The South Bayview Bulldog

Here is a Christmas story to love. When first baseman Pavin Smith was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the first thing he did with his signing bonus was to pay off his parents mortgage. He also wrote them a moving letter thanking them for the great childhood they had given him. Then a nice City News takeout on a family whose Boxing Day tradition is playing hockey. Gotta love it. Below that, two guys who have been friends for 60 years suddenly discover they are brothers. And finally, the miracle of puppies saved from certain death in the Alberta cold.

Waterloo Region Police have been given permission to release the name and picture of a 17-year-old in connection with the death on Christmas Day of Elizabeth Alder, 57. There is said to be a heavy police presence in on Falcon Drive in Elmira near Waterloo as they investigate.

Don Valley Parkway and Highway 401/Tony Smyth @LateNightCam

There has been an early morning fatality in the collision of two cars at the Don Valley Parkway and Highway 401. Emergency services were called to the scene just after 5:30 a.m. for what appears to have been a grinding crash in which one vehicle slammed into the driver’s side of the other.

Bronze tribute

Four Stanley Cup Championships

Johnny Bower has died at the age of 93 from the complications of pneumoia his family announced Tuesday. The much-loved Maple Leaf legend, admired as much for his humanity as his skill at hockey, led the Leafs to four Stanley Cup Championships. Twitter tributes Many will remember Bower’s appearance at the Lea Room at Leaside Arena in April, 2015

It is with great sadness that the Bower family announces the passing of @MapleLeafs legend #JohnnyBower after a short battle with pneumonia. (Photo courtesy of the Toronto Star) pic.twitter.com/FHayp8xE1t

— John Bower (@JBower_sports) December 27, 2017

Hailey Banayai, 10

A deeply moving appeal has appeared on a GoFundMe page for help to sustain the long battle being faced by 10-year-old Hailey Banayai, a Gledhill Junior Public School student who was diagnosed with leukemia on November 2. She will endure years of treatment and costs associated with this life-altering development. The story was posted to Leaside Community by the editor of the East York Chronicle. Hailey’s mom, Patricia Baranyai. has written on the GoFundMe page that “Hailey is my hero, for she has faced and continues to face her fears daily. Together, Hailey and I are facing fears and anxiety that, two months ago, we could not fathom having to face. Hailey has grown much since November 2nd. Much more than any ten-year-old should have to grow in such a short time. She is strong and sweet and continues to amaze me with her generous and bright spirit.” Patricia Baranyai goes on to hope that “when the sun shines a little brighter, we will pay forward our blessings by raising money for the Hospital for Sick Children and other families in need.” May the sun indeed shine brighter for Hailey. GoFundMe East York Chronicle

Premier Wynne was at City News Tuesday morning where she jousted a bit with Kevin Frankish about the minimum wage increases and how long she will actually continue to be Liberal leader. As ever, this sturdy political personality had nary a backward glance. “It can be done” was the fairly low-key opinion of the feasibility of the $15 an hour wage. The words sounded more reminiscent of the cabinet room than live television. Have a listen.

Premier Kathleen Wynne took the time to look back on 2017. https://t.co/pO2OTxTSfH

— Breakfast Television (@breakfasttv) December 26, 2017

CF Eaton Centre Tuesday

CF Eaton Centre

One Dundas

While many people shopped this Boxing Day 2017 and some were actually applauded (see video below) at least one fell victim to rage. He was seen brandishing a firearm in the underground garage at Yorkdale. But all other reports indicate the day went fairly well, although bone-chilled shoppers outside H&M at 1 Dundas must have had the odd second thought. Below is the pleasant welcome for shoppers at the Best Buy in the CF Eaton Centre.

Police report a Christmas day theft of 48-foot refrigerated trailer containing a large shipment of veal from outside a commercial address at Signet Drive and Fenmar Drive. The thieves struck between 3 and 5 a.m. The trailer is described as a white, 48-foot-long refrigerated trailer with a blue “W” and “White Valley” on the side. The rear doors of the trailer are distinctive. The right door is white, the left door is stainless steel. The trailer has Ontario licence plates K5885K. Photographs of the company logo, as well as the packaging in which the veal is contained, are attached.

Car thief/OPP

Downtown Fergus

OPP in Wellington Country near Fergus have found a toddler who was taken probably unintentionally by a car thief on Christmas Day. The child’s mother left the car unlocked and running outside a store in the town of Fergus with the child sitting in a car seat in the rear. Cold weather probably influenced her judgement. Police say the thief and “his accomplice” stole the car, a Grey Chevrolet Impala, and left it abandoned on Highway 6 near Sideroad 19 and shortly after it was stolen. The child was unhurt. The thief is still at large.

Jen Sceviour @jenscev is tweeting Tuesday that the toboganning begins at 12.30 at Leaside High School hill. We’re guessing it starts whenever you get there. Bundle up. Patrick Rocca’s free skate begins at Leaside Memorial Community Arena at 12.30.