Downsview Tool Library has Moved

It is with a mix of emotions that the Toronto Tool Library has moved from its Downsview branch on February 28th. It's new location will be at 830 St. Clair West, just west of Christie Street. All memberships at the Downsview branch will still be active and tools can continue to be borrowed at the new location after March 25th.  If members would like to borrow tools between March 1st-March 25th, please visit one of it's other locations at 1499 Queen Street West or 1803 Danforth Avenue.

After 2 years in partnership with the Toronto Public Library the TTL decided to move to a larger and more visible location due to lower than anticipated membership sales and loans in the Downsview neighbourhood. "We would like to thank all of our members and volunteers as well as the Toronto Public Library for supporting our project and keeping our doors open, we couldn't have done this without you" said a spokesperson for the TTL.

If you have any questions about this move or your membership please contact Ryan at ryan@irbe.org.

New Real Estate Blog Designed to Help Consumers Better Understand the Industry: The Behar Group Realty Inc.

Real estate can be tricky, especially for those who are new to buying and selling, and feel as though they are lacking up to date information. Luckily, The Behar Group Realty Inc. Brokerage is here to make it easier and faster to acquire the help needed in order to make the right decisions. The company recently launched a blog focusing on commercial real estate that will be updated on a weekly basis. The blog will feature the most up to date stories and sites, making it easier for you to have all the facts at your fingertips."The real estate industry has been slow when it comes to adopting digital media and social media initiatives and we're hoping that our new blog will help to bring this fast-paced sector up to speed," said Greg Evans, The Behar Group Realty Inc., Brokerage, EVP.Weekly blog posts will share commentary and video interviews with TBG agents and other real estate experts within the industry. Previous posts describe the pop-up shop trend, commercial real estate’s drone use, and the parallels between communications agencies and real estate brokers.With almost 25 years in the business, The Behar Group Reality Inc., Brokerage is active in all levels of industrial, investment, and commercial real estate. TBG is now one of Toronto’s leading real estate brokers.For more information contact Jennifer Armel, TBG’s Communications & Marketing Coordinator, at jarmel@thebehargroup.com or 416-636-8898 ext. 248To visit the blog, please visit: www.behargroupbuzz.com

Mathan Makes Tax Season Less Taxing

**ADVERTORIAL**By: Giovanna Loureiro and Rhiannon Moller-TrotterIt’s that time of year. There you are, scrambling around your home looking through drawers, and sorting through endless piles in order to get your taxes done on time. No one likes dealing with it, except there is one man in Downsview who loves it, and wants to deal with it for you. With 29 years of experience at the same location, right next to Aizen Academy, Thava, who named the company after his son, Mathan, is excited to help community members get the best return.He tirelessly explains every detail of how individuals can maximize their benefits this tax season, so that one knows exactly how it all works. As soon as you walk into his office, you are greeted with a wide smile and a plethora of information. Unlike other tax services that seem to want you in and out, where you might leave more confused than when you had entered, Thava’s personal demeanor is a warm change, and any questions you have will be answered.Helping up to 5,000 clients a year, Thava not only works with Business and Income tax, he is a Mortgage Broker and Real Estate Broker as well. Having clients from all over Ontario and even some from the United States, Thava has an abundance of relevant knowledge where your money is concerned.Thava is offering a minimum of 15% off for community members who bring in a copy of THIS PAPER! He also offers 50% off to the self-employed or businesses during their first year working with him, and 25% off of their second year. You even get benefits if you refer multiple clients, which after meeting with Thava and receiving his services, you will be sure to do!As tax season approaches at the end of February, Thava wants to ensure that community members do not feel overwhelmed or scared to begin the process. He encourages showing up in the month of February so that clients may receive benefits more quickly, and states that the earlier one visits, the more time he will have to converse over any and all concerns that you might have. Even if you have not done your taxes in years, you may find that you are still eligible for refunds!Many people are not aware of deductions and benefits that can be claimed, but Thava is here to inform you of any and all ways that one can maximize their savings annually.Here are just a few things that you can claim on your taxes: daycare expenses, RRSP contribution, moving expenses, support payments and more -Thava can explain how all of them work and what you will get versus what you have spent.Thava’s Pre-Visit Checklist (Bring What Is Applicable/What You Have):RRSP InformationT4s, T4Es (all income slips from employment or unemployment)DividendsT4AOAS (Old Age Security)T4RIF (Retirement)RC-62 (Universal Child Tax)T4PS (Profit Sharing)Student Specific List:T4sT2202A (Tuition Payment)T4A (Scholarships, Bursaries, Grants, etc.)Remember, consultations with Thava are completely free. Come for advice and with questions, stay for the quality service. The earlier the better!Mathan Tax Services is located at 1290 Finch Avenue West, Unit #23. Reach Thava at www.mathantaxservices.com or 416-665-4756.

