October 2012 – Danforth East Community Association

October 30, 2012

Sandy Aftermath & Pub Crawl Praise

Sandy Aftermath

Well, almost 24 hours has passed since the worst of Sandy blew over Toronto and we’re hoping everyone is with power and managed to escape with minimal property damage. We are glad that no injuries were reported, although it seems that the east end was hit hard with power outages overnight. In fact, many residents were without power well into the morning, along with some local businesses, schools, and daycares, some of which were shut down for the day.

Some DECA Board members did visual surveys of area parks, and here’s what we know:

There was major tree damage to Monarch park. Six large trees are gone, several others lost significant limbs and a bench was ripped out of the ground, concrete footings and all. (see photo below)
East Lynn Park had a few big branches down on the north side of the park but no major tree losses or damage.
Stephenson Park and the Williamson Ravine were very much spared from major damage.

What did you wake up to this morning? If you have pictures of the local storm or storm aftermath, please share them on our Facebook Page or let us know in the comments below what happened in your area.

Remember to call the City at 3-1-1 if you see damage that requires attention. If the damage is related to a hydro wire, call Toronto Hydro at (416) 542-8000. (That is also the number to call during a power outage, so it might be worth keeping it in with your flashlights and candles.)

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Good times had by all at the DECA Pub Crawl

A little over a week ago, neighbours came together for drinks and samples at local bars. Here’s a note from the organizers, Tara and Susan, recapping a great evening. The good news is that they’re already planning the next one!

Wow, what a drizzly turned sizzly evening the Danforth Pub Crawl was. We, Susan and Tara, would like to personally thank all the business owners and participants.

It was a great success for all! The host restaurants had new customers presented to them, and the Crawlers were introduced to places they had never had the pleasure of visiting! All of us became fast friends, and we found some hidden talents/products/services amongst us all too.

The hosts at each restaurant showered us with heaps of goodies, which were doled out all night as prizes for raffle draws, being on time, and for just being there at all!

Susan had the great idea to ask the biz owners to chat about their restaurants, some history and their specialties. Tara asked the pub crawlers to stand up and promote themselves too. We all quickly became interested, and found many common interests to talk about.

We started the Pub Crawl at Sidewalk Cafe, where Enza made delicious Italian sushi and mini martinis. We donned our feather boas and Hawaiian leis to make us stand out in the crowd.

The next stop was Sarah’s where we sampled wine, beers and appetizer platters in our own room with a fireplace.

A little damp, we arrived at El Sol’s where the beef tacos were ready and served up quickly with delicious margaritas that warmed us up fast.

TKO’s was our next destination, and we had plates of pulled pork sliders, mini burgers and beer samplers.

Some Crawlers used taxis, but for the rest, the last walk was long, wet and song-filled! Mostly we sang and bugled Singing in the Rain. Someone knew all the words, and it was fantastic.

When we got to Relish, it was warm and inviting, and the service was super; they gave us free beer samples! Joanne from Relish initially gave us the super idea to end the night at her place, Relish, as Karaoke started at 10pm on Thursdays! (Turns out Tara has a twang when she sings country!)

Jason from Toronto Model Photography captured the happenings with his camera, so thank you Jason.

We’ve already started planning the next outing! Please feel free to email Tara if you would like to join us next time. We will also be sure to put the info out on the decadiaries as soon as we know our plans.

Tara & Susan

October 28, 2012

DECA 101, Cocktail Party Invite, and Seniors Consultation Tomorrow!

Are you a long-time DECA Diaries subscriber who knows all about DECA but can’t figure out what the BIA is? Did your spouse sign you up for this blog and you don’t know what DECA is or what it even stands for? Perhaps you have just joined and are keen to learn more? Regardless of the reason for your thirst for DECA knowledge, we are here to quench that thirst.

Here are some answers to some of the most common questions we hear, and some details about this year’s AGM/Cocktail Party.

What is DECA?

The Danforth East Community Association (DECA) is a residents’ association that was formed in 2007 by a group of people who were looking to focus on building something, as oppose to fighting something. DECA’s goal is to make our neighbourhood a more vibrant, walkable and safe place.

What are our boundaries?

Our boundaries are Monarch Park Ave. in the west to Main St., Mortimer/Lumsden in the north, to the Go Train tracks south of Danforth.

