So – what are you worth?
Hilary and Nick have researched home sales in the Cabbagetown area and prepared their report for the first quarter of 2013.  Do you know, for example, that the average price of a modest little rowhouse (hooray, that’s mine!) jumped by $111,622 in the past year?  There are serious reports in the mass media that we’re experiencing a “Slump In The Market” – don’t you love it?  You can see the report in detail at our weekly Open House page - click here.  The link to their Facebook page is displayed in the upper right corner on this Review and it’s always worth a quick visit.

Wow – good news for the Cabbagetown Festival
The TTC has agreed to reimburse the Cabbagetown BIA for $33,000 in overpayments that the BIA paid to them from 2003 to 2013.  These payments were intended to compensate the TTC for costs incurred when the Festival interfered with streetcar traffic.  Recent negotiations have resulted in a revised fee schedule that’s retroactive and much lower.  (The Gerrard India Bazaar BIA has been repaid $90,000 – they suffered even more than we did.)
Congrat’s on this should go to several voices that have consistently raised a common sense point of view over the years.  Paul Dineen and the former BIA Board never quit in their objections over the high charges.  Pam McConnell always sought information and pushed the BIA’s case.  And the staff at Economic Development in City Hall helped considerably as well.  Good work everybody.
Read about it here from Inside Toronto, the Beach Mirror.

Forsythia Festival
It all happens on Sunday May 5.  The parade starts at 10 am in Riverdale Park and the Festival continues in Wellesley Park until 3 pm.  Check out the website here and click on the drop-down menu for the Forsythia Festival.  You’ll see the raffle prizes, the program, the parade route, the park map and lots more.
Final program details are now being ironed out.  There’s a tremendous list of very generous donors – click here to see who they are and be sure to thank them when you shop at their businesses.
It’s your last chance to nominate a Festival king/queen and parade marshall.  Send in your suggestions to Shannon by Friday April 19 at shannongrimm@hotmail.com  

Spring bird list
The migratory season is well underway and over the next few weeks, we’ll be home for some very interesting species.  They like our area.  They can fly up the Don Valley and into our ravines, parks and cemeteries.   For them, it’s one big green belt.  The photo shows one of last year’s prizes – a chick from a family of Cooper’s hawks nesting in Wellesley Park.
So, we’re opening a birding list.  Tell us what you’ve seen and where (in general) you did your spotting.  I’ll add your sightings to the list.  If it’s a duplicate, it won’t matter.  If you want to have your name published, I’ll do so – otherwise I’ll refer to your first name or to “anonymous”.
Send your birds to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com  

Clean-ups are coming
The annual Mayor’s Clean-up campaign is underway this weekend.  There are several locations where you can join a neighbourhood effort on Saturday, April 20.  Bags will be supplied at each location and usually, the organizers also have clean-up gear.  Bring gloves and your own rake, broom and shovel if possible.
Aberdeen Avenue Residents Group is organizing a clean up from 10 am to noon on Saturday and using the Winchester Square drop-off for the litter bags.
Cabbagetown South has a campaign happening on Saturday morning, from 10 am.  Meet at Central Neighbourhood House, 349 Ontario St. 
The Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach) clean-up takes place on Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 pm.  Equipment will be supplied. Meet at the Drive Shed just past the main gate.
The Winchester Community Garden team is doing its cleaning from noon to 2 pm in Winchester Square Park.
The Corktown Residents & Business Association is tackling the pathway and embankment between St Paul and Power beside Richmond in the morning between 10 am and noon. 
The Cabbagetown BIA (more about this effort in the last story below) is encouraging businesses to clean up their back areas and store fronts and then leave the bags at the Gerrard Street Beer Store (227 Gerrard) or on the boulevard next to the mural at Carlton and Parliament.  Volunteers who want to assist the BIA are welcome at the BIA office (237 Carlton) from noon on Saturday.

