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Rink Side Campfire & Toronto East General

Just in case you missed this post earlier….

Rink Side Campfire

At DECA’s first meeting of 2011, we decided to form a parks committee.  One of the things this committee is going to do is develop an inventory of parks and recreation (and cultural) items in our neighbourhood.  We hope that this will be both a resource to the community and that it will give us a better sense of what facilities are available in our community in comparison with others.

This led into a discussion about the possibilities of a campfire at East Lynn and at Monarch Park.  We know they do campfire events at Dufferin Grove and at Greenwood Park alongside the skating rinks so we have some folks who are exploring these opportunities around here.  One thing we’re doing is talking with the Friends of Greenwood (FROG) about their campfire events.  And lo and behold they sent us an invitation to their next party!  And by us, I mean YOU.

Rink Side Campfire, Sunday February 20  – 11-12:30

Marshmallows, hot chocolate  – bring your own mug.

Lost Ring

Jon Isaak has been a good friend to DECA – particularly the Farmers’ Market – as a skilled graphic artist and volunteer.  He lost a ring on Sunday, Feb. 6th either in East Lynn Park or Merrill Bridge Road Park.  It’s inscribed 2007/9/15.  If you’ve found it let me know and I’ll connect you with Jon.

TEGH

There is an official public community meeting about the plan to renovate Toronto East General coming up.  As I have discussed here before, the plan is to build on the current parking lot on Sammon Ave. and take down the building that fronts on to Coxwell.  The DECA executive was invited to tour the hospital and see why exactly the hospital needs a serious overhaul.  Personally, I truly couldn’t believe the state of some of the parts of that hospital.  I’m going to post another blog about this in the next few days, but mark your calendars and please plan to attend the meeting on March 2nd – and not just if you don’t like the plan.  If you’re in favour of a renovated hospital, the City and city councillors needs to hear that too.  I don’t have the time and place, but when I do, I will let you know.

Mosaic Storytelling Festival

The Open Door East End Arts Collective and St. David’s Anglican Church celebrate the diversity and creativity of our rich East End neighbourhood – and our world – through six afternoons of storytelling with tellers and tales from all across the globe. Occurring every two weeks from Jan. 23 to Apr. 17 at 3 pm in St. David’s parish hall at 49 Donlands Ave, right across from Donlands subway station.  Admission PWYC (pay what you can), suggested minimum $5 per person.

For more information call 416-469-2878.

Sunday, February 20 at 3:00 pm – Black History Month – Leeya Solomon and Sandra Whiting tell stories from Africa and the Caribbean


 

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DECA Exec Meeting Tues Jan 25th 2011

Any DECA members are welcome to come to DECA executive meetings.  I will post the information about the next meeting in April.  Here are the minutes of the last meeting.

DECA Minutes Meeting Tuesday January 25th, 2011

In attendance: Natasha Granatstein, Rachel Jolicoeur, Mary Vallis Cowan, Lorraine Cheng, Catherine Porter, Shelley Darling, Anita Schretlen, Sheri Hebdon, Steve Wickens, Sarah Kiriliuk, Peter Schmiedehen, Bryan Spratley, Kim Dolan, Cameron Gunn, Angela Matich, Cindy Rozeboom, Honey Dacanay, Tom Howell, Melanie Thompson, Michelle Silver, Melanie Ramsay and Alison McMurray

 

 

An introduction with just the DECA executive took place from 7:30-8:00pm as it was our first meeting after the election.

