Riverdale Homes and Riverdal Real Estate

Did you know there’s an online version of the Riverdale Voice, and that submissions by email or snail mail are welcome?  The newsletter was created for members of Riverdale’s co-op housing, but has become a good source of local tidbits for all locals.  The deadline for submissions is the 25th day of each month, so start gathering your news and thoughts for next month’s deadline!

City Councillor Paula Fletcher, who of course participated in Friday’s 20-minute makeover and whose cleanup events can be found in the Riverdale Voice, would like to remind y’all that there’s FREE compost at Withrow Park today – at the north end of the park, available from 10 a.m. onwards.  Get there early, and bring a container!!  If you miss out, Monarch Park to the east will be giving away free compost from 12:00 noon onwards today.

Whether you like to play (way) ahead or just step outside and go where the spirit moves you, there’s no shortage of activities coming up this month and next.  If you live in Leslieville, Riverdale or the Danforth area, you can celebrate Spring, East York-style with a wide variety of events from the huge Jackman school annual Spring Fair, to Withrow’s more modest take on the spring fling, to all sorts of parties, dinners, bazaars and sales.  Here’s a brief list of what’s going down in da ‘hood:

TODAY (Sunday, April 26)

OPEN DOORS AT beautiful, Lutheran Church of St. Luke, 904 Coxwell Avenue at Cosburn, 1 to 4.30 p.m. Join guided tours or spend a few moments in quiet contemplation. Wheelchair accessible. Call 416-421-6878.

Tuesday, April 28

RIVERDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY meets at 6 p.m. at the Riverdale Public Library, 370 Broadview Avenue at Gerrard Street. Society president Gerald Whyte will talk on the history of Riverdale, and introduce the RHS book project. Volunteers needed! Admission is free to members, $4 for non-members. Memberships ($10 for 12 months) available at the event. Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, April 30

THE POTTER’S STUDIO 38th annual spring show and sale at 2 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Unit 16 (for a smaller carbon footprint, take the #81 bus northbound from Pape Station and get off at Thorncliffe Park – it’s quick). More than 3,000 decorative and functional pieces created by 40-member co-op. Admission and parking are free. Sale hours are today and tomorrow from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Call 416-423-1827

COMMUNITY CARE EAST York’s Senior Centre, at Cosburn United Church, 1108 Greenwood Avenue, offers a free income tax clinic for retired older adults or adults with disabilities who have a simple, personal income tax return, noon to 4 p.m. To book an appointment, call 416-467-1166.

Friday, May 1

RETRO DANCE PARTY: relive the music of the’ ’70s, ’80s and ’90s at Fantasy Farm, 50 Pottery Road, cocktails at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 and include a three-course dinner; hosted by the Daughters of Penelope in support of charities including the Lupus Foundation, the Hellenic Home for the Aged and the Hellenic Hope Foundation for Persons with Special Needs. For tickets, contact Doris Andriopoulos at 905-717-8036, dorismaybe@rogers.com, Nina Antonakes at 905-252-5594, nina.antonakes@gmail.com or Mary Houvardas at 905-731-0642, gushouvardas@rogers.com. Deadline for tickets is April 27.

Saturday, May 2

COSBURN UNITED CHURCH 76th anniversary weekend, 1108 Greenwood Avenue at 5 p.m.:  Roast beef dinner. Adult tickets $15, children six to 12 are $7, children under six get in free. Tickets are available after the service on April 26 or through the church office at 416-421-5711. Tickets not available at the door unless pre-ordered by April 26. Tomorrow is a musical service called Spring – New Beginnings with conductor Janez Govednik, massed choir and guest violinist, a fundraiser for new choir gowns. If you would like to sing with the choir at this service, contact the church office at 416-421-5711.

ARTISANS BAZAAR AT Georges-Etienne-Cartier Catholic School, 250 Gainsborough Rd., Gerrard Street and Coxwell Avenue, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., jewelry, pottery, clothes, bake goods, paintings, henna.

TOYS, BOOKS AND baby needs sale (new and good condition used) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Don Mills United Church, 126 O’Connor Dr. Call 416-425-4951.

Friday, May 8

AWESOME SPRING SALE at Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Road, at McRae Drive, 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. to noon. Bargains in furniture, clothing, china, glassware, jewelry, toys, books. Call 416-425-1253.

Saturday, May 9

NORTHLEA ON BROADWAY with classic Broadway show tunes performed by the talented singers of Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Rd. Tickets are $10 per adult or $30 per family. The show starts at 7 p.m. with refreshments to follow. Call 416-425-5252.

ANNUAL SPRING FAIR at Jackman Avenue Public School, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the schoolyard at 79 Jackman Ave., north of Chester subway station. Free admission. Features a variety of games and activities, a used toy and book sale, silent auction, raffle, bandstand, food. Rain or shine.

NISBET LODGE-MCCLINTOCK Manor Foundation’s annual Mother’s Day Walkathon at 740 Pape Ave. All proceeds go to the Planning for The Seniors of Tomorrow Fund. Call Gwen Ramsay at 416-461-4474 or email foundation@nisbetlodge.com

Wednesday, May 13

YORKSHIRE ROSE QUILTER’S Guild presents a miniature quilt silent auction and draw of raffle quilt, 7 to 9 p.m. at Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Ave., east of Woodbine subway. Proceeds to local charities Pegasus, Churches by the Bluffs Community Service Food Bank, 416 Community Support for Women.

Saturday, May 23

ANNUAL FUN FAIR at Withrow Public School, 25 Bain Ave., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Inflatable jumping houses, games of skill, entertainment and a barbecue. Rain or shine.

Many of us suffer from chronic health conditions.  Major or minor, they can recur and cause us a lot of grief!  If western medicine has failed to produce a lasting solution to a nagging health problem, you may want to consider a visit to Intention to Heal , a homeopathy and holistic nutrition clinic located in the Danforth Shiatsu Clinic at The Carrot Common (320 Danforth Avenue). Using homeopathy and natural nutrition, Intention to Heal’s mission is to assist Toronto patients in balancing their emotions and experiencing spiritual transformation, leading to healing and pain relief.  It may sound hokey, but some who’ve experienced chronic ailments affecting their daily lives have found relief from this non-traditional approach.

Intention to Heal is led by homeopathic doctor Lindsay Tietz. The clinic provides a holistic alternative to modern healthcare, with a focus on natural remedies.  The theory is that the modern person is constantly challenged by unhealthy foods, lifestyles and environments that are harmful to physical and spiritual well-being. These harms can result in everything from cancer to headaches to depression and anxiety. Western medicine is designed to treat acute symptoms (you wouldn’t go to a homeopath for a broken leg!) but in terms of managing chronic conditions, the theory is that pills and medication simply push the disease further into the body.  The symptoms appear to vanish, but they will inevitably recur as the body attempts the natural healing process once you stop taking the drugs (your body always seeks to expel the disease from the inside out, as in the case of the common cold; suppressants merely mask the symptoms while your body tries to fight it off)

Lindsay’s clinical experience has included treating a variety of severe conditions.  She has personally treated patients with; terminal cancer, lupus, depression, fibromyalgia, asthma, shingles, anxiety, herpes, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, and many more.  If you have questions about homeopathy, or would like to book an appointment, Lindsay can be reached at (416) 886-9455.  Prices and more information are on the Intention to Heal website.

Where to go in Leslieville for a delicious cone now that the weather is warming up?  Well, if you’re a die-hard, you could go all the way out to Ben & Jerry’s in Vaughan Mills for Free Cone Day this coming Tuesday, April 21 – they’ll be serving up all your faves from noon-8:00 p.m.  It’s a shame it’s so far away!  If you’re an ice cream fan, don’t worry, there is an amazing shop much closer to home.

Ed’s Real Scoop, beloved by Beach residents, has a new location in Leslieville at 920 Queen St. East!  Ed serves up over 100 seasonal flavours (you’ll have to wait for Fall for his famous pumpkin flavour) but for now, you can enjoy fresh waffle cones and delicious ingredients in this friendly ice cream parlour. Ed Francis uses such premium ingredients as Callebaut chocolate, Tahitian vanilla beans and real fruit purées. Less isn’t more here; Ed has one whole display case dedicated to smooth Italian-style gelato and sorbets in such tempting flavours as blood orange and red-hot chili chocolate; the other is packed with decadent, rich ice creams, like the popular apple pie (made with a whole pie blitzed in).

Mmmmm it’s time for ice cream!

If the Beaches Easter parade, egg decorating, chocolate gorging and/or religious ceremonies are not your thing…or if you’ve just had enough of them…remember it’s still the weekend, which means a full calendar of entertainment close to home.  We promise, no bunnies involved.

Bad Dog Theatre presents Souper Douper Troubadour competitive musical improv tournament TONIGHT (Saturday) 10 p.m. ($10). Tickets/info at 416-491-3115. 138 Danforth Ave. 

Dominion on Queen (500 Queen St. E. 416-368-6893): Bill Colgate & the Urbane Guerillas 4 p.m. TODAY (Saturday)

Renaissance Café (1938 Danforth Ave. 416-422-1441): Rootsy Hootenanny 2:30 p.m. every Saturday

Dora Keogh (141 Danforth Ave. 416-778-1804): Open stage with Julian Taylor every Monday

If you’d rather take it outside…

Harbingers of Spring outdoor guided walk through the valley at Todmorden Mills, Sunday 1:30 p.m. ($2-$5.19 + GST). Bottom of Pottery Rd. east of Bayview Ave. 416-396-2819.

