PC Corner - Main St's Most Wanted Back To School Techies

Thief helps himself to $20,000 in merchandise - but no Crime Stoppers call

PC Corner 21 Main St S, Newmarket

At first glance, PC Corner, looks to be a small shop set in basic white, adorned by a simple sign and no bells and whistles - save one - the front clanging "mom and pop" hanging bells which alert the guys in the back - usually embroiled in the pursuit of fixing everyone's broken computers - to a customer's entry. PC not only fixes them via virus removals and whatnot, but will also work to speed up computers, add upgrades, or service them - like a car and good mechanic - to keep your computer in top working order, as well as perform installations of complete home entertainment packages or even website building.

PCC's neighbour to the north offers best breakfast deals

Wedged into a part of Main St beside a former Barber shop, away from the most concentration of shops further south, and with nearby Davis Drive construction ongoing, they have struggled at times undoubtedly, but repeat, happy, customers keep things going.

Over the hill north on east side to find PC Corner

PC Corner also sell computers, laptops, software and the like, with hands-on owner Amir Aslam, a schooled expert in computer engineering, often available to assist personally with any advice or recommendation best suited to your computer needs. Having known Amir now almost 10 years, I can say the guy is a rarity, and great to have as a resource - not to mention honest and easy going to chat with, in order to pick his brain! Good old fashioned, small business, Main St service.

It's too bad someone took advantage recently to rob them. Tough enough with all the nearby Davis Dr. construction.

Add window bars to the new sign cost

The way the thief worked was he came in during the day to scope things out, removing some merchandise from behind the counter, whilst people were in the back. Later that night, he attempted (likely)to break in, but failed, and fled to the alarm but the next day he came again - as seen in surveillance footage    , as well as the following night and stole 12 Mac Pro lap-top computers and other expensive items. However, by circulating snap shots of the person via Facebook and Youtube they have received tips (one an ex wanting a reward or no info), and police apparently know who the man is now, but claim it's not enough evidence to warrant picking him up! Wow! But they can make graffiti, that could have been fixed with $5 worth of paint, a major, front page crime story, while this man loses $20,000 in merchandise!TPE produced a spoof as well, similar to the above video in design to help him.

Graffiti a Crime Stopper but robbed merchant not?!

I know Amir was upset by it, and his faith in being protected from thefts also has been shattered - and the gall of the thief who looks directly at the camera more than once and yet "not enough evidence" - haunts him. But I urged him to move on or it will eat him up. He's now installed bars on his windows, a shame that it has come to this.

" It was Newmarket. I didn't think I needed them before" Amir Aslam

Hopefully Amir's Main St. shop will recover with the support of his clients and friends so they may continue to serve up his great brand of friendly, highly professional, knowledgeable service - and at reasonable rates!

This is the guy who stole his merchandise

905-952-0782

Drop in to PC CORNER, just south of Davis Dr. on Main St. in Newmarket, Ontario, and say hi or scope out the latest software or systems they offer.

Click 4  Ideal BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIALS for your computer needs - including upgraded refurbished units!

Newmarket Jazz + Festival Rates an A minus - But A Big Plus!

Newmarket Jazz + Festival an All Ages Family Affair

KC Roberts closes out the show

Recently I attended The Newmarket Jazz + Festival and comparing it to the inaugural previous year, it was a much better experience with the talent top notch! Where last year I was critical that I'd spent almost a full day attending without hearing any Jazz, this year I heard some and more as well they were clear about it being JAZZ +, which as a theme guy,  helped me absorb and accept other genres into a Jazz Festival.

The unique mix, from instrumentals only, to vocal bluesy acts, to experimental newish sounds was very cool to die-hard music fans like me, and judging by the crowd reaction, and that of one of the organizers, George St. Kitts, who certainly wasn't trying to hide his enthusiasm for the performers, I wasn't alone in my thinking. I had no choice but to notice St. K on occasion as he was on the 2nd stage semi-between myself and the main stage so I couldn't miss him. But that just tells me that he really enjoys the music too, and feels it, and you do indeed need that element to have a good festival - organizers looking to attain really good music - not just

Sultans of String

"filler"  - and one that carries a vibe backed up by the hosts enthusiasm such as they showed.

George St Kitts got one too!