It Happens on Saturday
Reaching Out Through Music provides musical and social opportunities for kids in St James Town and it needs your support to do this.  On Saturday April 20, you can hear newchoir, Meredith Shaw and Scott Pietrangelo perform with the Children`s Choir.  There’ll also be a special appearance by the De La Salle Oakland Crusaders Brass Ensemble.  It’s a fundraiser.  Tickets are $20 (patrons $100 with an $80 tax receipt).  The silent auction starts at 6 pm and the benefit concert at 7:30 pm at St Simon the Apostle Church, 525 Bloor (between Sherbourne and Parliament). Buy your ticket at the door or contact (416) 923-8714, ext 205, or jamierotm@hotmail.com

Happening now - The Brussels Toronto Project
Toronto Dance Theatre presents the third installment in this series of collaborations bringing fresh international ideas to Toronto.  This year’s program includes new works from two of Brussels’ leading lights, Thomas Hauert and Etienne Guilloteau.  April 18 to 20 and 24 to 27 at 8 pm, plus a matinee on April 21 at 2 pm.  Prices vary.  There’s a premium ticket performance on April 24 with drinks, a reception and a chance to meet the artists.  For more information, click here.  Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester)

Transports of Delight
Eric Morse has long been interested in Toronto’s streetcars.  His images, including many new ones, are being shown at Gallery 402, 402 King St E from April 24.  There’ll be an opening reception on Wednesday April 24 from 5:30 to 8 pm. Call Joanne (416-366-8714) or Eric (416-921-2840) to RSVP.  Eric will be at the gallery from noon to 5 pm on Saturday April 27. 

Free swimming
Photo: Grid TO
Pam McConnell has negotiated Priority Centre designation for the new Regent Park Aquatic Centre.  This means that the facility will be open to everyone to enjoy regardless of income.  Starting in March, program registration fees for children, youth and seniors were eliminated.  In addition, all drop-in fees for all visitors were removed.  In July, the remaining program registration fees for adults will also be dropped.  As more and more people use the Centre, it’s becoming known for its stunning architecture and fine facilities.

Nelson Mandela Park School
Photo: spmarshall
The renovations on this Shuter Street school are the focus of a thoughtful analysis that has just appeared in Urban Toronto.  The article and its accompanying photos are well worth reading.     

Nominations wanted
The Cabbagetown Residents Association covers the area east of Parliament to the Don Valley, north of Gerrard to Bloor.  The association is looking for people willing to serve for the next two years on the Board of Directors.  You can nominate yourself or a neighbour by email at info@cabbagetowner.com  The annual meeting is in June. 

NEWS FROM THE BIG WIDE WORLD

Irene DeClute
Irene has two paintings in this year’s Spring juried art show held by the Willowdale Group of Artists.  The show happens at the North York Civic Centre (5100 Yonge) from Saturday April 20 to Friday May 3, 9 am to 6 pm. 

Brunch with Whiskey Jack
Duncan Fremlin and Whiskey Jack are playing at Rakia Bar (1402 Queen E) on Sunday April 21 from noon to 3 pm.  Duncan says that “there’s something quite special about playing our brand of music at a midday brunch for our friends and neighbours.”

Hello from Hec
Hector Clouthier lived for several years in Cabbagetown and he’s still remembered fondly by a lot of friends.  He’s a marathon runner who has, in years past, done the Boston marathon twice.  He didn’t make it to Boston this year and wants to reassure his Toronto pals that he and Debbie are okay.  However, he did go skiing two weeks ago at Calabogie Peaks and only narrowly escaped without injury when his friend Jean gave him his patented Shawinigan Shake.

Regent Park School of Music
The Deeply Rooted concert series has another event at the Cameron House (408 Queen W) on Saturday April 27 at 8 pm featuring Devon Cuddy on piano and vocals and Tarantuela (roots/blues band).  It’s a pay-what-you-can event and proceeds all go to support the Regent Park School of Music (Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas E). 

Dance premieres from CCDT
Vector(s)  at the Fleck Dance Theatre at Harbourfront.  Three premiere performances by the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament).  Two days only (May 24 and 25) at 8 pm.  Reserve your tickets now at (416) 973-4000 or click here for more info.