Restaurant Review: La Traviata Ristorante & Pizzeria – 852 Wilson Ave. – www.latraviata.ca – 416-635-8891

La Traviata has got to be one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Downsview. On a clear moonlit night I dined with my extended family, on my wife’s side, due to the awesome generosity of my beloved in-laws, who have hearts of gold. We have dined here on maybe ten to fifteen occasions. The restaurant never fails to impress, therefore, never disappoints.The restaurant is impeccably clean, and the white table cloths add charm to the décor. The grey walls exude a feeling akin to something from Architectural Digest.The wait staff is always congenial, warm, effervescent, and beguiling, which always wins us over. I would be remiss if I did not mention that it was, of course, mainly due to the awesome cuisine.The restaurant is very intimate but still affords patrons the opportunity to converse at an audible level. When there are lulls in conversation, there is some very appealing pop music which serenades you as you dine.Since we usually go with a party of eight, everyone habitually delves into different entrees. We usually forgo any appetizers or desserts due to the fact the entrees are of generous proportions.My wife habitually opts for the chicken parmigiana with penne -which she devours since it’s so delectable. My father-in-law and mother-in-law sometimes elect to choose shrimp arrabiata or veal parmigiana. Those two entrees are finger lickin’ good! My sister-in-law and her partner usually share two entrees. Their entrees of choice are eggplant parmigiana and the margherita pizza. Since they both share two options, their choices go much further in pleasing the palate. I waver between the chicken cacciatore and the shrimp arrabiata depending on what my gastronomic consciousness is instructing me. Our niece is very much inclined to either of the aforesaid shrimp arrabiata or the mussels arrabiata. Our nephew, who is six feet tall, opts for various things. On our last visit he and I were in sync and so he indulged in the amazing chicken cacciatore.Regardless of whatever you choose off the menu, all the dishes are winners! You won’t go wrong. Plus the bread which is served with olive oil and butter does its job by whetting the appetite.The overhanging lights illuminate the restaurant quite nicely, providing ample lighting for you to see your meal and your dining companions, not like some restaurants which have dim lighting.It’s fully accessible via TTC as there is a stop nearby. If you’re driving there is some parking in the front of the resto or on a nearby side street.The lavatories are always very clean but be careful walking down the stairs en route if you have to answer the call of nature. La Traviata is open seven days a week so you can go anytime to      have a delicious and very appetizing meal! 

