Summer Solstice an ancient observance

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The Summer Solstice, which occurs June 21, 2011, is an astronomical event that has become a cultural symbol of renewal. Prehistoric people built Stonehenge to mark the passage from Spring to Summer. The Weather Channel has a good explanation of this fascinating natural phenomenon.

Remember, a lady’s cat farm is her castle

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The distressing case of the lady who kept at least 100 cats in her home is slipping into history. However, a recurring question among those who comment on blogs about the case is how authorities failed to act upon the many complaints which neighbors on Manor Rd. had made over months. Why was there a response only when a political pollster associated with the approaching general election called in. The answer appears to be fairly straightforward. The pollster called 911 and said it appeared that there might have been a decaying human body at the home. The first responder to that information was the fire department. No doubt the 911 operator, taking no chances, alerted the fire department on the possibility that someone at the address might require resuscitation. On the other hand, it appears that the neighbor complaints were all directed to the City. Which did nothing. It’s an interesting commentary on how municipal politics works that a homeowner remains essentially “hands off” until there is an emergency complaint raising the prospect of sudden death. An unintended consequence to the rule that a man’s (or in this case a lady’s) home is his castle.

Pottery Road to gain bicycle lanes

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It’s hard to imagine even a healthy cyclist pumping all the way up the steep side of the Don Valley, but for the very fit, there will soon be bike lanes. It’s part of the $4.7 million upgrade for the kilometre long stretch of road that connects Bayview Ave and Broadview Ave. Pottery Rd is a vital link to South Bayview for residents of Riverdale, Playter Estates and other neighborhoods. Many people like to come here to shop. The summer’s work will include burying of hydro and telephone wires, installation of new storm sewers and water mains (seen above) and a new retaining wall to the north. Signs will mark the entrance to the Lower Don Valley trail. The road re-opens September 5, 2011.

Leaside vs George Brown thriller from April

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Check our special page for a very exciting showdown at the end of a tie game between these teams. We would love to have more information from those who played in this match. If you read this, please comment.

Summer changes to the 88 bus route

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The TTC has announced some summertime changes to some bus routes including the Leaside 88. The following is from the TTC website: “Starting Monday, June 20, the TTC is operating one less bus along the route Mondays to Fridays during rush hours. West of Sutherland Drive and Millwood Road, buses operate every 7½ minutes, instead of every 6 minutes, during morning rush hours. They operate every 8½ minutes, instead of every 7½ minutes, during afternoon rush hours. East of Sutherland and Millwood, buses operate every 15 minutes, instead of every 12 minutes, during morning rush hours. They operate every 17 minutes, instead of every 15 minutes, during afternoon rush hours. Summer rush-hour service ends Friday, September 2. Regular service resumes Tuesday, September 6.”

Solemn remembrance in Ramsden Park

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Friends, neighbours and family gathered in Ramsden Park on Sunday night to commemorate the death of Oliver Martin and Dylan Ellis who were shot to death during the night of June 12/13, 2008. A memorial park bench and a tree were erected in the park last year. Their killer has not been caught. There is a $50,000 reward for information leading to a capture. Courtesy Yonge and Roxborough

Blossoms decorate South Bayview

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It’s impossible to walk by Chen’s Passion Fruit on South Bayview south of Starbucks and not stop to admire the blossoms on the many indoor shrubs and trees on sale. These were seen over the weekend.

New Conran Glass now at Homefront

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Homefront has announced the return of Sophie Conran Glass. Sophie’s glass line was cancelled months ago because of — what else — unsatisfactory business terms with the Turkish company that manufactured the glass. In the re-newed collection, there is a large salad bowl, a large jug, champagne flutes, goblets, wine, Hi ball and Rocks glasses and a hurricane lamp. They go well with any style of dishes and of course they look fantastic with Sophie’s collection, also available at Homefront. 371 Eglinton West and 1579 Bayview Ave.

Bayview video store totally Block Busted

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Lady on the right invites you to rent a DVD. But she’s from happier times and today the Blockbuster on Bayview Ave has little more than zip to sell you (left). The store is practically empty even though it started out the bankruptcy sell-off with more inventory than any other in the city, according to staff. The close date has been moved up one day. Last day of business will be Saturday, June 18, 2011.

40th year for Rose Park Street Party

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The Rose Park Drive Street Party must surely be one of the oldest in the City. Saturday, it played out smoothly again in its 40th anniversary edition. Above we see magician Tricky Ricky entertaining the kids in an encore performance. He was a hit last year, too. As usual the ladies of Rose Park cooked up a storm and there was cake to celebrate the day.

Leaside Fire Prevention in 1956

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Here we have a truly wonderful 1956 picture of the Leaside Fire Prevention Parade taken on St. Cuthbert’s Rd. approaching Bayview Ave. There are great features to this picture. The 1954 (we believe) American LaFrance ladder truck is a beauty. Behind it is a Ford station wagon with speakers on the roof that rival the size of the car itself. Amazing. On the right, parked outside St Cuthbert’s Church, is the panel delivery belonging to Badali Fruits. It appears, as family history has it, that the late Mr. Badali was making a delivery to either the church or Humphrey’s Funeral Home across the street. Those who saw this post previously, before a few changes, will know that we were confused about the location of this picture. A visit to St. Cuthbert’s Drive however cleared up the positioning.

Can Bayview have self serve beer, please?

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The Beer Store, that jail-like in-and-out place owned by the big beer companies, is going to open what it’s calling Beer Boutiques. This would seem like a welcome departure from the charmless by-the-case outlets that have ruled beer sales in Ontario since ale was first brewed. In contrast to Beer Store locations, in which customers have no direct access to product and order it at a counter similar to a fast food outlet, Beer Boutiques will be self-serve stores with a more open and inviting appearance, as shown by the concept illustration above. Now, beer is a personal pleasure. But it’s also a huge driver of business. Would we like to have one of these places on South Bayview? No kidding. On hearing this news, many have said the Ontario Government should just go all the way and turn the beer sales business over to private enterprise. Others, like the readers of the linked blog, think The Beer Store owners don’t know how to choose beer and thus the Beer Boutiques won’t be any better than the old beer stores.