Photo/JONATHAN TAILLEFER

The beading table is a big draw for visitors to the Culture Shock community arts festival at Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue Aug. 16.

Photo/JONATHAN TAILLEFER

Performer S.Davis raps in the crowd after jumping off of the stage during the York Eglinton International Street Festival, Aug. 16 at the corner of Oakwood and Eglinton avenues.

Photo/JONATHAN TAILLEFER

Alan Haaz, 6, bounces in an inflatable gym during Culture Shock community arts festival events at Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue, Aug. 16.

Photo/NICK PERRY

Danielle VanderZande of Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada speaks to a group of women about the benefits of support group programs during an open house at York Community Services, Aug. 18.

Photo/JONATHAN TAILLEFER

Charles Hall, left, works on a face painting creation for Anwar James, 7, during York Eglinton International Street Festival events Aug. 16 at the corner of Oakwood and Eglinton avenues.

Photo/JONATHAN TAILLEFER

Van Ngguyan, left, and Slavko Ruzic take measurements to determine who has the closer ball during a game of bocce at Eglinton Flats.

Guardian photo/JONATHAN TAILLEFE

Ivan Saric, centre, throws the ball during a friendly game of bocce at Eglinton Flats Wednesday afternoon. Saric and his friends play almost everyday and even through the winter.

Photo/DAN PEARCE

Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping salute at the dedication of the 'Peacekeeping' Inscription on the Little Avenue Memorial Park Cenotaph Aug. 9.

Mirror photo/NICK PERRY

Lavini Balakrishnan, 3, shows off a painting she made for the My Art Matters Children's Art Exhibit that is currently on display at the Mount Dennis Branch Library. The exhibit features the artwork of children ages 3 to 6.

Mirror photo/NICK PERRY

Troy Allen puts some chicken on the BBQ during Jamaica day at Keelsdale Park Saturday afternoon. The event featured musical performances, Jamaican food, and children's activities.

BRIEFS

Suspect sought in stabbing

Police are searching for a suspect following a stabbing in the St. Clair Avenue and Dufferin Street area Aug. 25.

The victim, who was stabbed three times in the neck around 8:30 p.m., sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-1300 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477.

CRIME: Authorities bust GTA drug network

Toronto Police have arrested and charged nine people following a six-week investigation of street-level drug dealing within the city's downtown core.

During their investigation, 51 Division's street crime unit executed several search warrants at downtown homes seizing a quantity of marijuana valued at $50,000. They also seized $3000 worth of ecstasy and a firearm.

This investigation led to the identification of some of the city's alleged top marijuana cultivators and distributors.

On Aug. 13, law enforcement officials also executed a series of search warrants at warehouses and homes in Toronto, Georgetown and Brampton.

During their searches, police seized $600,000 worth of marijuana, $16,500 relating to the proceeds of drugs, a firearm, ammunition and a Taser.

Police allege this network involved the dismantling of stolen automobiles within a North York warehouse, which resulted in the seizure of two stolen vehicles and automobile parts.

George Vlachos, 37, of Georgetown and Gary Calisto, 37, of Brampton, are alleged to be the network's main drug suppliers.

Vlachos and Calisto face a total of 14 charges, which are primarily related to the production and possession of drugs.

The names of the seven other arrested individuals are being withheld as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call 416-808-5100 or contact Crimes Stoppers anonymously at www.222tips.com or 416-222-TIPS (8477).

Toy ride set for Sept. 7

Canada's oldest, continually held charity event hits Nathan Phillips Square Sept. 7.

The 30th annual Toronto Emergency Services and Salvation Army's Red, White and Blue Knights Toy Ride goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queen Street West and Bay Street.

The event kicks off with opening remarks by Toronto police deputy Chief Tony Warr at 10 a.m. at the Summer Stage and is followed by a day of activities including live bands, a fashion show, interactive emergency services displays, awards, draws and door prizes and a special performance by the Toronto Police Winged Wheels Precision Motorcycle Team.

Central to the festivities will be a police escorted motorcycle ride.

Admission is a new, unwrapped toy, which will be donated to The Salvation Army to help the city's underprivileged kids. Donations of money and food will also be accepted and donated to The Salvation Army. Visit www.redwiteandblueknights.com for details.

Staples hosts its back-to-school supply drive

Help all kids have a great back-to-school experience.

For the third year, Staples Business Depot is hosting its Back-to-School Supply Drive at each of its locations in the city. The office supply store is teaming up with local community service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club and the Children's Aid Society to ensure every child will be able to afford the needed supplies for a successful school year.

People are encouraged to donate school supplies or money at Staples locations until Sept. 7. Money will be mainly used to purchase more expensive items including calculators, knapsacks and binders.

Bins will be set up in front of the Staples locations so customers can easily donate items such as pens, pencils and notebooks.

Community grants up for grabs to 'vital' leaders

Toronto's vital people can get some help improving their skills.

Each year, the Toronto Community Foundation's Vital People Grant provides up to $5,000 to community leaders in Toronto who are working or volunteering at not-for-profit organizations.

The grants are awarded to support continued formal training or informal development opportunities that enhance the leadership abilities of people who work at Toronto's non-profit community groups. The grants are available to those just taking on new leadership challenges as well as those with many years of experience.

"We are very proud of our Vital People Grant," said Rahul Bhardwaj, president and CEO of the Toronto Community Foundation. "It allows us to help some of Toronto's remarkable community leaders have an extraordinary impact in our city through continued education."

Deadline for applying is Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. Visit www.tcf.ca for details.

TOP STORIES

Nursing cuts threaten patient care, union says

Patient care will suffer under the latest round of nursing cuts, this time at Humber River Regional...

It's Happening - York

Saturday, Aug. 30

WESTON FARMERS MARKET, Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weston GO Station parking...

Agencies working together to build Edmond Place

At an intimate graduation ceremony, everyone smiled and held up their certificate for their...

Suspect charged after two random stabbings

A Toronto man now faces six charges in connection with the unprovoked stabbing of two men on...

TTC, EMS team up for rider safety

The TTC and Toronto EMS have partnered up, looking to improve response times for people...
  

more