said that in five years we would be happy with our decision. At the beginning I thought how great it would be to fall asleep, awake in five years and write: “And so five years have gone by…” But in real life you have to somehow live through this time. Honestly speaking, it was difficult at first. But now, not five, but 10 years have passed, and I can tell you that the immigration officer did not deceive us. Recently I vis-ited Odessa, wandered around the city, talked to people, and understood that I belong to a completely different world now. I have changed a lot. Now I write books. As famous filmmaker Kira Muratova once said, writ-ing books, making movies and painting is too much happiness in itself to be paid for it.

The book, Why Did Marina Dream of Apples, reads in one sitting.

And, by the way, if you dream of apples, it is a good

dream. Be happy!


health

Let’s face it. We Cana-dians are known for our reverence in discussing all things related to atmo-spheric conditions. Re-cently however, this topic has been overshadowed by a matter more concerning than a sudden hailstorm on a lovely November after-noon. The topic of discus-sion is of course this year’s new flu strain and vacci-nation campaign. While we have been bombarded with media coverage of the vaccine as one solution to fighting the flu, very little information has been provided with regards to alternative options on how to maintain health and be well this season.

The following is an ABC ap-proach to incorporate elements into your daily routine that will help you ward off the pestilent flu. Alleviate stress. There is much widespread pan-ic regarding this year’s influ-enza strain of H1N1. Conflict-ing information regarding the current vaccine can make the decision whether or not to get the flu shot that much more stressful. And stress direct-ly suppresses the immune sys-tem. Exactly what we aim to avoid from happening! The key to good health this season is to keep yourself well informed of preventative measures that will keep your immune system strong and robust.

Did you know…

The H1N1 strain acts like sea-sonal influenza. Symptoms develop three to five days after you’re exposed to the virus. It lasts about eight days, from one day before you get symptoms, until you’ve recovered.

Common symptoms include: » Fever

» Coughing

» Sore throat

» Runny or stuffy nose

» Headaches or body aches

» Chills

» Fatigue

Some may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. It is not necessary to contact your health care practitioner if you are generally healthy and de-velop flu symptoms. Do con-tact your health care practi-tioner if you have flu symp-toms and have a chronic dis-ease such as emphysema or a heart condition.

Breathe. Deep breathing allows oxygen to enter the lower airways where bacteria and viruses often res-ide and replicate. The oxygen inhaled via deep breathing will inactivate some bacteria and viruses while the deep ex-halation will allow the body to force the in-vader out. Many allergy

sufferers and those with chron-ic upper respiratory tract infec-tions are mouth breathers. The nostrils filter and clean the air we breathe. The mouth does not offer this protection. By learn-ing proper deep breathing you can decrease your incidence of allergies and infections.

Vitamin C is famously bene-ficial in its role as an immune modulator and helps reduce the risk, severity and duration of infections diseases. If you are experiencing flu symptoms, in-creasing your intake of vitamin C can ameliorate your symp-toms and shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections. High Vitamin C Immune-Boosting Smoothie (Serves 2): » ½ cup blueberries,

fresh or frozen

» 1 small Goji berries or raspberries

» 1 Tbsp ginger, grated 2 tsp bee pollen 1 cup apple juice

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until all the ingredients are well combined and lump free. Drink immedi-ately as the pectin in the blue-berries can make the smoothie very thick if left to stand. You can make this recipe into a sor-bet by using frozen banana and mango and using a food pro-cessor to mix the ingredients together. Dry Skin BrushingDry skin brushing and con-trast showers are useful to sup-port optimal lymphatic sys-tem function. Use a natural bristle brush or loofah; make small light circles; start at feet and work towards heart; con-tinue from fingertips to heart. Do this on bare skin, without water, and quickly; it will take 1 minute once you make it a hab-it. This increases lymph circula-tion which removes infections and boosts the immune system.

Stay Healthy and Flu Free This WinterBy Vincenza Rotulo

Whether or not you have decided to get the flu shot, there are simple ways in which you can fortify your immune system.


health

exercise!Moderate exercise, at least 30 minutes per day, boosts im-mune function and reduces stress. Immune cells circulate through the body more quick-ly during exercise, killing virus-es and bacteria more readi-ly. These beneficial effects are longer-lasting when moderate exercise is incorporated regu-larly and consistently. Food Choices.Trade in cookies and donuts for veggie sticks and fruit slices. High intake of refined sugars compromise the body’s ability to fight off illness. Make a hab-it to eat at least five servings of fruits & vegetables daily. The more colorful the better!Garlic. A common item in the kitch-en. This food possesses anti-viral, antibacterial, antifungal

and antioxidant effects. Eat 1 clove daily or supplement with standardized extract of 5 mg of 1 per cent allicin. If you’re wor-ried about having garlic breath, have your partner eat a clove as well! Alternatively, try eating some parsley.Hygiene. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly with natural soap and warm water for 20 seconds over the entire area. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Also, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue, and remember to wash your hands immediately. If sick, stay home from work or school and lim-it contact with others to keep from infecting them.Immune System Booster:You can try any of these com-monly used herbs to boost your immune system:

