CABBAGETOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD
REVIEW
FEATURED ARTIST
Betty White’s lovely images have been added to the Cabbagetown Artists’ website. This image, entitled “My roots are my branches” is one of them. She joins Michael Cavanaugh, Jack Grunsky, Victoria Hadden, Irene Peplinski DeClute, Eric Morse and Martha Preston.
LOCAL NEWS
Tents in Allan Gardens
Councillor Chris Moise will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss these tents and the actions being taken to resolve the problems that are caused by them. 7 pm, Tuesday April 11. Register here.
Easter egg hunt
The Cabbagetown BIA is organizing a two-fold contest. First - an egg painting contest to April 8. Pick up your free kit at a participating business. Paint your egg, take a photo and upload it on Instagram (use the hashtag #CabbagetownEggPainting) or email it to the BIA before 11:59 pm on April 8. A winner will receive cash or gift card prizes. Second - on Saturday April 8 from 11 am to 3 pm, go to the BIA website and get an egg hunting map. Visit the participating businesses and find the hidden eggs with the BIA sticker. When you’re done, take a picture of your eggs (showing the stickers) and post it on Instagram (use the hashtag #CabbagetownEggHunt). The winner with the most eggs will get a gift certificate or cash prize.
Riverdale Park West path
Greg has written with a useful idea. He notes that flooding happens every year on the lower sidewalk at the base of the Park’s hill. People walking there either get a wet foot or they trudge through the mud. He suggests that either the sidewalk be raised or a wooden walkway be installed. He’s contacted Councillor Chris Moise with this suggestion. (Photo: Greg Bloem)
Forsythia Festival
Volunteers are needed for the first big event of the Spring season. High school students who want their volunteer hours to be recorded are welcome. The jobs are lots of fun and the Festival is very popular. It takes place on Sunday May 7 - the parade starts at 10 am in Riverdale Park West and the Festival runs from 11 am to 3 pm in Wellesley Park. You can email Sara to sign up.
The BIA is hiring
The Cabbagetown BIA is hiring two young people for summer jobs between May 8 and September 29. Lana and Shivon worked there last year and said they had a great time. The Marketing and Events Coordinator will work on the Cabbagetown Festival, smaller summer events and social media campaigns. The Operations and Events Coordinator will handle volunteer training, one-on-one work with the businesses, public realm beautification and streetscape improvements. If you’re interested, check out the job descriptions, pay and other details online at Indeed.
Cabbagetown Residents Association
The CRA represents residents who live east of Parliament and north of Gerrard. The Association is looking for volunteers to join its Board of Directors. They hope to attract people who like to coordinate events, handle the book keeping and work with City of Toronto officials. Check the CRA website for info about nomination procedures and the work done by the Board.
I’m a scofflaw
I admit it. So are lots of other people who contact me regularly with stories for the blog. On April 1, City Council ruled it illegal to feed any kind of wildlife in Toronto - from the tiniest mouse to the biggest moose. I feed squirrels. They’re the happy beneficiaries of my attempts to feed blue jays with a peanut diet. I have a metal ring that holds a daily supply. The squirrels raid it and I don’t care. My neighbour’s kids also feed a local rabbit. This “policy” - complete with a 311 snitch line where alert citizens can report a ne’er-do-well - is the product of a major task force review at City Hall.
IN THE MEDIA
Changes at Moss Park
blogTO has a story about design proposals for the new facilities in Moss Park. The new community centre will replace the John Innes Community Centre and there will also be renovations at the arena.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office space for rent
The offices at 493 Parliament above the TD Bank have extra space to rent. This office is open and bright. The common areas are available including a kitchen, a meeting room and seating in the entrance area. There’s elevator access to the second floor. It’s an ideal space for a lawyer or professional. For more info and for a tour of the space, call Tony Lafazanis at (416) 979-1770. $850 month plus HST.
COMING EVENTS
Ramadan meals
The Regent Park Catering Collective is offering free meals to Ramadan observers. Every Wednesday to April 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Break the fast and pray Maghrib prayer together. Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas E).
Cabbagetown Talks
The Cabbagetown Preservation Association is hosting another in its Cabbagetown Talks series. Thursday, April 13, 7 to 9 pm, Meeting House at Riverdale Farm (Winchester and Sumach). Learn about the redesign at Saint Luke’s Church (Carlton and Sherbourne). For meeting details, click here.
FOR YOUR BODY
This week at Parliament Street Fitness
Parliament Street Fitness (488 Parliament) offers a variety of classes every week. This information will be updated every Monday morning - it’s straight off the gym’s announcement blackboard. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Tune-ups and sales at Cycle Solutions
Cycle Solutions (444 Parliament) is ready to give your bike your annual Spring tune-up. There’s an easy-to-use form on its website - check it out and make your reservation. While you’re at the store, see the bikes and parts that are currently on sale - good bargains to start your cycling season.
Stretch & strength
There’s no class on Monday. Classes will resume on April 17 at 9:30 am with a focus on posture. Gina Dineen has started this regular Essentrics class at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster). It’s for both beginners and experienced exercisers who want to add stretch and strength activity to their aerobics. Drop-in style, $5/class.
Step classes
Brenda Brown McNee’s popular step class at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre (2 Lancaster) will continue every Wednesday through April. The class on April 19 will be a review of the various techniques used in these exercises - good for beginners and a refresher for more experienced people. Drop-ins are welcome. Children are also welcome. Fee is $5 or PWYC. For more info, a detailed safety list and an equipment list, email Brenda.
