The Business Sector of this community provides a wide variety of goods and services to local residents. In fact, Valley East is recognized as one of the most attractive sections of the Greater Sudbury Area precisely because of the fact that residents have access to virtually everything they need to satisfy their personal and family needs.

Protecting Your Vision Is A Lot Easier With An Optomap Retinal Examination

   Dr. Gordon Beange, O.D., Optometrist and one of his patients, Melinda Bean, examine an image of her left eye moments after using the state-of-the-art Optomap Retinal Exam machine shown on the right.
  
   “Optomap Retinal Exam is a great addition to the office, allowing us to more effectively detect, monitor and promote patient health,” indicated Dr. Beange. “I am recommending that all of my patients include the Optomap Retinal Exam as part of their regular comprehensive eye-health exam in order to detect early signs of eye disease and systemic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.”

   The Optomap takes just minutes to perform; it is fast, painless, and comfortable for patients. It is particularly helpful when you return for your annual exam as it provides a permanent record of the condition of your retina. With the Optomap on file, Dr. Beange is now able to compare each year’s Optomap image side by side to discover even subtle changes and monitor his patients’ continuing eye health. Early detection of retinal disorders is critical to preventing serious progression and loss of vision.

   The biggest advantage of the Optomap is that it provides the doctor with a 200 degree field of view as compared to the 30 degree field of view that was available through the use of traditional eye examination methods. This allows Dr. Beange to examine a much larger portion of the internal structure of the eye without the use of dilating drops which often cause patients some discomfort. In addition, the results are available immediately and can even be emailed to family doctors or other health-care providers.

   Dr. Beange has been practicing in Valley East for over 24 years and is currently located at 2996 Hwy 69N in Val Caron. His patients, though mostly from Valley East , come from all over the City of Greater Sudbury and have been extremely happy with the availability of the new technology at his office.

Terra Energy Systems is a company that was created by two friends who were tired of paying ever increasing bills for heating their homes. Instead of just complaining about the problem they looked for a solution. As a result they are now prepared to bring the future to homeowners living in the Greater Sudbury Area and in so doing help people save and as much as 75% off their monthly heating bills. If you own a home and would like to cut your heating costs by 75% then you may be interested in what Terra Energy Systems has to offer.

   One of the owners, Robert St. Amour, has over 30 years experience in the Heating & Ventilation industry. He is an architectural technologist whose list of qualifications include Red Seal Master Plumber, Steam Fitter and Pipe Fitter – all skills that he uses to full advantage in his new business. According to Robert, who is a life-long resident of the Valley & Capreol areas, “This type of heating is not new technology, but it has now become affordable. I truly believe that most houses will eventually use a system like ours, if not for environmental purposes, then certainly for the economical benefits.”

   Robert knows the heat pump business and has installed the geothermal system in his own house in Capreol. He has seen the savings and is convinced that it will work in most homes in the region.

   His partner, Mike Rancourt, also a life-long resident of the Greater Sudbury Area, has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree form Laurentian University. After having driven trucks for over 8 years, he decided that he wanted a change of careers and eventually teamed up with Robert to take care of the business side of Terra Energy Systems.

   The geothermal process is quite simple and is based on the fact that water remains at a constant temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit ( 10 degrees C ) at a depth of about 30 feet underground. A pump is set up inside the house that circulates warm water from underground, through a compressor where heat energy is removed and then used to warm up air inside the house. The water is returned to the ground where it heats up again and is drawn back to the compressor. The cost of electricity used to operate the pump is about 25% of what you would normally pay to heat your house using traditional methods.

   There are government grants available to homeowners who install a geothermal heating system. This grant as well as the fact that the cost of the new systems has been drastically reduced in price allows you to recover your investment in four or five years. After that the cost to heat your home is only about 25% of what you are paying now.  Imagine what you could do with 75% of the money you are spending on heat. Why not keep it in your pocket?

   When Shawn Moyle was a young boy his father registered him in a local karate class to help him learn how to breathe properly. “I was a little fat kid with asthma so when my dad heard that karate might help me breathe better he decided to enrol me to give it a try. I’ve been at it ever since.”

   Today, Sensie Shawn Moyle is a 4^th Degree Black Belt who is about to open the Valley East Martial Arts Centre for local residents including children as young as 4 years of age to adults.  He is shown in the photo in front of the “Dojo”, which is the Japanese word for ‘training hall’, located above the Caisse Populaire in Hanmer.
   Registrations are now being taken by phone for all age groups. You are urged to contact Sensie Shawn directly at 690-8727 as soon as possible to secure one of the limited spots in the classes which are expected to fill up quickly.

   The Valley East Martial Arts (VEMA) Centre will offer training in “Japanese Goju Ryu”, which is known as a “hard soft style” that originated in Japan . If you saw the “Karate Kid” movies you will be familiar with this particular style which was developed by founder, “Chojun Miyagy” and which was made famous by “Danielson” who was trained by Mr. Miyagy in the movies.
 
   One of Shawn’s life-long friends, and a former resident of Valley East who will be on hand for the Grand Opening, is Darren McQuire. Darren is now a professional Hollywood stunt performer and a former holder of a World Karate Championship. He gives his full endorsement of Sensie Shawn’s new dojo. “The people in the Valley are extremely fortunate to be able to train under Shawn. I’ve fought the best in the world, and I’ve worked with all of the stars in Hollywood . I can honestly say that Shawn ranks among the top five martial arts persons I have ever met. He is an incredible fighter, but more than that, he is such a gentle and humble man who is devoted to the development of the “art of the sport” and instilling the right attitude and philosophy in his students. Shawn took a quieter path than I did, but he is still right up there with everyone else in the world when it comes to karate skills. It may take years for people to appreciate what they have in Shawn, but they will certainly be glad they became part of his dojo.”

