As Relay for Life in Brockville is approaching in June, we would like to thank you for the donation amount of $1166 which has been raised so far. Our goal this year is $10,000. We want to invite you to our 3rd Annual Spaghetti Dinner Saturday April 18th from 4pm to 7 pm at Addison United Church. The tickets are $10 each which include meat or vegetarian sauce, homemade buns, Caesar salad, pie, juice, tea or coffee. There will also be gift basket draws. Please come out to meet the team and have a great meal. This month I would like to tell you about a wonderful staff and team member Beth Hazlitt who works in our Pharmacy department. She has been growing out her hair for the last few years and has decided to donate her hair to make a real life wig for a woman with cancer to bring strength to a women and helps her feel like herself again. On Thursday May 28th at 10 am at the store, Beth will be donating her hair. We have Judy Carlisle’s mom Lois Laney, a cancer survivor, to do the first cut of Beth’s hair and Hair Stylist Danny Dumont who also is a cancer survivor to finish the cut.
Danny has been in business for 35 years and works at Mint Wellness Spa. He has graciously donated his time to do a full cut and style. Beth has decided to bring awareness to this cause and raise money for Relay at the same time. To help her out and to see how much hair will be cut off, she has put out a challenge. For 8” a goal of $500 to raise. 10” cut if she reaches a goal of $700 and 12” if the goal of $1000 is reached. You can help by going to Relay for Life Brockville, Team Shoppers Drug Mart, Donate now, Team member Beth Hazlitt. We will also be collecting money at the store. Any money she raises both in store and on line from April 15th until May 28th will count towards this challenge. Thank you for helping us fight back at Cancer!
Brockville Farmers Market 2nd Annual Easter Market was a success!
From Our Publisher Welcome to the April edition of KnowBrockville - Brockville’s only locally owned newspaper. Here we are the warmer weather is finally coming after a long and cold winter and change is in the air everywhere we look. Trees are budding, robins are on the lawns and we are in the process of changing as well. As a local small business owner I have discovered my business needs to be a more social enterprise and give back even more to the community we live in. There are many local community groups that we would like to help but unfortunately helping them all is not possible. So we can come up with a solution. Each month we will choose a community group to support in the way of dedicated pages in our newspaper. We will then donate a portion of all advertising fees collected on these pages to the chosen community group. For the month of April we have chosen the Palliative Care Program at the Brockville General Hospital and this coincides with the celebration of Palliative Care Week May 3 - 8th. We are donating $50 from each ad paid for on these pages and we are proud to support this fantastic program that means the world to many in our community. Also beginning in our April edition and happening each month we will have a page dedicated to helping Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands where we will be donating $50 to Habitat from each ad on this page. April is also Daffodil month in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. This is our opportunity to purchase a daffodil and support the great work that the Canadian Cancer Society does.
On Saturday April 4th the Brockville Farmers Market held their 2nd Annual Easter Market at the Brockville Rowing Club. There were huge crowds at the Easter Market making it a great success. The BrockvilleFarmers Market opens on Saturday May 2nd. Photos by Martha Moon.
Our #RewardLocal Campaign - What is it? KnowBrockville is Brockville’s only locally owned newspaper what does this mean? It means that we do not have a corporate office in some large city nor are we a franchise that sends revenues to a corporate office! We are a truly locally owned newspaper. KnowBrockville employs all of
their employees locally meaning our revenues stay in our community. As the only locally owned newspaper we want to reward the businesses that support local by advertising with us. There are many choices to advertising a business in our area, so when a
business chooses to advertise with us they choose to support local! So we ask our readers to please show their appreciation for the businesses that support local by supporting our advertisers. Please support these businesses and reward them and thank them for supporting KnowBrockville and supporting local!
