The price for a home around Bathurst Manor has risen drastically. The average price for a detached home, in the last 12 months, is over one million dollars and a condo is over $357 000. The difference is pretty big if we compare to the previous year where the average price for a detached home was about $855 000 and $341 000 for a condo.This is an increase of 18% for detached homes and 5% for condos making Bathurst Manor one of the highest growing real estate markets in Toronto. Property values are growing at the fastest rate in the city, which means if you purchase in this community you will have a fantastic return on your investment.Part of buying or selling means hiring a real estate agent and one that is trustworthy is often hard to find. It is important to keep in mind that the money you saved, in your largest asset (your home), needs to be put in the right hands. Whether you are looking to buy or sell in Bathurst Manor, Anat Papp can help you sell your home at top dollar or help you find your dream home!Papp has over 10 years of experience in real estate and in addition is part of the outstanding Greenfield Real Estate Toronto team.She began her career in the corporate world soon after she graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with a degree in Honours Bachelor of Business Administration. Her career focus was in Marketing and Sales while she worked at Dupont Canada and Kraft Canada. During this time she also acquired an MBA at York University, Schulich School of Business.Papp’s extensive customer service skills ensure that the client always comes first. After acquiring her Real-Estate License she began to work closely with her husband who owns Greenfield Quality Builders. She quickly recognized the need for a realtor that not only understood and respected their clients’ needs but one that has knowledge in home finishing to a higher level of detail.“What I love most about real-estate is the ability to help a family or an individual find a perfect home. It’s about helping the client -without the pressure” said Papp.Papp’s approach is to work in collaboration with the buyer and sellers to meet their real estate objectives. “We will work together to make sure once you are ready to purchase, you are doing it with knowledge of the market, and you will feel 100% comfortable with the investment you are choosing to make. If selling, you will know you are getting the best value for your asset." she said.Her style is simple. “It’s all about you, the client,” she said. The client’s goals are met based on building a solid relationship. Her unique experience with custom home building gives her a different perspective on knowledge of the property, safety, quality of finish and repairs (if any are needed).Why choose Anat Papp? Her honest and straight forward approach makes it easy for buyers and sellers to trust her. “People like to work with me because I treat their money as if it were my own. I treat each client based on their needs and objectives, and will never close a sale to make a quick buck. What’s important is for the family to be happy.”Are you looking to sell your home or purchase a home? Do you have real estate questions specific to the Bathurst Manor community? Contact Anat Papp with your questions today and get a quick reply!For more information or to see some listings visit: http://www.anatpapp.com Email: anat.papp@gmail.comOffice: 416-226-1020.
Introducing the Toronto Tool Library to Downsview
Have you ever wanted to build a cabinet from scratch? How about doing some minor repairs around the house? Some of us have had thoughts like this but quickly dismissed them as idle fantasy when we realized how much the tools would cost. Or worse, we actually bought the tools, used them once, and then put them in the garage with all the other things we’ve only ever used once or twice.Perhaps if we’re lucky a neighbour will ask to borrow our tools when they have a project themselves. However, the tool is still sitting unused in our garage for the majority of its existence. This is an extremely wasteful way to live but the Toronto Tool Library (TTL) can change all that.A tool library is a library that lends out tools instead of books. Since opening in Parkdale in 2013, the Toronto Tool Library has lent out over 25 000 tools to it’s over 2 300 members. It soon opened a second location in the Danforth, which includes a wood shop, 3D printer, laser cutter, and a weekly community night, where non-members can use any of the on-site tools for free (including the 3D printer and laser cutter). Last April, the Tool Library opened its first location in a branch of the Toronto Public Library, at the Downsview Library (2793 Keele St). For the first time ever, a Torontonian could now borrow books and tools under the same roof (and also pick up some free seeds courtesy of the Toronto Seed Library).“Tool Libraries not only save money from the high cost of buying or renting tools, they also reduce clutter in the home and reduce environmental impact by using fewer resources” said Ryan Dyment, Executive Director of the TTLFor $50 a year, one can purchase a basic membership and borrow any of the over 1200 tools, in the Downsview Library branch, for one week. These include hand tools like screwdrivers and hammers, power tools such as band saws and angle grinders, and gardening tools like branch cutters and lawn mowers, with additional borrowing fees for some power tools (the $100/year membership removes these fees and also allows access to the other locations).There are no limits on the number of tools a member is allowed to borrow at any given time but members are asked to take no more tools than they actually need, with reasonable late fees of $1/day for hand tools and $2/day for power tools. The Tool Library is open three days a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 8 pm, and on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm. However, as membership numbers increase they hope to be open for an additional day, ensuring that the local community has access to the library for the majority of the week.Perhaps now you can get started on that home project you’ve always had an interest in, and now you don’t have to worry about exorbitant purchasing fees or being stuck with a tool you’ll never need again. As the Toronto Tool Library says, “Nobody actually needs a power drill – what they need is a hole in the wall”.
