If you want to experience life in far off places without boarding a plane the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema is the place for you.

The space at 506 Bloor West has housed a theatre for more than a century and todayacts as a beacon for the city’s documentary films, providing audiences with an up close and often personal window to the world around us. From punk music to Chinese food to Royal Ballet performances and stories about aging beauties, the Bloor Cinema, as it was most recently known, has something for everyone.

Opened in 1913 the theatre, which is located in the heart of the Annex, was originally named the Madison Picture Palace. As one of Toronto’s first picture palaces, the theatre would soon be joined by Allen’s Bloor Theatre (later Lee’s Palace) and the Alhambra Theatre, which both opened in 1919 near Bloor and Bathurst.

In 1940 the theatre was rebuilt and all that was left of the original building were two side walls. The following year the theatre opened as the Midtown and would become a popular movie house throughout the ‘40s and ‘50s, known for matinees and horror flicks.

With the advent of television, the number of movie goers began dwindling by the mid 1960s. The theatre would change hands several times over the years, from Famous Players’ naming it the Capri in 1967 to it being rechristened a few years later as the Eden, which ran mainly adult films.

In 1979, the theatre was renamed the Bloor Theatre. It offered first-run movies to appeal to the tastes of the families who were increasingly calling the Annex home. By 1980, Carm Bordonaro and his partners would take over the theatre, which eventually led to the Bordonaro family purchasing the building in 2010 to ensure the theatre’s survival.

The fate of the cinema was paramount for the Bordonaros, who turned away a number of property developers for the much-coveted land before finding a simpatico buyer in Toronto-based Blue Ice Group, a film financing and production company, and its partner, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.

Following renovations in 2012 that upgraded the cinema’s projection and sound capabilities, seating, restrooms and lobby facilities, the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema reopened in March 2012. Today, the cinema is home to first-run Canadian and international documentaries in addition to special documentary presentations such as the Doc Soup screening series. It also hosts many of the city’s independent film festivals and offers audiences some repertory and specialized fiction film programming.

Grassroots community organizations such as the St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club are a big part of what makes Toronto neighbourhoods such great places to call home. 

The club, which is headquartered in Vermont Square Park near Bathurst and Bloor, adheres to the values of inclusion, compassion, caring and safety for the thousands of children and young adults who have entered its doors. The organization’s mission statement kind of says it all: We provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.

“I think it’s a key component to the community and that it has a positive impact,” says Anna Sturino, the club’s director of operations. “I believe for some families it has probably saved them and, for some children, it has been their only form of family.”

What began as a recreational group for boys in 1949 thanks to Toronto police inspector Bill Bolton would eventually be renamed the St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club in 1978. This, of course, was long after girls started using the club’s programs and services as early as 1960.

In 1999, the club merged with the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club, which allowed it to grow and offer outreach, programs and services at 18 locations in the Jane and Finch, Weston-Mount Dennis, Lawrence Heights and Bathurst and Dupont communities.

For a nominal membership fee, members get access to the building and its programs and services, which are many. The club, which is open seven days a week, offers programs for toddlers, pre-schoolers, school-aged children, youth and young adults.

Is your little Donatella Versace dying to design her own Grade 8 grad dress? She might want to check out Fashion Class. Got a wee Shaquille O’Neal on your hands? Sign up for basketball at St. Alban’s.  Got a miniature Bill Nye the Science Guy in your home? Let them see how science helps in the unfolding of magic tricks and mentalism.

Aquatic programs are available in addition to nutrition and wellness, various sports such as soccer and volleyball, skateboarding and ball hockey.  The club offers an early years program free of charge to the public as well as a preschool daycare program, an after-school program for children six to 12 and youth programs for those 13 and up.

A creative arts department is available for those interested in dance, theatre and drama, animation, photography and music.

St. Alban’s also offers programs and services geared to at-risk youth such as Roger’s Raising the Grade, a program that pairs youth with adult mentors. In addition, there is also a homework assistance club.

Many of the programs’ facilitators, mentors and frontline staff are former club members or college and university students who are working toward careers as youth workers, teachers, recreationists or social workers.

“It feels like a family here,” says Sturino. “Everyone belongs and is accepted and we do anything we can for people. I think we’re only successful because of companies like Freeman Real Estate, who have supported us and come on board to help with fundraising events in support of this community.”

We naturally understand that the holidays place a huge stress on our time given all the commitments the festive season creates. Yet we’ve always believed that real estate should carry on like usual though many consumers opt to put the brakes on the buying and selling of real estate during the holidays.

