December - January Issue Volume 02 Issue 04
Pick Me Up I Am FREE!
Christmas is fast approaching and throughout the Brockville area you can see the Christmas Season. One of these fantastic areas to see the Christmas spirit alive is in Downtown Brockville. The many locally owned shops downtown are decorated for the season and the Brockville Downtown BIA has done a fantastic job featuring Christmas as it should be. Of course one of their biggest events was the annual Brockville Santa Claus parade which was held on November 30. They also feature free horse and sleigh rides Saturday morning in the downtown area. Remember when you shop this holiday please help support these local business people and shop locally. KnowBrockville and all of our staff wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
From Our Publisher Well here we are in the great month of December and the Christmas spirit is all around us. This is the time when many of us will spend quality time with our families celebrating the holidays. It is my personal hope that we all will take a moment to realize the true meaning of Christmas. It is not the shopping that we all do at this time of year or the huge amounts of money we may spend on gifts. No, I invite you to visit a local church to find the true meaning of Christmas. Also, as we sit at the Christmas table wih our families and friends we should take a moment to think about those that have no one at Christmas. Personally I have had a few Christmas days where I was far away from family and it turned out to be a very lonely Christmas. So I ask if you know someone that does not have family for Christmas that perhaps you invite them to join Christmas dinner with you. You (Probably) Already Know The Person You’ll Marry I’ve been noticing a certain type of pandemonium infecting most twenty and thirty-somethings these days. The ones who aren’t married or in a serious relationship are running all over town in their high heels, frequenting night clubs or dating sites, trying to find their perfect man. Well, settle down ladies. Chances are you already know the guy you’re gonna end up with, so stop breaking your back trying to find “Mr. Right” when “Mr. Right in Front of You” is, well—right in front of you. I don’t have stats to back this up. I haven’t done a scientific study or even googled the odds of ending up with someone you already know, but from what I’ve seen recently it seems pretty legit. It makes sense too. Maybe it’s an old acquaintance from high school, the guy who sat two rows back in History class and who you hung out with a few times in grade 10. Maybe it’s an old friend (or flame) from the Summer Camp you’re parents made you go to when you were 15 (and way too cool for Camp). Maybe it’s your first kiss or your secret high school crush or the guy you briefly dated during freshman year in university. The point is: these people knew you, before you were the YOU you are now. So, it’s really not that hard to connect. This isn’t to say you can’t live happily ever after with an awesome guy you don’t have a past with. It is not impossible that you’ll meet your future husband through a friend of a friend, or at the bar after too many Gin & 7′s, these things happen all the time. The point here is that your next boyfriend might be right around the corner. Maybe you talk to him everyday or maybe only every couple of months, but he’s in your life and if he’s meant to stay, you gotta make it happen. If there’s a guy you keep running into or who crosses your mind every once in a while and you think “What if?” don’t sit back and wait for the stars to align. You gotta stand up and make plans. Since you know him outside of the dating realm it probably wouldn’t be weird for you to ask him to go out for a beer sometime. Since you’ll have a shared past and something in common it won’t be hard for you guys to break into an easy conversation. If you leave the night with a smile on your face and a few butterflies in your stomach then meet up again. If you leave with a slight buzz and a sense of “He’s not who I thought he was” then head the other way and maybe another boy from your past will be sitting on that road ahead just waiting to be picked up. The point here is: Sometimes the ones we’re meant to be with are staring us point blank in the face. Sometimes we know and try to avoid it, other times we just need a little shove. This is your shove. I know this because I needed that shove once too. I ended up marrying my best friend who I’ve known since grade one. It took years of friendship until one day it clicked and I realized, why do I want to get to know anyone else when the only guy I want to talk to for the rest of my life is the one I’m talking to on the phone right now? So, maybe you have thought about the boys of your past and if you’d end up with one of them. Maybe not. Maybe you’ll run into that guy from History class at a coffee shop tomorrow. I don’t know your situation but if all you need is a shove in the right direction, consider this a major kick in the ass. Go get him! Married to my grade one crush, The Love Hawk
