Serving Cabbagetown & the downtown east area - September 27

Paint Box Bistro
Chris Klugman is opening a spiffy new restaurant in the Paint Box at 555 Dundas.  It’s beautifully designed and it promises to bring great menus and cuisine.  He’s using staff who have been recruited from Regent Park and specially trained at George Brown College.  Catherine Porter has written about his project in the Toronto Star  – click here to read the story.  As she says, this is a regular restaurant, a destination for diners that also serves as a launching pad into new careers for Regent Park residentts.
The Bistro is open five nights a week from Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 pm.  There’s also a handy take-out window for breakfast and lunch.  Watch for future announcements about the lunch menu and for the special opening event. You can see the menus, event announcements and photos at the website.

Thanksgiving supplies
It’s only about ten days until Thanksgiving arrives so it’s time to stock up on your goodies.  Mark at St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) is now taking orders for turkeys.  Order yours now and he’ll have it ready for pickup on the long weekend.  He’s also got plenty of other lovely choices for a big family meal so check with him for his recommendations.
Of course, those of us with a sweet tooth will visit Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) and Absolute Bakery (589 Parliament).  Both have plenty of pies, pastries and cakes ready for your desserts. We’re still seeing autumn flowers on sale at our corner stores – Parliament Smokes (609 Parliament), Jamestown Milk (592 Parliament), Fairway (Parliament & Winchester) and Mini Mart (464 Parliament).

CPA Survey
Anne Pastuszak has distributed an email survey asking for your ideas for future endeavours from the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.  They want to refine their programs and make sure that they’re responsive to the community’s priorities. You can see the Association’s website here and you can do the survey here.  It’s a good initiative and the survey only takes a few minutes to complete.  The deadline to complete your survey is Friday October 26.

Are you depressed?
Cabbagetown publisher Ron Hume wants to contact people who experience periodic episodes of life-sapping depression.  The folks at InfoMedic.com have worked with some of North America’s leading psychiatrists to develop a self-help patient education program that teaches those with major depression and anxiety how to manage their condition to avoid the frequency and intensity of future episodes. This program is now being field tested. For a limited time ─ you can enroll at no cost. This is an online program you take at home, on your own time. To enroll, or get further information contact r.hume@infomedic.com   For more information, go to their website.

The Chip Truck
Saturday is the big day – the Chip Truck arrives at Allan Gardens from 1 to 4 pm.  It’s a travelling clinic operated by Toronto Animal Services.   They’ll put a microchip in your dog and cat and update your pet’s license.  Bring your dog on a leash and your cat in a proper carrier and have proof of a license if you just want a chip.  Cats $20, dogs $30 and chips alone $5.  Allan Gardens (Carlton and Sherbourne), Saturday September 29, 1 to 4 pm.
 
Nuit Blanche in the Daniels Spectrum
Nuit Blanche arrives in Toronto this weekend from Saturday at 7 pm to Sunday at 7 am.
Five groups who have space in the new Daniels Spectrum in the Paint Box (585 Dundas) are offering Nuit Blanche installations.  It’s worth a trip to see them -  you can tour the new centre and meet the tenants who are now active there.
Native Earth Performing Arts has invited First Nation artists to create interpretations of Thomas King’s A Short History of Indians in Canada (from 7 pm to 7 am).  ArtHeart will be constructing 2D and 3D shadow puppets to share stories about the ever-changing Regent Park experience (7 pm to 7 am).  The Regent Park School of Music is holding Projector Jam – while the Nuit Blanche Citizens’ Band plays, music and lyrics will be projected onto a big screen so that everyone can join in (7 pm to 4 am).  Regent Park Film Festival has asked artist Amy Siegel to work with five women from the Regent Park Focus Divas Girls Group on a special installation (7 pm to midnight).  COBA will present Lite de Flambeaux, an interactive parade and performance (10 pm to 11 pm).

