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Coming soon to the Danforth, and more!

It may be colder than it’s supposed to for mid-November, but that’s no reason to miss out on walking our amazing neighbourhood.

Yesterday I was on a little stroll running errands and I saw so many nearly-open new businesses and other fun things that this blog post practically wrote itself.

Coming Soon…

My Sewing Studio

1898 Danforth (formerly The Handwork Dept)

The door says “alterations and repairs”. Since the hem just fell out of my favourite pencil skirt, (and I have zero interest in learning to fix it myself) this is great news!

Little Ones Closet

1854 Danforth (formerly Merrily, Merrily)

Looks like it’s a kids consignment store selling new clothes too – great news!

Cumin Fine Indian Kitchen

1820 Danforth (formerly Forth Ave Kitchen & Bar)

When they open up, their website will be: http://www.cuminkitchen.com

Flourishing Sprouts

2039 Danforth (formerly Caketown Coffee)

It’s a child’s activity centre – here’s the website to follow for more info.

https://www.flourishingsprouts.com

…And more!

Other recently-opened businesses you want to know about:

The Workaround, 2080 Danforth (formerly TD Bank)

A parent-friendly co-working space. For membership and other info, visit https://theworkaround.ca

The Ellery, 1870 Danforth

(formerly Melanie’s Bistro)

A great new restaurant with lunch, dinner, and brunch. http://www.theelleryto.com

Common Threads, 2026 Danforth

(formerly condo sales office and before that an abandoned jewellery store)

“We teach life skills – sewing, cooking, organization and money management – in a fun environment.”

https://ourcommonthreads.ca/

Gyoko Sushi, 2143 Danforth

(formerly Happy Sushi)

This may be in the same genre as it’s predecessor, but it’s an entirely different place owned by a local family. It has been nicely renovated and everyone raves about the delicious and reasonably priced food.

https://www.facebook.com/Gyoko-Sushi-226922467965331/

Virtual Experience (VX), 2069 Danforth (upstairs)

Virtual Reality Arcade & Lounge, family and kid-friendly.

https://virtualxperience.ca/

Although the Handwork Dept https://torontovintage.ca just moved a few stores to the west, the new space is amazing. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but definitely go downstairs. Their basement is brimming with treasures from yesteryear and will make you strangely nostalgic for your parents’ basement. I snapped a few pics but you really have to see for yourself. (Yes, that’s a pinball machine and yes all those records are for sale.)

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Hey Danforth East – help us make it happen

Hey Danforth East,

Annual General Meeting. Young Leader’s Scholarship. Largest Community Yard Sale in Toronto. East Lynn Park Farmer’s Market. Visioning Committee. Top-Rated Arts Fair. Pumpkin Parade. Festival of Lights.

…How does it all happen

We make it happen, with your help!

 

When we formed, in 2007, we spent some time considering our name.  We wanted to set the tone that would guide, what we hoped, would be many years of vibrant neighbourhood activity. We chose Danforth East Community Association because, ultimately, we were motivated by the idea that residents, businesses, and other organizations like schools, community centres, art hubs, and others all contribute to the makeup of a community – and all could see their place in the makeup of DECA.

Eleven years later and our 100% volunteer-run organization has a lot to be proud of. We’ve accomplished big – and transformative – things. In addition to the list above, the Pop Up Shop Program. Deca Gems. Sleep Out For Syria. DECA Pride. We’ve stepped up and stood out, revitalizing our community year by year.

And we want to keep growing, to innovate and continue to be advocates for social good.

You can join us by sharing an idea and working with us to bring it to life. You can volunteer to hang out at the Farmer’s Market, to trace the chalk outline of an Arts Fair booth on the grass at East Lynn Park, to use your wit to help us write blogs, dress up in your best 80’s outfit for our scholarship dance party, or design a poster for one of our events.

We’re hosting a couple of daytime coffee meetups with some board members. We’d love to get to know you better and have you be a part of DECA.

Where:  Zav’s Coffee Shop and Gallery, 2048 Danforth Avenue

When:  2pm on Wednesday, November 14th

and

10am on Thursday, November 22nd.

We’d love to have you be a part of DECA, whether these meetup dates work for you or not.  Email us at info@deca.to if you’re interested in volunteering or sharing ideas about existing events or possible future ones. No commitment is too small to matter, and all types of skills are welcome.

