Junction Parents

Junction's own Evangeline women't shelter is in need of a few things, let's help them out!

2011-12-13T17:47:00.001-05:00

Their list includes:
New women's underwear,
night wear,
winter coats and boots,
TTC tokens,
bath towels (new or used)
toiletries
gifts cards for groceries, and clothing
plus size clothing is particularly in need
the everyday things that get left behind when you don't have much money during the year.

To donate, please call: 416-762-9636

Organic Fruit & Veggie Market is scheduled to open this January at Dundas and Keele!

2011-12-04T14:50:00.002-05:00

Green Lavender's former store front is quickly being transformed into a much- needed produce market!! Exactly what Junction needs!!!

2842 Dundas St West
Toronto, ON
M6P 1Y7

Photos from my visit to the newly opened Articulations Art Supply store

2011-12-04T12:12:00.001-05:00

ARTICULATIONS

Heather Phillips & Miki Rubin
2928 Dundas St West

info@articulations.ca
www.articulations.ca

Sexual Assault Investigation

2011-11-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault investigation.

It is reported that the victim was sexually assaulted by one of the men involved in a previous sexual assault which occurred on the 12th of September 2011.

On Thursday the 24th of November 2011, at 11:55 p.m. a man followed a woman in the Dundas Street West and Runnymede Road area. The man then grabbed the woman from behind, pushed her into a nearby laneway and sexually assaulted her. The man fled the scene.

He is described as white, 5 feet 7 inches, 20 to 30 years of age, with short, light brown hair. He has a large faded tattoo of a black insect, possibly a scorpion or a spider, on his neck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−7474, Cri me Stoppers anonymously at 416−222− TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave a Tip on Facebook.

History in the making! Junction finally has an Art Supply store!!! The Articulations GRAND OPENING is this Thursday, December 1'st!

2011-11-28T06:41:00.000-05:00

Please click on the image to enlarge.

For all info about this beautiful new Art Supply store, please visit http://articulations.ca

Enjoy A Free Movie in Support of Starlight Children's Foundation

2011-10-14T12:37:00.001-04:00

Enjoy a free movie on the morning of Saturday, October 22, 2011 at all Cineplex Entertainment theatres for Community Day in support of Starlight Children's Foundation. Doors open at 8:30 am with a great selection of FREE movies beginning at 9:00 a.m. Plus enjoy a regular popcorn, regular fountain drink and selected candy for only 2 DOLLARS each with 100% of the proceeds donated to Starlight Children's Foundation!

Showing at the Cineplex Odeon Queensway Cinemas :

Yogi Bear (3D) - 9:00AM

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I - 9:10AM

Green Lantern (3D) - 9:20AM

Happy Feet - 9:30AM

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga-Hoole (3D) - 9:40AM

Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore - 9:50AM

Yogi Bear - 10:00AM

For more movie locations and times, go to http://www.cineplex.com/Promos/Starlight/Community.aspx

About Starlight:

For more than 25 years, Starlight Children’s Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses and life-altering injuries by providing entertainment, education and family activities that help them cope with the pain, fear and isolation of prolonged illness. We understand what families go through when a child is sick, and how important it is to find relief from constant worry and isolation. Our programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families with others facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Unlike any other charity, Starlight offers a comprehensive menu of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings that enable us to provide ongoing support for children and families — from diagnosis through the entire course of medical treatment.

This SATURDAY!

2011-09-14T18:47:00.000-04:00

SAD NEWS... Green Lavender Eco Store is closing its' doors and having 50% OFF sale

2011-08-08T19:41:00.002-04:00

WE ARE SO SORRY TO SEE YOU GO...

416.792.2447 info@greenlavender.ca
http://greenlavender.ca

2842 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON M6P 1Y7
get directions

Design Crawl in the Junction - August 5'th, 7-11 pm

2011-08-01T06:44:00.000-04:00

Gender equality and healthy relationships- The White Ribbon Campaign

2011-07-15T07:31:00.000-04:00

Submitted by Tuval Dinner

The White Ribbon Campaign is the worlds largest movement of men and boys working for gender equality and an end to violence against women and girls.
This year we launched a new campaign called It Starts With You, It Stays With Him (www.itstayswithyou.ca) that encourages adult men to talk to the boys in their lives about gender equity and healthy relationships. Men play so many roles in the lives of young people (as coaches, teachers, dads, uncles, brothers, etc) and pass on so many important messages through their words and actions This site gives men the inspiration and tools to add messages about healthy relationships to the conversation.
As well, we worked with 9 nine diverse men to tell their stories of becoming men and we posted them all on online. I'm a dad, new to the Junction and I got to tell my story too (http://youtu.be/COn0CLLeB-w).
Check it out and feel free to share it, send feedback and explore the rest of the site

Vintage Outdoor Cinema in the Junction!

2011-07-10T07:22:00.000-04:00

Come enjoy free movies under the stars at the Junction Train Platform lot (Dundas & Pacific)

Thursday, July 14'th, 21'st, 28'th and August 4'th!

Show starts at dusk, bring a folding chair and a blanket.

July 14'th

RAIN (1932)

Starring Joan Crawford & Walter Huston

Redemption on a Hawaian Isle

July 21'st

MURDER, MY SWEET

(1944)

Starring Dick Powell & Anne Shirley

A private eye, a petty crook, bribery, perjury and theft, Classic noir

July 28'th

KING KONG (1933)

Starring Fay Wray & Bruce Cabot

Giant Gorilla takes a shine to the female star

August 4'th

THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

(1939)

Starring Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce

Master sleuth- alchemy, crime of the century

Dundas/Keele Early Years Centre activities/programs calendar for AUGUST

2011-07-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

To access the calendar, click

http://files.meetup.com/1558107/August%202011.pdf

Submitted by,

Glenda Diaz

Family Support Worker

Parkdale High-Park Ontario Early Years Centre

Child Development Institute

T: 416-762-3700 X 23

gdiaz@childdevelop.ca

We have new childcare listings!

2011-07-10T06:45:00.003-04:00

Just click here: http://childathome.blogspot.com/

Cool new feature on the Green Lavender eco store/yoga studio website!

2011-06-29T23:15:00.000-04:00

I love Green Lavender's Eco Store's new shopping feature for Mama + Baby, it's now all organized in categories, check out this link: http://greenlavender.ca/the-eco-store/

Green Lavender
2842 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON M6P 1Y7
get directions

416.792.2447
info@greenlavender.ca

Public meeting on the future plans of Vine Parkette development

2011-06-29T22:42:00.000-04:00

Info & image credit http://junctioneer.ca

between

6:30 and 8pm on Wednesday July 6th Vine Parkette

The 19'th annual Junction Arts Festival will be happening September 5th to 14th!

2011-06-29T20:18:00.001-04:00

Please visit

http://junctionartsfest.com/2011

for info, updates, volunteer opportunities and art work submissions!

Be a Girl Guide Leader!

2011-06-23T14:27:00.001-04:00

Submitted by Liz James
Be a Guide Leader

When you volunteer with us, you become a Member of Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada (GGC). Joining Girl Guides of Canada is about more than just helping girls achieve greatness. It's also a chance to take advantage of all kinds of personal and professional development opportunities:
• Develop skills in areas such as leadership, event planning, advocacy, communications, team building, risk assessment, budgeting, public speaking and more.
• Access to mentoring and training programs.
• International trips and the chance to participate in development projects and discuss global issues.
• Belonging to the world's largest organization for girls and women, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

No matter how much time you have to give, there's a place for you in Guiding. Whether you choose to work with girls in a unit or you just want to spend a few hours helping at an event, we offer lot of flexible ways to volunteer what will fit with your schedule.

We're always looking for Guide Leaders and you can join anytime throughout the year.

For more information call 1-800-565-8111
www.guidesontario.org

The Friend Ship Show @ The High Park Family Fun Place

2011-06-22T18:08:00.000-04:00

Meet the creative genius of Mr.Dress-Up this Sunday!

You loved the show as a kid and now Stuart Gilchrist is here to warm your heart with Suitcase Theatre's production of "The Friendship". We are partnering together to offer the best of family entertainment every month. Stayed tuned, the best has yet to come! (And Yes, he may sign autographs!).

Call now to book your spot: 416-762-3999

2968 Dundas St W (by Pacific ave)

http://hpfamilyfunplace.com

Summer Family Nature Walks @ The High Park Nature Centre

2011-06-22T17:47:00.002-04:00

Please come out to our Family Nature Walks this summer. Each one is an exciting exploration of the natural treasures of High Park. These fun and informative hikes are intended for all ages. Come to one or come to all, no pre-registration necessary.

Latest from the High Park Family Fun Place...

2011-06-22T13:51:00.002-04:00

Call for volunteers for the Junction Farm Fest

2011-06-22T06:57:00.000-04:00

The 1st Annual Junction Farm Fest (where city meets farm) will be held on Saturday July 23 from 11am to 5pm.

The event will be held at two locations.

Toronto Police Service, 11 Division (209 Mavety St.): sustainably raised farm animals including a cow/calf, sheep, lambs, goats and chickens.

Junction Train Platform (2954 Dundas St. W): Hands on activities including pollination, beekeeping sponsored by Food Share, urban gardening sponsored by the Stop, vermiculture and more.

The main sponsors are Local Food Plus, an organization committed to building a sustainable food system, Junction Fromagerie, Delight Chocolate, the Beet, the Sweet Potato and the Junction Residents Association.

We are looking for volunteers to help distribute posters to local businesses to help promote this event. We are also in need of 20 to 24 volunteers to help on the day of the event.

Each volunteer would need to commit to approximately three hours on the day of the event at one of the twelve stations.

No special skills required.

Easy and enjoyable!

Interested parties should respond to lwclements (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thank you!

Does your Catholic school support gay rights?

