April 27

This week’s image:  Ringo gets a pedicure at Riverdale Farm.  Photo by Riverdale Farm.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

DONNY TAGGART
Donny died suddenly at home on Sunday April 23.  His passing is a very sad blow for people across Cabbagetown.  He leaves his wife, Stephanie, three sisters and a brother.  He was father to Ceinwen and Papa for Ainsley, Brianna and Warren.  
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to them.
Donny was known and loved for his friendship and generosity.  As one of his friends remarked, “Whenever anyone came into the store and needed help, Donny gave it.” 
His business at Nettleships (576 Parliament) was one of the last of a dying breed of family-owned hardwares.  A few years ago, Donny began to look at the prospects for selling it.  He had, in fact, completed the sale of his buildings just before his death.   
There’s a lovely obituary on the Rosar Morrison website.  Over fifty people have already left brief messages for his family - about his early life, the time when he met Stephanie, his work at the store and, above all, his warm friendships. 
Please send your memorial gifts to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre or the Salvation Army.
There will be two receptions with his family at Rosar Morrison (467 Sherbourne, just south of Wellesley) - Monday May 1 from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 9 pm.

Cranberries Reception
There’ll be an opportunity for Donny’s friends to gather at Cranberries (601 Parliament) in the evening on Monday May 1.  Everyone is welcome - during and after the evening visitation hours at Rosar Morrison.  Drop by to share memories about him.

A BIG SPRING WEEKEND - MAY 5 to 7

Save the date for the Forsythia Festival
Sunday May 7, 10 am to 4 pm.  Parade starts at 10 am in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach).  Events take place in Wellesley Park (east end of Wellesley).

Jane’s Walk
From Friday May 5 to Sunday May 7, volunteers will be conducting their annual Jane’s Walk across the city.  Five of them happen in our neighbourhood.
On Friday May 5 at 6:30 pm, the weekend starts with a Sesquicentennial Walk through Cabbagetown featuring seven local homes.  Meet at Sumach and Winchester.
On Saturday May 6, enjoy four more local walks - St Jamestown murals and public art, food in Regent Park, public art in Corktown and revival in the lower Don Valley.
There are lots more walks nearby in Riverdale, the Don Valley, the St Lawrence district, the lakeshore and the downtown core.  Click here to find the Jane’s Walk site - then enlarge the map to locate local walk info.  

Leslieville Festival
Our neighbours in Leslieville are organizing an amazing Festival with over forty breweries, wineries, artists and restaurants.  Saturday May 6 from 3 to 11 pm at District 28 (28 Logan).  Local cuisine from Leslieville restaurants, craft beers from east side brewers, local artisans and local entertainers are all featured.  Tickets are $20/advance and #25/door.  There’s more info, photos and tickets at the Festival’s website.  

FORSYTHIA FESTIVAL NEWS 

Festival donors
Our thanks to the businesses and individuals whose gifts make the Festival possible.  
Over a dozen have given gifts and cash valued at more than $500.  Over two dozen more contributed from $50 to $499.  To see the full list, click here.   

Nominate a Queen and a Marshal
Photo: Brian Summers
Every year, a Festival Queen presides over events and a Festival Marshal leads the parade.  Pick out someone who’s made a positive contribution to our neighbourhood and nominate him/her in a short email note to info@cabbagetowner.com

Volunteers needed
The Festival needs volunteers to help with set-up, event supervision and clean-ups in various slots from 7 am to 4 pm.  To donate your time, contact info@cabbagetowner.com

LOCAL NEWS

Ice in the Palm House
Photo: Jason van Bruggen
Jason van Bruggen’s photographs are on display until May 15 in the Allan Gardens Conservatory (Carlton and Jarvis).  His images of contemporary life in the High Arctic are displayed among the lush tropical flora in the Conservatory.  Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The exhibition is part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival - click here for more info.   

More CONTACT exhibitions
Alexis MacDonald/Stephen Lewis Foundation, The Unsung S/heroes, intimate glimpses of the African grandmothers on the frontlines of the AIDS crisis.  Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Second Floor, May 2 to May 31.
Making Peace - an outdoor group exhibition of 124 pictures of people who devoted themselves to the cause of peace in the past century.  Front Street Promenade, Corktown, May 13 to September 24.

Congrats to two funny people
Photos:  Jackson by Joy von Tiedemann and Richler by Marc de Mouy
Marni Jackson (Don’t I Know You) and Noah Richler (The Candidate) have each been nominated for the 2017 Leacock Memorial Medal.  It’s an annual literary award for the best book of humour written in English.  They’re on a long list of eleven candidates.  That list will be shortened to three people on May 3 and then the winner will be announced at a gala dinner on June 10.  Along with the Medal, the winner will take home a $15,000 prize.  Both titles are available online at Indigo/Chapters and Amazon. 

Congrats Diane
Diane Flacks has been chosen as the writer for the 2017 Dora Awards Show - her second year in a row for this role.  The Dora Awards celebrate extraordinary Toronto talent in the performing arts.  This year’s show happens at the Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge) on Monday June 26.

