This SATURDAY! 11am-6pm

Wise Daughters Craft Market

3079B Dundas St. W.

416-761-1555

http://www.wisedaughters.com/

Free baked treats, performances by “Keith Jolie and the Wise Daughters” and other musical guests, and prize draws all day for great Wise Daughters’ loot!

Wise Daughters Craft Market is one of our sponsors, they pay for our message board fees, offer very creative workshops (even free sit and stitch nights), regularly fundraise and donate to the Redwood women's shelter, participate in the Junction Residents Association...etc.. there are a million more amazing things I can list, this is the kind of local business that I'm more than proud to support!

2'nd Annual Junction Parents Community Market will be on Saturday, May 15th!

Junction City Square

2958 Dundas St W (by Pacific Ave)

10 am - 3 pm

Junction Parents Community Market is a huge community sale where you can buy gently used baby and kids' items directly from 25 sellers (parents) and 20 Junction-based small businesses with or without a store-front. Get great deals on second-hand baby clothing, kids'/maternity clothing, toys, games, furniture, gear, arts, lessons..etc..

The space is kindly made available by the Junction Forum for Art and Culture second year in a row!

If you are a parent with kids/pregnancy-related items to sell and you are interested in reserving a spot, please email yesjunction@yahoo.com

Indoor Playground Playdate @ Earthstone's newly renovated play space!

Wednesday, February 3rd 9:30 am PLAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE!

$5 per Family

Maximum 13 kids, so when you RSVP, please add how many kids (guests) you are bringing.

Beautiful play space with play kitchen, 2-level play house with "backyard" (so cute!), play stage, art area too (you can choose a ceramic piece to paint if you like), snacks are welcome too.

The owner Raisa is opening this play space just for Junction Parents Group, if you are not a member yet, you are welcome to join, there are NO MEMBER FEES

Earthstones Ceramics
3082 Dundas St. W (by Quebec ave)
416-769-6318
http://www.earthstonesceramics.webs.com/

Cool new photographer

Please click on the images to enlarge

This post is about my friend and yes, it's a shameless plug for a friend, but I really want to share her eye!

Jowita is a creative photographer with a unique way of capturing her subjects, her photos are real and don't have that ordinary "studio" feel, she is also a very funny and cool mom of a really big (her words not mine) baby boy :)

jowitabydlowska@gmail.com

brand new blog

TOMORROW! Post-reno reopening party at "Earthstones Ceramics- Art & Play Centre!"

Saturday, Jan 23, 12:00 - 6:00 pm

Check out their new indoor playground area and ceramic painting studio!! Free Play!

3082 Dundas St. W. (at Quebec Ave.), between Runnymede Ave. and Keele St., on the north side

(416) 769-6318

http://www.freewebs.com/earthstonesceramics

Latest Recall Information on Baby & Children's Items

GRACO/ELFE Strollers - January 20, 2010 - Concerns regarding fingertip amputation and/or cuts when opening or closing the canopy. For more information on this recall, please visit this consumer product safety page at Health Canada.

SAFETY 1ST/DOREL Drop Side Cribs - January 19, 2010 - Concerns regarding the possibility of babies/children getting entrapped in the crib. For more information on this recall, please visit this consumer product safety page at Health Canada.

BAMBOOBINO Toddler Hooded Kimono Robe - January 18, 2010 - Concerns regarding this product not meeting the Canadian Laws on flammability requirements. For more information on this recall, visit this consumer product safety page at Health Canada.

CARAMIA Drop Side Cribs - January 15, 2010 - Concerns regarding the possibility of babies/children getting entrapped in the crib. For more information on this recall, please visit this consumer product safety page at Health Canada.

VARIOUS CHILDREN'S PYJAMA SETS - January 14, 2010 - Concerns regarding this product not meeting the Canadian Laws on flammability requirements. For more information on this recall, visit this consumer product safety page at Health Canada.

LITTLE MISS MATCHED Sleepwear - January 13, 2010 - Concerns regarding this product not meeting the Canadian Laws on flammability requirements. For more information on this recall, visit this consumer product safety page at Health Canada

Info credit and more recalls: http://infomommy.com/Recalls.html

"Communication Skills for Parents" parenting course @ Annette Public Library

The course is on Communication Skills for Parents. It is based on the work by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg called Non-violent Communication (NVC), also known as Compassionate Communication.

Annette Street Public Library
145 Annette Street
M6P 1P3

February 16 - March 9 (four consecutive Tuesdays)
6:30 pm- 8:30 pm
Early registration $100/person
20%Off if attending with spouse/partner

To register or more info:
647-991-3405
susan@parentfromtheheart.ca
http://www.parentfromtheheart.ca/

Haiti Earthquake Relief in the Junction

Photo: Reuters/Eduardo Munoz

I have seen a few Doctors Without Borders jars at some local businesses, like No Frills, The Troubadour...etc.. I think they were provided by the Junction BIA, please donate something, anything.

Full-day Kindergarten in the Junction Area.. only two schools!

King George Junior and James Culnan Catholic will be offering full-day kindergarten in September 2010, I was really hoping that more Junction area schools would be able to participate, but two is better than none!

