Good morning, Brant County. “Why did the Brantford resident cross the road? To welcome the new neighbors, of course." 😄

In today’s ‘From Brant County’ newsletter:

• #12 Local Business Spotlight - Feeding the Children One Meal at a Time

• SueFest Returns for its 10th-Anniversary Show

• What’s Happenin’

Let’s get to it.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Layola Smith. 🎂

The Digest

Four High School Students Awarded James Hillier Scholarships

On Wednesday, four outstanding students from Brantford High School were honored with the prestigious James Hillier Scholarships. Each recipient will receive $5,000 annually for four years to support their undergraduate education. Congratulations, guys; we are so proud of you!

Excitement and Anticipation Soars for the Upcoming International Cultural Festival

Excitement is building for the 2024 Brantford International Villages Cultural Festival from July 3-6. “I love the food and the vibrant energy of the cultures, performances, and shows,” one attendee shared.

For just $10, a passport grants you access to all the villages over the four-day event, where you can immerse yourself in captivating sights, sounds, and delicious food. Don’t miss out on this incredible cultural experience!

SueFest Returns for its 10th-Anniversary Show

Get ready for SueFest, a day of live music and community spirit, as it returns for its 10th anniversary on June 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brantford. This exciting event promises fantastic performances and supports a great cause, raising funds for Canada's Heart and Stroke Foundation. Don't miss out on this celebration of music and generosity!

#13 Local Business Spotlight

Feeding the Children One Meal at a Time. The Heartwarming Mission of ‘Gifts of the Heart’

No child should go to school hungry. Children are the future, and their well-being directly affects the strength of our communities. Hunger in children affects their physical health, cognitive development, academic performance, and emotional well-being. When a child goes to school hungry, they cannot focus, learn, or participate fully in their education. A hot meal provided at school can make all the difference. It can be the fuel that powers their day, the energy that helps them excel in their studies, and the comfort that lets them know they are cared for and valued.

In a world where inflation and poverty are on the rise, one of the most heartwarming endeavors is the mission to ensure no child goes hungry. This mission is the cornerstone of a Brantford organization called ‘Gifts of the Heart,’ which is dedicated to providing meals to children in schools.

Gifts of the Heart began with Jayme, a woman with a dream, and her fabulous team, whom I had the honor of meeting—Paul, Keith, Chef Robyn, and an incredibly happy, dedicated group of volunteers.

When she started this program, Jayme ignited a beacon of hope in the community. This grassroots effort began humbly with a simple request for seven dozen eggs to nourish food-insecure families. From this modest beginning, Gifts of the Heart has blossomed into a lifeline, now providing daily lunches to 250 children across numerous Brantford schools. But the impact doesn't stop there.

Pantry item bags and weekly food bins reach over 40 needy families every weekend, offering sustenance and security. Additionally, the program extends its generosity to include donated clothing and hygiene items, ensuring that those who need it most are met with dignity and care. What started as a small act of kindness has grown into a powerful testament to the transformative power of a single dream, touching countless lives and weaving a tapestry of compassion and community.

When school meals are unavailable during summer vacations, they step in to fill the gap. They provide nutritious meals to children who might otherwise go without. This commitment extends to families, helping to alleviate the burden of food insecurity many face and ensuring that children return to school healthy and ready to learn.

Donating to such an organization blesses both the giver and the receiver. For the giver, it is an act of compassion and kindness that brings immense personal fulfillment. Knowing that your contribution makes a tangible difference in a child's life is profoundly rewarding. It fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, reminding us that we are all connected.

The impact is life-changing for the receiver. A meal might seem simple, but it represents hope, security, and the promise of a brighter future. It tells a child that someone cares about their well-being, which can be incredibly empowering.

Gifts of the Heart is growing daily, as is the need in the community. Right now, cheese, meat, and other items are greatly needed.

Please support them and make a difference today. Gifts of the Heart

@FROMBRANTCOUNTY

An eagle soars above the Grand River in Brantford’s sky, embodying the wild spirit and majesty of nature’s grandeur.

📸@Belinda J Clements Photography - When the eagle hunts, it is an awe-inspiring spectacle — each dive is a symphony of elegance and power, a marvel in the dance of life.

Tag @FromBrantCounty to get your photos in our newsletter!

HOME OF THE WEEK

Oh my word, I am so in love with this week’s house of the week.

Welcome to this circa 1887 Victorian home, a timeless masterpiece where history whispers through every detail. As you step through the front door, embraced by the cranberry glass transom, you are greeted by the warm glow of a solid brass chrome-plated light in the foyer.