2011-06-08T17:18:00.002-04:00

Recent news about Mississauga's, St.Joseph Catholic Secondary School banning rainbows at an anti-homophobia event, which was hosted by the students and generally not allowing any official LGBT groups at its' school, has frankly made me angry! If a publicly-funded institution discriminates against federally protected human rights, the said institution should no longer be publicly funded!

If you are a home-owner and paying property taxes, please choose to support public schools in your area over Catholic schools! By publicly funding these religious organizations, we empower them to discriminate against our children!

How would you feel if your Catholic school discriminated against its' gay/lesbian students? Would you do anything about it?

Collecting digital cameras for the Redwood Women's Shelter

2011-06-08T07:18:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Our Mom2Mom Sale on Saturday, May 28th went really well, thanks to Mary, the owner of the Wise Daughters Craft Market, who is also a member & financial sponsor of Junction Parents for donating the space, we have raised $475! The Redwood Women's Shelter says THANK YOU!

When I went to drop off the cash, they asked me if I would know of anyone getting rid of their digital camera, they'd love to take it off their hands and use it for a program they'd like to run for the women and children living at the shelter, so of'course, I'd love to collect a few, they need at least 6 :)

If you have a digital camera you'd like to donate, please make sure it's in working order, has a recharger, regular batteries not nesessary, I can buy extra batteries (you can donate cash to buy batteries) and if available, a clean memory card if applies.

Thanks so much in advance, please contact me privately :)

Irina

junctionparents@yahoo.com

http://junctionparents.ca

Junction's 1'st Annual FARMFEST!!! July 23'rd

2011-06-07T15:41:00.000-04:00

Junction's 1st Annual Farm Fest

Where city meets farm

A children’s educational event that focuses on local, sustainable agricultural production.

Learn about food production by interacting with local Ontario farmers.
Featuring an organic dairy cow, goats, hands on activities about wool spinning, pollination and more!

WHEN: July 23, 11-5

WHERE: Toronto Police Service, 11 Division (209 Mavety St) & Junction Train Platform (2954 Dundas St W)

Tweet for a Great Cause!

2011-06-01T22:41:00.000-04:00

To those tweeters and texters out there, here is a great cause in support of Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, who is holding a Tweet-A-Thon from June 6 -13 to kick off the Text “SMILE” fundraising campaign.

Starting June 6, Canadians can simply text the word “SMILE” on their cell phone to 20222 to donate $5 to Starlight. All proceeds raised will be used to fund Starlight programs, which bring smiles to seriously ill children and their families.

“Through the Tweet-A-Thon, we’re hoping to introduce more Canadians to the magic of Starlight and provide fellow tweeters with compelling reasons to Text “SMILE" and donate,” says Trevor Dicaire, Director of Development, Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada.

Dicaire adds: “In January we asked Starlight children, families, volunteers and friends to share what Starlight means to them. We’ll be sharing their amazing responses through our Twitter account @starlightupdate during the Tweet-A-Thon. We hope they will inspire Canadians to Text “SMILE” and donate.”

Participate:

•You can participate in the Starlight Tweet-A-Thon by sharing your Starlight stories and reasons to Text “SMILE”, followed by the hashtag: #TextSmile.

•Another simple way to lend support: Re-Tweeting (RT) @starlightupdate tweets during the Tweet-A-Thon from June 6-13.

•Text the word “SMILE” on your cell phone to 20222 to donate $5 to Starlight.

About Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada:

For more than 20 years Starlight Children’s Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses and life-altering injuries.

Through a broad array of in-patient, out-patient and online resources, Starlight works hard to support seriously ill children and their families from diagnosis through the entire course of medical treatment and beyond. Whether it’s a trip to the zoo, a toy-filled playroom or an exciting sporting event, Starlight’s mission is to bring fun, joy and giggles right where they are needed the most!

THANK YOU, JUNCTION!

2011-05-28T16:10:00.000-04:00

Total donations from this morning's Mom2Mom Sale + Junction Parents Group to the Redwood Women's Shelter is $475.63! Thanks to everyone for helping out, Mary Breen, the owner of the Wise Daughters Craft Market for donating the space and Tiana Gagic, the owner of Two Fish Design for volunteering her skills to design our beautiful flyer!

TOMORROW!!!

2011-05-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

Mom2Mom Sale is for those who would like to buy second-hand maternity/kids' clothing and equipment, the $2 admission will be donated IN FULL to the Redwood Women's Shelter in our neighbourhood, this shelter houses moms and their children who are fleeing domestic abuse.

If you do not need to buy anything but would still like to donate your $2, please come on by from 9:30 am to the Wise Daughters Craft Market (address on the flyer), and THANK YOU in advance.

The http://junctionparents.ca/ group came up with $250 and our mom-sellers came up with $40 so far! , we're hoping to raise much more. I am a mom of 2 little girls, I don't know what's it like to live in a shelter with my kids, I know that Redwood needs money for basic necessities, like food, clothing, art supplies, counsellors, even school supplies for kids who had to leave everything behind... I can't even imagine, let's help them out.

Junction's 1'st annual Vegetarian & Vegan potluck! Saturday, June 11th, 5pm

2011-05-26T18:25:00.000-04:00

SAFETY ALERT!

2011-05-25T16:29:00.002-04:00

Be aware of surroundings at Dundas subway station

Police have issued a sexual assault alert following an April 25 incident at the Dundas subway station.

Investigators report at about 5:38 p.m., a man approached a woman at the station and followed her up an escalator before sexually assaulting the victim and taking photographs of her.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 23 years old with curly hair. He was last seen wearing glasses, checkered pants and dark jacket. He was also carrying a backpack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Baby and Child CPR workshop

2011-05-25T01:05:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, May 31'st! The Four Villages Community Health Centre official opening

2011-05-17T17:36:00.001-04:00

Ward 13 Farmer's Market Initiative survey

2011-05-17T12:46:00.002-04:00

image-thetreehugger.com
http://www.ward13market.com/
It's Farmers Market Season again! Wouldn't you love to shop at a farmers market in your own neighbourhood? The Ward 13 Farmers Market Initiative is working on bringing that vision to reality. Please take a few minutes and share your thoughts with us by taking our short survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CTTNJNB

Confessions of a soccer mom

2011-05-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

GUEST POST BY TREVA THOMPSON, OWNER OF http://www.sixtotenmom.com/

I am sitting down with ice on my legs as I write this. I am not tidying the house or carrying loads of laundry up and down the stairs because I simply cannot. Last night I played in my first soccer game...ever.

Registering the kids for various activities and schlepping them all over town to ballet, hockey, skating lessons, soccer, Sparks and Beavers (just to name a few) is something that I do with love. I make a concerted effort not to over-schedule our time, not only for the kids’ sake but for my own sanity. However, two activities each multiplied by three kids and a spouse who is often out of town makes mom a little nuts.

So I had a brilliant revelation: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! Yes, I confess. I signed up for a Women’s Over 19 Soccer House League on the urging of a school-mom friend of mine. I bought my first pair of cleats (black with hot pink) and my first shinguards (also hot pink). I arrived early to pick up my uniform and surveyed the other players. Most of them looked just over 19 and I figured that I must be in the wrong spot. Thankfully I saw the more harried (and older) moms rushing in after the dinner rush at home. Phew! My jersey is navy blue with red trim and I managed to snag my favourite number: lucky number 7. I was all set.

On Sunday night, I arrived trepadatiously at the field in the cold wind and rain praying that someone might have the sense to cancel the game and give me a week’s reprieve. They did not. And even with my repeated “I have no idea what I am doing” and “I have never EVER played before” my teammates encouraged me and still put me on the field. My heart was pounding. I was afraid of the ball (not a good start), the other players and generally of embarrassing myself.

Thankfully all those hours spent on the sidelines cheering on my uniformed kids on the pitch has somewhat paid of. I think I played my position (after I figured out what that meant). There were a couple of times that my foot actually made contact with the ball and moved it in the general direction to which it was intended. No one yelled at me for being an idiot or told me to get off the field (hooray!). And best of all? I didn’t sustain any injuries to my creaky 40 year old body. (At least not that I know of yet.)

Our team ended up on the winning side at a score of 3-1. We were wet and cold and sore but it felt good. The feeling of camaraderie was palpable and I’m looking forward to my practice this week (and the promise of beers after our next game). Instead of sitting on the sidelines, it feels good to be doing something for myself even though adding two or three more items is seriously complicating our weekly schedule. Once I am able to regain full use of my legs I think that it will be worth it in the end, showing my kids that I have a life of my own and that we have some commonalities. My kids can probably teach me a thing or three about the beautiful game and I can’t wait.

Check out the Toronto High Park Football Club: http://www.torontohighparkfc.com

Summer camp @ Kidz360

2011-05-15T09:34:00.000-04:00

click on image to enlarge

Sewing classes have began at the Pitter Potter workshop in the Junction!

2011-05-15T08:26:00.002-04:00

Submitted by Karen Hoffman

Pillows! Pillows! Pillows!This Tuesday, May 17 from 7-9pm we’re making pillow covers. The class cost is $25 plus materials. Sign up for 4 or more classes for $80 and save $5 a class. Click here to register.

What You Will Need

A pillow form – these can be purchased at most fabric and craft stores, or give an old pillow a make-over
Fabric – probably no more than half a meter total, but double check the dimensions of your pillow form. Also check your design to see how many contrasting fabrics you will need.
Matching thread
Notions – Check the design for extras like ribbon, buttons, tassles or fringe
A zipper or velcro, if you want to be able to remove the cover and wash it. The length of the zipper or velcro should run the length of one side of the pillow.

Tips

Look around the house for fabric that you can use. Got an old table cloth with a stain? A bedspread? A skirt? These can be upcyled into a pillow cover. Or check thrift stores for curtains, dresses, table cloths or bedspreads with cool fabric.
Got the shopping bug? Take your pillow form, a measuring tape and the picture you’ve decided on with you and ask a salesperson for help. That’s what they’re there for.

