Pocket Community Association

06/04/2026

🌻 Pocket Community Association Update - June 2026 🌻

📅 MAY RECAP
Happy June, everyone! Summer is almost here! 🌞

Thanks to all who contributed to Jeff Otto's memorial bench plaque - we met our goal! A big thank you to everyone who participated in our May events!

The Pocket Street Sale, a neighbourhood favourite, was last weekend. Big thanks to all our residents who participated.

The Kâpapâmahchakêw – Wandering Spirit School's 50th anniversary was marked by the annual Pow Wow in Phin Park. It was a great success. We are honoured to have supported the event again this year.

🗓️ JUNE EVENTS

🍀🌱 TCRA: Workshop: Invasive Species at Home

📍 The Pocket Tiny Forest, 8 Oakvale Avenue
🗓️ Sunday, June 7, 2026
⏰ 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Learn how to identify common invasive species, understand why they're harmful, and discover native plant alternatives for your garden. Registration is free!

Sign up here:
https://invasive-Species-at-Home.eventbrite.ca

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Limited seating will be provided - please bring a folding chair with you!

☕️ Sip'N'Chat
🗓️ Tuesday, June 9
⏰ 9:30-11:00 a.m.
📍 Sammi's Cafe

Join us the second Tuesday of every month for our Sip'N'Chat! Whether you're a longtime neighbour or new to the community, this is a great chance to connect and enjoy a relaxed morning with friendly faces. Drop in, grab a coffee, and say hello!

🍻 Cheers'N'Chat
🗓️ Tuesday, June 16
⏰ After 7:30 p.m.
📍 The Only

Head down to The Only to grab the drink of your choice and get to know your neighbours. New mom who needs a break? Millennial who doesn't know how to make friends as an adult? Come on down!

🌈 CALL-OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS: POCKET PRIDE

We're looking for folks who can lead and participate in our Pocket Pride parade the weekend of June 20–21 (exact date to be confirmed based on volunteer availability). Please reach out to us at [email protected] to help make this event happen! Happy Pride Month, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈

🛍️ GAUGING INTEREST: POCKET MERCH
We're exploring the possibility of creating Pocket merchandise to show some neighbourhood pride! We're considering a pre-order system for items like shirts, hats, totes, stickers, and buttons. Final options will depend on pricing, quality, and community interest. If you'd like to be added to our Pocket Merch List, please contact us at [email protected]

🪨 JEFF OTTO MEMORIAL
The final phase of the Jeff Otto memorial - the park name change - will be a lengthy process. In the meantime, we'd like to install a stone plaque at the south entrance of Phin Park (by the Phin Park sign). If you'd like to donate toward this memorial, please contact us at [email protected] for instructions on how to contribute through the PCA.

❤️📋 RENEW YOUR PCA MEMBERSHIP
We've made membership renewal easier! You can now pay your membership fee through secure checkout provided by Stripe:

🔗 Membership Renewal
Become a PCA member for 2026: https://donate.stripe.com/8x2eV59kbdIC1NVb3Y8bS06

Set up automatic annual renewal: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ28j67Z7kedwD7RM8bS04

📢 IMPORTANT UPDATE 📢
Because the PCA is restructuring, our usual June AGM will be postponed to the Fall (date TBA).

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We can only put on community events with your help. Would you be able to serve on a committee to support the running of the PCA? Without an active membership, we are unable to continue. PCA needs volunteers for various events, communications, social media, website maintenance, and to liaise with the City. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

06/02/2026

🌿 REMINDER: Invasive Species Workshop THIS SUNDAY! 🌿

Don't forget about our FREE workshop on identifying and managing invasive plant species happening THIS SUNDAY!

📅 DATE: Sunday, June 7, 2026
📍 LOCATION: The Pocket Tiny Forest - 8 Oakvale Avenue
⏰ TIME: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Limited seating will be provided - please bring a folding chair with you!