Construction Progress at York University Station
Since the conception of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension, I have worked together with the community, the city, and the TTC on fulfilling the objectives of the project to ensure transit in our community is improved. To date, the tunnelling for the six new subway stations is complete and the remaining construction involves the station infrastructure and subway tracks which are well underway.Today, the York University Station is a visible part of the campus and the construction of the station's interior is moving along steadily. The station's six escalators have been installed, and the electrical and mechanical infrastructure work have started. At the centre of the station is a light well, a glass curtain wall that provides natural light and a view of the York University campus for transit users. Additionally, the glass surfaces of the station will be glazed to ensure that it is bird-friendly. The distinctive shape of the roof will be finished with solar reflective material and is intended to keep the station cooler.As construction of the station nears completion, the work to re-open the roads for transit on York Boulevard will begin later this summer. I share the community's enthusiasm to inaugurate the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension in late 2017.
Toronto Sports Fans Rejoice –Prizes and Giveaways at Yorkgate Mall
With the 2016 basketball season well underway, the Toronto Raptors sit in second place in the Eastern Conference breaking their franchise record of .675, marking the seventh time the franchise record has been above .500 in 21 years. As the only Canadian team in the NBA the Raptors have grown as a dominant force with powerhouse players like Kyle Lawry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas.Fortunately, Downsview residents can celebrate their Raptors pride close to home at the official mall of the Toronto Raptors: Yorkgate Mall.The mall is located at the northwest corner of Jane and Finch (1 Yorkgate Blvd.) and has been a popular centre for over 25 years featuring a unique blend of services including retail stores, medical offices, a grocery store and even a Seneca College campus.“The mall encourages community spirit and fun while fostering opportunities and partnerships within Downsview,” says Kimberley Loftus, Marketing Manager for Yorkgate Mall.The mall works in partnership with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), who has been a partner for three years. With this partnership, the mall hosts “Raptors Days” which features guest appearances and giveaways from the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, players, coaches and the Raptors’ mascot.During March break, Jonas Valanciunas, centre for the Raptors, paid a visit to the mall to sign autographs and take photos with fans. In the past, Yorkgate Mall has also hosted Jamaal Magloire, the Raptors’ assistant coach, team consultant, team ambassador and former professional basketball player.During Raptors Days, Yorkgate Mall gives away Raptors jerseys, hats and water bottles and holds raffles where fans can win tickets to see a game.On April 18, Yorkgate Mall launched their SHOP MORE WIN BIG contest. Visitors to the mall could enter to win a weekend getaway to Orlando, Florida to watch a TFC soccer match. The prize includes the flight, hotel, transportation and tickets to the Major League Soccer match. To enter the contest, visitors must shop at their favourite stores in the mall and get a weekly password that they can enter online on the SHOP MORE WIN BIG website. “The more you shop the more chances you have to win!” said Loftus.Other upcoming SHOP MORE WIN BIG promotions include a getaway to San Jose for Father’s Day, a getaway to Toronto for Canada Day and a getaway to Montreal for back to school.Yorkgate Mall is also looking forward to launching their Mall Walker program in May, which helps promote an active and healthy lifestyle. This program features one stretch class a week and a group walk around on the second floor of the mall. It is a great way to meet members of the Downsview community and to get exclusive discounts from stores in the mall.For more information visit their website: http://www.yorkgatemall.com/Check out Yorkgate Malls social media pages to learn more about how to win tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Marlies, the Raptors and Toronto FC.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorkgateMallTwitter: https://twitter.com/yorkgate_mallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkgatemall/
Eating by the (Biological) Clock
At every stage, food and nutrition are the cornerstone to good health. And women, in particular, have special nutritional needs throughout life. Knowing which nutrients matter most can help you choose the best foods.Pregnancy and Motherhood
- Folic Acid: This form of B vitamin helps make and maintain new cells and reduces the risk of birth defects that affect the spinal cord. Many foods are now fortified with folic acid. Sources include certain cereals, pasta and bread; and natural food sources of folate are found in legumes, leafy green vegetables and citrus fruit.
