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.