More Festival announcements

Flash mobs and lots more at CCDT
The Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament) are hosting a very active program during this year’s festival.  You can join a free dance class, meet the teachers, learn about SolarDance initiative and buy your dancer’s new uniform. 
There’ll be flash dance performances in front of the theatre at 12.50, 1.50, 2.50 and 3.50 pm on Saturday.
Saturday’s free classes include Creative Movement (ages 3 to 5) at 1 pm, Modern Dance (ages 8 to 12) at 2 pm, Zumba (15 +) at 3 pm.  Sunday’s free open classes are Hip Hop at 1.30 pm and Jazz at 3 pm, both for ages 8 to 12.
On Sunday as well, you can watch the Company Ballet class at 11 am and the Company Modern class at 1:30 pm. 
While you’re visiting at CCDT, be sure to enter the draw to win free tickets for WinterSong at the Harbourfront’s Fleck Theatre.

It’s true – Go Freddy Go are back
Saturday afternoon September 8 from 1 pm at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament).  Stop by for a beer, the HOP’s fine food and an afternoon of golden oldies.  These guys are Festival favourites.  Mill Street Brewery is supporting the HOP’s patio this year and their finest will be featured all afternoon.

Jeff Barnes and the Wild Irish Rogues at The Ben Wicks
From 9 pm to 1 am on Saturday night September 8 at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament).  As always, Robert will be offering Festival specials on his menu throughout the weekend including house-smoked salmon and avocado tartar, baby spinach salad and the Ben Wicks’ Reuben sandwich on rye.

Carole Pope at the FB
The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) has a dynamite lineup for the Festival weekend.  On Friday September 7 at 7 pm and Saturday September 8 at 8 pm, it’s Carole Pope followed each night by Lea DeLaria and Maggie Cassella at 9 pm (Friday) and 10 pm (Saturday).  The street patio will be open all day in front of the Pubaret for your people-watching pleasure.

Irish Dancers at Stout
On Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Irish dancers will perform at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.  Enjoy the big Festival stage on Sunday – for your viewing convenience, it’ll be right in front of Stout.  Erin is developing a special Cabbagetown menu for the Festival.
 
Ellen Murphy’s art
Cranberries (601 Parliament) are showcasing paintings by Ellen Murphy in Room 601.  Ellen’s opening night is Friday September 7 from 7 to 10 pm.  You’re invited to view her work and then enjoy a pint and a meal next door in the restaurant.  Ruth and Siva are planning a patio for the weekend.  Their patio will undoubtedly be very high on the people-watching list - this area is always full of fascinating people, colourful food vendors and merchants during the Festival. 
 
Warm-ups at Blairs Run
On Saturday September 8, the crowd at Blair’s Run will enjoy a special warm-up session lead by Sundara Yoga’s Angela Jervis-Read.  The Run starts at Carlton and Parliament at 9:45 am. 
 
Also happening this week…
 
Sundara Yoga’s new Fall program
Angela’s getting ready for a very busy Fall season at Sundara Yoga (492 Parliament).  She has four new workshops.  Each one requires September pre-registration.  Yoga for kids (ages 3 to 6) on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, September 12 to November 14.  Yoga for tween girls (ages 10 to 13) on Saturdays at 4 pm, September 15 to November 17.   Group yoga therapy with Angela and Ken, four weeks on Sundays from 4 pm, September 16 to October 7.  Yoga for runners with Angela on Sunday September 23 at 4:15 pm.
She also has eight new classes starting in September and there’ll also be more announcements soon about her October workshops for moms and babies, prenatal yoga, kirtan and yin yoga and restorative yoga.  You can find the details about these workshops and classes on her website.
 
Oysters everywhere
Next week, bivalve lovers will be in heaven.  Oysters are being featured in two of our finest restaurants.  The House on Parliament (454 Parliament) has a fundraiser on Thursday September 6 from 7 pm to support the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre – make a $2 donation for every oyster and you’ll feel good all around. Be sure to add a Guinness to your menu since they’re sponsoring the evening.  On Friday, it’s oyster night at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) from 7pm, combining Oyster Bay wines with the finest fresh oysters.
 
