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Letters to the Editor
Posted April 2011
Raising
Awareness for Brain Tumor research
Last Spring my 14 year old son was
diagnosed with two brain tumours and taken the next day to Sick Kids for
emergency surgery. Thanks to the amazing team at Sick Kids, Sam is back
home with us and continues his battle. This Spring, despite still dealing
with daily sickness, Sam has pulled together a team of family and friends
all from the Centenial Community area to participate in the Brain Tumour
Foundation of Canada's Spring Sprint (5km run) on April 30th. So far Sam's
team (which he has named "Yes, I am Sam the Tumour Man"), has raised over
$6k for this great cause which effects over 55,000 Canadians including
many children like Sam, and doesnt get nearly the same level of exposure
as some of the other worthy causes. Not sure if Sam's story would be of
interest to your readers, but would be great to get some exposure for this
great event. Attached are the links to Sam's Team and the Facebook page
for the event Regards, Ron and Sam Craig
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49827003001
Posted April 2011
Let’s Start a “Backyard
Revolution!”
We are blessed in this community
to live among mature trees, natural ravine systems and shorelines that
provide food and shelter for a wide range of plants and animals. However,
it is important to the long-term health of these animals, insects and
birds to have a wide range of available habitats. As you plan your
gardening activities and look forward to enjoying your outdoor spaces, why
not consider donating a corner of your property to the wildlife in our
area? It can be as simple as not mowing an area, or as complicated as
purchasing native perennials, shrubs and /or trees that will provide
shelter and food for wildlife. If each of us created a wild-life friendly
space on their property, a corridor would be created that would allow the
populations to interact. This will improve the biodiversity of plants,
insects, birds and animals in our area, which, in turn, will improve our
air, soil and water. Let’s start a “Backyard Revolution” and welcome the
wildlife that sustains us into our yards - we will all benefit!
For more information about how
and why to encourage the growth of native plants, please refer to the
following resources:
Bringing Nature Home.
How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas
W. Tallamy.
Noah’s Garden. Restoring
the Ecology of Our Own Backyards. by Sara Stein.
Project Chirp.
http://www.projectchirp.com/
Posted Feb 2011
This year's Winterfest was the best one
ever! Wasn't too crowded, everything was spread out. The stuff there was
great!
Derek L.
Posted October 2010
SPECIAL MEMORIES
My Father is a pioneer of the Centennial Community. Over 60 years ago, he
built our family home with his own hands on what was then an unnamed
track. In April 1948, when Lawson Road was but a sandy trail, my parents
purchased an acre of land on the east side of Centennial Road, four lots
north of if.
The
neighborhood, like everything else, has transformed. But the constant in
our lives, is our family home that my Father built when the neighborhood
wasn’t big enough to be called one. And they continue to enjoy living in
this beautiful home.
Dad did more
than pioneer his homestead. He pioneered as a contributor to his
community. He wanted to make it a better place to raise his kids and
grandkids, and for other people to raise theirs. So he served 3 terms as
President of the CCRA in the 1960’s. And, he supported developing the
community, for example designing the gates to Adam’s Park.
My brothers
and I have rich memories of growing up in the Centennial Community. It’s
pretty hard to beat diving into the backyard pool when you’re seven, but
this past summer has trumped them all.
Dad was
instrumental in the building many homes throughout the Borough of
Scarborough. After all, he knew his turf. He’d begun his career in the
early 50’s in the area just east of Bellamy Road and Lawrence Avenue (more
sandy trails). You see “Ben Stanton Blvd.” was named after my Father, and,
fittingly, he built the house on the north/east corner himself (with his
own hands, and a little help from my uncle). Guess what the community was
known as then? (as it still is) Bendale. Apparently, the area’s current
moniker is “The Ben Jungle” - all the streets begin with “Ben”.
My son Kevin
spearheaded a gift for my Father’s 90th Birthday celebrations
that went straight to his big heart. He and Counselor Greg DeBaeremaker
collaborated on awarding him his own street sign. And yes, it’s instantly
become one of my Father’s most treasured possessions.
This was one
over-the-top tribute! Mr. DeBaermaker delivered both a heart-warming
speech to all in attendance, and a street sign to my Dad! The guests
included many people from the neighborhood; some of whom purchased their
“starter” homes in 1952. Turns out they weren’t “starters” they
were “stayers” - they’re still living in them! Like all good
festivities, it was topped off with a colossal birthday cake, cut by none
other than my Dad, and Mom, with a collective Happy Birthday to You.
Where do you
go from there? Why - to welcome a great-grandson! Kevin’s wife Jasmina
delivered Ryan Wendel McAllister on September 16th. Kevin was
optimistic his son would arrive on his due date, September 17th
and he takes his hockey seriously. His NHL idol, Wendel Clarke of the
Maple Leafs, wears jersey #17. Ryan was a little eager about joining us
and arrived on the 16th - but check out his second name! And he arrived
at 17:00 hours.
On September
18th we had a double whammy. My Mother marked a very special 87th
Birthday. We celebrated at yes, another celebration! Grandson Brian’s
wedding to his long time love Jen. What a memorable week!
And on
September 26th, we had our own birthday party for Dad’s 90th.
We welcomed 50 guests to our family home, including, several neighbors
some of whom had been friends for over 60 years!.
It is our
parents who, through their support and love over the years, laid the
foundations for the most important cornerstone of our success – a cohesive
family. This is our opportunity to thank them for creating such a
wonderful home in an amazing community. All of us are holding hands,
connected in gratitude for the good fortune of having them in our lives.
Thank you Mom and Dad!
Love
Always……Marilyn, Jim and Leslie, Tim and Lisa, grandchildren Kevin and
Jasmina, Kellie and Steve, Brian and Jen, Ben, and, great-grandchildren
Mackenzie, Merek, Maguire and Ryan.
Marilyn
McAllister
Posted Mar 24th 2010
I
guess it comes to a point where criticism needs to become a catalyst. My
complaint deals with the slow destruction of the Highland Creek Watershed.
With all of the conservation that has been expressed and enacted dealing
with the Rouge River it seems that our neighborhood (that borders the
Highland Creek) always seems to get ignored. For lots of reasons (none of
which I agree with) more and more waste water is dumped into the Highland
Creek. The resultant erosion and pollution has continued to get worse,
with major sections bordering along Colonel Danforth and Beechgrove
deteriorating to the point where homes, private property and trhe natural
environment are in jeopardy. Shame, Shame, Shame on the City for its lack
of conservation. I am asking the CCRA conservation chair to start to take
an active position in this matter.
Joe
Pileggi
Posted Mar 24th 2010
I want to commend the Editor of the CCRA
news and the news staff for their fantastic work. Each month over 3000
CCRA news are delivered to our neighborhood homes and local services. The
website is populated with pertinent concerns and issues that effect us
all. Thank you and best wishes for helping to make this community special.
Joe
Pileggi
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