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Not To Brag But….

Since the only thing I do for DECA’s farmers’ market at East Lynn Park is to write about it and eat my way through it, I feel absolutely no need to be modest about it.  Thank you to Renata for pointing us to the fact that Toronto Life has put out it’s list of the best farmers markets in the city (the top eight) and guess which little community market appeared on it?   Yes, we made the list!

Why?  Because we have an incredible group of women who put in tons of volunteer hours to arrange the special events, work with the farmers, paint faces, set up tents, get permits, make caramel apples, organize buskers etc etc etc.  And because we have fabulous volunteers who cook for the farmers (a unique and much-loved piece of east Toronto hospitality) and pitch in whenever we need them.  And because a LOT of people come and shop there and hang out with their neighbours.  And because we have a terrific community vibe that the farmers thrive on and that makes going to the market an ongoing, community building event that helps people get to better know their neighbours and make our neighbourhood safer and more vibrant and at the same time supports local business by significantly increasing foot traffic on the Danforth.  Umm.  I think that’s all.

The market starts next Thursday (June 3rd).  This year, every day at 4:30 there will be a family-friendly activity.  And if you’re looking to sit down and just soak up the atmosphere, check out the new farmers’ market cafe.  Of course, we’ll still have all our special events – from the spring strawberry social right to the fall harvest pumpkin festival.

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Gledhill Goings On

The Gledhill Family Movie Night is tomorrow (Thursday). They’re showing Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. Doors open at 6 p.m.  Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and it’s 90 minutes long.  The cost is $1 at the door and they’ll be selling popcorn.  All proceeds go to Gledhill’s breakfast program.  This is a family event.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.  All families are welcome.

Want to know more about your school’s energy use? On May 25th at 7:30 p.m. Trustee, Sheila Cary-Meagher and Green Globes Energy Specialists are hosting an event that will help schools explore possible renewable energy projects.  The event is at 7:30 p.m. at the Gledhill Public School library.  RSVP to Mary-Margaret McMahon at spargy@rogers.com or 416-693-9276.

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Guess Whose Running For City Council?

I suppose it had to happen eventually.

You get a bunch of community-minded people together and sooner or later one of them is going to try and play in the big leagues.

Mary-Margaret McMahon has been on the DECA executive since we were half a dozen people sitting around a dining room table.  She’s been instrumental in almost everything that DECA has become – from the farmers’ market to the countless environmental initiatives, from DECA Bikes to re-skilling workshops and so much more.  At least half of what you read on this blog comes straight from Mary-Margaret because she’s either organizing it or knows someone who is.

DECA is not a political organization.  It’s in our charter.  So you won’t see us endorsing one candidate over another in October’s municipal election. However, because she’s such an integral part of DECA, I thought you should know that Mary-Margaret is running in Ward 32 (south of the Danforth).  Her campaign launch party is Tuesday, May 18th at the Balmy Beech Club (1 Beech Ave – doors open at 7:30 – remarks at 8 p.m.)  RSVP to lauriesmith1025@gmail.com

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Fun Fair and One Less Empty Storefront

The Earl Beatty Fun Fair is Saturday, May 29th from 10-3 p.m.  It promises “fun and games for all ages” so I assume that means there will be canasta.  The Toronto Maple Leafs dressing room will be there along with face painting , games, inflatable fun, silent auction and raffle, vendors and yes, the world famous (yes world famous) ball hockey tournamet.

And – in this space at the beginning of April I passed along a rumour that the former Wind Jammers store just east of Woodbine would be a Rogers store.  As is so often the case, I was wrong.  Susan at True Brew tells me the sign is up for a Mobilicity outlet.  I had the right product, wrong company.

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Canada Post Grey Boxes

Honestly, nobody works harder for less money than Mary-Margaret McMahon.  Her latest feat?  She’s convinced Canada Post to let her get local schools to paint five grey graffiti-covered Canada Post relay boxes in a farmers’ market theme this spring.  One can only imagine the high pressure lobbying tactics and number of phone calls and e-mails exchanged with the good people at Canada Post that went into making this happen.

So, do you know of a graffiti-covered box that could use a paint job?  Let her know at spargy@rogers.com.

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Poking Around For A New Book?

Book Swap

Summer’s coming… and it’s time to stock up on some fresh summer reading.  If you have books that you are finished with and you want to trade them for some new ones, come to the neighbourhood Book Swap happening on Saturday, May 8 from 11-1 at True Brew cafe (2116 Danforth – on the north side, just east of Woodbine).

We’d love to see books of all kinds — picture books your kids have outgrown, vampire fiction your teenagers might be willing to part with, thoughtful treatises on living the green life, cookbooks, comic books, book club rejects… anything in good shape and ready to be shared.  Grab a coffee, chat with your neighbours, and tread a little more lightly while you’re at it.  Any leftovers will be donated to school libraries or charity.

(P.S. I noticed True Brew is hosting a free coffee day on May 12th – you’re welcome.)

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party To Save The Peace Theatre


You’re invited to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in support of the Peace Theatre – an organization committed to transforming the lives of at-risk children and youth in Toronto.  On this, the theater’s 10th anniversary, the Peace Theatre is in danger of closing its doors – for good.  Over the past ten years the Peace Theatre has helped thousands of at-risk youth and it needs our support to help it continue.

On May 12, 2010, join musicians Joe Sealy and Paul Novotny, Monsoon and others while sipping some Mad Hatter spiked tea and yummy bites at Revival on College St.  The goals is to raise $40,000.  Learn more at www.childrenpeacetheatre.org or 416-752-1550.

Business Revitalization Team

Thank you so so much to the wonderful volunteers who came to help out with the Business Revitalization Team last weekend.  Giving up a few hours of a precious Saturday is much appreciated!  Our next project is Thai Basil Kitchen (near the Honda on the north side).

If you have a recommendation for a business that you love, but could use some help from our amazing Business Revitalization Team – let Angela know at amatich@aim.com

Melanie’s Bistro

You know Melanie Ferreira is good friend of DECA.  She and her husband were profiled in the Toronto Star this weekend. Check it out.

55 Division Community Picnic

Mark your calendars for May 26th (4-8 p.m.) for the police community picnic at Woodbine Park (Lakeshore and Woodbine).  DECA will be there promoting the East Lynn Farmers’ Market so stop by and say hello.