Bayview Village Association Newsletter ‘It’s Better in Bayview Village’ April 2008 Editor: Judi Codd 416-225-5162 email: jcodd@yorku.ca

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Bayview Village Association Annual Spring Clean Up:

The Bayview Village Association invites you to help keep our community clean and beautiful.

Join us for our Annual Spring Clean Up

- Saturday April 19, 12 -3 PM

Meet at the Forest Grove ravine entrance. Bring gloves. We will have garbage bags. Refreshments after 2 PM.

This is a terrific event - Fun for a whole family – or to take part with a friend – or come on your own. This is a great

way to get to know your neighbours, have some exercise, improve your community, keep property values high, and help our area stay safe. And it is all free!

High school students can earn community volunteer hours.

Bayview Village Exclusive

Earth Hour Toronto

The village joined the rest of Toronto and cities around the globe in observing Earth Hour on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8 - 9 p.m. We found a number of houses where flickering candles were observed and several families were out for a walk in the dark. We also noted that for a Saturday evening there were many more houses in darkness. All our efforts paid off with an 8.7% decrease in electricity (organizers were hoping for 5%). So well done, everyone. Now remember to keep up conservation practices – this makes a difference to your electricity bill and to the planet.

Calling all Gardeners!

Don’t be shy! Why not share your garden with fellow gardeners at the Bayview Village Garden Tour June 22^nd, 2008.

You have worked long and hard to create a wonderful garden and this is the year to be part of a memorable experience. The Garden Tour has established itself in the neighbourhood as an opportunity to share gardening tips, get new ideas and celebrate the wonderful area in which we live.

If you are interested in participating in this year’s tour, please contact Mary Anderson at 416-229-0094. Help us have another successful event!

Neighbourhood Watch - by Ron Choi

TIPS OF THE MONTH:

Walking on the Increase: Mild temperatures increase the numbers of pedestrians on our streets and with that comes an increased chance of collisions between motorists and pedestrians. Motorists are reminded to respect the rights of pedestrians. Slow down during inclement weather, and be prepared for the unexpected. Watch for pedestrians and yield the right of way.

Pedestrians are asked to take responsibility for their own safety: be aware of surroundings; not put themselves in a position of danger; cross where safe; avoid stepping out from between parked cars; make eye contact with drivers before entering the roadway, and wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing.

Thefts of GPS: There has been recent rash of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) being stolen from vehicles. A GPS costs from $180.00 to $1000.00 so this is not a surprise.

While many people “hide their devices” when they park their vehicles they usually don't bother to take down the mount from the windshield or dashboard. This makes it easy for the thieves to recognize that you have one. If you’re going to leave the mounting bracket up, then hiding serves little purpose. Consider a friction mount, instead of the suction cup windshield mount that is easily detectable on or off the windshield as it leaves a smudge mark where it was. If you do use a suction mount then remember to frequently wipe down the window to remove tell-tale marks.

Of course you should write down the serial number of your device and register it with the manufacturer, and keep a copy for your records. If your GPS comes with a password or pin combination lock feature, make the code very difficult so that thieves can't crack it.

Remember to leave all traces of the device out of sight and keep your windows and doors locked. And always report any and all suspicious behaviour to the Police.

This message was brought to you by the 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer.

By-Laws and You: Graffiti: And what you can do about it?

What is Graffiti? One or more letters, symbols, figures, etching, scratches, inscriptions, stains, or other markings that disfigure or deface a structure or thing, howsoever made or otherwise affixed on the structure or thing, but, for greater certainty, does not include an art mural.

How to Control It? Authorities have found that the best way to control and hopefully eliminate the occurrence of graffiti is where area residents are active and visible. Communities taking obvious pride in the appearance of their neighbourhood, where residents are seen at different times of day walking and participating, combined with quick removal of graffiti are a powerful force against this crime.

How you can help? Alert city staff to any graffiti you spot: City staff will remove graffiti on city owned buildings, overpasses, bridges, and public parks. Staff will try to quickly remove any hate or gang-related graffiti within a 24-hour period and all other graffiti within a 72-hour period to prevent further proliferation. City staff will also work with other property owners to get the graffiti removed.

You may place your complaints about graffiti in your neighbourhood with the Graffiti Abatement Program Staff at 416-39-CLEAN or call the north office at 416-395-7011

Literary Stars In Our Midst

We are delighted to share with you news of Bayview Village resident Julia Micks, who has just self-published a book, Tears Of The Falcon. This book describes the journey of:

Thirteen year old Samuel Somesby who becomes puzzled by recent events. His family believes he has a special gift and it couldn't have come soon enough as the people of the town of Ridley are falling prey to a mysterious illness. On the eve of each full moon, the town is visited by a crying falcon that only Samuel can see and hear. The falcon opens the door to a quest that will lead Samuel to the unveiling of a 300 year old mystery. Join Samuel and his friends on their journey.

