Editor’s Letter
Everyone has a favourite season. Mine is without a doubt the autumn. I love the crisp mornings, and the sense of renewed energy I feel at this time of year. I know this isn’t true for everyone, that instead the fall feels like a harbinger of the darkness winter brings. Fortunately, the contributors to this season’s letter have brought their optimism to these pages. We have so much expertise in this vertical neighbourhood, and I am happy to welcome two new contributors, Eric Daw and Christine Oddy. Scroll down and you will find great information on preparing your terrace garden for the winter from Christine. Eric Daw is sharing his expertise on active aging with five prompts that may help you consider an alternative to hibernating!
Nancy Lee-Sing, with her gift of bringing people together, has been quietly organizing our annual resident’s gathering. All the details are below.
I am always happy to hear about the work the board continues to do on our behalf — and the quarterly update continues to be a great way to keep up-to-date with the operations side of this community.
Finally, a toast to the season, which I intend to do by raising a “Harvest Mule”, Diana Harris’ autumn drink whilst listening to a refreshed playlist from Noëlle Jenkinson.
Cheers!
Susan Prince
Annual residents’ social
I’m too excited to sleep!
It is September and you know what that means?
Our Annual George Condos and Towns get together is back! It will be a great way to reconnect with old and meet new neighbours.
Sunday September 22nd we invite all the Georges and Georgettes up to the 8th floor amenity space between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Fingers crossed for lovely weather.
All sorts of nibbles and soft drinks will be provided. Because of liability issues, this is a BYOB event. I know, it is pretty ironic that the money comes from our alcohol consumption yet we can’t provide any booze.
As much as we’d love to bring all the fur babies up there, it is not permitted. We’ll have to plan another social just for all our pets….hmmmmm a pet party planning venture….
Looking forward to seeing you there and toasting to the great community we have built.
Nancy Lee-Sing
Resident garden guru to the rescue!
Owner and resident Christine Oddy is an accomplished gardener/horticulturalist. Prior to retiring, she ran a successful company, Garden City Atriums. This past year she began running a gardening program at East Toronto Community Health Centre. It is a laid back, casual program for people with any level of knowledge who are interested in plants. Lessons on seeding, cutting and cultural info are covered along with fun things like creating fairy gardens. Christine is sowing the seeds of her knowledge and really embracing the roots of Leslieville.
We asked Christine, our resident Garden Guru, a few questions regarding plants and planters at this time of year. This is what she had to say:
1. What should we be aware of if we’d like to bring our outdoor plants in?
In a word, BUGS. Be sure to check them for bugs such as spider mites, mealybugs or scale or aphids. If you have bugs, you can spray them with a mix of alcohol (80%) and water (20%). That should do the trick.
2. What about repotting?
If you want to repot your plants, you can do so now. Just remember to go up only one size – no more than that.
3. What would you recommend we plant for fall?
Fall interest plants include grasses. If you’ve already got some on your balcony or terrace, LEAVE THEM and DON’T CUT THEM back. They are beautiful throughout the fall and winter and create a nice back drop not to mention a soft swooshing sound.
A lot of annuals can tolerate a little frost so you can leave them until the cold begins to set in or remove them and plant something like Mums or Asters or Kale/Cabbages.
4. Can we plant spring bulbs in planters on our terraces/balconies? Will they come out in the spring?
YES it can be done! Take note that the planter has to be big enough and deep enough. I suggest at least 8 to 10 inches deep. That is key. You also have to remember to keep watering them while they’re outside. I’ve done it here with great success.
Did you know that the village of Leslieville started to take roots in the 1850’s. This is where Mr George Leslie (1804-1893) and his sons owned and operated nurseries, including the largest tree nursery in Canada. That is where Leslieville gets its name and our George Condos and Towns too.
A little note on disposal of plant matter:
- All plant matter should be bagged and disposed of in the ‘green bin’.
- If small (grocery bag size) it can go down the chute.
- For disposal of larger plants and soil, it should be bagged and taken to the green bin disposal container in the loading dock.