We’ve said it here before that those who continue shopping throughout the festive season are more inclined to realize a good buy as opposed to those who wait till winter’s thaw.

And it appears that our message is starting to get through.  According to a survey by Ipsos Reid, two-thirds of prospective home buyers in Ontario are planning to continue their search for the perfect home over the holidays. A majority of buyers feel that shopping for a home during the holiday season could mean less competition among potential buyers and, possibly, a better deal on the price of a desired home.

With the thought that potential sellers could be worried their home will sit on the market while prospective buyers are enjoying the holiday season with their families, a majority (55%) of likely buyers believe that sellers are more willing to negotiate on the price over the holidays, compared to two in ten (19%) who don’t believe sellers will be in a negotiating mood over the holidays.

If you’re a seller, less competition is a good thing for you. You are competing in a much smaller inventory over Christmas and New Year’s so that means more buyers’ eyes on your property. Ensure that your house is priced well and that your home is always ready for a viewing.

If you’re looking for a home over the holidays, you’re obviously very motivated.  Since time constraints from seasonal commitments and miserable cold weather make people want to hibernate, sellers need to be flexible about showings.

Festive decorations can make a home look merry and bright. Just don’t overdo it. Christmas lights are pretty but not in the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation way. When strangers traipse through your home they want to feel cheerful and comfortable so don’t assault them with stinky food smells, ugly décor and too much clutter. Bake gingerbread and light a fire to add to the warm and cozy feel.

The poll was conducted by Ipsos Reid, a leading public opinion researcher, on behalf of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA).

The New Year is a good time to reflect on our past performance, our present considerations and how we see them fitting into our dreams for the future.

As we take leave of another holiday season, a time of year often marked by excess, we should turn our thoughts to ways in which happiness and contentment fill our hearts not by how much we consume but by what we save and spare.

As a realtor, your role as a trusted advisor in the lives of your clients cannot be undermined and that’s why it’s vital that you use your position to spread the word about saving the planet. We’re not talking about getting self-righteous and preachy, but sharing your know-how from a place of compassion and practicality. Besides, in this day and age, it’s the socially responsible thing to do. You’ll be surprised at how influential you really are.

So when you consider how you’d like to make 2015 better, think about the ways you can help the environment and, by turn, your clients. Know also that they’ll appreciate your tips, advice and recommendations. After all, you’re helping them save money.  In the end, their estimation of you is elevated and that’s good for everyone.

Raising your green IQ might be a good place to start.  Generally speaking, green real estate has less impact on the environment in its construction and its day-to-day operation when compared to its less environmentally friendly and conventional neighbours.

Do you know about efficient ways of using energy and water? How’s your knowledge on environmentally sustainable materials?  What constitutes a healthy house in your mind?

So that your clients can take advantage of government-sponsored rebates and incentives on eco-friendly upgrades, get acquainted with whom they should talk to about obtaining energy audits in their market area. The audit essentially pre-qualifies them for the grants. It’s probably also a good idea to find out what rebates are available in your province and, if applicable, in your municipality.

But don’t let your heightened awareness stop there. Find out about ways your clients can save on their energy bills. What types of insulation are best suited for mid-century homes? Are tankless water heaters really worth the investment? Is it worth replacing your older appliances with Energy Star ones? What renovators and builders in your market take into account green principles when plying their trade?

Take a look at your own eco footprint. As a real estate professional, do you burn through fuel, paper and energy as though there were a limitless supply? You might want to think of better, cleaner ways to run your business.

Consider the National Association of Green Agents and Brokers (NAGAB), a national non-profit professional association that aims to educate real estate professionals about energy conservation and environmental awareness.  NAGAB offers designations that help realtors gain more clients and increase profitability, protect the natural environment, fight climate change, access new markets and create a positive, long-term impact on their community.

As January begins a shiny new year filled with hope and optimism, we’re eager to earn more money, mend ailing relationships, lose weight, and go to the gym more often. But why not do our earth a favour and add the environment to your list of resolutions for 2015? The world will be glad you did.

In 2015, we will begin to see changes in the way consumers spend their money and how they approach buying real estate.

Because consumers will grow even more green, value-conscious and mobile, expect those traits to penetrate the housing industry more deeply than ever.

Renovate is the fourth R when it comes to the environment –
More people will turn to makeovers when it comes to changing the space in which they live. This is good news for their pocketbook and for the environment.

Expect homeowners to invest in energy-efficient upgrades that reduce the draw on a home’s heating and cooling.