Open House announcements
You’ll notice a nice little image of a lovely Victorian row house in the right hand column.  Click on it for this weekend’s Open House listings.  We’re starting to attract attention from neighbourhood realtors who’re sending us more info along with appropriate photos.  Thanks everybody – real estate deals are a conversation piece for Cabbagetowners.

A warm welcome to our teachers
Last Friday (and apparently for several Fridays before that), Toronto-area teachers picketed outside Glen Murray’s office on Parliament Street.  People driving down the street were honking horns.  Demonstrators were blasting out an obscure Abba song from the 1970s.  Fortunately, they weren’t blocking the entrance to the LCBO (smart move – that’s virtually the only secure revenue source left for the government!) but they did jam up outside St Jamestown Steak & Chops.  The whole thing lent a lively touch to the end of a working week.  We don’t know who to thank – the OSSTF, CUPE or Mr Murray.

SEPTEMBER 20

Find your home
The committee working on heritage conservation projects in Cabbagetown has collected lots of detailed records about our homes while doing their research.  Now they’ve posted those records – house by house – on a website.  If you’re curious about your own home’s history, click here and then type in the name of your street.
 
Our rewards for our readers
We want to thank you for visiting and for being faithful readers.  So we’re organizing special bargains every week – a bargain that you know about but nobody else.  If you want to enjoy our special, just visit the store and tell them “Doug sent me”. 
To launch our Reader’s Rewards, Don at Nettleship Hardware (576 Parliament) is offering a sturdy, two-step kitchen ladder.  It’s lightweight and easy to carry around the house.  A handy way to reach a top shelf, change a light bulb and dust in a distant corner.
This offer expires at 6 pm, Saturday, September 29.  Remember – “Doug sent me”. 
Regular price - $30.  Reader’s Reward price - $25
 
The East End Rockabilly Weekend #4
The Dominion on Queen in Corktown (500 Queen at Sumach) always has lots going on every week.  We’ll be listing their events regularly. 
This week, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, they’re home to “Toronto’s wildest weekend of live music and vintage culture” – the East End Rockabilly Weekend #4.  
Friday starts at 7:30 pm with a screening of the vintage rock ‘n roll film “Jamboree” (1957).  At 9 pm, DJ Rockin’ Dave Faris comes on with The Living Deads, The Hellbound Hepcats and the Greasemarks. 
On Saturday from noon, there are dance classes, vendors and a photo exhibit with Hill Peppard.  At 2 pm, Ronnie Hayward and his trio host a CD release party for “Crazy Woman Blues”.  The film documentary “Gears Grease & Guitars” is being shown at 8 pm and then DJ Matchbox starts at 10 pm with The Royal Crowns, Tennessee Voodoo Coupe and Eddie Blake and the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers. 
Sunday from noon to 3 features the Hank Williams birthday brunch with The Hanksters. 
Friday tickets are $20, Saturday $15 and weekend tickets are $30.  No cover on Sunday.
 
Amazing gifts
The arts centre at Regent Park was officially opened today.  Along with the aquatic centre and the new athletic facilities, it makes a stunning contribution to the new Regent Park and to the whole area around it.  The designs and the planning to integrate these services into the community are outstanding.  The people who have contributed – The Daniels Corporation, TCHC, the City of Toronto and a host of architects and community groups – all deserve our deepest thanks.
The arts centre will be named The Daniels Spectrum to honour the generosity of The Daniels Corporation and the John & Myra Daniels Family Foundation.  They contributed $4 million to the project.  Furthermore, the Slaight Family has contributed $1.5 million and an anonymous donor gave $1.25 million. Altogether, private sources have contributed $9.8 million to defray the centre’s costs.
Three media sources have written about developments at Regent Park.  The National Post ran an article about the next phase in the construction work.  In the Globe & Mail, Lisa Rochon wrote about the stunning success of the aquatic centre.  The Star's Christopher Hume discussed the arts centre and its impact on future community growth.
 