Through French doors, the mudroom, complete with closets featuring roll-out storage drawers, a wet bar, and a fridge, leads to the tranquil backyard patio. This private oasis is a landscaped haven with perennial blooms and a quaint shed, perfect for storage.

The master bedroom, with its soaring 10 ft ceilings and dual closets, offers a sanctuary of serenity and so much more.

To view additional pictures of this home, check out the listing.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

✨National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration │184 Mohawk Str., Brantford, ON │Woodland Cultural Centre │Sunday, June 23 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm │ Live contemporary and cultural performances, interactive demonstrations including traditional dance and sports, hands-on workshops for all ages, shopping with local vendors and artisans, indigenous foods and more. │Tours of the museum and galleries will be available with knowledgeable guides throughout the day. FREE

🎡Free Summer Carnival & Community Give-Back – Horse & Pony Rides, │Inflatable Event by Arora Dental and Anne Gannon │79 Charing Cross St, Brantford │Come celebrate our dental practice's 2nd-year anniversary bash. We're celebrating with a carnival-style event that's free for anyone to attend. Horse and Pony rides, 30ft inflatable obstacle course for kids, Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, games, music, and more. There's something for everyone, so don't miss out. RSVP/waiver available here

🗼 FrancoFEST 2024 │Hamilton Gage Park Duration: 2 days. │ Préparez-vous, dans quelques jours ce sera l'heure du rendez-vous estival annuel des arts et de la culture francophone qui fait vibrer notre communauté ! Le plus grand festival francophone de toute la péninsule du Niagara et du Sud-Ouest de l'Ontario est de retour du 21 au 23 juin! La FrancoFEST 2024 vous promet un mélange palpitant de performances musicales, d'une panoplie d'activités familiales et d'explorations artistiques gratuites qui vous divertiront le temps temps d'une fin de semaine. Ce sera aussi l'occasion idéale de fêter la Saint-Jean tous ensemble dans la joie et bonne humeur !

Horaires: - Vendredi 21 juin de 17h à 22h30 - Samedi 22 juin de 12h à 23h - Dimanche 23 juin de 11h30 à 15h30. Informations supplémentaires

🌭FREE Community BBQ at TOLL Funeral Home’s Community in support of Arnold Anderson Sports Fund and every child’s right to participate in sports. │Saturday, June 22nd, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, │ 55 Charing Cross Street, Brantford. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Games and activities for all ages will be provided in partnership with College Source for Sports.

🍷Sunset Wine & Cheese, June 21, 2024 │A casual evening at the Brantford Airport enjoying light fare, drinks, music, and a beautiful sunset. │Tickets are $25 each. Bring your lawn chairs. June 21st │July 19th, │August 16th, │6:30 PM - 9:30 PM │Brantford Municipal Airport, 110 Aviation Ave, Brantford

🍴Korean Cuisine - June 21st, 2024 │Classes at the ‘1909 Culinary Academy’ combine a hands-on cooking experience with delicious tasting experiences. Korean food has become so popular that locals and tourists describe it as savory, spicy, hearty, and nutritious delights that can be enjoyed anytime. │ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM ‘1909 Culinary Academy’ - 5183 Trussler Road, Ayr, ON

🏷️Junk In The Trunk – yard sale party with pure vintage, Three-Legged Horse and Andrew Irving 12 Catherine Ave, Brantford, ON │Yard sale – 11 am – 4 pm │Music – Andrew Irving 2-4 pm; Three-Legged Horse – 4 – 6:30 pm - Sunday, June 30th @ 11:00 am

🎸 Music on the Waterfront │ Waterfront Stage – Pier 8 │ Free Concert │ Join us every Thursday evening from June 6 - August 29, │ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (weather permitting) │ Please bring a lawn chair or blanket. 47 Discovery Drive, Hamilton │ June 27 Danny Boy Phelan│ July 4 The Barbara Jordan Swing Jazz Band │July 11 Mike Stevenson │ July 18 Solstice

🍁 MARK YOUR CALENDARS. Brantford's Canada Day event is coming up soon, on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Lions Park Steve Brown Sports Complex. Enjoy free live music on the OLG Main Stage with David Wilcox and the Spoons, kids' entertainment with PAW Patrol and the Trolls, a KidZone carnival and midway, and much more. │ A spectacular fireworks display will close the day's activities at 10 p.m. Learn more at www.Brantford.ca/CanadaDay │It’s going to be so much fun!!

