September 29

This week’s image:  Walk for Sick Kids - Riverdale Park on Saturday September 24.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

SAVE YOUR MONEY
Check out our new page - Cabbagetown Coupons.  Stores and restaurants in our neighbourhood are invited to list their offers and coupons here.  We have three specials this week - click on this link to “Save Your Money”.   

LOCAL NEWS

Landscaping and upgrades
The work on streetscape improvements has started at both Amelia and Parliament and Spruce and Parliament. We’ll be getting new planters, reinforced areas for the trees and improved interlocking brickwork.  The project is sponsored by the Cabbagetown BIA and the City of Toronto.  Congrats everyone.

Winchester Park wading pool
Heather Wilberforce at the Winchester Park Residents Association has reported on progress building the new wading pool in Winchester Park.  Construction is now underway.  There’ll be a wading pool with water features, a drinking fountain with a bottle filling outlet, new benches and improved walkways and paving.  

Walk for Sick Kids
The annual 20k Walk for Sick Kids returned to Cabbagetown on Saturday September 24.  It’s an annual fundraiser and about 2800 people took part this year.  Riverdale Park was the site of a lunch stop at kilometer 7.5.  It was an impressive event - well organized, very enthusiastic and full of families and little kids.

Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market
Next Tuesday October 4 is the final day for the Market’s 2016 season in the park.  It’s been a great success - congrats to the organizers, the vendors and the people who shopped there.  
The Fall veggies are available now and they’re lovely - tomatoes and eggplants have been getting great reviews.
3 to 7 pm, Tuesday.  Riverdale Park (Sumach at Winchester).

Citizen Foresters
David Grant from Cabbagetown ReLeaf has issued an invitation to everyone to join the Citizen Forester program.  Learn how to care for mature trees, how to grow new trees from seed and how to lead tree planting and community care efforts.  Saturday, October 1, 9 am to 2 pm, U of T’s Earth Sciences Centre (5 Bancroft Ave - room ES4001), free.  Click here to see a detailed program and to register.  

Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
Back to school … 1898.  “Old Boys” who graduated from Lord Dufferin School were astonishingly loyal. One “boy” used this 1898 class portrait as part of his business ad in the 1931 Old Boys Association yearbook.  Bill McGolpin’s 3rd form, or 6th grade, of about 40 kids, posed on the board sidewalk outside the school fronting on Berkeley Street.  
Times were very different. Girls and boys had separate entrances. Classrooms featured desks anchored to the floor. And every class in every school across the city studied the same subject at the same time.  
For more history, photos and videos visit the CRPM Facebook page and the physical Museum at Riverdale Farm’s Simpson House on week-ends: Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm. 

Holly’s sign
We know that Holly is a big heritage supporter.  So it’s no surprise that she’s put this nifty little sign in front of her house - it keeps us up-to-date about major milestones there.

Helen’s Cabbagetown Tee
Helen visited the Pont Valentre in Cahors France and sent us this marvellous picture.  She is, of course, proudly wearing her Cabbagetown Tee. She’s a major organizer in the Cabbagetown house tour, the garden tour, the Preservation Association and several other community events.  Maybe she’s planning to add a nice tasting of the fine wines from Cahors on her next Tour?

COMING EVENTS

CRC’s Building Lives Benefit and Fundraiser
In 2015, Regent Park had the highest child poverty rate in Canada and 46% of residents lived on low income.  CRC goes beyond food banks to address the issues that keep people in poverty.
Check out the CRC’s website and be sure to click on the page “CRC makes a difference” - it’s an impressive story.
The evening will feature musical performances from some of Canada’s most celebrated musicians and performers including Jackie Richardson, Shakura S’Aida, Juan Chioran, Paul Williamson and the Regent Park School of Music Senior Choir, emceed by Ross Petty, all under the direction of David Warrack.
Tickets are $200.  You can buy them at the website.  Monday, October 24, 6:30 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  

Regent Park Artisans Market
Celebrate the vibrancy of Autumn at the Market on the Mews, 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday October 1.  There’ll be jewellery, fashion, food, textiles, music and crafts.  The Fashion Truck will open a mobile boutique.  Paintbox Bistro will offer their fine menus.  Mews, beside the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

Gentle Tai Chi
Michael White has started his gentle Tai Chi classes for the Fall season.  Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 am, Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs (101 Spruce - second floor).  For further information or registration, contact Michael at michael.white@sympatico.ca 

Brenda’s step classes
Brenda has issued her October schedule.  Classes are happening every Wednesday at 9:15 am and every Sunday at 11 am.  Please note that the class is cancelled for Sunday October 9 on Thanksgiving weekend. Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster).  Drop-ins are welcome.  