PITTER POTTER
3082 Dundas Street W
(between Keele and Runnymede)
Questions? Contact Karen
(416) 720-4941
simplicity.kh@gmail.com

Inspection reports for licensed daycares available online

2011-05-08T23:13:00.000-04:00

Globe and Mail article:

Ontario parents can now look up inspection reports for daycare centres online.

The province is expanding its child care website to include up to three years of inspections for licensed centres and home-based daycares. The reports show whether a daycare stores food and medication properly, provides enough supervision and conducts enough fire drills, among other things.
They also evaluate the cleanliness and safety of any equipment or furnishings.

Online guide to licenced childcare

http://www.ontario.ca/ONT/portal61/licensedchildcare

Urban Farming: Bringing communities together

2011-05-08T22:28:00.000-04:00

image credit: http://www.simple-green-living.com

Guest post by Daniela Paolone, member of Junction Parents

My three year old daughter calls the local grocery store “the banana store” because of the huge bananas that are part of the logo on the store front. Interestingly enough, the chain’s logo on some of its trucks includes a tomato. And she finds it hilarious that a “tomato truck” would go to “the banana store.”

So one day I wanted to know where she thought the “tomato truck” went to get tomatoes. Her answer: “The tomato store.” And where did the tomato store get its tomatoes from, I asked. She hesitated for a second. “The tomato truck?”

How many children who live in large urban centres like Toronto get a feel for what it’s like to plant, care and harvest your own tomatoes, or any other fruit or vegetable for that matter?
I grew up in an Italian family. My parents grew vegetables in their backyard and my grandfather owned an olive grove. He kept pigs for prosciutto. Needless to say, my parents didn’t need to actively teach me about the relationship between land and the food we ate. It was part of our life. An implicit understanding.

Everyone should possess some knowledge on how to grow food. Not only is it an essential skill, but it is also a way to ensure that generations to come acquire a respect and love for the land that nourishes them.

At a time in history when transportation costs at an all time high, and many are trying to find ways to reduce their carbon imprint, sustainable, local food has become paramount. How do we teach our young about the delicate relationship between the food we buy at the supermarket, the resources used to produce it, and consequently, the impact it had on the environment?

We start small. Some of us are fortunate enough to have the resources and the time to grow our own vegetable gardens at home. But what about others who have neither the time nor the knowledge and skills?

We turn to our community. Many urban centres all over North America are making changes to their bylaws to allow for farming on city land. San Francisco just recently passed legislation to make urban agriculture legal in all city zones. This is precedent-setting. It makes it easier for residents to convert vacant city-owned lots into gardens, and allows them to sell their produce legally.

“The legislation allows for the sale, pick-up and donation of fresh food and horticultural products grown on-site in all districts, and for the sale of “value-added products” such as jams or pickles where the primary ingredients are grown and produced on-site in all districts except districts zoned for exclusively residential uses. Food and horticultural products grown that are used for personal consumption remain unregulated.” (http://sfmayor.org/index.aspx?page=353)

Community gardening is so much more than using underutilized land to grow and eat fresh food. It is more importantly about community development.

According to Sustainablog.org, who just released a list of the best 5 cities for urban gardening (http://blog.sustainablog.org/urban-gardening-best-cities/),

“One way large cities are becoming green is through urban gardening. Community gardens help bring communities together. They do this by producing food specifically for those in need, hosting youth programs, and reducing crime rates (or, at least, being credited for doing so).”

An easy sell: community development through sustainable agriculture.

The concept of urban farming is not entirely foreign to Junction residents. We have all seen the allotment gardens in High Park. However, there is a difference between community and allotment gardens. "In an allotment you are assigned a plot and pay a seasonal fee. A community garden involves a group effort both in terms of getting the garden established in the community and in the decision making process." (http://www.toronto.ca/parks/engagement/community-gardens/community_faq.htm)

The following map clearly shows that there is a high concentration of community gardens in Toronto's downtown core.
http://www.toronto.ca/parks/pdf/engagement/community-gardens/garden_parks.pdf

There are no community gardens in Ward 13.

I am currently working with a group of volunteers to organize a community garden in the Junction. Hopefully this will be one of many initiatives in our neighbourhood which will help build community, produce delicious food, and show our children that the food we eat does not grow in trucks, but on land cared for and maintained by human beings.

A tribute to mothers- guest post by Elisa Alby

2011-05-07T23:06:00.000-04:00

As mother's day approaches, I've been thinking about the mothers in my life. There are many. Mothers who are colleagues, mothers who are neighbours, mothers who are friends. Of course there is also my mamma, but to her I've already made a dedication.

To the mothers in my life I feel deeply bonded. No, we don't all agree on parenting styles, nutrition or sleep habits, but we share a profound understanding of what it means to be a mother. We know that crazy state of sleep deprivation, the second-guessing of ourselves, the analyzing of every decision we make and how we imagine it might impact our child(ren) in the future, the heightened emotional state (which seems permanent) and, in my case anyway, the memory loss (which I hope is temporary).

I've read some mom blog posts about women who have had terrible experiences with play dates and declared that the common ground of motherhood isn't enough to make them want to hang out with other moms. I will admit I didn't relate to that at all. To me, becoming a mother is such a profound event that even if we differ in many other ways, we are connected by the experience of birth, the love we have for our children and true empathy.
I like to believe that mothers share a mutual understanding that means we don't need to explain ourselves. If your kid is lying on the floor at the supermarket, I know that. If your kid is screaming bloody murder as you try to put him in the car seat, I've been there (most days). If you tear up as you recount a story about your little one, I'm with you.

Soon after Amelia was born a mother on my street invited me and five other new moms over for coffee. She did this simply so that we would meet each other. She took turns holding our babies (managing to rock a few of them to sleep), took down our e-mail addresses and implored us to keep up the weekly play date. We did.
These mothers were my sanity, my soundboard and my social life for most of that year. Today I am good friends with some of these wonderful women. The gift that this mother gave us was priceless. She did what this blog and its partner Meet Up site aim to do -- connect parents in our community. Because the support we gain from these relationships goes far beyond the chit chat and caffeine high we get at a play date. It gives us something to look forward to, makes us feel normal and takes away the sense of isolation that can be part of parenthood.
Whether they know it or not, the moms in my life provide much of the support, encouragement, understanding, advice and humour that I rely on, almost daily.

So to these women: my mom, my sister, cousins, friends, neighbours, colleagues, bloggers -- my heartfelt thanks for helping me be a better mom, inspiring me to find creative ways to overcome challenges and making motherhood the wonderful and multi-dimensional experience that it is.

Happy Mother's Day.

Elisa Alby is the owner of http://lamammafiles.blogspot.com/

Upcoming Family Classes @ Green Lavender Yoga Studio

2011-05-07T22:51:00.001-04:00

Kid’s Yoga with Cindy Acab
Saturdays: June 11th – July 16th 2:30-3:30pm
$110 6 Week Session or $20.00 drop-in

A yoga class designed just for kids! In this class children will explore yoga through breathing exercises, traditional asana poses, partner yoga, games, music, relaxation and creative arts projects.
Let your children explore yoga poses which helps to develop body awareness and improved posture, flexibility, strength and balance. Give them tools to help relax and concentrate.
Each week will explore a new theme and build an understanding of the practise of yoga.
All materials for creative arts projects provided. Suitable for children ages 4-10 years.

Pre-natal Yoga with Cindy Acab
Tuesdays: May 17th – June 21st 6:30-7:45pm
$110 6 Week session or $22.00 drop-in

For expectant mothers, the pre-natal classes are an opportunity to prepare your mind and body for the changes and challenges of pregnancy and labour. Connect with other expecting mothers as you are taken through safe and gentle yoga postures and breathing techniques that will not only keep you in shape while pregnant but will help you release tension and reduce anxiety.
Classes are designed to not only open, but strengthen your body, letting you meet the ever, changing challenges and transformations of your body during pregnancy. Appropriate modifications provided for each trimester.

Benefits of Pre-natal Yoga during your pregnancy:

Promotes and improves strength, flexibility and endurance – which will prove to be helpful during the physical demands of labour and childbirth
Helps to reduce joint inflammation and swelling. As an expectant mother, you may experience water retention and poor circulation. The pre-natal class will provide yoga poses which are effective at preventing or reducing the swelling which occurs in hands, ankles and feet.
Helps to alleviate back pain. Yoga helps to maintain proper posture by bringing awareness to proper body alignment and placement. You will leave the class feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and completely rested during this very important time in your life.

Mom and Baby/Post-Natal Yoga with Cindy Acab
Tuesdays: May 17th – June 21st 1:15-2:15pm
$110 6 Week Session or $22.00 drop-in

Post Natal Yoga is a fun, energetic class that helps you de-stress and enjoy some time with your new bundle of joy! The class focuses primarily on rebuilding deep abdominal muscles and the muscles of the pelvic floor. Tight shoulders and backs will be stretched out, and the legs will also be stretched and strengthened in the class.

Come with your baby, or without. Newborns to pre-crawlers are welcome. No yoga experience necessary.
http://www.greenlavender.ca/
info@greenlavender.ca

416.792.2447
2842 Dundas St West
Toronto, M6P 1Y7

Junction Mom2Mom Sale is in three weeks!

2011-05-05T21:31:00.000-04:00

I just want to thank our two amazing sponsors;

Mary, the lovely owner of http://wisedaughters.com who graciously donated her studio space for our sale and Tiana, talented graphic designer and owner of http://twofishdesign.ca who volunteered to design this beautiful flyer and have offered to design more for our future events! Thanks so much!

MASSIVE JUNCTION STREET SALE! Sat., May 7th, starts @ 8 a.m.

