This week’s image: People are putting up lots of Christmas lights and they seem to be here earlier than usual.
CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Ray Prince
Ray died in October 2020 after living in his Cabbagetown home for over 50 years. He was an accomplished woodworker and turner. He sourced his wood from reclaimed material as much as possible and frequently used exotic species that he had found beautiful in both texture and form. He leaves behind an incredible body of work including intricate bowls, boxes and sculptures. For over twenty years, he was a member of the group who organized the annual Cabbagetown Art & Crafts show in Riverdale Park. He left a bursary in his name, awarded annually to the most accomplished woodworker at the Festival each fall.
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
Santa’s visits
Santa paws at the Sumach
Santa will visit the Sumach (146 Sumach at Shuter) on Saturday December 4 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Bring your furry friend for a photo. There’ll be hot chocolate and treats for everybody. This is a free event but donations to ElderDog Canada will be appreciated. COVID precautions will be observed.
Santa at Carlton and Parliament
The Cabbagetown BIA is hosting Santa’s visit on Saturday December 4 from 1 to 5 pm at Carlton and Parliament. It's a drop-off place for your food donations to the Toronto Miracle. The Children’s Book Bank is bringing a load of books so each child who visits will go home with one. At 1:15 pm, Ruth Miller will be the story teller. From 2:30, the St James Town Children’s Choir will perform followed by the Tim Collins Band. The tree lighting happens at 4 pm. There’ll be kids activities, hot chocolate and treats.
Enoch Turner’s Founders Dinner
The annual Christmas feast at Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) takes place on Friday December 3. Hors d’oeuvres, Christmas dinner, wine, carolling and live performances. The evening’s host is Barbara Budd and special guests include Michael Meighen and Michael Enright. Tickets are available online here, $150.
Festive Holiday Market
Organized by Soulpepper and the Young Centre. Art and crafts sale featuring jewellery, baking, pillows, vintage clothing, organic beauty products, prints and photography, gifts for kids and more. Friday December 3, 4 to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery). For more info, click here.
Toronto Miracle
The annual city-wide food drive happens in our neighbourhood on Saturday December 4 from 10 am. You can register online and then leave your parcel outside your door for pick-up. If you wish, you can drop it off at either 5 Geneva, 286 Carlton (side bin) or at Saturday’s Christmas event at Carlton and Parliament. Please - no homemade food or opened parcels. Volunteers are welcome - email Sandy Riches.
Carolling for Cans
Every year, singers go door-to-door in the Carlton and Metcalfe area to serenade homes and collect food for the Saint Luke’s food bank. This year, because of COVID concerns, the carollers won’t be doing their rounds but the food collection is still happening. The area for pick-ups is Sumach, Winchester, Metcalfe and Carlton. And the smaller streets inside that box - Rawlings, Sackville, Woodstock, Bowman, Millington and Sackville Place. You can leave your gift on your porch with a note or flyer attached on Sunday December 5 from 2 to 4 pm. You can drop off food and cheques (payable to Allan Gardens Food Bank) at 89 and 94 Winchester.
Seasonal plants display
Allan Gardens Conservatory will host a seasonal plant display on Sunday December 5 from 10 am to 4 pm. (19 Horticultural Ave, Carlton and Jarvis)
Christmas Lights Contest
Once again, the Cabbagetown Residents Association is organizing a community contest to select the best home lighting display. Nominate a favourite (even your own!) by email or on Facebook or Twitter. Enclose a photo and be sure to list the home address. Voting happens until December 26. Check out all the details on the CRA website.
Distillery Winter Village
The Distillery’s annual Christmas celebration is back for its seventh year. New vendors, fine dining and snack cabins. Santa will visit along with strolling carollers and buskers. Tickets are required for Saturday and Sunday - $8.
LOCAL NEWS
St James Cemetery
Erosion on a northeast facing slope that overlooks the Rosedale Valley Road has forced the cemetery to dig up 500 graves and then shore up the slope itself. These graves date from the 1960s to 2010. It’s the largest such project in Ontario’s history. Each grave is marked with a red flag and its GPS coordinates recorded. The remains will then be returned to their original spot. Work will continue until the Spring, 2022. CBC News has done a story that details the work involved and the procedures that respect each person’s grave. (Photo: Evan Mitsui, CBC)
Artists in the Distillery
Artscape, the non-profit organization that supports Toronto’s arts community, has been the landlord for 70 artists in The Distillery’s Case Goods Building for twenty years. The lease for this building between Artscape and the Distillery is ending and the artists are being asked to leave by the end of March - about five months early. About half of them have left and Artscape is assisting the others to relocate. The Distillery wants to convert the space to an educational institute. (Photo: Garrison McArthur Photographers)
Skating season is open
Rinks in our local parks are now open - Sherbourne Common (5 Lower Sherbourne), Regent Park Athletic Grounds (480 Shuter) and Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview).