KnowBrockville is proud to be organizing our 2nd Annual Walk for The Dogs, our annual dog walkathon in support of I Am Alive Dog Rescue. The walk takes place at Hardy Park on Saturday May 9th. Finally, I would like to take a moment to thank our readers and advertisers for all of their support they show us each month. We continue to support our community both financially and physically in a professional and caring manner something a corporately owned or franchised business will not do! Tim Sharpe Owner/Publisher
Air Cadet’s Chili Fest
Brockville Theatre Camp were reheasing for their show Footloose as part of their March Break Camp by instructors Sam Crosby, Jason Franco and Todd Noel. The Theatre Camp is already taking registrations for their Summer Camps that run from July 6-24 you can learn more on their website at http:// brockvilletheatrecamp.com/. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon
On March 14th there was a lot of delicious chili served up at the Brockville Legion. The chili fest was a fundraiser for the local Air Cadet program. We would like to thank everyone for the courtesy and especially for the delicious free chili samples. Air Cadets are our future so please support them whenever possible. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon.
KnowBrockville’s readers submitted many photos on St. Patrick’s Day showing their green and this one above is so adorable we had to publish it!
Kids Zumba Dance Party at Goodlife Fitness
GoodLife Fitness had the kids jumping to finish off March Break. GoodLife hosted a Zumba Dance Party for kids on March 20th. The kids enjoyed themselves all while being active. The Zumba Party also included healthy smoothies that were created by the Superstore’s Cooking Class. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Martha Moon
Freeze Your Buns Part 3
Brockville Road Runners Club held their 3rd and final Freeze Your Buns Race for 2015 on March 29th at the Brockville Memorial Centre. A large crowd of runners participated. Proceeds and food collected at the runs went to the Brockville and Area Food Bank. Photos by KnowBrockville photographer Martha Moon.
Empty Bowls a Success!
Enough is Enough Hydro One Protest hits Brockville
On Saturday April 11th the annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser was held at the Brockville Memorial Centre. The event brings together local restaurants, potters, musicians and volunteers to help raise money for Loaves and Fishes in Brockville. Photos by Martha Moon.
6th Annual Girls Inc. Hockey Tournament
On Saturday April 11th, Girls Inc. of Upper Canada held their 6th Annual TD Canada Trust Hockey tournament. The tournament took place at the Brockville Memorial Centre. Twelve teams took page in the fun action and helped raised funds for Girls Inc. at the same time. There was also a silent auction with a vast array of items up for bid. Photos By KnowBrockville photographer Martha Moon.
Hydro rates in the province of Ontario continue to rise making many have to choose whether to buy food or pay their hydro bills. It is even more difficult for individuals that are on a fixed income. On Saturday April 11th there was a protest held outside of the Hydro One yard on Front Street in Brockville. The protestors were joined by MPP Steve Clark who also expressed his concern on the rising cost of hydro for residents throughout the province. The group Enough Is Enough were the organizers and they also have a huge protest planned on Queens Park on May 13th starting at 12pm. They are hoping to have many people from across the province to attend the protest and demonstrate to the Ontario government that there needs to be action taken. No longer should resident of our great province have to decide whether or not buy food or pay their high hydro bills. Please visit the website at www.brokenhydro.ca for more information on the group and protests. Photos By Tim Sharpe
This month KnowBrockville has had the great pleasure to be able to photograph the very talented students enrolled in St. Lawrence College’s Music Theatre program while they were getting ready to perform in two shows. The first show was a hit, “Now and Forever” saw the students perform music from female singers from the 50’s and forward. In all there were 15 female students involved in the production and personally I was very impressed by the talent displayed. I have the great pleasure of speaking with one of the student, Sarah Anderson is a third year student in the program and is from Toronto. Sarah had great energy and the personality to match. I fore see that Sarah will go far in the industry and when she becomes famous we hope she will not forget her time in our great city of Brockville. The second show “Legally Blonde” had not yet been performed before press deadline but I did spend a few hours taking photos at the dress rehearsal and it also looks like it will be a fantastic production hats off to all the students and the production staff involved in the production.
Brockville and District Hospice Palliative Care Service This service promotes quality of life for people living with a life-limiting illness. The Hospice Palliative Care Team includes professionals and volunteers who have extensive training in palliative care. The team offers assessments, counseling, pain and symptom management, as well as physical, emotional and spiritual support. Volunteers offer support to patients and families at home, and in hospital. Support includes comfort measures, companionship, respite and transportation.
