Good morning, Brant County, where the squirrels are friendly and the people even friendlier! 😄

In today’s ‘From Brant County’ newsletter:

• #11 Local Business Spotlight - The Sweet Success of Joosie Donuts

• Happy Fathers Day to all Fathers

• Brantford Has Some of the Best Bakers

• What’s Happenin’

Let’s get to it.

P.S. Happy Birthday Priscilla M. 🎂

The Digest

_{Excitement as 'Coming Soon' Signs Go Up for New Costco}

Exciting news for Brantford! “Coming Soon” signs have appeared on the site of the eagerly awaited Costco store location, stirring community excitement.

The city issued a $33.5-million building permit last March, and preparations are well underway near Lynden Park Mall.

Chief Building Official Andy McMahon indicated the project is on track for a November opening. The foundation is poured, structural supports are in place, and parking lot light fixtures are being set. Site work, including grading, drainage, sewers, and utility hookups, is progressing rapidly.

The Ministry of Transportation plans to widen the off-ramp from Highway 403 at Wayne Gretzky Parkway to improve access. This development has been a top query for residents for years. With visible progress, the dream of a Brantford Costco is closer than ever!

Preserving the ‘Blues”

When I first learned about this organization, I was thrilled. I sure love the blues!

Founded in 2003, The Grand River Blues Society (GRBS) has blossomed into a revered guardian of the Blues' rich legacy, echoing its soulful melodies throughout the Grand River region of south-central Ontario. With each note, the GRBS weaves a tapestry of history and passion, ensuring the timeless spirit of the Blues continues to thrive and inspire.

A Special Father’s Day Message to all Dads

“This heartfelt message is dedicated to the fathers who actively participate, go above and beyond, and pour their hearts into fatherhood.

Fatherhood is no easy task. It often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged. But believe me, your efforts are seen. Your unwavering dedication to your children's well-being is truly remarkable. You play a vital role in shaping their character, teaching life lessons, and providing the love and support they need to thrive.

In a world that often underappreciates the role of fathers, hear these words loud and clear: you deserve to be loved and cherished for all you do. Your sacrifices, both big and small, do not go unnoticed. You are the unsung heroes, silently shaping the future generation. Through your presence, love, and guidance, you instill in your children the values that will carry them through life. You teach them compassion, resilience, and the power of unconditional love. Your influence reaches far beyond your home, rippling through communities, shaping a better world one child at a time.

Dads, you are loved, needed, and wanted. You may struggle to express yourself, but it's okay. None of us are perfect. As long as we play an active role in our children's lives and help them grow, we pave the best path for them.

This Father's Day, we celebrate you. Today, we honor you, appreciate you, and recognize all your sacrifices. We send our love and gratitude your way with utmost respect and admiration.”

#11 Local Business Spotlight

The Sweet Success of Joosie Sweet Donuts

Jess, a trained biochemistry and forensics graduate, is the creative genius behind Joosie Sweets Donuts (pronounced “juicy”), a fully licensed, Brant County Health Unit-certified home-based business in Brantford.

The pandemic altered many lives, and for Jess, it offered an unexpected opportunity to pursue her passion for baking. With extra time on her hands, she turned her kitchen into a test lab for what would become Brantford’s most beloved donuts.

I first discovered Joosie Sweets Donuts through my son, who couldn't stop talking about her incredible creations. Skeptical, as I'm not typically a donut fan, I hesitantly took half of one to try. Oh my goodness—with just one bite, I couldn't resist grabbing the other half. The flavors exploded with freshness, and each bite was a perfect harmony of sweetness and texture, leaving me delighted. Hmmmm I am salivating just remembering my first bite of that sumptuous donut.    

Following Joosie Sweets Donuts on Instagram is a visual feast. Jess frequently posts photos of her mouth-watering creations, updates on new flavors, and simple instructions on how to order and pick up. The vibrant, tempting images make it nearly impossible to resist placing an order. Jess’s passion for her craft and the joy she brings to her customers are palpable in every post.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through Brantford, don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in these handcrafted, gourmet delights. Celebrate the art of homemade donuts with Jess and savor the sweet success of Joosie Sweets Donuts. Your taste buds will definitely thank you! I promise. 🍩🍩

Brantford has the Best Bakers

Delectable Meringue Rolls Anyone

Meet Elena, an extraordinary baker and devoted mother of a spirited 5-year-old. The quiet days of the lockdown revealed her hidden passion, transforming her kitchen into a haven of culinary creativity. Under the tutelage of master chefs from Europe and Canada, she perfected her craft while patiently navigating the rollercoaster of motherhood.

Elena is delighted to present her latest masterpieces: exquisite 12-inch, gluten-free meringue rolls and luxurious mousse desserts. Each meringue roll boasts a crispy exterior that gives way to a sumptuously soft souffle interior, and it is available in tantalizing flavors like coffee, mango, and pistachio.

The filling creams and fruit confits are a symphony of flavors, bursting with vibrant taste. Picture an assortment pack brimming with Vanilla Berries, Coffee Baileys, Pistachio Raspberry, and Mango Passion Fruit – a true fiesta of flavors in every box!

To experience this delectable delight, choose your date, pickup location, and flavor. Each roll is priced at $85, with pickups available in Brantford or Caledonia. To place your order, send a direct message to 365-883-6278. These creations are too exquisite to keep to yourself – share the joy with everyone!