2011-05-03T12:13:00.000-04:00

Saturday, May 7th - starting at 8 a.m.

(Rain date Sunday May 8th)

Medland Crescent & Humberside Avenue

(High Park / Junction area)

DON'T MISS IT! Many great items for sale: furniture, baby items, toys, kitchenware, household items, electronics, books and more!

"The Junction Needs an Art Supply Store" - Guest post by Sharlene Rankin

2011-04-30T15:21:00.001-04:00

And here’s why:

Behind the curtains of storefronts, in back alleys, in spare rooms and above retail shops are numerous artists working on their craft. Why not give them a break! Instead of trekking downtown, give them the option to shop local.
There is a huge fine craft following that would benefit from access to supplies – just ask Mary at Wise Daughters Craft Market. She hosts numerous artists and workshops. It would be so much easier to buy supplies locally.

In the area we have the Academy of Realist Art, Art Works Art School, the Junction Arts Festival, and numerous galleries, teachers, designers and creative upcyclers and recyclers. We also border Bloor West Village which hosts the Bloor West Village Art Tour. No art store on Bloor West either! All those creative folks would come to the Junction to shop. Think about all of the other surrounding neighbourhoods and art schools that would also come – High Park, Roncesvalles, Junction Triangle, Bloordale, Etobicoke School of the Arts...
There have been suggestions that the store could rep. some industrial art supply companies for quick pick up of supplies for potters, sculptors, etc. The shop could also cover niche services such as binding, compilation of portfolios, custom sketch books, client pick up services for artists to drop off works. But basically, anything would be great!
Being an artist and gallery owner in the Junction, I would rather ride my bike or walk to an art supply store rather than fight my husband for the car to drive downtown. Buying art supplies on public transit is not fun either (think large canvases and reams of paper).

I hope some creative entrepreneur is out there and reading this. We welcome you with open recycled shopping bags.

Sharlene Rankin, Director
TELEPHONE BOOTH GALLERY
3148 Dundas St W, Toronto
647-270-7903
http://www.telephoneboothgallery.ca/

Junction-based home daycares list by local moms

2011-04-30T09:14:00.000-04:00

If you are a parent in the Junction, looking for full/part-time childcare and keep on getting stuck with 2-3 year waiting lists, consider local home-based daycares run by stay-at-home moms:

http://childathome.blogspot.com/

Jane's Walk in the Junction

2011-04-29T14:54:00.001-04:00

Junction of the Canadian Dream: Real Facts & Neil Facts

Guided by Neil Ross

Sunday, May 8, 3:30-5 pm

The Walk begins at the Runnymede Library and ends at Keele and Dundas, Bank of Montreal Parking Lot

Info & Image credits www.janeswalk.net & Runnymede Library

Neil Ross, a walk leader, historian and comedian, and currently vice president of the West Toronto Junction Historical Society will be leading this walk through his neighbourhood. Travel the Junction and learn its place in the heart of Canada. Experience the coming together of the railways on the meeting point of First Nations trails. Explorers La Salle and Brûlé may well have passed through here, and there is some evidence La Salle actually stopped for a latte . . .

MORE INFO HERE

Mother's Day Makeover Photoshoot by Tangerine Photography!

2011-04-29T14:27:00.000-04:00

Junction Businesses and Residents Yard Sale, May 7th, 10-5 pm

2011-04-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

ALL INFO HERE

Sat, April 30th, Karaoke Night @ High Park Family Fun Place

2011-04-29T12:51:00.002-04:00

This Sunday, May 1'st! Pancake Breakfast fundraiser to benefit the local LLL

2011-04-28T17:17:00.000-04:00

Community Pancake Breakfast at Runnymede Presbyterian Church

680 Annette Street

Tickets: $5 per person, $15 per family, under age 3: FREE

9:00am - noon (last sitting 11am)

Hot pancakes, real maple syrup, fresh fruit and great coffee combine for a morning of delicious family fun.

Fundraiser to benefit La Leche League, providing mother-to-mother breastfeeding support in your community.

New contest for queer parents! Guest post by Kristin Craig Lai, Life Coach for Queer Parents

2011-04-19T12:18:00.000-04:00

Anyone who’s been paying attention to my website , may have noticed a few changes recently. Those who follow me won’t be surprised to hear that I have decided to narrow my niche and focus my coaching on parents in the queer community.

To quote my website:

“As a queer parent it can feel as though you're charting new territory. While many more people from the LGBT community are becoming parents it can still feel like a lonely uphill battle to be the kind of parent you want to be in the face of all of the additional challenges thrown in your path. As a coach and as a parent I believe that the bumpy unworn paths take us to the best places. Sometimes we just need a little support to stay the course.”

So I guess this is my way of saying:

I am proud to announce the official launch of Kristin Craig Lai, Life coach for queer parents!

In the spirit of my new direction I would like to offer 25% off of full-time coaching* for the first month to the first 3 people who answer the following questions:

*Who was the first queer fictional character that you remember from TV or film?
*What inspiring or empowering song do you wish you had known when you were a teenager? (Doesn’t matter if the song wasn’t around at the time)
*Which fictional (TV, film or books) parent did you most wish was yours growing up?

All coaching is done over the phone or Skype so you don’t have to be in Toronto to enter the contest.
*Weekly 50-minute sessions at $350 (plus applicable taxes) per month. With the discount the first month would be $262.50

Some info about the Redwood Women's Shelter, guest post by Mary Breen

2011-04-19T10:39:00.001-04:00

As many of you know, the Junction Parents Group is holding a Mom2Mom Sale on May 28th to benefit the Redwood Women's Shelter, here's a bit of info on the shelter itself, submitted by Mary Breen, the owner of the Wise Daughters Craft Market and regular supporter of the shelter.

The Redwood Shelter

My indirect involvement with the Redwood Shelter near Bloor and Dundas began when my daughter started tutoring there while still in middle school, about 7 years ago. Because the Redwood welcomes women and children fleeing violence, the kids who arrive are typically uprooted from their neighbourhood schools so their abuser can’t locate them. Not only do they leave their homes, possessions and everything familiar behind, they also leave the teachers and friends they know. Safety is paramount for these families, but comes at a high price.
The Redwood provides a haven for over 300 women and children every year. Families stay an average of three months, getting the counselling, legal help and other supports they need before they can start rebuilding their lives.

The Redwood is an amazing place, free from fear and judgement. Look what your money will do:

• $30 can give a mom and new baby a special kit with all the basics a newborn needs
• $50 can provides a teen with three hours of tutoring
• $75 can feed a child three nourishing meals a day for two weeks
• $100 can provide a woman with one day of shelter and emotional support

To find out more or make a donation, contact:

smcaulay@theredwood.com
416-533-9372 ext. 227
http://www.theredwood.com/

Farmer's Market Initiative meeting is this Thursday, April 21'st, 7pm

2011-04-18T22:56:00.000-04:00

Axis Gallery and Grill - 3048 Dundas St W (downstairs)

The Ward 13 Farmers Market Initiative is holding its next meeting on Thursday, April 21 from 7-9pm at Axis Bar & Grill in the lower level. People interested in getting involved and helping out are welcome to join!

Junction’s Newest Functional Training Fitness Facility

2011-04-18T22:29:00.000-04:00

Submitted by Art

Co-Owner/Business Director
LP Fitness Co-op

Limitless Potential Fitness Co-op

Limitless Potential Fitness Co-op was formed by a group of friends motivated to help push each other to reach and surpass their personal fitness goals. Our mission is to promote healthy living throughout the community through functional movement training. We view fitness as a life-long journey that can be attained through proper instruction, personal attention and dedication.

Our Philosophy

All our workouts are short, efficient at improving fitness and fun! At LP we make our class sizes small with participants who are like-minded, positive and have similar goals. Our goal is to provide our guests with the individual attention needed to make leaps and bounds in their fitness through personal group sessions of no more than six people.

CommunityFit

Team LP would like to reach out to all Junctioneers seeking to soar past their fitness plateaus and just get plain healthy! We have started a series of FREE 1 hour classes called ComunityFit where guests can drop by to try out an introductory class and get a better understanding of our methodology. These classes are held on Saturday mornings at 10AM. Everyone is welcome to come out, no matter what fitness level.

*Please note that attendance is limited to 1 class per person*

Location and Contact Details

Our humble space is located in the heart of the Junction. Most classes will take place within the facility, but on particularly nice day’s we will head outside to take in the nice weather.
142 Vine Ave. Unit B7
M6P1V7

Jeff – 647 268 3424 or Art – 647 831 6510

Visit us at http://www.lp-fitness.com/
Follow us on Twitter at @lpfitnessTO

Summer Crafting Camps for kids at the Wise Daughters Craft Market!

2011-04-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

Wise Daughters will once again offer a summer kids' craft camp with instructor Anna Redish.

Come play with all the sewing, stamping, painting and other great supplies in Anna's art box!

July 11-15th, 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages 6 - 8

July 18-22nd, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages 9+
$125 per week ($200 for 2 kids in same family)

http://www.wisedaughters.com/
wisedaughters@sympatico.ca
416-761-1555

3079B Dundas St. West

M6P 1Z9
(facing Quebec Ave, just south of Dundas)

Annual Open House, taking place Sunday, May 1st!

2011-04-18T10:36:00.000-04:00

Latest High Park Family Fun Place drop-in special!

2011-04-16T17:45:00.001-04:00

http://www.hpfamilyfunplace.ca/

2968 Dundas St W (by Pacific)

Junction Parents group's outdoor playdates @ Vine Park are now happening twice a week, every week!

2011-04-15T10:44:00.001-04:00

We meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am, every week for some fun outdoor play, doesn't matter the age of your child, everyone's welcome!! Grab a coffee/Tea and hang-out with us! Check out our group's absolutely packed calendar and let us know if you're coming (if you're not a member, membership is free, ALWAYS!)

