Letter from the Editor
It’s a beautiful autumn day as I write this note — cool enough for a sweater, but not so chilly that I wish I’d brought gloves. For me, I’m hardwired to think of the fall as the start of a new year — this despite being out of school for many years. It can mean different things to different people — moving into our lovely vertical neighbourhood, seeing a family expand to include a new baby, or watching how your everyday rhythms change with the shortening of the days.
We’ve got lots in this issue to have you looking towards the future, whether it’s getting your sports channel set to watch the start of hockey season, or toast the last of the summer with Diana’s latest libation.
There are updates too — scroll down for information from the board, and our annual social.
May the fall bring winds of change that propel us all forward.
Susan Prince
Number 17 in the draft…the Islanders pick…Kashawn Aitcheson!
What you may not know is this ‘Top 20’ NHL draft pick has a George connection. When this elite player was not playing and training in Barrie with the OHL Barrie Colts, you might see him enjoying some cherished time off with his family right here in The George.
Five years ago when Alison came into the lives of Julian, Kashawn ‘Kash’ and his younger brother, King, she embraced them all and has been a constant, strong and loving support.
There had been discussions about the draft for a while and then things got real. Aitcheson’s agent – with scouting reports in hand – highly suggested that he head to Los Angeles and attend the draft. Together as a family at home, the decision was made. The pride and excitement could barely be contained in their George condo. Then on Friday June 25th Kash Aitcheson was drafted by the New York Islanders. YES, one of ours is now an NHLer.
Let’s go back a little. Kash first laced up at the age of three for skate training class. His dad, Julian, saw his determination. “He’s always been athletic so there’s always been a push. He was good at everything he tried and loved sports, but he was extremely obsessed with hockey”, says Julian.
Kash started as a forward, “I would go back and forth with defence. Then I got to a certain age where I just had to pick”. Being a defenceman requires so much strength and hard hitting and let’s be real, throwing a few punches and time in the penalty box. It’s hard when you’re a parent that doesn’t like or condone fighting. Kash was raised to be tough, dominate where he can and at the same time respect the sport and play fair/clean.
As a parent of an elite athlete, there is no ‘normal life’ and sacrifices need to be made. Julian says this, “The joy on his face, seeing how happy it made him and how busy it kept him was really important to us and made it worth it. The kids always came first so we sacrificed to get them to where they needed to be, with all hands on deck.” This was particularly true when at the age of 15, Kash began playing for the OHL’s Barrie Colts and billeting with families closer to the rink. Julian continues, “I would go to as many games as possible. I couldn’t always go if King had training or games but sometimes I’d make both. Weekends were really busy travelling for sports. If I couldn’t make it to a game, I made sure to watch online.”
Maintaining a strong father-son relationship was and will continue to be vital in this family. Julian continues, “We check in often and have long conversations. My goal is to show up for him however he needs it”. As this new NHL phase begins, this will be increasingly important.
Alison adds “Kash is an equally impressive person off the ice. He has a strong character with sound priorities and goals. He’s set up such a great life path for himself and I encourage him to keep pushing!”
Jump to June 25th. Kashwan, along with younger brother King, dad Julian and Alison sat in The Staples Center with bated breath. The 17th draft pick announced; Kashawn Aitcheson was selected by the New York Islanders! Alison recalls the moment, “There were no words. As soon as his name was called, there were hugs all around and we watched as he walked up to the stage. Just hugs, smiles and excitement for him.”
King has been supportive of his big brother’s determination and has learned so much from Kash. In fact, King has set his own goal and that’s to play in the NBA. Advice on making it to the big league? Kash has this to say and I am sure King is taking note “There’s going to be ups and downs, but focus on being consistent in everything you do and not let your failures define you and your glory blur your vision”.
King says of his brother, “He told me to be on time for everything I do. Never give up on what I want. He told me the quote, ‘If your mind can conceive it, and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it’. My advice to him at the draft was not to worry about what happens, because you’re going to be great!”. Such brotherly love and respect.
Sports achievements extend beyond immediate family – Sadie, Kash’s longtime girlfriend, plays hockey too. “We met at the rink. She’s been in my corner when I haven’t been on top and believed in me.” Kash adds “We train together on and off the ice and give each other tips we learn from our teams or from games to help better each other.”
