Activities galore!

Fall is that magical time of year when the leaves change, the days darken, and we all have to think about what kinds of activities we are going to undertake for the year. (If you are like me, you were frantically trying to sign up your kids for swimming lessons this morning at 7am!) Here are a few options in the neighbourhood…

East End Music Project
(non-profit music program for kids on Tuesdays)

create-community

Miranda from the East End Music Project sent this note along:

I run the East End Music Project (I do this out of LOVE as a volunteer), which is a very cool social purpose music school in the East End.

The project is taught by professional musicians and educators with instruction at a very high level. The social purpose part of it is that all the class fees are geared to income. Our focus is on collaboration and working together in the classes. It is a fabulous opportunity. I have a couple of spots available because I’ve hired more teachers to increase our capacity. We would love to have your families join us.

If you’ve ever thought about music lessons, this is a great way to get involved in a social purpose enterprise, support local musicians, and participate in something really special. Your kids will also get a stellar music experience. All classes are subsidized. No restrictions on who can apply! Check out www.eemp.ca to see what classes still have availability. Thanks!

Are you ready to sing?

Some locals, Sarah and Damaris, are starting a new choir and would like YOU to join! Registration form is here and some additional details are below.

choir poster-01

Pegasus Studios

SO many classes, so little time. What can we say about Pegasus? It’s music, dance, art, choir, yoga – stuff for kids, adults, kids and adults together – if you don’t know about this neighbourhood institution, you should. www.pegasusstudios.com

Fitness

We have been so lucky to have so many new fitness-related businesses open up in this neighbourhood (coinciding nicely with the bakeries, ice cream shop and restaurants!). Here are some of them:

Fly Girl Fitness

Bomb Fitness

Ankh Yoga

Legacy Indoor Cycling

Counterbalance Studio Pilates

Career Fit Mom

Dragonz Martial Arts (adult and kid classes available)

Bell’s Martial Arts (adult and kid classes available)

Monarch Park Stadium (adult and kid classes/activities, running track)

 

One more thing….

Our next DECA Board meeting will be next Monday, September 21 starting at 7:30pm. If you’d like to join us, drop us a line here and we can let you know where we’re meeting. Last time we enjoyed an hour at the beginning to meet & greet, but this time we will get right to it a 7:30pm because we have a lot to cover. All are welcome!

Want A Vibrant Commercial Strip? Shop Local

Not too long ago someone suggested that we have ‘DECA Friendly’ stickers to showcase businesses that have supported DECA in one way or another through the years.  Because we have so many great business owners on our strip, we have lots. I’m not sure if we’ll make the stickers, but a bunch of them (definitely not all) are referenced below.

Pegasus Studios – Dances of Offering Benefit Concert

Each year Pegasus faculty and students bring members of the Toronto dance community together to celebrate and give back to our city through an evening of dance. This year they are raising money for the Paediatric Ambulatory Clinic at Toronto East General Hospital. The event is at the Betty Oliphant Theatre on Jarvis Street on Sunday February 12th at 5:00 pm.

The unique event combines the talents of students and professionals. This year’s show features, two-time Dora award winner, Nicola Pantin, up-and-coming choreographer Jessica Houghton, the wonderful students of Earl Haig/Claude Watson and Father Redmond performance arts schools and much more.

For tickets, visit http://www.dancesofoffering.myevent.com. For more information, visit http://www.thepegasusdancebag.blogspot.com

Reminder – Public Swimming at Monarch Park Collegiate Institute

Tuesday 7p.m. – 8 p.m. female only $1/person

Friday 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. all ages $1/person

These community swims are booked until June 2012.

Self Defence For Women

On Friday, February 24th from 4 – 6 p.m., Dragonz Martial Artz owner and 5th degree black belt taekwondo, Marvin Prashad is offering a self-defence seminar for women.  Hosted by St. John Elementary School, it is pay-what-you-can and all proceeds will be donated to Hope4Helpa non-profit that supports the Tumani Community Orphan School in Kenya.   To confirm your attendance and request additional information, contact Liane Paixão at liane.paixao(at)sympatico.ca.

Melanie’s Bistro 4th Anniversary

To thank local diners for their business during the first four years, Melanie’s Bistro is offering at $25 prix fixe menue from Jan. 25th – Feb 8th. Yum.

The AWARD WINNING Better Bulk 

Now Magazine has decreed that our very own Better Bulk  is the “Best Bulk Food On The Danforth.” We already knew that, but we’re glad that Now everyone else knows too.

The AWARD WINNING Wag On The Danforth

Not to be outdone, Wag On The Danforth was voted the 2012 Best Pet Food and Supply Store by Toronto Pet Daily. Wag also hosted two cat adopt-a-thons last year and placed 24 cats into new homes. That success is spurring them on to host another one this year. Also – if your dog is a great big muddy mess because of the great big muddy weather, you might want to stop by the wash-your-own-dog tub and wash your big muddy dog.

LucSculpture

Did you know you can buy a membership to the LucSculpture School & Studios at Danforth and Greenwood? It gives you access to the pottery studios and wheels, events and library as well as discounts off glazes, classes and workshops throughout the building.

Ciraco Framing

Fernand Ciraco wants you to know they’re having a sale on custom framing. 15% off at the store at 1946 Danforth, across from East Lynn Park.

Contractor Wanted

And, finally – speaking of businesses we want to support, I’ve received a request for some recommendations for a contractor to do a major basement reno and a minor stairs reno.  Step up DECA-ites and post your suggestions to the blog or send them to me and I’ll do it (natasha.granatstein(at)gmail.com.

Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up…

So put on a happy face and get yourself over to the market tonight.  This week the bounty is plentiful. At 4:30 p.m. be in the park to see the Dragonz Martial Arts demonstration.  Also stop by the DECA tent to talk to the good people from the Shoelace Collective – a group of neighbours who are looking at issues of poverty in our community and ways to help.  Also, Senior Link will be there selling crafts.

Don’t worry, the rain will stop and it will be just ducky.