🏌️ Child Hunger Brantford Golf Tournament │ Sun Jun 23, 2024, at 11:00 am │Northridge Public Golf Course, 320 Balmoral Drive, Brantford. The annual golf tournament is a great gift that gives back to the community (Child Hunger Brantford). Visit our website to purchase tickets  

🎷 2024 Music Line Up│ June 20  The Millgroove Quintet │June 27 Danny Boy Phelan │July 4 The Barbara Jordan Swing Jazz Band│ July 11 Mike Stevenson │ July 18 Solstice │

🌊 Cool off in one of the City’s splash pads! Saturday, June 8 │View open and close status and locations at Brantford.ca/SplashPads 

🤸🏼‍♂️ Take the kids to a playground. │ Monday, June 10 │ Find one near you at www.brantford.ca/Playgrounds 

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

CIVIL NEWS

The City of Brantford is excited to share plans to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated Dufferin Park at 158 St. Paul Avenue. Join the City of Brantford and the Holmedale Neighbourhood Association on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for various entertainment and family-friendly activities. Vendors will be selling local products, delicious food, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages, which will be available for purchase.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will occur at 12:45 p.m. with Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis, Brantford Councillors, and representatives of the Holmedale Neighbourhood Association.

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LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

SIvle has a matinee show at Frankie’s Tavern, | 170 Brantwood Park Road, Brantford, | on Saturday, June 22nd, from 3 pm to 6 pm. | It features a full band with Jamie Reinhart.

2 Rivers Restaurant, 25 Grand River Street, Paris, ON | Dinner and Live Music - Friday: Clark&Heart, | Saturday: Mitch Szitas

🔥 Jack de Keyzer is coming to The Back Alley Bar & Grill, St. Thomas, ON | Sunday afternoon Blues Series Sunday, June 23 @ 2:00 PM

Manny’s Place │ Silverado – June 21 │Karaoke every Wednesday and Sunday │LIVE MUSIC from 10 pm – 2 am │ $5 cover after 11 pm *  Ladies free on Saturdays.

Summer Solstice Celebration Summer Solstice Circle: Light’s Up Celebration | Thursday, June 20, 2024. | 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | This includes a light dinner consisting of artisanal pizzas, a cookie, and a cold beverage. | Five Oaks Centre, Paris | Adults – $35 Children – $17 (age 12 and under).

IAN THOMAS ... NOT GONE YET! | Ian Thomas first garnered major radio airplay in 1973 with the top-40 single Painted Ladies, followed by a string of hits throughout the 70s and 80s and on into the 90s. | June 21, 2024, | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Sanderson Centre, 88 Dalhousie St., Brantford, ON

UPCOMING

The Back Alley Bar & Grill, Sunday Afternoon Blues Series; |18 Princess Ave., St. Thomas, ON | Sunday, June 23, 2024 Doors: 1:30 PM, Show 2:00 PM. | Cost. Advance $40 Doors, $45.00

Trail Mix LIVE, at The Brantford Farmers Market | 79 Icomm Drive, Brantford, ON | Dates, 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month | Free Event; Time 9:00am to 1:30pm

Rivers Roots Music Festival; July 5-6th, Paris Agricultural Society; 139 Silver Street, Paris, ON | Featuring Dallas Smith, Russell Dickerson, Randy Houser, James Barker Band, The Washboard Union, Aaron Goodvin, Hailey Benedict, The Prairie States. | For all ages.

SPORTS

Mighty Morphin Power Wrestlers | Returns to The Registry Theater, 122 Frederick Street Kitchener, ON Friday, June 21 · 7 - 10 pm | Off the ropes presents live pro wrestling in Kitchener, featuring Tyler Bateman, Daddy Davis, Sabrina Kyle, Revna and more! TICKETS

Workout at the Winery, | Sunday, June 23 Sun, Jun 23, 2024, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Ridge Road Estate Winery 1205 Ridge Road Hamilton, ON | $51.97 A fun and energizing event - the perfect opportunity to get together with your girlfriends and other likeminded women to enjoy a combination of fitness and relaxation in one fabulous location. A light bodyweight workout and stretching series (45 mins total) followed by a tasty mocktail or 6 oz glass of wine of your choice is included. | Don't forget your yoga mat, water bottle, and change of clothes if you plan to continue the wine tasting into the afternoon.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading ‘FROM BRANT COUNTY’; we truly appreciate it. 

If you know of an amazing person, place, or thing in and around Brant County that you would like to see in future editions, please REPLY to this email and let me know!

Let’s do this again next week. 👋

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