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Countdown to this weekend’s Arts Fair

The countdown is on for the 4th annual Danforth East Arts Fair, which you no doubt know by now will be held in East Lynn Park this weekend! Not only will more than 50 artists be showcasing their wares, but a crack team of craftmaking experts is offering your children the chance to make some of their own — for free, all weekend long.

Whether your kids are interested in jewellery, clay or something in between, the fine folks from the Silly Goose Kids, LucSculpture and Mrs. Darling’s have got you covered. And if they’re the kind of kids who like to make noise (and who doesn’t?), we’ll also be hosting a children’s noisemaker parade on Sunday afternoon to hand out awards to our participating artists.The full schedule appears below. Look for the bright red tents near the path!
The Danforth East Arts Fair runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 15 & 16 in East Lynn Park. The fair will feature more than 50 artists, musical performances, children’s crafts, light food fare and much more. Check out www.deca-arts.ca for more information, or like us on Facebook for exciting contests this week!
Saturday
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: craft hosted by Silly Goose Kids
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: repurposed toy animals, collection jars and animal butt magnets with Mrs. Darling’s.
3:30 – 5 p.m.: lovebird necklaces and braided hex nut bracelets with Mrs. Darling’s.

Sunday
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: clay table for kids courtesy LucSculpture School and Studio
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: book page flowers, garland and hair pins with Mrs. Darling’s.
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: noisemakers and awards parade led by Mrs. Darling’s.
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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 Hope4Help, a 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.

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Feel The Love Baby

Well, thanks to all of you who joined us at the Community Cocktail Party last night. Melanie of  Melanie’s Bistro was a wonderfully gracious hostess, as always and it was a treat to meet some new people in the neighbourhood.

Sugar Moon

We were extremely pleased to announce a very generous donation from one of our local businesses. Sugar Moon Body Sugaring and Esthetics Boutique has donated $1000 to DECA this year. Owner, Paola Girotti, is incredibly community-minded and an ardent supporter of the work our community association is doing to make our neighbourhood more vibrant, walkable and safe.  Paola was a bit of a pioneer in this neighbourhood by opening her gorgeous little salon first just east of Coxwell and now just west of Coxwell. She’s a big believer in shopping local and supporting local businesses and just as a big a believer in community. Thank you Sugar Moon.

Woodgreen Child Care Centres 

Woodgreen Community Services is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto -operating almost exclusively out of the east end. It provides service to 37,000 people every year. It runs 10 child care programs in east Toronto serving 820 children and their families. Why am I telling you all this? Because Woodgreen provides a lot of services in our neighbourhood and as the Christmas season starts sneaking up on us, there is a toy drive to support the Woodgreen child care centres.

The fabulous new toy store – Silly Goose Kids – is helping out this year by:

  • selling donation gift cards in $10 denominations
  • giving customers the opportunity to donate their ‘golden egg’ points to the toy drive
  • charging $1 for gift wrapping with all profits going to the toy drive

The event is being sponsored by realtors Duncan Fremlin and Karen Laing.  Local residents supporting local toy store and local real estate agents and all helping local social services agency.  Love it.

Art & Craft Show At LucSculpture

T’is the season to really show your support for your local businesses by shop shop shopping local. It’s getting easier and easier to do it every year. First stop? the LucSculpture sale featuring sculpture, paintings, drawings, photography, post cards, pottery, jewellery and crafts from local artisans. The sale is on now, but the official opening reception day is Saturday, December 3rd from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more info visit www.lucsculpture.com.

And – hey – I want to know what how you are shopping local.  What are you buying and where?  Post it on the blog or e-mail me and I’ll post it! natasha.granatstein(at)gmail.com

Local Arts Services Organization

There is a move afoot to look at the feasibility of starting a local arts service organization in East York. There is a public meeting to discuss it on Tuesday, December 6th from 3 – 5 p.m. at 3079 Danforth (near Victoria Park subway). To find out more, contact Liz Swan at eswan(at)toronto.ca.

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Where Did October Go?!

Hold on tight dear friends, we’ve got a few things to get through here.

Health, Food, Creativity Wellness Celebration

Yuri Murakami-Bihan is a licensed naturopathic doctor who operates her clinic out of the LucSculpture School and Studio on Greenwood at Danforth. If you’ve never wandered into LucSculpture, this may be the weekend to visit. Yuri is hosting her third annual wellness celebration, Health, Food, Creativity. There will be food demos and a wide variety of workshops throughout the the weekend. Click here for the full listing of events. Saturday October 29 & Sunday October 30 – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Councillor’s Corner

Mary-Margaret McMahon has two things to ask you.

