Good almost-springtime to all the residents of this vertical neighbourhood. This month’s newsletter is focused on all things neighbourly; beginning with the introduction from resident Kevin Cormier of The George book club — the club has been around for about a year, but it may be new to you.
There have been lots of ‘comings and goings’ over the past few months, and there may be neighbours who don’t know what kinds or resources are available within the building. Nancy Lee-Sing has put together a recap of all good-to-know information of things that make this building a good place to live.
As the weather begins to warm up, I’m thinking about getting out on our balcony again — and what better way to do that with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres? Diana Harris has provided a little spring tonic for just that eventuality. Finally, a little night music with the theme of Oscars. Our resident musicologist, Noëlle Jenkinson, has put together another great playlist. From her earworm to yours!
As always, thank you to the Letter from George contributors. I am so appreciative of the time you make to create the articles that help knit this community together.
Susan Prince
A Chapter from George
Enjoying the newsletter but looking for a slightly longer read? Perhaps you didn’t know that George Condos has a book club that has been going strong for over a year!
The book club started with a post by Christine Oddy in the Facebook group back in December of 2022. A true community builder, Christine is also a driving force behind the George’s bottle and can collection program, which funds our social events. “I’ve always wanted to join a book club, but I’ve never had the opportunity,” says Christine. “I have also read books that I don’t think I ever would’ve picked or read before, and I’m glad of it.”
Indeed, we’ve read a variety of genres, from historical fiction, fantasy, and coming-of-age to psychological thrillers and whodunnits. Through these stories we’ve travelled to Kyoto, Jamaica, Wales, Toronto (not so far to go!), Indochina, Florida, Budapest, California, Ukraine, and even the magical realm of Elsewhere.
This virtual travel has been a delight for me, as my partner and I have not travelled internationally since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For Sandy Biback, who you might know as one of the human friends of resident canine celebrity Monet, being transported by books is just the beginning. Sandy is an avid traveller who recently returned from an adventure in Peru. “I generally read a couple of historical fiction books before going to a new country,” says Sandy. Her favourite part of book club is getting together with other people who love to read as much as she does. In her words, “I like to socialize!”
Nicole Quickert had never considered joining a book club before but is glad she did. “I joined as a way to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone.” In 2023, Nicole read an impressive 23 fiction books and 46 cookbooks, which she reads cover to cover like a novel. Reflecting on her time so far in our book club, Nicole captures a sentiment shared by all the members I’ve surveyed. “Not only did I meet some wonderful people, I read some great books I would have never considered myself.”
We meet on the second Wednesday evening of the month at 7pm in the 8th floor party room (as long as it is not booked for a private event), and we all take turns choosing books. We’d love to have some new members join us to contribute to the discussion and the variety of books, and most of all so that we can meet more of our George neighbours! Here are our upcoming selections:
April 10, 2024:The Inmate by Freida McFadden (Christine’s pick)
May 8, 2024:The Maid by Nita Prose (Nicole’s pick)
As the weather warms up, the days get longer and flowers start to bloom, we enter the season of renewal. We crave all things fresh, so when we think of spring cocktails and food we think of lighter fare. I hope this cocktail not only awakens your taste buds but also lifts your spirit.
Here is my recipe (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for “George’s Gin Smash”
2 oz gin
1 oz elderflower liquer
2 oz grapefruit cordial or grapefruit juice
4 oz prosecco
Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime wheel
In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients except the prosecco. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour into your cocktail glass of choice and top with prosecco and garnish.
Non-alcoholic option
2 oz non-alcoholic gin such as Sipsmith
2 oz grapefruit cordial or grapefruit juice
4 oz Fever Tree elderflower tonic
Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime wheel
In a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients except the tonic water. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour into your cocktail glass of choice and top with tonic and garnish.
A great pairing with this refreshing cocktail is this light and flavourful appetizer that celebrates the season. It’s one of my favourites!
Pea and Mint Crostini
Baguette sliced
2 cups Peas – fresh or frozen
4 or 5 Fresh mint leaves (or adjust to taste)
Zest of half a Lemon
340g pkg of Goat cheese
Olive oil
Sat & pepper
Slice and toast the baguette until golden. In a food processor combine peas, mint leaves, lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper. Spread a layer of goat cheese on each crostini. Top with pea mixture. Drizzle with olive oil, garnish with a mint leave and lemon zest.
Author: Diana Harris
There is more to The George than you might know.
It has been 3 years since I moved into The George. Some days it feels like it was yesterday. I remember trying to find my way around and as one of the first residents to move in, there wasn’t a lot going on. Since then, things have changed and we’ve built quite a community.
In recent months, we’ve had quite a few units changing hands through sales or new tenants. Because of this, I thought it would be beneficial to recap what we’ve got going on. Newbies to The George, this is mainly for you but all can benefit.
Facebook Group
We have our own group, George Condo Residents 1331 Queen St E. It is a great resource for gathering information, posing questions and getting to know your vertical neighbours. You have to request admission to the group and answer a few simple questions.
Library Room/Lounge
The lower lounge has become home to our own little library and home for games and puzzles. Feel free to add to our growing collection and borrow whatever interests you.