Why do we need paying members?

To give us clout and legitimacy, and also to raise revenue. The $10 contributions allow us to put on so many events and activities each year. Stay tuned for more info about membership renewals.

What does DECA do?

Business Revitalization Team (did you like the pop-up shops the past couple of weekends?), East Lynn Farmers’ Market, Danforth East Arts Fair, safety walks, political debates, and more recently, the kids stuff sale and pub crawls.

What’s the difference between DECA and the BIA?

The short answer is that DECA represents the residents of the neighbourhood, and the BIA represents the business owners.

The Business Improvement Area (BIA) is run by a voluntary board of property owners and tenants, with an aim to stimulate business in the area. BIAs are regulated by the City, and are funded partially by the City, and partially by levies paid by each business.

On the other hand, DECA is funded entirely by membership fees and fundraising, and we get no funding from the City.

We are fortunate in our area that our BIA, the Danforth Mosaic BIA, is currently very supportive of DECA and both groups are working to foster a good working relationship, which is good because it makes sense to keep good lines of communication open.

What does our BIA do?

The Danforth Mosaic BIA was established in 2008 and covers a larger stretch of the Danforth than DECA’s borders cover, from Jones to Westlake. There are actually 400 shops in this BIA – one of the geographically larger BIAs in the city. The BIA puts on some events, and they pay for the flowers that are put in along the stretch each spring, which we at DECA know is something that many residents really appreciate and enjoy.

When is your Annual General Meeting (a.k.a. the neighbourhood cocktail party)?

If you want to learn more about DECA or just have a drink and tappas with your neighbours, mark November 12th in your calendar. We’ll be hosting the 4th annual DECA AGM & Cocktail Party – this year at a new location – Relish Bar & Grill.

If you want to get more involved, this is your time to speak up! If you are interested in becoming a Board Member of DECA or want to volunteer in other ways, please let us know ahead of time by emailing here.

And if you want to stay in touch in other ways, follow us on facebook or twitter, or our website.

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And one more thing that DECA does is keep you all updated about neighbourhood news and events – like posting this invitation from Councillor Janet Davis about a Senior’s Strategy Consultation taking place tomorrow, October 29, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.:

October 27, 2012

Mrs. Darlings Is Darling

There are spaces still available for the registration programs at Mrs. Darlings. Feel free to drop in.

MRS. DARLING’S IMAGINARIUM

This weekend only, visit Mrs. Darling’s temporary studio where young creatives 4-14 can explore many mediums and material in workshop format. 20 participant to a class and four facilitators to help imagination became reality. Jewelry making, paper crafts, edible art, DIY, paper mache, fibre arts, group art, upcycling and re purposing – they will learn that they can create something beautiful from almost anything. There are also two drop in studio times where craft ideas and materials are ready to go, and families could mingle, create and play together.

Saturday, October 27, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

9am-12pm Drop in. Animal masks, all ages. Duct tape wallets and flower accessories with Martina Rocks! Best for ages 8+. ($10 for both activities) Group canvas in honour of Stella Bruner Methven. (Free)

1-2pm Paper mache taxidermy, Narwhals. Best for ages 6+. (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

2-3pm Framed silhouettes (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

3-4pm Chanel inspired Peter Pan collar necklace and graffiti bracelets (pre-registration required, click here). Necklace best for ages 8+. ($15)

4-6pm Wooden spoon puppets. Dramatic story time (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

Sunday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

9am-12pm Drop in. Fantasy make overs! Fairies, princesses, pirates and super heroes oh my! Wear your favorite alter ego costume and make, new accessory and get a little hair and “make-up” done. ($10)

1-2pm Glittered tee shirts (pre-registration required, click here). Best for ages 5+ ($15)

2-3pm Mini monster and bunny stuffies (pre-registration required, click here).($15)

3-4pm Candy sushi to eat and candy bracelets to wear (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

4-6pm Dress up and dramatic story time. Play and be silly while acting out a favorite children’s story (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

Mrs. Darlings Imaginarium for Girls and Boys – A place to play with art and discover the art of play. To explore, make believe, and follow where ever their imaginations take them. Mrs. Darling encourages the inspired magic with drop in times, where children and their parents can mingle and create, with facilitators to guide and encourage, as well as classes for more elaborate projects and intimate instruction.

