Category: DECA Board

Last but not least for our Board introductions, meet Jennifer Scott. Jenn was one of the organizers of the East Toronto for Syria Hub, and recently launched a local non-profit called Carevillage. These are just her side projects – she also had a full-time job and a family! Jenn is part of DECA’s social media team and has lots of ideas that will keep us current and relevant. We are lucky to have her!

Meet Jenn in her own words:

I moved to the Danforth East in May of 2014. My husband Andrew and I were expecting our first child and, while we loved many aspects of midtown Toronto, we wanted to be in an area that felt like a community, a place that would provide a vibrant environment for us to raise our little one. #DanforthEast has more than exceeded our hopes!

One thing people don’t know about me is…

I have a brown belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Someday (likely when my toddler is a bit older) I’ll have to work on getting a black belt in both! I may be tiny, but I am mighty!

What I love most about Danforth East is…

The sense of community and belonging. In just over two years we’ve been able to make real connections and feel like we are a part of our ever-changing neighbourhood. I’ve seen so many acts of compassion and generosity, of people being creative and approaching life with an open mind. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this fantastic neighbourhood.

My local pet peeve is…

People making disparaging comments about #DanforthEast. There is lots of room for improvement – but that improvement only happens when we take action and become involved.

My favourite local place that you probably haven’t heard of is…

Do I have to pick just one? St. John’s Thrift Store (2155 Danforth) might be my favourite. I’m a big believer in buying items used if possible (to save money and the environment!), and this tiny gem never disappoints me. I’ve found practical household items, clothes for the whole family, and a whole assortment of unique oddities at ridiculously low prices, and I feel great knowing that the store reinvests 100% of its profits back into the local community. And I have to mention Sarah’s Café and Bar, which my family visits almost weekly. The food is comforting, the beer selection is delicious, and they are always so accommodating with my two-year-old; as a parent you sometimes feel awkward heading out with your kids to restaurants, but at Sarah’s, I always know we will be ok.

I joined the DECA board to…

Keep up and expand the good work that DECA has already done in the community! I’m consistently blown away by how much volunteer work and effort goes into making our neighbourhood a vibrant place and am grateful to be able to help.

My final word is…

Most community organizations are formed to be against something… but not this one. DECA was formed to create, to build a dynamic and safe place to work, shop, raise our families – to live. This positivity is unique and contributes to the contagious energy that abounds in our little pocket of the Danforth. We all have a role to play in preserving #DanforthEast’s character and helping it to innovate.

Many of you will already know Gay Stephenson, who joined our Board this summer. She has been working on the pop-up shop project for several years and is a passionate advocate for this neighbourhood. Gay personifies positive energy and she is as kind as she is dedicated and hardworking. We’re so grateful that she’s joined the DECA Board. 

Here is Gay in her own words:

I moved to Danforth East with my partner Scott seven years ago. We’d become empty nesters and we were looking for a new project. We looked at property all over the city but no where seemed like “home”. One day we found a run down, empty six-plex a block from Danforth East. It was filthy and old but we fell in love at first sight. We made an offer the next day and moved in a few months later. That project was a big adventure for us and we now live on Strathmore.

One thing people don’t know about me is….

I’m attracted to sports that involve speed. At 39, I signed up for a snowboarding instructor course. Instructors don’t make much but they ride for free. I taught snowboarding on the weekends at Mount St. Louis for a few years. I got a kick out of being the oldest instructor! Just to be clear, I don’t do pipes, jumps or rails but I love flying down the hills. Now I’m in my fifties and my passion is windsurfing. I take lessons at the Toronto Windsurfing Club beside Cherry Beach. 

What I love most about living in Danforth East….

The people. I feel a tremendous positive energy here; people tend to be kind and generous with their time. I feel very lucky to be part of this thoughtful, caring and innovative community.

My local pet peeve is...

Graffiti on buildings, doors and fences. I’m hoping we can paint some more murals in our laneways!

My favourite local place that you probably haven’t heard of is…

The Tiki Bar. Those of you who have been know what I’m talking about! While it may just be the coolest place on Danforth East, you’ll still feel welcome and relaxed the moment you step in. The Shore Leave is owned by Zach and Julian, two bartenders from the Only Cafe who came to Danforth East to open their own special place. The craft beers on tap are delicious, and their cocktails are created from scratch using their own juices, recipes and caramelized ginger. They also have scrumptious cheese trays. Check out their FB page to see what’s happening next. These guys cook up some incredible meals for special events.

I joined the DECA board to…

Lend a hand with DECA’s amazing community efforts. Now that the pop-up shop project is over, I’m looking forward to helping out in new ways. 

My final word is…

If you are new to the ‘hood, welcome! By getting involved with DECA, I’ve met so many lovely people. I highly recommend the experience of volunteering as a way to feel connected and part of our community. If you can manage a couple of hours anytime over the next year, it’s easy to sign-up with DECA online. From time to time, you’ll receive a message from Amanda Olson our volunteer coordinator looking for help. You only need respond when an opportunity interests you. There’s never any pressure! Whether you’ve just moved in or have lived here for ages, it’s a great way to feel part Danforth East. If you live in our catchment area consider officially joining us, family memberships are $10 per/year and you’ll never make a better investment!

Since our Board members were profiled on this blog a couple of years ago, we have welcomed three new members. This is the first of three posts for a chance to get to know them!

Here’s Loreen Barbour, who is just finishing her first year on the DECA Board and hopes to continue for another year.  In that time she’s helped out at many of DECA’s events this year, led some of our strategic planning and bravely took on organizing and developing our Board orientation resources (which has been a huge undertaking!). 


Here is Loreen in her own words:

I moved to Danforth East…

In 2012 because I had gone on a long trip and when I returned I decided I was ready to really put down roots in Toronto – which for me meant buying a house.
One thing people don’t know about me is…

I’m a maritimer, which means making Toronto my permanent home was a hard decision. Luckily, family like to visit. 

What I love most about Danforth East is…

The sense of community.

My local pet peeve is…

The crazy traffic jams in front of Gledhill Public School during morning drop off.

My favourite local place that you probably haven’t heard of is…

My backyard! Houses on the east side of Gledhill have these incredibly deep lots.

I joined the DECA board to…

Meet people and take part in organizing community events – I really love event planning and seeing how happy folks are when they are part of a crowd at something like the Annual Festival of Lights or the Pumpkin Parade. 

My final word is…

I really look forward to the condos coming onto the Danforth. I know that not everyone is, but I am hopeful that with more population density we will get even more vibrancy on the street level with shops and restaurants.