Page 109 – Danforth East Community Association

May 5, 2014

Local Mother’s Day Options for Your Family

Last year for Mother’s Day we wrote a post about local options to make moms feel special – with traditional gifts, gifts of time, and gifts of silence. While some of those specific promotions are no longer valid, the ideas remain relevant year after year. Brunch at Melanie’s Bistro, an outdoor Pillow from the Pillow Shop or simply a picnic in the park with help from Moberly Natural Foods. The options for maternal merriment are endless!

For an update on promotions and events from local businesses for this Mother’s Day, see below. Also, please feel free to add to this list by leaving a comment.

In This Closet – Your Chic Resale Boutique (1765 Danforth Avenue)

Give the gift of style this Mothers Day! SAVE 20% off all women’s apparel, shoes and accessories on Saturday May 10th. Note: they are closed on Sunday. Gift certificates are available.

Oaks N’ Acorns – 1856 Danforth

Artisans At Work – 2071 Danforth Avenue

SUGARMOON – 1509 Danforth Avenue

May 2, 2014

So, What the Heck IS Art of the Danforth? Your Guide to AoD14

We’ve blogged about how to get involved and the kick-off events this Friday (**please note Saturday’s Paint Fight has been rescheduled to next week), but some people may still be wondering what the heck it is and why should they care? Here, in a handy FAQ format, are the answers, plus a plug for DECA’s own Art of the Danforth event next Saturday (please come!).

ART OF THE DANFORTH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When Is Art of the Danforth?

May 2-11, 2014.

Where Is Art of the Danforth?

Along and around the Danforth, between Woodbine and Greenwood. The map showing where all the events take place is here.

What Is Art of the Danforth?

Art of the Danforth (or AoD) is a public art festival that happens every 2 years in the Danforth East community. This is the 3rd AoD.

What Is Happening?

The complete list of events by date is here.

I Can’t Remember the Last Time I Went to an Art Gallery. I Should Probably Give This a Pass, Right?

WRONG! The festival is for the whole community. Even if some of the event descriptions or the artists’ names sound strange, give it a try. Chances are you’ll have a lot of fun and meet your neighbours while doing it. There’s something for everyone: community pot-luck dinners, a paint fight , a bonfire in the park, a running race and more.

Can I Bring My Kids?

Yes! Everything, except tonight’s launch party, is open to all ages.

How Is DECA involved?

We’re an official partner of the festival and we share common goals–community-building and making our ‘hood more walkable, vibrant, and fun. This year we’re hosting an event at the festival asking for your ideas on how we can improve the laneway west of Coxwell station. Better lighting? Murals? A giant hopscotch grid on the ground? Come give us your ideas before the lane is renovated. You can read about it more on the AoD blog here.

Is the Art in Store Windows Part of the Festival?

Yes. The list of stores that are displaying art during the festival is here.

OK, I’m sold. How Much Does It Cost?

Nothing. It’s all FREE.

Did we miss anything? Leave us a comment. For everything else, check out the AoD brochure here. See you at the paint fight!

Paint Fight, AoD 2012, Photo Credit: Kara Dillon

May 1, 2014

Janet Davis’ Ward 31 Environment Day – May 4

Sunday, May 4, 2014, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

East York Memorial Arena
888 Cosburn Ave.
in the parking lots.

(Information from: www.councillordavis.com/event/community-environment-day )

Bring your recycling, electronic waste, batteries and paint!

Plus take advantage of paper shredding, free compost, community group info tables, facepainting, and seed planting for kids.

Do your part to create a cleaner, greener and more liveable Toronto.

Please do not bring:

Construction waste, gasoline, garbage, wood, cassette and videotapes, commercial/industrial hazardous waste and scrap metal. View flyer for all recyclable items .

BBQ hosted by the East York Skating Club Ice Dreams

Visit with local Green Groups including:

Women’s Healthy Environment Networks

Woodbine Heights Residents Assocation

Cycle Toronto and Ward 31 Bikes

East End Against Line 9

East Toronto Climate Action Group

Toronto Water Environmental Monitoring and Protection

East York Community Garden

East York Garden Club

Stan Wadlow Dog Walkers’ Association

Did you know?

Residential cooking oil now accepted at Drop-off Depots and Community Environment Days

Cooking oil — from residential homes, apartments and condos — is now accepted as household hazardous waste at Drop-off Depots and Community Environment Days. (Please note the drop-off hours for household hazardous waste are different from the general operating hours.)

Cooking oil should delivered in a sealed container labelled “Used cooking oil.”

