Wednesday, November 11, 2009

FORT FRANCES TIMES A5

New wedding service now being offered at the Rendez-Vous

By Heather Latter Staff writer Glenda Bruyere, banquet manager at La Place Rendez-Vous here for the past two years, now has a new title to add to her position after recently having become a certified wedding co-ordinator. As a banquet manager, the couples often look to me for direction, Bruyere explained, noting she wanted to be able to offer more and began doing some research online. She discovered The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC) and was fortunate to be able to take the course at the University of Manitoba last spring. My prior experience with planning weddings helped me acquire a full appreciation of the course material, Bruyere remarked. I have always put a great effort into ensuring a smooth, wellplanned reception for the bride and groom, but I really feel like I am now able to turn it up a notch. Bruyere is offering Wedding Day Co-ordination for the brides and grooms during their reception at La Place Rendez-Vous at no extra cost. Its just adding more value to the service, she explained, citing shes also able to assist in other areas of the planning process. Through the course, Bruyere learned a lot about planning weddings and wedding etiquette, and is able to answer questions about everything from wedding invitations to toasting. I am looking forward to sharing new and exciting ideas with the bride and groom, she enthused. And, of course, I am always available to offer whatever assistance I can to alleviate some of the worry involved in planning a wedding. Even though Bruyere had plenty of experience with wedding receptions prior to becoming a certified wedding co-ordinator, she feels the course has given her a new perspective on the special event through new ideas and techniques. Those who have seen the 2001 film The Wedding Planner, starring Jennifer Lopez, will understand the role Bruyere can now take on. Like the main character, she even has an emergency kit, filled with sewing supplies to

Whether its the woodyard to the north, the riverfront to the east and west, or the U.S. side on the south, the view from the top of the tower gives visitors a birds-eye view of Borderland. Duane Hicks photos

Birds-eye view

breath mints and everything in between, which she said already has come in handy. Its great because I feel so prepared for anything that might come my way, Bruyere remarked, noting that by offering her new service this past summer, shes been able to alleviate several small problems. From a wrinkled bridal gown to guests names accidentally left off the seating chart, Bruyere has been able to quickly and efficiently take care of these details. The bride and groom are so busy that sometimes details are overlooked and Im happy to help them in whatever way I can, she enthused. This service will alleviate some of the stress many couples experience the day of their wedding, allowing the bride and groom to focus on the romance and enjoy the most important day of their lives. In fact, Bruyere said shes already had an excellent response to the Wedding Day Co-ordination service. They have all be really appreciative, she noted. Even the parents have thanked me because they were able to relax and enjoy the day. Bruyere is thrilled to be able to offer this service at no charge. In the larger cities, for instance, a full day of co-ordination could cost anywhere from $800-$1,200, which is standard in the industry. Its really just a full service for weddings now, she explained, noting that along with the beautiful view of Rainy Lake and a meal prepared by a red-seal chef, she can co-ordinate the day so everything goes perfectly. And since taking the WPIC course, Bruyere said shes really found a passion for weddings. I love the feeling of accomplishmenttaking the couples dreams and visions and shaping them into a memorable event, she enthused. Seeing everything fall into place and making the bride and groom happy is very rewarding. Bruyere will hold an open house in January so couples can view the facility and the Wedding Day Coordination service. For more information, to book a wedding, or to set up an appointment, call Bruyere at 274-9811.

Below, the view straight down from the lookout tower gives an idea of the landscaping at the riverfront site. By the spring, it will include a play area (seen here), garden, interpretive panels, and more. Not only will visitors be able to get quite the view of the river and surrounding area, but theyll also get quite the workout going up the 150-plus steps,right, to reach the cupola at the top of the tower. The climb is safe, though, with railings to grip on each side.

Community Living planning to develop Sixth Street School

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Sealing a $1 deal, the Rainy River District School Board officially handed over the keys for the Sixth Street School property on Friday to Community Living of Fort Frances and District. While the building has sat empty since its closure by the board back in 2004, Community Living now has its sight set on developing the propertyalthough what exactly will be developed has yet to be decided. There will probably be many ideas yet before a decision is to be made, executive director Alanna Barr said about the future plans for the Sixth Street School site. One possibility the organization, which advocates and provides services for people with intellectual disabilities within the district, is looking at includes the development of a resource centre that would be fully-accessible and environmentally-friendly through the use of green energy and green products. The new site is especially needed and welcomed, Barr noted, since the number of people accessing the services which Community Living provides means the organization has outgrown its current space. At this point, Barr said knocking down the current building is one of the possibilities because of its condition and not being handicapaccessible. Were just in the ownership phase, noted Steve Latimer, vicepresident of Community Livings board, who thanked the local public school board for its work to make the sale possible. Meanwhile for the winter, Community Living will be working to seal up all the windows and

Well take baby steps and do it right. Steve Latimer

ensuring the property will be safe, Latimer added, noting the organization still needs to secure funds for whatever it decides to do with the property. Well take baby steps and do it right, he stressed. Finally theres going to be a use for the site, said public school board chairman Dan Belluz, noting how nice the site is with its size, trees, and how there is lots of space to grow. Its win-win. Its good for everybody, echoed Jack McMaster, director of education for the school board. Its going to be nice for them, he added. The sale of Sixth Street School to Community Living has to do with honouring promises, said Laura Mills, superintendent of business for the school board. She explained that back in the 1960s, the Ministry of Education gave the board property on Walker Avenue. And there was an agreement in place that when that property no longer was needed by the school board, it would be transferred over to Community Living. But with legislation changes over the decades, Mills noted current regulations meant this property on Walker Avenue couldnt be transferred to Community Living. As such, both the school board and Community Living board arrived at the solution of selling the Sixth Street School property for $1. Staff

Glenda Bruyere

Sunny Cove committee formed

Town council on Monday night authorized a report to establish a Sunny Cove Camp advisory committee. It will include Kiwanians Alan Zucchiatti, Robert Sletmoen, and Robert Lidkea, Couns. Ken Perry and Sharon Tibbs, as well two citizens. The town is advertising for citizens to apply for the committee. See the ad on page A7 of todays Times. Also at Monday nights meeting, council: authorized the replacement of a swimming pool dive tower and board for a cost of $8,970; authorized the purchase of a mobile command unit for $49,926 (plus taxes); approve a request to allow a fabric shelter to remain at 1007 Patcin Ave. until no later than April 30, 2010; approved a request for a loading zone at the Zaagi-idiwin Aboriginal Head Start program building (308 Butler Ave.), subject to the provision of an annual fee; and approved a report to ensure the towns insurance company, legal counsel, and Planning and Development executive committee review the request from Ron Campbell to leave driveway lights on the towns right of way at 8 Armstrong Pl.

HAVE YOUR SAY

How important is Remembrance Day to you?

Artist tips
Fine Line co-op member Emily Hyatt demonstrated how to make a stained glass craft Saturday afternoon during an open house at the Fine Line Art Gallery here. The gallery was celebrating its 15th year on Thursday through Saturday, offering refreshments and a large selection of hand-crafted gifts for sale. The gallery will hold a Christmas open house in the coming weeks. Duane Hicks photo

To take part in our online poll, visit the Times Web site at: www.fftimes.com
Last weeks question--Is it time for Canada to cut ties from the British Royal Family?--saw 412 responses: -55 % voted No -45 % voted Yes