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SPAGHETTI TOWN
HALLS ARE BACK!
We are excited to announce the return of our Spaghetti Town Hall Series, covering Newtonbrook East, Willowdale West and Willowdale East! If you live in one of these neighbourhoods, we
invite you to join us for a free delicious spaghetti dinner while meeting with
neighbours. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect and collaborate on ways to
make our neighbourhood even better. Don’t miss out on this fun and informative
evening. RSVP at Lilycheng.ca/events! See below for details.
ENGAGE FEST! COMMUNITY BUILDING CONFERENCE
Join community members
in person to share a virtual learning experience held by Tamarack
Institute on October 29 and 30th.
This event will bring together 500 changemakers and social innovators, offering
an opportunity to explore and learn about: - Building authentic connections
- Igniting motivation to sustain collaboration
- Creative approaches to addressing social inequities and challengesSupporting deepening connections, fostering inclusion, and
shifting power
We are excited to share that Margaret Wheatley, who
beautifully said, 'There is no
power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about,' will be joining as the keynote speaker for the
event. RSVP NOW for this FREE learning opportunity: Lilycheng.ca/events
Hope you will join us at these events, whether by sharing a meal
at our Spaghetti Town Halls or engaging in collaborative discussions at
EngageFest!
THIS SUNDAY! - Check out Radio-Controlled Model
Boating by Metro Marine Modellers at the
Reflection Pond at Mel Lastman Square!
NEXT SATURDAY, October 5 from 1:30-4:30pm is our 4th Climate
Action Roundtable at the North York Central Library! We have a special afternoon with interactive discussions on
bringing climate change initiatives to Willowdale followed by a forum with
special guests including esteemed speakers who will share about the impacts of
Climate Change on Health: - Mili Roy, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
- Keith Brooks, Environmental Defence Canada
- Michelle Hjort, Energy Neighbour
- How-Sen Chong, Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA)
CLICK HERE to RSVP
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Councillor & Community - Upcoming Events
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Mel Lastman Square - Upcoming Events |
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Edithvale
Yonge Community Association (EYCA) AGM
This past week I attended the EYCA AGM. It was wonderful to see a
room full of people who care about their community. The association empowers
members to contribute through their passions. We see this in the community
skating rink, bird walks and pollinator garden. I am deeply grateful to the
leaders who serve selflessly to bring the community together. We look forward
to the Pumpkin Walk they will be hosting on November 1! We all benefit when we
have groups of engaged neighbours who are working together to improve the
community. Click Here if you are interested in
joining the EYCA!
This weekend, we take a moment to prepare for National Truth and Reconciliation Day on November
30 - also known as Orange Shirt Day. It's a time to honour the history of Indigenous peoples, to learn,
and to heal together as a community. Here are some meaningful ways: - Wear orange: Honour residential and day
school survivors by wearing orange for Orange Shirt Day on September 30. If purchasing an orange shirt,
make sure it’s from an Indigenous designer or business. T-shirts are available
through Toronto History Museums’ online shop.
- Continue your
learning: Discover the rich
history of Indigenous peoples and the significance of National Truth and
Reconciliation Day through a variety of educational resources available both
online and in person.
- THIS WEEKEND! Attend community events: Attend Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre’s Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square from September 27 to 30
– pick up a "passport" from the Toronto Public Service booth at the
event to help guide you in an interactive journey and showcase your support.
- Visit the
Spirit Garden: This year’s
Indigenous Legacy Gathering leads up to the opening of the Spirit Garden, a peaceful and contemplative space honouring residential school
survivors, their families and those who never came home. The Spirit Garden
opens to the public at 1pm on Monday, September 30, following a ceremonial
walkthrough in the morning that will be livestreamed on a screen in the square
and on YouTube.
- Take care of yourself: This day can
be difficult and heavy, bringing up many emotions. Please reach out to the
various mental health resources and support available. Click on the link below
for more information.
CLICK HERE for many more helpful resources.
This past week my team and I have been working hard on our printed
newsletter which should land in your mailboxes mid-October. These newsletters
are a semi-annual report of our work and in many ways our collective love letter
to Willowdale.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Warm regards, |
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Click On The Links Below or Scroll Down To Learn More About:
~ COUNCILLOR UPDATES
~ CITY OF TORONTO UPDATES ~ COMMUNITY UPDATES |
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FALL COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR!
Get ready for an autumn of excitement in Willowdale! Looking for fun for the season? Look no further! We've got all the hottest events lined up for you this autumn. From markets to parades, there's something for everyone. Print out our flyer to stay in the loop with all the can't-miss events happening in Willowdale this season!