The Grief Walking Group
A Community Day Hospice Program offered weekly provides social interaction, therapies, activities and nursing consultations for patients. Bereavement support is provided through support groups, or individual counseling for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Palliative Care support is available at both sites of the Brockville General Hospital, community settings including Long Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes and at the home of our clients. Health Care providers, patients and/or family may make referrals to any of our services with the exception of hospitalized patients who require a physician referral. The Service relies on the generosity of our community to sustain the programs available. Donations, designated to the Brockville and District Hospice Palliative Care Service, would be gratefully accepted through the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation.
Grief walking takes place every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Any person who has experienced the death of a family member or friend, regardless of the nature of the death is welcome to attend. • Other Bereavement Services offered: • One/ one support • Monthly Grief and loss Support Group • Quarterly Newsletter • Annual Celebration of Life. For more information please contact Sandra Thompson, the Bereavement Co-ordinator 613-345-5649 Ext. 4415
Local students sing for patients
What is the Palliative Care Program? The Palliative Care Service is best described as a “Hospice without Walls.” The team consists of: • Palliative Care Physicians • Consult Nurses • Volunteer Co-ordinators • Volunteers • Bereavement Co-ordinator • Day Hospice Partner • Clerical Support • Spiritual Care
Students From Saint Francis Xavier school grade 5 class, came and sang songs to the residents and staff at the Garden Street Site. Each month a different group of students comes and sings for the patients and families.
This highly specialized team of health care providers, work closely together to insure the delivery of quality care. Support to patients and their families coping with a life threatening condition is available in hospital or in the community. The staff and volunteers are committed to meeting the individual physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their significant others. Hospice extends its’ compassionate care beyond death by providing bereavement follow-up. Consult Nurses The Consult Nurses are experienced and caring nurses who are committed to meeting patient and family needs through assessment, listening, teaching and counseling. They provide expertise in pain and symptom management and work corroboratively with the patient’s physicians and primary health team. Contact Consult Nurses at 613-345-5649 Ext. 4412’ Volunteer Support Trained volunteers provide support to patients and families both in their home and in hospital. Although support is individualized to meet the needs of the patient / family, volunteers may provide: comfort measures, companionship, respite, transportation and other supports as required. Volunteers for home support can be arranged by contacting the Co-ordinator of Community Volunteers. Day Hospice Day Hospice is a weekly day program which offers participants an opportunity for social interaction, therapies, recreational activities, emotional support, and consultation with Palliative Care Nurses. There is no fee for this program. For further information please contact the Co-ordinator of Community Volunteers at 613-345-5649 Ext. 4417. Bereavement Services offered: • One / one support • Weekly Grief Walking Group • Monthly Grief and loss Support Group • Quarterly Newsletter
Linda Burroughs shows off her Wii bowling skills at Day Hospice.
Annual Ecumenical Celebration of Life, for more information please contact the Bereavement Co-ordinator at 613-3455649Ext. 4415. For program and referral information please contact the Outreach Office at 613-345-5649 Ext 4412 Monday to Friday 8:00 - 4:00 The goal of the Brockville and District Hospice Palliative Care Service is to provide the best quality of life for the critically or terminally ill by ensuring their comfort and dignity, during their final days. By supporting this event you are helping to ensure the continuation of this essential service to our community.
Hospice Palliative Care Volunteers Cheryl Kelso, Sandra Murphy, Sherry Martucci, Min Vander Baaren and Liz Grange receive their Hospice Palliative Care Training certificates. All volunteers are required to attend 30 hours of Hospice Palliative Care education before they begin in their volunteer role. Additionally volunteers participate in an annual review. This is an opportunity for volunteers to review and update skills and information.
Photos from Palliative Care Telethon 2015
Advocate Tells Students How to Make a Difference During the Social Changemakers Regional Student Conference
(Pictured above: Harmony Movement Program Officer Rima Dib was guest speaker Wednesday at the Social Changemakers Regional Student Conference. She told students they have the power to make a difference. Dib is pictured with South Grenville District High School students Abby Whiteland, rear left, and Kellie-Anne Powell.) An advocate for equity and inclusion called on students from across the region Wednesday to become social changemakers in their communities and to believe that they have the power to make a difference.
