What's with all the trash talk?

Gooood morning everybody! Welcome to the 199 of you who just joined us. This is BOQtoday. This week has been a ride, and it’s only Wednesday. This newsletters no different. Except our ride is fun, like “it’s a small world” — without the song.

Today Around The Bay:

• Recycling changes for Hastings & PEC

• A royal announcement

• Gardener’s rejoice

And much more…

February is here and things are happenin’ again, that being said, we highly suggest reading the entire email — it’s full of goodies!

🌡️ WEATHER

Wednesday, February 5, 2025
High: -5°C | Low: -14°C | ☀️/☁️ | Precipitation: 0% | Wind: W at 11 km/h

Thursday, February 6, 2025
High: 3°C | Low: -7°C | ❄️/☁️ | Precipitation: 50% | Wind: SSW at 24 km/h

📰 THE MID-WEEK SKIMM

♻️ Hastings & Prince Edward County Trash Talk

Recycling rules are changing in HPEC—here’s what you need to know! Starting July 17, the region joins Ontario’s producer-responsibility program, with Circular Materials Ontario (CMO) and E360S taking over. Recycling pickup stays, but your collection day may change—we will have an update coming this spring. Hazardous waste drop-off at Wallbridge Crescent remains. Businesses and non-profits should watch for collection updates. 🔗 More details: BOQtoday

🛒 This Grocery Store Manager is Paying It Forward in a Big Way

After surviving a heart attack just ten months ago, Murray Lupenette, manager at Picton Metro, knew he had to give back to the hospital that saved his life—not once, but twice. Through a cash register round-up fundraiser, his team raised $8,656.79 for the Back the Build campaign, bringing Metro’s five-year total to an incredible $74,182.63 in support of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital. Watch the story below.

It’s a heartwarming reminder that every dollar makes a difference—and this community knows how to show up. 🔗 Read more CountyLive

❤️ A Valentine’s Treat That Gives Back

Celebrate love while supporting Hospice Quinte! For a $30 donation, get a Loved Ones Box filled with 15 handmade treats like candied pecans, chocolate-covered pretzels, and truffles—perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Every purchase helps provide compassionate end-of-life care in our community.

📍 Pickup: Feb 12-14, 8 AM - 2 PM
🎁 Limited quantities—order early!
🔗 Get yours here Hospice Quinte

👑 Belleville Woman Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Belleville’s Bev Bannister has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional service to Canada! A dedicated St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog volunteer, she and her canine partner Sheldon bring comfort to hospices, seniors, students, and children across the region.

Bannister was one of just 17 Ontarians to receive this prestigious honour. A well-deserved recognition for someone making a real difference in the community! 🔗 Read more here InQuinte

Together With By The Bay Real Estate Photography

By The Bay Real Estate Photography offers comprehensive documentation services for your property, including detailed photographs, 3D virtual tours, and floor plans. These services benefit a range of clients, from realtors and property managers to homeowners and renovators, by providing thorough visual records for insurance, rental, and renovation purposes. Additionally, we offer property videos and REELS to showcase your space.

Need stunning real estate visuals? Go here www.iguidebythebay.ca and view our full list of services, portfolio and book online.*

🤝 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

In Partnership With Volunteer In Quinte

Community Living Prince Edward is looking for social individuals who would like to volunteer their time to socialize, share interests such as crafts, arts, music, cooking, and other hobbies. Volunteers can share a cup of tea, play cards, or bake with residents. This is a great opportunity to build relationships and share skills.

Trenton Care and Share Food Bank is seeking volunteers to help with their "Coldest Night of the Year" walk on February 22nd, from 3-7pm. Volunteers will assist with setting up chairs, giving guidance along the 5k circuit, and providing assistance to walkers who may need it.

Habitat For Humanity ReStore is seeking volunteers to provide assistance with preparing merchandise for sale (cleaning and simple repairs), creating floor displays, customer service, housekeeping duties, loading and unloading donations, and preparing some items for scrap recycling or disposal.

Together With Skinkle’s Pet Supplies

Looking for the best in pet care? Skinkle's Pet Supplies & More has you covered with top brands of pet food, horse feed, supplements, and fencing! Plus, they offer grooming, pet weighing, microchip scanning, and even kitten adoptions. Find everything your pets need to thrive! Visit them online at skinklespetsupplies.ca or call 613-395-0899.

