Home Repair

From: Ann Bjorseth
To: dufferin grove
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 7:37 PM
Subject: [dufferingrovefriends] recommendation for Ross Stuart

Friends,

I was really worried about getting my basement looked at--it was damp in one place--so I called Ross Stuart after getting a recommendation on this listserve. He figured out the problem--what a relief!--and fixed it quickly and completely. Then, he fixed my ceiling, replaced some light fixtures, fixed my tub, and several other small and bigger problems. He put in an exhaust fan for my stove and for my tenant; what a difference.

He's great! He is a great problem-solver, and he asks good questions. He doesn't make assumptions, and his prices are very reasonable.

Ross just got certified as a house inspector, so he really knows houses. He knows code and can see where a small repair will make a big difference.

He knows his stuff and he's a nice guy. Add my name to the list of satisfied customers.

Here's his email: Ross Stuart rosbiltcanoe@yahoo.com (He prefers email)
Here's his phone number: (416) 531-0645

Ann Bjorseth

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Ross Stuart at our park

We asked Ross Stuart to fix some things at the park, and he did, quickly and ingeniously. In this photo he's changing the lock on the bench in the playground rain shelter. Because of poor design, the lockable bench (which also contains an electrical outlet) was often vanadlized. The city's carpenters spent hours fixing the damage but since the locks was not ever really strong, soon the bench would be broken again. Ross devised a better approach and we think this one may finally solve our problems.

Ross also put new wheels on a broken food cart, built a work table at the side of the small bake oven, fixed some broken benches, and rebuilt the broken play oven in the playground. He works so fast that he would often be done by the time we thought he was just starting the next job. And his charges were very reasonable.

It's wonderful to have him solve all those long-standing problems, even if it meant paying him directly rather than putting in a city work order.

If you want to hire Ross for your house repairs, you can contact him at rosbiltcanoe@yahoo.com.

House painting - interior

Hi everyone, My name is Kathy Vatcher my daughter goes to OOOPS and we skate and enjoy all Dufferin Grove offers us. My friend and I am available to paint the interior of your homes. We have over 20 years experience and come with excellent references. High Park, Forest Hill. We are reasonable, meticulous and clean up after ourselves. We can do regular painting and also any faux finishes, stenciling and murals. Beautify your home this spring and summer. Call me at 416-603-8820 to arrange an estimate. k.vatcher@sympatico.ca.

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Please feel free to contact me offline - should you like to discuss jobs of interest. Mark Stafford - 416 533 3454.

I just wanted to put the word out that I am looking for Small Painting Jobs to fill in time between now and the Christmas Holidays.

Preferably indoors - however small opportunities for outdoors. Have all equipment/Vehicle.

My background is 25yrs in the Sign Industry, as well as 20 yrs in Film and Television Production - Set Painting.

Available for daily hrs after my children are dropped of to school 9:30am - 3pm.

Dependable - Clean Working - Experienced - $30/hr.

Thank You
Mark Stafford
birdstafford@sympatico.ca (416) 533-3454

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We just had in Mark Stafford, who lives in the neighbourhood, to paint, plaster and touch up the interior of our house, which was in pretty bad shape. He is a professional film set painter, and his experience shows. He can quickly size up what needs to be done, and do it very well. And his rates are very reasonable. The house looks great now, and we would recommend him very highly to anyone. He can be reached at 416-533-3454.

Max Wallace

Insulation

I would reccomend that you look into a product called 'icynene pour-fill' ( www.icynene.com ). The process involves drilling a +/- 2" hole at the top of each stud cavity and they 'pour' an expanding foam which has the ability to expand (at a low pressure) to 100 times it's volume finding every crack to fill without bowing out your plaster walls. It's the only green foam insulation product that I have come across and its off gassing is extremely low. The website has a link to find recommended installers. The installation would take probably one day + time for patching up the holes and painting.

You may also want to get a report from an inspection company which will rate your house for efficiency and you may be able to get a federal grant as part of your work.

Yves Bonnardeaux

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I had an inspector come and do just that. He was very thorough and helpful. They do a blow-through on your home to see where the leaks are etc. etc. I used Pro Home and Building Inspections 416-725-1029. You get 18 months to complete the work the inspector suggests and then can apply for a rebate. Check out the nrcan website.

sheila pin

Plumbers

Charlie Shillolo is a Dufferin Grove Park 'member' who happens to be a plummer. I'm sure that he'd be able to fix your problem if he's available. He just replaced the bathtub faucets in my flat, plus the retiling, and he did a great job. His home number is 416-533-5613.

Helena Soukup

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We have used Dennis Huras [416-3373897] since 1991 here at Hepbourne Hall both for larger "institutional" jobs like drains, and for small little leaks, repairs etc. He's very sensible, skilled and reliable.

David Switzer

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Anthony at All Canadian Drain. Recommended to me word of mouth, honest, reliable, personable.

