CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Rick McCarthy
Rick McCarthy is a fine artist, printmaker and sculptor. He’s lived in Cabbagetown for 40 years. He graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1963 and has works in collections world wide. He is also a Hanshi (8th dan) in Shotokan Karate. For more info visit his website or follow him on Instagram at rickmccarthyart.
Untitled, Oil on canvas, 4’ x 5 ‘
Cabbagetown Artists
This site introduces local artists to our local community. Six artists are featured here. They’ve been adding new images regularly. It’s a site where you can happily browse and see works by people you know. And you can purchase any that appeal to you. (This image: Victoria Hadden, Spring.)
LOCAL NEWS
Front Street Festival
On Saturday and Sunday last weekend, local artisans, buskers and musicians lined Front Street in the Canary District.
Lots of family fun with a splash pad, skating hills, a stilts walker and face painting.
Shoppers were everywhere and they obviously enjoyed browsing through the booths lining three block on the sidewalk. The Canary restaurants and stores brought their goodies outside for storefront patios.
Organizers are lucky - this area has huge plaza-like sidewalks and interesting art that makes the scene inviting for their event.
COVID vaccines
If you need your extra booster shot, there are plenty of places locally where you can do it conveniently. There’s a community vaccine clinic at 40 Oak Street in Regent Park. There’s a long list of local pharmacies who can give you an update. You can also call 1-833-943-3900 for additional help. Find all of these locations online.
Progress report
The buildings at 502-508 Parliament have been under construction since the Fall of 2020. Eric Philip who handles real estate matters at Dixon Hall says that the exterior work should be finished within a few weeks. Then the wrapping and scaffolds will come down and the place will be amazing. There’s 20,000 square feet of interior space still to complete and that work will be finished in 2023.
The boxing ring is back
Art Eggleton has sent along photos showing the boxing ring at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). It’s been reinstalled in the Cabbagetown Boxing Club. Work is moving forward now to the early September official reopening.
Linda Manzer’s project
Linda Manzer is a luthier who makes gorgeous guitars. Her latest project is the Sunflower Guitar for Ukraine, a gift to the people of Ukraine and an inspiration to all of us to give humanitarian aid. As it travels to Ukraine, it passes through the hands of many gifted artists. This is Linda’s part of the $1k Project for Ukraine which has raised $8 million so far. It donates $1K US to Ukrainian families in need. She hopes that her Sunflower Guitar will raise $250,000 for this effort. Thanks to Brenda McNee for passing on this story. Go to Linda’s website and her Facebook page for more info and for a donation button.
Gifts for Green Thumbs Growing Kids
It’s our last chance to support Green Thumbs Growing Kids’ summer fundraiser. Two generous donors have pledged to match donations made before July 31 to a total of $7,000. Your gift now will have twice the impact. GTGK and its student gardeners are back again in their school gardens at Winchester, Rose Avenue and Sprucecourt and in the rooftop garden at The Daniels Spectrum. Summer programs are underway. Check it out and make your gift at the GTGK website.
ActiveTO
Unfortunately, the City hasn’t posted ActiveTO info by our deadline. They did this last weekend. It was bad news then - the ActiveTO routes were closed down. So, if you’re planning a bike ride or a stroll along Bayview and River Street, check the City’s website for the latest updates before you go.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
The Fat Quarter Band plays every week at the Market, Riverdale Park West (Sumach at Winchester), every Tuesday from 3 to 7:30 pm. They’re “a band playing tunes with fat grooves, rich melodies and plush harmonies.” Check out their website - you may want to book a porch concert.
The picnic tables nearby are regularly busy - it’s an easy spot for a picnic with all your food and beverage sources nearby.
Charlie’s Freewheels offers a free diagnostic service and minor repairs for your bike.
Murray's, Samsara Fields, Thames Valley Melons and Kooner Farms all have plenty of organic garlic and greens.
Underpass Park Farmers’ Markets
Fresh new produce is now available - lots of greens, fresh corn and of course, strawberries and fruit. The Underpass Park Farmer’s Market (29 Lower River Street) in Corktown is open now, every Thursday from 4 to 7:30 pm.
Lookin’ good
Celia was asked whether she agreed to have her picture taken. “Talk to the hand,” she said.
COMING EVENTS
On-going event: Moonlight Market in Regent Park
Thursdays and Saturdays from 5 to 10 pm, July 28 to September 17. Local crafts, food, entertainment. The east patio beside The Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Every Wednesday: Taste of Regent Park
Community meals, local vendors and entertainment every Wednesday from 5 pm until September 21. The Big Park (620 Dundas).
