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2 July 2015
As June comes to a close, everyone
is getting ready for summertime!
The kids are out of school and
everyone is ready for summer
vacation. And lucky for us, our first
holiday weekend is Canada Day!
This year our grand country is
celebrating its 1 48th Birthday! With
parties and fireworks across the
nation, everyone is sure to enjoy
this holiday.
Canada Day means something
different to everyone. To some
people it’s a celebration, and time
with friends and family. To others it
represents the celebration of their
home and freedom. But no matter
what, Canada Day is big day for all
Canadians!
Being born and raised in Brantford,
for me, it represents a celebration of
home. It feels safe and nurturing
and is a reminder of the place that
has raised me and helped shape the
person I am. From our laws and
freedoms, our beautiful
environment, and to our
wonderfully diverse culture,
Canada is a great country with
amazing people.
Having lived in Brantford for a
large portion ofmy life, for me,
Canada Day is very rooted in our
local region as well. I've always
remembered going to see fireworks
in either Brantford or St. George.
Each year, our family would go out
and spend some time at the
festivities. We’ve always enjoyed
going out to experience Canada
Day in our community.
We are truly lucky to be able to
celebrate in so many local ways.
Every year our local Canada Day
committees provide great local
entertainment and exhibits that not
only showcases our country, but our
community as well. Whether it’s
local vendors, historical pieces or
local talent, we know how to put on
a great birthday party!
Another big reason why Canada
Day is so important to me is that it
brings people together. On this day,
we're able to come together, no
matter our backgrounds, to share
our differences and what we have
in common, our country. Everyone
is able and encouraged to share
their culture and background in this
country. Canada was built by many
people of various cultures and it’s
continuing to be shaped by our
cultural heritage.
As we all know, Canada is a great
place to live, work and play. We
can be at home in this country and
grow in the sharing of our
backgrounds. So on this July 1 st,
let’s all celebrate together!
July 2015 - Volume 1, Edition 10
BScene is a free monthly publication showcasing the great people, events, and ideas
ofBrantford, Brant and Six Nations.
BScene is distributed free to you through key community partners including local
advertisers, retail outlets, dining establishments, and selected community centres.
Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily held by the staff, editor,
publisher or ownership ofBScene.
Editor & Creative DesignerRichard Robillard ([email protected])
Publisher & Social MediaJason Freeze ([email protected])
Brand AmbassadorJoshua Wall ([email protected])
Chief PhotographerPatrick McEachern ([email protected])
Lead ReporterYvonne Van De Wiele-Cooper([email protected])
Photograher / Special ColumnistLuvern Mornin ([email protected])
For advertising inquiries [email protected]
Submissions of articles [email protected]
For listing in the event guide:[email protected]
What it Means to be a Canadian Jason Freeze@JasonFreeze Jason.freeze BScene.ca
Seeking Local Musicians! Richard Robillard@RichieRoby genzeldotca BScene.ca
As some of you already know, BScene
isn't the only media project I have
going. In fact, this paper came to
being partly due to a chance
conversation Jason and I had at an
event at the Brantford Arts Block,
where I was discussing my love for
Brantford, music, and a passion for
radio.
You may have seen a couple 'ads' in
the paper for the stations, or seen them
online, in social media, or even on
posters at events such as the
Moonstone Rising Music Festival last
month.
Now these are not 'traditional radio
stations' so to speak. You can't pick
them up with an antenna, but you can
listen to them digitally through your
computer, phone, or bluetooth.
Why I mention this is not to boast or
advertise, but reach out. Part ofwhy I
do what I do is I want to get the word
out on the great talent that exists in
Brantford and area. Great local artists
such as the Ascot Royals, Sons of
Revelry, Innersha, Chris Strei, Andrea
Godin, NMEdj, Harbour, and Step
Echo all are on one or several of the
radio stations currently, and I'm
looking for more grat local artists to
put on the air.
Are you an artist that has radio ready
recordings? By that I mean studio
mastered and ready to go. Are you
interested in getting on air for one of
our formats? (Pop, Rock/Hard
Rock/Metal, Alternative,
Dance/Club/EDM, Hip Hop, Country)
I would love to hear from you, and get
you played alongside the top artists in
each genre on the radio. By the way,
there's no industry fee, no catches, no
jumping through hoops. It's all about
getting you the airplay and exposure
and willing ears.
Send me an email at [email protected],
and let's get started! Can't wait to hear
more great local music.
3July 2015
Powerfest More Than Just MotorsDoug Wrightbrantfordpowerfest.com
“Head out on the highway, looking
for adventure and whatever comes
our way” are lyrics from
Steppenwolf’s iconic hit “Born to Be
Wild”, which we think would be a
fitting theme song to this year’s
Brantford Powerfest Car Show and
Street Festival being held July 18th.
Young or old, there will be an
adventure or two available for all
ages at the show this year. “It is a
show so large, we have to shut down
the entire downtown for it”,
exclaimed RPM Magazine Editor,
and President ofRPM KIDS First
Foundation, Chris Biro.
The show was formerly known as the
Telephone City Car Show until it was
taken over by RPM KIDs First
Foundation, an off shoot of
Brantford’s own RPM Magazine.
With the show just weeks away, and
months of rumors surrounding the
show, we wanted to get the final
word on what was new for this year.
“Jim Hardie and Dwight Rose have
built such a great base to work from”
explained Biro, “We didn’t want to
change anything, but rather add
several children and family activities
to the show”. From the list we were
given, they certainly seemed to
accomplished that.
First up is one of the coolest
challenges we have heard of, it is the
first ever “Creative Minds Print My
Ride Challenge” being held in
conjunction with the Brantford Public
Library. Open to 10-16 year olds, it
involves downloading a free program
called TinkerCAD, designing their
own car/truck/motorcycle and then
taking the design to the library by
July 10th. Where library staffwill
print the project off on their 3D
printer for free. On July 18th, the
public will be asked to vote on their
favourite vehicles, and prizes and
medals will be awarded to all
entrants. Complete instructions can
be found on the “Creative minds
Print My Ride” Facebook page. The
library will also be hosting other
activities for younger children.
Starting at 11 :45am there will be a
free Mad Science Show happening in
the Sanderson Centre. Rumor has it
that the Mad Scientist’s last
experiment might go a little wrong,
and they may conjure up Brantford’s
favourite pirate, Captain Jack
Sparrow. Captain Jack will be joined
by several Disney characters, and
adult models walking throughout the
show.
Latter in the afternoon the Sanderson
will be screening the Disney movie
“Cars”. All long with several real life
race cars displayed in Harmony
Square, everyone’s favourite
character Tow Mater will be found on
our city streets. There will be a
charge of a Loonie per person for the
movie screening, with 100% of the
proceeds going to charity.
The City will also be celebrating
Nelson Mandela Day on July 18th.
