First Annex Flea Holiday Market Today

Well, if you can wade through the Santa Claus Parade hordes, you might want to head to the Centre for Social Innovation Annex at 720 Bathurst for the first of three Annex Flea Holiday Markets today.
Here's the scoop about The Annex Flea:
"The Annex Flea is market for all things handmade and vintage. We like these things because it's fun to shop from people who are passionate about their wares, along with the fact that buying local is both good for our community and for the environment. Hurrah!"
Things kick off at 11 a.m. and you can check out the website for more details about the vendors.
Speaking of shopping locally and buying from artisans, don't forget the Artisans' Gift Fair at the Tranzac.
It runs weekends in December.
Happy shopping!
Cheers,
Vanessa

Opting Out: Sharing As A Political Act

Want to learn more about the sharing economy? Then you might want to head to the CSI Annex on Bahturst Sept. 25th for a Town Hall about Opting Out: Sharing As A Political Act.
Here's the scoop:
"This FREE event is a "Town Hall" on the sharing economy, not just what it is but what it can mean for communities. We've arranged some excellent panelists to discuss how ideas like "libraries" can not only provide quality services for communities but also potentially have a political and economic impacts once they scale up."
Although admission is free, registration is appreciated.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Six Degrees Of Social Innovation

If you're a "social innovator" and you want to mingle with or meet like-minded people get your tail over to the Centre  For Social Innovation Annex on Bathurst on September 4th.
Here's the scoop from the website:

"Our networking event for the social mission sector, SIX DEGREES OF SOCIAL INNOVATION, was recently described by Blog TO as one of the top 20 ways to meet people in Toronto. We thought that was pretty cool. Then we thought, OK, how could we make it even better?

Every month for the next three months, we’ll give our members a soapbox to discuss one social innovation topic through our blog, social media and SIX. September will be all about Community Finance; October will be Civic Engagement; and November will be Food. This means on the first Thursday of every month at CSI Annex, a CSI member will take the stage at SIX to deliver a brief presentation related to that month’s focus. Facilitated networking designed to maximize new connections among the attendees will follow the talk. And of course, there will be food and libations.

On Thursday, Sept. 4 (6-8pm, 720 Bathurst), CSI’s very own Sustainable Economist, Tim Nash, will give a presentation called “The Home that Community Finance Built,” which will highlight how Community Finance can be leveraged for social change. Tim Nash is an economics professor at Sheridan College and a financial planner. He is an expert on socially responsible investing, impact investing, and the green economy. He’s also a really nice guy... so say hi!

Come hear Tim’s presentation, meet other CSI members working in Community Finance (HiveWire, CSI's resident crowdfunding experts will also be in the house), and  make meaningful connections with other innovators and entrepreneurs working in everything from finance to farming."

Cheers,
Vanessa

Want To Improve Your French Conversation Skills?

The Centre for Social Innovation is always a hotbed of activity, including its Annex location on Bathurst, south of Bloor.
For instance, the CSI Annex is home to a French Conversation and Culture Group.
If you're interested, the next meeting is August 20 from 5 to 6 pm.
The cost is $25 per session, or five sessions for $100.
Cheers,
Vanessa

TODAY: The Annex Flea

Today's Annex Flea sale at the CSI Annex on Bathurst, just south of Bloor features a Valentine's theme.
Here's the scoop:

"Tired of restaurant reservations and wine-assisted romance, but have no other exotic ideas for your lovely lass or dapper dude? The Annex Flea to the rescue! We're returning to the CSI at 720 Bathurst Street to fill those gaps in your romantic imagination. Each of our handmade or vintage vendors has been carefully crafting their stock to sync up with the warm and fuzzy time of year. Perhaps you can melt some single-source chocolate and drip it over the tips of strawberries. Cook a delicious meal for your partner with spice-infused olive oil while wearing a sheer vintage apron, and switch to different, all-natural oils when your dinner's done... But I’m single, you say! That shouldn’t stop you from dropping by to keep your hands soft and supple with natural, enviro-friendly care products. Because who knows? You may brush fingers with that cute gal you noticed on the way in, while reaching for the same jar of organic preserves. Mark Sunday, February 9th on your calendar, and find your reddest lipstick. You never know where you'll want to leave your mark at the Annex Flea: Valentine’s Edition!" Cheers, Vanessa

CSI Annex Market Wednesday

Good morning!
I apologize for being "absent." I have spent the last few days with my visiting sister and it seemed to take up all of my time, albeit in a lovely way.
Staycations can be the best, can't they?
Anyway, the CSI Annex on Bathurst is hosting a Love Local Pop Up Market Wednesday.
Items for sale will include "jewellery, scarves, crunchy chili oil, repurposed goods, natural creams, greeting cards and art, bee products... "Cheers,Vanessa

Ever Thought Of Teaching In Bhutan?

