PetValu Brockville - 2539 Parkedale Avenue
Neostrata Skincare
NeoStrata is one of the most recommended skin care brands worldwide. Formulated with potent alpha hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids, NeoStrata improves the appearance of sun damage, acne, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, visible signs of aging and more! Discover a healthier and younger-looking complexion with NeoStrata. As pioneers of AHA products, Neostrata has long provided customers with products that have proven results. Neostrata is helping to reverse the signs of aging through Independent clinical studies! Which is why the medical community have supported these products since it came to Canada in 1991. Neostrata offers a large variety of skincare products for all stages of life to keep you looking younger longer! Neostrata continues to pursue the latest cutting-edge technologies in order to offer superior skincare solutions and give Canadians of all age’s greater confidence through healthy, beautiful and younger - looking skin. Featured this month…. The FIRMING products are ideal for consumers concerned with loss of firmness. They promote skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, restoring firmer, younger-looking skin. Ideal for consumers concerned with loss of firmness. FIRMALIFT™ FIRMING AND LIFTING CREAM SPF 30 The FirmaLift™ Firming and Lifting Cream SPF 30 is formulated to quickly improve skin firmness and elasticity while also providing SPF protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. FIRMALIFT™ FIRMING ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM The FirmaLift™ Firming Anti-Wrinkle Cream is the perfect solution for loss of skin firmness and elasticity. FIRMALIFT™ FIRMING AND TIGHTENING SERUM Formulated with a combination of highly efficient and clinically proven ingredients, FirmaLift™’s Firming and Tightening Serum tightens the skin upon application and provides long-term firming benefits for an overall lifted and more sculpted face contour. FIRMALIFT™ EYE CONTOUR FIRMING CREAM The FirmaLift™ Eye Contour Firming Cream delivers significant improvement in skin firmness and elasticity, while also providing an anti-puffiness effect FIRMALIFT™ FIRMING NECK AND BUST GEL The FirmaLift™ Firming Neck and Bust Gel is formulated with natural plant based ingredients at optimal concentrations to target the delicate neck and bust areas for maximum firming results. FIRMALIFT™ TONING AND REMODELING BODY CREAM The FirmaLift™ Toning and Remodeling Body Cream is a highly-efficient, dual-action product formulated to both tone and remodel the body contour, as well as replenish skin moisture. To learn more about these great products stop by our Cosmetic department Thursday July 31 From 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. we will have Neostrata’s medical rep on site offering free advice! PLUS get a wonderful gift with purchase! Sherry Chaput Cosmetic Manager Shoppers Drug Mart Thousand Islands Mall
This month, I would like to express my thanks to a number of individuals. If I should overlook anyone, I deeply apologize as your assistance was greatly appreciated. We recently participated in the Relay for Life Walk held at Row’s Corners Fairgrounds on the night of June 13th. It is one of many charities that we support locally throughout the year. The Relay for Life is a 12 hour overnight fundraising event that brings you and your community together to celebrate life and help fight cancer. The proceeds help the Canadian Cancer Society with the research to save lives, and support those people who are currently fighting this dreaded disease. This was our third year participating in the Relay, and also our most successful in terms of fundraising to date. We collected a total of $7,948 through events and donations, which put us in a Silver category of fundraising with the Relay this year, and we are proud to say that we were the top fund-raising Team for 2014, with many other teams raising amazing amounts as well for a total of over $100,000 for the event. We held a fundraising Spaghetti Dinner at the Addison United Church in May. This was the second year for this event, and it turned out to be a huge success. Any successful fundraiser requires many volunteer hours, and often donations from other local businesses and people. Brett’s Value Mart, The Great Canadian Superstore, Cowan’s Dairy and Jack’s Fish and Chips donated food and supplies for our dinner. Our staff made all the spaghetti sauce and the pies. One of our staff members, Nancy VanDyke, was our expert “Bun Maker” and made all the buns that went with the scrumptous meal that was served to all the wonderful people that came out to support us. We had a couple of bake sales in the store as well. Thank you to all the people who bought munchies to help support our cause. Thanks to all the staff members who donated their time and food to make these bake sales a success. A special thank you to Judy Ferguson, a former employee, who loves to come back and help us in running our bake table. It’s her way of giving back to our community, just like every other member of our staff and Team does without being asked twice. ..continued on page 3
Neostrata Event Thursday July 31
Representative in store 11am - 1pm
Our Front Cover For the past few months we have been giving local businesses the opportunity to purchase our front page and let people know about what they offer. In July we feature Pet Valu Brockville. Pet Valu Brockville is your best resource for everything pet related. Matt and his team are there to help you pick the best item for your pet. They also have such services as a self-serve dog wash and pet grooming services. Pet Valu Brockville is very community oriented, they hold a number of pet adoption days with such organizations as I Am Alive Dog Rescue and the Leeds Grenville branch of the OSPCA. If you own any pet I strongly recommend that you come and visit Pet Valu Brockville. They are located at 2539 Parkedale Avenue in Brockville.