@FROMBRANTCOUNTY

📸 Allen Lovatt, Photographer from Brantford. Spectacular use of light and angle - Allen's photographs are so amazing they can be printed as large as a billboard and make great art inside your home.

Tag @FromBrantCounty to get your photos in our newsletter!

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

🧚‍♀️ Circle Time Group Autism Services ages 2-4 │ Join us for songs, stories, and play time. This will be many children's first experience with this type of activity, practice in a safe and inclusive environment with other children and caregivers. │Time & Location:  Jun 07, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. │39 Mt Pleasant St, Brantford, ON N3T 1S7. 

🧘 Yoga In the Brantford Library │ Drop in to join Catherine Labrecque-Rowntree in exploring gentle yoga. │ Bring a mat, water, and comfortable clothing. Chair yoga option available.  │ June 7, 2024, 11:00 am - 11:45 am │ 173 Colborne Street, Brantford, Ontario

💺 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

🎷 2024 Music Line Up│June 6 Subourbon Street │June 13 Rising Hedons │ 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 │July 25 Karen Thornton & Friends │ August 1 Bruce Tournay Jazz Band │Aug. 8 Trick Bag │August 15 Loralee and The Soul Cats │Aug. 22 Lowdown Dirty Mojos │ Aug. 29 The Personics

🎁 Kids Drop-Off Class – Make it for Dad │ Fri. June 7, 2024 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm │ Price: $30.00  (Pre-registration is required) │ 299 Wayne Gretzky Parkway, Brantford, ON │ Drop the kids off with us for our Make it for Dad Night. Kids ages 5+ will paint a special gift for dad, decorate a gift bag and a card! │ $30+tax/child │ includes 2 hours of supervision, pottery project, pizza dinner and fun! │ Plus, you get 2 hours to yourself. │ Get Tickets Here

🏞️ June is Recreation, Parks and Seniors Month. Parks and Recreation Ontario, (PRO), The Ontario Parks Association, and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association launched Recreation and Parks month to draw attention to the incredible value of recreation and encourage people to get out and get active. │ The City of Brantford is offering residents a ton of fun, low-cost or free recreational activities and opportunities to check out local community centres, pools (indoor and outdoor), fitness facilities, fields, parks and trails.

🌊 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 

🤾🏼‍♀️ Free Kids Night Out program from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Woodman Park Community Centre, Tuesday, June 11 │ 491 Grey Street (ages 4 to 10).

🎯 Free Darts from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Beckett Recreation Centre, │ 219 Colborne Street (ages 55 and over) │ Wednesday, June 12.

Congratulations Grads 🎓

A huge congratulations to all those who just graduated!! I am so proud of you. Now, GO BE GREAT! Go make a difference in the world!!!

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LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Mills Hardware | Luella + Royal Castles, the musical project of 20-year-old artist Liv Whitfield from Kingston/Montreal, is known for her soulful dream-pop sound featuring catchy baselines, crisp vocals, and honest lyrics. | Friday, June 7, 2024 • 7PM DOOR, 8PM SHOW | $20 (+SC/HST) ADV. Get Tickets

Tragically Hip Tribute | 50 Mission returns to Mills Hardware for another live performance of your favorite Tragically Hip songs. | Sing and dance along to The Hip's most iconic and recognized songs. | Saturday, June 8, 2024 • 7PM DOOR, 8PM SHOW | 19+ | $20 (+SC/HST). Get Tickets

REWIND, classic rock, returns to Brantford to dance the night away, Polish Hall; 154 Pearl Street, Brantford, 7:00 pm

Join us Sunday, June 9th for an outdoor performance of a Time To Sing with the Brant County Singers at 3:00 p.m. at the Bell Homestead NHS, 94 Tutela Heights Road. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Hip

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

2 Days of Rock’N Roll; Crewfest 2024, Friday, July 19 & 20th | 4:00 PM, Location: Lions Park, 12 Edge Street, Brantford, ON | 2 Day weekend passes starting $129.99 | crewfest.ca

K-OS LIVE in Brantford, June 13th at the Rope Factory | 111 Sherwood Dr., Unit #27, Brantford | $45.70

Stop by for live music at The Paris Beer Co. — as they welcome back Dan Walsh on Thursday nights from 7-9 pm. Book a table in the taproom to hear the music and guarantee a table for your group, or call 519-442-4447

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

June is Bike Month. 🚴🏻‍♀️ Dust off your wheels and take them for a spin on our local trails. | Thursday, June 6th.

Free Drop-in Pickleball 🏓 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Branlyn Community Centre, | 238 Brantwood Park Road. | Friday, June 7 (ages 18 and over)

RD DiPaolo & Brantford Apparel present: Brantford Wrestling. 🤼 | Doors open at 7:30 pm and show starts at 8:00 pm. | Brantford’s biggest party of the summer takes place Friday, June 7th, at the Knights of Columbus as Brantford Wrestling returns in support of Free Sport for Growth. Free Sport for Growth is an organization dedicated to helping children overcome financial barriers and participate in organized sports. | Knights Hall 12 Catharine Ave., Brantford. Get Tickets

Hamilton Cardinals vs Toronto Maple Leafs, 🏒 1100 Mohawk Rd E, Hamilton, | June 7, 2024, 7:35 pm | Cheer on the hometown team as the Hamilton Cardinals take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium. | Get your friends and family together for some playoff fun at the diamond and watch the Cardinals compete in what will surely be an exciting game. | For ticket information, visit the Hamilton Cardinals website. Get Tickets Here

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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Soli Deo Gloria - John 3:16