Yoga at Lotus Palm
Monica Chang is holding her classes from 9:30 to 10:45 am every Tuesday morning at Lotus Palm (517 Parliament).  Alan Florence is travelling until November when he will return to work with Monica.  

Chrysanthemums at Allan Gardens
The 2016 Chrysanthemum show opens on October 9 and continues to  November 6, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission.  There’ll be over 1600 flowering plants from 80 varieties and all of them should be fully open by October 22.  Allan Gardens Conservatory (Sherbourne and Carlton). 

IN THE MEDIA

Fishing in the Don
Photo:  Karin Chykaliuk, CBC
Last week, Louise Koepfler’s photo of a fisherman in the Don River alerted us to other stories about the Fall salmon run in the river.  The CBC ran a good story along with a video and photos on Wednesday.  Click here to read it.  

A hotel in the Distillery District
For several years, a proposal has been floating around for a 34-storey hotel above Rack House D at 60 Mill Street in the Distillery.  The idea was rejected by the city’s Design Review Panel.  The developer has now taken his appeal to the OMB.  blogTO has written about the proposal and the issues behind the city’s decision.  Click here for the story.  

ON STAGE
See below for the new Theatre & Dance Calendar

Soulpepper Cabarets
The Cabarets have returned for another season - Saturdays at 8:30 pm in the Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery), $20 and $25.  
Saturday October1. The lost book of Canadian songs - Tom Allen and John Millard.  Tickets and program details are online here.
Saturday October 8, 54 Below - Sharron Matthews.  Tickets and program details are online here.

Corktown Ukulele Jam
The CUJam happens every Wednesday in the Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E) from 8 to 11 pm.  On the first Wednesday of every month, the Jam uses a theme.  On October 5, it’ll be songs that mention “Colours” and on November 2, it’s “Murder & Mayhem”.  For more info, visit the website.  

BUSINESS NEWS 

The Farley Campaign
Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E) regularly joins the annual Farley fundraising campaign.  The money that’s collected supports families who need the help to provide proper veterinary care for their pets.
This year, they’re organizing a Bottle Drive - donate your (empty!) wine, liquor and beer bottles to the campaign.  You can drop them off or call the Clinic to arrange a pickup.  (416) 928-6761. Until October 31.

Nice & Easy
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has a new collection of more than forty wool rugs in both classic and contemporary designs.  They’re now available at the best value ever - from $79. They’re nice in any room and easy on the pocketbook. Simply a no brainer. Check out Kendall’s website for selection and size.  
Open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. 

Brenda’s new Scentsy business
Brenda Rogers has become an independent Scentsy Consultant, selling fragrant products.   There’s lots of good stuff for your home and your family.  She has her own Fall/Winter catalogue and her holiday catalogue is coming soon.  Best wishes, Brenda.  Check out her website here.   

Pipler
There’s a “for lease” sign in the window at Pipler and a sad note on its website.  Pipler simply couldn’t survive the difficulties that came from the fire in the store last winter.   There’ll still be shopping opportunities online here.  And Alice and Lee are looking for pop-up opportunities.  Our best wishes to them for their future plans.   

THANKSGIVING 

Cranberries Thanksgiving dinner
This is always a very popular event - be sure to make a reservation.  You’ll enjoy a delicious three-course meal.  Starters include cream of butternut squash soup with pureed apple and bacon or organic green salad.  Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, fresh seasonal veggies, gravy, cranberry sauce and stuffing for the main course.  For dessert, choose apple pie with vanilla ice cream or pumpkin pie with whipped cream.  Sunday October 9 and Monday October 10 - two seatings each day, 5 and 7:30 pm.  $28 per person.  For your reservation, call (416) 925-6330.

Local GEST
It’s a traditional turkey dinner with roast turkey, roasted, mashed or garlic potatoes, seasonal veggies, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce.  Dinner is $19.95.  Pumpkin pie with whipped cream is $5.95.  Call for reservations at (416) 961-9425.  Sunday and Monday, 

Peartree’s Thanksgiving menu
Peartree (507 Parliament) has announced its special menu for the Thanksgiving weekend and it sound scrumptious - roasted butternut squash soup, roast turkey and pumpkin pie.  All for $24.99 per person.  Call (416)  962-8190 or email peartree@rogers.com for reservations.

No fuss-no muss turkey dinner
The Paintbox (555 Dundas E) is offering a roast turkey dinner for take-out.  That includes roast turkey, apple, onion and sage stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans and carrots.  Plus place your order two business days in advance. To order, click here. $25.50 and get a 10% discount when you use the word TURKEYFEAST. . 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Merryberry’s Cooking classes
Cyril’s last Farmer’s Market cooking classes happens on October 5.  This class is full and he’s got a second session planned for October 12 and there are a couple of spaces available in it.  Squash will be the main player - roasted squash soup, squash risotto and even an apple and squash preserve.  Wednesdays, 5:30 pm,3 to 3.5 hours (including dinner), $45.  He recommends that you book ahead - at Merryberry (559 Parliament) or call (647) 348-0411.

