Inspiring medical care

Toronto is fortunate to count Dr. Mark Nowashinsky among its dedicated citizens. See this CBC piece on his efforts to care for senior patients in the city with house calls, as well as his advocacy for improved home-based health care services. Compelling, inspiring and another wake up to the need for more realistic and effective health care reform in Ontario and Canada. Especially as the ranks of older adults will continue to swell in the coming decades. 

This doctor with a camera is a true visionary. 

Celebrating reading

The Toronto Public Library's annual Keep Toronto Reading kicks off April 1. There's been much behind-the-scenes work to organize this month-long literary celebration. This year it connects with Lit City - part of Toronto's 175th Anniversary, and highlights a number of notable authors, speakers and partners. 

Events feature Cynthia Dale, Shyam Selvadari, Katherine Govier, Anthony De Sa, Nino Ricci, Bonnie Stern, Kenneth Whyte, Joy Fielding, David Chariandy, Dan Hill, David Gilmour, Glen Downie and many more. Also included are well-known TPL'ers Ken Setterington and Tina Srebotnjak. It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the neighbourhood. 

Literacy, learning and the love of reading

Working at a library continues to provide many new insights for me. A major one is the role of literacy in all of our lives.

Admittedly, I have taken my own literacy for granted. Having been raised in a family and society that nurtured learning, I was lucky to have all the opportunities required to build a life based on choice. 

My affinity for books and reading has been a lifelong affair - one that I continue to encourage in my nieces and nephews on every occasion with books as gifts. I've always had a somewhat romantic dream of owning a book store and spending my days learning and sharing the inspiration that comes along with reading. 

Since beginning work at TPL, I've begun to see first hand just what a role we play in the lives of thousands of people. Our services beyond simply lending books are tremendous, ranging from early learning resources to adult literacy to ESL to computer training to youth volunteering groups to literary programs and beyond. From providing access to the basics to instilling the love of reading, libraries everywhere provide such an amazing foundation for society.

What has especially struck me are two things: 

1. There are so many stats regarding how critical literacy is to pre-school age children as it will impact their success throughout school and into their adult lives
2. There are so many inspirational stories of how literacy programs have changed peoples' lives - whether as children, adults and even as seniors

We recently featured several of these 'success' stories in a Foundation campaign including that of a woman who at age 60 went through our literacy program after putting her four children through university. Originally from Jamaica, she was then able to complete her Canadian citizenship exam and now feels liberated by her new found abilities and sense of pride.

Another young woman was part of our leading to reading program when in grade 2 and went on to volunteer at the library in high school before becoming a high school teacher herself.

Lawrence Hill, award-winning author of The Book of Negroes, was interviewed on CBC today and he mentioned that one of the reasons for the salvation of his main character was the early literacy instilled by her father. Stolen from her African village she endures slavery in the American south, amid other challenges, and is sustained by her sense of hope and her desire to read and understand and eventually return home. This struck me as he felt it important to convey this early-learned knowledge stayed with her and contributed to her resilience throughout her life. 

Librarians, staff and volunteers working with individuals every day are nurturing the need for knowledge and personal growth. The spirit of public service that exists throughout our system of 99 branches is quite stunning. While I've worked in other public organizations, I'm still learning about just how deep that passion runs here. As well as the level of the public's trust in this role we play providing free, democratic access to a wealth of information within safe and welcoming public spaces.

And then there's simply the joy of reading that is encouraged through book clubs, author readings and a host of programs that connect readers to books, writers and each other. Pretty inspiring stuff.

Photo: Daily Mail, UK

Thanking Paul Martin

I was fortunate to attend the Toronto Public Library Foundation's Book Lover's Ball on February 12, which was great fun and a memorable occasion. The Ball is an annual event for library supporters including many of Toronto's philanthropic and political leaders as well as 56 of Canada's outstanding authors. Writers attending included Margaret Atwood, Alissa York, Joy Fielding, M.G. Vassanji, Paul Quarrington, Russell Smith, Vincent Lam, Wayson Choy, Debbie Travis, Ian Brown, Dan Hill, Jan Wong and Christie Blatchford, among many more.