With speeches, information sessions,
and a BBQ located in the Laurier
Courtyard offGeorge St. Mandela
Day is more than just a celebration of
Nelson Mandela’s life and works, it is
a day were people are encouraged to
spend 67 minutes taking or joining an
action that will help make the world a
better place, even in a small way.
There will be many children’s games,
a demolition derby car for them to
paint, a display of several monster
machines for them to safely get close
to, and a live performance by
BarCode and other featured
performers in Harmony Square.
Many local restaurants are creating
one day super specials for spectators,
and there will be an event program
available free of charge the day of the
show outlining all the shows,
displays, and special areas of interest.
Many vendors will be mingled
throughout the streets as well.
The Telephone City Car Show was
the area’s largest car show for the last
ten years, featuring a huge variety of
vehicles from antique farm tractors to
modern super cars, old school gasser
race cars to top fuel dragsters. Now
as the Brantford Powerfest Car Show
and Street Festival and with the
additional family activities, we
expect to this event grow to one of
the area’s largest one day community
events. All proceeds from the 100%
volunteer run show will be used to
support Help a Child Smile,
Canadian Diabetes Association’s
Camp Huronda, and Salvation Army
Thrift’s Store’s Send a Kid to Camp
Program. Several other local charities
will also be present during the show.Sarah Wilson with 'Elsa' and 'Anna'
The Brantford Powerfest Car Show and Street Festival will be held July 18th.
Pam Stoutenburg poses with CaptainJack Sparrow
Fun for the whole family comes to Downtown Brantford July 18th.
4 July 2015
Walk A Mile In My Cape Dave CarrolDave Carrol@davecarrolCaptain Kindness invites you to be a superhero on July 25th. bigearcreations.blogspot.ca
July 25th I’m inviting you to “Walk a
Mile in my Cape.” As Captain
Kindness, walking around in a cape
has become a bit of a habit. I’ve come
to learn that wearing a kindness-cape
around town is an fascinating
adventure. I can hardly wait for you to
experience it.
Let me tell you about one of the most
moving encounters I’ve had while
“superheroing.” Starting in July, the
City ofBrantford will once again
show movies on a big screen every
Thursday Night at dusk in Harmony
Square. It’s one of the longest
standing square events and since the
beginning, Freedom House (with
Captain Kindness leading the way),
has run the Family Fun Pre-Show
entertainment. Once the movie starts,
I make my way past a number of bars
to “Decaptify.” I’ve become
somewhat accustomed to the light-
hearted barbs and cat-calls from those
on the patios enjoying an evening
libation.
But one night last summer, a
somewhat disheveled gentleman
started yelling, “Captain Kindness….
Captain Kindness…. Captain
Kindness” and came running towards
me. I was prepared to hear … nearly
anything. He continued by telling me
this story, “I wanted to let you know
that this morning I met a homeless
man downtown and I thought to
myself, ‘what would Captain Kindness
do?’ So I took him out for breakfast
and talked with him for an hour. I
wanted to say thank you for letting me
have this experience.” I was floored.
What a transformational moment to
hear concepts you’ve been espousing
and even attempting to personify in an
admittedly outlandish fashion, come
out of the mouth, life and actions of a
truly unlikely local hero.
I want to remind you that small acts of
kindness can turn lives, families and
cities upside down. July 25th, we’re
going to start at Freedom House in the
Market Square, don capes together,
and dispatch teams 1 mile in every
direction. We’re going to clean
streets. We’re going serve businesses.
We’re going to create kindness-
explosion-experiences for you to take
part in. We hope this gives you a taste
of the true superpower that active
kindness is. I started off as a skeptic
truthfully, but I’ve seen day after day
the holistically transformative
community treasures that are unlocked
by simply being actively kind. And
sometimes wearing a cape.
This specific event is also a fundraiser
for Freedom House. 1 2 years ago, my
wife and I were a part of starting, what
we call a Ministry Centre… where
church happens too. We were a part of
a team with dreams of finding new
ways to engage and unite the
community while playing a role in the
renewal of the city we love. Last
week someone asked me how many
people our community outreach
impacts annually. I didn’t know the
answer so I did some math. I could
barely believe it, but the number was
an average of 35,500 purposeful
interactions annually. That is 36% of
the city on average in a calendar year.
Freedom House is growing this
summer to make more space for more
people, but if you look at the number
of folks that attend services
throughout the year… we serve 70x
the number of people OUTSIDE of
the church as we do INSIDE the
church.
Not every interaction is poignant. Not
every outing makes a great story.
Most times you serve others… it isn’t
glamorous at all. But a united city of
us, moving humbly in the same
direction for the benefit of others truly
can earmark Brantford for extended
excellence. And July 25th, together I
think we can get a taste of this.
Register to “Walk a mile in my Cape”
at www.freedomhouse.ca.
5July 2015
A 14 Year Journey toCanadian Citizenship Yvonne Van De Wiele-Cooper
@YWiele roundtablepr.comVenezuelan Born Man Embraces Brantford as Home
What is the tower in the center of the
Parliament buildings called?
That’s one of 20 such prospective
questions candidates might be asked on a
Canadian citizenship test. 1 5 of the
questions must be answered correctly.
Candidates must also demonstrate a level
of language proficiency. Becoming a
Canadian citizen is tougher than it used to
be. Some say it’s a process many who
have grown up here would have a tough
time with. Venezuelan born Rodolfo
Flores got all 20 test questions correct
without any problem. He had 14 years to
study but insists the long difficult path he
had to travel to get to Brantford, Ontario,
Canada was worth it.
Flores was born and raised in the huge
metropolis ofCaracas, Venezuela. Many
of his peers had touted Miami as their
mecca. Flores had visited the Florida city
several times but says he knew, “that was
not my real place.” However, with the
late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
in the process of turning the South
American country into a communist
dictatorship, conditions were worsening
and he held on to dreams of setting up life
somewhere else. Flores describes the
scene there today as desperate,
economically disastrous and dangerous
with wide spread police corruption and
residents unsafe in their own homes. The
43 -year old, who had earned a Bachelor
in Administration and a Master’s degree
back home, was working in his mother’s
photography business when he lived in
Caracas. He says today, the paper to print
the photos on is in short supply, as is
sugar, milk, eggs and other everyday
items most Canadians take for granted.
One day, an invitation came from a friend
in Brantford who offered to help if Flores
could make his way to the Telephone city.
He managed to get to the U.S. with
intentions of crossing the border from
New York into Canada, but he got lost for
an incredible eight days. No one he met
spoke Spanish and he was forced to sleep
in the bus station during the ordeal.
Eventually he was able to find his way
to the border and cross over on foot.
When the female Canadian border official
asked him the purpose of his visit, he
blurted out “refugee.” She responded with
“Welcome to Canada. Welcome home,”
he said. A French speaking Chinese
Canadian official then took all of his
papers, a Spanish interpreter was called
and the long process of becoming a
Canadian began.