Jamie Fitchett was just 18 years old when he first sat down behind the wheel of a “big rig” to begin a career as an international truck driver. After several years hauling cargo across Canada and the United States he was given the responsibility for training drivers for his employer, Pro North Transportation.
  
   By 1999, Jamie realized that he had found his true passion as a teacher and decided to open the Valley Driver Training School which has two locations in Hanmer and on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury .

   Valley Driver Training School has been so successful that in December 2007 it was officially approved as a Private Career College under the Private Career Colleges Act to offer AZ and DZ Training. Now, besides providing Drivers Education Courses to beginning drivers, Jamie is able to provide certification programs to adults of all ages which will allow them to enter a very satisfying and rewarding career in the trucking business. The school is accredited by the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO), which means that graduates from the school receive two certificates: one from the Valley Driver Training as a Private Career College and the other from TTSAO, which is recognized by the insurance companies.

   “Across the Province of Ontario alone, there is a shortage of 50,000 drivers per year,” explained Jamie as he described the job opportunities in the trucking industry. “Many of the older drivers are retiring or cutting back on the time they spend on the road. As a result, companies are having a hard time finding drivers to fill the vacancies. Once you pass your AZ training you will be licensed to drive large transports anywhere in North America .”

   Fitchett pointed out that the tremendous shortage of drivers will continue to exist for many years to come making this a good career choice for young people. They can easily earn anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 per year or more and get to see the country at the same time.
  
   In order to be licensed to drive large transport trucks, you must go through the AZ Training program which consists of 40 hours of classroom instruction; 40 hours of on road driving; and 20 hours of yard training where you practice backing up, parking and pre-trip checkups of the vehicle. This is all done over a six-week period of time for a tuition fee of only $5295.
  
   The DZ program allows you to drive large vehicles that do not have trailers, such as fire trucks and emergency vehicles. This program consists of 40 hours in the classroom; 22 hours driving; and 7 hours of yard training. It is a three-week program that costs only $2500.
  
   What makes the Valley Driver Training School unique is that all of the on road driving instruction is done on a one-on-one basis. There are no other students in the vehicle observing while you are learning. It is just you and the instructor so that you can focus entirely on developing your driving skills.

Customer Appreciation Event Celebrates New Ownership at Valley Plaza Pharmasave

  For the past seventeen years, Robert Aubin B.Sc.Phm. , a pharmacist with the Valley Plaza Pharmasave, located in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, has earned the trust of many local residents when it comes to medication and health care needs. Therefore, it gives him great pleasure to announce that in June he became the new owner of Valley Plaza Pharmasave and will continue to serve the people of the area as a dedicated pharmacist providing his customers with the ultimate in quality care and service for many more years to come.
   Robert has also taken immediate action to initiate several changes in the store that are sure to be a big hit with shoppers. His first order of business was the appointment of Lynda Godin as Front Shop Manager. Lynda, shown on the far right in the photo, has worked in the pharmacy industry for over 30 years; ten of which have been with Valley Plaza Pharmacy.

   The second thing Robert did will have a significant impact in the giftware section of the store. Lorraine Leblanc, shown in the middle of the photo arranging the Beanpod Candle display, has been hired to completely rejuvenate the giftware section of the store. Robert has given her the “green light” to do whatever is needed to make the Valley Plaza Pharmasave gift section the first place people turn to when it comes to finding that special expression of love for their family and friends. Lorraine is a proven “Giftware Consultant” with over 20 years of experience in the business. As well as being a resident of Valley East for the past 30 years, Lorraine is well known to local shoppers for the time she spent working in a similar role with My Mothers Treasures and in the former Val Caron IDA. Lorraine ’s goal is to create an appealing arrangement of giftware that will please every taste. Her expertise will certainly be evident through the tasteful displays and attention to both quality and a price range that will be accessible to all.

   Robert is also extremely pleased to now be in a position to respond to many requests from his customers for products and devices that will meet their special needs through a new “Home Health Care Section” in the store. If you require living aids because of any type of medical condition, simply speak with Robert or one of his staff members and they will help you find everything you are looking for.

   Robert Aubin B.Sc.Phm., Pharmacist/Owner, gives you his full commitment and the assurances of his entire staff that you will continue to be provided with the utmost in quality products and personal service. Besides features such as FREE Delivery (see store for details) and discounts of 10% off most items for seniors 65 years of age and over EVERY DAY, everyone will always feel comfortable knowing that at Valley Plaza Pharmasave WE CARE about your quality of life and will do whatever we can to meet your everyday needs.

Valley East Driver & Vehicle License Issuing Office Is All About Fast & Efficient Service

  The Valley East Driver & Vehicle License Issuing office, now located in a new, spacious facility beside the CIBC in Val Caron, is part of a vast network of 288 such places throughout the Province of Ontario that have been operating for over 100 years. Together they do 20 million transactions each year and collect over $1 billion in driver and licensing fees as well as provincial sales taxes.

   Manager, Gayle Viau, who is shown in the photo with her assistant, Claudette Lanteigne, states that the new office has been positively received by the public. “This is such a huge difference from what people were used to before. Now there are two of us here all of the time so the line-ups have been virtually eliminated. And there is so much room in the office that people have space to fill out their forms and even sit and wait if there happens to be someone ahead of them.”

