Please see new Downtown Gal Blog - Click Here
SkinBeautiful Spring Shape Up!
A wonderful opportunity to win a gorgeous gift just for liking the SkinBeautiful Facebook Fanpage!
As a fan, you will be updated on upcoming events such as their premier Spring 2011 Open House. Full details of this all day event will be shared soon!
Gift Box includes:
1- SkinBeautiful Lipstick- $13.00
1- SkinBeautiful Mineral Foundation Powder Wand -$30.00
1- Eyebrow Wax - $10.00
1- Zeno Pimple Zapper- $50.00
1 - Set of Clatyton Shagal Collagen and Elastin Gels - $220.00
1- Sterling Silver Sugarlime Canadian Handmade Bracelet- $120.00
Total value - $443.00!
So make sure your name is on the list!
LIKE the SkinBeautiful page and be automatically entered! Current fans are already in!
Draw to be held May 6, 2011. (Just in time for Mother's Day!)
Visit us at the Health and Fitness Expo, Apri 30 - May 1, 2011 @ the Wally Dever Arena in Belleville!
Tell Me What I Need To Know....
Initially, one's first introduction to Tarot Reader Freda Crake, also known as Freya, is somewhat disconcerting.
When one hears of a '
tarot reader' images of fairground fortune tellers dressed in applicable gypsy style garb immediately comes to mind. This was my thinking as I set out to meet her.
Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by what I encountered. Freya reminds me more of a corporate banker rather than the aforementioned soothsayer I had come to expect.
Read more...
Book A Tarot Reading Consultation
Upcoming Tarot Reading Courses
When one hears of a '
tarot reader' images of fairground fortune tellers dressed in applicable gypsy style garb immediately comes to mind. This was my thinking as I set out to meet her.Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by what I encountered. Freya reminds me more of a corporate banker rather than the aforementioned soothsayer I had come to expect.
Read more...
Book A Tarot Reading Consultation
Upcoming Tarot Reading Courses
Thai Hot Stem Massage
I recently met Dana Pharant, trainer and RMT, while she was in the process of leading a workshop to a class of highly enthused therapists who will now have a new exotic treatment for their clientele named 'Thai Hot Stem Massage'.
As I stood watching the class go through the movements and process of the massage, it struck me that this new form of relaxation will be a huge hit.
Thai Hot Stem Massage is a wonderfully intoxicating and relaxing massage treatment. This unique therapy addresses the energy, lymphatic and muscular systems of the body. The Thai yoga stretches in the treatment increase flexibility in the body, while the moist heat from the Thai Stem gets into all of those tight muscles.
The herbs in the stems are organically grown and hand wrapped in unbleached cotton imported from Thailand. We will warn you, this is quite addictive and do allow some time relax after your treatment as you are likely to experience as state of bliss and possibly feel like butter left out on a sunny summer day.
The combination of herbs in the Thai Stems used in the treatment are recognized in Thailand by the Ministry of Health as being anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and detoxifying. There are 15 different herbs used to make this Thai Stem, one of which evokes a state of euphoria which we can all use more of. Be sure to review the list of herbs to make sure you are not allergic to anything, but do not be surprised if you do not recognize everything many of these herbs are indigenous to Thailand after all.
Thai Hot Stem Massage is still quite new in the world of massage treatments, but it will not be long before this becomes the treatment of choice at spas and clinics across the country.
This treatment is currently only available at 'The Salon' in Downtown Belleville.
Dana Pharant RMT, owner of Whole Body Healing – Supplies & Training is the only Certified instructor in Canada for this new modality. She trains massage therapists and aestheticians across Canada. More information on training can be found on the web site www.wholebodyhealing.com
Memorial Arena - What Are Your Ideas - Submit A Video Or Just Comment
Just viewed a great man-on-the-street video produced by Quinte Live.ca.
The video brought to light some wonderful ideas on the future use of the Memorial Arena.
A Subcommittee meeting was held on Thursday evening to flesh out an ongoing agenda and conversation around the Memorial. The process is slated to take months, so no real direction is expected to come out until late Fall.
In the interim, residents are encouraged to keep hope alive and share their ideas and opinions on what they believe would be the best use for this city landmark.
