CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
It’s here on Saturday and Sunday…
TWO DAY POP-UP ART SHOW
Meet the artists
Irene Peplinski DeClute. Irene paints landscapes. Her inspirations are both urban and rural and her preferred medium is oil. Cabbagetown is a favourite subject for her cityscapes. 
Schawlow Lane, oil on canvas, 11” by 14”.
Victoria Hadden. Victoria’s big painting dominates the room. She’s also bringing cards, prints and other smaller items.
Gift cards and prints
David died last week (right side in photo). He was a familiar and welcome figure in Cabbagetown during his time at The Ben Wicks and especially in his own restaurant, The Town Grill. His passing has been recognized widely on Facebook as we remember his friendship and good humour.
It’s time. Dig out your skates and get ready to glide. The City of Toronto operates three rinks in our area - Regent Park (480 Shuter), Riverdale Park East (550 Broadview) and Sherbourne Commons (61 Dockside). All are scheduled to open on Saturday November 26, weather permitting. Check the City’s lists before heading out to the rink.
Favourite Things is The Children’s Book Bank online auction. It’s underway again until November 29. It’s a fun way to support the daily work at the Book Bank. Auction items include an art lover’s package, dinner dates, books, coffee, croissants, wine lover’s packages, an iPhone 12, Tafelmusik tickets and more! Check it out here and place your bids.
The Corktown Residents & Business Association is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday November 30 at the Cooper Koo Family YMCA (461 Cherry). Chris Moise, the new ward 13 councillor, will be there.
Victoria and Irene are two of the artists exhibiting their work at the Pop-Up Art Show.
Thanks Ruth
Ruth Gamble manages Cranberries (601 Parliament). She’s given invaluable support to our Pop-Up Art Show. She has plenty of experience with these shows and with this room and she’s shared her insights with us. As you can see from the photo, she’s also been ready to pitch in whenever some extra help is needed.
Santa is back for holiday photos with your pals. Bring your puppies to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) on Saturday November 26 from 9 to 3 pm. Or if that time isn’t handy, save the date on Sunday December 4 from 11 am to 4 pm. This is always a fun event - and you’ll get a marvellous photo - $15
CHRISTMAS NEWS
Santa Paws is back
Toy drive
The Yonge Street Mission’s annual toy drive is under way. Over 400 families will be helped. You can contribute - buy new toys and drop them off at 306 Gerrard E. The poster gives you a nifty list of the most needed toys for kids ages 4 to 7.
Snowy Houses holiday cards
Alanna Cavanagh has created Holiday Cards featuring her favourite snowy Cabbagetown homes. She’s offering them for sale now. Five cards at $30 plus $6 for shipping. 5.5” by 4.25” with envelopes, blank inside. Special for Cabbagetowners - get 6 cards and free shipping, $30. Email your order to her.
Matt Mohan is the new executive director at the Cabbagetown BIA (237 Carlton). He’s been on the job for just a few short days and he’s already plunged into details for the annual meeting. He comes from the Junction BIA where he got lots of experience in retail marketing, street events, street improvements and more - all issues of importance here. He’s making the rounds, calling on BIA members and learning their priorities. Best wishes, Matt. (Photo, Matt talks to Estelle from Playground Cafe).
LOCAL NEWS
Welcome Matt
David Doherty
Outdoor skating rinks
The Children’s Book Bank auction
Corktown community meeting
Annual Founder’s Dinner
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse (106 Trinity) is hosting its annual Christmas feast on Saturday December 3. The evening starts with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar and then a four-course dinner. Carol singing and live performances with Marlene Handrahan and Jessi Tiech. This is a fundraiser for the Schoolhouse - tax receipts are provided. $150. For more info and tickets, click here.
Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum Historical Tidbit
By Sally Gibson. During World War I, “Victory Gardens” sprang up across the city. The Rotary Club, for example, boasts on its website that it was “responsible for organizing thousands of Toronto families into ‘block’ groups to utilize the large number of vacant lots throughout the city for ‘victory gardens’.” In March 1917, Ontario’s Department of Agriculture distributed 100,000 pamphlets, “A Vegetable Garden for Every Home.” Across the Bay, Islanders wanted to do their bit. They created a “Red Cross Garden” behind the Ward’s Hotel. The Ward’s Island Weekly reported that a large crew turned out on July 1,1917 to celebrate Canada’s fiftieth birthday by digging a patriotic potato patch. Politician and Islander Sam McBride “tackled the job with his usual energy” and almost completed an entire furrow by himself. At the last sod he gave the spade a vicious push into the earth and severed a large worm. “I wish that wriggling twister was the Kaiser,” scowled Sam. “It’s that old bird who is responsible for me working in this potato patch.” In Cabbagetown, one of the major gardens sprouted in Moss Park, as this photograph documents. Off to the left is the tower of the community centre. And before us are devoted gardeners, many of whom knew relatives and friends at the front. Whether small home gardens or large collective gardens, Victory Gardens were both practical and symbolic. They increased morale, knitted together communities, and provided much-needed food. Perhaps cabbage once again bloomed across Cabbagetown. (Sam McBride quote, Gibson, More Than an Island. Image: Moss Park Victory Garden, September 1917 CTA 372-52-562)
On stage to Sunday December 18, Canadian Stage (26 Berkeley). An adults-only marionettes show. “In this raucous, adults-only holiday treat, the cast of the Daisy Theatre takes on the beloved classic A Christmas Carol for the merriest marionette mash-up ever. Don’t miss Esmé Scrooge’s wild, improvised ride to redemption!” Click here for dates, tickets and more info.
