JavaVille Report
For the past several weeks, the owner of 493 Parliament and his architect have been meeting people from Cabbagetown to hammer out an acceptable final design for the exterior of this building. They’ve met the Board from the BIA, members of the Don Vale Cabbagetown Residents Association, the Heritage District advisory committee, Board members from the CPA and several local architects. Local neighbours have also attended these meetings. Pam McConnell and her staff have been to each session.
At the same time, the owner’s request for variances on density and parking has been sent to the City’s Committee of Adjustment. City planners have come to these community meetings to assess the progress toward some degree of community approval.
What’s the result?
1) Go to this link to see cardboard models of the building in its actual site: Neighbourhood events.
2) Drawings and plans will be available for viewing at the BIA office, 237 Carlton Street.
3) The Committee of Adjustment will hear the owner’s request on Wednesday, February 4 at 10 am. You can get details about the address and about making a presentation from Sean McIntyre (Pam McConnell’s office) at 416-392-0207.
4) A second set of approvals must also happen: with the site plan. If you have comments or you want to support or oppose the design, ask Sean McIntyre about the procedure for this.

Up Until Now at the Toronto Dance Theatre. Postmodern choreographer Deborah Hay was part of New York’s seminal Judson Dance Theatre. Her new work, Up Until Now, is being staged at TDT because of her friendship with Christopher House, TDT’s artistic director. Toronto Life says “a new work by the American is of great importance.” January 29 to February 7, 8 pm, 80 Winchester St. For ticket information, call (416) 967-1365.

Early Valentine’s Report
We’re putting together a list of special events for this special evening. Cabbagetown will, as usual, be abuzz with love. Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year which means that our restaurants are planning special menus. You’ll also be able to sleep off the excesses on Sunday morning. Watch this space next week for the listings and watch your mailbox for our brochure.

Book Launch at Big Mamma’s Boy
Saturday, January 31 from 5 to 7 pm. Lulu Taylor appears at Big Mamma’s Boy to promote her new book, Stop The Mama’s Boys. 554 Parliament.

The Epicure Shop Saturday’s special is Kicking Horse Coffee at $12.99, a savings of $2 a pound. On Saturday as well, there’s a tasting of Epicure’s own homemade pasta sauce – for a quick easy dinner, just add pasta, a baguette, some salad and you’re ready. The Quebec cheeses are still available (7 year raw milk cheddar, Riopelle and La Sauvigne) along with Quebec farm pates. 473 Parliament.

St Jamestown Steak & Chops – Norma’s Edible Flowers and Herbs Mark Michelin reports that this new linen of goodies is attracting lots of attention. The ingredients for these condiments, jellies and dressings are grown in Norma’s own garden in Orono. Mark has also just introduced organic whole chickens to add to his line of organic salmon. 516 Parliament

VIP Treatment at Del Ray Cleaners Del Ray Cleaners (586 Parliament) have just brought in a 24-hour drop box service at their front door. You can put your clothes into a special bag, deposit it into the locked box at any time and retrieve it within two days. They give you two bags and the access code when you join. Members are also entitled to a 25% discount on all cleaning in February. A one-time fee of $25 covers admin costs for your membership.
Phyllis Kwan also let me know that February is their customer appreciation time and they’re extending a 10% discount to all customers.
It’s no wonder that people keep coming here even when they move away. People from the Annex, Ajax and Milton still rely on their good service.

Couch Toboggan, Chapter 2

Last week, we introduced the amazing downhill couch toboggan that had appeared on Riverdale Park hill. A few readers didn’t know (or believe) what we were talking about. So, for a good laugh and proof positive, here’s a one-minute video supplied by the racers themselves: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=m_EX0AnSgQs
You gotta love Cabbagetown.

Introducing Kidist Designs Kidist Paulos Asrat is an associate member of the BIA and a freelance website designer with a background in graphic design, photography and new media certification from Ryerson. She’s built a number of different websites for non-profit groups, individuals and businesses.
She’s offering an introductory half-hour free consultation by phone or email to plan your needs and your future website.
Her own website is very straight forward and lists several good savings on her services: a January special with 15% discounts on her packages and a sale offering buy-one, get-one-free on her services. For Cabbagetown businesses, she also has a $50 bonus payable toward any of her services.
Telephone (416) 939-0585. Her website is at http://www.kidistdesigns.com/

Our new art gallery Gordon Daniels Gallery has opened at 460 Parliament (on the upper level above the House on Parliament) and the first show is scheduled for January 30 to February 15.
Duotoned features photographs by Sai Sivanesan. It opens January 29 at 7:30 pm. For more information, please contact the show administrator, Christina Butty at (416) 728-8728.