My highlight, however, was realizing that former Prime Minister Paul Martin was there (having recently released his memoir Hell or High Water). I noticed him upon arriving at Toronto's renowned Royal York Hotel as he mingled with guests. 

At that moment I knew I must meet him. While dinner and speeches ensued, it was in the back of my mind that I would make my way to his table to say hello. 

That amid the flurry of mingling and events onstage - including a live auction and fashion show as well as a video tribute by Rick Mercer and wonderful MC duties performed by CBC's Diana Swain. It was all very exciting - especially to see so many celebrities as well as my TPL colleagues all dressed up for the black tie affair. (And yes I found myself in a 'gown' for the Ball which was a surprise - to me most of all! Sorry though no pics to be found... :)

Suddenly, Mr. Martin was approaching me. Even if I'd wanted to, I couldn't have avoided meeting him. What an opportunity! 

I realized he was saying his goodbyes and so I waited patiently for him to arrive at my spot. At which time I said hello and shook his hand. Then I said that I just wanted to thank him for all he's done for Canada. He said thanks very much and that I was "very kind." To which I added "I also want to thank you for coming tonight as we at the library really appreciate it." He smiled and held onto my hand a few seconds longer and then we said goodnight. 

It happened very quickly and then it was over. And yet it was such a meaningful encounter for me. I believe he's a man of integrity and grace and we would have been in a much better place if he was our PM now. At any rate, I also believe events happen for a reason and he has gone on to do some important work both in Canada and internationally. 

Funny enough I just saw an interview with him on TVO's The Agenda this evening which reminded me to tell you about this meeting. 

Oh yes and I also bumped into (literally) Stuart Mclean as I arrived, and had a quick and friendly exchange with Giller recipient Joseph Boyden - both which were almost as thrilling!

Hats off to the Toronto Public Library Foundation - especially Julie and Heather - for a wonderful and successful event. 

Photo: Toronto Public Library Foundation

A lovely surprise and blast from the past

Today I was unexpectedly able to get together with my friend and former colleague Margaret, visiting from Victoria for a short stopover in Toronto. It was great to chat over wine and dinner and hear about all the goings on back at Tourism BC.

I'm so grateful to have had the chance to live and work and be in BC for 10 years and every now and then am reminded about how wonderful the people are there. Tonight was just that - thanks Margaret for the catch up! As the team at TBC ramps up to the 2010 Olympics it's an exciting time and I know everyone will do an amazing job.

While I'm definitely at home back in Ontario, I do miss Vancouver and everyone there. Guess it's time to start planning a return visit!

Word on the Street

Just checked out my first Toronto WOTS Book and Magazine Festival at Queen's Park and was really impressed.

There were hundreds of different organizations promoting literacy, freedom of expression, the joy of reading, storytelling, political awareness & advocacy, and everything in between. There were also different stages devoted to authors, performers and personalities participating in readings, panel discussions and concerts. Everyone from age 1 to 100 could find something of interest, including refreshments around every corner.

I was there primarily to see our Toronto Public Library presence which was strong with a children's booth and bookmobile, another youth and adult-oriented booth, participation in an adult literacy display and support for the City of Toronto's Toronto Book Awards effort. A combination of librarians, program staff and others were there to let everyone know about our amazing programs, services and collections.

Along the way I happened upon legendary Maple Leafs goalie Johnny Bower reading from his new autobiography - and heard some great anecdotes including his memories of team mate Tim Horton starting his now-prolific donut business. In the audience were a whole group of 60-70ish men looking not unlike my dad, eating up all his stories.

Further along, I was handed a complimentary copy of Towards Understanding Islam which I gladly took and will definitely read.

The TVO stage was just setting up for a performance with about 40 young audience members waiting somewhat patiently for their favourites to come out on stage.

