Mayor Miller’s proclamation
The contributions of small local businesses are being highlighted by the Mayor’s proclamation that this is “Shop Local” week. He’s drawn our attention to the millions of dollars that will be spent during the coming Christmas season and the value that this spending will have for our local neighbourhood shops. Our stores are key players in the recovery of Toronto’s economic health and in our economic growth into the future.
Over the years, Cabbagetown residents have supported our local shops with enthusiastic loyalty. We enjoy close ties between residents and businesses in our community. We believe that this is one of the main reasons that Cabbagetown has become a vibrant village in the heart of the city.

Contest winners
Congratulations to the successful players in last week’s contest. You may recall that we invited everyone to send us an email immediately after our 100th Newsletter was launched. The first eleven emails received here were winners. It took Bruce, our overall winner, about ninety seconds to respond.
Among the happy replies that we received when the winners learned about their unexpected windfalls, Paulette’s stands out. “How exciting. I don’t believe I’ve ever won anything before – except the hand of my husband.”

Soup has a Christmas sale

It’s time again for the annual Christmas craft sale at Soup (6031/2 Parliament, just north of Cranberries). There are lots of goodies for everyone – Branch Out! greeting cards, handmade ornaments, Allie Oop bags, jewelry, knitted wares, silk screened clothes and bags, paintings, fun buttons, Green Thumb salve and much much more. This year’s sale takes place on Saturday, December 12 from 10 am to 4 pm. Don’t miss it.

Pop-up retail at Fair Trade Jewellry
You’re invited to the reception to open Bijouxbead Holiday at Fair Trade Jewellery Company (523 Parliament). Darlene Martin's beadwork is the first featured display. These intriguing mannequins have been visible through the front window for the past week. Saturday December 5 from 3 to 6 pm.
As renovations continue at FTJC, there’s space available at the front of the store. Ryan plans to use this area to feature a new Canadian fashion designer or artist every few weeks. Clothes, toys, jewellery – all will be included. As it progresses, FTJC will become a very contemporary centre for modern retailing design.

PearTree’s Christmas MenuPearTree’s comfortable room has long been a Cabbagetown favourite and now their Christmas menu has returned (507 Parliament). It’s a prix fixe, three course dinner at $23.99 featuring main courses with beef tenderloin, a New York sirloin, lamb chops, sea bass, grilled salmon, Cajun jump fry, chicken breast chasseur and spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli. There are soup choices along with salads, bruschetta and seafood appetizers plus half a dozen cakes and pies for dessert.

Gift baskets at Epicure

All through the weekend, Epicure (473 Parliament) has gift baskets on sale “tax free”. You can combine a gift basket with a pound of Reunion Island coffee for a real gourmet highlight. While you’re there, buy a box of Baci chocolates for $4.99 and save $3 – Baci translates as “kisses” and each chocolate has a special message of love. For cheese lovers, Patty has Black Burn non-pasteurized cheese from Quebec at $3.99/100g and she’s offering a free Summerfresh dip with any purchase of her humus dips.

Sharon’s Christmas
The season has started for Sharon as well (503 Parliament). She wants to remind us that she carries men’s fashions as well as women’s. She has, for example, men’s shirts from Arrow, Calvin Klein and Geoffery Beene from $34.95. For women, she has party dresses starting at $39.99. Her store is full of wonderful gift items including silver jewelry, scarves and animal hats.

Christmas at The Stonegrill The beautiful room at The Stonegrill (51B Winchester) makes a wonderful location for your Christmas events and parties. They’re offering custom designed prix fixe menus, cocktail receptions, a well-rounded, affordable wine list and the services of their experienced, friendly staff. For large corporate gatherings or intimate dinners for two, this is a festive success that won’t be forgotten. If you’re interested, call Mukul or Dobby at (416) 967-6565.

Carlton & Parliament
The new bank building at Carlton is making great progress. Friday is the day when the last big batch of concrete is being poured. After that, scaffolding will go up for the first steps in laying the exterior brickwork. The building’s owner, George Foulides, reports that the proposed “white roof” will increase its cooling efficiency by up to 40% over conventional roofing techniques, creating very big energy savings for the building’s future operations. For more information on this kind of roof, please visit http://www.garlandco.com/

Oops - great show this weekend
The holiday craft and studio show takes place on Friday and Saturday over this weekend. (Last week, we listed the wrong dates – so if you think you missed it, rest assured that there’s still a chance to attend.) Five outstanding artists – Victoria Hadden, Tessa Ort, Gerri Orwin, Ray Prince and Irina Rapoport – will have their paintings, ceramics, woodworking and jewelry available for your Christmas shopping. Friday from 3 to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm at 130 Seaton Street.

Signs of the Season
Whenever you see these faithful, hardworking BIA workers with their ladder and wreathes, then you know that Christmas is just around the corner.
The Christmas tree guys, Gerry and Carl, are also at work at the No Frills sidewalk on Spruce Street. They’ve been selling their trees here and making Cabbagetown families happy for over fifty years. Welcome back for another successful year.