YOU | Pride Niagara Recap

Rainbow flag raising celebrates diversity

COURTESY: Niagara This Week - St. Catharines
By Paul Forsyth
ST. CATHARINES — A large, rainbow-coloured flag raised in front of St. Catharines city hall on Tuesday is doing more than adding a splash of colour to the stately old building.

To those gathered on the front lawn, it also symbolizes diversity and a world in which a person’s sexual orientation doesn’t make them a target for discrimination.

The annual flag raising was a kick off to this year’s Pride Niagara week, highlighting the work of the group to promote an inclusive society.

Brandon Vrysen, a Mississauga native who’s graduating from Brock University this week and who now calls Thorold home, told a gathering inside city hall before the flag raising that Canada has come a long way toward acceptance of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender) community. But he said people are still bullied in schools and in the larger world for their sexual orientation — meaning the push to promote tolerance and acceptance must continue.

“We deserve just as much respect as other people do,” he said. “Never stop fighting” for your rights.

St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan said Canada’s charter of rights and freedoms

ensures Canadians can’t be discriminated because of their sexual orientation.

“It doesn’t matter in this country,” he said. “It shouldn’t matter.

“That’s why we have events like this so we don’t forget that.”

Enzo DeDivitiis, chair of Pride Niagara, said the flag raising is an important, symbolic gesture of acceptance.

“It really unites all of us and celebrates our diverse community,” he said. “It shows we are all one.”

Sarah Burtch, women’s community development officer with AIDS Niagara, said embracing people’s differences is what makes a true community.

“When we come in solidarity to speak out against discrimination in all forms, whether it is on the basis of sexuality, gender, race or HIV, we begin to create a world in which each and every one of us can thrive and realize our full potential,” she said. The third annual Pride in the Park Festival will be held on Saturday, June 7 at Montebello Park in St. Catharines, with entertainment and vendors from noon to 10 p.m. capping off the week-long Pride Niagara celebrations. The day will feature Adam Coleman from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m., fitness from 1-1:45 p.m., the Nathan Drake production of ‘The Witches of Oz’ from 2-3 p.m., Lexi Tellings from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Shawnee from 5-6 p.m., the Pride drag show in the Pride pavilion from 6-7 p.m., the RuPaul Drag Race Diva Shangela from 7-7:30 p.m., and the Pride pavilion dance party from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m

PHOTO COURTESY PRIDE NIAGARA

Showing Our True Colours

From Rainbow flag raisings and Niagara Falls lit in bright colours, to a celebration of diversity through the Niagara Unity Awards, Pride Niagara 2014 has given us much to be proud about.

PHOTO COURTESY PRIDE NIAGARA

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF WELLAND FACEBOOK PAGE

From the City of Welland's facebook page, Mayor Barry Sharpe, Enzo De Devittis, and Tyler Neal raise the Pride Flag to Celebrate Pride Niagara.

Celebrating Diversity

The photo below, found on Pride Niagara's facebook page was taken at the 1st Annual Niagara Unity Awards.  See more photos from the event at Pride Niagara's facebook page CLICK HERE.

VIDEO |  Dancing Fountain

Found on Brett Wood's facebook page the video clip below features the back fountain at Niagara Fallsview Casino as it dances and showsits colours for PRIDE

The 3rd Annual Pride in the Park event was held on June 7th and featured appearances by Fitness, Lexi Tellings, Shawnee and Shangela from the RuPaul's Drag Race, to name but a few. The event was once again held at Montebello Park in downtown St. Catharines

Although I was unable to attend due to being in a lot of pain that day, I was definitely there is spirit.



SCRIBBLES THANKS PRIDE NIAGARA, NIAGARA THIS WEEK, CITY OF WELLAND FACEBOOK PAGE, BRETT WOOD AND OTHERS FOR ALLOWING US TO REPOST THEIR PHOTOS AND INFO ABOUT PRIDE NIAGARA 2014.

VIDEO | Tim McGraw & Dude Perfect

SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Empty on Ottawa Street

One final look at Ken's Ottawa Street apartment before he handed in his keys.

I just want to add. Even though in my final walk through of the empty apartment I said "I'd like to say I'm going to miss you [the apt.], I can't say that"....I have since found myself SEVERAL times this week missing the place....and this is on top of missing Maria. 