Curries on my Mind

The yellow colour of Asian curries is due to turmeric, a spice which appears often in health news.In India and in some other parts of south-east Asia, curries with turmeric are consumed daily and often more than once per day.  In those regions, the incidence of degenerative mental conditions in old age is lower than here in North America, and some types of cancer are significantly rarer.  Not surprisingly, turmeric and curcumin, an active component of turmeric, receive wide-ranging scientific study, more so than any other spice.Other benefits from turmeric that have been scientifically studied touch on cataracts, diabetes, M.S., HIV, and skin and liver problems.  Unfortunately, many of the studies, though numerous and expert are small.  It is hard to get research funds for major health research on foods because drug companies cannot easily put patents on a spice and raise the price.Another problem is quantity.  Traditional diets that provide evidence of health benefits of curries are diets that include turmeric in very large quantities; that spice is not quick to absorb.  Micro-grinding and cooking in healthful oil may turn out to help.So what does all this mean in practical terms?  If you come to consult me in my Downsview clinic will I prescribe hot curries?  Don’t count on that!  But you don’t need any prescription to enjoy the curries.I started using turmeric in my kitchen around 2009.  Now it is a family favorite. Consumption seems safe because millions of people eat curry more than ten times a week.  For me, there is nothing to lose and a possible benefit to be gained.  Turmeric as a simple curry and also in morning smoothies has become a very regular part of my cooking though it wasn’t part of my background.  I don’t buy commercial curry mixes with salt and preservatives.  I deeply admire and respect those who have mastered the complex, time-consuming, highly refined and elegant art of traditional curries made from scratch.  I modestly experiment with simple turmeric and internet recipes. Try it.  Learning new things is good for the brain.  That is a scientific fact.We would be very pleased to respond to your health-related questions in this column.  Write to nicole@IndividualCare.com.   Nicole Constant is a registered Doctor of Naturopathy.   Her website is:  www.IndividualCare.CA.  Before coming to Canada, she practiced as a medical doctor in Europe.   She has lived in the Jane-Finch neighborhood since coming to Canada, where she has also been employed in social work and community development in addition to volunteer service in Mediation,  Laughter Yoga and the Community Action Planning Group of York West.

Door-to-Door Furnace Inspection Scams

No, You Don’t Need to Inspect My Furnace!If you live in a residence that is street-accessible, odds are that you have received a visit from a person who claims to be “from the energy company”, holding up some form of “identification” hanging around their neck and who says they “need to inspect your furnace”.  Sounds harmless, right?Except it’s a scam.Here’s how it works: the “inspector” is actually from a company that takes advantage of the deregulation of electricity and gas supply that happened in the 1990s that was intended to allow consumers to purchase their energy from suppliers other than their local utility in a competitive market.  The goal of the deregulation was to help consumers save money.  Unfortunately, most of the companies that emerged offered “deals” to consumers that were not at all to customers’ advantage.  When homeowners began realizing that they were paying more to the “alternative” companies than they were paying to their local utility before deregulation, these other companies started using aggressive sales tactics to try to trick the unaware into signing up for their services.That’s where the fake “inspector” comes in.  When a trusting homeowner allows this person into their home, what the scammer looks for is the identification number for the local utility account that is located on the furnace and/or water heater.  They then ask the homeowner to sign a document that they claim is “confirmation that the inspection was done”.  In reality, the document is a contract authorizing the shady company to switch the homeowner’s account over to them, often locking them in to a multi-year energy supply agreement.The best defense against this scam is knowledge.  The Ontario government is in the process of drafting new legislation to outlaw this practice.  However, at present, nothing prevents these door-to-door visits.  The employees are paid with commission for every homeowner they sign up, incentivizing them to ignore “no soliciting” signs and refuse to leave private property when asked.  Unfortunately, legacy laws still on the books don’t clearly define “legitimate” business, so door-to-door soliciting is still permitted by default despite the frequent misrepresentation and ongoing shady practices.I asked a helpful police officer from the 31 Division what local residents in the Downsview area can do to reduce the harm from this type of scam.  He advised that condominiums and local homeowners’ associations hold meetings to inform their members about this type of scam.  Until the new laws come into effect, education is the best way to avoid these scams.  No matter what the person at your door promises, be it “savings programs”, “removing toxins from your water”, or “safety inspections”, don’t be swayed.  No legitimate energy company will ever visit your house unscheduled.  If you’re unsure about someone’s legitimacy, just say “No! You don’t need to inspect my furnace!” and close the door. 

