April 2013 Issue

• Renee Carpenter Colour made easy

• Duncan Watterworth The beauty of limestone • Stephanie Farrow The U.S. fiscal cliff

• Special feature: Golfing in Elgin April, 2013

Page 24 Page 30 Page 8

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Ron DeWeger and Dave Dryfhout: Pumped about GCW’s expansion Cover story: Page 3

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April, 2013

GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Phenomenal success drives major 2013 expansion

by Terry Carroll

In retrospect, the word “successful” sometimes doesn’t seem to be strong enough to describe the progress of certain businesses. That growth in a relatively short period of time often brings to mind a term like “phenomenal.”

GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc. is one example. It has come a long, long way from rather humble 1999 beginnings in a 1,200 sq. ft. St. Thomas garage. At that time, the business consisted of four owners, plus one employee. The people involved realized there was a vacuum to be filled when a similar business had gone bankrupt. They knew somebody was going to fill those orders, and it might as well be them.

Since those rather modest beginnings, GCW has moved as its business grew, the most recent location being a 21,000 square foot building at 233 Edward Street in St. Thomas. But that building is no longer big enough.

Administrative and sales staff has been working three to four people in small offices. The manufacturing and shipping area has been crowded enough to cramp efficiency.

All that is changing rapidly. As of April 2, GCW owns the former Therm-ODisc building at 95 South Edgeware Road in St. Thomas. This new location almost quadruples the size of the current building, from 21,000 to 82,000 sq. ft., on 10 acres of land with room for expansion as needed. The owners plan to complete renovations and be all moved in by late autumn this year.

Cabinet maker Dave Dryfhout was the original employee in 1999. He is now vice-president and plant manager, and he remembers the lean years when the company was filling orders but always struggling to make a buck.

The years 2004 to 2006 proved to be pivotal, with a restructuring and some change in ownership with Dave as vice-president and Ron DeWeger as president, plus two other owners in less active roles: George Vanderveen looks after the physical needs of the building and former chicken farmer Terry Kuipers has background ownership and a visioning role.

Ron and Dave chuckle when they recall George quoting one of the owners from the early years who said, “We can get in the kitchen business. It’s really not that hard.”

Sometimes, it has been hard, but the four owners make it work, and Ron says the recent recession following 2008 was actually good for the business. Owners and staff were forced to examine everything they were doing. Good communication at the top is essential to progress, Ron says. He stresses the partners are careful not to step on each other’s toes. “Essentially our business is run like a board of directors — we make the decisions as a group, and my job is to implement them and follow them through.”

From the beginning, GCW has stressed the importance of excellent relationships with employees, homebuilders and residential clients who have been their bread and butter. The business employs between 65 and 70 people, depending on seasonal volumes, and uses a gain share program that motivates employees to improve their performance – encouraging people to be involved, to work smarter as a team and to eliminate waste. As gains occur, employees are rewarded financially for these improvements.

“We now sell more in two weeks than what we sold in our first full year,” says company controller Mark DeBoer. “GCW has averaged 24 per cent growth year over year since 2007, even with the global recession felt towards the end of the last decade.”

Dave says “great design” has become a signature at GCW which uses 10 designers and design assistants. This focus on design has been pivotal in the growth of the homeowner market. GCW’s residential homeowner business will soon make up 50 per cent of its business.

But the relationship with homebuilders continues to be key. “We work with some of the best builders in the industry, right here in St. Thomas,” Ron says. GCW’s craftsmanship has been recognized every year since 2006 with major awards at the St. Thomas Elgin Home Builders Association Golden Hammer awards as well as awards in London where GCW has a 6,000 sq. ft. showroom.

With the expansion to the new facility, GCW is preparing to launch its Milestones line. Kitchen and bath outlets that add the Milestones brand will handle the design, installation and service, with GCW manufacturing on their behalf. The board of directors sees this as a terrific way to grow sales, and the increased volume will allow them to invest in additional mechanization, which will increase efficiency.

Although the original owners didn’t realize it at the time, there was an unfilled need in Ontario where custom and kitchens and cabinetry have traditionally come largely from Winnipeg, the States or Quebec. GCW has been successful at becoming an ever-growing player in filling that need.

When the time came for the big expansion, the directors decided to stay in St. Thomas. Why? They say they get wonderful cooperation from the City and St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, the area has a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, and “St. Thomas is a nice place to live and work.”

The city, they say, still has “25 per cent more life.”

Owners Ron DeWeger, George Vanderveen, Terry Kuipers and Dave Dryfhout are excited about the quadrupling of space for GCW this year.

Elgin This Month General Manager Terry Carroll Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley

Advertising Sales Manager Nelson Parreira Graphic Design / Production Jim McHarg Sales Representative Greg Minnema

Elgin This Month is a monthly magazine focusing on business and lifestyle issues and includes Business Beat, the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

The publication is available for pickup at no charge at news stands and other locations around Elgin County, as well as distribution to businesses and selected households.

Published monthly by Metroland Media Group Ltd., 15 St. Catharine Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 2V7 519-633-1640 www.theweeklynews.ca/etm April, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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INNES As I See It

Waiting to exhale

by Jim Innes

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The other day, I noticed a young toddler strolling, hands free, beside his mother down a sidewalk outside my apartment. He was wrapped cozily in a warm snowsuit, his little face beaming out from under the snuggly hood. Mother was patient as they slowly made their way. Each step of the child was distinguished by a heavy nylon ‘swish’ from the inseams of his thick leggings.

What mostly caught my attention was the undeniable pleasure painted brightly all over the child’s face. He was so sparkling with joy and so delighted in the moment that he appeared transported to a place with no bounds and no worry. He seemed impervious to the drag of his cumbersome outfit and beyond the effort of his newly developing motor skills. He was, it seems, engaged ecstatically in the experience.

I was fascinated by the child’s buoyancy. It was innate and pure.

It reminded me of a Utopian experience, likened to the eastern concepts of Moksha and Nirvana, states of mind unaffected by mundane concerns. But more then these, the child’s experience appeared to me full of playful, imaginative energy.

Many of us have long forgotten our childlike exuberance, and we no longer emulate child-like buoyancy.

Probably because most of us know our fair share of pain and loss and feel the ache daily. Most of us have been scarred by disappointment and the sharp bite of unmet expectation.

We have simply inhaled and held it . . . and held it . . . and held it.

We still hold it. And with the loss of that expansive breath, our minds are less pliable and more rigid, and our hearts less vulnerable and more invincible. Our muscles have tightened and the inner child has become quiet.