SHOPPING NEWS

Time for new arrivals
Back by popular demand.  These handmade clocks are back in stock at Kendall & Co (227 Carlton).  You can see the new designs here or drop in to the showroom from 10 am to 6 pm weekdays and 11 am to 5 pm Saturdays.

Radiant Lotus Women’s QiGong at Sundara Yoga
April 20 to May 4, from 3 to 5 pm, at Sundara Yoga (492 Parliament, side door).  The workshop leader is Karusia Nirmala Wroblewski.  QiGong is a Chinese form of yoga that combines breath, movement and visualization to promote vibrant health and emotional balance. Radiant Lotus QiGong is designed especially for women and our unique needs throughout all cycles of our lives. It is gentle, and accessible to all ages and abilities. Most of all it is fun!  In a typical RLWQ session, you will experience gentle movements and self-massage synchronized with slow, rhythmic breathing, as well as sound healing and emotional release techniques.

Sarah Cook’s Injeanious
Sarah makes lovely jackets using recycled and restored denim and fur.  She recommends an Injeanius jacket for your Mother’s Day gifts.  Her package includes a custom-designed and fitted jacket, a selection of chocolates and a special Mother’s Day card.  You can see her work here and you can reach her at (416) 817-7842. 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Congrat’s Kingyo
Amy Pataki, the Toronto Star’s restaurant critic, has praised Kingyo (51B Winchester) for its fine service and good food.  Read the review here.  Kingyo is generating lots of interest and getting strong reviews.  It’s also been included on Toronto Life’s Best New Restaurants listings for 2013.

F’Amelia
Todd and John have decided to make a special gift to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster).  Whenever a customer pays a bill with either cash or a debit card, then F’Amelia (12 Amelia) will donate 1% of the total bill to the CYC.  This helps everyone – the restaurant avoids the higher fees charged by standard credit card companies and the CYC gets the gift.  Although the amounts seem low, they will quickly add up to a substantial contribution. 

Congrat’s (again) to the HOP
House on Parliament (454 Parliament) has gathered up another fine review.  This time, it’s from blogTO.  In its April 15 edition, the HOP is listed as one of Toronto’s top twelve pubs.  The reviewer cites the “casual charm, reasonably priced fare and solid draught list”. blogTO also says that the HOP is one of the best gastropubs and one of the best places to drink a beer.  You can read the latest review here.

Gilead Wine Bar
The Gilead (4 Gilead Place) is one of Jamie Kennedy’s restaurants, located in Corktown just east of Parliament, south off King. The Gilead Wine Bar is an occasional happy hour, a way to relax at the end of the work week and a way to start your weekend celebrations.  This week, it opens from 6 to 10 pm on Friday April 19.  There are featured drinks, a menu full of JK favourites and the regular wine and drinks list.  No reservations required.  You can read more about it here. 

Board games strategies
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is again holding a strategy session featuring the Toronto Area Boardgaming Society.  Sunday April 21 at 5:30 pm.  Check out the details at Stout’s website. 

AH,  MEMORY LANE…
It’s good to see the BIA back into the clean-up game.  A few years ago, the BIA spearheaded three hugely popular annual efforts.  People dragged unwanted stuff out of laneways, basements and hidden cubby holes.  Local residents’ groups and several volunteer associations joined in and advertised the effort.  The City provided a fleet of garbage trucks to haul it away.  The neighbourhood had a pristine, sparkly quality for weeks afterwards.

Unfortunately, during the third (and most vigorous) campaign, the City trucks needed to get rid of the piles simply didn’t show up.  All day long, the “solid waste” accumulated into ever-bigger mountains at the Gerrard Street Beer Store, beside No Frills, under the Carlton Street mural and next to the Esso station.  Despite frantic calls to City Hall, the trucks didn’t arrive.

It turned out that we had entirely the wrong idea.  The Mayor’s Clean-up campaign was apparently meant to be an anti-litter effort.  We were supposed to sweep up dead leaves and cigarette butts, not anything truly resembling garbage.  The BIA Chairman himself was hauled down to City Hall and given a stern reprimand.  Any repetition of this dastardly behaviour would result in huge fines. 