Mark goes to the Distillery
Mark Gleberzon from MJG Gallery is a regular Review contributor.  His “Picture of the Week” brightens our columns and he points us to some remarkable works displayed at his gallery.  This week, he’s off on his own adventure at  ArtFest Toronto 2012 in the Distillery District.  Drop by and see his work – Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11 am to 6 pm.
 
Birthday celebrations at Labour of Love
Regina at Labour of Love (242 Carlton) is hosting an art installation, “Family Tree”, with Gosia and Kelly Grace. It’s a birthday celebration to mark her third summer here in Cabbagetown.  Gosia’s installation was part of Regina’s original opening and she’s back now with Kelly with an installation about 1950s family life.  You can see more at her website.
 
Trim your pal’s nails
Get your pup ready for the Festival.  There’s nothing like a lovely pedicure to perk up your pooch (and your cat and your other animal pals.)  Marilyn Wilputte is back in action at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, $10.
 
Dog of the month
We’ve been urged to start highlighting remarkable Cabbagetown canines on a regular basis.  There’ll be no shortage of riveting material - we have a whole neighbourhood full of them. 
To launch this new feature, we’re introducing Charlie.  It’s an appropriate time to meet him – seven years ago, he was a refugee from Hurricane Katrina.  There’s a lot of mystery surrounding him.  We don’t know how old he is, who his parents are, where he’s been and who cared for him and saved him.  He arrived in Cabbagetown in the Spring of 2010.
We do know that he tolerates cats (he lives with them), he’s got strong protective instincts (and a ferocious bark), he’s a gracious house guest (except for his love of unwatched cat and dog food) and he misses Susan deeply whenever she takes a little trip.  He also definitely does not swim.  Perhaps he had a full dose in Katrina’s floods.
 
Getting ready for the Festival
The Cabbagetown Festival happens from Thursday September 6 to Sunday September 9.  It’s only two weeks away.  Today’s Review lists preliminary information about the festivities so you can map out your weekend plans.  Check out our right-hand column for additional links and details about each event.

Art & Crafts in Riverdale Park 
This is the big juried show that fills the park with 170 beautiful tents.  It’s one of Toronto’s best outdoor art sales and it takes place in the middle of one of the city’s prettiest parks.  It runs from Friday afternoon September 7 to Sunday September 9.  (Winchester and Sumach). Click here for more detail.

Smaller exhibitions
Visit two more locations nearby – the corner of Sumach and Carlton beside Sprucecourt School and the corner of Winchester and Sumach beside the Necropolis.  Both offer extra craft exhibits and artists’ booths.  Both are open on Saturday and Sunday.

Parliament Street
The official Parliament Street program isn't available yet but it already appears that there’ll be plenty to do.  It’s undergoing a big transformation.  There’ll be more emphasis on arts and crafts among the street vendors.  The musical entertainment will be focused at Carlton and Parliament on Saturday and on Carlton near Berkeley on Sunday.  The Festival area will expand into the lower end of Parliament Street on Sunday.  Street food and patios will open as usual.

The Parade
Sadly, the Festival parade has been cancelled.  It was always the launching pad for two days of fun along Parliament and it connected our two communities – residents and businesses – very nicely.  After a 35-year history, it’s now gone and it’ll be missed.

33rd Annual Blair’s Run
A 3 km marathon in support of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  Registration starts at 8:45 am on Saturday September 7 (Carlton and Parliament) and the race happens at 9:45 am.  $15.  Runners cruise through the heart of Cabbagetown.  Prizes for several categories.  You can be a runner and you can also be a donor – contact this link and you’ll be able to give your gift and receive a tax receipt right away.

