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News 2006

News 2006 - Summer

Special Events In August

posted August 2, 2006

The Toronto Humanist movement – WORKSHOP

Saturday August 5th (2-4pm) in the rink house:

"Being an activist in the real world." [website: www.humanistmovement.ca]

posted August 2, 2006; updated August 10, 2006

“All Caps” open-air FREE CONCERT

Saturday August 12, 2-7 p.m. In the Garrison Creek hollow by Dufferin Street.

Organized by Ryan McLaren. There will be eight youth bands, playing a great variety of music, from rock to jazz to punk music (family friendly). The Toronto Public Space Committee will have a table there, and so will “Who Runs this Town.” That’s Dave Meslin’s group, which organized the “Toronto Idol” candidate-for-City Council contest. We’ve invited the winner, and any other candidates for the upcoming municipal election this year, to stroll around during the concert and talk to young people about the issues.

See the website - www.allcaps.ca

The bands:

Neil Haverty - www.myspace.com/neilhaverty
Proof of Ghosts - www.myspace.com/proofofghosts
The Diableros - www.myspace.com/thediableros
I Can Put My Arm Back On, You Can't - www.myspace.com/icpmaboyc
Mantler - www.myspace.com/mantler
Stop Die Resuscitate - www.myspace.com/stopdieresuscitate
The Lolo Project - www.myspace.com/peterproject

See a story about this in the Toronto Star: Under-age and under-served

posted August 2, 2006

Clay and Paper Theatre SUMMER PERFORMANCES:

Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal.

Wednesday to Sunday, July 21 to August 13, 7:30 p.m.

Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal is the fourth show in Clay and Paper Theatre’s program called “Building Local Stories”, following The Resurrection of Fornax, The Ballad of Garrison Creek, and Gold all of which were written by Larry Lewis and directed by David Anderson.

From director David Anderson: “On the northwest corner of College and Crawford stands a sculpture of Luis Vas de Camões. Many local Torontonians know that statue, but few who are not Portuguese know that he is the national poet of a nation of poets, the greatest and most beloved poet of Portugal. We hope to correct this omission. Narrated by the one-eyed adventurer, soldier and poet himself, Luis de Camões in Dufferin Grove Park will sing the praises of the Portuguese who have come to our community. It will fill the air with the songs of the Fado. Gigantones and Cabecudos (giant puppets and big head puppets) will recall and connect the Portuguese parade tradition with ours. This is a collaboration between David Anderson, Nuno Cristo, Aida Jordao, Mark Keetch and Larry Lewis.”

The Bairrada Churrasqueira (at College and Rusholme) send their cook up after the show to grill delicious Portuguese sardines, served with corn bread, at the cob courtyard. Pay by donation (all proceeds go to Clay and Paper Theatre). They also give lessons in how to eat the sardines (peel them off the bone, bit by bit).

posted August 2, 2006

Something brand new at Dufferin Grove: WRESTLING SHOW.

Thursday August 24, 7 – 9 p.m. On the rink.

There will be various wrestling acts, such as the Italianos versus Motor City Assassins, Magnus the Punisher versus Big Daddy Hammer, and many others. There are also midget wrestlers (Farmer Pete versus El Tigre) and lady wrestlers (Ladies’ Champ LuFisto versus Sexxxy Eddie). The finale may involve quite a bit of ketchup. This is a fund-raiser for a dog-adoption shelter called “adopt a dog - save a life.” By donation.

This is a chance for Dufferin Grove to get even more diverse than it already is. For that one evening, the skateboarders will have to yield their place to the wrestlers, on the pleasure-skating side of the rink.

Produced by www.strangleholdwrestling.com.

posted August 2, 2006

FRIDAY NIGHT DJ DANCE

Friday August 25, 7 to 9 p.m.

with DJ and park staff Ted Carlisle. On the grass beside the basketball court. Eroca Nicols will teach a traditional dance of some kind and after that Ted will spin all sorts of other music too.

posted August 2, 2006

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Friday August 25 and Saturday August 26, 8:30pm

A new theatre company called the “Maboroschi Orchestra” presents shadow puppet show, The Man with the Wolf in his Belly. 8.30 p.m. by the playground gazebo. Livia Berius and Stuart Wiber are both recent graduates of the National Theatre School in Montreal. They’re touring this show, adapted from a story by German Saravanja, to various parks this summer (including our sister park, MacGregor). Dufferin Grove is their last stop. The show lasts half an hour and then kids are welcome to come backstage and see how shadow puppets work. Admission is free and donations are welcome.

