Attention wagon owners and arts & crafters!

Wagon Owners – Did you find some pants in your wagon last night? 

The Pumpkin Parade was a delight again this year – thanks to all who came out! We will post a proper round-up soon, but first, a lost-and-found item of business:

Our parade volunteer Johanne, who’s been lighting your pumpkins for two of the past three parades, put her rain pants into the wrong red wagon last night. If you found a pair of black rain pants among your things, please contact Heather Bean at by clicking here.

And if you have photos of last night’s Parade, please post them to our Facebook page!

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Arts & Crafters Wanted!

Earl Beatty Public School is hosting a two-day Holiday in the ‘Hood craft fair on the following days:

  • Friday, November 23 from 3:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 24 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Craft fair table rentals are available for $40/1 day or $60/both days. To learn more or to reserve your table, contact Sheila Philcox at 416-975-4753 or by email.

DECA 101, Cocktail Party Invite, and Seniors Consultation Tomorrow!

Are you a long-time DECA Diaries subscriber who knows all about DECA but can’t figure out what the BIA is?  Did your spouse sign you up for this blog and you don’t know what DECA is or what it even stands for?  Perhaps you have just joined and are keen to learn more?  Regardless of the reason for your thirst for DECA knowledge, we are here to quench that thirst.

Here are some answers to some of the most common questions we hear, and some details about this year’s AGM/Cocktail Party.

What is DECA?

The Danforth East Community Association (DECA) is a residents’ association that was formed in 2007 by a group of people who were looking to focus on building something, as oppose to fighting something.  DECA’s goal is to make our neighbourhood a more vibrant, walkable and safe place.

What are our boundaries?

Our boundaries are Monarch Park Ave. in the west to Main St., Mortimer/Lumsden in the north, to the Go Train tracks south of Danforth.

Why do we need paying members?

To give us clout and legitimacy, and also to raise revenue. The $10 contributions allow us to put on so many events and activities each year.  Stay tuned for more info about membership renewals.

What does DECA do?

Business Revitalization Team (did you like the pop-up shops the past couple of weekends?), East Lynn Farmers’ Market, Danforth East Arts Fair, safety walks, political debates, and more recently, the kids stuff sale and pub crawls.

What’s the difference between DECA and the BIA?

The short answer is that DECA represents the residents of the neighbourhood, and the BIA represents the business owners.

The Business Improvement Area (BIA) is run by a voluntary board of property owners and tenants, with an aim to stimulate business in the area.  BIAs are regulated by the City, and are funded partially by the City, and partially by levies paid by each business.

On the other hand, DECA is funded entirely by membership fees and fundraising, and we get no funding from the City.

We are fortunate in our area that our BIA, the Danforth Mosaic BIA, is currently very supportive of DECA and both groups are working to foster a good working relationship, which is good because it makes sense to keep good lines of communication open.

What does our BIA do?

The Danforth Mosaic BIA  was established in 2008 and covers a larger stretch of the Danforth than DECA’s borders cover, from Jones to Westlake.  There are actually 400 shops in this BIA – one of the geographically larger BIAs in the city.  The BIA puts on some events, and they pay for the flowers that are put in along the stretch each spring, which we at DECA know is something that many residents really appreciate and enjoy.

When is your Annual General Meeting (a.k.a. the neighbourhood cocktail party)?

If you want to learn more about DECA or just have a drink and tappas with your neighbours, mark November 12th in your calendar.  We’ll be hosting the 4th annual DECA AGM & Cocktail Party  – this year at a new location – Relish Bar & Grill.

If you want to get more involved, this is your time to speak up!  If you are interested in becoming a Board Member of DECA or want to volunteer in other ways, please let us know ahead of time by emailing here.

And if you want to stay in touch in other ways, follow us on  facebook or twitter, or our website.

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And one more thing that DECA does is keep you all updated about neighbourhood news and events – like posting this invitation from Councillor Janet Davis about a Senior’s Strategy Consultation taking place tomorrow, October 29, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.:

Pop-Up Reminder and Pumpkin Parade

Mrs. Darling’s Imaginarium takes over the Pop-Up Shop

This weekend 1948 Danforth will be transformed into Mrs. Darlings Imaginarium for Girls and Boys – A place to play with art and discover the art of play.  There are drop-in studio times both Saturday and Sunday mornings (9 a.m. until noon) and facilitated classes in the afternoons (1 p.m. until 6 p.m.) ideal for the 4-14 year olds.  For the detailed schedule of activities this weekend and to register for classes, check out Mrs.Darling’s website.

 

Pumpkin Parade 2012

It’s baaaaaack!  The third annual DECA Pumpkin Parade in East Lynn Park.  Bring your jack-o-lantern to the park next Thursday, November 1, and be part of the most magical night of the year in our neighbourhood.  Don’t forget to BYOC (bring your own candle!) Fun begins at 6:30 p.m.

Dressed up Doggies, Mrs. Darlings, and 54 Division

DOGGIE FUN

You know how on Saturday mornings, your dog can sense that you’re not going to work and will therefore give you their best sad eyes that scream “take me with you!”??

