Black Friday and other chuckles

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It’s taken a while for we isolated South Bayview shopkeepers to grasp that Black Friday does not require us to wrap the place of business in funeral crepe. Although, some near-grave trappings from Humphrey’s might suitably mark the loss of sanity suffered by those who camped out overnight at Wal-Mart (in Buffalo yet). But never mind, freedom of choice is what makes us great. Story two. It’s been such a tickle to see the newspapers and television 24/7s trying to resuscitate Occupy Toronto. It’s alive, it’s alive! Occupy Toronto was never really alive. But once again, different strokes for different folks. And mom always said not to speak ill of the dense. Finally, you need to know that your grandchildren may yet ride on the TTC’s Downtown Relief Line. Or maybe your great grandchildren. This is a scheme to build an overload subway from Bloor to Union Station because the Yonge line is so busy. True. But the Yonge line is nearly 60 years old. Humble shopkeepers should not try to design subways, no doubt. But a digital update of that line with safety glass platforms and computerized trains (Beijing, Seoul) would surely make Yonge faster and cost less than the DRL.

Mom’s group cashes in Homefront gift voucher

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The latest Gift Certificate to be redeemed at Homefront, 1579 Bayview, was given in the form of community support to The South Leaside Monday Group. It’s a mother’s group which meets monthly at Trace Manes Centennial Building, 110 Rumsey Road. They hear from a different speaker each week. Daycare is provided. It’s a really nice break for a lot of local moms. This time the gift certificate helped to purchase a very nice Emma Bridgewater polka dot baker made in Stoke on Trent in England, as well as an oval maple cheese and cutting board made right here in Ontario especially for Homefront. Congratulations and good luck to the SLMG. Previous post with email for information and membership.

J.K. Rowling testifies about harassment

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The media ethics committee in the United Kingdom has heard today from J.K Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter. She told a story of constant observation by reporters after her first work became popular. The intensity of attention grew until she had reporters and photographers stationed 24 hours a day outsider her house. At one point, her young daughter came home with a letter from a reporter stuffed into her schoolbag. Toronto Star

Top Employers decided by the employees

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RELEASE — The 70 organizations identified as 2012’s Best Employers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) vary widely in terms of industry and workforce size. Nevertheless, research conducted by Aon Hewitt, the global human resources consulting and outsourcing solutions business of Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON), in conjunction with the Queen’s University School of Business, indicates that they all share the key requirement to be named as one of the Best Employers in the GTA – high employee engagement. Organizations that have earned this status for 2012 (see attached lists) are profiled in today’s Toronto Star.”The real litmus test of whether or not an organization is a Best Employer lies with the employees themselves,” said Neil Crawford, Aon Hewitt’s study leader. “This study goes beyond satisfaction (how much I like things here) and commitment (how much I want to be here) to measure engagement (how much I want to and actually contribute to improving our business results). Without a focus on engagement, it’s difficult for organizations to achieve sustainable success.” Top Employers release

Dollarama confirmed for Bayview: local paper

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According to the new monthly newspaper published by Ruth and Harry Goldhar, it’s been confirmed that Dollarama will open at the former premises of Shoppers Drug Mart at 1531 South Bayview. The announcement from Dollarama has been anticipated on the street (see Previous below) and subject to much discussion. There is an interesting story (not online) by Allison Rockwell which surveys our split personality shopping sympathies when it comes to dollar stores. We don’t like the idea that they’re cheap but we like ’em cause they’re cheap. Go figure. Previous

Sebastien Gayowsky appointed legislative page

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A Bessborough Drive School pupil had landed a prestigious hitch as a legislative page at Queen’s Park. Sebastien Gayowsky, 13, has high marks at Bessborough, a requirement for getting a chance to be a page. Sebastien began his new job Monday, Nov. 21. He’ll be away from school for a couple of weeks but time has been set aside for him to do schoolwork. Look at this story by Danielle Milley in InsideToronto.com

Inside the Tribute Presentation Centre

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The Tribute Communities Presentation Centre has opened for business at 1600 South Bayview, previous home of the Sleuth of Baker Street. It’s interesting to note that Tribute has placed a distinguished looking sign on its exterior to announce the new address of Sleuth. This is very unusual in a new tenant. The centre is very lovely with comfortable fixtures intended no doubt to make one feel as if he is in one of the Canterbury Lawrence Park townhomes. Beyond the reception area (upper right) is a large area with a model of the Bayview Ave development in the middle. On the walls are electronic show and tells as well as a flat screen television tuned to CP24. Worth a visit even if you aren’t in the market. The attendants are most welcoming.

Craziest corner in the neighbotrhood

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There may not be very much that the City can do about it, but the corner of Bayview Ave and Bayview Heights Dr (plus Evergreen Gardens) is the craziest place in all South Bayview. Residents of Bennington Heights will have learned by now that the quirky arrow on the road (left) means “find your way across the traffic and then, perhaps, turn left at Moore Avenue.” There is no apparent direction for drivers who want to go north on Bayview. And for hapless visitors who might try to find their way back into Bennington Heights by turning left onto Evergreen Gardens, well, that’s definitely forbideen (right). We would be glad to hear from anyone about signage for Evergreen because it looks as if there is no sign at the corner. All this said, the alignment of Bayview in this tight space makes any sort of quick fix very difficult.

Starbucks at Mount Pleasant and Soudan?

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A reader has sent mail to suggest that Starbucks will shortly open on the southwest corner of Mount Pleasant ‘Rd and Soudan Ave. It is the former home of a pastry shop. The story makes some sense because there are no Starbucks on Mount Pleasant, according to the menu of coffee stores shown on their website. Baristas at the Bayview Starbucks report that they are deluged with complaints that there is no shop on Mount Pleasant. There are many well established businesses on Mount Pleasant. There is the Bitton House retirement home across Soudan (which houses a Timothy’s) and a Sobey’s just up the street. We’ll keep you posted.