Jul 30, 2009

At The Beet! Great patio, now beer on tap :)



Now serving Mill St Organic on tap! Pint $6.50, Pitcher $19.50
2945 Dundas Street West MAP
http://www.thebeet.ca/
Check out their new BRUNCH MENU !

Yard Sale, Bake Sale, Art Raffle, Saturday, August 1st at 276 Gilmour Ave!


Please click on the image to enlarge!

Clean Train Coalition Update

Toronto, July 30 - In its final submission to the Metrolinx Environmental Assessment, the Clean Train Coalition urged the Province of Ontario and Metrolinx to change the plans for rail expansion in Toronto and build electric, rather than diesel, infrastructure.

The Clean Train Coalition represents thousands of citizens through links to dozens of communities and community groups in Toronto. The Coalition was formed early this year when Metrolinx announced plans to run 464 diesel trains each day through densely populated sections of Toronto. Residents along this rail corridor have spoken at all the Metrolinx open houses and sent petitions to all three levels of government urging that this corridor be build right the first time.

Metrolinx today announced an end to the Environmental Assessment studying the effects of this project. It will now be up to the Minister of the Environment of Ontario, John Gerretsen, to have the last word.

“We believe the evidence in Metrolinx’s Assessment proves that these trains cannot be run safely in Toronto," said Carina Cojeen, co-chair of the Coalition. "Most harmful pollutants will double, greenhouse gas emissions will increase. Such groups as the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Board of Health, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, Toronto Environmental Alliance and others agree that this project will cause harm to an already poor and unhealthy part of Toronto. Children are especially at risk, with studies showing that children exposed to these levels of pollution have permanent damage to their lungs.”

More info HERE

Gingerbread House Family Cafe will be open late every Tuesday in August!


Untill 10 pm!!! We always complain that every coffee place in the Junction closes by 7 pm, it's nice to have somewhere to go for coffee, late-night dessert and free WiFi after you put your kids to sleep.
Gingerbread House Family Cafe
2790 Dundas Street West
416 769 5678
info@gingerbreadcafe.ca

New pet/accessories shop in the Junction


3035 Dundas St W (and High Park ave), right beside Dominos Pizza.

Jul 29, 2009

JRA Cultural Committee Meeting - August 4th, 7:30-9:30 pm

Where: Wise Daughters Craft Market
3079B Dundas St. W.

Special summer meeting of the Junction Cultural Committee to shape plans for the spring fling involving students and the community. Grant applications are due starting mid-August! Besides the spring fling, we'll discuss strategies for pursuing designation as a Heritage Conservation District, in conjunction with the Junction Historical Society.

Jul 24, 2009

FREE Promotional Shoot this Sat July 25th - at Snug as a Bug by Tangerine Photography!

FREE photoshoot courtesy of Tangerine Photography at Snug as a Bug.
You are invited to bring your little ones in their cutest outfits; ready to smile for the camera.
Each parent will receive one free 5x7 print from Tangerine and we will also be giving away gift bags full of goodies from local businesses including a coupon for a free sitting fee at Tangerine Photography's studio.

http://www.snugasabug.com/
Looking forward to seeing you all on Sat. July 25th between 10am and 12pm,Snug As A Bug Store
3022 Dundas St. West(2 blocks west of Keele at High Park Ave)
416-534-6881
no appointment is necessary.

Jul 23, 2009

Studio Cycle Group Demo Day in support of Kids Help Phone! Sunday, July 26th, 11am-3pm

Join us for a Demo Day in support of Kids Help Phone - $5.00 a ride - and all proceeds go to charity. We'll have KYMCO scooters and motorcycles on site for you to test ride around the Junction! (LSM, M, M1 or M2 license required)

Studio Cycle Group
2923 Dundas St. W.
416-766-5300
http://www.studiocyclegroup.com/

Outdoor Strength Training program for moms, bring your kids along for a playdate and a workout! New 30-class session added!


