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Short and Long


O.k. I’ve got a long list of items and an awareness of short attention spans so I’m going to try to make these as short and sweet as a melty mint.

The final deadline to apply to be a vendor in the hugely popular and incredibly cool Danforth East Arts Fair is June 15th so act now to avoid disappointment!

Speaking of art and how freakin’ cool we are…The Art of the Danforth crew is well into organizing for spring 2012 and they need some volunteers…some now and some next May.  Right now Cindy needs a couple people to do 2-4 hours of internet research and/or 2-4 hours of walking the street to introduce ourselves to new stores.  In May 2012, they’re wondering if there are any adventurous souls/families who live close to Danforth who would offer up their front yards for art installations.  They would love to be able to offer curators a private residence as a potential installation site – dunno if they’d use it, but it potentially could be interesting.  If you are interested in either or both or none of those things, but want to talk to Cindy, contact her at info(at)eastdanforthcreative

Tomorrow is DECA’s Container Gardening Workshop from 2-4 p.m.  Don’t miss it. Don’t forget.  And don’t give me some lame excuse about your in-laws dropping over unexpectedly.  We’re also planning another full season of DECA Learns from canning to bicycles with some gardening thrown in for good measure. More on that in a future post.

Beatty Buddies daycare is a delightful little place in the basement of Earl Beatty Public School north of Danforth, east of Coxwell.  Earl Beatty is slated for full day kindergarten in 2012 and that is just one of the reasons why the daycare has formed a strategic planning committee.  The first thing it’s doing is a survey of you – the community.  So whether your kids are in university or in utero, please take a few moments to fill out the short survey.

Yes, the photo above is of a new place on the Danforth, east of Woodbine.

Yes, Target has announced one of its first Toronto stores will open at Shoppers World at Danforth and Victoria Park.

Yes, Goodlife is once again offering free memberships to teenagers for the summer.

Notes from the Community Police Liaison Committee

  • You can register your bike for free with 55 Division so in case it gets stolen, you could possibly, maybe, have a chance at, perhaps getting it back?
  • Bugaboo baby strollers are magnets for thieves and are being stolen all the time.  Lock them up.
  • Graffiti cleaners are heading out June 15 and 16 to remove graffiti in alleys, garages, mailboxes etc.  Contact Community Centre 55 at 416-691-1113 to suggest your unwanted graffiti location and they’ll try to send over a clean team
Rock On
Because your kids are lovin’ the rock and roll, you need to mark Wednesday, June 29th on your calendar and make your way to St. Brigid’s school yard for the Last Day Music Festival.  This year, featuring the pop sensation that is sweeping the pre-teen scene (seriously) Done With Dolls.  Also Chasing Sam, Colour Connection, Sugar Rush, Checkmate Sergei, Running From Jane, Marissa Dattoli and not just another cliche.  What are you going to do on the last day of school that’s cooler than that.  More details coming soon.
Thanks for sticking with me for the whole post.  Last but not least, DECA’s terrific Parks Team has scoured the neighbourhood for all things recreational and not so recreational and has come back with an amenities list that will amaze you.  The schools, the churches, the swimming pools, the services, the classes.  It’s fabulous.  Behind every one of those links was someone who walked the streets, make the notes, found the links and posted it.  Thanks to the Parks Team for a great piece of work.  Enjoy.
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Environment Days!

This Thursday, May 26th is Councillor Mary Margaret McMahon’s Environment Day.  She’s promised to make it the best one in the city.  That seems a tall order for an event that is punctuated by a huge pile of reformulated poop, but if anyone can make poop fun it’s her.  There will be music (Lost Boys), refreshments, environment groups, games and other fun.  Bring your old batteries and other such toxins.  It’s at Ted Reeve Arena (Gerrard and Main) from 4-8 p.m.

If want to actually compare the environment days, you could check out Councillor Janet Davis’ Environment Day on Saturday, June 4th at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse (373 Cedarvale).  Councillor Davis also plans to have local entertainment and will accept your batteries and old electronics as well.

To find out exactly what you can drop off at the environment days or what you can pick up (composters, rain barrels etc), check out this link as well as the dates of other environment days around the city.