The layout of the apt. was different than what i'm used to, but it was still "home". The back yard was so handy for Timmi and I felt welcome back there and in the and around the whole place. 

My new place is tiny and cute and I'm sure in time I will love it, but I still feel very much like a stranger here.

SEE FULL VIDEO of MARIA singing her original song "I'm In Love" CLICK HERE




SEE FULL VIDEO of MARIA singing her original song "I'm In Love" CLICK HERE

KIDS | Wow! They're One Year Old

A baby's first birthday is always a special occasion, but in the case of Rachel and Evelyn Blythin, that celebration is even more extraordinary.

As you'll recall, the twins were born quite prematurely and gained media attention with their story.

A recent article on Mount Sinai Hospital's website recalls the saga of the tiny girls who have often been referred to as "the miracle twins" (and rightfully so)

To read that article CLICK HERE

Happy Birthday Rachel and Evelyn.

ME | There's No Place Like Home??

SCREENSHOT FROM GOOGLE MAP STREET VIEW SHOWS MY NEW PLACE ON THE RIGHT AND SIGNS ON GRUMPY NEIGHBOUR'S HOME OVERSTATING HIS 'NO PARKING' POLICY

Oh what fresh new Hell have I gotten myself into now? 

While I absolutely LOVE the layout of this little upper unit apartment, which screams potential, when it comes to decorating it (something I love to do), I'm not feeling very welcomed by the neighbours.

First up was the oddball next door who once owned this building and refuses to let anyone use the driveway. When I met him on moving day, he was making an "exception" for the U-Haul to pull in and be unloaded, but made sure to point out to me that under no circumstances is anyone ever allowed to use the driveway. 

"If you order a pizza, the driver is not allowed to park in the driveway" he commented. 

When the Bell tech guy had to come here on Mon. I made sure to advise him not to pull in to the driveway because the guy next door is an asshole.

Yesterday I met the lady who lives below me. She was "ok", but when we were discussing pets (she has two cats) and I mentioned I have a cat, she was quick to say "Yes, I know, I can hear him when he pounces on to the floor". Maybe she didn't mean anything by it, but I was not impressed. I'm sure she's going to love it when Timmi joins us. He has been at my mom's since Fri. and I bringing him to our "new home" tonight.

So let's recap shall we....At the place I just moved from, the lady on the main floor (Maria) came down on my first day there welcoming me with a plate of homemade cupcakes and was very cordial. The building on the other hand was unbearably loud and drove me crazy, to the point my doctor wrote a letter saying I should move.

Now I find a place that is super cozy but the neighbours have thus far not exactly been very hospitable.

Is it really asking too much to have a place that is nice and those around me are civil? Apparently the answer to that question is "Yes"

ME | Not This Again!

 

READY TO FLY AWAY AGAIN

I have to admit, if I were a boxer, I would be throwing my towel in to the ring in defeat. For the third time in less than two years and the second time in two months, I find myself sitting in an apartment with wall to wall boxes, all packed and ready to go. Yes, I am moving AGAIN!

We all know the reason why by now and if you don't, then that tells me you haven't been visiting Scribbles regularly. The place I am currently residing in is ok, except for those f'n banging pipes that drove me crazy and had my doctor writing a letter indicating that this place was bad for my mental health.

So with last minute things to pack, errands to take care of, a disruption in my internet service and the desire to set up my new "new" place, Scribbles will be taking another brief break.  How long it will be for, I cannot say for sure. I do want to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible, with videos still on hold and other new stuff to share, but at the same time I do not want to be rushed when I am trying to be creative.

I'll keep you all posted when Scribbles will be back with new stuff and in the meantime there has been a lot of new things added lately for you to catch up on or just enjoy again.

So before I pack myself into a corner, I'll sign off for now. Take a nap and get back to preparing for my fourth home in less than two years.

Thank you to everyone who have once again come to my aid and recognized that even a sane person might find this a very trying time, especially when others don't always seem to see it that way.

Love Kenny

NEW ADDRESS IS EFFECTIVE SAT. MAY 31st.  

Email address and phone number remain the same

ME | Good Clean Fun

There's a few reasons I am happily displaying this new automatic hand soap dispenser.

I got to see just how cool they work when I recently visited my pals Terry & Terry in Toronto, after admiring the several units they have at their condo.

