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Bunches of people have fallen in love with Le Monkey Bar’s treats, from their chocolate-dipped bananas to fruit smoothies, popsicles, shakes and sundaes.

Optometrist Dr. Luke Small once spent three days scrubbing tiny flecks of paint from a parking lot full of cars at Speedy Muffler, the business formerly located next door to Armstrong and Small Eye Care Centre at 1140 Portage Avenue.

Breaking down mattresses is one way to build a new life. Employees
at Mother Earth Recycling often arrive without prior work experience and other
barriers to employment, from limited access to child care to a criminal record.

It’s not uncommon to see a patron strumming on a guitar. Or friends embroiled in deep conversation on the green lounge chairs in the corner. Or grandparents encouraging their grandbabies to create something special at the art table.

Pollock’s Hardware is counting on creativity, determination and good-old-fashioned pluck to get the 97-year-old landmark store to the 100-year mark.

Marvic Abarra and Eileen Andassan are partners in Caked with Love, a Corydon Avenue coffee and cake shop.