Thousand Islands Elementary School Administers to the Whole Student to Achieve Success
“When you get stuck with these thoughts you may wonder how you can even make a dent.” However, she reminded students that all social change has been made possible because “just one person said ‘This is not okay’ and change started to happen.” During her half-hour multimedia presentation, Dib told students positive change can be affected through a few simple steps:
· Be prepared to expand your comfort zone and be accepting of others who may have different views or outlooks on life. People Rima Dib, a program officer for of different faiths, orientations, the Harmony Movement, told 120 and outlooks can open up a new high school students gathered at world for you. the Social Changemakers Regional Student Conference Wednes- · Understand your “privilege” in day about ways they can work to life, the thing that may provide you bring change and equity to the with an advantage others don’t world. The equity and inclusion have because of things such as conference was presented by the skin colour or orientation. Work to Harmony Movement, and host- change that and bring equity to ed by the Upper Canada District society. School Board. It allowed students from seven regional school boards · Question your assumptions to explore such themes as identity, and challenge stereotypes. diversity, stereotyping and discrimination, media awareness, and · Speak up to support the rights anti-bullying, as well as leadership of those without privilege, but do and advocacy. The conference not speak over their voices. Be was scheduled for Wednesday as supportive but work in an alliance part of the board’s celebration of with them. International Day of Pink. · Do your research to find out During her keynote presentation, what is really happening to disadDib cautioned delegates it is easy vantage others and work against to be overwhelmed by the “neg- it from a point of knowledge and ativity” that surrounds us daily – understanding. from racism to gender inequality. She told delegates to take heart · Remember that “ally” is a because there are ways to make verb, meaning that change will a difference even when you think take work. you can’t. “It’s easy to think about all that is wrong with the world to- Students will take ideas learned day and – let’s be honest – there is from discussions at the confera lot wrong,” Dib told those gath- ence back to their regional school ered for the conference at the boards and use them to affect North Grenville Municipal Centre. change.
Thousand Islands Elementary School (TIES) has exceeded the provincial average in all aspects of standardized testing, due to innovative teaching practices, strong parent support and an attention to student wellness. Principal Dave Corney told the Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday night the most impressive results came in Grade 3 reading and writing where 89 per cent of students attained the provincial standard last year, compared with the provincial average of 70 and 78 per cent respectively. “TIES is a caring community school with outstanding facilities, a strong teaching staff and an emphasis on student success and fitness,” said Corney, following his presentation.
· A strong communications program that inspires parent support through: radio ads, school and class Facebook pages, and electronic newsletters sent to parents monthly. · An emphasis on innovative teaching that engages students through use of technology such as iPads and SMART Boards, extensive use of educational apps, project-based learning, and the Genius Block program. · Strong mathematics instruction through emphasis on problemsolving and number sense.
· Dedication to student health and wellness through the school’s Fitness Circuit initiative. The program tracks students’ success in thrice-weekly circuit training and reports are sent home to parents The school has reached this suc- twice yearly on their children’s improvement. cess through:
Pizza Hut Brockville donates to OSPCA
On April 10th Pizza Hut Brockville donated $153 to the local OSPCA. The money was raised during a friends and family night. PhotosBy KnowBrockville Photographer Arianna Sterritt
What is Habitat for Humanity? Habitat for Humanity is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing by building homes in partnership with families in need. The ministry of Habitat is to provide simple, decent, affordable housing to those who do not qualify for or cannot afford a conventional mortgage. The Habitat program is about home ownership, a long-term solution designed to break the poverty cycle. We envision a world in which everyone has a safe and decent place to live. What is the historical background? Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia, by Linda and Millard Fuller. The program developed from the concept of “partnership housing,” based on Christian principles, where those in need of adequate shelter work side by side with volunteers from all walks of life to build simple, decent houses. In 1984, Habitat’s most famous volunteer, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, along with his wife, Rosalyn, participated in their first Habitat build project. Their personal involvement in Habitat’s ministry brought the organization national visibility and sparked interest in Habitat’s work across the nation. Today, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 500,000 homes worldwide. More than 1,000 of those homes have been erected in Canada. Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC) was born in 1985, with the formation of the first Canadian affiliate in Winkler, Manitoba. In early 1988, an HFHC national office was established. It is currently located in Waterloo, Ontario. There are currently 70 affiliates, at least one in each province and territory. Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands became an affiliate in 1999 and built its first home that year. Since then, homes have been built in Brockville, Gananoque, Newboro and Prescott. How does Habitat for Humanity work?