Flores was allowed to board a Brantford
bound train and headed to his friend’s
home where he slept on the floor for two
weeks. He found help in the city and
admits he’s not ashamed to say he was on
social assistance for a time. He signed up
for English as a second language and it
was suggested he volunteer to help
himself find a job. He landed a volunteer
position at The Home ofLearning
Development in Brantford, working with
mentally challenged adults. “Oh my gosh.
it was the best ever! ” he said. That
volunteer position turned into a part-time
job after about four years where Flores
handled meals, medication and helped
residents with grooming and other needs.
The part- time position has since turned
into full-time work and Rodolfo Flores is
now a Brantford homeowner. He was also
able to buy a new car.
One of the darkest periods in the 14 year
saga of becoming a Canadian citizen
came in 2009 was when Flores was
ordered back to Venezuela to wait for his
official permanent residency papers. That
lasted more than a year and he says he
became paranoid and suicidal during that
time. However, permanent residency was
finally granted in 2010.
Flores credits YMCA Immigration
Settlement Services in Brantford, in
particular settlement specialist Mike
Simon as a major source of help in
navigating the process. The organizations
three settlement specialists help refugees
with language barriers, filling out forms
for things like social insurance cards and
they provide homework labs. General
Manager Asrim Aliu oversees the
operation, which covers Hamilton,
Burlington and Brantford. Government
downsizing means the organization’s
multi-cultural festivals are a thing of the
past, but Community Connections
Coordinator Azra Chaudhry says they
continue to provide help for nearly 200
newcomers a year.
Flores’ sister is also now living and
working in Brantford in hopes of attaining
citizenship like her brother. Flores is
confident Canada won’t let her down.
“The truth from the bottom ofmy heart, I
trust Canada and I know Canada won’t let
a single mom with two kids down,” he
said. Both children age 19 and 14, speak
French, English, Spanish and Italian and
the 19 -year-old is studying to become a
doctor. “I know my sister won’t be any
problem to Canada,” he said.
On May 14th of this year, 1 4 years after
coming to what he refers to as “the most
beautiful country in the world,” Rodolfo
Flores took the oath of citizenship in
Stoney Creek, with Brantford’s Donna
Summerhayes officiating as Citizenship
Judge. Flores related strongly to her
inspirational words, which he
paraphrased. “My heart is as red as the
maple leaf. My blood is maple sugar and
my soul is white like a diamond in the
Antarctic.” As an added bonus, his
passport arrived June 11 th and to
celebrate he did something he thought
he’d never do. He had a maple leaf
tattooed on his ankle. “Canada gave me
peace,” says the grateful Flores.
Meantime, in case you’re still wondering
what the answer is to that citizenship test
question at the beginning of this article,
it’s The Peace Tower.
Left to right: Rodolfo Flores, YMCA
Immigration Settlement Services
Community Connections Coordinator
Azra Chaudry, and the organization's
General Manager of Settlement Services
Arsim Aliu.
Rodolfo and Citizenship JudgeDonna Summerhayes
Rudolfo's tattoo, celebrating Canada
and Venezuela.
You can see more pictures for
this story online at BScene.ca
6 July 2015
Getting Involved Stef-Han Singh
It is required by every high school
student in Ontario that they obtain 40
hours of community service hours in
order to graduate. Now that’s an
average of 10 hours per year for four
years at high school. To any high
school student that sounds easy, but it
is really one of the hardest tasks to
complete in order to graduate.
Volunteering at a community event
such as the Canada Day festival at
Lion’s Park, or an event that only
happens every few years like the Pan
Am Torch run that happened on June
19th, or even volunteering through a
school event are all events that any
high school student can volunteer at,
but choose to make it difficult for
themselves to find something they
would enjoying volunteering for,
because they are trying to find the
“easy” 40 hours of community service.
To most students those 40 hours are
just an extra task on top of the
compulsory credits and electives that
also must be taken throughout the four
years of high school. 40 hours of
community service shouldn’t just be
40 hours of community service, it
should feel like a difference is being
made in the community, and that the
organization is benefiting from the
help they are getting from the young
and keen high school student. That is
why staying involved in your
community is so important, to make
the positive changes in your
community to make it better.
When a director or volunteer
coordinator in an organization sees that
a high school student is interested in
volunteering for their organization they
become ecstatic, and the director really
can’t wait for the student to get started
with their organization. When in
reality, most high school students are
just signing up for the “easiest”
volunteer opportunity they can find so
they can get their 40 hours of
community service hours out of the
way. This is starting to become more
frequent trend among high students
because working at a part-time job,
and trying to save money for a post-
secondary is already hard enough
along with school, and then when 40
hours of community service gets
thrown into the mix, it becomes very
hard for a student to try and balance.
That’s why trying to find an “easy”
organization to volunteer for is so
common now, because of the amount
of effort that they want to put in to the
volunteering. The director or volunteer
coordinator of an organization may
really enjoy the high school student’s
work and might ask them to volunteer
again, but once that high school
student obtains their 40 hours, they are
done with volunteering.
If all high school students think of 40
hours of community service as just that
then nothing will be changed in the
community. But if they were to think
of 40 hours of community service as
community service, and making a
difference in the community, then there
would be more volunteers in our
community. I was able to speak with
Marc Laferriere, the New Democratic
candidate for Brant in this year’s
federal election, about his thoughts on
community involvement and why it’s
so important. “It (volunteering) is the
best way to make sure things get better,
not worse” Laferriere said with
enthusiasm, and he is right. Once
students from the elementary grades,
and high school students start to take a
real interest in changing our
community in anyway, then the
community will improve. Laferierre
also mentioned that his grandmother,
Isabel, instilled a family value of
volunteerism, “that volunteers make
things happen in this community. “
Volunteers do make things happen in
this community, volunteers are reasons
why some organizations are still up
and running today such as Rogers
Television where co-op students and
volunteers come in every day and help
produce all of the television shows
produced there. Volunteers can change
this community by just getting
involved and showing interest in being
a part of the changes in Brant-Brant
County, they just need to look past the
“40 hours of community service” part.
Volunteering isn’t supposed to be all
business, or all formal, volunteers are
allowed to have fun! Volunteers tend to
volunteer for organizations and causes
that they are interested in and want to
help make a change in our community
with. Those volunteers can make their
volunteer experience enjoyable not
only for the folks from the
organization, but also for themselves.
If there is a common goal to help
better our community, between the
volunteers and volunteer coordinators,
then don’t make it a chore to be there,
make it fun. 40 hours of community
service shouldn’t feel like a chore, it
should feel like an experience that
anyone would be proud to say that they
were a part of. Don’t make it work,
make it hanging out with a group of
people who have a common interest,
and wants to make the same strides in
the community.
High school students are the future of
Brant-Brant County, they are the
generation of people who can really
make a difference in this community,
and it all starts with volunteering in the
community because they want to, not
because they have to. Making a
difference should be an experience to
enjoy being a part of, not feel like a
routine. Nothing in this community
can be changed if high school students
don’t take an interest in trying to be a
part of that change, outside of those 40
hours of community service. Marc
Laferierre has been helping this
community since he was a high school
student, and look at the changes he has
been a part of. Be that change. Get
involved!