FROM OUR PUBLISHER
Welcome to the July edition of YOUR KnowBrockville, Brockville’s only locally owned newspaper! We are approaching our 2nd anniversary and it has truly been a great ride over the last two years. There are always ups and downs even more so in the media industry in a small city. When a new business comes into a small city and begins to grow the reception is not always the best and this could not be truer than in Brockville. For the most part Brockville has been great to KnowBrockville, however there are individuals and businesses in our great city that still feel it is not necessary to support a truly owned local business and to them I say you should never judge a book by its’ cover. Every business owner, especially local small business owners work long hours at growing their business and the contribution that they make to our city and economy should be valued and appreciated. KnowBrockville is locally owned, our employees are local employees and we actually make purchases at many of our advertising clients supporting them. My personal opinion is that if you are going to support my business than I will support yours whatever way I can. You will not get this from a nationally owned media outlet or even a franchised publication. Local businesses must stand behind each other and support the local Brockville area economy. As a media publisher I had one of my proudest moments in the month of July. KnowBrockville was a local media sponsor of the 1000 Islands International Regatta that took place on Blockhouse Island. I and my staff spent the entire weekend at the event and to hear my great business announced over the PA systems as a major sponsor really made me realized that we have made it. All of my hard work has finally paid off. August is looking like another big month for us as we are the exclusive media sponsor of the Ultimate Air Dogs Canada Splash Down so watch for us there in August, and until next month we hope you enjoy reading this issue and thanks for supporting my great newspaper. Tim Sharpe Owner/Publisher contact@knowbrockville.com (613)803-08222
continued from page 2... Lastly, I would like to thank all the Team members for making this our best year yet. Brenda Gallant was our Captain, and the Leader of our Team. We also had Beth Hazlitt, Brent Kerr, Emilly Little, Julie McNamee, Katie Leslie, Mary Pagnello, Tammy Reid and myself, as well as our Special Team member Denis Savage, who is a customer of ours who wanted to join our team last year when he found out we were involved in the Relay. Denis and Beth were our two highest fundraisers who had a friendly competition going on for “top fundraiser”. For all those people that were asked to donate money by our Team members, thank you for supporting such an important cause and making this event a memorable occasion for all involved. We have already set an aggressive goal of $10,000 for next year’s Relay as it is the 10th
annual Relay for Life in Brockville. We look forward to your continued support next year as we look to help make “cancer” a forgotten word in our vocabulary. Thank you. Mark Leslie Associate/Owner/Pharmacist Shoppers Drug Mart 1000 Islands Mall P.S. In a similar theme regarding cancer...at this time of year, it is important that we all have appropriate sun protection when we go outside on these beautiful sun-filled, dog days of summer. Selecting the right sunscreen is the first step in sun protection, and proper application is essential. For a large selection of products, come in to our store and see what we have, and while you are here, stop back at the Pharmacy and ask one of our knowledgeable Pharmacists to assist you in picking the one best for your needs. Stay safe and have fun this summer.