- Iron: Is important in many basic body functions, such as taking oxygen to cells. Vitamin C-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, help with iron absorption from non-animal foods. Food sources with high-to-moderate amounts of iron include red meat, chicken and fish, fortified cereals, fortified instant cooked cereals, legumes and some leafy green vegetables such as spinach.
- Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body is required for muscle function, nerve transmission and hormonal secretion. The remaining 99% is stored in the bones and teeth where it supports their structure and function. It is important to consume adequate amounts of calcium daily before, during and after pregnancy. Dairy sources of calcium-rich foods include low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Non-dairy sources include collard greens and calcium-fortified cereals, soy beverage and tofu.
- Omega-3s: These essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body. They provide the starting point for making hormones and for brain and nerve cell development. Even women who do not plan to have children should ensure to get plenty of omega-3s. These healthy oils have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. The best food sources are found in salmon, trout, herring, walnuts, flaxseeds, canola oil and soybean oil.
Menopause and Beyond
- Calcium: Although some bone loss is inevitable with age, women can slow the process by getting enough calcium.
- B12: The body's ability to absorb this crucial vitamin also declines with age. This vitamin is essential for producing red blood cells and for maintaining healthy nerve function. A diet abundant in most fish and seafood, red meat, low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese and foods fortified with B12 can supply adequate amounts for most older women.
- Vitamin D: This unique vitamin functions as a steroid hormone in the body. The skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Its major role is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It promotes calcium absorption in the intestines, immune function and the reduction of inflammation. Common food sources include low-fat milk, yogurt, fortified soy, rice or almond-beverage, eggs, pork, salmon, trout and sardines.
- Fluids: As thirst signals often become impaired with age, fluid also needs increase with age.Fluids should not replace food at mealtimes, however, they should be consumed at and between meals.
Want to put this information into action? Black Creek Community Health Centre offers two programs where you can learn about healthy eating and receive practical tips and support from a Registered Dietitian. For more details check out our Upcoming Events section (page 6)Among previous workshop participants, this is what they had to say: "I have learned many things that will improve my everyday life such ascooking a variety of vege & fruits, eating healthier, cooking nutritiousfood that isn't expensive." "This program helped me to be more open to try new vege & fruits." For more details, call 416 249 8000 ext. 2258 and check out our events section. Upcoming Events info: Let’s Cook Lunch2202 Jane StreetMay 10 – June 28, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Mindful Eating2202 Jane StreetMay 18 – June 8, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
What it really means to be a Respite Worker
Working with children who have disabilities comes with its struggles and its rewards. There are many struggles, and the rewards are often intangible. In consequence of poor funding, long waitlists and lack of community resources available to families in need, hardships are unavoidable. This is only further encouraged, by a government that does not assign an economic value to domestic labour. This means families are responsible 100% for the care of their loved ones in need.What about individuals that lack the funds to provide the proper support for their families? In most cases, families are left fighting to gain access to adequate funding -when funding becomes available.Often, funding is limited and restrictive. The result is, more financial strain on families. Family members must leave their jobs to stay at home. There is also a higher expectation on health care workers to “bridge the gap,” with no financial compensation increase for extra time given. Ultimately, people do not get into this line of work for the money. So what is the reward if it isn’t monetary?As a mother I want the best my son and it is my belief that every person deserves the best quality care possible, both at home and away. It is the same level of love and dedication I have at home, that I must provide for all of my clients I service. The reward is being able to build these healthy and supportive relationships with my clients and knowing that I made difference in a person’s life by giving my time selflessly.The relief that families feel is noticeable when the right supports are put into place. That’s when I know, I’m doing my job to the best of my ability.As a respite worker, you become an integral part of your client’s family and their daily life. The client is reliant on the services provided by the respite worker for physical support (in order to be as independent as possible) and the family is reliant on the services for emotional support. A respite worker is as connected to the client they serve, as the family that surrounds themMay is Cerebral Palsy Awareness month and Ontario is currently experiencing a large shortage of respite workers. Many families in need of care are left waiting 6 months to a year or longer for services. If you’re looking for a new rewarding career. Give respite care a try. From personal experience, it will change not only your life, but the lives of those touched by the services you provide.