Astragalus, Echinacea, Co-donopsis, Withania

Note: (If you are on any medications, you should check with your health care profes-sional before taking any herbs).Immune Fortifying Soup (Serves 4 – 6):1 lb potatoes (5 small or medium), not peeled & quar-tered; 4 cups water; ¼ tsp cay-enne pepper; ½ tsp dried bas-il; ½ tsp cumin; 3 tbsp olive oil; ½-1 tsp sea salt; 4 slices ginger root; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; ½ cup tomato, diced; ½ cup of sever-al of the following vegetables: carrot, celery, green pepper, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, beets; ½ cup chopped green onionsIn a large stockpot, combine potatoes and water and boil for 15-20 minutes. Add the seasonings, oil, and salt. Place chopped vegetables into the pot, cover, and cook over low heat for 10-20 minutes, until veggies are tender. Sprinkle with green onions.

Just a few tips on natural ap-proaches to fighting the f lu are provided here. Addition-al treatments incorporating botanicals, homeopathy, acu-puncture and physical medi-cine are examples of gen-tle therapies that will further strengthen your immune sys-tem. Visit your local naturo-pathic doctor for more infor-mation and to develop your in-dividualized treatment plan to keep you strong, healthy and happy this season.

Vincenza Rotulo is an ND candidate and intern at the Robert Schad Naturopathic

Clinic in North York. To make an appointment,

visit www.rsnc.ca or call (416) 498-1255

While we have been bombarded with media coverage of the vaccine as one solution to fighting the flu, very little information has been provided with regards to alternative options on how to maintain health and be well this season.

Herb QuizHow many can you identify correctly from the herb guide? 1. Ideal for tomato-based sauces, pizza and tomatoes. (Basil)

2.Crush and sprinkle on grilled veggies andmeats, particularly roast lamb and chicken.Adds great flavour to: onions, potatoes, stuffed veggies and savoury jellies. (Rosemary)

3.Sprinkle over roast or veal, poultry andveggie stuffings. Compliments zucchiniand cream and tomato-based sauces. (Sage)

4.Use with salad dressings, cream sauces, mayonnaise, mustard and dips. Pairs with fish, chicken, potatoes, raw vegetable salads. (Tarragon)

5.Delicious with omeletes, stews, soups, pasta sauces and dried beans. Stir into marinades or use with mushrooms. Mix with goat cheese. (Thyme)


health

Diabetes is a chronic condi-tion that affects over 2 million people in Canada. The major-ity of diabetes cases are classi-fied as type 2 diabetes, which results when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to util-ize insulin effectively. In turn, sugar or glucose ingested from food is not stored in the body’s cells, but instead remains in the blood stream, thus leading to hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Although type 2 dia-betes usually develops in adult-hood, an increasing number of children are being diagnosed.

A major driver of type 2 dia-betes in all age categories is obesity. In particular, abdom-

inal weight gain results in the body’s inability to respond to insulin release, as well as util-ize insulin properly, a condition referred to as insulin resistance. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to pre-diabetes, where blood glucose levels begin to rise, and can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors other than obes-ity that determine diabetes risk include: physical inactiv-ity, increasing age, family his-tory, gestational diabetes (high blood glucose levels during pregnancy), ethnicity, and cer-tain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary disease, schizophrenia, and vascular disease.

Several risk factors for dia-betes, such as obesity and high blood pressure, can be mini-mized through lifestyle meas-ures such as healthy eating and physical activity.

The goals of this new venture are to prevent diabetes in high risk groups, through the provi-sion of diabetes risk screening opportunities, implementation of lifestyle education work-shops on an outreach basis, and building community cap-acity, so that programs focusing on physical activity and healthy nutrition can continue.

The benefits of the Live Free approach include engagement of participants in interactive workshops, where goal setting

is emphasized and practised. It has been found that individual-ized goal setting increases the awareness of individuals in de-termining what type of change is realistic and in line with their particular life circumstances. These goals are discussed in a group setting on a regular basis, whereby participants are en-couraged to revisit goals, and make adjustments as necessary. In turn, participants gain self-reliance as a result of achieving their goals. In addition to pro-viding diabetes prevention and nutrition education, partici-pants are also invited to take part in cooking and physical activity classes. Through active involvement and practice, it is more likely that participants will add to their skill set and utilize the strategies they ac-quired during the workshops, to improve their overall health and reduce their risk of de-veloping type 2 diabetes.