Cooking oil should never be poured down the sink, drain or toilet because it can negatively impact sewer pipes systems in your home and neighbourhood, causing sewer backups. Small amounts can go in the Green Bin if soaked up with a paper towel or frozen/hardened.

April 30, 2014

Best wknd ever? Art of Danforth party, PAINTFIGHT, LEN swag & more!

Rest up this week, because this weekend is going to be a non-stop party. Besides the Jane’s Walks and our Family Dance Mob we’ve already blogged about, there are a ton of fun activities happening.

FRIDAY, May 2, 2014:

Jane’s Walk, “Toronto has a Main Street?”, 6:00 p.m. Meet up at Main and Danforth (across from Main Station) .

Art of the Danforth kicks off the festival this Friday with a 19+ party. Dress to impress or to withstand a mess–you decide, but this is definitely one to call in your babysitter favours for. 9pm, 1803 Danforth.

SATURDAY, May 3, 2014:

Jane’s Walk, “Death and Life of Upper Midway”, 10:00 a.m. Meet up at Wise Guys, 2301 Danforth.

Celebrate LEN‘s one year anniversary since opening at 698 Coxwell Ave. Drop by between 10 am – 6 pm and enjoy some deliciously decadent cake from Celena’s Bakery, sparkling drinks and a chance to win prizes.

Next, head over to AoD’s family-friendly launch event, PAINTFIGHT! It happens at 1 pm sharp. Goggles recomended and good times guaranteed. NOTE: RESCHEDULED TO SAT., MAY 10, 1 PM.

SUNDAY, May 4, 2014:

Family Dance Mob at Robertson Parkette (SW corner of Danforth and Coxwell) @ 1:45 p.m.; Danforth and Greenwood @ 2:00 p.m.

April 29, 2014

Dance Mobs this Sunday, May 4 – come watch!

DECA & Pegasus Studios Hosts Dance Flash Mob To Celebrate International Dance Day

Details: Sunday May 4^th
Locations & Times: Robertson Parkette (SW corner of Danforth and Coxwell) @ 1:45 p.m.; Danforth and Greenwood @ 2:00 p.m.
Duration: 4 minutes at each location

On Sunday May 4, Pegasus Studios and DECA are partnering to host the first annual Dance Flash Mob held in Robertson Parkette on the south-west corner of Danforth and Coxwell, and then again at Danforth and Greenwood Ave

The 75 participants will gather just prior to 1:45 p.m. at the first location and 2:00 at the second location. They will be dancing to a National Ballet School choreographed routine to Crabbuckit. Parents and students of Pegasus Studios, as well as many members of the community will be coming together in celebration of International Dance Day.

The Dance Flash Mob will also coincide with the kick off to Jane Jacob’s Community Walk by East End Arts as well as the launch of the Art of the Danforth.

Special thanks to the local businesses sponsors – thanks to them, the dancers will be sporting fancy t-shirts that will make them easy to spot!

LEN: Democratic Purveyors of Fine Art and Beautiful Things,
FlyGirl Fitness,
Ages & Stages,
Oaks ‘n Acorns,
Dianna Kennedy from Remax Hallmark,
Counterbalance Studio Pilates,
Pose Hair Design,
The Canine Social Company

Special thanks to DECA Board member Jane Davis-Munro from Pegasus Studios, who donated the rehearsal space and hours of her own time to make this event happen!

April 28, 2014

Local Jane’s Walks – This weekend!

If you don’t know about Jane’s Walks by now, don’t despair. This weekend is your chance to get on board and spend two hours on a walking tour of our neighbourhood. This year there are two local options, and they are at different times so don’t feel the need to choose between them – do both! There are many others too, so please check out the Jane’s Walks website for all the walks around here and everywhere! www.janeswalk.org/canada/toronto/walks

“Toronto has a Main Street?”

Friday, May 2, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m.

This walk begins in the park at Main and Danforth (across from Main Station) and tours the area that used to be a rail yard, and a Ford Motor Company hub! Stops include the Main GO station, the fire station, the Main Street Library and Centre 55 Community Centre. Come and learn from Sarah Dewar, who has lived and worked in the area for more than 15 years. Get the details here.

“Death and Life of Upper Midway”

Saturday, May 3, 2014 @ 10:00 a.m.

Want to know where horses used to race in our ‘hood? What about learning why the Value Mart has such a wacky layout? Find out the answers and more this Saturday with DECA’s own Stephen Wickens (also a local historian and long-time resident) as he leads his popular Jane’s Walk.

Meet up at Wise Guys, 2301 Danforth, at 10:00 am and look for the man with the black poorboy hat on backwards. Be sure to wear your comfiest walking shoes since the tour is about 2 hours long. Get all the details here.