Editor’s Letter
We are days away from the spring equinox — and what a winter it has been! I may be in the minority here, but I do like my seasons to be fully committed. I was happy to see the snow…though quite a bit less happy to see how unfamilliar snow-clearing has become for this city.
And here we are on the cusp of spring. In the fall, with some advice from our resident gardener, we planted a selection of bulbs to winter over. Pretty soon, we will remove the burlap covering and see what blooms. If there ever was a simple pleasure to feed the soul, watching for spring blooms is certainly one of them.
This quarter’s Letter from George includes Nancy Lee-Sing’s feature interview with local business owner Maria Petrovic. Dashing Hounds is thriving, and Nancy’s conversation makes it clear that an owner who appreciates her staff and her clients has created a foundation for that success.
Is the current temperature of geopolitics raising your blood pressure? We don’t have a solution, but there is some respite on offer; Noëlle has created a spring time playlist that may help lower your heart rate.
And we start off this letter with some timely recipes for Eid. Whether it is a formal part of your spiritual practice or not, taking time for reflection and connection sounds like a sensible practice to promote wellbeing.
Eid, Pray, Love.
During the month of March, Muslims around the world observe Ramadan – a time of fasting, spiritual reflection and community. The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration Eid al-Fitr. The food served during Eid varies greatly from region to region and are culturally specific as each country/culture has their own celebratory food. In speaking with two of my friends, who hail from different countries, they both agreed that Samosas were a universal dish in the Muslim cuisine and a welcome dish for Eid.
While the name and stuffing differ from culture to culture, my personal favourite is a Samosa filled with potatoes and peas.
Potato and Pea Samosa
Ingredients:
For the pastry dough:
Store-bought filo pastry or spring roll sheets
For the potato and pea filling:
4 medium potatoes
1 tablespoon neutral oil (i.e. grapeseed oil, canola, etc)
Half a cup green peas
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 to 2 green chillies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Tamarind chutney for serving
Directions:
Peel, halve and boil potatoes until fork tender. Using a fork crumble the potatoes, being careful not to mash them. Heat the pan with oil, add cumin seeds. When they begin to sizzle, add ginger and green chillies fry for 30 to 60 seconds. Stir in the green peas and sauté for two minutes. Add all the other spices and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in the potatoes and sprinkle with salt. Sauté all ingredients together for three minutes. Add the coriander leaves set aside to cool. Divide the mixture roughly into 10 portions. Lay out your pastry, using a knife cut the pastry into 10’ circles. Place a tablespoon of the potato mixture on centre of circle, fold half the pastry over the potato mixture bringing the edges together and sealing with a smear of water.
Heat neutral oil to medium hot. When you see tiny bubbles in the oil add 3 – 4 samosas and fry them for 10 to 12 minutes on one side. Turn them over and fry until crispy and golden. Serve with tamarind chutney and enjoy.
A great follow-up to a Samosa, particularly if you like them spicy, is a refreshing mango lassi – a yoghurt-based milkshake.
Mango Lassi
Ingredients:
1.5 cups chopped mangos
3/4 of a cup yoghurt
3/4 of a cup milk or water or 4 to 5 ice cubes
1 1/2 – 3 1/2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Chopped almonds, for garnish
Directions:
Add mangos, sugar, cardamom powder and milk or water or ice cubes to a blender and blend until very smooth. Add the yoghurt. Blend just until smooth. Pour mango lassi in chilled glasses. Garnish with chopped almonds and enjoy!!
Diana Harris
Hello new build, goodbye linden tree
Over half a century ago, a family bought and moved to 87 Knox Avenue. When they moved in, they planted a small Linden tree in the front yard. This family went on to live in the house for 54 years. They watched the tree grow, along with the neighbourhood. Since then, the property has changed hands, most recently in 2023 when it was sold to owners who have big plans for the lot.