In my experience as a priest and a counselor, the image of this tod-

ELGIN THIS MONTH

dler represents most of what we all seek. And it’s important to note that the child was not in therapy, not concerned with religious piety, not familiar with a spiritually enlightened guru, not practising a form of yoga or marga, not read up on all the new age literature for creating one’s own Paradise. It’s important to note this because the toddler’s good spirits were not the result of some external source. Instead they bubbled up from within him, from some consecrated spring originating in his core. His experience required no conscious act. Nothing had to be learned or practised; no creed had to be recited; and no act of repentance was demanded. It is reminiscent, perhaps even parallel to, the natural and uninhibited bliss depicted in the story of Adam and Eve who lived large and carefree in the garden at Eden.

I was much in awe of the kid. His untainted, unpretentious manner had a magnetic charm and I wanted to feel the connections he felt. And if I, or anyone, was to take this incarnation seriously, we would need to seek the same internal source despite all the cumbersome weight of life. It would mean learning to breathe again, to loosen the muscles that bind us, to release the tension in our hearts and resuscitate creative and expansive thought.

Experience is to be respected. Wisdom has its place. However, in my mind, and as I see it, they are only there to serve our engaging ecstatically in the experience we call our life. The words of the prophet Isaiah come to mind: the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young ... the calf Be much more effective, healthy and the lion will graze together, and a and happy in all aspects little child will lead them.

of your daily life.

Successful counseling and therapy is a collaborative process that benefits from the active participation of clients and therapist.

You do have options

Jim Jim Innes is Innes a clinically trainedCounselling therapist and A clinically trained and a priest at St. John’s experienced Individual Anglican Church & Couples Therapist

Offices in London and St. Thomas

519 858 0849

April, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Leadership

Organic mentoring

by Shayne Wyler To build a culture in your organization where each person is valued and thanked for his or her contribution is a must for all of us. But how do we do that? Today I’d like to share a concept with you I call Organic Mentoring. Organic Mentoring is a process, not a program. A program focuses on select people that act as mentors for the whole group. In an organic mentoring environment everyone can mentor and all are welcome. This culture is based on the truth that all of us have a unique difference and that our strengths, experience and passion feed into this difference to impact and strengthen those around us.

Here is an image that will help. Think of a body. This body is made up of many parts. Each part plays a vital role and without even one of these parts, the body is unable to function as it needs to. Now imagine that your hand decides one day to be an eye or that your ear stops hearing.

Now imagine your foot gets stuck in a hole. Your entire body must work together to get yourself free.

Now look at your work environment. If it is like most places where simple things like people’s titles stop genuine support from happening, you are living in an environment where your foot will be stuck for a long time, perhaps even forever.

So how do we get your foot unstuck so that the entire body can move once again?

This is where Organic Mentoring can be a very useful tool. As usual, let’s use seven questions to clarify the value, purpose and meaning behind an organic mentoring process. Remember, we are not creating a program, but a process that can be used anytime, anywhere, with anyone and by all.

Question 1: What is mentoring?

Mentoring is simply a process where one person walks along side another, meeting their need.

Question 2: Why mentor?

Consider mentoring because somewhere you and others are stuck. I encourage you to find where you are stuck, either as a person or an organization.

Question 3: Who should mentor?

Everyone should. Everyone can if welcomed in. The issue is that most people have never been welcomed in to be a mentor and therefore have no idea where they are needed and wanted. In this, all involved in the mentoring process must be open to mentor and be mentored.

Question 4: Who should have a mentor?

Everyone needs mentors. We need mentors simply because we are unable to meet our needs. In this, we will have some mentors for life, others for only a moment. You’d be amazed at how much the people around you are able to help where you are stuck.

Question 5: When is the right time to provide mentoring?

The right time to mentor is wherever you are both needed and wanted.

Question 6: How do you build a mentoring culture in your organization?

First, as a leader, you must lead by example. Be open about where you need help. Second, be open to whoever comes to help. Third, recognize that person for their contribution. This will set the stage for more mentoring to happen organically. Fourth, be consistent. This is a commitment you are making. Then, watch how your organization will change as people experience being valued, yourself included.

The key that most organizations miss is that mentoring can happen anywhere and with anyone.

Question 7: Where is mentoring already happening in your organization?

Recognize it. Strengthen it. Encourage it. You don’t have to be the person in charge to do this. Anyone can be open, honest and grateful for the help she or he receives.

Remember it doesn’t need to be a program. It is a process that happens organically. We have simply stopped it from happening because we are afraid to admit we are stuck. Everyone can be and is a mentor. Organic Mentoring empowers all those around you to be a leader where they are meant to lead.

Shayne Wyler, CEO of Seven, clarifies your direction by asking the right questions.

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BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Technology

Make a difference in the world Without leaving your computer or device

by Peter Atkinson

One of the many things that the Internet does extremely well is make the world smaller. You might be the only person in your town interested in 19th century Turkish literature, collectible tea cosies or the greatest sci-fi TV show ever made. But online you can find a reprint of Tal’at and Fitnat In Love, videos of tea cosy designers and stores selling Firefly fan fiction, posters and t-shirts.

Another way the world gets smaller is by bringing us together. Now that can be for a business selling to markets around the world, an artist finding an audience, or just keeping in contact with a travelling family member. But it can also make us aware of issues and, very powerfully,

make us part of the solution.

Avaaz.org and Change.org allow individuals around the world to create petitions, (they police content through guidelines and member feedback). Depending on perspective, the volume of issues can be depressing or invigorating, but the point is that you get to join with literally millions of others to affect change.

Invitations to sign a petition appear in my email, letting me review the issue and decide if I want to sign.

While most seem to disappear into the ether, a surprising amount have actually worked. Every now and then I receive an update email detailing the petition’s success. I know that all I did was fill out a brief form, but I still feel an odd sensation of pride

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knowing that I’ve stuck it to corrupt politicians, greedy corporations and social injustice generally. I’ve played a (very) tiny part in stopping invasive privacy laws, ending ivory trading in Thailand and made a small dent to improve women’s rights in the Middle East.

If you want to put a little bit of money where your mouth is, an extremely effective way is to support an individual instead of an organization. Microfinancing lets you join other donors to make a small loan, usually as little as $25, that goes di-

rectly to help an individual complete a larger goal that will have a much longer lasting effect than any traditional donation.

Kiva.org lets you support entrepreneurs in a developing country, say a women’s store in Ghana, a potato farmer in Bolivia or a small hotel in Kenya.

Vittana.org lets you support students, helping to pay for their schooling so that they can make a profound and lasting change to their lives and that of their community.

United Prosperity asks you to join a group to co-sign for a part of a small business loan. The loan is already finalized with the bank, and whatever you offer is usually doubled by the bank.

Because the effect of your investment is magnified by other donors, and because it’s a loan not a gift, and because it’s going to people who are already taking action to improve their lives, I can’t think of a better way to make a genuine difference in the world.