1) Do you know where the barricades are? Those big heavy barricades that we used to block off East and West Lynn Aves with?  They’ve, ahem, gone missing. If you or someone you know accidentally tucked them into your shed and forgot about them, let her know, would ya?

2) Do you know where your teenagers are? If you do and if they want to contribute to a healthy democracy, or get their volunteer hours, or get out of the house or get you off their back, Mary-Margaret has volunteer opportunities that are fun and involve fresh air and exercise. For either of the above, contact her at Councillor_mcmahon@toronto.ca, 416-392-1376.

Janet Davis invites you to Peek at the Creek. Janet is hosting a community meeting to talk about initiatives in Taylor Massey Creek and Taylor Creek Park including a new wetland area, the East Don trail, forestry restoration, park improvements and proposed storm water infrastructure. Wednesday, November 2, 2011, 7 p.m. at Stand Wadlow Clubhouse – 373 Cedarvale Ave. For more info call 416-392-4035 or Councillor_Davis@toronto.ca.

Monarch Park Community Swims

Starting Friday, October 28th there will be community swims at the recently renovated pool in Monarch Park C.I.  Drop in Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. $1/person or $5/family. As soon as a lifeguard is hired, there will be an all girls swim on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. $1/ person.

There will also be a Red Cross Assistant Water Safety Instructor course for students 15+ on Fridays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., November 11th to December 16th. Registration deadline is November 4th with a maximum of 16 participants. For more info contact beachswimschool@yahoo.ca

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What To Get For Your Favourite Community Blogger?

It can be difficult.  What is the right gift for the woman who sends you news you can use in your own neighbourhood?  A woman who toils away in front of her computer night after night just so you can be the first to know what’s happening and where?  Wink wink.

Tak Bui decided to send me this fabulous electronic christmas card.  And I thought I would share it with you….gracious gal that I am.

Of course, you can never go wrong with jewellery.  Fine Silver Girl is hosting another open house from 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at 48 Woodington this Saturday.  Fine Silver Girl, aka Heather, also offers various classes including a adult and child classes.  Check out her calendar.

You may also want to check out Karen Franzen and friends.  They’re selling artwork, jewellery, quilts, functional ceramics and tiles, home-baked cookies at 3 Wembley Drive, 2 blocks east of Coxwell and upper Gerrard St.  Karen will also be offering 7 week pottery classes and tile painting workshops in her studio beginning in January.

(Note for people buying presents for women – especially men who aren’t always that adept at choosing the pefect gift – a pottery class is a really really good present.) Why?  Because not only do many of us ladies harbour secret fantasies about making pottery, it is also a little bit of that glorious ‘me time’ that we so crave but have trouble carving out for ourselves.  Take it from me and put this one in the stocking.

Speaking of pottery, on January 1st, 2011, LucScultpure will celebrate four years at its location at 663 Greenwood.  Luc is committed to this community and to the arts, locally and beyond and if you’ve never wandered into the building just steps north of the Danforth on Greenwood, now is the perfect time.  There are arts items for sale from $2 – $200 available until Jan. 2nd.  Gift certificates (for pottery classes and other things) are available.  But Luc also throws some pretty cool parties there.  From Jam sessions (Friday, Dec. 17th $5) to the ‘Lost Soul Party’ on New Year’s Eve ($10!).  It’s a warm, welcoming environment to wander into.

Other local gifts that might tempt you? I’ve just bought a lovely gift bag of delectable foodie goodies at Royal Beef.  I’d like to keep it for myself, but I won’t.  Also, Cozy Cafe has the most delightful meringue cream chocolate ‘trees’ and I will certainly be giving those as a gift in the near future.  If you have other ideas, post them here.

Carmelina Condominiums

Perhaps you feel that any of the things I’ve mentioned just aren’t significant enough to fully convey to your favourite blogger how much you appreciate her?  You would like to get her something really special…something big?  Maybe a condo would be what you’re looking for?  The big hole at Danforth and  Coxwell now boasts a big blue fence and a big sign advertising Carmelina Condominiums.  But really, you shouldn’t have.

Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Association

On December 8th, the BIA held its Annual General Meeting and elected it’s new board members.  They are ‘nominees’ until approved by community council in January.

Aurelio Acquaviva
Maria Acquaviva
Tanveer Arif
Peter Dekoulos
Jordan Ison
Banchi Kindie
Mehmet Korkmaz
Carmelo Lorefice
Enza Lorefice
Litsa Kostouros
Jason Manos
Pat Silver
Victor Singh
Nick Sissakis
Yared Tibebu
Asres Yirga