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Then and Now – Beautiful Bioswales

Back on July 25, 2010 we wrote about a pilot bioswale project that, then DECA executive member, Mary-Margaret McMahon was spearheading with another DECA darling, Lillian Sammon.

Can you believe it?  It actually happened!  Mary-Margaret and Lillian pitched a few ideas to the City. The City chose the one they thought was most viable, installed it and footed the bill.

A bioswale is “a landscape element designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. It is filled vegetation, compost and/or stones. The water’s flow path, along with wide and shallow ditch, is designed to maximize the time water spends in the swale, helping trap pollutants and silt.”

Lead In The Water

Speaking of pollutants, and because we always have new people joining this community blog, I like to remind people about the issue of lead in the water. Old homes sometimes have lead pipes in the house or lead pipes from the street to your home. If you’ve never had your water tested (especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have young children) you may want to pick up a lead testing kit at the East York Civic Centre.  In the meantime, a few tips from Toronto Public Health  if you are concerned about lead in your water:

  • Flush the water first thing in the morning and after it’s been sitting for a while
  • Clean the aerator on your tap if you have one as lead can build up along with the rest of the guk
  • Use a filter that meets the NSF53 standard (It should say that on the box of the filter).  In my case that’s a PUR water filter.
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Out Of The Zone

I must admit to being ‘out of the zone’ of DECA diaries of late. It’s been the holidays, the goings on at Earl Beatty – from the ball ban to the potential closure of the community centre and heading out west for Christmas, I’ve just not been in blogging zone. In honour of being ‘out of the zone’ this post is full of stuff that is out of zone. We try to keep this blog very focused on the happenings that fall very close to DECA’s borders because as soon as you extend it a little bit, geographically or content-wise, things get out of hand pretty quickly. But, herewith a few out of zones.

The Projection Booth

This is a new rep theatre on Gerrard between Pape and Jones. It boasts art, schlock, indie and foreign films. It grew, according to the three owners, “out of a desire to support Canada’s vibrant filmmakers and create an intimate and unique theatre going experience. Since opening in August 2011, Projection Booth has become known for outside the box programming and a commitment to showcasing the best in independent and world cinema.”

They’ve got Bollywood Sundays, Super Punch Saturdays, Fright Night Fridays, documentaries and a full slate of other films to discover. They are also renting out the space (Toronto’s oldest running cinema, the website says) and looking for new films. Thanks to Cameron Tingley for sending this find our way. www.projectionbooth.moonfruit.com.

Oil Painting For Beginniners

If your news year’s resolution was to do something more creative or try something new, then maybe you need to check out Julie Glick’s oil painting classes. You might know Julie from her pet portraits, but she does so much more than that (as you can see above). Classes start in February and you can learn more about the classes and Julie at www.julieglick.com

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New Year’s Resolution: More Art

Volunteer Intake / Community Meetings in January

Are you interested in volunteering for Art of the Danforth 2012?   Want to know more about the event?  Please come to one of the following community meetings:

  • Tuesday, January 10, 7-8 pm at the Danforth Coxwell Public Library (upstairs), 1675 Danforth
  • Thursday, January 12, 8-9 pm LuSculpture Studio & Schools, 663 Greenwood Avenue

For more information, or if you want to volunteer but can`t make one of the above, contact Cindy at info@eastdanforthcreative.com

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Cheers To The Chefs!

From DECA board member and farmers’ market team member, Catherine Porter…

The East Lynn Farmers Market turned four this year.

Our first season, Alison McMurray — a restaurant owner and Farmerlicious Femme — thought it might be nice gesture to cook for the farmers, who fold up their tables each week at dinner time.

A tradition was started.

For the fourth year in a row, community cooks showed up every Thursday evening with a pot of chili or stew or pasta to feed the farmers who feed us.

It’s a gesture of kindness, a marketing ploy, and a ingredient to cooking up community. For us, the farmers’ market isn’t just about eating healthy, local food. It’s about building a space where neighbours meet every week, twirl their friends in a square dance, settle in for a movie on the hill, and get dragged again by their kids into the face painting tent.

The farmers are part of that. What better way to build community than over a plate of home-baked lasagna?

Since our second year, DECA has paid a small honorarium to community members who cooked for our farmers. Most of the time, it didn’t cover their costs. They are generous souls. A few volunteered for the first time this summer, others are four-year veterans. A few cooked more than once. We want to thank them all individually.

You all helped to make our market a huge success again this year.

You rock.

If you’d like to throw on an apron and join us in cooking a meal next year, please e-mail Shelley at shelleydarling(at)yahoo.ca

Our beloved 2011 DECA cooks include:

Robin Forbes, Jessica Schmiedchen, Alisa Haggert, Frances Bartlett, Nicola St. John, Susan Crofts, Diana Gonzalez, Mary Egan, Shelley Pogue, Michael Polanya, Susan Spratley, Kirsten Hurd, Wayne Chee, Anne Conforzi, Sheila Behm, Caryn Thompson, Susan Spratley, Melissa Peretti, Catherine Porter and Alison McMurray.

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What You Need To Know TODAY

Opportunities to be an engaged community citizen AND shop locally for fabulousness. All the info you need to be a well-rounded individual!

Sugar Moon Salon is hosting an open house tonight (Thursday, Dec 8th) with sweets and cocktails along with great prizes and one-night-only discounts on gift certificates and many other products throughout the shop. 1509 Danforth 7-10 p.m.

Earl Beatty – Community members fighting the closure the Earl Beatty Community Centre will be at Nathan Phillips Square tomorrow morning (Friday)  at 11 a.m. to let City Hall know how much it means to them. All kids and adults are welcome to bring their sticks for the big ball hockey game or show up in your karate gear or ballet tights. If you can’t make it down, you can write to the Mayor and let him know how you feel. To read more about what others are saying (and there are lots of people saying lots of things, check out the website, here.)

The Earl Beatty Ball Ban has turned into a playground reconfiguration project. If you’re interested in learning more, the school’s superintendent will be at the parent council meeting tonight (Thursday) at 6 p.m. to discuss it further.

Thanks to Diana for this bit of news…

St. Brigid Parish along with St Brigid Catholic School, TCDSB and Special Olympics Ontario will be holding a program for kids with intellectual disabilities on Monday nights from 7 p.m. -8:30 p.m.  Childrens from 4-12 years old with intellectual disabilities are invited to participate. This program is open to all members of the community (not just those who attend the church). Monday nights  7:30 – 8:30.  12 week session $50  All fees used to purchase materials). Registration happens at the school on the night of the program. Please enter via doors beside the NORTH parking lot.

Karen Franzen and Friends 12th Annual Holiday Show

Another opportunity to shop and support local (like down-the-street local) artists. This collection of artists will feature hand-made chocolates, quilts and felted ornaments, ceramics, traditional German cookies, jewellery and baskets and weaving. Refreshments and admission is free. Friday – 6-9 p.m. Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 3 Wembley Drive, Coxwell and Upper Gerrard.