@StefHanSingh Stef-Han Singh
Jason and I were delighted to sharea meal with Sacred Fire founderHeidi and executive director Jennyto learn all about their new serviceKiss and Tell . Al low me now to kissand tel l you all about it.
Over a candlel it dinner at thefabulous Olde School House, Heidiand Jenny explained that thisconcept was put into the universeover a brainstorming session. Theythought about how to inspire ablend of old and new fashion thatwould give men and women theabil ity to feel elegant and l ive in themoment. This new service wil l al lowyou to rent your wardrobe, get yourhair, nai ls, and makeup done, and
find a new you within yourself- withthe help of others. The shop offersdonated clothing, handmade bodycreams, soaps, and perfumes. Theconcept of Kiss and Tell is to getdressed up with your rented itemsand have a night out on the town; toenjoy and experience love and lifeand infuse the items with yourpositive spirit. After your experiencehas ended, you're encouraged totel l your personalized story of yournight out. Each item in the shop wil lhave a journal transcribing its prioractivities and wil l al low the wearerto add their own.
The shop is located at 25 Wil l iamStreet in beautiful downtown Paris,
and is available for its Kiss and Tellservice by appointment only. Youcan help make this idea soar bydonating items from your wardrobethat are no longer needed to helpmake another's day. Take
advantage of and receive moreinformation about Kiss and Tell bycontacting [email protected] orSacred Fire at 51 9 900 4050.
Sacred Fire Presents:Kiss and Tell Joshua Wall
sacred-fire.ca
7July 2015
BAdvised - Great advice from your neighbourhood expertsBody and Mind
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “salt of the earth”? I t usually refers to aperson of fundamental goodness. Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt is the true “salt of the earth”& is jam-packed with goodness!
Why this salt is superior: I t is unprocessed salt in its natural form, & is mined from deepunder the Himalayan mountains, so has never been exposed to oil spi l ls, radiation &pollution l ike sea salt can be. Unlike processed table salt, which has been stripped of itsminerals, Himalayan Salt is 86% sodium chloride, but also has over 84 trace minerals! Thehuman body requires many salts, about 0.4% by weight. Salt is necessary to retainhydration & electrolyte balance. I t is vital for ful l-term babies, regulates blood sugar, apowerful natural antihistamine & even a sleep aid! While TABLE salt, without the minerals,may raise blood pressure, Himalayan salt balances blood pressure. I t detoxifies the body,balances pH, reduces muscle cramps, aids weight loss by balancing hormones &improving energy, & supports thyroid & adrenal glands. I t keeps bones strong, treatsexcess saliva (a sign of deficiency), aids healthy l ibido, prevents arthritis & gout, preventsvaricose & spider veins. Wow! And it is very affordable! To use, add to food & make a solewith 1 ” of salt in a glass mason jar of pure water & leave overnight. Enjoy 1 tsp in a glassof water each morning.
Himalayan Salt Lamps & salt rooms provide many benefits too, including clearing lungs &sinuses, reducing stress, improving mood & mild depression, focus & concentration,calming colicky babies. They put negative ions into the air, which attract to & neutral izepositively charged ions. Indoors, positive ions are produced by central air, fluorescentl ights, electrical & electronic equipment, blow dryers. In nature, dust, mould, high winds,humidity & air pol lution al l are positively charged, making us feel tired, tense, cranky withlow energy. Negative ions are abundant in nature, in forests, near waterfal ls, & especial lyat the ocean. Think about how energizing & refreshing the air is after a thunderstorm. Howgreat you feel at the beach! This is what Himalayan Lamps can do in your home. Amplifiedimmensely in a salt room! Bring in this article & get 1 0% off salt lamps & salt, or 2 peoplefor the price of 1 for 45 minute salt room treatment! Watch for the Grand Opening of TipTop Health Shoppe & Crystal Salt Spa in West Brant Plaza in early July!
Taryn CrieghtonTip Top Health Shoppe304 Colborne Street519.759.3304www.tiptophealthshoppe.com
Home
BUYING LOCAL: What does that reallymean?
We hear the phrase “buy local” often, yet do we ever really think about what it means?
Buying local is so much more than shopping at a local business, it is about keepingjobs in our communities, providing for our youth (the next generation), supporting theelderly (the generation that provided for us), and l iving a healthier l ifestyle whilebuilding a strong, vibrant, community.
First, let’s look at the definition of buying local. I t is buying products and/or servicesfrom a business in your area that is owned by a member of the community who hasdecision making control over the business and business operations. Thesebusinesses are owned and/or managed by people who live and work in ourcommunity, raising their famil ies and investing in Brantford and Brant County’s future.They support our churches, schools, organizations, and increase our quality of l ife;thus improving the health of our community overal l .
Quite often, we equate buying local with paying higher prices. In some instances thatmay be the case but not always. I f we change our attitude to think about the biggerpicture and the impact that we all have as consumers, shopping local can increasevariety, create more competition and over time stimulate a more diverse marketplace.
We, at The Colour Shoppe, are an independent store that is local ly owned andoperated and have been so for 40 years. We strive to provide expert advice, productsof superior quality, and unrivaled services that larger, box stores or franchise storescannot provide. Our prices are competitive if not better. We work hard to support oureconomy by carrying many products from Canadian companies. Come in and talk tous to see the difference shopping locally can make. Running to a store that has“everything under one roof” can often hurt you more than it can help you. Shopping atlocal ly-owned businesses in your community helps to circulate and keep more dollarslocally. Let’s work at supporting and strengthening our own communityOBrantford andBrant County.
Chris SchmidtThe Colour Shoppe Inc.41 Morton Avenue East519.753.3406www.colourshoppeinc.com
Real EstateHarry BazoianRE/MAX Twin CityDirect: 519.758.6801Office: 519.756.8111www.BrantfordBroker.com
Save Up A Bigger Down Payment?
I know we all love math! NOTOO. But here is some Real Estate Math worth taking note of and Ithink you’l l find this math could save you a ton of money, or I should say, GAIN you a ton ofmoney.
