Good Bye to Heather Douglas

As some of you may know, our wonderful Executive Director of over 4 years has left the BIA to take an amazing new position at another organization.  Heather’s contributions to the BIA have been invaluable, and she has been instrumental in making PVBIA one of the most happening BIAs in Toronto.  We will miss her and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!

On Tuesday we celebrated her tenure at the BIA with a delicious cake courtesy of Morag Cleeveley from Yummy Stuff Bakery.

We also gave Heather a beautiful photo to remind her of Parkdale, taken by a PCI student as part of the Parkdale Who Knew? CONTACT exhibitions, which Heather created and coordinated.

Heather will always treasure the time she spent in Parkdale and meeting all its wonderful community members and business owners.

The PVBIA is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director.  The job listing on Charity Village can be found here.

In the interim, Ellie Anglin will be serving as Acting Executive Director.  Please contact her at director@parkdalevillagebia.com or at 416-536-6918.

Parkdale Village BIA Seeks New Executive Director – Job Posting

Executive Director

Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area [BIA]

The Parkdale Village BIA is looking for a full-time Executive Director.  The BIA has a staff of 1.5 staff who serve the over 270 members of the BIA on Queen St W between Dufferin and Roncesvalles.

The Executive Director, as the only full-time employee of the BIA, provides administrative support, customer service and general assistance to the BIA. The individual must be a self-starter and possess strong organizational skills to ensure that priorities are assigned to projects and activities.

Reporting to the Board of Management through the BIA Chair [or designate], the BIA Executive Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Implement programs and policies as approved by the Board;
  • Financial management and human resource coordination;
  • Establish, encourage and maintain positive, constructive and proactive relationships with the BIA members as well as those non-members whose action can impact the BIA; and
  • All administrative functions of the BIA.

Duties of the BIA Executive Director include the following:

Administrative  

  • Schedule meetings and prepare agendas with Board/Committee Chair;
  • Prepare and distribute committee minutes or notes, follow-up on issues as required;   Responsible for regular office operations such as filing, folding, stuffing and mailing;   Maintain mailing lists [members, media, committee members, etc]; and
  • Prepare cheques, invoices and other financial documents.

Meeting Organization  

Provide support for Board and committee meetings;

  • Make all required physical arrangements including refreshments, seating etc.;
  • Contact all required committee members and other interested parties to attend.

Communications

  • Prepare, produce and distribute member newsletters;
  • Maintenance of social media program;
  • Regular communications with existing BIA members via site visits throughout the year;
  • Outreach to new BIA members ;
  • Liaise with City departments such as: Economic Development Culture and Tourism Department, Works and Emergency Services, Urban Development Services Departments and other departmental staff as appropriate;
  • Liaise with members of other BIAs and BIA associations; and
  • Liaise with community groups and agencies.

Streetscape and Marketing

  • Maintain and develop streetscape programs;
  • Support and implement the ongoing street beautification program
  • Support and implement the marketing strategy of the Board
  • Play a lead role in the promotion and development of a positive image of the Parkdale business community

Qualifications:

  • University or College Training in Administration or equivalent;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
  • Motivated, organized and ability to concurrently manage projects and initiatives;
  • Detail-oriented; and
  • Strong computer skills (Microsoft and Word Press]

 

Deadline for applications is Monday June 25, 2012 at 4:00 pm.

Cover letters and resumes outlining how you meet the requirements of the job to:

Hiring Committee

Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area

1313 Queen Street West

Toronto, ON.  M6K 1L8, or email to

johndoherty198@sympatico.ca

 

Parkdale Profiles: Michelle Germain of Shopgirls Boutique!

Over the coming weeks, the Parkdale BIA will be posing questions to some of our fabulous business owners for our “Parkdale Profiles” section.

Our first profile is Michelle Germain, owner and curator of Shopgirls Gallery Boutique, a 1800 square foot retail and studio space at 1342 Queen West, featuring 80 Canadian artists and designers.  Michelle’s dedication to promoting the arts combined with her business acumen and industry knowledge recently earned her the title of Aboriginal Business Woman of the Year. I recently talked to her about Shopgirls:

PVBIA: Hi Michelle, can you tell me about the beginning of Shopgirls?

