November 30

This week’s image:  wagon rides at the BIA’s Christmas kick-off event on Saturday November 25.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

CONGRATS EVERYBODY

Rollo Myers - Cabbagetown Recognition Award
Photo: David Pretlove (left), George Rust d'Eye and Rollo Myers
Rollo is the first honouree for this new award.  And he is an outstanding choice.  He’s a legendary figure in Toronto’s heritage community.  His efforts have made a difference in city-wide campaigns, in local Cabbagetown causes and in his personal nieghbourhood -  whether, for example,  he was restoring his family home, working on heritage conservation in Cabbagetown or helping to save and restore the first Ontario parliament site.
Previously, the Cabbagetown Preservation Association has annually presented a tribute to people who have been worthy volunteers. This year, the award was renamed to emphasize the stature and contributions of its recipient.

Jamie Bechard
Photo: David Pretlove and Jamie Bechard
Congrats and many thanks to Jamie.  She’s chaired the Heritage Conservation District Advisory Committee for several years.  She’s stepping down now as she’s moving away from the neighbourhood.  The Cabbagetown Preservation Association recognized her contributions and, as noted by George Rust d’Eye in his comments about her work, she’ll be missed.

Silvija Janusonsis - Streetscapes in Bloom
Photo: David Pretlove, Silvija Janusonsis  and Helen Coltrinari
Congrats to Silvija for her lovely garden at 456 Wellesley. She is the winner of the 2017 Streetscapes in Bloom award.  The Cabbagetown Preservation Association gave her a painting of her garden by Rosie Shepherd and a Kitras glass medallion. It was a tough competition - all three 2017 nominees each grew exceptional gardens. Congrats as well to 1 Geneva and 456 Sumach. 

Peggy Kurtin Award
Photo: Rosie Shepherd and Monica Kuhn
Congrats to Valerie and Andy Pringle. As announced last Spring, their house at 397 Carlton is the 2017 winner for excellence in restoration.  Monica Kuhn, the architect for the project, accepted the award on their behalf at the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s November 29 meeting. 

Blair’s Run
Congrats to the Blair’s Run volunteer team - the people who put together this important fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. They met on November 29 to review their 2017 success.  It was a special occasion - the CYC’s new Executive Director, Don Gerrior, was introduced and spoke about his goals for the CYC. The 2017 Run marks the full return of the event after a hiatus in 2016.  
This year’s Run collected over $23,000 in contributions for the CYC. The Run’s volunteer teams are organized around neighbourhood streets and the Wellesley Street team with Susan Freeborn as street captain took home the annual prize as the winning fundraisers.

Star Nails
Congrats to Star Nails (442 Parliament) for its 20th anniversary on Parliament Street on November 28.  Lon runs the business along with her husband Sunh.  As members of the BIA and other local groups know, they are generous people who are always happy to support our community.  Congrats to them and best wishes for many more prosperous years.

Farley Fund
Congrats to the Cabbagetown Pet Clinic (239 Gerrard E). Every year, the Clinic takes part in the Farley Fund.  The money raised is used to help pet owners who can’t otherwise afford proper veterinary care.  The Clinic held a bottle drive and a donation drive.
They raised $1,726.20 for the Fund, a record amount.
And Vinnie, who’s been supervising the clinic and enjoying life there immensely, has now found a brand new home.  He’s ready for everything that Christmas can throw his way.

Christmas kick-off
Congrats to the BIA for another successful Christmas kick-off event.  Highlights included a visit from Santa, horse and wagon rides, a live choir, tree decorating, an activity table for kids and a booth with the Children’s Book Bank.

Movember
Photo: Duncan - early November 
Congrats to Duncan and his pals for their fine facial hair.  Duncan and Luke from the House on Parliament, Wilf from Cycle Solutions and their friend Joe scooped up $1400 in their Movember fundraising campaign.  Their project honoured Mike Reid who died earlier this year and is badly missed.
These guys are, of course, part of a much bigger campaign that features moustaches and beards grown all across Cabbagetown and the city.  
Photo: Duncan - end of November

LOCAL NEWS 

Support Salam Cabbagetown
A group of Cabbagetown residents formed Salam Cabbagetown in 2016 and have sponsored a Syrian family in Canada.  The family has been here for a year and is doing well.  They have two adult sons living as refugees in Turkey who are eligible to come here as part of their family’s reunification. 
Salam Cabbagetown, working with the Mennonite Central Committee, has started a campaign to raise $15,000 to sponsor them.  If all goes well, the two sons should be here in eighteen months.  
Details about the family in Canada and a donation page for the new campaign are online here.   