IN OUR STORES
Eclectisaurus
Leslie’s inventory sale is now happening. She’s decided to close her shop at the end of April. Everything is available at 30% off. She has plenty of high quality stock still available. She’s finishing the sale of her large items on April 24 and her smaller ones on April 30. She features mid-century modern pieces, vintage and 20th Century designs - furniture, art, ceramics and more. (249 Gerrard E)
Easter at The Great Mallard
Drop by and enter the BIA’s Easter in the Patch egg hunt on Saturday. While you’re there, enter the special raffle that Christina has organized. You could win the Great Easter Breakfast Basket full of jams, Cabbagetown honey and lots of other goodies. 503 Parliament.
AAA Accounting & Tax
Owen practices from his Parliament Street office (462 Parliament) and from his informative website. His newsletters on his website give insights about current tax issues. Click here to read his news.
Labour of Love - coming events
Regina holds regular workshops in Labour of Love (223 Carlton). Check out her coming event - Intro to Baking with Cannabis with Ann Allchin. Thursday April 20, 6 to 8 pm. Learn about baking edibles and taste some infused or uninfused goodies. Try your hand at decorating a tie-dye weed cookie, chat over a CBD cocktail and ask questions about all things cannabis in a judgement-free zone. $55.66. Go online for more info and to reserve your spot.
KIDS STUFF
Spring art and crafts
The Children’s Book Bank (585 Dundas E) is holding two craft days in its Regent Park location over this weekend. Your kids can make paper flowers on Saturday April 8 and Monday April 10 from 10 am to 3 pm.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Best wishes to Harish
Harish has informed us that Haldi (568 Parliament) will be closing. Tuesday April 11 will be its last day. He says, “It was a tremendous blessing to serve such a beautiful community and be a part of it.” Our thanks to him for his good meals and our best wishes for his future plans.
Stout’s puppy menu
The puppy menu is back on the patio at Stout Irish Pub (221 Carlton). Your pal can enjoy a wide range of goodies - cottage pie, mashed carrots and gravy, chicken and rice, ice cream for dessert and lots more.
Cranberries
Another great three course dinner at Cranberries (601 Parliament) for Easter. Sunday April 9, two seatings - 5 and 7:30 pm. Start with butternut squash soup or an organic mixed green salad. Your main course will be either roast turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce or lamb shank with port wine au jus. Both mains come with mashed potato and seasonal veggies. For your dessert, there’s sticky toffee pudding. To reserve your spot, call (416) 925-6330. $43.
Easter weekend at Dominion
Dominion Pub & Kitchen (500 Queen E) has brunch with bottomless mimosa’s for $30. All weekend - from Friday April 7 to Monday April 10.
Easter egg draw
The Aviary (484 Front) has a jar full of eggs - guess how many are in there. You can win a jar full of chocolate plus a six pack of Longslice beer. Drop in before the draw happens on Tuesday April 11.
Mill Street Brew Pub
The Brew Pub (21 Tank House Lane, Distillery) is offering Easter specials all weekend. Your server will have the menus.
Cyril’s soup
For Easter weekend, Cyril’s making two soups - split pea with pork shoulder ($4.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $4/cup for 10 or more) and split pea vegan ($3.50/cup for 3 to 9 cups and $3/cup for 10 or more). His juice is cantaloupe, orange and carrot (2 cups for $9.50). For delivery on Saturday April 8. Please send him an email with your order.
WEEKLY CALENDAR - CLUBS & PUBS
THURSDAY APRIL 6 TO SUNDAY APRIL 16
- For contact info about these clubs and restaurants, see the list at the bottom of this page.
THURSDAY APRIL 6
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY APRIL 7
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Super Bargain
Oysters and DJ Shamz
The Aviary
Easter egg draw until April 10
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 8
Dominion
8 pm, Live music
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
The Aviary
Easter egg draw until April 10
SUNDAY APRIL 9
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
The Aviary
Easter egg draw until April 10
Noon to 6 pm, Market Brews community market.
MONDAY APRIL 10
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
Super Bargain
7 pm, It’s Tricky - trivia
The Aviary
Easter egg draw until April 10
TUESDAY APRIL 11
Aviary
8 pm, Bird Brain trivia
Golden Pigeon
7 pm, jazz and $2 oysters
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, Headscratchers Trivia
9 to 11 pm, Stout After Dark starts with $6 beer, apps and shots
WEDNESDAY APRIL 12
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
7:30 pm, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
Stout Irish Pub
7 pm, euchre night
The Golden Pigeon
7 pm, Random Trivia
THURSDAY APRIL 13
Dominion
6:30 pm, Pubstumpers Trivia
FRIDAY APRIL 14
Alice’s Place
9 pm, Karaoke
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
8 pm, Stoner Chicks comedy night
Super Bargain
Fresh oysters
10 pm, DJ Shamz
Wing House
9 pm, Karaoke
SATURDAY APRIL 15
Aviary
Noon to 6 pm, Market Brews community market
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion
Noon, traditional West African drumming classes with Amadou Kienou
2 pm, beginner drumming classes with Anna Melnikoff
SUNDAY APRIL 16
Aviary
Noon to 6 pm, Market Brews community market
Dominion
6 pm dinner and 7 pm, stand-up comedy
CONTACT INFO
Alice’s Place - 554 Parliament
Aviary - 484 Front East
Bolokelen Malinke Percussion - 243 Gerrard E
Cranberries - 601 Parliament
Distillery - Mill Street and Parliament
Dominion - 500 Queen E
El Catrin - 18 Tank House Lane, Distillery
Golden Pigeon - 424 Parliament
House on Parliament - 454 Parliament
NJ Lounge - 507 Parliament
Stout Irish Pub - 221 Carlton
Super Bargain - 441 Parliament
Wing House - 420 Parliament
