Everyone loves the Easter Parade. The event, now in its fifth decade, attracts thousands of people from all over the city. Don't forget your Loonies for the Lions, to support local charities. Applications for the parade can be found at the Beaches Lions Website.

During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds. Stars Gary Oldman, Lily James and Kristen Scott Thomas.

Come out and join us the first Thursday of every month to discuss popular books in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The book club is free to join and new members are always welcome. Copies of the books are available to borrow at the branch. Call 416-393-7703 for further details.

Bid on items from some of your favourite Beach merchants.

31st Anniversary Spring Sprint, 5 km run/walk for adults at 9:30 am; 2 km run for kids/seniors at 10:30 am. Awards following at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. Registration will take place at the Beaches Recreation Centre late March and beginning of April. No registration day of the race. To volunteer please send an email to springsprint@hotmail.ca

Come and meet local business owners face-to-face, discover the wide range of products and services they provide, get a personal consultation, and celebrate the Spring Season together! ◾Healthy Living, Wellness & Lifestyle ◾Live presentation, demos & fashion show ◾Special offers from your local businesses ◾Live music by TIN ANNiE Duo ◾FREE Admission & FREE Parking

The Beach & East Toronto Historical Society And The Toronto Public Library Presents a Tour Guide for the Theatres: Edythe Gerrard on The Elgin Winter garden Theatre, the Last of the Great Vaudeville Houses. Admission Free. All welcome!

The accidental mix-up of four identical plaid overnight bags leads to a series of increasingly wild and wacky situations. Stars Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal and Madeline Kahn.

We are a curated market selling vintage, salvaged, up - cycled goods, furniture, antiques, collectibles and work from select artisans. With 50+ vendors and all kinds of unique finds, the Leslieville Flea is a great way to spend a chilly Sunday! Link to map of fermenting cellar: http://bit.ly/1msDOy9

Dorothy Grecki, landscape designer, who will teach you how to plan and maintain a shade garden considering blooming times, fragrance and attracting pollinators. Topics covered will include pruning mature trees, adding specimen trees and replacing lawn with low maintenance plants. Cost is free to members and $10 for visitors.

Local chess master Robert Morrison takes on all interested chess players, either individually or in a simultaneous exhibition. Learn while you play. A knowledge of chess rules is required. Casual play. No registration is required. Drop-in.

Sonia Faruqi left a successful Wall Street career path to investigate animal farms around the world, a journey profiled in her critically acclaimed book Project Animal Farm. In this event, she will talk about how small changes in our day-to-day lives can yield major positive results for people, animals, and the planet.

An escaped prisoner and a stuffy law professor vie for the hand of a spirited schoolteacher. Stars Cary Grant, Jean Arthur and Ronald Colman.

Join us at this year's Ice Show "Let Us Entertain You". The show features local skaters of all ages, from Canskate to Starskate. Three shows on Friday & Saturday.

Help divert items from going into our landfill, and promote reduce and reuse. Please bring items to get things fixed for free by volunteer fixers. Items that can be brought in: household items, small appliances, computers, electronics, furniture, clothing, books/paper, jewellery, toys, bicycles, and more! Cost is Free! Note that this is a kid friendly event. Kids are encouraged to bring a toy and learn with their parents how to fix things.

Did you know one of the greatest threats to all pollinators is the loss of habitat? Learn how you can play a role in creating pollinator habitat in your community. Get tips on making your garden more attractive to butterflies, bees and more. Presented by Live Green Toronto as part of Toronto Public Library's Fragile Planet program series. Free program! Register in person or contact the branch at 416-393-7703.

A blind American writer living in London stumbles upon a criminal conspiracy involving kidnapping and extortion. Stars Van Johnson, Vera Miles and Cecil Parker.

The event is a great opportunity to learn about our extensive offering of on-the-water programs. We offer programs for new sailors of all ages - from youth to adult; racing and cruising; and dinghy to keelboat programs. For those who are already sailors but don't own a boat, they can meet with our membership committee and learn how to sail this summer either as crew or as a participant in our co-op sailing programs.

Come visit 22 artists @ 12 studio sites - paintings, hand-woven fashion, glass art, ceramics, photography, sculpture, jewellery, handbags, home decor and more. Brochures (with map) are available at most local shops and on our website. Come explore our vibrant, artistic neighbourhood. Self-guided, FREE admission.

WARD 31 residents: Reuse, Recycle and Safely Dispose of any hazardous waste.

Happy Mother's Day!

General Meeting and Spring Flower Show. Sean James, author of "Looks Good Enough to Eat! Permaculture: Living Off Your Land" will give creative solutions for city yard, allowing you to grow food and keep it ornamental. He emphasizes using edible natives and perennials to be eco-friendly. Free to Beach Garden Society Members. Spring Flower Show - Members bring in your horticultural entries and floral designs from 6:45 to 7:15. See April Newsletter for categories.

