‘Let’s change our pink ribbons to red’
I wonder if the neighbourhood would like to switch the pink ribbons we have all around our trees and posts for Georgia Walsh to red ribbons?
The new ribbons would let the Walsh family know, as well as other families who have suffered tragic loss, that we are keeping them close in thought and prayer this holiday season.
We may not understand their loss but we support them. There are many beautiful memories to make families smile but emotions are very raw this time of year.
The red ribbons would allow others who walk the Walshs’ path to participate in a meaningful way for them. It might help those who have been grieving and feel so alone to feel free to share.
Red represents love, cranberries, holly berries and the warmth of this season. A touch of red amongst all the white we are already seeing!
It can also warm us through the whole winter season so there is no reason to take the ribbons down after the holidays.
I think it would be uplifting for us all. Our neighbourhood would look beautiful if we matched the participation we had for the pink with red, and some people would know they were not alone. The bright red would let them feel the warmth of community support.
People are already starting to take the pink ones down as they are getting a little worn. The red would refresh the spirit and spread support for us all.
Jen Brown,
Berney Cres.
I am amazed how many dog owners don’t want to carry their poop bags home, leaving the privilege of disposing them to the neighbours. One sees them in our shrubbery, on top of our leaf bags, thrown into our garbage cans or just left on the sidewalk. Not very civilized is it?
Couple of times the city has left my garden refuse unpicked because it had a little present on the top, which did not belong there.
Ulla Nystrom,
Sutherland Dr.
Well, a lively exchange with Mr. Buckley in the Letters section last issue.
I am a long-retired flight instructor who helped people acquire private and commercial pilot’s licences, and night and instrument endorsements. More recently, I qualified as a virtual air traffic controller online (http://www.vatsim.net).
(In the spirit of full disclosure, I was a flight attendant, supervisor and customer service rep. for Air Canada but I left the airline in 1986 – almost 30 years ago. Since then, I’ve been out of aviation entirely except for the virtual ATC hobby.)
You will recall that my first published letter attempted to explain how the world works and to correct some inaccuracies in John Parker’s column in June. It was not intended as an advocacy piece.
The second letter was not intended to support the airline industry. It was to balance the perception that airplanes flying over Leaside do so only to benefit the operators, as if the passengers paying for the service – and the community at large – derive no benefit. I don’t have any interest in “promoting the airline industry” per se. It is a service like any other that rises and falls on its own merit.
I do admit to an interest in aviation entirely separate from the airline industry itself, particularly pilot training and flight safety.
My preference would be that any talk of the burden of the “negative effects on the health and welfare of Leasiders” – whatever they may, or may not, be – should be done in the context of a shared burden amongst the citizens of the region and not in the context of the poor, long-suffering citizens of Leaside. And that proposals with respect to air traffic management be made with some understanding that procedures are created in an international, not local, context.
Noise around airports is an ancient issue and I’m happy to assume that groups organized to minimize its effects are relatively well informed. Readers of Leaside Life may have strong feelings about the subject but they need some factual information on which to base their opinions and formulate proposals.
Tony Koch,
Randolph Rd.
Re: Challenges facing our churches, by Geoff Kettel in the previous issue.
Geoff Kettel poses an interesting question to community residents: Is there recognition of the church’s contribution in community service, community building and outreach that would move residents to support fundraising efforts to help them keep their doors open in Leaside?
One of the main reasons the churches are experiencing difficulties is the lack of involvement and participation by members in the community in church activities. Leaside probably has more support than some other communities, but the fact is that if it were not for many churches being able to rent out space to Montessori schools, day care centres, or other congregations and clubs, they could not pay their monthly operating costs. They rely on donations on a weekly basis.
Most of the United and Presbyterian churches in the Toronto area are faced with the same dilemma, and I think it is a good time to ask the community residents whether it makes any difference to them if the church is there or not.
If it is important, then maybe, just maybe, people, even young people, would be willing to become involved and support their existence. Better still maybe they would offer ideas and solutions for making their operations more viable and in tune with the needs of today. Fundraising is one way to accomplish raising dollars for operations, but the support needs to be ongoing involvement.
I note that four local churches have advertised upcoming events in Leaside Life. I wonder how many in our community will attend.
If there is no support with involvement, then be assured that the church property is valuable and there will eventually be condos, or lots sold for development of some kind, be it private or public. It is sad, but it is a sign of the times.
Bev Edgar,
Southvale Dr.
Re: Leaside Sports Hall of Fame.
Great picture from the Nov. 21 induction ceremony….one tiny boo boo. My grandson, Preston, is Preston Koroll, not Preston Krol. I know, very confusing, but my daughter Sarah married Drew Koroll, and so went from being a Krol to being a Koroll.
This is not the first time, and I suspect won’t be the last time there has been a mixup!
Thanks again to all involved!
Peter Krol,
Newmarket, ON
In response to the article published in the November issue of Leaside Life, our team at Wilmington Tennis would like to clarify a few facts.
First, our proposal is in response to an open bid that was issued by the Toronto District School Board (there are other proposals on the table, not just ours). Rolph Road is among 26 schools listed.
Second, our team is suggesting to collaborate with the Board, and the community if desired, to raise the funds required (over $100,000) to refurbish. Our angle leans to accessibility, not privatization.
Lastly, should we be selected as the partner of choice, we will implement an online court booking system whereby anyone can secure court time without requiring a membership.
The best part? If the courts are not being used, we encourage people to play for free. We think a tennis facility should be fully used!
To find out more please contact us at 416 932 8164 or .
Wilmington Tennis
As you may or may not be aware, our beloved Second Cup on Bayview’s lease is up at the end of the year.
A second home to many, it will be sad to see them go. The owner’s name is Hong and his manager is Matthew. If you’ve ever been to the cafe then you know him, as I could swear he sleeps there.
I personally think you guys should do a write up on it, get in there and talk to the customers to see what they have to say. I don’t doubt you’ll be flooded with fond memories and more than kind words.
John Radfield,
Donegall Dr.
A response to Carol Burtin Fripp:
In your article (last month), you state that “the LPOA held an important public meeting”. The key word here is “public”.
The meeting involved a mayoralty race and, therefore, you should expect everyone in Toronto to take an interest in what is debated and everyone in Toronto should be welcome to attend.
At first, I was mildly amused by the Ford fans and soon came to be embarrassed and annoyed by their raucous behaviour. I question their motives for being there. It seems that they were more interested in creating a “football game pep rally kind of atmosphere” than they were to listen to intelligent debate.
But they did have a right to be there.
To exclude certain segments of society because you don’t like their politics or their response to the political process smacks of “Leaside elitism”.
My advice: Advise Leasiders to come to meetings earlier. Have Brian Athey moderate all future debate forums. He handled it masterfully.
Barry Schneider,
Randolph Rd.
