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Pumpkin Parade Appreciations Part 1

Heather Bean organized the fabulous pumpkin parade last week and she has sent along this note of thanks…

Photo courtesy of jaaaarel

Pumpkin parade appreciations

What a great night! I had a blast at the pumpkin parade. Here are a few thank yous to the people who pulled it together.

Thanks first to Natasha Granatstein for offering orientation and lots of good advice, Sarah Kiliuk for handling media contacts, and the whole DECA crew for helping to harness this great neighbourhood’s enthusiasm and community spirit.

Huge, huge thanks to our volunteer crew for the event: Julie Doucet, who managed to photograph the event as she lit your pumpkins and doled out candles; Anita Schretlen, who showed up after the parade to haul pumpkins, taking on the grunt work and not much glory; and most especially to Johanne Von Zuben, who showed up an hour before the parade began and cheerfully stuck it out to the bitter end. A special award goes to Andrea for volunteer spontaneity–she came for the parade but stayed to help us clean up.

Thanks, too, to City of Toronto Parks Manager ,Bob Ward, and his cleanup crew; the next day there wasn’t a pumpkin seed in sight. Amazing.

And finally (and crucially), thank you to everyone who brought a pumpkin to share! Each pumpkin made the parade bigger, better and more beautiful. Hope to see you all out again next year–tell your neighbours!

Show us your pictures!

There were lots of cameras at the pumpkin parade, and we want to see your favourite photos! On Flickr, tag them “DECA Pumpkin Parade”, or email them to hbbean(at)gmail.com

And we’d love to hear from the owner of the giant monkey Jack O’Lantern, the king of the parade. Where’d you find that pumpkin???

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Amazing

Amazing is the word I heard over and over and over again at DECA’s first Pumpkin Parade. It really was.  Nearly 500 pumpkins lined the walkway and the pool.  Here are just a few.  There are a whole bunch of thank yous to come for this one, but let’s just start with the fabulous organizer Heather Bean – who had a great idea and ran with it.  That’s pretty amazing too.

[slideshow]

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The Good & The Bad

Door To Door Scams

A few weeks ago, I told you about some high school boys going door-to-door north of the Danforth collecting donations for their sports team.  Turns out, the boys were not canvassing on behalf of anyone but themselves.  Now more wise DECA members south of the Danforth have caught two ladies canvassing for a 20K juvenile diabetes walk on Thursday, Dec. 9th.  No such event exists (duh). Photos were taken of the two women and the police were called.  Police responded quickly and with much interest, but no word on whether the women have been located so be mindful when people come to your door asking for money.

East End Children’s Centre Annual Gala – I ‘Heart’ East York

This drop-in centre for children up to age six is in the Kimbourne Park United Church at 200 Wolverleigh.  It’s a god-send to many a parent and caregiver who need a place for the kids to play.  This year’s New York-themed event features Manhattan Martini Bar, Yankee Stadium Hot Dog Stand, Soho Sushi, Seinfeld’s ‘Mr.Sub’ Deli, Sex In The City Cupcakes – you get the idea.  Silent and live auction items are always fabulous.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.   The group ticket deal includes wine – cheers!  Contact them at 416-469-0495 for tickets or information.

CranioSacra Treatments

This summer, Nan Jokura, provided free CranioSacral treatments at the East Lynn Farmers’ Market to curious market-goers.  Now, Nana is offering 50% off your initial visit ($40) to DECA members if you contact her at nanajokura@hotmail.com before Nov.5th.

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Pumpkin Parade

On the day after Halloween, bring your pumpkins to the Danforth East Community Association Pumpkin Parade at East Lynn Park.  Lit pumpkins will line the park’s walkway and playground.  Please bring your own candle; lighters will be available at the park.  Monday, November 1st – 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

 

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A Cluster Of Danforth Gems

Plank Road Market

Many of you will know that the inaugural project of DECA’s Business Revitalization Team was to help what was ‘Michael’s Meats’ re-invent itself as Plank Road Market.  Now Roger and Julie have bought a building (instead of renting) just west of the old location at 1716 Danforth (across from McDonalds) and have opened a new and beautifully- improved Plank Road Market.  You’ll think you’re shopping in Yorkville it’s so pretty.  They are having a grand opening this Sunday, October 31st around noon for a BBQ and live entertainment.

From our favourite local shopper , Pat, a visit to Jenny’s Floral Boutique and WAG on the Danforth.

I stopped in at Jenny’s,  the new florist shop (1898 Danforth).  She made me a beautiful bouquet–terrific presentation–for $15 plus HST. Jenny is originally from Hungary and had a floral shop there. This is her first Canadian venture and I certainly wish her well. The shop is bright and clean and very nicely decorated.

Also, a shout-out to WAG on the Danforth. In addition to offering an outstanding selection of well-chosen pet supplies, Ruth is a fount of information on all things cat and dog-related. Very reasonable prices too. Makes shopping locally a treat and a bargain.

Looks Matter

I’ve noticed a few long-time businesses who have recently put up new signs, Seb’s Cappuccino (1928 Danforth) and Everybody’s Hair (2144 Danforth).  One thing we’ve learned through the Business Revitalization Team is that signage is darn expensive.  But, it is so incredibly important both for drawing in customers and for improving our streetscape.  So thanks guys, for the new signs.

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Friday Night Hallow’s Eve Fun

If a municipal election campaign that goes on for more than a year isn’t enough to scare the pants off you, try this…

The Earl Beatty Community Centre is presenting it’s third annual haunted house (cue spooky music).

FOUR FLIGHTS TO HORROR!

Friday October 29th, 6-9 p.m.
Earl Beatty Community Centre Gymnasium (455 Glebeholme Blvd.)
$2.00 (14 & UNDER) $3.00 (15 +)

Please donate a non-perishable food item for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Recommended for ages 8 and up, children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Proceeds to the Earl Beatty Community Centre Advisory Council for community centre programs.

How To Train Your Dragon – Movie Night

Once you’re finished sliding your hands into cooked spaghetti and mushy grapes, walk east and buy your popcorn to watch How To Train Your Dragon.

Friday, October 29th, 7 p.m. – approx 8:45 p.m.

Salvation Army (107 Cedarvale, behind Gledhill school and across from Valu-Mart)

$3 adults, $2 children (2 yrs and under are free)

Refreshment bar: popcorn, drinks, chocolate bars etc.

All proceeds to the Kidzone After School Program run out of the Salvation Army.