News in Brief

For over 37 years Neighbourhood Link Support Services (NLSS), formerly known as Senior Link, has been providing support services to residents of the Beach and East York communities. On Saturday May 5,  staff and volunteers of Neighbourhood Link wearing ‘Neighbours Helping Neighbours’ t-shirts will be canvassing the community to provide residents with information on NLSS programs and services for youth, seniors, newcomers, and those looking for employment.
For more information on NLSS programs and services check out their web site neighbourhoodlink.org. If you know anyone who may need support or services, call 416-691-7407.
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The Gardener’s Cottage in Kew Gardens is the setting for the Toronto Beach Rotary’s 4th annual Mother’s Day High Tea and Raffle on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13. Treat your mom to tea and biscuits in a historic home surrounded by blooming flowers. There are four sittings each day: noon, 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. The event is sponsored by Pippins Tea Co. Tickets are $30 and reservations are required. All proceeds support Rotary.
For tickets call 416-694-7772 and for more information visit torontobeachrotary.org
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Bring your old paint cans, used batteries and leftover cooking oil to the annual Ward 32 Environment Day at Ted Reeve Arena on Thusday, May 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. Pick up fresh compost, learn about greening, and get cycling information from cycling group 32 Spokes. The Lost Boys band will be providing entertainment and hot dogs will be on the grill, cooked up by Community Centre 55 chefs. For more information call 416-392-1376.
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Glen Stewart ravine improvements will be unveiled at a Grand Opening on Saturday, May 26 at 11 a.m.
Over the past few months city crews have rebuilt a staircase and two bridges. Also, a slightly elevated boardwalk has been installed above the original, and occasionally muddy, path to allow for natural water seepage from the base of the ravine slopes into Ames creek. This new boardwalk will also provide access to park users with wheelchairs and strollers. Many of the secondary trails have been closed in an effort to reduce damage caused by trampling and erosion, and allow for forest regeneration.
The Glen Stewart ravine is home to some rare forest species in this area, such as red oak and red maple trees, witch hazel and maple leaf viburnum shrubs. It also shelters migratory birds.
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Duke of Connaught Public School is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. A homecoming will be held this fall at the school, located at 70 Woodfield Ave.
Leading up to that, organizers are inviting graduates to a History Harvest, a day for grads to tell their stories, on Saturday, May 26. These narratives will be included in a permanent history display. In the meantime, you can register now at duke100th.com to attend the Homecoming.
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Courcelette Public School, 100 Fallingbrook Rd., is also marking its centenary this year. An open house will be held on Saturday, May 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. To confirm your attendance and for information, visit courcelette100.com
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The Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club welcomes the tall ship ‘Playfair’ to its harbour on Saturday, May 26. To celebrate the occasion, the club is inviting youth aged 13 to 18 to enter a contest to win a four-hour sail training adventure for one lucky winner and a friend. The ship will also be a great spot to watch the action at the ABYC season-opening regatta on the same day.
Fill in a trivia contest ballot at the Community Centre 55 office.
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The City has begun work to improve the infrastructure along Queen Street East between Coxwell and Greenwood Avenues. Watermains and combined sewers, streetcar tracks, existing sidewalks and road surfaces will all be replaced.
Work will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and ‘as required’ overnights and on weekends. The schedule allows for car, bicycle and pedestrian traffic to continue, but be prepared for lane and parking restrictions. Streetcars will be replaced with buses when necessary.
Garbage and recycling collection in the construction zone will not be affected, but make sure your bins are labelled with your address in case they have to be moved. Work is scheduled to be completed by November. For more information contact Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon’s office at 416-392-1376.
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Have you submitted a name for ‘No Name Park’ yet? The deadline is June 1 to name the small patch of land located on William Hancox Avenue in the residential development east of Ted Reeve Arena. Send your entry to Ward 32 Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon at ward32@toronto.ca or call 416-392-1376.

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