Finally, one other way we can help make the world better is to protect truth. We’ve all received an email forwarded by a family member that has some unknown origin about unsafe milk, credit card numbers on hotel keys, government conspiracies or upcoming fees for using Facebook. My first stop is always Snopes.com. This site gives a True or False rating with a detailed explanation so that you can, as always, decide for yourself. But I’m then equipped to talk my family down so that they can continue to drink milk, stay in hotels and vote.

As for Facebook user fees, that might just be a matter of time.

Peter Atkinson was the St. Thomas Library’s E-Services Specialist for 4 1/2 years. He now lives in Ottawa, and brings a wider perspective to technology issues.

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April, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Leadership

Greater wallet share

by Bryan Vine

To be successful at getting your current customers to spend more with your organization and more often, you must increase the “perceived value” of what you offer. You must educate your customers so that they desire your products/services even more.

To make this happen, you must first increase the collective “self-esteem” of your organization. You and your employees must believe that you are different, better, special and highly valuable to your customers, even worth a premium price. You must fight the “we are a commodity” mindset with every fiber of your mind, body, and soul. The day you believe you are in a commodity industry or business is the day you begin to die. If you are similar to the others, you must break out from the pack. For example, add more services to your offering, give greater performance and money-back guarantees, provide on-going education seminars for your buyers or consider packaging/bundling other products or services with yours. Again, be different and more valuable.

Here are some ideas to increase the average purchase size and frequency of your sales: • Raise your prices, if you can. Educate your buyers on the superior advantages, benefits and results you provide them and explain “the reasons why” you need to raise prices – increasing manufacturing costs, customerservice enhancements, better guarantees, better ingredients, etc.

• Up-sell. If your client/customer can achieve better results and more satisfaction, educate them on buying a higher-end product/service. Do a better job of assessing their needs and matching to products/services that will give them the optimal buying experience and satisfaction. You will increase your profits and their fulfillment. Auto dealers are masters at getting customers to buy car models with the higher-end feature packages (i.e. leather interior, better stereos, etc.)

• Cross-sell. If you have multiple product lines or service lines, communicate and educate your customers/clients on the full spectrum of your solutions – services, products, and expertise. Continually ascertain their challenges/problems and match up with the other solutions you offer. CPA firms, for example, cross-sell their audit clients on tax and consulting services. Banks cross-sell their checking customers on investments, mortgages, lines of credit, credit cards, etc.

• Bundle better. Consider packaging complementary products/services together. If a customer is going to buy a gas grill, for example, offer a complete package of cooking utensils, mesquite wood chips, barbecue book, grill cover and apron. By saving the customer time and offering a more “complete solution”, you can probably charge a premium for this “barbecue in the box” offering. At the very least, they will have bought more than they otherwise would have – you made buying easy.

• Offer volume or frequent buyer discounts. If you can get your customers to buy more and buy more frequently, reward them with incentives, discounts, extra level of services, etc. Since you have maximized your cash flow, be willing to reward them with a few extra perks. Bookstores and airlines

have “frequent buyer” programs. For example, video stores and coffee stores give you a free serving when you buy a certain number of times.

• Offer other products/services that will complement what you already sell. Ask the question, “Who else sells something that goes before, after or along with my customer’s purchase?” For example, if you sell computer products, consider selling “technical needs analysis” services on the front-end or installation and computer training services on the back-end. Be sure it makes economic sense to add such services to your business.

• Communicate with your customers often and give them buying ideas/ solutions via mail, phone, email, newsletters, in-store displays, etc. For example, if you are a hardware store, and as early fall approaches, use direct mail and in-store displays to communicate to your customers the need to fill cracks and seal coat their driveways. Sell them on the benefits of taking such action. Package all the supplies together (sealant, crack filler, broom, gloves, removal cleaner, “how to” booklet, etc.) and offer a single-solution price.

• Conduct special events to educate your existing customers on your additional service/product offerings. Do this in an informative manner and in a way that has “their best interests” at heart. Hold a “sneak preview” for your new products, services, models, etc. Hold exclusive events for your best customers. An upscale luxury auto dealer might hold a wine and cheese party with a musical quartet to unveil the newest car models.

• Endorse other people’s products or services to your client list and get a cut of the action. For example, if you are an upscale jewelry store, consider offering elaborate vacation packages to your customers via an upscale travel agency. Mail offers to your customer database, endorse the travel agency and their offering, and receive a set percentage of any revenues generated. Instead of adding computer training to your computer store, form an alliance with a reputable training company and negotiate for a “cut of the action” for introducing/endorsing them to your customers via email, direct mail, telemarketing, etc. To maintain the goodwill of your customers, make sure you do your “due diligence” and introduce only high-trust, high-integrity, and high-value organizations to your customer base.

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7

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Business Resources

Sales 101

Part 2 of the fundamental steps

by Louis Castrogiovanni

Last month, we covered Prospecting and The Initial Sales Contact, in the context of selling as “the process of helping someone discover something of value.”

We left off with some proven Prospecting tips, which I’ll review for you: Make sure you have all the materials you need at hand. State your purpose quickly – within 15 seconds. Get prospects interested by asking questions that make them think (open ended questions).

Make statements that build rapport and confidence.

Use humor – people love to laugh. Be sincere, be friendly – people like to buy from people they like.

Make an appointment / choices of appointment times / meeting locations. Have an objective / purpose for your call (examples: appointment, inform, question, to talk to a certain person, sell).

Determine if you want to close the sale on the first call or pave way for a later call / sales presentation.

Do a little homework / find information about the prospect.

Send information prior to the cold call. Keep your eye on the prize and never lose sight of your objective.

The natural outcome of successful Prospecting is to put you in front of a possible client, interested in discovering your “something of value.” In short, the next step . . .

The Sales Presentation is where you can use your knowledge and expertise to talk about your product/service. Don’t be afraid to be excited about your product. During presentations, focus on the benefits of your products/services. Features are characteristics such as size, color and functionality while benefits answer the customer’s question: “What’s in it for me?” Benefits are what cause people to buy. Here are some proven tips; set objectives for sales calls, be on time (if delayed call), be prepared (have your sales brochures, demonstration materials, and other supplementary information available, dress the part), try and relax, let pros-

pects talk 90 percent of the time, use testimonials, don’t be afraid to ask for their business, invite prospects to interact with products, limit the choices (only 3), adapt your sales presentation to your prospect. Rate yourself after sales calls. Determine what you did well and what you need to improve upon. Develop action steps for improvement. Always follow through on promises, determine what the prospect seemed most interested in and work that into your follow-up plan, follow up, follow up, follow up. It often takes 5 to 10 exposures to get a sale.

Handling Objections: Don’t be put off by an objection; it is a normal part of the sales process.