Meet Santa at Pet Valu
Santa is back at Pet Valu (240 Carlton).  Bring along your furry friend and get a pet portrait with Santa.   Your pic’s will be sent to you via email.  It’s a good time and a fun souvenir.  $10.  Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3 from 10 am to 2 pm.  

Friends of Allan Gardens
The Friends have launched a fundraising campaign.  It follows on the heels of their new vision statement, Refresh, that lists future improvements that they’ll be working on for the park.  They’ve received an Ontario Trillium grant and hired a full-time person to work on the Friends’ business.  
They’ve posted a lively Facebook page and an informative website as well.  
You’re encouraged to donate.  The park is a landmark in our community and the group has a good future program lined up.  To make your contribution, click here.  

Neighbourhood ice rinks
The City of Toronto is opening its outdoor rinks.  We have three in our area and two are now open - Regent Park (480 Shuter) and Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Shebourne at Queen’s Quay).  The rink in Riverdale Park East is under construction and scheduled for a January opening. 
Sherbourne Common is on the waterfront and offers great views of downtown Toronto.
Before you go, you can confirm operating hours and conditions at the City’s website.  

Cabbagetown souvenirs
Pick up some souvenirs for perfect stocking stuffers this Christmas.  The BIA (237 Carlton) has tee-shirts, hats, tote bags and baby onesies - all in various sizes and colours.  The Cabbagetown Preservation Association has designed special tea towels - available through Spruce (455 Parliament).  

Holiday lights
The Cabbagetown Residents Association is again sponsoring a holiday lights contest.  If you or your neighbours have noteworthy displays, send in your nomination between December 1 and December 26.  Voting will open on December 15.   Check out the Association’s website to read the rules and get the contact info for your submission.  

Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery
The annual Christmas Market is underway at the Distillery.  It’s open six days each week (closed Mondays) from Thursday November 16 to Saturday December 23.  
Crafts and specialty foods, beer gardens, patios and lounges, Christmas specialties and daily entertainment programs.  To find out what’s going on, click here.   
Admission is free from Tuesday to 5 pm on Friday.  $6 from 5 pm Friday through the weekend.

COMING EVENTS

Save these dates
The Corktown Residents & Business Association is holding its annual Christmas party on Thursday November 30 from 6 pm at the Dominion (500 Queen E). Nibblies, cash bar, silent auction, music.

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Annual Founder’s Dinner includes a traditional Christmas dinner with wine, a seasonal reading, carol singing and live music with the Danny’s 7.  Friday December 1, 106 Trinity Street. $120. Tickets are available here.  

The Cabbagetown South Association’s Christmas party will happen from 6:30 to 9 pm on Monday, December 4 at Hey Lucy (229 Carlton) .  Nibblies and special prices for beer and wine.  Tickets are $10, available online here.  

Allan Gardens’ Christmas show, December 3 to Sunday January 7.  From noon on December 3, enjoy a visit by Santa, free wagon rides, cider, cookies and carolling - the Conservatory will stay open to 7 pm.  Normal hours,  10 am to 5 pm.  Sherbourne and Carlton.  

Allan Gardens’ pre-Christmas plant sale. It’s another event organized by Crystal Star Orchids.  The last sale was a big success.  Saturday December 9 from 10:30 am to 4 pm, Allan Gardens Conservatory.  Sherbourne and Carlton.  

Drum-a-thon 2017
Muhtadi International Drumming and Parkinson’s Canada are hosting a 12-hour drumming event.  It’s a fundraiser to support efforts to end Parkinson’s Disease. It’s a fun day of drumming for the whole family - bring your own or borrow one there.  Saturday December 3, 7 am to 7 pm, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  Make your donation here.  

Brenda’s December step classes
Brenda has published her schedule for the next few weeks.  Class is cancelled for Sunday December 3.  Classes are set for Sunday December 10 and December 17 at 11 am and for Wednesday December 6 and December 13 at 9:15 am.  Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). 

