York University is one of four organizations that received $5,000 to fund research projects focused on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), reported the North York Mirror and Scarborough Mirror Dec. 5. Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network and the University of Toronto also received money from The Community Coalition Concerned About SARS, which held a Tribute Walk at Dundas Square in Toronto this past July to raise money for SARS research.
New Tennis Canada facility almost complete
At a Tennis Canada press conference to announce a $500,000 donation, the organization also updated the progress of the $45-million Rexall Centre, which is replacing the old facility at York University, reported The Toronto Sun Dec. 5. Half of the construction has been completed and the facility should be ready by the end of May. About $350,000 of former volunteer board member Jim Fleck’s donation is being used on the facility. Global TV’s “Sportsline” also carried the update as part of its press conference coverage Dec. 4.
Music grad brings art to environmental conservation
In a Dec. 5 story about Future Watch, an environmental activist group that sends young people to developing countries to do community projects, the Bloor West Villager interviewed a recent York University graduate and volunteer. Kevin Sasaki, 29, recently returned from a six-month stint in El Salvador where he worked with a number of youth groups addressing issues such as environmental conservation. Sasaki graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in music from York University and has also studied biology. He said he was interested in bringing an element of art to environmental conservation.
Give the Best history
The Calgary Herald list of books to give at Christmas, printed Dec. 5, included Margaret and Charley: The Personal Story of Dr. Charles Best, the Co-Discoverer of Insulin, by Henry B. M. Best. This hefty book (540 pages) puts a human face to the man who, along with Dr. Fred Banting, discovered insulin, thereby saving millions of lives, said the Herald. To be sure, it added, Henry Best writes about his parents, but he also comes with distinguished academic credentials, having taught history at York University (1966-77) and served as president of Laurentian University.
On air
- Craig Heron, history professor with York University’s Faculty of Art, is launching his book, Booze: A Distilled History, about the industry’s place in Canadian culture and economy, at Mill Street Brewery in the Distillery District, reported CBC Radio’s “Metro Morning” Dec. 4.