A Cabbagetown Sampler
Cabbagetown photographer Eric Morse has just sent us a link to his remarkable collection of pictures about our community. They span the past ten years. In remarkable detail, they show our homes, businesses, parks, events and, most of all, ourselves. Click on the link and then click on the “slide show” button: http://www.photoshop.com/users/emorse If you want to buy one of Eric’s limited edition prints, email him at esmorse@sympatico.ca

Zack at Stout
Zack Werner is making weekly appearances at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). He’s the host at Stout’s Blues Jam and he brings his friends along to add to the night’s excitement. Last Wednesday, Zack was accompanied by drummer Kevin Barbe (left), guitarist Steve Costello (right) and his friends Darcy, Mikka, Erin and Anne. Wednesday, from 9 pm, no cover charge.

Weatherproof rugs at Kendall
These rugs are good for both indoor and outdoor use. They’re available in sizes from 2X3 feet to 8X11 feet and they boast beautiful floral designs. They’ll bring colour and life to your rooftop deck, outdoor patio, doorstep and cottage. For more info, click on http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/shop/outdoor-rugs/ This week only, Kendall also has a special sale on all their hand blown glass stem ware and bar wares. 438 Parliament across from Spruce.

Fresh fish at JAM
JAMcafe (195 Carlton) has joined with Hooked, “the knowledgeable fish store,” to supply their daily fish dishes. This guarantees that their menu lists the best food that’s sustainable, ethical and fresh. JAM has also started their daily lunches from 11:30 to 2m pm from Tuesday to Friday.

Coming to The Flying Beaver
Heather has released her schedule for her shows over the next few days. Tonight, Friday March 25, she’s featuring Scott Freethy in his musical comedy, Scott & the City. On Saturday, it’s comedy with Karen Williams. Looking ahead to next weekend, Carla Collins presents her comedy show on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available at the bar or by credit card online at Brown Paper Tix. Please call ahead for your dinner reservation, (647) 347-6567.
The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) is open from Thursday to Sunday. Heather and Maggie are highlighting good food, good service and a sweet cabaret room.

The best of times, the worst of times
Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) has been on a roller coaster this week. On Wednesday, she suffered a break-in. The thief managed to cause considerable damage to her doors but there wasn’t anything worth the effort inside the store. As usual, the repairs from the vandalism were the worst cost.
Later on that same day, her first in-store workshop – on gift wrapping techniques - was a great success. Nine people braved the winter storm and enjoyed their session. More are planned for the future. See more pictures here: http://thelabouroflove.ca/

Patty’s getting ready for Easter
Drop in to The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) to see her amazing little Easter Lunch Box filled with goodies for the holiday (only $4.99) You can also enjoy some of Epicure’s own special roast beef, made in Montreal and cooked without preservatives.

Buildings for rent
The two Victorian buildings at 550 and 552 Parliament have been under construction for some time. The work is mainly finished and now they’re available for rent. The first floor space (about 1000 square feet in each) is available for commercial use. The second and third floors can be live and work spaces. There’s a walk-out on the third floor from each unit. Parking is available. For more information, call Abraham Diles at (416) 704-2625.

Summer patios are coming
Congratulations to Starbucks (490 Parliament) and The Underdown (263 Gerrard). Both have just received the green light from the City to set up outdoor patios on their boulevards. These patios will be fairly small but they’re welcome nevertheless. We really need more places where people can gather on our street corners and these spots are ideal. A poll asking for residents’ reactions was conducted by the City among the nearby neighbours who voted in favour of both of projects.
As Spring unfolds, more patios will be coming to the new House on Parliament (454 Parliament), Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) and Merryberry (559 Parliament). And, of course, there are established favourites at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament), Grasshopper (460 Parliament), JAMCafe (195 Carlton) and Margarita’s (229 Carlton).

A tribute to Elizabeth Harris
Peter Reynolds was a long-time friend to Elizabeth. She taught his son at Sprucecourt. So when she wanted a slide show done a few years ago about the Riverdale Farmer’s Market, Peter was happy to help, He’s sent us the link to his show as his tribute to her and to her remarkable impact on our community. http://www.peterreynolds.ca/farmers/publish_to_web

A busy Cabbagetown weekend

Saturday (from 11 am to 2 pm) is Scrabble day at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario). This is their third annual team event. There’ll be fun and prizes and a chance to raise funds for CNH’s tutoring program. For more details, http://www.cnh.on.ca/

On Earth Day, Saturday March 26, join your friends for a walk through Cabbagetown South, highlighting the area’s finest Victorian homes. Robin Burgoyne from Caerwent House Stories will be your leader. The event starts at Seaton and Gerrard at 8:15 pm. For more info, http://www.cabbagetownsouth.ca/

On Sunday, March 27, Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) is part of the 33rd Annual Toronto Storytelling Festival. From 1:30 to 4 pm, there’ll be stories for children, bilingual storytelling, and a session on informal story sharing. Admission is free.

The Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents Association will unveil their new website on Wednesday, March 30 at the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester). It’s a good chance for you to see the new site and meet the people in your association. If you can’t attend, click on http://www.cabbagetowner.ca/

Hurry up and buy your brick. Art & Crafts in the Park are sponsoring a fundraiser to repair the sidewalks in Riverdale Park. Your donation of $100 or $150 will purchase a specially engraved brick with your name on it. For all the details, http://www.cabbagetownartandcrafts.org/.

Be a cookie baker. The Friends of Riverdale Farm need a volunteer for a few hours each week to bake their scrumptious oatmeal chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies. Your cookies will be sold in the Farm as part of the Friends’ efforts to create a warm welcome for all the visitors. Call Kate at (416) 961-8787.

Gotcha
Here’s Colin Grant, the publisher of Cabbagetown’s local newspaper, The Voice. We caught him walking around on Friday afternoon and decided that we’d take his photo – a fair trade since he’s taken hundreds of pictures of our neighbourhood over the years. We’re asked regularly for his contact info. You can reach him at voclara@yahoo.ca or (647) 838-2126. The Voice is always happy to receive your announcements and even, your advertising.

Ken keeps on wowing ‘em in France
Ken Caskenette has reached Rennes in his bike tour around France. He had his photo taken in a comfy café. To my regret, several of the nearby folks are ignoring the blinding beauty of that Tee shirt wrapped around his svelte body – there’s no accounting for taste.