20 classes- 9:30 am! Tuesdays & Thursdays - Sept 22nd to Nov 26th $120
20 classes – 3:00 pm! Tuesdays & Thursdays – Sept 22nd to Nov 26th $120
30 classes – 9:30 am! Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays -Sept 14th to Nov 20th $180
Outdoor Strength Training with Toddlers (maximum 7 participants)- 1 hour class with 15 min play time afterwards!
The 1 hour class covers all muscle groups, intensive workout using two 5 lb dumbbells, wooden chairs and mats, I provide all equipment except for dumbbells. We have a gate that locks, plenty of running around space and all kinds of toys, your kids will enjoy their playdate while moms work-up a good sweat :)
Each program includes before and after weigh-ins and measurements, you’ll love seeing real results on paper, as well as your body!
Please email sveltemamas@gmail.com to sign-up and try a FREE class!



New - Children's Art Classes @ Wise Daughters Craft Market starting September 22nd


Join artist Kathie Young for small group classes in painting, drawing and felting.
Tuesdays starting September 22
4:00 - 5:00 ages 6 - 8
5:15 - 6:15 ages 9 - 12
$100 for 4 week series, includes all materials

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

Jul 21, 2009

Still have openings for mom sellers and musical talent! Kids are welcome to participate!


image-DungeonRecordings
The First Annual Junction Mom to Mom Sale still has space for a few more mom-sellers (no table fees, keep what you sell), we are also looking for 2-4 band (kids too!)/vocalists/musicians to volunteer to perform at the sale on the Junction Train Platform! Please email me at Junctionmom2momsale@gmail.com

When- Saturday, September 19th, 9:30 am - 12 pm (The week after Junction Arts Fest)
Where- Junction City Square (train platform and lot at Dundas St. W. & Pacific Ave)

A Junction Mom-to-Mom Sale is a huge rummage sale where you can buy gently used baby and kids' items directly from sellers (moms). Get great deals on second-hand baby clothing, kids'/maternity clothing, toys, games, furniture and gear.

JUNCTION ARTS FESTIVAL


Weaving Mosaics: A creative adventure of vast proportions; September 9 to 13, 2009
Toronto, ON, July 21, 2009 – Like a mosaic, the 2009 Junction Arts Festival (produced by the Junction Forum for Art and Culture, JFAC) will weave a multitude of eclectic cultural and artistic elements together to create one big celebration; September 9 to 13 in Toronto’s west-end Junction neighbourhood.

Now in its 17th year and attracting 200,000 visitors in 2008, the Junction Arts Festival takes place along one kilometre of Dundas Street West between Keele Street and Quebec Avenue, and features five days of unique artistry and innovation presented in many unusual ways; Visual Art Exhibits (September 9 to 13), Live Music Concerts (September 11 and 12), and the Street Performance Artists, Literary Artists, KidZone, Green Village and the Artisan/Vendor Market (happen during the weekend street closure on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13).

The Junction City Square at 2960 Dundas Street West at Pacific Avenue is the epicentre to all activities. Its train platform (specially built for the 2008 Junction Centennial, based on the CPR train station that once stood at Annette and Dupont) acts as the main stage this year, where, as a festival highlight, Junction native, acclaimed singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge will present a special evening of music with invited guests (Saturday, September 12 at 9:00 p.m., guests TBA).
JFAC Chair Councillor Bill Saundercook (Ward 13, City of Toronto) states, “It is the Junction Forum for Art and Culture's honour to present the very successful annual Junction Arts Festival, on behalf of the entire Junction community. This year, while we integrate a variety of extraordinary artists from many sources, we also continue to showcase the incredible pool of talent and creative brilliance available to us in our own neighbourhood.”

