Too much news for one title

In no particular order, here are a few events and neighbourhood tidbits to peruse:

Holiday Singalong! December 13

Open Minds is holding a Holiday Singalong, and you’re invited. A fun old-fashioned way to meet your neighbours and share in singing together. You can RSVP to ensure a spot, or just show up the night of.
Thursday, December 13, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m at the Sidewalk Cafe, 1344 Danforth (near the Greenwood Subway station).
OPEN MINDS poster xmas singalong

Stadium Grand Opening – December 8

The brand new state-of-the-art stadium in Monarch Park is open for business. To give all of us a chance to peek inside “the bubble”, there is a community GRAND Opening this Saturday, December 8 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Go take a look – this kind of facility in our own backyard is not to be missed! For more information about the stadium, check out the website: http://www.monarchparkstadium.com

Holistic Services and Body Rub Bylaw Review – City of Toronto Survey

The City of Toronto is currently reviewing the bylaw related to holistic centres and body rub parlours (commonly known as ‘massage parlours’). The purpose is to gain greater insight into public opinion on these businesses and their impact on City of Toronto communities. You can provide your feedback in this quick survey: http://www.toronto.ca/licensing under ‘what’s new’

Silly Goose Kids is #1

Congratulations to our friends at Silly Goose Kids, who were voted Toronto’s #1 toy store by the readers of BlogTO! Check out the article here. Don’t forget that Silly Goose Kids has partnered with Woodgreen for their annual toy drive – ask them about the many ways that you can give the next time you are in.

Do you love a park?

Do you love a park in your neighbourhood? Have you formed a “Friends of” group, or are you thinking about doing that? Do you want to know how others have revitalized their parks? Come and talk about our parks!

Note: this event is intended for Ward 32 parks/parkettes. That said, we can all learn from each other so if you love a park in another Ward, go anyway and make some great park-loving connections!

Movie stars in our ‘hood, Silly toy drive, and 2012 wrap-up

Hollywood has come to us

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is our pleasure to inform you that our neighbourhood is part of the set of the latest Robocop instalment.  Are you jumping up and down with excitement?  Yeah, we thought so.  You’re welcome.

Fake stores constitute part of the set of latest Robocop movie

Silly Goose Partners with Woodgreen Community Services

Our friends at Silly Goose Kids are up to their usual awesomeness.  In addition to wrapping gifts for $1 donations to Woodgreen, they are also helping with Woodgreen’s annual toy drive.  See below for the details:

And last but not least, a few words from DECA’s fearless leader (Anita, our Chair) as we prepare to bring 2012 to a close:

DECA is a fairly unique residents association, in that we came together because we wanted to build something, not fight it. Five years ago, we banded together to help make our neighbourhood more vibrant, walkable, safe and fun.  We’ve come a long way since that initial meeting and this past year was our busiest ever.
The list of our projects for 2012 is impressive:
  • a weekly Farmer’s Market,
  • the bigger-than-ever Danforth East Arts Fair,
  • a hugely successful Harvest Moon Festival,
  • the third annual DECA Pumpkin Parade,
  • first-ever Kids Gear Sale,
  • the painting of neighbourhood Bell utility boxes,
  • new pop-up shop initiative along the Danforth (now called Renew East Danforth),
  • a new historical mural at Main and Stephenson,
  • beautification of the Stephenson Park area,
  • the forming of a new DECA Trees group,
  • first-ever DECA pub crawl,
  • expanding of the ever-popular DECA Diaries blog to a team approach
…and so much more! We like to think DECA is having an impact. And to continue, we need your help. How, you’re wondering? I was hoping you would ask!
Membership
An annual membership to DECA is just $10 per household. This $10 gives us a small budget for our projects, but more importantly, it gives us credibility and clout when dealing with city hall and other groups. And, let’s face it, with all the neighbourhood events and projects it gives you access to, $10 is a steal!

Please, if you live in our borders and you haven’t renewed or paid for your DECA membership yet, please take a minute now to do so by signing up here: http://danfortheastcommunityassociation.com/membership

Volunteers
All of DECA’s accomplishments have been due to the dedication of some AMAZING volunteers.  Thank you to everyone who pitched in to lend a hand this year!  Needless to say, our neighbourhood is so much better because of it.
We need more of you though!  We’re a relatively small group of volunteers for the number of project we have going.  So if you can spare even just a couple of hours a month, we need your help!  Send us a note to see how you can pitch in, by clicking here.  If these projects doesn’t grab you, but you have an idea for another one, please speak to us!  All of our projects started off as just a small idea in someone’s head…
Before I sign off …
It needs to be said that most of our biggest volunteers sit on the DECA Board.  I want to personally thank the members of this past year’s team, every one of whom has committed countless hours to improving our little pocket.  I am perpetually in awe of your energy and drive to make things happen.
Looking ahead, I am excited to work with the 2013 Board and other volunteers, and to see what successes the coming year will bring to our community.
-Anita
 

fall food wine & beer, park consultation, and cabaret night!

“A Fall Food Wine & Beer Fundraiser” – Tomorrow! (Monday)

Monday, November 19, 2012, 7:00-11:00 p.m.
Toronto Honda, 2300 Danforth Ave
(416) 819-8764

On Monday, November 19th at 7:00 pm, join your friends at Toronto Honda for a “Fall Food, Wine & Beer Fundraiser” featuring Melanie and Arul from Melanie’s Bistro on the Danforth.

Arul, an award-winning and locally celebrated chef, will demonstrate one of his sumptuous recipes: Braised Veal Shanks and Homemade Mashed Potatoes.