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October 26, 2012

Pop-Up Reminder and Pumpkin Parade

Mrs. Darling’s Imaginarium takes over the Pop-Up Shop

This weekend 1948 Danforth will be transformed into Mrs. Darlings Imaginarium for Girls and Boys – A place to play with art and discover the art of play. There are drop-in studio times both Saturday and Sunday mornings (9 a.m. until noon) and facilitated classes in the afternoons (1 p.m. until 6 p.m.) ideal for the 4-14 year olds. For the detailed schedule of activities this weekend and to register for classes, check out Mrs.Darling’s website.

Pumpkin Parade 2012

It’s baaaaaack! The third annual DECA Pumpkin Parade in East Lynn Park. Bring your jack-o-lantern to the park next Thursday, November 1, and be part of the most magical night of the year in our neighbourhood. Don’t forget to BYOC (bring your own candle!) Fun begins at 6:30 p.m.

October 24, 2012

Farewell to our Farmers for 2012

Sniffle. It’s time to say farewell to our farmers for yet another year. Don’t forget to come to East Lynn Park on Thursday to say goodbye in person and fill your cellars and freezers with local delights. This year we tried to give you some insight into the farmers, their families and their products by profiling them on the blog. We hope you enjoyed.

Thank you to all the farmers:

Steacy, Scott and Grace Anne of Primeridge Pure
Jay of Danbrie Farms
The Larry Short Clan of Sun Ray Orchards
Angela and Matteo of Loffredo Fruit Farms
Josh of Belanger’s Organic Farm
Nabhan and Anne of O.K. Farms
Gary and Larry of Godelie Farmily Farm
Gilbert of Cookstown Greens
John and Irina of Bees Universe
Boz and crew from Bosco Farms

Once again our community showed their appreciation to the farmers by providing a lovely dinner each week. Thank you to this year’s line-up of culinary volunteers: Alisa Metcalfe, Shelley Pogue, Diana Gonzalaz, Ruth Heathcote, Catherine Dorton, Nicola St. John, Kirsten Hurd, Mary Egan, Melanie’s Bistro, Amoy Lowe, Susan & Bruce Crofts, Nicola Yap, Brenda Chow, Susan Spratley, Patricia Chartier, Ruth, Tak Bui, Sheila Colla, and the Ceili Cottage. If you’re interested in helping out next year, please email shelleydarling(at)yahoo.ca.

And thanks to all of you for supporting the local farmers each week and making the East Lynn Farmers’ Market the best in the city.

See you next year!

October 22, 2012

Dressed up Doggies, Mrs. Darlings, and 54 Division

DOGGIE FUN

You know how on Saturday mornings, your dog can sense that you’re not going to work and will therefore give you their best sad eyes that scream “take me with you!”??

Well this Saturday, October 27 from 10:30 a.m. – noon, you get to be doggie parent extraordinaire! Dress up your pooches and bring them to the Merrill Park Dog Association annual Howl-o-Ween festival! (Because what does a dog love more than dressing up in costume?)

Enjoy the festivities in the park and help raise money for Speaking of Dogs.

* Dog Costume Contest * Mummy Wrap * Poop Toss * Bobbing for Balls * Prizes!!! * Beverages and Snacks * And more…

(Rain Date: Sunday, October 28th)

Click here for more info, or if you might want to volunteer to help out!

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DECA’S 2nd POP UP SHOP: MRS. DARLING’S IMAGINARIUM

Did you pop in to the pop up over the weekend? Could you feel the buzz? Well, next weekend, October 27 & 28, a new business will occupy the space at 1948 Danforth. Yet again our neighbourhood has a chance to show landlords and businesses how willing we are to show up, shop local, and renew East Danforth.

Many of you already know Mrs. Darling from the craft tent at the East Lynn Farmers’ Market, but just wait until you see what she can do with a whole store for two full days! See below for more details. Note that some activities require advance registration, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

Pop up What??

A one-weekend only, temporary studio where young creatives 4-14 can explore many mediums and material in workshop format. 20 participant to a class and 4 facilitators to help imagination became reality. Jewelry making, paper crafts, edible art, DIY, paper mache, fibre arts, group art, upcycling and re purposing – they will learn that they can create something beautiful from almost anything. There are also two drop in studio times where craft ideas and materials are ready to go, and families could mingle, create and play together.