April 26

This week’s image:  Sunday in the park, April 22 - just one week after the big ice storm.

CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD 
REVIEW

LOCAL NEWS

The forsythia will bloom
It’s Spring and the Forsythia Festival is just around the corner - Sunday May 6 from 10 am to 3 pm.  It starts in Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach) at 10 am when the Festival parade assembles and departs through the neighbourhood.  From 11 am, the Festival takes place in Wellesley park (at the east end of Wellesley Street).  It’s an event for the whole family - games and activities for the kids, live entertainment, raffles and prizes, a bbq and a beer garden.  
Volunteers and sponsors are welcome.  If you’d like to take part, please contact info@cabbagetowner.com.  Check out the details online for donations.  

Meredith Cartwright - PC candidate in Toronto Centre
Meredith Cartwright has been appointed by Doug Ford to be the PC candidate in Toronto Centre in the coming provincial election.  She’s one of eleven people who were appointed into ridings across Ontario, bypassing local nomination meetings.  
According to the Ontario PC website, Ms Cartwright is a lawyer, a human rights activist, a businesswoman and a philanthropist.  Her LinkedIn page lists her as a Managing Director at the Donbow Capital Corporation and at the High Level Capital Corporation.   She earned her law degree at Queen’s in 1991 and a Master’s degree in theology from Harvard in 1995. 
Her website is still being constructed but it will eventually appear here.   
In early March, the NDP chose Suze Morrison as its candidate.  
The Liberals will hold a nominating meeting on Saturday May 5 - six people have put their names forward.

My Mom rocks!
The Cabbagetown BIA and NOW Magazine want to know why your Mom rocks.  Tell your story in 300 words or less and you’ll be entered into the contest.  The winner will walk away with a $1300 prize - gift certificates from our local businesses.   Find out the contest details and get the entry form online here.  

Councillor Troisi’s online sites
Councillor Lucy Troisi has been busy setting up her online presence.  Her official site at the City of Toronto gives contact info along with details about her various assignments and staff contacts.
She also has a personal website with loads of information about her work and the City’s activities in Ward 28.  There’s a PDF version of her Spring newsletter and her comments on individual issues.
She also comments regularly on Twitter.  

Cabbagetown South rain barrel sale
The Association’s annual fundraiser is now underway.  Rain barrels are on sale at $55 each (75% less than the retail price).  Each sale contributes $10 to the Association for its neighbourhood improvement projects.
They’re available in several colours and with various accessories.  Place your order online and then pick it up on June 9 from 10 am to noon at 182 Seaton. 

TTC relief line
The TTC and Metrolinx have started consultations on a downtown relief line for the subway.  It’s currently planned to run south from Pape on the Bloor-Danforth line into the downtown, connecting with Yonge at Queen and University at Osgoode.  Eight stations are proposed with two of them nearby at Sherbourne and Sumach.  In the future, a northern line may continue from the Danforth to Eglinton and west from University back to the Bloor-Danforth line.
Three initial public meetings have been set up.  The nearest one happens at St James Cathedral Centre (65 Church) on Saturday April 28 from 9:30 am.   

Reminders - 

Submissions for the Regent Park Film Festival.  
Film makers are invited to send along their works for the 2018 Festival which happens from November 13 to 17. Submission deadline is Sunday May 6.  The Submission Form together wth an explanation of the Festival’s procedures is online here.  

2018 Peggy Kurtin award.  
Nominations are open until Monday April 30 for the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s annual Peggy Kurtin Award. If you wish to nominate a restoration of a home, check out the CPA’s website for submission procedures. 

Brenda’s step classes
Classes will happen at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) on Wednesday mornings at 9:15 am and on Sundays at 11 am.  Class is cancelled on Sunday, May 20 for the Victoria Day weekend.

Jennifer Snowdon yoga
From May 8 to June 19, Hatha 2 will work through the chakras - Tuesdays at 5:45 pm, 7 weeks, drop-in classes.   Private and drop-in classes continue on Buteyko breath retraining.    Buteyko meets Pranayam - a four-hour workshop on Sunday June 3, 1 to 5 pm for yoga teachers and advanced yogis on functional breath and yogic breathing.  Studio at 58 Rose.
For more details and to register for these classes, click here.  

COMING EVENTS

Plant sale and fun day at Allan Gardens
Allan Gardens and Green Thumbs Growing Kids are sponsoring their annual family day in the Children’s Pavilion (Carlton and Jarvis).  There’ll be a plant sale, raffle prizes and great food from Daniel et Daniel.  Live music.  Sunday April 29, 1 to 4 pm, free.

Distilling in Old Town Toronto
The Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) presents author Jordan St John who traces the lives of the men and women whose businesses made up a significant part of 19th Century Toronto’s history.  The Schoolhouse Foundation’s annual general meeting happens at 6 pm, the reception is at 6:30 pm and the discussion starts at 7 pm.