Funding support provided by:

Want to know more about diabetes?1. Visit your family physician and get tested today if you think that you may be at risk for developing diabetes.2. Call us at (416) 787-1661 ext 360 and speak with Michelle-Ann Hylton for more information about our FRee DIABeTeS PReVeNTION PROGRAM.

live free... prevent diabetesIn keeping with its mission to provide acces-sible and high quality care and community services, New Heights Community Health Centres has recently launched Live Free…Prevent Diabetes. This initiative is dedicated to reducing the onset of diabetes in Toronto’s Latin American and Caribbean communities, through on-site screening for diabetes risk and educational workshops.

By Dani Renouf, RD, MSc

The Live Free Team – (from left) Michelle-Ann Hylton – Outreach Worker, Dani Renouf – Registered Dietitian & Maila Halenko – Registered Dietitian


free primary health care

Если Вы чувствуете дискомфорт при ходьбе или боли в суставах, если выросла косточка, если слишком быстро стаптывается обувь, то это значит, что нужно срочно назначить встречу с chiropodist – специалистом по заболеванию стоп (в бывшем СНГ мы называли его ортопедом), потому что, скорее всего, у Вас плоскостопие.

Ортопедическая програм-ма для взрослых и детей

Консультация опытного врача, услуги переводчика и изготовле-ние ортопедических стелек беСПлАтНО!

тел: 647-436-0385; Адрес: 12 Flemington Road, Toronto, ON M6A 2N4

Our feet are vital to our health and mobility. The average person takes 8,000 – 10,000 steps in a day. Over a normal lifetime, this adds up to more than 184,000 kilometers (115,000 miles)

According to one study, 75% of North Ameri-cans will suffer from foot problems of some description in their lifetime. As we get older, these foot problems can get worse. In older people, foot problems can mean the difference between having to go to a nursing home or being able to live at home.

What is a Chiropodist?Chiropodists are foot special-ists whose scope of practice in-cludes the assessment of feet and the treatment of diseases, disorders or dysfunctions of the foot by therapeutic, orth-otic and palliative means. With their expertise and care, chi-ropodists can bring relief and comfort to patients. As a result, the quality of their lives will be greatly improved.

Foot problems Common foot problems that healthy people may have are: ingrown toenails, fungal infec-tion of both toenails and feet, warts, callouses and corns. Other common foot problems include heel pain and mid-arch

pain. For those who have dia-betes, foot problems such as chronic wounds on their feet can become worse and more dangerous with a higher risk of amputation. A study shows that 25% of hospitalizations re-sulting from diabetes are relat-ed to foot problems.

For those who have experi-enced foot pain, getting im-mediate medical attention is al-ways the right thing to do. Pro-fessional help and care can pre-vent minor problems from get-ting worse. For those with dia-betes, it is extremely important to get their feet checked on a regular basis by a foot specialist such as a chiropodist, who can provide good foot care as well as treatment.

To prevent foot problems from developing, here are some basic steps to follow:

» Check your feet every day. Don’t wait until your feet hurt.

» Wash your feet every day.

» Keep your feet soft and smooth.

» Wipe off any excess cream. Don’t apply between toes.

» Wear comfortable shoes and socks.

chiropodyBy Rui Zhao


mini-guide

ACCeSS1**Service for North York and Scarborough that will refer people to different kinds of mental health services. Anyone can call.

1- 888-640-1934** Many of these organiza-tions/programs/services list-ed below are coordinated by Access1.

ACCeSS ALLIANCeProvides primary health care, illness and disease prevention and health edu-cation services to newcom-ers and refugees of all ages who reside in the City of Toronto. They also have a psychiatrist and social workers.

881 Jane Street, Suite 200B(416) 324-8677

www.accessalliance.ca

ACROSS BOUNDARIeSMental health centre that provides a range of sup-port and services to people of colour in the Greater Toronto Area who are ex-periencing severe mental health problems/serious mental illness.

Open to people who are members of racialized communities in the GTA. Admission criteria here: www.acrossboundaries.ca/programs_services_ad-missions.html

51 Clarkson Ave, Toronto(416) 787-3007

www.acrossboundaries.ca

ADDICTION SeRVICeS FOR YORK ReGIONAssessment, treatment and referrals for people and their families who have substance use and/or gam-bling problems. Also pro-vide outreach services to marginalized populations.

1-800-263-2288www.asyr.ca

CAMHCanada’s largest men-tal health and addiction teaching hospital. Com-bines clinical care, re-search, education, policy development and health promotion.

1001 Queen Street West, Toronto(416) 595-6111www.camh.net

CANADIAN MeNTAL HeALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA)Community mental health services including case management, rehabilita-tion and support within housing.

480-700 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto(416) 789-7957

2700 Dufferin Street, Unit 56, Toronto(416) 781-4199

www.cmha.ca

CONNexONTARIOImproves access to alco-hol and drug, gambling and mental health services. Anyone can call and infor-mation is available 24/7.

drug and alcohol registry of treatment (dart) provides information and referral to alcohol and drug treatment services across Ontario.

1-800-565-8603

ontario problem Gam-bling helpline (opGh) is an information and re-ferral service with inter-pretation available in more than 140 languages.