So great job George, himself an R&B Singer, whom I worked a gig with some years ago for Feds' United Way drive, my first gig as Elvis as I recall and I did poorly, stumbling on a lyric of a song I was using without karaoke also for the 1st time. Ha. The Elvis die-hards noticed, and I swear I heard a collective groan. I never made that mistake again. Ha. But George saved me that day as he was "spot on" and I recall him making the time to come over when we were all done and say it was pleasure working with us and enjoyed us (myself and Ayoub Beebejaun, now a Fireman in Newmarket, singing the song TPE had created and which we co-wrote, Light The Way), which I'm sure in my case, he was just being polite. Ha.

Jackie of Jackie and Kim Richardson

The Feds services raised a record $ amount that year for The United Way drive through sales of our C.D. and efforts from others like George. I would only imagine the Sheri (St Kitts) is an extension of that same character and kudos to them both for putting this together, along with their board, and  of course the grants people for making it possible. Indeed they have proven capable of putting together a credible showcase of talent. It is theirs now to shape, as they have certainly proven worthy with the opportunity given.

Picturesque Main St Newmarket

That being said, there were some minor glitches with the former Aurora Jazz Festival organizers' event which could be improved, including stage locations on Main St affecting a few businesses - although adjustments were made for Sunday - and some sound issues on occasion, with some delay between acts at times that could have been filled in with recorded music meantime and piped out through the house system, especially through the rain delays, and it still feels a little confining at times at R.W.C., but , as I say, in the end the music on this day was top notch, with a couple local performers even amongst the band members, and, by adding  to the mix visual artists, they created atmosphere in a positive way. And being Jazz +, totally within theme still! The outdoor activity / kids areas for performers were nice.. until it rained...so a back up plan perhaps to address when that happens might also be a future board consideration. Maybe lose the karaoke on Main too as it cheapens it a bit and add a true marquis, name performer.

Artist Quincy Morrison had some cool stuff

I checked in with some of the shops on nearby Main St and the ones I'd spoke with had busier days than most during the event - particularly hospitality establishments and retail outlets. Some were utilized in some form by the festival organizers which was good, and I'd like to see more of that - using local wherever possible - so Newmarket businesses also profit. After all someone does make money here! And Businesses shouldn't be shy about wanting some.

Suspended Play on Main St

Artist Nikita Persa makes Wildflower Art

The year we held our Annual Youth Road Hockey Event on Main St, we had performers set up not only on the street but stationed inside the hospitality houses and maybe that is an area that can be worked on for next year as well which will help keep out-of-towners engaged. Cafe Hesed for example has a piano in it already, so it would be easy to set them up with a daily performance etc. All the bars, cafes, and restaurants should be involved where possible and if it was me as an owner I'd be booking performers in anyway, and opening my bar until 2 am!...But don't wait for nearby events to include you, show an interest and willingness and I'm sure they will.

TPE as an entertainment and promo company specializing in film/ video / live production and online optimization and have organized shows for events as large as Canada's largest convention center in Toronto, would have loved the opportunity to put on a Jazz Festival originally, and had actually considered it years ago when after my first ever Yuk Yuks performance, I'd met Pianist / Composer Ken Skinner of The Jazz Mongers (Marooned etc) who attended the work shops, who happens to be the God Son of Oscar Peterson's brother Chuck, and studied under Daisy  Sweeney, Oscar's sister, had asked me to look into it. His father Kenny Sr. was also a pianist playing with Charlie Biddle, Dougie Richardson, Nelson Symonds  Ken kept repeating the terms new market as if it were an omen as I recall and he was truly exited - a man who'd also lead a hard life I think, and looking for a rainbow... maybe re-find a lost passion.

Don't shoot!

We became friends then and my kids came with me for dinner at he and his wife's place ( was single Dad ) and we discussed some ideas, but at the time we had not the Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket, theorizing perhaps Fairy Lake Park for host site, and so the idea kind of died but I always thought it would work in New Market. Turns out Ken was right after all!

Now he'd be a good fit for Cafe Hesed - located on Main St and already equipped with a piano - so maybe I'll just inject myself next year by setting up performers in the local Main St. venues need be! Ha...

Overall though, definitely a good job just with perhaps some overkill on the advertising - reduce that and maybe turn some volunteers into paid labour instead - after all isn't there a non-profit / give back element cause for all this too?

Build it and they will come.

TP's rating an A minus!
Check out more pics from this event on the
TPE Production's FB Page.

TP out!

Tshirts sold on Main st!

Joy Lapps

Newmarket Shopping on Main St. - Beauty and The Shops

Newmarket, Ontario, Canada - USA's Movie Main St!

