CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW
HELPING SYRIAN REFUGEES
Syrian Sanctuary
Community
Matters Toronto is now ready to assist sponsorship groups and to act as a
sponsor itself. Its project is called Syrian Sanctuary.As facilitators, Syrian Sanctuary is helping three churches. It also has a network of over twenty Arabic speaking people in Toronto to work with refugees as they arrive and to help them find their way around their new homes. It’s arranged ten apartments and furniture supplies, each suitable for a family of four. The Canada Revenue Agency has approved CMT to receive donations.
Syrian Sanctuary is also aiming at sponsoring up to six families.
At this time, donors are needed. Your funds can be given to CMT and will be earmarked specifically for Syrian Sanctuary. Sponsors are also needed – Syrian Sanctuary will help with the paperwork and with coaching and support for groups getting established. Finally, volunteers are needed to work on the project and to assist other groups.
There are several ways to make donations and to get involved. Contact syriansanctuary@communitymatterstoronto.org
Glen Murray’s
community meeting
Our
MPP, Glen Murray, will hold a community meeting to discuss how we can help refugees
coming from Syria. Among the topics will
be accessing resources, ways to welcome newcomers and ways to ease their
transition to their new homes. Groups
and individuals who want to be involved in sponsorships will find this
information useful. Friday November 27,
8 to 10 am, 246 Sackville. Please rsvp
at (416) 972-7683.
Support Christine
Roth’s project
Christine
is a Cabbagetown lawyer (219 Carlton) who lives in Cobourg. She’s part of a registered group working with
the Roman Catholic Peterborough Diocese to bring a Christian family to
Cobourg. They have their paperwork and
have raised some funds – so when an eligible family gets listed, her group will
be ready to act. At this time, she’s
asking for donations or with fundraising help.
If you want to add your support, contact her at (416) 882-3944 or email
at mchristineroth@rothatlaw.caSponsorship projects
People in our neighbourhood who are forming sponsorships and supporting refugees are welcome to make announcements in the Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Review.
Please
send your info to cabbagetownreview@gmail.com
LOCAL NEWS
Cabbagetown Preservation Association
The CPA’s Fall meeting covered a lot of territory on Wednesday night. There were several community awards and presentations along with a well-received speech by Scott Weir about the future of 24 Sussex Drive. The CPA is supporting four charitable groups with proceeds from the 2015 Tour of Homes.
Curtis
Armstrong received the cheque on behalf of the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre (422 Parliament)
Gabby
Barnes represented the Cabbagetown Youth Centre
(2 Lancaster)
Katy
Roy received it for the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club (101 Spruce)
Reverend
Patrick White was the fourth beneficiary, from the Chaplain’s Office.
CPA’s annual awards –
congrats everyone
Kim
Ezeard won the 2015 Streetscapes in Bloom prize for her lovely garden at 19
Amelia. Homeowners at 456 Sumach and 266
Carlton were runners-up. Congrats as well to James Davie and Mark Hendricks. They were given the 2015 Peggy Kurtin Award for the restoration of their home at Sackville. It has become a landmark along its stretch of Sackville Street. During the Tour of Homes, theirs was the most popular destination for Tour visitors.
Brenda’s step class
Brenda’s
December schedule is available. As
usual, her normal routine is Wednesday morning at 9:15 am and Sunday morning at
11 am. In December, the Sunday class on
December 6 is cancelled and the December 13 class is not yet firm. The classes for the month will finish on
Wednesday December 16.
Green Thumbs Growing
Kids
Green
Thumbs organizes gardens for kids, showing them our connection to nature and
the importance of healthy food. Its fundraiser
happens on Saturday November 28 from 4 to 7 pm at the Paintbox Bistro (535
Dundas E). There’ll be good wine from
Southbrook paired with good food by chef Chris Klugman, a silent auction and live
music. Get more info and buy your
tickets online here - $35 each and two for $60. At the door - $40.
CPR Christmas train
Photo: Norm Betts
Norm
Betts has forwarded this photo and info about the CPR’s Christmas train. Click on the image to see it in its full glory. The train arrives in Toronto on Monday November
30. He says that it’s the best thing ever
for your kid. If Norm recommends this, it’s
gotta be good. It arrives at 8:15 pm at
the CPR’s Lambton Yard at 750 Runnymede.
The show starts at 8:30 pm. When
it’s there, you can wander its whole length.
One car folds down into a stage for Santa and music. Bring an item for the food bank or a cash
donation.
