Hello Cabbagetown and welcome to a new week of 'Cabbagetown Living'
Although there's still a chill in the air, there is no doubt Spring has peeked through the last couple of days.
Sunshine through the window at the BIA Office at 237 Carlton St. was a pleasant change. Another sign of Spring to come is the planning has started for projects coming in April & May, high Spring season.
Let me tell you about a couple of them:
Winchester Community Garden
Forsythia Festival
This week also saw the start of the Forsythia Festival planning phase. Trish from the Cabbagetown Residents Association (CRA) stopped by the office to discuss some very interesting updates as well as sharing that this year they'll be hosting a Beer Garden! The CRA will be out in full force next week procuring donations for the operating expenses of the festival as well as collecting donations for their Raffle Draw.
The Forsythia Festival is an annual Cabbagetown event held on the first Sunday of May in Wellesley Park. It is a fun, family event that features an official welcoming of spring parade, live entertainment, children’s activities and much more. Enjoy mouth-watering food, capture the excitement of the day at our photo booth, get your caricature drawn or your kids’ faces painted – a fun time for the whole family.
Stay tuned for some more exclusive updates from the CRA through our blog.
The Playwright Project
In May of 2012 The Tennessee Project presented forty-seven performances over seven nights, selling out 80% of houses, and playing to more than 2,500 Torontonians. With their extensive media coverage, cross-promotions, and partnerships, the Project is estimated to have reached 2,600,00.
In May of 2013 The Project will return, this time as The Playwright Project: Sam Shepherd 2013, featuring the work of one of North Americas greatest playwrights, Mr. Sam Shepherd.
7 - Seven of Toronto's hottest theatre-makers will join forces in one of the largest scale co-productions Toronto has ever seen when they produce...
7 - Seven evenings of Sam Shepherd one-acts. Known for his rock-and-roll-meets-Wild-West stories, Sam Shepherd writes inventive, spirited, and observant tales for our troubled times. For seven nights these plays rotate through..
7 - Seven Toronto neighbourhoods in a spectacular week long event that directly reaches out into the communities to develop relationships between artists, audiences, and local businesses, and engage community members of all backgrounds in a local friendly, uncomplicated theatre-going experience.
This year, The Playwright Project is being hosted in the Danforth, the Beach, Queen St. West, the Junction, North York, Parkdale, and right here in CABBAGETOWN!
They are currently looking for venues to host The Project from May 1st to May 7th.
If you would like to know more about the project or how to get involved, check out their website: www.playwrightproject.com
Stay tuned for more updates through this space.
Introduction
Although Nauoda and I have been working with the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area since last year, we are yet to meet all of you. I've contributed an article to Parliament St. News that will introduce myself, Krissia V. and my colleague Nauoda to the greater Cabbagetown Community.
Peter Lovering offers cost effective advertising and welcomes any content. A 150-word article is FREE and you may write about anything! If you would like more info or advertising rates email Pete: parliamentstnews@gmail.com
Check him out online www.pstreetnews.com and look out for our article in his next issue arriving next month throughout the greater Cabbagetown area.
Although there's still a chill in the air, there is no doubt Spring has peeked through the last couple of days.
Sunshine through the window at the BIA Office at 237 Carlton St. was a pleasant change. Another sign of Spring to come is the planning has started for projects coming in April & May, high Spring season.
Let me tell you about a couple of them:
Winchester Community Garden
This week, I attended a Winchester Community Garden team meeting. The garden is located inside Winchester Square Park on Ontario St.
Farhia Abdi the new Community Development Coordinator at Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario St.) lead the team in a meaningful discussion about the significance of a community garden in Cabbagetown.
