LETTER TO THE READERS
Eva Karpati,
Publisher/Editor, Good News Toronto

Dear Good News Toronto Reader,

Is it possible for winter to be a time of gregarious outdoor fun? Absolutely! Although normally associated with summer, I found plenty of activities to partake in right here in the city this winter.

One evening in February, I went to Nathan Phillips Square to experience Winterfest. What a delight to step off the subway and into a hub of exciting activity! Throngs of people all over the square, admiring the fire-breathing sculptures, marvelling at the aerial acrobatics, or skating to Bollywood rhythms.  The sounds I heard were just like the playful sounds of life at the beach — laughing, giggling, singing. The very cold night air did not deter these Torontonian from enjoying what the city had to offer.

I also followed Marlon’s advice in last month’s issue and went out to enjoy ice skating. Stepping tentatively onto the ice for the first time this year, I noticed that I was not alone in my wobbly stance. The rink was filled with brave souls trying to stay upright on the slippery surface. There was a shared sense of mission which created instant respect among the skaters, watching out for each other so we would succeed, and not damage our bodies — or our egos — too much! My favourite part was seeing the triumphant smiles of people whose faces said they had come from lands of no snow or ice, who were having their first winter experience. What adventurous courageous heroes they were!

On a bright Sunday afternoon I went skating with my daughter at the Harbourfront Natrel Rink. Again, there was that delightful feeling of being surrounded by Toronto life. It seemed like there were people from every neighbourhood skating together. Adults were taking their precarious first steps, teens were being über cool, and children were showing off to their parents as they zigzagged through our legs.

We could not keep track of the many languages we heard, all jovial, laughing, all of us enjoying the physicality of this very Canadian activity. I hope that one day the athletes who represent Canada in the Winter Olympics will reflect the diversity that I was a part of on these outings. I could very well have been skating alongside one of our future stars!

Toronto also offers some lively indoor activities with which to celebrate our community. I hope you took advantage of Brian Gladstone’s Music Festival, as talked about in the February issue. This month Dan Hill will serenade us at a variety of venues. And remember, there are still fundraisers to support Haiti. The heroes in this month’s issue of Good News Toronto show us that giving creatively happens all year round.It is the perfect opportunity to experience the reciprocity of giving and receiving, thereby nurturing our community and ourselves.

Winter is no time to hibernate. It is a time to keep our fires burning by igniting sparks in each other. We can motivate each other to play, to give, to move, to sing — but we must be out in the community in order to feel that momentum.

I am so grateful. Grateful to be in a city that provides facilities for us Torontonians to enjoy the outdoors and indoors, regardless of the season, and to be able to be with each other. Grateful that I personally have the ability and desire to participate. And grateful that I am amidst heroes who also choose to enjoy and be a part of the vibrant pulse of Toronto.

Fondly, Eva
Publisher/Editor
evakarpati@goodnewstoronto.ca

When I have a chance, I love reading your paper with the inspiring stories.  Good for the heart and soul!   Keep up with the great work!

Blessings abounding...

Guru Fatha Singh

Congrats for the idea to have a citizen newspaper.

Christopher Herrera

Your paper has made a positive impression on me: it's such a welcome change to find a departure from the predominant gloom-and-doom mode of mainstream media.

Best Wishes,
Vicki