Don’t forget DECA’s container gardening workshop next Saturday at Kimbourne United Church.  Contact Melissa at decagardens(at)gmail.com to register or learn more.

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The Big Hole & The Big Court Case

Below is the story on the court case about the Big Hole from today’s Toronto Sun….  And in case you missed it, here is yesterday’s story about how three jurors were excused for researching the story on the internet.

Businessman torched his store: Crown
 SAM PAZZANO, TORONTO SUN

Businessman John Magno masterminded a plot to burn his Woodbine Building Supplies store on Christmas Day 2001 to solve his financial problems, a Superior Court jury heard Tuesday.

In his opening to the jury, Crown attorney Derek Ishak alleged that Magno,  fraud artist Sam Paskalis and Adrian Roks ochestrated a arson that would enable Magno to collect a $3 million insurance claim and help him build condos on his 2055 Danforth Ave. site.  The plot backfired when the gas fumes prematurely ignited. It resulted in a devastating blaze that killed Tony Jarcevic, 22, and left Paskalis clinging to life in a medically-induced coma. He is now permanently disfigured, said Ishak.  The inferno required 170 firefighters and 40 fire trucks and prompted the evacuation of more than 50 families.

Magno, 51, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, arson and second-degree murder charges.  Ishak and co-counsel Anna Tenhouse alleged that Magno and his brothers bought the Woodbine Building Supplies (WBS) building and land in 1998.  Financial problems dogged the Magnos, court heard.

WBS owed its parent company more than $500,000 and a former employee $40,000. In September 2001, Magno decided to demolish WBS and build condos. Inventory was hauled to the Magnos’ warehouse at 111 Sunrise Ave. and prior to Christmas, the bulk of that inventory had already been moved.  The mounting financial pressures forced Magno to concoct a plan to torch his property, alleged Ishak.  In July 2001, Magno had befriended Sam Paskalis, a fraud artist, whom Magno had bailed out of jail.

Magno, Paskalis and his close friend Adrian Roks created a plan to burn down WSB so that Magno could collect a $3 million insurance policy, alleged Ishak.  Paskalis and Roks recruited some friends to execute the arson scheme. They picked Christmas Eve since the store closed early that day, court heard.  Magno was the last to leave the store with Paskalis behind to send the plot into motion, said Ishak.  In the early evening, the remaining conspirators hauled away leftover merchandise as their reward for their participation.  Both the sprinkler and alarm systems were disabled. A half hour after midnight, the fire was lit but it roared uncontrollably. Tony Jarcevic — who had taken courses in fire protection — was killed.  The trial continues Wednesday.

Small Business Workshops

Elizabeth Verway is offering a business training series of workshops for small business owners.  Elizabeth has been mentoring small business owners in this community for 14 years through the Office Mentors.  There are four workshops in the series:

  •  Business Communications (June 6)
  •  Cash Flow & Money Matters (June 13)
  • Networking and Sales Strategies (June 20)
  • Planning for Business Growth (June 27)

Workshops will take place near Coxwell and Danforth.  The full series is $100 to community members and free to BIA members.  Call Elizabeth Verwey to register 416-463-1713

The Danforth East Arts Fair

The Danforth East Arts Fair will be held at East Lynn Park on September 17 and 18, 2011. The application deadline is June 15th.  If that’s your bag, baby, you might want to think about being an exhibitor at the Beach Studio Tour in October.  If you would like to open your home to visitors or just want to know more, contact info@beachstudiotour.ca or 416- 691-5195

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“If you think it’s going to rain, it will.” – Clint Eastwood

Police BBQ – Wednesday, May 25th 

I try to keep this blog uber local because if you don’t draw the line somewhere, where do you draw the line? (Puzzle on that for a moment why don’t you.) However, I make an exception for the 55 Division police and community BBQ because it’s so darn fun.  There are bouncy fire trucks and other kids rides and slides, bingo, raffles, prizes, music and other cool police/emergency vehicles.  The event is May 25th at New Woodbine Park (Kingston Rd. & Queen) from 4 – 8 p.m.  And guess what?  It goes on rain or shine!