One Night in Cabbagetown
Last year, this was a roaring success and it’s good to see that it’s happening again.  For the price of a $10 ticket, you can enjoy samples at four of our restaurants. Nine are participating – so if you decide to keep going, just buy another ticket during the evening. Thursday September 6 from 7 pm. Click here for the list of participating restaurants (where you can also buy your event tickets.

Cabbagetown Short Film & Video Festival
The Short Film & Video Festival is a fixture for many of us.  Gina Dineen spent months attracting 200 short films from filmmakers around the world, judging them and then hammering out a memorable program with 15 entries.  Some are funny, many are wrenching and a few are happily salacious.  Tickets are $15. There’s a bar and snacks.  Her website has all the details about the evening’s lineup. Winchester Dance Theatre (80 Winchester), Friday September 7, box office opens at 7 pm, screening from 8 to 11 pm.

Cabbagetown Theatre Company
This year’s presentation is “Cinderella…if the shoe fits”, a comedy for all ages.  The Theatre Company stages its Festival shows in the Necropolis Chapel (200 Winchester across from Riverdale Park). Friday (at 7:30 pm), Saturday and Sunday (noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm). Each show is 30 minutes long. These are always fun-filled family entertainment. Tickets are $5.

And in other news …

Ellen Murphy at Cranberries
Ellen Murphy will be showing her landscapes at Room 601 in Cranberries Restaurant (601 Parliament) through September.  You’re invited to her opening on Friday September 7 from 7 to 10 pm. Ellen paints both urban and rural landscapes in oil, acryllics and ink. 

Alumnae Theatre
The Alumnae Theatre Company (70 Berkeley) has announced their lineup for the 2012-2013 season.  They start on September 21 with Newfoundland writer Lisa Moore’s drama “February”. The season includes two other Canadian works:  “The Drowning Girls” by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson and Daniela Vlaskalic (November 16 to December 1) and James Reaney’s “the Killdeer” (April 12 to 27). In between, they’re staging Oscar Wilde’s “A Woman of No Importance” (January 25 – February 9).  The “New Ideas” festival happens March 6 to 24.  Tickets are $20. Subscriptions are still only $75.  For details, visit the website here.

Happy birthday, Labour of Love
This is Regina’s third summer in Cabbagetown.  To celebrate, she’s invited Gosia (whose work, “The Study” helped to launch the store in 2010) and fellow painter Kelly Grace to create “Family Tree”, an art installation that recreates a 1950s living room.  The show opens on Thursday August 30 from 5 to 8 pm at Labour of Love (242 Carlton).   For more info, visit Regina’s website.

School of the Toronto Dance Theatre
Contemporary dance classes are starting up again at the School (80 Winchester).  Click here for info and for online registration for the children’s program (ages 3 to 17) which run for thirteen weeks from September 15 to December 8.  The adult program has expanded to include African, ballet and other new dance forms.  There’s a wide range of classes, some requiring pre-registration and some drop-in opportunities. They run through both the Fall and Winter seasons. That link is here.

Riverdale Farmer’s Market
blogTO has a nifty article about the market, complete with introductions to several vendors and some very good photography.  Click here to read the story.

Save this date
Sunday September 16 will be a busy day.  The Tour of Homes takes place that afternoon. You can see a link in the right hand column.  It’s also the day for the Cabbagetown South Neighbourhood Party.  The party happens from noon to 6 pm on Seaton Street (between Hagan and Callaghan lanes) and it’ll offer entertainment, bbq, games for kids and lots more.  It’s a chance to enjoy a summer street party and to meet your neighbours.  Save this date – more info coming soon.