posted August 2, 2006

DANCE

Sunday September 3, 4 p.m. on the basketball court

The annual get-together of the Morris Dancers. Organized by John Parkinson. On the basketball court. This event is a party for all the various Toronto Morris Dancing groups, plus some out of town groups. It’s always held on Labour Day weekend. The groups come together at Dufferin Grove after they’ve danced all over the city. They have an “ale” inside the rink house along with pizza at the oven and lots of park oven bread and herb butter. The point of the get-together is so that groups can show off their latest dances to one another. They welcome anyone else who wants to watch, and they are generous about sharing their food. They’re not allowed to share the ale, though.

REGULAR SUMMER AFTERNOON PARK ACTIVITIES IN AUGUST (FREE)

posted August 2, 2006

DANCING IN THE PARK FOR CHILDREN.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon,4 to 6 p.m.

Park staff Eroca Nicols is a dancer, as lots of park friends know. Eroca says there are so many wonderful group dances/ line dances/ square dances in all the cultures of the world, and she wants to introduce some of them into the park, with the help of park kids. So the park is offering free children’s dance classes every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long at the park.

The sessions are:

• Tuesdays:
  • Ages 5 and under – 4:00pm-4:30pm.
  • Ages 6-8 – 4:45pm-5:30pm
• Wednesdays:
  • Ages 9-12 – 4:00pm-4:45pm.
  • All Ages Dance/Instrument Jam 4:45pm-5:45pm.

From Eroca: “All classes will be in front of the playground gazebo. Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring water to class.” To find out more or to sign up, call the park at 416 392-0913 and leave a message, or e-mail Eroca at info@dufferinpark.ca

posted August 2, 2006

BUILDING WITH CLAY

Tuesday afternoon, 1 to 3 pm by the wading pool

with Kate Cayley.

posted August 2, 2006

STORYTELLING IN THE PARK

Wednesday afternoon, 1 to 3 pm

...with Kate Cayley. Near the playground. Everyone is welcome to come and hear stories from all around the world, with new stories each week. As August progresses, drama and puppetry may also be part of the Wednesday afternoons. Kate is a former staff member at the park, and is now the artistic director of The Cooking Fire Theatre Festival. She told stories by the wading pool and at pizza days for many years.

posted August 2, 2006

COB-BUILDING

Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 3.30pm

with Georgie Donais, Jenny Cook, and lots of others. Help build a park bench that looks like an old tree; find out how to make an earth-bag foundation; and (later in August) make a little composting-toilet enclosure with bas-relief sculptures. For more information: cob@dufferinpark.ca. See the dufferin park cob courtyard subsite for details about cob.

posted August 14, 2006

See a review of this project in the National Post: Park goes arty with compost toilet

posted August 13, 2006 7 a.m. by the cob gardens

posted August 2, 2006

TRADITIONAL CAMPFIRE COOKING

Thursday afternoon, 1 to 3 pm

with park staff Anna Bekerman. By the cob wall. Cook scones, fritters, dovladas, tortillas. Children too.

Anna cooking blue corn pancakes at the Saturday afternoon campfire:

posted August 2, 2006

Thursday Stories For Children

Thursday 4-5 pm at the farmers’ market

Stories for children with April and Daniel.

posted August 2, 2006

BIKE MAINTENANCE CLINIC

Thursdays (except NOT Aug.10 and 17), 2 to 6 p.m. near the farmers’ market.