I mentioned that a while back I had received an email offer where I could buy one and get reimbursed for its cost. So the unit would be free. But alas, I did not act in time and therefore the offer was no longer valid.

Well wouldn't you know it, just a few days later, I received another email, with the same offer. I didn't let this one pass me by and immediately purchased the Lysol dispenser kit and sent for my rebate.

I can already visualize the soap dispenser looking oh so cool in my new "new" apartment and best of all, all it ended up costing me was the price of a stamp.

Now THAT'S something to smile about!

PETS | Ready to Move

CLICK PIX FOR LARGER VIEW

My ever-growing cat JJ seems to think he is just a little kitten still, judging by the box he had selected to move in.

With everything being packed up in to boxes again, JJ is up to his old tricks, exploring what I've packed, trying to pull off packing tape from boxes, getting in to places he's not supposed to be. 

He did this a few months ago when we moved from Welland.

We move to St. Patrick Street on Saturday and this will be JJ's THIRD home.  

That's quite a lot of places to get used to for someone who isn't even a year old yet!

YOU |

YOU | Snuffie's Best Bird

KIDS | Too Cool @ Two

Aeitch Ruberg turned two last Friday and despite his silly antics with his tongue out, mommy Tammie assured us he had a great time.

KIDS | A Winning Combination

What do you get when you take two adorable twin sisters, outfit them in dresses designed by Picture Perfect Props by Mich, place them in front of a scrumptious cake created by Cakes and Cupcakes by Siobhan and capture their antics with photographs taken by These Are Your Moments ?

Why, you get these amazing, amusing one-of-a-kind photos, that's what.

The twins are no strangers to Scribbles or to the camera. They are Maia and Kayla Dennis, who made their TV debut last Fall on the short-lived ABC series "Seven" and appeared more recently in an episode of Global-TV's hospital drama "Remedy".

The twins won a photo shoot in a contest collaborated by Picture Perfect Props by Mich, Cakes and Cupcakes by Siobhan and These Are Your Moments photography.  Their mother Heather was  "beyond excited" after seeing the results of the photo session and we certainly can understand why.

Looking for props, desserts or an astounding photographer?  Click on the links here, to visit  Picture Perfect Props by Mich, Cakes and Cupcakes by Siobhan and These Are Your Moments photography.

Scribbles thanks everyone involved for permitting us to post these pix.

YOU | New Do's

"Hair's" the Story, of Some Lovely Ladies...

There must be something in the air or should I say "hair" (ok, enough hair puns Ken) A lot of our Scribbles pals are sporting new hairdo's these days.

Above from the top: Niagara Falls friend Kerri Thomson-Fortier has added lots of colour to her locks of gold.  Next we have our Ottawa sweetheart Megan Fox who has new highlights.  St Catharines pal LeeAnne Chamberlain sports a new style and darker colour, which we think is mighty sexy.  Merry Christine from Welland went from long locks to short hair and she looks great.

Below: My sister Jane Storie looks great with curls but also turns heads when she straightens her hair. And of course, what would our lovely ladies new hairstyles be without me adding myself in to the mix.  I got bored with my light brown hair and coloured it dark brown (although it looks more black than brown)  I also experimented with putty, sprays and gels (as seen in my hair product collection at the bottom) and came up with a faux hawk look.  I can still style it the way I used to if I want, but right now I'm liking the extra inch in height.....LOL!

THANKS STEVE!

Scribbles VIDEO EDITORIAL #2

PETS | Introducing Scout

PATRICK & NEW PUPPY PAL SCOUT -PHOTOS COURTESY KIM PAPPLE

Scout's honour....there's a new occupant at the Papple family's home!

My sister Kim, husband Don and their kids Erin and Patrick are happy to announce the arrival of their new dog Scout.

Kim told Scribbles, "After some time of searching and discussing we decided we would all be able to handle a little dog....Introducing Scout our Miniature Dachshund. "

"She is very small and won't get much bigger." Kim reports, "Scout has a timid personality and is still getting use to our place. She is seven months old and from the line called Reds, because of their colour coat. She is already Crate and paper trained so we were glad of that"

Congratulations gang, I can't wait to meet your new companion and I promise to leave Timmi at home when I do, since we all know just how much he loves other dogs....LOL!