The vision and goals of the Winchester Community Garden include:
- Providing a valuable physical, social, and recreational activity
- Growing vegetables, edible berries, native and ornamental plants
- Improving access to fresh food for residents
- Offering positive multi-generational and multi-cultural contacts
- Improving liveability in the community
- Contributing to food self-sufficiency and security
- Enriching the aesthetic value of the community; beautifying the neighbourhood
- Protecting and using agricultural land
- Allowing economical food production
- Strengthening our relationships to nature and to one another
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| Edible Flowers: Beautiful & Delicious |
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| Potential Veggies |
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| Compost being tended by the kids at Central Neighbourhood House |
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| Red Wiggler worms help coffee bean grounds become organic compost |
Our team discussed different types of edible flowers, planting schedules, volunteer positions, and next steps. We are a volunteer based and we invite you to get involved! It is a great way to get to know other members of your community and support our local food security movement.
If you would like to get involved with the Winchester Community Garden, contact fabdi@cnh.on.ca or call 416.925.4363 ext. 103
Forsythia Festival
This week also saw the start of the Forsythia Festival planning phase. Trish from the Cabbagetown Residents Association (CRA) stopped by the office to discuss some very interesting updates as well as sharing that this year they'll be hosting a Beer Garden! The CRA will be out in full force next week procuring donations for the operating expenses of the festival as well as collecting donations for their Raffle Draw.
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| Pam McConnell & Bob Rae with Gina Dineen and the Parade Marshall |
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| Kevin Kung of Kendall & Co. with volunteers in front of the Raffle Draw table |
The Playwright Project
In May of 2012 The Tennessee Project presented forty-seven performances over seven nights, selling out 80% of houses, and playing to more than 2,500 Torontonians. With their extensive media coverage, cross-promotions, and partnerships, the Project is estimated to have reached 2,600,00.
In May of 2013 The Project will return, this time as The Playwright Project: Sam Shepherd 2013, featuring the work of one of North Americas greatest playwrights, Mr. Sam Shepherd.
 |
| www.playwrightproject.com |
7 - Seven of Toronto's hottest theatre-makers will join forces in one of the largest scale co-productions Toronto has ever seen when they produce...
7 - Seven evenings of Sam Shepherd one-acts. Known for his rock-and-roll-meets-Wild-West stories, Sam Shepherd writes inventive, spirited, and observant tales for our troubled times. For seven nights these plays rotate through..
7 - Seven Toronto neighbourhoods in a spectacular week long event that directly reaches out into the communities to develop relationships between artists, audiences, and local businesses, and engage community members of all backgrounds in a local friendly, uncomplicated theatre-going experience.
This year, The Playwright Project is being hosted in the Danforth, the Beach, Queen St. West, the Junction, North York, Parkdale, and right here in CABBAGETOWN!
They are currently looking for venues to host The Project from May 1st to May 7th.
If you would like to know more about the project or how to get involved, check out their website: www.playwrightproject.com
Stay tuned for more updates through this space.
Introduction
Although Nauoda and I have been working with the Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area since last year, we are yet to meet all of you. I've contributed an article to Parliament St. News that will introduce myself, Krissia V. and my colleague Nauoda to the greater Cabbagetown Community.
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| Nauoda Robinson |
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| Krissia Valiente |
Cabbagetown BIA Member Updates:
LIMITED TIME ONLY!!!
JAMCafe (195 Carlton St.) is offering you 2-for-1 appetizers until February 28th, 2013, visit Nick & Hilary's website to find out how you can enjoy yours tonight www.nickandhilary.com
Customer Appreciation
Come dine with us and enter for a chance to win one of the three prizes every week:
The Peartree welcomes you to dine with them and enter for a chance to win one of three prizes every week:
- Brunch for two
- Lunch for two
- Dinner for two
Don't miss out on their delicious Specials of The Week!
Specials served with soup or salad appetizer
Grilled Rib Eye Steak 18.99
Prime, AAA grade, 8oz rib eye steak aged for 28 days, seasoned, grilled to liking, sautéed shitake mushroom
red wine sauce, fresh vegetables, choice of
rice, potato or french fries
Peartree’s Seafood Platter 18.99
Casserole of black tiger shrimps, scallops and mussels combination sautéed with fresh herbs, laced with
brandy and lemon cream sauce, fresh vegetables,
choice of rice, potato or french fries
Baked Fillet of Lemon Pepper Catfish 15.99
Lemon pepper flavoured fresh fillet of catfish baked to perfection, pineapple salsa, fresh vegetables,
choice of rice, potato or french fries
Number 9 Recording Studios
Due to very popular demand, Fab February will be extended and now run until February 28th!