THEATRE & DANCE NEWS - DECEMBER
Little Dickens
Munsch Garden
December 2, 3 and 10, Young Centre (50 Tank House Lane). Presented by the George Brown Theatre School and based on the stories of Robert Munsch. Tickets here.
Citadel
Dance Mix 2022 - November 30 to December 3, Citadel (304 Parliament). This annual presentation includes a brand-new work from choreographer Jera Wolfe and the return of NIGHT/SHIFT performers River Waterhen and Winter Hawk. Larry’s Christmas Cabaret - December 10. Citadel’s hilarious and quirky annual holiday tradition - a one-night only audience favourite that’s not-to-be missed with its variety of local acts, festive cheer and late-night bar. For info and tickets about both performances, click here.
‘da Kink in My Hair
December 6 to 23, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane). “Set in a West Indian hair salon in Toronto, it untangles the triumphs and tragedies of the women who sit in Novelette's salon chair … unforgettable, moving, and hilarious stories.” Tickets and more info, click here.
December Dances
December 7, 8 and 9, School of Toronto Dance Theatre (80 Winchester). A main stage performance of ensemble works by Amanda Acorn, David Norworthy, Benjamin Kamino and Sharon Moore. Tickets and more info here.
Wintersong
December 9, 10 and 11, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (509 Parliament. This longstanding seasonal favourite is back again at the Fleck Dance Theatre, Harbourfront (207 Queen’s Quay). It features a world premiere by Colin Connor, plus works by Rodney Diverlus, Alyssa Martin, Carol Anderson, and Apolonia Velasquez. Click here for more info.
Alice in Wonderland
December 10 to 31, Soulpepper (50 Tank House Lane). Soulpepper says, this Alice is “a new adventure for all ages. Bad Hats Theatre’s contemporary spin on Wonderland takes us down the rabbit hole with Alice, a girl with a lot of questions.” Click here for tickets and info.
Oscar is featuring live entertainment over two nights to launch his new NJ Lounge (507 Parliament). On Friday, a live band, Jasmin Uglow, will play from 8 pm followed by DJ Cashmere. On Saturday, DJ Wayho starts up at 6 pm. Drop in, sample some Nigerian and Jamaican food. The bar is open.
ENTERTAINMENT
Grand launch at Naija Jollof
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Anna Melnikoff owns the studio at 243 Gerrard E and teaches drum lessons with traditional West African rhythms on djembe and dundun. Master drummer Amadou Kienou from Burkina Faso teaches two classes each week - 7:30 pm on Wednesday and 1 pm on Saturday. Anna teaches beginner level group classes on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm for people who want to know the basics. Anna taught in the world music program at York University for 16 years. If you’re interested, call (416) 268-0852 or send her an email.
Headscratchers’ Trivia
Monday and Tuesday nights from 7 pm at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton
Pubstumpers Trivia
Every Thursday night at the Dominion (500 Queen E)
Karaoke at Alice’s Place
Friday nights at 9 pm at Alice’s Place (554 Parliament)
Friday nights at 9 pm at Alice’s Place (554 Parliament)
Live music and stand-up comedy
The Dominion (500 Queen E) presents live music every Saturday from 7 pm. On Sundays, dinner at 6 pm and stand-up comedy from 7 to 8:30 pm. Every time the Raptors play, one lucky customer’s bill will be burned at the table.
The Distillery Hospitality is offering special gift cards. Buy an e-card for $150 and get another $50. The offer runs from November 21 to November 28. Available at Pure Spirits, Madrina Bar y Tapas, Cluny Bistro, El Catrin and District Pizza. To learn more and to shop now, click here.
RESTAURANT NEWS
World Cup cheese and beer luncheon
The Aviary (484 Front) has it - raclette cheese, craft beer and soccer. Watch the cheese melt in an authentic raclette machine. Saturday November 26, 11 am. $40.
Buy $150 and get $50 more
Cyril’s soup
This week, he’s making Thai roots soup at $3/cup for 2 to 9 cups and $2.50/cup for 10 or more. It’s got carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash flavoured with vegan red curry (no fish sauce), peanut butter, and ginger. His juice is pineapple and pomegranate, 2 cups for $9. Email your order to him.
