Happy 105th, Margaret
Sault Business Matters has received a heart-warming photo and message from the F.J. Davey home relative to resident Margaret Nicolson recently celebrating her 105th birthday.
…[read more]Pond Hockey Apparel
It was back in November when I was the lucky winner of a pretty nice looking shirt via ‘Movember’ promotion and the fine folks at Broers Jansen in the Sault’s downtown. I am one of the first people to try to support local philanthropic initiatives. In this case, it was for every purchase of Broers Jansen mulled wine, (you really had to twist my arm for this one), you received an entry into a draw for a shirt and they would donate some money to the ‘Movember’ campaign. When I received the shirt — which was super soft and comfy by the way — I noticed the words Pond Hockey Apparel on the sleeve.
…[read more]Romano has H.E.A.R.T.S
Sault Business Matters has received the following statement from Sault Ste. Marie member of provincial parliament Ross Romano relative to new support for mental health and addictions in the Sault.
…[read more]Get this at Gliss
A signature dish of chef Derek Turner is the whitefish special that Gliss continues to offer for $20.
Located on Spring Street in the Sault’s downtown, Gliss is currently open for takeout and delivery on Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The whitefish special is just one feature that is currently on the menu at Gliss.
…[read more]The return of Sault smiles
Back, shall we say, by popular demand is ‘Sault smiles’, a feature of Sault Business Matters.
It has been a more than a few months since we showcased this popular feature in which we share many of the smiles that help make the Sault a friendly place to do business.
…[read more]New AU lab via FedNor
Major expansion construction is underway on the computer science laboratory at Algoma University.
Sault member of parliament and the federal government’s secretary for FedNor, Terry Sheehan, has confirmed that AU is getting close to $2 million to expand its lab for a new state-of-the-art facility for bachelor and master degree programming.
…[read more]Hard working, top producing
As a defenseman of moderate skill, it was his work ethic and honest, hard-driven approach to the game that led John Glavota to a professional hockey career that included a decade on the international stage.
It is those same traits that have helped to make the 44-year old Glavota the top producing real estate agent in Sault Ste. Marie.
…[read more]RIP, Carlos Arruda
This is a big loss.
It is a story of a great loss to our business community, a story of heartbreaking loss for our community in general, and a story of personal loss.
…[read more]Eagle on air, everywhere
It spins the classic music hits that are endless in time.
With an impressive music library that is without peer, Sault radio station Eagle 95.1 also reaches an on-line audience with a crisp, clear sound via http://eagleradio951.com.
And the Eagle also has more — besides music — to offer with day long weather updates and a local sports presence.
…[read more]New clinic services at I.D.A.
To help relieve the pressure in the local hospital emergency room, Sault Ste. Marie’s four I.D.A. drug mart locations are now offering new clinic services, Sault Business Matters has confirmed.
Clinical teams with a full time registered nurse on staff are part of what the four I.D.A. stores — Queenstown Drug Mart, Market Mall Drug Mart, Ideal Drug Mart and Wellington Square Drug Mart — have to offer.
Some of the new clinic services at the aforementioned I.D.A. stores are as follows.
…[read more]New to Marcel’s Automotive
Sault Business Matters has received a special equipment update from Marcel’s Automotive, which is located on Queen Street, just past Tancred, in the Sault’s downtown area.
…[read more]Weekend takeout at Gliss
A popular restaurant is opening for takeout with an updated menu.
Kristi Turner, manager and co-owner of Gliss, which is located on Spring St. in the Sault’s downtown, tells Sault Business Matters that the eatery will be available for take out and delivery on Friday and Saturday from 4-8 p.m. while the province is under lock down.
Kristi’s husband, chef and co-owner Derek Turner, has put together the menu at Gliss, which is featured below.
…[read more]New gig for Sonny Spina
Norpro Screening and Security has added a former city police officer to its force.
An 18-year veteran of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Sonny Spina has joined Norpro as its managing director of security.
…[read more]Trying to stay positive but …
I try to be positive as it relates to what I like, support and am a part of in any way.
For instance, I try to focus on and support what is positive relative to the Sault’s downtown and surrounding area and their many good features, including small business.
And when it comes to a favourite amateur sport, I always aim to promote and feature minor hockey and junior hockey in the north, along with the kids who play it and the coaches who mentor the players.