The Epicure Shop

Patty Junior reports that she’s developed a good relationship with a supplier who provides very high quality Quebec farmhouse cheeses. So she’s offering a seven-year old raw milk Quebec cheddar on special. Also from Quebec, she has a new line of pates that she says are really lovely: wild boar, duck with pistachio and peppercorn pates. This will all go well with her spinach dip (still on sale), buy one and get one free.

Winterlicious at Provence Delices Provence Delices (12 Amelia) is another new associate member of the BIA. Elie Benchitrit has just joined and we’re listing his menus and special events on one of our Cabbagetown Eats newsletters.
He’s got two great specials for us…
If you’re losing money and the recession is killing you and your spouse has stomped out the door in disgust and not even the dog will look at you – drop into Provence for a $2 Recession martini. I taste-tested two of them last Friday and can verify that they’re the real thing.
Provence is also Cabbagetown’s representative in the annual Winterlicious festival running from January 30 to February 12. Lunch (noon to 2 pm) is $20 prix fixe and dinner (6 to 10 pm) is $35 prix fixe. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday (noon to 2:30 pm) is $20.
Reservations are recommended, especially in Winterlicious. Call (416) 924-9901.
For menus, photos and prices, click here: Provence Delices

Is your cat stuck to the rug? Is your dog tap dancing across the floor? Pet Valu (240 Carlton) has a monthly nail clipping service to solve your problems. Marilyn Wilputte from Diggity Dog Walking visits on the first Saturday of each month. Saturday, February 7 from 11 am to 4 pm is her next stop. $10.

After that, head for a wash... At Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament), the do-it-yourself dog wash is half-price until March 1. There’s also a range of Wellness pet foods, cat scratch equipment and other goodies on sale at great discounts. You can also visit here just to say hello to a fish or a parrot. Browsers welcome.

Renaissance Yoga “Implementing Ayurvedic Lifestyle” is Renaissance Yoga’s signature introductory course in Ayurvedic theory and practice. The first session starts on Thursday January 22 and runs for twelve weeks from 9 to 11:30 am. It’s also available remotely in mp3 form, with full lecture notes and email support.
“Ayurveda and Sexual Wholeness” starts Friday February 13 (6:30 to 9 pm) for 12 weeks.
For full details and fees, click on http://www.renaissanceyoga.ca/
While there, check the Winter/Spring schedule, especially for information about Kim Schwartz’s visit and his workshop on “Outer Body, Inner Body, Subtle Body.” Friday February 20, Saturday February 21 and Sunday February 22.
Renaissance Yoga (391 Ontario), 416-920-4520

The Year of the Ox For the coming week of January 24 to 29, Stonegrill on Winchester is celebrating the Chinese New Year with a special menu. The $40 prix fixe dinner has been specially prepared by chef Erin Martin for the celebrations.
Check the details here: Stonegrill on Winchester.

Coffee Wars Starbucks has taken the keys from the building owner and is starting to build its new store on the first floor at Aberdeen and Parliament. Estimates are that the first coffees will flow in mid-March.
Coffee Time on the northeast corner of Winchester and Parliament has reopened. The interior walls around the old smoking cubicle have been removed. It’s now a corporate store and the chain is accepting applications from anyone interested in buying a franchise here.
Meantime, bloggers across the internet continue to sing the praises of Jet Fuel (519 Parliament)and all its eccentricities.

Superbowl, February 1
The teams can be seen, heard and toasted at Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) and Brass Taps (221 Carlton). Click on the links for details.

Watch for it…
The Amazing Couch Toboggan
It’s been seen on two separate nights on the steep hill in Riverdale Park. It’s a two-seater couch with skis nailed to the bottom, a plank nailed between the skis behind the couch, arm rests hollowed out and headlights installed inside them. Six people careen down the hill – two on the seat and four standing on the board behind them. It goes very fast. It also looks insane. When asked what the first trip down the hill was like, one rider confessed that “it felt like a deathtrap.”