Katharine

Roofers

From: Arthur Irwin
To: dufferingrovefriends@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 11:11 PM
Subject: RE: [dufferingrovefriends] Roofers????

I recommend a fellow named Fernando Santos (Santos Roofing). He has done a lot of work for us over the years and has been consistently low in his quotes. He is difficult to get hold of sometimes but once he commits to the job he seems to be reliable.

Arthur Irwin

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From: "Theresa Sears David Switzer"
To: dufferingrovefriends@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2004 8:03 AM
Subject: RE: [dufferingrovefriends] Roofers????

Here at Hepbourne Hall we have had great service and quality from Bobbie at B&B Roofing for more than 12 years. Fine guy and decent prices, no fancy truck or ads etc but high level of commitment, 416-4242448, 8344429

David Switzer

Bookkeepers

From: Erella Ganon
To: Mink ; dufferin grove friends
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2004 10:09 AM
Subject: [dufferingrovefriends] bookkeeper

My sister is an excellent bookkeeper that works with many small businesses in our neighbourhood.

Most of my favourite independent companies use her.

Monique Ganon moniqueganon@hotmail.com

She is very understanding and skilled too.

You could talk to her and see how her time is.

Erella

Computer Help

David Sharp of Sharp Connections does my tech work and I highly recommend him. His number is 416-531-2753.

Rona Moreau

Pediatricians (cont'd)

<< Pediatricians (start)

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Our Emily had ear infections for years and we gave her antibiotics several times. We were waiting to have recommended surgery, when our Canadian doctor recommended acupuncture to clear the blockages. A friend sent us to Xiaolin, and she has been fine since. Emily and I still go there regularly before we see our Canadian doctor. She has herbs for everything.

Xiaolin # is 538-8262 she is on Christie. Fabulous healer!

Edward (Ted) England

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I have been a patient of Xiaolin's off and on for a number of years. When I first went to her, I thought she was incredibly intuitive and fantastic.

She is an acupuncturist and has very little to no bedside manner. That is ok. You go in, she assesses you with a kind of distain, and she takes a good long look at you, feeling your pulse at the wrist and then says something or other, gives you some kind of horrid tasting goo and instructs you to change out of your clothes. Some Asian massage person comes in and massages you, an old man comes in with something,shuffling his feet.

Someone else sort of does the needle-putting-in process, the order changes or doesn¹t, but at the end you feel enriched and better for no specific reason.

Her office is very busy. Some of the people working for her speak english and some don¹t . I find it all very mysterious.

That being said, she has really helped me when I had some ailments that I was stumped with.

-Erella

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I looked for quite a few years before finding the family physician of my dreams (well, almost - would like for her to be closer to this area and her practice is not full-time). Her name is Sonja Kustka. Phone number is 416-636-7018 and she is at Wilson and Bathurst (it actually only takes me 15 min by car, so not so bad).

The catch is that last I heard she wasn't taking patients. If she has a waiting list I recommend getting on it. You will have a VERY hard time finding a doctor that won't press you to vaccinate. For ear infections Dr. Kustka recommended homeopathic ear drops by the brand HEEL. They did the job. You can get them at Noah's at Bloor and Spadina, but call first to make sure they've got them in.

As a backup (he's much closer) I have gone to Dr. Vaezi at Dufferin and Bloor. He will be ok with not vaccinating, but you'll have to tell him your views first (I think he doesn't like to advertise his beliefs on this - it can get doctors into trouble). He is not as consistent at Dr. Kustka in how he deals with stuff (has made some pretty outlandish comments about breastfeeding to a friend of mine, but acted quite different with me), but if his practice is open right now it might be worth getting in there until you find someone else. Phone number is 416-531-3535.

By the way, like Ted England I also saw Xiaolan for many years. She is great, but also can be a bit rushed (her practice is really full) and she has many practitioners working with her, so you never know who you will get for the massage part - some are great and some will leave bruises. If you would like another (little known) alternative, Denise Boutilier works out of Xiaolan's clinic (she's upstairs) two days/week. To book an appt. you would have to call Denise directly at 416-858-8343. She is very good and takes her time.

Cynthia

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We take our son to Dr. Peter Sakuls, who is at the Queen West Community Health Centre (Queen and Batthurst). I also see Dr. Debbie Honickman there. Both are totally fine with the fact that Micah is not vaccinated. Because it is a community health centre, you do have to live in the area, which I think extends west to Dufferin, but I'm not sure how far north.

Laura

Summer Camps - Kids

My son went to Pinecrest for years and loved it. It is the YMCA camp. www.camppinecrest.ca

This year, because of a new friendship he is going to Camp Kawartha...it looks great and very similar to

Pinecrest. www.campkawaratha.ca

Hope this helps. Rona.