Thanks for waiting
As mentioned yesterday in an email, we’ve been doing some important housekeeping.  Our email distribution system is now handled by Mail Chimp. 
This means that our last-minute rush to get our announcements out the door and into your computers has been eased.  It also means that you can add a name or take a name off the list very easily.  Just click on the appropriate spot in the emails.  It also means that duplicate email addresses are controlled so that irritating repeats don’t happen.
Next week, we'll publish again on Thursday and we’ll have some more features that you should find more convenient.  Thanks for your patience today.
Emergency relocation
The CYC’s Performance Showcase happens tonight but they’ve been forced by a faulty electrical transformer to relocate to Jarvis Collegiate (495 Jarvis St on the southeast corner at Wellesley).  All the other details are the same – 6:15 pm for the pre-show and 7 pm for the performance.  Tickets are $7 or $21 for a family of four. 
It’s a celebration of the skill, talent and spirit of young people ages 7 to 14 from our community.  It’s an evening of dancing, singing and drama by the CYC’s Summer Campers.  Their enthusiasm and energy are inspiring – don’t miss the event.

Book “buy or trade” fair
On Sunday August 19 from 9 am to noon, The Cabbagetown South Residents group are hosting a book fair. (Click here for more details).  You have a choice – donate some pre-read books and get a voucher for your gift or show up and buy a book.  If you’re trading, just pop your books into a bag along with a note showing your name, address and email address and deliver them to 204 Seaton. Your voucher will be sent to you by return email.  Rain or shine at 204 Seaton. 

Jameson’s Tasting at Stout
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) will be the scene for a Jameson’s tasting next Tuesday, August 21 from 6 to 8 pm.  If you’re a trivia lover, you can stick around after that and be part of Erin’s weekly Trivia Night.  On Fridays, she’s scheduled a weekly oyster bar that starts at 7 pm and goes on until the last bivalve is shucked – these are oyster and Oyster Bay events combining the finest seafood with beautiful New Zealand wines.  Click here for more info.

Jazz in Cabbagetown
You’ve probably noticed our weekly listings in the right hand column for both the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) and the Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester).  We tell you what’s happening in both places.  Hidden away in those announcements is a growing and very appealing jazz program at each spot.  The Flying Beaver has John Alcorn, Julie Michaels and Brenda Lewis with Margaret Stowe on Thursdays over the next month. The Winchester Kitchen & Bar has John Campbell, Melissa Lauren Trio, Ron Davis Quartet over the next few weeks, also on Thursday.  If you’re a jazz fan, then keep an eye on these two spots – great music.

Mark’s back
After a leisurely holiday touring several major American cities, Mark’s back at work at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament).  It is, of course, barbeque season and he has steaks, burgers, lamb and lots of other bbq yummies ready to go.  Click here to check out Mark's website.

New yoga workshops at Sundara
Angela at Sundara Yoga (492 Parliament) has a very active program underway.  She has a big list of new programs, so for your convenience, the whole list is included here.  You can check out her studio and her schedules here.
Here’s her listing for her new Fall program.
NEW.  Absolute Beginner Yoga - Learn the basics of breathing and the principles of alignment.  September 6th to October 11th - Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 AM.
NEW DATES.  Mysore. Self-Practice is now available on Sundays too!  Starting September 2, Mysore offered Mon to Fri 6-9 am and Sun 7-9 am
NEW.  Group Yoga Therapy. A combination of psychotherapy and yoga. September 16 to October 7 - Sundays from 6-8 pm
NEW DATES.  Mom and Baby Yoga. Have fun with your baby!  October 10th to November 14th - Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30 pm.
NEW DATES.  Pre-Natal Yoga. October 13th to November 17th - Saturdays from 1:00-2:15 pm
NEW.  Kirtan with Yin Yoga.  Lana Sugarman chants beautiful Sanskrit verses while you practice Yin Yoga with Sunny.  October 21st - Sunday from 5:00-7:00 pm
NEW.  Satsung with Ali Alexander and Angela Jervis-Read.  Learn about the philosophy of yoga through chanting the verses of sacred texts.  October 12th – Friday from 7:30-9:00 pm
Please visit www.sundarayoga.net to check out these workshops or call (416) 828-7247 for more information.