   Gayle, who has worked at the local issuing office for over eighteen (18) years, has established a solid reputation for her patience and sincere willingness to answer any questions that were asked or provide useful advice and direction to all drivers. “I have always felt it was important for me to give people all the attention and time they needed once they ended up at the counter. I never wanted anyone to feel rushed when they were dealing with me.”
  
   And so, when people walk into the new location in Val Caron, there is a sense of comfort and confidence as they see that the familiar face of Gayle is there to greet them. Claudette, who is fully bilingual, is a welcome addition to the office and has definitely helped to pretty well eliminate the waiting times that people sometimes expected when renewing their licenses.
  
   “Because of our central location we find that we are even getting drivers from Sudbury and Rayside Balfour as well as the usual markets of Valley East and Capreol,”  commented Gayle when asked how she liked the new location.

   When the local office was closed from June to October 2007, Bob Lalonde and Bob Lamoureux, owners of the issuing office at the Falcon Hotel in Garson noticed a tremendous increase in their traffic as Valley East residents began using their services. As a result, they decided to apply for the contract to open in Val Caron and things have worked out just great.
  
    “We even sell Drivers Handbooks as well as handbooks for Trucks, Motorcycles, Bus and Airbrake testing,” explained Gayle. “This is the only place you can buy these books in Valley East so it is quite a convenience for people who need to study for their drivers’ tests.”

A Welcome Addition To Valley East For Parents With Young Children

 Before opening the doors to their new store, Learn by Heart  Apprends par Coeur, Joanne and Terry Gosselin spent a lot of time talking to parents and school professionals. As a result of this research, people who drop in to see the store for the first time are absolutely thrilled to see that the Gosselin’s were able to satisfy so many of the voids that existed in Valley East when it came to products that were geared to young children.

   Learn by Heart Apprends par Coeur is much more than a children’s store. It is filled with educational toys and resources for all ages that are made out of a wide variety of top quality, safe, and even organic materials. Parents and teachers alike are extremely happy with the selection and the pricing of all of the products.

   Joanne is especially proud of her French products, including musical toys and of course, the largest selection of French language books in Valley East . “My customers have commented on how hard it is to find good quality French materials, so I will be continuing to expand this section of my store as I find more suppliers.”

   Learn by Heart Apprends par Coeur also has a special section with stimulating activities for caregivers who want to spend time with family or friends who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. “This is just something I wanted to do for people who are suffering from this terrible disease,” explained Joanne. “These products will help keep their minds active and fresh and will let them stay involved with their family members.

ASHA’S CLOSET

Of special interest to parents will be the fact that half of the store is devoted to boutique-style clothing for young boys and girls up to size 16. Asha’s Closet, which is managed by their daughter, Asha, contains top quality clothing, including some of the finest brands in childrens’ fashions such as “deux par deux”, “Gusti” and “Krickets”. Sun Protective Funwear by “Nozone”, a Canadian made company, will provide parents with the assurance that their children are protected from harmful UV rays this summer. A boys only designer line, Wonderboy, is also available. In addition you will find organic clothing by “Piccolo Bambino” as well as organic toys and baby products by “Kathe Kruse”.

   Asha’s Closet even has an excellent selection of formal wear for baptisms, first communion, confirmation and Junior bridesmaids. Canadian made designer and company of children’s shoes by “little Soles” is also available.

   With over 20 years of experience in the construction and renovation industry, Ian Lavigne, a certified general carpenter who has lived his entire life in the Sudbury area, has now taken the next logical step in his career with the launching of his own company. Vinylbilt Windows & Doors by Lavigne Construction opened its doors in September and is already becoming established as one of the premier construction and renovation companies of its kind, providing service not only to Valley East but also to the entire Sudbury area.

   Lavigne Construction offers professional interior and exterior renovations, specializing in windows, doors, siding and roofing. Ian is prepared to provide free estimates for all kinds and sizes of residential jobs, confident in the knowledge that his reputation for quality and excellence will stand the test of time in this highly competitive business.

   “I have always loved helping people renovate their homes. It’s hard to put into words the satisfaction I get from seeing the look in the eyes of my customers when they realize what a huge difference a little bit of renovation makes on their house,” Ian commented when asked why he decided to open up his own business. “As owner/operator of Lavigne Construction I am in an even better position than before to provide top quality service to my customers. I have a chance to work from start to finish on a job and that is important to me. I start by helping people determine their actual needs; work within their budget to develop the best available products; and then supervise the job right to the end.”

   According to Ian Lavigne, “My reputation is on the line with every job. It doesn’t matter whether I am hired to put in a single window or to do a whole house, satisfaction is guaranteed. I want my customers to speak with pride when they show off their house and I want word-of-mouth to be my greatest advertising.”

Imagine having the world’s most advanced fitness coach at your disposal.  This coach customizes workouts based on your body structure and endurance and adjusts each exercise machine’s intensity based on your recent progression or regression.  This coach monitors your energy level and range of motion continuously to ensure you are achieving your personal potential.  Then the coach automatically computes your workout data to produce a progress report, including the number of calories you burned and 3-D anatomical diagrams to show which muscles you’ve worked and how successfully.

   This is exactly the role of the CurvesSmart™ personal coaching system, a new technology pioneered by Curves that offers a precision designed workout, moment to moment feedback and progress reports to keep members motivated while they work out. Curves of Val Caron is among the first in the nation to feature the equipment upgrade. 