Park friend Issie Chackovicz brings his tools and also his educational material about the CAN-BIKE courses he teaches. He does on-the-spot bike maintenance, with explanations. If your bike is squeaking, the handlebars are crooked, the brakes are loose, the gears don’t work right – Issie can get your bike back in shape while your kids play in the sandpit, or while you walk the dog, or come to shop at the market. He’ll charge for the work and the parts; the explanations, of how to do it yourself the next time, are free. That might get some squeaky bikes back into good condition fast, for all those busy people who can’t fit in regular maintenance trips to the bike shop.

posted August 2, 2006

STILTWALKING

Friday afternoon, 1 to 3 pm (except August 4):

with park staff Sandy Gribbin. Sandy does physical theatre when he’s not working at the park. He has four pairs of stilts for kids who want to try being taller.

posted August 2, 2006

Saturdays

Those are just lazy afternoons, but there’s often a surprise activity of some kind, since the park staff have many talents. You can also borrow a volleyball, chess and checker pieces are set up, and once in a while there’s croquet.

posted August 2, 2006

BEACH BLANKET BINGO

Sundays 1 to 3pm

That’s the time for Eroca Nicols’ BEACH BLANKET BINGO. Everyone welcome.

posted August 2, 2006

DUFFERIN MALL YOUTH SERVICES (DMYS)

Yoga in the park

every Thursday, weather permitting, 4:45-6:00.

It is open and free for youth (12-24), no registration is necessary, between the basketball court and soccer field.

Dufferin mall Youth Services program supervisor Wolfgang Vachon says that staff from the agency will be in the park throughout the summer and into the fall to connect with youth. Their services are: “culturally sensitive counselling, community support, and programming for youth age 12-24 and their families. DMYS was conceived and established as a joint community, mall, and business initiative to meet the needs of families, youth, businesses, and individuals striving to improve their communities. We are located inside Dufferin Mall in Suite 103, down the hall from HRDC and beside Abrigo. For more information call 416 535 1140.”

Special Events In July

posted July 4, 2006

Councillor Adam Giambrone SUMMERFEST

Saturday July 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hot dogs, lawn sale, free city compost. By the basketball court. To book a lawn sale table call the Councillor’s office at 392-7012. Toronto Fire Services will be sending their community outreach fire truck (may be called away to respond to an emergency).

posted July 4, 2006

“Portugal 2004” girls’ soccer fundraiser CAR WASH, rummage sale and BBQ

Saturday July 8, 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m

in the dead-end street by the rink house across from the Dufferin Mall lights. This group does an excellent job on your car.

posted July 4, 2006

DUSK DANCES

July 11 – 16. Band starts at 7pm, dance starts at 7:30pm. (Dinner at the oven from 6.30 to 7.30)

New works from Toronto artists Nova Bhattacharya and Louis Laberge-Côté; William Lau; and Lucy Rupert and choreographies from Montreal’s Roger Sinha and Solid State.

Opening band: Grupo Capoeira Malês

Artist Talkback: July 12 after the performance

The Moving Pictures Festival of Dance on Film and Video and Dusk Dances Inc. present Reel Dance in Dufferin Grove Park: July 13, 14 and 15 following the performances.

See www.duskdances.ca

posted July 4, 2006

Clay and Paper Theatre: Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal

Wednesday to Sunday, July 21 to August 13, 7:30 p.m.

Previews: Wednesday July 19 and Thursday July 20.

Opening Night: Friday July 21.

Camões, the One-Eyed Poet of Portugal is the fourth show in Clay and Paper Theatre’s program they call “Building Local Stories”, following The Resurrection of Fornax, The Ballad of Garrison Creek, and Gold all of which were written by Larry Lewis and directed by David Anderson.

From director David Anderson: “On the northwest corner of College and Crawford stands a sculpture of Luis Vas de Camoes. Many local Torontonians know that statue, but few who are not Portuguese know that he is the national poet of a nation of poets, the greatest and most beloved poet of Portugal. We hope to correct this omission. Narrated by the one-eyed adventurer, soldier and poet himself, Luis de Camoes in Dufferin Grove Park will sing the praises of the Portuguese who have come to our community. It will fill the air with the songs of the Fado. Gigantones and Cabecudos (giant puppets and big head puppets) will recall and connect the Portuguese parade tradition with ours, and the smell of the barbecued sardines will mingle with the smell of fresh corn bread baked in the Dufferin Grove Park bake oven, inspired by the village ovens in Portugal. This is a collaboration between David Anderson, Nuno Cristo, Aida Jordao, Mark Keetch and Larry Lewis.”

posted July 20, 2006

Reviews

posted July 4, 2006

ART WORKSHOP for kids aged 8-12 with Gillian Tremain

Wednesday July 26, 2 - 5 p.m. at the rink house.