Blair’s Run
Here’s another CYC event and it’s the launching pad for the 2012 Cabbagetown Festival on Parliament Street.  The run covers about 2 kms through the heart of Cabbagetown.  People bring their dogs, their babies and their special signs.  Some runners blast straight through and others meander and schmooze with their pals.  Contrary to popular rumour, it’s not a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon – it’s a destination in its own right. 
The 2012 Run happens on Saturday September 8 at 10 am, starting at the corner of Carlton and Parliament.  We’ll give more details when the program is released.
The Run is a fundraiser.  Cabbagetown residents and businesses have been remarkably generous each year and the 2012 target is $50,000.  Volunteers will canvass your neighbourhood in the next few weeks asking for your support.  Please watch for your local volunteer or for the flyer and support the CYC’s amazing programs.

Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
The Festival weekend provides the CCDT dancers a great platform to strut their stuff and to show interested students and parents what the School has to offer.  Free open classes are offered both days. On Saturday, it’s creative movement (1 pm), modern (2 pm) and zumba (3 pm). On Sunday, you can watch a Company ballet class (11 am) and a Company modern class (1:30 pm) and take part in free open classes about Hip Hop (1:30 pm) and jazz (3 pm).  The open classes apply to specific age ranges.  Please click here for more detail about teachers, ages and times.  Be sure to include these events in your Festival plans.  501 Parliament.

Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre
The new Centre (Dundas east of Parliament) opens in September and to celebrate this dynamic new hub, Toronto’s Artscape has commissioned five short video documentaries to explore the role of art and culture in the lives of the neighbourhood’s youth.  You can see them here.  The Globe and Mail has an article describing the Centre and its tenants and programs.

Free food – save this date
Last year’s highly successful “One Night in Cabbagetown” will be repeated this year at the beginning of the Festival.  At this time, this news is only a rumour.  Details will follow.  For now, save the date – Thursday evening, September 6.  This is your chance to join hundreds of other people along Parliament and Carlton and take in the culinary delights offered by an impressive bunch of participating pubs and restaurants.  As soon as we know more, you’ll know.
A male paragon
Leslie at Eclectisaurus (249 Gerrard) has the perfect full size male and he’s on sale.  Unfortunately he’s a mannequin – but a beautiful one.  He’s probably from the 1980's, and possibly earlier. Beautifully formed, he’s permanently positioned leaning forward on his hands. He’s a wonderful addition for any home where the current male is … ummm … flawed.


Another advertisement
Our second ad comes from our good friend, Claudia Salzmann.  Her therapeutic massage practice is located at Amelia and Sackville.  It’s been a landmark in Don Vale for many years. Click on the image on the right for all the details about her services.  Last week’s advertisement for Ken’s home in southern France had a very strong response.  Thanks to Claudia and Ken and everyone who’s helping us to develop support for our Neighbourhood Review.

Cat adoptions this weekend
Cat Busters Animal Rescue returns to Cabbagetown on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.  They’re at Pet Valu (240 Carlton).  Drop in, check out the homeless felines and take one home.  Congrat’s to Dale and his staff for organizing this program.  It’s a very good service for both the cats and the community.

The Showcase Performance
Kids from the Cabbagetown Youth Centre’s Performing Arts Camp stage a Showcase Performance annually.  It’s a celebration of the talents of kids from St Jamestown, Cabbagetown and Regent Park.  This year’s show happens on Thursday August 16 at 7 pm at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts (711 Bloor).  You can buy your tickets ($7 each or $21 for a family of four) at Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) and at the door.  Brenda Brown McNee calls this event “one of the highlights of my year.”

Book trade and fair
Cabbagetown South is holding a book fair next week.  It has two interesting approaches.  You can, of course, just drop in and buy a book (prices will vary from $1 to $5.)  Or you can donate your old unwanted books and get a voucher to use in trade.  Click here for more details.  It takes place at 204 Seaton Street from 9 am to noon, Sunday August 19.