In fact, objections sometimes are a signal that the sale is progressing and you’re getting closer to a positive response. Here are proven techniques for overcoming objections; anticipate objections and rehearse answers, acknowledge your customers’ position offer them new information, question prospects when they make statements about why they won’t buy or what they don’t like about your product. Restate the objection so the customer can hear it. Tactfully respond directly to the customer’s statement.

Closing the Sale: Although you should never be shy about asking for business, prospects will probably give you some signals when they are ready to become customers. Here are some signals that suggest they are ready to buy: asking about availability, asking specific questions

about rates, prices or affordability, asking about features, options, quality, guarantees or warranties, asking positive questions about your business, asking for something to be repeated, making statements about problems with previous vendors, asking about follow-up service or other products you carry, requesting a sample or asking you to repeat a demonstration for them or for others in their company or family, asking about other satisfied customers.

Here are some proven techniques that help prospects make a decision to buy; quit talking after you ask a closing question, offer an added service such as delivery, offer a choice, offer an incentive, lead the customer through a series of minor decisions, don’t give up too soon.

You have made the sale. Now what?

Follow-up and Service After the Sale: Building long-term relationships with customers allows you to leverage or make additional use of your initial investment of time and money spent selling to that customer. Good follow-up and service after the sale will establish and maintain your good reputation, build goodwill between your customers and your business and generate repeat and referral business.

Louis Castrogiovanni is a Business Counsellor at Elgin Business Resource Centre.

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ELGIN MALL

• April 2013 •

Mark Wales, left, a member of our Member Services Committee “Ambassador” group meets new Chamber Member Kingsley “King” Snelgrove, Vice-President of Link Advertising Inc., at our March Business After 5.

Mark’s time to assist our new Member prompted King to follow-up with a thank-you note that said: “Hey Mark it was very kind of you to get me started with the greetings and introductions last night. I was made to feel welcome and appreciated. It was a marvelous group of energetic, open people and I am very glad I have joined the Chamber.”

Business Beat Table of Contents Interest arbitration..... Page 10 New business awards.Page 11 Self-defence Act......... Page 12 Stage it!...................... Page 13 Time-shifting.............. Page 14 Pre-budget recs.......... Page 15 New Members............ Page 16

Wednesday April 10 Algoma University, St. Thomas Campus 50 Wellington Street, St. Thomas

Legal series launches – Breakfast info sessions

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is launching a new breakfast meeting series over 5 consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday May 28 through Tuesday June 25.

Our featured speakers each week will be experts from the local legal community, on topics that are timely and relevant to every business and employer in our region. Admission is $25 per person for individual sessions, or $100 for the full series if ordered before our first event on May 28. Series tickets are fully transferable to various people in any business.

The location for all presentations will be the Wayside Inn at Talbotville.

Our agenda will follow this format: 7:15 a.m.

Doors open, coffee & refreshments served 7:30 a.m.

Hot & cold buffet breakfast service 8:00 a.m.

Featured speaker 8:30 a.m.

Question-and-answer session 8:45 a.m. – Departure

April, 2013

Session 1 - Tuesday May 28 How to Avoid Human Rights Complaints in Your Workplace Dana Haklander - Gunn & Associates Session 2- Tuesday June 4 Estate Planning “Is that all there is?”

Michael Brightling - Fordham & Brightling Associates, Lawyers Session 3 - Tuesday June 11 Going to Court? The Basics of Small Claims Court Sandra Dimeo - Ferguson DiMeo Lawyers

We’re pleased to confirm plans are in place for the Chamber to host our local MP and MPP in a luncheon event on Friday May 24.

Our MP/MPP luncheon is an annual function that gives our Members a chance to see and hear our federal Member of Parliament, Joe Preston, and our Member of Provincial Parliament, Jeff Yurek.

In a “working lunch” format similar to that used in

Session 4 - Tuesday June 18 The Ins & Outs of Business Law: Proprietorship, Partnership, Incorporation, Asset & Share Purchases Hilary J. Vaughan – Barrister, Solicitor and Mediator Session 5 - Tuesday June 25 Commercial Real Estate from a St. Thomas Perspective Alice J. Burgess & Lane E. Walker Bowsher & Bowsher

our luncheon with local Mayors on February 20, this event will take place at St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Our MP and MPP will each open with remarks at noon, followed by questions from the floor.

We will conclude our agenda by 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now from the Chamber office or via our website. $25 per person plus HST. Reserved

seating on single orders of 4 tickets or more. For additional info, call the Chamber office at 519-631-1981.

(Special Note: In the event a provincial election is called before May 24, our plans will be revised to feature our MP as our sole speaker. Another Chamber function or functions would be arranged to give Members equal exposure and access to all provincial candidates.)

Spring is Here!

“The staff and management at the new St. Thomas Campus of Algoma University want to meet you!”

Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres plus your favourite refreshments.

Great door prizes, too!

Tickets are sold by advance sale only.

Tickets can be ordered now from the Chamber office by using our on-line service at our website at stthomaschamber.on.ca or by calling us at 519-631-1981.

Let us help your Business Blossom! Take part in our Backyard and Garden Inspirations feature in the May edition Greg Minnema, Advertising Sales

To take advantage of excellent advertising opportunities give me a call at 519-633-1640 (ext. 22)

or email me at gregthismonth@theweeklynews.ca May Edition Advertising Deadline is April 16th

ELGIN THIS MONTH

9

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

Interest arbitration is hurting our communities Interest arbitration is a mechanism used to renew or establish a new collective agreement for parties without the right to strike. It is the only legal process for municipalities in Ontario to settle contract negotiation disputes with essential municipal workers, such as police, firefighters, and some paramedics.

Why does it matter?

The St. Thomas Police Association also presented data including: • St. Thomas ranked number one in reserves per household, among its comparators • St. Thomas’s population was growing faster than that of Woodstock or Stratford • Senior officers, including the Chief of police, received raises.

The local case was a breakthrough in that the arbitrator explicitly considered the municipality’s capacity to pay, in writing, and reflected that in awarding the Association a 2.5% increase, per year, for 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Partially as a result of interest arbitration, emergency service costs are growing more quickly than the Consumer Price Index as well as the average of other public sector workers, including nurses and teachers. High interest arbitration awards mean municipalities are forced to either increase taxes and/ or reduce services.

Competitive tax rates and quality public services are key to economic development and prosperity. Interest arbitration is hurting municipalities’ economic competitiveness and ultimately hurting the competitiveness of the province.

Interest arbitration decisions give little consideration to local fiscal realities.

Instead, arbitrators tend to replicate agreements from other communities.

This is problematic. Replicating the salary and benefits from Toronto, for example, to Haliburton, doesn’t consider the differences in communities’ capacity to pay.