The Chip Truck
Bring your family pooch into the digital age.  Toronto Animal Services are offering to put a microchip in your dog and cat and to update your licence at a special session in Allan Garden.  The Chip Truck is a mobile licencing and chipping clinic.  Please bring your dog on a leash and your cat in a proper carrier and please also have proof of a licence if you just want a chip. Cats are $20 and dogs $30.  Chips alone are $5.  Allan Gardens (Carlton and Sherbourne), Saturday September 29, 1 to 4 pm. 
 
Pho Indochine
Tam, Kim and Tony have opened their new restaurant at 568 Parliament.  It’s a pretty room with open seating at the front and cozy enclosed booths near the back.  They’re offering truly Vietnamese cuisine for eat-in and take-out customers.  They’ve listed a wide range of Pho from $6 to $8.50 along with appetizers from $3.95 and grilled dishes from $8.  The food is fresh and well seasoned.  Their website shows their menus, photos and contact information.

Dramatic updates
The world premiere of Lisa Moore’s play, “February” launches on Friday at The Alumnae Theatre  (70 Berkeley Street).  It’s based on Moore’s acclaimed novel about Helen, a Newfoundlander whose husband Carl was killed in the 1982 Ocean Ranger Disaster.  The Alumnae Theatre opens its season with this play.  For more information about schedules, times and tickets, click here.
Soulpepper (50 Tankhouse Lane in the Distillery) is ending its summer season and beginning its Fall schedule.  This weekend is your last chance to see The Royal Comedian, Speed-the-Plow and The Sunshine Boys.  Two of Arthur Miller’s plays continue until early October – The Crucible and Death of a Salesman.  Click here to reach Soulpepper’s website.
 
Bragging rights
On Sunday, three events took place all at the same time and each one was a success. 
The Tour of Homes has again attracted hundreds of people to our neighbourhood.  Congratulations for an outstanding event.  We understand that the post-Tour party for the volunteers was especially fun.
The ROMWalks through Cabbagetown were another well-attended event.  Small groups just kept appearing around our noteworthy sites. 
The street party in Cabbagetown South included a celebrity chef taking care of the bbq, several local artists displaying their works and – yes, Elvis kept the crowd amazed and swooning.

Save these dates
 
Tsingory Dance workshop
Tsingory Dance Company performs contemporary and traditional dances from the island of Madagascar.  Every piece is carefully researched and tells a story about Madagascar’s culture.  The company is holding a public workshop followed by demonstrations by the musicians of their various Malagasy instruments.  Click here to see their website. Thursday October 11, 7:30 pm, CCDT Theatre (509 Parliament), $15.

Casey House art auction
Many of us in Cabbagetown are happy to support the fine work done at Casey House.  Every Fall,
they hold an art auction of contemporary Canadian works at the Carlu (444 Yonge St, 7th Floor) as a major fundraiser.  You can view this year’s outstanding selections at Waddington’s (275 King St E) from Friday October 12 to Monday October 15, noon to 5 pm. The auction happens on Wednesday October 17 with the final viewing at 5:30 and the sale at 7 pm.  Tickets for the auction are $175.  You can find lots of contact information, details about the art and ticket info at the website.
 
Sip & Savour Ontario
The best of Ontario’s locally grown food and cuisine is showcased along with the finest sippers from Ontario wineries.  Six celebrity chefs, two gourmet food trucks, three culinary demonstrations and twenty eight VQA wines from Ontario are all included.  It’s all in support of Houselink, a community service for people living with mental illness.  Tickets are $85.  For more information, go to the website.  Wednesday, October 3, 7:30 to 10 pm,  Fermenting cellar, The Distillery, 55 Mill Street.
 
Cabbagetown’s Fall Season
 
We need to catch-up on a lot of new activity after being so distracted by last week’s hectic Festival schedule. 
 
