Raptors host open practice for fans to kick-off NBA season

By Kirsten Parucha

Christmas came early for Raptors fans when the city’s NBA team held an exclusive open practice in Scarborough Dec. 16.

The team of ballers, accompanied by their mascot and cheerleaders, entertained a group of 300 guests for a night of interaction, integration and introduction.

The level of excitement inside the Variety Village was tangible as fans of all ages had the chance to gain one-on-one time with their favourite players who posed for pictures, signed autographs and played a little ball with ardent fans.

Andrea Bargnani (top, left), James Johnson (top, centre) and Jamaal Magloire pose with fan and members of the Raptors Dance Pak.

The event also gave guests the opportunity to be introduced to new head coach, Dwane Casey, as well as the newcomers to the team, such as forward Rasual Butler and guard Anthony Carter.

But the most anticipated introduction of all was of hometown hero, Jamaal Magloire.

Jamaal Magloire  speaks to Raptors fans about new season in Toronto.

A roar of applause and a standing ovation greeted the Scarborough native as he ran onto the court and addressed the fans.

“This season we’re going to pack the energy and enthusiasm of 82 games into 66,” said the 11-season veteran. “In order to do that we need your support. It’s going to be a great season and we thank you all for sticking by us and being patient with the lock out. We love you guys.”

Following the presentation of each teammate was a show-and-tell of what goes down during a regular practice for the dinos. Team trainers and assistants demonstrated the drills and exercises the team does together to warm-up and prepare for games.

To end off the night, the boys played a pick-up game, showing the crowd a preview of what’s to come for the season.

Linas Kleiza (left) and Jose Calderon (right) share a laugh with fans.

Since the five-month long lockout cancelled 16 regular season games, the 2011-2012 NBA season will consist of only 66 regular season games. Pre-season for the Raptors began Dec. 18 at the Air Canada Centre, where they’ll be facing off against the Boston Celtics. The regular season tips off on Boxing Day against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kirsten Parucha is a Toronto Star intern. She works in the radio room.

Star interns deliver Christmas cheer for the Santa Claus Fund

By Tim Alamenciak

She had us figured out from the get-go.

"I know who you are," said the girl, who was around 7 years old. "You're Santa's little helpers!"

And so it was that a little girl unmasked me and Josh Tapper as we dropped off her gift box from the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund.

She politely said “thank you” after outing us.

Tapper's signature elf ears and the present in his arms may have tipped her off.

The second round of deliveries for the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund on Dec. 10 was much like the first (which Jennifer Pagliaro wrote about here) but with a few twists.

For starters, we were working out of a new depot on Wellington Street under the command of Gene Domagala.

Domagala ran the depot with a general's discipline. A 53-year veteran of the Santa Claus fund, Domagala keeps the coffee fresh, the boxes sorted into their proper neighbourhoods and volunteers on their toes.

Tapper and I grabbed the nearest pile first thing in the morning and started loading it into the tiny Volkswagen City sedan that we had use of. Little did we know that the pile contained a strange bit of Christmas coincidence — maybe even magic.

Radio room intern Tim Alamenciak with a fully packed sleigh.

Thanks to a youth wasted playing Tetris, packing the car was a breeze and, with map in hand, we were off to our territory.

The pile of presents was to be delivered to houses in the area of Caledonia Road and St. Clair Avenue W. Just like the previous week, many groggy — but happy — faces greeted us at the door.

One house was a little different than all the rest.

We didn’t suspect anything when we pulled up to a squat, brown house near the end of our delivery run.

Tapper rang the doorbell and glanced at the names on the two boxes.

The presents were for Joshua and Tim.

It was a Christmas miracle.

Okay — on the scale of Christmas miracles, this is pretty far below Tiny Tim shedding his crutches, but the kids were thrilled. Once their mom realized we weren't joking, she was thrilled too.

Left-to-right: Little Tim, big Tim, little Josh, intern reporter Josh Tapper.

So little Josh, 4, and Tim, 6, welcomed big Josh and Tim into their home, showed off their tree and excitedly eyed the red boxes we carried.

After a quick photo, which little Tim seemed to enjoy much more than little Josh, we said our goodbyes and ventured back into the cold, our hearts a little warmer.

There's still time to donate to the Santa Claus Fund: click here.

Tim Alamenciak is a radio room intern with the Toronto Star.