COVID-19 Vaccines
Everyone is interested in keeping up-to-date with the arrangements for COVID Vaccinations. We have added a section COVID-19 Vaccine to the COVID page on our website. It contains information on the vaccine rollout, government information, new articles, COVID-19 information sites as well as contact information. We will keep this updated as additional information is released.
Councillor Colle, MPP Martin and MP Mendicino Newsletters also contain updates on COVID-19 issues.
|
|
Help for Home Care Recipients
For anyone already working with the North Toronto Ontario Health Team (OHT), they have programs in place to deal with both non-ambulatory and ambulatory chronic care clients. Patients receiving home care services from a LHIN (Local Health Integration Network; formerly CCAC) may be eligible to receive a shot at home. Your LHIN case coordinator should be reaching out shortly to review options; more information on how Adult Chronic Home Care Recipients will be receiving their vaccine can be found in this slide deck circulated recently by the North Toronto Ontario Health Team.
|
|
Check on your Neighbour
Hopefully, our elderly residents have family or friends that are helping them arrange for their vaccinations. Or perhaps a community organization like the LHIN or Better Living or Sprint will be following up with them. But, just in case, could you make contact with your elderly neighbour(s) to make sure they are being looked after? If you find that they need help, please send us an email at info@sahratoronto.com and we will follow up.
|
|
|
Support our Shops – Shop Local
|
|
Councillor Mike Colle Updates Mar 8 and Mar 12 2021
View a Newsletter distributed on March 8th (COVID-19 Updates, North York Community Council, City Council, Ward 8 News, Programs and Job Opportunities) at https://mailchi.mp/4629b709bf80/ward-8-updates-march-2021
View the March 12th update with COVID-19 Vaccination updates as well as Special City Council Updates at https://sahratoronto.com/2021/03/12/april-6-councillor-mike-colle-covid-19-update/
|
|
Proposed Bill 257 a further attack on protected land
Bill 257 Schedule 3 changes to retroactively authorize MZO’s exemption from Provincial Policy Statements
FUN has written to Hon. Steve Clark as we are concerned, disappointed and angry that he has introduced legislation that amends the Planning Act to provide that Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs) are not required and are deemed to never have been required to be consistent with Provincial Policy Statements (PPS) issued under subsection 3 (1); that is, except for such orders that apply to land in the Greenbelt Area.
This legislation, being snuck in as a one paragraph schedule on the entirely unrelated “Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, Bill 257” in a blatant attempt to avoid notice, is unjust, authoritarian, and undemocratic. It curtails the municipal planning process and facilitates non-compliance with the Provincial Policy Statements. Worse, it is applied retroactively, apparently to attempt to avoid the Provincial Government being held to account in two on-going court challenges, Duffin's Creek and the Foundry.
A statement from the three groups involved in the court case, Environmental Defence, Ontario Nature, and Ecojustice, said the move amounts to "an attack on the public's constitutional right to seek judicial review of unlawful decisions”.
FUN has requested that this legislation be abandoned immediately.
Read FUN's March 8th eBlast or visit the FUN website
|
|
Yard Waste Pickup resumes on March 16
For details on What Is/Is Not Accepted as Yard Waste as well as Important Set Out and Disposal Information go to https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/recycling-organics-garbage/houses/yard-waste
|
|
SAHRA’s 2021 AGM on April 21, 2021
SAHRA’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wed, April 21 2021 from 7:00-8:00 pm via Zoom. Councillor Colle will be attending to provide updates/answer questions on City issues. Reserve the time in your calendar. Registration details will be published in April.
|
|
Security Gadgets
(compliments of Remax Hallmark Realty Ltd.)
Everyone should feel safe in their homes. Some people are happy with just a deadbolt and chain lock. Others might feel comfortable adding more bells and whistles to their security measures. If you’re in the latter camp, then there are some high-tech security gadgets that may give you the extra piece of mind you’re looking for.
Camouflaged security cameras:
Some trespassers will try to avoid getting in the path of a security camera. However, it would be hard to hide from a camera that’s camouflaged. There is a security camera that looks more like a digital clock that’s secured to the wall. Not only does it tell the time but it’s also got all the capabilities of a motion detector, HD video camera, and even air-quality sensor.
Panoramic video cameras:
Standard home surveillance cameras have limitations, one being that it can only scan a certain area of a room. There is a new gadget that includes an HD 180-degree panoramic video camera that also pans, tilts and zooms – and you can even split the screen into four views. It can also set off a powerful 105 dB siren when it detects that your home’s security has been breached.