The Fresh Tea Shop at Main and Eagle  - Main Street's newest shop!

The town of Newmarket is blessed with a downtown Main St. that is both architecturally eye appealing and practical for use, while still maintaining that small town feel. There may not be any fruit stands and markets as once marked the street, and there now remains only one manufacturer - CanadaT.com custom silk screen printers - but there still does remain a small town charm that attracts many patrons, including movie productions, as she offers a great variety of shops, restaurants, clothiers, cafes, florists, niche businesses and offices, resulting in a working Main St. that successfully balances practicality with beauty. The local Historical Society has kept a good reign and it shows.

Attending The Jazz Fest? Don't forget Main St

Sure, there are a few vacant holes to still fill with some empty units here and there, but slowly they have added a unique mix including offering international cuisine, from fine dining, to Mexican, Hungarian, Asian or - egads - Canadian cuisine! Even vegans are covered here with Rawlicious opening recently as well a Hungry Brew Hops brew pub complete with Red Seal Chef and featuring international beers creating a dining district the likes of which the town has not seen before!

The well maintained older buildings that adorn Main are a focal strength, with tall church steeples visible from both ends as town serviced flowers bloom brightly along the Main St way. Additional cool finds, include doggie groomers, kids and tweens shops, barbers and hair salons, tea shops, jewelers, comic books, gyms, gelato and i.c.parlours, "green" scooters, Reiko, and antiques, with the usual churches, daycare, and office space rounding things off. Take a look in the nooks and crannies to find great specialty shops like the Yarn Barn or Scottish ( Snowballs! and Flaky!) store which can be found at or on the adjoining side streets - all easily reached on foot.

You can even find 25 cents water!

Got An Idea? You could have it on a T-shirt!

My last visit had me drop in to CanadaT.com on Main Street as I'd heard they were going to be making the shirts for the upcoming Newmarket Jazz + Festival, but as it turned out they were too busy to give it the attention needed. Too bad, as Newmarket Main St's only manufacturer left you'd hope they'd have been able to but there is always next year! As it was Good Vibes also on Main got to reap in some of that benefit so it all worked out!

What's Your Idea for a T-Shirt Contest!

Afterward I stopped at Hesed Cafe where lately I've been trying out the muffins along with my usual fair trade organic coffee, as she often puts a muffin tin with her latest creations on the counter where they can be seen and inhaled. They looked interesting this day so I took one, and, by the second bite, I was Mmmmming nonstop. I was so impressed I felt compelled to tell the Asian born owner as such. Funny I've never known her name, but they are all always nice to me. She smiled a thank-you. But I meant it - the banana-blueberry muffins were the best I've ever had in any muffin! Moist, delicious fruit, bursting in the mouth, it was just fantastic! Do yourself a Flavour!

Newmarket's longest running family business, Myers ( Costumes) On Main, hosted Youth Wall Art Contest

I made my way down to Myer's On Main,

Newmarket's oldest one family owned business - as I'd heard the long time owner was not feeling well. Her family business used to supply Newmarket residents during the war with food and candy rations, as people would line up down the street payday to pay back. It wasn't unusual for them to be aroused at 3 or 4 in the morning to fetch milk for an expectant mother. Adjusting with the times, the once famous Opera Singer, Jenny Myers, switched it to strictly costumes somewhere around the 80's. Now we hassle them for graffiti removal that the woman has no control over and allow temporary competitors to spring up all around her during Halloween their busiest time. I think town founders and builders should get some kind of consideration, after all, she was here long before most every politician that's come and gone and she's still surviving. Manager Cassandra says all is well with the feisty owner and to watch for a fun, spooky Halloween soiree there for 2014! Boo! Ha.

Iconic Town Clock

Although the restaurants Main St. Newmarket offers up are a great variety - from fast food to ethnic to fine - the one element still lacking is night time action.

There have been sporadic spurts of dance type formats and live entertainment events but nothing consistent has emerged save the "Books Cafe n Things'' with ground level entertainment and, if you're lucky enough, a street musician will be out somewhere, often talented and eager and, like the locals, friendly!

Main St. sometimes hosts special events right on the street as well such as live movie shoots like Regression and Carrie, also July 1 celebrations, and for Car Shows , festivals or road hockey events, but, even then, the stores, shops, and restaurants are all open for business!

Main St. Locals are very friendly!

Well, off to beautiful nearby Fairy Lake Park! 

Enjoy Main St and have a good one!

TP Out!