Our Community Event Photographers
Emma Rowsome
Pam Young
Gabby Decoste
Haley Hoare
I Am Alive Dog Rescue Fundraising BBQ and Car Wash at Metro
On June 22nd I Am Dog Rescue held a fundraising BBQ and Car wash at Metro in Brockville which raised over $700. I Am Alive Dog Rescue rescues dogs from high kill pounds and does not receive any government funding for the work that they do.
Canada Day in Merrickville
Canada Day in Seely’s Bay
Canada Day in Brockville
Monday July 14th saw the raising of the Brockville Pride Flag behind Brockville City Hall. The raising of the Pride Flag symbolizes the start of Brockville Pride Week which finishes with Brockville Pride Parade. Photo by Haley Hoare
KnowBrockville presented the Brockville Public Library with a donation of three books titled The New Encyclopedia of Snakes, The New American Heart Association Cookbook and Melt: the art of macaroni and cheese. Each of these books will have a reminder inside stating they were donated by your KnowBrockville through the KnowBrockville Community fund where it is our goal to donated $20,000 to community groups in the Brockville area. We have pledged to donated books on a monthly basis so watch for our next donation next month. In this photo is Brandy Smith (Library Staff), Tim Sharpe (KnowBrockville Publisher) and Amanda Robinson.
On June 25th the Brockville Public Library held a celebrity server fundraiser night at Boston Pizza in Brockville. Boston Pizza donated 10% of all funds raised to the library. The Brockville Public Library will be using these funds for an improvement in the children’s area of the library. The Friends of the Brockville Public Library are also raising funds for the library and recently donated two beautiful chairs to the library for patrons to enjoy.
KnowBrockville is here to support our community, our businesses and the people that live in our area!
Two weeks ago I was asked by a solid KnowBrockville reader and supporter if I could do her a favor. Her brother Don was coming down from the East Coast to watch the 1000 Islands International Regatta and Don was once a pit crew person for a driver years ago. Don unfortunately is ill and I was told one of his requests before he gets sicker was to see the boats and drivers up close. Of course I said KnowBrockville could so something and this morning we took it a step further for Don. KnowBrockville arranged for Don to sit inside a boat and relive the good old days. I believe we made his weekend and I am proud that I and my business could fulfill one of Don’s dreams. I want to sincerely thank the 1000 Islands Regatta committee for helping us make this happen. And although Don may not always have great days I am sure this one he will remember.
Youth Speak with Leigh Bursey
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www.highway29auto.com 3014 County road 29, Northgate Plaza, Unit: 3, Brockville We’re number four! We’re number four! That’s right folks, as announced earlier this month, the city of Brockville is officially number four on the top ten list of Travel Gay Ontario’s most “gay friendly” communities. This designation is huge for a local effort that is visibly still in it’s infancy. Putting us ahead of major cities like Kingston and Windsor, and even communities like neighbouring Gananoque, who have previously received provincial funding grants to assist with their annual Summer Solstice Festival. What makes this breakthrough even more extraordinary is that if you were to ask many folks just a few years back, if they thought Brockville would ever be seen as a gay friendly destination, I am sure many people would have likely said no. The push-back that many local businesses faced upon initially supporting the first pride walk is evidence of that. But here we are, four years into this journey, and I couldn’t be more proud of my city. To the local vendors who have stepped up and put the rainbow flags in their windows, to the businesses, politicians, and unions that have supported these events through advocacy and donations (our local advocacy groups and Pride Committees do not receive any government funding), and to the incredible mentors, teachers, and leaders who have assisted our youth in building something remarkable, I congratulate you. I have been proud to be a part of this effort, and I am proud to continue beinginvolved, advocating for a just society that is inclusive, thoughtful, and fair. I am happy to recognize the youth who have silenced naysayers, opened doors for further communication, and made it clear on a national level that this city is open for business. We are in the 21st century, and despite all of the challenges that this generation faces, being who you are should never be one of them. People often ask me why the celebration comes in the form of a parade or a festival, and my answer to them is that each day of my life, I am free to be heterosexual. Every time I turn on a music video, I am reminded of how accepted my sexuality is. Most times I enter a public washroom, I generally have the choice of identifying with a stick man or a stick woman. A parade, an awareness week, a special event, or a support group sound like reasonable tools to me for someone to share their pride in everything beautiful that they are, and should not be ashamed to be, because all too often many are left out of the conversation completely, or criticized for a simple wish to be recognized. So let them march! Better yet...march with them. After all, we are all humans fighting for the same rights. Let them become us! Happy Pride Brockville! Pictured: Standing with local parade organizer Brandon Timmerman, proudly donating to their efforts on behalf of the Leigh Bursey Campaign for Brockville City Council.