Metro Home Show has over 250 home and garden specialists with advice, solutions and inspiration on decorating, renovating and landscaping your home. Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ($12/$10, online discounts). Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.

Over the past few years, Leslieville has seen its share of overdone nightlife, like the gastro-brew-pub-oyster-house and drink menus with over 40 martini choices.  Traditionalists rejoice: finally, a real pub has come to the ‘hood – an old-fashioned public house, that is. It’s gimmick-free and really, really for the locals.

The Roy at 894 Queen Street East has a pretty typical pub layout and decor, a fireplace, a handful of regulars at the bar rail and a stolid draft selection that includes Guinness, Waupoos cider, Wellington’s and Stella.   Despite the typical pub feel, It’s been steadily packed since it opened a few weeks ago.  Maybe it’s because there’s no loud music, no live music and no theme nights so you can actually hear yourself talk!

Come in and chow down with fellow east enders on tasty pub food like fish n’ chips.  Don’t even bother asking for oysters and martinis; this casual crowd will probably be able to overhear you and they just might laugh you out of the pub.

Where do you take your fur-kids when they get sick?  If you’re new to the area or don’t have a local vet, the Danforth Veterinary Clinic at 966 Pape Avenue might be a great option.  Caring vets like Dr. Judy Au will give your beloved animals the treatment and care they deserve.

The passionate veterinarian heads up the clinic and also provides expert advice on live call-in show Animal House Calls, airing Tuesdays on Cable Pulse 24.  She’s been practicing veterinary medicine for 16 years, but used to nurse wounded animals even as a child.

Au usually sees between 100 and 125 animals every week at the clinic and handles every aspect of pet health, from administering medicine and vaccines to performing dentistry and surgery. She says educating owners is an important part of keeping pets healthy.

These days, most stores offer their own reusable bags.  Eco-shopping is not only trendy, but going back to why it came about, it’s a great way to help preserve the environment for future generations so they won’t have to live atop mounds of plastic bags that don’t break down in landfill!  Fill your earth-friendly bag with some of these great green products found on the Danforth:

• Fresh Coffee Network coffee beans are organic and fair trade. Even the bags they come in are biodegradable! You can choose your roast and country of origin. Available in 1/2lb., 1lb. and 2lb. bags at the Carrot Common.
• My Organic Baby foods are free of preservatives, artificial flavours and colours, and are made with produce untreated by pesticides or herbicides. They provide parents with a certified organic alternative for their young child’s diet. Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
• NatureClean hypoallergenic 3X concentrated liquid laundry detergent is made from corn and palm kernel oil (both are biodegradable). It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment or rough on skin. Available at Grassroots of Riverdale.
• Burt’s Bees shampoos come in a variety of scents. All of them are environmentally friendly. These shampoos are made with natural botanicals, essential oils, flowers, herbs, and minerals that are safe, gentle, and effective. Available at the Carrot Common.
• Mill Street Brewery produced Ontario’s first certified organic lager in 2002. It’s made from imported organic New Zealand hops grown without pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. Available at the Beerstore, LCBO, and select restaurants.
• Invented in Vancouver, Happy Planet organic juices come in a variety of flavours. They also offer soups, smoothies, and yogurt shakes. All products are made exclusively from organic ingredients. Available at the Carrot Common.

If you wished last week’s Earth Hour would never end, try the Freeplay Companion Radio & Flashlight ($39.99) at Grassroots. The environmentally friendly shop has two locations, 408 Bloor St. W. and 372 Danforth Ave.  Powered by a crank, as well as a solar panel, the tiny radio-flashlight can be used to charge your cellphone.

If you’re the silent type, try the Freeplay LED Lantern ($49.99; $59.99 for the new mini model). “It’s flat bottomed, so you can hang it up.” It can also be dimmed according to preference.

What are some of your favourite ‘green’ products?  Let me know where you buy them in the east end!

Well, Circus Books and Music at 866 Danforth isn’t totally new – it relocated to Jones & Danforth about a year ago from its previous location in Cabbagetown.  Owned and operated by Ron Duffy, the store stocks primarily secondhand books, CDs and vinyl. From a literary standpoint, the focus here is on high literary fiction both past and present – don’t look for Danielle Steele!  The 1000 square foot space also offers a good range of art, culinary and children’s books. The musical selections are as wide-ranging as the books, with an impressive collection of jazz on vinyl.  This friendly neighbourhood bookstore is a great place to browse, stop to say high to Ron and chat about matters musical and literary.  An added bonus:  10% discount for cyclist, boarders, bladers and wheelchairs – wow!

Yesterday, Re: Reading finally had its grand opening!  Right in the middle of Greektown at Carlaw Avenue (548 Danforth),  Re: Reading has over 15,000 titles to choose from, with plenty of room in the elegant store to browse.