Here is the third post in the series of Ten Questions for DECA Board members spearheaded by DECA volunteer Heather Bean.  She posed ten questions to each of our board members to learn a little bit about where they come from, who they are, and what their dreams are for our neighbourhood.  Meet DECA’s board members Jane Davis-Munro and Paul Haines.

Ten Questions for . . . Jane Davis-Munro

How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?

I have lived in the east end of Toronto for 33 years: first at Greenwood and Gerard and now at Coxwell and Danforth.

Where did you grow up?

We moved around a bit but I went to Junior High and High School in Mississauga.

How do you spend your Saturday mornings?

My Saturday mornings are spent at Pegasus Studios.

What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmer’s Market, and what do you do with it?

I love any kind of berries.  What we don’t eat we freeze for later!

How did you get involved with DECA?

We were very fortunate to live in Innstead Housing co-op while both my husband and I started our own businesses and were raising our young family.  I then was very fortunate to find a home for my dance studio at Kimbourne Park United Church.

I wanted to find a way to give back to the community that supported my family and I, and DECA accepted me to become part of their community association.

Do you have a dream DECA project? 

I love the farmers market and the Arts Fair and hope to get more involved in both.  I am sure other things will come to light, as I am a very new board member.

Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?

Deserres sees me the most, as I am always buying supplies for my preschool arts program.

If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?

I’d like to see more fine dining options, and my husband dreams of a local Blues Club.  Sort of a Hugh’s Room for the East End.

If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?

I wish there were more interesting shops along the Danforth.

When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?

We are in the best neighborhood, as we are so close to downtown, close to the Beach and other interesting neighborhoods without all the inconveniences of parking and crowds. We are central to everything!

Ten Questions for . . . Paul Haines

How long have you been living in the neighbourhood?

I’ve lived in the neighbourhood for ten years.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Dublin, Ireland and have lived in San Francisco, Pickering, Kingston, and Belfast.

How do you spend your Saturday mornings?

Taking my 20-month-old daughter for a walk, to the park or doing groceries along the Danforth.

What’s your favourite thing to buy at the Farmer’s Market, and what do you do with it?

I like to buy fresh veggies, and cheese curds for my wife: she’s a Montrealer, and she gives them the thumbs up.

How did you get involved with DECA?

I noticed all of the amazing things that were happening in the neighbourhood and saw that DECA was behind a lot of them; I wanted to be part of shaping where my family lives.

Do you have a dream DECA project?

Any project that brings the community together. Maybe a parade, or movies in East Lynn Park.

Which business on the Danforth sees you the most–and what brings you there?

Moberly Natural Foods, Royal Beef and Celena’s are all on our shopping rotation. Melanie’s Bistro is a great place to go for a bite.

If you could open (or persuade someone else to open) a business on the Danforth, what would it be?

A cool gastropub near Danforth and Woodbine.

If you could change one thing about the neighbourhood, what would it be?

Continue to see exciting new businesses fill some of the empty storefronts.

When you tell other people about our neighbourhood, what do you say?

It is one of the most under-rated neighbourhoods in the city and those who live here, love it a lot.