This week’s image: Out of the starting gate at Blair’s Run. These are the serious guys. The dogs, kids and walkers will be starting up next.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
Blair’s Run
Photo: The 2018 Wellesley team
Great response so far for Blair’s Run - the best ever for this early stage. 91 runners and 12 teams have signed up. It should be a nice big crowd for the race. Prizes are arriving from generous Parliament Street merchants.
Register here.
You’ve still got a week to get into shape - Sunday September 8, 8:30 am, in front of 248 Carlton.
LOCAL NEWS
Elizabeth May is coming to Toronto Centre
Our local Green Party election team is excited about the coming visit by Elizabeth May, the party’s leader. The forum will include a conversation between Ms May and Annamie Paul about our climate emergency and a Q & A session with the audience. Tuesday September 3, 7 pm, St James Cathedral event venue (65 Church). Free - for tickets and info, click here.
Political frolics
Photo: Suze's picnic
Congrats to our MPP Suze Morrison and our federal finance minister and MP Bill Morneau. They each held (separate) annual picnics over the last weekend and, by all reports, they were fun events.
Photo: Bill's picnic
A proposal for a demonstration at the Morneau picnic by folks living near Dundas and Sherbourne did not pan out. Instead, according to Eric Morse, “about 6 Trotskyites showed up yelling 'Hands Off Venezuela! / Screw the Pipeline’ and other edifying exhortations.”
Jennifer Snowdon’s sale
Jennifer is offering her Restorative and Yoga Nidra class on sale - four workshops are $165 (regularly $200). They happen on September 15, October 20, November 10 and December 8 from 2 to 3:45 pm. The sale ends on Saturday August 31. For more info about her other events, click here.
The Cherry Street bridge
Photo: Peter Muscat, CTV News
It’s down. The bridge was successfully lowered on Thursday afternoon. Efforts to lower it on Wednesday stopped when the weather and a balky winch interfered. It’s been stuck in its upright position for several weeks. Work crews will now conduct safety inspections and the City of Toronto plans to reopen Cherry Street after Labour Day.
Tour of Homes volunteers
You’ll get a free thank-you ticket to the Tour to use between 4 and 5 pm and you’ll be invited to a reception for volunteers.
If interested, please fill out the form on the CPA web site at cabbagetownpa.ca and be sure to include a phone number and email address.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
by Sally Gibson
Image: Leaving Kemp Manufacturing Co., April 1894 McMaster RC0205 B067
Since 1894, when this photograph of workers leaving the huge Kemp Manufacturing Company on Gerrard Street east of River was taken, Torontonians and Cabbagetowners have been celebrating Labour Day. The first Toronto Labour Day took place 125 years ago on Toronto Island. By 1897, Labour Day celebrations had moved to the Ex, where they are still being held this weekend.
While formal celebrations included a huge parade of unions and labour on the march and cliché-ridden speeches by politicians, most workers simply took the day off to picnic, play informal sports, and even jump on Lake steamers for pleasure on the lake. Undoubtedly, many in working-class Cabbagetown (now Regent Park) focused their holiday spirits on Riverdale Park.
IN THE MEDIA
Taylor Swift’s new album supports RPSM
Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
The Regent Park School of Music gets a big boost from Taylor Swift. Her new album, Lover, includes a track called ‘It’s Nice to Have a Friend’ with steel pans and choral vocals done by students from the school. It’ll help to fund the school which suffered from the Ford government’s cutbacks. Click here to read the story in NOW Magazine.
CityNews posted a video that covers comments by the director and students who put together the original song.
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL SPECIAL EVENTS
Film Festival - Wednesday September 4
The 2019 program features films from around the world - Sweden, Spain, the USA, China and France.
Tickets are now available online. Cash bar. Wednesday September 4, 7:30 pm, Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester), tickets $15.
Reiki for your pets
Bev Jenkins has invited Sophia Armenis to join her garage sale on Saturday September 7. She uses Reiki treatments for pets and Bev experienced her help first hand with her own two dogs. Drop by 95 Amelia to find out more.
Puss in Boots
Presented by the Cabbagetown Theatre Company. A 30-minute family show about Puss in Boots, the King of Cabbagetown and his lovely daughter Arianna. Saturday and Sunday, The Chapel at the Necropolis (200 Winchester), every hour from noon to 4 pm, $5.
Cabbagetown Boxing Club
Join the crowd at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store) for the Saturday afternoon fights. Doors open at 1:30 pm and the first fight is 2 pm. Kids under 13, $10. Adults $20.
Cabbagetown Dance
Saturday night September 7. Live music by the Little Magic Sam Taylor band with R+B, soul and blues. Cabbagetown Ts, baseball hats, munchies and drinks are available. 7:30 to midnight. Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster), $20.