Footprints Shrink — When people build new homes, more will be doing so with smaller as opposed to bigger footprints.  According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average size of a new home in 1978 was 1,750 square feet, a figure that had grown to 2,520 square feet by 2008. In 2010, that figure fell to 2,480 square feet. The decreasing trend is expected to continue with square footage estimated to fall to 2,152 by 2015.

Net Zero – A net zero home generates as much energy as it consumes. To achieve this, homeowners need to combine passive and active design strategies. Passive energy includes such methods as strategically placed windows that maximize or deter heat or shrubs and trees planted to help cool your home. Solar panels and wind turbines, on the other hand, produce energy.

While investing in a renewable energy system such as a geothermal well can be costly, perhaps the net result is worth it in the long run.

Energy Monitoring Systems — Keep track of your minute-by-minute energy
usage. Find out what it costs to wash a load of laundry or to cook a meal. The point, of course, is for you to learn how and when you use the most and to figure out ways to cut back.

LEDs – These lights use less energy than compact fluorescents (CFL) and have much longer life spans. Prices are dropping  with LEDs so more and more consumers will adopt this lighting especially once they learn how much more they can save on their energy bills.

Nothing warms the heart and soul come winter’s cold quite like a creamy, steamy cup of hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate or cocoa, if you prefer, usually consists of shaved or melted chocolate or cocoa powder mixed with heated milk or water and sugar. Some like to sprinkle their chocolate with cinnamon. Others prefer a dollop of whipped cream on top, a handful of marshmallows or a drop of vanilla for added flavour. For a peppermint taste, add two mint candies. If you like your chocolate spiced up a bit add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground chili pepper.

As you hustle and bustle throughout the city at this hectic time of year, don’t forget to take time out for yourself by sitting down to a comforting warm beverage of chocolate. While just about any restaurant can offer hot chocolate, some really know how to do it up right. Here’s a look:

ChocoSol, at 1131 St. Clair West, is a social enterprise that focuses on making the food of the gods – otherwise known as cocoa – right here in Toronto. The chocolate is made without dairy, gluten, soy and nuts, and are also vegan. ChocoSol specializes in both eating chocolate and drinking chocolate (xocolatl).

At 361 Roncesvalles, The Chocolateria makes its in-store hot chocolate using German cocoa and Callebaut chocolate, a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon for a frothy warm dark chocolate bevy. On weekends the store offers a milk chocolate flavoured hot drink and another variation such as peppermint hot chocolate. Yum.

Nestled within Yorkville, MoRoCo Chocolat is a chocolate lover’s nirvana located at 99 Yorkville Ave. Its sipping chocolates come in three flavours: 66 % dark chocolate, milk chocolate with chai, or blond chocolate with espresso beans. They’re presented in little pots with shot glasses from which to sip and enjoy.

The Junction’s Delight Chocolate at 3040 Dundas West offers customers a sip of heaven with its mouth-watering choice of hot chocolate. Regular is on tap alongside a hot chocolate that is spiced with ginger, cayenne, cinnamon and coriander, then there is a peanut-butter flavoured drink and finally bittersweet orange.

Nadege Patisserie at 780 Queen West offers two different hot chocolates in house: its signature 70 % hot chocolate and a Peruvian chocolate known as Illanka. Either choice comes with a house-made Guimauve (French for marshmallow). Hot chocolate flavours in the store’s gift-box sampler include bourbon vanilla, spice (including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg) and dark chocolate. Made-from-scratch marshmallows include raspberry, strawberry, cotton candy, gin and tonic and rose and litchi fruit, among others.

The weather outside might be frightful and that’s why there’s no better time than December to boost spirits and celebrate our jolly festive season.

Whether your mark the holidays in piety or in more material ways or perhaps, like many of us, a combination of the two, Toronto has a bountiful assortment of ways to make merry. Let’s take a look:

The Distillery District’s Christmas Market is a throwback to the street markets that originated in Germany in the 1400s. Offering traditional sights, sounds and scents of Christmas, this seven-day-week market runs until Dec. 21. Dozens of live entertainers, craftspeople, artists and artisans, seasonal food and drink offerings and merchandise are on hand. This event has something for every age.

The One-of-a-Kind Christmas Show and Sale marks 40 years this year with more than 800 artisans selling their wares at the Direct Energy Centre until December 7. Known as a flagship destination for Canadian handmade designs and merchandise, the event will be attended by more than 140,000 who come to buy, browse and appreciate quality craftsmanship and design.