MG: I first started Shopgirls with a friend of mine. We used to do what today we refer to as “pop up shops” where we would feature artists and designers that we loved (most of which were friends of ours). Having worked in fashion and marketing for several years, I came across a lot of talented folks and when I asked “You made that? Where can I buy that?” more often than not, these little treasures were not sold anywhere, hence the beginnings of Shopgirls!

Red Knob Ring by Ashley Winnington Ball

Fold Over Fringe Tote by Miss Mak

PVBIA: It seems like Shopgirls has exploded online, on sites like Shopify and Pinterest.  How have online sales and marketing changed the way you do business?

MG: By exploring the online potential we are now reaching customers internationally! We get most of our online orders from the U.S but have also shipped to Switzerland, the U.K. and even Australia. Obviously we are now able to promote Canadian artists and designers to the world. What a great feeling!

Visit Shopgirls online store here, “Pin it to Win it” at Pinterest, or follow them on Twitter, or like them on Facebook!

 

PVBIA: Something that I love about Shopgirls is that you cater to all types of women’s bodies.  Why was that important to you?

MG: I am not, nor have I ever been a “off the rack” kind of gal. I’ve struggled my whole life with finding clothes that suit and fit my body and quite frankly, I quickly realized, I was not alone. My approach to buying the right styles is not looking at a woman’s size but rather her shape. (Shop by body shape here). This approach provides women of all shapes and ages to look for certain cues on what might suit them best. My knowledgeable staff is trained to help women feel good about themselves by finding pieces that fit their particular shape as opposed to their size.

Good look for a circle shape

and an "inverted triangle" shape

the "hourglass" look

style for the rectangular body shape

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the 'standard' shape

and the triangle!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PVBIA: Can you tell us about a new piece or designer that you’re excited about?

MG: This question is like asking me which of my daughters I love the most!  One thing I can say is that the selection in the shop is better than it’s ever been.  I’d rather hear what our customers are most excited about – it’s just too difficult for me to choose! 

(Editor’s Note: I really love this beautiful Galina dress! I want it!)

 

PVBIA: Finally, what is your favourite thing about Parkdale?

MG: Everything!  The good, the bad, the ugly! The vibe, the residents, the cool indie businesses, the support, the community, and the location!

Thanks Michelle!

Parkdale, Who Knew? Signs of Parkdale

One of the enchanting things about Parkdale is what can be discovered right before your eyes if you give yourself the chance to look.

So often I walk down Queen West with my head down and headphones on, blocking out the sights and sounds around me.  When I have a camera with me it forces me to slow down and look at Parkdale in a different light: as a neighbourhood overflowing with art, charms, history, surprises – and above all – life.

Today I want to appreciate one of the charms of Parkdale – our signs.  From the handmade to the corporate, from the old to the new, from the hidden to the in-your face, Parkdale is filled with signs: signs of our history, signs of our change – and they are all so charming.

Camille Unisex Beauty Lounge, at Queen West and Dowling.

Shangrila, Canadian Caribbean, Coca-Cola.

Cattlemen’s Meat Market, family-owned in Parkdale since 1972.

Fullworth, an old fashioned community grocery store at Queen and Westlodge, where the woman at the cash calls you “dear”.

Get a load of this wonderful old sign for “Acme Deluxe Ice Cream Bricks”!  Wish they still sold ’em.

Sigh! Gorgeous entrance to the Lake View Apartments.

Lee’s Variety!  Going all red and white is one way to stand out!

Monty’s Credit Jewellers.  One of the oldest businesses in Parkdale!  Wonder if the clock still works.

“Sunset Tower” on Jameson and Queen.  The name and lettering is so film noir.

Gold, glass and wood on Jameson by Queen.

Simple guide to good branding: tell it like it is and put it up in lights!

Parkdale artist Rcade is behind much of the beautiful newer signage in Parkdale, including Chantecler (above),

Community 54,

and The Mascot.

I hope you enjoyed this installment of Parkdale, Who Knew?  Please tell us what your favourite sign in Parkdale is!

