As the summer solstice approaches, and we take the cover off the barbeque, it can be a time to celebrate the expansiveness the season brings. And while that is true, in our little vertical neighbourhood, it has also been a time of unexpected sadness. Doug Huson, an original owner, died suddenly and unexpectedly when walking to meet his wife Angela as she was wrapping up a volunteer stint during Doors Open TO. Nancy Lee-Sing has written beautifully about Doug and why he made such a big impression in this building. She has shared those recollections below.
You will find all the usual columns to keep you up-to-date on life around the neighbourhood — including details about the new UPS store which just happens to be owned by The George residents. VIPets, Greetings from the Board, some summer wine pairings and what would June be without Pride? We’ve got a playlist that will have you dancing in your very own parade.
So take in the sunshine, and the local summer festivals — but most importantly bring to life the words that Angela Huson said when we spoke recently; ‘Tell your people you love them. Every day.’
Susan Prince
Doug Huson, the man with the smile
It is with a heavy heart that I write this.
On Sunday May 26th we lost one of our beloved George residents. Doug Huson, owner and resident from day one, suddenly passed away.
I saw Doug a couple hours before he suffered the massive heart attack which took his life. He smiled his generous smile, we shared a brief exchange and we went our respective ways. Had I known that would have been the last time I would have seen him I would have told him how important he was to me and our George community.
As the news was shared amongst his and his wife Angela’s closest in the building, the reactions were resoundingly similar: shock and disbelief, denial that it was that Doug and then utter sadness and heartbreak. A common theme filled the comments that came next: he was the kindest, always smiling and such a solid, genuine to the core man. He made everyone feel special and focussed on during all his interactions.
Doug, always pleasant, made it a point to know many of his neighbours, finding out their names and a little something about them which he would not forget and bring up at the next encounter. He was truly a people person. While you may not have known his name, I am pretty sure you knew him.
Doug and his wife Angela walked everywhere in the neighbourhood and beyond, frequenting Black Lab and Betty’s with their son Kyle, his wife Megan and their Corgi, Howie. A huge dog lover, Doug would often take an extra minute or two in the lobby to say hi and have a little bonding moment. He really had a way with dogs. They sensed his kindness. My Moose would run toward Doug whenever we saw him on the street. Me being pulled by a 14 pound dog running with all his might, tail wagging to see his friend and then be greeted with love and affection. I think quite a few George dogs reacted the same way with focus and intent on seeing Doug.
For those of you fortunate to share a drink with him you’d know how much he enjoyed drinking craft beer, how he loved walking to explore different parts of the city and appreciated the beauty of Tommy Thompson Park. Doug was someone we could always count on for kindness, support or a helping hand.
Grateful that Doug enjoyed time with his grand-pup, saw his son marry and buy his first home. Angry that retirement was literally around the corner and that he was only 59. Heartbroken for Angela.
The George community was blessed to have had him around for three years. Speaking for many, I know his kindness, wit and enduring smile will be missed. Angela, we offer you our most heartfelt condolences, strength and support
Nancy Lee-Sing
Our pot of Gold(schläger) Update
Christine Oddy and I, along with help from Stephen Biback, continue to return alcohol bottles and cans. Our Eastern Avenue Beer Store closed and now we visit River Street weekly. We’re working on getting to know the staff and breaking them in with our “how much did we collect” guessing game. After a couple years under our belts we’re getting pretty good.
As of May 30th, our pot totalled $1,134.60. With a hot summer coming our way, bring on the rosé, gin and tonics, ice cold beer and sangria!
We are diverting so much from the landfills. Sadly we know that some don’t make it to the bins. Let’s change that and break that habit rather than breaking bottles down the chute.
Last month alone, we returned 256 wine/booze bottles, 263 cans and 66 beer/cider bottles.
Like last year, we’re thinking of having our annual get together towards the end of summer/early fall when we’re all back from vacations and cottages. Don’t fret, plans are in the works and we look forward to a great get together.
Wanting to get involved in the recycling program? How about planning our annual party? Reach out and we will sign you up.
Nancy Lee-Sing
A musical interlude: Happy Pride
Pride with all its glitter, rainbows and festivities is sashaying just around the corner. That means a good dance playlist is in order. Grab your tiaras, boas and friends – because everyone is welcome – and strut into the season with our Pride Playlist “Happy Pride from George”.