Escapade of discoveries: Visual Art Exhibits: The 2009 Juried Art Exhibit will showcase this year’s 75 entrants at the Academy of Realist Art (2968 Dundas St. W.), plus established and impromptu galleries along Dundas West present additional artists for the full five days (Sept. 9 to 13).
Visual highlights also include many extraordinary installation artists such as Robert Hilts and Reid English; placed in outdoor and indoor locations during the weekend street closure (Sept. 12 & 13).
Live Music Concerts: The Junction City Square’s train platform (the Main Stage) will host two nights of live music performances; Afrobeat band Mr. Something Something headlines the Friday evening concert (Sept. 11) and Americana troubadour Justin Rutledge and friends headlines the Saturday evening show (Sept. 12).
Street Performance Artists: There will be dance, theatre, live painting, music and comedy performers winding there way in and out of Dundas West shops and buildings (Sept. 12 & 13).
Highlights include festival faves Toronto comedy duo Bain & Bernard (second year), and dance troupe r.a.d. (random acts of dance) return for the third time.
Additionally, many travelling minstrels (soloists or groups) will strum and hum in unanticipated settings along Dundas West.

Literary Artists: Back for the second year with an increased presence and sponsored for the first time by Junction publishing company BookThug (www.bookthug.ca), the literary component will feature over 20 writers and poets, who will present public readings in unusual and experimental ways; including using megaphones from rooftops and roaming paperboys (Sept. 12 & 13).

The KidZone: Centrally located for 2009 on Pacific Avenue at Dundas West, the KidZone is a fun zone featuring family-friendly arts, painting and interactive design workshops, a giant slide, a jumping castle, a sports complex and more (Sept. 12 & 13).

The Green Village: Leading the march of the third annual Green Village participants is the green conscious, bicycle powered Afrobeat band Mr. Something Something, who encourages audience cooperation to demonstrate their pedal powered sound system, the SoundCycle.
The area also presents materials, talks and workshops on environmental initiatives (Sept. 12 & 13). The Junction Arts Festival practices reducing, reusing and recycling throughout the entire location.
Artisan/Vendor Market: Creative types, artisans and yummy food and drink vendors make for interesting and fun weekend shopping (Sept. 12 & 13).

The Junction City Square: It’s the spot for the weekend beer tent, the Main Stage evening concerts and the weekend daily community group performances and more (2960 Dundas St. W.).

Please Note: Further details and more artist announcements are coming soon. For schedule updates and to access the new Junction Arts Festival Blog please visit regularly at http://www.junctionartsfest.com/.

The 17th annual Junction Arts Festival is generously supported by title sponsor the Junction Business Improvement Area and the active involvement from Junction area businesses and residents. The Junction Forum for Art and Culture (JFAC) is a non-profit arts presenting organization and its main project is the annual Junction Arts Festival. The hands-on JFAC Board of Directors consists of dedicated cultural producers, artists, residents, business owners and politicians, all of whom are based in the Junction.

Jul 20, 2009

Green 13 invites you to a free screening of Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home”



When: Saturday, July 25 at 6:00 pm
Where: Margret
2952 Dundas St. W. (just E of Pacific)
All info HERE

Jul 17, 2009

Junction Mom to Mom Sale - Free Community Event! Saturday, SEPTEMBER 19th


When- Saturday, September 19th, 9:30 am - 12 pm (The week after Junction Arts Fest)

Where- Junction City Square (train platform and lot at Dundas St. W. & Pacific Ave)

A Junction Mom-to-Mom Sale is a huge rummage sale where you can buy gently used baby and kids' items directly from sellers (moms). Get great deals on second-hand baby clothing, kids'/maternity clothing, toys, games, furniture and gear.

We will invite at least 25 mom-sellers with their own folding tables and 10 local (at least 3 local artists) businesses with small folding tables (kid/parent-friendly items, art, food), a local high school band to play during the sale on the train platform and an arts/crafts table for the visiting kids/youth, we will leave the space as clean as we found it, each seller is responsible to crean-up after themselves. You must be a Junction-based business.

To participate as a seller: You bring your items to the sale (half an hour BEFORE the sale is supposed to begin) and sell them yourself. Whatever you make at the sale, you keep! One thing though, I need serious replies, each seller brings their own folding table and we'll need at least 25 sellers!!