Smart locks that take pictures:
Having footage of everyone that comes to your door is a great way to determine who you let in and don’t let in. There are many smart locks with video camera integration. If you have guests that regularly come to your home, such as cleaners, or dog walkers, you can grant them access upon arrival via your phone, so there’s no need to create extra keys. They even have the ability to automatically lock when it detects you’re heading out, so you’ll never have to worry about whether you locked the door.
|
|
TTC Stakeholder Update March 2021
Review the March, 2021 update for articles on Black History Month, Keeping Safe on the TTC, Line 3 Scarborough, Presto, Infrastructure Upgrades, Accessibility and Back to School.
|
|
Natural Garden Reviews
The City is seeking feedback on the natural garden exemption requirement and wants input from Toronto residents. Feedback will inform a report expected at the Planning and Housing Committee in Q2 2021.
The Grass and Weeds Bylaw requires that grass and weeds on private property be maintained so that growth does not exceed 20 cm (8 inches) in height. However, property owners or occupants can apply for a permit to be exempted from this requirement if they have a natural garden. Natural gardens provide environmental benefits, including the creation of natural habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
Staff are considering removing the requirement for natural garden exemption permits. This means that residents can have a natural garden without applying for an exemption. Natural gardens will still need to meet maintenance requirements to ensure health and safety of Toronto's neighbourhoods.
Residents can provide feedback on this proposal by emailing MLSFeedback@toronto.ca. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 31 at 11:59 pm. More information is available at toronto.ca/NaturalGarden.
|
|
Upcoming Events from Mosaic in March
There is no shortage of opportunities for community engagement in the month of March! Here are some upcoming events being offered by Mosaic:
A Tour of France with Julie Williams
Friday, March 19, 2021
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Click here for details and to view the full poster
Mosaic’s Community Café – Luck of the Irish with Lianne Harris
Monday, March 22, 2021
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Click here for details and to view the full poster
My Life as an Opera Singer with Maria Soulis
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Click here for details and to view the full poster
Note that registration is required for all of these presentations.To register contact Mosaic by phone at 416-322-7002 or by email info@mosaichomecare.com
|
|
Food & Mood (compliments of Glendon Athletic Club)
What we eat may have a profound effect on how we feel. Certain foods can give us more energy, help us think more clearly and even play a part in improving our mood.
Blood sugar: A drop in blood sugar levels can often lead to mood fluctuations. You have probably heard of the term "hangry" (hungry + anger = hangry). This is as a result of the level of glucose in our blood dropping lower than what is considered normal, triggering the hormones cortisol and adrenalin to be released into the bloodstream. This in turn can cause feelings of aggression in some people. Having low blood sugar might also affect brain function, particularly the parts of the brain that control primitive behaviours and feelings such as anger.
Protein: One way to help maintain blood sugar levels is to try and eat protein rich foods with every meal. Combining protein with complex carbohydrates helps to slow the breakdown of glucose in the body which prevents a sharp rise in blood sugar followed by a dip which can affect mood. For example, if making a vegetable soup, adding meat of your choice or lentils or beans will increase the protein content and thereby the blood sugar balancing effect of the soup. Hummus with crackers, peanut butter on wholemeal bread and fruit with nuts are examples of good snack options to assist in maintaining blood sugar balance. Our neurotransmitters that are responsible for our mood - such as serotonin - are also reliant on amino acids to be produced. Amino acids come from the breakdown of proteins in the body - another reason why protein intake is helpful in assisting with mood regulation.
Stimulants: Reduce your intake of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. These can have an indirect but noticeable effect on your mood. Caffeine can affect sleep patterns which can in turn negatively impact mood. It can also increase feelings of stress and anxiety if taken in larger doses. Alcohol is a depressant - although it may have the short-term effect of making you feel relaxed and happy by releasing the feel good chemical dopamine, the effect of alcohol on the inhibition of the central nervous system can cause huge fluctuations in mood and lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Good fats: Omega 3 fats like those found in oily fish and flax seeds, have been found in studies to play a role in easing depression and other mood disorders. Along with their heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits, omega 3 fats play a part in healthy brain development in infants and also contribute to a healthy nervous system. It is important to mention that Omega 3 fats should not be used as a replacement for medication prescribed by a physician.
Gut health: Bacteria in the gut plays many essential roles in the body including being responsible for manufacturing the majority of the neurotransmitter serotonin which influences our mood. The gut is often referred to as "the second brain" and the effect our gut health can have on how we feel is often overlooked. Including foods high in probiotics in the diet, like yoghurt and fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut and tempeh, can help ensure an optimal balance of bacteria in the gut is maintained.
|
|
2021 Membership Drive
We need your financial support! Membership contributions are our only source of revenue to maintain our activities. We are very frugal but there are expenses for newsletters, our website, office expenses and insurance. We also need to replenish our funds to engage planners and lawyers when necessary to deal with Committee of Adjustment, TLAB and LPAT applications/appeals.
How to Contribute
SAHRA will never disclose your personal information to any third party.
To contribute via PayPal or credit/debit card
|
|
|
To contribute by cheque, please download and complete
the 2021 Membership Form to accompany your cheque
|
|
|
|
