Dr. Shonna Masse is a certified specialist in paediatric dentistry and has practiced in the Etobicoke area since 2001. Dr. Masse is privileged to be on staff at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Trillium Health Centre

The Children’s Dental Centre is a paediatric dental practice for infants, children, adolescents and special needs patients.

Our newly built office was specially designed for children and contains the latest technology. We provide paediatric dental services ranging from preventative dental care to the treatment of complex paediatric dental issues.

The paediatric dental services we offer include the following:

• Infant oral health care

• Dental care for children, adolescents and teens

• Dental care for special needs and medically compromised patients

• Nitrous oxide sedation

• Conscious sedation

• Outpatient general anesthesia

• Preventative dental care

• Dental emergency and trauma treatment

• Digital intraoral radiography

• Digital panoramic radiography

My son and I are going to the Yo Gabba Gabba March 16th concert . We're both pretty excited. Me because I get to go downtown and into a nice theatre and my son because he gets to rock out!

Anyone want to join me?

To get $5.00 please enter the special code "MUNO".

Every Monday from 3 pm to 4:30 pm (Starting March 1st) we will be meeting at Lorahill Park (Islington & Saybrook Road) to play and connect with families in the area. Unless there is an extreme weather warning we will be there! Meet other families, get some exercise and fresh air! Fun activities will be planned on a regular basis! Age Range: All ages are welcome. Organizer families range from 1 years to 8 years of age.

Guest Blogger, Bart Flegg, Merlin Landscape Construction

Some might find it odd to discuss landscaping while there is still snow on the ground but often it’s the best time to formulate ideas, get opinions and start budgeting for your new project. Getting your project done early means that you have more time to enjoy it during the summer season. Avoiding the interruption once your children are out of school can also be a plus.

When you are finished with your landscape project you hope to add some value whether it is a monetary value such as property value or a personal value such as how you value the time you spend in your yard. Many find their yard a tough project because there is so much space to work with. As Etobicoke landscapers we have a few tips to ease you through your project.

Here are some tips to consider:

• The most common pitfall in landscaping is tackling a yard little by little in hopes of “knocking it out” eventually. Continuing without a plan is planning for disaster. When everything is completed an unplanned yard can often have a disorganized feel.
• Following trends with your landscaping can net a great return in property value. A common trend in today’s landscape market is the evolution of the “outdoor room,” a way to blend the indoors with the outdoors. This design typically increases the time spent outdoors and is praised for its functionality. Contrary to popular thought outdoor spaces can be built on a budget and still have a great return on property value.
• Visit some suppliers and get familiar with local products firsthand. Often the color in the catalogue is different than the actual stone or wood color. By seeing potential products up close you can be assured that your final product will be what you expect. Do not be afraid of large stone yards, they welcome homeowners readily. Be sure to check in at the office before entering to make sure they know you in the yard.
• If you choose to hire a contractor it is their job to educate you on industry standard installation procedures and adhere to them. If you are tackling the job on your own refer to the manufacturer’s website or other landscape resources online or in print.

Merlin Construction is a local landscape construction company serving Etobicoke, Toronto and the surrounding area. Whether masonry or woodwork, owners and craftsmen Bart Flegg and Alan Sanderson work with an old school work ethic ensuring that each detail is taken care of personally.

Visit online at MerlinConstruction.ca

Content Couresy of Etobicoke Guardian

Dogs will soon run free in an area of Colonel Samuel Smith Park.

City parks staff were expected this week to install off-leash signage in the 0.6-hectare run of open field to the east of the RL Clark Water Treatment Plant.

Once the signs are in, the off-leash park is officially open.

Dog owners Joanne Tobler and Maria Doyle proposed the off-leash area last summer to city parks officials.

"It has been too cold. My dogs won't wear their boots," Tobler said, as she explained she had not been recently to the leash-free area of Sam Smith Park where she often walks her four dogs - a pug, pug-Shih Tzu cross, a Jack Russell-Corgi cross and a black Lab.

Last week, city council approved 29 new off-leash dog parks. The dog parks join the city's 33 existing off-leash parks.

The review of dog parks comes more than two years after council adopted the People, Dogs and Parks Off-leash Policy to deal with the growing conflict between dog owners and other park users.

At a public consultation meeting in December, approximately 65 people, most dog owners, overwhelmingly supported south Etobicoke's two proposed off-leash parks - in Sam Smith Park, and a second 0.7-hectare area on the southwest arm of Humber Bay Park West.

