Window caulking and dollar store frames just weren't doing the historical photographs and postcards that adorn the walls of the West Toronto Junction Fire Hall justice.
"We don't know what we're doing," quipped firefighter and self-proclaimed history buff Greg Schultz. "We're a bunch of guys."The Junction Residents Association (JRA) is letting the firefighters off the hook and doing the rescuing for a change. Impressed by the awards Schultz and company have garnered for their historical displays on the inside and outside of the local fire station, the residents association thought it fitting to raise funds with the Function in the Junction event, Saturday, March 27 to frame the countless images that depict firefighting in the community and throughout the city. "We were just doing our part to fix up our place," Schultz said humbly. "It's always an honour to get any kind of recognition, even if it's a thank-you card."Junction firefighters were honoured last fall with a Heritage Toronto Media Award for their efforts in highlighting the history of their station, no. 423 and firefighting in their neighbourhood. The media category saluted non-fiction projects like videos, websites, exhibits, magazines and other publications that inform the public about aspects of Toronto's archaeological, built, cultural and natural heritage and history. Schultz had a hand in creating an historical garden in front of the station featuring a chemical engine circa 1950 and the West Toronto Junction Fire Department bell that was returned to the Junction in November, 2006. Restored fire hydrants sit in front of the garage doors. Behind the fire hall is a memorial garden."They won that award and we thought, 'wow, they got recognized by the city before their own neighbourhood,'" said Linda Clements, co-chair of the JRA. That's why the group has spearheaded the event Function in the Junction, in support of the continuing historical research of "the brave gentlemen of the Junction 423" boasts a poster that's been posted throughout the retail strip. Proceeds from the "function" will go towards professionally framing the historic photographs and documents up on display. The Function in the Junction features a four-course dinner at Aquila Restaurant, on Keele Street, just south of Dundas Street West, across from the fire hall. Tickets are currently on sale for $35. Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m. and will be followed by local live music, silent auction and door prizes. "It's been a year in the making," said Clements during an interview at Aquila, a relatively new restaurant in the area. Chef and owner Jose Corniellis said he is excited to serve his varied menu, boasting five menu choices, including appetizer and dessert. Ticket holders must choose from dishes like the 'Seafood Occasion,' linguini with 4 oz. shrimp, scallop, clams, roasted peppers, snow peas and baby spinach in an olive fusion wine sauce and Black Angus Beef Tenderloin, an 8 oz. Black Angus tenderloin with kalamata olives and a Merlot demi-glaze, served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables."The goal is to raise $5,000," said Janet DiBernardo, co-owner of Latitude 44, the gallery at which the photographs will be framed. "Lots of local businesses have been very generous even though the economy hasn't been great this year. They're very excited."Merchants have donated such silent auction items as fair trade chocolates, DVD rentals, 500 business cards, an afghan and a gift basket full of romantic items, among many others. Between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., Function in the Junction will observe Earth Hour with acoustic musical performances. Amid the silent auction, door prizes and performances, the JRA will be playing classic fire movies. "It's a good cause," said Corniellis. For tickets, visit Agora Cafe, 3015 Dundas St. West, Latitude 44, 2900 Dundas St. West and Aquila, 347 Keele St. They are selling quickly, said Clements.Doors open at 8 p.m. to everyone for free, for the local live music and silent auction. Donations would be appreciated.