She is officially Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge but you can call her Charlotte. The names cover a few bases by acknowledging Her Majesty and her grandmother, Diana. But the name of honour, the one to be used in conversational reference, is Charlotte. Charlotte is the middle name of Aunt Pippa, Kate’s sister. BBC
This story from USA Today is about 14-year-old Ke’onte and his checkered efforts to find an adoptive home. A TV anchor in Texas was able to help him and she was moved to tears when he visited her by surprise.
Peel Region high schools are closed Monday morning in the face-off over money between the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) and the Ontario government. It’s money the province does not have. As the Globe and Mail says this morning: “Premier Kathleen Wynne and Education Minister Liz Sandals have both acknowledged that this will be a difficult round of bargaining, with the Liberal government having told all public-sector workers that wage increases will only be possible if they and their employers manage to find the money within their existing budgets.” Globe and Mail
Laureen Harper spoke at the Canadian war cemetery at Groesbeeck in Holland to commemorate Victory in Europe 70 years ago. There were 7,200 Canadian army deaths during the final campaign to free Holland. Much is said and correctly so about the long and friendly memory of the Netherlands people. For Canada’s part, it becomes clearer with each year that it was our honour to be able to help the loyal Dutch.
The days are counting down to the Leaside Smokedown. Those who love food, beer, good music and a great cause should check it out right now. It happens Thursday May 28 at Amsterdam Brewery on Esandar Drive and there are still tickets for this night of food (Grilltime) beer (Amsterdam) and music from an array of exciting local bands. Count them: Tim Magwood & the Drifters and friends, Duncan Coutts of Our Lady Peace, Elise LeGrow and Kevin McGroarty.
Most importantly, the proceeds will go Lake Scugog Camps, the well-known character-building experience for boys. Leaside Smokedown is the creation of public-spirited Leaside residents Andy Elder of Grilltime on Laird Drive, Cathy Hawkins of Amsterdam Brewing Company, Tim Magwood, Bennington Heights businessman and musician, plus many others. Mr. Magwood is a director of Lake Scugog Camps, a series of recreational sites where kids are offered life-altering chances to learn and grow up.
The camps have been in business since 1931 and have cared for thousands with a special personal attention that sets the camp apart. The cook and caterer to Leaside is Elder, always eager to get his hands of a giant smoker barbecue trailer, which in this case, is owned by Councillor Jon Burnside, another collaborator. Tickets are $100 per person and there are many wonderful prizes like “Beer for a Year”. There will also be a silent auction and other contributor-sponsors like Patrick Rocca, to help swell the final cheque to Lake Scugog Camp. The tickets are selling well so if you like the idea, best to buy a couple or four now.
St. Anselm’s World Network will hold its annual Spring Fling on Sunday, May 24, 2015 between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Expect some fine baked goods, raffles, plant sales and external craft vendors. It happens inside the Church Hall at MacNaughton Rd. and Millwood Rd. Another event: On Tuesday May 5, St. Cuthbert’s Church will host the residents of 1425 Bayview Ave. for a sale of goods to mark Mental Health Week. Time is between 12.30 and 1.30 p.m.
Crime writer Ruth Rendell (top inset) has died in hospital at the age of 85. The inventive Rendell was best known for her Inspector Wexford series which was turned into an internationally successful TV series. Rendell had been admitted to hospital after a serious stroke in January. Ruth Rendell is said to have been the most important British crime novelist of the past 50 years. She prided herself on the pace of her plots and the creation of compelling suspense. In her lifetime, Rendell sold an astonishing 60 million books. Her series of Inspector Wexford detective stories picked up the legacy of the golden age crime writers like Agatha Christie and led the genre into the modern world, in turn inspiring writers such as Colin Dexter and Ian Rankin. The role of chief inspector Reginald Wexford was played by George Baker (inset lower)
Premier Wynne encourages bowl to find the kitty
Premier Wynne, MPP John Carmichael and Councillor Jon Burnside were among the many people present yesterday (Saturday, May 2, 2015) on Hanna Rd for the opening of the Leaside Lawn Bowling Club. The ancient game dates back to the 13th century, it is said.
The CP main line level-crossing at Wicksteed Ave. just east of Old Leslie Street has to be among the last of such crossings left inside Toronto. We know just how often work is done there or when a train is left sitting on the tracks because Twitter posts from the TTC and others tell us. (A different kind of level crossing signal) Today the crossing was receiving ongoing maintenance. You can see one of the workmen in the above shot taken yesterday (May 1, 2015). 88A and 88B Buses were diverted for most of the day. Those big boxy freight cars zooming across Wicksteed are known as Car Tracks and are used to transport new cars, a huge business for the railways.