1-888-230-3505

mental health service information (mhsio) provides information about mental health ser-vices and supports across Ontario.

1- 866-531-2600www.connexontario.ca

COTA HeALTHSupport to adults living with serious mental illness, geriatric mental health con-ditions, acquired brain in-jury, developmental disabil-ities and dual diagnosis.

700 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto(416) 785-9230.

www.cotahealth.ca

FAMILY SeRVICe TORONTOProvides general coun-selling as well as specif-ic counselling in the areas of: abuse and violence, de-pression, stress, relation-

ships, sexual orientation, separation or divorce, par-enting, grief or bereave-ment and others.

700 Lawrence Ave West, Suite 420(416) 595-9230

www.fsatoronto.com/index.html

GeRSTeIN CeNTReProvides crisis interven-tion to adults living in To-ronto who experience mental health problems. Provides supportive coun-seling for both crisis and non-crisis issues through telephone support, com-munity visits and a short-stay residence. All services are free.

100 Charles Street East, TorontoCrisis Line(416) 929-5200Referral Line(416) 929-9897

www.gersteincentre.org

b-fGRIFFIN CeNTReServes youth and adults with mental health chal-lenges and/or develop-mental disabilities. Intake workers can explain ser-

A number of community members and local agencies are working together to create a guide to services in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood. As we develop this resource, we will be publishing excerpts in Kaleidoscope. In this issue, we are focusing on mental health & addiction services in the area. Please note: the guide is a work in progress, and is not comprehensive. This is our first set of listings, and it won’t be our last. We are looking for your input! If there are agencies, groups or programs you think we should add to our guide, please contact us at:[email protected] are some agencies that provide mental health & addiction services to residents of our neighbourhood.

kaleidoscope mini-Guide: mental health & addiction resources

B-F –location at the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood

By Jen Quinlan & Amy Katz


mental health and addiction resources

vices and/or try to refer people to other services.

24 Silverview Drive, Toronto(416) 222-1153

www.griffin-centre.org

b-fHINCKS-DeLLCReSTProvides counselling for children with social and emotional difficulties and their parents.

1645 Sheppard Ave West(416) 633-0515

www.hincksdellcrest.org

HONG FOOK MeNTAL HeALTH ASSOCIATIONServes the East and South-east Asian communities. Provides counselling, case management, assessment, consultation, advocacy, psycho-educational work-shops and self-help and mutual support groups. Anyone can call, services are free.

3320 Midland Ave Suite 201, Scarborough(416) 493-4242

www.hongfook.ca/en/main/main.asp

b-fJeWISH FAMILY AND CHILD SeRVICeSFamily Services and Coun-selling: provides services to families or individuals who are faced with critical difficulties. Programs in-clude financial assistance, rehabilitation, abuse pro-grams for women, counsel-ling services and a hospice.

Central Office4600 Bathurst Street, 6th floor (416) 638-7800 York Region Branch & Family Resource Centre. 1 Promenade Circle, Suite 313(905) 882-2331

www.jfandcs.com

b-fNeW HeIGHTS COMMUNITY HeALTH CeNTReS – LAWReNCe HeIGHTS & BATHURST FINCHProvides primary health care services, case co-ordination and social work services.

Lawrence Heights Site12 Flemington Road, Toronto(416) 787-1661

Bathurst-Finch Site5987 Bathurst Street, Toronto(647) 436-0385

newheightshealth.org

b-fNORTH YORK GeNeRAL HOSPITAL & BRANSON URGeNT CARe CeNTReMental Health Clinic, Eat-ing Disorder Programs, Crisis and Intake, Geriat-ric Psychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Psychiatric Day Hospital, youth substance abuse counselling.

North York General Hospital4001 Leslie Street, Toronto(416) 756-6655

Branson Site555 Finch Ave West, Toronto(416) 633-9420

ReCONNeCT MeNTAL HeALTH SeRVICeS Community mental health agency that provides a range of recovery-based programs for adults ex-periencing serious men-tal illness

2150 Islington Ave Suite 202, Toronto(416) 248 2050

www.reconnect.on.ca

ST eLIzABeTH HeALTH CAReCommunity Crisis Re-sponse Program provides crisis intervention services to individuals in the com-munity who are 16 years or older. Provides: 24/7 tele-phone support, mobile visits in the community, short-term intensive case management and referrals and linkages to other agen-cies. Anybody can call. Note: This is not a substi-tute for 911.

(416) 498-0043www.saintelizabeth.com/service-individuals-families/crisis-services

IN A MeDICAL eMeRGeNCY DIAL 911

This resource was a collaborative

effort by residents and agencies in Bathurst-Finch.

do you know of a community

service, space or program that

should be listed in the bathurst-

finch guide? please contact amy

katz at: [email protected]

B-F –is located at the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood

please join our…

Stress Management Self Help GroupLearn About:

Stress ManagementSelf-esteemRelationshipsPositive AttitudeEnjoy a positive experience and learn new skills and techniques!