Book Club
Yes we have one! See Kevin Cormier’s ‘A Chapter from George’ for more details.
Bottle Recycling
Located in the garbage room area, you’ll find bins for all alcohol vessels. Money collected goes into a social fund for resident/owner events. Pay attention to the signs for what goes where and please, no garbage or other recyclable items.
Batteries/Electronics/Clothing Bins
In addition to the bottle/can recycling program, there are also bins for batteries, electronics and a clothing bin for gently used clothing. Pretty self explanatory. Bring your items, place them in the bins. By doing so, we’re keeping the items out of landfills and helping the environment.
Cooking Oil/Fat
We also have a drum for disposal of cooking oils and fats. Using your own vessel (not something you wish to get back), bring the waste to the recycling area and leave it on the drum. Mario will take care of it. It is an easy-peasy way to prevent clogging up our sinks.
While we’re talking recycling, let’s include waste sorting. Here is a handy guide from management: WASTE SORTING
Social Committee
Branching off from the bottle recycling committee, we have a tiny social committee for planning events with the money collected. If you’re interested in joining the group, feel free to reach out or just track me down.
Ladies Lunch Group
There are a group of us that meet regularly (every 1-2 months) for lunch at one of our local establishments. It serves as a great break in the day, supports local businesses and a whole lot of fun.
IN THE WORKS…how about a games group? Do you like to play Euchre, Scrabble or maybe a good old game of charades? This could be loads of fun. Watch the Facebook page for details.
George Goes To The Movies
With the Oscars just behind us, movie music is the inspiration for this playlist. A movie soundtrack is a powerful tool that sets the mood and drives the pace of a scene – think of the shower scene in Psycho or Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On” – and helps the audience connect emotionally to the film. Whether it’s composed for a movie, or a pre-existing hit that finds a home on a soundtrack, these songs evoke memories for us all. Grab a bowl of popcorn and your beverage of choice and enjoy “George Goes To The Movies”
If you’re looking for a list of the movies in which these songs appear, you’ll find it HERE
Mix-Tape: Noëlle Jenkinson
Greetings from the Board
Welcome to Spring, Neighbours!
Thank you to all who participated in our AGM in January. It was a successful, well-attended meeting and we appreciated the convivial exchange of ideas for our community.
Our new property manager, Ivan Lara, took over the position at the end of January and we’re impressed with his ability to meet management tasks head-on. Contact info for property management remains the same as well as the office days which are Wednesdays, Fridays and alternating Mondays.
As a reminder to anyone experiencing smoke detector issues, here is a link to the September newsletter which included a helpful article on the matter “Back to school: Smoke Detector 101”:
We have implemented a lock-box registry in an effort to eliminate are in the process of assessing the security issue with the stair access from P1 including consulting with the Fire Department to ensure that proposed solutions will not impede access for emergency services or be in violation of the current fire code. Management will keep residents apprised once a solution is reached.
In this month of March we’d like to wish Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe as well as Happy Easter to all who celebrate. Enjoy the latest newsletter with thanks given to the newsletter team.
Sincerely,
James, Kelsey & Noëlle
V(ery) I(mportant) P(ets)
Life is a bowl of cherries, no wait a box of dog treats!
Hi, I’m Andy and I’ve been living here for 3 years now. Yep, I am one of the original 4 legged residents at The George. I’ve gotta say I love living here because I know where the treats are hidden at the security desk!
I have lots of nicknames: Andrew, Hey You, STOP, Pain in the a** and Hang On. Maybe they’re not all nicknames but rather calls that get my attention.
My humans are John and Maryann and other two legged people that bring me food or have a stash like our security ladies Rupam and Megha. They know how to treat me well. Get it, treat me? HA HA HA.
My favourite toy is the insole of John’s shoe. I don’t think he appreciates it like I do!
My goal in life is to never let Monet forget that I have dibs on the security treat stash.
I was once voted most likely to look like I need a grooming the day after a visit to the dog spaw and I proudly live up to that.
I do have a favourite quote that I think everyone should believe – “Anything is paws-ible with a dog by your side”
My secret crush won’t be such a secret now. She’s kind and she’s gentle, and nice to a fella, you know by now that it’s definitely ELLA. I also need to let Moose, Ollie and Howie know that they are always welcome in my man-cave.
Author: Nancy Lee-Sing
Smart Recycling = Social Events at The George
Our recycling program to raise funds for social events has paid off. The first event was held in September and was a success. Lots of food, great music and a great way to meet new neighbours and reconnect with old. I think all who attended would agree.
For Transparency, we spent $670.60. That included purchasing platters/bowls, etc. for future events.
Our collecting continues and on February 29, 2024 our new total was $914.40. Preliminary planning is in the works for our next get-together. Stay tuned for updates.
We continue to collect bottles for hard alcohol and wine as well as beer/cider cans and bottles in the loading dock area. Please separate your other recyclables from our collection bins.
If you’re intersted in getting involved for our weekly Thursday return run, please reach out to me at socialatthegeorge@gmail.com
A Letter From George 