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Green Is The New Black

Community Clean Up Days

T’is the season for community clean ups.  Me and my brood will be at Earl Beatty.  Where will you be?  (A tidbit from me to you: for my son’s last birthday I bought a few long-handled grabbers at Dollarama that would be ideal for picking up litter if you’d rather not bend up and down endlessly.  The young children found them a little difficult to squeeze -though very appealing- but an older child or adult wouldn’t have any trouble.)

You can usually bring your own gloves (though there are usually some available too).  Bags are supplied.  And – in my experience there are usually some treats for your labour.

Saturday, April 24th

Earl Beatty and surrounding streets- 10 a.m. @ the school (Sponsored by the eco-team, the Earl Beatty Community Centre and the school.)

Danforth Avenue – 10 a.m. @ the Coxwell Parkette at Danforth and Coxwell (Sponosred by the Danforth Mosaic BIA)

Taylor Creek – 11 a.m. @ end of Rexleigh Dr.(sponsored by the Taylor Creek Green Group)

Stan Wadlow Skate Park – 1 p.m. @ skate park (sponsored by Team East York Skateboarders)

Keystone Keeners – The neighbours living on Keystone Ave. are hosting their annual Rally in the Alley to clean up the alley and generally have an excuse for a party.  Guess what?  You could do that too.

Ecoartvan

Every Saturday in April and May the Ecoartvan will be visiting libraries all over town to offer a free hands-on art and environment education program.  The van will be at the S. Walter Steward Library on Saturday, April 24th from 1 – 4 p.m. (170 Memorial Park Ave. – just north of East York Civic Centre).

Topham 10

The Topham Park EcoTeam is trying to get solar panels installed on 10 homes in Ward 31 (north of Danforth).  With a LiveGreen Toronto grant of $50,000, they can offer about $4,500/home to help reduce the costs.  So far they only have two homes and are looking for eight more.  Contact Neil Rankin to learn more at tophampark@ourpower.ca

DECA Bikes!

Who knew there were so many avid cyclists in the neighoburhood?   Saturday, March 27th was our first ever DECA Bikes Tune-Up workshop. Cyclists learned the tricks of the trade for tuning up their bikes, met with other cyclists, and were treated to bicycle shaped cookies and juice all for the low fee of paying what you can.

We knew it was going to be a great day when there was a queue at 11 am!  THANKS to all our dynamite DECA Bikes members for helping out.

Next Tune Up workshop is Saturday, May 1st 11 am – 4 pm. Contact Jamie Thiers jamiethiers@gmail.com for more information or to join DECA BIKES.

Reskilling – Soap Making

The Reskilling workshops DECA & ETCAG (East Toronto Climate Action Group) have been offering since last July have been going gangbusters!

We had to run four soap making classes to meet the demand of keen, sudsy soap makers.  Thanks to the fabulous Amanda Montgomery (Simply by Amanda) and her protégé Jazzy Joanna for all their knowledge.  Look for their products at Better Bulk.

Stay tuned for a beeswax candle making class and a bread making class.

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DECA Make A Joyful Noise Parade

On Sunday, April 25th at 11 a.m. join us at East Lynn Park for the DECA Make A Joyful Noise Family Parade.

Kids are invited to wear a costume or a crazy hat and bring their favourite instrument to join the parade!  (Any old shaker or coffee can will do – we’ll also have a few extra shakers for those who need it.)

There will also be some yummy treats from Cozy Bakery and Cafe (in the formerly named Coffee Coffee location).  Spread the word – the more the merrier!

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Danforth Gems

So many gems to share today…

Nutralicious Kitchen

A few people (thanks to Kathy and Miranda) have written to let us  know about a new takeout counter at Woodbine and Lumsden called Nutralicious Kitchen.  Menu items include delicious sandwiches, pizza, salads, daily hot table (for dinner), juice bar and more.  It’s all prepared by Chef Tony – a board certified nutritionist, master herbalist practitioners and a certified personal trainer with a degree in holistic health.  Check it out at 1231 Woodbine or call 647-341-8646.

