Matt Damon is so cool that he makes a movie entertaining, even when most of it is about getting stuck alone on a planet for a year. The number one activity for a good twenty minutes of the movie was planting potatoes with human feces (he was running out of food and he needed fertilizer), but you were still glued to your seat, fascinated about what came next. If you have yet to watch The Martian, do so. There is enough Matt Damon and enough science in this fiction to make it worthwhile, but it is also a movie that will seem dated in 10 years.That is because by 2016 there will already be astronauts chosen for the first trip to Mars. By 2023 we could have a base in Mars. By 2027 we could have people there (potato farming could really happen in Mars by then!). If you would like to apply click here. Just be aware that they can fly you there, but you are not coming back. The technology to bring people back isn’t here yet. Unlike the movie, you would be signing up for a one-way trip.When the not-for-profit leading the project, Mars One, made their first announcement two years ago, 10,000 people emailed asking to apply. Seems farfetched, but in reality this would be the greatest adventure humankind has ever undertaken. Even if it meant never seeing your family or maybe anybody else—ever again. If you are that first lucky human to step on Mars, your name will be etched in stone for all of history.To put it in perspective, Cristopher Columbus travelled 5,000 km to cross the Atlantic. The first Apollo mission travelled 384,000 km to go to the moon. The distance to Mars is 54 600 000 km. Going to Mars is a big deal.Nobody will remember Matt Damon in 50 years, but everyone will know the name of the first person to set foot on Mars. Apply while you still can!Graphic for article: Courtesy of Nasa.govLink to graphic: https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/iotd.html?id=367277This article was originally published on www.discoverdownsview.ca
The Art of Packing: Professional tips from Anat Papp
Moving can bring on a sense of renewal or pain –depends on your outlook. It gives you the opportunity to go through all of our contents and declutter –it’s actually the best excuse to get rid of all things unwanted. Although most people dread moving, because of its often painfully stressful process, it can be pleasant. With a few helpful tricks from Anat Papp, a professional and trusted real estate agent in the neighbourhood, you can be sure to make the most out of your move!A general rule of thumb (that you can use whether you are moving near or far) is to always pack a box of basic necessities; it’s best to keep this box with you –separate from the moving truck boxes. Using this method helps to avoid digging through boxes to find one thing. These basic essentials can include: shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, plastic utensils, paper plates, plastic cups, paper, pens, change of clothes and shoes –Tylenol might also be something you’ll need!Packing breakables is probably the most annoying and time consuming part of preparing to move. Each plate, cup, bowl, mug etc. must be wrapped individually. Try using table cloths, towels and clothes as an alternative to old newspapers or plastic wrap.Boxes can become expensive. Most people gear towards getting their boxes at grocery and furniture stores –cheapest option! Businesses are happy to give their boxes away –saves them from having to recycle them. “An alternative to cardboard boxes is plastic (Rubbermaid) storage boxes –these are ideal for reusing and storing (if you have space). Prices range from $7 and up, depending on the size you want.” Said Papp.A great way to save time is by using a coloured label system. You can buy large office labels in several different colours or buy a pack of markers. Either way you can label by assigning each room its own colour –it’s a great visual reference and makes things easier and organized.Sometimes boxes with household and personal content can get wet (from rain or spills). It helps to pack things that can be damaged by water in plastic bags.Quick tips:
- Pack heaviest objects on the bottom and work up to light and breakable objects.
- Household cleaners should never share a box with food –not even cans or unopened foods.
- To prevent boxes from breaking, criss-cross tape on the bottom then up the sides.
“If you find that you still have unopened boxes (from a previous move) try to decide whether the contents should be left behind –unless they are valuable, sentimental contents.” Said Papp.Following these tips will help your move run without a hitch!For more information you can contact Anat Papp directly via:Website: http://www.anatpapp.com/Email: anat.papp@gmail.comOffice: 416-226- 1020
Repair Cafe in Downsview
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On Saturday, June 18th, there was a steady stream of people who came to the Driftwood Community Centre for the Repair Cafe. Over 60 people got their items fixed for free!
