Afternoon POTLUCK at Vine Ave Playground every Saturday in July!

Where: 200 Vine ave, North of Dundas, between Pacific and McMurray

When: Every Saturday this July at 3:00 p.m.!

Bring a blanket/lawn chair, fav dish to share, water/juice, reusable cups/plates/forks/1 garbage bag :)

We'll set up right beside the "Vine Parkette" sign, it's in the shade and very close to the playground equipment! Once the city/garbage strike is over, we'll have the wading pool available! You do not have to be a parent to participate, come over with your dish and introduce yourself!

If anyone has a folding table, please bring it, thanks! :)

CANCELLED if RAINS!

Day Camps for Summer

If you are one of many families that have been affected by the City Strike and would require childcare in the Junction/High Park/Bloor West Village/Roncesvalles area, please read the following info!

We are a Before & After School Centre scheduled to be fully operational in September, just in time for school year 2009-2010. Conveniently located at 2968 Dundas St. West, Suite 305 at Pacific Avenue, we service families who have children enrolled in Annette Street Jr. & Sr. PS, High Park Alternative and St. Cecilia’s Catholic.

We are also looking into offering bus pick-ups after school for children that are enrolled in Humbercrest PS, Runnymede PS, Indian Rd. Crescent PS, Keele St. PS/Mountview Alternative.

Call (416) 766-3843 option 2 or e-mail at jhpbas@gmail.com for more information.
Visit our website http://junctionhighparkbeforeafterschool.wordpress.com and leave us a comment.

Free Family Programming with the Canadian Stage TD DREAM in High Park

The Canadian Stage TD Dream in High Park is a tradition of summer in Toronto and this year they are kicking off the opening of the show with Canada DREAMS: A Canada Day Celebration.

On Wednesday July 1st starting at 4:00 pm, there will be family-friendly activities that include games, workshops with the actors, and a backstage tour of the outdoor set. There will also be a Canada DREAMS graffiti wall, crafts, music, cake and more! All these activities, including a performance of The Tempest (starting at 8:00 pm) are FREE!

Gingerbread House Family Cafe Grand Opening ~ Saturday, June 27, 11:00am - 2:00pm

image- gingerbread house family cafe

Local artist Noel Paulo will be painting a mural on the East wall of the Gingerbread House. The Junction's very own David Cornel from the Crazy Dave Show will be performing magic tricks and entertaining children of all ages!

Gingerbread House Family Cafe Inc.
2790 Dundas Street West
416 769 5678
info@gingerbreadcafe.ca

Mediterranean Charm in the Junction: Fatima's Cafe & Bistro Grand Opening

Recession be damed, Fatima Santos, first time restauranteur brings fine, yet affordable, Mediterranean fare to the Junction - the west end district of Toronto where she has developed loyal fans from having run the Freetime corner coffee shop for years.

This Tuesday June 23, 2009 from 5.30 pm to 8 pm, Fatima's Cafe & Bistro invites you for a sampling of fine food along with live latin, jazz and blues by local Junction musicians, Mango Moon.
This summer, go Mediterranean, stay local. The affable restauranteur noticed a need, and an opportunity, for a Mediterranean style bistro.

The menu of French, Italian and Portuguese dishes offers a delicious array of quiches, crepes, pastas, grilled panini sandwiches and fabulous daily soups and salads.

Come in on weekends for organic coffee, breakfast specials and brunch. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Licensed restaurant offers an extensive wine selection. Take-out available.

Where: Fatima's Cafe and Bistro, 3108 Dundas Street West
When: Tuesday June 23m 2009, 5.30pm-8pm
Contact: Fatima at 647-727-4550

Summer Craft Camp

Arts and crafts camp at Wise Daughters – Crafting with a Twist
July 6 – 10 and 13 – 17, daily 10 – 12.
Ages 10 – 16 (flexible)
Instructor Anna Redish.
Sewing, stamping, beads, paper craft and much more for creative kids in the Junction.
$100 per week, includes all materials.

Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops
3079B Dundas St. West, Toronto, M6P 1Z9
416-761-1555
www.wisedaughters.com

La Leche League ~ Parkdale/High Park Group

All women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to attend monthly Group meetings. Any time is a good time to come to a La Leche League meeting: when pregnant, with a new baby or when considering weaning, bring your nursling with you.

Meeting Day: 2nd Monday of the month
Meeting Location: 240 Roncesvalles (in the Village Healing Centre)
Start time: 9:45 am
Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours
Local LLL Phone Line: (416) 483-3368
Meeting Schedule: click here to view meeting schedule for 2009

More details HERE

New Junction Arts Festival Blog!

image credit: http://artjunction.blogspot.com/

Click HERE to access the new Junction Arts Festival Blog!

Evymama ~ Decadence and Activism :)

Monday June 15-Sunday June 21

You`re Invited...

Gourmet chocolates & white cranberry mocktails
A pink rose for every mama and mama-to-be
See the newest nursing lingerie styles
Relax or nurse in our new garden lounge!

Win fabulous prizes!
Gift certificates & glamourous prizes from Evymama, Salon Allure, La Perlerie, and more!

One in twenty customers will WIN twice their purchases from Evymama*!
A percentage of sales from this event will go to support INFACT Canada in their work to protect breastfeeding in Canada and around the world.

Want to help right away? Sign the INFACT petition & protect breastfeeding.

Evymama Nursing & Maternity
266 Jane Street
Toronto, Canada
416.913.0546
evymama.ca

Report proposes melding of daycare & kindergarten into a full day program

From The Toronto Star :

"Ontario parents of 4- and 5-year-olds should be able to leave their children at school from 7:30 in the morning to 6 p.m. as part of sweeping changes bringing daycare and kindergarten under one roof, the Star has learned."

Read full article HERE

Full-day learning starts next year
McGuinty to back education blueprint blending kindergarten and daycare for children aged 4 and 5.
full article HERE

I'll believe it when I see it, McGuinty is full of broken promises...

Earthstones Ceramics has been nominated for a SavvyMom Award!!

From Raisa, the owner of Earthstones Ceramics:

I never thought I'd get a chance to say this but ... it truly IS an honour just to be nominated. We opened our doors under 2 years ago and it has been getting busier and busier as the months roll by. Well, someone noticed that we are worthy of a nod from the folks of the ever-popular SavvyMom organization (http://www.savvymom.ca/) and we're thrilled about it!
As it turns out, nominees like ourselves have to canvas for votes hence the reason you're getting this message. If you feel we've made yours or your little one's day a special one while at Earthstones or you'd like to help us get a little financial boost which this award provides to help really get us off the ground, then vote for us today HERE.

We were asked to provide a description of what we're about what we could use in the future. It's not exactly the most savvy of descriptions but it's honest and nothing's more savvy than that! You'll find the Submit Your Vote button just below it.
Thanks so much for your support in advance! And if you're comfortable with this, please send it to your friends to help spread the word.

Sincerely,
Raisa
http://www.earthstonesceramics.webs.com/

Photos from today's community potluck

Wise Daughters Craft Market fund raiser was an amazing success once again!

The Wise Daughters Craft Market fund raiser for the Redwood Shelter raised another $400 today, on top of the previously raised $500 (Mother's Day clothing swap)!

Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops
3079B Dundas St. West, Toronto, M6P 1Z9
416-761-1555
http://www.wisedaughters.com/

Toronto West End Web - Social Media Discussion & Workshop, this Wednesday, June 17th @ CREMA!

click on image to enlarge!

Toronto West End Web - Social Media Discussion & Workshop

WHAT: Toronto West Web - Social Media Discussion & Workshop

WHEN: Wednesday June 17, 2009, 7-8pm (come early for networking)

WHERE: Crema Coffee Co., 3079 Dundas St W @ Quebec Ave

WHY: To discuss organizing with social media, meet web savvy

HOW MUCH: FREE!