One final word from The New York Islanders defenseman #25, “My biggest heroes are everyone in my family. I have such a big support system and without each and every one of them in different ways, I wouldn’t be who and where I am today”.
Nancy Lee-Sing
Savouring the last sips of Summer
As the golden days of summer wind down, there’s no better way to celebrate the end of the season than with a stylish cocktail. Think warm evenings, fresh ingredients, laughter with friends and something delicious in your glass. You’ll toast to a summer well spent and memories that linger well into autumn.
Here’s a beautifully balanced end of summer cocktail, ideal for a small gathering, garden party, or sunset picnic.
Bramble Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin (London Dry or a citrus-forward gin)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
- 1 oz Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
- Garnish: blackberry, lemon wheel, basil or thyme sprig
Instructions:
Add ice, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker. Shake until chilled (10–15 seconds). Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Slowly drizzle Chambord over the top, let it “bleed” down through the ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Cucumber Canapés with Herbed Cream Cheese
Cucumbers are in season and plentiful this time of year and pair beautifully with gin-based cocktails. The freshness and delicate flavors of cucumber complement the herbal and citrus notes in gin without overpowering the drink. Here is a recipe for Cucumber Canapes with fresh herbed cream cheese.
Ingredients:
- Cucumber
- 1 container of cream cheese
- Dill, chives,
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Microgreens or walnut pieces
Instructions:
Slice cucumbers into thick rounds. In a food processor, blend cream cheese with herbs and lemon zest. Top cucumber rounds with cream cheese mixture and garnish with either microgreens or walnut pieces.
Diana Harris
Smooth sailing with George
As we cling to the last few days of warmth and sun, how about a little nostalgia – music that takes us back to a simpler time when the greatest problem is that the man that Brandy loves is married to the sea (IYKYK). Glide through the final days of summer with our ultimate Yacht Rock playlist:
Noëlle Jenkinson
Wanderlust is coming our way
Save this date: Saturday, November 15th.
The Leslieville BIA has flagged this day as Wanderlust Day!
It will be a festive day along Queen Street East where all of us can dine and shop and get ready for (dare I say it) the holiday season. Installations will amuse, pop ups will appear and there will be fun for the whole family.
The promise is that this year’s event will be bigger and better than last year’s which brought out a record number of visitors, ultimately boosting Leslieville businesses.
So, on November 15th, shop local and support our Leslieville businesses. Partake in great food and drinks, pick up some holiday gifts and don’t forget to treat yourself to something special.
Nancy Lee-Sing
Greetings from the Board
Hello neighbours! It’s hard to believe we’re already in mid-September. Where has the time gone? Here’s what we’ve been up to since our last newsletter update:
In approving the budget for the new fiscal year 2025/26, we’re pleased to have held the increase in maintenance fees to 3.37%. The financials will be discussed in more depth at the AGM, but we can report that our fiscal year 2024/25 did close with a small surplus.
Our Reserve Fund study – this takes place every 3 years – is underway and we expect the results should be available for sharing during the AGM.
We continue to focus on closing off issues with the developer, Rockport, and this process is nearly completed.
Earlier in the summer, there were some issues with AC in the building that resulted in extended outages for some residents. Unfortunately, this was during a transition in property management and we’d like to acknowledge the extra time it took to resolve the matter. We are working with the management company to find ways to shorten the time needed to resolve such issues that involve major systems in the building.
A number of owners have had questions about what constitutes owner responsibility vs. condo corp responsibility for maintenance/repair matters for individual units. In response, management has created a handy, Maintenance Quick Reference Guide (below).
Finally, we would like to applaud Christine Oddy’s work as our new landscaper at the George. It’s been a pleasure to see all our planters and beds thriving and being so well cared for this year.
To all our residents and those celebrating Rosh Hashanah next week, Shana Tova – A Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
James, Noëlle and Stephen.
In Memorium
Sadly, we lost another member of the George. In late August, Quit Leng Chu left us at the age of 67.
Quit Leng battled Multi-System Atrophy (MSA), a rare and debilitating disease for five years. Wanting to stay in her home and not go to long term care was paramount and thanks to her loving and supportive children, Jay, Hector and Lisa, she was able to do so. Their daily visits were proof of their love and devotion to a wonderful mother.
An original member of our community, Quit Leng could be seen walking with her PSWs and more recently in her wheelchair getting out for some fresh air.