Steve Wickens: Local Celebrity

DECA’s very own Stephen Wickens was featured, not once, but twice in last week’s edition of the East York Mirror.  In addition to leading a Jane’s Walk through ‘the other Danforth’ he was also interviewed as the intrepid leader of our DECA Parks team.  You can read that story here, but you need to flip to page 10.

Parks & Rec Survey


While we’re on the topic of DECA Parks and the inventory that group is doing of recreation facilities, let me point you to the Parks & Rec survey that is asking you what you think about your local Parks & Rec programs, services and facilities.

Toronto Service Review

If you still feel you have more to say, then say it to another bunch of folks at City Hall through this Toronto Service Review.  And you thought nobody cared what you think, tsk, tsk.  This survey is looking for feedback on what services the city provides and how those services can best be delivered.  Pass the gravy.

School Fairs

T’is the season for school fun fairs.  I mentioned last time that the Earl Beatty Fun Fair includes a ball hockey tournament.  This is a very fun, much-anticipated event for the ball hockey set.  But this year there is also a division for the preschool/K ball hockey players in your life.  For more information about putting together a team, contact chorton@toronto.ca or pick up your registration form in the community centre office.

Earl Haig 7th Annual Community Festival

On June 2nd, 2011 Earl Haig Public School students, staff and community will celebrate the annual Community Festival.   Entrance is FREE and includes participation in exciting “retro” games such as the ever-popular three-legged race, and live entertainment.  Other events include a BBQ, an arcade and many crafts.  A craft wristband can be purchased for $5.00 per child or $10.00 per family.  A new event this year is a “purse” table where gently-used, stylish  purses can be purchased.

The Community Festival is a loved event for students, staff, parents and the local community.  It will run from approximately 3:30 p.m. on the 2nd of June until 7 p.m. rain or shine.

15 Earl Haig Avenue, south of the Danforth and on the east side of Coxwell Avenue.  All are welcome. Funds raised by the event will contribute to student resources and on-going school improvement.

Cedar Garden Benches

If you have signed up for our DECA Learns Container Gardening Workshop (and if not, why not?) then you are going to have a beautiful garden.  You’ll want to sit in it.  If you want to sit, you’ll need a bench.  Hayden is an east-end university student who makes cedar benches for the garden. The benches are 48”X15”X17”, very sturdy and beautiful in their simplicity. Each one is handcrafted to perfection and left untreated so that it will weather naturally. The total cost, including free local delivery, is $140. Consider ordering one for Father’s Day or just treating yourself.

Call 416-466-9785 or email:  hangelof@ryerson.ca

Last But Not Least

On Wednesday, May 25th, friends of Erika Marquis are hosting a live music and silent auction to help Erika fight sclerosing cholangitis, a degenerative liver disease.  Before she got sick, Erika was an ESL teacher at the Danforth LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada).  Erika taught many new Canadians and her enthusiasm and spirit made her a loved teacher.  Erika was immediately put on the transplant list when she was diagnosed, but she still waits and she has become very sick.  As she can’t work, she’s struggling financially and that’s why her friends are organizing this event at Ten Feet Tall (1381 Danforth – East of Greenwood) on Wednesday, May 25th from 7 – 10 p.m.

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DECA Learns Container Gardening Workshop

Container Gardening Workshop. Saturday May 28th., 2-4pm


Spring has finally sprung! Emphasis on finally. What’s that they say?  May showers bring June flowers?

Next Saturday, join instructor and DECA executive member, Melissa Peretti at Kimbourne United Church (200 Wolverleigh near Coxwell and Danforth) for our latest DECA Learns workshop.

This container gardening workshop is meant for people in the city who want to grow food plants and have little or no access to soil or ground. The information is basic enough for beginners and hopefully informative enough for a more experienced city farmer.

If you want to till your own soil and taste the fruits, leaves and flowers of your labour, then join us!

The benefits of home container gardening include access to your own local, economical, fresh food, cleaner air through living plants, food for pollinators, educational for children …. the list goes on.

Topics will include:

  • Identifying your resources and site assessment
  • Introduction to garden planning
  • Establishing a container garden
  • Selecting containers, soil and plants
  • Seeding
  • Organic fertilizers and natural pest sprays, and
  • Maintenance.

