April 14

This week’s image:  Spring flowers.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD REVIEW

OPEN HOUSES
This week’s open house is a lovely renovated home on Salisbury.  Click here to read about it.  

LOCAL NEWS

The West Don Lands
Pedestrian walkways, abundant public art, easily accessible transit, the new Cooper Koo YMCA, community-wide ultra-high-speed internet services and extensive parkland ensure that this big new development will be a comfortable community.  It was helped along as a major part of the Pan Am Games legacy. Besides the YMCA, Corktown Commons and the Underpass Park, several other big new projects are opening soon - the George Brown Students Residences, the Fred Victor and the Wigwamen affordable housing developments, River City and the Canary District.  
Waterfront Toronto has published a one-page summary of all of these achievements.  Click here.  

Waterfront cycling
The Martin Goodman Trail has long been a gateway for cyclists toward the Beaches in the east and the Humber River in the west.  A short section of the Trail just west of Parliament is under construction.  Cyclists will use the roadway on Queen’s Quay for a few hundred feet.
And while you’re riding through Harbourfront, drop in to Williams Fresh Cafe in the Purina PawsWay building.  Say hello to Robert McEnirney, formerly from The Ben Wicks - it’s his current project.  

Babies at Riverdale Farm
New babies are arriving at the Farm (Winchester east of Sumach).  Cotswold lambs have joined Amaryliss’ triplets.  Open for your visit from 9 am to 5 pm daily.  

Last chance
Friday April 15 is the deadline for nominations for the 2016 Peggy Kurtin Award.  The award is given annually by the Cabbagetown Residents Association to highlight a noteworthy renovation.  Homeowners who have done significant work on the front of their buildings in the past two years are eligible. For details and nominations, go to the CPA website.  

COMING EVENTS

Team Bloch clothing drive
Liora and Daniel are starting up their third annual Spring clothing drive.  Please call before May 1. Together, you can arrange for delivery of your special donation bags.  Gather up the clothes, shoes, hats, gloves and toys that you don’t need anymore and bag them.  Then place the bags on your porch - Sunday May 8 is the main day for pickups.  All clothing gifts will be used by Oasis Addiction Recovery programs for people in need.  Call (416) 859-8649 and email info@teambloch.com 

Yoga in the Park
The new Cooper Koo Cherry YMCA (461 Cherry St) is sponsoring a yoga day in Corktown Common.  Bring your own mat.  Free, Saturday April 16, 11 am, Corktown Common Park.
Doors open officially at this new Y on May 30.  Tours will start on May 15.  It promises to become an exciting focus in the Canary District in Corktown with two pools, an indoor track and gym, a conditioning and weight room, a green roof, group fitness classes and community programs.  

Cabbagetown Cycling Club
The Club’s first ride for the season happens from 8 am on Sunday April 17.  Meet at Jet Fuel (519 Parliament).  You’ll need to sign a waiver before departure.  Details about the Club and about the bike ride routes are online here.  The Club uses emails to make its announcements. Contact Wil Mills here - cabbagetowncycling@gmail.com 

Edu-Talk
A group of Cabbagetown Moms and Dads have organized a special event for parents to get answers about education from elementary teachers and early childhood educators.  They'll be fielding your questions relating to education... such as "How do I pick a school?" "When does my child have to start?" "What is this EQAO testing?" "What are IEPs?" "What services and consultants are there for my child?" Bring your little ones, too.  And yes, there will be tea and coffee. Sprucecourt Public School (70 Spruce), Parent and Family Literacy Centre, Monday, April 18, 9:30am.

2016 Come Together
Monday April 18, 6:30 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  This is the annual benefit evening for Art Heart. It features host Stephen Appleby-Barr and special guest Tom Cochrane.  Emerging musicians will provide the entertainment.  Fidel Gastro’s Truck Food will include BBQ from around the world.  $200 - click here for more info and to buy your tickets. 

Free concert in Regent Park
The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra will play a free concert in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Tuesday April 19 at 7:45 pm.  The full 90-member orchestra will play pieces by Beethoven, Barber and Prokofiev.  Orchestra members range in age from 12 to 22 and this concert will provide opportunities for interested youth to learn how to join.  

Fit Mama Moves
Fit Mama Moves is a stretch and movement class for new mothers organized by Elena, an experienced pilates instructor and yoga practitioner. The sessions are a fun-filled way to keep you and your baby fit. Classes run weekly on Wednesdays for six weeks from April 20, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the gym at St Luke’s United Church (Sherbourne and Carlton). Bring your baby (2 months to 18 months).  $92.  Sorry, no drop-ins. Contact fountainstudios@gmail.com 

Cabbagetown Short Film Fest
The National Canadian Film Day happens on Wednesday April 20.  To celebrate, our own Cabbagetown Short Film Festival is holding a special retrospective screening to highlight Canadian short films.  Wednesday, April 20, 7 pm, Parish Hall at St Simon the Apostle Church (525 Bloor E).  Cash bar.  PWYW - $15 donation requested.