WARD 32 residents: Reuse, Recycle and Safely Dispose of any hazardous waste.

Hundreds of Exceptional Perennials including Daylilies, Hosta, Iris, Ferns and many Native Plants. Connoisseur Perennials for the Collector. Plants from Members' gardens.

Toronto's only Victoria Day fireworks show will be a spectacular 14 minute display at Ashbridges Bay Park, rain or shine. TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and the Bloor-Danforth subway on the Coxwell (22A), Main (64) and Woodbine South (92A). It is recommended that members of the public use the TTC and leave their cars at home. A special viewing area with limited space is set aside to accommodate people with disabilities and their families. City bylaws prohibit the public from setting off personal fireworks in the park.

Happy Victoria Day!

WARD 36 residents: Reuse, Recycle and Safely Dispose of any hazardous waste.

The Beach Guild of Fine Art presents its annual Spring Show and Sale at the historic Gardener’s Cottage in Kew Gardens. The show features small paintings by over 40 artists and affordable art (under $350). Gift basket lucky draw and free admission. Visit website for more information.

The 19th annual Doors Open will offer residents and visitors an opportunity to take a peek behind the doors of more than 100 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city.

Celebrating 15 years! WOOFSTOCK is all about mixing popular classics with new soon-to-be fan favourites! Back by popular demand will be: Wiener Dog Races, Running of the Pugs, Purina Pro Plan Dog Stars, Woofstock Fashion Show, Stupid Dog Trick Contest, Mr. & Ms. Canine Canada Pageant, Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show & much more. Let's Pawty!

Come and join the dog pound! Check out the dog vendors and a variety of products and services for your 4 legged friends while enjoying your day at the beach. Remember: Dogs must be leashed. Presented by: BARF Bento & Community Centre 55.

Showcasing over 150 of Canada’s leading artists, artisans and designers from across Canada, including local talent from the Beach. Exhibitors are selected based on the quality of their work and the originality of their designs. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to meet and shop from the makers themselves and find original fashions, stunning jewellery, leather work, functional ceramics, colourful glass, visual arts, children’s clothing and fun accessories, gourmet foods and much more. Celebrating it’s 34th year! Admission is FREE!

An event focused on bringing together all barbecue enthusiasts. Come out to this FREE RIBFEST to enjoy great BBQ, Live Music, Children’s Area (complete with rides!), BBQ competitions, Grilling Demonstrations and Craft Vendors. Enjoy an ice cold brew while you explore the festival grounds. A community favourite that has something for everyone!

24th Anniversary! Toronto’s Largest Beach Volleyball and Beach Soccer Event for Childhood Cancer Research at SickKids. VOLLEYBALL: Coed 6’s recommended roster 6 to 10. Minimum 2 females on court. BEACH SOCCER - Coed 5’s - 5 players and 1 goalie. Minimum 2 females on field during play. Recommended roster 6 to 12. Female playing goalie does not count toward the minimum 2 females on field. Visit www.HeatwaveEvents.com for a team entry and more information.

Happy Father's Day!

The Do it for Dads Walk Run 5KM is a fun, family-friendly event, hosted on Father’s Day, that raises awareness and funds for the leading cancer affecting Canadian men and the families that love them. Registration: $35 or fundraise $125 and waive your registration fee. Your donor dollars are having an impact on research that has the greatest potential to improve prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment to ensure a better quality of life for survivors. Visit our website to register and for additional information.

Today marks the official first day of summer.

Did You Know? -- not till October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as "Dominion Day" became "Canada Day". The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day. For more information about the history of Canada Day, visit Canadian Heritage website at www.pch.gc.ca.

Canada’s birthday is celebrated every year with fireworks on the expanse of the Beach at Ashbridge’s Bay Park.

The Canada Day activities in Stan Wadlow Park begin at 12 noon with the opening of the Community Booths. Entertainment begins on the Main Stage after the Opening Ceremonies. The day concludes with a fantastic evening fireworks display at 10 pm that has been a long tradition in East York enjoyed by men, women and children of all ages.

Join us at the 61st annual East York's Canada Day Parade. The Parade starts at Dieppe Park (just east of Greenwood Ave.) travelling through East York finishing at Stan Wadlow Park at Woodbine & Cedarvale Park.

Q107 presents an all-day music fest to celebrate Canada Day. Join us live on location all day long for loads of food, fun and good tunes!

WARD 30 residents: Reuse, Recycle and Safely Dispose of any hazardous waste.

