Freeze - not you, me!

Presented By

☕ Congrats to Kimberley M. on your Grind and Vine gift card! 💸

Gooood morning everybody! We heard the Acoustic menu link didn’t work for some of you on Wednesday. So, second chance to enter for a $50 gift card to the Acoustic Grill is here. Check them out here, to be entered to win!

Today Around The Bay:

• Freeze! Literally

• Bridge Hub Funding

• Plan your patty’s day

and much more…

Your Skin Deserves a Little Love — Here’s Where to Go

Presented by the Beauty Collective

If your skin’s been feeling a little meh, this Belleville beauty studio knows exactly how to bring back that glow.

The Beauty Collective is all about helping you feel confident and radiant with facials, injectables (think Botox and fillers), and even massage therapy—because self-care should feel as good as it looks.

Book your appointment today and follow @beautycollectivebyinjct for the latest promos and beauty inspo.

Weather

Friday
High 14°C 🌡️ Low 4°C | 🌥️ | 10% | SW 20 km/h

Saturday
High 15°C 🌡️ Low 8°C | ⛅ | 60% | SSW 25 km/h

Sunday
High 14°C 🌡️ Low -1°C | 🌧️ | 80% | WNW 30 km/h

Side note: That is just so nice to see…

News Notes

Polar Plunge 2025: Get Freezin’ for a Reason
Belleville Police may be used to saying "freeze"—but this time, they're the ones turning to ice. The 5th Annual City of Belleville/Belleville Police Polar Plunge kicks off March 21 at 1 PM, with officers, firefighters, EMS, and local daredevils taking a chilly dive into the Bay of Quinte.

The goal? $30,000 to support 23,000 Special Olympics Ontario athletes—and they’re already at $9,295. Whether you donate, sign up, or just show up to watch, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be painfully cold and wildly entertaining. ("Special Olympics Ontario")

$3.5M to The Bridge hub in Belleville
The Bridge hub just secured $3.5 million from Health Canada to expand services for homelessness, addiction, and mental health support. This brings total funding to nearly $13 million after Ontario and the city chipped in. This could be a game-changer for the region. ("The Intelligencer")

Hastings County CHS budget sees 5.62% increase
Hastings County’s Community and Human Services budget is getting a $1.2 million boost this year, jumping to $23.4 million. The reason? Childcare funding changes, housing repairs, and a new 32-unit affordable housing project breaking ground in Quinte West this April. ("InQuinte")

PEC Period Party tackles period poverty with community support
A uterus piñata, Tampon Tennis, and $4,000 in donations—just a regular day at the PEC Period Party. The annual event, now in its sixth year, brought together 80+ attendees for a mix of education, fundraising, and fun, all aimed at tackling period poverty in Prince Edward County. A highlight? The number of dads and brothers who showed up to support young menstruators. Now that’s allyship. ("County Live")

Loblaws adding labels to show tariff-hit products
They must have seen our poll results from a few weeks ago…? Next time you’re at No Frills watch for a triangle “T” symbol on price tags—it means the product got pricier due to tariffs. Fresh produce could be hit within weeks, but made-in-Canada items will also get a special maple leaf label. (Narcity)

Vanzuylen Tires closing Belleville location
Another one bites the dust—Vanzuylen Tires is shutting down its Belleville location (confirmed by employee), with customers told to pick up their stored summer tires by March 28 (that means you Larry). A decision from head office, the closure marks the end of a well-loved local business. If you’ve got tires there, don’t wait—get them before the deadline. ("Facebook")

Still Shopping in the U.S.?
Before you hit Target in Watertown or order that U.S. deal online, check the fine print—Canada just added a 25% surtax on some U.S. goods. If you’re bringing back over $200 (24h trip) or $800 (48h trip), you might be paying extra. And yes this affects online shopping, too. Easy answer? Shop local.

Go here for a list of products subject to tariff and surtax. (Narcity)

School board embraces AI
Forget the days of dusty binders and overhead projectors—AI is shaking up the classroom. The Hastings Prince Edward School Board is rolling out new Artificial Intelligence System Guidelines, helping teachers and students use AI ethically and efficiently. Director of Education Katherine MacIver says it’s all about support, monitoring, and making sure the robots don’t take over. ("Quinte News")

Stop Ignoring Your Hearing

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Local Care Hearing offers comprehensive ear exams with clear, easy-to-understand results—no referral needed. Whether you're experiencing hearing issues or just want peace of mind, their experts are here to help. Don’t wait until it gets worse. book your hearing checkup today. Call 613-961-1180 or visit localcarehearing.ca.

Foodie Friday - March Menu Madness

​🍽️ Welcome to March Menu Madness. In each newsletter for the rest of March, we're spotlighting a local Bay of Quinte eatery and giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky subscriber. To enter, simply click on the featured restaurant's link in our Foodie Friday section; we'll randomly select a winner from those who do and email you.

The Ultimate Sports Destination

Brought to you by Shoeless Joe’s Belleville

Usually I wouldn’t trust anyone with one shoe. But no shoes? No problem in my books.

Shoeless Joe’s Belleville is a go-to spot for sports fans and casual diners alike, offering a lively atmosphere, big-screen TVs, and a menu packed with pub-style favourites. You have got to try their signature wings, gourmet burgers, or power bowls, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to catch the game, grab a drink with friends, or enjoy a family night out.

Check them out here. (psst—this is how you enter)

Events

Saturday, March 15

St. Patrick’s Day Crafts | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Belleville Public Library | Free
Get your green on early with festive crafts at the Belleville Public Library. Whether you're a pro with a paintbrush or just there for the holiday vibes, this one's for all ages.

Boneshaker – Live at Legendz Pub | 8:00 PM | Legendz Pub, Rossmore | $5 cover
AC/DC hits, cold pints, and St. Paddy’s Day energy—Boneshaker is bringing the rock to Legendz Pub. Don’t forget your air guitar.

The Grievous Angels – Revolution 2025 Tour Kickoff | 7:00 PM | UpFront Café, Belleville | Tickets available
Folk-rock with a side of storytelling—The Grievous Angels are launching their tour in Belleville. Snag a ticket before it’s standing room only.

Famous People Players - Twist and Shout | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | The Empire Theatre, Belleville | Tickets available
A high-energy, glow-in-the-dark performance set to classic Beatles hits? Yes, please. The Famous People Players are bringing their signature magic to The Empire Theatre.

BTC XXVII: Bellevegas | 5:00 PM | Belleville Armouries | Tickets available
Live MMA fights, adrenaline, and knockouts—BTC XXVII is coming to Belleville. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good showdown, this one’s for you.

Sunday, March 16

Painting Pottery with Piglets & Goats | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | County Creative, Prince Edward, ON | $21 + pottery cost
Paint your masterpiece while hanging out with baby goats and piglets—yes, really. County Creative is bringing the cutest creative experience to PEC. Spots are limited, so book fast!
_{Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.}

🔗 To see more info on these events and many more, hit the button below

Hosting an event? Submit it to our calendar here.

Looking to feature an event? Go here.

Brighten Your Smile in Just One Hour

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Spots fill fast—book your appointment today! Call 613-847-1301 & follow @whiteoutwithjackie

Community Snapshot

I went around and checked out some of the best spots to grab a stout this weekend. You can check out my local St. Patty’s day hype video below. FYI - The Beaufort was ready for you on Tuesday — just sayin’. Follow along below!

boqtoday

4,101 followers

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Signing Off

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