If this issue seems somewhat familiar in local terms, there’s good reason.

In 2011, the St. Thomas Police Association proposed wage increases of 4% per year for 2011, 2012 and 2013. The St. Thomas Police Services Board proposed wage increases of 2% per year.

The Police Association argued that the 4% per year increase would put the City’s wages at the same level as those paid to police in the comparator municipalities of Woodstock and Stratford. The City presented data to prove What needs to change? that St. Thomas, as compared to Woodstock and Stratford, had a diminished Both the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario have done extensive research into capacity to pay for wage increases.

St. Thomas presented the arbitrator with numerous economic indicators the interest arbitration system. Both agree that there is significant room for improvement. including: • The Ontario Chamber of Commerce supports the following changes: • Between 2006 and 2010, property values in St. Thomas increased by the ‘ability to pay’ criteria used in interest arbitration decisions should 15.43%. In Woodstock they increased 33.52% and in Stratford the

be broadened to include economic and fiscal environment, and increase was 22.37%. productivity criteria; • $3 million in unpaid taxes in 2010 – a 79% increase from 2006.

• arbitrators should be required to provide clear assessments and reasons • 9.7% unemployment rate for their decisions; • 2010 operating deficit ratio of 6.2%, meaning that to “break even”, • arbitrators must give priority to, and provide clear, written St. Thomas would have had to increase taxes by 6.2% explanations of how the fiscal health of a community was considered when making a decision; • streamline the process by providing interest arbitrators one year to complete their work.

What can you do?

Join with us in letting Queen’s Park know that Ontario’s 444 municipalities and the taxpayers within them tend to agree that the interest arbitration system is not the fairest for anyone on any side of negotiation.

The Chamber’s position is that competitive tax rates and quality public services are key to economic development and prosperity. Interest arbitration is hurting municipalities’ economic competitiveness, and ultimately the competitiveness of the province.

Here’s how to reach Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek: Constituency Office, 201 – 750 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2 Email: jeff.yurekco@pc.ola.org

Published by Metroland Media Group Ltd., and delivered to businesses in St. Thomas and Elgin County For complete information on the St.Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, reach us at: 115-300 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas, Ontario N5P 4L1 Telephone: 519-631-1981 Fax: 519-631-0466 E-Mail: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca Website: www.stthomaschamber.on.ca

Director: Beth Burns Director: Renee Carpenter Director: Monty Fordham

Accounting Coordinator

Susan Munday

Director: Jeff Kohler Director: Rob Mise Director: Debra Mountenay

Member Services

Linda Crawford

Member Services

Jeff Sheridan

Director: Darren Reith

President & CEO

10

2013 Board of Directors Chair: John Regan Elgin Business Resource Centre 1st Vice-Chair: Laura Woermke St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Treasurer: Mark Lassam, CA CA Key, Perry & Lassam Chartered Accountants Past Chair: Jason White Steelway Building Systems

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Bob Hammersley

Director: Allan Weatherall

K & K Locksmiths Jennings Furniture Fordham Brightling & Associates, Lawyers Presstran Industries myFM 94.1 Workforce Planning & Development Board Reith and Associates Insurance & Financial Elgin Military Museum – Project Ojibwa

April, 2013

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members Members Golf Day sell-out expected Thanks to solid work by Chamber volunteers and staff, our 39th annual Members Golf Day at St. Thomas Golf & Country Club is approaching a sell-out and destined to be a first-class event with new features and extras. Our capacity is 120 players.

Our Early Bird Discount price continues until May 1, or when we book 120 players, whichever comes first. On-line registration via the Chamber website is easy, or just call the Chamber office at 519-6311981 for staff assistance.

Special considerations this year: 1. “FREE GOLF CLINIC” with the club PRO, available to all registered participants.

2. An exclusive new offer for this year’s event! Current St Thomas Golf & Country Club members participating in this year’s tournament will receive a complimentary “Guest Pass.” This exclusive offer will allow St Thomas Golf & Country Club members to bring a guest at a future date free of charge, creating even greater value for our Members and theirs.

3. The course is rated top 50 in Canada 4. Post game “Social Mixer” 5. Amazing silent auction prizes including VIARail passes($500 value) 6. Free food & beverage samples at designated holes.

7. Friendly on course competitions, with great prizes 8. Our All-You-Can-Eat dinner buffet

Business Confidence Index Report – Expansion + Uncertainty The latest Ontario Business Confidence Index shows that most Ontario businesses are confident in their own outlook (72 per cent) and are planning to expand over the next five years (60 per cent). However, the same businesses are unsure about the overall direction of Ontario’s economy. Only 41 percent express confidence.

The index is a survey of 2,386 businesses and was conducted as part of Emerging Stronger 2013, the businessdriven economic agenda for Ontario released by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the St Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, along with our research partner, the Mowat Centre at the University of Toronto.

Emerging Stronger 2013 is a transformational agenda aimed at accelerating Ontario’s economic growth. It identifies Ontario’s challenges and advantages, and sets out practical and detailed recommendations for government and business. Some of its key recommendations include: enabling better access to capital for start-ups and small businesses through crowd funding; encouraging businesses to employ more Aboriginal people and people with disabilities; opening up more government services to private sector and not-for-profit delivery; utilizing Ontario’s large immigrant population to grow exports; and, allowing more employers to participate in training.

The full report can be viewed and/or downloaded from the main page of the St. Thomas & District Chamber website at: www.stthomaschamber.on.ca

Date reset Delivery of the first St. presentations set for April Chamber’s weekly Green

Thomas Elgin Business Awards program, incorporating the Chamber’s annual Free Enterprise Awards, has been delayed until June. Last month, we announced plans based on

25. The date of the event will now be Thursday June 20.

Full program details will be published in the May and June editions of Business Beat, as well as in the

Mail email broadcasts and on the Chamber’s website.

The St. Thomas Elgin Business Awards program is a joint venture of the Chamber and the Elgin Business Resource Centre.

Everyone’s Income Tax Plan is a unique, individual puzzle You may be eligible for tax credits on your prior year’s tax returns, if they are not filed...I can help get the money Revenue Canada owes you.

FREE Financial Plans Available

Prosperity Coach for Your Business and You www.accountingwithyou.com • gail@accountingwithyou.com 300 South Edgeware Rd., St. Thomas, ON N5P 4L1 519-633-7597 (ext.405) cell # 226-236-2321

April, 2013

We’re going to China – you can, too!

With over one-third of available seats already sold, plans are progressing very well for the Chamber’s exclusive tour and adventure to China October 23 to November 2. Peter Liu (left) of Citslinc International is shown speaking to people attending our tour information sessions held at the end of February. Citslinc works exclusively with Chambers of Commerce across Canada and the US. In conjunction with our local travel agent, Elgin Travel & Cruises, we’re offering an exceptional opportunity with an 11-day tour including air, 4 & 5-star hotels, all meals, taxes and more at a Member-only price of $2499 (US) per person. Call Elgin Travel or the Chamber office for full details.

It’s not what you earn...

It’s what you keep.

Proactive Tax Planning vs Reactive Tax Preparation It’s not what keep up to date on current and new tax legisla• We Accounting • Cash Flow Preparation tion to identify key tax planning opportunities that • Auditing • Management Consulting you earn... minimize both current and future tax liabilities.

• Business Plans • Small Business Services We specialize in small (including • Tax Services •business Bookkeeping Services It’s what you keep.

Kee, Perry & Lassam offers a full range of public accounting services. Our chartered accountants and staff have the experience, training and skills to deal with your business needs.

proprietorships and partnerships) tax planning to amount your tax Kee, Perry & Lassam offers At Kee,reduce Perry &the Lassam weofensure ourliablility. clientsa full recieve range of public accounting the service and expertise they need to succeed.

Business Succession Planning services.

Our chartered accountants Please make a call to our your first step on the We can help you reduce theoffice tax effects of buying/selland staff have the experience, road to success. ing a business or handing your to the training down and skills to business deal with your next generation. business needs.

15 Barrie Boulevard We will also help you reduce the effects St. tax Thomas, ONof retirement and estate planning by putting together Canada N5P 4B9a plan.

• Accounting • Cash Flow Preparation 519-631-6360 • Auditing • Management Estate and Trust returns Consulting 519-631-2198 fax • Business Plans • Small Business Services We will guide you through the complex process of www.kpl-accountants.ca • Tax Services • Bookkeeping getting your financial affairs in order. WeServices will help you set up a proactive plan to leave your legacy while At Kee, Perry & Lassam weamount ensure of ourtax. clients recieve paying the least the service and expertise they need to succeed.

Please make callMarie to our office first step on Jim Kee, CA •aAnn Perry, CAyour • Mark Lassam, CAthe road to success.

www.kpl-accountants.ca ELGIN THIS MONTH

15 Barrie Boulevard St. Thomas, ON Canada N5P 4B9 519-631-6360 519-631-2198 fax

11

Legal Business Legal News and Issues for Business

Citizen’s Arrest and Self-defence Act proclaimed

by Monty Fordham

Back in September of 2011, I wrote about the proposed changes to the Criminal Code, which, among other things would expand the powers of ordinary citizens to arrest persons without the intervention of police.

The amendment finally received royal assent on June 28, 2012, and now has been proclaimed in force as of March 11, 2013. To recap, the amendment came about as a result of a series of cases in which private citizens were charged by the police after various attempts to arrest others in defence of their property.

The first case which attracted national attention was the case of David Chen, the Toronto grocer, who, after growing weary of being shoplifted repeatedly by the same individual, pursued the thief and arrested him.

Why, you might ask was Mr. Chen charged with anything? Well, the answer lies in the fact that, prior to chasing the alleged thief, he forgot

to read carefully the Criminal Code section dealing with the power of an ordinary citizen to arrest. The former law provided that the individual being arrested be found actually committing an offence.

Mr. Chen was eventually acquitted of the charge but not before he had spent many dollars defending himself in court.

John Hutchins, from Brampton found himself in a similar situation, with thieves stealing him blind from his auto parts yard. He eventually pursued the culprits along with his son. The Hutchins apprehended the trespassers but not before the senior Hutchins had smashed out the window of the thieves’ car and roughed up the two trespassers. Charges against Mr. Hutchins and his son were eventually withdrawn, so we will never know how a judge would have ruled on his “defence of property” defence. Once again, the Hutchins had to incur considerable expense in their legal defence.

In order to address the obvious concern on the part of home and business owners as to their rights in these situations, the federal government introduced Bill C-60 (now Bill C-26) The Citizen’s Arrest and Self-defence Act. This amendment will significantly change the way judges treat situations of arrests, and attempted arrests by private citizens.

As I opined in 2011, certainly, clearer laws are always welcome, and any effort to assist people in ascertaining and asserting their rights is a positive.

However, it is important for all of us to realize that like any legislation, the new law contains what I like to call “weasel” words. The most troubling weasel word in this legislation is the word “reasonable.” Both the new sections 34 and 35 require that the act in defence of person or property “be reasonable in the circumstances.”

Clearly, what was reasonable to Mr. Chen was different from what was reasonable to Mr. Hutchins. How are we going to know what is reasonable in our own unique fact situation? The answer is fairly clear; the Courts will tell us as the case law evolves, and only after numerous people raise the new defences after being charged.

Everyone should inform themselves

with respect to the new Criminal Code provisions regarding self defence, defence of property and arrest.

A very informative article on the subject can be found at the Canada Gazette website of the Government of Canada. In the article, Joanne Klineberg, Senior Counsel, Criminal Law Policy Section, Department of Justice, provides valuable insight into the background and future implications of the new legislation.

Ms. Klineberg advises extreme caution when private citizens are tempted to effect an arrest of another without the assistance of police. Apart from the obvious physical danger, there persists the prospect of you having to appear before a judge who will be forced to determine the “reasonableness” of your actions.

Lawyer Monty Fordham prepares this monthly column for the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce and our Members. Monty is also a volunteer serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Questions, comments and suggestions for future columns are welcomed

by Monty at his office: Fordham & Brightling Associates – Lawyers, 4 Elgin Street, St. Thomas. Telephone 519-6334000, FAX 519-633-1371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca

1.59% 6.9¢ 1.64%

12

ELGIN THIS MONTH

April, 2013

Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Jennings expansion adds new service March 5 saw the launch of a new location and new service offered by Jennings Furniture. Renée Carpenter, Proprietress of Jennings Furniture & Design, has created a unique niche for the Real Estate, Staging, Decorator/Designer, and Real Estate Development market in Southwestern Ontario by launching an entirely new business venture called Stage It With Jennings.

Stage It is a warehouse stocked with overflow from the Jennings Furniture & Design in St. Thomas. The site is fully stocked with sofas, loveseats, chairs, dinettes, dining room suites, bedroom suits, upholstered headboards, coffee and end tables, consoles, bookcases, office, art and everything in between. Everything is offered on a rental basis to stage or “dress up” properties that are offered for sale.

Delivered in the Jennings fashion, this inventory will dress up any vacant location for public viewing. Statistics prove that proper home staging provides a significant return on investment while keeping the home on the list of ‘must-see’ properties.

In addition, current data indicates a large percentage of buyers will pay more money for a home that is move-in ready while selling faster than a home that is not staged.

