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Lock up! Rash of bike thefts in this area

Please note that there have been a rash of bike thefts in the neighbourhood.  We are told that thieves have been going into back yards, sheds and garages to steal bikes, so please be sure to lock up!  Remember to report to police any suspicious activity that you might see.  The Toronto Police non-emergency number 416-808-2222.

By the way, did you know that you can report many crimes online?

For more information on safety and crime prevention, contact your local Division: 55 Division (south of Danforth), 54 Division (north of Danforth)

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Know any teenagers with time on their hands this month?

A couple of ideas for teenagers who might be looking for something to do in the next few weeks:

  • Madame Gateaux is running a baking camp from August 13-17 for youth aged 12-17 years, and there are still spots available. The cost is $275. (Think about all the value-add for your family to have your kid turn into a master baker by Labour Day!!)
  • BOMB Wellness is a Community Host for an initiative intended to combat youth inactivity.  As part of their commitment, they are offering 20 5-class passes for youth aged 14-19 for the month of August, for free! Our friend the East End Pioneer wrote about it in detail in a recent post.

Do you have any other ideas?  Please leave a comment!

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At the Market this week: solar power, sock crafts, and samples!

At the Farmers’ Market this week:

  • Learn about renewable energy from Solarshare.
  • Mrs. Darling will be making Socktopuses this week (after being rained out a couple of weeks ago). Bring your lonely socks at 4:30 p.m. for this super-easy craft for all ages!
  • Representative from My Epicure will be on hand showcasing their products with free samples and lemonade.

Best atmosphere of all the markets I do. – Josh Belanger, farmer

As one of the only organic farmers at the market, Belanger’s Organic Farm has a number of loyal customers in the neighbourhood. Josh is a fourth generation farmer;  his great grandfather purchased the land in Hillsdale where the farm still operates. They provide certified organic produce, such as beets, carrots, garlic and potatoes, as well as raised organic meat such as fresh lamb, veal and frozen meat pies. That means that all the animals are fed certified organic food that comes directly from their 200-acre farm.

Josh says that our market has the best atmosphere of all the markets that he does, and he especially appreciates the nice dinners that our volunteer community cooks provide to the farmers (at no cost!). We’re so glad, because we always appreciate the meals that our farmers provide us!

 

The East Lynn Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. between June-October at East Lynn Park, located on the south side of Danforth Ave, just west of Woodbine Ave.

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Local artistan offers backyard sewing sessions

Does your inner sewing genius need to be unleashed? Here’s a hot tip from DECA’s own Mary Cowan:
Have you ever learned to sew? Always wanted to? Been intimidated by the sleek machines, a fearsome instructor and the angst of veering an eighth of an inch off course? For me, the prospect brought back memories of grade 7 Home Economics class and all the horror that came with it.
But somehow, I still signed up for MaMa Ra’s sewing sessions a few weeks ago. Heather Tormey lives just off Dawes Road, and has been offering up a full slate of sewing classes at her home — how to make skirts, rag rugs, cloth dolls and even private tutorials. This lady knows what she’s doing. She sells the children’s clothing she makes on Etsy and at local arts and craft shows, including our very own Danforth East Arts Fair.
Step into MaMa Ra’s lush backyard and find her Brother sewing machine set up under a canvas tent. There’s nothing intimidating about it. She’s been using the same machine since she was a teen (and it works just fine, thank you very much). She also provides more machines for group lessons, so you don’t have to worry about hauling your own.
As you figure out your project, cut and stitch, Heather will use words like “excellente” and “wonky.”  If your stitches veer off course, her steady hand will help guide you back into place. No drama, no tears. And, most likely, no stitch ripping.
Heather’s five-year-old daughter might bring you a snack as you sew — mine was a single-serving yogurt with five carefully chosen, handpicked raspberries from the bush at the back of the yard. And I’ll tell you this on the sly: Heather’s also got wine glasses. If you bring a bottle, she might let you use them.
Heather (aka MaMa Ra)

The sessions are $20 per hr for private lessons (2 hr minimum) and $70 for a group lesson (4 hours). (Note: Prices are have been corrected – apologies for our error in the original post, which many of you get by e-mail.)

For more information, email LittleRas(at)rogers.com. There are a number of different sessions with availability, including skirts and cloth dolls later this week!

Mary’s soon-to-be-skirt

If you can’t get to a session, be sure to swing by the Danforth East Arts Fair in East Lynn Park on September 15 & 16. Heather is going to be one of the more than 50 artisans selling their wares. Her business is called Little Ra’s and she’ll have gorgeous, functional children’s clothes for sale.

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New(ish) Nibbles in the Hood

We may be a bit late with this one, but in case you’re not a regular passer-by of Lumsden and Woodbine Avenues, a new shop has opened on the corner.  Harvest Grill and Panini Shoppe moved into the space previously occupied by Nutralicious Kitchen.  Owner John moved his business here from Queen street recently looking for something new.  Although his primary specialty is corporate and private catering, he offers walk-ins a variety of coffees, pizzas, salads, paninis, wraps and burgers.  He will also be offering frozen meals in the near future, such as curries, jambalayas, lasagnas and pastas.  For more info contact info(at)jscatering.ca or call 416-725-1596.

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At the Market this week: 1 lb of Worms with a side of Artisan Cheese

Cathy’s Composters: If you don’t know much about vermicomposting then visit Cathy’s Composters at the market this week. She’ll be showcasing the composting power of worms. Cathy has worms, organic mung beans and sprout grower to available for purchase.

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Also happening this week:

  • Toronto Public Library Storytime will be at 4:30 p.m.
  • Susan from FoodSaq will have reusable veggie and fruit bags available for your market goods – three for $5.

“If I were to move to Toronto, I’d want to move to this neighbourhood.” Steacy de Hann, dairy farmer.

Steacy’s farm, Primeridge Pure, is located in Markdale up towards the Bruce Peninsula. She lives on the farm with her husband Scott, one year old Grace Anne and 16 dairy cows. Their combined expertise in herd management (Scott) and Artisan Cheese-maker certification (Steacy) make for the perfect partnership for making pure, natural Artisan Cheese. Each week she brings a selection of cheese curds and cream cheeses

The East Lynn Farmer’s Market runs every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. between June-October at East Lynn Park, located on the south side of Danforth Ave, just west of Woodbine Ave.