Corktown Residents & Business Association
Mix and mingle in Corktown’s newest cafe and bar.  Tuesday May 1, 7 to 9 pm, Henrietta Lane (394 King E).  

Cabbagetown South Association meeting
The study to design a heritage district in Cabbagetown South has started. This meeting is part of the public consultations.  Two people from the Association and two more from the local Heritage Advisory Committee will bring updates about the process and the implications for homeowners.  Wednesday May 2, 7 pm, Hey Lucy downstairs (229 Carlton).

Second public round table
Waterfront TO and Sidewalk Toronto are hosting the second public meeting to get our ideas and reactions to their plans for a new waterfront neighbourhood.  For details about the agenda, click here.  Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E), Thursday May 3, 5:30 to 9 pm, free. 

Dear Ayeeyo
Photographs by Yasin Osman show an intimate and emotional side to life in Somalia against a background of humanitarian crisis and famine.  Part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Festival.  May 4 to June 16, Hallway Galleries, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).

The YETI Summit
An interactive, charitable games tournament sponsored by the Canada’s National Snowboard Team.  Ping pong, giant foosball, air hockey and hoop shooting. Play individually, in teams of four or in a VIP team of three together with a national team member.  All day on Friday May 4 from 9 am to 7 pm, Fermenting Cellar (28 Distillery Lane).  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Garage sale
Michelle is closing her office and simultaneously, purging her extra stuff out of her house.  This weekend, she’s planning a second sale - Saturday April 28 and Sunday April 29 from 9 am to 3 pm at 385 Wellesley.  

Bed for sale
Custom-designed double bed for sale - $100, OBO. Includes frame, headboard, base and mattress.  Call Amanda O'Donovan: 416 456 3859

KIDS’ STUFF

Parties at Buds & Blossoms
Despite the ice storms and rain, Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) has had quite a few rays of sunshine hosting birthday parties over the past month for Cabbagetown kids and their families. There are three different packages and twelve fabulous themes to choose from. And custom parties - families bring their ideas to create something extra special. Call or email for a consultation and quote.
Here's an example from a custom party - the Magic School Bus in Space.  info@budsandblossoms.ca and (416) 655-0695. 

Spring Poetry Month at the Children’s Book Bank
At 1 pm on Saturdays throughout April, the Children’s Book Bank (350 Berkeley) is hosting kids’ poetry  parties.  On April 28, it’s the Spring Poetry Fling with a special guest.  Kids can write their own poems - the Book Bank will publish an anthology of their work.

SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY 

Daniel and Liora’s annual clothing drive
Daniel Bloch and Liora Tal have organized their fifth annual clothing drive on behalf of the Oasis Clothing Bank.  It happens on Saturday May 12.  They’ll provide you with a  special donation bag if you notify them before Sunday May 6.  
Start now to collect together your gently used clothing, shoes and boots, purses and bags, hats and gloves, and toys and DVDs.  Contact them at (416) 859-8649 or email at info@teambloch.com 

MOMENTUM program and gala evening
MOMENTUM is a main-stage performance of ensemble works with dancers from all three years of the Professional Training Program at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester). 
The Opening Night Fundraiser supports the School. There’s a pre-show reception, an awards ceremony recognizing the dancers’ accomplishments, a raffle, prizes and a post-show dessert and champagne celebration. May 3 from 6:15 pm, $100 and $150 - tickets are available online at CanadaHelps.
For tickets to regular performances on Friday May 4, Saturday May 5, Thursday May 10 to Saturday May 12, go to Eventbrite.  
$15 and $20.  Box office and performances - 80 Winchester.

Winchester Fun Fair
The Fun Fair happens on Saturday May 26 from 11 am to 3 pm at Winchester Public School (15 Prospect).  
Volunteers are needed to help during the day at the Fair - shifts are one hour long.  Help is also needed for the set-up from 9 to 11 am and for the take-down from 3 to 5 pm. 
The Fun Fair needs sponsors to support the day with a donation.  

Volunteer at the Garden tour
Hidden Gardens & Private Spaces takes place on Sunday June 3, 10 am to 4 
It’s a big event in the Spring.  People are needed to staff the gardens during the day.  If you’re interested, email rlatch21@gmail.com 

IN THE MEDIA

Heritage and NIMBYism
Shawn Micaleff always writes thought provoking pieces in his Toronto Star column.  On April 21, he did an article that separates genuine heritage values from weaker NIMBY campaigns that try to manipulate heritage issues into their causes - and a couple of Cabbagetown events give him plenty of examples.  Click here

Gender-neutral at Hey Lucy
Photo:  Chris Young, Canadian Press
Ginger Hunt, the manager at Hey Lucy (227 Carlton) has introduced a new system for greeting her customers.  Staff are asked to use gender-neutral phrases.  Her plan has attracted attention and support from others in Toronto’s restaurant scene.  Click here to read the CTV News story.   