Congrats Juan
Photo: Stratford Festival
Juan Chioran is starring in the 2017 Stratford Festival’s Treasure Island.  He plays the pirate Long John Silver.  The play opens on June 3.  Click here for more info and tickets.    

Nominate your Mom
NOW Magazine and the Cabbagetown BIA are having a contest to pick  the 2017 Cabbagetown Mom.  The winner will receive $500 plus prizes from local merchants worth more than $400. Just tell your story in 500 words or less.  The top ten stories will be selected and then one will be chosen at random as the winner.  The list of prizes, contest rules and the entry form are online here.  

Nominate your neighbours - a reminder
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association holds a friendly competition each year to recognize local gardeners whose work helps to make our streets so attractive.  .  Nominate your neighbour’s garden for the Streetscapes in Bloom award - the deadline is May 27.  Click here to see the award info.  

Community kiosk
Thanks go to the CPA for rebuilding its information kiosk at Carlton and Sumach.  The older one was smashed up by a car last Fall.  It’s a great source for local announcements.

Summer camps for kids
The Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) has the perfect day camp for children and youth aged 4 - 18 years. The program includes sports, performing arts, evening leagues and more. Registration will begin on Monday May 1st. You won't want to miss it!  Drop in to the CYC or go online here to register.  

Community clean-ups
Photo:  Victoria Hadden
Clean-up projects happened across Cabbagetown and Corktown last weekend. On Aberdeen Avenue, it’s an annual event - with lots of gossip and friendship happening during the sweeping. In Regent Park, more than 70 people showed up to clean the Big Park and the surrounding areas.  

COMING EVENTS

Buchanan Brain Tumour Run
Colin Buchanan lived on Sumach Street.  He was stricken by a brain tumour and died in September 2016 after being cared for at Toronto Western Hospital and the Kensington Hospice.  He loved to run and he completed 19 marathons in his life.  This 5k event honours his memory and serves as a fundraiser for these two health care centres.  It starts at Moorevale Park (175 Moore Ave) and ends in Riverdale Park on Sunday April 30.  Race time is 9 am and registration opens at 8:30 am.  Info, registration and a donation page are online here.   

Kids and cameras
A free program for kids in Grades 3 to 6 to learn more about digital photography and to document the important people and events in their lives. Digital cameras will be provided to the kids to use during the program.  10 am to 12:30 pm, Saturday April 29 to Saturday June 10, ArtHeart Community Centre in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  

Fight the Famine
Islamic Relief Canada and Somali-Canadian Relief Task Force are sponsoring a fundraiser to support the urgent relief needed to stave off a third massive famine in 25 years in Somalia.  Funds will provide emergency food aid and water trucks. 6 to 9 pm, Sunday April 30, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Tickets are $100 with a tax receipt provided.  Click here to buy yours.

Open house at The Sumach
Chartwell’s new project - The Sumach - has attracted considerable local interest.  It’s a rental residence for independent seniors that’s currently being built at Sumach and Shuter.  There’ll be an Open House event from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday April 30 at the Regent Park Presentation Centre (500 Dundas E).  

The Last Good Spring
SPORTTalk celebrates the Leaf’s last Stanley Cup win in 1967. There’ll be live conversations with players from both teams,  journalists and rare film footage.  It all happens on the exact date of the 50th anniversary of the victory.  6:30 to 9:30 pm, Tuesday May 2, The Sport Gallery (15 Tank House Lane, Distillery), $20.  Click here to buy your tickets.  

Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre
The CCAC (422 Parliament) will hold a charity auction of art and art experiences on Wednesday May 3 from 7 to 10 pm.  There’ll be something for every taste and every budget.  The proceeds support the CCAC’s programs for kids.  The evening includes silent and live auctions and the award-winning illustrators, The Fan Brothers.  Free admission (and one free drink and snacks.)  Please RSVP to theccac@yahoo.com

The Birth of a City
This fun and fact-filled documentary explores Toronto’s roots and its greatest achievements.  Its premier will happen on Friday May 5 from 12:30 pm at the Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E).  Glen Murray and David Blackmore will host the event. 

Pam McConnell’s enviro days
Start checking out your old stuff - it’s time to throw away some of it.  Hazardous goods, electronics, old appliances, even e-cigarettes can all be delivered to the City of Toronto’s Community Environment Day, 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday May 6, the Esplanade at Lower Sherbourne.  There’s a long list of recycle items, items for reuse in schools and items that you shouldn’t bring.  Read about it at Pam’s environment day website page.  

Yoga with Hannah
Hannah leads her yoga class every Tuesday at 5:45 to 7 pm at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind th Beer Store).  Free.