Submit comments and videos to the Downtown Gal discussing what you think should happen to this historic arena and why.
I will post all comments and videos!
Downtown’s newest secretPam Sylvan
The Intelligencer (Belleville)
12 Mar 2011
Aplace to grow. A place to relax. A place to build. A place to nurture and be nurtured. All these are apt descriptors of the newest find in Downtown Belleville. The Core, located at 223 Pinnacle St, is housed in what once was the old Belleville...read more...
It Was Never Like This...
It was a treat to go between three spots to enjoy some down time with friends before heading home.
The after work gathering began at Earl & Angelo's. The fun continued at Capers Chill Friday Lounge. A quick bite at Paulos.
It all felt and looked quite cosmopolitan.
Imagine what could happen if there were other such stops one could make before one called it a night! Things that make you go, "hmmmm!"
Soup Lines Everywhere!
It was quite the sight in Belleville's Downtown Core yesterday!
The streets of downtown buzzed with excitement as people bustled from one participating restaurant location to the next during the much anticipated Savour The Chill Soup Contest.
It was very encouraging to see so many on the streets on Saturday. What was especially encouraging were the appreciative comments I overheard while standing in lines.
Many had not visited some of these locations before, whether they be restaurants or other shops of interest. Either the existence of these stores were unknown or they hadn't made time to drop in yet.
As of last count, soup ballots for the contest sat at approximately 650, and that's from those who took the time to vote. This is very encouraging indeed!
The question from many out on Saturday is what else can be done to keep this momentum going. What other types of events can be created so participation, as witnessed this weekend can continue?
The After Party at Earl & Angelo's also brought many downtown during the evening to witness a beautiful display of fireworks while indulging in Beavertails, gourmet hot chocolate and hot dogs!
Saturday was a testament to what can be created downtown. As stated previously, it was a sight to behold all day long!
Congratulations to all that participated to make this happen; the BDIA, Bren's Bakery, Earl & Angelo's and all the participating restaurants who willing set up to receive the many that came in out of the cold!
Downtown Belleville....The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Enough of my cheerleader approach to downtown Belleville. Let's talk dirt.
Parking sucks.
Hours of operation sucks.
Prostitutes are down here.
The drug induced element is here.
Not enough points of interest exist.
Basically just hell down here if you listen to some people talk.
There, I think I've captured most of what people are fearful of or up in arms over when coming to the downtown issue.
So now what?
Here we sit. The gateway to some of the most beautiful area in the country. Over the Bay Bridge awaits entry to fabulous wine country, pristine beaches and unique vistas and shoppes.
All around us world class golf courses exists.
And here we sit.
From the conversations I have been privy to, people speak of downtown in embarrassed tones. Like its some dirty little secret that one should just forget about and/or ignore.
As a 'gateway' neighborhood, the core has an opportunity to be a show piece that indicates what the rest of the region has to offer. As visitors pass through, what do you suppose is their perception? What are prospective developers thinking when they drive down Front?
Is this what we want? Visitors judging and condemning Belleville as a wreck? Are we just ok to sit and let this be the commentary that goes out to the rest of the world?
Yes, issues concerning downtown do exist.
For those of you that have had the great privilege of travelling outside of this wonderful country, what has been your experience?
The first thing you may have noticed is that downtowns are everywhere. You may have also noticed that they too experience their own set of downtown issues and in some cases much greater than ours here.
I have personally visited some downtowns that make Belleville's look like Palm Beach or Beverly Hills.
In any downtown core there will always be certain people that are attracted to the urban element of life there. It's no different in Toronto, Kingston, Montreal, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Athens or the thousands of other cities around the world.
By Belleville standards I'm an outsider. I wasn't born here and I didn't grow up or go to school here. However, I do have a strong affiliation and liking for this city. I'm not blind or ignorant to its challenges but I can see a wonderful vision for this place. I know there are scores of people out there that feel the same.
So much complaining and condemnation goes on about the downtown issue. Much talking, meetings and feasibility reports have been conducted. Are we any further ahead? Is there an opportunity to move further ahead in the future? Can't say.
What I will say is that from an 'outsider's' viewpoint, this place is worth saving. It's worth saving because we are lucky compared to other societies in the world that don't have what we have here. Lucky to have the ability to do something even when those that could don't.
