From cancer fighter to champ, plus tarts & trouble

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Together With

Together With

Gooood morning Bay of Quinte!

Looking to add "FIFA World Cup Volunteer" to your resume without actually knowing anything about soccer? Toronto is seeking 3,000 helpful souls for the 2026 tournament, and they're not picky about experience. From wrangling lost tourists to making sure the mascot doesn't pass out from heat exhaustion, there's a role for everyone in this historic sporting spectacle. Because nothing says "global football celebration" quite like Canadian politeness directing traffic.

Here’s your midweek skim.

News Notes

💪 From Cancer Fighter to Bodybuilding Champion
Quinte West's Ashley Greer has transformed from 265 pounds to an incredible 130 pounds whilst battling cancer and wearing a urostomy bag. The mother of two made history as Canada's first bodybuilding competitor with a urostomy bag, winning both the Comeback Class and Transformation Division at Toronto's Summer Shredding event. (Quinte News) Read More →

🚦 Speed Camera Hours to Stay 24/7 in Belleville
Belleville Council has firmly rejected a proposal to limit automated speed cameras to daytime hours only. The cameras have proven their worth, with data showing significant speed reductions in community safety zones and proving those late-night leadfoots wrong. (Quinte News) Read More →

🍦 Sweet Treats Support SickKids at DQ's Miracle Treat Day
Mark your calendar for August 14th when your Blizzard cravings can do some good. Every Dairy Queen Blizzard purchased in Belleville directly supports the SickKids Foundation, with DQ Canada having raised over $55 million for children's hospitals since 1984. (The Intelligencer) Read More →

🚔 Major Drug Bust on Highway 401
A $114,000 drug seizure led to four Ottawa-area arrests after OPP conducted a traffic stop near Quinte West. Officers discovered over a kilogram of cocaine, cannabis and Percocet, plus a tidy sum of $7,500 in cash during the Sunday morning operation. (Quinte News) Read More →

👨‍⚕️ New Family Doctor Signs On in Belleville
Just what the doctor ordered as Dr. Goher Altaf joins Belleville's Family Physician Recruitment Program. The UK-trained physician will open his family medicine practice this autumn, bringing much-needed healthcare capacity to our growing community. (City of Belleville) Read More →

🔥 Total Burn Ban Sweeps Across Ontario Region
Multiple fire departments across Quinte have declared urgent total burn bans due to dangerous near-drought conditions. A major 12.9-hectare wildfire has already sparked in Marmora, with officials warning of steep fines for those ignoring restrictions. (The Intelligencer) Read More →

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Receiving a U.S. Pension in Canada? 

Presented by Stateside Tax Solutions

If you worked in the United States and now receive pension income, you owe U.S. tax at 15% - even if you live permanently in Canada you should file a W-8BEN Form to have withholding at source. Stateside Tax Solutions helps Canadians understand their cross-border filing obligations and ensures you remain fully compliant with IRS rules.  

Events

🎸 Dallas Smith Unplugged | December 14 | 7:00 PM | Empire Theatre
Canada's country music powerhouse strips it down for an intimate acoustic evening of hits, proving you can take the boy out of the arena but you can't take the star power out of the boy. Tickets go on sale TODAY.

🥧 2nd Annual Butter Tart Festival | August 14 | 4:00 PM | Madoc Township Parking Lot
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth as local bakers compete for butter tart supremacy while you browse market vendors, play games, and cast your vote in the People's Choice competition - all for free!

🎭 Scripts & Sips: Play Reading | August 15 | Evening | Grange Winery
Get a sneak peek at next season's potential lineup while sipping wine at this cozy staged reading featuring award-winning work performed by summer season favourite Lindsey M.

🌴 A Taste of Jamaica with Peg's Patties | August 15 | 5:00-9:00pm | 260 Main St, Wellington
Sip wine and savour Peg & Mo's famous Jamaican patties plus their new jerk chicken pasta in the garden or wine bar.

_{Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.}

Home of the Week

Historic Penthouse Paradise in Old East Hill Offers Luxury Living

This stunning 2,000+ sq ft penthouse in the exclusive Faulkenbridge Estate features soaring ceilings, dual gas fireplaces, and over $40K in recent upgrades, all within walking distance to downtown and waterfront trails. The 2-bedroom, 3-bath crown jewel boasts a private "Adult Treehouse" deck and seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury, while offering easy access to Prince Edward County's renowned wineries and beaches. (Royal Lepage) Read More →

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: ☁️ High 32°C / Low 21°C - scattered clouds

Thursday: 🌧️ High 30°C / Low 19°C - light rain

🌡️ View current weather here.

🚗 See live traffic here.

⛽ Check out local gas prices here.

Signing Off

Ashley’s proof that comebacks are always possible. Send this to someone who could use a little inspiration (and maybe a Blizzard 🍦).

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