CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
A PERSONAL VIEW
Last week's Pop-Up Art Show was a great success. Many thanks to each of the artists whose works created such a colourful, strong display. And to Ruth Gamble and her colleagues at Cranberries who constantly helped whenever they could. And to the people who visited the show, looked at the art, encouraged the artists and, of course, bought their paintings. In January, the regular Featured Artists items will again be displayed here.
Santa is back for holiday photos with your pals. Bring your puppies to Pet Valu (240 Carlton) 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
Food drive
Sunday December 4, 2 to 4 pm. The annual carolling for cans will again be a drive-by event due to ongoing health concerns. This system has worked well in the past two years. If you want to donate, please put your gift in a bag, attach the flyer and put it on your porch. Volunteers will pick it up and it’ll be given to Saint Luke’s food bank (353 Sherbourne). The food drive will focus on the area between Amelia, Sumach, Carlton and Metcalfe plus the streets in-between.
Santa is visiting Royal Lepage
Sunday December 10 from 1 to 4 pm. Diane Tobia has scheduled Santa’s visit to Royal Lepage - you’re invited. Drop in for candy canes, hot chocolate, colouring activities and pictures. Lots of fun - don’t miss it.
Toy drive
The Yonge Street Mission’s annual toy dive 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.
Community Matters Toronto has set up a bursary in Sandy’s memory. It’s for students from Jarvis Collegiate, specifically from St James Town, who show the potential to influence community health and development. Three young people have already received their awards. Sandy’s friends in Cabbagetown will recognize his spirit in this award. Community Matters is conducting a fundraising campaign and will welcome all gifts, big or small. If you wish to honour his memory, please click here and check out the bursary’s online donation plan.
LOCAL NEWS
Support Sandy MacPherson’s bursary
Congrats Gina
At the CPA’s Fall meeting, Gina Dineen was given the Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s 2022 Recognition Award for her constant volunteer service to the Cabbagetown community. She set up the annual Cabbagetown Short Film Festival in 1992 and she’s been its organizer ever since. She has, as well, supported the Cabbagetown Youth Centre, Sprucecourt School, Moss Park hockey league, the Cabbagetown-Regent Park Museum, the BIA and the annual Babe in the Barn. The award is indeed well deserved. Our thanks to Gina for her hard work and contributions. (Photo: Gina in the Forsythia Festival parade.)
Regent Park Film Festival
December 7 to 10 in the Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E). It’s a big event. The 20th anniversary Festival includes a general program, a school program and a new industry lounge. Free admission and free child care. To learn about the schedules and details online, click here.
Streetscapes in Bloom
The CPA conducts an annual contest to select an outstanding garden. Homes are nominated by community members and then visited four times over the season by a garden committee. Congrats to this year’s winner, Halim Haddad, for the garden at 310 Berkeley.
Fall CPA newsletter
The Fall edition of the Cabbagetown Preservation Association newsletter is full of news about new heritage initiatives. There is, as well, a story about Ben Wicks, news about the 2023 Tour of Homes and a report about heritage requirements when renovating your home. Click here to read it.
Meet “The Boss”
The Boss is a huge grizzly bear living in Banff National Park. Wildlife photographer Jason Leo Bantle photographed him in a rare encounter. The Boss weighs between 650 and 700 pounds. His range is estimated at over 2,500 square kilometres. He’s the father of 50% of the bear cubs in the park. He’s been hit by a train and lost part of an ear - no wonder that he’s called “the world’s toughest bear.” These photographs are currently shown at All in the Wild Gallery (18 Gristmill Lane, Distillery) - ciick here for more details. (Photo: Jason Leo Bantle)
Outdoor skating rinks
The rinks are open. 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). Check the City’s lists before heading out to the rink - weather conditions may affect the ice.
Marilyn’s regular monthly nail clinic for your pets. Saturday December 3 at Pet Valu (240 Carlton), 9 am to 4 pm. She’s handled cats, dogs, Guinea pigs and rabbits. She often has a full schedule for the day so she asks you to make an appointment. Call her at (416) 920-6814 for a reservation. $12, cash please.
COMING EVENTS
Marilyn’s nail clinic
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 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.
Holiday in the Patch
Saturday December 10. From 1 to 5 pm. Santa will be at the BIA Office (237 Carlton). The Family Fun Zone at Carlton and Parliament has outdoor games, face painting, music and surprise visits. Scavenger hunt in businesses along Parliament - get your map at the Family Fun Zone. The BIA is joining Toronto Police Service from 51 Division to build a toy drive with bins in the Family Fun Zone. Carollers and singers will walk along the business district.