–       Love DECA

Join us! Anyone who lives within the DECA boarders can become a member for just $10 per year, per family. Sign-up now. Memberships help fund our work.

Don’t live within the borders? No problem! All are welcome at our events and as volunteers. You may also choose to sign up to support our work by becoming a Friend of DECA.

Get social. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and by signing up to receive this blog.

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It’s a big week in #DanforthEast – check it out!

Eek! We have been neglecting our blog lately but the slate of upcoming events in this neighbourhood is so incredible that a blog post with all of them in one place is required! (Be sure to keep up with local news and events on our Facebook page or on Twitter?)

Read to the end because there are a lot of VERY COOL things! Support our local businesses and all the efforts reflected here!

queer east poetry (presented by DECA Pride) – Nov 15

Please join us for a night of queer words. (FB invite here)

Featuring: Margaret Christakos, Kirby, Kari Ross-Vance, & brandy ryan. Hosted by Kerry Manders.

Admission is FREE

  • beer and wine available for purchase, along with regular coffee shop fare
  • venue has a ramp and first floor accessible washroom

DECA Pride is an LGBTQ+ group supported by DECA. For more info, join the facebook group or send an email to be added to the email list.

Art Slam – Friday Nov 9

Fresh Paint Studio + Cafe, 1849 Danforth Ave (near Coxwell)

On Friday, November 9 from 7pm-10pm, eight artists will enter into a live art competition and create their artistic pieces for an enthusiastic crowd of art lovers. The theme for the evening is ‘Find Your Power’.

Artists will have one hour to create their pieces live and go from blank canvas to creative masterpieces.

When the hour is up and the brushes hit the floor, the audience will vote for their top two art creations. The top prize winners will receive a $100 gift card from Deserres and $50 gift card from Fresh Paint Studio.

The artwork that is created will also be auctioned off and partial proceeds from the sale of each piece will be donated to charity. For this event, they have partnered with Muskoka Brewery to provide the beer!

  • Proceeds from all beer sales will go to support SKETCH Working Arts for Homeless Youth.
  • The evening will also feature the musical vibes of DJ Marlove.

Admission: Pay What You Can (partial proceeds to SKETCH Working Arts for Homeless Youth).

Find out more: https://www.freshpaintstudio.ca/the-art-slam/

Neighbourhood Toy Store Day – Nov 10

So much happening at Silly Goose this weekend. This is Saturday’s event – keep reading to see what’s happening on Sunday! Save the tax all day and so many fun events.

Open Mic Night – Nov 10

Saturday Nov 10th

Saturday November 10, doors at 7, reading at 7:30. No need to register or RSVP, just come on down.

Firefly Creative Writing, 1898 Danforth Ave, unit 2. It’s fully wheelchair accessible and a short stroll from the Woodbine subway station.

$10 at the door will support their scholarship fund. If that’s too steep, they’ll gladly make an exception. If you can kick in a little more, scholarship-ees will thank you!

Come early to grab a seat or beanbag. If they overfill, they’ll need to close the doors.

Kids’ Book Reading & Signing- Nov 11

Make sure to visit Silly Goose Kids on Sunday from 3:00-4:30pm for a free book reading and signing with Heather Smith and Alice Carter, author and illustrator of Angus All Aglow.

The book is about Angus who loves sparkle. One day he wears his grandma’s necklace to school and get teased, but a little girl sticks up for him and shows him kindness and acceptance. Angus All Aglow is a gentle story of acceptance, generosity and friendship, and reminds us that it only takes one kind gesture to restore your sparkle, and returning the kindness can make you glow from the inside out.

Open Rhodes Art Show & Sale – Nov 10 & 11

Over 22 local artists showing and selling their art work in an open house/street sale format. Participatingouses will have “Purple Open Rhodes Signs”. This year we have International Artists from Japan participating.

The show is always held on the second weekend in November for two days. Saturday, Nov 10th and Sunday, Nov 11th from 1:00 – 7:00pm.This year, we are raising funds for the East End Children’s Centre. There will be a raffle and any donations are greatly appreciated. Several pieces of artwork of participating artists will be raffled. Artist Raffle will be conducted by local officials Sunday November 11th at 6:30 pm.

Save the date!

DECA’s Festival Of Lights – Nov 24 from 5-6 (email us if you want to volunteer – we are always looking for helpers!)