2008 Toronto Book Awards finalists Elyse Friedman, Barbara Gowdy, Glen Downie and others were onsite for readings of their new works.

The most crowded of the tents I saw was featuring a discussion on Graphic Novels which had attracted a youth-oriented audience hanging off the words of the panelists.

A whole host of Canada's large and small publishers, many periodicals, the Toronto Womens' Bookstore, PEN, theatre groups and many other organizations were all there offering books, magazines, subscriptions, tickets and other cultural wares.

Upon leaving at the end of the day, I realized that next year I'm going to get there early as there is way too much to see and do in just one afternoon.

Photo: Toronto Public Library children's booth at WOTS, Toronto Public Library

The stuff of life

Life's been busy of late with work, family, Maggy, friend and home stuff. Some friends have sadly been struck by the loss of parents, we celebrated my dad's 70th birthday with a surprise party, some key projects at work have been heating up, Maggy's health has been up and down and up again, a friend's getting married, etc., etc.

I've also been trying to get caught up on outstanding taxes, finding and seeing physicians, locating the finishing touches for our new home, getting to the gym, finding appropriate cards and gifts, catching up with friends and family, keeping on top of Maggy's appointments and ointments, cleaning off my pile-high desks at home and work, finding time for a hair appointment, joining a yoga class, getting out and about in Toronto, etc., etc.

Maggy and I will celebrate a year of living in Toronto on October 1 and it still boggles my mind that we've accomplished and accommodated so much since leaving Vancouver. Sometimes, it seems like just yesterday and other times it feels like a lifetime ago.

Summer time

... has finally arrived in Toronto. By that I mean some sun, heat and no thunder storms with driving rain, hail and chilly temps. It really has been an odd year weather-wise and while it's good for Maggy as she breathes much better in cooler, unhumid air, people around here have been getting pretty grumpy.

I have to admit though, I'm not a fan of 30 degree temps and humidity, so this climate has actually suited me just as well as Maggy. And there's still hope for a normal autumn - my fave season of the year. Sweater weather, coloured leaves, beautiful light and a bit more energy as we start a new school year. I still feel that anticipation of getting back to the books even after all these years and once again I'm looking forward to that sense of a new start, kind of like New Year's Day.

Luckily, I'm on vacation this week in order to enjoy some of this last minute summer. Just in time before fall begins to roll in - and with it new chapters.

PS: Well, maybe the summer weather optimism was a bit premature. Maggy and I just went for a walk and out of nowhere came a rainy deluge while blue skies were all around. Strange.

Windy city

When moving to Toronto, no one mentioned that it's windy about 90% of the time - at least it has been for the eight months Maggy and I have lived here. Generally we reserve the windy city title for Chicago or Winnipeg or perhaps some northern, coastal place. As it turns out though, in TO, even if it was a balmy, humid, hot day an hour ago, temps can drop and the wind picks up and jackets are still required.

This wouldn't be a big deal, except that Maggy's park and our home seem to be in the middle of a wind tunnel which I'm sure exacerbates the speed and force of the gales that can sometimes take my breath away.

We've had a few glimpses of spring/summer weather over the past while, but nothing has stuck. I may rue the day I said this, but I'm really looking forward to some sustained summer heat as I'm tired of feeling cold all the time. That said, I suppose the longer we wait to turn on the a/c is much better for the environment, so I will hold that thought as Maggy and I go out for a stroll keeping the 'wind at our back and the sun on our face'.

A different perspective

While wanting to emphasize the positive as much as possible, I have to admit I might have caught a glimpse of the 'cold and unfriendly' or at least 'conservative' Toronto today. I'm attending a 3-day Canadian Marketing Association conference (ok, that should've been my first clue) and must admit I was struck by the homogeneity of the folks in the room. Let's call them 'the suits' - of which I admittedly was one. A friend at Tourism BC - William who is the 'push the boundaries, e-leader' there - once commented on the difference between attending a web conference vs a marketing conference as the geeks definitely outcool the marketers - especially when looking at the way they dress and how they approach life and business.