When:

Jan 21/ Jan 28, feb 4 / feb 11 20105:00pm to 7:00pm Participants must attend all sessions!

Where:

5987 Bathurst StreetRoom 106 (Upper Floor)First Come First Served! Newcomers Welcome!

To Register call:

647 436 0385 and ask for Jen or JuliaFunded by the Toronto Central LHIN


By Nilgun Erkoc, Coordinator, Local Immigration Partnership, JVS Toronto

neighbourhood network

Who are we?Some of us are residents in

the Bathurst-Finch neighbour-hood. Many of us are workers from community agencies, the City of Toronto, and the Toron-to District School Board who are connected in some way to the area. Anyone can join our general membership. Some people attend meetings and are very active in the development of the network. Other people are simply on our email list and receive information. What are we trying to do?

The BFN came together for a number of reasons, and our work will change over time, de-pending on the people, groups and agencies around the table. Right now, our goals include: helping to coordinate and im-prove services across the neigh-bourhood; collecting and shar-ing information about the neighbourhood (including in-formation about services);

bringing missing services in-to the neighbourhood and de-veloping resident-driven pro-grams specifically for Bath-urst-Finch. In the long-term, we would like to advocate for resources and infrastructure; take on issues that matter to the neighbourhood and help create community spaces and forums.What have we done so far?

In November, we held a Community Conversation and dinner at Rockford School, bringing together residents and workers from community agencies, the City of Toronto and the Toronto District School Board to talk about the future of Bathurst-Finch.

Right now, we are work-ing on our next event, a ‘Mod-el Hub Day,’ which will take place in the neighbourhood in 2010. At the event, we hope to schedule programs, workshops and services. Our goal is to pro-vide information and engage in

a dialogue with residents about a range of topics. We are also working on an on-line com-munity calendar that will list programs and events taking place across the neighbour-hood, and a series of fact sheets listing neighbourhood-specif-ic services like mental health and ESL. Finally, we are in the process of developing sub-com-mittees that will take on specif-ic issues in the neighbourhood. How are we structured?

We are still developing our structure. In 2010, we will hold a Planning Day and formalize our values and goals; terms of reference and other documents and processes. Until then, we have two layers of membership. The first is general membership, which is open to anyone who is connected in some way to the neighbourhood and supports our values and goals.

The second is our interim steering committee, made up

of people who are committed to the process of network de-velopment. Between now and our Planning Day in 2010, the interim steering committee will advise the network facili-tator on network development and activities. How can you get involved?If you live, work, or go to school in the Bathurst-Finch neigh-bourhood and would like to join the general member-ship of the network or find out more about our sub-commit-tees, please call 647-436-0385 or email Amy Katz at [email protected] for more information.

The Bathurst-Finch Net-work Planning Group (BFN) is happy to report that the Com-munity Conversation, held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Rockford Middle School was a great success. The event pro-vided an opportunity for the community to come together, eat, talk, meet neighbours, and learn about community servi-ces. It was also an opportunity for the BFN to talk to residents about their questions, interests, and priorities.

The event was promot-ed throughout the Bathurst-Finch area. Community agen-cies referred their clients to the

event, it was advertised in the Kaleidoscope, information was distributed through Centen-nial Library and Antibes Com-munity Centre, and flyers were sent home with the children of Rockford Public School. The ef-fort paid off, with over 100 resi-dents in attendance. In the fu-ture, the BFN hopes to expand its outreach in the community, helping to ensure even more participation in our events and in the network itself.

The evening began with an agency fair. Workers from more than 25 community agencies and City departments set up tables and provided informa-

tion about their programs in the Bathurst-Finch area. We also enjoyed a beautiful din-ner together, with a delicious variety of dishes from neigh-bourhood restaurants and the wonderful Afghan Women’s Catering Group.

For the conversation por-tion of the evening, residents and workers from community agencies sat at one of 12 tables set up in the school gymna-sium. At each table, a facili-tator engaged participants in a discussion about our com-munity. Discussions took place in English, Russian, Farsi, and Korean. We are a working on a

report from the Conversation, and will be distributing it to participants by email soon.

We are excited about the Community Conversation, and have already started work-ing on the next neighbourhood event. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared your good company and inspiring ideas. We look forward to see-ing you soon!

Would you like to find out about the BFN’s next com-munity event? Please email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 647-436-0385 and ask to be added to the BFN mailing list.

Community Conversation: A Big Success

What is the Bathurst-Finch Network Planning Group?


The North York Commun-ity House Host Program is a befriending program in which newcomers are matched with Canadian volunteers, for friendship. Host friendship as-sists newcomers in their inte-gration process by creating op-portunities for newcomers to learn about local culture, prac-tise English, and expand social networks. We match newcom-ers (to the North York Com-munity) and volunteers on a one-on-one match, and also provide family matches. We also have group matches. New-comers and their volunteers have opportunities to attend a variety of groups such as: Eng-lish Conversation Circles in dif-ferent locations; Community Walk and Talk groups; Paint-ing Groups; Dancing groups; and Networking Circles, etc. We welcome newcomers from the community to join our pro-gram. We also have volunteer opportunities for those who are established and would like to help newcomers.

