Oops. I forgot to mention that the East Lynn Park wading pool opens Wednesday, June 30th. If you would like to make a magical donation of funds to cover the cost of buying paint to paint over the graffiti – let me know!
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
Farmers’ Market Opens June 3rd
Help Wanted
We’re looking for help for the Farmers’ Market, both paid and unpaid, but all very much appreciated.
First – we’re looking for a fabulous Market Manager. The Market Manager needs to be at the East Lynn market from 1:30 – 7:30 on Thursdays and the pay is $125/day. The manager generally works with the farmers and ensures the whole thing runs smoothly. If you would like more information, contact Diana Gonzalez at dianardo.gonzalez@gmail.com. (P.S. Diana’s also looking for Market Managers for the markets at Sick Kids (Tuesdays 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) and Liberty Village (Sundays 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
We also need a few strong guys and gals to help out with barricades (carrying them in and out of the shed and then standing near them and allowing the local cars on to East and West Lynn Ave.) We’ve got a few students, but we need some help in June and September to help until around 3:30. There would be some payment for this.
Second – Our Market is pretty darn terrific. Not to toot our own horn, but everybody says so. Still, we could use a few extra hands to help out. Think about it: you get to hang out with cool farmers and fun farmers’ market folk; you get to be outside enjoying the oh-so-short summer; you get to run into all your neighbours; and you get to contribute to an amazing community event that is helping to make this a ‘sought after’ neighbourhood. How can you get involved? Glad you asked.
DECA Booth Hosts When needed: 1-2 people each week for two shifts (2:30-5:00 and/or 5:00-7:30)What to do: Greet market attendees, provide directions, answer questions about DECA, sell DECA memberships, set up/take down of small tent and table, help farmers if needed, help coordinate and serve farmer’s meals.
Farmer Feeders When needed: 1-2 people each week – What to do: Create and deliver fantastic meals to serve our ~30 devoted farmers. You can use farmers produce but need to scoop it 1 week prior.
Photographers When needed: one person each week at whatever time they are available, particularly around the 4:30 p.m. What to do: People to capture the moments and memories of the farmers market, with your own digital camera.
Public Relations When needed: various times through out the summer. What to do: Champion public relations activity for the Farmers Market, including creating and distributing regular press releases to local papers.
Face Painting When needed: 1-2 people each week for two shifts (2:30-5:00 and/or 5:00-7:30) What to do: Use your talent and artisan eye to paint children’s faces who visit the Farmers Market. Paint supplies provided.
Market Entertainment When needed: one session each week at 4:30. What to do: People and/or business with some talent in putting on a free demonstration or entertainment session for the Farmers Market crowd, particularly the children. For example, family-focused yoga session or children’s book reading.
Flyer Distributors When needed: various times through out the summer. What to do: distribute 100-200 flyers to local business and residences to promote the Farmer’s Market.
Contact Shelley at shelleydarling@yahoo.ca or 647-232-8139.
Cool Pictures and Gelatto
I know I’m gushing a bit about the Art of the Danforth, but I really really love it.
Check out some of the photographs that local photographers are taking of the Art Walk here.
Perhaps you’re walking along looking at the art and you think you could use a little nosh? Why not stop in Quattro 4 Ragazze at 1792 Danforth for some homemade gelatto. Yes – you can have homemade gelatto right here . I’ve sampled my share of Quattro’s gelatto and I will say that lemon is my favourite. It’s delish.
Finally – are you a graphic artist? We need one to help us design a sign for the Danforth Carpet. If you can help, let me know.
Early Arts Fair Deadline This Friday
DECA is inviting artisans to participate in the second annual Danforth East Arts Fair, to be held September, 18 & 19, 2010. This outdoor arts and crafts fair is held in East Lynn Park, a bustling community hub on Toronto’s Danforth Ave. between Coxwell and Woodbine. Apply by Friday, April 30th to take advantage of our reduced fee early applications.
The show provides artists with a unique opportunity to showcase and sell their work. Our vibrant community is filled with new families, established homeowners and creative folks who are eager to support local artists.
To apply, download the application here.
Applications are reviewed and selected by a jury. We expect approximately 50 exhibitors this year. Applications will be accepted until June 15, 2010. We have eliminated the application fee.
Questions? Visit www.deca-arts.ca or e-mail deca.arts@gmail.com.
Spread the word!
A Treasure Hunt For The Unexpected
I walked the Danforth from Greenwood to Woodbine (actually from Bay and Wellesley to Woodbine, but that’s another story) and had a chance to see some of the art on display for the Art of the Danforth. Throughout the planning for this event – organizer, Cindy Rozeboom, has been talking about the joy of seeing art in unexpected places (like a computer store or a children’s consignment store). I must say, while I went along with it, I didn’t really understand why that would be so terrific. Until today.
It’s like discovering a hidden treasure. You walk by a store you’ve never paid any attention to and see something amazing. You walk into a shop you’ve barely noticed and find something that moves you. It’s like living in a neighbourhood that has just about everything you could ever need, as long as you know where to look for it.
I encourage you to pick up the map at LucSculpture (663 Greenwood) or download it here and walk the walk. And, check out the full schedule of events to take part in the events that are happening this weekend and next.
(Oh and the DECA Family Make A Joyful Noise Parade will go ahead rain or shine at 11 a.m. on Sunday at East Lynn Park.) As long as the weather’s decent our fabulous farmers’ market face painters will be there at 10 a.m. along with some Cozy Cafe treats!)
Saturday, April 24th
10am – 1 PM: Danforth Mosaic BIA Community clean up: wherever you are, get outside and clean up the neighbourhood!
Noon – 5 pm @ Red Sable, 1765 Danforth – create a painting to contribute to the Home & Habitat display (onsite activity)
1-2 pm @ Coxwell Parkette – Volunteer BBQ and unfurling of The Pillow Project by Laura Brown
1 pm: 1783 Danforth – BOXZART by SOL EXPRESS L’Arche Toronto (dance)
Sunday, April 25th
11 am @ East Lynn Park – DECA Family Make A Joyful Noise Parade
12 noon – 3 pm @ Coxwell Parkette – Portraits in the Park by Stephen Caissie
12 noon – 5 pm @ Red Sable, 1765 Danforth – create a painting to contribute to the Home & Habitat display (onsite activity)