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WILLOWDALE CLIMATE ACTION ROUNDTABLE
Join Us for the Willowdale Climate Action Roundtable on Saturday, Oct 5, 2024 at the auditorium of the North York Central Library.
We invite all Willowdale climate activists to participate in our fourth roundtable event. This gathering will be divided into two sections, and we encourage you to participate in both:
Part 1: Community Engagement - from 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm Connect with your neighbours who share a passion for our planet Share ideas and propose actionable steps for our community Contribute to the development of a Cummer Station Advocacy Action Plan
Part 2: Willowdale Climate and Health Forum - from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm Presented by Seniors for Climate Action Now, ClimateFast, and the Green Neighbours Network, this free session will offer valuable tips on how to support your health—and a healthy community—in a changing climate.
Featured Speakers Include Representatives From: Mili Roy, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Keith Brooks, Environmental Defence Canada Michelle Hjort, Energy Neighbour How-Sen Chong, Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA)
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ENGAGE FEST
Join community members in person to share a virtual learning
experience held by Tamarack bringing together 500 changemakers and social
innovators where we will learn about: - Building authentic connections
- Igniting motivation to sustain collaboration
- Creative approaches to addressing social
inequities and challenges
- Supporting deepening connections, fostering
inclusion, and shifting power
When: October 29 and 30, 2024
Where: North York Central Library, Room 2/3 (Oct 29th) and Room 101 (Oct 30th)
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PFR - NEW REGISTRATION AND BOOKING
SYSTEM
Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR), along with Technology
Services, and Economic Development and Culture (EDC), is replacing its
registration and booking system this year. The new system is anticipated to
launch later this fall, in preparation for winter registration in December. In
addition to recreation program registration, clients will have the ability to
buy memberships and make online bookings.
User testing will begin throughout October, followed by
public engagement sessions, briefings with City Councillors, and other public
outreach efforts.
Public engagement sessions will be hosted between October 7
and October 17 in all four community council areas to provide information about
the new system and consult residents on registration supports, and technology.
• Monday, October 7, from 7 to 9 p.m., Metro Hall
• Wednesday, October 9, from 7 to 9 p.m., Scarborough Civic
Centre
• Tuesday, October 15, from 7 to 9 p.m., North York Civic
Centre
• Thursday, October 17, from 7 to 9 p.m., Etobicoke Olympium
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TORONTO COMMUNITY CRISIS SERVICE CITY-WIDE LAUNCH
On September 26, Mayor Olivia Chow was joined by Toronto
Community Crisis Service (TCCS) agency partners and community crisis workers to
formally launch the service city-wide and ahead of schedule, as the City of
Toronto’s fourth emergency service.
Over the last two years, the TCCS has quickly developed from
a pilot program into a city-wide service and has responded to nearly 18,000
calls for service since its launch in March 2022.
The TCCS provides free, confidential, in-person mental
health support from mobile crisis teams to Toronto residents 16 years of age or
older 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Launched as a pilot in early 2022, the service provides a
model of mental health and addiction crisis response that is community-based,
client-centred and trauma-informed. Residents should call 211 to be connected
to the TCCS.
The expansion of the Toronto Community Crisis Service is one
of the priority actions in the SafeTO: Toronto’s Ten-Year Community Safety and
Well-Being Plan.
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MY TTC E-SERVICES
Register with My TTC e-Services and you can receive
convenient and important service alerts or other communications by email.
E-alerts are real-time email notices that will keep you informed. Additional
TTC email communications are available if you wish to receive news releases or
media advisories. E-alerts will keep
you informed of all major subway, bus, and streetcar service disruptions.
Elevator outage and back-in-service alerts are also available.
Register now to get all the benefits!
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METROLINX CONSTRUCTION NOTICES
Please be informed of two Construction Notices for Metrolinx’s Yonge-North Subway Extension Investigation work: • Yonge St. and Drewry Ave: September 23 – October 14. Click Here for more information
• Yonge St. and Patricia Ave: September 23- Nov 1. Click Here for more information
Questions can be directed to YongeSubwayExt@metrolinx.com, or 416-202-7000.
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WATER REPLACEMENT CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The watermain replacement on Silverview Drive from Cummer
Avenue to Willowdale Avenue continues to progress well.
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the completion date
has been extended to September 30, 2024. The attached construction update will
be distributed to the surrounding area shortly.
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NEW BIKE SHARE STATIONS IN WILLOWDALE
Heads up, Willowdale! Our neighbourhood has new Bike Share stations! - Talbot Rd / Finch Hydro Corridor Trail - 15 docking points
- Willowdale Ave / Bishop Ave -19 docking points
- Yonge St / North York Blvd - 23 docking points
- Yonge St / Sheppard Ave E - 19 docking points
- Kempford Blvd / Yonge St - 19 docking points
- Empress Ave / Yonge St -19 docking points
It's wonderful to know this program is expanding throughout our neighbourhood!