It was the largest turnout ever for a leash-free area proposal suitability assessed by the city, said Carol Cormier, city manager of parks, standards and innovation.

Fencing emerged as dog owners' primary concern with both off-leash parks.

Currently, a fence exists at the water plant site, Cormier said.

City staff will review the off-leash park's fencing situation in spring to determine whether additional fencing is required, Cormier said.

The Humber Bay Park West off-leash park is set to open in spring.

At issue in that dog park is a fence. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority wants it fenced, citing the danger of strong lake currents in the area. Dog owners largely don't want a fence.

Etobicoke's only other off-leash park remains open, but is threatened.

The dog park in Don Russell Memorial Park is a proposed site for the installation of an $800,000 FIFA artificial turf soccer field donated by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to adjacent Lakeshore Collegiate.

Benches and garbage cans will be installed in both dog parks. City bylaw enforcement officers will regularly monitor both off-leash areas.

City policy prohibits pit bulls, female dogs in heat and non-neutered males from off-leash areas.

Last year, three applications for off-leash designation in Etobicoke were denied, citing proximity to wetlands and conflicting existing park uses at King's Mill Park (north of Bloor Street West), Michael Power Park and Grand Avenue Park.

• computerized bookkeeping, 
• preparation of financial statements, 
• preparation of tax returns for individuals,  
• small businesses and corporations, 
• preparation of GST and PST returns, 
• preparation of charity returns, registration of corporations etc.
  
  EA&T offers its services at very competitive rates and the new clients receive 10% discount of rates paid to other accounting and bookkeeping providers. Sustainable development plays very important role at EA&T and this is expressed through their focus on providing services to  communities in Etobicoke, and reduction in paper use by utilizing computerized bookkeeping and electronic tax filling. In addition, for multiple service users, EA&T provides free pick up and delivery of bookkeeping and tax filing documents. You don’t have to leave the comfort to your home to get your tax returns professionally prepared; EA&T will do it for you.
  
  Please visit us at www.etobicokeaccounting.com or contact us at info@etobicokeaccounting.com or tel. (416) 471-3577.      

Looking for some good value food options in close by? Check out this link for a listing of all the west end restaurants. Looking for activities to do as well? Check out the posting below as well as the City of Toronto's Official Page

Content Courtesy of Bunch Family
Partner of GTA Parent
Saturday, January 30, 2-5 PM The Guvernment
$12 for grown-ups, $10 for kids in advance.
$14 for everyone at the door while supplies last.
Free for non-walkers.

You’re invited to year three of Toronto’s most famous family event, where kids and parents spend a feel-good afternoon at a downtown club, shaking it on the dance floor side-by-side. It’s Bunch Family Dance Party WinterCity and at this year’s True North Edition, created specially for WinterCity 2010, Toronto families will mix it up with dancing yetis and polar bears, while an indoor storm rages and DJ Fase spins hot tracks for cold weather. Expect to see icebergs, northern lights, moose and a breakdancing Mountie. Bring your kids and your wildest dance moves.
Tame a yeti!

• Make a snowstorm!

• Dance with bears and Mounted Police!

• Learn about the Canadian Arctic!

• Create beautiful, glowing Northern Lights!

• Dance yourself silly!

*A portion of your ticket will be donate to the World Wildlife Fund to help keep the North ice cold!

It is cold and movies are cozy - never a better time to support your local theatre than now!

The Young Victoria

From Martin Scorsese & the makers of Gosford Park and The Departed, comes the story of Queen Victoria's early rise to power. From an object of a royal power-struggle in to her romantic courtship and legendary marriage to Prince Albert, Emily Blunt (Devil Wears Prada) gives a stunning performance as The Young Victoria.

Packed with drama, romance, political intrigue, breath-taking cinematography and featuring an outstanding British cast including Jim Broadbent, Mark Strong, Paul Bettany and Miranda Richardson and Rupert Friend (Pride & Prejudice) THE YOUNG VICTORIA.

Twilight New Moon

The supernatural tale of star-crossed lovers continues as the Cullen family flees Forks in order to protect Bella (Kristen Stewart), and the heartbroken high-school senior discovers that vampires aren't the only creatures in town. Realizing that Bella will never be safe as long as he's around, Edward (Robert Pattinson) makes the difficult decision to leave his beloved behind shortly after her 18th birthday. Reeling from her loss, Bella embraces self-destruction after being comforted by Edward's image during a moment of mortal peril. But as heavy-hearted as Bella may be, her old friend Jacob (Taylor Lautner) distracts her from her sorrows by helping her renovate a weather-beaten motorbike. When Bella encounters a former adversary with a sizable grudge, she's rescued from harm at the last second by pack of enormous, ferocious wolves. Subsequently delving into the history of the Quileutes, Bella discovers the secrets of Jacob's tribe while looking forward to a reunion with Edward that may have deadly consequences. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide



Me and Orson Welles
Seventeen-year-old Richard Samuels (Zac Efron) spends his days dreaming of the bright lights of Broadway. He gets his big break when he happens upon Orson Welles (Christian McKay) and his fledgling Mercury Theatre company. Richard impresses Welles with an impromptu audition and lands a bit part in the Mercury's forthcoming run of Julius Caesar.

With Welles's womanizing taking priority over rehearsals, chaos and calamity mark the production from the start. Before long, opening night has arrived and Richard will discover the terrible secrets of show business.


An Education (Fantastic - I saw it!)

A suburban London teen finds her traditional education replaced by something slightly more sinister when an older, more worldly suitor sweeps her off of her feet while placing her future in jeopardy. London, 1961: 16-year-old Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is smart, attractive, and eager to start her adult life. She's grown tired of the familiar adolescent routine, so when urbane newcomer David (Peter Sarsgaard) appears in town, Jenny senses a rare opportunity to shake things up a bit. Quickly falling under David's spell, the impressionable Jenny begins accompanying her newfound beau to classical concerts, art auctions, crowded pubs, and dinners that stretch into the small hours of the night. But Jenny is brighter than most kids her age, and her parents always dreamt of getting their exceptional daughter into Oxford. These days it seems like she's headed in a different direction -- will David ultimately be her undoing, or the person who helps her finally realize her true potential? - Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Fantastic Mr. Fox

A wily fox uses his formidable cunning to outsmart three feeble-minded farmers, who resort to extreme tactics to protect their chickens in director Wes Anderson's animated adaptation of the popular Roald Dahl children's book. For 12 years, Mr. and Mrs. Fox (voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep) have lived a peaceful life in the wilderness with their son, Ash (voice of Jason Schwartzman). Shortly after their young nephew Kristofferson (voice of Eric Anderson) arrives for a visit, Mr. Fox's long-suppressed animal instincts begin to take over and the faithful family man resorts back to his old ways as a cunning chicken thief, endangering not only his family but the entire animal community as well. When evil farmers Boggis, Bunce, and Bean force the animals underground in a desperate attempt to capture the audacious Mr. Fox, dwindling food supplies force the frightened animals to band together in one last attempt to fight for the land that is rightfully theirs. Bill Murray, Michael Gambon, Willem Dafoe, and Owen Wilson provide additional voices. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

For times check www.kingswaymovies.com 

Bob's been eating! So has Jeff. Check out the latest reviews on places to eat in Etobicoke.

Visit here - www.etobicokeeats.com

Tuesdays: January 19, 26 & February 2, 9, 16; 23, 2010, 6:30 -8:30pm
Location: Runnymede Community Church
60 Colbeck St. (Runnymede Ave. & Colbeck St.) - Upstairs
P.E.N. Members $90, Non-members $100
To register please call 416.255.8969

YOU CAN’T MAKE ME - POSITIVE DISCIPLINE FOR
YOUNG CHILDREN -6 week course
Tuesdays: January 19, 26 &; February 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2010, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Location: The Busy Genie Play & Learning Centre
2885 Bloor St. West (Bloor St. & Prince Edward Dr.)
(2 blocks east of the Royal York Subway Station)
P.E.N. Members $90, Non-members $100
To register please call 416.255.8969

SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND PEER PRESSURE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
1-Evening workshop
Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7-9pm
Location: The Busy Genie Play & Learning Centre
2885 Bloor St. West (Bloor St. & Prince Edward Dr.)
(2 blocks east of the Royal York Subway Station)
P.E.N. Members $10, Non-members $15
To register please call 416.255.8969

GLAD TO BE A DAD –1 evening information session (Free)
Tuesday January 18, 2010, 6-8pm
4 Villages Health Care Centre
1700 Bloor St. West (Bloor St. and Keele St.)
Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)
For information please call Mikhe’al Ben-Moodie
Community Health Worker
416-604-0640 X 4124

Check out this fun new site with parenting news, reviews and things to do! I love it. Find out why. I bet you can guess. Here is a link: http://www.gtaparent.com/

I came across this really interesting web link called "How walkable is your Neighbourhood?" http://www.walkscore.com/

I was disappointed in my score ( I live in Norseman/Sunnylea area of Etobicoke - near the Kingsway). It was only 45! Below average. I do find this a little funny because I can walk to:

• shopping
• movies
• subway
• parks

However, my neighbourhood could use some improvements. We could use a little more of everything. In my opinion, Bloor West (where I scored 66) has a fantastic selection of things to walk to. I miss it just a little but is only a short drive away (LOL).
Find out your score.