Brenda’s schedule for late April and May
Brenda has published her schedule for her May step classes.  They happen Sunday mornings at 11 am and Wednesday mornings at 9:15 am at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre Gym (2 Lancaster behind the Beer Store).  
Please note these changes.  
The class on Sunday April 30 is cancelled and moved to Saturday April 29 at 10 am.  Four classes between Wednesday May 10 and Sunday May 21 are all cancelled.  Classes resume on Wednesday May 24 and continue  at regular times.

IN THE MEDIA

More info about WE
The conversion of the former Marty Millionaire building at Queen and Parliament continues.  It will soon become the home for WE’s new Global Learning Centre.  Derek Flack has written an article in blogTO about the renovations - click here.  

ON STAGE

Momentum 2017
Students at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre present a main-stage performance of ensemble repetoire showcasing the dancers from all three years of the Professional Training Program.  Click here to read details about each performance and to get tickets.  8 pm, May 5 and 6 and May 11 to 13, 80 Winchester.   

Gathering Momentum 2017
The Opening Night Fundraiser associated with Momentum 2017. It’s your opportunity to support future generations of Canadian dancers.  The event includes a full performance of Momentum 2017 along with an award ceremony, an online silent auction, an on-site auction and raffle, desserts and a cash bar.  Student dancers will mingle with the crowd.  Tickets are $60, available online here - tax receipts will be issued.   There’s more info about the silent auction and a spot for your bids online here. 80 Winchester. 

RESTAURANT NEWS

Live jazz night at Arvo
Arvo (17 Gristmill, Distillery) presents Ted Quinlan and Mike Downes.  Two great musicians at 7 pm, Sunday April 30.  

Bread making workshop
A one-day, hands-on workshop on artisan bread making - sourdough starters, focaccia and ciabatta, French baguettes and batards, challah braids and brioches.  Sunday April 30, 10 am to 5 pm, Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E). Register by email with leobaduria@gmail.com.  $100.

Rope for Hope
The Local GEST (424 Parliament) has a team participating in the Make-a-Wish fundraiser.  They’ll be rappelling down the 30-storey side of Toronto City Hall to support the fund.  They’re raising money through pledges and donations and with a special fundraiser to be held at The Local GEST on Saturday May 6 with live music, raffles and a silent auction.  The goal is to raise $10,000 for the team. 

THEATRE & DANCE CALENDARS 
Addresses, online info and current events.

AKI STUDIO
Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas E

The Italian Girl in Algiers - April 28 to 30
Online info and tickets here

CANADIAN STAGE
Berkeley Street Theatre
26 Berkeley Street

Endings (Spotlight Australia) - April 26 to April 30
Online tickets and reservations here

Meeting (Spotlight Australia) - April 26 to April 30
Online tickets and reservations here

SCHOOL OF TORONTO DANCE THEATRE
80 Winchester 

Momentum 2017 - May 5 to 13
Online tickets and info here

SOULPEPPER
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District

Crash - to April 26 to April 29
Online tickets and info here 

Wildfire - on stage May 2
Online tickets and info here 

I’m Doing This For You - on stage May 3 to 6
Online tickets and info here

For Coloured Girls - on stage May 5
Tickets and info here 

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 27 TO SUNDAY APRIL 30

  • 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 27

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY APRIL 28

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Dominion
9 pm, DJ Hugo
Fuse
10 pm, Ladies night and dancing, ladies free, others $10
Johnny G’s
8:30 pm, Live Greek music with Dimitra (vocals), Vassilis (keyboard) and Vaggelis (bouzouki)
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY APRIL 29

Dominion
9 pm, DJ Mercuri Project 
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY APRIL 30

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Arvo
7 pm, Live jazz night with Samantha Clayten & Eric St Laurent
Dominion
11 am, Brunch & Beats live with DW
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Paintbox
10 am to 5 pm, Bread making workshop, $100

MONDAY MAY 1

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY MAY 2

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY MAY 3

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Wednesday Night Trivia
Paintbox
8 pm, Corktown Ukulele Jam, $12
Quincy’s
Latin Wednesdays with DJ Fight - reggaeton, merengue, rumba salsa, Afromusic and more.  $10.

THURSDAY MAY 4

The Local GEST
8:30 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY MAY 5

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
Johnny G’s
8:30 pm, Live Greek music with Dimitra (vocals), Vassilis (keyboard) and Vaggelis (bouzouki)
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY MAY 6

The Local GEST
7:30 pm, Rope for Hope Fundraiser
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY MAY 7

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Dominion
11 am, Brunch & Beats 
The Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Beverly Taft

CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, https://www.facebook.com/alicesplacetoronto
ARVO
17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery,  (647) 352-2766
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188
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, (647) 347-3873, http://fusedining.com 
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
IMPACT KITCHEN
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, https://www.facebook.com/theirvpub/
JOHNNY G’s
478 Parliament St, (416) 928-1358
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/
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346, https://www.facebook.com/odinhus
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555
QUINCY’s AFROKITCHEN & BAR
326 Parliament, (647) 989-9127,  https://www.facebook.com/cometoquincys/
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