Tour of Homes
Cabbagetown’s Tour of Homes takes place this Sunday afternoon.  You can visit eight elegant homes from noon to 4 pm. 
Tickets are $30 each. Income from ticket sales supports the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s program.  Kendall & Co (227 Carlton), Mi Casa (238 Carlton), Epicure Shop (473 Parliament) and Fairway Market (520 Parliament) all sell tickets locally.  On Sunday, you can buy last-minute tickets at the BIA Office (237 Carlton).  If you buy your ticket online with Paypal, be sure to bring your voucher to the BIA Office on Sunday on your way to the homes.
It’s a self-guided tour.  Addresses and a map are shown on your ticket.  Be sure, as well, to check your ticket for the names and locations of restaurants and stores offering nice discounts to Tour patrons.
Last week, The National Post did an article about one of the homes on the Tour. For a sample of what you’ll see, click here.  (The photo above is from The National Post.) You can also watch a video clip from Global TV News here.
 
ROM Walks through Cabbagetown
Once again, the Royal Ontario Museum is conducting guided walks through Cabbagetown.  You can find out the details hereSunday from 2 pm.  The walk takes approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours.  No fee. Rain or shine.  The meeting spot is on the corner of Spruce and Parliament – watch for the blue umbrella.
 
Party time in Cabbagetown South
Sunday is the day for Cabbagetown South’s street party.  The bbq features hot dogs, burgers and sausages.  Buddy Holly arrives at 1 pm and Elvis is in the house at 2 pm.  There’ll be face painting, balloons, games and exhibits by local artists.  Everyone welcome. Seaton Street, south of Gerrard from noon to 6 pm.
 
Neighbourhood updates
 
Cat adoptions on Saturday
Cat Busters are back at Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.  It’s your chance to adopt a homeless cat and turn a stray into a beloved family member.  The agency makes every effort to ensure that you get a healthy cat and all adults have been spayed.  There’s a $150 fee to cover their costs.
 
CNH Childcare Program
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) still has spaces available in two childcare programs – toddlers (18 months to 2.5 years) and pre-school (2.5 to 4 years).  These twelve-month programs operate during school holidays, school PA days and March break, from 7:30 am to 6 pm daily.  Healthy meals and snacks are made on-site and include vegetarian and allergy considerations. The program includes fun outings and quality play-based activities.  The staff are caring and qualified professionals.  The program is licenced by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services.  Subsidy based spaces are available.  For more info and a tour of CNH, contact Karen Anthony at kanthony@cnh.on.ca  or (416) 925-4363, ext 110.  Find out more about CNH at their website.
 
Kids at Sundara Yoga
Angela has started two special programs for kids at Sundara Yoga (492 Parliament, side door.)  Yoga Blossoms for girls ages 10 to 13 starts on Saturday (4 to 5 pm) and goes to November 17 – ten weeks for $160.  A shorter course will run six weeks from October 11 to November 15 (Thursday, 4 to 5 pm) - $96.  Then for really little guys ages 3 to 6, there’s Yoga Seedlings running Wednesdays October 10 to November 14 (1:30 to 2:15 pm) and Fridays October 12 to November 16 (4:15 to 5 pm) – both are six weeks at $96.
For adults, there’s Group Yoga Therapy on Saturday for four weeks (6 to 8 pm) - $120.  On Saturday September 23 (4:15 to 5:45 pm), there’s a one-class session Yoga for Runners at $30.
 
Kibo Sushi House
Kibo (533 Parliament) opened officially on September 1 after spending about a month testing our reactions to several menu options.  They’ll be open from Tuesday to Sunday (11:30 am to 11 pm).  They’re offering lunch specials and they have smaller kids’ portions as well.  The interior features a beautiful model ship as well as a remodelled bar and shelving that generate a warm, dark-wood atmosphere.  The menu is listed daily on the blackboard in front of the restaurant.
 
