As we transition sites to our new format, it's interesting to see some of things we've done. One of those is the Niagara Pet Gallery.

We've updated the gallery and now give people the opportunity to upload their own photos.

It's as easy as logging into our site (even using your Facebook account) and then uploading a photo and caption. We'll check to make sure it's appropriate (because stranger things have happened) and then your pet will be online.

Check it out and honour your pet today : )

I'm happy to announce that the Niagara Events Guide has been relaunched as part of the main Niagara Guide website.

The domain www.niagaraevents.com still works and will direct visitors to the website.

Events can be browsed by category AND by municipality. I am very excited about this as it's one of the things that I think is lacking among many other event listing websites.

Event submissions are also allowed on the site. We're still checking that real human beings are registering for the website and that the events are valid BEFORE they go online.

Submit your event here: /events/event-submission.htm

Change is good indeed : )

Best Regards,

Mark Kawabe

Garrison Little Theatre is holding open auditions

to cast Norm Foster's sparkling comedy "Looking",

which will be performed in November 2011.

The director is looking for 2 women and 2 men, late 30s to early 50s.

As well, anyone interested in helping with this production

in backstage volunteer positions is encouraged to attend the auditions:

7:00 p.m.

 Friday, September 9, 2011

at the Italo-Canadian Club, 1101 DiPietro St., Fort Erie.

For more information call Derek at 289-320-9444.

Visit them online at www.garrisonlittletheatre.com

I used to think people who walked on fire were nuts.

Then my wife did a firewalk, so I had to change my opinion.

I also did an arrow break against my throat.

Another opinion change. Hmm. Perhaps there's something to this . . .

Then I met Heather Keeso, of Firewalk Niagara, whose personal experiences with firewalking are quite profound.

I'm very glad to welcome Heather and Firewalk Niagara to The Niagara Guide!

I hope you'll take the time to learn about the path to personal empowerment that firewalking can provide. It may just change your life.

Been through a bit of a rough patch with elderly family members and the inevitable stresses summer vacation brings. However, there's still some fun to be had.

This afternoon from 4:00 I'll be at the 3rd Annual Business Tail Gate & BBQ being put on by "KNOW it ALL" Niagara at the Staples in Niagara Falls.

Hope to see you there!

Just wanted to let you know about a few changes in The Niagara Guide's services.

We've recently added self-management to company information. Anyone who wants to add their business for free (name, address, phone number) can now do so and can also update their information themselves. Just register for our client portal to do this.

Because of the above change, we'll be phasing out some, but not all of our static free listing pages. Why? Well, when you consider how many companies are in Niagara, it's a lot of work to keep the database updated. For the most part, we'll only be providing information that was submitted to us. There will be some popular categories that will have listings inputted by our staff. We're not going to spam everyone in the region to get them to add their listings - but we certainly encourage you to tell your friends and colleagues to add their businesses to our directory.

Press releases can now be submitted directly in .txt, .doc or .pdf format to us. Again, visit the client portal to register and submit your press releases.

There are more changes coming to our forums in the next few weeks. Never a dull moment here. Enjoy your weekend!

There's been a lot happening behind the scenes at The Niagara Guide and we're happy to welcome our newest advertiser who is the first added under our new system.

Please welcome Sharon Linwood to The Niagara Guide!

As a Mobile Mortgage Expert, Sharon will work around your schedule and process your application “on-the-spot” at a location and time that is convenient for you. Her goal is to take the “stress” out of financing and help you make an informed decision in order to obtain the mortgage that best meets your needs. Providing professional service in a relaxed atmosphere and going the extra mile for her clients has always been my top priority in providing excellent customer service.

Sharon has also contributed several articles to The Niagara Money Guide and we welcome her expertise in the mortgage and leasing areas.

Click here to learn more about Sharon's services!

It is with pleasure that I announce the addition of the Carousel Players to the Niagara Arts Guide.

How did they get there? Easy - they applied for a free listing through the Non-Profit Niagara website.

Your organization can do this as well and get free online exposure.

Check it out today!

Welcome aboard Carousel Players!

What did over 6000 students in Niagara do last year? Visit the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village!

This safe, controlled environment teaches children how to recognize and deal with dangerous situations. Police, Fire and Ambulance crews all participate in the various classroom and street scenarios making this a one-of-a-kind educational experience for kids.

We are pleased to announce the addition of the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village to the Niagara Non-Profit Guide website. This is a free service offered to all Niagara non-profit organizations and we encourage them to take us up on our offer.

If you haven't heard of the Niagara Region Children's Safety Village, have a look at their listing.

Just look both ways before you click this link : )

We are happy to welcome TMK Limousine to The Niagara Bridal Guide!

When you need classy transportation to special events, weddings, proms or just to the airport, call Tim at TMK Limousine.

Visit them online in The Niagara Bridal Guide!

http://www.niagarabridalguide.com/tmk-limousine/