Then there are the less fortunate in our community during the holidays. Perhaps they cannot even afford a Christmas dinner for themselevs and find the need to attend local churches for their Christmas meal. I recommend that you volunteer at these churches, it will brighten your spirit knowing that you are helping these individuals during the holidays. The holidays are also a great time to give thanks for everything that you have received during the past year. I would like to take this time to thank all of my friends, supporters and clients that have helped in the great growth of my local small business. This past year has seen the most growth for KnowBrockville and I take great pride in this. Running a small business tends to take most of your time, I can now see that the long 12 hour days really do pay off for business owners. I continue to gather a great team and will continue this into 2014. From day 1 my mission with KnowBrockville has been to be part of the community as well as to give back to the community. Recently during one of the monthly KnowBrockville Days at Sears Brockville I decided to organize a mitten drive. I was very impressed by the number of followers that made their way to Sears to drop off mittens and to insure no child will have cold hands. As I travel throughout Brockville I can see the Christmas spirit all around me. One of the best is when passing local homes and having the opportunity to view through a window and see a family Christmas tree, it really brings me back to when I was a young child. It is also great to see locally owned downtown businesses decorated for the Christmas season. These business owners are part of the community and take great pride in decorating and sharing the season with us. Although at times it may be easier to visit a large box store to buy your Christmas gifts, please remember that these locally owned businesses are the backbone of our community. Please support these locally owned Downtown Brockville businesses this holiday season. Finally as I wrap up this Christmas message I would like to remind you that as you attend your Christmas parties please remember to never drink and drive and as hosts please never allow anyone to drink and drive. The worse thing a family could experience at Christmas would be the loss of a loved one at the hands of an impaired driver. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, your family and your friends and thank you for supporting your KnowBrockville. Sincerely Timoth Sharpe Owner/Publisher
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Beauty Basics By Stepheny Cummings
Over the last month I have been researching some of the best beauty advice. Countless hours have been spent surfing the net, speaking to other professionals, friends, family and hitting the books. I have complied just some of the countless tips. From basic beauty do’s (wear sunscreen every day) to don’t’s (avoid popping pimples) as well as obscure secrets (beer and vinegar rinses), you’ll find advice to keep you as beautiful as ever. Freeze Your Eyeliner. Does your eyeliner constantly crumble while putting it on? Leave it in the freezer for 15 minutes prior to applying your makeup. It should glide along your lash line seamlessly after that. Shave With Conditioner If you’re out of shaving cream, lather your legs with conditioner instead of soap. Conditioner will soften the hair on your legs making it easier to shave (and it will leave your skin feeling extra silky). Rinse Hair With Beer Or Vinegar. Rinsing your hair with beer helps restore moisture to your locks while using vinegar will up the ante in shine. Soak your hair in either liquid (not at the same time) for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water. Don’t Neglect Your Elbows. It’s easy to forget about your elbows, but they need just as much protection and care as other parts of your body. Cure dry elbows by massaging Bio-Oil onto them daily. You’ll see and feel softer elbows in at least two days. Say Goodbye To Makeup Sponges. Makeup sponges help you apply make up, but not without a cost. They usually soak up more liquid foundation than what ends up on your face. The result? You’re wasting foundation and constantly buying new sponges. The fix? Get a foundation brush. You waste less foundation and it allows for a more even and precise application than a sponge would. No Makeup Remover? Try Lotion Instead If you’re out of makeup remover, use body lotion to get rid of makeup. It works especially well on tough mascara. Create Fuller Lips. If you’re tired of having thin, pursed puckers, extend your lip line using a neutral-toned lip liner. Then apply lipstick over top. Be careful though — don’t extend your lip line too much. Lashes For Miles. Curl your lashes both before and after applying mascara for longer lashes. You may want to re-curl them throughout the day to get some extra lift, just remember to be gentle when you apply pressure with your curler. Don’t Pop It. No, no, no! Don’t pop your zits. Not only does it increase the chance of scarring, it’s also likely that you will worsen the blemish and spread bacteria to other places on your face which could give rise to another breakout. Microwave Lotion Into Luxury. Who doesn’t love a spa day? If we could go every day, we probably would, but that would also put a dent in our wallets. A quick, easy and cheaper indulgence is to put your favourite lotion in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Make sure the oils in your lotion don’t separate and that it isn’t too hot. Apply it on to your skin and enjoy! Know Your Shade. When choosing a foundation, test a product on the skin near your jawline. And be sure to do it in natural light. This will ensure the foundation tone you choose for your face isn’t too different from the natural shade of your neck.
