Friday 1 October 2010

The fire at 200 Wellesley
Cabbagetowners have responded generously to their neighbours’ distress. Donations have been coming in to the City of Toronto’s account and several special fundraising events have already been organized. For direct information from the City about fundraising and about helping the people, click here: http://www.toronto.ca/200Wwellesley.htm

Big Mamma’s Boy
On Friday October 1, Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) is hosting a fundraiser for the people who are now stranded. They’re accepting gifts cards for food, drugs and department stores. They will also donate a percentage of their sales for the evening.

U4Change Fire Fundraiser
U4Change (517 Parliament) is a dynamic agency that works with young people from St James Town . They use the arts, culture and human rights to give them a strong start in their lives. They’re holding a fundraiser to help people left without shelter by the fire at 200 Wellesley. You can join them and watch performances by young artists and nibble on the goodies from their bake sale. All donations will be welcome. Friday October 8, 7 to 9 pm, 517 Parliament. http://u4change.ca/

Simmons Flowers – open on October 9
Merion and Tina have announced that Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament) will stay open on Saturday October 9 so you can stock up on your flowers for the Thanksgiving weekend. Whether they’re a decoration for your own home or a gift for someone else, flowers are a beautiful part of the Thanksgiving holiday. As Merion says, “Flowers may not nourish our bodies but they certainly nourish our souls.”

Welcome to Cabbagetown
Egale has announced that it’s moving into new offices at 185 Carlton. This space will enable them to strengthen the Safe School program. Despite legal and policy guarantees, Egale has found that up to 75% of LGBT youth report feeling unsafe at school. Egale works to make our schools safer and more tolerant and to empower students and adults in their efforts toward dignity and basic human rights. For more details, click here: http://www.mygsa.ca/

Mi Casa has consoles
These consoles are very popular. They’re perfect for small condos and narrow hallways. Only 6” wide, they come in two sizes – 42” by 29” and 34” by 32”. They’re available in polished chrome, dark grey and brushed finish. They’re made right here in Toronto and a new batch has just arrived. From October 1 to October 15, they’ll be on sale at 15% discounts. 238 Carlton

A home for the museum
The announcement has made it official – the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum will be one of seven arts groups to locate in the new Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre on Dundas between Sumach and Sackville. The museum, of course, documents our history as one of Toronto’s oldest and most diverse neighbourhoods. Its temporary home is in Riverdale Park and the new facility will give it ample space to grow and gather materials about our people and our past. http://www.crpmuseum.com/

Kendall & Co
New carpets are featured in Kendall & Co’s front window display this week. These brilliant carpets are handmade in New Zealand. Step inside for more rugs and for a chance to browse through the sale items. DĂ©cor accessories, glassware, serving ware, gifts, lamps and furniture are all on sale now for 20 to 50% off. These are great bargains. 438 Parliament (across from Spruce.)

Cooking with Elie
Every week, we list the coming topic at Elie’s Monday evening cooking classes at Provences Delices (12 Amelia). He says that he’s getting great compliments about his program. To help you plan ahead, here are his themes for October: lamb (October 4), appetizers (October 25) and duck (November 1). His evenings feature lots of hands-on experience followed by a meal where you can enjoy your own cooking together with a glass of wine. $99/session to a maximum of 7 people. Book your space at (416) 924-9901. http://www.provencerestaurant.com/cooking.html

Regent Park Choir
Last Wednesday, the kids in the Regent Park Music School joined Chantal Kreviazuk during the official launch for the Pan Am Games. The games will take place in 2015 and the main focus for them will be at the foot of Parliament Street. These new facilities there will have a major impact on our community and will undoubtedly spur new growth and prosperity in our community. For a good video of the official ceremonies, click here: http://www.toronto2015.org/lang/en/home.html