   Photo credits: Heather Ramsay
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Parents rally against changes to Ontario autism services
A mother holds back tears while speaking to the large crowd at a rally outside of Queen’s Park.“We are mourning the loss of the life we thought our child would have. We had a plan,” said Brianne Brown, whose son Chase was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.Like so many other families of children with autism, her plan was cut short by the Liberal government’s changes to autism services.Children over the age of five no longer qualify for Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI), even though many of them have been on the waiting list, to access the service, for years. Instead, the government is offering a one-time payment of $8,000 to families (this will not even come close to covering the cost of private treatment).“$8,000 for what? A couple months of service? It’s nothing.” Said Brown.Families and those who work with children who have autism agree that this one-time payment just isn’t enough.“I've worked with kids on the autistic spectrum and I've seen the progress they can make with IBI therapy,” said Erica Shiner, candidate in the upcoming TDSB Ward 5 by-election.“Offering parents a lump sum that is one sixth of the cost of a year's worth of IBI leaves children and their families high and dry. It's not right to take this crucial therapy away. We can all empathize with the challenges of having a child with special needs, even if that's not our experience. We need to stand together as parents, as educators, and as public servants to make sure that the government does the right thing and reverses these cuts,” she added.Experts have weighed in on the issue to say that there is no evidence to suggest children over the age of five won’t benefit from IBI. It’s the personal stories, like Brianne’s, that are fuelling the movement to stop cuts to these life changing services.Parents, David and Linda Galvao, held signs at the rally with pictures of their two children that read, “Started at 6 and began to speak” and “2nd child waited 3 years for IBI, now what?”With plans to return to Queens Park for a fourth time, the movement by parents’ groups and coalitions shows no signs of stopping.For information on upcoming rallies and events visit www.ontarioautismcoalition.com
Driftwood Public School: 50 years teaching our kids
On June 1st , 2016, Driftwood Public School hosted a celebration for their 50th Anniversary in our community. This celebration was an opportunity for people to share both past and current experiences with an institution that has helped to shape and develop the very spirit of the surrounding community.Since it’s opening in 1965, Driftwood Public School has been the source of many stories from city wide news outlets for their revolutionary educational initiatives. These stories have ranged from discussion about new innovative programs for conflict resolution to kicking off the trend for environmentally friendly programs in the 90s. Programs like these are the work of engaged and concerned teachers, aiming to be on the leading edge of education initiatives. Indeed, as recently as 2012, teacher Sheri Alcordo, was awarded the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence.But teachers can only do so much, part of what makes a school like Driftwood successful, is the involvement and support of the children and parents. Driftwood is part of an extremely diverse community whose intent is to ensure that their children can have the best education possible. The hard work of teachers’ means nothing if children are not encouraged and supported by their families to put everything they can into their school experience.We will be sure to bring you more pictures and updates about the event in our next edition, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
The case against homework
The homework divide has come to light recently with parents on both extremes of the spectrum. Some argue that homework is essential to student prosperity and learning and some say that other learning experiences are not valued and therefore ignored.The issue has become one of determining which type of knowledge is valued.We can compare intellectual knowledge to learning initiatives beyond the classroom -such as community activities.As a society we have to re-evaluate our thinking that only good teachers assign homework and consider that homework could be given due to inefficient time management.The general homework rule is to multiply grade by ten minutes. However, most students are doing far more as this rule does not account for students with exceptionalities, ESL learners or students who have other family responsibilities, or students with parents who work two jobs and have no one to assist them with their studies.Rather than assign homework teachers should allow in-class work periods in which students can receive the assistance and guidance required. We must view our students as individual learners with specific needs inextricably connected to their particular social locations.Although it can be argued that homework possesses various benefits namely: responsibility, organization skills, parent involvement, creativity and practice. These positive aspects do not account for or represent our diverse student demographic.Disadvantages of homework include: less family time, stress, disengagement in extra-curricular activities such as music, sports and community events, as well as a lack of inclusivity in terms of multiple intelligences.Implementing work periods in which students can receive assistance and support will allow the opportunity for engaging in diverse forms of interest-based learning outside of the classroom.