   In the accompanying photo, Melissa Matheson, Executive Director of the Sudbury and Area Curves facilities, is shown standing beside “Monique”, one of the senior staff members at Curves of Val Caron who recently celebrated her sixth year as a Fitness Consultant with the company. Melissa is inserting Monique’s personal CurvesSmart ID Tag into the Leg Extension Leg Curl apparatus.

   After a member’s personalized profile is determined by a Curves consultant, the member is issued a CurvesSmart ID Tag.  The tag is electronically recognized by the monitor at each station, automatically retrieving the member’s profile to determine the specifications for her workout. 

   The monitor indicates: whether her heart rate is in the target range; whether the member is achieving her target intensity level; the range of motion for each repetition; and the number of repetitions.  If the woman is exercising correctly, all indicators on the monitor will be green. Members are enthusiastically encouraged to “Go for Green!”  Following the workout, the system produces a progress report which allows the member to see, instantly and in quantifiable terms, her strengths and weaknesses. 

   “The CurvesSmart technology offers women the benefits of a highly skilled personal trainer without the expense,” said Matheson.  “It’s the world’s most advanced fitness training system.  We expect our members to be thrilled with how this amazing workout will help them achieve their goals even faster.”

   With more than 10,000 locations in 55 countries, serving over 4 million ladies, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise and the ninth largest of all franchise companies in the world.

   For the first 13 years of her practice, Donna provided electrolysis treatment to thousands of clients who came to her to remove unwanted hair. Each client left with a renewed zest for life and a heightened level of self-esteem and self-confidence. “Knowing that I have made a difference in the quality of life for so many people is extremely gratifying. It is what I love most about this profession,” Donna commented.

   When she moved her office to Norm’s Plaza in Val Caron in March 2004, “it was like a spiritual moment when I drove over the top of the hill and looked out across the Valley. I knew that this was the place I wanted to be – the place where I wanted to grow my practice. And the Valley has been fantastic to me!”

   Moving into Norm’s Plaza also provided Donna with an opportunity to add Laser technology as an alternative treatment method for her patients. It has been embraced with open arms by people of all ages. “Electrolysis will always be an excellent way of getting rid of unwanted hair from all parts of the body,” Donna explained. “But with laser technology, I can help clients achieve their hair reduction goals over a much shorter time period for a considerably lower cost. For people who want things done quickly and are concerned about budgetary limits, laser technology is the answer!”

   “If unwanted hair is getting you down or if you have ever considered hair removal from any part of your body in the past, give me a call and we can discuss your options,” invited Donna when asked about who would consider her services. “Some of my clients were reluctant to come in because of some myths they had heard, but once they went through the treatments they all admitted that the process was far less painful than they had expected, and for sure they all came up with the conclusion that it would have been far more painful psychologically, to continue living with unwanted hair. Some women were afraid to be seen in public because of facial hair, but are now leading normal lives as a result of going through this treatment.”

   Dr. Kelly Caverly enjoyed a very active lifestyle while growing up as a child in Valley East . She developed into a “gifted athlete” in several sports, especially volleyball and track and field, which is what ultimately lead her to the field of chiropractic health care.
  
   After attending Valley View Public School , Kelly played volleyball as well as many other sports at Confederation Secondary School . She then played a major role on the Women’s Volleyball Team while obtaining a diploma in Ambulance & Emergency Care at Cambrian College . After that she decided to enrol in the Human Kinetics program at the University of Windsor where she was a member of the Varsity Track & Field Team.
  
   While being treated by the team chiropractor for a hamstring injury suffered during a shot putting event, Kelly fell in love with the field of chiropractic health care. She had visited chiropractors in the past, but Windsor ’s Dr. Radovich was inspirational in helping Kelly determine that this was what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Her fascination with the study of human movement and body mechanics combined with her personal experience in the world of sports has provided her with a perfect background for chiropractic care.
  
   After graduating with an Honours degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor , Kelly was accepted into the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto where she achieved her Doctor of Chiropractic in 2006. Dr. Caverly decided to begin her career as a “locum chiropractor”, travelling throughout the province filling in for a number of busy chiropractors whenever they had to be away from their office for vacation or other reasons. As a “locum chiropractor” Kelly was able to gain first-hand experience in working with a wide variety of injuries and conditions that might otherwise have taken her years to develop had she started off in her own practice immediately upon graduation.
  
   Now, after spending nearly two years in “locum practice”, Dr. Kelly Caverly has returned to her home town of Valley East to open up the Caverly Chiropractic Health Centre in the Place Val Est Mall in Val Caron.
  
   “It was always my intention to set up a practice in Valley East ,” explained Caverly. “I have such fond memories of growing up here that there is nowhere else I would rather be. It is my chance to give something back to the community that meant so much to me and I look forward to becoming a real “health care partner” for my patients. I am looking forward to helping people help themselves by explaining what is happening to them, developing individualized treatment plans and goals, and showing them what they can to do prevent future injuries while promoting a healthy lifestyle”
  
   Dr. Kelly Caverly is especially looking forward to working with athletes of all ages, from elite level performers to weekend sports enthusiasts. Her personal background in the world of sports will help her relate to the needs of her athlete patients. She even has some strength improvement equipment in her office which will allow her to do some personal training and rehabilitation with her patients.
  
  Dr. Caverly welcomes new patients of all ages and those afflicted with a variety of health and musculoskeletal related conditions. To see if chiropractic services are covered through your extended health care plan, check with your employee benefits program.
  