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
Step into the studio (509 Parliament) for the Festival Open House, September 7 and 8. Watch professional dance demonstrations with live music. While you’re there, enjoy your own free trial dance class for toddlers, kids, and adults. Pick out your favourite costume and strike a pose at the photo booth. Take a guided tour through the beautiful historic building and shop the sales at 509 Dancewear boutique. See the full schedule on Facebook.
Sprucecourt School Council
The Council will have a booth at the Festival this year. They’ll sell books and toys and the proceeds will go toward the Council’s program. They’re asking for donations of gently used items and also for volunteers who can operate the booth. If you can donate or help, please email sprucecourtschoolcouncil@gmail.com
The Children’s Book Bank
The Book Bank (350 Berkeley) is back again at the Cabbagetown Festival with its third Annual Book Sale. Look for the booth on Parliament Street with tables filled with hundreds of amazing adult books (fiction/non-fiction/cookbooks/graphic novels and many more). Be sure to see the beautiful handmade cards made by the amazing volunteer Randy from vintage and worn out favourite books.
All the money raised will go back to supporting Book Bank programs.
Festival links
Parliament Street events - cabbagetownfestival.ca
Art & Crafts in the Park - cabbagetownartandcrafts.org
COMING EVENTS
Listed by starting dates
Artfest
The Distillery’s Fall outdoor art sale featuring painting, photography, sculpture and fine crafts. 80 artists, children's events, live music. Friday August 30 at 11 am to Monday September 2 at 6 pm. See who’s exhibiting - click here.
Corktown Public Meeting
The Corktown Residents & Business Association is having its regular community meeting on Tuesday September 3 from 7 pm. Topics include an introduction to the Botte Gallery and updates about the King and Parliament Secondary Plan and the Underpass Farmers’ Market. Cherry Street Y (Cherry).
Step class at the CYC
Brenda Brown McNee’s step class is back at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster, behind the Beer Store). It starts on Wednesday September 4 at 9:15 am. After that, the regular schedule starts on Wednesdays at 9:15 am and Sundays at 11 am. The Sunday class for September 8 is cancelled because of the Festival.
Cabbagetown Walks - Necropolis
Organized by the Cabbagetown Preservation Association with Heritage Toronto. The Necropolis is one of Toronto’s oldest cemeteries. This walk visits the graves of people whose stories are seldom told - former American slaves, women and immigrants. The meeting place is at the Necropolis entrance (200 Winchester), 6:30 pm, Thursday September 5. Free.
St Jamestown Festival
Amazing cultural performances, art and crafts, live music and good food. Games and fun for the whole family. Saturday September 7 from 1 pm. In the park between St James Ave and Wellesley, near Food Basics.
Tour of Homes
One of Cabbagetown’s signature events. Peek inside a selection of amazing homes. Sunday September 15, noon to 4 pm.
Tickets are now available online or at the following locations - $35. Akasha Art Projects (204D Carlton), Epicure Shop (473 Parliament), Fairway Market (520 Parliament), Greenery Patch (St Lawrence Market), Kendall & Co (514 Parliament), Labour of Love (223 Carlton), Ladybug Florists (513 Church) and Sheridan Nursery North Toronto (2827 Yonge).
For online sales, click here. When you buy your ticket online, you’ll get a receipt. Take a printed copy to Akasha (204D Carlton) or to Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) and get your booklet. On September 15, you can also go to the BIA office (237 Carlton) from 10 am to 2 pm.
Adoption FunWalk
Join the FunWalk in Riverdale Park West. It’s a family-focused fundraiser to celebrate the adoptive community. Games, music and food all with a Carnival theme. Sunday September 15, 11 am to 3 pm. For more info, click here.
The season’s best at the Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
The season’s best produce is now on sale. There are lots of vendors. Good crowds have been coming out to take advantage.
Every Tuesday in Riverdale Park West (Winchester and Sumach) from 3 to 7 pm, organized by the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group. Profits go to the Farm’s capital projects and its food education programs.
The Underpass Park Farmers’ Market
In Corktown - Thursdays from 3 to 7 pm in Underpass Park (29 Lower River Street). Activities and face painting for kids, a free yoga class with the Yoga Sanctuary from 5:30 pm and live music. Great produce and baked goods.