Crescendo 2016
This is the major fundraiser for the Regent Park School of Music.  RPSM strives to provide music education to over 1700 kids ages 3 to 18 in Regent Park and seven other Toronto locations.  This will be a sensational evening of music, cocktails, canapes and good fun.  Special guests include ET Canada’s Sangita Patel, the Devin Cuddy Band,  Andy Kim, Alex Pangman and the Alley Cats and students from the School.  The target is $250,000.  Tickets are $150.  Wednesday April 20, 6:30 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  For online info and tickets, click here.  http://rpcrescendo.org

Green Thumbs membership drive
Green Thumbs brings gardening knowledge and experiences to kids in four schools in our community.  Its 2016 membership drive starts on April 21 at Winchester Public School. For $15, parents will be able to support the school’s garden and the group’s programs with their membership dues.  On May 28, Green Thumbs will host a  special day at Allan Gardens’ Children’s Greenhouse with kids activities, food and drink, and plants for sale.  For more info and for a link to use to join the group, click here.  

Poopalooza is coming
The second annual poop clean-up day takes place on Saturday April 23.  Volunteers will tackle the upper and lower levels in Riverdale Park and the boulevards around Sprucecourt School.  Bags and gloves provided.  Please bring your own shovel.  Saturday April 23, 10 am at Riverdale Park West.

Laneway cleaning
Also on Saturday April 23.  Residents can pick up litter in a local lane.  The City of Toronto will provide special collection bags and arrange a waste pick-up point.  The Cabbagetown Residents Association is a registered participant and can make these arrangements for you.  For details and further instructions, email info@cabbagetowner.com 

The season’s first heritage walk
This walk is a partnership between the Cabbagetown Preservation Association and Societe d’histoire de Toronto.  Gilles Huot from the CPA will be the tour guide. It’s offered in French - an English version will be offered in June.  Sunday, April 24, 2 pm, southeast corner of Sumach and Winchester.  

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation
Historian Ted Barris will speak about the role that steamboats played in Canada’s expansion in the 19th century. Tuesday April 26.  Annual meeting, 6 pm. Refreshments and lecture, 6:30 pm.  Members free, guests $12. 106 Trinity Street.

Allan Gardens Spring Show
Tulips, fragrant hyacinths and other Spring bulbs along with cool weather primula and schizanthus provide a sea of brightly coloured flowers in the Cool House. The Spring show is combined with the Easter Show - both end on April 30.  10 am to 5 pm, daily. The Conservatory, Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton).  

Community Environment Days
The City of Toronto hosts these environment days to make it easier for us to get rid of awkward unwanted household items.  Computers and peripheral equipment, electronic stuff and hazardous waste. You can also take along goods for recycling to schools and items to donate to other people for reuse. For a full list, check out the City’s website here.  Three days happen near us:  Saturday April 30, Lower Sherbourne Park (Frederick St),  Saturday September 10, Bridgepoint Hospital and Saturday September 17 Allan Gardens.  

Corktown Chamber Orchestra
The Orchestra’s final concert for the season will include Brahms 3.  Thursday, May 12, 8 pm, Little Trinity Church. Extra bass players are needed for this event.  Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 10 pm at Little Trinity Church (425 King E).  For more details, check out the Orchestra’s Facebook page.  

IN THE MEDIA

Noise abatement
Photo:  Dan Pearce, Inside Toronto
For several years, neighbours just north of Regent Park have lived with an annoying drone that comes from the cooling tower in the new buildings.  Justin Skinner in Inside Toronto has written about their problems and the cure that seems to be scheduled for the next few weeks.    Click here for his story.  

ON STAGE

Singular Bodies
Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester) presents ten solos created by a who’s who of Toronto’s visual and performance artists with a fascinating range of styles and views about the body in a visual arts practice. 
TDT has teamed up with the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Daniel Faria Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art for special discounts on ticket purchases.
Performances at 8 pm, Thursday April 14 to Saturday April 16 and Wednesday April 20 to Saturday April 23.  2 pm matinee on Sunday April 17. Box office at 80 Winchester.  Call (416) 967-1365.
For online info about the performance, about the discounts and about ticket sales, click here.  

