Green thumbs up in St. Lawrence Restauranteurs honoured for long-standing community support

Dwight Peters –

Seven community gardeners of all ages were recognized for their contributions at the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association’s (SLNA) open house on Sept. 24 at Time Square restaurant.

“Community gardening has a long history in St Lawrence and it’s a real honour for the SLNA to be able to support and acknowledge the gardeners every year,” explained garden committee chair Stephen Devine. Receiving awards this year were green thumbs Ana Maria Margetts for the #1 Church courtyard garden), Suzanne Kavanagh for the corner garden at Sherbourne & The Esplanade,  Andrew Petrie and Jase Thompson for the sidewalk garden at 176 Esplanade and the trio of Arlene Francis, Phoenix Francis and Sireen Amir for the Princess Park Children’s play garden.

Community gardens blossom wherever a patch of unloved soil exists and a few residents decide to transform it. “The gardens beatify our urban sidewalks and streets, provide an opportunity for neighbours to work together and can be educational especially for children,” added Devine who organized the awards along with Dan O’Leary, founder of the Princess Park Children’s Play Garden.

A good example is the # 1 Church Courtyard Garden. Two years ago the SLNA took on the project of transforming that large plot of land from a wilderness to what it is today. Ana Maria, an experienced gardener, was part of a group of five who created what’s now a green oasis. “I hope even more people will visit the garden next season and of course, we are always grateful for volunteers who can help out just a few hours a week,” she noted.

The open house also paid tribute to Nick and Sophie Demopolous of Time Square restaurant who recently retired after 30 years and were great community supporters. New owners Chris and Debbie Theofanidis warmly welcomed guests with their hospitality.

The open house itself was a success and gave residents a chance to meet and mingle without a fixed agenda. As organizer Jacquie Williams observed, “this was really a neighbourhood get together as much as a delegate’s meeting which is just what we wanted.”