Julia has written the book in her spare time while balancing a full time career and active social life. The book was intended for young people (tweens) but adults are also enjoying the book based on the positive feedback received. To buy the book please contact Julia at 416-225-1041. You can find out more information on her web site: www.tearsofthefalcon.com.

Julia has lived on Viamede Cres. in Bayview Village for over 10 years. She lives there with her husband and their dog, Marley. Dog lovers in the neighbourhood will know Marley who walks her owners daily.

If you are aware of other literary stars in our midst please contact me at jcodd@yorku.ca

History 101: Toll Houses

The sketch on the left provides a glimpse of what life was like for Willowdale pioneers. It depicts a local toll-house (toll-gate) - these dotted Ontario and allowed travellers to travel along roads by paying a toll. The tolls were used to maintain the roads and bridges. Toll-keepers (and their families) lived in the adjacent house and were paid from the tolls.

In 1839 Upper Canada Parliament passed a statute which stated: that all persons, horses and carriages, going to or returning from the funeral of any person, shall be allowed to pass any toll-gate on the said road free of toll.

This sketch is housed in the Archives of Ontario.

Interested in learning more about our History? Then you will want to read: Bayview Village: Our History In Print: From Farmland to One of Canada’s Most Picturesque Communities. Enjoy the written history of Bayview Village and surrounding area from the earliest settlers to modern day times. Over 120 pages, with many. Many pictures this book is available for just $20 (tax included). To order your copy contact: Bayview Village Association c/o Doug Webster, 7 Sutcliffe Drive, Toronto, ON M2K 2A5 or Call: 416-221-5870

Election News: Federal By-Election: Thank you to all who attended the Bayview Village Association’s All-Candidates meeting in March for the recent federal by-election. This event allowed area residents an opportunity to meet and hear from the candidates. And our appreciation goes to all candidates for their participation and for their interest in serving our riding.

For your information: the election was won by Martha Hall Findlay. Her contact information is: 5799 Yonge St, Suite 806, Willowdale, M2M 3V3 Telephone: 416-223-2858, FAX: 416-223-9715

Good News: LED Lighting : (and Bayview Villagers price advantage)

Imagine not having to change a lightbulb for 5-10 years, using up to 1/5 of the energy, not polluting the land with mercury ballasts, not polluting the night sky with light - it's here today! Replacement LED bulbs are now available for most existing types, and also specifically designed LED fixtures, from signage to task lighting to street lights.

BVA can get special discounted prices by ordering LED bulbs as a community, so contact the BVA (email: bayviewvill@bayviewvillage.org) if interested (example pricing MR16 LED replacement bulbs regularly retail $30-$60 would be in low $20 range, depending on quantity. Payback period is usually just over 1 year, due to reduced energy cost savings and 50,000 hours bulb life (lasting 5 to 10 years!), and less environmental impact (no mercury ballasts, gasses).

We’ve also noted Bayview Village residents increasingly using LED solar lights for garden accent lighting. These lights are easy to move around, there is no need to bury wires and no electricity cost (during the blackout 4 years ago our lights shone brightly). We have had several for many years and they have lasted through winter snow and storms and frequent raccoon visitors .

Beautiful News: Bayview Village Beautification Project

April/May 2008

1. BAYVIEW MEWS: 7 planters (North side of BVM)

2. HAWKSBURY DRIVE: 3 planters (East side of BVM)

3. BURBANK DRIVE: 11 planters

BVA is planning to add some neighbourhood beauty to the island planters in the middle of Burbank, Hawksbury and Bayview Mews, with flowers and shrubs. As you may have noticed that they get full of unsightly weeds and garbage. We have succeeded in getting funds from the City for this community volunteer project . The City will plant the trees and prepare the topsoil plant bed, volunteers are needed for about 3 hours for the fun part- planting flowers and shrubs (tools provided, please bring gloves). A committee has been formed to do the initial planning but we need your help– in deciding what to plant, and with the planting itself. The actual planting will take place over a weekend in May or June, after the City's tree planting schedule.

Please contact Tim timlee@sympatico.ca; Yellena at Ivkovich@rogers.com or

Simin at 416-730-0927: s_molookzadeh@yahoo.ca

Event News: Bayview Village Association Annual General Meeting

Tuesday, June 17, 8:00 PM Bayview Middle School – all residents welcome