Vine Ave. North of Dundas St. W.(by Pacific Ave)

FREE Connecting with Dads drop-in @ the Dundas/Keele Early Years Centre, no registration necessary!

2011-04-15T10:31:00.001-04:00

This program focuses on strengthening relationships between male family members and their children. The program will highlight ways to build language and make social /emotional connections. There will also be information sessions focusing on issues between fathers and children. (0-6 years)

10:00-11:30- Connecting with Dads (Dads and kids)

11:30-2:00- Connecting with Families (The rest of the family is welcome)

April & May dates:

Saturday, April 16th

Saturday, April 30th

Saturday, May 14th

Saturday, May 28th

2918 Dundas St. West

416-762-3700

Dundas/Keele Early Years Centre MAY CALENDAR

2011-04-15T10:17:00.000-04:00

Click HERE for MAY calendar

Parkdale-High Park Ontario Early Years Centre

2918 Dundas St. West Toronto, Ontario

Tel: 416-762-3700 Fax: 416-762-5544

Junction Mom2Mom Sale to benefit the Redwood Women's Shelter!

2011-04-10T17:10:00.000-04:00

Saturday, May 28, 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Wise Daughters Craft Market

3079B Dundas St. W (at Quebec ave)

Toronto, ON M3H 6A7

416-761-1555

http://www.wisedaughters.com/

Mary Breen, a Junction Parents member and the owner of the Wise Daughters Craft Market, has graciously offered her downstairs studio space for this Spring's Junction Mom2Mom Sale, it'll be a small scale event compared to the previous one, but I know it'll be fabulous, next year we'll plan our usual gigantic sale, I promise :)

Shop your heart out!

The $2 admission fee will be donated in FULL to the Redwood Women's Shelter.

If you are a mom who has maternity/baby/kids clothing/equipment to sell, please don't reply here, email me directly at junctionparents@yahoo.com to secure your spot and pay the $5 non-refundable deposit.

What each seller is required to have:

1. Small folding table/Box/crate.. etc share table with a partner
2. GENTLY used clothing/equipment, no tears, stains, nothing broken
3. $5 non-refundable deposit which will be donated in full to the Redwood Women's Shelter, you can pay your fee by Paypal to junctionparents@yahoo.com with a comment "Redwood Shelter".
4. Clearly priced items
5. Small garbage bag to clean-up after yourself post sale if needed

Free Easter Photoshoot by Tangerine Photography

2011-04-10T14:30:00.001-04:00

Sunday April 24th,11am-2pm

Stop by their studio with your little ones in their Easter Outfits for some Face Painting, Photos and Fun!!

406 Pacific Ave (at Dundas St W)

info@tangerine-photo.com

http://tangerine-photo.com/

416.769.7684

FREE film screenings by GREEN 13, please click on each poster to enlarge

2011-04-05T22:39:00.002-04:00

"Preserving Built Heritage in the Junction" presented by the JRA & WTJHS

2011-04-05T22:04:00.002-04:00

Monday, April 18, 7:30 PM

West Toronto Baptist Church

3049 Dundas Street West

Submitted by David Wencer from WTJHS & Martin Lennox, Chair of the JRA

Architect Catherine Nasmith has agreed to speak to the community about the idea of Heritage Conservation Districts. There has been a great deal of interest expressed locally in establishing a Heritage Conservation District in the Junction and public discussion of the idea will follow.

Refreshments provided.

Presented by the Junction Residents Associaion and the West Toronto Junction Historical Society.

The JRA is streaming this and all of their meetings live on their website, http://junctionra.ca/jra-tv for anyone who can't make the meeting.

Junction Rib Fest to benefit the MS Society of Canada- Saturday, May 14th!

2011-04-04T22:32:00.001-04:00

Info and Logo credit Aquila Restaurant
Saturday, May 14, 11am- 11pm

Aquila Restaurant

347 Keele Street

(416) 761-7474

The First Annual Junction MS Rib Fest will be held to raise awareness about MS, its impact on those afflicted with the disease, and their family and friends. All proceeds from the event will go to the MS Society of Canada.

ALL INFO HERE

Spring Nature Walk: Early Birds

2011-04-04T16:01:00.000-04:00

April 9th, 1-3 pm

They have arrived! Who are the earliest of the early birds? We will learn some birding basics as we hike the habitats of High Park looking and listening for the early spring migrants.

Hikes are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

NO PRE-REGISTRATION NECESSARY

High Park Nature Centre

430 Parkside Drive

(Parkside Drive & Indian Valley Crescent)

416 392 1748

All Ages, $2 donation

http://www.highparknaturecentre.com/

High Park Family Fun Place- 1'st Anniversary Celebration this Sunday, April 3'rd!

2011-04-01T14:25:00.000-04:00

Operation Sock Monkey @ Wise Daughters

2011-03-30T22:36:00.000-04:00

Operation Sock Monkey

Sat, Apr 9, 2:00 - 5:00

Learn how to make this classic cheeky toy. Keep your monkey (fee $35) or donate it to Operation Sock Monkey and pay only $5 for materials.

http://www.wisedaughters.com/

wisedaughters@sympatico.ca

416-761-1555

Brand new workshops at Green Lavender Yoga Studio

2011-03-30T22:21:00.001-04:00

Kid’s Yoga with Cindy Acab

Saturdays: March 5th-April 9th 2:30-3:30pm

Next Session: April 16th-May 21st

$110 6 Week Session or $20.00 drop-in

A yoga class designed just for kids! In this class children will explore yoga through breathing exercises, traditional asana poses, partner yoga, games, music, relaxation and creative arts projects.
Let your children explore yoga poses which helps to develop body awareness and improved posture, flexibility, strength and balance. Give them tools to help relax and concentrate.
Each week will explore a new theme and build an understanding of the practise of yoga.
All materials for creative arts projects provided. Suitable for children ages 4-10 years.

Pre-natal Yoga with Cindy Acab

Tuesdays: Feb 22nd-March 29th 6:30-7:45pm

Next Session: April 5th – May 10th

$110 6 Week session or $22.00 drop-in

For expectant mothers, the pre-natal classes are an opportunity to prepare your mind and body for the changes and challenges of pregnancy and labour. Connect with other expecting mothers as you are taken through safe and gentle yoga postures and breathing techniques that will not only keep you in shape while pregnant but will help you release tension and reduce anxiety.
Classes are designed to not only open, but strengthen your body, letting you meet the ever, changing challenges and transformations of your body during pregnancy. Appropriate modifications provided for each trimester.

Benefits of Pre-natal Yoga during your pregnancy:

Promotes and improves strength, flexibility and endurance – which will prove to be helpful during the physical demands of labour and childbirth
Helps to reduce joint inflammation and swelling. As an expectant mother, you may experience water retention and poor circulation. The pre-natal class will provide yoga poses which are effective at preventing or reducing the swelling which occurs in hands, ankles and feet.
Helps to alleviate back pain. Yoga helps to maintain proper posture by bringing awareness to proper body alignment and placement. You will leave the class feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and completely rested during this very important time in your life.

Mom and Baby/Post-Natal Yoga with Cindy Acab

Tuesdays: March 1 – April 5th 1:15 – 2:15 pm

Next Session: April 19th – May 29th

$110 6 Week Session or $22.00 drop-in

Post Natal Yoga is a fun, energetic class that helps you de-stress and enjoy some time with your new bundle of joy! The class focuses primarily on rebuilding deep abdominal muscles and the muscles of the pelvic floor. Tight shoulders and backs will be stretched out, and the legs will also be stretched and strengthened in the class. Come with your baby, or without. Newborns to pre-crawlers are welcome. No yoga experience necessary.

Mobile Baby and Parent Yoga (NEW!!!) with Cindy Acab

Tuesdays: 11:00am – 12:00 noon

Next Session: May 3rd – June 7th

$110 6 Week Session or $22.00 drop-in

Come practice yoga with other parents or caregivers and their little ones in this vinyasa class that will help improve strength, flexibility and agility. Share the experience of yoga with your child as they play and explore poses with their peers. Suitable for little yogi & yoginis from crawling to 4 years old.

www.greenlavender.ca

info@greenlavender.ca

416.792.2447

2842 Dundas St West

Toronto, M6P 1Y7

Junction Community Garden Meeting April 9th, 9:30 am @ Annette Library

2011-03-29T08:13:00.001-04:00

RSVP HERE

High Park Spring Egg Fun Day- Sunday, April 17th at 3 pm

2011-03-25T08:25:00.001-04:00

for photo credit click here

Join this annual community event held on the grounds and inside Colborne Lodge. Children enjoy egg hunts, egg races outside, and dye eggs using natural dyes inside historic Colborne Lodge. $2 with some activity fees. Hosted by Colborne Lodge and High Park Initiatives.

Events Include:

Indoor Crafts

Egg-in-Spoon Races

Egg Dyeing Event ($1 per child)

Egg Hunt ($2 per child)

12:30 & 1:30pm (5 yrs & under)

1:00 & 2:00pm (6yrs & over)

2:30 (all age groups)

All events take place at Colborne Lodge, at the south end of the park.

All proceeds support nature education and park stewardship programs at the High Park Nature Centre

submitted by Treva Thompson

Earth Hour events in the Junction- Saturday, March 26th!

2011-03-25T08:04:00.000-04:00

Lantern-making at the Annette Library on Saturday, March 26th from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

At 8 pm that evening at the Junction Train Platform the Junction Children's Choir will perform, that's where the walk starts!