What would Robbie Burns think about this sleigh?
Ask him yourself on Robbie Burns Day, Sunday, January 25. You have your choice – The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) always has a piper, a haggis and lots of scotch. So does the House on Parliament (456 Parliament). Check out both of them and see what haggis, neeps and tatties really are.

Peartree’s specials at 1994 prices Peartree's solarium
For fifteen years, Asokan and Ilango have given Cabbagetown diners reliable meals at very affordable prices. This comfortable spot has become a permanent favourite for us. To celebrate their 15th year, they’re offering two specials at 1994 prices: New York sirloin steak at $12.99 and grilled Atlantic salmon at $11.99. Their celebration continues until February 28. 507 Parliament, (416) 962-8190. Click here: http://www.peartreecabbagetown.blogspot.com/

Another tasting at JAMCafe JAMCafe (195 Carlton) is launching its 2009 wine tasting series with a special evening highlighting Edward Sellers’ Rhone-style wines. Chef Av Atikian has prepared a five-course menu to match with the wines. Since only forty tickets will be sold, reservations are important. Please call (416) 921-1255. $85 per person (not including tax and gratuities.) For all the details on food and wines, click here: http://www.jamcabbagetown.blogspot.com/

Mark your calendar
Brass Taps
Superbowl 43 (or is that Superbowl XLIII?), Sunday, February 1. Kick off about 6 pm.
Brass Taps (221 Carlton) has prizes, pools and lots of partying. Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) has a 42” plasma TV, extra televisions around the room, chili, hot dogs and good cold beer.
No doubt, there’ll be more and we’ll update you as game time approaches. Click here: http://www.benwickspub.ca/ and http://www.brasstapscabbagetown.blogspot.com/

Cranberries opens Room 601 Cranberries chef - Siva

Those of us who frequent the Wellesley & Parliament area have long enjoyed Cranberries ambiance and good food. Siva, the chef, offers both pub fare and fine dining. You can get fish and chips or you can feast on chicken breasts stuffed with enokitake mushrooms. It must be the chef’s school in Paris where he studied. So now, they’ve expanded into a room next door and they’ve prepared a special menu for each evening to February 13. Click here: http://www.cranberriescabbagetown.blogspot.com/ (603 Parliament)

Meet the author at Big Mamma’s Boy
Big Mamma's Boy
Saturday, January 31, 5 to 7 pm. Ah yes, another step upward toward the literature hall of fame. This time, Cabbagetown welcomes Lulu Taylor to Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) to do a reading and to meet her fans. Ms Taylor, from Los Angeles, is the author of “Stop the Mama’s Boys”, a moving story of a young woman caught between a mother and her son. You can catch the full story line at Big Mamma’s Boy website, www.bigmammasboy.ca/events

The Epicure Shop

Epicure Shop
Good savings this weekend for all salad lovers. When you buy a container of potato salad, cole slaw or macaroni salad, you’ll receive another one free. Patty is offering the same deal with her renowned spinach dip – buy one and get a second one free. And a reminder: on Friday and Saturday, you can pick up Brick Street breads – all natural and organic. (And when you’re in the store, ask Patty why she wants us to use this photo of her building instead of the lovely one that shows her at her bubbly best. Ah well.) 473 Parliament.

Carlton & Parliament
Ever since the plans for the reconstruction of the old JavaVille site were unveiled, we’ve been getting a lot of comments from residents about the exterior design. The BIA has taken the initiative with neighbourhood consultations. This week, for example, the building architect met three Cabbagetown architects and planners to go over these reactions, to look at the proposed design and to figure out how to accommodate these different views. The building owner, George Foulides, has also discussed his plans with the heritage advisory group and they’ve agreed that the demolition of the current building is a reasonable option.
Whenever a project like this comes along, there are three options: restoration of the existing building, or demolition with a new construction using a Victorian emphasis, or demolition with a new construction that has a contemporary exterior.
JavaVille is a 1920s wood frame building with a rotting interior. George Foulides found that restoring it would be a prohibitively expensive undertaking. The three architects who met last Tuesday agreed. It is their view that the cost is too high, especially for a building that lacks any real design features that make it historically memorable.
So why not rebuild a replica in a Victorian style to mirror the nature of nearby houses? This approach has been discouraged consistently by heritage advocates. Victorian replicas have not worked elsewhere because they’re false imitations.
That leaves the third option. A building that has a contemporary quality but is not jarring or out of place in its context. Its size, brickwork, windows and doorways, and other exterior features will be appropriate to its location and its neighbours.
This is the choice that George Foulides is now pursuing and this consultative approach is the process that resulted in the pleasant new building at the corner of Aberdeen and Parliament.