Nancy Lee-Sing
Fresh Fall Tunes
For me, September is a time of renewal – time to reinvest in learning, shake up the wardrobe, get back to the gym … and my favourite … change up the music! So as we move into fall and turn over a new leaf (see what I did there?) let’s drop the needle on a new soundtrack of fresh tunes. Now please excuse me while I hit play and clean out my closet …..
Noëlle Jenkinson
Cocktail for a change of season
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn to fiery shades of red and gold, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a cozy evening of delicious drinks and snacks. To get you into the fall spirit, I’ve created a seasonal cocktail and appetizer pairing that will bring warmth and comfort to your gatherings.
The Harvest Mule
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 3 oz apple cider
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– Ginger beer (to top)
– Ice
– Apple slices and a cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mule mug (or a glass of your choice) with ice.
2. Add the bourbon, apple cider, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
3. Top with ginger beer and gently stir.
4. Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Rosemary & Maple Roasted Nuts
To complement your cocktail, pair it with an easy appetizer: rosemary and maple roasted nuts. This savory-sweet snack has the perfect balance of flavours, with the earthiness of rosemary playing off the sweetness of maple syrup, while the nuts provide a crunchy, addictive bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, and cashews work well)
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
– 1/2 tsp sea salt
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the nuts with olive oil, maple syrup, rosemary, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Spread the coated nuts evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the nuts are golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or simply enjoying a quiet night in, the Harvest Mule and rosemary maple roasted nuts will elevate your fall evenings with their seasonal flavours. So, light a fire, grab a blanket, and enjoy the taste of autumn! Cheers!
Diana Harris
V(ery) I(mportant) P(ets)
I am a Beast! No, I am nicknamed The Beast…It’s hard for me to keep track of sometimes. After all, I’m only two and a bit.
My real name is Rudy and I am grateful for my people, Andrei and Wade. They keep me fed and walked and happy. My goals in life are to play with as many other dogs as I can and eat as much as possible. Hanging out in our lobby is the best place to do that. If I am not achieving my goals, I am playing with my favourite squeaky toy or bear. They keep me occupied and keep me out of trouble. Why? Because ‘I never met a shoe I didn’t like to chew!’
Out of my pack, I have been voted most likely to knock you down while trying to say hello! Sometimes I get so excited and don’t even know my own strength. I am pretty strong and handsome too. For those reasons I am hoping my secret crush, Bower the chocolate lab who lives on Hiltz has noticed me. If not, could you spread the word please?
Nancy Lee-Sing
Greetings from the Board
We hope that everyone has enjoyed their summer and are now looking forward to the change of season and the beautiful colours that will follow.
Fall is, for many, a sort of New Year and a time for getting back into routine whether it be back to school, back to the office or focusing on one’s to-do list. If checking your smoke detectors is one of them, then please see the article in last Fall’s Newsletter “Back to School: Smoke Detector 101” . If you need to replace your smoke detectors, and prefer to purchase from a different vendor, here is an on-line retailer suggested by an owner/resident: https://www.aartech.ca/
AARTECH offers discounts for ordering 3 or more devices.
While we’re on the topic of fire safety, have you heard of dryer fires? They are a significant fire risk and are more common than you may think. The leading cause of these fires is overheating due to a build-up of lint in the dryer and exhaust ducts. The best way to prevent this is by having your exhaust vents and ducts professionally cleaned. We had 11 units take advantage of the bulk price service offer that management arranged with GTS at the time of our heat pump maintenance, but would like to see all units take this step in fire prevention. As such, management is offering to try to negotiate another bulk price service offer with GTS, so you missed this opportunity during the summer and are interested in this service please reach out to Ivan Lara via email: georgecondos@crossbridgecs.com
In other “housekeeping” we’ve moved our Property Manager into a new home! The Property Manager’s office is now in the former Parcel Room located off the Amenity Lounge on GR. It will be a much more pleasant environment for Ivan as well as for anyone stopping by the management office.
We wrapped up another financial year end as of August 4th and all owners were sent the budget package. We are pleased with being able to limit the maintenance fee increase to 2.5%. Our financials now with the corporation’s auditors. Once the auditors have completed their work, we can look at scheduling our next AGM which we anticipate being able to hold in November or December.