THE PARKDALE VILLAGE BIA PRESENTS “PARKDALE, WHO KNEW?” AS PART OF THE SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL

The students of Parkdale Collegiate Institute present the photographic results of their exploration of Parkdale and mentorship with Jonathan Groeneweg, Artist, throughout various locations in Parkdale in the month of May

 

Students at Parkdale Collegiate Institute have been working under the mentorship of artist Jonathan Groeneweg, a master’s student in documentary media, to create photo-documentary works in response to the theme “Parkdale, Who Knew?” for the Parkdale Village BIA. Their results will be explored and presented in four locations throughout the Parkdale neighbourhood – at eco-boutique Chartreuse Style (1692 Queen West), Poor John’s Cafe (1610 Queen West), Brown Sugar Bakery (1374 Queen West) and The Boreal Gelato Company (1312 Queen West) as part of the city-wide Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.

“Parkdale, Who Knew?” will be a foray into the hidden treasures of Parkdale Village before it was annexed by the City of Toronto in 1889. Take a journey with the students as they discover the Parkdale of yesteryear and reflections of what it is today.

In addition to the PVBIA-presented “Parkdale, Who Knew?” there will be several CONTACT exhibitions throughout Parkdale, including “Acts of Exposure” at Gallery 1313 (1313 Queen West) throughout May.

Join us on Thursday, May 3rd, for the Opening Reception of “Parkdale, Who Knew?” from 7 – 10 pm at Boreal Gelato (1312 Queen West) to kick off the exhibit, celebrate the student’s achievements and enjoy some wine and snacks.

Fireside Culture Week 2012 – A Retrospective

Fireside Culture Week 2012 was a huge success!  Thank you so much to everyone who participated.  For those of you who missed out, or who just want to re-live the magic, The Parkdale BIA presents: Fireside 2012 – A Retrospective.

Fireside Culture Week was kicked off with our Opening Night Launch Party at Goodfellas Gallery.  It was sponsored by Beau’s Brewery, Cobs Bakery and HomEquity Bank.  Parkdale’s Coriander Girl and Le Tibet provided floral arrangements and delicious food.

Gord Perks came out to support the festival, and chatted to performer Jeff Quick.

Shuggie and The Bandits.

The fabulous Esther Kim organized the launch party.

The next night was the Fireside Comedy night “Funny For Money” at The Sister.  Some of my fave Toronto comedians participated, including Chris Locke, Sarah Hennessy, Kathleen Phillips, Ladystache, Adam Christie and so many more!  The audience voted on their fave solo and group comedians.

Kathleen Phillips won for best solo comedian.  Her character piece about “Paris, France” and mustard was well-crafted, brilliantly performed and hilarious.

She won the trophy for “Funniest in Parkdale”.  The evening was hosted by Fireside Festival Director Marcus McLean!

Hilarious sketch duo Ladystache won for funniest group. They earned that “Irish Princess” tiara!

Wednesday evening was Fireside’s Theatre Night at Big Guy’s Coffee Shop!  I didn’t make it to this event, but I heard rumors that there was a specially crafted “Fireside Ale” – I would have loved to try it.

On Friday night our queer event “Queer Parking” took place at The Cadillac Lounge! It was fabulous, and packed with wonderful people.

Parkdalian Phillip Cairns read his poetry.

Featuring the performance and hosting talents of Miss Fluffy Souffle, Queen of Parkdale!

an incredible show by Regina the Gentlelady of Light Fires!

AND a fabulous duet of The Boy Is Mine featuring Kelly McMicheals!

And dance jams late until the night by DJ Max Mohenu.

Saturday was the main performance day for Fireside, featuring performances in the Dufferin Amphitheatre and in businesses throughout Parkdale all day long.   I wish I could have gotten to all the events.

Beatface played the Amphitheatre to a happy audience of music lovers.

Thunderfunk at the amphitheatre.

Zuviri at the amphitheatre.

Yeah, You’re Right at Big Guy’s Coffee Shop.  Thanks to Esther for the picture!

Sage Tyrtle told her captivating stories at The River Trading Company.

People packed into Not My Dog for our hip hop event

featuring, among many, Shocka!  Thanks to Shaun C for the beautiful pictures.

Looks like an incredible performance.

It was an incredible week filled with culture and creativity and fun that made me so proud of our community and the Parkdale BIA.  See you next year!

Fireside Opening Night Launch Party Tonight!

TONIGHT is the launch party for Fireside Culture Week 2012 presented to you by Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area. On Monday March 12, 2012, we will be celebrating Fireside Culture Week at Goodfellas Gallery, located at 1266 Queen St W from 7pm – 11pm.

For additional information on the week of events for Fireside Culture Week, please stay tuned to this website!