🐾 ADOPT-A-PET

Meet Rubbish: The Clever Cutie Looking for a Home

All that trash talk earlier in the email — and we didn’t mention Rubbish? Rubbish is an 8-month-old tabby with a talent for opening doors—literally! He’s friendly with other cats, dog-approved (with a slow intro), and rocks a mild chronic sniffle that doesn’t slow him down. Ready for a quirky sidekick?. Adopt Rubbish today: humanesocietyhpe.ca/rubbish

JOB OF THE WEEK

Love numbers and looking for a flexible role? UCB Media is on the hunt for an Intermediate Bookkeeper / Finance Administrator to join their team on a 6-12 month contract (with potential for permanent placement!). If you have 5-7 years of financial experience, a passion for organization, and want to support a non-profit Christian radio station, this could be your perfect fit. Remote/hybrid work with just two office days per month in Belleville—balance, impact, and purpose all in one role.*

📌 Learn more and apply here. 

🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

🥣 19 Soups, One Epic Competition

February’s frosty, but Downtown Belleville is serving up some serious warmth with the return of Savour the Chill—the ultimate soup showdown. Back for its 21st year, this legendary tasting competition is serving up 19 incredible soups from local restaurants—all battling for the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice Awards.

📍 Where? Downtown Belleville
📅 When? Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 12 PM - 3 PM
🥄 What? 6oz cups of soup for just $3 each— bring your spoon.

Pro tip: These soups go FAST, so show up early, bring cash, and get ready to vote for your fave! Who’s taking home the 2025 soup crown? You decide.

🔥 Full lineup, menu + details here! 

🎥🎶 14th Annual Downtown DocFest

Get ready, Belleville! The 14th Annual Downtown DocFest is rolling into town from February 21 to 23, 2025, and it's shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend. Kicking off at the historic Empire Theatre, the festival opens with the Canadian documentary "Paul Anka: His Way," diving deep into the life of the legendary singer-songwriter. Following the screening, enjoy a live performance by Ryan Malcolm, the inaugural Canadian Idol winner.

Saturday night heats up with "The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal," a documentary exploring the iconic band's journey, followed by a Q&A session with filmmaker Mike Downie. Throughout the weekend, attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse lineup of documentaries, filmmaker Q&As, and special events. For more details and to grab your passes, visit the official DocFest website.

📜 Flashback February is Bringing the County’s History to Life!

Love a good throwback? Prince Edward County’s 8th annual Flashback February is back, and it's packed with hands-on workshops, live storytelling, and historic deep dives all month long! From genealogy sessions and WWII escape rooms to textile takeovers and marine history talks, there’s something for every history buff. Plus, enjoy County-themed trivia, cozy winter carnivals, and even a virtual session on Canada’s dark past with the death penalty. 📍 February 1 – March 1, Various Locations in PEC
🔗 Full event lineup here

_{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 an awesome list of events for the area, hit the button below!

Together With Bridge Dynamics

Struggling to juggle work, life, and everything in between? You’re not alone—but you don’t have to stay stuck. I’ve helped hundreds of people reclaim their schedules and create a work-life balance that actually works. Ready to make time for what matters? Join the movement today, go here.

📸 COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

Winter really understood the assignment yesterday—we got buried in snow! ❄️ But let’s be real, it doesn’t get much more Great White North than this… 🍁

Want to see your photos in our community snapshot section? Tag us on instagram @BOQtoday or send us a message!

🏛️ CIVIL NEWS

BELLEVILLE

🌱 Belleville’s first-ever Seedy Saturday is sprouting up!

Plant lovers, green thumbs, and newbie gardeners—this one’s for you! On March 1, head to Centennial Secondary School for a day of seed swapping, expert talks, live demos, and local gardening vendors. There’s even a kid-friendly zone to keep little sprouts entertained. Doors open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—see you there! 🌿💚

🔗 More details Belleville’s First Seedy Saturday 

QUINTE WEST

🌟 Quinte West Pop-ups: Local Vendors Wanted!

Quinte West’s favourite summer market is back, and vendor applications are open until Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.! Whether you're a local maker, food truck, or small biz looking to connect with the community, this 14-week market in Centennial Park is the perfect place to showcase your goods. Apply for a full-season spot or a Mini Pop-up (two-week stay). Oh and the season kicks off May 30—don’t miss out!

🔗 Apply now: quintewest.ca/PopUps

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

PEC Business Excellence Awards: 2025 Nominees Announced! 🎉

The PEC Business Excellence Awards return on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 6 PM at Regent Theatre, Picton. With nominees across categories like Business of the Year and Cultural Enrichment, the event honours local innovation and impact. See the full list of nominees here.

What’s your favourite Bay of Quinte winter tradition? Hit reply and tell us!

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