Sign up soon. Space is limited to 20 participants. A $5 donation to DECA will be appreciated for future community projects.

email decagardens@gmail.com

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What’s In What’s Out

It’s spring and there are a whole lot of new things popping up on the Danforth.  Yes there is this place called ‘Retro Burger‘ beside Shopper’s Drug Mart near Coxwell.  Its menu of deep fried food includes Mars Bars.  No I’m not kidding.  Then there is the ‘Circus Coffee House’ beside Carter’s Ice Cream on Woodmount at Danforth.  Rumour is it’s owned by this guy, but I haven’t verified that with three sources.

Speaking of coffee shops, you read here that the owner of True Brew coffee shop and cafe had sold the business.  The new owner has painted and done some work inside to brighten it up.  Susan L. (not the former owner) wrote to tell me that “people are not making the effort to cross Woodbine and discover this gem in our neighborhood!!!!  Great coffee, all homemade soups, sandwiches, quiche, and desserts!!!!!! Absolutely fabulous food. Please advertise this place so the owner does not have to close down due to poor attendance!”

Up for lease is the former Ethiopian community centre at Danforth and Woodbine.  Cuts by the federal government last year have meant this agency is consolidating its services in one location in the west end.  Columbo’s Pizza is under new ownership. Columbo’s serves pizza, pastas, sandwiches and the much-loved rice balls.  The new owner, Charlie, tells me he has done some work to open up the kitchen and fix up the front of the restaurant (a new paint job etc).  He also told me he is renovating the basement and will be making it available for parties – including make-your-own-pizza birthday parties!

Treasure Land used furniture has opened at 2038 Danforth. They are selling gently used home and office furniture and offer free pick up and free delivery and a seniors discount.  The owner of the business did quite a bit of work on the shop – which had been a crumbling eyesore – painting and generally fixing up the shop.  He makes an effort to make his front window look inviting and that earns praise from deca diaries.

O.k. I know I’m forgetting some things.  Post your updates on the Danforth here or send me a note and let me know the latest happenings on the Danforth.

DECA Safety and Self Defense

Early in April, more than a dozen people participated in the self defence class at the DragonZ Martial Artz Centre – hosted by DECA’s safety team.  Sir Marvin Prashad spent two hours teaching safety and self-protection techniques.  Not only was the class educational it also provided a fitness component in a fun and enjoyable environment.  The event was such a success that Marvin wants to make this a reoccurring event by offering self-defence classes every first Sunday of the month for all to attend.  For more information visit www.dragonz.ca

DECA Executive Meetings

If you’re interested in attending a DECA executive meeting (and you should, we eat and drink and are merry!) mark these dates on your fridge.  We meet at 7:30 p.m. in the back room of Sarah’s pub on the Danforth.

  • May 31
  • September 13
  • October 25

But if you just want to be a fly on the wall, check out the minutes from the last meeting on our shiny new website! 

Earl Beatty Fun Fair

This year the 7th annual Earl Beatty Public School Fun fair will be held on Saturday, May 28th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 55 Woodington Avenue (two blocks north of Danforth, east of Coxwell).  In partnership with the Earl Beatty Community Centre, this event provides a day of family fun including a ball hockey tournament, inflatable games, face painting, auctions, raffles, a barbeque, bake sale and some live entertainment.

Coleridge Ave. Break-Ins

Kathy sent me a note to let me know about some break-ins happening on her street, which is one block east of Woodbine.

“Early Monday morning (9:00) I discovered that someone had riffled through our car. We immediately assumed that we’d forgotten to lock it the night before. As near neighbours emerged from their homes, they, too, discovered that someone had been through their cars. It would appear that we all did not forget to lock our cars, but rather that someone using a slim jim got in, and was even able to by-pass a car alarm. Fortunately there was no damage, nothing of value seems to have been stolen (except a pack of smokes that were smoked whilst breaking into the other cars). We did, though, discover that a few items like sunglasses and a hand tool ended up being left in other people’s cars, and we believe all was recovered. Reminder to all: do not leave valuables in your car/trunk regardless of how secure it appears to be!  My husband did notify the police and advised that many vehicles had been broken into, though I don’t believe that any other neighbours did contact them. Other than knowing what occurred at our end of the block, we don’t know how many others might have been affected. We do know that six cars were accessed.”