   For Dr. Kelly Caverly, the opening of her Valley East clinic is the fulfillment of a long-held desire to practice in her hometown and to contribute to the health and wellness of the entire community. Set up an appointment with Dr. Kelly and see what she can do to help you get the most out of your life.

Val Caron Home Building Centre Comes Back “ Home ”

   Louise Soucy and John Charbonneau have a special announcement to make that is sure to please the loyal customers who have supported them for the past ten years. As of July 1, 2009, Louise and John are the proud new owner/operators of VAL CARON HOME BUILDING CENTRE, conveniently located on the 3 ½ acre site on Trudeau Drive in the Valley East Industrial Park .

   That’s right! The name everyone in the region came to know and trust during the 70’s and 80’s is back HOME, bigger and better than ever!

   “The staff is the same! The service is the same! The location is the same! But now we are able to offer our customers the products, the prices, and the quality that has made Home Building Centres a household name right across the country!”, explained John, who along with Louise operated for the past ten years as Tim-Br Mart.

   The decision to change over to Val Caron Home Building Centre was an easy one according to Louise. “The Valley has grown so much during the past ten years and we found that in order to keep up with the demand and also to provide our customers with more variety of products to meet their needs, we had to find a way to grow with them. So when the opportunity came up for us to switch over to the Home Building Centre brand, we took the leap and we know our customers are going to be thrilled.”

   Kim Filiatreault, shown outside her new fashion boutique which is located in Place Val Est in Val Caron, is just a typical young lady who was born and raised in Chelmsford and is remaining close to her roots as she and her husband, Eric, raise two daughters of their own, Manon (10) and Emily (7).  Her job as a Teachers Assistant with Conseil Scolaire Catholique Du Nouvel Ontario brought her a lot of personal satisfaction, but there was something missing. She always wanted to get into business and so when the opportunity came up to establish a centrally located ladies’ fashion store in Val Caron, she jumped at the chance and has been pleasantly surprised at the tremendous support she has received from the general public.

KIM’S COMFORT BOUTIQUE
Friendly Staff Without High Pressure Tactics

   Kim, who is shown in the photo with Store Manager, Leonna Guenette explained why she decided to open Kim’s Comfort Boutique. “I guess you could say that business was in my blood. My grandfather, Laurier Montpellier was in business all his life. In fact, he was the first milkman in Chelmsford and then went on to own a number of different businesses during his life. He was my inspiration.”

   Unfortunately, Laurier passed away on August 6, but not before he had a chance to visit his granddaughter’s new store and tell her how proud he was.

   Kim, who has years of work experience in clothing and fashion retail stores, decided that she wanted to open up a store for ladies like herself who have experienced the frustration of shopping for stylish clothes over the years.  “It’s hard for a normal woman or teenager to find clothes that fit properly. They are all made for people with small, slender body types like you see in movies. I was determined to set up a store where real women won’t feel intimidated. A place where they will feel comfortable and welcome, regardless of their size. That is why you will find clothes ranging in size from small to 4 X. I am very proud of the selection that we have been able to assemble.”

New Owners Bring A Refreshing Personal Touch To Hanmer Medical Pharmacy

   It may seem like a long way from home for Jason and Lori Keeping, who were born and raised in Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland , but the couple has discovered that local customers embrace the down-to-earth friendly neighbourhood atmosphere they have created as the new owners of the Hanmer Medical Pharmacy. The couple, who also own and operate Lalonde’s IDA Pharmacy in Capreol, has lived in the Valley East area for over nine years with their three children, Jason (12), Joshua (9), and Emma (7).

   “I was always interested in medicine,” Jason reflected. “So when I examined the prospects of becoming a pharmacist I was intrigued at the career opportunities. Lori and I came to Sudbury where I spent five years as the Pharmacist at Your Independent Grocers in Hanmer and then we moved on as owners of the Shoppers Drug Mart on Lasalle. Two years ago we had a chance to buy Lalonde’s Pharmacy in Capreol and jumped at the opportunity for a fresh new start in a small community outlet where we could operate more independently and have more control over the way we managed our business.”
  
   Jason and Lori bring a refreshing attitude that is hard to find in larger national chains. “With a smaller pharmacy you get to know your customers. You get to know their likes and dislikes and you develop a personal, caring relationship with each other. You feel as if you are a real important part of each other’s life and you get to respond quickly to the needs of your customers who become more like friends and neighbours.” explained Lori. “We are also one of a select few stores that carry the popular Timothy’s Coffee Supplies as well as Glori Jeans and Emirls coffee products.”

Family Vision Centre Renovations Show Confidence In The Future of Valley East

   As he enters the newly expanded and renovated office of the Family Vision Centre, located at the Val Est Mall in Val Caron, Dr. John Skilling acknowledges that he has seen a lot of changes in his field since he graduated from the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 1970. But no matter how much his profession has been affected by technological advances, one thing that has not changed for Dr. Skilling is the dedication and commitment he and the rest of his team of Optometrists have for their patients since he and his associates Dr. Mario Peloso and Dr. Jamie Maki decided to open the Val Caron site in 1992. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Monique Binks was added to the practice. They had already established a successful practice since 1974 at the New Sudbury Shopping Centre and wanted to provide their Valley patients with a more convenient location when it came to their vision care needs.
 