…[read more]Kids reading club via library
Here is one for the kids from the local library.
That is, the ‘Kids Winter Reading Club’ will continue until Friday, March 19, according to the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library.
…[read more]Good nation of local radio
It came as good news to hear — a mere month after being unceremoniously ousted by Country 104.3 after 30 plus years in the air chair — that good guy Jeff McNeice has a new gig on rival local radio station Country 105.5.
At any rate, the forced, short-lived exile of McNeice brought two things to mind. As in, what was Country 104.3 thinking when it moved on from McNeice and, the restless hands of time have yet to pass by a local radio nation of announcers.
…[read more]New gig for Jeff McNeice
Well, that didn’t take long. A popular local radio announcer of more than 30 years will return to the air waves next week.
…[read more]Follow the rules
Okay, so maybe it isn’t the news we wanted to hear — that the January 23 southern Ontario lock down date relative to COVID-19 now applies to northern Ontario.
…[read more]Virtual blues mini series
Ten years and counting.
As in, the year 2020 was the 10th anniversary of the Sault Blues Society.
And with 2021 now into its infant stages, the Sault Blues Society has a special mini series planned that is slated to begin this week.
…[read more]Searchmont ski snippets
Perhaps the best-known ski resort in the Sault area is located in the community of Searchmont.
Over the years the resort has changed ownership many times and has often experienced the threat of closure on a number of occasions.
At any rate, following are a smattering of Searchmont Ski Resort snippets via the Sault public library.
…[read more]Feature: Odd Job Jacks
Odd Job Jacks owner Kurtis McDermid may not be aware of this but being a pretty actively involved member of our community who volunteers for local causes a fair amount, I have actually been a fan of what he and his business are all about for quite a few years.
You see, a couple of years ago, I took part in the Downtown Association’s annual ‘Spring Clean’ event where volunteers take part in tidying up downtown.
And at the time, a generous company had donated its time, resources and labour to help with this big task — and that company was Odd Job Jacks.
…[read more]Time for action is now: Ford
Sault Business Matters has received the following statement from Ontario Premier Doug Ford imploring Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to “take action and secure our borders.”
…[read more]RIP, Uncle Joe
Italian soccer has lost one of its biggest, best and most ardent supporters.
And our family has lost a real character and such a good person.
My uncle Joe DeSimone passed away the other day at the good, old age of 89.
A simple man and an Italian immigrant, he loved to cook for family and take care of all of us, albeit in a manner that was, um, gruff and grouchy at times.
…[read more]Steel City sessions sign-up
Steel City Sports — which operates basketball and volleyball clubs for the youth of Sault Ste. Marie –will continue to provide active training in 2021.
According to Jeff Giovanatti, who is one of the directors for Steel City Sports, the new sessions are slated to begin on Monday, January 18.
Steel City Sports runs its basketball and volleyball camps and sessions in gymnasium space at the old Tech building on Wellington St. E. in the Sault’s downtown area.
…[read more]Angry Joe rocks Reggie’s
Joltin’ Joe Della Savia returned to the stage in a big way on the weekend and rocked it at Reggie’s Place Tavern in the Sault’s downtown.
The current rendition of Angry Joe and the Growlers, featuring the always-entertaining Della Savia as lead singer, along with fellow guitarists Ron McLean and Marcel VanLandeghem and drummer Chuck Gassi, stole the show at Reggie’s with an array of well-performed classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s.
…[read more]A favourite teacher, coach
There were a few teachers from my elementary school days, first at Holy Angel, then at St. Mark, who will always be ultimate favourites of mine.
And one of them, Mr. Larry McNally, happened to be my teacher at both Holy Angel and St. Mark.
He was also my softball coach at both schools.
I loved him as a teacher and a coach. And my fondness for him carried on when I became an adult and got to know him even more.
…[read more]Good news for the railway
Ho, ho, ho.
Sault member of provincial parliament Ross Romano has delivered an early Christmas present to 43 employees of Huron Central Railway.
That is, via Romano and the Ontario government, Huron Central will continue its rail service between the Sault and Sudbury until at least June 30, 2021 as it works towards a long-term solution.
…[read more]Downtown Association boss
There is a new man for the downtown.
Salvatore Marchese is moving from Toronto to the Sault to take over as the new manager of the Downtown Association.