For more information you can contact us at the Host Pro-gram Office:(416) 636-2600. Our office is located at 638 Sheppard Ave.West, Suite 220, M3H 2S1

Ким Зои.…Первые мои дни прибы-

вания в Канаду были для ме-ня ужасными, потому что я немного знала о Канаде, о культуре живущих здесь лю-дей. Спросить было не у ко-го и не могла из-за незнания анг.языка.

Случайно я узнала о North York Community House, о про-граммах, проводимых для вновь прибывших иммигран-тов. Благодаря этим програм-мам я познакомилась с рус-скоговорящими иммигран-тами такими же как я, кото-рые также не знали анг.язык.

В этом году я посещаю Host Program, где с волон-терами мы общаемся на ан-глийском языке.

Благодаря Host Program мы узнаём больше о Канадe, о городе, в котором мы жи-вем, много ходим по городу и знакомимся с достоприме-чательностями города. Здесь учат, как найти работу, как проводить досуг, мы занима-емся танцами и рисованием.

Большое спасибо спон-сорам и организаторам этих программ. Вы очень помoгаете тем людям, ко-торые приехали и хотят на-чать новую жизнь в Кана-де, чтобы в дальнейшем ра-ботать, учиться, растить де-тей и приносить пользу уже Канаде.

Victoria Dikushina “Of all the benefits of the

Host Program, I like our meet-ings with my personal volun-teer, Tami, the best. We visited

a lot of Toronto’s famous places and she has helped me in my job searches. I can always discuss all my problems with her and I know she’ll always help me.”

Farahnaz“Here is the story of how I

found out about the Host Pro-gram of North York Commun-ity House. In December 2008, when I went to the North York Central Library, I saw the flyer for this program and decided to attend the English Conversation Circle session at the Library.

On my first day, they had a discussion about food and served food and drinks for everybody. People were happily socializing and talking to each other. A very kind lady added my name to the list, I filled out some forms, and I was regis-tered for the program as a new-comer. I met many new people who later became my friends.

From that day, I decided to participate in these kinds of ac-tivities. Thanks to North York Community House for provid-ing many different activities for interested people like me. I at-tended the English Conversa-tion Circle regularly. I started going to other programs and events provided by the Host Program as well.

I enjoyed being with partici-pants of the activities. We went to picnics and parks. We also had field trips to the Royal On-tario Museum, art galleries and Ontario Science Center. I at-tended classes such as painting, dancing and different work-shops. I have always enjoyed working in a garden and grow-ing plants. The program has provided the opportunity for interested garden lovers to work together and grow and learn about different plants.

I believe these programs are very useful for the commun-ity. They help newcomers like me to learn English. People can find friends and socialize with others while they are learning new things. The Walk and Talk programs can encourage new-comers to spend time walk-ing, which is good for their physical health and they learn about different places in their community.

Since I enjoyed the programs very much, I wanted to be part of it and help others enjoy them as well. It has been three months that I am working as a volunteer for the Host Program and I feel good when I can help others and have a positive im-pact on others’ lives.

I would like to thank the Host Program and its coordinators, workers and volunteers for pro-viding many classes, events and programs for people like me. It has surely had a positive impact on my life and the community’s life.”

continued on page30

neighbourhood buzz

The Host Program…Friendship that makes a world of difference


holidays gifts

continued from page29

Людмила Сычёва…Я пришла в NYCH Host

Program, как и многие имми-гранты, что бы получить ин-формацию о канадской жиз-ни. В этом плане очень по-лезными оказались такие се-минары и программы, как: “Work and Career”, “Welcome to Canada”

NYCH Host Program-больше, чем просто «инфор-мационный центр». Так, на-пример, посещая програм-му English Conversation Circle, я смогла оттачивать навы-ки разговорного языка, а еженедельная программа Community Walk познакомила меня ближе с Торонто. Уже не говорю о том, что все эти про-граммы дают возможность от-лично проводить время с при-ятными людьми. Сейчас, ра-ботая уже волонтером в Host Program, я с удовольствием де-люсь своими опытом и знани-ями с вновь прибывшими им-мигрантами.

Yulia Neljub “I would like to say ‘Thank

you’ to The North York Com-munity House Host Program. It is a great way not to be alone, and is a great opportunity to be part of a real social life. There are a lot of activities for newcomers and volunteers. In particular, I really enjoyed being matched with my volunteer and we be-came good friends. Every time we met, we discovered some-thing new: new places in our city, new food at grocery stores, festivals, exhibitions and shows. Most of all - we can talk a lot. We are comfortable with each other and we can always find the right solutions to our challenges. It is great! Thank you, Gabi! Thank you, Host Program!”

