Santa Explores the East End & Police Matters

Santa Explores the East End

There will be loads of holiday fun this weekend. Earl Beatty (55 Woodington Ave) is hosting a Holiday in the ‘Hood event with a craft sale, bake sale and pictures with the man himself, Santa. Fun starts on Friday at 3:30 until 8:00 p.m. and runs on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

And the very next day Santa will be at the 6th Annual Centre 55 Santa Clause parade. Parade starts at 1:00 p.m. and runs along Kingston Road. Check out the website for more details.

Police Matters

According to recent Division 55 stats, major crime is down in our division. Yeah! Police are being vigilant with jaywalkers and unsafe pedestrians so be careful when crossing the street. This is also the time of year when spot-checks will be ramping up so be sure to arrange transportation from those holiday parties accordingly.

Toronto Police Service is also looking for individuals to participate in upcoming focus group. Check out the flyer below for the particulars.

Self Defence

DECA Learns – Self Defence

Rachel Jolicoeur is taking on the helm of DECA’s safety committee this year.  The first thing she has organized is a self defence class, courtesy of DragonZ Martial Arts Centre.  Sir Marvin Prashad will provide this two hour class on Sunday, April 3rd from 1-3 p.m. It will include a warm up, situation enactment, proper technique and a fitness component.  DragonZ is at 1998 Danforth, just west of Woodbine.  Those interested can RSVP to rachel.jolicoeur(at)yahoo.ca. The cost is $5 or pay what you can.

Also, if you’re interested in being part of our new safety committee (it took a short hiatus for a while), also send a note to Rachel.

Little Ethiopia

On the one hand, Eye Weekly ran a story this week about Samuel Gettachew’s campaign to name the area around Monarch Park and Danforth, Little Ethiopia.  On the other hand, the large Ethiopian centre on the northwest corner of Danforth and Woodbine is for lease.  When the federal government cut funding to immigrant agencies in late 2010, this group lost a big chunk of its funding and will now consolidate its services in its west-end location.

Beaches Easter Parade

Would you like to help us promote the East Lynn Farmers’ Market and be in the Beaches Easter Parade on Sunday, April 24th?  We’re putting a group together.  You can dress up as a farmers or some sort of local food…a tractor…let your imagination run wild.  Children are welcome too of course!  If you’re interested contact Shelley at  shelleydarling(at)yahoo.ca

Monarch Park students going to Kenya

A group of students from Monarch Park C.I. are heading to Kenya on April 26th as part of  a four-credit special program that includes a one-month co-op placement building a school in Kenya with the organization Free the Children.  Monarch Park is the only school in Canada to offer the program. To learn more, check out this story on insidetoronto.com

Flower Boxes

A few people have asked me about the flower displays that the BIA has been putting into the tree boxes on the Danforth for the last few years.  I understand that the BIA has a significantly lower budget this year and therefore won’t be doing the flowers this year.

DECA Make A Joyful Noise Parade

On Sunday, April 25th at 11 a.m. join us at East Lynn Park for the DECA Make A Joyful Noise Family Parade.

Kids are invited to wear a costume or a crazy hat and bring their favourite instrument to join the parade!  (Any old shaker or coffee can will do – we’ll also have a few extra shakers for those who need it.)

There will also be some yummy treats from Cozy Bakery and Cafe (in the formerly named Coffee Coffee location).  Spread the word – the more the merrier!