Eye on Politics - Where Do We Go From Here? However, I think the most important thing we should remember when reflecting on this exBy Leigh Bursey perience is that no matter how disappointing the result proved to be for many loyal and
dedicated supporters of both recognized opposition parties, we are all neighbours in the end. Despite a rocky start to a contentious and scandal-plagued campaign, the electorate decided to return a mandate to the governing party. Whether this is because of the strength of their left-leaning platform or a leader who is still perceived as capable, or whether this be because the alternatives did not connect with the public, when all the votes are counted there is still a lot of work to be done by all parties. There is still lessons to be learned from each candidate and campaign. And in the end, each and every person who runs is doing so because they believe in making our province (or municipality or country) stronger, even if their methods lead many to wonder.
While enjoying a long overdue lunch with our local Member of Provincial Parliament, Steve Clark at the Albany Club in Toronto, I was encouraged by his commentary on party renewal. Steve won a size-able victory, but is clear that taking local results for granted is not going to strengthen his party’s mandate moving forward. Steve and I spoke at great length about the need for a diverse ballot of strong, positive candidates for the Progressive Conservative leadership race that Ontario’s Tories are facing in the coming year. Whether they be more focused on traditional values, fiscal responsibility, or even a shift to the centre, these candidates will have an ample opportunity to build a new movement, learn from previous mistakes, and generate a stronger Ontario through asking tough questions and holding the governing party to account. A similar fate may face the Ontario New Democrats this fall. Even if they choose to stay the course and celebrate the smaller milestones, I salute each any every candidate of every party who put their hearts into their campaigns and their reputations on the line on The June 12th provincial election has come and gone, and now the focus is June 12th and the many months leading up to our recent election (even those that made me shifting away from a lackluster battle of wit and stamina, it turns towards an cringe). It takes a lot of courage to stand up and be counted for, and it is not easy task at the Ontario-wide municipal election this fall, and a pending federal election in best of times. 2015. However, before we dismiss the results of the provincial power struggle, and begin making a number of bold predictions and assumptions, let’s highlight All eyes seem to be on Toronto right now. Especially after the Trinity-Spadina by-election that a couple of key focal points and how they may change the make-up of the two saw a further shift in mentality. With Mayor Rob Ford returning to work, and Olivia Chow and John Tory still dominating the public opinion polls, we are in for an unpredictable fall election elections still to come. season, and a particularly exciting 2015. I hope that all can be as gracious in defeat as folks For starters, over two hundred thousand eligible voters in Ontario decided to like Burlington’s Jane McKenna and Trinity-Spadina’s Joe Cressy, who reminded us with their either decline their ballots, leave them blank, or spoil them outright. That’s thoughtful remarks after some disappointing election results, that in the end we all need to right folks, none of the above got approximately the same vote count as the remember why we are here...to build bridges to a better tomorrow, not to burn them down. Green Party of Ontario. This shouldn’t be dismissed as apathy. This was an orchestrated effort by two hundred thousand electorate that wanted their voice Pictured: MPP Steve Clark, former Burlington MPP Jane McKenna, and Leigh Bursey, Brockheard, and their voice said that they weren’t happy with their options. This ville 2012. is the largest no-vote in the province’s history, and though it probably didn’t make a decisive difference in the final vote tally, there is little arguing that it is a warning that our politicians from every level of government should heed. We need to move away from ugly, and arrogant political banter. We need to work together for a more united province, and many voters young and old have become weary of our political process. So much so, that voters are turning