The Salvation Army’s Thrift Store
Photo:  Cole Burston, Globe & Mail
The Globe & Mail’s Hannah Daley and Noella Ovid wrote about the looming closure of the Salvation Army’s store at 252 Parliament.  They describe the store’s considerable success and its importance for local residents.  Click here to read their story.   

Adonay Zekarias
Mr Zekarias was found guilty in the 2013 murder of Rigat Ghirmay.  Ms Ghirmay was his roommate and a friend of Nighisti Semret.  Ms Semret was murdered in a Cabbagetown laneway in October 2012.  He killed Ms Ghirmay from fear that she would connect him to Ms Semret’s murder.  He is already serving a 25-year sentence for Ms Semret’s murder.  The Toronto Star ran a story about the trial on April 23 - click here to read it.    

BUSINESS NEWS 

The Scullery has closed
Sadly, Fiona and Laura closed the Scullery (200 Carlton) earlier this week.  It was a very pretty room with good food and pleasant service.  Our thanks to them and best wishes for their future plans.

Massage at Parliament Street Fitness
Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) already offers massage therapy and has now added Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST). Do you have constant aches and pain? Are you frustrated that stretching is too painful and doesn’t help? FST stretching targets both muscles and fascia - the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints. It also targets the entire joint and joint capsule, using traction to remove restrictions from movement and to stimulate lubrication. There is no pain, not even discomfort. Instead, the gentle movement is stimulating and relaxing at the same time. Please call or email us to book an appointment. 30 and 60-minute sessions available. (416) 901-5421 and info@parliamentstreetfitness.com  

Proudly Cabbagetown
Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) collaborated with local graphic artist, Persnickety Design, to design a fun and colourful Cabbagetown pillow. It’s made in Toronto in a small batch. As a Gold Sponsor to the Forsythia Festival, Kendall and Kevin also donated one to the upcoming Festival fundraiser - someone with the lucky raffle ticket will get to take it home. In the meanwhile, check out the new shop window display which pays tribute to our annual community event. 
Shop hours: 10 am to 6 pm weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm Saturdays and noon to 4 pm Sundays. http://kendallandco.ca/fyi/retail

Shucking Saturdays at M.W.M. Fish Co
Shucking Saturdays have started at M.W.M. Fish Co (419 Parliament).  Two sessions - 1 and 3 pm.  Join expert shucker Mark Moore for a fun and informative hour-long oyster shucking workshop - oysters included. Snack on tasty sea-treats and learn the ins and outs of oyster history and lore, and of course, learn how to shuck ’em! 
Space is limited. Call to book: 416-926-3743.  One person plus 8 oysters, $35 and two people plus 16 oysters, $60.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Changes are coming
Watch for a whole bunch of activity from our pubs and restaurants in the next few days.  The Irv (195 Carlton) is opening a second location with a new fish ’n chips concept.  Another big local spot is going through an exciting name change and rebranding.  A third one, Under the Table (568 Parliament), is in serious and worrisome discussions with its landlord.  No news yet about Pho Pas, next door to Meridian on Parliament - still under construction.  

Soup of the week
Cyril’s offering home deliveries for the soups that made him so popular at his cafe.  He makes two different soups in 24 oz/700 ml containers each week for delivery on Tuesdays and Saturdays (in Cabbagetown only for now).   
This week’s selections take a trip to the Indian peninsula - no passport or visa required. 
Saturday April 28:  Indian red lentil and tomato.
Tuesday May 1: curried zucchini.  
Containers are $9 each.  For the next month, there’s a special offer - if you buy the two weekly soups at the same time, the containers will be $8 each. Taxes and delivery charges are included. 
He’s accepting payments by e-transfers and cash.  Place your orders at his email address, cyril@merryberry.ca

A vegan’s night out
Chef Bass at the Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E) is putting together a four-course vegan meal.  Call or text 437-991-0269 for tickets and info.  $55.  Sunday April 29, 6 to 11:30 pm.  

Wine tasting at Fusilli
Fusilli (531 Queen E) is hosting winery Villa degli Olmi in a wine and food pairing event at 7 pm on Thursday May 3.  The evening will start with Prosecco and a seafood salad.  Farfalle ai Porcini mushrooms will be accompanied by a glass of Pinot Giorgio.  A glass of Primitivo will go with pork medallions in a brandy cheese sauce.  Aged cheeses and nuts will be served with Appassimento Rosso.  Tickets are $80.  Reservations at (416) 214-5148.  