2012 Tour of Homes
The Tour is one of Cabbagetown’s premier annual events drawing people from across the city to explore a selection of unusual, attractive homes. This year, it happens on Sunday September 16 from noon to 4 pm.  For information about tickets or to buy tickets with Paypal, visit www.cabbagetownpa.ca.  It’s a good idea to buy early.  Your ticket includes a listing of the homes so you can plan your attack and avoid the crowds.  On the day of the Tour, several Cabbagetown restaurants and businesses offer attractive discounts for ticket holders.
An important note – the Tour is organized by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.  They welcome volunteers who can contribute a few hours on September 16.  Please contact cpa@cabbagetownpa.ca  

Cabbagetown Pet Clinic
The Clinic (239 Gerrard) has a great website that’s regularly publishing updates about pet care issues that are very helpful.  Click here to see this week’s bulletin about ticks and fleas and then bookmark it for future editions.


Publicize your event
Fraser Douglas at SNAP (fdouglas@snapnewspapers.com) has reminded me that he always welcomes community content.  You can pick up a free copy of SNAP at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (Parliament). Send him an email if you’re hosting a special event, opening a business, organizing a community-wide campaign.  They’ll give you coverage and access to their community events calendar.  
Several newspapers serve our community – SNAP, Inside Toronto,  and The Bulletin (all have paper and internet editions). The Voice is also published here but doesn’t have a website but you can email them at voice_advertising@yahoo.ca   All of them welcome your announcements.  They’ll be happy to tell you their deadlines and advise you about photos and content.

Space available for your garage sale
Garage sales are a big feature of the Cabbagetown Festival.  If you’d like to have one but don’t have the space in front of your own home, then take advantage of the spaces available on Sumach Street north of Winchester.  On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, this area will be open for Cabbagetown residents who want to set up a small garage sale there.  To be eligible, you must have a Cabbagetown address.  A fee of $25 per day covers the cost of clean-ups and permits.  Contact dfisher988@gmail.com  

The Festival’s coming - save these dates
It’s a big, complicated event, so we’ll be releasing dates and times as we get them.  When the program is published, we’ll give you specific details and locations.
Cabbagetown Short Film & Video Festival – Friday evening, September 7.
Art & Crafts in Riverdale Park – Friday (noon to 6 pm), Saturday & Sunday (10 am to 6 pm), September 7, 8 and 9.
Parliament Street Festival – Saturday & Sunday (11 am to 8 pm), September 8 and 9
Blair’s Run – Saturday September 8 (9:45 am)
Cabbagetown Theatre Company – Saturday & Sunday (noon to 4 pm), September 8 and 9

Blair’s Run
The Run is one of the signature events in the Cabbagetown Festival.  The challenge is simple – run, walk, or hop over 2+ km through downtown Cabbagetown.  There are prizes, a free T shirt, breakfast, contests between neighbourhoods and eternal glory for the winners.  This year, the Run happens on Saturday September 8 starting at 8:45 am (for registration) and 9:45 am (for the race).
It’s also a significant fundraising effort for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  The fundraising is divided into block-by-block efforts.  A fundraising team asks people on each street for a donation.  Each area is small and manageable so that a door-to-door effort is possible. This year’s target is $50,000.
Volunteers are needed to help with this fundraising.  Block captains for Spruce, Winchester, Berkeley and Ontario are a special priority.  If you can help, please contact Sandy at sriches@rogers.com.

Volunteer at Pathways
Pathways to Education (411 Parliament) is a truly innovative, highly effective support group for students from high risk neighbourhoods.  When students enter high school, Pathways offers them tutoring and support throughout their education.  They’ve had a dramatic impact on drop-out rates and more importantly, on the students’ sense of self-confidence and achievement. 
Pathways is looking for volunteer tutors who can commit up to 1-1/2 to 3 hours a week at Regent Park locations.  Their current priorities are math, science, chemistry and physics. 
If you can contribute your time, please contact Sonia Arana at soniaa@regentparkchc.org and at (416) 642-1570.

