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)

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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.

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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!

Family Day in the ‘hood

A few events that you should know about!

Skating Party and Bonfire, Sunday February 15, 2:00-8:00pm
Stephenson Park

An amazing group of neighbours have come together to make a natural rink at Stephenson Park (just behind Sobey’s near Main & Danforth) and now these local heros are having a skating party and bonfire for the community. People have been baking and planning and it’s all shaking down on Sunday from 2-8pm. You know all those reasons why you love this neighbourhood? Well, this is all of them.

My Danforth Village - January 2015

 

(You may have read about this event in Catherine Porter’s Catherine Porter’s Column in the Star!)

Family Day Fun, Monday, February 16, 9:30am-2:00pm
Monarch Park Stadium

This annual event is becoming legendary. You can even buy tickets online ahead of time to ensure entry!

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Need something to do this summer?

If you’re looking for something to do over the summer for yourself, your kids, or anyone else, you do not have to go too far.

Ultimate Frisbee on Wednesday nights starting July 9 @ Stephenson Park (near Main & Danforth)

For more information, visit: www.recathletics.com
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Dance Camp at Pegasus Studios (near Coxwell & Danforth)

For more information, visit: www.pegasusstudios.com

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50% off Art Camps at Art Cave if you book in June (near Danforth & Coxwell)

For more information, visit: www.art-cave.ca/summer

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How about growing food for the community?

Our friends at Kimbourne United Church (200 Wolverleigh Blvd) are starting a community garden to grow local food for the community. Come out to their next meeting about it on June 23 at 7pm at the church. Also, check out their website: http://kimbourne.org/garden, like them on Facebook, and follow them on twitter @GardenKimbourne for the most updated info.

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Teen Activities and Workshops at S. Walter Stewart Library (Coxwell & Mortimer)

Just out of our area, but teens can venture over to take advantage for these free activities! S. Walter Stewart Library is located at 170 Memorial Park Ave.

Call for information or to register: 416-396-3975

Monthly Teen Flyer - June-Aug

Monarch Park Stadium Summer Camps (near Danforth & Coxwell)

For more information, visit: www.monarchparkstadium.com/summer-camp.html

Click on the links to check out their preschool camp (ages 3-5) and regular camp (ages 6-12) information. Keep your eyes out for the magical words: “Family discount” (for more than one kid).

 

Tool Library Summer Camp

This place is such a neighbourhood gem, and frankly, everything they do seems like the COOLEST IDEA EVER!  If you haven’t checked them out, at least check out their website: http://torontotoollibrary.com. Lots to do for adults and older kids. In fact, they have summer camps for 8-15 year olds!  For more camp info, visit: http://torontotoollibrary.com/summercamp

 

Local events to warm you up

Beating the January Blues

So it’s really winter. With no sign of spring, and no warm vacation in the calendar, what is a Danforth East resident supposed to do?  Luckily, our awesome local businesses have offers galore.  Here are some…

Melanie’s Winter Special

Melanie’s Bistro at 1870 Danforth Avenue is offering a winter special! $25 3-course prix fixe menu during the week, ($28 on weekends) or a $6 weekday lunch.  Oh, and don’t forget, they offer free corkage on Wednesdays if you want to bring your own wine, or $20 corkage any other day.  If that’s not enough, did you know that they also do takeout? And, if you ask nicely, someone will even deliver it to you curbside, with the credit card machine and everything. A-mazing!

winterfare 2014

Pilates Anyone?

A new business has opened just west of East Lynn Park at 1911 Danforth Avenue.  Come and see Counterbalance Studio Pilates for yourself, this January 25 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.!  www.counterbalancestudiopilates.com

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PA Day Fun at Monarch Park Stadium

From their website: www.monarchparkstadium.com

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Same great FUN as Toddler Playtime for Ages 13 and Under

MPS is opening two fields for open play this PA Day. Featuring bouncy castles, soccer activities and obstacle courses, the kids won’t be bored this P.A. Day.

Date: Friday, January 24
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: *$6 per child| $10 per family
1 Hansen Street

*Toddler Playtime Passes/Memberships are Valid

Family Day in the neighbourhood

Does this sound familiar?

The February long weekend has kind of snuck up on you, and something about calling it “Family Day” is making you feel like you need to make Monday something really special. But it’s February, and you’re tired, and you really just want to eat discounted Valentine’s Day chocolate that you are going to buy tomorrow on your lunch hour.

If you see yourself in this sad tale, then it’s DECAdiaries to the rescue.

Here is a list of neighbourhood Family Day activities!

Silly Goose Kids – 2054 Danforth Avenue (as if you don’t know where it is by now!)

Family Day

Monarch Park Stadium – 1 Hanson Street (behind Monarch Park School – in the dome!)

Pack some snacks and head over on foot if you can, since parking is very limited. Run those kids around and ensure a pleasant rest-of-the-day for the whole family!

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Bomb Wellness – 1338 Danforth Avenue

A word from the owners:
We’re really excited about our family day line-up this year. We have classes running from 9:00 – noon for adults and children 10+ as well as playtime and Fit Kids for little people.
It’s just $10 to drop in, or $20 for the whole family. Unlimited members: this is totally free for you, and your family can participate for an additional $10.
In the afternoon, we’ll welcome David Dantes who will be teaching a 2 hour Self-Defense workshop. You won’t be learning any crazy knife-disarming drills, but you will learn realistic techniques to keep you safe, regardless of your size or strength. This course is suitable for men and women, as well as children over 10.
We’ll be airing a movie (free) downstairs if you’d like to bring your smaller children along while you participate in this course. The cost is $30 and $10 for additional members of the same family. ($25 for members, $20 for unlimited members)
Here’s the schedule:

Family Day Poster

www.bombwellness.com/events.html

news for a chilly night

Here are a few tidbits to distract you from that Visa bill that recently showed up.

Happy 5th Birthday to Melanie’s – $25 prix fixe menu!

How much do we love having this superb little bistro in our neighbourhood?  A lot, that’s how much.  Melanie’s Bistro is turning 5, and to celebrate, they are offering a special $25 prix fixe menu, $2 off sandwiches and wraps at weekday lunches, AND half off desserts during the week.  I’d say these are some pretty good reasons to stop in to celebrate right along with them!

melanies 5th anniversary

Artisans at Work: Call-out for Teachers

Renos are under way at one of the neighbourhood’s new businesses, Artisans-at-Work, and owner Tara has asked us to post this message:

Artisans At Work, 2071 Danforth, is almost finished construction.
We will be open in February to the public for classes, workshops and events, whilst we continue to stock our shelves with Toronto artist’s work!
We would like to take this opportunity to invite all local art, music, dance, and theatrical teachers in the neighbourhood and beyond, to submit proposals to hold classes for children, teens and adults.
We are looking to fill many series of classes in time slots, but also single classes here and there. March break classes are also ready to be planned and booked!
Please submit your proposed class, time and day(s) preference, cost, and any other information to us by clicking here.
Thank you,
Tara
PS – Website coming soon: www.artisans-at-work.com; in the meantime you can “like” us on Facebook to keep in touch!

Monarch Park Stadium Info Night with Trustee Cathy Dandy – January 22nd

Trustee Cathy Dandy is holding a community meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7pm at Monarch Park Collegiate (enter at the front doors of the school).  The event is described as “an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss the new Monarch Park Stadium.”

DECADiaries Fun fact: You can call 3-1-1 to order a new recycling bin and/or second green bin – FREE!  Garbage bins can also be exchanged, but remember that the larger the bin, the more you will have to pay for pick-up on your bill.