out in higher numbers than previous elections for the sole purpose of telling our politicians that they do care enough to get involved, but no one is speaking their language. Another lesson learned is that a hard right or a hard left approach does not resonate with a voting public that desires consistency, prosperity, and teamwork. We could easily accredit the Liberal majority to a Toronto-centric approach, but that wouldn’t entirely be accurate. There are 42 seats in Toronto, and even if the OLP had won all 42 (of which they didn’t), they still picked up an additional 16 across the province, which is the difference between a minority and a majority. That means that two in three voters did not give Tim Hudak the nod of approval. One of the most telling lessons learned is to be careful what you wish for. There have been many opinion editorials written about Tim Hudak, but until recently Andrea Horwath and the ONDP have been on the rise. That may simply not be anymore, and it may be a case of buyer’s remorse. Sure, there are spin doctors out there who would rather focus on a marginal increase in overall voter support, but even members of the current caucus admit that the election was poorly executed on their part, and a shift too far to the right cost them in the end. Not only were long-time members of the ONDP unseated in what were considered safe ridings, but the party lost a lot of its standing as the balance of power with the shift from a minority to a majority.
On June 28th, twenty plus volunteer bachelors and bachelorettes took part in a unique and exciting fundraiser for the Paws for Ethan campaign at the Keystorm Pub in Brockville. The event, hosted by family advisor Timothy Ross and his community events coordinator Leigh Bursey through their company Timothy Ross and Associates raised a whopping $6567.00 for Ethan and his family, in their pursuit of a service dog. Ethan is a young autistic boy, and his family have partnered with the association to help with ongoing fundraising. Service dogs can cost up to and above $18,000.00, so this injection of funding will help the Tomney family get a lot closer to their goal. Timothy Ross and Leigh Bursey present the Tomney family with a check for $6567.00 (photo by the Tomney family).
KnowBrockville was a proud local sponsor of the 1000 Islands International Regatta and Festival on June 27th - 29th. The event included 3 days of boat racing, live entertainment, family activities and great food. The entire KnowBrockville team was on hand capturing thousands of photos of the weekend. KnowBrockville would like to thank the regatta committee for inviting us to be sponsors and we look forward to next year.
On Friday June 27th, St. Mary’s Catholic High School held their graduation ceremony at St. John Bosco Church. The many students were glowing with pride as the marched up to get their certificates. Everyone wished the students the best of luck in the future. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Emma Rowsome.
Brockville Little League Family Fun Day
The Brockville Little League held a fun day at the Brockville Legion Ball fields on June 22. There was a fundraising BBQ, bouncy castles and the Brockville Fire Department were on hand to cool the children down.
Nakhon Thai on King Street in Downtown Brockville held their official Grand Opening Saturday June 21st. The celebration included a ribbon cutting with Brockville Mayor as well as authentic Thai Dancers. The day was also a fundraiser for the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation’s Brockville Cardiovascular Program. From every $10 sampler Nakhon donated $5.00 great job Nakhon! Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Haley Hoare
All of the beautiful Fairies landed in St. Lawrence Park June 21st There were hundreds of fairies around the park. The day gave those fairies the opportunity to have fun and visit vendors for fairy goodies. This is an annual event for all the fairies in Brockville to enjoy and let their inner fairy out. Photos by KnowBrockville Photographer Pam Young
Despite the wet weather the Brockville Angels Ball hockey team held a game plus a great bbq at the youth arena in Brockville. The Angels play ball hockey throughout the summer and if you would like to join or want more information than visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/BrockvilleGirls-Hockey-Association/556349714404962
Four Season Dance Academy Grand Opening in Brockville.