Oktoberfest at Mill Street
There’ll be 14 beers on tap (including Nightmare Pumpkin Ale), plus live music and a special Bavarian menu.  Your ticket includes 3 beer specials and a beer mug. October 1 from 5 pm to 2 am, Mill Street Beer Hall (21 Tank House Lane).  $30.  

Tap That Cask
It’s back - Mill Street’s popular beer and cheese sampling event.  Every Thursday, 7 to 11 pm, Mill Street Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane).  

Events at the Paintbox
Billy Wenga, The Piano Guy appears on Tuesday October 4 from 6 to 8 pm.  No cover.  
Social Hour happens every Friday from 4 to 8 pm.  $5 snacks and $5 drinks, no cover.  Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E).  

THEATRE & DANCE CALENDARS

Alumnae Theatre
70 Berkeley Street
THIS - onstage now to October 1
Online info and tickets.   

Canadian Stage
Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley Street
All But Gone - October 11 to November 6
Online info and tickets.

Soulpepper
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
Noises Off - now to October 22
Online info and tickets.
Hosanna - onstage now to October 15
Online info and tickets.

Native Earth Performing Arts
Aki Studio Theatre, Daniels Spectrum,  585 Dundas St E
Rutas Panamericanas - October 5 to October 16
International performing arts festival
Online info and tickets.
  • Antigonas Tribunal de Mujeres - October 5, 6 and 8
  • SolOthello - October 6, 7 and 8
  • ImShift - October 7 to October 9
  • Diaspora Dub - October 9
  • Hamlet de los Andes - October 12, 14 and 15
  • Undefined Fraction - October 13, 15 and 16
  • If Silence Knew - October 13, 14 and 15
  • Carmen Aguirre’s Broken Tailbone - October 14
  • The Pass System - October 8
  • Mirar Morir - October 16
Coleman, Lemieux & Compagnie
The Citadel, 304 Parliament Street
Just Words - October 6 to October 8
Online info and tickets.


CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29 TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 9

  • 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 SEPTEMBER 29

Dominion
8 pm, Gareth Bush
The Irv
6:30 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
The Local GEST
8:30 pm, Cabbage Head comedy

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Dominion
8 pm, DJ DXB
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike

SATURDAY OCTOBER 1

Dominion
8 pm, Adam’s Rib
Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  
11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s - jazz, blues, soul and R&B.
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike
5 pm, Oktoberfest party, $30
Soulpepper
8:30 pm, The lost book of Canadian songs with Tom Allen, $20 and $25

SUNDAY OCTOBER 2

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11 am, Live jazz and brunch
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz featuring the Carin Redman Trio with Mark Kieswetter and Ross MacIntyre

MONDAY OCTOBER 3

Fuse 
Free Karaoke
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY OCTOBER 4

Paintbox
6 pm, Billy Wenga, The Piano Guy
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Wednesday Night Trivia
Merryberry
5:30 pm, Cooking class - from the Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market, $45
Paintbox Bistro
7:30 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6

Dominion
8 pm, Havelin
The Irv
6:30 pm, live music with Geoff Willingham
Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Brew Pub
6 pm, Tap that cask

FRIDAY OCTOBER 7

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Dominion
8 pm, DJ Dash
Fuse
5 to 7 pm, Fuse Fridays with Wade O Brown Trio.  Live bands from 8 to 10:30 pm.
Mill Street Beer Hall
8 pm, Friday Nights with DJ Humble Mike
Mill Street Brew Pub
7 pm, Beer school

SATURDAY OCTOBER 8

Fuse
8 to 10:30 pm, live bands.  
11 pm, Fuse Lounge Saturdays, the best of the 80s and 90s - jazz, blues, soul and R&B.
Mill Street Beer Hall
5 pm, Saturday Nights with DJ Humble Mike
Soulpepper
8:30 pm, Sharron Matthews, $20 and $25

SUNDAY OCTOBER 9

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Corktown Kitchen
11 am, Live jazz and brunch
FUSE
11 am, Jazz brunch
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Zim Zum with Ian Lazarus (sax), Colin Flint (bass guitar), Jay Danley (guitars) and Ilios Sterynnis (drums).


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
FUSE
366 Queen St E, http://fusedining.com 
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
IMPACT KITCHEN
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, https://www.facebook.com/underthetabletoronto