Learn how to protect our local ecosystem by:
• Identifying common invasive plant species
• Understanding their harmful effects on local ecosystems
• Learning proper removal and disposal techniques
• Discovering native plant alternatives for your garden

Registration is FREE but required:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/invasive-species-at-home-workshop-tickets-1988321374756?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Presented by the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) in collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

Learn about invasive plant species and the impacts they have on your local ecosystem.

05/28/2026

⏰ REMINDER: POCKET STREET SALE THIS SATURDAY! ⏰

Don't forget about our neighbourhood street sale happening this Saturday, May 30th from 9 AM – 1 PM!

Time to hunt for those hidden treasures and support your local community. Whether you're looking for unique home decor, clothing finds, or tech gadgets, you'll discover amazing second-hand items at great prices.

For residents setting up tables: Remember you can start setting up anytime after 9:00 AM on Saturday morning.

☕ Grab your coffee, bring your shopping bags, and get ready to explore what your neighbours have to offer!

If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll see you on Sunday, May 31st instead.

Tag a friend who loves treasure hunting!

05/22/2026

🛍️ POCKET STREET SALE IS BACK! 🛍️

Join the neighbourhood favourite on **Saturday, May 30th from 9 AM – 1 PM** for a morning full of amazing second-hand finds and community fun!

Browse everything from:
✨ Kitchen items
👕 Clothing
🧸 Toys
💻 Tech
🎨 Art & accessories
🏠 Home goods

Residents can set up outside their homes anytime after **9:00 AM** — perfect time to clear out those unused treasures and give them a new home!

☔ Rain date: **May 31st**

Come shop, stroll, and support your local community. You never know what hidden gems you’ll find! 💛

05/19/2026

🌳 GOAL REACHED! Thank You, Pocket Community! 🌳

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have successfully reached our fundraising goal for the Jeff Otto Commemorative Bench Plaque! Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many of you, we have hit our $1,750 target.

We are no longer accepting donations for this specific project, and we are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to honouring our beloved "Mayor of the Pocket." This bench will be a beautiful and lasting tribute to Jeff's legacy in Phin Park.

But the celebration of Jeff's spirit doesn't stop here! We are already planning future initiatives connected to Jeff for Phin Park, so please stay tuned for more information on how we can continue to build on the wonderful community he helped create.

Thank you once again for your amazing support in remembering the man who meant so much to our neighbourhood. 🌳

05/19/2026

🌳 The response to our Jeff Otto bench plaque fundraiser has been incredible, and we're so grateful for the outpouring of support! 🌳

We're still accepting donations to reach our $1,750 goal for this lasting tribute to our "Mayor of the Pocket." To contribute, DM Susan Paterson for details and help us create a permanent place to remember the man who made our community so special.

05/18/2026

📣 REMINDER: Pocket Community Association Events! 📣

Don't miss out on these upcoming community gatherings in the Pocket:

🍻 CHEERS'N'CHAT – NEW! – TOMORROW! May 19 | After 7:30 PM
Meet your neighbours for a casual evening at The Only. Everyone is welcome! This is your chance to unwind and connect with fellow Pocket residents in a relaxed setting.

🪶 Wandering Spirit School Annual Pow Wow – May 28
We are honoured to recognize the annual Kâpapâmahchakêw – Wandering Spirit School Pow Wow, celebrating Indigenous culture, traditions, and community.

🛍 Pocket Sale – May 30
A neighbourhood favourite returns! Set up outside your home after 9:00 AM and shop secondhand treasures throughout the Pocket. Rain date: May 31.

Remember to renew your PCA membership for 2026 if you haven't already! Your support keeps our community events going strong.

🔗 Membership Renewal
Become a PCA member for 2026: https://donate.stripe.com/8x2eV59kbdIC1NVb3Y8bS06

Set up automatic annual renewal: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ28j67Z7kedwD7RM8bS04

HAPPY LONG WEEKEND ALL!!