On Wednesday, June 17th from 7-8pm at Crema Coffee Co., West-end Toronto residents in and around the Junction neighbourhood will meet to discuss online organization and promotion using social media. This meeting was organized by Paul Reynolds from Totally Spun and Olga Goubar of The Arts Junction. For more information, please contact Paul Reynolds at paul@totallyspun.com.

Hosted by area media company Totally Spun in space graciously donated by Crema Coffee, this meeting will be introductory and hopefully only the first of many. Come to meet other local web savvy, or just web curious, residents. Discussion will be about the use of social media tools such as Twitter.com to promote or organize for personal, business or community efforts.

This first meeting is geared toward residents, business owners and community organizers in the Junction, but neighbours from all nearby communities are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Don't forget the HUGE anual Junction community yard sale and potluck TOMORROW, Saturday 9-2!

image and info: Junctioneer

There will be face painting and a local high school band!

Participating streets:
McMurray Avenue, Vine Avenue, Clendenan Avenue (N. of Dundas St. W), Mulock Avenue , Jackson Place, Indian Grove & Maria Street!

A bit of good news

Today's Toronto Star story by Daniel Dale:

"Mayor David Miller sided with child-care advocates yesterday, expressing opposition to a proposal to restrict the opening of new day nurseries in residential areas.

Miller, rebuking city staff who drew up the plan, called the proposal "too restrictive." He suggested it would be eliminated by staff or the planning committee before it goes to a vote of the whole city council."

Toronto Mayor Backs Daycares... yea, right!

images credit: Say Yes to Neighbourhood Daycare

From National Post: “I agree with the stroller marchers,” Mayor Miller said on last night’s show. “I think daycare is something you should walk to...I would support something that makes things easier for parents.”

I find this funny because when Bill Saundercook - ward 13 councillor introduced the bill to ban any additional daycares on High Park ave, our Mayor cited conflict of interest and refused to vote against it! His reason being that his wife owns some property in the area, well so does Bill Saundercook, yet it didn't stop him, did it??

I just want to thank Gord Perks from Ward 14 (Parkdale/High Park) for supporting the "Say Yes to Neighbourhood Daycare" initiative by actually voting against the ban, voicing his support and coming out in person to yesterday's Stroller March at City Hall!

The organisers Alison Gibbins and Pippa Van Dam and all the moms and dads who participated in yesterday's Stroller March at City Hall did an outstanding job raising awareness to the daycare shortage issue.

MEDIA COVERAGE:

GLOBAL NEWS

CITY NEWS

Second-hand Clothing Sale to Benefit Redwood Shelter! This Saturday, June 13th, 9 am-2pm

Time: June 13, 2009 from 9am to 2pm
Location: Wise Daughters Craft Market
Street: 3079B Dundas St. W. (Dundas and Quebec ave)
Event Type: fundraiser
Organized By: Mary Breen

Fabulous gently used women's fashions for $10 a bag! All proceeds to Redwood Shelter. Part of Junction-wide yard sale!

Toronto Day Nursery By-Laws petition!

To: City of Toronto Mayor and Councillors

This petition is to oppose the proposed new City of Toronto by-laws that would prevent any new daycares of more than 5 children (Day Nurseries) from being opened in single dwelling buildings in residential zoned areas. Toronto is already severely underserved by Day Nurseries and many parents are on long waiting lists with no guarantee of placement for their children. We need more childcare options in close proximity of our homes to encourage walking, biking and transit use, not additional restrictions in residential areas. We the undersigned call on the City Councillors and Mayor to redraft the by-laws to encourage quality, regulated and inspected daycares within residential neighbourhoods.

Please sign this petition HERE

Interesting Sunday Musical Brunches at Rebas Cafe & Gallery!

From 12-3
Brunch & barbeque

June 28
Alan Stelling & his
Rockin Swinging Cello
Music by Bach, Bachman, Hendrix, Vivaldi,
LedZep and Zappa. Visit his website for
your preview http://www.mycellomusic.com/

July 5
Just Us Trio
It’s folk & country rock with a twist of
blues. Guitar, Bass, Drums and the strong
vocals by Judith McBurney. They are back
by popular demand so come and see what all
the talk is about.