• • • • • • •
Through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund, which is used to build more houses. Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. In addition to mortgage payments, each homeowner invests hundreds of hours of their own labour, called “sweat equity,” into the building of their house and the houses of others. For general inquiries, please contact our Administrator, Kimberly Rice (613) 342-3521 or email admin@habitat1000islands.org
Featured Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands
Our Volunteer of the Week for the first week of April is Helen Maud. Helen only recently started volunteering at the store. She likes to work on cash or in customer service, and comes in to volunteer on Wednesday mornings. Helen has a very busy retiree schedule but still manages to squeeze in Habitat for Humanity into her busy weeks. She has quickly learned to love her time here too. Thank you Helen for your support of our work here at the store. Volunteer support is why we are so successful at Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands.
Thank You Eastern Independent Telecom
On April 7th the fine folks at Eastern Independent Telecom in Brockville, graciously donated a fully refurbished computer system (with monitor and printer) to Brockville Non Profit Housing Corporation resident Samantha Kelly, who is also a participant in the Partnerships to Employment program through the St. Lawrence College. BNPHC president and Partnerships coordinator Leigh Bursey was on hand for the presentation, which took place at EIT’s office. “I made the call last week, and they were so gracious and receptive. EIT jumped on board to help this single mother, and support her as she attempts to finish her education and build on her employability skills,” explained Bursey. Samantha was elated and humbled by the gesture of kindness. Be sure to remember Eastern Independent Telecom for all of your computer needs. (Submitted)
SPRING IS HERE! GREAT TIME FOR A BURRITO!
COME VISIT US AT: 2539 Parkedale Ave, Brockville, Ontario (613) 342.6666
Stories from the Stacks April 2015 Written by: Kathy Colwell, Brockville Public Library As I sit to write this column the forecast is for above zero temperatures for at least the next few days. There are puddles to dodge on city sidewalks and library customers and staff alike are confident we are headed toward spring renewal. Fresh beginnings and rebirth bring with them a desire to nurture and protect. Maybe not so coincidentally, there are several days in April earmarked to celebrate exactly this pursuit. April 4 recognizes Refugee Rights Day, April 5 honours National Caregivers Day and April 22 is set aside to pay homage to Mother Earth on Earth Day. Here are some titles to highlight each of these days and possibly foster an increased understanding and appreciation of both people and place.
In the very least, it is often comforting to know one is not alone in these difficult experiences.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SKY: A MEMOIR, FARAH AHMEDI 958.1047 AHM, 2008. Farah paints an intense picture of her childhood in Kabul. She lost her family to bombs and bullets and she nearly lost her own life to a landmine. Through all of this horror Farah maintained her will to survive as she fled Kabul, entered a refugee camp and, eventually, arrived in America. Truly an inspirational story!
LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: SAVING OUR CHILDREN FROM NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER, Richard Louv, 2008, 155.418 LOU.
WALKING HOME, ERIC WALTERS, 2014, JFIC WALTERS. Popular Canadian children’s author, Eric Walters, shares the story of two Kenyan children whose lives are turned upside down in the face of sudden political unrest. After their father is killed and their home destroyed, the two find themselves in a tent in a crowded refugee camp with their sick mother. Ultimately, the siblings leave the hunger of the camp behind to travel hundreds of kilometers in search of their last surviving family members. PASSAGES IN CAREGIVING, Gail Sheehy, 2010, 362.1023 SHE. Having been a caregiver herself, Gail Sheehy speaks with experience as she offers insights into what she identifies as the eight crucial stages of caregiving. Gail writes with sensitivity, supported by research, as she encourages the reader through a very challenging, emotional and stressful time. Many caregivers will recognize themselves in the personal anecdotes Gail shares.
A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO LEWY BODY DEMENTIA, Helen Whitworth, 2011, 616.83 WHI. I had never heard of this malady until a dear relative was diagnosed with it several years ago. Despite its’ obscurity, Lewy Body Dementia is surprisingly the second leading cause of nonreversible dementia in the elderly. This book is written in layman’s language and includes caregiver tips, a resource guide and anecdotes to which family members, friends and caregivers should be able to relate.