One of today's keynote speakers embodied that this afternoon. Google's Avinash Kaushik, described as Author, Blogger and Analytics Evangelist, appeared onstage in blue jeans and white shirt and peered into the audience saying he doesn't even own a suit. He proceeded to present a colourful, dynamic and provocative case for "putting the marketer back into marketing with web analytics 2.0." Like most web people I've met, he's irreverent and challenges traditional business structures and approaches. He laughs at decision-making by 'hipos' (highest paid person's opinions) and counsels innovators to prove them wrong and then move on with customer-centric solutions.

Mostly he prods us to pay much more attention to the 'whys' and 'what elses' versus just the 'whats' and 'how muchs' of online results. And to intelligently use the amazing tools available to do so.

A key metric = bounce rate "- if 67% of visitors to your site don't click through once you should be crying."

Key questions to ask your users:
- why are you here?
- were you able to complete your task?
- if not, why not?

Main message - let customers tell you - capture their voice and don't just interpret their actions.

Important approach - experimentation and testing.

Key takeaway for me - Avinash's blog has been recreated in book form for sale and he and his wife decided that all proceeds will go to charity as he doesn't want to be paid for something that was already free nor for something he loves to do. So in addition to the clothes, this is one of the big differentiators between geeks and suits, at least that's the way it appears.

Next week I get to hang out with web people at MESH - Canada's Web Conference. Tomorrow I'm wearing jeans.

Photo: Avinash Kaushik

Nice people

The city of Toronto has a bad rap in other parts of Canada. You often hear that residents of Toronto and even the rest of Ontario feel they're the centre of the universe. Or you'll hear that Torontonians are cold and unfriendly. I'm happy to say that really hasn't been my experience so far - as I've mentioned before. People are friendly on the subway, on the street, in most stores, in elevators, and in my neighbourhood.

This past week, while getting lunch right at Yonge and Eglinton, I found I only had my visa card which the small shop didn't accept. Just as I was standing in line deliberating how to make cash materialize out of nowhere, the young man next to me said he'd pay. At first I said, no that's ok, but he persisted. He was offering a random act of kindness to both me and the sandwich shop owner and both of us were quite appreciative. I asked for his business card so I could pay him back and he said, 'no, no, don't worry about it'. And so I said thanks very much and that I'd pay it forward. To which he replied 'exactly!'

When I told my friends at work what had happened it made their day - just as it had mine.

A quick hello

Just running from work to pack and head back to the burbs for a family Thanksgiving weekend. The move to Toronto went really well over the past weekend and I'm just getting settled in. It's wonderful to live so close to work now - just a quick subway ride away. Haven't had time to explore too much yet, but am loving it so far.

Maggy is coming to see her new home for the first time on Monday - hope she likes it! Actually, I think she'll love having her own routine and territory again after all this time. And it's a very dog-friendly neighbourhood which will be great.

Hope all's well in your world and best wishes for a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend!

Amazing weather, awful commute

The amazing fall light, beautiful warm weather and changing leaves all make the drive to and from Toronto quite aesthetically appealing. Especially as I can opt to take smaller roads through rural areas for part of the morning trip. And even the Don Valley Parkway looks out across the surprisingly green ravine system that runs through the city. All that said, though, the daily travesty that takes place on Greater Toronto Area highways is alarming.

Cars and way too many tractor trailors crawl along, sometimes idling or moving as slow as 5 kms/hour for miles and miles. A one-way journey that should take up to 1 hour, regularly takes 2. And I, along with hundreds and hundreds of other drone-like commuters, are sitting alone in our cars, spewing ridiculous amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. Constantly, day in and day out.