Mental Health Support for Children and Youth in Downsview

From an early age we are taught how to recognize our emotions. To label them and give them a name — sadness, anger. We are taught how to regulate and control these emotions — stay calm, use your words. We are advised on coping strategies and given problem solving tools — take a deep breath, tell someone what is bothering you. Although we are taught all of these things, feelings are often dismissed. The stigma around mental illness is so hard to combat, especially when it is surrounding youth.Mental health is a murky subject, often tip-toed around and whispered about in hushed tones. We shy away from the topic of mental health because we don’t want to emphasize the situation or blow things out of proportion, however mental health needs to be talked about. It is important to not only recognize the signs of mental illness, but understand what good mental health means and what that looks like in relation to children and youth.Mental health is a state of well-being, it is not about being blissfully happy all of the time, nor is it characterized as being sad. Good mental health allows children to think clearly and cope with the normal stresses of life, developing both socially and mentally. Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that may affect one’s mood, thinking or behaviour. This includes depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, and many more.The Hincks-Dellcrest Early Years Centre is located on 1645 Sheppard Ave West and is one of three centres for youth located in Toronto. The Centre’s focus on providing prevention, early intervention, and treatment services to infants, children, and youth who live in local communities through programs such as, “the ABCs of Mental Health”. As Sandra, an employee at Hincks-Dellcrest Centre(HDC) explains, the Centre “gives families and youth tools on how to handle behaviour…we provide different kinds of services —starting with prevention.”Because there are some illnesses we cannot see, it is important to be aware and know where to access valuable resources, skills and training to enhance mental health competencies. The demand for children’s mental health services is increasing 10% each year^[1]. The centre has recently announced their intention to integrate with Sick Kids Hospital, providing specialized hospital and community-based mental health services for children and youth.97% of the HDC is run on donations and fundraisers within the community, because of this they focus heavily on providing drop-in and education programs, support, training and free parenting and group workshops. On Thursday March 30th, 6:30-8:00 pm the Centre will be holding a free workshop, “Raising Resilient Children”, further details and workshop listings are available online.Label the emotion, give it a name. Regulate and control these feelings. Use the coping strategies and problem solving tools. It is not a matter of achieving good mental health, rather it is a process of maintaining it.^[1] Children’s Mental Health Ontario

Community Spotlight: Against All Odds (part 1)

Samuel Boakye was on a downward trajectory in his middle and early high school years.  Today, he attends the University of Toronto and runs a non-profit program that exposes marginalized youth to experiences in the field of construction.Samuel moved into local community housing at age 10, his mother struggling to raise three children after her husband had left her some years ago."At my old school, I was a popular, energetic and playful kid." says Samuel, "When I moved, it was like I dropped rank and had to ascend again.  There were many terms like 'teacher's pet' that would deter you from taking a positive role and become a target of bullying."Samuel reflected on his feelings of isolation and being bullied when he first arrived.  His priority in school was his social status and he reached the top of that food chain as a tough kid with little interest in his studies.The transition to high school meant starting from the bottom once more.  Samuel had few thoughts of the future and his focus was on fun and the respect of his peers.  It was a time of frequent fights, trips to the principal's office and school suspensions.Samuel speaks of his mother's feelings about him during those years, "I think she had accepted I would never be the smart kid at school.  At best, she hoped I would make it through school and find any job I could."  By grade 10, Samuel's mother came to believe that her son's only chance of redemption might lie elsewhere; she made the hard decision to send her son to live with his father in Ghana.At the time, Samuel was extremely resentful of her plan to send him to his father.  He plotted mischief he would unleash upon his arrival but when he faced his father once more in the flesh, all his plans melted away.  "The moment I saw him again it was back to the drill sergeant and cadet." says Samuel with a grin.Samuel's father was a successful businessman back in Ghana, managing and owning over a dozen pharmacies.  His father demanded discipline of his son but had no time to administer it so he sent Samuel to a boarding school where he would live on campus and under strict rules and supervision. At this new school, Samuel observed something that was incredibly surprising: some of the coolest and toughest kids also were the most academically involved.  This was in stark contrast to the youth culture he was used to, which he described as idolizing mediocrity and apathy towards studies.Despite this realization, Samuel continued feeling resentment and disinterest in his studies.  Half a year passed and Samuel's grades continued to be poor, so his exasperated father took him out of school and sent him to live with his two uncles.  It was during this time with his uncles that two defining moments happened in Samuel's life, setting him on a path of reflection and ultimately redemption...to be continued next month