Let's keep the conversation and hope alive for Downtown Belleville! It's worth it. It's where we live.
Link to Saturday's Downtown Gal's Intell article - Downtown Belleville Secrets
Love Has Arrived Downtown!
Jane Stratton-Love has moved Miss Priss Boutique to 215 Front St. Downtown Belleville from its former location in Century Place! Jane (left) and Sales Manager, Julie Konieczka (right), are thrilled to have kept the popular accessory store in the downtown core and moved it to a more visible location on Front St.
Jane cited that she wanted to open her own place and because of her love of jewellery purchased and re-opened Miss Priss! Miss Priss devotees will be thrilled!
This store is a destination place. The accessory line has always been a major draw for this store, but now the new venue has turned the items into eye candy! The incredible lightening, warm atmosphere and funky appeal attribute to the popularity of this place. The store was experiencing brisk traffic at the time of this interview.
The venue allows customers to immediately view a wide variety of offerings at a glance. From Italian leather purses, wallets and briefcases, to intricately designed one-of-a-kind neck pieces, to bangles, to scarves and rings! The selection is gorgeous! The prices are surprisingly affordable.
A popular new item to Miss Priss is the 'Pyrrha' line of necklaces. These necklaces are seals that carry images such as 'Carp Diem' and other such symbolic messages. They have been made popular by such celebrities as Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and Halle Berry.
Jane and Julie, thank you for giving Belleville yet another reason to walk and rediscover Downtown!
Miss Priss is open Monday - Saturday: 9:30am - 5pm.
What Would These Doors Say?
You would be surprised at the discoveries one can encounter while casually strolling down the street.
As a self proclaimed treasure hunter, I'm always on the lookout for the unusual and sublime and came across them today!
On today's stroll doors were discovered. Yes...doors. Not just any ordinary set of doors, but doors that obviously had history and if they could talk would probably have a lot to say.
I will refer to them simply as Door #1 and Door #2.
I present Door #1
Door #1 on first glance would to most seem dreary, neglected and quite unseemly. I would even go as far as to say...messy. Most would pass it without ever noticing that it's there. If noticed, many would dismiss it as an eye sore, nuisance or wreck. However, if you dare to stand and gaze at this particular aperture you would be amazed at the hidden art now left peeling and dulled by the elements. Along the outer trim are painted images of characters amongst creeping ivy all the way to the top. Over the door itself hangs a miniature harp. Hidden from your view on the left side of the door are a row of beautiful, wooden mailboxes (4 I believe) in a deep blue colour. The door itself is a lovely birds egg blue with 9 small window panes. The entire entryway seemed like something you would find in a children's storybook, if you looked closely enough!
I next present Door #2
Door #2 has seen better days one would hope! But I have to tell you when I look at this particular entry, I see a once beautiful red gleaming door that I'm sure caught the attention of many. This door is attached to the cutest little shop that has long since been abandoned. Was it a candy store, toy shop, book shop or coffee shop? Vandals and the weather have since had their way with it, but again, the bones of it are still standing!
These doors stand neglected but are a powerful testament to an era gone by. If these doors could talk, what exactly would they say? Maybe they would say, in an almost inaudible and meek voice...'help'.
As a self proclaimed treasure hunter, I'm always on the lookout for the unusual and sublime and came across them today!
On today's stroll doors were discovered. Yes...doors. Not just any ordinary set of doors, but doors that obviously had history and if they could talk would probably have a lot to say.
I will refer to them simply as Door #1 and Door #2.
I present Door #1
Door #1 on first glance would to most seem dreary, neglected and quite unseemly. I would even go as far as to say...messy. Most would pass it without ever noticing that it's there. If noticed, many would dismiss it as an eye sore, nuisance or wreck. However, if you dare to stand and gaze at this particular aperture you would be amazed at the hidden art now left peeling and dulled by the elements. Along the outer trim are painted images of characters amongst creeping ivy all the way to the top. Over the door itself hangs a miniature harp. Hidden from your view on the left side of the door are a row of beautiful, wooden mailboxes (4 I believe) in a deep blue colour. The door itself is a lovely birds egg blue with 9 small window panes. The entire entryway seemed like something you would find in a children's storybook, if you looked closely enough!