Well this Saturday, October 27 from 10:30 a.m. – noon, you get to be doggie parent extraordinaire!  Dress up your pooches and bring them to the Merrill Park Dog Association annual Howl-o-Ween festival! (Because what does a dog love more than dressing up in costume?)

Enjoy the festivities in the park and help raise money for Speaking of Dogs.

* Dog Costume Contest * Mummy Wrap * Poop Toss * Bobbing for Balls * Prizes!!! * Beverages and Snacks * And more…

(Rain Date: Sunday, October 28th)

Click here for more info, or if you might want to volunteer to help out!

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DECA’S 2nd POP UP SHOP: MRS. DARLING’S IMAGINARIUM 

Did you pop in to the pop up over the weekend?  Could you feel the buzz?  Well, next weekend, October 27 & 28, a new business will occupy the space at 1948 Danforth.  Yet again our neighbourhood has a chance to show landlords and businesses how willing we are to show up, shop local, and renew East Danforth. 

Many of you already know Mrs. Darling from the craft tent at the East Lynn Farmers’ Market, but just wait until you see what she can do with a whole store for two full days! See below for more details. Note that some activities require advance registration, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

Pop up What??

A one-weekend only, temporary studio where young creatives 4-14 can explore many mediums and material in workshop format. 20 participant to a class and 4 facilitators to help imagination became reality. Jewelry making, paper crafts, edible art, DIY, paper mache, fibre arts, group art, upcycling and re purposing – they will learn that they can create something beautiful from almost anything. There are also two drop in studio times where craft ideas and materials are ready to go, and families could mingle, create and play together.

Saturday, October 27, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

9am-12pm   Drop in. Animal masks, all ages. Duct tape wallets and flower accessories with Martina Rocks!  Best for ages 8+. ($10 for both activities) Group canvas in honour of Stella Bruner Methven. (Free)

1-2pm     Paper mache taxidermy, Narwhals. Best for ages 6+. (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

2-3pm     Framed silhouettes (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

3-4pm     Chanel inspired Peter Pan collar necklace and graffiti bracelets (pre-registration required, click here). Necklace best for ages 8+. ($15)

4-6pm     Wooden spoon puppets. Dramatic story time (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

Sunday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

9am-12pm  Drop in. Fantasy make overs! Fairies, princesses, pirates and super heroes oh my! Wear your favorite alter ego costume and make, new accessory and get a little hair and “make-up” done. ($10)

1-2pm    Glittered tee shirts (pre-registration required, click here). Best for ages 5+ ($15)

2-3pm    Mini monster and bunny stuffies (pre-registration required, click here).($15)

3-4pm    Candy sushi to eat and candy bracelets to wear (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

4-6pm    Dress up and dramatic story time. Play and be silly while acting out a favorite children’s story (pre-registration required, click here). ($15)

Mrs. Darlings Imaginarium for Girls and Boys – A place to play with art and discover the art of play. To explore, make believe, and follow where ever their imaginations take them. Mrs. Darling encourages the inspired magic with drop in times, where children and their parents can mingle and create, with facilitators to guide and encourage, as well as classes for more elaborate projects and intimate instruction. 

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54 Gets Friendly on Facebook
As you  may know, there are ongoing discussions about possibly closing 54 Division. To keep updated about news and events, please join the new Friends of 54 Division facebook group.

DECA’s busy October

REVITALIZING THE DANFORTH

DECA’s building it, will you come?

DECA’s Business Revitalization Team (BRT) is working with local landlords to put temporary tenants in their empty buildings. This strategy worked wonders in Newcastle, Australia, turning the abandoned downtown to a thriving centre again. It is working in old Oakland, California. Why not here?

Our first partners are Gay and Scott, the owners of 1948 Danforth – the former Metro Nails. They love the idea and hope it will land them a good paying tenant. They’ve given us a month for free in their space, in exchange for some help cleaning and painting. We put out a call to budding entrepreneurs for proposals and got more than 50 responses in a week! After interviews, our committee selected two – a west-end collective of local designers, Birthia and our own Mrs. Darling’s Imaginarium for Girls and Boys.

Please come support us and them on Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28. 

If you are a landlord and want to work with us, we’d love to meet you – click here to email us.

And here is what DECA’s own Catherine Porter had to say about this project in the Toronto Star last week.

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DECA PUB CRAWL – Thursday, October 18th, start @ 7:00 p.m.!

We’re here to remind you that drinking is not just for the weekends when you’re with your neighbours. Leave the kids at home and come have a night out with DECA! Thanks to Tara S. for this post.

Starting at Sidewalk Café, we’ll then go to Sarah’s, El Sol, TKOs and finally Relish for karaoke!!  All participating pubs have agreed to prepare special drinks and food for us, so this is an opportunity not to be missed! Come hungry & thirsty!!