James Culnan Separate School

Catholic

605 Willard Ave, Toronto, Ontario, M6S 3S1

(416) 393-5325

King George Junior Public School
25 Rexford Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M6S 2M2

(416) 394-3060

Check out Rebecca's take on Full Day Kindergarten, a fellow Junction blogger.

Children's theatre coming to the Junction!!!!

Rebas Café @ 10 am on Wednesday, Feb. 17

Wise Daughters @ 1pm on Saturday, Feb. 27

More dates and Junction-based venues coming soon!

Fee: donations, whatever you can give :)

It's the interactive show for children of the preschool age (2,5 to about 7 years old). This one-man show is called "About a Birthday Cake". It's a 45-50 min musical with Boris "Bolero" Roginsky telling an original story, singing original songs, dancing etc., while putting out the play characters on felt boards and narrating along the way.

During the performance children are encouraged to participate while spelling, counting, applying problem-solving skills, swaying to the music, singing, answering questions..

Check out their beautiful flyer HERE

Press release: Junction Arts Festival 2010 Call To Artists!

The Junction Arts Festival is now accepting creative proposals for the 2010 Junction Arts Festival. The Festival runs from September 8 to 12, 2010 with a two-day street closure of Dundas Street West, September 11 and 12.

The festival is currently accepting proposals only from performance-based artists and art installation works of any combination, including but not limited to, Indoor and Outdoor Installation Artists, Street Dance and Theatre groups as well as any multi-arts ideas that we may be able to support. Our emphasis in 2010 will be for large scale outdoor work but we are accepting all proposals. Fees will be determined on a per-artist-basis.

Additional calls for Visual Artists, Poets and Musicians will be forthcoming in the next few months.

Approximately 200,000 people attend the festival each year, experiencing interactive works that both engage and enthrall.

Proposals should include the following:

- Artist or group contact info - Bio and history - Example of past work

- Video and/or photo examples of proposed work. If proposing a new work, please include a description, plus technical requirements

If proposing a new work please be as specific as your present process allows at this time. Also inform us if you are applying for any creative funding from other sources. If applications for government funding precede any agreement between artist and festival, then a letter of intent may be issued on our part.

The Junction Arts Festival has been running its present programming since 2007, but the festival’s history dates back to 1991, with the street closure since 2000. ‘Where the Arts meet the Street’ is the basis for this ever-growing multi-arts Festival that includes visual art, galleries, installation art, main stage music, dance, theatre, performance art, travelling minstrels and anything in between and beyond.

Toronto, National and International applications accepted. - All inquiries should be directed to Festival Director, Michael Menegon via email atjunctionartsfest@bellnet.ca

Application packages should be sent to:

Junction Arts Festival

3047 Dundas Street West

Toronto, M6P 1Z3

"My Greatest Photo - Be a cover-model for one day!"

Privé Hair Gallery, Junction Mode and Frans Altena Photography are offering you a chance to be a cover-model for one day. This two-hour pampering experience includes professional hair-styling and make-up, dressing, followed by a studio photoshoot. You’re welcomed with a beautiful cocktail or a glass of champagne paired with some nice hors-d'oeuvres. A fun way to add some glamour to your life... and to have the photos to remember it! The session will yield between 2 and 5 beautiful digital photos (full size, post-processed, unmarked) on a secure online gallery for you to download.

This package is an ideal gift for a mother, father, daughter, girlfriend, boyfriend or as a Valentine’s Day gift for the special one in your life.

All this for just $199!

The session can be scheduled on Sunday, January 31^st between 12pm and 8pm. Limited slots are available, so book quickly!

Photos will be available for you to download on Wednesday February 3 so you have enough time to get a print ready on time for Valentine’s Day.

A checklist for the session:

• Please come with your hair freshly washed!
• Bring two or three sets of clothes, for example classy, sexy, cocktail-dress or black-tie.
• Session is payable by cash or cheque at the day of the event.

Call for more information, or to book your cover-model session:

Frans Altena Photography

(647) 262-8015 (9am-9pm)

www.fransaltena.com

The Dundas & Keele Early Years Centre location FEBRUARY calendar

Submitted by Christian

Click HERE to access the FEBRUARY calendar!

2918 Dundas St W (by Keele St)
M6P 1Y8
416-762-3700

Wise Daughters' Craft Market First Anniversary Celebration!

Saturday January 30th, 11am-6pm

Wise Daughters Craft Market

3079B Dundas St. W.

416-761-1555

http://www.wisedaughters.com

It's already been a year since Wise Daughters Craft Market opened its doors, feels like they have been part of the Junction for a life time!

Free baked treats, performances by “Keith Jolie and the Wise Daughters” and other musical guests, and prize draws all day for great Wise Daughters’ loot!

Parenting and Family Literacy Centre @ Indian Road Crescent Public School

No pre-registration needed.
Free for families, snacks provided

285 Indian Road Crescent
Toronto ON
M6P 2G8

416-393-8129

Families with children, aged birth to 6 years of age, are invited to participate in a safe, nurturing, stimulating program where children play and learn and parents can connect with each other.