Next week, another round of meetings will happen. We’ll keep you up-to-date.

Santa’s Back on Saturday

Bring your puppies, cats, budgies, hamsters and even your fish for your annual photo opportunity with Santa. This year, there are two stops: Pet Valu (240 Carlton) from 11 am to 2 pm and Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament) from 3 pm to 6 pm. It only costs $10 for a wonderful souvenir of a snowy Christmas.

Santa's return brings back memories of a great friend, Wendy, who didn't quite make it for a second photo.
Sterling Brass at the Ben Wicks

Five instruments and a scintillating singer perform Christmas carols for you on Sunday afternoon, December 21, at the Ben Wicks (424 Parliament). Don’t miss this annual performance – back again by popular demand.

Christmas Day Once again, Cranberries (601 Parliament) is hosting its annual Christmas feast. A three course dinner with appetizers, turkey and trimmings and dessert will be offered in two sittings (at 5 pm and 8 pm). $24.99 per person. Reservations are needed since the restaurant sells out each year (416-925-6330).
Find out a lot more about the menu, hours and restaurant by clicking on our new link: .
http://cranberriesincabbagetown.blogspot.com/

Food shop news St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) now has two new offerings from Quebec for your Christmas feast - foie gras from La Ferme and fresh duck breasts. Check with Mark as well about your Christmas turkey.
Patty at The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) is offering a Canadian Christmas for you. She’s got Rain Coast Crisps (2 for $11.99, save $2), Kicking Horse Coffee (at $12.99, again for a $2 savings) and Greaves Jams (2 for $6.99) . There’s no tax on her Gift Baskets and she has a nice selection of homemade mincemeat pies, short bread and gingerbread.
At Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton), Christmas Yule Logs are highlighted. You can pick one up in either mocha, chocolate or hazelnut. They’re priced by weight. These aren’t their only offerings, of course. You can make it a lot easier to buy all their goodies by using their Gift Card – with optional values. Movies at the Library
Parliament Library (269 Gerrard) is hosting a screening of the fabulous film, “Detective Jones and the Case of the Missing…” Bumbling detective Jim Jones and his photographer sidekick are called upon to solve the mystery of a building that suddenly disappears from Regent Park. Saturday, December 20, 3 pm.

Last Minute Shoppers
We can flock to the Farm – the Riverdale Farm Shop that is. They have plenty of goodies left for you and this year, they’re providing gift certificates as well. (Winchester & Sumach)

Carlton & Parliament The Committee of Adjustment of the City of Toronto will be holding a meeting to consider the plans and applications by George Foulides who owns the old JavaVille site at Carlton and Parliament (493 Parliament). The meeting will be in Committee Room 2, Second Floor at City Hall at 9 am on Wednesday, January 7. The file number is A0988/08TEY.
George is asking for permission to demolish the current structure and put up a three-storey non-residential building in its place. He is seeking approval for two variances: to increase the non-residential density from 1.0 to 2.90 times the area of the lot and to be exempted from the required eleven parking spaces.
This meeting serves two purposes. The Committee will consider George’s plans and requests. In addition, it will consider any public comments that it receives either by letter, by fax or by a personal appearance during the meeting.
If you want further information, you can contact either Doug Fisher at the BIA (416-921-0857) or Sean MacIntyre at Pam McConnell’s office (416-392-0207).