Here’s the breakdown:

7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. @ Sidewalk Café (1344 Danforth Ave) 

  • A plate of mini Martinis (sweet, sour & dirty – 1oz each) including a side of Italian sushi (you read that correctly!) $8

7:40 p.m. – 8:10 p.m. @ Sarah’s Cafe and Bar (1426 Danforth Ave)

  • 3 x Mill St. 7 oz samples for $6.00 and half-glasses of Jackson Triggs Chardonnay, St Lucas Torrontes, Porta Merlot & Jackson Triggs Cab Franc at $3.65 per 2.5 oz pour (you can have as much or as little as you like)
  • Mixed Hors D’oeuvres Plate with Roasted Garlic & Brie Crostini, Devilled Egg, Brushetta & Falafel for $8

8:20 p.m. -8:50 p.m @ El Sol (1448 Danforth Ave)

  • Margaritas, Sangrias and Mexican Beer
  • Delicious beef tacos with guacamole for $4.95 – Ole! 

9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. @ TKO’s (1600 Danforth Ave)

  • Beer tasters and sliders (hamburger, pork and chicken)

9:45 p.m. – onward @ Relish Bar and Grill (2152 Danforth Ave)

  • Beer tasters and tapas selection and Karaoke!

We welcome late-comers along the way, so please join us whenever you can.  In order to make ourselves obvious, we’ll be wearing feather boas and we encourage all of you to do the same (we’ll have a few extras on hand so don’t worry if you can’t find yours). There will also be giveaways, prizes, and Jason from Toronto Model Photography Studio taking photos!

If you know that you want to come or are even leaning toward yes (you know you are), please email here to RSVP so that we can advise the pubs on our numbers ahead of time if possible.

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DECA BOARD MEETING – Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 7:30 p.m.
If you are a DECA member, or you just want to get to know us a little better, please come and join us for our Board meeting.  This is where the magic happens, and it happens over ginger ales, beers and laughs at a local restaurant.  Where, you ask?  Click here to get more info.
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EAST LYNN FARMERS’ MARKET
Don’t forget that the market continues throughout the month of October.  Stay tuned for more info about this week’s lineup of fun, crafts and surprises.  (Has everyone recovered from last week’s Harvest Moon Festival??)

Whats on this weekend!

Thanks to Sarah K. for this post about things to do this weekend!

Friday – Hirut Hoot

Local comedy night Hirut Hoot at Hirut restaurant (2050 Danforth) is back again this Friday night, September 28, and we’re really excited because this is becoming a successful monthly event supporting a local restaurant and local (or not so local) comedians.

Get ready for some gut-wrenching laughs with our favourite comedian Scott McCrickard hosting the night. The laughs start at 9 p.m. (unless Kevin Macdonald breaks the sound system again….KEVIN!!!) An added bonus is that the domestic beer is dirt cheap and the delicious, tangy and savoury Hirut appetizer platter, which is only $12, is enough food to feed you, your date and your date’s best friend and their date…and so on….

Saturday – Breastfeeding Challenge

This Saturday, September 29, 2012, the Toronto Breastfeeding Network is taking part in an international movement to set a record of having the most children breastfeeding at one time in one place. This is no small potatoes competition – started by a B.C. foundation in 2001, the 2011 event had 4,466 children in 16 countries taking part in a simultaneous ‘feed’. If you’re lactating and want to be part of this magical moment in history, head on over to the East York Civic Centre on Coxwell and register at 9:30 a.m. You can find more information here!

Saturday – Music in the Park is back!

We are super excited to report that this Saturday from 12 noon – 8:00 p.m., the sound of music will once again be heard at Robertson Parkette, the little parkette on the south-west corner of Coxwell and Danforth. The Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Association (BIA) is hosting a music fest come rain or shine.

The event is hosted by Enza Ruscillo who you might know from Sidewalk Café, and will feature a whole range of musical acts throughout the festivities.  So bring your own blanket and get ready to boogie. A kiddie corner with face painting and popcorn will have your little ones amused.

A late-breaking note from the organizers:

The Mosaic Snack Stop will donate all of the funds raised to Raymond’s Wheel Chair Fund, which will replace an electric wheelchair that was recently stolen in a most terrible crime.
And while we’re on the topic of things to do this weekend, how about lending a hand with DECA’s first Pop-Up Shop?  Please see the invitation below from Anita, our Board’s Chair. 
How often do you walk down our stretch of the Danforth and wish all those empty boarded up shops were filled with great local businesses?  If you’re like me, probably a couple times a week.  Or, you don’t think about it all – you just get in your car and shop elsewhere. DECA’s Business Revitalization Team wants to fill those empty stores with pop-up shops that will help make our neighbourhood more walkable, and more vibrant.

Now is your chance to be part of a making a real change in your neighbourhood. Our first project will take place during the month of October at 1948 Danforth (across from East Lynn Park).  We are busy hatching a plan and sifting through the over 50(!) project proposals we received.  In the meantime, we need to prep the space.
Here’s where you come in!  We need your help to clean and paint this space.  We’ll be meeting there this Saturday morning at 10:30am. Come for the day or join us for whatever part you can.  Meet some neighbours, roll up your sleeves, and help to make our community a better place!
If you have any questions, comments, or you want to let me know that you’ll be there on Saturday, email me here.  Or just drop by on Saturday and surprise us – it’ll be fun, I promise!
 
-Anita