The centre provides opportunities for:
-Parents and children to become familiar with the school and establish positive home-school connections

-Paricipation in a family literacy program that helps children develop and build essential literacy and numeracy skills

-Families receive information about community resources
-Parents to discuss parenting concerns
-Families to borrow books from our multi lingual lending library

Monday 9:00-1:30 pm
Tuesday 9:00-1:30 pm
Wednesday 9:00-12:00 and 12:30-4:00 pm
Thursday 9:00-1:30 pm
Friday Closed

Knitting 101 at the Jane & Dundas Public Library-Monday January 18th, 6:30-8:30pm

Learn to knit!

Start a cozy warm scarf.

Registration required

Jane & Dundas Public Library

620 Jane Street
Toronto, ON M6S 4A6
(416) 394-1014

Local High School student available for volunteering!

Hi im 16 years old, grade 11 student, looking to complete my 40 hours of community service
preferably during march break weekends and evenings

positions im looking for
-secretary
-tutor
-senior citizen helper
-children helper
etc...

I have experience with kids *worked at a daycamp

- speak portuguese english and french (can teach)
-I'm approachable
-Grade A student
- flexible with timing
-open to anything

Free Meditation Class @ Green Lavender! Jan 29th, 6:15-7:30 pm

Free introduction to a Meditation course!

Meet David and Anita (Meditation Teachers), experience a guided meditation and have an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. This is an intro to our 6 week long meditation course. All are welcome, no previous meditation experience necessary. For more information please visit www.greenlavender.ca

Green Lavender

2842 Dundas St West (Just East of Keele on the North side) 416 792 2447 info@greenlavender.ca

"Earthstones - Ceramic Art & Play Center" Grand Reopening Party!

Saturday January 23, 12:00 - 5:00 pm

Check out their new indoor playground area and ceramic painting studio!! Free face-painting, balloons, crafts and snacks for the kids!!

3082 Dundas St. W. (at Quebec Ave.), in the heart of the Junction, between Runnymede Ave. and Keele St., on the north side (416) 769-6318

Junction Residents Association Meeting, Thursday, Jan.14th 7-9 pm

The Junction Residents’ Association Meeting
January 14, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm
West Toronto Baptist Church, 3049 Dundas Street West

The Junction Residents’ Association will hold its bimonthly membership meeting at 7 pm at the West Toronto Baptist Church, 3049 Dundas Street West. Please join us and start the New Year by meeting new neighbors and helping to shape our Junction. Refreshments are served, and there will be discussion of recent events in the community. More info and RSVP HERE

About The Junction Residents Association

West Toronto area community group, dedicated to connecting residents and representing their views.

133 members 23 discussions

106 Events 8 blog posts

New programs at Little Bird Fly!

Little Bird Fly
647-348-3443

2955 Dundas St West (by Pacific ave)

Thursday mornings, starting January 14th, 2010,

CircleSing! with JennieLea

9:30-10:30 am - MuSings Babies (ages 3months-1 year)

10:30-11:30 am - SongBlossoms BopSkipHop Toddlers (1-2.5 years)

Call JennieLea to register at (416) 603-2335 or email bookjennielea@circlesing.com

She offers the option to enrol for 4 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks.

4 weeks - reduced to $60 from $75

8 weeks - reduced to $125 from $140

12 weeks - reduced to $165 from $180

Siblings are half price!

Registration extended to January 14th! For your convenience, you can now register at

Little Bird Fly!

For more information about JennieLea and her CircleSing programs, please visit her website at www.circlesing.com

Wednesday mornings beginning February 3rd, 2010

Junction Dave will be running a drop-in program for toddlers/preschoolers ages 3-4 from 10:30-11:30. The program will be pay-what-you-can, and will feature a variety of activities, including music, animal education, magic and more! David has many years of experience running programs for both children and adults, with several years of experience working in daycares and various community agencies around the city! Welcome Dave!

WeeHands with Katrina will be coming by sometime at the end of January (date to be announced) to do an Introduction to Signing with your Baby. This will be a no-cost workshop led by Katrina, who currently teaches baby and toddler signing classes in High Park and Etobicoke.

For more information about WeeHands and Katrina, please visit http://www.weehands.com/weehands_with_katrina.htm

Carseat Recall!

Name of Product: Dorel Infant Car Seat/Carriers
Units: About 447,000
Manufacturer: Dorel Juvenile Group Inc., of Columbus, Ind.

Hazard: When used as an infant carrier, the child restraint handle to the seat can loosen and come off, posing a fall hazard to infants.

Incidents/Injuries: Dorel has received 77 reports of the child restraint handle fully or partially coming off the car seat/carrier resulting in at least three injuries to infants including bumps, bruises and a head injury.

Description: This recall involves Safety 1st, Cosco, Eddie Bauer and Disney branded infant car seat/carriers with the following model numbers and that were manufactured from January 6, 2008 through April 6, 2009. The model number and manufacture date are located on a label on the side of the car seat/carrier. They were sold with Travel Systems. The stroller portion of the travel system is not affected by this recall.

ALL INFO HERE