I will not consider you as a serious seller untill you email me at junctionmom2momsale@gmail.com with a formal "I'm a mom seller" or "I'm a local business" message.

Let's make this an annual event!

Arts and Crafts Camp is back by popular demand at Wise Daughters Craft Market!


Arts & Crafts Camp - Crafting with a Twist
August 10 – 14, 10:00 – 12:00 daily
Hands-on, creative crafts for ages 8 - 14.
Sewing, stamping, altered books and paper craft, bead-making, multi-media trading cards and more. Only $100 per week, including all materials.
Wise Daughters Craft Market
Local handicrafts and do-it-yourself workshops
3079B Dundas St. West, M6P 1Z9

416-761-1555
http://www.wisedaughters.com/

Jul 15, 2009

Another Junction gem, beautiful flameworking studio and bead boutique




La Perlerie
Bead Boutique & Flamework Studio
401 Jane St (Jane and Annette)
416-762-2333
One of the most beautiful shops in the Junction, which boasts its own flameworking studio, learn how to create your own glass beads by taking one of their classes, click here for class schedule. You'll also find a huge variety of beads and one of a kind creations, you'll oooh and aaah over all the beautiful designs, at least I did :)

New gluten free restaurant opening in a few weeks at Runnymede and Annette "Buddha Pie"




Buddha Pie
514B Annette St, (Lou's Coffee Bar's old location)

Bloor West Village Festival this Saturday


Afternoon POTLUCK at Vine Parkette Playground this Saturday, July 18th at 3:00 pm


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 small 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!

Jul 14, 2009

Toronto West End Web – Arts & Crafts Online And In Our Community


click on image to enlarge
7:00 – 7:30: Introductions
7:30 – 7:45: Robert Hilts
7:45 – 8:00: Mary Breen
8:00 – 8:15: Paul Reynolds
8:15 – 8:30: Questions / General Discussion
8:30 – 9:00: Networking
Wise Daughters Craft Market: http://wisedaughters.com/
Totally Spun Media & Design: http://totallyspun.com/

Jul 12, 2009

Little Bird Fly is now open!




Beautiful space, great selection of everything from clothing and shoes to toys and maternity wear, love the children's play area in the back!

Little Bird Fly
Gently used and Handcrafted Children's Clothing and Gear...
2955B Dundas St W (by Pacific ave, across from the Junction City Square)
10:00 am to 6:00 p.m.

Dundas/Keele Early Years Centre calendar for AUGUST


To see the AUGUST 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

Let's organize a Mom to Mom sale this Fall!

A Mom-to-Mom Sale is a huge rummage sale where you can buy gently used baby and kids' items directly from sellers (moms like yourself). Get great deals on second hand baby clothing, kids' clothing, toys, games, furniture and gear.

We need an outdoor venue, I'm thinking the Junction Train Platform and lot (large open space at Dundas and Pacific!) I'll contact the JFAC and ask permission to use the lot.

To participate as a seller: You bring your items to the sale and sell them yourself. Whatever you make at the sale, you keep! One thing though, we'll need serious replies, each seller brings their own folding table and we'll need at least 25 sellers!! I'll do all the advertising!! Local businesses are more than welcome to participate!

junctionmom2momsale@gmail.com

Junction Parents blog is now on Twitter!


I know, it's about time :)

Jul 11, 2009

Gingerbread House Family Cafe.. calling all artists and part-time entertainers!






If you happen to be a natural entertainer who loves to interact with children or a visual artist who has some art to display, please call or email the Gingerbread House Cafe!
2790 Dundas Street West
416 769 5678

Jul 6, 2009

New neighbourhood community website! The Junction Life!


Spread the news, everyone!


New store! Gently used and Handcrafted Children's Clothing and Gear...


Little Bird Fly
Gently used and Handcrafted Children's Clothing and Gear...
2955B Dundas St W (by Pacific ave, across from the Junction City Square)
More info on JUNCTIONEER

Evymama Summer Clearance sale!


Enjoy up to 60% off ALL of our clothing starting today- don't miss out on your style and size!
Clearance items up to 90% off!

MamaBlack jeans $49.00!
Theality Maternity 50% off lowest ticketed price!
Boob nursing dresses up to 35% off
Boob nursing tops up to 50% off
Hatch Maternity up to 40% off

Evymama
266 Jane Street
Toronto, Ontario
416.913.0546
evymama.ca

Family potluck at Vine Parkette every Saturday in July 3-6 pm






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!

Jul 5, 2009

New Cardio/Strength Training programs for moms beginning this September!



Please email sveltemamas@gmail.com to sign-up and try a FREE class!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stroller-Fit & Strength Training – 1 hour, 30 classes, 9:30 am (sharp!)- Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays (Sept. 21st to November 27th) – $200
Class Description: Meet at High Park (main entrance at High Park ave and Bloor St W) 3 steep hills, fast-paced walking, strength training using two 5 lb dumbbells, high steps using park benches, various ab exercises and stretching, we cover all muscle groups, you’ll see positive results within a couple of weeks! This program includes before and after weigh-ins and measurements, you’ll love seeing real results on paper, as well as your body!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outdoor Strength Training with Toddlers (maximum 7 participants)- 9:30 am- 1 hour class with 15 min play time afterwards- 20 classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays (September 22nd to November 26th) $120

Class Description: This twice weekly 1 hour class covers all muscle groups, very intensive workout using two 5 lb dumbbells, wooden chairs and mats, I provide all equipment except for dumbbells. We have a gate that locks, plenty of running around space and all kinds of toys, your kids will enjoy their playdate while moms work-up a good sweat :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday Mornings Stroller-Fit Bootcamp with strength training - 1 hour - 13 classes (Sept. 5th- Nov. 28th) $75
Class Description: Meet at High Park 9:30 am (main entrance at High Park ave and Bloor St W) 3 steep hills, fast-paced walking, strength training using two 5 lb dumbbells, high steps using park benches, various ab exercises and stretching, get ready to work hard and feel amazing afterwards!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jul 4, 2009

Clean Air for Little Lungs- Stroller Rally at Queen's Park Monday, July 20th


image & more info.. click HERE
Monday, July 20, 2009
10:00am - 11:00am
In front of Ontario Legislature
Queen's Park

Parents say NO to over 400 dirty diesel trains a day running through our neighbourhoods. For the sake of our children's health, tell Premier McGuinty that electric trains are the only solution. Bring your kids and noisemakers. Featuring a musical performance by children's entertainers, Soli and Rob, of Alistair Ant Productions.

Jul 3, 2009

Movies for Mommies @ Kingsway Cinema


Kingsway Theatre
3030 Bloor St W
M5E 1T4
416-232-1939

Wednesday, July 8th at 12:15 p.m.!

The movie: "Easy Virtue" starring Jessica Biel, Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas.
The theatre can accommodate a couple of hundred moms and babies :)
To celebrate the "Movies for Mommies" Grand Opening there will be a fun and engaging music circle with Brilliant Babies before the movie. http://www.brilliantbabies.ca/
Box Office opens at 12:15
Music Circle begins at 12:30
Music Circle can be enjoyed by anyone purchasing a ticket for the show.
* The theatre located around the corner from the Royal York Subway * plenty of street parking
Screenings: Every Wednesday 1:00pm, Doors Open 12:30pm - Staring July 8th.

Tickets: Adults $10.00.
No charge for infants (0-12 months).

At Movies For Mommies, moms can enjoy movies in a baby friendly cinema. There is a change table in the theatre, bottle warming, complimentary wipes, special events, free giveaways each week, breast feeding friendly. Dads, Grandparents, Caregivers and Friends are also welcome!
For more information and to join their weekly newsletter which informs you about upcoming movies and special events please visit this website and select Mailing List.