Introducing A Letter From George…

Editor’s Note

It’s fair to say that taking up residence in a new build during the time of COVID has been a bumpy ride. In this vertical neighbourhood, social distancing requirements have been like shade thwarting a garden that needs sunlight to thrive. As we move beyond the pandemic, nurturing a convivial neighbourliness so our community can blossom feels like a worthy goal – and one building’s namesake – 19th century horticulturalist George Leslie – would applaud.

I’m very happy to introduce ‘A Letter From George’. This quarterly newsletter is created by and for residents of 1331 Queen Street East. It is intended to inform, entertain and – most importantly – to support the growth of a distinct community. In it you will find conversation starters for the elevator ride – have you tried Diana’s ‘Crimson Tidings’? – as well as seasonal, useful information about the building and community beyond our front door. Check out ‘To Tree or Not to Tree’ for tips on Christmas Tree disposal. Our board will be a regular contributor, keeping us informed about their oversight of the corporation.

Enjoy the newsletter. We will return to your in-box in March 2023.

Susan Prince

Greetings from the Board

Hello Neighbours! As 2022 comes to a close, we’d like to thank all those who participated in our first Town Hall in October. It was a great opportunity to bring you up to date on our work and for us to hear suggestions and feedback from you. The minutes of the Town Hall Meeting are now available on Building Link as are minutes of the Board meetings. Under “My Building” simply click on “Library”.

Our financials are currently with the auditor and will be ready in time for our AGM, which will be scheduled for February 2023.

Lastly, we’d like to welcome you to our quarterly newsletter, “A Letter From George”! It’s a great way to share news and items of interest with our George community. None of it would be possible without the amazing team we’ve put together: Thank you to Susan Prince, Nancy Lee-Sing, and Diana Harris for your generosity of time and skill to bring this newsletter to life.

Read On! We hope you enjoy it.

Happy Holidays,

James, Kelsey & Noelle

George VIPs

Hi, My given name is Midsummer’s 66 T Bird but known as Moose. I am a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and will be 4 in April.

Nickname: Moosie Goosie

Human: Nancy

Favourite Toy: My blue and white Bunny

Goal: To be The Blue Jays mascot

Voted Most Likely To: Suffer from Peter Pan Syndrome and never grow up!

Favourite Quote: “Please Sir, may I have some more?”

Secret Crush: Miss Ella Bean

Author: Nancy Lee-Sing

Crimson Tidings: Raise a Glass of Happiness, Darling

Tis the season for family get-togethers, parties, and spending time with friends. The holiday season is always filled with delicious food and beverages for us to enjoy. One of my favourite things about hosting a holiday party is creating new and interesting cocktail recipes. Here is a festive cocktail recipe that’s sure to get the party started.

Diana-fied Crimson Tide

1 ½ oz. Havana Club Rum (or your favourite amber rum)

1 ½ oz. Pomegranate liqueur

2 oz. Cranberry juice

1/8 wedge of Lime (juiced)

Splash of any dry sparkling wine (Cava or Prosecco are excellent)

2 Sprigs of fresh Mint (one for garnish)

Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

Diana-fied Crimson Tide (non-alcoholic)

1 ½ oz. Non-alcohol spirit of choice (found at Loblaws) or omit completely

1 ½ oz. Pomegranate juice

2 oz. Cranberry juice

1/8 wedge of Lime (juiced)

Splash of any dry sparkling non-alcoholic wine

2 Sprigs of fresh Mint (one for garnish)

Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)

In a shaker combine ice, rum, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, and one sprig of fresh mint. Shake it for 30 seconds then strain and serve in either a martini glass or a champagne flute. Top up the glass with sparkling wine, drop in a few pomegranate seeds for garnish and finish with a sprig of fresh mint. For convenience, the recipe can be tripled or quadrupled and made ahead of time. Simply store in a pitcher in the refrigerator prior to your guests’ arrival. Then, just before your guest arrive, pour into a cocktail glass, garnish and top with Sparkling wine before serving.

Raise a glass, remembering to make firm eye contact as per the drinking instructions of my wife’s late aunt Joyce, “Happiness Darling”.

And the Perfect Complement: Savoury Rosemary Shortbreads

Nothing goes better with a cocktail than a delicious savory snack and nothing says holiday quite like shortbread cookies. Here is my recipe for Savoury Rosemary Shortbread cookies.

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp minced fresh rosemary

1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions

In a bowl cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Combine the flour, rosemary and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Shape into two 8-1/4 in. rolls; securely wrap each roll in cling wrap. Refrigerate overnight or for 2 hours in the freezer. Cut into ¼ in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool for 1 minute before removing from pans to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container. Serve with your favourite cocktail.

Author: Diana Harris

The Leslieville BIA is always busy working on improving and animating our neighbourhood, fielding inquiries from residents and liaising with our City Council.

Recently, they put together a successful Wanderlust which brought locals out to see the tree lighting at Leslie Grove Park, partake in scavenger hunts, decorate cookies and make ornaments. Santa did his meet and greet (obviously to see who has been naughty or nice) and the Christmas Market opened up to shoppers. All in all, a wonderful community building experience.

This weekend will be the last for The Leslieville Christmas pop-up market. Located at 911 Queen St E (at Carlaw). This market has been showcasing local artisans, serving up hot cocoa and even activities to occupy the little ones. Everything from food to clothing to handmade crafts can be found there. A great place to support local and pick up those last minute gifts.

Author: Nancy Lee-Sing

George Recycles his “Empties”

How Much Have We Collected?

As of November 30th, we have collected $514.20

These funds will be used towards a social event for owners and residents. This is planned for early summer when the outdoor amenity space reopens so that we can accommodate everyone and have a little fun in the sun with great food and friends.
Your efforts to divert bottles and cans from landfills is most appreciated. Want to help with the returns? Email your name and contact info to the board at georgecondosboard@gmail.com with ATTN NANCY: RECYCLING in the subject line and it will get forwarded to Nancy and Christine.

Author: Nancy Lee-Sing

To Tree or Not to Tree?

Christmas is but days away and we’re in full holiday mode here at George. Trees of many shapes and sizes have been placed in our respective homes – some real, some artificial – and we happily have a choice between the two.

Should you choose a real tree, you’ll also have to dispose of it after the holidays. Since real trees require a little more housekeeping, here is a gentle reminder of how to dispose of your tree:

All trees are to be brought to the loading dock for disposal before January 10th.

There will be a designated spot in the loading dock near the overhead door. When bringing your tree to the loading dock, please ensure your tree is wrapped in a tree bag so as not to leave needles throughout the building. Please remove the bag once you’ve deposited your tree in the designated area as the service that picks up the trees will not take them if they are bagged or wrapped.

Until then, enjoy your tree, keep it well hydrated, and we hope it stands tall over a sea of wonderful gifts.

Author: Noëlle Jenkinson

Cool Yule Playlist

Want a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday prep? Sit down and relax with some holiday classics in our curated holiday playlist on Spotify “George Loves a Swingin’ Christmas”: