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VOLUME 1, ISSUE I THE ACTON MONTHLY PAGE 3 New Coffee Shop opens downtown, an experience for the entire family ZaPa Projects, a new coffee shop, is now open for business in the heart of Downtown Acton and offers some- thing for both parents and their chil- dren in a rustic/modern setting. Since purchasing the building at 17 Mill Street East, in January 2021, Kaylee O'Sullivan owner of ZaPa Projects, says the building has un- dergone a major transformation to accommodate both a coffee shop and a place for kids to play. According to O’Sullivan, the idea to combine coffee and kids into one place comes after her and her hus- band John’s own experience as par- ents of small kids, citing it was al- ways tricky to find a place for all ages to enjoy. “This is the business that my hus- band and I wished we had when we moved to Acton in 2017... So we thought, let’s combine the two, and make it a place that you're wel- come.” From the early days of ZaPa Pro- jects, the husband and wife duo had family in mind to the point of even naming it after their two sons Zack | and Parker, thus forming the name “ZaPa”. The “Projects” part of the name also incorporates the other side of the business that features a kids play space with bouncy castles, known as ‘Peanut Butter and Zilly’, where it can be booked for birthdays and other events. O'Sullivan says the community has been supportive since their grand- opening on October 15th. “Everybody's been super supportive, we've had such great feedback... we honestly can’t ask for a better turn- out and a more welcoming communi- ty.” After having moved across Canada, and around the world, with John originating from Australia, the O’Sullivans are happy to call Acton home and have a business that of- fers a specialty in Australian-style coffee and a place the entire family can enjoy. Further details on ZaPa Projects can be found on their Facebook and In- stagram. Changes seen at Downtown Acton BIA, positive outlook ahead This year has been a year of change for the Downtown Acton BIA and Brittany Sedore, the new tor, says the future is looking quite bright despite the changes. Back in August, former Coordinator Alex Hilson stepped down after two years in the posi- tion to run in the local municipal Since stepping into this new role, Sedore says she has great support and her focus is to improve preexisting events, such as the markets. “We are trying to make our markets better. This year was really slow, I think with just everything opening up and sort of travel fever and everyone not being around, but hopefully we've set a precedence for next season and we'll do better.” Prior to becoming BIA Coordinator, Sedore was in a BIA Coordina- 519-853-9555. volunteer position as Event Coordinator, with her heading this year’s that welcomed over 15,000 visitors and 150 vendors in the downtown core. Leathertown Festival, an event |] When looking ahead to the winter, despite some chal- lenges, Sedore plans to introduce new events, while bringing back some favourites. “Unfortunately, we've had to put some other events on the See but I’m hoping to get all of them put ning for a Winter Solstice lantern festival r tana Iam hoping to bring back the Winter Carnival for February.” For further details on upcoming events, you can visit Downtownacton.ca or call the Downtown Acton BIA at Downtown ACTON It's Worth the Drive! Dow!