Are you having a staycation this holiday season? Looking for things to do in the City? Check out www.GTAParent.com for suggestions on how you can have fun over the holidays!

Now open with limited runs.
256 Centennial Park Rd.

All skiers and snowboarders of any age must have a valid Snow Pass and proper ski and snowboard equipment.

All participants must wear helmets

Thursday - Men's & Women's Night 
Friday - Teen Night
Saturdays -Family Night
For more information call 311 or visit online

Have you ever heard of Famous People Players? If you have not then you are in for a treat.  Most exciting is  they have moved to Etobicoke!




DECK THE HALLS
November & December 2009
Gingerbread men, nutcrackers, toy soldiers and snowflakes all come to life before your eyes.  Come rock the holidays with us and Deck The Halls with LOVE.

HI-YO SILVER
January through April 2010
Saddle up and join the ride of possibilities.  Discover that you can become the Lone Ranger.  Hi-Yo Silver into the future with a saddle bag full of dreams.

ROCK n' ROLL HEAVEN
May through July 2010
Two "Kings" meet in Rock n' Roll Heaven and create an explosion in black light.  You'll be moonwalking in blue suede shoes to the greatest beat the world has ever known.

SHE DID WHAT?!!
August through October 2010
From Diane Dupuy's best-seller comes a lively, hilarious musical of a little girl who is different from other children and must face the challenges of growing up in a narrow little village with narrow-minded people.  A tale for all ages!

Famous People Players is now located at:
343 Evans Ave.
Toronto, ON M8Z 1K2
Phone: 416-532-1137

Great Lakes Brewery is giving back to the community.   So far, Hops for Hunger has raised over 1000 lbs for the Daily Bread Food Bank, and they need your help to reach our goal of 3000 lbs.You can also drop off non-perishable food items when you visit their retail store.  According to their web site they also have a Beer Club of sorts....Quoted from their web site:
"Become a member of Project X! Held on the second Thursday of each month, we feature a one-off cask conditioned ale along with a sampling of delicious beer themed food. Entry to each event is only $10. New members are always welcome – a one time $10 membership fee gets you an exclusive t-shirt and access to each event."

Great Lakes Brewery is located
30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.,
Etobicoke, Ontario

Tel: 416.255.4510

Working in this economy is stressful and tough enough. But, parenting is a tougher job. And, when you are doing both, finding ways to maintain close relationships and open communication with your children is very important. Here are 7 simple ways that don’t take up too much time, after all things considered:

1. Say “I Love You” Tell your children you love them every day -- no matter the age. Say those words and mean it, even on trying days or after a disagreement. A simple "I love you" goes a long way.

2. Create a Special Bedtime Routine Reading a favourite bedtime book is a routine that young children will remember throughout their life. Once children start reading, have them read a page, chapter, or short book to you.

3. Let Your Children Help You Let them help with house chores, finding items on your grocery list, unloading groceries, etc! Parents sometimes miss out on opportunities to build closer relationships by not allowing their children to help them. Choosing which shoes look better with your dress lets a child know you value her opinion. Of course, if you ask, be prepared to accept and live with the choice made!

4. Play Time Play with dolls, ball, sing songs, or whatever. It doesn't matter what you play, as long as it involves you! Let the kids see your silly side.

5. Eat Meals Together More Often Than Not Turn the TV off. Eating together sets the stage for conversation and sharing. When schedules permit, really talk and enjoy one another.

6. Respect Their Choices You don't have to like their mismatched shirt and skirt and socks. However, it is important to respect those choices. Children reach out for independence at a young age, and parents can help to encourage those decision-making skills by being supportive and even looking the other way on occasion. After all, it really is okay if a child goes to daycare with a polka dot shirt and striped shorts.