Canadian Water For Sale...Cheap!

Longtime Clothiers 

Main St Cafe bulletin boards keep you informed

Coming soon..back door businesses!?

Youth Road hockey sponsor window  

Movie shoot hits town - Regression

Award winning Cartoonist has comic Store here!

That's a Wrap! - Taken during movie shoot" Regression"

Kerti Homeopathic Wellness - Physical, Mental, Spiritual Therapy

NOW RELOCATED!

I was introduced to Kerti Therapeutics naturally - my long time friend and hair dresser Michele is married to the namesake Anne Kerti, and so naturally I made some inquiries while visiting the salon portion of the centre getting my hair styled.

Anyone who knows me, first off, knows I'm a skeptic of most things, and homeopathic remedies and the like do not escape that scrutiny with me. Firstly, there is no proven science to it - something pharmaceutical companies have no problem supplying, albeit they often fund the studies - and secondly anything off the 'norm' is not usually my forte either ( I figure if it was that good mainstream would have accepted it), but still an open mind is what I sought, and managed, I believe. Besides, more and more skeptics like myself are less and less believing in what mainstream medicine is feeding us, and seeking alternative healing methods.

With a little digging, I found that homeopathic medicine has been practiced for over 200 years, having roots with ancient civilizations as found in writings and also in native traditional treatments. In fact the members of the monarchy have used homeopathic medicine since Queen Victoria's era, and in the 1800's homeopathy was one of the best healthcare systems in North America! Typically, now, when all else fails, Anne will field a visit from a desperate person who has run out of hope or 'traditional" options. Because of this, Kerti Therapeutics often gets people afflicted with final stages of cancer or ailments traditional doctors are reluctant or unable to to treat like Lyme disease or Lupus.

She lost me in answer to one of my queries however, somewhere around "water having a memory" lol - Hey, I almost flunked biology! - but the bottom line for me was always going to be if it worked anyway - and the 2 pills of arnica given worked like a charm.

" It's a hard sell because it kind of goes against the grain of what people are used to. Like treating something with a poison. But we use such minute diluted amounts they are completely safe," Dr. Anne told me.

Now regulated, what a licensed or registered Homeopathic 'Doctor" does is create those dosages from the ingredients - like plants, minerals or animal products, including performing the vigorous shaking, and distributes them in pill form for easy use. They treat the symptoms leading up to a health issue, as opposed to directly targeting the problem, would be one analogy.

For example someone suffering from hay fever may get irritated eyes, a runny nose - same as if an onion were opened around them. As such, a Homeopathic Doctor might treat someone afflicted with hay fever in this way - with a remedy made from red onion, Allium cepa - treating a symptom to get to the cause. But first an intitial interview including a complete medical history review would be done encompassing mental, emotional and physical health.

In-house " Doctor" Anne Kerti ' the co-owner, along with husband Michele Scorranese, had been studying and practising homeopathic medicine for 10 years going to school to become certified and so is no stranger to the 'lifestyle' either, and lives by it including use of Reiki and yoga daily in her own regimen, as well as healthy eating. Dr. Anne is one of only two registered Homeopathic Doctors in Whitby so get her while you can! She also practices reiki, reflexology, and chakra balancing. Sounds hard! lol.

Before Anne could even begin a treatment, one would  be interviewed to gather a medical background history and other information critical to her for prescribing a remedy, or series of, to best suit you or your pet. This takes some time - up to 2 hours - but is vital in order to best treat the patients effectively. You would then need a follow up appointment in 4- 6 weeks to gauge assess and possibly adjust potency or change remedies. Chronic diseases typically take more time.

As you go, you can learn from Anne simple treatments you can practice yourself as well! Including everything from treating cuts and burns naturally, to travel sickness, tooth aches, insomnia, constipation and other common health afflictions and while you wait, enjoy the great baked goodies that are a fixture in the waiting area or browse the truly organic skin care products, or check out the salon, nails spa, holistic therapy, or Wynning Wellness while there.

I'm still a born skeptic but willing to give this more wiggle room now in my sea of doubtdom - especially when looking at the history of the results I've thus far been able to unravel - and the 'history' of corporate medicine. Plus my head ache disappeared! Ha.

Call Kerti Therapeutics @ 905-493- 7200 to book an appointment or email a query to kertitherapeutics@gmail.com or simply pop by at 101 1/2 Mary St. Whitby - The Pearson House! Like K.T. on Face Book!

Until next time

TP Out.