 Lifelong Resident of Valley East , Dr. Jodie Yasko Joins Family Vision Centre Optometrist Team

   Dr. Skilling is pleased to have a professional on his team who hails from Valley East . Dr. Jodie Yasko, O.D., was born and raised in Blezard Valley and is thrilled to be able to return to her home town to practice her chosen profession. Dr. Yasko couldn’t be more pleased with the changes that have been implemented as a result of the renovations. She is shown in the photo with one of her patients, Ms. Cindy Watts, who is benefiting from the addition of state of the art equipment such as the new FDT machine that is used to check for deficiencies in your peripheral vision.

  Tylor McNair, third from the left, and Chris Vitiello, third from the right, are all geared up to introduce a brand new family dining experience to local residents with the opening of  their exciting business venture, Cousin Vinny’s Restaurant & Bar in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. With them in the photo are four key members of the team who have created the kind of restaurant that will appeal to people of all ages who appreciate affordable, top quality food and phenomenal service in a true “family atmosphere”. On the far left are Byron and Sandra McNair, Tylor’s parents, while Chris’ parents, Patricia and Enzo Vitiello are on the far right.
   The interior has been completely renovated and redecorated. “Customers won’t recognize the place,” commented Chris, who is not afraid of showing people how excited he is about the new restaurant. “We’ve completely changed everything, from the walls to the floors. It’s an entirely new ambience. But most importantly, we’ve totally changed the menu and will be providing people with some of the best Italian food in the region as well as all of their other favourites. My “Nonna” is even coming in to show the kitchen staff how to make her special Italian sauce.
 
   Tylor explained, “We’ve kept the family in mind when designing our restaurant. Our prices are low enough so that parents won’t mind bringing their children out for a meal. We have a children’s menu and you will always get free ice-cream for dessert for the kids. We want to see the place filled with families having a great time and enjoying a wonderful meal that they can afford.”

   Cousin Vinny’s will be opening early in December. Just look for the grand opening announcement on the road sign at the entrance to the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre and make sure you are one of the first people to sample the “taste of Italy ” this holiday season. Customers who drop in during December will be eligible to win a $500 Shopping Spree at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre just in time for Christmas!

   Chris and Tylor are both life-long residents of the Greater Sudbury Area. They are graduates of Laurentian University and together bring years of personal experience in the hospitality industry as well as in customer relationship building. Indeed, both are entirely committed to delivering a level of customer service that local diners deserve. “Cousin Vinny’s is going to be known for two things: great food and great service!” declared Chris and Tylor in unison. “We plan on one of us being at the restaurant at all times so we can get out on the floor and talk to our customers. We want to thank them for their support and make sure that they are happy with their entire experience at Cousin Vinny’s.”
 
   “Tylor and I also believe that Cousin Vinny’s should be an integral part of the community, so we intend to give back to the local organizations and sports groups to thank them for their support and help them make Valley East a better place in which to live,” Chris commented. “Cousin Vinny’s is quickly going to become a household name. We plan on getting actively involved in as many different areas of the community as we can.”
 
   Cousin Vinny’s Restaurant & Bar is now taking bookings for Christmas and New Years parties, so if you would like to reserve space for your family, friends or coworkers, make sure you contact Chris or Tylor to avoid disappointment.

‘You Can Sew’ Fall Sewing Classes For Adults & Children

   When Anita Giesbrecht was only ten years old it was natural for her mother to show her how to use a sewing machine. This was a skill that would stay with Anita for life and would result in the establishment of a home-based business that has been in operation for over 20 years. During the past 14 of those years, Anita has been passing on her skills to young and old alike with “You Can Sew”, a private sewing school that she currently runs out of 4393 Elizabeth Crescent in Val Therese.

   “There are so many things around a normal house that need sewing from time to time,” explained Anita when asked how the ability to sew would be beneficial to an individual. “You can get a decent sewing machine for a couple hundred dollars and the thread doesn’t cost very much. With that you can sew hems on dresses and pants, repair torn clothing, alter the height of curtains, repair jackets, you name it – the list is endless. The original investment in a sewing machine will easily be recovered when you think that you might normally have brought the clothing out to be repaired or you would just have left the item in your closet and not been able to ever wear it again. You can even bring your sewing machine to my shop and I will teach you how to use it.”
  
   “Anita’s Sewing Services” offers you a wide range of services, including alterations, repairs, hems, zippers, etc, home décor, such as; curtains, blinds and valances, quilts and bedding, as well as dressmaking from kids, maternity and everyday clothing to formal wear and wedding dresses. She can even do special occasion décor and scrubs. Anita sews for three local dance studios and for local dress shops. In fact, she does everything and anything you can think of with regards to sewing. You can bring any type of job, large or small, right to her shop on Elizabeth Crescent and Anita will take care of you.
  
   Fourteen years ago, Anita realized that the skill of sewing was dying out, not only among younger generations, but also among adults. In response to requests from many of her clients, she decided to begin offering sewing classes to children and adults and thus was born, “You Can Sew”.
  
   From September to June, Monday to Thursdays, Anita offers Youth and Adult Sewing Classes.  Youth Sewing Classes are a one hour class once a week, in the evenings beginning at 6:30pm , at the cost of $40.00 per month.  Adult Sewing classes are a two hour session once a week, mornings and evening classes available at the cost of $50.00 a month.  Adult Quilting classes are a three hour session once a week, morning and evening classes are available at the cost of $55.00 a month.  Anita provides each of the four students with a sewing machine and the tools required for each session. Students are required to bring the needed items for their projects, such as, fabric, patterns, thread and needed notions. Projects that can be done during the classes include graduation dresses, quilts, clothing, home décor, gifts, holiday crafts, and repairs and alterations. Classes are limited to a maximum of four from beginner to advanced levels with each having their own work station so that Anita can give everyone the individual attention they need and allow people to work at their own pace on their own projects.