…[read more]Let it snow at the Museum
The Sault Ste. Marie Museum and ‘Bon Soo Winter Carnivale’ are teaming up for an innovative community exhibition.
…[read more]Big addition to downtown
What a boost this is for our fair city — especially a core area that is in growing stages of a much-needed comeback.
A venerable building in the Sault’s downtown has been turned into a multi-purpose store with the new Queenstown Drug Mart as the flagship of what can be termed a major new investment by local entrepreneur Joseph Greco and his partners.
…[read more]Steel City Sports, Giving Hearts
Steel City Sports has partnered with local group ‘Giving Hearts’ to collect non-perishable items as a means of helping to support local food banks and shelters in the Sault.
…[read more]‘Tis the season at Broers
The cozy, comfy, intimate wine bar that is Broers Jansen is all decorated for the Christmas season.
A popular, people-friendly establishment, located in the Sault’s downtown , Broers Jansen is a local, family-owned-and-operated small business that defines inimitable.
…[read more]Feature: KC Security Services
I had a chance to connect with the on-the-go owner of KC Security Services, Daniel Laprade, via telephone recently.
And like the owner himself, our conversation was reassuring and friendly, having known each other for years through our other roles in the community and by often seeing him working at many community events.
For someone so young, Daniel has quickly become a much respected and leader in the local security services scene.
…[read more]Hoping for you, Bon Soo
Organizers of the venerable Bon Soo Winter Carnival are hopefully cautious of hosting the annual event in 2021.
To that end, they have decided on Feb. 5-15 as the dates that the Bon Soo Winter Carnival will be staged, with the ‘Machine Shop Co.’ on Huron Street as a primary location for many of the events.
…[read more]Holiday treats via Museum
Attention residents of Sault Ste. Marie: You can ‘wrap up’ your holiday baking and support our local Museum at the same time.
…[read more]Feature: The Whisky Barrel
A recent Friday the 13th seemed like a good day as any to stop by The Whisky Barrel to have a chat with one half of the duo that owns this welcome addition to downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Since it was a vacation day for me from my “day” job, I even got to treat myself to a drink while we chatted, a rye and coke in case you are wondering.
When I arrived, the exuberant and personable Dunbar Thompson, co-owner of the Whisky Barrel, was working alone and chatting with a first time visitor. And while I sat at the bar waiting to chat, I was able to witness why people quickly become fans of the vibe offered at the Whisky Barrel.
…[read more]Jim McAuley, such a nice man
He defined kindness and generosity with a trademark, friendly smile and the warmest of hearts.
A much respected, benevolent gentleman who was well known and well liked, he shunned the limelight even though he was so active in the community as a businessman, volunteer and philanthropist.
He had a love for dogs and a soft heart for the less fortunate and he gave so much in so many ways and asked for nothing in return.
…[read more]Feature: Marc Capancioni
It was during a break in the morning that I spoke to the easy going Marc Capancioni, mortgage agent at the local Centum Mortgage Brokers office here in Sault Ste. Marie.
Our chat began with a bit of a catch up about his recent new status as a first time Dad to a sweet little girl named Emmie who just turned 10 weeks old.
Marc said he and his wife are really enjoying being first time parents and have been blessed with a good sleeper who is super cute from the photos I’ve seen.
…[read more]Reggie’s revving up karaoke
The karaoke machine is returning to Reggie’s Place Tavern in the Sault’s downtown.
Randy Lapossie, who along with his wife Kylie took over operation of Reggie’s Downtown on September 1 of this year, confirmed that karaoke will be a Thursday feature from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. beginning this week.
…[read more]Feature: Arturo Ristorante
For the past 35 years, the Comegna family has been bringing incredible Italian cuisine to Sault Ste. Marie — first at their location on Gore Street and since 2002, at their current spot, 515 Queen Street East.
The founder of Arturo Ristorante, Arturo Comegna, well known in the local food scene, laid a strong foundation for success for his two sons, Thomas and Chris, who took ownership in April of 2011.
Both Thomas and Chris, despite their relative youth, have been involved in the business for the past twenty years, having learned at a young age, from their dad.
…[read more]Croatian community history
Za nase Hravatske prijatlje:
The Sault’s Croatian community has a long, gritty and vibrant history.
