Hydroponic Herb Garden above the Bar at Spirits of York Co.

On Thursday, May 11tth, the Spirit of York Distillery Co. will open to the public offering their unique bottles of vodka and gin premium spirits. The small batches are being created using fresh spring water in stainless steel tanks using only locally-sourced ingredients.

The space is perfect for events. There is a large bar featured as the room’s centerpiece, with a three-tiered hydroponic fresh herb garden directly above it as well as a wall of botanicals and dried herbs used to infuse their spirits.  A specialty bitters bar is ideal for interactive demonstrations, mixology training, innovation, and education for others who are as passionate about spirits as Spirit of York Co. is.

There are also other rooms perfect for private dining and Team building here is a unique idea for your team.

The space fits up to 150 people and has maintained the historic features of brick and beam from the original roots of Toronto’s distillery hub.  Like many historic spaces, the venue has achieved a great mix of old and modern, with the lighting design and layout being a key feature. The Spirit of York Co. has brought back the art of distilling to the historic Distillery District with this contemporary ‘Spirits Hub’.

The Spirit of York will be exclusively available at their new location. But, keep your watch for their concoctions in the LCBO in the future. Perhaps at specialty cocktail bars, we can hope…

For more information visit:

Website: SpiritofYork.com

Instagram: @SpiritofYork

Twitter: @SpiritofYork

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

On April 5th, 2017 The Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC) held their 13th annual Award Luncheon at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The luncheon is held each year to help raise money and awareness to support the services the CHKC provides free of charge to its clients.

This year, The Honourable Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services and MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham, received the prestigious award for her continuous support and dedication to bettering the lives of those in the deafblind community. Since becoming the Minister of Community and Social Services, her work to assist deafblind Ontarians has been groundbreaking. Most recently, she will focus on the development of new frameworks that will result in a consistent, fair and accountable approach to funding.

The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Gail Asper O.C., O.M., LL.D., President of The Asper Foundation, Governor of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and sitting board member of The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CHRM) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Ms. Asper’s speech reminded everyone in attendance of the importance of inclusivity and charity. As a special thank you Vim Kochhar, founder of Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons and chair of CHKC, presented Gail with a cheque for $15,000 to go towards the CHRM to continue to be the most accessible museum in Canada.

Hon. Dr. Helena Jaczek (left) with Gail Asper O.C., O.M., LL.D. (right) with the Fairmont Royal York Hotel for the 13th Annual Awards Luncheon

Thanks to Steve Blackburn, you can check out photos from the afternoon on his website steveblackburn.com

Learn more about the Canadian Helen Keller Centre www.chkc.org

Information on past awards and the host organization, Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons www.cfpdp.com

Written by: Paula McDines

“It was amazing just to be nominated, and I’m completely blown away by all the support I received over the weeks leading up to the ceremony,” says Deb after her win from The Aga Khan Museum where the awards and kick off to CSE LIVE.

Deb Lewis hold up her Readers Choice Award for Favourite Independent Event Planner at the Canadian Special Events opening night and awards ceremony.

Besides being a highly effective Certified Meeting Planner, Deb is also passionate about educational and mentoring opportunities within the community. Each season she takes on interns from local colleges, universities and high schools as well as diverse international students. Deb keeps a strong connection with her Alma Mater, George Brown College and sits on the organizing committee of “5 to Watch”, a groundbreaking annual event for the Canadian sports marketing industry that set the standards for identifying the next generation of industry captains.

Adding to her community involvement, this blog, CityEvents was created to share and support colleagues events, promote local venues and highlight industry businesses.

Her voraciousness and drive have allowed her to achieve the skilled organization of managing multiple events. On TorontoCityEvents.ca, Deb offers everything from sponsorship management to creating buzz and an online presence for their clients. CityEvents covers every aspect needed to run a successful event or campaign.

On deblewis.ca you’ll find out about venue specs, supplier information upcoming events, and event tips. On YouTube,  you can find her educational series of videos all about the tips and tricks of marketing an event online through different platforms.

Deb has been in the industry and planning events for 20 years. She’s experienced in everything from corporate and government events to charitable and not-for-profit galas and awards.

The 5 To Watch is in partnership with Globe and Mail to recognize Canada’s Sports Business leaders under 40 years old. George Brown’s School of Sport and Event Marketing staff and alumni are the creators of this event/award which launched in 2013. It’s a “must-attend” event where you get to network with industry professionals, enjoy amazing food, learn from keynote speeches, and join the after party.