Stage It With Jennings is eager to

Jennings launches new Stage It in London.

work with existing stagers, or provide staging services needed by any realtor, developer or home owner. Various options are provided to meet all needs and on-site inventory will turn over frequently.

Another dimension of the new venture will be Stage It With Jennings Design Resource Boutique, catering to Decorators and Designers in the professional trade. With proper qualifications, high-quality home furnishings can be purchased

by Decorators and Designers only at trade pricing. Stage It With Jennings provides ‘white glove’ service by helping to ensure accurate ordering, vendor interaction and follow-up,

Business B4 Business group

pre-delivery inspection, and delivery to prevent the hassles of having to take a client to Toronto. The Design Resource Boutique provides work stations with computers for vendor catalogues, walls of fabric samples, wood samples, fabric books, curtain hardware, wallpaper, lighting, rugs,

accessories and more. Nationally recognized, upscale, designer name brands, such as Vanguard Furniture (including the famous Michael Weiss collection), Smith Brothers, Kimberly Seldon, Steven & Chris, WarmanHood, to name a few, along with Dinec, Lexington, Hooker, faAb, Schumacher, Global Views, Bernhardt Interiors, Quoizel, Guildwood, Capel, Feizy, Jaipur . . . along with others that can be purchased by the trade.

Cathy Spencer-Quenneville is the coordinating contact for Stage It With Jennings and eagerly awaits to showcase the opportunities that this new warehouse location can provide.

Hours of operation are: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or Friday & Saturday by appointment. Cathy can be reached at 519-668-0123 or info@StageItWithJennings.com.

For more information, www.StageItWithJennings.com

EMPLOYERS Are You Looking to Recruit Seasonal Staff for 2013

Contact a Job Developer Today ALL SERVICES ARE FREE! Employment Services Elgin 400 Talbot St., St.Thomas P: 519-631-5470 Mon.-Thurs. 8:30am-6pm Fri. 8:30am-4pm

Twelve members of a Chamber “Business Before Business” group are shown in their March 5 meeting. The Chamber organizes the group meetings bi-weekly for some one-to-one connecting and sharing. Meetings last 60 minutes and participants exchange business info, sales leads and community news. If participation in a group like this interests you, contact Member Services Representative Linda Crawford at the Chamber office. Reach her directly at 519-631-1981, extension 523.

April, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Aylmer Community Services 25 Centre St., Aylmer P: 519-765-2082 Mon.-Fri 9am-4:30pm Tues. 9am-6pm

West Elgin Support Services 160 Main St., West Lorne P: 519-768-0020 Mon.-Fri 9am-5pm

This Employment Ontario Program is funded by the Ontario Government

www.jobselgin.ca 13

Pro Text Business Management News & Issues

Want to save money? Consider time-shifting

by Darren Reith Time is money. It’s a time-starved world, and it can make sense for busy, working people to pay to get things done for them.

Grass needs cutting? Tires need changing? Only have time for takeout food? Cha-ching. Cha-ching.

Cha-ching.

If time is money, then more time is less money!

I know that sounds unlikely, but hear me out. In retirement, the extra time you have lets you “time-shift” in lots of ways that can save you money. Consider a few examples: Free time equals free tire changes.

Here in Southern Ontario, we need winter tires for several months a year. When retired, one has the time to change tires thereby saving $95 when it’s time to change the tires.

House addition, with a $3,000 subtraction. Last summer a retired client told us how they saved $3,000 on the installation of a replacement screened-in deck. They wanted to be around to make sure the contractor did what they wanted and made certain adjustments to the plan. As time-shifting retirees, they were

able to be flexible on the start and end dates of the work, allowed the contractor to work them in around other jobs and consequently reduced their finished price.

Time-travel. Well, not exactly, but consider travel in the “shoulder season” (usually fall and spring, but not March break), for lower-cost flights, accommodation — even food. By avoiding flying on weekends, when airfares are especially high, you can save. Tuesday to Tuesday often presents the lowest fare options.

No-cost lawn service. Lawn-care contractors typically require seasonlong contracts, which can be expensive. Consider trading off with neighbours, where they take care of your lawn and plants while you are away, and, in turn, you tend to theirs when they travel.

Driveway paved, $3,500 saved.

Who has time to shop around among multiple driveway pavers, then negotiate with the lowest bidder? We have retired clients who report they do! They also report when being flexible about when one needs the job done can lead to fur-

ther price savings by acting in early spring or waiting until late autumn.

Buy low, stack high. Using highcapacity shelves in your basement or storage area allows you to take advantage of savings on bulk buying dry goods and canned food items when on sale – stock up on paper towels, toilet paper, breakfast cereal, or canned goods.

Shifty savings on electricity. It costs more to use electricity during the day. Evenings and weekends are cheaper so that’s the best time to do laundry, run the dishwasher, and recharge batteries for the lawn mower, laptop, etc. This simple change allow you to pay off-peak rates for more than 80% of your power consumption.

Seek and ye shall find discounts.

If you’re willing to time-shift, you can save big money on fun stuff such as golf green fees, arena rentals, gym memberships, movie and theatre tickets, etc. You can also save on necessities. Department stores will often give an extra 10% off on almost everything on Tuesdays to people aged 55-plus and some gro-

cery stores offer a 10% discount to seniors on Wednesdays!

Plenty of folks will laugh at snowbirds who eat dinner at 4:30 so they can save money on the Early Bird Special. But they’re just one example of time-shifters, stretching their money to enjoy life to the fullest.

As interest rates remain at historic lows and retirees are living longer, inventive ways to manage one’s lifestyle may need to be considered.

Lifestyle planning is not something that all investment advisors are capable to doing. It may not be necessary to make your retirement funds earn higher returns, especially if the market cycle will not permit that.

One may simply need to be creative about spending what one has.

This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been prepared by Darren Reith, a principal of Reith and Associates Insurance and Financial Services, 462 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. Darren is also a volunteer serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Questions and comments on this column are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via email: info@reithandassociates.com

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

April, 2013

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Pre-budget submission to our MPP With the next Ontario budget due to be tabled in mid-April, the Chamber responded to an invitation for comments and ideas from ElginMiddlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek.

One of the key submissions we made, detailed commentary on the issue of Interest Arbitration, appears in full detail on the second page of our Business Beat section this month.

Other ideas and concerns we have raised to our MPP on behalf of our Members are these: In May 2012, the St. Thomas & District Chamber submitted a proposal on restructuring the EHT (Employer Health Tax) payment threshold at the Ontario Chamber’s Annual General Meeting. The $400,000 annual payroll threshold has remained unchanged since inception over 10 years ago. Each passing year sees more and more small businesses forced into paying a tax that, at their level, was intended to exempt them.

