In our Hood

Standing ovation for Northlea Public School Junior Choir. We’re accustomed to seeing these kids win Kiwanis awards each year, but this winter, the grades 5/6 choir was awarded top prize for all elementary schools in the choir section. Mr. Bondy and Ms. Malach were awarded certificates, a scholarship cheque and the William B. Rothwell trophy. Huge thanks for the dozens of volunteers who helped the kids prepare and attend that day, including Sharon Hampson (of Sharon, Lois and Bram fame). Hampson is a Northlea grandmother.

Airdrie Dr. neighbour Dr. Gaeten Tardiff spent March 7-16 in Sochi, Russia in his role as president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Tardiff watched as Brian McKeever won Canada’s first gold medal, taking the title in the men’s 20 km visually impaired cross-country race.

Celebrate female hockey: March 7-9 was a big weekend for the Toronto Leaside Wildcats hosting the 35th Annual March Madness Girls Hockey Tournament. Over the two days more than 2,100 players from 125 teams in Ontario visited Leaside arena (just shy of the 2,500 participants at Sochi).

An open house in early March launched Leaside Orthodontic Centre (1600 Bayview) with chief practitioner Dr. Emel Arat. Dr. Arat is a resident of Leaside along with her husband Arin and their three children. Born in Turkey, where she received her PhD, Dr. Arat graduated in orthodontics at the University of Toronto.

Other new businesses to open include Play Café, at 1517 Bayview. Inspired by an idea that’s becoming popular in Asia and Europe, local mom and owner Jan Nguyen combined a kid-friendly space with a trendy café setting.

Also now open, Hand & Stone Spa at 85 Laird Dr. Owner Susan Challis threw a welcome party at the beautiful setting upstairs in Leaside Village. Challis has been busy connecting with other local businesses and clubs. She was seen enjoying herself at the recent Laugh Out Loud fundraiser, and coordinating an event with the tennis club.

The White Knight, Mad Hatter and White Rabbit were recently spotted at the Through the Looking Glass: Changing Perspectives gala held in support of the CNIB.

St. Cuthbert’s is preparing for its Annual Spring Fair on April 26. Hopefully Leaside will be snow free by then and all can enjoy the outdoor BBQ. The event includes baking, an art gallery, crafts, books and treasures for sale.

Insiders at the annual Leaside United Awesome Sale tell us there are going to be some great furniture finds at this spring’s sale, including matching sofa/chair and even a piano. Literally the heavy lifters/volunteers are in the process of piling up the items for the May 9-10 event.

April is Be-A-Donor month in Ontario, raising awareness of tissue and organ donations. Check out the Leaside Public Library on Sat., April 26, 9-5, where you can learn more and register your consent.

Raising children and teenagers in an age of overindulgence? Meet Dr. Karyn Gordon, a frequent guest on Cityline, and learn how to best do so. Free session, April 7, 7-9 p.m. at Leaside High.