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Uses For Old Mascara Wands. Don’t throw away your old mascara wand, it’s still got a few uses left. Clean it and use it as a brow brush instead. You might even find it handy around the house — use it to unclog sinks or clean tough to reach areas in your home. Tweezing Tips. Before you tweeze, make sure you soften your skin by dabbing a cotton ball soaked in warm water or cream. When you start tweezing, do so in the direction of your hair’s growth. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint. Be beautiful and environmentally savvy while you’re at it. Recycle your old beauty products by shipping them to Terra Cycle (you can download their pre-paid UPS shipping packages online so it’s completely free). They’ll take your old beauty products and transform them into something new.Love This! Don’t Pump Your Mascara. You should never pump your mascara (i.e., moving the wand up and down in the tube really quickly) because it will only allow air into the tube which will cause your mascara to dry (and ultimately shorten its lifespan). Use Oil On Your Skin.. Even If It’s Already Oily This probably sounds crazy, but using an oil-based product to remove makeup or excess dirt from your skin can actually improve your epidermis’ condition. Why? Over-cleaning stimulates the sebum glands, which causes skin to over-produce oil. Using oil-based products will have the opposite effect. Moisturize Properly Sometimes less is more. Don’t slather your face with moisturizer because it will take 10 minutes or more to be absorbed by the skin before your face is ready for makeup. The best way to apply face cream is to blend a dime-sized amount on your cheeks, nose, chin and forehead instead of moisturizing heavily. Clean Your Makeup Brushes. Make sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly to avoid a buildup of makeup residue and bacteria. You can purchase makeup brush cleaner from a drug or beauty store, or you can simply use shampoo and conditioner to clean your brushes as you would your own hair. Clean brushes guarantee a super smooth and even makeup application every time. Towel Dry The Right Way. Don’t rub your hair dry with your towel; it will cause your hair to frizz. Instead, before getting out of the shower gently squeeze excess water from your hair. Then, wrap your hair in a towel and pat it dry to absorb any remaining moisture. Perfume Basics. Don’t douse yourself with perfume before you leave the house (you don’t want to bombard other people’s nostril with strong smells). Just because you can’t smell it doesn’t mean other people won’t be able to. If you wear it every day, chances are your olfactory sense has just become desensitized to the scent. AND. The best Advise of them all!!! Smile.. Lots My best beauty tip? Smile! It’s the most beautiful asset you have. Where it every day!
Members of the Thousand Islanders Chorus were on hand at Sears Brockville on December 14th spreading Christmas Cheer through song and putting everyone in the Christmas Spirit. GREAT JOB Ladies!
The Brockville Police have partnered with Tim Hortons this year in order to keep your roads safe. Officers will be equipped with Tim Hortons cards offering sober drivers a free coffee. As our Holiday RIDE season begins drivers are reminded to “Arrive Alive and Don’t Drink and Drive!” said Inspector Scott Fraser. The RIDE programs will be set up at various times in various parts of the city. The risk is not worth it! If you are going to drink before you drive, make it a double double.
