Here is the fourth post in the series of Ten Questions for DECA Board members spearheaded by DECA volunteer Heather Bean. She posed ten questions to each of our board members to learn a little bit about where they come from, who they are, and what their dreams are for our neighbourhood. Meet DECA’s board members Amanda Olson, Sheri Hebdon and Shelley Darling – the dedicated women who provide you with news you use via this blog, the DECA Facebook page, Pinterest boards and Twitter feed.
Ten questions for… Amanda Olson
How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?
Just over two years.
Where did you grow up?
Ottawa.
How do you spend your Saturday mornings?
Most often you’ll find me heading to Oakcrest Park with my two-year-old son for a little teeter-tottering, followed by some sliding, then perhaps a visit to Cake Town for the best scones in Toronto.
What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmer’s Market, and what do you do with it?
Everything! But we always love the corn. Boiled, barbecued, prepared any way. It’s such a treat to get corn for dinner that was picked fresh that morning.
How did you get involved with DECA?
As soon as we moved to Danforth East, my friend emailed me DECA Diaries as an introduction to the ‘hood. Just by reading it, I felt like part of a community. I also learned that DECA has been a part of so many events that make this area great, from the farmer’s market to the pumpkin parade, and I wanted to help out to ensure these fantastic things kept happening.
Do you have a dream DECA project?
Not yet . . . I’m having fun working on the great projects already underway. My passion is especially for the Pop-up Shops! project, which has already made a big impact on the Danforth commercial strip in a short period of time, filling up the empty storefronts.
Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?
Tough question! But if forced by gunpoint to narrow it down, I’d say Manzer Hair Studio for cuts with Nicole, Moberly Natural Foods for most of my grocery shopping, and Silly Goose Kids for presents and any and all of our kid needs from bibs to music classes.
If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?
Also a tough one. There are lots of businesses we could still use here. My top picks are a decent fishmonger and an LCBO (the situation at Woodbine is so desperate, I’d even settle for a Wine Rack!)
When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?
East side’s where it’s at.
Ten questions for… Sheri Hebdon
How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?
Eight years.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in North York.
How do you spend your Saturday mornings?
Either taking my son to swimming or entertaining my twins, depending on whose turn it is to go to swimming. There is also coffee–lots and lots of coffee.
What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmer’s Market?
Strawberries. They are red and juicy and sweeter than any of those tasteless giants that one can get from the grocery store year-round.
How did you get involved with DECA?
I was enrolled in Baby and Me Yoga with Natasha, and she invited me to the DECA Cocktail party that year. She asked me when I got there if I would be interested in joining the Board, and I don’t know what I said, but it wasn’t no. About an hour later, she and Cath were standing on chairs and surprising everyone by confessing that the party was actually the DECA AGM. I was there with my baby and while I was nursing him, all of a sudden I heard my name called and then got elected to the Board. I tend to overthink things, so I am inclined to have Natasha organize all of my big decisions from now on.
Do you have a dream DECA project?
Not really. I tend not to be one of the big ideas people; instead I tend toward helping to keep things ticking along. I am on the blog team, so I get excited when we get lots of stats. I guess I’m the equivalent of the IT nerd of the team.
Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?
I’m probably not original when I say Silly Goose Kids. The space that Shamie and Tracey have created is so much more than a store. My kids are so at home there, and we always have a birthday gift to pick up, so it’s both productive and fun! I honestly don’t know what we would do without them.
If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?
I would love a cheese shop and a really good breakfast restaurant. I know that we have some breakfast/brunch spots already, but not one that I can get excited about.
If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?
Get rid of the Coffee Time at Danforth and Cedarvale, and get businesses or the BIA to commit to keeping their sidewalks free of cigarette butts.
When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?
Danforth East is like living in a small town in the middle of the city. We can walk everywhere, and wherever we go we run into friends and neighbours. People really care about each other here, and are down to earth and generally so friendly and kind. I honestly would never live anywhere else.
Ten questions for . . . Shelley Darling
How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?
We moved into our house in December 2008.
Where did you grow up?
Sudbury.
How do you spend your Saturday mornings?
Usually a session of pancakes and maple syrup followed by swimming or gymnastics class. Not mine.
What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmer’s Market?
A big bag of apples.
How did you get involved with DECA?
I was bored on my first maternity leave.
Do you have a dream DECA project?
Although the bigger community projects are wonderful and I take advantage of them fully, I particularly like the ones that foster more conversation with my immediate neighbours—like the #DanforthEast Garage Sale, or street parties.
Which business on the Danforth sees you the most—and what brings you there?
LEN for jewellery, Silly Goose for the obvious, Royal Beef for sausages and olives, Shoppers Drug Mart for diapers and milk.
If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?
A cheese, wine, or clothing store.
If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?
The number of empty storefronts.
When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?
We have the most amazing park—East Lynn.