So here’s what I mean. I have had people tel l me from time to time that they are not ready topurchase yet because they would really l ike to wait a year to save up a few more bucks for alarger down payment so their mortgage payment won’t be as high. A valid concern, but this is whythis is so self defeating if you understand the Real Estate Math on this. So, lets take a look at this.Lets say you’re looking at a home for $200,000
Payment on a $200,000 home @ 3% Interest is $946.49 (5 year fixed, 25 year amortization)At a nominal 4% increase in home prices, that same home a year later is now worth $208,000, solets say you saved up another $5,000, ($208,000 subtract the $5,000 you saved up so thepurchase price is now $203,000) Now the payment on that same home with the extra $5,000 putdown on it, at the same 3% Interest is now $960.69 The payment actual ly increases $1 4.20BUT, it gets better, understand that the $8,000 that the house went up in that year is $8,000 in lostequity that you’d have realized so essential ly, you LOST $8,000Now, it todays market it’s very reasonable to say you’re paying at least $1 ,000 a month for rent sothere is another $1 2,000 in rent that you lost and you’l l never get back.Then, factor in the amount that you would have paid down the mortgage on the house in that firstyear. That amount is $5,454 based on the same $200,000 purchase price @ 3% interestSo, between the Lost Equity = $8,000 + Rent paid you never get back $1 2,000 and the $5,454 thatyou would have paid down on your home had you bought it a year ago, that al l = $25,454! ! GONE!Now if al l that’s not bad enough, it wil l take you 1 year longer to pay off your home because youstarted a year later! And again, al l that just to actual ly pay $1 4.20 MORE a month when your goalwas to save a bigger down payment to bring your payments down. Sti l l want to wait and save upfor a bigger down payment?
For more insightful Blog posts, please visit www.BrantfordBroker.com
TechnologyBo HluchaniukEverything Automotive35 Henry Street, Unit 6519‐751‐3500www.everythingautomotive.ca
Today’s vehicles are becoming more technological ly advanced: hands free call ing,hands free music, proximity sensors, reverse cameras, and Wi-Fi. With al l of theseadvances, however, people tend to forget that there are sti l l fundamental systemswith their vehicles that need to be looked after.
Something as simple as checking your oil level can give you the assurance thatyour engine is running in tip top shape. A hint that it’ l l need maintenance is the oilbeing extremely dark and hard to see through or the oil is below the recommendedlevel on your dip stick. I f your vehicle isn’t equipped with sensors to let you knowwhen your oil change is due, keep in mind oil change intervals vary betweenmanufacturer and vehicle age. Check your manual to find out your manufacturerrecommended oil type and oil change interval.
You should also regularly check your tires – tread depth, rubber condition, andwear. I f you notice that your tires are low, check for foreign objects stuck in the tire.I f you notice that your tread is wearing more on one side than another, chances areyour vehicle needs an alignment and wil l need to be serviced. Tires also have awear bar within the tread that wil l help warn you when the tire is worn out andneeds replacing.
Whether your vehicle is 2 years or 50 years old, there are sti l l basic componentsthat require regular maintenance and servicing. By keeping your vehicle’s serviceschedule up to date, you’l l ensure that you and your vehicle wil l have a long,healthy relationship together.
Don’t forget to check out our charity car show: Saturday July 4th from 11 am to 3pm on Henry Street between West Street and Harris Ave. All proceeds going to theBoys & Girls Club of Brantford.
8 July 2015
Stay Updated! Visit BScene.ca for additions and changesFollow @BScenePaper on twitter and BScenePaper on facebook
Send your event listing to [email protected] for Next Edition: July 25
9July 2015
Stay Updated! Visit BScene.ca for additions and changesFollow @BScenePaper on twitter and BScenePaper on facebook
Send your event listing to [email protected] for Next Edition: July 25
10 July 2015
"On the grow" w/Brantfro Joshua Wall@Brant_Fro BScene.caBrant Fro is Visiting Great Brant Businesses
Mike from the Station Coffee House & Gallerytreated me to a coffee and told me about theenvironment they have created to encourage adifferent type of small business.
B: There’s a history here at the Station House.What’s the story and how did you come to openup here?
Mike: The history behind the building is fascinating. I twas built in 1 905 and this September the building wil lbe celebrating its 11 0th anniversary. The building wasoriginal ly used for baggage storage and was calledthe express office. I t remained so unti l the 1 960’swhen the Toronto Star began to use it as a dropoff/pick up point for its newspaper. I t then was takenover by CN Rail as their office and this continued upunti l about ten years ago. When the space was put upfor lease, I approached the realtor and within forty-eight hours I had worked out a deal to renovate andchange this into an art gal lery/coffee shop. That wasin 2008 and we opened for business in 2009.
B: You’ve created a mecca of arts and culturehere at the Station House, what's the inspirationfor it?
Mike: I have always had an interest in visual arts andI hosted my first art show at the Brantford PublicLibrary in the late 70’s. I ’ve always enjoyed promotingthe arts and expanding on that I studied art at theOntario College of Art and graduated in 1 988. In thelast thirty years I ’ve hosted many shows all overSouthern Ontario and once owned another art gal leryon George St. here in Brantford. Art has always beena part of my life and since we opened here in 2009we’ve held over eighty different art exhibits. In thesame vein as the art, right away when we opened westarted hosting local bands and musicians andregularly host weekly l ive music events and shows.As of two years ago we started having a comedyshow every Thursday night and they just recently hada large show celebrating their two year anniversary.
B: Take us through an average week at theStation.
Mike: In an average week you’l l have a not for profitgroup meeting, a local artist hosting a meet and greetshowcasing their art. There is of course the comedyshow which always brings in a different crowd ofpeople to enjoy the show. A live band wil l perform in astanding room only setting bringing in people from allover the region and to top it al l off we get our regulardaily visitors for lunch and coffee from the ten of sopassenger trains that run through the station.
B: In what ways do you impact the community?
Mike: The biggest impact I think we have in thecommunity is exposing artists and their art to al l agesof visitors not only from the community but fromvisitors abroad via the train station. We provide aperfectly located venue for artists to hold shows andwe enjoy promoting them to arrange for as manypeople as possible to visit.
B: Tell us something we didn't know about theStation Coffee House & Gallery.
Mike: We offer, as we’ve been told “some of the bestcoffee in town”, we also have a liquor l icence andserve beers, wines, and spirits. Artists, musicians,and comedians from all over the world visit us toshow off their art and if you ever visit and get achance to look over our guest book you’d be amazedto see how many people from how many differentplaces have visited our gallery. Oh and how could Iforget, free parking?
John from Webfire 360 Photography sharedwith me how he connects businesses in newand interesting ways.
B: What exactly do you do?
John: I reach out to local businesses and explain theimportance of creating an online virtual tour of theirlocation. I t helps to boost a business's profi le on
Google searches. Everyone knows Google is a greatplace to start building your business profi le andanything that can be done to help build that profi le isgoing to help your business reach more people. Thesecond part of my business, Webfire Designs, workswith local businesses to design from the ground upwebsites that are both modern and interconnectedwith social media platforms and optimized for Googlesearches. I can also work with existing infrastructureto modernize a client's website and assist withproviding hosting, email and/or any web promotionthey wish to do.
B: When did you start the business and how didyou get into it?
John: I started business in October of 201 4. I hadseen some virtual tours online in the past and thoughtthat it would be a great way to promote some of myexisting customers. The integration occurred natural lyas it fit perfectly with my web design business that Iopened in 2009. As a photographer myself, I alreadyhad the equipment and experience, so I was excitedto start offering this great new service.
B: You offer some very exciting services designedto boost a business public profile. When doingthe business view photography what's theprocess?
John: To start, I contact the owner or management ofthe business and express that this is an opportunity toenhance their exposure not only within theircommunity but on a global scale. When someonesearches for a business the information that appearsin the Google search result is in part pul led from thebusiness’s Google Business page. The more you canbuild that up, the richer your online presence is. Avirtual tour is something that is interactive andimmersive and allows people from the comfort of their
home, work, or mobile device to view and visit yourbusiness. When we enter the location we take aseries of photographs using Google Street Viewtechnology. Then we create a series of l inked 360degree, panoramic images that al low the viewer towalk from one image to the next and tour through theentire business online. The images and tour are thenpublished to their Google Business page and wil lshow up in Google searches, Google Maps and caneven be embedded on the business’s website. Asidefrom a one-time cost for the photography, Googleoffers hosting of this content at no cost to thebusiness.
B: How does what you do affect the community?
John: Anything we can do to promote local businessis good for the community as a whole. I focus stronglyon that when I ’m out in the field. For an example;when people search for a restaurant they arepresented with images, reviews, contact information,etcetera and in conjunction with our service they canbe presented with an immersive, interactive, 360degree, virtual tour. They are able to discover if therestaurant meets their needs, and see the inside ofthe business to get a sense of the atmosphere andthe décor. I t is a very exciting way to explore yourcommunity. I take great pride and pleasure workingwith local business, promoting them, and bringingtheir business to the attention of more people throughour virtual tours. Every business should have thisservice.
B: How did the name Webfire 360 come to be?
John: My web design business is Webfire Designsand the virtual tours we offer are 360 degree,immersive, panoramic images. I t just seemed naturalto go from Webfire Designs to Webfire 360Photography. Catchy isn’t it?
11July 2015
"On the grow" w/Brantfro Joshua Wall@Brant_Fro BScene.caBrant Fro is Visiting Great Brant Businesses
Matt from Fat Panda Studios met me betweenshoots to discuss all about how his video workhelps to promote businesses, community eventsand organizations.
B: When did you start your business and what wasthe catalyst?
Matt: I started the business in Apri l of 201 2. I wrote mylast exam at McMaster University, headed back toBrantford and went right to the B.R.C. and set up mybusiness l icense that day. I had been doing freelancework while I attended university and it was something Iwanted to have a formal go at, to make a living. Jobs inmy industry are few and far between so I figured I would
pay my dues on myown. I went to work andcut my teeth.
B: What do you doand where can we findyour work?
Matt: Fat Panda Studiosis a video productioncompany and we arebased here in Brantford.We produce all sorts ofvideo content for ourcl ients in southernOntario and Muskoka.We create anythingfrom promotionalvideos, commercials,training videos, andalmost anything you canthink of that involves acamera rol l ing. Onething we love to do iswork with not for profit
organizations. I have a great ongoing relationship withthe Brant Community Healthcare System foundation. Iwork with them producing videos that aid in raisingfunds for critical patient equipment. A lot of my work isonl ine and is available at www.fatpandastudios.ca or onFacebook at (facebook.com/fatpandastudiosonline). I ’mvery active on social media and work with great partnersto promote content I produce.
B: What are some of your upcoming projects?
Matt: Something we are working on right now is theonline messaging for St Leonard's community services.They have a brand new website and we are developingvideo content to help promote them in the community.
We want to promote what St Leonard’s is al l about,services such as mental health and addictionscounseling, justice services and employmentassistance.
B: What is your most memorable project so far?
Matt: I have a couple. I t’s always fun to work with bigagencies and companies. One in particular is the work Ido with the Brant community Healthcare SystemFoundation. I ’m a big supporter and also a donor andshooting in the hospital is always interesting. I ’ve hadthe opportunity to showcase their great diagnosticimaging equipment, critical care facil ities, cancer cl inicand other areas of the Brantford General Hospital. Theyhave wonderful care givers there and we get to capturetheir passion on camera. Another project that stands outto me is a series of product videos for a local companythat manufactures equipment to paint the l ines onhighways and municipal roads. We closed off a sectionof Upper Paradise Road in Hamilton and had a 25 footcamera crane set up in the middle of the road and awhole crew of people working. I t was a very excitingexperience. I loved doing the shoot and the chaos ofworking in traffic.
B: Where does the name Fat Panda come from?
Matt: That’s a tough one. I t started as an inside jokebetween a couple of friends and when it came time tostart the company I ran with it. I get asked that questiona lot and well yeah, the name is unique and memorable.A friend of mine from school who's a talented artistcreated my logo. I wanted it to be a fat panda sittingdown eating some bamboo and he came back the nextday with a draft and I loved it. I t hasn't changed sincethat day. Some people look at it and say "Fat Pandawhat’s that?” other people instantly recognize the logo.They might not know from where but they remember it.That always puts a smile on my face.
Ivan and Theresa from Metro Interactive Agencyjoined me for lunch and told me all about how theyhelp to support and promote business and businessowners.
B: What does Metro Interactive Agency specialize inand when did you get started?
Ivan: We started in 2000 and the goal was to providesolutions to companies looking to acquire and retaincustomers. Every company is either looking to retainexisting customers or acquire new ones. We help do thatby using proven marketing strategies and compell ingdesigns.
Theresa: We special ize in anything that is going to helpmarket small and medium sized businesses. We can helpget their website started and produce their other businessmaterials. Things such as business cards, flyers,letterheads and other promotional materials. Our priority is
helping them ease into the marketand letting people know they exist.
B: What are some tips you havefor small business ownerslooking to grow their business?
Theresa: A lot of business ownersspend all their money and timemaking sure they have a locationand services or products to sell butforget to put the money intomarketing it. They may be in alocation for a year or more and thenfind they are no longer getting thesame amount of business as whenthey started. My biggest tip would bethat marketing is one of your biggestassets. You need to use it as a toolto grow.
Ivan: Just to continue on whatTheresa said, there is a reason whyroughly two thirds of businesses fail
in the first five years. When you create a company andhave a great idea you figure if you build it they wil l come,but it doesn't always work that way. You need to protectyour investment in the company by investing in marketing.
B: You started a small business networking event herein Brantford, when did this get started and what makesit unique?
Ivan: We created the networking group Simply Networkingto fi l l a niche needed in the city. When people go to anetworking event they find that they are there with otherbusiness representatives. They hand out cards anddiscuss their services and it is a wonderful and greatopportunity. However, because most companies are notjust business to business but also business to consumerwe created Simply Networking to bring consumers into thisarena. We meet every few months in the spring andsummer and almost every month in the fal l . We decided on
the Piston Broke in beautiful downtown Brantford. I t is agreat central location in the city and we even have peoplewho come in from neighboring cities to attend.
B: In what ways does your business reach out andsupport the community and community events?
