5 minutes – 5 questions (Sheila Cary-Meagher, Bill Suddick)

Sheila Cary-Meagher, Toronto District School Board Trustee, Ward 16 Beaches-East York, is a busy person. It took a while to get her to the phone, and then she wasn’t sure what I was asking about. Once we got going, though, she got into the spirit of the call.

1. Your favourite place in the Beach?
– “That’s hard. I would have to say my house. I moved in to it 46 years ago, and raised my family here. Every night I come in the front door, and I know it sounds corny, but I say, ‘Hello house.’ I just love it.”

2. What’s the last movie you saw?
– “You know I don’t remember. I haven’t been to the theatre in more than a year.”

3. Beer, wine or whiskey?
– “Definitely not beer! I don’t drink very much, so when I do I want the very best, say a fine Chablis, or a very good Scotch (Sheila admitted to preferring blended Scotch to single malt)… something with very smoky overtones.”

4. What are you currently reading?
– “I’m not a reader because I’m dyslexic. I love being read to though. My first husband read me the Iliad, the Odyssey, and all of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Anything I read now is for work.”

5. Cat or dog?
– “Neither. I’m allergic to animal dander. I admire them from afar, but I can’t touch them. But if I had to pick, I’d say I’m probably more ‘doggish’.”

6. Heels or flats?
– “I love the look of heels, but for ladies my age flats are it.”

Bill Suddick has been the Beach Metro cartoonist for the past 29 years. Bill and I have developed a rapport over the years. We both have cottages up north, and we’re both hockey dads. As you can tell by his answers, Bill’s got a great sense of humour.

1. Your favourite place in the Beach?
– “I have several. Ted Reeve Arena, for one. It’s my second home. I’ve spent a heck of a lot of time there throughout my kid’s hockey career. In fact, I’ve spent so much time there they painted me into the mural. Well, okay, I painted myself in. But don’t tell them that. I also enjoy the boardwalk when I can get down there, which is rarely.”

2. What is the last movie you saw?
– “Hugo. Very cool movie. Some of our students at Seneca College worked on the visual effects and won a little statue or something called an Oscar. Borat’s in it too. Bonus.”

3. Beer, wine or whiskey?
– “All of the above: Dark or hoppy beer like Mad Tom from Muskoka Brewery has been a fave lately. As I write this, I’m drinking something called Barking Squirrel, which sounds like it was brewed specifically for Beach residents. I also like single malt scotches, which are reserved for special occasions. Like birthdays – in March. I like a decent red wine with Italian food and, if pressed, I’ll sip a dry white. Get it? If ‘pressed.’  Did you know dry wines are made with raisins? No?”

4. What are you reading?
– “Cornered by Ron MacLean. It’s an insightful look into the NHL, sports broadcasting, Hockey Night In Canada, the CBC and, of course, one of my favorite guys, Don Cherry. Is Ron MacLean related to you, by any chance?” [No, he’s not, by the way –Bill]

5. Cat or dog?
– “Well, we rent to a cat. A very affectionate cat. She gives us affection, we give her food and water and toys, and endless cat treats…, and cable and internet. We also let her play with our son. She’s a very nice cat but doesn’t travel well.  When we move to the cottage  we plan to get a dog too. I have no problem having both in the house.”

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