August 16th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Patio pioneer passes (July 2021)
Fans of Italy’s national soccer team fill the Diplomatico Café’s patio in Little Italy during the Euro Cup. Little Italy exploded with joyous fans after Italy defeated England in penalties. COURTESY CAFÉ DIPLOMATICO
When Rocco Mastrangelo Sr. and his younger brother Paul established Café Diplomatico in 1968 under its original name, Bar Diplomatico, patio dining was unheard of in Toronto. With the help of two city councillors, it took the brothers a year to convince Toronto Public Health that it was safe for customers to eat outdoors, and that vehicles driving by would not contaminate food. Read more
August 16th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Tarragon offers a pay-what-you-can plan (July 2021)
Budget-conscious theatre buffs rejoice: The Tarragon Theatre is offering a pay-what-you-can 2021-22 subscription season. Artistic Director Richard Rose wants to make the shared experience of theatre broadly accessible after a pandemic year that has kept audiences and actors apart. Read more
July 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on ON THE COVER: Vaccine Pow Wow at Varsity Stadium (June 2021)
Dancer Miryan Rutledge performs at a Vaccine Pow Wow on Jun. 19 at Varsity Stadium. The event was hosted by Aduzhe Mino Nesewinong, a First Nations COVID-19 response program. “We’ve been experiencing a little hesitancy among our community members,” said Steve Teekens, Executive Director of Na-Me-Res. “In February, all our clinics were full, but in June we had a dip, so we’re raising awareness.” Indigenous peoples can contact appointments@healthybreathing.com or call 416-654-4184 to book a vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome. NICOLE STOFFMAN/GLEANER NEWS
July 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Annex Residents’ Association holds virtual AGM (June 2021)
Over 40 people were in virtual attendance at the Annex Residents’ Association’s (ARA) Annual General Meeting on April 22. Because of the pandemic, it was the first AGM in two years, but participation was up thanks to Zoom. Read more
June 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on NEWS: Brunny Rexall to shutter (May 2021)
Closing comes as a surprise after only 3 years in operation
On June 11, as many patios and retailers reopened, Rexall’s sign came down. NEILAND BRISSENDEN/GLEANER NEWS
By Nicole Stoffman
Rexall Pharmacy in the former Brunswick House is closing after only three years, on June 11. Employees will be re-assigned by the corporately-owned store, but the future of management is uncertain, according to an employee. Read more
June 15th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Farmer’s Market returns to the Annex (May 2021)
Cameron and Shaylynn from Sun Ray Orchards in Beamsville, Ontario were happy to be serving customers at the first Bloor-Borden Farmer’s Market of the season. NICOLE STOFFMAN/GLEANER NEWS
The Farmer’s Market returns for a 14th season with 16 organic food vendors, which is the same number found there during pre-pandemic times. Read more
May 12th, 2021 · Comments Off on NEWS: Tenants at risk of eviction (Apr. 2021)
Critics see government’s “protections” as toothless
By Nicole Stoffman
Seven percent of Ontario tenants, or 98,000 families, can’t pay their full rent because of pandemic-related job loss. They are accumulating rent arrears that many will never be able to repay, according to the Federation of Rental Providers of Ontario (FRPO). In the Annex alone, 16 eviction applications have been made since November. Read more
May 12th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Tarragon’s Reinvention (Apr. 2021)
Fans of original Canadian theatre will be pleased to know that the Tarragon is not gone. On offer in May are audio dramas Scorched and Come Home-The Legend of Daddy Hall. Visit tickets.tarragontheatre.com. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS
The Tarragon Theatre has stayed afloat through the third wave of this pandemic by bringing theatre lovers a full season of audio dramas. This art form enjoyed its golden age in the 40s and had been enjoying a rebirth which has boomed with the pandemic. Theatres have been discovering its usefulness as a cheaper and more reliable way to deliver shows than filmed productions or Zoom plays. Actors record their parts remotely, which are combined by the producers who then add in the sound design. Read more
May 12th, 2021 · Comments Off on LETTER TO THE EDITOR: “On the road to a roof over his head” (Apr. 2021)
Things are looking up for Jeff Reid, who has finally found a home
Jeff Reid can now afford the market rent at his new home, thanks to a provincial subsidy called the Toronto Transitional Housing Allowance Program: Homeless Stream. In his letter to the Gleaner, he shares a few suggestions for making the shelter system more welcoming to Toronto’s homeless population. NICOLE STOFFMAN/GLEANER NEWS
Hi! It’s me, the guy on page 7 of the [March edition] of the Gleaner! I have received so many comments about the article, it’s unbelievable. Instead of walking by me like I don’t exist, more people are treating me like I’m actually real or something! So happy! Read more
Long term Bloor Street sidewalk dweller is hopeful
Jeff Reid loves the Annex, but after living homeless on Bloor Street all year, he sees his future self “as a working man with a dog and a life that’s not necessarily in the public eye.” Reid is seeking a bachelor for him and his dog, General. He is experienced in many types of general labour, and would love to get back into trucking. Good reference. Ideas? Contact him at 647-569-3666. NICOLE STOFFMAN/GLEANER NEWS
March 5th, 2021 · Comments Off on ARTS: Annex is still film set central (Feb. 2021)
Strict COVID-19 protocols being followed
Rebecca Breeds, as the heroic Clarice Starling, and her fellow FBI Agents after catching a killer on Walmer Road in the TV series Clarice. COURTESY MGM TELEVISION AND CBS STUDIOS
Former ARA Chair, Metro and City Councillor Ila Bossons passes at 83
By Nicole Stoffman
When big decisions hang in the balance at city hall, councillors often form predictable coalitions along the political spectrum. Ila Bossons was one councillor who bucked that trend. “The middle way is the best way,” the independent candidate declared in 1988, during her successful campaign to become Metro Councillor for the new ward of Midtown, which included the Annex. Read more