Theresa: We work with the community on multiple levels.One example would be a community garden project weworked on. We grew food and donated it to the food bankand local participating churches. Another way we giveback is through our customers. We wil l work with abusiness that is just starting or an existing business thatmay be suffering from financial struggles. Instead ofturning away the project we wil l give them incentives towork with us. We wil l lower the price or perhaps work on abudget, we offer payment plans or even in some cases dothe initial startup work for free. Each year, we provide freedesigns and internet marketing services to five localstartup businesses who are working with l imitedresources. We want to help them get their name out thereand to help them grow. As a marketing company we wantto encourage business success and not fai lure, we helpbusinesses and organizations when they need us and aimto maintain happy and loyal customers forever. Charitydoesn’t always have to be to charity. Sometimes its onebusiness helping another.
B: What’s the story behind the business name?
Ivan: We wanted to capture what we do. We know it’sabout communication and relationships. Good andsuccessful relationships are interactive. Our purpose is tocreate the best environment between our customers andthe market place. That way our customers cansuccessful ly communicate their message to the market,get feedback and tai lor their business to it. What we do inBrantford may be different from what we do in another city.Marketing is not just about bi l lboards and websites, it isabout being interactive with the market place and gettingnew and customized information to different groups ofpeople. Hence the name Metro Interactive Agency.Audrey.
12 July 2015
13July 2015
For over 30 years, Nova Vita has offered
help, hope, and healing to families in our
community who are victims of domestic
violence. We strongly believe that
everyone deserves a life free from
violence. Nova Vita offers a 33 bed
emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line,
and counselling for men, women, and
children. Due to the success ofMen in
Heels, Nova Vita receives much needed
funding for our programs and services.
On Saturday, June 20th, Nova Vita
Domestic Violence Prevention Services
hosted our 5th Annual Men in Heels –
Standing Tall Against Domestic Violence
event. We are very grateful for the ever
growing support from our community –
Brantford and the County ofBrant. This
year, 2015, we had over 100 walkers join
us, and we surpassed our goal of $40,
000 – raising over $43, 000 and counting!
Each year, we are very appreciative of
annual support of our walkers and
participants. This year, we are delighted
to report that more and more walkers are
participating in the event due to the
tireless recruitment by our veteran
walkers of new participants. In the spirit
of camaraderie, competition and a
heartfelt desire to make a difference in
the lives of the abused and homeless
women, our red shoe walkers upped the
ante and brought in the Sunrise Rotary
Club who raised over $8,000 and our
Top Team veterans, the Pirates, who
brought in over $12,000! These two
fabulous teams raised half our pledges
alone!
A number of participants brought their
enthusiasm for the event into their
workplaces and initiated challenges and
fund raising opportunities including dress
down days, golfing in heels, bottle drives,
wallpapering business walls with paper
shoe pledges, and photo opportunities.
Our top Individual fundraiser, Joshua
Wall, with the help of Patrick
McEachern, raised over $5,000 on his
own!
We would be remiss ifwe didn’t mention
and thank our local dignitaries – Mayor
Chris Friel, Dave Levac, MPP and Phil
McColeman, MP for their unfailing
support. For the past five years, our
community leaders have stood tall against
domestic violence and supported Nova
Vita… all three dignitaries stated that we
all have a responsibility to our sons to
teach them about respectful
relationships…that violence in any
relationship is wrong!
We are already looking forward to the 6th
annual Men in Heels/Standing Tall
Against Domestic Violence event in
2016.
Many thanks and props to the Brantford
Police Services officers in their red
dancing shoes and Brantford Fire
Department for participating in the event.
We would also like to thank all of our
participants, sponsors, spectators, and
volunteers who helped make this day a
wonderful success. A special thank you
to Esthetik Fetish for sponsoring this
article.
For more information about our services,
future events, or how to donate, please
visit our website: www.novavita.org.
Oyez! Oyez Oyez!Send our Town Crier away! Joshua Wall
@Brant_Fro BScene.ca
Men In Heels Passes Goal
This September, Brantford’s very own
Town Crier David McKee plans to attend
the Central Otago World Town Crier
Tournament in New Zealand. However, he
needs your help.The round trip will cost
nearly $4500 and so far, as of this time of
this article, he has raised nearly $3000 with
the generous support or local businesses
and community members.
The Central Otago World Town Crier
Tournament is being held in New Zealand,
September 24th through 30th. It is a
showcase of twenty-five of the worlds best
town criers. They are expected to prepare
and perform up to three 100 to 125 word
cries and are also expected to use humor,
enthusiasm and background knowledge of
the topics to receive audience participation
without physically going into the crowd.
The first cry is a hometown cry, a
promotion of the crier’s home town. The
second is a commercial cry, for which the
crier is presented with information about a
sponsor and is expected to deliver an
interesting advertisement that not only
informs, but entertains the crowd and
judges. The final cry is related to the
location of the event. The region they will
be performing in was once a gold mining
area and the chosen topic for the cry is
“gold”. Anyone who has seen our crier
perform is well aware of the enthusiastic
and exciting performance he is able to
deliver. It would be a great honour for the
citizens ofBrantford and Brant County to
send him to this event.
“Brantford has a lot to offer visitors that
come here. Over the last twenty-three years
as town crier, I have witnessed that my
participation in events abroad has had some
positive effects on tourism in Brantford”
— Town Crier David McKee
In the fall of 1990, the Chamber of
Commerce posted an advertisement looking
for a town crier for the Chamber’s 125th
anniversary year in 1991 . David applied on
a whim, using experience gained through
years of entertaining, public speaking and
community involvement as a salesman of
monitored security equipment throughout
Southern Ontario. In 1992, he was
appointed to the position ofTown Crier for
the City. Shortly after becoming town crier,
he began entering crier competitions. After
twenty-three years in this position, he has
been named top five in the world numerous
times for his cries. Our town crier, who is
regularly seen at charity events, grand
openings, Chamber events – almost any
event in the city you can imagine – will
deliver up to seventy-five cries throughout
the year. He honors an age old tradition of
town crying, from his regalia to his cries.
Brantford is delighted to have him represent
us.
If you would like to support David McKee
in his endeavor to travel abroad promoting
our fine community you can do so in
person, via email at
[email protected] or by
donating directly through any TD Canada
Trust branch. Deposit to Account # 03402-
6528504. The account name is under David
V. McKee. Any contribution of any amount
will make this an opportunity to boast about
Brantford on the other side of the pond!
God Save the Queen.
14 July 2015
Opening the Closet Door for a CauseTammyJeanene
Tammy Eechaute
My name is Tammy Eechaute owner of
The Closet Door. Since opening on
May 11 , 2014, The Closet Door has
gifted to date $6,400.00 to The Cancer
Care Clinic at The BGH, and had
gifted 24 Cancer Care patients with
items totalling $2,600.00, brings the
total donation of $10,000.00.
The Closet Door has helped with other
Donors to purchase new
treatment hospital grade
Lazy Boy Chairs,
thermometers, family
chairs, all new
renovated waiting room,
a renovated nurses
station where a
chalkboard inspired by
The Closet Door hangs
with inspirational
messages that can be
viewed by the patients
receiving treatments,
personal viewing TV's,
medical storage cabinet
and vital sign monitors.