Qi Sushi
Jenny Park at Qi Sushi (358 Gerrard west of Sackville) has attracted a lot of attention and praise for her fine Japanese restaurant since she opened in mid-winter.  She has a small restaurant and lots of take-out offerings.  As well as sushi dishes, her menu lists Daily Bento (from $8 to $12), various rolls, Qi Combos (from $10 to $15), teriyaki and tempura. 
 
Church Street Winery
Gunnar and Monika at Church Street Winery (420 Parliament) want to remind you that it’s time now to make and store wines for your Christmas festivities.  They have a full range of kits available for reds, whites and specialty wines at prices ranging from $185 to $233.
 
Face Furniture
Tewfik Sherif’s fine new store Face Furniture (464 Parliament) has opened successfully.  He’s created an eyewear boutique that’s focused on quality and craftsmanship.  You can see his website here.
 
Mobilicity
Mobilicity (586 Parliament) has moved.  Their new location is beside Del Ray Cleaners at the corner of Parliament and Wellesley.  When you’re there, be sure to ask the store’s manager, Ahmed, how you can earn a $50 credit by referring a friend.  Congrat’s as well to Steve and Phyllis at Del Ray for their fine renovation of their façade which they expanded to include Mobilicity. 
 
2-4-1 Video
They’ve closed.  It’s too bad but no doubt a sign of the changing times.  They faced fierce competition with new cable and online services.  Nancy, the friendly familiar face behind the counter, is trying to attract a new owner, Queen Street Video.  She posted a sign in the window with contact info.  If this sounds like a good idea to you, email queenvideo@gmail.com to encourage them.
 
Construction and renovations
 
Rebuilding the site of the fire
This site at 456 Parliament suffered a fire two years ago and now its reconstruction continues apace.  The building has recently been covered in tarps so progress is hard to judge.  The current building permit allows for upper level apartments and mid-level and lower level retail.  Future plans call for townhouse residential to be built on the rear of the building but building permits have not been issued for this stage of the work as yet.
 
Pharma Plus
The new Pharma Plus (Winchester and Parliament) is now being built in the site of the former Blockbuster, Coffee Time and Kendall stores.  It will be a sizeable new store.  Work is underway inside and Randy, the site manager, thinks it should be completed in late October.  No information yet about an opening date.
 
TBS
TBS (429 Parliament) will close in a week and the interior will be extensively remodelled. The store will re-open in late October.  Future inventory will include more clothing.  (Signs in front of the store are misleading – it’s not closing permanently.)
 
Kingyo Toronto
Kingyo is a very popular Izakaya style Vancouver restaurant and this is their first Toronto location  (51B Winchester).  The old Stonegrill has closed.  The interior is now being remodelled to accommodate their new requirements and when finished, it will seat about 120 people.  Koji Zenimaru is the manager.    More details will be available as we get closer to the official opening.
 
Great weekend at the Festival
Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to put together last weekend’s Festival.  It’s an enormous job and it was well done.  The Film Festival had another full house. 
In Blair’s Run, the Wellesley team won the honours for their large contingent. 
Bigger crowds gathered around Spruce and Gerrard on Saturday – a good sign for future growth.  The new stage arrangements and the entertainers all earned kudos and so did the drum bands marching up the street.
The weather, of course, created extra excitement.  That rain on Saturday was daunting. 
Eric Morse caught a photo of runners in Blair’s Run in the middle of it all.  Like most Festival participants, they simply went ahead with their Marathon.  In the end, the Festival proved to be waterproof and the crowds weren’t scared off.
Over in Riverdale Park, the Art & Crafts show was another success. 
There were even several fun and eccentric displays – like Roger Hupman’s skulls.


Festival Weekend has arrived

It’s a complicated weekend. 

On Thursday from 7 pm, you can enjoy samples from nine Cabbagetown restaurants during One Night in Cabbagetown. 

The Cabbagetown Short Film & Video Festival (Winchester Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester) happens on Friday from 7 pm.