Access to Healthcare Services Is Everyone’s Problem

“Cancer patients have been complaining about the lack of parking all day”, the compassionate and understanding admin said to me as I arrived 30 minutes late for my appointment in the Cancer Clinic at the Humber River Regional Hospital.  I had arrived at the campus in time for my appointment but then found myself driving around from parking lot to parking lot, along with dozens of other cars carrying sick people to the hospital, only to discover that every single lot was completely full.  There was literally no patient parking anywhere on the multi-billion-dollar complex.  Again.  The same thing had happened on the day of my previous appointment.  I had paid $120 for a parking pass that was completely useless.  What was I going to do?As I exited the rear of the complex, I drove past three giant, passive-aggressive signs at the entrances of the three, large, half-full City of Toronto building parking lots that said, “PRIVATE PROPERTY!” and “NO HOSPITAL PARKING!” in bold red letters.  Clearly the city was aware of the problem.  Clearly the city felt it wasn’t its problem.  Driving back around to the front of the complex, I noticed a tow truck on stand-by, waiting like a vulture for a patient to become sick enough or desperate enough to leave an unattended vehicle.I drove North of the hospital until the city’s unnecessary “no parking signs” in the adjacent residential area ceased to bloom. I passed dozens of cars, many of which had parking tickets for daring to park on a city street near a hospital for too long.  The city was not only aware of the problem; it was also actively profiting from it through parking fines.  When I eventually found a legal place to park my vehicle, the walk back to the hospital took 20 minutes.  I’m able-bodied and in good health.  Most hospital patients cannot walk for 20 minutes to go to and from their chemotherapy sessions.  It’s unthinkable.The CEO of the Humber River Regional Hospital, Barb Collins, is very proud of the many awards it has received.  It’s unfortunate that none of these awards are related to the very real, lived, patient experiences that have repeatedly been brought to her attention, like this one.  Imagine the negative impact on the health of a cancer patient who has to deal with the frustration and expense of recovering a towed vehicle at the same time as chemotherapy, all because of “not my problem” finger pointing and poor planning for patient parking!  Perhaps if a “fewest patients’ cars towed” award were created the Hospital would actually address the problem and add it to its list of “achievements”, since awards, not patient care, seem to be the executive priority.

As hydro bills continue to climb, families in North York are suffering

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath met with numerous residents of 2901 Jane St. in North York to discuss the impact of skyrocketing hydro rates on their families. “Hydro rates are out of control in this province because of bad decisions made by the Liberal government to privatize more and more of our electricity system,” said Horwath. “Instead of looking after her friends on Bay Street, the Premier should take real steps to help families throughout the GTA by making hydro affordable.” Residents of 2901 Jane St.  told the NDP Leader about the challenges they are facing as retired people living on a fixed income. Even after switching to equal billing and receiving small rebates through the Ontario Electricity Support Program residents are still struggling, some going so far as to not cook or use electricity at all between 7am to 7pm. The residents of 2901 Jane St. are not unique in their struggles.  Hydro bills have been skyrocketing out of control for many Ontarians all across the province. “I hear stories like these regularly from people I visit,” said Horwath.  “Hydro rates are too high, they have been for a long time and Kathleen Wynne isn’t doing much about it.  In fact, she is making it worse by continuing to sell-off Hydro One which will drive rates even further up.” The NDP Leader urged the Liberal government to do the right thing and cancel her plan to sell-off Hydro One because it will only make electricity more expensive for families, businesses and community organizations in Ontario.