Creartive Cakes

If you’re a fan of those TV cake decorating shows like Ace of cakes and Cake Boss (or even if you’re not) you should really take a walk over to Creartive Cakes at 2207 Danforth.  Today when I walked by owner, Ji Youn, had a hamburger cake and a nachos cake in the window along with the gorgeous wedding cakes and adorable birthday cakes.  I see she’s also done a replica of the Ontario College of Art Building (above).  Ji is very very nice and she also sells ready-made beautiful and delicious cupcakes.

True Brew Cafe

True Brew is a nice little spot just east of Woodbine on the north side.  Susan bakes her goodies every day and is now carrying bagels along with the lunch sandwiches and soup.  According to the facebook page, True Brew is soon to open on Sundays and is considering staying open later on Fridays and Saturdays.

Elite Music Academy


One of our DECA members (a professional actor and musician) was telling me about the Elite Music Academy at 2007 Danforth (just west of Woodbine).  Her son is taking drumming lessons there and loving it.  She tells me the teacher is excellent.  As it happened the manager walked by and told me they offer lessons starting around age five and also offer music camps in the summer.  They offer lessons in everything from voice to guitar, to Greek Bouzouki and everything in between.  This location is a second location.  The HQ is at Danforth and Jones.

Chicken’licious

And finally – from Renee…

I have a recommendation for a new restaurant on the Danforth called Chicken’licious – at 2789 Danforth Avenue. (416 691 9800).  My family and I ate there on the long weekend, and it was very good! I had the chicken souvlaki on a pita, my husband had the chicken shwarma, and our kids split an order of the yummy chicken wings.  All in all, very good, reasonable prices and very friendly service.  This is a location that has not been successful for other restaurants in the past few years, and I would love to see this one survive!  They also have great deals on full roast chicken dinners, and offer free delivery for orders over $15.

Careerfit Mom

If the opening of a few new bakeries in the neighbourhood (to say nothing of ice cream season) has got you looking to increase your caloric activity, Beth from Careerfit Mom is beginning a stroller fit class in East Lynn Park on Monday mornings and a group fit class at Taylor Creek on Monday evenings.  She’s also offering a new play fit class for parents and kids on Wednesdays.  Find out more at www.careerfitmom.ca

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Show Some Love

I’m delighted to pass along an invitation from Paola Girotti from Sugar Moon Spa for the ‘Show Some Love’ fundraiser this Saturday in support of Toronto East General’s Child Development Centre.

‘It means a lot to me to hold this fundraiser as my son Elias was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. He was born at 32 weeks at Toronto East General and we had amazing care from the neo-natal unit right through to the Child Development Center. We feel very blessed to have such a wonderful hospital in our neighbourhood and would like to “give back” to all the wonderful staff for their support. Come and join us for a fabulous evening.’— Paola Girotti

This Saturday, April 10th at 8 p.m. $10 at the door

Location: Sidewalk Cafe (look for the orange balloons) 1344 Danforth Avenue, Toronto (416) 465-2012

Lots of prizes to be won: 50/50 draws and more!

Coffee Coffee

This just in from Pat on the new cafe at Danforth and Woodbine…

“I just got back from Coffee Coffee and OMG!!!!!!  It is GORGOUS!   The name doesn’t do it justice. I had thought it was somehow linked to Pizza Pizza, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s modern and beautiful inside–spacious and airy– and instead of ceiling tiles they use burlap coffee bags adorned with the logos of fair trade coffee. Really neat. They do all their own baking and try to use organic ingredients where possible. They have breads and strudels, killer cinnamon buns. Today for lunch they’ll have lasagna and soup–it wasn’t out yet when I was there at 10. I think this is their first day open and it will be exciting to see their full product line. I spoke with Vera, who owns Coffee Coffee with her sister. Very friendly and professional.  I can’t believe that after all these years of no bakeries in this neighbourhood suddenly we have two!”

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Getting Fit And Other Cool Stuff

I’ve been meaning to write about Alisha Austin Fitness for – oh about six months now.  I’ve been procrastinating about it.  You  ever do that?  Procrastinate?  Perhaps you procrastinate about getting fit?  If you’ve been coming up with 101 reasons for not going to the gym or going for a jog or doing whatever DVD you have in your basement, you should get to know Alisha.  You might already know her.  If your kid has ever had their face magically transformed with face paint at the East Lynn Market, you’ve probably met the wonderful, talented, totally down-to-earth, Alisha Austin.

