I subscribe to DECA’s blog, DECA Diaries (‘DECA’ stands for Danforth East Community Association). I just received their newest post and frankly, I was inspired… I thought I would write about it here, partially to fill you in on happenings of a very local community and partially to, hopefully, inspire you too.
Firstly, the Danforth East Arts Fair is happening September 17 and 18th. The Fair, located in East Lynn Park (just west of Woodbine), has happened for a few years now and the park becomes transformed into a bustling art gallery where local artisans display their creations. For more info, or if you’re interested in applying as an artist (first deadline is April 30th!), go to www.deca-arts.ca.
What was inspiring to learn from DECA’s post, however, that the idea for this volunteer run, juried arts fair emerged out of a community meeting in 2007 – just a wee idea from local resident who piped up has led to an incredibly successful community event. A little creativity and committment can take you a long way… So think ahead, fair readers, what kind of events would you like to see in our neighbourhood?
The other inspiring thing I read in DECA’s post was about their Association’s Business Revitalization Team. Their team, apparently, has helped transform six stores along DECA’s stretch of the Danforth (being from Monarch Park to Main). Their philosophy is that by improving the look of a few stores along the strip, they hope to draw new stores to the area and help fill in empty store fronts. Their team consists of stagers, designers, business branders, real estate agents, and regular joes and joe-ettes who help in whatever way they can – tired of waiting for change, they make change happen. Their rules are simple: the store has to have the right chutzpah but the wrong look, and it has to be a store they want to see stick around (ie, no “massage parlours”). The owners have to be people the team wants to spend their free time with. The team provides the expertise and some of the leg work, and the owner supplies the basic supplies.
How inspiring is this!? Our strip along the Danforth has some excellent stores, but many of them lack a certain lustre. And think of the ones that do have great frontage: as examples, Tora Home Design, Len Duckworth’s, Darling Flowers and Tile City, which has just given itself a face-lift. There’s nothing to say that other sweet spots in our ‘hood couldn’t look just as great. This blog is not a Community Association (yet…) but consider the seed planted, fair readers… There may come a time when your services will be called upon.
Danforth Secord Community Blog 
I have been reading with interest about DECA for a couple of years – what great work that community has done together. If they can do it, so can we. And I do agree that some of the stores along out stretch of the Danforth are looking great – in particular the cool retro new sign on Tile City.
I went to the Danforth Arts Fair last year, it was a delightful morning out, toured the fair and then had brunch at Melanie’s Bistro. Great day.