In this updated and expanded edition Richard Louv explores the present relationship between children and nature, compared to past generations, and why all ages need nature. Louv proposes a connection between lack of exposure to nature and an increase in obesity, attention disorders and depression in children. The book concludes with 100 concrete ideas for how to make changes at home, school and in the community at large to help bring children, and the rest of us, back to Mother Earth. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING: CAPITALISM VS. THE CLIMATE, Naomi Klein, 2014 363.73874 KLE. In this, her most recent work, Klein discusses the issue of global warming from the paradigm that it is the economic model under which more and more of the world operates that is truly damaging the state of our climate. She argues that in order to reduce the impact and use of fossil fuels we must shift our focus away from a global economy back to local economies. In response to the question whether we are too greedy and selfish to rise to the challenge such a shift would pose….Klein argues there are many examples worldwide which indicate otherwise.
The Brockville General Hospital (BGH) Nurses Alumnae recently made a generous $500 donation to the Brockville & District Hospice Palliative Care Service. Several staff members of the Palliative Care Service were on hand to accept the cheque. From (l-r); Elaine Watters, Palliative Care Consult nurse (CN); Cheryl Rennick (CN); Shirley Coleman, Palliative Care Program Coordinator; Diane Beasley, Nursing Alumnae, Outgoing President; Sharon Mackie, Nursing Alumnae, In-Coming President; Susan Paxton, (CN);Nicole Gibson, (CN); and Pam Foster (CN). (Submitted)
Youth Speak April 2015 by Leigh Bursey
Every once in a while an amazing It can be hard to admit that you opportunity comes along and falls are not living up to your potential. right in your lap. And not just some- It can be discouraging, expensive, thing that’s profitable, exciting, or and exhausting. For that reason, emotionally captivating, but life- I can’t begin to share just how changing for those involved. proud I am of every single one of these incredible young people. A month and a half ago, I was un- People who often swallowed their employed. My heart was heavy. My pride because they pictured thembills were mounting. My confidence selves being somewhere else or was diminishing. Then I got a tele- doing something else for a living. phone call from an old friend, who People who have to address their had been talking about me with an- roadblocks head on in a room full other close friend, and overnight I of strangers. People who have to went from poor to middle class. come to terms with their barriers and invest their faith in someone What came with this job was not else to help them. It takes courage merely a paycheck or some new to say yes sometimes. experience and responsibility, but instead a unique chance to make After three weeks in a classroom a difference for some young people setting, I was amazed to find out who like me, were struggling to get just how amazing each one of by or find a direction. What I didn’t these young people truly are. realise was how helping them to They sat down on their first day as better tap their own potential would strangers, and walked away only make me a better person for know- nineteen days later as family. Each ing them. Mostly because I had no of them ready (or at least almost way of knowing just how much po- ready) to kick down the walls that tential they had. Neither did they. life has put in front of them. From the natural leader and facilitator, As the program coordinator for the who just a month ago let her anxiPartnerships to Employment pro- ety dominate so much of her life. gram at St. Lawrence College, I work The single parent who showed up closely with an incredible assistant every day, even when dealing with coordinator, thoughtful supervisors, their own sickness or their child’s flu some very dedicated folks at the bugs, because they needed this Employment and Education Centre, opportunity to make life better. Service Canada, and a variety of The young person in the midst of a employers from across the greater post-secondary education who reBrockville area to help get fourteen turned home to help family which incredible under-30’s into the work- faced financial uncertainty. You force. The program helps them de- name it, they were there. Each one velop their resumes, teaches them of them with stories of strife and about healthy professional and per- struggle who would much rather sonal relationships, and offers them be defined by their hard work and certifications in WHMIS and CPR, and optimism than by a hardship. Each much more. My job is to sit down with one seizing an opportunity to make each program participant, learn their life better. more about their personalities and their employment barriers, and help It is amazing how far a few kind set them up for success. words of encouragement and some guidance can go. The next Normally this would be easier said time you see or know a young perthan done, but not with this group. son (or any person for that matter) These fourteen incredible people down on their luck, don’t be afraid gave me a reason to wake up, to to remind them how capable they work hard, and renew my faith in are, and that they can overcome. my generation of leaders and doers. Each one of these young people We had over 40 applicants, we con- were leaders before I ever learned ducted over 35 interviews, and we their names. It just took a push, a broke some hearts along the way. It chance, and a little elbow grease is very clear that many in our com- to get their engines running. munity are struggling with their professional and educational directions. In the process, they have inspired Economic woes are making it harder me. They have empowered me, and harder to plan long term. Lack and provided me with many new of meaningful employment oppor- perspectives. As they start their tunity can be felt across this region. placements at a number of local Families are hurting, and so are our businesses in our amazing city of youth. Few things are more defeat- Brockville, I am impressed at just ing than being turned down for re- how much I will miss them and just medial work time and time again, how excited I am for them to turn or graduating from post-secondary every challenge into an opportuschool only to find out that there are nity, and change the world. very few jobs in your field of training.