Do-It-Yourself Holiday GiftsFloral Potpourri SachetsHow amazing is it to open your clothes, underwear or linen closet, and enjoy the fresh scent of a summer flower garden on your clothes, in the middle of winter? The aroma actually lifts your mood and your spirit!Try this easy-to-make rose and heather potpourri. Most people love homemade gifts as opposed to store-bought gifts at holiday time, they add a personal touch. The sachets can be hung in closets, or the potpourri placed in elegant containers in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or hallway. Why not surprise a family member by placing a sachet under their pillow? I bet your friends or neighbours will comment about the wonderful aroma in your home! Why not invite them over for a potpourri workshop? Get creative – have the kids help you!If you don’t grow your own flowers and herbs, look for the ingredients in a health food store or craft shop. You probably have most of them at home already.

Ingredients:3 cups dried lavender1 cup dried heather flowers2 Tbs. whole cloves¼ cup orrisroot powder (root-stock of any of 2 Tbs. ground allspice several European irises used in perfume and 2 cups dried rose buds or petals sachets. (Try your local health food store)2 drops essential oil of rose2 Tbs. ground cinnamon½ cup saltTbs. = Tablespoons

Preparation:Combine lavender, cloves, all-spice, rose buds or petals and heather, in a large bowl. In a small jar, mix orrisroot with oil, cinnamon and salt. Toss with lavender mixture, then fill the sachets or package in small festive boxes or jars, tied with colorful ribbon. Makes about 7 cups. (Adjust amount to your needs).Note: The potpourri will keep its fresh scent and color for 2 years. Refresh by adding more essential oil of rose. The orrisroot powder makes the scent stronger and it lasts longer.) To spice it up – add dried citrus peel. (I have tried patchouli leaves - they have a sweet, soothing fragrance).(Potpourri Recipe: Mary Car-roll, © Vegetarian Times, Dec.’ 94.) Reprinted with permission

Relaxing Herb Pillow Buy or make a small, fine fabric pillow case with a lace edge-leave one side open. Place a slightly smaller pillow inside leaving one end open. Fill the pillow with a mixture of aromatic herbs or herb potpourri. Stitch up the open end and insert into the pillow case. Stitch up.

The aroma of the herbs is re-leased slowly and provides re-laxation, especially chamomile.Choices:* Lavender and rose recipe: ½ cup dried fragrant lavender, ½ cup dried rose petals, ¼ cup dried lemon verbena leave or dried thyme, 10 crushed cloves, or small stick crushed cinnamon.* Lemon verbena: l cup dried lemon verbena.* Herb: l cup dried rosemary, l cup dried fragrant pine needles.

* Lavender and rosemary: ½ cup dried rosemary, ½ cup dried lavender, some slivers of dried orange peel, 8 whole cloves.Tips: To crush cloves, place in a plastic bag and roll gently with a rolling pin. Crush leaves with your fingers to re-lease the scent before placing them in a sachet or pillow.Flower Seeds Packets: Use small brown paper bags (or make with brown paper). Fold down the tops. Use a hole punch to make two holes through the thickness of the bags, about 2 cm from the top. Have your child draw/trace and paint the flowers of the seeds in bright colors on the front of the packets. Alternatively, pictures from magazines can be glued onto the packets. Place seeds inside a small plastic bag and then into the packet, fold over the tops of the bag. Secure with a dab of glue. Thread colourful ribbons through the holes and tie a bow.(Excerpted from Make It Yourself Gift Book ©Readers’Digest 1997 reprinted with permission)

Flower ContainersPaint some terra-cotta, plastic or aluminum flower pots with colorful paint or different plants and tie a bright bow around them. Add a plant or herbs to the container. Makes a welcome gift.

Hand towel decorationEmbroider a family member or friend’s initials onto some new hand or face towels, to personal-ize them or sew some patterns or flowers onto them. A popular gift with everyone.

Happy Holidays!


recreation

Antibes Fun ProgramsWhat does the Antibes Community Centre offer?

The Centre is located at 140 Antibes Drive (off Bathurst Str.) and run by the City of Toronto. It is open to the public and of-fers a variety of recreation pro-grams for people of all ages. Tel: (416) 395-0475.What kind of programs do you provide for children?

There are many programs available for children & youth aged 2 ½ yrs to 18 yrs old.What is the Welcome Policy and who is eligible?

It is a financial assistance pro-gram offered by the City of To-ronto, to those families in need of assistance in paying for the recreation programs offered by Parks & Recreation. Anyone who lives in Toronto can apply for it.Where can I obtain a Welcome Policy application and where should I drop it off?

You can pick up an appli-

cation at any City of Toronto Community Centre, and drop off the completed application (with the applicable household financial documents & I.D.’s for all family members), at any City of Toronto Community Centre.How do I register for the programs?