I next present Door #2
Door #2 has seen better days one would hope! But I have to tell you when I look at this particular entry, I see a once beautiful red gleaming door that I'm sure caught the attention of many. This door is attached to the cutest little shop that has long since been abandoned. Was it a candy store, toy shop, book shop or coffee shop? Vandals and the weather have since had their way with it, but again, the bones of it are still standing!
These doors stand neglected but are a powerful testament to an era gone by. If these doors could talk, what exactly would they say? Maybe they would say, in an almost inaudible and meek voice...'help'.
A Place To Express Yourself
It's surprising what one finds in one's neighborhood just by strolling the boulevard!
Click here for the rest of the story!
Sexy & Engaging is Headed Downtown!
Wonderful news! A new upscale space is in the final phases of creation downtown! The Bellevegas Boardroom Lounge will be opening Feb. 11 for a Mix 97 Single Mingle evening. Click here to read the interview with Bellevegas owner, Mike Botterill.
It's always a great thing when yet another such space opens up to enjoy! Thanks Mike!
Can you take the heat...?
If you can take the heat...call Rolufs Travel (227 Front St.) and arrange to be in Cuba...because folks...the weather outside is frightful and it's not in Cuba! Ola!
Only Two Weeks Left!
This article sent in by Betty Burkitt:
"Belleville has a good of a chance as any to win the Kraft Hockeyvill contest! We have an arena that is the second oldest in the world, one of the last of its kind. This "historical gem" if we promote this properly can draw attention to our community in a positive way.
If you think about it, this can about much more than $100,000 .. it is about our ability to showcase our community to Canada with no cost to its taxpayers.
This means, our businesses benefit as well. That means, the possibility of growth in other areas .. jobs come to mind.
We need to convince and show Canada, that we are passionate about Canada's national sport.
This is a time for all of us to come together and get involved with something that we all become winners.
This is about international exposure ..this contest has the potential to put BELLEVILLE on the map and that makes it a WIN WIN contest. Our Jr team deserves to get that extra plug as well.
Come on .. start talking this up .. below are some stats that we will be up against if we should make it to first base. Should we get to the next round .. we will need to motivate and tell Canada WHY they should vote for us.
We need to be prepared that we will make and be ready to HIT THE GROUND RUNNING with campaigns that are second to none. Billboards .. posters ..
To give you an idea what we are up against if we make it to the finals .. here are some voting results of the top five communities .. since 2008 ..take a look at the # of votes.
Getting to finals will be tough but based on these #'s .. winning .. will be another story!"
2010
Dundas, On 1,066,855
Atlantic Bishop’s Falls, NL 928,004
West Cranbrook 786,165
Wild Card Lawrencetown 723,571
Quebec College Arena 222,517
2009
Terrace, BC 1,923,456
Humboldt, Saskatchewan 1,810,100
Woolwich Township, Ontario 1,163,142
Harbour Grace, Newfoundland 754,936
Thetford Mines, Quebec 739,365
2008
Roberval, Quebec 2,198,665
Kingsville, Ontario 1,491,787
Port aux Basques, Newfoundland 959,312
Pilot Mound, Manitoba 558,322
Wilcox, Saskatchewan 334,630
Click here to cast your vote!
BDIA Wants New Street Lights!
The Belleville Downtown Improvement Area is asking city council to consider funding new street lights for the city core.
Council received an update Monday from James O'Brien, chairman of the Belleville Downtown Improvement Area (BDIA).
The BDIA is a council committee comprised of downtown business owners. O'Brien said the more than 200 members are spread across 60 to 70 properties.
His report included details of the group's approved budget, set at its Dec. 14 annual meeting.
The $260,000 budget remains unchanged from 2010.
However, said O'Brien, members committed $50,000 in special infrastructure funding toward new street lighting.
O'Brien said the current downtown lights are "many decades old" and prone to failure. They also require supports for baskets, banners, etc. to be strapped to them as needed.
"Lighting is (now) much more energy efficient and therefore there is a cost savings available to council," said O'Brien, reading from a letter to council.