There are garage sales (everywhere) from 7 am on Saturday to dusk on Sunday. 

Art & Crafts in Riverdale Park (Winchester & Carlton) fills the park with small tents featuring art and craft vendors from 1 pm on Friday and all day long on Saturday and Sunday.

Parliament Street rocks with entertainers, street food, vendors and artists, and lots of individual highlights from 11 am to dusk on Saturday and Sunday.
 
Blair’s Run opens the Parliament Street festivities at 9:45 am (Carlton & Parliament). 

Riverdale Farm (east end of Winchester Street) is home to day-long corn roasts on Saturday and Sunday. 

The Yonge Street Mission is hosting Kidz Korner in Anniversary Park (Gerrard and Parliament) on Saturday afternoon.

The Cabbagetown Theatre Company (Necropolis Chapel, east end of Winchester Street) presents Cinderella…If the Shoe Fits on Friday at 7:30 pm and then throughout the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.

The CPA sponsors walking tours (from the northeast corner of Riverdale Park) on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Smaller art exhibitions happen near Sprucecourt School (Sumach and Carlton) and beside the cemetery (Winchester and Sumach).

Have fun – it’s our annual celebration of our community.

More special entertainment

There’ll be oysters and Guinness at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) on Thursday night – it’s a fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre.

Jeff Barnes & The Wild Irish Rogues appear at The Ben Wicks (424 Parliament) at 9 pm on Saturday night. Look for the special Festival menu throughout the weekend.

Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) stages Irish dancing throughout Saturday afternoon.

Carol Pope is at the Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) at 7 pm Friday and 8 pm Saturday followed by Lea DeLaria and Maggie Cassells, Friday at 9 pm, Saturday at 10 pm.  There’s a lively outdoor patio as well.

Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) will have a large outdoor patio at Winchester and Parliament.  Look for musical entertainers throughout both days on the weekend.

Go Freddy Go are appearing at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) on Saturday from 1 pm.

Two big stages will dominate Parliament Street over the weekend.  On Saturday, the stage is set up at Carlton and Parliament and the Samba Squad will lead a dance down Parliament Street at 11 am.  On Sunday, it’s near Carlton and Berkeley. Danny Marks will be the MC for a full day’s program.

The CCDT (509 Parliament) will stage flash mob dances, demonstrations of different dance classes and free dance lessons throughout the weekend.

As always, good food
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) gets raves from Festival-goers every year for the barbeque offerings, especially the back bacon sandwiches.  For many of us, this is the place to start the day with a good breakfast (or brunch sandwich).

It’s really hard to single out any place that has good food and a comfy patio.  But, here goes –

Wellesley & Parliament – a whole block full of exotic Asian foods prepared on street barbeques right before your eyes.

Cranberries (601 Parliament) has a street patio right in the middle of the hectic action for those who want to sit and watch a crowded street.

F’Amelia (12 Amelia) fills Amelia Street with a patio and offers a special menu featuring the foods that have made it one of Toronto’s destination restaurants.

Butter Chicken Factory (556 Parliament & Prospect) has a patio and lovely Indian food.

Alice’s Place (554 Parliament) has a patio.

Merryberry (559 Parliament) has a patio and its unique and acclaimed menu.

Thai to Go is setting up for the weekend at Winchester and Parliament with their very popular Thai specialties.

Winchester Kitchen & Bar (51A Winchester) has its patio on Winchester from Parliament east to the lane.

Peartree (507 Parliament) is a favourite place to sit and enjoy the crowds in comfort.

The Flying Beaver (488 Parliament) has a barbeque and patio throughout both days.

Johnny G’s (478 Parliament) takes its brunch and light lunch menu out to the street in their patio.

Ginger (252 Carlton at Parliament) has a very popular south Asian menu.

Young Thailand (446 Parliament) has Thai dishes on the patio and also has a takeout spot so you can wander the street while enjoying their food.