To be sure, the first Croatian immigrants arrived in the Sault area in the early 1900s.
…[read more]Feature: Void Vinyl
I don’t know about you, but I can tell you that at 18 years old, I was no where near being ready to own my own vinyl records/café/street wear clothing shop — or any business for that matter.
But for Nathan Wilding, his love of vinyl and the opportunity to open a pretty cool spot in the Sault’s downtown was something he felt driven to do.
Thus, Void Vinyl came into being.
…[read more]Bennardo open on Saturdays
Sault Business Matters has received a notice from Bennardo Jewellers relative to extended business hours and the Christmas shopping season.
…[read more]History, magic of Gros Cap
It is somewhat of a hidden treasure on the west side outskirts of the Sault, at the end Prince Township. From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, here is an historic look at Gros Cap.
…[read more]Nominate a local visionary
Strive Young Professionals Group of the Sault has confirmed the fourth Algoma Visionary Awards and the first virtual event, which is slated to take place on January 15, 2021.
…[read more]It’s still around, downtown
Circa 1952 — as per the above photo — it was known as S.S. Kresge Co., a department store located at 626 Queen Street East in the Sault’s downtown. Later, it was a department store called Jupiter. And now …
…[read more]Friends, neighbours voting
It is presidential election day across the United States of America as our friends and neighbours south of the border are casting their ballots.
…[read more]Support the Bushplane Centre
Sault Business Matters has received the following information from the good folks at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
That is, they are pleased to announce that with the assistance of Algoma Public Health, there will be six weekends of local small business vendors being featured at the local Bushplane Centre.
See below for more details.
…[read more]Feature: Marcel’s Automotive
It was a Friday evening when I spoke to the no nonsense, honest, and friendly Marcel Lamoureux via telephone.
In the background I could hear the sound of a child laughing and after what had been an emotionally challenging week hearing about the loss of a close friend’s son as a result of a car accident, the sound of laughter was a welcome one.
Advertising sales can be tough at times so it was a nice surprise when I stopped in to Marcel’s Automotive to speak to them about possibly advertising on Sault Business Matters knowing that they were relatively new to their current location at 61 Queen Street East, formerly occupied by Advance Transmission.
…[read more]St. Mary’s helps St. Vincent
Students from a Grade 12 religion class at St. Mary’s College have completed a community service project that resulted in a donation to the St. Vincent Place men’s shelter.
The student group from the Sault’s Catholic high school was called SMC Action — and it organized a clothing drive.
St. Mary’s teacher Robby Calvano noted that he gave his students “the opportunity to do something good for our community and they ran with it.”
…[read more]Supporting small business is key
Sault Business Matters has received the following editorial opinion from Terry Sheehan, member of parliament for Sault Ste. Marie.
…[read more]FBFM wellness bags giveaway
Fit Bodies Fit Minds has put together wellness bags which include a number of health and wellness items valued up to $175.00!
Included in the bags are items and discounts from various local businesses in Sault Ste. Marie.
Each bag is a little a different (and a surprise!) but includes items that will compliment your home workouts, contribute to your overall health and well being, and also might add to your wardrobe!
Fit Bodies Fit Minds wants to help our community during these trying times and give away 3 bags!!! 3 bags = 3 winners! To enter the giveaway:
…[read more]45 years ago this month …
October is a month of significance for me.
I was born in October of 1952 and will soon turn 68.
And in October of 1975 — 45 years ago — I began my media career as a $3 an hour, part time sportscaster at local radio station CKCY.
I was hired in a rather unusual manner. That is, CKCY news and sports director Paul Leonard gave me the job over several glasses of draught beer at the Algoma Hotel, which was located beside Memorial Gardens, across from the radio station, in the Sault’s downtown.
…[read more]Feature: Big Lake Cabin
It is fair to say that the personable and happy go lucky Jon Young is in many ways a big part of why Big Lake Cabin in just over a year has quickly become a Sault favourite in the local dining scene.
The friendly, funny, kind, caring and generous Jon is often the face you see welcoming you to what is sure to be a pleasant dining experience.
Big Lake Cabin opened in August of 2019 and has truly brought a fresh new vibe to the Sault’s downtown dining experience with an innovative and creative menu that is changed up frequently to take advantage of what is in season but also what is seasonally appropriate.
…[read more]