DECA Annual General Meeting – Nov 26 (evening) details tbd

DECA meet & greet info sessions – Nov 14 (2pm) and Nov 22 (10am) – details tbd

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Have you carved your pumpkin yet?

It’s nearly Hallowe’en, our favourite spooky time of the year! Have you carved your pumpkin yet? Each year, DECA extends the celebrations and fun by one day, inviting you to bring your pumpkin to East Lynn Park on November 1st, starting at 6:30 until 9:00pm for our Pumpkin Parade. And there’s a surprise this year – a contest for the best pumpkins sponsored by our friends at Create Art Studio! Let’s have some spine-tingling, candlelit fun and meet some neighbours.

🎃 Contest categories are:

  • Most Scary Pumpkin
  • Most Creative Pumpkin
  • Best Decorated Pumpkin by age (7 and under, 8-11, 12-15)
  • People’s Choice as voted by the community

Please join us at this magical event. Bring your pumpkin and candle or battery operated light. We’ll be there to help you light the candles.

A huge thanks to all the community volunteers who pitch in to organize and run this special event – without you, we couldn’t make this happen.

East Lynn Park is located on Danforth Ave. one block west of Woodbine.

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Learn about plans for Danforth Garage on October 30th Community Meeting

CreateTO and the City of Toronto are holding the 2nd community meeting to present Master Plan concepts for the Danforth Garage site. See the options and voice your opinion!

Date: Tuesday October 30, 2018

Time: 5:30- 6:30 pm Open House

Time: 6:30- 9:00 pm Presentation & Discussion- Draft Master Plan Concepts

Location: Monarch Park Collegiate Institute- Cafeteria, 1 Hanson Street

The Danforth Garage site’s anchor tenants are the TTC, the Toronto Police Services, and the Toronto Public Library. The purpose of the study is to create a master plan that accommodates the needs of the three anchor tenants, as well as the local community. This site could become a catalyst for regeneration and place-making in our community.

Bring your neighbour and find out more on Tuesday!

More info is available at www.danforthgarage.com

Photo taken on a recent tour of the building.

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Last Farmers’ Market and Candidate Meet and Greet

Thursday, October 11 – last East Lynn Farmers’ Market of 2018!

EastLynn_Candidates_at_Market

The last market of 2018 is happening on Thursday and it is one that you do not want to miss. Stock up on all the beautiful food still available in October!
We have a special guest vendor this week, Dunbar Organic Farms.  In addition to their organic vegetables, they will have their free-range organic chickens (frozen) for sale.
In the Community Wellness Tent, Savage Falcon Energy Crystals will be offering a crystal grid display and energy clearing body work.
The farmers and vendors make the market possible, but it is our volunteers who make our market special. Thank you!
And thanks to all of you who come to the market and support our farmers. We do our best, and are always happy for new ideas and new people continue to help us make weekly magic happen for our wonderful community from June-October!
Get in touch if you want to be more involved for next year – there’s lots of cool ways to contribute.
DECA has arranged a candidate meet and greet at this week’s market, from 3:00-6:00pm. This will be a chance for market-goers to chat up City Councillor candidates (Ward 19) and TDSB Trustee candidates (Ward 16). We don’t know who exactly is coming or not so you’ll have to just come and see!
***
Our Ward 19 Councillor Candidate Q&A blog series is now completed and we are grateful to the 10 Candidates who responded to these six questions from the DECA Board:
1. What makes you the best person to represent the Danforth East area?
2. What do you think is the most pressing issue for this area, and what is your plan to address it?
3. Who do you support for mayor, and why?
4. DECA took the position that changing the ward boundaries during the election was undemocratic. What do you think about that?
5. We expect that our area will see a lot of development in the next four years. What do you think about that?
6. How will you contribute to a more diverse and representative Council?
Here is what they said (click on each name to go to the candidate’s answers):
Advanced voting began today and continues through this Sunday at Beaches Rec Centre (6 Williamson Road), Secord Community Centre (91 Barrington), or at City Hall (100 Queen St W) from 10am-7pm. Otherwise, election day is October 22!

The East Lynn Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 3-7:00 p.m. between June 7 – October 11 at East Lynn Park, located on the south side of Danforth Ave, just west of Woodbine Ave. Stay up to date by visiting the East Lynn Market Facebook page or by following us on Twitter. If you’d like to volunteer as a cookor a DECA Booth helper please connect!