Dominique Leroy
Prince
Dominique’s
paintings inspired by the circus and the Canadian landscape will be displayed
at Peartree (507 Parliament) throughout December and January.
The Christmas Market
The
Distillery’s big Christmas show continues through this week. The entertainment continues all day with
strolling carollers, Santa’s elves and children’s storytelling. Special events include a visit this weekend
by Rudolph and the arrival of St Nicholas on Wednesday. Multicultural performances include dancing,
choral music and special performers.
Each evening ends with a headline performer on the main stage – these are
listed in the daily charts below. $5 admission fee on weekends. You can check
out all of these details on the Market’s website. Newchoir rocks on Tuesday
Margaret Grottenthaler is one of several Cabbagetown residents singing in newchoir – you may recall their recent triumphant appearance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The choir is supporting the Regent Park School of Music by holding an open rehearsal at St Simon’s Church (525 Bloor E). Drop by and learn how to sing a Beatles’ tune in four-part harmony. 7 pm, Tuesday, December 1, $5 suggested donation.
Corktown Residents & Business Association
The CRBA’s December meeting will include a talk by the Cherry Street YMCA. It’s due to open in the Spring of 2016. The Y is running an online survey to find out your interests – click here to answer it. The CRBA meeting happens on Tuesday December 1 at 7 pm at Little Trinity Church (425 King E)
Cabbagetown South Christmas party
The annual Christmas party in Cabbagetown South happens at Retsina (209 Gerrard E) on Wednesday December 2 from 6:30 to 9 pm. It’s always a great time – meet friends and neighbours, gossip like crazy and even catch a glimpse of the rich and famous! Retsina always sets up a generous buffet. Prizes and raffles from our local stores. Cash bar. Advance tickets are $15 to November 25. Regular tickets are $20. Read about the event and get your tickets here.
Give the gift that
gives back
The
sewing and cooking collectives in Regent Park are holding a Christmas
sale. It’s a relaxed, after-work drop-in
where you can relax, mix, network and make new friends. There’ll be nibblies to sample and products
to buy and local artists will perform. Thursday,
December 3, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, TD Learning Centre (540 Dundas E at
Sackville). Enoch Turner Schoolhouse
The annual Founder’s Dinner celebrates a vintage Christmas at the Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) from 6:15 pm, Thursday December 3. It’s a fundraiser with a traditional Christmas dinner, carolling and entertainment. R H Thomson is the emcee. A Charles Baillie will be honoured as a Heritage Champion. The evening will finish with dancing to a live band. Tickets are $110 and they’re available at Eventbrite, here.
Get a free family photo
CAPIC professional photographers and the Daniels Spectrum are offering free family portraits for Regent Park residents. Your photos will be taken at the Ada Slaight Hall in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E) on Saturday December 5 from 9:30 to 4:30 pm. You’ll get a USB stick with your pictures plus your choice of one printed photo. You must register in advance by Wednesday December 2 – at the TD Centre for Learning (540 Dundas E), at 40 Oak Street, at the Regent Park Presentation centre (500 Dundas E) or at the Daniels Spectrum in the Artheart Community Arts Centre, or in Artscape or in the Regent Park School of Music. Only 160 spots available.
Carolling in Cabbagetown
Once again, neighbours around Winchester and Parliament will be carolling and collecting goodies for the St Luke food bank. Watch for the group along Winchester, Metcalfe, Carlton and Sumach on Sunday December 13, starting at 7 pm. Last year, they collected over $700 in cash and over 700 pounds of food. If you aren’t on this route or you’re not planning to be home, drop off your donation at 94 Winchester.
City Choir’s Winter
Wonder
The
Choir will sing at St Peter Anglican Church (188 Carlton) on Tuesday December 8
at 8 pm. Five directors will be featured
– Gregory Oh, John Millard, Patricia O’Callaghan, Suba Sankaran and Waleed
Abdulhamid. There’ll be performances by the full choir, an
audience sing-a-long, a bake sale and more.
Wheel chair accessible. Pay what
you want – suggested donations of $10 to $20 will be appreciated.
Corktown holiday
party
The
annual CRBA Christmas party will be held at Odin Café & Bar (514 King E) on Sunday December 13, 5 to 9
pm. There’ll be live music, a cash bar, food
and a silent auction.
SHOPPING NEWS
Cabbagetown’s holiday kick-off
Save the date – Saturday November 28 from noon to 2 pm. It’s the Cabbagetown BIA’s kick-off for the holiday season. Santa will be there. There’ll be wagon rides, Santa selfies, music and refreshments. Treats for your dog. Tree trimming. And more. Bring a donation or a non-perishable food item for the Daily Bread Food Bank and get a free Cabbagetown tote bag in return. At the corner of Carlton and Parliament.