Eye On Politics by Leigh Bursey Seldom do I use this platform to talk much about local politics, but this month will be an exception. So I should state right from the onset that this is my opinion and mine alone. I am not speaking as a voice or spokesperson for Brockville City Council, as that is not my role as a councillor. Instead, I am speaking from the perspective of a concerned citizen, affordable housing advocate, local non-profit housing corporation president, and a lover of my community.
integrity of the building, even as it deteriorates. I also hate squandered potential. Right now, over 70% of the nonprofit housing stock in Leeds and Grenville is over 30 years old. Family dynamics are changing, and there is a need for more single-occupancy units. Income challenges are predominant in a shaky economy. The arts and culture sector is a huge economic driver and self-sustaining job creator. Fusing these two sectors has proved successful in other communities. The “Artscape” company model continues to shift and grow fluidly and organically across the country. However, this can be a tough sell by an amateur who is under an uncertain time crunch.
Later this year, the once pristine Trinity Anglican Church is slated to be demolished. Since early last fall, I have been a champion of converting the now derelict structure into a community hub, which includes affordable and non-profit housing units, space for artistic performances and rehearsals, When the church finally sings it’s and community social services. A swan song and the wrecking ball finally swings, my heart will be filled “community hub” if you will. with regret. Man was meant to In that time, I have engaged with a build a castle so that he could betvariety of stakeholders from within ter reach the moon, but castles the creative economy, the social much like good ideas are built services world, private sector con- brick by brick. Time is the enemy struction, and everyday citizenry. here. The concept has no shortAs it sits right now, the possibilities age of potential. of being able to pull together a comprehensive building plan and By initiating the conversation, I business proposal, as well as nec- guess this hasn’t been a total failessary investment funding is next ure. Maybe this model can be to impossible, and I feel like I have adapted to another property. Maybe one day we can fuse these failed. many interests and focus these When that structure comes down, community development efforts, a piece of my community’s heri- so that they finally see the light. tage goes with it. I am not even For now, I take very little solace in particularly religious, but I see the that I tried. Trying isn’t doing, and architectural value and structural a piece of my city is set to crumble whether I like it or not.
Boy Scouts Cubs Wheels Rally in Prescott
Local boy scout cubs gathered at South Grenville District High School Saturday morning for a Cubs Wheels Ralley. The cubs had loads of fun competing in friendly competition and seeing whose car wins. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Shannon Peddell
Clockwork Mysteries Written and Directed by Ted and Marion Outerbridge A professionally orchestrated theatrical production with over 20 customdesigned illusions and world-class lighting and set design, OUTERBRIDGE – Clockwork Mysteries is a high-energy magical adventure for both adult and family audiences. Recognized as one of the most creative and dynamic shows of its kind, critics have hailed Ted and Marion Outerbridge as “the most successful magicians in Canada” (Montreal Gazette) and “champions of magic” (Bergedorfer Zeitung, Hamburg, Germany). As the largest and most successful touring illusion show in the country, it has received both the 2011 Award of Excellence from Ontario Contact and the 2010 Touring Artist of the Year award from the B.C. Touring Council. Clockwork Mysteries takes its audience on a bizarre and fascinating journey through Time. Within seconds of taking the stage, the Outerbridges fuse their revolutionary illusions with split-second artistry to hold viewers spellbound. With the help of an elaborate Victorian time machine, the performers and spectators travel back in time together. The audience is invited into a mysterious clock tower equipped with a variety of timekeeping devices. They become part of a race against time, experience time accelerating and slowing down, and participate in predicting the contents of a time capsule. Keeping their audience enthralled from the first astonishing illusion to the spectacular finale, the Outerbridges create an experience that far exceeds the expectations of every spectator. “The master of illusion” – Radio Canada “Crazy, Impressive, Fantastic, BRAVO!” – Global News, Toronto Saturday, May 2 at 7:30pm Tickets – Adults $36.50 + HST Students $19.50 + HST Groups of 10 or more $25.00 + HST Order online at www.bactickets.ca or call the Brockville Arts Centre box office at 613-342-7122.