Gillian writes: “Marbling on paper and fabric : Come and explore this fascinating and beautiful art medium, probably first done in eighth century Japan. Classic marbling (or marbleizing) is a method of decorating paper or fabric through the manipulation of floating colours. The water-based colours are applied to the surface of a gel-like liquid and are then manipulated with combs and sticks; the print is ready to be "pulled". The children will be able to produce vivid patterns with relative ease once the basic technique has been mastered. They will see how colours in different combinations react differently to each other; I think they will also see very quickly what wonderful things they can create when there is a constant element of surprise. I'll need a minimum of 6 kids, maximum of 10 for the class to go ahead. Cost will be $30 plus a $10 materials fee, payment in full by cash or cheque the day of the class. Please wear appropriate art-making clothes! Excellent snack included, and if the weather's good, the class will be outdoors on the grass..”

To register, please e-mail Gillian at gillyt@ca.inter.net or call 416-532-0773.

posted July 4, 2006

DUFFERIN MALL YOUTH SERVICES (DMYS) SUMMER-IN-THE-PARK SERIES

Yoga in the park

every Thursday, weather permitting, 4:45-6:00.

It is open and free for youth (12-24), no registration is necessary. They usually meet between the Basketball court and Soccer field.

Theatre in the park

And here’s a schedule of youth-oriented outdoor park theatre performances from DMYS program supervisor Wolfgang Vachon:

Friday, July 7th at 1:00, in the yurt, “Trans Cab”.

“Toronto is home to Canada’s largest trans community. It is also home to one of the largest homeless populations in the country. “Trans Cab” was created by homeless and formerly homeless transgendered and transsexual individuals based upon their experiences navigating Toronto’s shelter system. Drawing upon diverse theatre styles, Trans Cab allows multiple voices to interact- including the audience- in a way that does not lose the integrity of the production.”

Monday, July 17th also at 1:00pm: Toronto Playback Theatre.

“Toronto Playback Theatre is dedicated to listening to people's stories and transforming them spontaneously into theatre. Their mission is to provide organizations with dramatic, audience-interactive performances and programs that build trust, deepen dialogue and generate opportunities for personal and professional development. Playback Theatre aims to create a ritual space where every voice and any story - however ordinary, extraordinary, hidden or difficult - might be heard and told. The Toronto Playback Theatre is committed to a theatre that values community, service, and the possibility of personal and social transformation through art.”

Monday August 14: Mixed Company Theatre: Under Pressure

...a newly developed work addressing the current trend of rising STI and HIV transmission rates among youth. This Forum Theatre production explores sexual pressures and consequences from a variety of perspectives as we observe five highschool students in their struggles with image and popularity, love and friendship, betrayal and trust. Under Pressure explores relationship negotiations and encourages students to find their own voices amidst the complex pressures faced in high school today.

Forum Theatre is issue-based and interactive and purposely presents the worst case scenario to prompt audience participation. Audience members intervene in the story, acting (as a spect-actor) in the play to create a positive alternative ending. The first part of the play is 30 minutes in length followed by the 45-minute facilitated educational program of audience interventions and topic discussions. A trained Forum Theatre facilitator (the Joker) prepares and encourages the spect-actor to replace the actors on stage and to change the story in a constructive way.

About Dufferin Mall Youth Services

Dufferin mall Youth Services program supervisor Wolfgang Vachon says that staff from the agency will be in the park throughout the summer and into the fall to connect with youth. Their services are: “culturally sensitive counselling, community support, and programming for youth age 12-24 and their families. DMYS was conceived and established as a joint community, mall, and business initiative to meet the needs of families, youth, businesses, and individuals striving to improve their communities. We are located inside Dufferin Mall in Suite 103, down the hall from HRDC and beside Abrigo. For more information call 416 535 1140.”

posted March 22, 2006

ART CAMP IN DUFFERIN GROVE PARK (Second Season)

JULY 31 TO AUG 4, 2006

Back by popular demand, the art camp for kids interested in making papier mache sculptures and hanging out laughing! This year's theme is "Funny things are everywhere." Aspiring artists will build and paint their ideal pet using papier mache and mixed media. Course also includes drawing and painting in the park. The day includes an hour for lunch and a swim break. Campers can take advantage of the pizza oven on days it is open, otherwise bring a lunch. Last year the campers made large wearable monster puppets and paraded across the park on the last day (see photos). The teacher is Ottawa-based multi media artist Erin Robertson, sister of Dewson St. resident Kate Robertson, and aunt to Madeleine and Isabelle. Email Gabrielle at feligab@yahoo.ca or call 416-534-5317 if you have any questions and to register. If someone is interested but can't afford the cost please contact us.