The Closet Door began as a small
fundraiser in my basement to honour
my mom Diane Hunt, raising
$1 ,605.00, to the growing partnership
with the community allowing The
Closet Door to continue gifting to the
clinic and patients. I have recently
added volunteers Jody, Jolene, Austen,
Laura, Crystal and employees Cora and
Jessica to work along side me for the
cause.
The Closet Door runs on community
donations of in style Apparel and
Accessories for Teens, Mens and
Ladies. The Closet Door showcases a
Community Chalkboard where
"Everybody knows your name"!
Donators and Shoppers are given chalk
to sign the board, then is photographed
every month and is included with the
gift for the patient. The Closet Door
can also be found on Facebook
where you can find
advertisement of thrift sales,
pictures of inventory, monthly
donations gifted, and DRAW
SURPRIZES for the
community.
If you would like to gift from
your closet to ours Teen, Men
and Ladies as well as
accessories you can drop off to:
The Closet Door
111 Sherwood Drive
Tuesday 11 -6
Wednesday 11 -6
Thursday 11 -8
Friday 11 -6
Saturday 10-4
I am very thankful to the Brantford
Community, my family and friends, for
being the Bright Spots to patients and
being a huge support to its success.
Left to right : Jessica, Jody, Austen, Cora, Laura and Jolene.Absent Crystal
Impressions AlongMy Path Karen BernsteinSome years ago, I developed a
problem with my feet that
changed the avenues available
to me for my own working
career. Though I have had
problems with my feet since
birth, they got much worse after
years of running. So much so,
that I could no longer stand for
any prolonged period of time.
Some days are worse than
others, and I may have pain
after just a few minutes. As this
is not a visible disability, most
people would never know I
have it.
As a job developer for L. Tara
Hooper and Associates, I go out
into the community to meet
employers and learn about their
hiring needs. Then I check to
see if any of our clients' abilities
match with those needs. Doing
this kind ofwork is incredibly
gratifying. I am opening doors
to find new employers who
want to be inclusive, and
finding job opportunities for
people who want to work and
need the chance.
One of the barriers I face when
speaking with employers is the
misconception that people with
disabilities are all the same, and
therefore cannot do the work.
Where someone may assume
that I am completely physically
able, they may also assume that
someone who is visibly
disabled, is completely unable.
These misconceptions
undermine our desire to be a
close knit community, where
everyone can have the
opportunity to shine for the best
ofwhat they have to offer.
Every human being has their
own strengths and weaknesses.
In speaking with me, employers
may refer to people with
disabilities as "them", but in
fact, I am one of "them", and
completely capable.
Mostly, however, the employers
in Brantford have been
amazing! For a city that is fairly
small in size, we are blessed
with open-minded people who
genuinely care about others in
our community. I see the desire
to be inclusive and it makes me
feel so grateful to have chosen
this beautiful city to be my
home."Every individual is uniquely created...like a work of art."
15July 2015
LOL Luvern on Laughs Luvern MorninOur monthly focus on the Brantford Comedy Scene. backoftheroomphotography BackOfTheRoom.ca
Welcome back comedy fans. This month
we'll learn 'how to respond to comics'. I
ask random people why they don't go to
comedy shows, and the common answer
is “What if the comedian asks me a
question?” or “What if the comedian
picks on me!”
These are long time issues for audience
members however, times have changed in
the Brantford comedy scene. In my
opinion, the comedians work hard to
figure out their audience to find topics
you will laugh at. They want you to
enjoy their time on stage. Sometimes,
you'll be asked a normal question “How
are you tonight?” or “Are you married?”
The comedian is trying to figure out
which direction to take their performance.
They all have a list of jokes to tell, and we
all love a room full of laughter and
smiles. Next time your faced with
answering a direct question, relax and feel
free to respond. You'll find that comedian
will quickly go into their joke on stage,
and leave you alone. I'd love to guarantee
this result 1 00% forever, so I will. LOL.
To prove me wrong, you must show up to
a show!
Attending a free show is great for those of
us who, well. . .are broke lol It's wonderful
to have so many free shows available to
us in this Brantastic city. If you were to
pay for a comedy show, say $35.00, I'll
assume you would pay attention to every
word, turn your cellular phone off or onto
vibrate, and keep your voice low during
the performances. You might even glare
at people speaking loudly around you.
You know, that evil eye you give people
when their interrupting the show? These
same polite considerations are definitely
appreciated at a free show too. Please be
sure to refer to our events calendar for the
list of free shows in town.
The Brantford Comedy Festival has
announced the talent, and as a lover of
comedy, may I suggest you keep the date
Saturday September 26th available.
Nikki Payne is in town! ! Debra
Digiovanni is with her! ! Tickets range
from $25.00 to $45.00. These two
women are hilarious, top notch
performers and I'm thrilled they are
coming to Brantford! LOL! :)
Nikki Payne, coming to the Brantford Comedy Festival this SeptemberDebra Digiovanni
Brantford Red Sox Teal NightFriday, July 24th, at Cockshutt Park.
Let’s Play Ball! Make plans to join in the
fun at Cockshutt Park, on Friday, July
24th at 8pm. This is when the Brantford
Red Sox will be hosting the second
annual Teal Night in support of the 2015
Brantford Ovarian Cancer Walk ofHope.
With a 2-for-1 coupon, one member of
each family will receive free admission to
the game. Coupons are available by going
to the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of
Hope – Brantford page on Facebook.
Last year’s Brantford Red Sox Teal Night
was well attended, and the field was
awash with teal – the colour representing
hope for ovarian cancer patients. Again
this year, the Red Sox players will be
lacing up with teal to show their support
for the women and families affected by a
diagnosis ofOvarian Cancer. Join the
players, wear something teal and join a
winning team.
The Teal Night game is a fundraiser for
the 2015 Brantford Walk ofHope. Walk
committee members will be wearing teal
and selling bags of delicious kettle corn,
as well as providing information about the
Walk ofHope. This year’s walk will be
held on Sunday, September 1 3, 2015, at
Waterwork Park in Brantford.
In Canada today, approximately 17,000
women are living with ovarian cancer.
They are our mothers, partners, sisters,
daughters and dear friends. We are
walking for HER. All proceeds from the
Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk ofHope
support the only national charity that is
dedicated to overcoming this disease.
Every dollar donated to Ovarian Cancer
Canada is maximized to its fullest
potential. The organization has been
recognized for its integrity, and has been
accredited by Imagine Canada, based on
OCC’s demonstrated excellence in
governance, financial accountability and
transparency, and volunteer involvement.
So, get your coupon, put on your teal, and
come out to Teal Night on July 24th. Join
the Brantford Red Sox as they support
ovarian cancer awareness and the 2015
Brantford Ovarian Cancer Walk ofHope.
See you at the ball game!