“Everyone pitched in and helped,” explains Brockville Curves Manager Lenora Towell. “Curves’ promotion for October was a cash donation of $10 for 10 workouts. In addition, our club held a silent auction, a bake sale, a craft sale and a 5th Avenue Jewelry sale. We also collected coins in a large vase. It all added up.” Presenting the cheque for $1246.00 is (centre, left) Lenora Towell to (l – r) BGH Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Surgical Services Deb Wilson, Brockville and District Hospital Foundation Board member Doris Hallett, and BGH Vice President Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive Heather Quesnelle. (submitted)
The Brockville General Volunteer Association’s Christmas Luncheon and Bazaar is an annual event enjoyed by all at Brockville General Hospital each December. This year, the popular event raised $2000 for the association, which will go toward supporting Brockville General Hospital. Getting ready to serve the luncheon are volunteers (l – r) Bea Slack, Carole Lyman, Loreen Hughes, Carol Reesor, Virginia Thomas, Karen Matte, Marg Alexander and Anne Brennan. The BGVA is the fourth oldest hospital auxiliary in Ontario and will mark 125 years of service in 2014. (submitted)
Booster Juice Brockville held a Job Fair at the 1000 Islands Mall today where hundreds of hopeful applicants waited for the interview process. Booster Juice is aiming for a mid January opening of their location on Parkedale Avenue across from TISS. Pictured here is Marli and Andrew part of the Booster Juice Brockville ownership team and the ones doing the interviewing. Best of Luck Marli on the new business from KnowBrockville.
The Odd Fellows Lyn Lodge 284 and Lyndale Rebekah Lodge 313 Room Committee recently presented a cheque for $1000.00 to the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation (BDHF) in support of local palliative care services. Accepting the cheque is (front row, far right) BDHF Board member Kevin Tackaberry from (front row, l – r) Rebekah Lodge members Noble Grand Vera Kelly, District Deputy President Ella Kelly, Secretary/Treasurer Jean Shane, (back row, l – r) Odd Fellows Lodge members Past District Deputy Grand Master Bill Clow, Inside Guard Ivan Cross, Nobel Grand Francis LeBrun, and Vice Grand Ron Hoare. (submitted)
Team Brockville-Strong 2013 successfully raised over $830 for the Movember fundation, focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health research. This year’s team consisted of team captain Leigh Bursey (the team’s top fundraiser), Brian Kahnt, former ONDP candidate David Lundy, Tim Ross, Doug Quantz, Mark Peters, and Matthew Saunders. Prostate cancer affects one in seven men. This is the third year that Brockville City Councillor Leigh Bursey has captained a team to raise funds for this worthy cause. Pictured here, members of the team with Bell Media personality Jamieson Bridal, at the official flag-raising ceremony to proclaim it Movember in the city of Brockville.
The May Court Club of Brockville recently donated $15,000 to the Friends of Palliative Care Golf Tournament in support of local palliative care services.
Bob FM teamed up with the Brockville Animal Hospital to help raise food for the Brockville area food bank, For the past month Brockville Animal Hospital has been running their annual Trim For Tins campaign to do Free nail trims in lieu of a food donation. With a goal of raising 2000 lbs. Bob Fm challenged Brockville Animal Hospital that they would collect & donate some food if Brockville Animal Hospital would trim radio host, Jenn Ferguson’s nails (thats right a human...) and Jenn has a real fear of nail trims....Well yesterday was the day!! Check out Brockville Animal Hospital & Bob FM facebook pages & blogs to see some photos of how yesterday went. Trim for Tins ends tomorrow so you still have time to take part in this great event. As of today Brockville Animal Hospital is sitting at 1738 lbs collected.
May Court is a charitable organization that supports the community through fundraising events over the year and sales at the May Court Thrift Shop. This year, the group presented a cheque at the Friends of Palliative Care Tournament, a major annual fundraising golf tournament, to support the Brockville and District Hospice Palliative Care Service based at Brockville General Hospital. The funds will go toward the purchase of 10 pain pumps for palliative care patients. Presenting the cheque are May Court members (front row, l – r) Dolores Inglis, Margaret Lauridsen, Lynn Hanley, and Sharon McClelland to Friends Committee Co-Chairs (back row, l – r) Dave Publow and Jim Cooper The annual Smile Cookie Campaign hosted by Tim Hortons Brockville has raised $13,567.00 for the purchase of a bladder scanner at Brockville Gen(submitted) eral Hospital (BGH). Presenting the cheque and viewing the new equipment dedicated for the 1East Med/Surg Unit are (l – r) Tim Horton’s Brockville owner Shane Joyce, BGH staff Letty Poelman, Tammy Somerville, Elizabeth Gibson, Heather Quesnelle, Travis Wing, BGH President and CEO Tony Weeks, Tim Horton’s Brockville General Manager Trudy Primeau and Brockville and District Hospital Foundation Board Chair Tom Blanchard. (submitted)
Tips for staying on track for the Holidays and avoid that belly bulge from overindulging. Let’s face it its the season for Christmas work parties, family gatherings and packing on the calories with Holidays meals and treats. Now its important to enjoy yourself but it’s also important to try and stay on track with your goals and stay healthy. Here are some tips to beat the post holiday blues when you step on that scale.