Musical Instruments
Anne Pastuszak has organized a drive to collect unused musical instruments and it continues to August 31. Get into your attic and under your bed – pull out your old drum kit, flute, trumpet, clarinet, cello and French horn.  Any instrument.  It’ll be sent to the Regent Park School of Music.  Anne has arranged for some help from Long & McQuade who will check over your gift and make sure it’s working properly.  There’s also an opportunity for you to get a tax receipt.  To find out more or to start the ball rolling, email Anne at annepastuszak@rogers.comShe’ll send you a flyer or arrange a pick-up. For information about the program, click here
Thanks Merion and Tina
Simmons Flowers (540 Parliament) is changing hands.  Merion Clement has made arrangements to transfer her company to new owners. Details about the new owners will come soon.  For now, the contact info is the same.  For Merion and Tina, there will be big changes in their lives and for us, there will be a loss.  Their store has been a Cabbagetown landmark for 25 years.  In the 1990’s, Merion served as the Chair at the BIA.  They’ve made countless friends among their customers and neighbours with their strong, practical, friendly outlook.  It was always a pleasure to visit the store – a beautiful oasis in the middle of Parliament Street’s bustle.  We wish them well in the adventures ahead of them.

Our first advertisement
There’s an announcement today in the right-hand column about a house in southern France available for vacation rentals.  It’s our first advertisement.  Ken Caskenette, the homeowner, is a Cabbagetowner.  Over the years, he’s hosted many Cabbagetown residents there and they’ve all remarked on the beauty of his home and its village.  Ken says that the currency conversion rate has made the rental fees for the house amazingly cheap – about $900 Canadian a week.  (A Muskoka cottage renting at that rate is usually called a bunkie!)
For us, his advertisement is important.  We need to put three meals on the table every day and we hope that this is the beginning of the time when our blog becomes self-supporting – hint, hint, hint.

East Oyster Bar
The former Cobourg has changed in the hands of its new neighbours.  On Tuesday, it reopened as East Oyster Bar (533 Parliament).  Simon and Bo have introduced a new seafood menu, new furnishings and a modern, clean look to the interior.  They’re offering different specials each day, based around oysters and seafood platters.  On Wednesday evening, a customer volunteered that the oysters that he ordered were very good and very fresh – nice praise indeed on their second day in business.  They’re open daily from 6:30 to 11:30 pm.   We’ll post contact info here as soon as possible.

More oysters
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is hosting an oyster bonanza every Friday night at 7 pm, starting August 17.  It celebrates the heavenly flavours of oysters and New Zealand’s Oyster Bay wines.  Erin is offering her oysters at $2.50 each (six for $12). You get a freebie when you order a glass of Oyster Bay wine and four free ones with a bottle.

Yogurty’s Froyo
A new frozen yogurt store has opened at 521 Parliament – just in time to be a welcome retreat from the really hot weather.  The manager, Leo, says that they opened four days ago and they’re very excited by everyone’s reception.  It’s a self-serve place.  Customers select a container, fill it with the flavours that they like, add some toppings and then pay by weight.  It’s quick and fun.  Best wishes to everyone for a long and successful experience on Parliament Street.

Welcome Cabbagetown Carpentry
Johnny Pearl is a well known renovator and carpenter in Cabbagetown – for example, he did the interior work at Kendall & Co on Carlton last Spring.  Now he’s opening his own office here at 251 Gerrard (between Eclectisaurus and Mylk Uncookies).  That strip of stores continues to improve and his office there will really help.  He plans to open on September 1 and when he does, we’ll post his contact info here.  For now, he’s trying to get some work done but he keeps getting interrupted by all his pals.

Get your supplies or go on a diet
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is closing for holidays next week.  They’ll be shut from Monday August 6 until the morning of Tuesday August 11.  You can still stock up on Sunday this weekend.  Get your stuff now and don’t be disappointed next week.