The Junction Earth Hour candlelight walk begins at 8:30 pm til 9:30 pm, converging with 2 other Ward 13 walks at 9:30 pm at Memorial Hall in Runnymede United Church .There we will celebrate with local musicians, some refreshments, and some information on reducing energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

More info here: http://www.green13toronto.org/

Farmer's Market Initiative meeting @ AXIS (Thursday, March 24th 7-9 pm)

2011-03-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

Axis Gallery and Grill (downstairs)

3048 Dundas St W

The Ward 13 Farmers Market Initiative is holding its next meeting on Thursday, March 24 from 7-9pm at Axis Bar & Grill in the lower level. People interested in getting involved and helping us get a market started in Ward 13 are welcome to join!

This is a "no kids" event

Opticianado- brand new business in the Junction!

2011-03-23T10:09:00.000-04:00

"Opticianado"- Vintage & Fine Eyewear (2919 Dundas St W), located in the same storefront where True Blue Vintage used to be. Grand Opening should be this Thursday!

FREE Carseat Clinic!

2011-03-21T19:47:00.001-04:00

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

7 – 10 am

Sears, Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall (East Side of the Mall)

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.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Farewell, my beloved Phil & Teds 'Sport'

2011-03-21T12:46:00.001-04:00

I just sold my beloved Phil &Teds 'Sport' stroller on craigslist, it was time to let it go after 3 years of making my life a breeze with two kids, I have ran and sped-walked with it up and down the High Park hills (both kids included), taught extreme strollerfit classes, moved through mud, thick grass, gravel, sand and snow, bumped it up and down subway stairs, took it on trips, lent it to friends, filled it to the brim with kids and groceries, navigated crazy narrow isles of mom and pop grocery stores, took it on inaccessible busses and even streetcars (easily detach & attach one back wheel to get into a street car), saying that this stroller has served me well would be a gross understatement.... after all that love from me, my kids, weather, rough terrain and groceries, it's still in great condition after 3 years, I did have to replace one tire and fill tires with air a few times, but that's just maintenance.

Phil &Teds 'Sport' was the very best stroller on the market at the time for a person like me, who never sits at home, who thinks that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing and crappy equipment, there were other doubles on the market but they were all too wide (remember narrow store isles), too hard to maneuver with one hand with both kids in it, too gigantic all over, too uncomfortable for my kids to sleep in..etc..
I have very high standards when it comes to strollers, they're supposed to make your life with kids as easy as possible, if I can't EASILY get into a narrow inaccessible store with steps in front of it and those evil, double main entrance doors, it's not a stroller for me! I was able to do that and more with my Phil &Teds 'Sport', I was also able to walk fast and push one kid in the stroller filled with groceries (saddle bags are a life saver!) up a long steep hill with the other kid crying in my arms and still maneuver the stroller with just two fingers. Another amazing and very important thing about this stroller is how much my kids loved sleeping in it, their naps were legendary, sometimes 3-4 hours, if you think the back seat (easily detachable) looks uncomfortable, just ask my 3 year-old for a personal review of it :)

I know it's silly and irrational to feel emotionally attached to an inanimate object and feel sad when letting it go, but I'm sure it went to a good home... Unfortunately Phil&Teds 'Sport' just got discontinued, the next generation model is called 'Explorer', which I bought 2 days ago for the (current and future) kids I have in my tiny (just 2 kids) home daycare, I will let everyone know what I think of it in a few weeks!

Thanks Phil &Teds 'Sport' for helping make my life with two kids enjoyable, seriously! No, I don't get paid for reviews :)

80s Babies Spring-Junction Session is now accepting registrations!

2011-03-21T12:42:00.001-04:00

80's Babies Spring-Junction Session is now accepting registrations!

Dates: April 5 th - May 24th

Time: 10:30 am - 11:15 am

Location: Creative Children's Dance Center, 2968 Dundas West- downstairs

Cost: $125 + hst (cash or cheque please)

To register: send me your full name, your baby's name and your tel #, I will hold a spot for you both until day 1 of class when we'll complete registration

laura@80sbabies.ca

It's Spring! You've got a new Groove in your step! So...

SHAKE THAT BOOTY WITH YOUR BABY!!

http://www.80sbabies.ca/

416-857-1746

What I learned at daycare

2011-03-20T10:37:00.001-04:00

GUEST POST by ELISA ALBY, owner of LA MAMMA FILES

Amelia has been in daycare now for six months.
If you had asked me years ago --before I was remotely close to having kids, but knew that I would eventually be a mamma-- I would have told you that I would be staying home with my kids for the first three years of each of their lives.
Well, life didn't quite cooperate on that front, so instead, daycare. For her part, Amelia is thriving. She is a very social creature, loves the attention of her peers and enjoys the endless exploration. Daycare provides stimuli, structure and social development. She learns from activities, from her caregivers and from her friends.

What I hadn't expected was just how much I would learn from daycare. If it wasn't for the daycare I never would have noticed some of her capabilities. I may not have introduced eating utensils so soon. It would have never occurred to me that a 13 month old would like to colour, and actually spend more than five minutes at it.

Granted her spoon and fork are often, too often, hurled across the kitchen. She has bitten off the tips of approximately 4 out of her 16 markers and I'm pretty sure she's going for the whole set. But see, I learned that this is normal toddler behavior, probably the most important lesson so far. And the incidents of biting and scratching? Par for the course.

I've also learned and observed ways to deal with some of these tough, but normal behaviours. I take some cues from the caregivers who have very gentle but firm ways of handling the kids, often turning a negative behaviour into something positive. When Amelia used to try to bite me, I would say, "are you trying to give me a kiss?" Thus giving her the benefit of the doubt, since maliciousness is not natural to a baby.

Their strict standards also help reinforce good habits like keeping hats and mittens on when it's cold outside. Staying seated while eating. Keeping her "feet on the floor, please" to deter from climbing onto chairs and tables, and holding hands when out on a walk. Though our recent struggle to get her buy-in on the hand-holding proves that either daycare workers have more clout or she has us pegged as pushovers.

In any case, I am grateful for so much about our daycare, not least all the things it has taught me about parenting.
As we approach potty training and weaning off the pacifier, please know daycare, I am fully counting on you!

Junction Residents Association Fundraiser

2011-03-19T17:41:00.000-04:00

please click on the image to enlarge

Info taken from http://artjunction.blogspot.com/ please visit this link for more info!

Getting back to the "Multicultural Dolls" post from 2008.. Any progress?

2011-03-19T11:18:00.006-04:00

click here--> Here's the original post

Few days ago I went back to Dufferin Mall "Toys R Us" store to look for a baby doll for one of my friend's daughters, I hate Dufferin Mall and mainstream toy stores because I prefer to buy something hand-made in the Junction, I'm a crazy local-only activist who loves everything Junction (sometimes I can't afford to be an activist and shop at places like Costco), but I had something specific in mind, a plastic baby doll that will survive the loving hands of a 2 year-old girl who's roots are from Jamaica.
Her mom has been complaining lately that she can't find a black baby doll with African features and brown eyes that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, you'd think this would be easy since Toronto is so multicultural and the mainstream stores would obviously cater to the changing population? No, all the baby doll isles are filled with blonde haired-blue/green-eyed dolls, when I asked one of the staff if they have dolls with darker skin colour, they showed me a "tanned" doll with red hair! Seriously??

Off to Walmart I went, yes, Walmart..please don't judge, I refuse to spend $50-$75 on a doll!
Same thing there, blonde dolls as far as the eye can see, then oh, a miracle, a doll with darker skin!!! I ran to it and picked it up, it had yellow-green eyes :)
Looks like I'm back to online shopping, maybe things will change in another 3 years...

P.S. Yes, I am aware of all the great online stores and Carolle dolls, but I don't want to spend $50 on a doll when at Walmart dolls (only white or creepily tanned so far) are only $19.99! Doesn't make sense. How much are you willing to spend on a birthday gift for a 2 year-old child? How many birthdays do you shop for per year?

P.P.S. We have a winner, link submitted by Rebecca Lee! It's a store called scholar's choice across from Sherway Gardens mall: http://toys.scholarschoice.ca/products/Dolls-Dollhouses-2049/Dolls-2354/

Take-out time

2011-03-19T09:27:00.003-04:00

GUEST POST by ELISA ALBY, owner of LA MAMMA FILES
I'm not a food critic, I'm a mom.

A mom who agonizes over what to make for dinner. My husband can rely on that daily phone call where I query him on what to have for dinner. In other areas I am a planner. But somehow the complexities of planning a week's worth of meals --what with the shopping, thawing, measuring, timing-- simply confounds me. So it brings great relief when take-out Friday rolls around; or take-out Thursday, as is often the case at our house. This only leaves the challenge of where to go for take-out.

Here are a few spots we've tried in and around the Junction.

1. Babul Kabob, 341 Jane Street, 416-760-8007.
A small nook on Jane( just south of Annette) run by an Afghan family, serving up kabobs, rice and salads. Some friends of mine with young kids of their own recommended it, so we tried it out. The kabobs were tasty, though not mind blowing. I did enjoy the Ghabeli Rice which is an afghan dish of rice cooked with sugar, cumin, carrot and raisins. It is sweet and a good choice for children. Reasonably priced, it is a good choice for take-out night.

2. Roti Time, 2542 St. Clair Ave. W. (at Runnymede Ave.), 416-901-8311.
When I discovered that there was a place for roti so close by, I was thrilled. Even more so when I learned that the place was originally connected to the owners of Ghandi on Queen West. After obsessing about it for weeks we finally went for it. If you've had roti then you know that it is a hearty meal. My husband went and came back with butter chicken for me and lamb vindaloo for himself, which were thoroughly enjoyed. I think next time I want to try some of the veggie options. The place is run by Supriya Vellore who learned how to make the roti form the original owners. If you are in a rush you may have to skip it because each curry is made to order and it can get busy in there.