3289 Dundas Street West (416) 626-7372
Tuesday-Friday 8:30-6:00

Saturday-Sunday 9:00-5:00

Cool organic kiddies menu at The Beet!

Baby Beet (Vegan) (Wheat-Free) (Gluten-Free) $2 Baby-sized portion of homemade organic pureeApple, avocado, banana, sweet potato, brown rice

Nibbler Platter (Vegan) (Wheat-Free) (Gluten-Free) $5 Bite sized pieces of: steamed tofu or roasted chicken, sweet potato, cheddar cheese & apple(Cheese may be replaced by avocado for a vegan option)

The Beet Box $9 Served with potato & sweet potato wedges, house ketchup & a freshly squeezed carrot/apple juice Choice of: Grilled cheese PB&J on sourdough (w/ carrot sticks instead of wedges) (Vegan)

Check out their new BRUNCH MENU !

2945 Dundas Street West MAP
http://www.thebeet.ca/

Little Lola ~ the children's shop is turning 5!

Please join Little Lola's 5th Birthday Party
on Saturday, June 13th from 10am-6pm

Street Entertainment from 11am-3pm
Magic Show 2pm-3pm
Lots of surprises, lootbags and promotions.

778 Annette Street
416.915.5652
Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm

http://www.littlelolakidsshop.com/

Clean Train Coalition

Metrolinx and the Province of Ontario plan to run over 400 diesel trains a day through our neighbourhood. Diesel exhaust is a known threat to human health, especially the health of children and seniors, and is linked to cancer and respiratory diseases. This plan will seriously impact our quality of life.
Metrolinx has indicated a vague plan to electrify this corridor in 15 years, but there is no commitment in place to do so. In order to protect our health, save our neighbourhoods, and advance Ontario’s green economy, we need to electrify now.

Visit http://www.cleantrain.ca/ to find out how.

1st Annual Junction Community Yard Sale and Potluck! Saturday, June 13th, 9 am-2 pm

image and info: Junctioneer

Participating streets:

McMurray Avenue, Hook Ave, Vine Avenue, Clendenan Avenue (N. of Dundas St. W), Mulock Avenue , Jackson Place, Indian Grove & Maria Street!

Junction-High Park Before & After School Centre & Open House

Junction-High Park Before & After School Centre is in the process of applying for licensing by the Ministry of Children & Youth Services.

The programs will be fully operational starting school year 2009-2010. We will offer full-week programs, from Monday to Friday. We will also offer part-time programs (3x/week), space permitting. Before and after school care is provided for PA days, Spring/ Summer Break and Christmas. The Centre is closed on weekends and all statutory holidays.
Before School Program begins at 7:30 a.m. to start of school day during weekdays. A healthy breakfast will be served.
After School Program begins at end of school day to 6:00 p.m. during weekdays. Healthy afternoon snacks and beverages will be served.

Participating schools:

We are now accepting pre-registrations for JK/SK (4-5 years old) and school age children (6-12 years old). We will be serving Annette St. Jr & Sr PS, High Park Alternative School and St. Cecilia’s Catholic School for school year 2009-2010 commencing on first day of school.

For Fees, click --> HERE

For more info and to register, click --> HERE

OPEN HOUSE!

When: June 13, from 10am to 2pm

Location: 2968 Dundas St. West (suite 305)

Organized By: Jocelyn Reyes Midghall

Dundas/Keele Early Years Centre JULY calendar

July calendar, click--> HERE

To be on the e-mail list and receive this calendar via e-mail when it is released please contact Joanie at the centre. All programs with a (√) require registration. All registrations are done over the phone. 416-762-3700 Please don’t leave a voicemail.