I have one week left to commute and readily admit it would never be my choice of how to live. Whether driving or travelling by public transit, the infrastructure here doesn't support the fast, efficient and convenient transport of the ever-expanding population outside of the city of Toronto (or inside for that matter). I have also travelled by Ontario's GO train and found that it did not save me time, money, nor was it a pleasant way to go. It's extremely crowded (after just its first few suburban stops) and is ergonomically deficient. Passengers are stuffed into cramped spaces, face each other bumping knees and elbows, have no where to place belongings such as coats, umbrellas, briefcases, or cups of coffee and can barely open a tabloid (forget a broadsheet) if they choose to try to read the newspaper. It's definitely a more green way to commute and if I found myself living in the burbs long term, that would become a necessary way of life. Many do and will continue to do so in order to own homes in residential areas that are affordable and ideal for raising families.

With the upcoming Ontario election, I'll be paying close attention to the partys' transportation plans. A few ideas:
- expand and improve the GO experience to the east, west and north of Toronto in order to move more people via public transit (it has to be affordable and/or convenient and/or somewhat pleasant to get people out of their cars)
- improve the overall GO and TTC transit infrastructure as they are not scaled to handle the population growth as well as increasing demand for green solutions
- disallow tractor trailers to travel during rush hour as they take up a lot of space, are spewing that much more emissions and are dangerous when trying to brake in stop and go traffic (and can be terribly aggressive as well)
- stagger business operating hours in order to spread out the rush hour periods in the morning and evening

In the meantime, I'll take GO at least twice next week to try to offset some of my environmental transgressions, as well as my guilt.

Moving Time Again...

While I'm extremely excited about having a place in Toronto, it's now time to pull off yet another move. This time, I have to figure out what was shipped from Vancouver and is in storage, if it will fit and the logistics of transporting the stuff in storage, the stuff at my parents and the remaining essentials that I need to get right away. Plus assess the clothing situation (e.g. can I continue to wear summer clothing for another two weeks and then unpack the winter things or not?)...

This is of course while I'm still learning the ropes at my new job and commuting from Oshawa (12 hour days). The solution - be organized, get enough sleep and take it one day at a time. And continue to be thankful that all is going so very, very well. :)

Success!

More to come, but had to say that Maggy and I are on our way. We have a new home starting September 29th!

It's perfect and in a great neighbourhood. Lots of dogs and parks for Mags, close to work and shops and restaurants for me. As of October I'll be able to walk to work which is fabulous - and 180 degrees from commuting from the 'burbs.

It's very exciting to see the next piece fall into place. :)

Yonge and Bloor

More than a year ago, I was staying at a hotel in the heart of Toronto at Yonge and Bloor. I was still living in Vancouver and was visiting on business. During those few days in the city I looked around closely, then closed my eyes and listened inwardly for the answer to the question "could I live here?" I received resounding intuitive confirmation that "yes I could live here, happily!".

During that visit I began letting my close friends and family know that Maggy and I would indeed be moving back to Ontario, to Toronto, to be close to them and to build a new life there - within the next year.

That was in May 2006. In December 2006 Maggy and I made our journey home. In August 2007, I found myself wandering those exact streets as I headed to my new job at - you guessed it Yonge and Bloor!

This weekend I stayed at the same hotel, this time exploring the nearby neighbourhoods to see where I would feel most comfortable living - at least for the next year or two until Maggy and I have found our feet.

Again, I felt the need to connect with the environment - to actually feel and live and breathe it - before I could start my official search for a place to live. I found myself excited and invigorated as there is so much energy here. The ROM and University of Toronto are just down Bloor, Queen's Park is nearby, Yorkville is right there, the Village is several blocks south, restaurants and theatres and interesting shops are everywhere. I even discovered a natural health store where the aromatherapy scents smelled oh so much like Vancouver! And believe it or not there are wonderful residential enclaves all around.

It was clarifying for me as now when I look at a map, the locations have meaning. Although I still have a lot to explore, I am ready to move forward with the next step of finding that new downtown home. Wish us luck!

Taking the long way...

Just saw the movie "Shut up and sing" about the Dixie Chicks. Loved it. I'm always impressed by indomitable spirit demonstrated through a challenging time. Also when people stick together and support each other. Plus I can't deny I wholeheartedly agree with their stance on George Bush and the war in Iraq.