COVID cases in our schools
The Toronto Star’s app describing cases in our schools lists three schools - Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic, Market Lane and Rosedale Heights School of the Arts - in our neighbourhood with a student case. This information is up-to-date on Wednesday December 1 at 2 pm.
Regent Park update session
Tridel and Toronto Community Housing are collecting community feedback to their plans for Phases 4 and 5 of Regent Park’s revitalization. It’s the last undeveloped area along the south side of Gerrard over to River. There’s a survey on their website. The next public online meeting will happen on Wednesday December 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. (Photo: Rene Johnston, Toronto Star).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Apartment for rent
Available January 1. Spacious one-bedroom Cabbagetown basement apartment, fully furnished. Private entrance through gorgeous garden, high-ceiling living room with dining space and kitchen, dressing room, bathroom with big shower, full sized washer/dryer, bedroom, and use of part of the garden. Startlingly tranquil, Ideal location. $1700/month including utilities and high-speed wifi. Quiet reliable person with references. Prefer long-term but short-term possible (one-month minimum). For more info, email Beth.
IN THE MEDIA
Industry on the Waterfront
Matt Elliott in the Toronto Star has written about the mix of residential and industrial activity happening on Toronto’s waterfront. Despite calls for lots more affordable housing, he shows the importance of the harbour’s commercial base. (Photo: CNW Group, Ports Toronto)
Corktown walking tour
NOW Magazine’s Glenn Sumi has been doing a series on walks through local Toronto neighbourhoods. His description of Corktown’s many features is very enthusiastic. (Photo: Glenn Sumi)
Chew Chew’s generosity
Hannah Alberga at CTV News has reported that Danny Adiev, owner of Chew Chew’s diner (186 Carlton), makes up to 600 meals every week to feed homeless people. He started with a few meals in January, working with Saint Luke’s United Church. His efforts have grown considerably since then. (Photo: Hannah Alberga, CTV News)
Cures for thinning hair
Leanne Delap has written in The Kit about the techniques that Aaron O’Bryan uses to combat hair loss. Aaron owns The Cellar Salon (559 Parliament). His products, called AOB Products, include plant-based volumizing shampoos and conditioners - recently endorsed by Arlene Dickinson on The Dragon’s Den.
BUSINESS NEWS
Congrats Star Nails
Star Nails (442 Parliament) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Cabbagetown. It’s a landmark spot - it was the first of a wave of nail care salons that came and went here and it has endured through good times and bad. The owners, Lon Tanh and her husband Sunh Ho, have always generously encouraged community events. They say, in return, that their Cabbagetown clients are wonderfully loyal. Congrats to them and many thanks for their constant support.
Check out these window displays
Spruce
As usual, Spruce has done a terrific job on its Christmas windows. 455 Parliament
Kendall & Co
Lots of humour and good design at Kendall. 514 Parliament
Revolt Hair
A gorgeous window display for the Christmas season. 244 Carlton
KIDS NEWS
Holiday in the Patch
The Cabbagetown BIA’s Christmas event will include a special feature from the Children’s Book Bank. They’re bringing a big supply of books to distribute to each child who drops by their booth. Plus, of course, treats and a chance to talk to Santa. Saturday, 1 to 5 pm, Carlton and Parliament.
Buds & Blossoms
A preschool classroom is now open for kids 2.5 years old and up at Buds & Blossoms (517 Parliament) - there are still some vacancies available. In January, a new toddler program will start up for kids 18 months and more.
Green Thumbs Growing Kids
The latest newsletter from Green Thumbs Growing Kids gives great details about its programs - tree planting from seed, local explorers, and the experiences of George Brown students who worked with the school kids. Click here to read more.
THEATRE & DANCE
Impulse 2021
This year’s showcase from the School of Toronto Dance (Winchester) includes a special dinner and show - it’s a fundraising event. Your three course dinner from Daniel et Daniel (248 Carlton) will be delivered to your home. You’ll also get a link to an online live preview of this year’s performance. Included in your gift will be a ticket to any live in-person performance on December 3 and 4 or 10 and 11. More info and links to buy your tickets at Eventrite. $130.
