Rink Side Campfire and Toronto East General

Rink side campfire

At DECA’s first meeting of 2011, we decided to form a parks committee.  One of the things this committee is going to do is develop an inventory of parks and recreation (and cultural) items in our neighbourhood.  We hope that this will be both a resource to the community and that it will give us a better sense of what facilities are available in our community in comparison with others.

This led into a discussion about the possibilities of a campfire at East Lynn and at Monarch Park.  We know they do campfire events at Dufferin Grove and at Greenwood Park alongside the skating rinks so we have some folks who are exploring these opportunities around here.  One thing we’re doing is talking with the Friends of Greenwood (FROG) about their campfire events.  And lo and behold they sent us an invitation to their next party!  And by us, I mean YOU.

Rink Side Campfire, Sunday February 20  – 11-12:30

Marshmallows, hot chocolate  – bring your own mug.

Lost Ring

Jon Isaak has been a good friend to DECA – particularly the Farmers’ Market – as a skilled graphic artist and volunteer.  He lost a ring on Sunday, Feb. 6th either in East Lynn Park or Merrill Bridge Road Park.  It’s inscribed 2007/9/15.  If you’ve found it let me know and I’ll connect you with Jon.

TEGH

There is an official public community meeting about the plan to renovate Toronto East General coming up.  As I have discussed here before, the plan is to build on the current parking lot on Sammon Ave. and take down the building that fronts on to Coxwell.  The DECA executive was invited to tour the hospital and see why exactly the hospital needs a serious overhaul.  Personally, I truly couldn’t believe the state of some of the parts of that hospital.  I’m going to post another blog about this in the next few days, but mark your calendars and please plan to attend the meeting on March 2nd – and not just if you don’t like the plan.  If you’re in favour of a renovated hospital, the City and city councillors needs to hear that too.  I don’t have the time and place, but when I do, I will let you know.

Mosaic Storytelling Festival

The Open Door East End Arts Collective and St. David’s Anglican Church celebrate the diversity and creativity of our rich East End neighbourhood – and our world – through six afternoons of storytelling with tellers and tales from all across the globe. Occurring every two weeks from Jan. 23 to Apr. 17 at 3 pm in St. David’s parish hall at 49 Donlands Ave, right across from Donlands subway station.  Admission PWYC (pay what you can), suggested minimum $5 per person.

For more information call 416-469-2878.

Sunday, February 20 at 3:00 pm – Black History Month – Leeya Solomon and Sandra Whiting tell stories from Africa and the Caribbean


Telling Stories

The Open Door East End Arts Collective is a group of artists from Toronto’s east end who “love their neighbourhood and the arts with equal passion.”  This trio is launching a storytelling festival at St. David’s Anglican Church right across from Donlands subway station from  January 23rd  – April 17th at 3 p.m. in the parish hall.

Sunday January 23rd is the festival opener featuring Dan Yashinsky, Brian Katz and Rainos Mutamba (Dan Yashinsky was a performer at the East Lynn Farmers’ Market and he was fabulous).  Admission is pay what you can with a suggested minimum of $5/person.  For more info, call 416-469-2878 or look here.

Celena’s Bakery – was featured on blogTO this week and we thought you should check it out.

Updates

If you got a beautiful piece of art for Christmas and are wondering how to frame it, Ciraco’s (1946 Danforth) 15% off custom framing sale has been extended until the end of the month.

In December I told you about a local business, CareerFitmom. Turns out, DECA member, Jennifer D. Foster wrote a profile on owner, Beth, this fall about trying to find the balance between career and motherhood.

2011 Budget

Nothing says a good time like sitting around talking about the city budget.  The fierce debates.  The gut-busting guffaws.  The tears.  Um…maybe that’s just at my house?  On Wednesday, January 19th councillors will be hosting public consultations on the proposed budget.  This is your chance to get involved, learn more and give your two cents (less 2%).  It’s from 6-9 p.m. at the East York Civic Centre at 850 Coxwell.  For information on how to make a deputation, check out this link.