Feeding the Think Tank
With great power comes great responsibility. Your brain has a level of responsibility that is unmatched by any other organ. It keeps physical processes regulated, many without your awareness. It regulates your temperature and blood pressure within a tight range, and it controls thirst, hunger and breathing. This means your brain requires a constant supply of fuel – and that fuel comes from food. Put simply, your brain is sensitive to what you eat, and the way it works reflects changes in your diet.Studies comparing traditional diets, like the Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese diet, to the standard Western diet have shown that the risk of depression is 25% to 35% lower in those who eat a traditional diet. Scientists account for this difference because traditional diets are high in monounsaturated fat, high in fibre and packed with protective phytochemicals. They are primarily plant-based with a focus on vegetables, fruit, whole grains and cereals, legumes, fish and seafood; and contain only modest amounts of lean meats and dairy. They are low in highly processed and refined foods and sugars, which are common in the Western dietary pattern.The Mediterranean diet has also shown to reduce the risk of developing degenerative brain conditions. Dr. Carol Greenwood, a senior scientist at the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences, has spent the last 20 years researching the connection between diet and dementia. Results of long-term studies indicate that people following that type (Mediterranean-style) of diet, whether in Europe or North America, lower their risk of developing dementia by as much as 36%, and experience a greater preservation of cognitive function. Dr. Greenwood states that the Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating. The emphasis should be on consuming a cross-section of “classes” of foods and not specific, individual foods. Here is the run-down:
- Seasonal, culturally diverse vegetables and fruit. Include berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, kale, cabbage. Go for vegetables and fruit you prefer and enjoy;
- Minimally processed whole grains and cereals. Options as brown rice, oats, bulgur, barley, polenta, couscous, millet, 100% whole grain bread and pasta;
- Oily fish. Include salmon, sardines, trout, herring twice a week;
- Plant-based protein from legumes such as lentils, beans and chickpeas;
- Nuts, seeds and oils like almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds and extra virgin olive oil.
And, with the United Nations declaring 2016 the International Year of the Pulses, pulses being dry legumes, celebrate by including them in your meals more often.Pass the chickpeas please.
Better Regulations of Predatory Lenders Needed
When Joseph’s car broke down a week before his paycheque he needed fast money to pay the $1000 repair bill. Without savings, available credit or a network of family and friends who could help him financially, he decided to go to a payday advance loan agency (think Money Mart, Cash Money, etc.).Like using a credit card, Joseph figured there would be little to no interest if he paid back the loan on time. When he went to pay back the $1000 loan two weeks later, he was charged $300 (30%) in interest.Based on his experience Joseph expressed concern for others, “It’s a vicious cycle. A person could easily end up needing a payday loan to pay back a payday loan. I would never go back.”Enter Rohan. Living with a disability and in his fifties, Rohan felt reborn when he fell in love and was happily planning a wedding. Without available funds to pay for even a small celebration, a friend suggested he get a payday advance loan.Rohan ended up borrowing from three different lenders to pay the minimum payment for his growing debt. After borrowing from friends and scraping by for two years, Rohan was able to pay back what he owed.Such experiences are common for many residents in our community where the number of payday advance lenders roughly equal the number of Tim Horton’s. In desperation, individuals and families often turn to them for help, only to make their financial situation far worse.Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) has taken a lead role in the fight against ‘predatory lenders’.ACORN’s spokesperson on this campaign, Donna Borden, has personally experienced the bottomless pit of high interest debt when she took out a $10,000 installment loan. Five years later, Donna had paid back $15,000 and still had to pay $8,000 to clear the debt.“The loan never gets paid off because there are additional charges and then at the end you are still paying the cost of the initial loan.” said Donna. ”The terms were changed several times without my consent.”The provincial government is currently reviewing legislation around payday advance and other forms of high interest lending, but organizations like ACORN want to ensure that any changes will prioritize the needs of the public rather than the lenders.ACORN (www.acorncanada.org) demands include reducing the criminal rate of interest, instituting a minimal distance between such lenders, an enforceable complaint process for consumers, public banking (through Canada Post) as an alternative (visit www.cupw.ca), and the creation of an independent loan database to prevent different payday lenders to loan to the same borrower (called concurrent loans).Quickcheck Canada, a company that provides software to payday lenders agrees with ACORN on the need for an independent loan database.“If we do not adequately address the issue (of concurrent payday loans) we will have a lot of desperate people taking out multiple payday loans on the strength of a single paycheque.” says Roy Toker, Executive Vice President of Quickcheck Canada.Presently, concurrent payday loans are illegal however, lenders ask desperate borrowers to simply sign a waiver stating they have no other payday loans. Roy says that this loophole could be closed by requiring payday lenders to register each payday loan with the proposed database. Lenders would then see if a borrower had an outstanding payday loan and therefore have no excuse to lend.In March 2016, City of Toronto Council voted to ask the province for better regulation of predatory lenders. Local Councillors Maria Augimeri and Anthony Perruzza were in favour of better legislation.Both Donna and Joseph hope the government will act quickly in strengthening laws to protect individuals from predatory lending while Rohan’s focus is elsewhere. “As long as struggling families have to pay more than half of their salary on rent and other basic needs, people will always be in a desperate situation.” he concluded.