Shop the Neighbourhood
The
BIA is participating in the Shop the Neighbourhood campaign on Saturday
November 28. One day only. So far, twenty shops and restaurants are
offering holiday specials ranging from store-wide discounts, product discounts,
free soup and free beer samples. Christmas
is a good time to support the folks who contribute so much to make our
neighbourhood interesting and lively.
Shop in their stores and enjoy a holiday reward. Click here to see who’s part of this special
event. Victoria’s cards
Popular Cabbagetown artist, Victoria Hadden, is again selling her greeting cards through Kendall & Co (514 Parliament). Her colourful handcrafted cards are pre-stamped and ready to mail – just bring a pen and your address book.
HomeLife Realty One Christmas food drive
Jason McGregor, a realtor at HomeLife/Realty One (501 Parliament) is organizing this year’s food drive. He’s combining it with a special draw to select the winner of a $100 VISA prepaid gift card. His system is simple – bring in two non-perishable food items and get one entry form for the draw. If you bring in a full grocery bag, you’ll get two bonus entry forms. You can do this once a day, every day. The drive runs to Sunday December 20. It’s part of the HomeLife campaign, “No Family Left Hungry”.
Shop local at Kendall
During
the BIA’s Shop The Neighbourhood day on Saturday, Kendall & Co (514
Parliament) will feature an array of wonderful goods by artists and crafts makers
from across Canada, all stocked in Santa’s workshop. Click here to see them all. Plus you can save up to 50% off on select
rugs and you’ll get a free gift with any purchase on Saturday, while supplies
last.
Paintbox gift baskets
Paintbox
Bistro (535 Dundas E) has a line of seasonal gift baskets. Save 15% on all orders placed before December
1. The restaurant works with local
farmers to ensure the freshest produce.
The baskets can be ordered online and paid through credit cards and
interac. Pickups and delivery services
are available. For the detailed menu,
check out the Paintbox website.
Another kudo to the
BIA
At
the CPA’s Fall meeting, Gilles Huot emphasized how helpful the Cabbagetown BIA
and its members were during the 2015 Tour of Homes. This year, many local merchants and restaurants
had special offers for the Tour’s ticket holders. These incentives each made a big difference
to the quality of the Tour’s program. IN THE MEDIA
Free the Children’s new site
Justin Skinner has written about the new Corktown site for Free the Children in the City Centre Mirror. It will be a major facility for the organization and its presence will have a big impact on the Corktown neighbourhood.
ON STAGE
Soulpepper’s cabaret series
Gabi Epstein, Kevin Wong, Brendan Wall and Jenni Burke in “Girl to Funny Girl, a year-end Gabaret.” Soulpepper (Distillery, 50 Tank House Lane). Saturday November 28, 8:30 pm. Tickets are $20 available here.
Impulse
Presented
by the School of Toronto Dance Theatre.
It’s an ambitious program of main-stage performances showcasing dancers
from all three levels of the School’s professional training program. Works by Marc Boivin, Danny Grossman, Louis
Laberge-Cote, Julia Sasso and Apolonia Velasquez. November 26 to 28 and December 3 to 5, 8 pm,
$20 and $15. Winchester Street Theatre
(80 Winchester). Tickets are available
online.
Domesticated
Paul Gross and Martha Burns star in this drama about a politician who’s caught at an injured prostitute’s bedside. Two extra performances have been added to the schedule – it runs to Saturday December 19. For tickets and info, click here. Canadian Stage, Berkeley St Theatre (26 Berkeley).
Soulpepper’s Christmas season
Soulpepper’s popular production of its
Christmas favourite, A Christmas Carol, starts on Thursday December 3 and runs to Sunday
January 3. Tricks with David Ben and Patrick Watson
starts on Saturday December 5 and continues to Sunday January 3. Dennis Lee’s Alligator Pie is on stage from
Wednesday December 16 to Sunday January 3.
For program info and tickets, go to Soulpepper’s website. Distillery, 50 Tank House Lane.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Thanksgiving at the
HOP and at Peartree
The
House on Parliament always celebrates American Thanksgiving. Drop by today, Thursday November 26, for
turkey with all the trimmings. 454
ParliamentEnjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Peartree (507 Parliament) – butternut squash soup, turkey with apple sage stuffing and gravy, mashed, veggies, cranberries and pumpkin pie for dessert. 5 to 11 pm, $24.99.