The Annual George Social is coming up on Sept 22nd. Again, we’d like to express our thanks to Nancy Lee-Sing and Christine Oddy for this wonderful George tradition by not only organizing, but for making this possible through their bottle recycling efforts.
Happy Fall, Everyone!
Sincerely,
James, Kelsey & Noëlle
Eric Daw’s 5 reasons to stay fit this fall and winter
We checked in with our very own Eric Daw, Active Aging Specialist at Omni-Fitt to get some tips on staying active as we head into the fall and winter seasons. As we age, staying agile and fit are key to living a full and healthy life.
This is what Eric has to say:
The unique aspect of aging is that we get to witness ourselves and those around us go through various phases and stages of life. I can still recall events from primary school—how about you?
While getting older is often seen in a negative light, it doesn’t have to be, especially if you’re proactive about your health.
One of the best things about living at The George Condos in Leslieville is the sense of community, which makes it easier to stay fit and flexible as we age and prepare for the changing seasons.
But why is this important? Here are 5 key reasons:
1. Reducing Aches and Pains
As the weather cools and we transition into fall, it’s common to feel more aches, particularly from arthritis. There’s a saying: “Motion is lotion,” meaning that staying active helps to keep your joints loose and can ward off those annoying aches and pains.
2. Maintaining Independence
Physical fitness plays a crucial role in maintaining independence, yet it’s often underestimated. How often do you find yourself lifting, pushing, or pulling things around the house? And if the elevator is out of service, would you be comfortable climbing a few flights of stairs?
3. Boosting Energy
With shorter days and less sunlight, staying active is essential for maintaining your energy levels. A walk along Queen St. is a fantastic way to feel revitalized as we ease into the fall season.
4. Managing Weight
Staying active is one of the most effective ways to keep your metabolism running efficiently. A faster metabolism helps your body burn calories even when you’re at rest. In contrast, hibernating through the winter can quickly lead to unwanted weight gain.
5. Improving Balance
While walking in the summer feels easy, fall and winter bring new challenges. Good balance will help you avoid slips and falls when navigating obstacles like fallen leaves, muddy paths, or icy terrain.
Eric Daw
The George’s ‘Did you know…’
- You can connect with the security staff via email. It is a preferred way and better connection than the phone –
tscc2865.concierge@gmail.com
- Management’s Office has moved! It is now located on the GR Level where the parcel room was. A much more pleasant place for Ivan and for meetings
- A Letter from George can now be found on Building Link under the ‘Building Library’ tab
- Building Link also has a list of useful contacts. It is ‘Vendor List’ under the ‘Building Library’ tab. This list will grow but for now there are a few trades and vendors that you may find helpful. Let Ivan know if you have any helpful additions
Back by popular demand: Shop Leslieville 2 win
The Leslieville BIA has relaunched their Shop Leslieville 2 Win campaign for this fall!
It officially kicked off Monday, September 9th and runs until Oct. 20th.
It works like this: anyone can shop within Leslieville BIA (Queen Street East only from Empire to Vancouver Avenues) or leave a Google Review for the business then submit their receipts / reviews. The business can be retail, restaurant or service…anything. They will then be entered for the weekly prize of $500. Their choice of business also wins $500. The Grand prize at the end of the campaign is $1500!
It is definitely a big incentive to shop the ‘hood for yourself, gifts and dare I say it get a jump start on the holidays.
Keep an eye out as other initiatives and events are in the works and will be posted on the Leslieville BIA Instagram account and posted throughout the neighbourhood.
Nancy Lee-Sing
‘One Bourbon, one scotch, one beer’ – bottle at a time…
Despite having a theft issue over recent weeks where our returns were quite low, our pot continues to grow. As of August 28th, 2024, our collection totalled $1,339.25. We’re getting back on track thanks to the efforts of our staff. Ivan put together a plan and Alan, Rupam and Krishma have all jumped in to help with monitoring and securely storing our recycling overnight. A big thank you to them!
Thanks to all who contribute regularly. We encourage all George residents to continue dropping off your alcohol vessels, bottles and cans, during the specified hours, Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm and on weekends 8:00 am – 8:00 pm.
On Sunday September 22nd, you’ll be reaping the benefits of all your contributions! Cheers!
A Letter From George 