Come in and book some time to take advantage of this great deal!
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| www.number9.ca |
Get an 8 hour block for $560.00 (plus HST) Time is going fast!
Call them at 416-348-8718 for details
Try your luck at The Epicure Shop
Starting today and lasting until March 9th, Patty is hosting the 33rd Annual Epicure Coffee Contest. If your bag of Reunion Island Coffee Co. self-serve coffee weighs exactly one pound (454 kg) then you get a second bag FREE.
Try your luck today!
Try your luck at The Epicure Shop
Starting today and lasting until March 9th, Patty is hosting the 33rd Annual Epicure Coffee Contest. If your bag of Reunion Island Coffee Co. self-serve coffee weighs exactly one pound (454 kg) then you get a second bag FREE.
Try your luck today!
Toronto Dance Theatre at the Harbourfront Centre
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| Watch the trailer - CLICK HERE |
Everyone has stories in their life, the BIG moments after which everything changes.
Everyday Anthems gets intimate with the dancers of TDT as Heidi Strauss uses their personal stories as a foundation for the choreography, exploring pivotal life moments, resulting in an intensely physical celebration of the present, and an exploration of the unknown terrain that lies ahead.
"Part of the remarkable thing about life is that every day we live through things not knowing how important they are or how they will affect our future. The series of consequences that exist in our lives also exist in the idea of a body moving in space"
- Heidi Strauss on Everyday Anthems
Please join us for the journey.
Monday Feb 25 (7pm)
Winchester Street Theatre
Free to attend! Learn more about the show's creation, speak to Heidi Strauss, and see an excerpt of the work. No purchase necessary.
March 6-9 (8pm)
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre
Presented as part of Harbourfront Centre's World Stage
Tickets: $15 - $40
Get your tickets now through the Harbourfront Centre Box Office or call 416.973.4000 to order by phone.
Choreography Heidi Strauss with the dancers
Music Thomas Ryder Payne
Set & Costumes Teresa Przybylski
Lighting Rebecca Picherack
Writing Advisor Brendan Gall
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Harmonise with the Winchester St. Theatre
“Singing releases endorphins, the brain’s ‘feel good’ chemicals providing an over-all lifted feeling” says author and voice coach Tammy Frederick. Some people experience fear when confronted with singing, since it involves stepping out of their 'comfort zone'. In a group setting, through being 'in it together' and having fun, fear is easily and quickly transformed into confidence and happiness. Singing in a group also helps reduce performance anxiety, giving participants the opportunity to release their voice in the supportive environment of the group. “The fun and challenge of singing in harmony with others is a wonderful stress-release and mood boosting activity” says Ms. Frederick.
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| www.simplysing.ca |
Harmonise starts March 7th and runs every Thursday night from 6:30 - 8:30 pm for 8 weeks, at the Winchester Street Theatre, (80 Winchester St.)
Registration is $160, plus $30 course materials for Simply Sing by Tammy Frederick.
For more information please contact Tammy Frederick: tammy@simplysing.ca
Altered States at The Flying Beaver Pubaret
Last month’s sold-out show returns to stage on Wednesday, February 27
The new comedy hypnosis show Altered States debuted in January at The Flying Beaver Pubaret in Cabbagetown to a sold-out audience. Trained in Las Vegas, the stage hypnosis capital of the world, Brandon The Hypnotist will return to The Flying Beaver Pubaret (488 Parliament St.) with the second showing of Altered States on Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30pm.