Call 311. Once you have set up an account with Parks & Recreation, and you have your family & client numbers, the easiest/fastest way to register is the online method (see pg. 7 of the Toronto Fun Guide for more info). The registration process is always evolving and we are con-stantly working to improve our system. (www.toronto.ca/Parks & Recreation)Where can I find a description of these programs?

Descriptions of all programs are listed in the Fun Guide, or you can call the community centre for more information.

Which programs can I register for in December?

The registration starting on December 8 is for Winter Skat-ing & Swimming programs, as well as March Break camps. Registration for all other win-ter programs started on Sep-tember 9. To find out if there is still space available in these pro-grams, please contact the regis-tration office at 311, or call your local community centre.If I miss the registration date, do I have any options?

Yes, you can still register for programs after the regis-tration date, as long as there is still space available in the pro-gram you want. Registration is done on a first come, first served basis, so call early.What are the upcoming registration dates and for what programs?

December 8 is for winter swimming & skating programs, as well as March Break camps.

March 9 is for spring & sum-mer general programs & sum-mer camps.Do you have a lot of instructors?

We have already hired all our staff to run all the winter & spring programs. All staff must go through mandatory train-ing, and possess a valid First Aid Certificate, to work for the City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry & Recreation.Can you tell us about your main rules and safety issues?

Our main rules are to re-spect, be cooperative and ac-cessible to everyone. In terms of safety, we work together with all community safety organiza-tions: Police, Fire, Ambulance, City Security, etc., and have de-veloped safety procedures with these organizations.What would you say to our readers?

Welcome to the Antibes Community Centre!

Interview with Todd Debling, Recreationist

antibes rhythmic Gymnastics YeAR ROUND LeSSONS WINTeR & SUMMeR CAMPS SHOWS FOR PAReNTS eVeRY MONTH

140 Antibes Drive 416-823-3017www.antibesrg.netCoaCh position available

events calendar

Women’s GroupsJoin these groups to meet new friends, widen your social networks and receive new information. We invite various guests-speakers; some of the sessions are facilitated by women participants. Re-freshments and childcare provided on site for some of our groups.

Women’s Circle - discussion group in partnership with North York Women’s CentreDates: ongoingDay: second Monday of each monthTime: 6-8 p.m. Location: Antibes Community CentreFor more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

Victoria - Russian speaking Women’s Group Dates: ongoingDay: fourth Monday of each monthTime: 6-8 p.m.Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St. unit 104/106).For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

english Conversation CaféWe invite all residents who would like to improve their English to attend English Conversation Café. Refreshments are provided.Dates: ongoingDay: WednesdayTime: 6-7:30 p.m.Location: Antibes Community CentreFor more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

Knitters’ Night Out Dates: ongoingDay: TuesdayTime: 6:30-8 p.m. Location: Centennial LibraryThe knitting group invites everyone regardless of age, gender and skill level.For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385 or Centennial Library at 416-395-5490.

Seniors’ Health Club Second Wind Sessions include gentle fitness exercise, healthy snacks and information-al talks with various health specialists, including registered dietitian, stress management consultant, and meditation specialist.Dates: ongoingDays: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: 6250 Bathurst St., meeting room.

Walking Group meets every Tuesday at 6:30 pm, at the Rockford School front entrance. We walk at a moderate, steady pace for about 50 minutes in the park or residential area.

Youth Chill zone Drop-in space for youth Dates: ongoingDay: WednesdayTime: 3-6 pm.Location: Centennial LibraryFor more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385 or Centennial Library at 416-395-5490.

Youth Media Club For youth interested in different aspects of media, including writ-ing, photography, art and graphic design, newspaper publishing and blogging. Dates: ongoingDay: alternate MondayTime: 3:30-5 pmLocation: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St., unit 104/106).For more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

Youth Health Ambassador Program is a workshop series for youth who want to become peer leaders in health promotion. Dates: December 15th, 2009 (following dates TBD)Day: TBDTime: TBDLocation: TBDFor more information, contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

Stress Management Self Help GroupA 4-week group that aims to increase participants’ abil-ity to manage stress. Topics covered include stress man-agement, self esteem, relationships and positive attitude.Dates: January 21, January 28, February 4, February 11, 2010Time: 5-7pmLocation: 5987 Bathurst Street, Suite 106 (2nd floor)For more information and to register contact: BF Community Office at 647-436-0385

Community Advisory Panel (CAP) A group of residents and other stakeholders in the Bathurst-Finch neighbourhood who advise New Heights CHCs on various matters con-cerning the development of Bathurst-Finch Community Hub and Satel-lite Community Health Centre. The group meets on a second Monday of every other month and welcomes new members. Dates: January 11, March 8, May 10, July 12, September 13, Novem-ber 8, 2010Time: 5 p.m.Location: Bathurst-Finch Community Office (5987 Bathurst St., unit 104/106).

For more information, contact: Bathurst-Finch Community Office at 647-436-0385

Documents

Bathurst-Finch Kaleidoscope Winter issue BFK-Winter-2010