7. Make Them a Priority in Your Life Find some one-on-one time. Whether it is a walk around the neighbourhood, a trip to the mall to do nothing but look around, or a movie night with just the two of you, it is important to find some one-on-one time. Although it is more of a challenge the more children in a family, it is achievable.


Hanna Guerra is a Certified Life Coach and Owner of The Busy Genie Play and Learning Centre located at 2885 Bloor St. W. It is an indoor playground, party centre, and tutoring centre. Hanna and her staff are committed to help make family lives easier. Visit their site at www.TheBusyGenie.com.

Ahhhh, who doesn’t love the Caribbean, especially during a frigid Toronto winter? Sparkling turquoise waters, warm sunshine, wonderful adventures, dreamy beaches, luxurious resorts to just relax and indulge. I think the only thing missing to make this the perfect picture is.... YOU!

The Caribbean Sea is the number one sunny destination for North Americans. Millions of visitors enjoy the wonderful hospitality and culture of over 30 nations, as well as the sun, sea and sand. The best part about this region besides its affordability, ease of getting there and near perfect weather, is that there is no “one Caribbean”. Each island offers guests a new Caribbean experience, with distinctive scenery, history and traditions. What else makes the Caribbean perfect for a winter getaway? The list is endless, but I’ll give it a shot with a few of the highlights.

• The beaches are beautiful paradises, and many have been voted the world’s best.

• The fantastic array of top of the line exciting water sports. The Caribbean offers guests incredible diving and snorkelling in warm azure waters, plus fishing, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and whale watching.

• There are plenty of adventures waiting on land as well. Eco-tourism is huge in the Caribbean with hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, in one of the biologically richest areas of the world.

• The cultural wealth of the Caribbean, with hundreds of years of compelling history, architecture, music, language, traditions and of course incredible cuisine.

• The Caribbean is known for its endless list of outstanding properties and brands with spectacular amenities and facilities. The Caribbean is one of the premier cruising regions in the world, and this winter there are a number of new and innovative ships that just leave guests saying WOW!

If you think you know the Caribbean and you’ve been there done that, think again. It is a magical and exciting destination where you create new memories and adventures every time. As a Caribbean destination specialist, I am always happy to help you plan your perfect getaway to the sunny south. Visit my website at www.cruiseshipcenters.ca/SusanCisorio for fabulous pricing on all-inclusive packages or cruises, and contact me to find out how you can be hitting the beach faster with your Aeroplan miles or TD Visa travel points.

Carol Sing Along led by Islington Baptist Church Choir
and 'A Christmas Carol'- A reading by the Humber River Shakespeare Company, at Montgomery's Inn

Friday December 4th - 5:30 PM
Dundas at Burnhamthorpe

Join us for a lovely evening in Islington... « carol sing « traditional tree-lighting « reception with Coffee Time coffee & donuts … and entertainment by the Music Studio FREE at the CIBC

Then, head over to Montgomery's Inn for a reading of 'A Christmas Carol' by the Humber River Shakespeare Company and then «enjoy old-time carols in the tavern.
Events at the Inn by pre-registration only: 416-394-8113

Sponsored by the Village of Islington BIA in partnership with: CIBC, Coffee Time, Montgomery’s Inn, the Humber River Shakespeare Company, the Music Studio,
Islington Baptist Church & others. More at Villageofislington.com.

Have you heard of the book called Toronto Fun Places? If not, please check out their web site and consider purchasing their book at Chapters/Indigo. 

I love this book because every weekend we try and go some where new and interesting, even if just a new park. This book takes the guess work out of it. They even have a section called Strolls Around the Subway which is really cool. My oldest son loves to take the subway. In fact the first time I ever took him the ROM he told me the highlight for him was the subway ride (a bit hard to take considering the price for us all to go but he had just turned four and loved the sound of the floors at the ROM more then the actual exhibits).

Also don't forget to check out their web site as well. It contains additional options not mentioned in the book (the book gets updated every few years).  Locations include Toronto activity ideas (including great tips for free stuff) as well as ideas for outside of the City. Each suggested activity includes appropriate age for children which is really helpful.

