2014- a year in review!

With 2014 having come to a close and the new year freshly upon us, I have found myself reflecting on the year gone by. With my last blog entry in October (and a short one at that!) I admit, it has been a busy one. Although I enjoyed the last year, I already feel this year is a time for bigger goals, personal growth and change. There were many great events that we attended, organized and also some quiet family moments in 2014 and below is just a small snippet.

This past summer,  I organized and held a motorcycle show in benefit of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Brockville General Hospital. It was well received in the community, raised just under $1000 and shows signs of growing in the years to come. The local motorcycle community was a huge help and I look forward to working with them again this year, to broaden the event and make it an even bigger success!

 Our family also enjoyed a beautiful summer in the 1000 Islands, packed with picnics, trips to parks and many bike rides along the Brock Trail. Our city is stunning all year round but truly shines during the summer months. There is never a lack of parks to frequent or active ways to enjoy family time. 

Late summer also saw my fiance, Nick declare his run for Brockville City Council. He was unsuccessful in winning a seat this term but remains positive and ambitious for the next election. For a first run, it was exciting and a learning experience for our entire family. We had wonderful support from our local politicians, family and friends and can only see a successful future.  

Fall in the 1000 Islands is also a beautiful time of year. Although we do many hikes along the 1000 Islands Parkway, Mac Johnston Conservation area and Limerick Forest, we like to to travel to the Gatineau Hills and take in the breathtaking views. The hills offer a change in scenery and a more vigorous hiking challenge.

As always, we try to show our community support when we can. This year, we attended MP Gord Brown's Hockey Night in Leeds Grenville, in support of the United Way. It was a great family event - especially since our girls love hockey!

With winter wrapping up, I hosted my second annual Trees for Children fundraising event. This year we raised $2500 and expanded our list of guest speakers. We welcomed Senator Jim Munson, MP Gord Brown, MP Patrick Brown lent his support, MPP Steve Clark, MPP Lisa McLeod, Autism Advocate and parent Dee Gordon, Friends for Autism and local editor, keynote speaker and autism activist and parent, Laura Wright. The event was held at the elegant Maplehurst Manor and Carriage House and was very well attended and supported. It was a success all around and I cant wait to see what the future brings for this event. 

As I review 2014, I realized it was an incredible year for my family and I. We are fortunate to live in such a convenient and beautiful location. With only a week in with 2015, there have been some big changes personally and professionally. I already feel a shift in goals and anticipate what the year will bring. There are many great events happening in and around our community- I encourage each and every one of you to get out and get involved. Make 2015 a great year!

Our own piece of Sochi pride

 

Fresh off the heels of the 2014 Olympic Games, Canadian patriotism is at an all-time high. Coming in third place overall (and beating our competitive American friends) is a huge success for our nation. We have much to be proud of and I hope the momentum continues well beyond the games.

Here at home, I felt similar pride when attending the recent grand opening of phase two of the Rotary splash pad and ice rink. There have been many volunteers pouring countless hours into this project over the last few years and having a young family, I can’t thank them enough for their hard work so my children and I can enjoy this beautiful space. During the summer months, we spend a great deal of time at the splash pad, along with many other local families. It’s a great way to beat the heat and encourage outdoor activity. I was sad when the cooler weather set in and the splash pad shut down for the season, but that didn’t last long, as talks of synthetic ice and phase two of the project started.

Before long, the splash pad was cleared and the new skating surface was laid down for all to enjoy. With the winter we have been enduring (never-ending!), it has taken a lot of time and volunteer work to keep the surface cleared off.  When I heard of the grand opening, I was excited to attend and show my thanks to all involved. I wasn't the only one! A ton of local VIPs also attended, including Senator Bob Runicman, our MP Gord Brown, MPP Steve Clark, Brockville Mayor Dave Henderson, newly appointed Brockville Police Chief Scott Fraser and many councillors. The parking lot was packed and there were many families enjoying hot dogs, coffee and hot chocolate – all donated by our local Tim Horton’s. To top it all off, our politicians and other sport enthusiasts engaged in a friendly game of shinny for everyone’s entertainment.

I felt a lot of community pride that day and happy to have brought my family out to support such a great initiative. We really do have a great city and this initiative and its kick-off was a great reminder of all that we have to offer.  Great job Brockville!