Scam report…
If It’s Too Good To Be True…then don’t believe it. Ruth at Cranberries reports that she ran into one of these crazy scams.
She got a phone call from a man in the USA, in Delaware. He asked about catering for a group of students visiting Toronto for four days. They would need lunch and dinner for each day. He then emailed her with his request and she gave him a full run-down on their menu, services and prices. Everything was credible and explained in detail.
Suddenly, a cheque for $4800 arrived in the mail. Two days later, she got a panicky phone call from this guy, telling her that 11 students had cancelled. Could she send back a refund for $2200 to cover their costs? Of course, the scam is simple – it takes about two weeks for a cheque written in the United States to clear in Canada and by the time it’s proven to be a dud, the guy would be long gone.
Ruth isn’t dumb. She didn’t try to cash the first cheque, didn’t send a refund and called the police.

Christmas News

Carlton and Parliament

The proposal for the new building at this corner has been released to us. It’s now in the hands of the City of Toronto and the owner expects that public meetings will begin in earnest in January.

This is a major location for all of us in this area. Its fate has been discussed widely for the past two years.

The drawings illustrated here give you a preliminary look at the owner’s ideas. A new, three-storey building will replace the old JavaVille structure. Its first floor will hold commercial or retail space and the top two floors will contain commercial office space.

Whenever opportunities arise for public viewing or discussion of these plans, we will announce them here in the Newsletter.
Christmas gifts from Tim Hortons

Constable Dave Smith handles the crossing guard program in 51 Division. At his initiative, gift mugs were given to each of the Division’s guards by Tim Hortons as a bit of Christmas cheer and thank-you to them for their work with our children.
Zena works at the intersection at Parliament and Winchester and is well-known and popular in our area.
Our thanks to Tim Hortons for these gifts. Nauman and Amin represent the local group who operate the beautiful store in the Winchester (537 Parliament) and at the gas station (581 Parliament). Tim Hortons regularly supports our community with efforts like this. They support the Cabbagetown Festival and the Short Film & Video Festival as well as many smaller projects in Cabbagetown.

Soup SaleSoup is a cooperative operating from 603.1/2 Parliament. Its members include designers, artists, crafts people and internet experts. On Saturday December 13 from 10 am to 4 pm, they’re hosting a one-day craft sale featuring fine greeting cards (fresh back from One-of-a-Kind), jewellery, buttons and pins, fine handcrafted clothing and lots more. Don’t miss it!


Ahhhh, Whiskey
This Tuesday is the big day for JAM's whiskey tasting, From Islands to Highlands. 6:30 pm. (195 Carlton) Bring a gift for the food bank as well and Av Atikian will forward it along. This is a tutored session under the guidance of The Scotch Ambassador from Diaggio Limited. $25 will get you in the door and a chance to taste four single-malt whiskies. Reservations are suggested, (416) 921-1255.

Sharon’s
Sharon (here with Jesse) reports that she’s open for the next two weeks on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm to handle the Christmas rush. Edward Gorey Christmas cards are still in stock. She also has lots of specials available in the store (scarves from $9.99 and samples at 50% below retail). She urges anyone who needs a little Christmas cheer to stop by. (503 Parliament)

The Epicure Shop Patty is introducing new cheese dips and spreads and so she’s offering one free tub of Feta Spread with every Cheesy Dip that you buy. It’s a great bargain for anyone who’s Greek (and everyone else who wants to be). From December 12 to 15th, you can save the tax on any purchase of an Epicure Gift Basket. Patty also has 7-to-10 year-old raw milk cheddars from Quebec plus an assortment of shortbreads, gingerbreads and mincemeat tarts. (473 Parliament)

Turkey time St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is taking orders for your Christmas turkey. When you want to move away from the traditional spread, Mark can give you hams, rack of lamb, beef tenderloin and lots of other fine choices. Janice Williams and Claudia Salzmann are grilling Mark about his choices.

Christmas Toys Number 9 Audio & Technologies Group (222 Gerrard) held their 5th annual Christmas party last weekend. Over 100 guests attended and each was asked to donate a toy to be given to the Yonge Street Mission. George Rondina (above - with Cathy Rondina and Anne Keyes of YSM) reports that they collected enough toys to fill a pick-up truck, plus a generous gift certificate for Long & McQuade.

On the horizon…
Cranberries (601 Parliament)......is again open on Christmas day. In past years, they’ve offered a real feast and the restaurant has been packed for two sittings. This year, they have extra space with their new facilities and it should be even better. If you want to enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings but don’t want the hassle, make a reservation.