New Business Is Welcomed By Home & Office Users of Printers & Photo Copiers

 Bob Lavergne and Nicole St. Onge, owners of the newest store at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre, ALL INK, are pleased with the initial response they have received from both business owners and individuals who have had the misfortune to run out of ink for their computer printers and photo copiers.
 
   “Right from the first day we opened on June 1, 2008 people have been telling us how happy they are that they finally have a centrally located outlet where they can not only get replacement cartridges for their computers and printers, but they can also get their old cartridges refilled for a fraction of the cost of buying a new brand name cartridge,” explained Lavergne. “We knew there was a demand for this type of service in Valley East , but we’ve been pleasantly surprised at the support we received right from the start.”
  
   Lavergne, who was born and raised in Valley East is a community-minded individual who believes in supporting local businesses. He is the owner of Mirage Hair & Esthetics as well as a company that recycles snowmobile parts.  “As an owner of two other businesses in this town, I realize how important it is for us to support each other and help one another succeed. With the opening of ALL INK, we are able to help meet the needs of many local businesses. For example, we can refill nearly any inkjet cartridge in less than half and hour and our refills are guaranteed. We can get you replacement cartridges and we can even recycle your old cartridges to help protect the environment.”
  
   Another popular service provided at ALL INK is photo restoration and reproduction. “We will repair your precious photos and reprint them for you from 4 x 6 all the way to 13 x 19 in size. We can also frame your memories with our Pacific Gallery custom frames. Bring any colour and black and white photo in for reproduction and custom framing.”
  
   For those who want to print their own photos, ALL INK offers a great selection of quality photo paper at a great price. They also carry regular printer paper, copy paper and coloured stock.

One Team – One Goal

Customer Service

   “One Team – One Goal - Customer Service” is the sincere commitment of the group of five professionals who will be responsible for serving customers at the recently completed Scotiabank branch in Val Caron. They are shown above in the photo and are, from the left: Melanie Thompson, Customer Support Representative; Lisa Welsh, Personal Banking Officer; Sharon Lavallee, Personal Banking Officer; Sue Carriere, Customer Relations Representative; and Shawn Carlson, Financial Advisor. Together they offer local residents a complete package of the financial services available through Scotiabank, one of North America ’s premier financial institutions and Canada ’s most international bank serving about 10 million customers in some 50 countries worldwide.

   The Grand Opening of Scotiabank’s Val Caron Branch has signalled a new beginning, not only for one of the most respected financial institutions in the country, but also for the community of Valley East .

   Guy Labine, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Development Committee summed it up best, “When a bank decides to open up a new facility, you know things are going well.”

   Mayor John Rodriguez stated during his welcome speech, “I know that Valley East has arrived now that Scotiabank has arrived.”

   Ward 5 Councillor, Ron Dupuis was happy to see opening day arrive. “Scotiabank is already saving me money in gas now that I don’t have to travel to the Azilda Branch to do my banking.”

   In addressing the crowd of several dozen guests on hand for the Grand Opening, Steve Irwin, Community Manager for Scotiabank stated, “The opening of the Val Caron branch marks the eighth branch opened in the Greater Sudbury area by Scotiabank and a further investment into Sudbury of close to $1,000,000. The opening of the branch brings the number of employees in the Scotiabank group in Sudbury to more than 180.”

   Irwin explained that the Val Caron branch represents a new concept for Banking in Ontario . “This is the first branch without tellers, but with a qualified sales force to assist all customers with the investment and borrowing options they may wish to pursue. Our Automated Banking Machines, including our drive thru machine, enables customers to do what they could have done at a teller, such as being paying bills, transferring funds, withdrawing money, depositing money, etc.”

   Christopher Hodgson, Executive Vice-President and Head of Domestic Personal Banking for Canada was on hand to express his best wishes and to present a special donation of $5000 to the Evolutionary Band of Confederation Secondary School. Hodgson’s personal attendance at the Grand Opening and his presentation to Evolutionary were symbolic of the pride Scotiabank takes in its involvement in the community and its care for the community, regardless of its size.

   The Scotiabank Val Caron branch will feature convenient extended hours during the week and will be open on Saturdays for appointments and/or drop-in consultation and service. Tuesday and Wednesday the branch will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ; Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. , and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can drop in during any of those hours and speak to Sue Carriere who will help you make arrangements to see the member of the “team” who can best serve your particular needs.

Rocky’s – The Jewel of

Lake Wanapitei

   When Roy Roque and his two brothers, Ted and Vince, decided to build a small confectionary store on the northwest corner of Lake Wanapitei , they simply wanted to be able to provide campers with a place to pick up some everyday supplies during the summer. Fourteen years later, Roy stands in front of Rocky’s, one of the most spectacular waterfront restaurants in the entire region.

   The confectionary supplies are still available, but now the facility also includes a full menu restaurant with seating indoors and outdoors for about seventy patrons. The downstairs conference room holds another 80 people for private functions ranging from wedding showers to anniversary parties. Rocky’s has become the entertainment and dining destination all summer long for visitors to the more than 400 camp sites in the immediate area as well as the campers with permanent cottages along the west side of the Lake.

   You can also get gasoline for your boat at the same prices you find in town, pick up bait for fishing, get some ice, launch your boat and even use the landromat to clean your clothes while you are camping.