After school tennis program brightens the lives of children in Downsview
In its third year of operation, the Sunshine Project offers subsidized, professional tennis lessons to children in low-income neighbourhoods who may otherwise not have access to this sport.Each year, 300 kids ages 6 -12 receive high quality tennis lessons twice a week over the course of 10 weeks and receive their own take-home tennis racquet.”By making use of public tennis sites located adjacent to our schools, this project succeeds in breaking down the biggest barriers to tennis: proximity, price, and required equipment to play”, the website explains.“The project will move to new neighbourhoods every year, giving different children a chance to play”, said Founder and Program Director Carolynna Gabriel.This year, programs will be running at Chalkfarm Park, Gracedale Park, Maple Leaf Park and St. Conrad Catholic School.“It’s been going really well! We had our first registration day in February and we now have over 200 kids with about 90 spots left” said Gabriel. She confirmed there is still availability at St. Conrad and Maple Leaf Park and a rolling registration will continue until all 300 spots have been filled with students.“Parents have a willingness to try the program as a new sport. We love to hear that because it shows there’s some openness in the community to try something different”, said Gabriel.The Sunshine Project is also hiring youth for paid positions for the 2016 program.“We hire two local youth for each park and integrate them into the staff team. They help with warm ups, taking attendance, supervising participants, and other responsibilities that are similar to an intro training to being a camp counselor. They get paid and develop leadership through sport”, said Gabriel.In addition to the application process, youth are required to submit a bi-weekly invoice stating the work they completed. It exposes them to a new form of work experience which helps to prepare them for the real world.If you’re interested in the job, don’t worry- no need to have extensive knowledge of tennis! “We just need eager athletes who wants to eventually work in sports. We want anyone to apply until spots are filled”, said Gabriel.The Sunshine Project is meant to maximize the use of existing tennis facilities in the city reaching into areas where tennis courts are commonly empty and transforming those spaces.Participants work towards preparing for a showcase event at the end of 10 weeks. Scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2016, participants can expect to celebrate their accomplishment at a fun competitive event where students from all four locations come together to play in a tournament where an ultimate champion in each age category is crowned.Last year, the celebration included a dunk tank, a bouncy castle, face painting, musical chairs, play station areas and a big community barbeque.At the end of the program, happy and fulfilled participants will get to take home their tennis racquet, a yearbook, a t-shirt, and most importantly, a new skill that will help them enjoy the game of tennis for life.For more information on how to register visit: www.sunshinetennisproject.comFacebook: Wilmington TennisTwitter: @wilmingtontg
Triple Decker Monte Cristo Sandwich
Triple Decker Monte Cristo Sandwich150ml milk2 eggsPinch of salt3 Slices Sourdough breadBlack forest ham2 slices baconSliced Cheddar cheeseSliced Swiss cheese
- Cook bacon in frying pan until crisp place on the side for later
- Mix eggs milk and a pinch of salt together in a bowl
- Dip slices of bread into egg mix making sure both sides are thoroughly coated
4 .In a large frying pan, fry the bread until golden brown on both sides (just like French toast)
- Put slices of ham on the first piece of bread and cover with slice of cheddar cheese, for the second piece of bread add the rest of your ham slices add the bacon cover with sliced Swiss cheese. Place both pieces of bread on a baking pan and put in the oven to broil for 20-30 seconds just to melt the cheese.
