About our cover
For many of us, the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic put our lives on hold. For others, it created the opportunity to see the world, our city and our neighbourhoods with a new perspective. This was the case for Toronto graphic designer Carolyn Graziani, who along with her husband George and their dog Mimi started to explore Toronto’s neighbourhoods. The result is a wonderful, whimsical series of 71 graphic designs depicting most of Toronto’s neighbourhoods. From Bloor West Village in the west to the Bluffs in the east, and of course Leaside in the middle, Carolyn’s graphic designs capture the spirit, unique character and diversity of each neighbourhood. For the Leaside graphic, shown on our cover, Carolyn has chosen to feature Sunnybrook Park with a curious red fox in the foreground. The graphic images for each neighbourhood are available individually as cards, prints, tote bags or as a fun card game aptly called Toronto! www.localesdesign.com.
Leasider James Sleigh publishes debut novel – 60 years in the making
You only have to chat with Dr. James Sleigh for a few minutes to discover his infectious sense of humour. Growing up in Rhodesia, Kent, Glasgow, the Isle of Skye and now Leaside, Sleigh recently contacted the Idler to share his recent good news. “I started writing my novel, A Parcel of Rogues, back around 1964, so I will quite possibly be a one-book author!” As James stated, “Any fool can write a book, trying to get it published is another story.” Now retired and living in Leaside, Sleigh worked for many years at TVO and then as an educator. These days he splits his time between Skye and Canada, living in the hope of seeing Scotland independent again. As our conversation concluded, Dr. Sleigh was reminded of one of his favourite quotes by writer Dr. Samuel Johnson: “No place affords a more striking conviction of the vanity of human hopes than a public library; for who can see the wall crowded on every side by mighty volumes, the works of laborious meditations and accurate inquiry, now scarcely known but by the catalogue.…” He is hoping that some of our readers will know his book by more than its ISBN. Published by Livingston Press, A Parcel of Rogues is available on Amazon here.
Leaside Garden Society Speaker Series to feature orchids in February
The monthly Zoom guest speaker in February is Tena Van Andel, a Master Gardener who writes and lectures on everything and anything gardening. This talk will feature fascinating facts about orchids and their unique forms, as well as useful tips for successful home growing.
Details: 7 p.m., February 10, 2022. Visit www.leasidegardensociety.org or email .
Leaside is a Covid-19 vax champ!
84 percent of Leasiders over the age of 12 are now fully vaccinated, with our neighbours to the east in Thorncliffe Park having a vaccination rate of 76 percent. With vaccines now approved for children aged 5-12, there have been recent reports {thelocal.to} of wide disparity of vaccination rates for kids. Almost 70% of Leaside kids aged 5-12 have had their first dose while the uptake in some lower-income areas has been considerably lower. The Idler hopes that over the next weeks this inequity will be addressed and that the city and province find additional ways to bring more vaccination to vulnerable communities.
Happy New Year
The Idler would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the readers of Leaside Life a healthy, happy and “curious” new year.