Brandon calls for volunteers from the audience who want to explore the power of hypnosis and then guides them through a mind-blowing experience with their subconscious. Hilarity ensues as Brandon changes their personalities and takes them on entertaining journeys to the imaginary environments he creates. Watching friends or family (or complete strangers) in the series of hilarious routines in Altered States will leave you amazed and laughing!
Tickets are $10 advance and $15 door. Advance tickets can be purchased at The Flying Beaver Pubaret or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.
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| www.thepubaret.com |
Open House at the Centre for Education and Training
Due to last Friday’s snowstorm, February 8th, they had to cancel their Open House. But as promised, they have rescheduled the cancelled Open House for Friday, March 1st, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
The LinkedIn workshop will start at 2:00 PM.
The LinkedIn workshop will start at 2:00 PM.
Find inner peace at Sundara Yoga
Sundara Yoga Studio offers classes in Hatha, Ashtanga, Restorative, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga. We also offer specialized classes in pre and post natal yoga, yoga seniors, for kids and everyone in between. Our programming is as diverse as you are, reflecting the eclectic character of our neighborhood. We are a boutique style studio with each class capped at 16 people. The smaller class sizes ensures lots of personal attention to help you grow your practice in a safe and fun environment.
Trauma Sensitive Yoga is now offered as a drop-in class as well as a workshop. The new drop-in time in Wednesdays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.
Pre-Natal Yoga is on Saturdays from 1:00pm to 2:15pm. Don't forget about our Mom and Baby Yoga on Wednesdays from 1:30pm to 2:30pm- This is an awesome way to connect with other moms and your little one.
For more information or to inquire about class rates, visit www.sundarayoga.net or email Angela at info@sundarayoga.net
(647) 345-7877
Sundara Yoga Studio
492 Parliament St. (side door)
Toronto, On
M4X 1P2
Outdoor Running through Cabbagetown
Sundara Yoga
Studio
492 Parliament St. (side
door)
Toronto, On
M4X 1P2
(647)
345-7877
info@sundarayoga.net
Sundara Yoga
Studio
492 Parliament St. (side
door)
Toronto, On
M4X 1P2
(647)
345-7877
info@sundarayoga.net
I wanted to let you know that DRAGONS’ DEN will be holding open auditions in Toronto on Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 looking for the next big thing for the hit series on CBC Television.
DRAGONS’ DEN gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of wealthy Canadian business moguls - the Dragons. Successful pitchers will have a chance to earn real investment - from the Dragons’ own pockets!
This is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to come down and pitch their business concept for the chance to appear on national television. We would love to see as many people audition as we can!
There's a new Toronto Centre Plan Soapbox which allows you to see what others are saying in your neighbourhood and get a direct response from your Member of Provincial Parliament. Glen Murray chose it as the best way to engage residents and stakeholders and allow community members to share, comment or vote on ideas.
All highly rated ideas as defined by Soapbox community voting will go directly to Glen and users will be able to track the progress of Glen’s responses and see our government at work.
Click Here to Sign-up.
If you experience any difficulties using the Toronto Centre Plan Soapbox, contact Glen's Office at 416-972-7683 or email gmurray.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
All highly rated ideas as defined by Soapbox community voting will go directly to Glen and users will be able to track the progress of Glen’s responses and see our government at work.
Click Here to Sign-up.
If you experience any difficulties using the Toronto Centre Plan Soapbox, contact Glen's Office at 416-972-7683 or email gmurray.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
The Toronto Public Space Initiative is launching a brand new civic engagement tool called TABS On Toronto that will let residents, media, staff, and organizations sign up for email alerts from City Council based on their keyword preferences.
For example, a user can type into the system the name of their local street, or a policy issue of interest to them. Whenever that word comes up on a Council agenda item or background document they will get an automatic email from the system informing them of the upcoming Council meeting.
For example, a user can type into the system the name of their local street, or a policy issue of interest to them. Whenever that word comes up on a Council agenda item or background document they will get an automatic email from the system informing them of the upcoming Council meeting.