DJ: Noëlle Jenkinson
Rosé Coloured Glasses
The world looks better through rose coloured glasses and, more importantly, tastes better if it’s a rosé-filled glass and paired with cheese. Rosés are now available at the LCBO all year long but are most popular as a summertime staple. Rosés come in different varieties and grape blends that go well with different types of cheese. I’ve selected rosés that complement the flavour notes of the cheese but feel free to mix and match and decide what works best for your taste buds. Rosés don’t need to breathe so grab a chair in the sun on the terrace, pop, pour and enjoy!
Wine Cheese Pairing
Gran Fuedo Rosado, Spain Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese, California
Santa Margherita Rosato, Italy Triple Crème de Charlevoix, Charlevoix, QC
Gerard Bertrand Cote des Rosés, France Wildwood Hard Alpine, St. Mary’s, ON
Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rosé, Canada Moutinniere Feta, Ste-Helene de Chester, QC
Diana Harris
V(ery) I(mportant) P(ets)
Please, sir, I want some more. No wait, that is the wrong Oliver! However, our own Oliver of The George might say that with regard to belly rubs!
Lorraine is my human and she loves me to pieces! When she calls me Ollie and plays with me and my favourite toy, Mr Grinch, I am one happy pup. I’m actually not a puppy but 2 1/2 years old. Tomorrow, my mom brings home a new puppy. I have a baby Pomeranian brother named Faigin! Maybe he will become my new favourite toy? When my mom says “Who wants to go to the park?” I get super excited. Aside from “I love you” and “good boy” those are the best words to come out of her mouth.
When I am not playing the role of big brother, I am working on skills I hope to monetize. I’d love to be a Walmart Greeter. The store sells dog treats, toys and all the necessities and I bet I’d make lots of friends. Though no one will be able to take the place of Ms. Rupam. I have a huge soft spot for her, some might even say a crush and I hope the feeling is mutual.
In closing, I have to say, I love living at The George. I have so many friends here, human and canine and love bumping into all of you in the lobby. Maybe Jack Dawkins (aka The Artful Dodger) will move in and then life would be better than perfect!
Nancy Lee-Sing
Greetings from the Board
Hello Neighbours! We hope you are enjoying this transition into summer. We’re sure many of you are prepping your outdoor spaces for warm weather enjoyment. With that in mind, here are some upcoming “housekeeping” dates to mark in your calendars:
Carpet Cleaning is scheduled for June 21st.
Window/Balcony Glass Cleaning is scheduled to start on July 1st and will take approximately 1-2 weeks depending on weather conditions.
Garage Cleaning is scheduled for July 9th. Please note that vehicles must be removed from the garage for the day (8am until 5pm).
Management will send out more detailed notices in the coming weeks.
We are currently working with management on budgets for our next fiscal year and expect to have that ready for owners in late July.
Please welcome our newest concierge, Krishma Rajput, who covers weekends. If you’ve not already met her, she is friendly and welcoming – a perfect addition to the George family.
On a more solemn note, we would like to offer our most sincere condolences to Angela Huson and family on the loss of her husband, Doug Huson. Doug was well-known in our George community as someone always ready with a smile, a joke, or interesting conversation. His sudden passing has left a void and Doug is greatly missed.
Thanks, as always, to the newsletter team for their part in building our George community through this publication. With a few festivities coming up at the end of the month, we’d like to wish a Happy Pride to all who celebrate … and Happy Canada Day to all!
Sincerely,
James, Kelsey & Noëlle
A Not So Rough Diamond
Shopping for that special someone or yourself has simplified. Cross the street and before you hit Greenwood you will encounter Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Zoo Flowers and the newest addition to that stretch, L.E. Jewellers.
L.E. Jewellers has been in business, in Leslieville for 26 years. Elaine Gong started working in the jewellery business prior to that and loved it so much she decided it was time to work for herself and her business was born.
Passionate about family, L.E. are the initials of special family member. When not at the store, which is open Monday to Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Elaine spends her time with them and her friends. It’s challenging when running a small business with only one day off and the time with them is a cherished.