KIDS | They Grow So Quickly

WOW! Siblings Deryk and Joanna [seen above] have certainly grown up since we first introduced you to them 7 years ago. They were just carefree kids and look at them now. Deryk will soon be finishing High School and Joanna is no a little girl anymore.

Deryk and Joanna's mom Patty [left] is my friend Rob Dennis' sister, and it was through my relationship with Robert that I met everyone.

So much has changed since then, but I still see many of Rob's relatives on a regular basis and that's something that I hope will never change.

KIDS | It's a Boy!

PHOTO COURTESY JENN YOUNG'S FACEBOOK PAGE

This just in!  Jenn and Sean Young are now proud parents.

Jenn wrote on her facebook page today,  "Baby Young (still nameless) was born at 9:59am on Friday May 23rd weighing 8lbs 3oz. Mommy, Daddy, and baby [boy] are doing great!"

Congratulations Jenn and Sean, we're super excited for you both and may we add, you all look beautiful.

And we are THRILLED to add the pix below of happy grandparents Connie (Oma) and Al. Connie is actually who I met while working at Talk Wireless and through her I met Jenn and Sean (well I also met Sean at a campsite fire, but that's a whole other story...LOL)

 

KIDS | Happy Birthday!

When Tammie Holditch posted the pix above on her facebook page she noted that "time has flown by".

We have to admit, you're absolutely right Tammie. It seems like only yesterday we were introducing Aietch to our Scribbles family (and making them wonder how to you pronounce his name....LOL... It's pronounced "H", just in case you forgot)

Happy 2nd birthday big guy!

SCRIBBLES VIDEO | The Dandelion Song

SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Home Sweet Two Month Home

I moved here on March 29th and in a matter of days it will be history, as I move once again, See my apartment before it becomes a thumping memory, in this tour video.

ENTERTAINMENT | New Idol

With his legendary rock sound and bad ass attitude, it was little surprise that Caleb Johnson was voted as the winner on this season's American Idol. The 23-year-old North Carolina native beat out 17 year old Jena Irene, whose talents are also sure to take her far. 

Throughout the season Caleb impressed the judges and fans with his renditions of classic rock songs, including a killer version of "Maybe I'm Amazed", "Dazed and Confused" and in what surely shot him to the top on the final performance episode, "Dream On", where he emulated Steven Tyler to a T. 

The top 13 Idols will soon embark upon a Summer tour and Caleb's new single "As Long as You Love Me"is available on itune now and his album is set to release in August. 

YOU | Spreading the Message

This Saturday (May 24th) Bowl-O-Rama in Welland is playing host to a 5 and 10 Pin Bowling Tournament, in support of Bylynnda Turvey's Fight Against Lyme Disease.

Not into bowling? That's ok, there will also be door prizes, draws, contest and more ways to show your support and make donations.

Scribbles is only one of the many places promoting Bylynnda's cause. You can find links to "Bylynnda's Journey" website and other upcoming fundraisers in our EVENTS section in our right sidebar.
Even Bylynnda herself got in on the act of letting people know about the upcoming Bowling Tournament, when she sat in her wheelchair at the bottom of Clifton Hill, holding a bright poster telling of the event.

CYNDY BOUCK & MERRY CHRISTINE WITH RIBBONS

Bylynnda explained on facebook "It was kinda raining... thats why I had the messed up face."

Your face looks far from messed up to Scribbles, Bylynnda. In fact we think it is pretty damn awesome that you took the time to spread the message -and what better place than one of the Country's biggest tourist areas?

Scribbles hopes to be at the bowling tournament to support the cause and report on the event. The only thing that might prevent that is my car. It has been sometimes making an odd squealing sound and if it gets worse, I may not be able to drive it there.

But I sure will try to attend because I really want one of those awesome ribbons your family and relatives have been making. (photo seen here features Cyndy Bouck and Merry Christine with some of the groovy green ribbons they have created for this event)

Bowl-O-Rama is located at 968 Niagara St North in Welland, ON.  Registration for bowling is at 12:30pm and bowling starts at 1 pm.

Further information is available by emailing bowl4bylynnda@outlook.com

KIDS | Daddy's Little Helper

Alina Dennis is growing up so quickly. Seems it wasn't that long ago when we were introducing you to our little friend and look at her now!

Alina is seen above helping her daddy Rodney installing netting on the family's deck and ready to go for a drive in his truck.

So pretty in pink.