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RALLY TO SAVE ONTARIO'S SCIENCE CENTRE
Join the RALLY to SAVE ONTARIO'S SCIENCE CENTRE this Sunday!
A rally to celebrate the 55th birthday of the Ontario
Science Centre will take place on Sunday, September 29th, from 12 PM to 2 PM at
Edge Park in Scarborough (15 Edge Park Avenue).
Attendees are encouraged to take the TTC, with Route 24
Victoria Park as the best option, or check www.ttc.ca for more routes. Parking
is available across the street at O’Connor Community Centre.
All are welcome, and no registration is required.
RSVP at
Savesciencecentre.com/scarborough_rally.
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BCNA: BACHATA DANCE SESSIONS
The Bayview Cummer Neighbourhood Association is kicking off its Bachata dance sessions again on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:30 PM, with 19 sessions at St. Agnes Catholic School’s gym. Join in on a fun evening of dance, exercise, and community, where you can relax and enjoy the company of friends and neighbours.
No dance experience or partner is required.
The schedule runs until December 17, 2024 and will resume on January 7, 2025, until February 11, 2025.
Any updates will be shared in our WhatsApp Bachata Chat group, so join us to stay informed. To participate, you’ll need to be a BCNA member (or an associate member if you’re outside the area). The fee for the rest of the year is just $10 for a household.
To RSVP, people may send their signup requests to mycommunity@bayviewcummer.ca and include the subject line "Attention: Natasha Mansouri for Bachata Lessons" to be put on the list!
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DANISH ART SHOW
The Danish Church & Cultural Centre, in partnership with
the Danish Canadian Chamber of Commerce, invites you to the first DANISH ART
SHOW on September 28, 2024.
Featuring over 100 works from Casper Mejer's private
collection, the exhibition includes original paintings and signed prints by
renowned Danish artists such as Jørgen Nash, Lis Zwick, and Gorm Eriksen Ole F.
Olsen, Karin Olsen, and many more! All artworks are available for purchase.
A raffle will be held for art lovers and new collectors,
with tickets at $5 and prizes ranging from $250 to $500 gift certificates,
which can be applied toward one or more pieces, or even help with a larger
purchase! Guests can enjoy finger food and refreshments while mingling and
experiencing the art. Open to all, this event promises a wonderful evening of
creativity and community!
Date: September 28, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: 72 Finch Ave West, North York
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RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL BOATING AT MEL LASTMAN SQUARE
Have you ever been interested in trying model boat racing? Accessible, competitive, and inclusive, 2024 is a fantastic year to dive into the sport. The Metro Marine Modellers is an active and passionate group of radio control boaters and boat modellers that are eager to share their pastime with prospective members.
At Metro Marine Modellers, they construct models for fun to museum quality. Building a model to work on the water is more about model engineering, having fun while doing it and having a great day at the pond. All models constructed are a “scaled down” version of a real ship. The model is then “fitted out” for radio control and operates on the water.
Come check it out!
When: Saturday, Sept 28, 10 AM – 4 PM Where: Mel Lastman Square Rink
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FALL FUN FEST
You’re invited to the Salvation Army’s annual kickoff event, Fall Fest! Join us on September 28 from 11 am to 1 pm for a day filled with carnival games, food, a bouncy castle, and fun for all ages.
This is always a wonderful opportunity to come together and kick off the fall programs, and the best part? It’s free!
The event will be held at 25 Centre Ave, right outside in the parking lot.
The team looks forward to seeing you there!
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2024 DIGITAL EXPO: CHAMPIONING TRUTH IN THE DIGITAL ERA
How can we
champion truth in the digital era? Explore the complexities of misinformation
and disinformation in emerging technologies with local agencies and industry
leaders at the FREE 2024 Digital Expo.
Featuring:
- A keynote
with Craig Silverman, journalist and leading expert on online disinformation
- Panel
discussions on misinformation and disinformation in society and in public
education
- An
interactive marketplace featuring TVO, TelusWise, Steamlabs, MediaSmarts and
more
When: Saturday, September 28, 12:30-4:30
pm
Where: North York Central Library
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NORTH YORK YOUTH DROP-IN
The North York Youth Drop-In is a positive space for youth new to Canada to build connections, make friends, and access leadership opportunities.
Join in on Drop-In Hours from September 16 - December 19 for youth settlement support, volunteer opportunities, counselling, workshops, and more!