Aside from being a fabulous DECA volunteer, Alisha is also a personal trainer – but she’s no uber-pumped, intimidating iron-woman.  She’s a mom who knows what an unused gym membership looks like.  She’s not all judgmental about it.  But she can get your butt into gear.  If you’ve ever thought about a private personal trainer – you won’t find a better price than this.  And nothing will get you started like a few private sessions.  If that’s not your thing, there are other boot camp options to choose from.  The least you can do is check out the website.

Anyway – I stopped procrastinating and you can too.

Yoga

If that’s not your thing, you might try a little yoga with another DECA member,  Amanda, on Monday evenings or Friday mornings (before work) in a home-based studio on King Edward (one block east of Woodbine.)  For more contact her at simplybyamanda77@gmail.com

Honest Earl’s Bargain Basement Sale

This sale at Earl Beatty School (55 Woodington Ave – one block east of Coxwell, two blocks north of Danforth) offers gently used clothing for children and infants.  There is outerwear, sportswear and everydaywear.  The sale supports the schools eco team.  There will also be a 50/50 draw and delectable baked goods along with coffee and tea. Saturday, April 17th – 9 – 1 p.m.

Bike Sauce Fundrasier

I told you about Bike Sauce a few weeks ago.  Now they’re having a grand opening and fundraiser to get the wheels rolling.  Bike Sauce will officially open on April 17th at 717 Queen Street East (at Broadview) and they’re having a fundraiser on April 9th at Blue Moon at 725 Queen St. East.  Check out the website for more info.

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April 23rd – May 2nd – Art of the Danforth

Art Walk April 23 – May 2, 2010 along Danforth between Greenwood & Woodbine

Mark your calendars for the DECA Family ‘Make A Joyful Noise’ Parade on Sunday, April 25th at 11 a.m. in East Lynn Park!  Get your costumes and musical instruments ready to rock the park.

With less than a month between now and the launch of Art of the Danforth,  there are still have a couple creative opportunities:

1. Where history meets collage – Cut ‘n paste party April 4th

2. Photo mosaic submissions due April 4th

3. Seeking creative ideas for decorating planter boxes

HISTORICAL COLLAGE: One of our displays will be a collage of historical material (photos & stories) from the neighborhood.    Do you have an old photo, a good story, even a favorite quote from the past you’d care to share?    Please send it to us before April 4th so we can include it in the collage.  We also need volunteers to come cut and paste with us on April 4, 10-noon (LucSculpture Studio & Schools, 663 Greenwood). 

PHOTO MOSAICS: The deadline to get your photos in for inclusion in our series of photo mosaics is April 4th.    You’ll find all the details about the photo criteria and how to submit at:   http://www.artofthedanforth.com/2010/02/photographers-needed-for-photo-mosaic-project/

DECORATE A PLANTER BOX: Here’s the challenge: come up with a decorative idea for one of the planter boxes along Danforth that keeps to the following restrictions:

·         Decorations cannot be tied to or harm the tree in the planter in any way

·         Stakes in the dirt are not allowed (with the possible exception of very minimal staking along the side of the cement, furthest from the tree itself)

·         Displays cannot extend beyond the physical borders of the planter boxes or be taller than 3 feet.

·         Displays MAY circumvent the tree in order to discourage theft/ vandalism

·         Artwork must be made of material that is durable for a minimum of 10 days.  Recycled and recyclable material is preferred

·         In keeping with the event theme, the artwork ideally engages viewers and encourages them to reflect upon life along this part of the Danforth

At this point, we’re not asking that you actually create this decoration, though if you want to actually do so, we’d love to have your help.  Right now we’re just looking for fun, creative ideas.  If you have an idea, talk to us!

And finally… a reminder for artists and artisans: the Danforth East Arts Fair (September, 2011) has its early deadline on April 30.  Now new and improved, with no application fee.  You’ll find the application and other details atwww.deca-arts.ca.