East York · Opinion

Some of my ancestors died during— and others survived — the Armenian Genocide that began in 1915. This coming April 24 marks the 98th anniversary of that horrific event in history.

The flood caused such serious damage that major renovations are required, and the estimated time for the repairs is four months. As you might expect, the units are uninhabitable in the meantime — and so the bottom line is that tenants were rendered virtually homeless about a month before this holiday season.

So only a few years after construction stops on Pape’s current renovation project, the drill may have to come out again as an even bigger overhaul with a new subway tunnel and platforms looms. One can’t help but wonder why the two projects could not have been better coordinated to save the taxpayer valuable funds for redundant drilling and the neighbours a few more of their nerves.

“I think [the mayor should be] somebody who’s going to listen to all the citizens of Toronto,” said Matthew Kellway, Beaches-East York MP. “I think it’s someone who is going to appreciate the complexity of this city and all of its issues, and someone who will try and find some balance that meets various concerns of communities in this great big city. It requires responsible decision making and someone who will look at issues thoughtfully, and I haven’t seen this out of this current mayor at all.”

Teresa Vasilopoulos, president of the TEGH Foundation, proudly describes how funds gathered from the campaign will go toward adding another wing to the hospital, improving services, furnishings and equipment.

It may just be one day, but the impact will be significant here in East York. The youth population here is growing. According to the 2011 census, the Thorncliffe Park area has the most kids under 14 in the entire city.

I work retail, which is always hectic this time of the year. To keep myself feeling cheery during this busy time, I wear a Santa Claus pin on my work vest. I even put on reindeer antlers or a festive hat when my manager isn’t looking.

Now the world of gaming is a mystery to some, and religion to others, but to the father and daughter pair it became a lesson in parenting. Teaching your daughter that she is just as much of a hero as any boy — especially as young as she is — can only result in her feeling more positive about herself.