YOU | Go Habs Go

KERRI THOMSON FORTIER HAPPY AS HAB FAN AND SAD HAB FAN

The New York Rangers currently lead 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference series but Habs fans aren't crying in their drinks (or in the case of Louie the dog below, in his kibble) quite yet.

The Montreal Canadiens are in it to win it and we couldn't be happier!  Go Habs Go!

DYLAN, IAN AND LOUIE THE DOG -MORE DEVOTED HABS FANS

PETS | Brotherly Love

SCRIBBLES VIDEO | Editorial

YOU | Pond Memories

Becky Lee is seen above with her dog Raina, looking at the koi pond in her yard, in this photo taken a few years ago.

Sadly, the harsh Winter took its toll on the fish and Becky has decided to close up the pond. She already found new homes for the surviving fishies and is selling off her pond supplies.

I remember "fish sitting" for Becky a couple of years ago, when she was at her family's cottage. I would take my nephew Graham and my dog Timmi with me (pictured below) where we all loved feeding the fishies and playing in the yard.

Becky gave me 4 small koi which I had in my aquarium. The aquarium would later find a home at my mom's, but eventually the fish grew too large for the tank and were given away.

YOU | Two Big Birthday's

THEN AND NOW: KEVIN MACNEIL WAS JUST A BABY WHEN I HELD HIM IN MY ARMS FOR A PHOTO. NOW HE'S ALL GROWN UP AS THIS PHOTOSHOPPED FAKE REVEALS

AMANDA WITH CUPCAKES-CLICK PIX TO VIEW LARGER

Since I've known him for all his life, it's hard for me to believe that Kevin MacNeil is celebrating his 30th birthday. But it's true. Kevin, his girlfriend Amanda, family and friends will gather on Sun. May 18th for a party that's going to literally be a big blast.

There will be a massive fireworks display to light up the evening sky at Walkinshaw Park in West St. Catharines. The party invitation indicated the fireworks will be popping until they're gone or shut down, whichever comes first.

Originally the party was slated for Sat. May 17th and I was prepared to join in the fun and hopefully recreate the photo of me holding Kevin when he was a baby. It was bumped to the 18th and wouldn't you know it, I will be in Toronto rocking in another landmark birthday. Francesca Mackie is turning 50 and doing it with a disco party at the Mackie's homestead.

CLASSIC PRIDE GANG PIX FROM 2004 -CLICK TO VIEW LARGER

This marks the first time I have seen the old gang in 4-5 years and I'm thrilled to have been on the guest list. I'll be staying at pals Terry and Terry's condo, somewhere else I haven't seen in eons.

Back in the day, I ventured to Toronto for Pride each year, where I would join everyone for the festivities. But with my aches and pains and lack of funds, what was once an annual pilgrimage has become a rarity.

Two invitations to two big birthdays in two different cities, both on the same day. Go figure!

I hope your 30th birthday party is a roaring success Kevin and I hope to see lots of photos.

Francesca and pals, I'll see you Sun. night and I can hardly wait!

PARTY UPDATES:

What a wet & wild weekend it turned out to be. Francesca Mackie's 50th Birthday party was unlike any other and everyone had a great time.

I captured much of the fun on video and in photos and will soon put it all together for a memorable video, as only Scribbles can do.

I have not yet had a chance to check facebook, but I am pretty certain when I do, I will find lots of photos of Kevin MacNeil's 30th Birthday party (which was being held in St Catharines on the same day and time as Francesca's Toronto gathering.) I will do my best to bring highlights of Kevin's big party for you to enjoy, soon. 

PETS | Mommy's Girl

Kerri Thomson-Fortier enjoys a cat nap with her pal Maggie. Maybe they were tuckered out after cheering on their hockey team The Montreal Canadiens, after they defeated The Boston Bruins, moving on to the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference.

PETS | Cotton's New Do

Our Welland friend Merry Christine's cat Cotton is seen before and after his recent haircut. We can't say for sure, but we think he "pre-furs" having longer hair.

KIDS | Ride On!

William and Keira Blythin are looking cool, as they prepare to learn to ride bikes.

Their father Neil told Scribbles William was a bit more "ready" to roll than his younger sister, but like any sibling, she is always eager to do whatever her big brother does.

In addition to their helmets, to keep their "melons" covered, a Hello Kitty First Aid kit was also close by.