 

Safety committee:

Community safety walk planned

Self Defense class at Dragonz martial arts date tba

recruits needed for this committee – please contact Rachel Jolicoeur if interested

 

Farmers’ Market:

No barricades this year which frees up time and energy for more planning with festivals

1 volunteer per festival, easier to plan

Volunteers needed to help at the DECA table at the market – 2 hour shifts

see Alison McMurray or Cath Porter

 

Business Revitalization:

Cozy Café in need of help in order to keep them operating

Marketing plan and lighting key points

upcoming facelifts:  Royal Beef

Catherine Porter would love to hear of any other hidden gems that could be put on the list

 

Arts Fair:

In it’s 3rd year, dates for 2011 – Sept 17-18th in East Lynn Park

volunteers needed see Mary Vallis Cowan

Especially want to have food this year either outsourced or as a fundraiser

Meeting at Mary’s house Feb 26 to help plan

 

BIA:

There is a new board and chair at the Danforth Mosaic BIA

DECA was not involved in the election process of the new board

Sarah K. was the liaison but has stepped down, Steve Wickens is interested in sitting in on meetings as an observer

The new chair will meet with Natasha and Steve and Sheri after the BIA meeting Jan 31st

 

Governance:

The terms of reference document needs to be updated

Sheri H. will email this out and invite comments

Want to clarify what is expected of members

Only DECA members can come to DECA meetings

 

Toronto East General Hospital:

DECA has been asked to give feedback on the renovation proposal for TEGH

many of the areas of the hospital are inefficient

DECA was asked to provide a letter of support for the renovation.  It did and it mentioned the importance of a new hospital to our community as well as suggesting ways that  TEGH could keep elements of historical importance such as the lobby in the design of the new hospital, including a multi-media archive that would be accessible to residents and honour those that have helped build the hospital through their generosity

Steve W. has also written a letter outlining the various elements of historical importance and has set up a date for DECA to tour the hospital

 

Website:

Angela M. has the website finished it just needs to be approved

There will be a paypal link and Peter will send her the membership form to be included

The pamphlet is also done but we need a printer to do the job

 

There is no Greening Committee, if someone is interested, please contact Natasha

 

Monarch Park

Steve W. would like to see improvements to Monarch Park especially the ice rink

He has met with Jutta Mason of Dufferin Grove to get ideas on how to make the rink more accessible to residents and more of a community space

He suggested a parks and rec committee to do an inventory of the spaces in the DECA area  – Steve, Cath, Sarah, Honey, Angela, Alison, Cameron, Cindy, Anita

Cindy R. will help by adding cultural arts spaces to that inventory

Future plan to map this on the DECA website

Cameron G. expressed an interest in getting a fire pit going in East Lynn park and/or Monarch park – committee will investigate further

Sarah K. noted that a renovation to Monarch Park would be a catalyst for the residents there who have not heard of DECA

A rink committee for Monarch park was also formed consisting of Steve, Catherine, and Sarah

the quality of the ice is not good (bare concrete) and it is underutilized there are also issues with ice time

 

Mural

BIA money is needed to get the project get done as the city is more apt to do business if a BIA is behind it

proposed mural on south side of Danforth – Toronto Honda wall

2012 –Art of Danforth would like to include a mural in the event

 

Reskilling

Melanie T. is taking over the committee, info to come

 

 

 

TTC bus barn update:

Brian S. updated us that with a new mayor and new councilor and Build Toronto involved there may be some movement on this site

DECA to be involved in the planning process to see the space become a jewel in the hood

 

East Danforth Creative Collective:

Cindy R. updated us that the group is now non-profit so they can apply for grants and fundraise for future projects

It is a loose artistic collective and Natasha is on the board

Planning stages – Global Danforth music festival with music, dance and visual arts drawing on some of the communities that live in the hood

Cath P recommended that we have a showcase of that at the Farmers market

 

meeting adjourned:  9:32pm

 

 

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Rink Side Campfire and Toronto East General

Rink side campfire

At DECA’s first meeting of 2011, we decided to form a parks committee.  One of the things this committee is going to do is develop an inventory of parks and recreation (and cultural) items in our neighbourhood.  We hope that this will be both a resource to the community and that it will give us a better sense of what facilities are available in our community in comparison with others.

This led into a discussion about the possibilities of a campfire at East Lynn and at Monarch Park.  We know they do campfire events at Dufferin Grove and at Greenwood Park alongside the skating rinks so we have some folks who are exploring these opportunities around here.  One thing we’re doing is talking with the Friends of Greenwood (FROG) about their campfire events.  And lo and behold they sent us an invitation to their next party!  And by us, I mean YOU.