KnowBrockville likes to feature new locally owned business and recently I have had the pleasure of meeting Katie Wilson. Katie recently opened a new and exciting dance studio “Four Season Dance Academy” in Brockville. I visited the dance studio during their Grand Opening and I personally was very impressed. The space is beautiful and Katie has a number of talented and experienced dance teachers on her staff. During the Grand Opening Katie had a barbeque where the proceeds were donated to “Making Play Possible” a local organization that insures all children have the opportunity to participate in local sports.
KnowBrockvile’s Exceptional Student
My daughter Dani is an exceptional student. She started JK in the Core program at Westminster, and then made the transition to French Immersion with ease for SK. Though she was a little scared at first to try out French Immersion, we did a trial run for a couple months at the beginning of the year and when we asked if she wanted to go back to Core or stick with Immersion she was excited and said she wanted to stick with Immersion. French Immersion was brought up between teacher and I as in JK Dani was answering all the questions. She constantly walks around the house speaking more French then English. She’s blossomed into a beautiful little girl. If that was even possible for her. In JK she was shy and would hide around me whenever I was near. She’s excited to go to school every day and watching the way she interacts with her classmates and teachers just amazes me every day. She’s already excited to enter Grade 1 Immersion, to learn new things and teach my husband and me some French.
Emergency Department Donation by BGVA Brockville General Hospital’s (BGH) emergency department recently received $70,000 in equipment funding from the Brockville General Volunteer Association (BGVA). Some of the pieces of equipment funded include four vital sign monitors, a carbon dioxide monitor and blood pressure monitor. Over $23,000 was donated to purchase these items. Celebrating the new equipment are Lori Murdock, RPN; Alison Wall, RPN; Shireen Palamkote, Volunteer; Katie Erwin, Volunteer; Cheryl Marshall, BGVA Volunteer Coordinator; and Cathy Cassidy-Gifford, Director of Critical Care & Maternal Child. (Submitted)
Brockville Special Olympics team returns with medals including 2 gold The Brockville Special Olympics team returned last night from Vancouver just a little heavier. The team returned from the Vancouver games with 6 medals including 2 gold medals. Way to go team Brockville! (Submitted)
Brockville’s 1st Poetry Lives Festival kicked off on Friday July 11th at the “From Here to Infinity” Gallery in downtown Brockville. The festival featured local poets and authors plus visual artists and gave the public a chance to meet the participants. Photo by Emma Rowsome.
On Friday July 11th, Dentistry@Brockville held their most recent Friday FREE bbq. The office holds a FREE bbq every other Friday at their office located at the corner of Parkedale and Ormond. The next FREE bbq will be held on Friday July 25th.
On July 11th, the Mallorytown Legion held a kids karaoke. There were many kids on hand to show off their talents. Even though they all could not be winners they were winners through the spirit that they showed. (Submitted)
KnowBrockville sponsored car #83 driven by Dylan Evoy took first place at the Brockville Ontario Speedway on Friday July 4th. Dylan spends his weekends racing at both Brockville Speedway as well as the Mohawk International Speedway. (Submitted)
On Saturday July 5th, I Am Alive Dog Rescue held a micro-chipping session at Pet Valu Brockville. The veterinary technicians donated their time and supplies so all monies could be donated to I Am Alive Dog Rescue.
Yoga in the Park is back this summer on Saturdays. Daniel De Luis leads yoga sessions in Hardy Park. Participants can join for a minimum donation of $2.00. All funds raised is donated to Loaves and Fishes in Brockville. Photo by Gabby Decoste.
Saturday June 21 saw the CHEO Charity Bass Tournament at Hardy Park. Art In The City 2014 was held June 21 & 22nd and there was an opporMany fishermen both professional as well as recreational took part to tunity to tour local locations and view some great artwork. Such locahelp raise funds for CHEO. Photos by Don Corneil tions were the Brockville Museum and White Flag Art Gallery.