She fought a courageous battle with grace and dignity and as the end was drawing near, she and her family did what mom loved best: enjoyed some great meals together as a family. Family was incredibly important to Quit Leng and spending time with her kids and two beautiful grandchildren was something she adored.
While the family grieves, they are grateful that Quit Leng is relieved from her pain and suffering. They appreciate the kindness and friendship of the George community and those who crossed paths with her during her time here.
You will be missed Quit Leng Chu. May you rest in peace.
Nancy Lee-Sing
More history about the ‘hood
Over the last couple issues, we shared a little bit of Leslieville history. Continuing with that here are a few interesting tidbits of Leslieville from times gone by.
The first Post Office and General Store was somewhere between Jones and Curzon along Queen. You must be itching to know who the founder of these businesses was…drumroll please…George Leslie! Yep, the man our building was named after. George Leslie Jr was named postmaster in 1862. It became known as the ‘Leslie Post Office” which lead to this area being known as LESLIEVILLE.
In 1863 Leslieville Public School was built and was one of the first buildings in the village of Leslieville. The first principal of the school was Alexander Muir. His legacy goes beyond composer of ‘The Maple Leaf Forever’.
In 1863, ’Uncle Tom’s Cabin Hotel’ opened. Clearly it was named after Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel. At the time there was an influx of escaped slaves via the Underground Railroad who settled in the surrounding area. The establishment was a brewery, a hotel, a pub and social hub for those in the area and travellers by stagecoach. Then in 1870 it was rebuilt as a brick building and named the Morin House, after James Morin who was in the brick business. After Morin struggled financially it was sold off. In 1911 it was renamed to The Duke of York Hotel, after Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany. Now we know it simply as The Duke. It’s no longer operated as a hotel but the main floor restaurant and bar still remain. In 1983 city council declared it as being architecturally historical and it is protected from demolition.
V(ery) I(mportant) P(ets)
I’m Roxy or Miss Roxy, Roxy Girl, Roxanne or Roxeeneeeee.
My pawrents Faris and Christine tell me I am four years old, give or take a bit. I will always be a pup in my mind playing with all my toys which are kept in my very own box. It’s filled with some of my favourite chew toys, knotted old socks and tennis balls. Hey, if your washer or dryer mysteriously eats one of a pair of socks, I could probably take the sole survivor off your hands. We’ve got to recycle to save the planet, right? We’ve got to keep the world clean because my goal in life is to run free on the beach every morning then devour my pawpaw’s famous breakfast followed by a snooze. I am voted most likely to jump the fence and have winter cold plunges in Lake Ontario and doing all this while keeping those pesky squirrels at bay.
I really wish I could roam the hallway on my floor. That way I could see some of my favourite people, neighbours Christine, Steve and Sandy. No offence Sandy, Steve a little more than you because he really is the dog whisperer of our building. I also wish I could take the elevator to the lobby on my own. I could visit Rupam whenever I want to. She and my super speedy French Greyhound friend Gabby are my not so secret crushes.
My favourite quote, “there is always a party at Roxy’s!”. Now that it is out there, I bet you’re all expecting invitations. Seriously, I don’t party all the time because per my other favourite quote, “balcony naps is life”!
Building community notes
The George’s Recycling Team:
We appreciate the residents’ commitment to recycling your wine, spirits, and beer cans and bottles. Because of that we’ve been able to collect $848.90 so far this year. Our intention is to make a portion of the funds collected available to have a building party and to use the remainder to donate to charity.
Last year we donated $700 to the Daily Bread Food Bank. We’re on track to match that amount this year, thanks to your contributions. Please keep it up. Our recycling efforts keeps these items out of the blue bins and ultimately contributes to both the George community and the broader community around us.
The recycling initiative is led by Christine Oddy. She has been helped by others, namely John Maloney, Stephen Biback, Carol Fitzpatrick, and Stephen Fitzpatrick.
The next George Condos and Towns party:
A group of committed people have been meeting to organize a party for George owners and residents in the fall. The Board and management have enthusiastically supported the initiative and plan to attend.
Unfortunately, several of the Committee members have had to turn their attention to personal matters and the decision has been made to postpone the party until the spring. The funding will be set aside from the recycling team’s efforts and you will hear more about it in the spring.
A Letter From George 