Burn the Bill
Three local pubs will burn your table’s dinner bill right after each Raptors’ playoff game.  Drop in to the Dominion (500 Queen E), the Mill Street Brew Pub and the Mill Street Beer Hall  (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery).  Enjoy the games and maybe you’ll eat and drink for free.  They did it after each Leafs’ game as well - didn’t help.

ON STAGE
Check out the current theatre and dance listings in the Theatre Calendar below.

Picnic in the Cemetery
In this hybrid musical performance, Njo Kong Kie, music director of Montreal's La La La Human Steps, introduces the Macau-based Folga Gaang Project. Picnic in the Cemetery juxtaposes the macabre with the whimsical in an abstract expression of our collective journey through the passage of time. On stage from Thursday April 26 to Sunday May 6.  Canadian Stage, Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street)  Tickets, reservations and more info at (416) 368-3110 and online here.

Elvis & the Man in Black
The Man In Black is a celebration of American working-class grit and the man whose voice embodied it so movingly.
Looking For Elvis explores the life of a young Elvis through interviews and songs.  
Wednesday May 2 to Saturday May 5 and Wednesday May 9 to Saturday May 12.  Citadel et Compangnie (304 Parliament), (416) 364-8011.  Online info here. 

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Chicago in the 1920s is a city on a collision course with change - and through it all play the Blues. In August Wilson’s masterpiece, a routine music recording session becomes the front line for issues of race, power, and opportunity.
Friday May 4 to Saturday June 2.  Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District).  (416) 866-8666.  Online info and tickets - click here

Paprika Festival 2018
A week-long festival of work entirely created by young Indigenous artists following a year of professional theatre training and mentorship programs. Paprika Festival showcases and supports creations from the next generation.
Monday May 14 to Sunday May 20.  Aki Theatre, Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).  (416) 531-1402.  Info and tickets online here


MAY CALENDAR 
THEATRE & DANCE
Addresses, online info and current events.

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

Space Interrupted
Wednesday May 23 and Thursday May 24 
Student matinees - morning and afternoon
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront
235 Queens Quay West
Alien Grace
8 pm, Friday May 25 and Saturday May 26
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront
235 Queens Quay West
SpringSong 2018
2 pm, Sunday May 27
Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbour-front
235 Queens Quay West

CITADEL + COMPAGNIE
The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance
304 Parliament Street
(416) 364-8011

Elvis & the Man in Black
May 2 to 5 and May 9 to 12

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

Paprika Festival 2018
May 14 to 20

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

Momentum 2018
May 3 to 5 and May 10 to 12
Gala - MOMENTUM 2018
May 3 from 6:15 pm 

SOULPEPPER
50 Tank House Lane, Distillery District
(416) 866-8666

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson
From May 4 to June 2
After the Blackout with RARE Theatre Company
From May 8 to 26
Innocence Lost, A Play about Steven Truscott
From May 14 to June 23
La Bete
From May 16 to June 22

CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS

THURSDAY APRIL 26 TO SUNDAY MAY 6

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 26

Alice’s Place
Karaoke
Mill Street Brew Pub
5 pm, Live music
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY APRIL 27

Alice’s Place
10 pm, Karaoke 
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SATURDAY APRIL 28

Dominion
9:30 pm, DJ Money Jane

SUNDAY APRIL 29

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz - closed for Spring cleaning
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

MONDAY APRIL 30

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

TUESDAY MAY 1

Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia

WEDNESDAY MAY 2

Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter

THURSDAY MAY 3

Local GEST
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

FRIDAY MAY 4

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

SATURDAY MAY 5

New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke

SUNDAY MAY 6

Alice’s Place
4 pm, Karaoke
Local GEST 
4:30 pm, Sunday afternoon jazz with Pink Elephant Parade featuring the Brendan Davis Trio

CONTACT INFO

ALICE'S PLACE
554 Parliament St, (647) 931-9088, 
ARVO
17 Gristmill Lane, Distillery,  (647) 352-2766
CORKTOWN KITCHEN
354 King St E, (46) 901-1188
CRANBERRIES
601 Parliament St, (416) 925-6330, 
DOMINION PUB & KITCHEN
500 Queen St E, (416) 366-5555, 
EL CATRIN
18 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 203-2121, 
HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT
454 Parliament St, (416) 925-4074, 
IMPACT KITCHEN
573 King St E, (416) 306-1986, 
THE IRV
95 Carlton Street, (647) 350-4787, 
JOHNNY G’s
478 Parliament St, (416) 928-1358
THE LOCAL GEST
424 Parliament St, (416) 961-9425, 
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338, 
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, 
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346,
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555
QUINCY 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
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676,
UNDER THE TABLE
568 Parliament St, (647) 351-1533