The plans are tear down the existing structure and rebuild two dwellings. This includes removing the stunning Linden tree that stands in the front yard. (Backstory – initially the tree was to be removed as it was destroying the structure of the little house. Now that the plans have changed to redevelop the lot, the tree despite great objections, is still to be removed). This tree has been home to a pair of hawks year after year and serves the avian populations during migration season. It’s fragrant flowers are loved by bees. It is part of the lungs of this neighbourhood.
Despite the city’s greening mandate our neighbourhood continues to see the cutting down and removal of so many of our trees. Look to the lot adjacent to Maple Leaf Forever Park as an example. The Linden trees at 47 Laing Street are also up for removal, another example of the denuding of our neighbourhood.
With the redevelopment happening in the area we stand to see more trees fall. Hopefully the City will figure out a way to keep our city green with all the necessary development coming down the pipeline. As one long standing Leslievillian and one of our concerned neighbours put it, “The greatest honour is to respect our elders and in this neighbourhood those elders have been our mature trees. These trees have/had served us well, providing us with some comfort from the impact of the changing climate, the filtering of our atmosphere and as a respite for the wildlife and ourselves.”
I know I will be taking a few extra moments to appreciate and admire the tree at 87 Knox before it comes down. I hope you do the same.
Nancy Lee-Sing
Keep calm and chill on
World events and news got you wound up tighter than an espresso-drinking chihuahua?
We invite you to unwind with our latest playlist “Chill With George”:
Noëlle Jenkinson
George dogs love to dash to Dashing Hounds
Five years ago, Maria Petrovic was working in midtown, managing clients and grooming when it dawned on her that she could run her own business. At the tail end of Covid, three years ago this month, Dashing Hounds opened. “I really think Leslieville is a town within a big city! It’s great. I am so happy I went with this specific spot as I LOVE it. I love the space, and I think the dogs do too!” says Maria.
Many George residents know all about Dashing Hounds. It is a close, convenient and caring place for all our doggie needs.
Dashing Hounds started out as a full doggie spaw that offers up bathing, trimming and styling including high velocity fluff dryers for that blown out look. Walk-ins are welcome for pawdicures and in between full groom face trims.
What started out as a one woman show has grown. Maria brought in Tas a few months after opening. “She has been with me the majority of the three years and I am very grateful”, says Maria. After that, Genny, Sebina and Nanase joined the team as groomers and Caite and Mariyah as bathers/assistants. All are valuable members of the Dashing Hounds team.
This fall, Maria expanded to include food and other essentials. “I wanted to bring in quality food and supplies. The pet industry can be overwhelming. I curated items I think your dogs need. I offer advice if you need suggestions for products. I have seen dogs with allergies that can be addressed with diet and how great quality treats are a great training tool. I offer some brain stimulating toys for training dog behaviour. My ten years of experience has taught me a lot”, says Maria. She continues, “I am very grateful my staff and clients are reliable. Rarely are appointments missed. My biggest challenge would be the retail. It’s tough to stay noticed in this space with several shops in the area. While it’s a new endeavour for me, I trust that with my loyal clients and time it will become less challenging. Now more than ever we need to support our local businesses. I myself practice this lifestyle by supporting my neighbours, stores and services. I’m across the street and would appreciate your consideration for all things dog”.
When asked about achievements, Maria says, “My greatest achievement is acquiring great staff. They all have a similar mindset, leading with kindness and hard work. At the end of the day we care deeply about all the dogs. Our 5 star Google review is a good testament to that!”
What is next for Dashing Hounds? According to Maria, “enjoying what we have and this community I am grateful to be a part of. Our dogs are important to our mental health and quality of life. I want to cherish that and continue to be a trusted care-provider in this beautiful community. Additionally I hope to put on more charity events and further support one another. Standard Poodles in Need is a rescue I partnered with for a few events. With warmer weather here, I will plan more events and would love to see you there! Stay tuned.”
Maria let me in on a secret. She really isn’t the one in charge. It’s Jason, her athletic wiener dog who is the two time winner of the Dachshund Weiner Palooza. He is their true leader!