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TPL'S FALL 2024 WRITER IN RESIDENCE - FARAH HERON
Join writer Farah Heron, Toronto Public Library's Fall 2024
Writer in Residence, as she engages you in this fascinating and informative
talk on romance fiction at North York Central Library.
Date: Tuesday, October 1st
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Place: Room 101, North York Central Library
Register: Call 416-395-5639- North York Central Library -
Language, Literature & Fine Arts
The backbone of any romance novel is the romantic
relationship. Romance novelists are skilled at showing characters fall in love
with each other while the reader falls in love with the characters. In this
workshop, Farah will cover techniques to show increasing emotional intimacy by
focusing on both the mind and the body. Themes, character growth, and emotions
will be discussed, as well as physical expressions of intimacy. This workshop
would be of value to romance writers, or writers of other genres who want to
improve the romantic relationships in their stories. Q&A follows.
This program is part of TPL's Writer in Residence series.
The residency is designed to encourage exchanges between the author and the community,
and the Writer in Residence will be delivering workshops and evaluating
manuscripts of aspiring writers who submit their work.
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THANKSGIVING FOOD BANK POP UP
NeighbourLink North York's monthly Food Hub launched 3 years ago with a Thanksgiving Pop Up! They had 75 households that signed up and at first had no turkeys. By the day of the food bank, it felt like it was raining turkeys with 90 of them to distribute thanks to individual neighbours and community partners! It was a true Willowdale Turkey Miracle!
Now the Food Hub supports 140+ families a month! This year's Thanksgiving Pop-Up is October 11th! NeighbourLink has a few short weeks to raise $6500!
Please consider making a contribution so that they can provide turkeys, chickens, pies and other Thanksgiving staples to families in Willowdale! $50 will support a Willowdale family!
Donate today by visiting www.neighbourlink.org/thanksgiving
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THE LETTERS: POSTMARK PREJUDICE IN BLACK AND WHITE
The North
York Historical Society welcomes Sheila White to present her book, The
Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White.
Based on
the true romance story of her East Coast parents’ trailblazing interracial
marriage in Toronto and the torrent of letters written to the author’s white
mother, trying to dissuade her from marrying a Black man, the novel gives life
to these letters, saved for posterity, and expose the pervasive bigotry of the
late 1940s.
When: Wednesday October 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Room
#1
This
program is co-sponsored by the North York Historical Society and the Society
and Recreation department of the North York Central Library. The
North York Historical Society is an active group of community members
passionate about preserving and promoting North York history.
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NORTH YORK ARTS PRESENTS: THE ANIMATION PROJECT
Explore the fascinating
world of animation through an engaging and dynamic round of workshops for North
York residents over the age of 55. Discover the art of storytelling, the basics
of animation, and create your own animated short over 3 modules running from
October 22nd – November 23rd (Cohort 2).
Learn more and register HERE!
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A NEWLY PUBLISHED AUTHOR IN WILLOWDALE
Congratulations to Hasib Iftekhar on publishing your book of poetry, Sequence of Dissolution. You may have met Hasib at Mel Lastman Square on Canada Day where he was one of the talented Willowdale residents and authors we proudly showcased.
Hasib’s book, is described as “a poignant and evocative collection of poetry that captures the essence of life’s fleeting moments. Crafted with exquisite language and the deepest of emotions, this anthology explores the human experience in all its complexity—love and loss, joy and sorrow, hope and despair.”
Hasib’s book is now published and available via Amazon.
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NORTH YORK DIWALI FEST
Over the past few years we have seen an increase in Indian neighbours in our community. As such, I was excited to see the great success of last year’s North York Diwali Fest. This year I am pleased to be co-hosting the event which will span two days on October 19–20 at Mel Lastman Square. We want this event to give visibility and build connectivity to the growing Indian community in Willowdale.
If you are interested in joining the planning committee or in being a vendor please email events@northyorkdiwali.com or reach out at 437-258-3065. Additionally, community members can join the Facebook group "Indians in Willowdale"- www.bit.ly/indiansinwillowdale or the WhatsApp Group for the Willowdale Indian Community www.chat.whatsapp.com/De5LjwA2BC62gdk9MkqTlq.
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SILK ROAD CANVAS
Calling All Artists, Musicians and Art Lovers in Willowdale!
Join the organizers of Silk Road Canvas – a unique and
inspiring event at Lansing United Church on November 9th. This is a special
opportunity for artists to weave their cultural heritage into the vibrant
tapestry of Willowdale. Our community reflects the rich diversity of the Silk Road,
and through this event, you are invited to contribute your artistic voice to
this shared canvas. Don't miss the chance to be part of something meaningful.
Click the link below to share how you’d like to participate
and benefit from this exciting opportunity!
https://arcadiart.ca/silk-road-canvas-vendor-list/ |
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