Hospital Foundation Annual Appeal Kicks Off at $58,400 The Brockville and District Hospital Foundation (BDHF) 2013 Annual Appeal has left the starting gate with early donations totaling $58,400. Celebrating the early donations are Directors of the BDHF Board (front row, l – r) Jack Butt, Ainslie Coleman, Marla Gilliland, Heather Halladay, Dave Bryer, Maureen Fraser, (centre row, l – r) Wayne Blackwell, Scott MacCrimmon, (back row, l – r) William Spencer, Board Chair Tom Blanchard and Sherri Fournier Hudson.
1. Always have proteins, and a balanced plate. Fill up on lean meats like white meats with no skin. 2. Watch your portions and make sure to not over fill your plate. You can do this by enjoying smaller amounts of everything offered. 3. Say no to the bread rolls! 4. Eat healthy meals throughout the day so you are not overly hungry and
over do it. 5. When appetizers come out opt for the veggies, such as beets, pickles, olives etc that are virtually zero calories. Or even nuts which are higher in calories but loaded with healthy fats and protein. 6. Don’t skip your workouts! The holidays are busy and we rush around so much, but do not neglect yourself and your health. When you take care of your body by working out you will be less likely to make bad choices at the dinner table. 7. If your going to have alcohol plan on less sugary drinks such as a glass of red wine or a light beer and only have one. Mixed drinks and cocktails are loaded in empty calories and sugar and will go right to the waist. 8. Avoid extra calories by saying no to sauces, butters and gravies. 9. For desert if there are no healthy options try bringing your own such as fruit with light whip cream, or dark chocolate which is loaded with antioxidants.
Now that you are equipped with the knowledge to fight holiday weight gain, put the rules to work and give yourself a pat on the back when New Years comes and you don’t have to add a new notch on your belt! Enjoy yourselves, stay active for but of all have a Happy Holiday!
Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark was at Commonwealth Public School on Tuesday, December 17 to announce an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $70,000 for Girls Incorporated of Upper Canada. Pictured with students who were performing in the school’s Christmas concert are, from the left, Girls Inc. staff members Courtney McCarney and Brina Whitley, Girls Inc. board chair JoAnne Sytsma, Girls Inc. staff member Kelly Cole and interim executive director Karen McDonald-Hurley, Ontario Trillium Foundation representative Natalie Wood and MPP Clark.
On Monday, Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark joined the Elgin Lions Club at their annual Christmas Dinner to celebrate some good news. This past October, the club was awarded a $139,200 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to make improvements to their community facility. Also joining the group was Elgin Lions Club President Jim Irene Selkirk of Loaves and Fishes accepting a donation of cash and items from Les Summers, Lions Club members and Rideau Lakes Township Deputy Mayor Bob Lavoie Peddell, President. This year, along with a cash donation which will fully subsidize the fee to attend, Heritage Kitchens also donated lip balm and hot chocolate for and Councillor Linda Carr. the 175+ gift bags that will be given to attendees of the Christmas Dinner. Les and Theresa Peddell are proud supporters of Loaves and Fishes.
Gord Brown supports Economic Growth in Leeds-Grenville Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville said today that he is pleased the government is moving forward with a budget commitment that will benefit Eastern Ontario businesses and communities.