Veterans graves flooded at the Mount Sinai Memorial Park
I’m familiar with Mount Sinai Memorial Park. Most members of my family are buried there and it will be my final resting place. It is located on Wilson Avenue west of Keele Street south of Downsview Park.In the rear section of the cemetery is the burial ground of Canadian Jewish War Veterans, the graves of some 300 service men and women who fought and died for their country in both the first and second world wars. The war vets are buried at the north side of the cemetery abutting the Downsview lands.Downsview Park resulted from an election promise of the Liberal government during the Federal election of 1999 -Liberals like to promise parks. It was the land from the decommissioned CFB Downsview. Of the some 295 acres of land released, only about 65 acres are actually park. The balance will be sold off for redevelopment under the supervision of Canada Lands, a federal agency.The first area to be re-developed was Stanley Greene, an area of what used to be base housing for enlisted men and their families. It was just next to the Veterans’ graves. Stanley Greene was to be replaced with a massive town house developmentPhil Grenfell, the manager of the Mount Sinai Cemetery told me. “The trouble began when they tore out the base housing and the sewage system was ripped out.”Water began to seep southward, filling the graves. The level of the land for construction had been raised about 4 feet and that added to the drainage problem. “I’ve been here for twenty six years. Our cemetery has a sweeping tile system. We’ve never had a drainage problem before,” he said.Al Rubin, president of the Jewish Canadian Veterans’ Memorial Park Association told me that they discovered the problem when they dug a grave and the water rose to above the level of a coffin. The cemetery now has to pump out a grave before the funeral arrives and return the soil to the grave quickly before the water is visible. Several open graves have collapsed. The Association has had a number of meetings with Canada Lands and there are two City of Toronto Inspectors directly involved who are not going to approve the subdivision until the drainage is fixed. In the end Canada Lands as a Federal Agency can ignore the city inspectors if they so choose. In Canada, a government has no jurisdiction over an order of government above it.“I can assure you that we are not taking this lightly,” said Al RubenMy Uncle Joe Moscoe is buried in Mt Sinai Memorial Park. He was captured in the Dieppe Raid and spent four years in a German prisoner of war camp, Stalag VIIIB. Joe was president of the General Wingate Branch of the Canadian Legion. Every year in late August just before Yom Kippur, the legion would lead a grand parade of veterans to a memorial service at the Jewish Veterans’ War Memorial. Each year the parade would get just a little smaller as the veterans aged and died off. On August 10th, 2008, a week before the parade and memorial service, the Sunrise propane explosion occurred on Murray Road just to the west of the cemetery. The parade was cancelled. It never happened again. It’s as if the vets moved off the parade route into their graves.Maria Augimeri, the local councillor, is dismayed about the Canada Lands handling of the situation. “They’ve shown a real contempt,” she said. “The veterans deserve better than a watery grave. Where’s the respect?”
The Signs they are a Changing
Having just gone through a large move in life I’ve been sorting through some old boxes. One very important box marked “DAD’S SIGNS” was put in a special place for safe keeping. It contained hundreds of slides, one for nearly every sign my dad, George Morris, of Kramer and Morris Signs (later changed to George Morris Signs) painted by hand and erected throughout Toronto from the 1930’s up to the late 1980’s when he finally retired. Looking through the box I came across 2 slides labelled Bathurst Manor. It brought back wonderful memories of my childhood when he would take me to his sign shop, dressed in my “let her get dirty clothes,” where I enjoyed some of my happiest days with my dad, watching him create the next big sign.When I was older, I would drive my dad to the sites to make sure his staff erected each sign according to municipal regulations. Those were days I will treasure forever. It is well known as the “Manor Plaza” is soon to be no more.Having just moved into the Bathurst Manor I wanted to share a piece of Toronto history in the hopes it may rekindle old memories for those who have lived through so many changes.