3. Westwood Grill 519 Annette Street, 416-604-8822 or 416-604-8868
Chinese is always a family favourite and Westwood Grill goes above and beyond your typical Chinese resto with Dim Sum offerings and some Thai dishes. The thing I really appreciate is that they don't use MSG, which is important to me when feeding a toddler -- let alone myself. I also love the convenience of their online ordering system, makes it such a breeze for someone who is attached to her digital devices, and if you don't feel like picking up, they deliver.
Since I'm always on the lookout for more options, these are next on my list:

Indian Kiss
Outhouse

What are your faves?

Just KID'n Around Family Play & Learn Centre has graciously offered to financially sponsor the Junction Parents Meetup Group! THANK YOU!

2011-03-18T14:07:00.001-04:00

1615 Dupont Street
M6P 3S8
Mon - Thurs: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am - 8:00 am
Sat: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for private parties.

INDOOR PLAY-GYM - PARTY CENTRAL - PLAYSCHOOL - AFTERSCHOOL CLUB - FITNESS & DANCE STUDIO

Just KID'n Around is your one stop shop for family fun! We offer something for every member of your family. Caregivers can enjoy a hot cup of coffee, while your little ones explore our play area. We offer Wi-Fi and a comfortable seating area to lounge in, chat or just relax in a worry-free environment.

For those of you with child care needs, we offer a full-day Playschool as well as a Before & Afterschool program and various Enrichment Programs throughout the day.

From Dundas West Station take Bus #168 Symington to Dupont - walk 2.5 blocks West
OR
From Dundas West Station take BUs #40 Junction to Dupont - Walk 1-2 blocks East

justkidnaround@rogers.com

416-531-3489

http://www.justkidnaround.ca/

Please CLICK HERE to view all of our sponsors

CPR class & Red Cross fundraising event at High Park Family Fun Place

2011-03-17T16:56:00.000-04:00

Submitted by:
Wendell Ramlogan

Vital CPR – First Aid Training
Authorized Canadian Red Cross Training Partner
http://www.vitalcpr.com/
416.855.7813

On Sunday March 20th, we will be providing a CPR class at HPFFP. The class is perfect for family members or caregivers interested in learning CPR in a more relaxed class. As you already know, HPFFP is a family and community space in the High Park / Junction area. There will be plenty of activities for the children while parents learn.

In light of the recent events in Japan, we have decided to contribute gross proceeds from the class towards the Canadian Red Cross campaign. This means 100% of all class fees will be donated.
Currently, we have space to accomodate up to 20 more participants. We would love to see a full class!

CPR Level C class
Date: Sunday March 20th - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: High Park Family Fun Place - 2968 Dundas St. West (Dundas St West & Pacific Ave)

Fees:
HPFFP member - $30
Non member - $50
HST is included. 100% of fees will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.
Please register in advance by contacting High Park Family Fun Place at:

Phone: 416-762-3999
Website: http://www.hpfamilyfunplace.ca/ Facebook: http://goo.gl/ZCUFe

Teaching Babies Sign Language: The Benefits and a Quick How To

2011-03-17T16:44:00.001-04:00

GUEST POST by MARINA SIMONIC - Marina is a stay at home mom of two children, an ECE, as well as an Independent Certified Instructor of The Baby Signs Program. She blogs frequently about her adventures at http://www.twelvemonthsofjune.blogspot.com/

I think one of the phrases we hear most about babies, other than how cute or beautiful they are, is "I wonder what they are thinking". I know that I myself have thought that often, with my own children and when I worked in the infant and toddler rooms as an ECE.
Around the time my eldest son was eight months old, while perusing the parenting books section of our local Chapters store, I stumbled across a book about baby sign language, and it peaked my interest. I had learned about signing with babies during college, but it was a quick overview and honestly, I had forgotten all about it by the time I had my son.
That one moment at Chapters changed my parenting life forever. I know that sounds a bit cliche, but it is the truth. After reading the book "Baby Signs" by Dr.s Linda Acredolo and Susan Goodwyn, I tried it out with my son. Because he was already almost 9 months old, he picked the signs up quickly and eagerly and I was amazed when at around 12 months old, he not only had a repertoire of over 40 signs, but was stringing them together to make short 4-5 word sentences and had started creating signs on his own for words he didn't know the signs for. We could communicate with each other on a level that I never thought possible. He had so much to say about the world around him, and could easily let me know how he was feeling or what was wrong.
I was so taken by the whole experience I became certified to teach baby signs through the Baby Signs Program, and began running classes and workshops for parents and educators.
One concern that comes up at every class and workshop is that teaching babies to sign will slow down or stop their learning how to speak. This is simply not true. Using an analogy from the Baby Signs Program, a baby doesn't lose interest in learning how to walk just because they already know how to crawl. Also, when babies say their first words, they often sound differently from how the word is really pronounced. For example, they might say BA for bottle, or MO for no. These approximations don't limit baby's ability to learn to say the word correctly, just like signing doesn't stop children from learning to speak.

The key to language building is your words that go with the signs. As a parent or educator, you talk to children all day long, and signing doesn't stop that. Instead, you are giving children an action to go with your words, just like we sing action songs and finger plays. For example, when you are getting your child's lunch ready, you tell them it is time to eat, and when you speak the word eat, you simultaneously do the sign. Repeat the phrase a few times each time you are feed your child and they will begin to make the connection between the word and the sign. We always use the word and sign together.

Think of it as a stepping stone toward language, allowing babies to express themselves much earlier in their lives then if they were to wait for verbal speech to develop. Studies have shown that having this head start actually increases their language skills, simply because they have had more time to practice the art of communication. Most importantly though, it give babies and toddlers a voice during a time when they don't have the oral motor skills to fully express themselves. This voices allows them to connect with care givers on a new level, deepening relationships and strengthen bonds.
So, where to get started!

Like I said before, if your baby is six months or a bit older, start with signs they will see most often, like those the are centered around feeding. Let's face it, at that age, most babies get very excited about food and feeding times. For a baby that is older and has started to have more detailed interests like animals and specific toys, you can choose a few signs for words that you say frequently, like cat, dog, ball, car.

The main thing with starting signing is choosing signs for words you say often through out the day so your baby is exposed to the sign multiple times. My son was older when we started and while I started with signs for eating times he showed little interest in learning them. When I introduced signs for the animals in his favourite book, he picked them up extremely quickly. Since so much depends on the child, you may have to play around with the signs you start with.

I always recommend that parents only start with a few, and build from there once you see your child is picking it up. Starting with more can become overwhelming and everyone will get frustrated. Also, know that the ability to sign is directly related to the motor skills of your baby, so the younger a child is when you start, the longer you will have to wait to see them signing. Patience is key.
Below I have listed some great websites you can go to for more information, and the signs themselves.

For examples of signing:
ASL Pro - an online video dictionary of American Sign Language that has an ASL for babies option showing simplified ASL signs: http://aslbrowser.commtechlab.msu.edu/browser.htm
Signing Savvy - another online video dictionary with a baby sign option - http://www.signingsavvy.com/

For more information on the benefits of signing:
The Baby Signs Program official website, parent's section: https://www.babysigns.com/index.cfm?id=5
An article on CBC's website about a serial they did on the news: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/babysign
General information about baby signing: http://www.babies-and-sign-language.com/

Happy Signing Everyone!!!
Marina

FREE Babywearing Workshop, only 8 spots left!

2011-03-15T14:13:00.001-04:00

Monday, April 11, 10:30 AM

RSVP HERE!

Instructor: Lindsay Viets Moore

Are you overwhelmed with choosing a baby carrier for your baby? Is you current carrier uncomfortable for you or your baby? Do you want to learn about the many different kinds of carriers? Then this workshop is for you!

Come out and learn about all the kinds of carriers available, and how to use them. Try out a carrier or get help with using your own carrier.
I will demonstrate how to use the following: pouch(eg: Hotslings), ring sling, mei tai (eg: Babyhawk), soft-structured carrier(eg: Ergo), stretchy wrap(eg: Moby), and woven wrap. Then there will be time for the group to try out the different carriers and get help with different ways to use them. I can even help with learning back-carries, if anyone is interested.
This workshop is great for parents of newborns trying to decide on a type of carrier, parents who are having trouble with their current carrier, and parents of bigger babies and toddlers who want to learn more about babywearing bigger children.
All children are welcome to join us, of course! There is an elevator to get to the basement but it is a HUGE pain to use, so if you can avoid bringing a big stroller it's easier. But there is lots of space to store strollers once you get downstairs, so we'll manage fine.

Impromptu outdoor playdate @ the High Park Zoo tomorrow (Monday, March 14th at 10 am)

2011-03-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

“Great place for the kids to safely run around (no cars!) and say hello to all the animals.”

Meet down the hill at the High Park Zoo entrance on the side of the Grenadier Restaurant (not by the zoo parking lot), by the wooden gates.

Spring Clothing Swap @ Russet & Empire!

2011-03-12T12:49:00.000-05:00

LINK please RSVP at russetandempire@gmail.com

Our thoughts and hopes are with people of Japan today, please donate to the Canadian Red Cross!

2011-03-12T08:54:00.000-05:00

Info taken from the Canadian Red Cross website..

Red Cross responds to major earthquake in Japan and tsunami across Asia Pacific

(OTTAWA, March 11, 2011) – The Red Cross is responding to a powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan overnight. The earthquake, the worst in Japan’s history, has triggered a tsunami warning across 20 countries along the Pacific coast.

The Red Cross response was immediate. Local volunteers have been working around the clock to support emergency response efforts including evacuation, search and rescue and emergency first aid.
The Canadian Red Cross is monitoring the situation closely and is ready to rapidly respond with emergency supplies and personnel if needed.

Canadians are encouraged to support Red Cross relief efforts by making a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami fund. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow , at your local branch office or by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111.

PLEASE DONATE NOW

"What have YOU been doing?"