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My two older daughters both went a couple of times to Camp Tawingo, which is a YWCA girls' camp in Parry Sound, and they had really positive experiences. I remember the fees were quite reasonable (relative to other camps) and they even had partial fee waivers for low-income families.

Michael

Theatre Lessons - Children

From Three Funny Hats:

The Garrison Creek Art Education Centre is a unique and innovative childrens' art school run by Artist, Susan Blersh. Beginning September 15, James will be working with Susan in classes that feature Music, Storytelling, Movement and Art. Classes are for 4-5 Yr olds (Wednesdays), and 3-4 yr olds (Thursdays). For more info, you can call Susan at 531-5991, or go to James' website (www.WorldPlayTheatre.com)

Also, James will be teaching a number of classes for a range of ages (6mths to 9 years) at Scooter Girl, which is on Roncesvalles. For more info about these, go to www.ScooterGirl.net.

Tutors - High School

From: "Peter Yu"
To: "dufferin grove" dufferingrovefriends@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, August 08, 2004 9:08 PM
Subject: [dufferingrovefriends] high school tutor available

My good friend Lisa Hayes is available to tutor high school students.

Lisa was trained as an engineer and has also written, directed, and produced a number of independent films (including producing a recent feature film). She is now considering becoming a teacher.

If you would like to contact her for more info, please e-mail her at lisa@hazypictures.com. Peter Yu

The High History of Celtic Music

The High History of Celtic Music

Drone On! The High History of Celtic Music by Winnie Czulinski (aka "Winnie, Lady of the Dulcimer") is a humorous look at the 3000 years of musical history behind the rhythms the ancient Celts laid down in lands like Ireland, Scotland, Brittany and Spain. This music has infused the world; influenced country, classical, religious, folk, rock and film music, and created the biggest dance phenomenon ever.

Drone On! The High History of Celtic Music (20 chapters, 200 pages) is published by Sound and Vision Publishing Ltd.), and distributed by Firefly Books Ltd.. There's an excerpt of the book at www.amazon.com, and it can be ordered through other retailers like Chapters/Indigo and www.amazon.ca. Suggested retail price is $19.95 -- though you may find it for less.

Winnie Czulinski says,

"As 'Winnie, Lady of the Dulcimer,' I have fond memories of performing my music for many Thursdays throughout summer/autumn in Dufferin Grove Park. It was a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for me, after having spent six months in "solitary confinement" book-writing! Meeting so many fabulous people who were intrigued with my instrument, confirmed for me that music truly is the universal language. And it was my dulcimer music that partly inspired my book -- which I call my 'CD' -- i.e., 'Celtic duty.' I hope you enjoy Drone On! and I can be contacted at celticwinnie@yahoo.ca "

Skates - Sharpening

The best place near here is Toronto Hockey Repair on north side of Bloor about a block west of Dundas West. There's also McCormick Arena.

Jutta

Skates - Used

There is a wonderful little place called Newson's Sharpening & Skate Exchange. They had a great selection and the staff were both knowledgeable and courteous. It is located at 612 Jane (at Dufferin). 416 762 9976.

Drey Lanthier

Car Mechanics (cont'd)

I'm happy to add that we've had a number of really good experiences with Autosonic as well, even before they were our mechanics (i.e. in emergencies). Plus one of the long-time rink rats at Dufferin Rink, David Pavao, was working there the last time we went -- I saw him grow up at the rink and we had some struggles, but I never knew he loved cars. The mechanics at Autosonic must have realized he had talent, and they hired him on and gave him as much responsibility as he could handle, which was a lot. They taught him more and he did a big job on our previous car, with excellent results (it's still running, against the odds, for one of the Clay and Paper Theatre company's puppeteers). I think David Pavao is getting his mechanic papers now.

The feeling that they give you at Autosonic is that they'll tell you what's really the case, plus they seem to have good success, plus they seem to feel optimistic even about old cars. Solid, smart, common-sense Portuguese.

Jutta

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In case anyone is looking for a mechanic that I think is good there is Autosonic. They are located in a laneway just north of Dundas, east of Dovercourt. There are 2 ways to get there, if you enter from Dovercourt, just north of the 7-11. Or the place north of the LCBO store on Dundas. There isn't a street entrance.They are where 2 unnamed alleys meet.

This is the mechanic who used to be in the Esso station at the foot of Rusholme at College. The guy's name is Nelson and the number is 416 535 7565

They are great, just went there again for some stupid things and was pleased that he had my car all day and it cost $115 including tax. My car wasn't warming up from cold properly, so it was burning too much gas and the car would not warm up at all. He had to warm it up and get it cool over and over. Anyway I was pleased with the result.

Last time I went, he said he was going to give us dufferin park folks a 10% or 15% discount. Whatever the discount, I have had good honest work from him and have heard nothing but good comments about these Autosonic guys from my neighbours.

Erella