KIDS STUFF
Tween cooking classes
Karen Jull is offering cooking classes for kids ages 10 to 13. Topics include shopping for quality and sustainability, recipes, nutritious meals, techniques and knife skills. Her Fall classes are offered in her home in 4-week sessions, starting on September 16, then October 21 and finally, November 18. $320. For more info, contact karen5jull@gmail.com
Buds & Blossoms
Buds & Blossom is offering two after-school courses for kids ages 7 to 9. Hi Five For Life focuses on basic life skills - eating, sleeping, movement, relaxing and leadership. Kids Acro-Yoga combines yoga and acrobatics. For information, call Judy at (416) 655-0695 or email info@budsandblossoms.ca
The School of Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
Registration for 2019/20 classes is now open. They start in September. Visit the studio during the Cabbagetown Festival and save 10% on tuition for new students. 509 Parliament.
BUSINESS NEWS
Corktown BIA
In her August newsletter, Councillor Wong Tam mentions that an effort is underway in Corktown to evaluate the appeal of a Business Improvement Area for the neighbourhood. This will be the second effort in the past twenty years. In the first one, a BIA was set up but it later withered because of local divisions.
Currently, the Corktown Business & Residents Association handles business projects and promotions and is a liaison between businesses and residents.
Canadian Furniture Made Your Way
For over 20 years, Kendall & Co (514 Parliament) has been delivering quality Canadian-made upholstered furniture to countless happy customers. Their latest designs are available in their newly remodelled Cabbagetown shop. In addition, their extensive resource of fabrics & trims along with stain guarding options mean you never have to compromise on style. Reupholstery also available to restore your old furniture with a new look. Open Tuesday to Saturday during the summer. https://www.instagram.com/kendallandco
RESTAURANT NEWS
Fusilli reopens
Corktown’s Fusilli (531 Queen E) will reopen on Wednesday September 4 after a nice long August holiday.
Paintbox goodies
The kitchen at Paintbox Bistro (555 Dundas E) has been busy making yummy stuff from Ontario’s seasonal foods like this Jalapeno blueberry mild hot sauce. Available at the Bistro.
Cyril’s soups
Cyril is relaxing on the Labour Day weekend. He’ll be back with more soups and juices in September.
Cyril makes two soups every week, on Tuesday and Saturday and informs interested people about his menus in advance by email. He usually prepares a regular version and vegan one. His order deadline is 2 pm on the day before delivery. He delivers to his Cabbagetown-area customers. He accepts payments by e-transfers and cash. Email him at abeautifulbowl@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER THEATRE & DANCE PRODUCTIONS
Listed by starting dates.
Art
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Sunday September 1
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
Betrayal
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
On stage to Wednesday September 18
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
A Streetcar Named Desire
Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane)
Saturday September 21 to Sunday October 13
Website and tickets here. (416) 866-8666
CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY AUGUST 29 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8
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 AUGUST 29
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
FRIDAY AUGUST 30
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
SATURDAY AUGUST 31
Distillery - Noon to 5 pm, Summer Music Series with Blair Franklin, Holly Green, Simone Morris and Sarah, Jordan & Matt Von - Trinity Square stage
Dominion
8:30 pm, Live music with Alex Z
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Distillery
1 to 6 pm, Summer Music Series with LIVVA, Max Parker, Blair Franklin and Holly Green - Trinity Square stage
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3
Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
The Tilted Dog
7:30 pm, Smart Ass Trivia with Porter
Winchester Dance Theatre
7:30 pm, Cabbagetown Short Film Festival, $15
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music with Jeff Barnes and Noah Zacharin
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
New Town
Oki Doki Karaoke
Riverdale Park West
1 to 7 pm, opening day for Art & Crafts in the Park
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
Tilted Dog
8 pm, live music withKendall Kiddie, Shawn Lawrie and Leigh Ann & Robert LaBell
Parliament Street
Opening day for the Cabbagetown Festival
Riverdale Park West
10 am to 6 pm, Art & Crafts in the Park
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8
CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL
Alice’s Place
9:30 pm, Karaoke
Parliament Street
Second day for the Cabbagetown Festival
Riverdale Park West
10 am to 6 pm, Art & Crafts in the Park
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,
HENRIETTA LANE
394 King E
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
See below - The Tilted Dog
MILL STREET BEER HALL
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery, (416) 681-0338,
MILL STREET BREW PUB
21 Tank House Ln, Distillery,
NEW TOWN
413 Parliament Street
ODIN
514 King E, (647) 350-6346,
PAINTBOX BISTRO
555 Dundas St E, (647) 748-0555
PHO PAS
480 Parliament, (416) 922-0769
QUINCY AFROKITCHEN & BAR
326 Parliament, (647) 989-9127,
SOCIAL SMITHS
574&1/2 Parliament
SOULPEPPER
Young Centre, 50 Tank House Lane, Distillery, (416) 866-8666,
STOUT IRISH PUB
221 Carlton St, (647) 344-7676,
THE TILTED DOG
(Formerly The Local GEST)
424 Parliament. (416) 961-9425