2011-03-12T07:48:00.002-05:00

GUEST POST BY MARINA-UNGER SIMONIC- LOCAL MOM OF TWO

"What have YOU been doing?"

Because I'm all out of ideas.
What in heavens name have you been doing with your little ones during this horrible end of winter, beginning of spring snow-rain-snow-slush-rain-snow weather?
Because we have done A LOT.

There is one thing that the kidlets don't like all that much. And that is weather that you can't go out and play in. And there aren't many days that go by where we aren't outside for at least a few hours, no matter the weather.
But these last few weeks, the parks have been wet, soggy and muddy. As is our back yard. And front yard. And balcony. And porch. And... well, you get the idea.

So we've been doing a lot of stuff indoors.

We have created obstacle courses, made paper hats, boats and airplanes, rebuilt our megabloks construction sets in to every configuration possible and then some. Baked cookies, loafs, brownies and cupcakes, alphabetized our DVD collection (hey, it's educational), danced, discoed, shimmied and shaked.

We have cleaned, sorted laundry (again, educational) made musical instruments out of recycling, made caterpillars, flowers, spiders and buttons out of egg cartons, taken home so many boxes from the grocery store my husband thinks we are moving somewhere.

We go on play dates and to the library.
We've started watching Disney VHS tapes.
We have done everything I can think of doing, and I am an ECE. You'd think the ideas would be endless.

Not so much.

Inevitably, we end up outside, after ten minutes of my attempting to figure out what outdoor clothes they will need. Usually, it ends up looking something like this: winter hat, boots and mitts, fleece sweater and rain coat.

And we walk with our umbrellas to jump in the puddles, make some snow balls and kick the slush. As fun as all that is, we do eventually end up back inside staring at each other, wondering who is going to make the first move.
Please help me out here.
What have YOU been doing?
Cheers!

Marina
http://www.twelvemonthsofjune.blogspot.com/

"And What Do You Do?"

2011-03-11T09:39:00.001-05:00

GUEST POST BY TREVA THOMPSON ,Co-Organizer of the JUNCTION PARENTS MEETUP GROUP

The scenario: Any social gathering. I’m introduced to someone. After a few pleasantries, the conversation invariably turns to a discussion of career.

“And what do you do?”
“I’m a stay-at-home mom of a 7-year old boy and 5-year old twin girls.”

This is often followed by uncomfortable silence and a meager attempt to acknowledge how busy I must be, a quick change of the subject then a thinly veiled excuse to extricate themselves.

It’s a conversation killer.

I have always wanted to be a mother. As the eldest of four children, I knew at a very early age that I wanted to have children of my own. When my husband and I decided to start trying after 2 years of marriage, I was thrilled and couldn’t wait until that little stick showed me a plus sign.

When I became pregnant with our first son Luka, I was working on Bay Street for a brokerage firm (not exactly a family friendly environment). I loved being home for the 12-months of maternity leave and hated leaving him at daycare to return to a job that I had discovered I didn’t love. Soon after, we decided to start trying for a second baby and were quite surprised to become pregnant with twins when my son was only 14-months old. And so when Luka was not quite 2 years old, we were blessed with identical twin girls- Klara and Mila.
Yes, your math is correct. That is three kids in less than two years.

A review of finances and some soul-searching confirmed that it would make sense for me to stay home with the kids until they started school. My husband’s career was on the cusp of taking off and having a stay-at-home spouse would enable him to work late and travel if necessary. I was thrilled (and a bit trepidatious) to be fulfilling my lifelong dream of making a career of parenting.

Nearly six years later, I’ve weathered a gazillion diaper changes, potty training x 3, kids learning to walk, talk and talk back, starting school and homework, mountains of laundry, endless meal preparation and housework. My son is in grade two. My daughters are in SK. In six months (yes, I’m counting), all three will be in school full-time.

So where does that leave me? I’m still at home with the kids. My husband’s job has him traveling at least twice a month for up to six days at a time and it still doesn’t make sense for me to go back to working outside the home, at least if I want to maintain my sanity. How do I justify my existence? I consider raising healthy and considerate kids to be my full-time career. My days are filled with the usual unending household duties, coordinating school activities, obsessively reading parenting books and blogs and, from time to time, finding a few moments for self-reflection.
I hope you’ll join me on my journey of redefining my identity as a SAHMOSAK (stay-at-home mom of school-aged kids). I am certainly no “lady who lunches”. Commiserate with my (mis)adventures in raising pre-tween kids and the joys and challenges that are sure to follow. Perhaps I’ll find that being a SAHMOSAK isn’t such a conversation killer after all.

Happy reading!

To read Treva's other posts, visit her brand new blog: http://www.sixtotenmom.com/

New Junction Community Message Board & Calendar

2011-03-09T19:47:00.001-05:00

Uniting all the West Toronto Junction non-profit organizations, residents and local businesses, give everyone a voice! Discuss new developments, retail, heritage, neighbourhood safety, urban gardening, post yard sales, share your photos, get to know your neighbours.

To visit the new community website, click HERE

Scriptwriting program for students ages 8 - 12 @ Annette Street Public Library

2011-03-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

"Sophie's Studio" offers a series of workshops promoting creativity and writing for school-aged children.

Saturdays, April 2, 9, 16 and 23

2 – 3:30 p.m.
At the Annette Street Public Library, author and screenwriter Paula Wing will host "Tasty Words".
In this lively scriptwriting workshop playwright Paula Wing will give participants the tools to create
vivid, believable characters, construct killer short plays and/or screenplays, and make their writing
sharp and funny.
The workshop is open to children ages 8 - 12, and is limited to 20 participants

Annette Street Library
145 Annette st
Phone 416-393-7692

Very cute kids' clothing and baby care items @ Green Lavender Eco Store

2011-03-08T19:59:00.000-05:00

Green Lavender Eco store and Yoga Studio

2842 Dundas St. West, M6P 1Y7

416.792.2447

info@greenlavender.ca

http://greenlavender.ca/

Beautiful hand-made items for kids @ Wise Daughters

2011-03-08T19:40:00.000-05:00

Wise Daughters Craft Market

3079B Dundas St. West

Toronto, M6P 1Z9

(facing Quebec Ave, just south of Dundas

http://wisedaughters.com/

Yes, it's as good as it looks

2011-03-06T18:04:00.000-05:00

I saw this stunning beauty that tastes and smells as good as it looks at Espresso Mi Vida (392 Pacific Ave at Dundas St W) yesterday, just HAD to share it :)

More new retail in the Junction!

2011-03-06T00:14:00.000-05:00

The Yarn Boutique moved from Bloor and Keele to Dundas and St.Johns Rd, occupying Bill Saundercook's old office.

New sushi take-out, opening soon at Dundas and Pacific, where the Bronto Burger used to be, let's hope it's good :)

THANK YOU, JUNCTION!

2011-03-04T19:20:00.000-05:00

The Junction Parents Blog turns 3 years-old on Tuesday, March 15th!!!! Thanks everyone for encouraging me to keep at it, thanks to our amazing sponsors for trusting me to promote their Junction-based businesses, thanks to Treva for being there for the blog when it really counted, thanks to all of my friends for enduring my constant Facebook and blogpost updates about the neighbourhood, thanks to Robert Hilts for adding Junction Parents feed to Junctioneer from the very beginning (BTW, Happy 3'rd Birthday to JUNCTIONEER as well!), thanks to the Junction neighbourhood for being so inspiring, down to earth, welcoming and socially conscious! The Junction Parents Blog stats last night showed that we had 515 visitors in total just from the last 24 hours, thanks everyone for reading and contributing!

Irina
http://junctionparents.ca/

April Program Calendar for Dundas/Keele Early Years Centre

2011-03-04T18:03:00.000-05:00

April program calendar

for Parkdale-High Park Early Years Centre (Dundas and Keele)

2918 Dundas St. West

M6P 1Y8

416-762-3700
http://www.ontarioearlyyears.ca/

oeyc@childdevelop.ca

New session of Parent-Child Mother Goose is starting in April with registration beginning next Friday, March 11th @ 1:30 in the afternoon.

Finally created a Facebook Page! Yes, only 3 years after creating this blog! Please "Like" us :)

2011-03-04T01:10:00.000-05:00

Junction Parents

Promote Your Page Too

“Gardening Upfront" - with GREEN 13

2011-03-03T18:53:00.002-05:00

Community Meeting :

All about Urban Edible Gardens
Monday March 21, 2011 ~ 6:30 pm
Annette Branch Public Library
145 Annette Street, Toronto
(between Pacific & Keele)
With special Guest: Andrew Roy from Green Gardeners
**Successful Front Yard Gardens with tips on how to intersperse vegetables with perennials & shrubs
** Info about City Bylaws pertaining to Gardening In Front Yards
**Connect with Others who are growing Food in our Community
**Seeds for Sale
**Get a free package of vegetable seeds

Green 13 is an environmental group dedicated to the promotion of community projects, education and advocacy of greener lifestyles.
www.green13toronto.org

Mommy's L'il Monkey Blankets @ The Wise Daughter's Craft Market

2011-03-03T18:13:00.000-05:00

These new baby blankets are handmade and eco-friendly, many made with vintage fabrics. Each has a print side and a cuddly side. They are washer and dryer safe, and priced between $20 - $32 depending on the size.

Wise Daughters Craft Market
Locally handmade crafts and do-it-yourself workshops
3079B Dundas St. West
M6P 1Z9
416-761-1555
www.wisedaughters.com

Spring "One of a Kind" Tickets and Gift Certificate Giveaway by VintageBabyRevival!

2011-03-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

Check out this beautiful online shop owned by Melissa McColl, a very creative Junction mama :)

Grand Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to Vintage Baby Revival plus one pair of tickets to the Spring One of a Kind Show and Sale

Runner Up: Two pairs of tickets to the Spring One of a Kind Sale

Giveaway details HERE