Wow – this Blog is fun

For over four years, I’ve been churning out my most profound thoughts onto an innocent Cabbagetown audience through this Blog. My first edition went out over the world-wide web on April 11, 2007 and since then, 217 more have followed.

Google tells me that we’ve now reached 115,000 “page views”. Every week, we’re adding between 850 and 1100 more. If you’re reading this, you’re part of a big Blog army.
Last winter, Cabbagetown’s Newsletter was honoured with TABIA’s first communications Award.
The business community here has been amazingly tolerant of the rants, digressions and personal opinions that have been fired out under their banner at this Blog.

Our success has been based on Cabbagetown itself. We’re a very close community. What happens at the Forsythia Festival interests people in Cabbagetown South. Central Neighbourhood House has a 100th anniversary and it’s supported by people on Wellesley Street. All of us are cheering for The Daniels Corporation and TCHC as they revitalize Regent Park.

Over these past four years, deep change has reached Parliament, Carlton and Gerrard. New people – young people – have arrived with a lot of energy and very good business sense. At the same time, the older favourites have continued to give great service and to be the centre of the BIA.

As a result, it’s never been hard for me to write this weekly report because I’ve always had lively stories about interesting people.

So – here’s what’s happening this week

On Saturday night – Reaching Out Through Music

An amazing concert evening is happening on Saturday April 28 at St Simon’s Church (525 Bloor). The program includes Ron Davis, Daniela Nardi, Mary Lou Fallis with Peter Tiefenbach, the Gryphon Trio, Emma Meinrenken, Patricia Parr and Kathleen Penny. A fantastic silent auction starts at 6:45 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. All of this is a benefit for Reaching Out Through Music, a community group providing music and social opportunities for children from St James Town. Reserve your tickets at (416) 923-8714 (ext 205) or jamierotm@hotmail.com. Students $10, seniors, $30, regular $40 and patrons $100. Complimentary refreshments. To find out more, click here: www.reachingoutthroughmusic.org

Welcome Kumon

A new learning centre has just opened at 543A Parliament just north of Winchester. It’s an after-school math and reading enrichment program that uses an individualized approach based on a child’s ability rather than age. Vasudha Chadha is the owner of the Cabbagetown Kumon – one of over 26,000 centres across 47 countries around the world. For more info about the Kumon programs, www.kumon.com. To talk to Vasudha, call her at (416) 939-2300. Open Mondays and Thursdays, 3 to 7 pm and Saturdays 9 to 11:30 am.

“On Time” by Eric Morse

Eric has taken hundreds of photos documenting Cabbagetown life over the past seven years. On Tuesday, Eric (with the help of his colleague Catherine Tammaro) is opening a show at the Parliament Street Library (269 Gerrard). Reception from 6 to 8 pm. The show starts on May 1 and runs to May 31.

MJG Gallery

The current "Spring" show is making way for next month's Scotiabank "Contact" photography exhibit "Wish You Were Here" It will feature work by Kelly Clipperton, Mark Gleberzon, Stev'nn Hall & Sandy Middleton. RSVP for the opening night receptions May 3rd & May 4th. 416.923.4031. 555 Parliament St.

The Forsythia Festival is a week away

It’s our annual celebration of Spring. Sunday May 6. The Festival starts at Riverdale Park at 10 am and a parade then marches one short block north to Wellesley Park. Games, food and lots of family events happen until 1:30 pm. It’s always a nifty way to meet your neighbours and enjoy the warm weather. 13 local businesses have donated gifts and 6 more made cash donations – our thanks to each one.

Kendall and the Farm

Kendall and Co (227 Carlton) has a special line of home accents and gifts inspired by Riverdale Farm. A portion of the sale proceeds will go to the Farm. They also have a special sale for this weekend – save 10% on their entire stock of fair trade, handmade New Zealand wool rugs. For more info, www.kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/riverdale-farm-collection

Solar power at CCDT

About twenty people gathered last Saturday afternoon to hear several experts comment on the possibilities of solar power in Cabbagetown. The centre piece of the discussion was the solar roof at Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre. The event was organized by TABIA who were attracted here by the dance theatre’s innovations. Everything started off on a sunny note with coffee from Starbucks (492 Parliament) and cookies from Mylk Uncookies (253 Gerrard).

Wearable works of art by Dean Davidson

Dean Davidson’s wearable art is modern, striking and feminine. He relies on architectural design elements. His current collection at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) mixes textures and plays with different shapes and colours. Find out more at www.thelabouroflove.ca

Congrat’s Mylk Uncookies

Toni and Elaine were very nicely reviewed in a blog last September. I’ve just found this article. Although it’s now a few months old, the review is still worth quoting: “What a unique place … clean and simple but not pretentious. I ordered up an Americano which was bang-on delicious. … The service here was excellent and I’d happily return”. That was from Matthew Rahn at Espresso CoffeeLife, a Toronto blog about coffee experiences in the city (http://www.espressocoffeelife.com/) 253 Gerrard.

The courtyard room is still available

There’s a charming courtyard space at Weenen General Contracting (Carlton) that’s available for rent. It’s comfortable and impressive with built-in shelves, air conditioning, gas fireplace, carpeting and bright window light. The entrance is from the courtyard garden. 300 square feet, $1,000/month including utilities. Contact Diana Menzies at (416) 424-4900 and dmenzies@trebnet.com

Peanut butter at Epicure

Manhattan’s Peanut Butter & Co has made it to the big time here in our own Epicure Shop (473 Parliament). They produce seven varieties of peanut butter – all really yummy. Seinfeld has endorsed them. And Patty has them all – at $4.99 a jar.

Save this date – Garden Tour

Sunday June 3, 10 am to 3 pm. The annual tour of Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces takes place across Cabbagetown. This is a very popular event and it sells out every year. Tickets ($15) are available locally at Mi Casa (238 Carlton), Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) and Fairway Garden Centre (520 Parliament).

Luminato along Parliament Street

Luminato is Toronto’s annual celebration of the arts and this year, they’re coming here with an installation along Parliament Street. We’ll see a dozen pieces from Dan Bergeron. All of them are his response to the abundance of condo development in the city and especially to the revitalization of Regent Park. Watch for this in June. Image from www.luminato.com

Cabbagetown in Iceland

Our Tees have gone north. Ruth (in our Tee) and Kevin along with Bernie and Ruth had a quick and highly enjoyable trip to Iceland recently. They say that it’s an amazing place and they’ll be back there again. Their photo was taken on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Reykjavik in the southwest part of the country. Another spot on the globe where the C’town Tee has been proudly worn.

That’s it. Thanks!