Holiday Market
CRC/Regent Park Community Food Centre are organizing a holiday market with crafts, food, wood oven baked pretzels, gingerbread decorating, live music and raffles.  Thursday December 7 from 5 to 8 pm, 40 Oak Street.

Christmas concert
The Corktown Chamber Orchestra returns on Thursday December 14 at 8 pm. The program is entitled Sacred & Profane.  Little Trinity Church (425 King E), pwyc, suggested gift is $20, kids free.

THEATRE & DANCE

Impulse 2017
Students from all three levels in the School of Toronto Dance Theatre participate in this annual mainstage performance.  The first year students will perform a new work by Sharon B Moore, the School’s resident choreographer.  Second-year students will present two new pieces, one by Jennifer Dallas and the second by Jasmyn Fyffe.  The third-year students will revive Christopher House’s Pingo Slink.   Winchester Dance Theatre (80 Winchester), 8 pm, December 1 and 2. Tickets at the box office and online here.   

Munsch on the Moon
The annual children’s Christmas show by the George Brown Theatre School celebrates the zany and colourful world of Robert Munsch.  December 2 to 9.  Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane). Tickets and program details are online here.  

TDT’s Emerging Voices project
Nine emerging choreographers join mentor/facilitators Ame Henderson and Christopher House, rehearsal director Rosemary James and nine TDT dancers for an intensive choreographic incubator from December 4-15 at 80 Winchester St. For more info, call (416) 967-1365.

Urgent Voices: Continuum Contemporary Music
World premieres by Anna Hostman, James Rolfe and Scott Wilson explore climate change in Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, the infamous diaries of Sir William Lyon Mackenzie King, and the poetry of Steven Heighton. “John’s Canoe” pairs film of an iconic statue with the music of Ann Southam. For this ambitious chamber concert we weave together a landscape of stories, reflections, hopes and dreams through song, spoken word, and multimedia. 8 pm, December 8 and 9, Aki Theatre (585 Dundas E). $15 to $35.  Tickets and info here.   

Wintersong - Dances for a sacred season
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre presents its annual tribute to the solstice through dance.  In this year’s program, dancers will offer a world premiere by Apolonia Velasquez along with the return of Santee Smith’s ravishing Star Dreamer, Deborah Lundmark’s Dancing Day, Carol Anderson’s Nowell We Sing and Ryan Lee’s Until the Sun Comes Back.  The evening is part of Harbourfront Centre’s NextSteps. 8 pm, Friday December 8 and 2 pm, Saturday December 9,  Fleck Dance Theatre (207 Queen’s Quay W).  Tickets are available at the box office or online here.  

Soulpepper’s Family Christmas
Three popular, sell-out events will be on stage at Soulpepper for the Christmas season -  Christmas Carol (December 7 to 24), Peter Pan (December 8 to 31) and A Very Soulpepper Christmas concert (December 15 to 17). The concert will happen downtown at the St Lawrence Centre for the Arts. Click here for more info.   

Larry’s Christmas Cabaret
A hot and quirky annual holiday tradition that celebrates the season with a variety of local acts, festive cheer and a late-night bar.  8 pm, Saturday December 16, Citadel + Compagnie (304 Parliament).  $20 - tickets and more info online here.  

BUSINESS NEWS

Marilyn from Diggity Dog
Marilyn returns for her monthly nail clinic at Pet Valu (240 Carlton).  Bring in your cat and dog for a clipping and have a photo session with Santa while you’re in the store.  $10, 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday December 2.

Advent Deals at Kendall & Co
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has Advents Deals starting on Friday December 1. Counting down to Christmas, a new special saving is announced daily. Follow them on Facebook @kendallandcodesign, on Instagram @kendallandco or walk over to their holiday One Stop Shop. During your entertaining season, take advantage of Kendall’s sale of selected wool and outdoor rugs - up to 40% off. Limited quantities available so shop early to get yours. 
Enjoy Kendall’s extended shopping hours: Monday to Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday 10 am to 7 pm, Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm at http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail/wool-rug-collection

Bookish birthday party
November is the birth month of so many wonderful children's authors - Kevin Henkes, Neil Gaiman, Marc Brown, and Toronto's own Barbara Reid, just to name a few. So, the Children’s Book Bank is having a birthday party for them all. Thursday, November 30, at 4 pm. Crafty costumes, cake and a special story time with Barbara Reid. There is no registration required. 350 Berkeley.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Lobster night at the HOP
Get to the House on Parliament (454 Parliament) on Thursday night, November 30.  They received a shipment of fresh lobsters in the morning and they’re ready to serve them up with mussels and delicious side dishes.  $35.  