He added better lighting would also help ensure the downtown security cameras -- set for installation this March -- would capture accurate colours.
O'Brien said the BDIA has pledged up to $50,000 for each of the next four years for a total of $250,000 -- or one-third of the the cost of new light standards within its boundary.
"These funds will be in addition to our annual expenditures in excess of $60,000 toward ongoing infrastructure improvements and security cameras in the BDIA area," he said.
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O'Brien gave council a copy of the BDIA's infrastructure committee report, which outlines its four-year plan for downtown improvement.
"Although it may seem premature, we understand it is essential that this information be available to you as you undertake your strategic planning for the next four years," said O'Brien. "These are figures we would like you to think about."
Strategic planning sessions will be held Thursday and Friday.
Councillors had little to say about the issue, referring it to budget talks. Capital budget discussions will be held in early February, while the operating budget will be covered in mid-March.
It was a relatively quiet council meeting, with councillors hearing several deputations.
* Council declared January to be Alzheimer's Awareness Month. The Alzheimer Society of Belleville-Hastings-Quinte is conducting an awareness campaign and supporters are now gathering pledges for the Jan. 30 Walk for Memories annual fundraiser at the Bay View Mall. Volunteer Roy Reed and staff member Kristel Nicholas encouraged council and the public to learn more about Alzheimer's and take steps to avoid developing it. Details are online at www.alzheimer.ca
* Kim Charlebois, executive director of the Belleville-based Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District, told council the agency is now stepping up its campaign to raise $1 million for its proposed residential healing centre.
Designed as a retreat for sexual assault victims of both genders, it would be home to the agency's week-long healing program. Charlebois noted the program, which is unique in Ontario, was a 2010 recipient of a victim services award from Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General.
Campaign organizers are now seeking leaders to spearhead smaller campaigns to raise $10,000 each. Donations of any size are also welcome, Charlebois said. It's hoped the $1 million goal will be reached by August.
* Council amended a zoning bylaw allowing space in a business complex to be used by the new Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre. The site is at 161 Bridge St. W. at Sidney Street and also houses several discount stores, including Giant Tiger.
The amendment adds a medical clinic -- but not a drug rehabilitation centre -- to the list of the property's permitted uses.
The centre is to rent a second-floor unit and Devco's Moe Zadeh said an elevator will soon be installed.
There is a hold on development there until a condition of the original site plan is met. Interim chief administrative officer Rick Kester said it involves a survey of the property's eastern boundary, something that's required prior to future roadwork in the area.
* The speed limit on Hoskin Road through Plainfield has been lowered to 50 km/h from 60 km/h. Acting on a recommendation from Brad Wilson, the city's director of environmental and operational services, council denied a resident's request to lower it to 40 km/h because there is no school zone there.
However, it approved that resident's request for the placement of signs noting there are "children at play" on the quiet residential road.
The next council meeting is Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. at city hall.
By LUKE HENDRY, THE INTELLIGENCER
Council received an update Monday from James O'Brien, chairman of the Belleville Downtown Improvement Area (BDIA).
The BDIA is a council committee comprised of downtown business owners. O'Brien said the more than 200 members are spread across 60 to 70 properties.
His report included details of the group's approved budget, set at its Dec. 14 annual meeting.
The $260,000 budget remains unchanged from 2010.
However, said O'Brien, members committed $50,000 in special infrastructure funding toward new street lighting.
O'Brien said the current downtown lights are "many decades old" and prone to failure. They also require supports for baskets, banners, etc. to be strapped to them as needed.
"Lighting is (now) much more energy efficient and therefore there is a cost savings available to council," said O'Brien, reading from a letter to council.
He added better lighting would also help ensure the downtown security cameras -- set for installation this March -- would capture accurate colours.
O'Brien said the BDIA has pledged up to $50,000 for each of the next four years for a total of $250,000 -- or one-third of the the cost of new light standards within its boundary.
"These funds will be in addition to our annual expenditures in excess of $60,000 toward ongoing infrastructure improvements and security cameras in the BDIA area," he said.
Advertisement
O'Brien gave council a copy of the BDIA's infrastructure committee report, which outlines its four-year plan for downtown improvement.