Double bill at Aki
Luu hlotitxw: Spirit Transforming is the signature new dance work from the Dancers of Damelahamid.  It’s a meditation on introspection, self-discovery and change.  7 pm, April 21 to 23.
NGS (Native Girl Syndrome) dives into street culture and its drug filled disassociated personas take a dynamic journey into addiction, loss and alienation.  9 pm, April 21 to 23.
Both performances in the Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  $25 each and $40 for the double bill.  Call (416) 531-1402 for the double bill.  Single tickets online here

On stage now
Alumnae Theatre (70 Berkeley).  August: Osage County - to April 23.  Tickets available here.  
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane).  Jitters - to April 23.  The Great War - to May 14. Online info here.  
Canadian Stage (23 Berkeley) .  Das Ding - to May 1.  Click here for more info and tickets. 

SHOPPING

Kendall is on a roll
Kendall & Co kicks off its new lineup of rugs with a special rug sale - 20% off on some popular styles. Introducing eco rugs with hand-spun bamboo fibres, textured rugs in modern neutrals, playful shags and colourful outdoor rugs. For more info about the sale and about the new rug patterns, click here.  Shop local at 514 Parliament, 10-6 weekdays & 11-5 Saturdays. 

Leslieville Flea
The Flea visits the Distillery during winter months and then returns to its Leslieville home in the summer.  This month’s show is the final Flea at the Distillery for this season.  It’s a great gathering of vendors offering collectibles, antiques, recycled items, handmade crafts and other unique goodies.  Sunday April 17, 10 am to 4 pm, Fermenting Cellar (28 Distillery Lane).  

RESTAURANT NEWS

Psychic brunch at Cranberries
It’s time, again, to peer into your future and learn what fate has in store for you.  The psychics are back at Cranberries (601 Parliament) on Sunday April 17 from 11 am to 3 pm.  A full in-depth reading is $40 and this includes the psychic insights, a $5 coupon toward your brunch and a second, intense reading.  A portion of the proceeds benefits Spectra, a non-profit group that promotes diversity in music.  

Still cooking at Merryberry
Cyril’s cooking classes continue on Tuesday April 19 with iconic French desserts.  Classes start at 6 pm, $45.  Don’t forget that Cyril can easily arrange a private class for your group.  To register, call (647) 348-0411 or visit Merryberry at 559 Parliament.

Dinner and theatre specials
Singular Bodies is the latest performance offered at Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester).  Start your evening at F’Amelia (12 Amelia) for a glass of wine and a nibblie.  Enjoy your after-theatre dinner at the House on Parliament (454 Parliament).  
If you’re going to Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery), take advantage of the Dinner & Show special at the Mill Street Beer Hall (20 Tank House Lane).  Show your ticket and receive a 15% discount on the evening’s prix fixe dinner specials.  

F’Amelia at Dixonlicious
F’Amelia (12 Amelia) joined other local restaurants and chefs to celebrate and support the work done by Dixon Hall.  Dixonlicious is its annual fundraiser.  F’Amelia provided desserts including homemade marshmallows, meringues and cupcakes.  Looks great - congrats F’Amelia.

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 14 TO SUNDAY APRIL 17

  • For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.  
  • If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.

THURSDAY APRIL 14

Dominion
8 pm, Daylight for Deadeyes
The Irv
7 pm, Geoff Willingham, live acoustic music
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Beer and cheese pairings with acoustic music

FRIDAY APRIL 15

Dominion
8 pm, DJ Dash
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer school with Dan North, $25

SATURDAY APRIL 16

Dominion
8 pm, Running Red Lights
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY APRIL 17

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11:30 am, Jazz at Sunday brunch with Dakota (guitar) & Matt (keyboard)
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Shawn Kykwist

MONDAY APRIL 18

Local GEST
7:30 pm, Euchre night with Joane
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY APRIL 19

Merryberry
6 pm, Cooking class, $45
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY APRIL 20

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam

THURSDAY APRIL 21

Dominion
8 pm, Reid Henry
The Irv
7 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8 pm, Open Mic with Porter
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Beer and cheese pairings with acoustic music

FRIDAY APRIL 22

Dominion
8 pm, Andrew Grady Duo
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective
Mill Street Brew Pub
6:30 pm, Beer school with Dan North, $25

SATURDAY APRIL 23

Dominion
8 pm, Better Half
Mill Street Beer Hall
9 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike of the Record Collective

SUNDAY APRIL 24

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11:30 am, Jazz at Sunday brunch with Dakota (guitar) & Matt (keyboard) Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with the Steve Koven Trio


CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188,  https://www.facebook.com/CorktownKitchen 
CRANBERRIES
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555, https://www.facebook.com/DominionTO/
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121, https://www.facebook.com/elcatrin.ca
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub/
THE LOCAL GEST
424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, http://www.thelocalgest.com/
MERRYBERRY CAFE
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-beer-hall/
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, http://millstreetbrewery.com/toronto-brew-pub/
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, https://www.facebook.com/PaintboxBistro/
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
UNDER THE TABLE
568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533,