You’ll enjoy recipe samples plus handcrafted, refreshing beer from Mill St. Brewery plus superb and elegant wines from Cave Springs and Treasury Estates Winery.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you for an evening of community, food and festivity!

**All ticket sales ($10.00 each) will be donated to Toronto East General Hospital and matched by Toronto Honda.**

Stephenson Park Consultation this Wednesday!

An Invitation from Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon for a consultation this Wednesday, November 21, 2012:

Cabaret Night this Friday!

Our friends at Woodbine Heights Baptist Church are hosting a fun-filled Cabaret Night this Friday, November 23, 2012 – see poster below for details:

This Cabaret Night is raising funds for Woodbine Height’s Mission Project which focuses on peacemaking processes in the Philippines. You can read about the project here.

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Watch this space in the next couple of days for an AGM re-cap, complete with the announcement of our 2013 DECA Board!

Open Minds, Bond-alicious fundraiser, and Cozy Sundays

Introducing: Open Minds Toronto

Open Minds Toronto is a new group in the area, which is dedicated to “opening up spaces for community members to meet, play and learn together.”  While they build toward their longer-term goal of  opening a learning hub on the Danforth, they have partnered with some local businesses to ‘animate’ our community.  They have two exciting events in the coming weeks, and don’t forget to RSVP in order to reserve your seat.
‘Itch and Stitch
Friday, November 16, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. 
Patisserie La Cigogne (Danforth and Monarch Park)
Cost: Pay What You Can
Bring your mending, sketching, knitting, embroidery, whatever…and join in for conversation on topical issues, while sipping and nibbling on the fine offerings of Patisserie La Cigogne, at the corner of Danforth and Monarch Park.  Joanne at La Cigogne has agreed to stay open an hour later than usual to accommodate the group. Click here to reserve a seat.
 
Making a Racket at the Rocket 
Thursday, November 22, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. 
@ Red Rocket (1364 Danforth)
Cost: Pay What You Can

This will be a Spoken Word evening of readings, poetry and storytelling.  Poets, authors, storytellers and songwriters are welcome to register to present. There will be a featured author: Terri Favro, author of The Proxy Bride (and local Danforth resident).  Everyone is welcome to come out to the Red Rocket, 1364 Danforth (between Greenwood and Coxwell) as audience as well.  The Red Rocket is licensed to serve alcohol, and also has a nice selection of coffees and teas and nibbles. If you’re coming (either to present or to listen) definitely email them by clicking here so they can reserve a seat for you – they expect this to be popular!

All proceeds are to help develop the potential of Open Minds. If you want to know more, have ideas, or want to get involved, or want to keep updated about more events, visit their website: http://www.openmindstoronto.ca.
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East End Children’s Centre Fundraiser
November 17th, starting at 7:30p.m 
Mark your calendars for this exciting 007-themed fundraiser in support of East End Children’s Centre (includes the drop-ins at Kimbourne and Terry Fox) next Saturday, November 17.

BONDalicious…. From East York With Love

Please join us in celebrating 50 years of James Bond at our

21st Annual Fundraising Gala supporting East End Children’s Centre

A one-of-a-kind event that is guaranteed to leave you

Shaken, Not Stirred!

Saturday, November 17th at 7:30 pm

  •  7:30 pm  Champagne Reception
  • 8 pm  Enjoy delectable treats and creative cocktails as you peruse the Silent Auction tables and give our wheel a spin to win marvelous prizes!
  • 10 pm  Fabulous Live Auction in support of East End Children’s Centre

Guests are encouraged (but not at all required) to don their sparkles & sequins, dress as their favourite Bond Girl, Bond Villain or as 007 himself!

Please remember this is an adult-only event (babes-in-arms welcome)

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Cozy Sundays are Back!
Cozy Cafe, 2075 Danforth Ave, will be open on Sundays again beginning tomorrow.  The fabulous owners have finished their season at out-of-town Farmers’ Markets on the weekends, they are ready to serve up a scrumptious brunch, plus your favourite loaves, croissants and cinnamon buns, all weekend long!

Art Show, Neighbourhood Toy Store Day and a few other notes

Art Show & Sale

If you have an art lover on your holiday shopping list, or maybe you just need to get out of your house and away from all the Halloween Candy, consider visiting the 4th Annual Open Rhodes Art Show & Sale this weekend.  Rhodes Avenue is 1 block west of Coxwell Avenue on the south side of Danforth. Follow the purple “Open Rhodes” signs from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, November 10 & 11.

Click here for more info.

Celebrate ‘Neighbourhood Toy Store Day’ @ Silly Goose Kids!  

(note: one-day discount, prizes and lots of fun for the whole family…and TOYS!)

(P.S. – Check the inserts in your Mirror paper next Thursday, November 15, for the first-ever Silly Goose Kids CATALOGUE!)

Can there ever be too much pumpkin love?

We missed a few thank yous the other day when we published our Pumpkin Parade roundup post.  Here are a couple more, because can you ever have too much love?

Thank you to Ward 32 Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon and her office staff – yay Laurie! – who helped to promote the Parade and waive the permit fee.  We also want to acknowledge that the City’s Solid Waste Department stepped in to provide bins for the pumpkins, and then they hauled them away at no cost.

Last but certainly not least, a belated thank you out to our own volunteer extraordinaire, Tak Bui, who designed the awesome Pumpkin Parade poster.

Phew.  That feels so much better.

What happened to the weekly pop-up shop?

As you know, DECA’s latest off-shoot, Renew East Danforth, has been quietly gaining momentum over the past few months. After a successful two-week pop-up pilot project, expect more popping up yet to come!  Stay tuned.