   Rocky’s opens up at 9 a.m. every single day of the year with only one exception - Christmas Day. Mondays to Thursdays Rocky’s closes at  7 p.m. , while Friday, Saturday and Sunday it stays open until 11 p.m. During July and August Rocky’s is open seven days a week until 11 p.m.   This is a year-round complex that is almost as busy in the winter as it is in the summer.

   Roy is proud of the fireworks display that Rocky’s sponsors every holiday weekend, claiming that it is even larger than the one at Science North and attracts a huge crowd of spectators. The next fireworks evening will be on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at dusk. Bring your kids and watch the sky light up over the lake.

   The area around the North River of Lake Wanapitei is known for great fishing, so if you are a sportsperson it would be well worth the 15 minute ride north of Capreol to Rocky’s. Launch your boat, catch your limit of fish, swim along the sand shores of the North River and then finish off the day with a relaxing dinner on the patio overlooking the peaceful water at dusk. Take the trip on any Sunday and you can enjoy the “all-you-can-eat” fish and chips as well.

Caza Auto Parts

A Distinguished Reputation For
Customer Service & Quality Parts

   Bernie Caza has been working around automobile and truck parts since the age of twelve. That was when he began spending his spare time helping his father and mother, Gerry & Louise Caza run their Canadian Tire Store in Chelmsford along with his brothers and sisters; Ronald, Marie, Pauline, Paul & Rick. He gained experience in all sections of the store and spent many of the next sixteen years of his life in a variety of roles, all in the automotive industry. So when the opportunity came up to purchase a business of his own from Dana Matson on the top of the hill in Hanmer in August 1997, there was absolutely no hesitation on the part of Bernie. At the age of 28, armed with a Business Administration Diploma from Cambrian College and with a life-time of related experience in the field, Bernie opened Caza Auto Parts. In August of 1999, Bernie tied the knot with Liliane Pellerin who later, fortunately came on board.  For the past ten years Bernie, with the help of his team, has provided Valley East and Capreol with the very best of service when it comes to supplying dependable parts and equipment for automobiles and trucks.

   A great deal of credit for their success is the dedication and support they have received from their “Team Players”, which consists of: Bob Matson, who has been around since Caza Auto Parts opened over ten years ago, Bob has been in this trade for as long a he can remember, owning his business in the past, for 43 yrs in the Industrial sector.. In 1956 Bob got his Class A mechanics license and started working for Fisher Wavy ..the same year moved out , and again in 1956, he got married to Jean Labine…Wow what a year!  They have 3 Children, Kathyrn, Dana & Melissa. Gary Lachance, the assistance Manager, who has been with the company for over five years, also has worked in this industry for over 25 yrs.; Gary, Brenda and daughters Amanda and Alana, enjoy working on any project that has to do with their house renovations.  Adam Lepki, who joined the team just over a year ago, working part-time during the winter months and full time in the summer, Adam is taking a 2yr Automotive course at Cambrian College; Allison Parsons who came on board in September. She had been working for a Chrysler Dealership for approximately one year. Her pride and joy is her 4yr old daughter Bella, whom she can’t stop talking about, awesome.  Mathew Roque started with them in September. He is on a Co-op placement from Ecole Secondaire Catholique l’Horizon; Mathew enjoys hunting are cars. They also appreciate the contributions of people who were with them at some time in the past since opening, including Rick Caza, Susan Kitching,  Serge Theriault , Paul Hunda , Deb Hughson and all others.

   Caza Auto Parts concentrates on providing auto parts “ONLY”. It is because of this singular focus that Bernie has been able to devote his entire 4100 square foot space at the corner of Elmview Drive and Hwy 69N to stocking a wide variety of parts and equipment, especially for the do-it-yourself customers who have come to depend on the helpful advice they receive from them.

“Buddha’s Bowl” – Much More Than Just A Change of Name For Popular Val Caron Owners

    For the past two years, Rene and Chris Godin have been managing the former Bonaventure Lanes in Val Caron which they have developed into one of the most popular bowling alleys in the region. Now they are pleased to announce that they have become official owners of the business and they are absolutely excited with the prospects of bringing the sport of bowling to a new level in Valley East !

   “Chris and I have a combined 50 years of bowling experience as national-class competitors, so we know what bowlers really want in a first-class facility,” explained Rene as he and his wife Chris are shown sitting at one of their scoring computers. “Now that we actually own the business we intend to implement the “little things” that mean so much to the comfort of bowlers, whether they are recreational or national calibre.”

   One of the first changes that their loyal patrons will notice is that Rene has changed the name of the bowling alley to “Buddha’s Bowl”, reflective of his well-known nickname.
   “When we were deciding on a name for the bowling alley we figured why not call it “Buddha’s” since that is the name that just about everybody uses when talking to me,” Rene commented as he pointed out the Buddha lamp displayed on the table between he and Chris. “When I get a strike during a game I have a habit of celebrating by yelling out while grabbing my stomach and rubbing it. One day someone called me Buddha and the name stuck. Now even the YBC kids call me by that name, so it seemed natural to call our new business, “Buddha’s Bowl”.

   Besides the name change, the Godin’s have added a new air conditioning system which will certainly increase the comfort level of bowlers. They have also upgraded the sound system and are planning on some major renovation of the bowling lanes in the future with the addition of a type of synthetic finish which is being used across the continent in many of the larger bowling centres.

   Both Rene and Chris are proud of their personal accomplishments in the sport of bowling, but they are quick to point out that one of their top priorities is to provide a great, low cost source of recreation for families.

Bowen: The Gentle Healing Technique

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