Effective April 1, 2014, a Government of Canada investment of $48 million over the next five years, will support the renewal of the Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP), resulting in a greater number of economic development initiatives and improved partnerships throughout Leeds-Grenville. “I am pleased that we have made this commitment to the economies of Leeds-Grenville and all of eastern Ontario,” Brown said. “This program brings substantial investment and benefit to our communities.” “I am proud to announce that our Government will continue to promote business development, job creation and strengthening communities in rural eastern Ontario with the renewal of EODP,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Through EODP, the Agency will continue its role as a champion within this region, encouraging new partnerships and project development for the expansion of community economic assets, business growth and business infrastructure/services that help create jobs, growth and economic prosperity,” added Goodyear. The program is managed by FedDev Ontario and funding will be delivered by 15 Community Futures Development Corporations located throughout rural eastern Ontario including the three that service Leeds-Grenville as well as the Eastern Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Network Inc. “The Eastern Ontario Development Program has been a catalyst for business and community development across eastern Ontario for a number of years,” said Christine Dukelow, Chair, Eastern Ontario Network Inc. Board of Directors. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the Government of Canada so that Community Futures Development Corporations can support projects that will grow and diversify the regional economy.” To find out more about the Eastern Ontario Development Program and how to access program funding, please refer to the backgrounder or visit the FedDev Ontario website at www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca. You may also contact FedDev by toll-free telephone at 1-866-593-5505, or via email at info@FedDevOntario.gc.ca.
Sugar Cookies 2 cups of white sugar 1 cup of shortening 2 eggs ½ cup of milk 1 tsp.. of salt 2-3 cups of flour or a bit more 2 tsps. of baking soda 4 tsps cream of tartar ½ tsp of nutmeg Method : Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs, milk, flour, soda, tartar and nutmeg. Roll dough quite thin, cut with cookie cutters. Bake in 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.
Brownies Grease and flour a 9 x 9 cake pan for thick brownies or a 9 x 13 for thinner brownies. Set aside Mix: 1 1/3 cups of flour 1 tsp. baking powder Melt: 1 cup of butter in a saucepan, remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup cocoa. Blend 2 cups of sugar, 4 eggs, 1 ½ tsp. vanilla, stir in dry ingredients and 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional). Pour into greased pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or when a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into center of brownies. Ice with fudge frosting. Sprinkle with more chopped walnuts. enjoy
Now doing FREE CMAs for the 2014 Spring Listing season.
Announcing New Prenatal Classes offered at 6 different sites in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Public Health Nurses will be teaching Prenatal Classes (4 sessions) from the following locations: Almonte, Brockville, Carleton Place, Gananoque, Kemptville and Smiths Falls. We are pleased to announce the launch of our New Prenatal Classes to expectant parents. These improved prenatal classes, reflect our commitment to evidence-based best practice in healthy pregnancy. A Healthy Family Starts Before Birth With so many resources out there, it can be hard to know which ones have the best and most reliable information you need at this important time in your life. The Health Unit offers prenatal classes with up to date information regarding your pregnancy, birth and infant care. Prenatal classes are run by Public Health Nurses where videos, activities, and interactive discussions are used to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women are encouraged to bring their support person along so both can benefit from prenatal education. At the sessions, you will learn about: • Becoming parents and adjusting to your new roles • How to bond with your baby • Preterm labour signs and symptoms • Your growing baby during pregnancy • Healthy eating and nutrition • The importance of skin to skin contact • How to read and understand your baby’s cues • Emotional and physical changes during and after pregnancy Please feel free to contact the Health Unit at 1-800-660-5853 if you have further questions or would like to register. You can also get more information about pregnancy and preconception at our website: http://www. healthunit.org/pregnancy/. For important public health updates, like us on Facebook.
The first edition of Merry Bookmas was held on December 14th at the 1000 Islands Mall. The event brought authors from around Eastern Ontario. The authors were selling and signing their books. This event was organized by The Friends Of The Brockville Library and they are planning for this to be an annual event. Here is to an even bigger show next year, it is fantastic for book buyers to be able to talk directly to the authors about their work. This gives readers a better connection to the authors.