Rink Side Campfire, Sunday February 20  – 11-12:30

Marshmallows, hot chocolate  – bring your own mug.

Lost Ring

Jon Isaak has been a good friend to DECA – particularly the Farmers’ Market – as a skilled graphic artist and volunteer.  He lost a ring on Sunday, Feb. 6th either in East Lynn Park or Merrill Bridge Road Park.  It’s inscribed 2007/9/15.  If you’ve found it let me know and I’ll connect you with Jon.

TEGH

There is an official public community meeting about the plan to renovate Toronto East General coming up.  As I have discussed here before, the plan is to build on the current parking lot on Sammon Ave. and take down the building that fronts on to Coxwell.  The DECA executive was invited to tour the hospital and see why exactly the hospital needs a serious overhaul.  Personally, I truly couldn’t believe the state of some of the parts of that hospital.  I’m going to post another blog about this in the next few days, but mark your calendars and please plan to attend the meeting on March 2nd – and not just if you don’t like the plan.  If you’re in favour of a renovated hospital, the City and city councillors needs to hear that too.  I don’t have the time and place, but when I do, I will let you know.

Mosaic Storytelling Festival

The Open Door East End Arts Collective and St. David’s Anglican Church celebrate the diversity and creativity of our rich East End neighbourhood – and our world – through six afternoons of storytelling with tellers and tales from all across the globe. Occurring every two weeks from Jan. 23 to Apr. 17 at 3 pm in St. David’s parish hall at 49 Donlands Ave, right across from Donlands subway station.  Admission PWYC (pay what you can), suggested minimum $5 per person.

For more information call 416-469-2878.

Sunday, February 20 at 3:00 pm – Black History Month – Leeya Solomon and Sandra Whiting tell stories from Africa and the Caribbean


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Skating Party – FEBRUARY 13th

Geesh – who writes this stuff?

Skating Party – Sunday, February 13th

The Earl Beatty Community Centre Advisory Council is hosting its annual skating party this Sunday.  It’s at Monarch Park outdoor skating rink from 2-4 p.m.  There will be music, games, crazy scarf contest, prizes, free hot chocolate, coffee, tea and multitude of peanut-free baked goods.  Bring your own mug to help greenify the event  All are welcome.  Children under six must wear a CSA-approved helmet.  For more info, please contact Cindy Horton at the community centre at 416-392-0199.

 

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This Weekend

Skating Party – Sunday, February 13th

The Earl Beatty Community Centre Advisory Council is hosting its annual skating party this Sunday.  It’s at Monarch Park outdoor skating rink from 2-4 p.m.  There will be music, games, crazy scarf contest, prizes, free hot chocolate, coffee, tea and multitude of peanut-free baked goods.  Bring your own mug to help greenify the event  All are welcome.  Children under six must wear a CSA-approved helmet.  For more info, please contact Cindy Horton at the community centre at 416-392-0199.

Valentine’s Art Market – Saturday, February 12th

This Saturday, check out Coy Clothes’ Valentine’s Arts and Crafts Market at 1390 Danforth from 2-7 p.m.  According to their facebook page, local artisans will be selling handmade jewellery, clothing, accessories and chocolate.  There will be wine, cheese and music too!  Coy Clothes makes some cool stuff..like the shirt above.  1390 is near Greenwood.

Town Hall – Thursday, February 10th

City councillor, Mary-Margaret McMahon will be hosting her first town hall meeting this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at S.H. Armstrong (56 Woodfield Rd.).  This town hall workshop will feature the amazing community organizer, Jutta Mason.  What’s your vision?  Help be part of community gardens, local parking solutions, tree stewardship, public murals, parks and so much more.  If you can’t attend this one, the second town hall workshop will be Tuesday, February 22nd at Community Centre 55.   Coffee will be sponsored by Red Rocket Coffee and The Grinder – bring your own mug.  For more info, contact councillor_mcmahon@toronto.ca or 416-392-1376


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Cozy Cafe

Today my morning was full of Cozy Cafe.  First I received this note from DECA member and my friend, Helen, who had Cozy Cafe cater a party on the weekend…