Thursdays at noon: Park Yoga
Park Yoga classes will happen every Thursday from noon to 1 pm at Riverdale Farm (Sumach and Carlton) up to Thanksgiving. Sarah Elder is the instructor. PWYC - these classes affordable and accessible to the community and they support Nellie's Shelter for abused women and children. Cabbagetown members have requested a class here so Riverdale Farm has been added to the roster. For listings of other locations and dates and for last minute info about rain cancellations, check out the website.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Watch for it
Ron Hume’s new book is coming soon - his announcement will be sent out early next week.
Apartment or house needed
Looking for a furnished two bedroom house or apartment in Cabbagetown or downtown for two months starting September 1 or September 5. We are two nice ladies, non smoking quiet professionals, our sweet dog and every other week, a teenage girl. We need a furnished two bedroom unit while our home renovations are completed. (They’ve taken two months longer than we expected.) We'd like to stay in Cabbagetown or downtown. If interested, please email Meg and Christina
Lost rabbit
Menagerie Pet Shop (549 Parliament) has found a lost rabbit. It’s docile and well fed. Anyone missing a pet rabbit can call (416) 921-4966 or visit the store.
KIDS NEWS
Book donations
Children’s Book Bank will receive your drop-offs on Saturday from 11 am to 2:30 pm and on Saturday August 13 from 11 am to 2:30 pm. Please leave them at the warehouse (531 Sherbourne), rear entrance off Berkeley Street north of Wellesley.
Mud-days at Allan Gardens
Mud-Day Monday mornings for your kids - August 8 and August 15 from 10 to 11:30 am. Allan Gardens invites your family to drop-in (no advance notice needed) and stay as long as you wish. Great for children 2 to 7, siblings welcome, accompanied by a care giver. Your kids can nibble on plants, look at bugs, plant some seeds, make nature crafts and go on scavenger hunts. It all happens in the Edible Garden at Allan Gardens (Carlton and Jarvis).
IN OUR STORES
Holiday time
St Jamestown Steak & Chops (516 Parliament) will enjoy an annual August holiday from Monday August 1 to Sunday August 7. Reopening Monday August 8. Before then, grab some fresh peaches and corn right from the farmer’s fields.
Tasso (540 Parliament) is taking some time away. The next bake will be for August 13. Stay tuned to the website for menus and ordering.
The Great Mallard
Christina and Jon are repeating a successful event. They’re selling $2 ice cream cups at Parkscape in front of their store (503 Parliament) on Sunday afternoon from 4 to 7 pm. The proceeds from the day’s sales will go to the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. They’ll also be back on Thursday August 4 from 4:30 to 8:30 pm and they’re sponsoring a contest to win a free gift basket.
Timeless Collective
Beautiful and stylish clothing from Timeless Collective (540 Parliament). The pop-up happens at Parkscape in front on Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) on Friday and Saturday from 1 to 8 pm.
Business are welcome
Parkscape (Parliament between Winchester and Carlton) offers all Cabbagetown businesses an opportunity to set up and sell their stuff. To get more info and to be featured on the BIA’s website calendar, contact Virginia at (416) 921-0857 or by email.
IN THE MEDIA
Services for Regent Park youth
Farrah Merali has written a CBC News report about youth services and about barriers that block youth from using them. (Photo: Paul Borkwood, CBC News)
Parkscape is one of the ten spots
Parkscape is one of ten places in Toronto to enjoy an ice cream cone on a summer afternoon. blogTO has done a quick review of Parkscape. (It’s in an advertiser’s sponsored story, but who cares!).
ENTERTAINMENT
Curtains Up - outdoor movies
At sundown, approximately 9 pm, Thursday July 28, Catch Me If You Can and Short Round Up. Free. Corktown Common, 155 Bayview.
Playing in the Park
The Counterpoint Community Orchestra presents free concerts in Allan Gardens (Carlton and Sherbourne). 3 to 4 pm every Sunday to August 14.
Music at Parkscape
On Wednesday August 3, the Tim Collins Band is back to wow everyone from 5 to 8 pm, playing in front of Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament). Check the website for times and details. And watch for announcements for the weeks to come - the schedule is filling up with exciting groups.
Buskers in the Distillery
Every Saturday and Sunday until August 28. Noon to 4 pm. A new performer appears very day.
Headscratchers’ Trivia
Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton) is hosting its popular Headscratchers Trivia every Monday and Tuesday night from 7 pm. Reservations are recommended. Board games are available daily. (647) 344-7676. Free.
Karaoke at Alice’s Place
Friday night karaoke happens at 9 pm every week at Alice’s Place (554 Parliament). Thousands of songs.
Live music and DJs
The Dominion (500 Queen E) brings you live music and DJs every Saturday night from 7 to 11 pm through the summer.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Puppy menu at Stout
Bring your puppy to the garden patio at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). There’s even a special menu. What’s better than chicken and rice or carrots and whipped cream? Yum.
Cyril’s soup
Cyril is taking a break from his regular schedule in order to concentrate on the pending special orders that he has. Send him an email to check on your order or to ask if you can be added to one of the special orders.