I actually watched it last weekend just before starting my new job. The reason - it was something I had planned to do the night I resigned from my old job and then it didn't happen. It felt like a full-circle moment - the last piece of transition from there to here.

Yesterday, I bought the CD "Taking the long way" that was featured in the movie. I was completely enjoying playing it full volume as I drove around town in my new car - especially the kick-ass "Not ready to make nice." I'm now looking forward to the commute to TO tomorrow when I can listen to it again and get all fired up to start week 2!

Exhausted and happy

Things went very well today - I was able to drive into TO rather than commute by the GO train and subway and that took at least an hour off the trip. Plus I drove my beautiful new Toyota Matrix which was fun. Music on, sunroof open. No chattering, no sleeping people, no crammed quarters. For now, this is the preferable way to go, til I move closer to the city in a month or two.

Work is great. I'm already getting immersed in several interesting projects and am meeting really talented and devoted colleagues. Still getting used to getting lost in the building and trying to figure out if I've met everyone yet (not even close!). It's definitely the beginning of a new adventure.

All that to say, I'm exhausted after 3 days back at it and must call it a night!

"What have you been up to?"

This is a commonly asked question as we slowly but surely catch up with friends far and near. Maggy and I have been BUSY settling into our new environment.

There was Christmas, New Year's & Easter with family in Oshawa, visiting friends in Toronto and Ottawa, 5 birthdays - with 3 more fast approaching, babysitting, seeing movies, going to
hockey games, visiting the zoo, helping family renovate, and for Maggy - making peace with Ginger, her new companion and competitor. (They have actually become an interesting balancing act and tag team. What Ginger doesn't like to eat, Maggy does. When Maggy goes outside, they both get a treat; when Ginger goes out they both get a treat, and so it goes. You'll note that the entire universe for both now revolves around food.)

My friend Debrah recently observed that this has been the honeymoon period following our move. We've been able to hang out and get re-acquainted with everyone. Life has been rich, full and fun. Very social, little stress - joyful, really. What a wonderful way to transition... and a great new beginning, indeed.

I know what you're thinking - yes, but what about a job? As much as this hiatus has been enjoyable, reality is now dictating the need to work once more. An employment search is now in full swing with lots of networking, applying and interviewing taking place. I'm very lucky to have the family support that is allowing my search for the right fit. And while summer and my parent's backyard pool are beginning to beckon, it looks like I'll soon be heading back into the trenches once more. Will definitely keep ya posted.

Photo: Nieces and nephew Aleah, Liam & Claire celebrating something!

Canadian Icons

Sadly we are hearing today, that Canada has lost a wonderful woman, citizen, journalist, activist and role model - June Callwood at the age of 82.

Watching the tributes, I find myself both inspired and troubled. Fired up to see how one individual with conviction, confidence and commitment can impact the world. There is no doubt about what June Callwood stood for and that she did not accept non-action in anyone capable of doing something.

My unrest comes from the fact I have not personally done everything I can do to get involved. That is certainly one of the reasons I moved back to my roots, in order to truly commit to my community in an active, long-term way.

This day, while sad, is a poignant reminder that, to paraphrase Callwood, we all get this one life and it's our responsibility to live it to its fullest and to do our best. Moreover: "Great consideration for one another... that's what's going to save the world." While our country is poorer for her loss, it is so much richer for having had the generous spirit and tireless contributions of her life.

Callwood is one of several Canadian leaders that have been an inspiration to so many. In March we lost Doris Anderson, another iconic activist and journalist at the age of 85. And 15 years ago, Barbara Frum, renowned journalist died at the age of 55.

To me, all three have been stirring examples of active excellence, humanity and compassion and will continue to be an inspiration always.

Photos: June Callwood - Saturday Night Magazine, Chris Nicolls; Doris Anderson - Laurel McCubbin; Barbara Frum - National Archives of Canada