The proceeds from the event will be put towards the George Brown College Foundation which grants awards and bursaries to individuals at the George Brown’s Centre for Business.

This year the Canada’s Sports Marketing Business Award will be at the Waterfront Campus of George Brown College. Business professionals will gather to celebrate the winners on Thursday, June 22, 2017.

2016 Highlights;

• Winners: Andrew Greenlaw, Senior Director, Sponsorship Marketing & Strategy, Brent Rossi, Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy and Marketing – Pegula Sports and Entertainment, Dan Near (Head of adidas Hockey – Adidas Group),

•  Matthew Logue (S&E Sponsorship Group), Sophie Kotsopoulos (National Hockey League).

• Alumni Achievement Award Winner: Jacquie Ryan (VP of Sponsorship Marketing with Scotiabank)

• More than 400 attendees

• Top-notch networking

When

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Agenda

6:00 PM – Networking Reception

7:30 PM – Awards Ceremony

8:30 PM – Post-Awards Reception

Location

George Brown College Waterfront Campus

51 Dockside Drive, Toronto, ON

Phone: 416-415-5000 x 6164

Email: 5toWatch@georgebrown.ca

For Further Details and tickets

Visit http://www.5towatch.ca/Login.aspx

Barrel Room is a great space with room for either a breakfast rendezvous or a full seated dinner of groups of up to 32, or have a reception style gathering for groups of a 47. The Barrel Room comes equipped with a 60” flat screen television, but you do have to be conscious of shrinking the guest list if a/v is required. The room is backdropped with an upcycled beer cask wall and exposed brick.

The Drink Tank offers an airy space with slightly smaller capacity. Up to 24 people can be seated or 30 people for reception style mixers, private get-togethers or business breakfasts. The Drink Tank gives guests a great visual of the brewmasters at work in the on-site brewery, perfect for a beer lager enthusiasts or an ale-themed event.

The entire restaurant will get 173 guests seated or a large soiree with 340 standing. For any option, a cocktail services can be provided,  with limitations on draft, and you can also tailor the beverage selections to enhance your guests’ experience! Match that with a customizable menu – including vegan and vegetarian- and you have a great event on your hands.

A look in at the cozy space at Liberty Commons. Photo by: Cindy Le

For all booking inquiries contact:

416.364.1211

events@oliverbonacini.com

oliverbonacinievents.com

Written by: Paula McDines

 Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. – Helen Keller  

This year, The Honourable Dr. Helena Jaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services and MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham will receive the 13th Annual Canadian Helen Keller Centre Award at the April 5th luncheon at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.  Minister Jaczek has been chosen for this due to her enduring help and dedication to the betterment of the community. 

This year also falls on an important milestone for deafblind communication. On April 5th, 1887, Helen Keller was finally able to understand that everything has a name. When her teacher, whom later became her life-long companion, Anne Sullivan spelled ‘water’ into the hand of the young girls he life began to take shape. Helen Keller later went on to become the first deafblind person to earn a degree, she graduated with honours from Radcliffe College in 1904.

To help raise money to support the important services that CHKC provides free of charge to its clients, each year an annual luncheon is planned to help raise funds and awareness and to also recognize those who have supported the deaf-blind community and their families.

Special guest speaker at this year’s event is Gail Asper O.C., O.M., LL.D., President of The Asper Foundation and sitting Board Member of The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg Manitoba. Ms. Asper currently is currently the Chair of the Board of the National Arts Centre Foundation, is a member of the Board of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and is a Governor of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

2016 attendees wait for the Award presentation in the Concert Hall of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

As of July 2001, the doors opened to Canadas first and only residential training centre for persons with vision, hearing, and combined vision hearing impairment, The Canadian Helen Keller Centre is a place for the deaf-blind community to go for affordable housing, access to services, and training to live independently.

CHKC has been giving the award since 2005, past winners include York University; George Brown College: Canadian National Institute for the Blind; The Honourable David C. Onley; IBM Canada; The Honourable Vim Kochhar; ICICI Bank Canada; Microsoft Canada; Reverand Robert L. Rumball; Jim Sanders;  and Joan McTavish.

http://www.chkc.org/

Intervenor teaches a CHKC client the “two-hand touch” method of communicating

Written by: Paula McDines

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Toronto Logo

Beginning at 12 noon on March 19, 2017, join members of the Irish community as they celebrate Ireland’s history, culture and heritage at the 30th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Toronto!

Every year, Irish-Canadians happily come together dressed in the brightest of greens to share hearty laughs, thirst quenching drinks, delicious food as well as various sources of entertainment, to create a day of celebration everyone will be sure to talk about for years to come.

