Articles by Lorna Krawchuk

About Lorna Krawchuk

Lorna Krawchuk is publisher of Leaside Life. She is actively involved in St. Cuthbert’s Church. Her volunteer activities with the Leaside Property Owners’ Association led to her being elected a Councillor in the Borough of East York for 9 years before amalgamation in 1998. She also held a variety of volunteer leadership positions with the Girl Guides of Canada for over 30 years. Lorna has been a Leasider since 1968.

Time to Spring Into Action!

May 5, 2019 Lorna Krawchuk

Looking for something to do with your family on Saturday, May 25? Consider being part of the Spring Into Action Fun Walk or Run. It is a Leaside event, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. …more

The Podaras family. Photo by Lorna Krawchuk.

Crosstown LRT brings the Podaras family to Leaside

April 1, 2019 Lorna Krawchuk

Recently, I met a new Leaside family: Panagiotis Podaras, his wife Rania, and daughters Alexandra (7½) and Giolanta (4½). I spoke to Panagiotis about their path to Canada – and Leaside. Panagiotis was recruited to …more

Leasider Karen Fraser, 2019 recipient of the Agnes Macphail Award.

Social justice leader Karen Fraser is this years winner of the Agnes Macphail Award

March 1, 2019 Lorna Krawchuk

Long-time social justice leader (and one-time Leaside Life columnist) Karen Fraser has been named the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Agnes Macphail Award, which will be given at a ceremony on Sunday, March 24, 2019. …more

Bashkim and Al outside Floka. Photo by Irene Breznic.

Floka dresses the tresses in Sunnybrook Plaza

March 1, 2019 Lorna Krawchuk

You must have seen the sign for Sunnybrook Plaza mainstay Floka Salon & Spa, but do you know the derivation of the name? Brothers-in-law Bashkim Breznica and Al Kerimi are Albanian, and the word for …more

John, James, Jonathan and David Henderson.

James Henderson celebrates his 100th birthday in fitting style

February 1, 2019 Lorna Krawchuk

There certainly aren’t many among us who get to celebrate a 100th birthday. But James Henderson celebrated just such an occasion at a festive lunch with family and friends at Leaside Presbyterian Church. Until last …more

Warren with his painting Wilket Creek Ridge View.

Lifelong Leasider Warren Eberlin sticks with the go go!

February 1, 2019 Lorna Krawchuk

I chatted a bit with Warren Eberlin at James Henderson’s 100th birthday party, and realized that he was one of a very few Leasiders who was born here, went to school here, and now, at …more

Dave Pereira (left) and Ryan Horwood of Green Canoe.

The story behind Millwood’s Green Canoe

January 1, 2019 Lorna Krawchuk

Green Canoe restaurant paddled onto Millwood between Randolph and Sutherland on June 18 last year. But even before its official opening, there was great interest among the locals. Green Canoe – what’s that? There really …more

Gotta party? No time to plan? No worries. Prep Fête’s got you covered

December 1, 2018 Lorna Krawchuk

Recently, Andy Elder of Grilltime needed some help with his 10th anniversary celebrations. He called on a very local business to add to the fun. Prep Fête’s the name – and it’s the brainchild of …more

Bruce Humphrey, left, and Kim Hunter, right.

The end of an era, new beginnings at Humphrey’s

December 1, 2018 Lorna Krawchuk

November 9 is an important date in the history of Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles-Newbigging Chapel Limited: Bruce Humphrey finalized the sale of his family funeral home to Kim Hunter. This family funeral home, dating …more

Vesko Salov doing what he loves. Photo Lorna Krawchuk.

Flying Wheels – fixing Leaside bikes for 10 years

November 1, 2018 Lorna Krawchuk

When Vesko Salov was 7 years old, living in Sofia, Bulgaria, his parents gave him what he claims was the first and only bicycle they ever bought for him. He enjoyed riding it, but found …more