For more information visit here

When: Sat, Dec 05 from 10am
Where: Starts at Dwight Ave. (1 block west of Royal York), travels west along Lakeshore Blvd. W. , ends @ Thirty Sixth St. (Just before Browns Line)

Featuring:
10 Marching Bands, 15 Professionally built floats, including a “Choir of Mice”, “MadHatter Tea Party”, "Penguin Fantasy", “The Flintstones”, “Sylvester & Tweety”, “Dudley The Dragon”, “Bugs Bunny”, “Yosemite Sam”, “Snow Whiteand the Seven Dwarfs”, “Cinderella & her carriage”, “Bigger than life size Snowmen”& “Polar Bears” , a“Christmas Train” + a Host of other entries from schools, Boy Scouts & Girl Guides, Businesses & Service Clubs and Corporate Neighbours...and of course.... SANTA CLAUSE.

For more information visit here

Feeling hungry......Check out the latest food review from Rob at Etobicoke Eats

Cairo Time G - Daily: 5:00 pm

The September Issue PG - Daily: 3:00 pm 7:00 pm Last Day Thursday!

A Serious Man 14A - Daily: 1:00 pm 9:00 pm Last Day Thursday!

An Education PG - Daily: 1:00 pm 3:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm Starts Friday!

Get your Seasonal Pet Pictures through Etobicoke Humane Society

Invites you to TAKE A “PAWS” And Visit Their OPEN HOUSE

November 21, between 11 am and 4 pm.

At their cat shelter and office at

1500 Royal York Road, in the offices above the Banque of Montreal

The cat adoption shelter and office will be open,

Purr…fectly wonderful cats will be waiting

Volunteers will be on hand

Refreshments will be served and

Free literature will be available.
_____

The Etobicoke Humane Society asks: Please don’t forget the animals during the holidays.

To learn more about the Etobicoke Humane Society, their Open House and/or to donate, adopt or volunteer, please call 416-249-6100, or visit www.etobicokehumanesociety.com

The Aviva Community Fund competition is giving you the chance to voice an idea that will create a lasting change in your community. The most popular ideas, as chosen by Canadians, will have a chance at sharing in the $500,000 Aviva Community Fund.

They are holding a competition with 3 opening rounds, where you can enter your idea or support your favourites. At the end of each round, 20 ideas go through to the Semi-Finals, and those that don't make it through are still in the running. They will have their vote count reset to 0 and are automatically entered into the next qualifying round. That means everyone has up to 3 chances to compete to be one of the 62 semi-finalists.

The competition closes to new entries on November 29th, 2009, so enter your idea now or start supporting ideas in your community.

Saturday, November 14

From 11 am to 2 PM

Lakeshore Arts

2422 Lake Shore Blvd. W.,

(West of Park Lawn, East of Mimico).

Great place to find that unique gift for the holidays!!

Attend this one of kind artisan sale featuring local artists

Artists work represents a variety of fine craft mediums,

o silver and semi-precious stone jewellery

o textile

o small unframed artworks

o prints

o photography

o cards

o pottery

Cheque or cash sales only.

A percentage of the proceeds will go to

Lakeshore Arts to support their efforts in the community

Check out this interesting blog written by a teacher who has given herself the quest to visit 99 Toronto libraries in one year. Her blog gives you interesting info on all of Toronto's wonderful libraries. Here is the link: http://c-raine.com

In Toronto, the city that is home, libraries are our living room.

Forget Starbucks, Second Cup, Tim Hortons, the whole irritating landscape of phony hospitality, those walk-in ads where comfort, cookies and coffee are doled out at $5 a serving.

Forget Chapters and Indigo, with their overstuffed couches and department store lighting.

And if you happen to live, as do many Torontonians, in 800 square feet on the fourth floor facing a similar condo next door, forget your own place.

Your local library is where you want to be. Bring your own drink – no problem – and find a seat. There are some comfortable chairs over there by the fireplace. If you prefer more light, try something closer to the window.

Kids might want to check out the play area; it has child-size furniture and special computers.

Older students, those who travel in packs, might rather plunk themselves down at one of the long work tables where they can find strength in numbers.

These days, some branches even offer evening concerts. Starting with musical experiments in 2006, the program of decidedly unlibrary-like events continues with a concert by Grand Analog at the College Shaw branch Thursday. The mix artists will also host a deejay workshop at the College St. library on Tuesday. Other "Make Some Noise" concerts this month include a double bill from folkies Bruce Peninsula and Timbre Timbre at the North York Central Library on Saturday night. Indie artist Katie Stelmanis graces the shiny new Bloor-Gladstone branch Nov. 20.

Read More

Girls Respect Group

Do you live in the area of Kipling to Royal York and from Bloor to Titan Road/Hydro line? Join your Community Association!

Content Courtesy of Globe & Mail