This year St. Patrick’s Parade Society proudly announced on their website that Michael McCormack, an active member of the Toronto community and president of the Toronto Police Association since 2009, will act as this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal.

The parade will begin on the corner of Bloor St and St. George (near St. George subway station) and will end at the parade viewing stand at Nathan Phillips Square.

So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and save the date to celebrate with members of the community for a day of luck and laughter!

For more information click here: http://stpatrickstoronto.com/parade/

The Globe and Mail Centre can accommodate up to 400 people for events including conferences, executive meetings, weddings and gala dinners.  Work and meeting rooms are outfitted with the latest technology and AV equipment to make your event easy to present and showcase.

The Event Hall has flexible seating and furniture configurations to accommodate your floor plan setup. Separating the Event Hall and the Lounge is a feature wall that can be moved to open the two spaces. The venues can hold 400 people standing or 300 seated for a banquet style event. Executive meeting rooms are also available for smaller presentations or conferences.

Globe & Mail Centre (Photo Courtesy of The Globe & Mail)

With floor to ceiling windows and a “green” rooftop featuring 180-degree views of downtown Toronto and the lakefront, the new facility is thought to help inspire employees and introduce a healthy and happy work environment. Union Station and the Financial District are within walking distance making the Globe and Mail Centre the perfect location for your next client meeting.

The Globe and Mail Centre will start taking bookings for venue space on May 1st, 2017.

For booking inquiries and more information visit https://www.globeandmailcentre.com/.

“Gentlemen’s market with great sense of style”

From 6 – 10 PM on Friday, April 7th 2017, you and your best men can indulge in all things style at The Men’s Market TO.

Toronto, a city known for innovative style and trends, is the perfect place to hold the Men’s Market, a trade show geared towards men looking for a way to one-up their street style in regards to fashion, food, drink and more.

This 19+ event features everything from barbers and clothing boutiques to craft breweries and local food spots that are sure to be a hit with stylish Toronto men.

Maryam, one of the George Brown planners says; “It’s wonderful way to spend your Friday night, unwinding with great music, fabulous food and drinks,”, all the while shopping and browsing this one of a kind market specially designed for gentlemen with great taste for style. “Rest assured my team and I will try our best to make this night a memorable one for you. We are also excited to announce that Lost Craft will present The Lost Lounge!”

Fashion Vendors in our event will be sure to have you decked out head to toe in the latest fashion trends from all over this great city. You’ll also be able to network with like-minded businesses who believe in showcasing Toronto’s top fashions through the modern day man.

All net proceeds from the event will go towards two charitable benefactors: Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation and the George Brown Foundation.

To find out more about the event and how to obtain tickets for April 7th, visit the Men’s Market Website here: http://www.mensmarketto.com/

Engage with the brew masters themselves at Duggan’s Brewery! What better way to enjoy your day than by attending Duggan’s Brewery for some of the tastiest food and beer the province has to offer. Duggan’s Brewery makes supreme quality beer and food beer with 8 exclusively featured beers that are all 100% locally produced!

DON’T FORGET –  Duggan’s Brewery is also a retail beer store for those that wish to purchase and share the finest locally produced beer in Ontario with family and friends!

STAY TUNED – Duggan’s Brewery’s interactive and entertaining Jazz Wednesday’s and Trivia Night Thursdays is what brings Torontonians together, leading up to guest performances and DJ’s throughout the rest of the week nights at Duggan’s Brewery!

BRING HOME – Bring home your own GROWLER JUG filled with Duggan’s own Mile Ale, IPA and Sorachi!

Food

DO NOT GET CONFUSED –  Lunch and dinner at Duggan’s Brewery is filled with 100% Ontario local foods which are cooked and served exceptionally by the highly experienced executive Chef Rene! Do not forget to experience Duggan Brewery’s Brunch and Late Night Specials  to further cater to your expectations. Make sure to call and book your reservations when needed to enjoy the brews and food Toronto’s Duggans Brewery has to offer!

CAPACITY: 100 seats and licensed up to 160 people grand total.

A/V: 1 Projector screen

5 Flatscreen T.V’s

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Massive tank and BREWERIES ON SITE

1346 Queen Street West Toronto, ON, M6K 1L4

Contact Info

Phone: 416.588.1086

Twitter: @duggansbrewery

Facebook : Duggan’s Brewery

Email: info@duggansbrewery.com

Website: http://www.duggansbreweryparkdale.com/