Networking night
Fusilli (531 Queen E) is holding a networking night on Tuesday December 5 from 5 to 10 pm.  Tickets at the door are $15 and the night includes a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres.  It’s a great night for entertainers, entrepreneurs, realtors and singles to connect with other people.  

Merryberry’s cooking classes 
Asian comfort food (Pad Thai and Nasi Goreng) is the topic for Cyril’s next December class. Wednesday December 13 at 5:30 pm.  $45.  Contact Merryberry to sign up.  Call (647) 348-0411 or visit 559 Parliament.

Cluny on the best French restaurants list
Photo: Jesse Milns, blogTO
Cluny (35 Tank House Lane, Distillery) is #1 on blogTO’s list about Toronto’s best French restaurants.  Click here for the full story.  

Save the date 
The annual Christmas carol sing-a-long at The Local GEST (424 Parliament) has been scheduled for Sunday December 17.  Jeff Barnes will be leading the choir once again.  Save the date - it’s a Cabbagetown Christmas highlight.

Under the Table
It’s vacation time for Kim and Betty to Thursday December 7. 568 Parliament.

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

CANADIAN CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATRE
509 Parliament Street
(416) 924-5657

Wintersong 
(at Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen’s Quay W)
8 pm, Friday December 8 and 2 pm, Saturday December 9.

CANADIAN STAGE
30th Anniversary Season
Berkeley Street Theatre
26 Berkeley Street
(416) 368-3110

Heisenberg by Simon Stephens
November 28 to December 17 

CITADEL + COMPAGNIE
304 Parliament Street
(416) 364-8011

Larry’s Christmas Cabaret
December 16

NATIVE EARTH PERFORMING ARTS
Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street E
(416) 531-1402

In Time - dance solo by Anisa Tejpar
November 27 to December 3
Urgent Voices - Continuum Contemporary Music
December 8 and 9

SCHOOL OF TORONTO DANCE THEATRE
Winchester Theatre
80 Winchester Street
(416) 967-6887

Impulse 2017
November 30 to December 2

SOULPEPPER
20th Anniversary Season
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
(416) 866-8666

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
December 7 to 24
Peter Pan by J M Barrie/Bad Hats Theatre
December 8 to 31
A Very Soulpepper Christmas
Soulpepper Concert Series
St Lawrence Centre, Jane Mallett Theatre
December 15 to 17 

TORONTO DANCE THEATRE
Winchester Theatre
80 Winchester Street
(416) 967-1365

Emerging Voices Project
December 4 to 15

YOUNG CENTRE
50 Tank House Lane
(416) 415-5000

Munsch on the Moon - George Brown Theatre Company
December 2 to 9

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 10

  • 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 NOVEMBER 30

Mill Street Brew Pub
6 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1
Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke 
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY DECEMBER 2

Dominion
9 pm, Joel Roache
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Nairobi Nights, $10

SUNDAY DECEMBER 3

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local Gest
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Matthew Pullicino
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10 

MONDAY DECEMBER 4

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY DECEMBER 5

Fusilli
6 pm, Networking Night, $15
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Dominion
7 pm, Tracey Gallant Duo
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Wednesday Night Trivia with Porter
Quincy’s
Latin Wednesdays with DJ Fight - reggaeton, merengue, rumba salsa, Afromusic and more.  $10.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 7

Local GEST
8 pm, Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
Fuse
10 pm, Ladies night and dancing, ladies free, others $10
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SATURDAY DECEMBER 9

Dominion
9 pm DJ Andre
Quincy
African weekends with DJ Fox and a guest DJ

SUNDAY DECEMBER 10

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke with Vee
Local GEST
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Beverley Taft
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Quincy
10 pm, Reggae Sundays, $10

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