Wing Machine (443 Parliament at Spruce) is expanding its regular patio onto Spruce for the event.

Grab a takeout slice from 2-4-1 Pizza (451 Parliament), Peter’s Cajun Creole Pizza (415 Parliament) and Pizza Pizza (560 Parliament at Prospect)
 
Gourmet Burger (482 Parliament) has eat-in and take-out service for its burgers, fries, onion rings and other goodies.

No word yet about Kibo, the new restaurant at 533 Parliament or from Omi (241 Carlton).  Both have Japanese and Asian dishes and are well worth investigating.

There’s life after the Festival

CNH Childcare Program
Central Neighbourhood House (349 Ontario) has spaces available in two childcare programs – toddlers (18 months to 2.5 years) and pre-school (2.5 to 4 years).  These twelve-month programs operate during school holidays, school PA days and March break, from 7:30 am to 6 pm daily.  Healthy meals and snacks are made on-site and include vegetarian and allergy considerations. The program includes fun outings and quality play-based activities.  The staff are caring and qualified professionals.  The program is licenced by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services.  Subsidy based spaces are available.  For more info and a tour of CNH, contact Karen Anthony at kanthony@cnh.on.ca or (416) 925-4363, ext 110.  Find out more about CNH at their website.

The Parliament Street Writing Group
The group is hosting its annual public reading of extracts from members’ short stories, works-in-progress and poetry.  Everyone is welcome – the Reading Room at the Parliament Street Library.  Monday September 10 starting at 6 pm.  Snacks are served.  Gerrard & Parliament opposite Anniversary Park.

Street party in Cabbagetown South
Save this date – Sunday, September 16 from noon to 6 pm. The Cabbagetown South party is starting to get a head of steam.  They’re welcoming artists who want to display their work and musicians who want to be part of the program – just notify Jennifer and then show up. They’re scheduling live music, bbq and games for the kids.  Seaton Street will be closed south of Gerrard to Dundas for the afternoon.  For more info, contact Jennifer Walker at eventscabbagetownsouth@gmail.com

Exercise classes at the CYC
Brenda Brown McNee has started up her exercise classes at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store) featuring step aerobics followed by stretch and strength exercises.  They happen every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15 to 10:15 am and cost $2 per class.  You can enroll or simply drop-in as often as you wish.  You can email Brenda for more info here: brenda.brownmcnee@bell.net
One further thought - it is definitely not true (so we’re told!) that some class members retire afterward for coffee and snacks simply because they’ve already worked off all those calories.  Not true – not true at all.  Nope, not true.

Volunteer for the Tour of Homes
The Tour is one of Cabbagetown’s signature events.  People come from across the city to enjoy our beautiful homes.  Tour organizers have issued a call for volunteers to staff each home and help the participants.  It’s a pleasant way to spend an afternoon – the people who visit are very friendly and the homes themselves are well worth seeing.  You’ll be on duty on Sunday September 16 for four hours followed by a private chance to tour the homes from 4 to 5 pm and then an after-tour party with wine and hors d’oeuvres. Contact Anne Pastuszak at annepastuszak@rogers.com  

In the media …

Killing the cabbage
Eric Morse whose photography graces this blog and many others became curious about the Cabbagetown tradition of Cutting The Cabbage that launches all of our Festivals.  He’s photographed a lot of cabbage ceremonies over the years.  He sees it in a morbid but amusing light.  His story was published in The Bulletin and you can catch it all here.

Visitors from Edmonton view Cabbagetown
Debbie and Murray write a blog about their travel experiences and in August, they visited Toronto, including Cabbagetown in their itinerary.  They obviously enjoyed Toronto generally (no doubt happily finding that we aren’t the self-satisfied grinches depicted in several western urban myths) and our neighbourhood in particular.  You can see what they’ve written here.  If you read through several entries, you’ll find their reactions very refreshing.