“I was hosting a party for 80 people and needed help with the food!  A frequent visitor to Cozy Cafe, I had noticed a sign that said they did catering and thought I would ask about it.  I am so glad that I did!  Vera and Slavicia were so helpful in choosing what and how much to order.  They have a huge variety and were flexible to what I wanted and needed.  The food was freshly made and not only was it delicious, but it also looked great (my photos don’t do it justice).  They are very creative and thoughtful about how things will work together in terms of taste and presentation.  And to top it all off, their prices are very reasonable.  The food was a huge hit at our party and I would recommend their catering to anyone.”


Then I opened up the Toronto Star to see Catherine Porter’s Cozy column…

A Cozy Corner That Warms A Danforth Community

By Catherine Porter

I set out from my sleepy home early yesterday morning to make bread with the Cozy Café sisters and dance.

Yes, dance —in a line, “kolo” style, hands joined, chests proud like a turkey, while the multigrain dough rises and the challah tumbles in a mixer.

The dancing is their secret ingredient, transforming their customers into friends.

It’s likely what has saved their business — so far.

“It’s the magic circle,” says Slavica Bodiroga, the willowy one, shaping the still-warm dough into balls. “The more you dance, the more energy you have.”

“This is the energy,” agrees her older sister, Vera Krasabac, who is the pastry expert and the dreamer, the one who leans over a counter, hand on chin, talking to customers. “We give a lot. We are still giving even though we are broke. There are things we appreciate. We are happy. That’s why we dance.”

The sisters are from Serbia. Krasabac came first, Bodiroga had to follow, such is their love. They started baking bread for survival — they were too broke to afford anything but pre-sliced rye from the local Valumart, which even their children refused to eat.

“In our culture, bread means a lot,” says Krasabac. “Our bakeries are open 24 hours and there are always people in them. We always eat fresh bread.”

Next came the pastries and the cakes and the spanikopita, stretched to two metres.

They opened a European-style delicatessen at the cheap end of the Danforth, near Woodbine, where the boutiques are filled with second-hand clothes, because the price was right. They named it the Cozy Café, but there was no money for Starbucks-style lounge chairs or mood lighting. What made it cozy is them.

“You can taste the love in the food,” says Paul Zevenhuizen, a violinist with the Canadian Opera Company who drops in twice a day to get his tray filled up with lasagna and croissants and Tuscan soup, half of which he isn’t asked to pay for. “I worry their generosity be their undoing.”

He was right to be worried. Three weeks ago, the electricity was cut. They hadn’t paid their bill.

“It was dark; it was quiet,” says Krasabac, 45. “We sat on the couch and laughed for five minutes. Then we fell asleep.”

“It wasn’t depressing,” says Bodiroga, 37. “You have to look at the other side. It was a day off.”

Two days later, one of their regulars asked about the blackout. They told him the truth. He is a contractor, it turns out. Next weekend, he’s redoing their floor and electrical wiring for free.

A local graphic designer is planning a new sign and brand for the store. A nearby pet store owner is offering coupons to her customers for the café. And while I stepped out yesterday to take my daughter to school, Zevenhuizen dropped off a $1000 cheque.

What we lack in style in the east end, we make up for in community. We savour the good things we have. (An admission: I regularly dash into the Cozy en route to work to write out their specials on a chalk board, because I have nice penmanship and I am smitten, too.)

“Even in my country, I never had that kind of love,” says Krasabac.

With all this talking, we don’t get down to dancing till after the lunch rush, the last of the schnitzel frying on the stove. They choose a cowboy song.

The sisters grab my hands, one on each side, and we shuffle to the right, faster and faster, until Bodiroga barks and Krasabac twists her arm around like the bread mixer.

The woman who works at the nearby bulk store pokes her head into the kitchen. She’s asked the sisters for their secret to happiness, which glows all the way down the block, she says. She now has her answer, watching us dance.

“This is the part of the puzzle I’ve been wondering about,” she says. “It’s this neighbourhood. And you are part of it.”