- Remove from the oven and put the slice of bread with the ham and cheddar as the bottom layer, then place the slice of bread with the bacon and Swiss on top with the bacon and Swiss facing up, then add your third slice of bread to the top and you have your triple decker Monte Cristo.
Eggs en CocottePlace an egg in a ramekin, place the ramekin in a 4 inch baking pan with 1 cm of water in the baking pan. Place the whole thing in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.Serve on top of a slice of tomato and a sprig of basil.
Celebrating the Diversity of Mothers and all that they do
I attended a parenting class recently because I had questions about how to effectively raise healthy, responsible children, especially in today’s society. I would be lying if I said parenting is easy. In fact, parenting takes work and the balance in parenting responsibilities is not always easily divided.So who carries the responsibility of parenting?With the utmost respect for all the single and involved daddies, I will use this May issue to focus on the huge role that many mothers play in parenting their children. It is a role that has become more diverse yet its title still holds so much meaning for many.What is a mother? One definition includes “a woman in relation to a child to whom she has given birth”. However, many will agree that this definition of “mother” needs to be broadened. Along with the nine months of anticipation awaiting the miraculous delivery, we cannot overlook the grueling adoption interviews that a couple must endure in order to be “approved’ to bring home their bundle of joy, or when the door bell rings and you realize the next few months (or years) will be occupied with providing support and a home for your foster child. We also have the neighbourhood mom, the “den” mom, the Godmother, the aunt, the teacher mom and of course, the grandmother. The list goes on and on. From young moms to older mothers, many of us take our job very seriously. A job that can include: early mornings, late nights, long talks, extended understanding and tons of patience.No matter how different or similar our daily experiences may be, there is a commonality that requires thinking about someone else for however long that forces us to be unselfish. I am not claiming that all have answered that call but few will deny that a mother’s love is irreplaceable!So a day to truly honour mothers just seems fitting. Though rather than the commercialized overspending of gifts, many mothers would probably prefer reciprocating what was once given. Perhaps preparing her morning coffee before she wakes up, recording her late night television show, a listening ear during a long talk, extending understanding even when we don’t understand, and tons of patience when our mother moves slower in our own fast paced world.Learning to appreciate all the things our mother did for us may seems like a simple thing but can be a wonderful gesture of gratitude.
Being the Mother of a child with Cerebral Palsy
May is Cerebral Palsy Awareness month and with that comes the opportunity for families to discuss their experiences, stories and share facts and milestones.Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects movement, muscle tone and/or posture, caused by an injury to the immature or developing brain. It is a neurological condition that affects body movement and muscle co-ordination; and anyone can be born with CP no matter their social demographic.Approximately one baby in every 1000 births is diagnosed with CP and 60 000 Canadians live with this condition. It is the most common physical disability in childhood but also one of the least understood.My son was diagnosed with CP shortly after his first birthday –an MRI confirmed he had a stroke when he was very little (either in the womb, during delivery or shortly after delivery –doctors can’t confirm the time or why because there isn’t enough medical research to determine that). The stroke affected his ability to fully use the left side of his body (from his jaw all the way down to his toes).Although the diagnosis was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to hear and process –I knew it was not something that would define him, his potential or us as a family. He is such a happy little boy with so much determination and drive –it’s truly inspiring!I am now a proud advocate for my son and others like him. I use his uniqueness as a way to educate people and raise awareness. It’s not easy being stared at when we’re walking in public -people are naturally curious and that’s fine. He uses a walker which helps with his independence and wears ankle-foot orthotics for better stability -ensuring he is more confident. He has a noticeable limp and struggles to walk as fast or as coordinated as a ‘normal’ child.Unless you have a child with special needs it’s hard to understand the situation –that’s why advocacy is so important. Some days are harder than others but it’s important to realize that being positive makes a big difference. Educating people only helps to eliminate stigmas associated with those who have special needs. Talking about his condition is also somewhat therapeutic.I am so proud of my son and all that he has accomplished in his short time on Earth. He has overcome barriers that most of us aren’t strong enough to endure and he does it with such grace.In May we also celebrate mother’s day so I’m sending a special happy mother’s day message to all the mommies of children who have special needs. You are strong and brave and you are the reason your child thrives every day!