This month is all about heart!
By Kathy Rowe
February is heart month and as you read this issue you will notice a heart theme throughout. Good health is a gift but we need to take care of ourselves in order to maintain a healthy mind and body.
As we age, heart health is key. Our food writer Kathryn McLean has written another interesting piece on heart healthy diets. See her column on page 6. There are heart-warming articles in this issue, too. Please see the article about Ryhan and Syed Rayman as well as neighbours helping neighbours in the aftermath of that huge January snowstorm.
February is also Black History Month. Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History events that are dedicated to the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. There will be many tributes on radio, television and online for us to absorb and appreciate throughout the month. There is much to learn when it comes to the Canadian Black experience.
Port Union Community Centre
The Omicron variant came in with a vengeance and new restrictions were imposed just before Christmas. Unfortunately, the winter session recreation programs at the community centre have been cancelled and staff are now planning for spring programs. We hope that the fitness centre will go back to 50 percent capacity as of February 1, but I would encourage members to call 416-396-4033 in advance just to be sure.
Centennial Vaccine Data
According to the COVID-19 vaccine date for the City of Toronto, Centennial shows that 90 percent of our residents 12 years and up have received at least two doses. Data regarding the booster was not available on the website that I check, but I know many residents who have had their third dose. Keep up the good work Centennial!
MP At CCRA Meeting
MP Gary Anandasangaree attended our January board meeting and it was interesting to hear his points of interest regarding Centennial. He spoke about the lack of affordable housing and stressed that the community must be proactive when it comes to the changes that are coming our way, especially housing that will accommodate entry level buyers and seniors who wish to downsize. Gary also spoke briefly about the ongoing plans for a visitor centre at the Toronto Zoo and upgrades to the Rouge Urban National Park. It was a pleasure to have him attend our January meeting.
Waste Collection News
By now many of you likely know that residents will no longer receive the annual waste calendar in our mail boxes. A much smaller schedule was included with our recent utility bill. A waste management guide was delivered to mailboxes in early January. If you have any questions regarding waste pickup, call 311 or visit Toronto.ca/waste online.
Pumpkin Parade
West Rouge Community Association past president Kathi Loughran put together a fun video of our 2021 Pumpkin Parade. A link to watch this five-minute show can be found here.