🐝 GivingTuesday + we added a civil section

🐝 Gooood morning everybody! We’re back with the BoQ Buzz. The newsletter that will be going through some major upgrades over the next 4 weeks.

In today’s buzz

• Trivia Tuesday 🧠

• Where to get your Christmas tree 🎄

• GivingTuesday ❤️

and more…

We’ve had a major call for more “city updates”. Basically, boring civil stuff that you need to know as a resident. So, we added a section at the bottom of our emails called “Stuff You Should Know”. It captures city updates from Belleville, Quinte West, and The County. We hope this helps you stay informed! Now let’s dive in.

It's always handy to have a reliable plumber. Johnson’s Plumbing is here for the Quinte area, handling new constructions, renovations, and all kinds of plumbing services. We also provide well and water treatment services and commercial plumbing. For all your plumbing needs, call Bryson at 613-242-2881. Mention you saw this on the BoQ Buzz for a free estimate.*

THE DIGEST

🎄 The Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Crapshoot
You’re likely going to have to hop in the car and make a day out of it if you’re going to cut your own tree this year. Den-Mar Farms closed a couple of years ago, causing quite a stir in the Christmas tree industry around the area. This business was responsible for outfitting thousands of households in the Bay of Quinte and surrounding regions. We spoke with a few tree farmers, and they advised us to tell you to get out early to cut your trees if that’s the route you choose. Apparently, the timing has now shifted back a week, and the trees are going fast. Here’s a list of places where you can cut your own trees this holiday season. Please call ahead to ensure your chosen destination has trees left when you decide to go.

Hannon U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm, 646 Glen Miller Road, Trenton, ON K8V 0B5
The Carroll’s Tree Farm, 13809 Telephone Road, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Rising Sun Farm, 676 Fiddick Road, Brighton, ON K0K 1H0
Little Lake Christmas Trees, 182 Bailey Drive, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0
Skootamatta Tree Farm, 2800 Upper Flinton Road, Flinton, ON K0H 1P0
The Christmas Farm, 3229 Forest Road, Harrowsmith, ON K0H 1V0
Barrett’s Tree Farm, 3141 Williamson Road, Cobourg, ON K9A 4J7
Oscar’s Tree Farm, 8473 Gilmour Road, Port Hope, ON L0A 1B0

❤️ Double Your Impact This Giving Tuesday!
This Giving Tuesday, Joe and Gertrud LaFerla will match donations to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) up to $25,000, supporting the new hospital campaign. Additionally, McDougall Insurance & Financial has pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations to United Way Hastings Prince Edward, effectively doubling contributions made on December 3rd. These efforts highlight the power of community generosity and the potential for collective action to drive meaningful change.
How to Donate:

• PECMHF: To donate, visit the website at http://www.pecmhf.ca or call 613-476-1008 ext. 4507. E-transfers may be sent to [email protected] (please follow up with the password).

• United Way Hastings Prince Edward: To donate, go online www.unitedwayhpe.ca/donate/ or e-transfer: [email protected] funds will be auto deposited or call: 613-962-9531

What is Giving Tuesday? Check it out here.

🕯️ National Day of Remembrance Vigil in Belleville
A vigil will be held in Belleville on December 6th to honor victims of gender-based violence and mark the 35th anniversary of the Polytechnique Montreal tragedy. The event aims to raise awareness and call for action against femicide. More here.

🚗 Feed the Meter Campaign Kicks Off
Belleville and Picton’s Feed the Meter Campaign will direct all December parking meter funds to Food For Learning’s school meal programs, supporting over 6,000 students daily.

Gleaners Food Bank Director Susanne Quinlan Retires After 30 Years of Service
Susanne Quinlan, Director of Operations for Gleaners Food Bank, has retired after 30 years of service. She announced her retirement in an email to Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis and the media, expressing gratitude for the support over the years. Quinlan has been a prominent advocate for food security and poverty reduction. Thank you for everything you’ve done Susanne! More here.

To celebrate our grand opening, we are hosting an OPEN HOUSE and 🎉 GIVEAWAY 🎉 You could win a prize pack from Popeyes Supplements Belleville, a 6-month 24/7 gym membership and 3x45 minute personal training sessions with Coach Holly. Enter our giveaway on Facebook or on Instagram. And don't forget to mark your calendars for our open house hosted on December 7th from 1-3pm located at our space in Century Village (199 Front Street Belleville). P.S. you get extra entries when you come to our open house 👀. See you there!*

THE BUSINESS

Meta Employment Grand Opening 
📅 December 5, 2024
📍 100 Bell Blvd unit 330
Meta Employment Services invites the community to the grand opening of their new location. Attendees can tour the facility, meet the team, and learn about the services offered. Refreshments will be provided. Register here.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

^{_{Some events need tickets and might be canceled or have different times. Check the event venue's website or contact them before you go}}

🎤 Open Mic Night 
📅 Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 8:00 pm
📍 The Local Social House, Belleville
Join the Local for the second round of Open Mic Night at The Local Social House. Bring your guitar or use one provided. For questions, email [email protected] or sign up on the night of the event

🎻 The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas 
📅 December 8, 2024 - 7:30 PM
📍 Empire Theatre, Belleville
Celebrate the season with the Barra MacNeils, bringing their unique blend of Celtic music and holiday cheer. More Info

✨ Friday Night Lights at the Museum 
📅 Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 Museum of Lennox & Addington, 97 Thomas Street East, Napanee
Enjoy a magical evening of holiday lights and festive activities at the Museum of Lennox & Addington.