Questions?  director@parkdalevillagebia.com or call 416-536-6918.

Fireside Culture Week 2012!

The Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area is thrilled to present Fireside Culture Week from March 12-17, 2012.  Fireside is a week filled with art and performance along Queen Street West from Dufferin Street to Roncesvalles Avenue.

Fireside will kick off on Monday, March 12 with our Opening Night Launch Party at Goodfellas Gallery located at 1266 Queen West from 7:00pm-11:00pm. Refreshments are courtesy of Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company, Red Bull and Cobs Bakery. Other sponsors include HomEquity Bank and Dressed To Kill Magazine. Entertainment for the evening will be Jeff Quick and Shuggie & The Bandits.

Tuesday, March 13 is Fireside’s “Funny For Money” competition at The Sister, 1554 Queen West from 7:00pm-10:00pm where stand up comics, duos and troupes are invited to compete for cash prizes. Featuring sketch duo Ladystache and improv troupe POMP.

On Wednesday, March 14, Fireside will celebrate theatre at Big Guy’s Coffee Shop, 1718 Queen West from 7:00pm-10:00pm. The evening will include readings, wine tastings and a specially crafted Fireside ale.

On Friday, March 16, Parkdale presents Fireside’s official gay bash – Queer Parking at location TBC, from 10:00pm – 2:00am. Featuring DJs Max Mohenu and performances by Miss Fluffy Souffle, Regina of Light Fires, and Philip Cairns.

Saturday, March 17 is the Fireside Community Day, where talented performers will be entertaining Parkdale in various locations throughout the day!

Updates and further information regarding specific events are available at www.parkdalevillagebia.com

For more information please contact Heather Douglas at director@parkdalevillagebia.com

Fireside auditions featured in the Parkdale Villager!

Thank you to Erin Hatfield and the Parkdale Villager for including a story about the Fireside Auditions in their February 21st issue!

Check out this picture of us judges being blown away by Parkdale’s talent!

Toronto’s talented blow away BIA judges

Performers will take part in annual Fireside Culture Week

Like a scene from a television talent show, Marcus McLean, Heather Douglas and Ellie Anglin from the Parkdale Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) sat facing the stage at an open call audition, ready to be blown away.

And they were.

“I was really happy to see all the talent that came out and was hugely impressed by the talent Toronto has. It makes me proud of my city,” said Douglas, the coordinator of the Parkdale Village BIA.

The trio were at a local pub Wednesday, Feb. 8 to audition possible performers, musicians, dancers, actors, comedians, poets, performance artists, magicians, clowns and more for the BIA’s Fireside Culture Week IV, which takes place on Queen Street West between Dufferin Street and Roncesvalles Avenue March 12 to 17.

There were more than a dozen performers who auditioned including a storyteller that Douglas said kept the judges captivated with her tales.

“If the auditions we saw were any indication, I think it will be our best year yet,” Douglas said. Everyone should definitely come out and check it out.”

From those auditions, the judges will choose the performers for the week-long event.

Fireside Culture Week offers residents and visitors experience food, music, art, theatre, comedy and more about 40 venues in the area.

Now in its fourth year, Fireside Culture Week was started by the Parkdale Village BIA as a means to draw people out of their homes and into the establishments along Queen Street West between Dufferin Street to Roncesvalles Avenue in what can sometimes be a bleak and boring time of year.

Date Change for Fireside Auditions!

Call for Performers to Audition for Fireside Culture Week

Fireside Culture Week IV presents FIRESIDE: “The Auditions” on Wednesday, February 8th from 1-8 pm at The Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen West). We invite performers of all kinds to audition to be in Fireside IV in Parkdale from March 12th to the 17th.  We are seeking musicians, dancers, actors, comedians, poets, performance artists, magicians, clowns, and more! We want to see your talent, and please pass this along to your talented friends.

Please contact Ellie at info@parkdalevillagebia.com to schedule an audition.

We are specifically seeking headliners for our main stage, LGBT performers and artists for our queer party, and stand-ups and sketch troupes for our comedy night; but we have a whole week and a long street to fill full of talent, so come one and come all to audition for a spot!

What: Fireside: The Auditions

When: February 8th, 2012, 1pm – 8pm

Where: The Cadillac Lounge, 1296 Queen West

Please contact festival@parkdalevillagebia.com or call 416.536.6918 for more information about Fireside.