You can see a souvenir of these halcyon days on the boulevard beside the Esso station. The City has erected a yellow warning sign telling potential offenders that we face the long arm of the law if we repeat our delinquent dumping.

But I gotta say – it was really fun while it lasted.

CLUBS & PUBS EVENTS

THURSDAY APRIL 18 TO SUNDAY APRIL 28

Contact info
Alice’s Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088
Ben Wicks, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, www.benwickspub.com
Cafune, 194A Carlton Street,  (647)748-7884, Facebook and http://cafune.ca/
Dominion on Queen, 500 Queen St E, (416) 368-6893, www.dominiononqueen.com
Flying Beaver, 488 Parliament St, (647) 347-6567, www.pubaret.com
Paint Box Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Winchester Kitchen & Bar, 51A Winchester St, (416) 323-0051, www.winchesterkitchen.com

If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, we’ve listed the prices. Otherwise, the event is free.

THURSDAY APRIL 18

Dominion on Queen
7 pm, Wee Folk Club, $10
Flying Beaver
7:30 pm, Sam Broverman sings with Peter Hill on keyboard & Brendan Davis, bass, $10/advance, $15/door
Paintbox Bistro
Trevor James & the Perfect Gentlemen with rootsy and rocky folk tunes.
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, Speakeasy Jazz Night

FRIDAY APRIL 19

Flying Beaver
7 pm, Andrew Johnston comedy, $10/advance, $15/door.
9 pm, Canada’s foremost jazz musicians:  “I’ve got my standards” featuring Joel Hartt along with Reg Schwager on guitar & Steve Wallace on bass ,  $10/advance, $15/door
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Thunderfunk and Joyful Sinners celebrate Dr Keys birthday

SATURDAY APRIL 20

Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward, pwyc
Flying Beaver
7 pm, jazz vocalist Brenda Lewis & Margaret Stowe guitar $10/advance, $15/door
9:30 pm, classic pop with Andy De Campos  $5/advance, $10/door
Paintbox Bistro
9:30 pm, comedy with The Epic Nerd Show headlined by Ryan Belleville & Andrew Ivimey
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, The Silken Lawmen

SUNDAY APRIL 21

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly Brunch with the Cosmotones
Flying Beaver
8 pm, Little Pants presents A Cabaret, $5/advance, $10 door
Stout Irish Pub
5:30 pm - Boardgaming strategy night
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7 pm, Unhappy hap rap party
9 pm, Beau’s presents Open Mic with Porter

MONDAY APRIL 22

Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm Win-Prov
10 pm,  Industry Night

TUESDAY APRIL 23

Dominion on Queen
8:30 pm, Hot Club of Corktown Django Jam, pwyc
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Nerd Night pub quiz
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, epic film night

 WEDNESDAY APRIL 24

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
8 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia
10 pm, Karaoke at the Winch with Jason Rolland

THURSDAY APRIL 25

Dominion on Queen
9 pm, jazz by the Shafton Thomas group, $5
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9:30 pm, Fundraiser for Shakespear in Hospitals

FRIDAY APRIL 26

Dominion on Queen
10 pm, Often Running eclectic folk, swing & bluegrass, $10
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Paintbox Bistro
Dirty bingo night with Michael Cramp & his sidekick Madge, $2/card
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Shotgun Wedding Band
 
SATURDAY APRIL 27

Dominion on Queen
4 to 7:30 pm, Ronnie Hayward, pwyc
9 pm, The Kat Kings with rockabilly blues, Price tba
Flying Beaver
To be announced
10:30 pm, Paul Bertrand Inapark Party with DJ Woggy & DJ Sarah Bee
Paintbox Bistro
Pianist Joe Sealey, bass Paul Novotny & drummer Daniel Barnes
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
10 pm, Kenisha Humber Showcase

SUNDAY APRIL 28

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Dominion on Queen
11 am to 3 pm, Rockabilly Brunch with the Cosmotones
4 to 8 pm, Toast & Jam with Debbie Fleming, $10
Flying Beaver
To be announced
Winchester Kitchen & Bar
9 pm, Beau’s Open Mic with Porter