Game nights at Murgatroid
Game Night will be on Monday December 7 from 5 pm. Bring your own game or enjoy one of Murgatroid’s. Great food for dinner or snacks. Murgatroid is now licensed. 568 Parliament.
Party at The Irv
Guest appreciation night at The Irv (195 Carlton) happens on Thursday December 17 from 7 to 11 pm. It promises to be a blow-out. Live music, beer sampling, prizes and giveaways and free munchies.
Smoked turkey from 420 Smokehouse
Make your holiday festivities a little easier with a smoked turkey from 420. Your bird is soaked in brine for three days and then given 420’s own special rub before it’s smoked. Contact Virginia at (416) 924-5858. 420 Parliament.
Christmas at Cranberries
One
of the season’s most pleasant events is the annual Christmas Day dinner at
Cranberries (601 Parliament). The meal
is delicious. The price is modest. The
crowds fill the restaurant. Two seatings
– at 5 and 7:30 pm. The menu includes
soup or salad, a traditional turkey entrée with mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade
stuffing, fresh veggies, a dinner roll – and of course, cranberries. Apple pie and ice cream for dessert. $28. This
is a popular event – so book now at (416) 925-6330.
New Year’s Eve at
Stout
Reservations
at Erin’s New Year’s Eve party are now open.
Tickets are $10. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres,
champagne and party favours to ring in the New Year. From 8 pm to 2 am, December 31 and January
1. Call (647) 344-7676 or visit Stout
Irish Pub at 221 Carlton.
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY NOVEMBER
26 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 6
Contact info
Alice’s
Place, 554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088,
https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetorontoCranberries, 601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330
El Catrin, 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121, www.elcatrin.ca/home
House on Parliament, 454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, www.facebook.com/pages/House-on-Parliament
The Irv, 195 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, http://www.theirvpub.ca/
The Local GEST, 424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
Merryberry, 559 Parliament, www.merryberry.ca
Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/
Murgatroid, 568 Parliament, (416) 323-9381, https://www.facebook.com/MurgatroidTO
Odin, 514 King W, (647) 350-6346, https://www.facebook.com/odinhus
Paintbox Bistro, 555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555, www.paintboxbistro.ca
Soulpepper, Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
http://soulpepper.ca/performances/music_at_soulpepper.aspx
Stirling Room, 16 Trinity, Distillery District, www.stirlingroom.com
Stout Irish Pub, 221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676, www.stoutirishpub.ca
Under the Table, 568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533,
https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are
listed. Otherwise, the event is free.
THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 26
6:30 pm, a cappella by the SING! Singers
The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Cask & Cheese - live acoustic music
Under the Table
9 pm, Karaoke
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 27
The
Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:15
pm, Twisted Sister with Dee Snider and Taylor Dayne. 6:30 to 8 pm Friday night
jazz with the (Un)Forgettable Trio Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer School with Dan North
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday with resident DJ Rod Bravo, reserve on the guest list. $20
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28
The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30 pm, jazz singer-songwriter Barbra Lica, $5 general admission
Soulpepper Cabaret Series
8:30 pm, Gabi Epstein with Kevin Wong, Brendan Wall and Jenni Burke, “Girl to Funny Girl,a year-end gabaret.” $20
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturday. Reserve on the guest list. $20
SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 29
6:30 pm, Euba tuba quartet, $5 general admission
Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Chris Gale Trio
MONDAY NOVEMBER
30
Stout
Irish Pub
7:30
pm, Headscratchers trivia
TUESDAY DECEMBER
1
The
Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30
& 7:15 pm, Kirsten JonesStout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers trivia
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER
2
The
Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:15
pm, Toronto welcomes St Nicholas Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukelele Jam
6:30 & 7:15 pm, folk trio The O’Pears
The Irv
7pm, Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open mic with Noah & Jeff
Mill St Brew Pub
7 pm, Cask & Cheese- live acoustic music
FRIDAY DECEMBER
4
The Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30, 7:15 & 8 pm, June Garber jazz trio
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer School with Dan North
Stirling Room
Theatrical Friday reserve on the guest list. $20
Under The Table
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY DECEMBER
5
The
Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30,
7:15 & 8 pm, The Woodhouse, $5 general admissionMill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Vinyl nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Stirling Room
Stirling Saturdays, reserve on the guest list
SUNDAY DECEMBER
6
The
Distillery’s Christmas Market
6:30
& 7:15 pm, Euba. $5 general admissionAlice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke with Vee
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz