-
Finding “Home” on the Danforth
The past few months of my life have felt like I was living in a movie. You know, the kind of story where the “country bumpkin” moves to the big city to live their dreams of fame and success. And that’s what I am doing: I am pursuing my goal of learning about and working in the publishing industry. Can you imagine, working with books all the time? The dream! When I decided to move to Toronto for school, I was so excited! I spent the summer before moving thinking about what I would need, trying to plan the logistics, and simply overthinking everything. I felt like nothing could surprise…
-
The Many Facets of Food Rescue at Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre
Bridget Marzin’s job is to rescue food. As the Food Security Worker at Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre, located in surburbia just off the Danforth, Marzin oversees dozens of volunteers and hundreds of food bank participants. Every day, she looks for new opportunities to reduce waste, rescue food, and secure donations to provide better food access for the Danforth community. Eastview Centre’s food bank runs on Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m., when they serve households of one or two people, and again on Thursdays at the same time, when they serve households of three or more. “I don’t think anyone has the right to say who can and cannot [access…
-
The Clay Room
On a brisk Saturday afternoon, with the intention of trying something new, my friend and I entered a muted green shop at 279 Danforth Ave. The air was heavy with chalky dust and paint fumes, and buzzed with all sorts of lowered, concentrated voices. Its sage walls were lined with shelves of white, blank ceramics, in various shapes and sizes. Despite its four tables being nearly full, we were immediately greeted by a staff member with a warm smile. She patiently and plainly described how the business works: you choose a ceramic from the wall—each of which have their own price and studio fee, pick out your paint colours, give…
-
Green is the New Black
The amount of disposable products (especially plastics) is a problem that, as a society, we have been trying to solve for several years. Unfortunately, when the pandemic came, health care and sanitation became our first priority and we put aside other problems; the use of plastic containers, disposable bags, and other articles returned to be part of our day-to-day lives. However, our reality is now different from what it was two years ago, and many establishments are again proposing small actions that we can do day by day to achieve a positive impact on our environment and community. Here on the Danforth, some establishments have opted for a sustainable model:…
-
Best Places to Pamper Your Pet on The Danforth!
Canines and felines and rodents, oh my! Whatever kind of pet you have, they’re bound to bring a lot of joy into your life. But, to do your job as their caretaker right, you have to know all the best places to go that specialize in pet care. Whether you’re a new pet owner, or a veteran, here’s a helpful guide on some of the best pet places that the Danforth has to offer! Check up! It’s always a good idea to do your research beforehand and choose the best practice that works for you. Health-care professionals have had a tough few years; many put their own health on-the-line to continue…
-
Succulent Memories, Exquisite Changes: Serano Bakery
The first time I visited the Danforth, a variety of things caught my attention. Some of them because of their beauty, like an impressive white house with a bright red door, and buildings with beautiful architecture, like the church. Also, because something seemed unique, like signs with an “x” on it for pedestrians on Pape and Aldwych Avenues (I had not seen this in Colombia, the country I’m from). But among them all, one special place caught my attention the most: the Serano Bakery. This spot reminded me of my country, my family, and my childhood. In Colombia, there are bakeries everywhere, sometimes several on a single block. It was…
-
Four Hidden Instagrammable Spots to Find on Danforth Avenue
Instagrammable refers to photos that are visually appealing to be shared on Instagram; also a location good for photo taking. The Danforth, apart from the title of Greek Town, is an area full of hidden Instagrammable spots. If you are someone who loves photography, here are four places you may want to visit! 71 Gough Ave, Toronto When it comes to the Instagrammable locations on Danforth Avenue, Holy Name Parish church with 109 years of history must be a place classical lovers look for. It was designed in the style of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome and was built of stone imported from Indiana. Throughout its construction and establishment, this…
-
Montcrest School: Where Learning and Community Meet
As I walk down Broadview Avenue on a chilly November Tuesday, I’m looking for my destination: Montcrest School. I’m surprised when I find a collection of houses brought together to make up the Montcrest school campus. I enter into the main lobby and I’m immediately struck by the familiar hustle and bustle of your average school day. I’m a few minutes early for my appointment, so I sit in a comfortable leather chair placed next to a banner displaying the many generous donors of the school’s community. As I sit, students, staff, and parents alike come through the lobby, each one giving a welcoming smile. On a grey day like…
-
Advice on “Proper Pet Care” for New Owners
Pets are the greatest. It seems as though people have sought animals as companions since the dawn of time, so rather than break from tradition, why not enhance your life and choose a furry friend of your very own? But be warned, pets aren’t all sunshine and rainbows, you need to do your due diligence and make sure you’re taking good care of them, so they can take good care of you. For all the new pet owners out there, here’s some advice on “proper pet care” to help you prepare for your new family member: Find a Good Veterinarian, and Go for Annual Check Ups! Just like people, pets often…
-
Behind The Scenes: Greek Community at “Humans of the Danforth”
If you ask anyone, anything before 2020 was unreal, considering all that we have come through as a global community. But now it seems we are watching the sunset of those uncertain and discouraging times. Communities emerged stronger, bonds between people changed drastically, and even our perception of who we are was questioned; we were all wondering how and what can be done for others in need. Last year, when everything was reopening, East End Arts, in partnership with Greektown on the Danforth BIA*, contacted Henry Vanderspek, a local photographer, to develop a project called Humans of the Danforth which aimed to explore the stories, and humans, behind businesses on…