Holiday plant sale
Sunday December 11, 1 to 4 pm, Children’s Conservancy in Allan Gardens (Jarvis and Carlton). The plants include succulents, tropicals, herbs and seeds from Allan Gardens’ plants. Come early - desirable plants sell quickly. Be prepared to line up outside (it may be cold). Masks are appreciated indoors. Bring a bag and make sure that your plant is protected from the cold. The annual sale supports the work done by the Friends of Allan Gardens.
Whiskey Jack’s fundraiser
Sunday, December 18 at 3 pm. Duncan Fremlin, Douglas John Cameron and the Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard E) are putting together a concert to support the Daily Bread Food Bank. Pay what you can - all donations go to the food bank. Even if you can’t attend, you can help by clicking here.
Drop in to these businesses and enjoy their Christmas specials on December 10. The Great Mallard (503 Parliament) will serve hot apple cider and cookies and there’ll be holiday vendors, a donation drop box, gift basket raffle, holiday items sales and sampling. Royal Lepage (517 Parliament) will feature fun activities for kids, including a Santa visit, colouring, candy canes, and hot chocolate. Playground Cafe (492 Parliament) will offer holiday themed drinks. The Naomi Store (296 Gerrard E) will have all natural Sudanese food, herbal juices, coffee, tea, and desserts. Labour of Love (223 Carlton) will have non-alcoholic cocktail tastings from 12 to 2 pm. Spiritleaf Cabbagetown (238 Carlton) will be offering 20% off all accessories inside the store and candy cane and dog treats outside. At NJ Lounge (507 Parliament) there’s Nigerian cuisine and a live jazz band from 1 to 5 pm and get 5% off all food for the day.
Storeys has reported on the MOD Development project at 218 Carlton, converting it into a non-profit residence for homeless Indigenous men. It will be operated by Na-Me-Res. For info about the project, click here. (Photo: Storeys)
Registration is now underway. The League has several divisions - Timbits (ages 4 to 6), Morning League (ages 7 to 9), Afternoon League (ages 10 to 13) and Teen League (ages 14 to 16). It’s free and there’s an equipment room for kids who don’t own their own skates, pads and masks. Kids with all skill levels are welcome. Moss Park Arena (140 Sherbourne). For more details, click here.
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 take 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.
IN OUR STORES
Holiday specials in our stores
IN THE MEDIA
New non-profit residence
KIDS NEWS
Moss Park hockey
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 - On stage to December 3, Citadel (304 Parliament). This annual presentation includes a brand-new work from choreographer Jera Wolfe and the return of NIGH. T/SHIFT performers River Waterhen and Winter Hawk. Larry’s Christmas Cabaret - December 10. Citadel’s hilarious and quirky annual holiday tradition - 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.
Crazy Dave Goes to Town
December 14 to 16. The Centre for Indigenous Theatre presents Daniel David Moses’ play, the story of David McLeod. Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas E).
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.
ENTERTAINMENT
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
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)
Music and stand-up comedy
The Dominion (500 Queen E) presents live music every Saturday from 7 pm and 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.
Revelstoke is a new vegan restaurant that’s just opened at 195 Carlton. It’s a second location for an established place in Peterborough where the menu and service collect positive reviews. Jeff Clarkin and his son Connor are its owner/operators. Drop in for some baked goods and espresso to start your morning. Its plant-based menu includes an all-day brunch, lots of starters, hand helds, salads and bowls. They’ve applied for a liquor licence. Open seven days a week from 9 am to 7 pm.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Welcome Revelstoke
Welcome Chef Ling
Maracas on Parliament (603 Parliament) is Chef Ling’s new home. He's had a hard time getting things going - he struggled with COVID and then huis business began to revive when he opened here. Almost at once, the street construction started and his business dropped. He’s got a tiny space with big plans. He’s offering high quality Trinidadian food for walk-ins and for tasting parties of 3 to 14 people. His choices in a recent tasting included curried crab with dumplings, fresh lobster pasta, oxtail and rice, seasoned fried corn and stir fried carrots, jerk chicken sandwiches and mango hand pie. He’s applied for a liquor licence and is currently eligible for special occasion permits. Check out his food on Instagram.
Cyril’s soup
This week, he’s creating green chilli - either with chicken or vegan. The chicken version is $4/cup for 3 to 9 cups, $3.50/cup for 10 or more cups and the vegan is $3/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $2.50/cup for 10 or more. His juice is cranberry sorrel, 2 cups for $9. Email your order to him.