"Although it may seem premature, we understand it is essential that this information be available to you as you undertake your strategic planning for the next four years," said O'Brien. "These are figures we would like you to think about."
Strategic planning sessions will be held Thursday and Friday.
Councillors had little to say about the issue, referring it to budget talks. Capital budget discussions will be held in early February, while the operating budget will be covered in mid-March.
It was a relatively quiet council meeting, with councillors hearing several deputations.
* Council declared January to be Alzheimer's Awareness Month. The Alzheimer Society of Belleville-Hastings-Quinte is conducting an awareness campaign and supporters are now gathering pledges for the Jan. 30 Walk for Memories annual fundraiser at the Bay View Mall. Volunteer Roy Reed and staff member Kristel Nicholas encouraged council and the public to learn more about Alzheimer's and take steps to avoid developing it. Details are online at www.alzheimer.ca
* Kim Charlebois, executive director of the Belleville-based Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District, told council the agency is now stepping up its campaign to raise $1 million for its proposed residential healing centre.
Designed as a retreat for sexual assault victims of both genders, it would be home to the agency's week-long healing program. Charlebois noted the program, which is unique in Ontario, was a 2010 recipient of a victim services award from Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General.
Campaign organizers are now seeking leaders to spearhead smaller campaigns to raise $10,000 each. Donations of any size are also welcome, Charlebois said. It's hoped the $1 million goal will be reached by August.
* Council amended a zoning bylaw allowing space in a business complex to be used by the new Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre. The site is at 161 Bridge St. W. at Sidney Street and also houses several discount stores, including Giant Tiger.
The amendment adds a medical clinic -- but not a drug rehabilitation centre -- to the list of the property's permitted uses.
The centre is to rent a second-floor unit and Devco's Moe Zadeh said an elevator will soon be installed.
There is a hold on development there until a condition of the original site plan is met. Interim chief administrative officer Rick Kester said it involves a survey of the property's eastern boundary, something that's required prior to future roadwork in the area.
* The speed limit on Hoskin Road through Plainfield has been lowered to 50 km/h from 60 km/h. Acting on a recommendation from Brad Wilson, the city's director of environmental and operational services, council denied a resident's request to lower it to 40 km/h because there is no school zone there.
However, it approved that resident's request for the placement of signs noting there are "children at play" on the quiet residential road.
The next council meeting is Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. at city hall.
By LUKE HENDRY, THE INTELLIGENCER
One Big Thing Happening For Downtown Belleville!
Fantastic News Everyone! The Downtown Gal will be shifted into a new publication on behalf of the BDIA which is on a powerful mission to bring awareness to Downtown Belleville!
The 'Rediscover Downtown Belleville' campaign is ramping up full force and will be launching its inaugural edition of its blog later this week!
A Facebook fanpage is in development and will be launched this week as well!
Both will feature downtown business! Look for upcoming give-aways and contests just to keep things interesting!
The campaign will have a far reaching effect, so it won't just be contained in the Quinte corridor. Does this excite you...it should! We are about to put the core on the map!
Help us do it! When the blog and fanpage are launched pass it along within your own networks! I'm recognizing everyone that will do this! This our community...let's rock it!
Happy New Year to all!
The Downtown Gal
Your 2011 Wish for Downtown!
As everyone prepares for the upcoming change from 2010 to 2011 tonight, many are reflecting on the dreams, wishes and desires set forth a year ago. Some came to pass and others ...well...you know!
As one of the many champions for Belleville's Downtown core, I have a grand vision for the 2.5 blocks on Front and Pinnacle. My main wish is to see the core bustling with shoppers and restaurant goers during the weekend! I would love to see a green grocer who will cater to those of us who call downtown home.
These are just a few of my wishes. I would love to hear your wish for downtown Belleville! I truly believe we have a core that is worth saving. I also believe we as a community have the ability to create something resplendent for all to enjoy! So don't be shy...share what your downtown Belleville wish will be for 2011!
Happy New Year from the Downtown Gal!
Another Sensational Choice....
NEW YEARS 2011 GALA
5 Course Dinner
Two Seatings Available
5:00pm seating for dinner.
8:00pm seating for dinner and the gala.
Cocktails and Gala tickets now available.
Call for information or to reserve your spot!
(613) 962-1182
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