🛍️ Makers Market 
📅 Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 Your Creative Junction, 444 Dundas St W Unit 4, Belleville
Discover handmade crafts and unique gifts at the Makers Market.

🎭 The Nutcracker 
📅 Friday, December 6, 2024, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
📍 Kingston Grand Theatre, 218 Princess St, Kingston
Enjoy a magical performance of The Nutcracker at the Kingston Grand Theatre.

🎨 Christmas Station Wagon Plate Workshop 
📅 Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
📍 County Creative, 13 MacSteven Drive, Picton
Join this creative workshop to design and paint your own Christmas station wagon plate, perfect for holiday decor or as a unique gift.

🛍️ Decanter Holiday Market 
📅 Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
📍 Decanter PEC, 66 Gilead Road, Bloomfield
Browse through a variety of holiday vendors offering unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal goodies at Decanter PEC’s Holiday Market.

🛍️ Winter Wanderland Holiday Market
📅 Sunday, December 8, 2024
⏰ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
📍 Wander the Resort
Description: Shop for unique holiday gifts at this festive market featuring local vendors, delicious treats, and holiday decor.
Event Link

Looking to get out of the house? This holiday season, the Stirling Festival Theatre presents three versions of “Cinderella - Stuck in Hallmark,” each offering a unique twist on the classic tale: Panto Version: Highlighted as the most entertaining, this version is filled with humor, audience participation, and over-the-top characters (it gets a little naughty - fair warning!). Family Version: Perfect for all ages, this version brings the heartwarming story of Cindy, a big city girl, finding love and holiday magic in a small town. School Trip Version: For educational trips. Use our unique Discount Code to receive 10% off tickets to the Panto shows (excludes pre-show meals and the New Years Eve show). Your code is: BOQBUZZ. They sell out fast, so get your tickets here.

ART, THEATRE & CULTURE

^{_{Some events need tickets and might be canceled or have different times. Check the event venue's website or contact them before you go.}}

🎵 Sean Jones Music Presents: Holiday Soul 
📅 December 6, 2024 - 7:30 PM
📍 Empire Theatre, Belleville
Enjoy an evening of soulful holiday music with Sean Jones, featuring classic and contemporary holiday hits. More Info

🎭 The Untold Story of A Royal Vizier 
📅 November 30, 2024 - 6:00 PM & December 1, 2024 - 3:00 PM
📍 Quinte Little Theatre, Belleville
Discover the untold story of a royal vizier in this captivating theatrical performance. More Info

🎤 A Miss Emily Christmas - Miss Emily Holiday Concert 
📅 December 8, 2024 - 2:30 PM
📍 The Regent Theatre, Picton
Join Miss Emily for a festive holiday concert featuring her soulful voice and holiday favourites. More Info

🎭 A Midsummer Night’s Dream 
📅 November 26 - December 15, 2024
📍 Belleville Theatre Guild, Belleville
Enjoy Shakespeare’s classic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” brought to life by the Belleville Theatre Guild. More Info

🎄 Christmas in Rosewood 
📅 December 5, 2024 - 7:30 PM
📍 Theatre In The Wings, Belleville
Experience the magic of Christmas with the heartwarming play “Christmas in Rosewood.” More Info

A Christmas Carol 
📅 December 4-7, 2024
📍 Marble Arts Centre, Tweed
Join Tweed & Company for a new rendition of the classic tale “A Christmas Carol,” featuring music, pantomime, and puppetry. More Info

LOCAL SPORTS INSIDER

Belleville Senators

Past Games:

Future Games:

Trenton Golden Hawks

Past Games:

Upcoming Games:

Wellington Dukes

Past Games:

Upcoming Games:

CIVIL STUFF

Belleville

Prosper Belleville Project Kicks Off Next Stage
The Prosper Belleville project has developed 26 action items to support the manufacturing sector. Initiated in July 2023, the project involved 38 industry interviews and site visits, totalling over 746 volunteer hours. The action items focus on newcomer supports, labour attraction and retention, business supports, and City services.

🍂 Yard Waste Depot Closing Date Extended
The City of Belleville Leaf & Yard Waste Depot’s closing date has been extended to Friday, Dec. 6. Further extensions may occur depending on the weather. Stay tuned for updates.

The County

Imagine the Future of Wellington Town Hall
The Wellington Town Hall Expression of Interest (EOI) Working Group invites the community to an open house on December 7. Sessions will be held from 11 am - 2 pm and 4:30 - 6:30 pm at the Wellington Town Hall. Attendees can learn about the building’s history, the EOI process, and share their memories. A workshop to discuss the future of the Town Hall is scheduled for February 6, 2025, at the Wellington and District Community Centre. For more information, go here.

Quinte West

Quinte West 2025 Budget Review Starts Dec. 4 📊
The City of Quinte West will begin deliberations on the proposed 2025 Budget during a two-day Special Council meeting on Dec. 4-5. The budget proposes a 9.25% average residential tax increase to address infrastructure deficits, growing funding demands, and municipal operating needs. Of this increase, 4% is allocated to aging infrastructure costs. More here.

Winter Parking Restrictions Start on Dec. 1 🚗❄
Overnight winter parking restrictions in Quinte West apply from Dec. 1 to March 31. Parking on roads, highways, boulevards, or in municipal lots is prohibited from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.