Ben Wicks (424 Parliament)......is getting ready for the annual Christmas sing-a-long with the Sterling Brass. December 21, 2 to 5 pm. Good vibrations.

Into the New Year Dennison Smith and Matthew Remski from Renaissance Yoga (391 Ontario at Gerrard) have announced their winter programs. Starting on January 7, they’re offering on-going Yoga Asana classes. Fundamentals of Yoga is a twelve-week program available on both Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. Every Sunday at 10:30 am, you can drop-in for a Level One Yoga session and on Thursday at 7:30 pm, they hold a drop-in Candlelight Restorative Yoga session. The advanced Yoga Philosophy Program also starts on January 7 (from 7 to 9 pm). You can check their website for details on other programs that begin later in the year: http://www.renaissanceyoga.ca/

International News Here’s Rick O’Clee who’s making his regular seasonal visit to Cabbagetown from Ramsgate in England. Rick is father and father-in-law to Laila and John Jay (The Cobourg). He’s a good cook which explains why he was hanging around St Jamestown Steak & Chops and how he developed his friendship with Terry Michelin and now with Mark. Welcome back, Rick and all the best for this Christmas season.

A quick list of handy Christmas goodies

Stores across Cabbagetown have stocked up on basic supplies that you’ll need for your holidays.

Wayne at Royal Home Hardware (485 Parliament) is always ready to offer advice. His tips help the BIA stay on a steady course all year long. At Christmas for $4.99, he’s ready to put a bow on it. Home Hardware are holding their Christmas Gift Sale and Wayne will guide you through the complexities of it all.

Nearby at Loonie or Less (480 Parliament), Kyle has “the biggest roll at the best price” – 40 square-foot rolls of Christmas wrap for $1 each. Then for every dollar that you contribute to Red Door Family Shelter, he’ll make a matching gift of six toothbrushes.

At The Epicure Shop (473 Parliament), Patty has filled the store with seasonal treats like homemade shortbreads, ginger breads and Dufflet mincemeat pies. If you order one of her personalized Gift Baskets before December 12, you’ll receive a 15% discount. And if you order any three trays from her catering specials, you’ll get a free pastry tray with your order. And don’t forget the Italian ceramic plates and bowls – they make perfect gifts for your foodie friends.

Among our favourite seasonal displays are the flower arrangements that sprout up on street corners and bring colour even during gray December rainy days.

Fairway (520 Parliament and Winchester) has a wide range of trees, holly, mistletoe and decorative plants.

Gerry and Carl are back beside No Frills (Parliament and Spruce). Their Christmas trees come from lots in Muskoka and Orillia. Gerry and his father have sold trees in Cabbagetown for the past 56 years. Welcome back, guys.

Anh at Mini Mart (460 Parliament) has brought back her miniature trees.
Parliament Smoke (609 Parliament at Wellesley) has small Christmas trees and an assortment of seasonal decorations.

And at Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament at Wellesley), the amaryllis are selling for only $7.99 – a beautiful bargain.

If you’re mailing Christmas parcels and cards, Guru at the Canada Post desk in Shoppers Drug Mart (467 Parliament) is open from Monday to Saturday until 9 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Mark your calendars

Big Mamma’s Boy (554 Parliament) announces that the last She Dance for 2008 will happen on Saturday, December 6. The music starts at 10 pm. There’s no cover charge. Then, on Tuesday December 16, they’re holding their second (in a regular series) of Big Mamma’s Cabarets featuring Jennie Brooke and Michael Barber. Cabarets start at 8 pm with a $10 cover.

December 16 brings some relief from all that shopping and wrapping. Get over to JAMCafe (195 Carlton) for their scotch whiskey tasting – From Islands to Highlands features four single malts in a tutored experience with the Scotch Ambassador from Diaggio Limited. Please also bring a holiday food-bank donation and JAMCafe will forward your gift. $25 plus tax and gratuity. Call for reservations (416) 921-1255.

The Ben Wicks Pub (424 Parliament) holds its annual Christmas Sing-a-Long featuring the Sterling Brass on Sunday December 21 from 2 to 5 pm. We’ve been there before and can honestly testify that it’s a genuine treat to hear Silent Night played on a tuba.