Volunteer at Pathways
 Pathways toEducation (411 Parliament) is a truly innovative, highly effective support group for students from high risk neighbourhoods.  When students enter high school, Pathways offers them tutoring and support throughout their education.  They’ve had a dramatic impact on drop-out rates and more importantly, on the students’ sense of self-confidence and achievement.  
Pathways is looking for volunteer tutors who can commit up to 1 to 3 hours a week at Regent Park locations.  Their current priorities are math, science, chemistry and physics. 
If you can contribute your time, please contact Sonia Arana at soniaa@regentparkchc.org  and at (416) 642-1570.

Mexican Palette
Emma Aragon, Kim Benoit, Chan, Francoise Cockburn and Alec Dempster are featured in this exhibition and sale of paintings and prints. Their show celebrates the beauty and mystery of Mexico.  It runs throughout August at Cabinet in the Distillery (10 Trinity St).  Store hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 6:30 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. 

The Showcase Performance
Kids from the Cabbagetown Youth Centre’s Performing Arts Camp stage a Showcase Performance annually.  It’s a celebration of the talents of kids from St Jamestown, Cabbagetown and Regent Park.  This year’s show happens on Thursday August 16 at 7 pm at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts (711 Bloor).  You can buy your tickets ($7 each or $21 for a family of four) at Kendall & Co (227 Carlton) and at the door.  Brenda Brown McNee calls this event “one of the highlights of my year.”

Blair’s Run
The Run is one of the signature events in the Cabbagetown Festival.  The challenge is simple – run, walk, or hop over 2+ km through downtown Cabbagetown.  There are prizes, a free T shirt, breakfast, contests between neighbourhoods and eternal glory for the winners.  This year, the Run happens on Saturday September 8 starting at 8:45 am (for registration) and 9:45 am (for the race).
It’s also a significant fundraising effort for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.  The fundraising is divided into block-by-block efforts.  A fundraising team asks people on each street for a donation.  Each area is small and manageable so that a door-to-door effort is possible. This year’s target is $50,000.
Volunteers are needed to help with this fundraising.  Block captains for Spruce, Winchester, Berkeley and Ontario are a special priority.  If you can help, please contact Sandy at sriches@rogers.com  

A reminder - Peartree Specials
From now until the end of August, enjoy a $10 discount at Peartree (507 Parliament) when you spend $40 or more on any meal.  A gift coupon has been circulated through the neighbourhood so be sure to save it and present it when you want to take advantage of the offer.  You can see their menus on their website here.

Another reminder -  Musical Instruments
Anne Pastuszak has organized a drive to collect unused musical instruments and it continues to August 31. Get into your attic and under your bed – pull out your old drum kit, flute, trumpet, clarinet, cello and French horn.  Any instrument.  It’ll be sent to the Regent Park School of Music.  Anne has arranged for some help from Long & McQuade who will check over your gift and make sure it’s working properly.  There’s also an opportunity for you to get a tax receipt.  To find out more or to start the ball rolling, email Anne at annepastuszak@rogers.com  She’ll send you a flyer or arrange a pick-up. For information about the program, click here.

A new garden on Aberdeen
Our thanks to Nick Maniatis, Spiros’ son, for the finishing work that he’s doing on the Aberdeen side of the new Starbuck’s building at Aberdeen and Parliament.  Fencing has been built around the storage area and a new garden planted along the street.  With the patio, the garden and Sundara Yoga, the building is now starting to live up to its attractive potential facing the residential areas.

Signs needed at the Green P
There is, however, one big problem at Aberdeen and Parliament.  Drivers leave the Green P lot and turn right on Aberdeen toward Parliament.  But it’s one-way in the other direction.  This week, an experienced Cabbagetown cyclist was hospitalized by a car going in the wrong direction.  After the accident, several people reminisced about similar near misses.  Victoria Hadden has suggested a simple remedy:  put a “No right turn” sign directly opposite the exit from the lot and add left turn directional arrows on the pavement.  These are quick and practical cures and we should relay this suggestion to Councillor McConnell.