2918 Dundas St. W.,
M6P 1Y8

Free Carseat Clinic June 24th, 9 am-12:00 pm

Clinic at 25 The West Mall, on the north east side of Sherway Gardens (adjacent to the Sears merchandise pick-up door). Toronto Fire Services will be collecting canned goods for the Food Bank at this clinic. Please bring all your donations to the site. At the completion of the clinic all of the collected goods will be transported directly to the Food Bank for distribution.

The correct use of child safety seats can reduce the risk of injury by 75% and the risk of death by 90% (Transport Canada 1998). Four (4) out of five (5) car seats are not used properly in Canada (Safekids Canada, 1999).
The Child Safety Seat Coalition is comprised of representatives from various community agencies and groups who are committed to reducing road-related injuries and deaths in children.
The Coalition's goal is to develop and implement effective strategies to help prevent injuries and injury-related deaths in children as a result of motor vehicle collisions through the correct use of child safety seats.

http://www.toronto.ca/fire/carseats/index.htm

Community Garden by Junction residents on Mulock Ave.

image: http://acraftyvegan.blogspot.com/

While reading Junctioneer today, I stumbled on another fabulous Junction- area blog that mentions creating a community garden, please read this post!

THE LOFT PILATES STUDIO summer camp! (4-8 yrs)

416-604-0177

396 Pacific Avenue, Suite 201(in The Junction)

http://www.theloftpilates.com/

myriam@theloftpilates.com

Summer Camp (4-8 yrs)

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9am-12:30pm

Jul 6-13, Jul 20-31

$360 / 2wks,

$684 / 4 wks

Totstock '09! Sunday, June 21st

On Sunday, June 21st, 2009, The Little Paper and Don Kerr productions, in partnership with TINARS For Tots, Pages Books and Bunch Family, will present totstock in Souraren Park, a festival of music, stories and crafts for kids and parents in support of The High Park Nature Centre.
Totstock will bring together friends and family from the west end in support of an amazing organization.
The event runs from 2 to 5pm and admission is free but activities and performances are offered as pay or donate-what-you-can.Your support of the event shows this community that you care about The Nature Centre, families, the environment and the neighbourhood.

for MORE INFO click --> HERE

Taking Pro-Daycare Stroller March to CITY HALL!

image- joeydevilla.com

Tuesday, June 9, 4:00PM at Toronto City Hall

Proposed City of Toronto By-Laws would limit new daycares in Toronto. We need more daycares, not restrictions in residential areas.

Meet at 4PM at City Hall (100 Queen Street West), by the reflecting pool

Stroller March at Nathan Phillips Square at 4:30PM Q&A on Proposed By-Laws with City Staff at 5PM in City Hall Committee Room #1

For more info, join our Facebook group "Say YES to Neighbourhood Daycare" or email Torontoniansfordaycare@gmail.com.

Snacks and activities for the children will be provided. Take the TTC to Queen or Osgoode subway stations. Paid parking is available under Nathan Phillips Square.

LELLO art school summer camps!

416-762-7337
lelloart@sympatico.ca
639 Annette St MAP

For complete list of summer camps/prices/descriptions please click ---> HERE

The impact of the new Daycare bylaw...

image from The Globe and Mail

From Pippa Van Dam, the administrator of the Say NO to Saundercook, say YES to Daycare Facebook group:

All residents of Toronto could be impacted by the new Saundercook bylaw, which is proposing to make it more difficult to open new daycares in the city. All Torontonians will be impacted!

This is the perfect opportunity to hold an even bigger stroller rally to highlight this important issue. If you would like to help plan this protest stroller rally, we are holding two planning sessions this Wednesday.

Please attend one of them (no need to attend both).

1) During the day 3pm Wednesday, June 3rd at Starbucks at Roncesvalles & Dundas (2201 Dundas Street West)

2) Evening 8pm Wednesday, June 3rd Swan & Firkin (2205 Bloor Street West @ Runnymede).

There is much to do: promotion, media etc. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! We need the city to make allowances for new daycares, not place numerous restrictions on new openings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Media coverage of our protest:

The Globe and Mail

The Toronto Star

Ann Douglas

The Villager

Playground Confidential