JULY 31 TO AUG 4, 2006
AGES 9 to 12
COST: $130 for the week
DROP OFF: 9 a.m.
PICK UP: 5 p.m.

Gabrielle Langlois

Photos from 2005 Art Camp

Regular Events in July

posted July 4, 2006

STORYTELLING IN THE YURT, with Kate Cayley

Every Wednesday afternoon 1 – 2 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m., starting Wednesday, July 12.

Everyone is welcome to come and hear stories from all around the world, with new stories each week. As the summer progresses, drama and puppetry may also be part of the Wednesday afternoons. Kate is a former staff member at the park, and is now the artistic director of The Cooking Fire Theatre Festival. She told stories by the wading pool and at pizza days for many years.

For information about the yurt, see the yurt picture gallery.

posted July 4, 2006

DANCING IN THE PARK FOR CHILDREN, with Eroca Nicols

Every Tuesday and Wednesday,4 to 6 p.m.

Park staff Eroca Nicols is a dancer, as lots of park friends know. Eroca says there are so many wonderful group dances/ line dances/ square dances in all the cultures of the world, and she wants to introduce some of them into the park, with the help of park kids. So the park is offering free children’s dance classes every Tuesday and Wednesday all summer long at the park.

The sessions are:

• Tuesdays:
  • Ages 5 and under – 4:00pm-4:30pm.
  • Ages 6-8 – 4:45pm-5:30pm
• Wednesdays:
  • Ages 9-12 – 4:00pm-4:45pm.
  • All Ages Dance/Instrument Jam 4:45pm-5:45pm.

From Eroca: “All classes will be in front of the playground gazebo. Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring water to class.”

To find out more or to sign up, call the park at 416 392-0913 and leave a message, or e-mail Eroca at staff@dufferinpark.ca.

Friday Night DJ Dance

The first dance is on Friday July 28, starting at 7.30

Park staff Ted Carlisle is also a DJ. So one Friday each month (July, August, September, maybe October if the weather is still good), Eroca and Ted and will host a FRIDAY NIGHT DJ DANCE on the rink pad, for everyone, after Friday Night Supper. The dance class kids will teach everyone (adults too) who want to learn the traditional group dance of that month and then Ted will spin all sorts of other music too. The first dance is on Friday July 21, starting at 7.30.

posted July 4, 2006

BIKE MAINTENANCE CLINIC near the farmers’ market and/or the playground

Every Thursday, 2 to 6 p.m.

Park friend Issie Chackovicz brings his tools and also his educational material about the CAN-BIKE courses he teaches. He does on-the-spot bike maintenance, with explanations. If your bike is squeaking, the handlebars are crooked, the brakes are loose, the gears don’t work right – Issie can get your bike back in shape while your kids play in the sandpit, or while you walk the dog, or come to shop at the market. He’ll charge for the work and the parts; the explanations, of how to do it yourself the next time, are free. That might get some squeaky bikes back into good condition fast, for all those busy people who can’t fit in regular maintenance trips to the bike shop.

Issie is a nationally-certified CAN-BIKE instructor. He writes: “The CAN-BIKE PROGRAM is a set of courses on all aspects of cycling safely and enjoyably on the road. The orientation is toward recreational and utilitarian use of the bicycle rather than toward competition. The CAN-BIKE courses are organized on age and 3 levels - basic, advanced and instructor. I teach all the levels including bike maintenance.”

Issie says the Can-Bike approach works for people who

(1) want to learn to ride a bike, or
(2) who already ride a bike in the city but would like to learn how not to get run over by a truck.

Issie says he can teach anyone, child or adult, to ride a bike in half an hour. That’s just getting moving. After that comes riding in your neighbourhood, then riding on main streets, than riding safely in the urban jungle. The courses are offered at various Parks and Recreation locations but Issie says there couldn’t be a better location than Dufferin Grove, with the large surface of the rink for doing figures-of-eight, and then the local-traffic-only protection of the block between the park and St.Mary’s High School. Contact: issie.chack@sympatico.ca.

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