The System and More Information Can Be Found At:
Residents will have an easier time keeping informed of what government is doing, never missing a beat, and getting their full 7 days statutory notice.
Other features include an enhanced search option using the City's own thesaurus from its open data catalogue, showing users related and alternate keyword search terms that the City uses to help them refine their search.
The system is launching as a beta and, if we secure enough funding, future features can include:
- Bill/policy progress tracking
- Text/phone alerts
- Advice on how to engage City Hall
- Expansion of the system to include the Agencies, Boards, and Commissions of the City of Toronto (TTC, Library Board, Toronto District School Board, etc)
- Research into geo-location of alerts, and information of nearby community organizations, contextual information, and other expanded features
- Research on expansion to other Cities and Levels of Government
This system will help residents and organizations such as BIAs and Resident's Associations, City Staff, Media, NGOs, and Councillor's Offices by:
- Saving them time and money as they won't need to conduct manual searches for the up-to-date information they seek.
- Making it easier for stakeholders to engage with City Hall and hold government accountable.
- Helping to prevent stakeholders from missing important issues.
Crowd-Source Funding Link:
For additional information on the system, and how it was developed, please contact:
Jayme Turney, MA
Chief Executive Officer
Toronto Public Space Initiative
Alternate Contact:
In Cabbagetown, the St James Town Youth Council and Community Matters Toronto have teamed up to win a $50,000 prize from the Maple Leaf Sports Enterprise Foundation to restore and repair their tennis courts. The MLSE Team Up Fund is an online competition for charitable organizations in Ontario that provides sports and recreational programs for kids, or needs athletic facility refurbishment.
Their proposal has met all the requirements and they're on the list of finalists but only your support can help them win.
Here's the link to the project and instructions on how to vote. You can vote once a day every day until the contest closes on March 8:
https://mlseteamupfund.org/
Their proposal has met all the requirements and they're on the list of finalists but only your support can help them win.
Here's the link to the project and instructions on how to vote. You can vote once a day every day until the contest closes on March 8:
https://mlseteamupfund.org/
The Cabbagetown Residents Association wants to THANK YOU!
Thank You!
The Cabbagetown Residents Association would like to thank everyone for pitching in as our neighbourhood dug its way out of the latest winter snowstorm. On the whole, sidewalks and front steps were cleared in a timely manner, and neighbours helped each other out to the benefit of everyone. If you have a good neighbour story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Email us the details of your neighbour’s good deeds, including their name and address, and we’ll send them a letter of appreciation – info@cabbagetowner.com.
If you’re looking for more information on what it means to be a good neighbour, here are some helpful tips and reminders about how to get us all through the winter months safely.
Be a Good Neighbour This Winter
Snowfall can create challenges for many residents – especially families with young children (strollers) or individuals who require mobility aids. Snowy, icy walkways also make it difficult for people who deliver services in our city - mail carriers, delivery drivers, firefighters, and paramedics.
We're asking all Cabbagetowners to help reduce the risk of injury from falls and make it easier for all residents and visitors to safely use our sidewalks by removing all snow and ice from your sidewalk within 12 hours of a snowfall.
Helpful Tips for clearing your sidewalk:
· Sooner is better – remove snow before pedestrians pack it down (and make it much harder to shovel)
· Don't wait - during heavy or sustained snow fall, get out early and often to remove snow
· To help prevent flooding, please clear drains of snow as well
Remember:The City of Toronto requires that all residents remove snow and ice from steps, sidewalks, driveways, ramps and similar areas to ensure safe access for persons and vehicles.
Residents with corner lots are reminded that they are responsible for clearing the full length of sidewalk around their home. Failure to do so can result in a fine of $100.00 + $25.00 surcharge (See Municipal Code Chapter 719).
If you would like to file a complaint about a private property owner not clearing snow from private property, you can submit a service request on-line at http://www.toronto.ca/311, or call 311.
When you clear snow promptly after a snowfall, you play a key role in keeping our neighbourhood moving safely in winter weather.