Nancy Lee-Sing
From dashing hounds to charming cats…
V(ery) I(mportant) P(ets)
Hello I’m Maloos. My name means adorably sweet kitten in Persian—because obviously, I am.
My mom Naghmeh is my loyal subject, provider of treats, and world-class belly-rubber. She calls me Pishi (a classic Persian way of saying “kitty”—simple, elegant, and entirely fitting).
My 2nd birthday is on July 1st —Canada Day! That means fireworks in my honour… or at least that’s what I tell myself while hiding under the couch.
My human is obsessed with knitting, which works out well because I am obsessed with yarn balls. In reality it is a perfect arrangement.
I’ve achieved one of my life goals, to take amazing selfies. Just look at my photo! However, there are some remaining: to feast like a queen, nap wherever I please, and bask in my human’s undivided affection. Oh, and belly rubs. I’m a complete sucker for belly rubs.
I have been voted to most likely “accidentally” scratch the couch instead of my scratching post. It’s not my fault as the couch just feels better.
A quote that resonates with me is, “As every cat knows, the best things in life are not things—they are sunbeams, warm laps, and the sound of a can opening.”
I do have a secret crush. There’s another feline on my floor. I haven’t met them yet, but I know they exist. I hear their footsteps in the hallway, and sometimes, I wait behind the door… just in case. But, between you and me, I’m a little shy. Maybe one day, I’ll be brave enough to say hello—or at least meow softly through the crack in the door.
Nancy Lee-Sing
Greetings from the Board
Happy Spring Neighbours!
We would like to thank everyone who attended our AGM on January 6th. The turnout was a positive sign of the investment in our building and our community. In the AGM elections James Cooper (Board President) was re-elected and Stephen Fitzpatrick (Secretary/Treasurer) was elected to fill the position vacated by Kelsey McRae. We’d like to thank Kelsey for her outstanding contributions to the board and also give a warm welcome to Stephen.
As a reminder, the minutes of the monthly board meetings – which are held toward the end of each month – are available via Building Link under “Building Library”. Please note that minutes for each meeting are approved at the following month’s meeting. This means that minutes are posted to Building Link approximately one month after each meeting.
With unit sales and new residents moving into the George, we must ensure we have up-to-date resident info. As such, management has sent out a Resident Information Form to be completed by all residents/owners. The information collected will include contact information, emergency contacts, pets and vehicles (whether parked in the building or elsewhere).
Given last month’s security issue with an individual trying to gain access to the building – which now appears to be resolved – we thought this a good opportunity to outline the security enhancements that we have undertaken over the past few years:
- Installation of the fob reader at the front door, for access after 10:30pm.
- A security camera has been installed outside the back loading dock door.
- Security cameras have been installed in stairwell B
- Handles to the Locker rooms and Bicycle room have been replaced with much more robust handles/locks.
- Outdoor handles have been removed from the front exit doors of stairwells A and B to prevent access to the building via these doors.
The safety of our residents is of the utmost importance, and we will continue to assess security requirements on an on-going basis.
We wish all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and, with Ramadan ending later this month, Eid Mubarak to all who observe.
Sincerely,
James, Noëlle and Stephen
Recycling program up-date
As everyone knows, through your efforts to recycle bottles and cans we donated $700.00 to the Daily Bread Food Bank on behalf of The George Condos and Towns in December.
We really appreciate the effort that all of you make to leave your bottles and cans in the blue bins located on the GR level. This year started slowly…dry January, but things picked up in February.
So far this year, the Recycling Program balance is $444.40. It’s great to have such strong support from the residents of the building.The Recycling team (Christine and Carol) make weekly trips to The Beer Store to return the empty cans and bottles. If you would like to help please email the team at: georgerecycles@gmail.com.
Christine and Carol
The George Condominium and Towns Staff
Building Manager: Ivan Lara
Weekday Security: Rupamdeep “Rupam” Kaur Nagi
Weekend Security: Lidiya Kebedew
Cleaner: Benigno “Ben” Gil
A Letter From George 