05/13/2026

🌿 Heads up: Workshop Announcement: Invasive Species at Home 🌿

Join us for an informative workshop on identifying and managing invasive plant species in our community!

📅 Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
📍 Location: The Pocket Tiny Forest - 8 Oakvale Avenue
⏰ Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This FREE workshop will teach you:
• How to identify common invasive plant species
• Why invasive species are harmful to local ecosystems
• Best practices for removal and disposal
• Native plant alternatives for your garden

This event is part of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP) - a community initiative designed to help make our neighbourhood greener, healthier and more vibrant.

Registration is required and completely FREE! Sign up at:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/invasive-species-at-home-workshop-tickets-1988321374756?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Presented in collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

Accessibility accommodations are available - please contact TRCA if needed.

Come learn how to protect our local ecosystem and create a more sustainable environment in The Pocket!

PS: Seating will be limited, so we encourage people to bring a folder chair!

Learn about invasive plant species and the impacts they have on your local ecosystem.

05/12/2026

🌳 Attention: Jeff Otto Commemorative Bench Plaque Fundraiser 🌳

The PCA is arranging for a commemorative bench plaque in Phin Park to honour our beloved "Mayor of the Pocket," Jeff Otto. For years, Jeff embodied the true spirit of our community with his warm greetings, helping hand, and dedication to making The Pocket a wonderful place to call home.

This bench plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to Jeff's legacy—a place where neighbours can gather and remember the man who touched so many lives in our community.

The cost is about $1,750. If you'd like to contribute to this meaningful memorial, please DM Susan Paterson. Susan will reply with donation details. Any amount, no matter how small, will be warmly appreciated as we work together to honour Jeff's memory and the positive impact he had on our neighbourhood.

05/08/2026

🌸 Pocket Community Association – May Update 🌸

Happy May, neighbours! April was a busy month in the Pocket, and it was great connecting with so many of you throughout the community.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our Spring Fling such a success — from the park clean-up and event set-up to visits from the Easter Bunny. We also loved hearing your ideas for future PCA events, including running clubs, movie nights, and a possible block party. Stay tuned!

Thank you as well to everyone who signed up or renewed their PCA membership. Your support helps keep community events and initiatives going strong.

🔗 Membership Renewal
Become a PCA member for 2026: https://donate.stripe.com/8x2eV59kbdIC1NVb3Y8bS06

Set up automatic annual renewal: https://buy.stripe.com/5kQ28j67Z7kedwD7RM8bS04

📅 Upcoming Events

☕ Sip’n’Chat – May 12 | 9:30–11:00 AM
Join us at Sammi’s Cafe for coffee, conversation, and community connection.

🍻 Cheers’n’Chat – NEW! – May 19 | After 7:30 PM
Meet your neighbours for a casual evening at The Only. Everyone is welcome!

🪶 Wandering Spirit School Annual Pow Wow – May 28
We are honoured to recognize the annual Kâpapâmahchakêw – Wandering Spirit School Pow Wow, celebrating Indigenous culture, traditions, and community.

🛍 Pocket Sale – May 30
A neighbourhood favourite returns! Set up outside your home after 9:00 AM and shop secondhand treasures throughout the Pocket. Rain date: May 31.

📰 Community News

🌳 Jeff Otto Memorial Tree & Bench Fundraiser
The City of Toronto has planted a commemorative tree in honour of Jeff Otto, the beloved “Mayor of The Pocket.” We are also fundraising for a commemorative bench plaque, with a goal of $1,753.

If you would like to contribute to the Jeff Otto memorial bench fundraiser, please email [email protected] and we will follow up with donation details. Thank you for helping us honour someone who meant so much to our community.

📌 AGM Update
Due to PCA restructuring, our annual AGM will move from June to the Fall (date TBD).

❤️ Volunteers Needed
The PCA is always looking for volunteers to help with events, communications, social media, website maintenance, and City liaison efforts.

Interested in volunteering, donating, or getting involved? Contact us at [email protected].