Up until recently, the store was located near our local Canadian Tire. Staying in Leslieville was important and is home to this gem of a store.
So far, the biggest challenge has been getting new customers in the door. It always takes time to establish roots in a new location. I encourage all of you to pop in and see and shop the beautiful pieces that adorn the cabinets. Swarovski, Thomas Sabo, Pandora are just a few of the lines that are carried.
The store is not only a retail outlet but goes beyond picking a piece off the shelf. L.E. Jewellers offers watch battery changes, jewellery repair and they particularly enjoy making people’s dreams come true with custom designs.
I have had batteries changed, made purchases and repaired a very special necklace and have not been disappointed. I cannot wait to take some old pieces and have them recreated into something more contemporary and wearable. Elaine is knowledgable and creative and will be a great guide through the process of redesign. I can’t wait to get the project started.
This dog friendly establishment is staffed by three attentive, friendly women and they really know their business. I encourage you to check out L.E. Jewellers and support this local business, it really is a gem.
Nancy Lee-Sing
UPS makes it as easy as ABC
George owners and residents, Eric Herrmann and wife Nancy Buchanan, got the ball rolling on owning and opening this location. Once settled in as residents in our building, they inquired about the commercial spaces and investigated how they could lease some space for a business. A family discussion ensued and Nancy suggested UPS. The whole family was on board! Nancy and Eric, along with kids Curtis, Justin and Calista became franchise owners. They brought in Jackson Howlett to round out this tightly knit team.
Having never worked together as family and with close friends in the business world, this is new to all and the excitement of creating something from scratch was abundant. Learning from one other, sharing ideas and great communication will help this business grow, meet the needs of the customers and build a solid foundation for possibly opening additional franchises in 2025. Yes, that’s already in the works.
Your UPS team:
Eric brings his business acumen to the team as a former VP for a division of Constellation Software, Canada’s largest software company. On opening the business, Eric says, “UPS Store was a well known brand that appeared to provide critical services in high demand for local businesses and the growing population in condos in our area”. So very true.
Justin comes from a bartending background which has helped him hone his customer service skills. Justin is happy about the location. “Leslieville in my opinion is the best area in Toronto from the people to the businesses. I wouldn’t want to settle down anywhere else!”
Curtis spent six years working as a butcher prior to entering this new venture. “We don’t have experience in this field, we are all brand new to this! We have each spent hours training, learning to perfect our craft, there’s never enough information to learn!”
Jackson may not be blood related but he sure is part of the family and had worked with Justin in the past so they already had a workplace synergy. That is evident if you see the two work together. Prior to joining the Herrmanns, Jackson was a graphic designer at a creative agency at Dundas and Carlaw. Leslieville boy through and through.
Calista is currently working on a degree at UofT – but that doesn’t stop her from making time to work in the shop.
Now that you know the team, it’s time to get down to the business of the business!
So many services beyond shipping (local, national and international) are offered. All printing needs, copying, faxing can be done there. A great solution for those working from home. Additionally, you can have your passport and other ID photos taken, shredding done, secure an additional mailbox and very important in this day and age, manage Amazon returns.
Since there is an in house graphic designer there who is highly skilled, he can assist with brochure, business card design, posters etc. You name it and they can do it.
These owners are now growing the store’s roots in the community. Outreach to businesses and advertising is in full swing. Word of mouth is a great builder for new businesses and everyday the business grows and the number of repeat customers increases.
One thing I can say with no doubt is that their customer service skill set is outstanding. They treat customers with respect, offer service options and suggestions. Owners and staff are pet people, with cats and dogs of their own. And that means you and your animal companions are welcome in the shop for a treat anytime.
Nancy Lee-Sing
Picnic in the park!
If you’re looking for something fun and Leslieville-centric, check this out:
1st Annual Leslieville Picnic in the park
Tomorrow, June 15th, 12-4 pm at Jimmie Simpson Park
Games, live music, contests/prizes and a whole lot of fun. Bring a blanket, a picnic or order from one of our amazing restaurants.
And if you haven’t participated already, Sunday is the last day for the Shop Leslieville 2 Win contest.
By uploading a receipt from a local business or a review you can win $500 and share $500 with a local business. Looks like a win-win, right? It gets better with a grand prize of $1,500!
A Letter From George 