The 30th Annual Jazz Festival will feature an unparalleled musical roster, multiple stages and venues and the return of renowned and adored festival favourites. Performances will take place at Woodbine Park from Friday July 20 - Sunday July 22 at the TD Main Stage, and at the OLG Main Stage from Friday July 27 - Sunday July 29. Jazz Latin Carnival at Woodbine Park from Friday July 13 to Sunday July 15. "StreetFest" from July 26 - 28 along Queen Street East from Woodbine Ave. to Beech Ave. Queen Street is closed to traffic from 6 pm to 11:30 pm. Visit our website for a complete concert schedule.

After the resounding success of its inaugural year, the Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside will return to Jimmie Simpson featuring a dynamic musical roster. Visit our website for more info and complete Concert Line-Up.

Afrofest is a showcase of the richness and diversity of African culture. It is a weekend-long celebration centered on African melody, rhythm and dance taking place on outdoor stages. Over 20 bands - local and international. Over 30 food vendors. Free admission.

24th Anniversary! Toronto’s Largest Beach Volleyball and Beach Soccer Event for Childhood Cancer Research at SickKids. VOLLEYBALL: Coed 6’s recommended roster 6 to 10. Minimum 2 females on court. BEACH SOCCER - Coed 5’s - 5 players and 1 goalie. Minimum 2 females on field during play. Recommended roster 6 to 12. Female playing goalie does not count toward the minimum 2 females on field. Visit www.HeatwaveEvents.com for a team entry and more information.

Join us at this annual event that celebrates the drum, its universality as an art form, and its cultural relevance today in communities around the world. 40+ local and national Drum Groups, interactive area and much more. The Festival is free to the public and accessible to everyone.

In Canada, Civic Holiday is in most cases the first Monday of August. Civic Holiday in Canada is not a statutory holiday. A bill has been attempted to be passed in the House of Commons but it has always been unsuccessful. If an employer wants you to work, it is a work day.

Greektown Taste of the Danforth is one of Toronto's signature events, showcasing the best of Hellenic food, culture and music our multicultural city has to offer - from souvlaki to mezes, authentic Greek music to interactive children's games! Come enjoy the culture that makes the Danforth a year round destination.

24th Anniversary! Toronto’s Largest Beach Volleyball and Beach Soccer Event for Childhood Cancer Research at SickKids. VOLLEYBALL: Coed 6’s recommended roster 6 to 10. Minimum 2 females on court. BEACH SOCCER - Coed 5’s - 5 players and 1 goalie. Minimum 2 females on field during play. Recommended roster 6 to 12. Female playing goalie does not count toward the minimum 2 females on field. Visit www.HeatwaveEvents.com for a team entry and more information.

Canada celebrates Labour Day on the first Monday of September and is the last long weekend of the summer – the last time families can take their children on a short vacation before school starts again. If you can't get out of town – be a tourist in your own town.

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Orient. He did not succeed but he did establish a settlement in Canada. In the year 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to give thanks for surviving the long journey. This is considered the first Canadian Thanksgiving, and the first Thanksgiving to have taken place in North America.

The Celts believed that every year on the last day of October, the souls of the dead visited the earth.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour.

"Lest We Forget". Wear your poppies to celebrate the lives and remember the sacrifices of our brave men and women who have died fighting for the freedom and security of our nation and our values.

Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, has officially been an annual tradition in the United States since 1863, when during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving.

The winter solstice occurs exactly when the axial tilt of a planet is farthest away from its star, depending on the polar hemisphere of reference. Earth's maximum axial tilt to our Sun during a solstice is 23° 26'. More evidently from high latitudes, a hemisphere's winter solstice occurs on the shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun's daily maximum position in the sky is the lowest.[2] Since the winter solstice lasts only a moment in time, other terms are often used for the day on which it occurs, such as midwinter, the longest night or the first day of winter.

Don't forget to turn your clocks forward an hour!

The longest-running Saint Patrick's Day parade in Canada occurs each year in Montreal, Québec. The parades have been held in continuity since 1824; however, St. Patrick's Day itself has been celebrated in Montreal as far back as 1759 by Irish soldiers in the Montreal Garrison following the British conquest of New France. In Canada, Saint Patrick's Day is an official holiday only in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the City of Toronto from 1919 to 1927, the Toronto Maple Leafs were known as the Toronto St. Patricks, and wore green jerseys. In 1999 when the Leafs played on Hockey Night in Canada (national broadcast of the NHL) on St. Patrick's Day, the Leafs wore the green St. Pats retro jersey. Although the baseball season is still in the spring training phase when St. Patrick's Day rolls around, the Toronto Blue Jays wear green uniforms for the occasion.

Earth Hour is a worldwide grassroots movement uniting people to protect the planet, and is organised by WWF. Engaging a massive mainstream community on a broad range of environmental issues, Earth Hour was famously started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then it has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and towns worldwide, and the one-hour event continues to remain the key driver of the now larger movement.