31 Division celebrates 20 Years of community and safety
- August, 2024
By Sean Delaney
On June 15th, the 31 Division Open House celebrated its 20th anniversary, along with the Crime Stoppers program. This community event was a showcase of unity, safety, and celebration, attracting more than 200 attendees from the local area.
The event was attended by MPP Michael Ke...
Fourth annual Humberlea Christmas Parade Joy and Jingles Light Up Emery Village
- January, 2024
By Sean Delaney
As the twilight hours set in on a beautiful eight-degree Friday evening, some streets of Emery Village sparkled with a festive buzz, marking the much-awaited fourth annual Humberlea Christmas Parade. With its exciting 6 p.m. start from Yorkdale Crescent, the parade weaved a merry ...
Local heroes honoured: Brigette Contento and Michael Verrelli receive coronation pin
- November, 2023
By Sean Delaney
In a recently held ceremony, two of Emery Village’s most dedicated and diligent community members, Brigette Contento and Michael Verrelli, were awarded the coveted Coronation Pin. This honour, bestowed upon them by MPP for York Centre, the Honourable Michael S. Kerzner, recognizes t...
Painted lady butterflies fly
- September, 2023
By Sean Delaney
Saturday, August 19th, was one of the most enjoyable summer weather days. On this beautiful day, with clear skies and a gentle breeze, a community event unfolded, attracting the participation of 100 people who gathered to release painted lady butterflies. Beyond its aesthetics, ...
The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Emery
- January, 2023
By Sean Delaney
Nothing says the Holiday Season as much as neighbours sharing good cheer together and watching their children delight in an old-fashioned Christmas parade.
On Dec. 11, Humberlea hosted its third annual Christmas parade.
It was a traditional hometown and homemade parade in the ...
An Emery Easter celebration
- May, 2022
By Sean Delaney
Saturday, April 16th, was a bright, sunny, and crisp day at Strathburn Park; and the Humberlea community came together as a family. The smiles, the laughter, and joy was felt by all.
Michael Verrelli and Brigette Contento were at their community organizing best, adding another suc...
Skating in Humberlea to honour a hero
- March, 2022
By Sean Delaney
As many of you may know, Gordon Kerr, a cherished resident of the Humberlea Community who lived on Strathburn Boulevard, took on the enormous task of flooding both area arenas from 1966 to 1997.
That meant many long evenings, being out in freezing temperatures and working away, ...
The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Emery
- January, 2022
By Sean Delaney
What happened to the Good Old Days? Over the decades, there seems to be a continuing decline in the number and participation in local holiday events. Local events, where neighbours share good cheer together, watching their children delight with an old-fashioned Christmas parade. Goo...
A Community that cares
- November, 2021
By Sean Delaney
Community champions Mike Verrelli and Brigette Contento organized a second annual food drive, including a Halloween candy component. Held on Saturday, October 15, at both Stratburn and Joseph Bannon Parks, residents were asked to donate food and candy, and in return received a free ...
A big community thanks to those that care
- October, 2021
By Sean Delaney
Two years in the making and it was worth the wait. What a day and what an incredible community we are so fortunate to be a part of. Together with the love and care from our community and the passion and perseverance we both share to keep unity within our neighbourhood, Strathburn...
Easter in the park a sense of normalcy amid a pandemic
- May, 2021
By Sean Delaney
Easter is a time for celebration and for everyone to join together and enjoy a sense of community and many were looking for signals that normalcy was returning. To be able to celebrate the fun side of Easter, offering hope that things were headed in the right direction.
In order...
Having fun helping others
- December, 2020
By Sean Delaney
Great ideas are sometimes driven by necessity. If the City of Toronto cancelled Halloween Trick or Treating, where could families in need get candy so their children could enjoy the occasion?
Mike Verrelli and Brigette Contento had an epiphany and created a Food Drive that incl...
The hunger need is real
- December, 2020
By Sean Delaney
The Red Bag Food Drive is doing its part to help Emery, and the group is also working to boost awareness to the importance of food banks. The 2020 Red Bag Food Drive is hoping to inspire communities around the city to take part in drives and help reduce food bank shortages.
This...
Hunger is real and you can help
- July, 2020
By Sean Delaney
Among the challenges food banks are experiencing, the COVID pandemic has also created a significant loss of volunteers, which threatens the ability of food banks to remain open.
Michael Verrelli and Brigette Contento have been volunteers at the W.A.E.S (Weston Area Emergency Su...
Emery volunteers giving during pandemic
- May, 2020
By Sean Delaney
Brigette Contento is throwing caution to the wind and opening her home to the items people in need, well, need.
And she's doing it because she simply can't help it.
“I've been in the neighbourhood for 40 years, so I got a little bit of the, are you crazy giving your address ou...