If you want the inside scoop about teaching in Bhutan, head to the Centre for Social Innovation Annex tonight (but RSVP first.)
Here's the scoop:
Join The Bhutan Canada Foundation and their teaching alumni share their experiences of living and teaching in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.
Join us Thursday July 18th at 6:30pm at 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto at the Centre for Social Innovation, Annex (Meeting Room 1) for an engaging and interactive alumni teacher panel!
• What is it really like teaching in Bhutan?
• How is the food? Can I survive eating chillies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
• How is Gross National Happiness incorporated in the curriculum?
• What do you miss most from Bhutan, now that you’re back home?
• What is the craziest/most memorable event that happened to you in Bhutan?"
Cheers,
Vanessa

Need a Bike Tune Up?

I hear that the local bike shops have loooonnnnggg waiting lists for bike tune ups.
So when I spied a chap beside the CSI Annex building, I snagged his business card.
Tim will come to your house to do bike repairs. And you can find him set up for business just north of the CSI Annex building on most Wednesdays during bike season.
Here are the details from his business card:
416.333.0095
timellis4u@gmail.com.
Happy wheeling!
Vanessa

Get Your Fiesta On Tonight!

$30 will buy you a whole lot of fun tonight at the CSI Annex on Bathurst, south of Bloor.
Beginning at 7 pm, Fiesta da Vida features food, live music and "conversation with people passionate for change," according to BlogTO.
All the money raised will go to support Pueblito Canada.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Good Foot Delivery Service

Occasionally I use the excuse that the CSI Annex is on our doorstep to write about organizations that are housed within it.
So sue me.
I think Good Foot Delivery is a brilliant idea. This article will tell you about it, but here's the gist:
"Good Foot provides a personalized point-to-point delivery service on foot or via public transit as well as employment opportunities to people with developmental disabilities. Our business is a registered not-for-profit and our charitable arm is a registered charity.By supporting Good Foot you are supporting an environmentally-friendly delivery service and helping members of your community get a foothold on independence."Cheers,Vanessa

Not Far From The Tree Party Tonight

I've told you about Not Far From the Tree in the past...

This is what it does:

"Not Far From The Tree puts Toronto’s fruit to good use by picking and sharing the bounty.

When a homeowner can’t keep up with the abundant harvest produced by their tree, they let us know and we mobilize our volunteers to pick the bounty. The harvest is split three ways: 1/3 is offered to the tree owner, 1/3 is shared among the volunteers, and 1/3 is delivered by bicycle to be donated to food banks, shelters, and community kitchens in the neighbourhood."
Tonight, the organization is celebrating five fruitful years with an end-of-season party at the CSI Annex on Bathurst St. The cost is $10 at the door, cash only.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Thinking Skills Club For Kids

Parents, here's an opportunity to learn about computer games that "support mental development."
Join the Thinking Skills Club Playdate Thursday at the Centre for Social Innovation Annex on Bathurst, south of Bloor.And I quote, " Kids will play hand-picked computer games that support mental development in one room while club founder Mitch Moldofsky discusses the games with parents in the other. Come learn about this burgeoning field and have some fun!"There is no charge to attend.Cheers,

Vanessa

Rooftop Everything Garden at CSI Annex

The Centre for Social Innovation Annex is, well, innovating again.

Here's the scoop:

"The About Face Collective is working to create a community rooftop garden and learning space with a twist: the creative structural elements of the garden will be designed and built by local artists and youth using recycled and reclaimed materials. Together with Skate4Cancer's "You Are What You Eat" program, Sketch Working Arts for Street Involved and Homeless Youth, and the Centre for Social Innovation, The About Face Collective will create a unique, inspiring, visually exciting space to promote urban farming, green lifestyles and integrated community engagement.

We are seeking to create a 2200 square foot deck on the roof of the Centre for Social Innovation, Annex location at 720 Bathurst St, Toronto. The deck will hold raised beds, vertical gardening structures, community lounge and education area, all surrounded by green roof space. Our layout considers plotting for food production while also providing adequate amount of space for community use, events and educational programming."
They need help and contributions to create what is sure to be a lovely feature in our area.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Spacing Toronto Sale at CSI Annex

There is a whole buncha interesting Spacing stuff for sale at the CSI Annex on Bathurst, south of Bloor.
Head down there this week to score the instantly iconic neighbourhood Ts (pictured) that debuted this year, issues of Spacing mag, Montreal Metro buttons, Rob F#*king Ford buttons and more.
Perfect hipster gifts, anyone?
Cheers,
Vanessa

Derailed: A Dance Party

No plans for the evening? Why not bike down to the CSI Annex on Bathurst and join Derailed: A Dance Party?
Put on by the Toronto Cyclists Union, here's the scoop:
"Doors at 9:00. Presentations until 10:00. Silent Auction, raffles and dancing all night long.
Members get in free
Non-members $5
Join or renew get in free & get a free beer."
Cheers,

Vanessa

CSI Annex

I've mentioned the nearby Centre for Social Innovation Annex in the past, but this Blog post has some great things to say about it.
The pics are fabulous, too. What a workspace!
Cheers,

Vanessa

Urban Planner Talk July 25th

For those of you with an interest in liveable cities and planning issues, listen up: Ken Greenberg will discuss his new book, Walking Home: The Life and Lessons of a City Builder, on July 25th at the CSI Annex.

The talk is free, but you need to register by email.

Cheers,

Vanessa