Citadel Dance Mix 2021
A double feature with Firewater Thunderbird Rising by Christine Friday and The View from Here with choreography by Sasha Ivanochko. In-person performances on December 1 to 4 ($25) and live streaming on December 3 ($4.99). Click here for more info and tickets. 304 Parliament.
Soulpepper
The Canadian premiere of Draw Me Close is onstage until December 12. Performances are llsted as “sold out”. Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane, Distillery).
RESTAURANT NEWS
Drag brunch at the Dominion
Pink eggs & glam - enjoy dancing, lip synching, drag queens and the Dominion’s legendary brunch. Meet the Queens - Heaven Lee Hytes and Katinka Kature. Sunday December 5 at 1 pm.
Holiday Parties
Daniel et Daniel
Holiday catering includes special meal plans and four sample menus. Check out their ideas online. (248 Carlton)
F’Amelia
Parties for 22 in the bar, for 30 in the atrium. 16 in the wine cellar and 27 in the heated and covered patio. Book the whole restaurant for 90 people. Go online to Open Table or call (416) 323-0666. 12 Amelia
Cyril’s soups
This is Cyril’s last soup for 2021 - he’s taking a break until January. It’s a Mexican chowder, voted a fan favourite in his recent poll. It’s got onions, garlic, jalapeños, red peppers, black beans and cilantro along with chiles, chipotle, paprika and achiote. His juice is pineapple, coconut water and hints of basil and lime. Soup is $4/cup or $3.50 each/ten or more cups. Juice is $9/two cups. Send him an email if you want to place your order.
EVENTS, CLUBS & PUBS – DAILY LISTINGS
THURSDAY DECEMBER 2 TO SUNDAY DECEMBER 12
If there's a cover charge or tickets are sold, the prices are listed.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 2
Cabbagetown Preservation Association - Fall meeting
7 pm, Zoom event - see the link in the story above.
Citadel Dance Mix 2021, in-person performance
8 pm, 304 Parliament, $25
HIT Training with Adem
7:15 am. Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
FRIDAY DECEMBER 3
Citadel Dance Mix 2021, in-person performance and livestream
8 pm, 304 Parliament, $25. Zoom performance, $4.95
Founder’s Dinner - annual Christmas gala
6 pm, Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity), $150.
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
SATURDAY DECEMBER 4
Santa Paws at the Sumach (146 Sumach at Shuter)
10:30 am, photo opportunities for your furry friends with Santa.
Toronto Miracle - various locations
10 am onward, food bank drive, pickups at your home.
Holiday in the Patch - Carlton & Parliament
1 pm - Christmas kick-off with Santa, the Childen’s Book Bank and more
Citadel Dance Mix 2021, in-person performance
8 pm, 304 Parliament, $25
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
SUNDAY DECEMBER 5
Carolling for cans - food drive for Saint Luke’s Church
2 to 4 pm, pick-ups at your home in the Metcalfe, Winchester, Sumach and Carlton area.
Pink eggs & glam - drag queens brunch
1 pm, Dominion Pub & Kitchen
Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors
10:30 am. Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Members are free, drop-ins welcome, $15.
Yoga in the Park
2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
MONDAY DECEMBER 6
Trivia at Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)
TUESDAY DECEMBER 7
HIT Training with Warren
5:30 pm. Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.
Trivia at Stout Irish Pub
7:30 pm, Headscratchers Trivia, hosted by Josh Fishbane. (221 Carlton)
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8
Learn to Run classes with Manissa
7 am. Riverdale Park (Winchester and Sumach). Offered by Parliament Street Fitness. Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.
Regent Park update - Tridel and Toronto Community Housing
6:30 pm, Zoom.
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
THURSDAY DECEMBER 9
HIT Training with Adam
7:15 am. Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Members are free, non-members welcome for 8-week package at $50.
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
FRIDAY DECEMBER 10
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
SATURDAY DECEMBER 11
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
SUNDAY DECEMBER 12
Yoga Flow with Alex - indoors
10:30 am. Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Members are free, drop-ins welcome, $15.
Yoga in the Park
2 pm, Saint Luke’s United Church, Allan Gardens (Sherbourne and Jarvis), free
Draw Me Close - individual interactive performance, admission is timed. Tickets are sold out to Sunday December 12. Soulpepper Theatre, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane).