A Local Story: My Fearless Challenge
My cousin has recently passed away from AML at 37and I am trying to raise money for my Fearless Challenge through the Canadian Cancer Society...here is a little more to my story. Can you please help me to reach my goal by publishing as we were both born in Brockville? My name is Natasha Crosier nee Taylor, graduate of BCI, my families Taylor and Bissonnette still all live there. My cousin Christopher Taylor and I were born the same year, 6 months apart. He was my first friend and was more like a brother than a cousin to me. Although we lived in separate cities, we spent much of their childhood together, visiting each other’s homes for the weekend as our fathers are brothers and mothers were very close. Through high school and college, we stuck together. Up until the day he died, we text frequently and in the summer I had stayed for 3 days with him in the hospital. A ‘sleepover’ is what Chris liked to call it, he made reference to our college years. Chris asked me to be his valentine’s date this year at his home, we were planning on watching movies, eating junk food and being together. He was readmitted to hospital the Monday before and due to weather conditions, I did not make the date night. My cousin passed 3 days later. I managed to rush to the hospital that morning and be there when he passed. My cousin was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2012 after being in remission and thinking that he beat cancer, he was rediagnosed in 2013 and needed to find a stem cell donor if he had any chance of leading a normal life. I began my trek to spread awareness about Canadian Blood Service’s One Match Stem Cell and Marrow Network as did family, friends and co workers. The Crazy Horse where Chris was a partner hosted swab parties in attempt to spread the word and find him a match.
A match was found, actually 3 matches were found and in May 2014, Christopher underwent the transplant. The last 9 months were very hard on Chris as an in and out patient at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. He was constantly battling various infections. His fight ended on February 17, 2015 when he passed away from pneumonia. In the fall I started my Fearless Challenge, the Canadian Cancer Society came up with the fearless challenge to raise money to help take the fear out of cancer. You raise money to meet a goal and when the goal amount is met, you must face your fear. I chose to ride the Leviathan at Canada’s Wonderland. I have always been afraid of heights since I was little and I am a little claustrophobic. The roller coaster was perfect. I originally had set my goal for $2,000 and ran out of time as the park closed for the winter. I was having a real battle trying to raise money. My cousin Chris was so excited about my challenge. After Chris passed, I raised my goal to $5,000 and my hunger to reach and exceed the goal has sky rocketed. I have been in contact with the manager of Public relations, Shannon Kelly at Canada’s Wonderland and they are very supportive in my challenge. The park has offered anyone that wants to ride with me a tribute ride altogether before the park opens one day. My aunt Debbie Taylor, Christopher’s mother, will be beside me on the ride that day. I need help, as I am only 30 % of the way there. We have shared on facebook and spread the word, but we are just not getting there....you can donate online on My Fearless Challenge Page: http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/FearlessChallenge/FEARLESS_ ON_?px=6078647&pg=personal&fr_id=18232 or email transfer to ncrosier@hotmail.com<mailto:ncrosier@hotmail.com>.
Cindy Moore raises money again!
On April 11th Cindy Moore and her team were out raising money for the Huntington Society of Canada & The Arthritis Society. They were selling bracelets and infinity scarfs as well as tickets to Elvis and Redline on June 20, 2015. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Arianna Sterritt
Hello! This is Max! We got Max from I am Alive Dog Rescue last month. Max had a rough start to life. He was rescued from Northern Quebec, where, due to a lack of vets and shelters, the dogs run and breed wild. They are left to fend for themselves and either freeze to death or are shot. Rescues take trips up north and try and gather as many puppies and dogs they can, then distributed to rescues in Ontario and Quebec. Max fits right into our house of animals (another dog and a cat) and 4 year old girls. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so happy he was saved and we have been able to give him a happy home!