Longing for a Christmas straight out of an Osmond family TV special? You’re in luck because Donny and Marie Osmond will be tra-la-la-la-laing at the Princess of Wales Theatre from December 9 — 21. Expect plenty of holiday faves with a review of hits from their lengthy careers in Donny & Marie Christmas in Toronto.

If the Osmonds don’t rock your boat, you may want to try homegrown talent in the form of the Barenaked Ladies, performing Hits & Holiday Songs at Roy Thomson Hall December 11 and 12^th.

Get a photo of you and the team at Purina PawsWay (245 Queens Quay West). The real team of dog sledders are on hand December 13 & 14 and 20 & 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The canine fun takes place during Winterfest and lets you see up close and personal what equipment is used in dog sledding. Sneak a quick puppy pat or brief chat with Tanya Hawley and her authentic sledding dogs.

Don’t miss Santa in the Junction on Sunday, December 7 beginning at 11 a.m.  A Dundas Street West winter market, a visit from Santa and his elves, live holiday music, a Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, various workshops and demonstrations plus plenty of holiday-themed refreshments for everyone.

If you’re in the neighbourhood, visit the Global News Toy Drive Live event at the Shops at Don Mills on December 4. Donate a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for free food and drink from on-site vendors. Children are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa, take photos with Santa and his reindeer and visit the Global News and Spin Master seasonal booths. The Toy Drive Live event will also feature a selection of holiday carols sung by the Crestwood Choir and an official tree lighting ceremony, taking place during the live broadcast from 5 to 8 p.m.

There’s nothing like a spin around an open-air ice rink come winter’s cold. Whether you’re gliding mitten-to-mitten with your sweetheart or teaching your wee ones how to balance on blades, nothing says wintertime fun quite like an outdoor ice rink.

That’s one of the reasons Freeman Real Estate is sponsoring a free community skate from 5 to 6 p.m. o n December 13 at the Bill Bolton Arena, 40 Rossmore Road. Everyone is welcome to join in the festive fun but space is limited so please RSVP to frontdesk@freemanrealty.com or call 416-535-3103. Refreshments will be served.

Did you know Torontonians are quite enamoured of al fresco skating? We must be because the city has 51 open-air ice rinks. Here, in no particular order, is a peek at a few of the finest:

Christie Pits Park is an 8.9 hectare park located at 750 Bloor Street West and Christie Street, across from the Christie subway station. The park features the Alex Duff Memorial Pool, three baseball diamonds, a multi-sport field, basketball and volleyball courts, a community garden and an artificial ice rink. The sides of the pits are highly sloped and are used in winter for tobogganing and related activities. There’s street parking on the outskirts.

Founded in 1954, the Phil White Arena at 443 Arlington Ave. in Cedarvale has an outdoor rink for free skates adjacent to the Cedarvale Park Ravine system. The City of Toronto offers various Learn-to-Skate programs as well as Drop-in Skating for Older Adults, Drop-in Skating for All Ages and Drop-in Hockey.

At 875 Dufferin Street just south of Bloor St. W.  is the 5.3-hectare Dufferin Grove Park. It features a multipurpose sports field, a basketball court, a picnic area, a wading pool and a children’s playground. At the north end of the park is the Dufferin Grove Park Artificial Ice Rink and Clubhouse. Don’t forget delicious fresh, local foods for sale and its Friday-night community dinners.

The city’s grand dame of outdoor skate rinks is probably Nathan Phillips Square, a high-profile space that is enjoyed by the public all year long. Enjoy the tranquil sights and sounds of the outdoor water fountain in summer, then lace up during winter and coast to your heart’s content. Skating is free here. Skate rentals are not.

Trinity Bellwoods Park is located on Queen St. W. at Strachan Ave. The 14.6 hectare park features three ball diamonds, eight tennis courts, an off-leash area for dogs and owners, a picnic area and an artificial ice rink. The southwest section of the park houses the Trinity Community Recreation Centre.

Two artificial ice rinks are featured at Wallace Emerson, a 2.7 hectare park on Dufferin south of Dupont St. The ice rink offers changing facilities. In addition to skating there is a children’s playground, three bocce courses and a motocross bike area.

The Evergreen Brick Works at 550 Bayview Ave is a new kid on the skating block with skate rentals available and a green conscience that donates all of its rental fees back to its free skate program. Thanks to its trees, this spot feels like a winter oasis.

At 76 Wychwood Ave., you’ll find a natural ice rink that is maintained by volunteers. Known as Wychwood Barns Park, the rink’s conditions can vary depending on weather and the availability of volunteers. While the city offers support by providing access to water and shovels, community-made rinks such as this one shoulder no liability so use at your own risk.

The Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trailat 3131 Lakeshore Blvd W. is a unique outdoor rink shaped in a figure eight and covering 250 metres of chilly adventure. The facility features a rink change area which includes a large change room with benches and washrooms.

At the foot of Lower Sherbourne Street between the Gardiner and Lakeshore East near Sugar Beach is the city’s newest ice rink at Sherbourne Common Park.

At 235 Queens Quay W. is the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront, which is located on Toronto’s harbour. Admission is free. Skate rentals are on hand as is sharpening.

Enjoy and don’t forget the hot chocolate afterwards!

Think of it as a place where modern-day geeks collide with a retro kind of stylishness.

That’s what you get at A Nerd’s World, a fun and funky storefront-looking office on Bathurst Street that doesn’t sell products per se, but plenty of creative business services that range from website and logo design to branding, SEO strategies, copywriting and even photography.

“We’re very passionate about our business,” says owner Grace Hughes. “We’re nerdy in a way of wanting to create a brand not just for ourselves but for everyone else. We try to make sure everything comes together, not just in a cookie cutter fashion but in a way that is very unique.”

While A Nerd’s World has existed since 2006, Chris and Grace Hughes, the married owners of the business, decided to house their offices in a storefront space so they selected the Bathurst location two years ago. The two-level shop provides office space for about ten web designers, some of whom work full-time and some on an as-needed basis.

Don’t let all the retro cameras fool you, though. The owners happily enjoy showing off their impressive 300-plus camera collection that includes a World War One stereoscopic camera that has received a fair share of international press. Because of the number of cameras, the models, some of which are a hundred years old, are rotated for display in the office. The store’s walls also boast a photo gallery of the community it serves.

While it’s obvious that art and business are near and dear to the owners’ hearts, a lesser known facet of A Nerd’s World is its philanthropy. Chris, 36, travels once a month to Cuba, donating medical supplies, clothing, school supplies and toiletries to the poor. Wife Grace, 27, tends to the office and their three children during Chris’ humanitarian visits.

Chris initially visited the country on a photography trip and that’s when he discovered the profound poverty among some of its citizens. Heartbroken by the depth of despair he witnessed, Chris phoned Grace back home in Canada and asked her to wire him $5,000. With that, Chris’ mission to heal, feed and care for those in need began in earnest.

“He considers everybody there his family,” says wife Grace. “He wants to help the people there and that’s why he brings humanitarian donations.”

Thanks to social media, word on Chris’ efforts has spread and donations to his cause come in from all corners of the world. But the couple is always looking for assistance. Donations are welcome and can be dropped off at 986 Bathurst St.

Just as the name suggests, Insomnia is the kind of restaurant you can lose yourself in day or night, no matter what your appetite or state of being.

If you’re more of an early bird, you’re sure to love the seven varieties of eggs benny, including pulled pork or perhaps you’d prefer the waffles or the pancakes? The 17-year-old restaurant has had plenty of time to perfect its cuisine and brunch seems to be a big hit with locals. Just witness the line-ups to get in. In fact, NOW magazine readers named it the city’s best brunch in a 2014 poll.

Located at 563 Bloor West, Insomnia is the kind of restaurant that is perfect day or night for family get togethers, intimate conversations or business pow wows. The beauty of the space is that it’s not overly loud so guests can easily hear each other and engage in conversation that is all manner of silly, strange and serious.

The 96-seat restaurant offers patrons a wide selection of gluten-free dining in addition to accommodating numerous allergies.
“Our brunch is executed very well,” says Insomnia general manager Ainsley Sinclair. “We produce things fast so people aren’t left waiting around forever. There is a lot of choice and customization on our
menu.”

Insomnia started out in the late ‘90s as a cyber café. Thanks to its loyal following, staff have witnessed customers grow up over the years and are now watching one-time children and teens coming into the restaurant with their own families in tow.

If you’re more of a night owl, Insomnia also has you covered.  Its wide-ranging dinner menu will take you late into the night with international comfort foods that are sure to satisfy any palate. Start your visit off with a selection of the establishment’s seasonal and classic cocktails or an imported or domestic beer. If vino is more your taste, the restaurant offers a nice choice of reds and whites. The full menu is available until 2 a.m. seven days a week.

Here’s a glowing endorsement on Yelp from one very happy customer:

“Why I love this place – they put cucumber in their water overnight, they make their delicious drip coffee with cinnamon, wait staff have always been rock stars. This place is a lean mean brunch making
machine.”

Visit the website at insomniacafe.com.