Our resolution was accepted by the OCC. We subsequently learned that Premier Wynne cited it in her campaign for party leadership. We urge you to lobby for action on this.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce “Emerging Stronger 2013” report should be a map the province follows on priority issues, and all have bearing or influence on the Ontario budget.

The full 49-page report can be viewed or downloaded on our Chamber website at www.stthomaschamber.on.ca Skills training and the so-called “skills gap” that sees workforce abilities out of sync with employer

needs is a top local priority as it is the province and our country. We submit that our specific local needs are far above those in many locales. Stats Canada’s release on Friday March 8 reported the regional London area unemployment rate has climbed again and now stands at 9.1% vs.

7% nationally. Although no specific calculations are done for St. Thomas and Elgin, our experience suggests the specific local rate to be at least 2% higher or a gap of at least 4% more than the national average. Local Ontario Works caseload levels have hit an all-time high and will climb further as previously-announced factory and retail closures happen. The budget must alleviate our unique situation. Urgent and immediate needs are for rapid action on the “skills gap” issues.

Federal/provincial

COME TEST DRIVE THE NEW 2013’s

harmony on Employment Insurance and EI-funded training programs. Over the last 10 years, Ontario employers have paid $20 billion more into the EI system than they have seen flow back. Our businesses are, in effect, subsidizing businesses in other parts of the country. Every year, training programs funded by employer premiums short-change Ontario by at least $269 million. If Ontario got its fair share, spending on programs like “Second Career” could be doubled.

Apprenticeship programs need to be re-structured to meet employer needs. Workforce Training Board data reports

82% of local employers eligible to host an apprentice choose not to do so. The system doesn’t fit their needs, or is too complex to attract participation.

Health care funding and spending continues to need direct and urgent attention.

The “underground economy” is devastating more local business than most people realize. Our Members in the trades and service businesses bring us examples of their experiences on an almost daily basis. The existing rules aren’t working or aren’t being properly enforced so, in the long-term, we all pay.

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519-631-7960 15

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. The staff and management of the organizations shown below were accepted as registered Members from February 16 to March15, 2013.

H.D. Painting Contractor 4 Spackman Boulevard St. Thomas, ON N5P 4A3 Phone: 519-637-0606 Fax: 519-637-8892 Email: sales@hdpainting.ca Website: www.hdpainting.ca Contacts: Henry Dryfhout, Jon Dryfhout, Josh Dryfhout Buyer’s Guide Categories: Painting/Decorating Contractors, Wallcoverings

Products & Services: H.D. Painting Contractors has been providing complete Residential & Commercial painting service for over 25 years. They specialize in all aspects of big or small “interior painting” projects. This family run business is now expanding to meet the needs of St. Thomas & Elgin County.

Mark Deleemans Roofing 5 Hydro Road St. Thomas, ON N5P 2N5 Phone: 519-631-7576 Fax: 519-631-6624 Email: info@mdconstruction1987.com Website: www.markdeleemansroofing.com Contact: Mark Deleemans Buyer’s Guide Categories: Roofing Contractors, Asbestos Abatement & Removal

Products & Services: Mark Deleemans Roofing and MD Construction has been part of the community since 1987 and from the beginning the company has been committed to quality and customer satisfaction. The Roofing division provides installation of high definition shingles on both residential and commercial projects. Along with this, they provide inspections and maintenance & repairs on all types of roofs and provide free written estimates.

St. Thomas-Elgin Gymnastics Club Inc. 24 Alexandria Avenue St. Thomas, ON N5P 3M8 Phone: 519-631-4660 Email: stthomaselgin@rogers.com Website: www.stthomasgc.com Contact: Kerri Masseo

Buyer’s Guide Categories: Gymnastics Club, Health, Party Services, Sports and Recreation & Fitness Products & Services: Operating for over 35 years, the St. ThomasElgin Gymnastic Club Inc. is a parent-run, not-for-profit company providing gymnastics instruction for children of all ages. They offer recreational, pre-competitive and competitive gymnastic programs for both girls and boys. Additionally, they offer weekend birthday parties, day camps during PD days, Spring Break, and Summer Day camps.

Wilf Riecker – Human Resources Consultant 30 Little Creek Place Port Stanley ON N5I 1K1 Phone: 519-782-3409 Email: riecker@rogers.com Website: www.riecker.ca Contact: Wilf Riecker Buyer’s Guide Categories: Human Resource, Management Consulting Products & Services: Providing on-demand human resources and labor relations services. Whether your business or organization is small or large; Wilf Riecker will provide Human Resources help and advice when you need it to solve your people or employment issues.

Save 3.5¢/Litre

Chamber members qualify for Esso’s Direct Billing Program; you pay 3.5¢ off the posted retail pump price whenever you fuel up. You may also get a convenient, detailed monthly invoice and also qualify¢ for Speedpass®. For an application, contact:

Save 3.5 /litre Lynhurst ESSO & Variety

Chamber members qualify for Esso’s Direct Billing Program; you pay 3.5¢ off the posted retail pump price whenever you fuel up. at Wellington Road You may also get a convenient, detailed St. George monthly invoice andSt. also qualify for ® . For an application, contact: Speedpass 519-633-0002

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April, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Managing Money

The US Fiscal Cliff and Debt Ceiling Crisis

the debt ceiling is a self-imposed law

In layman’s terms please!

came to be. There was much fear that implementing tax hikes and spending cuts at the same time would cause turmoil and instability in the US financial markets and economy.

Is the “cliff” real, or just hype?

As financial writer Thomas Kenny noted, “it’s important to keep in mind that the concept of “going over the cliff” was largely a media creation, since the failure to reach a deal by December 31 never ensured that a recession and financial market crash would occur.”

None-the-less, tax hikes were implemented and spending cuts were postponed until March as a temporary measure to reduce the immediate impact and, as some would say, avert the fiscal cliff.

It is important to remember that a country is different from an individual in many complex ways – one of which is the understanding that government spending is also a tool used to stimulate the economy. There are so many variables to manage economic growth. Tax hikes and spending cuts help reduce the deficit but on the flip side, they also reduce consumer spending which has a negative effect on the GDP which slows US growth, jobs, etc.

Striking a balance is hard at the best of times, let alone carrying the burden of this much debt.

The US, while still strong in many areas, and whose blue chip companies are looked favourably upon by many investment managers, indeed has its work cut out for it to get its national deficit back under control.

by Stephanie Farrow

Let it first be noted: There is no way I can do justice to this topic in a 600-word column. That being said, I think there is merit to removing some complexity, to achieve a high level overview most of us can relate to.

In short, the situation is this: The US Government has way overspent.

They are in a huge amount of debt and in jeopardy of not being able to pay their bills. In deciding how to deal with this situation, they try to figure out ways to reduce spending (budget cuts) and increase revenue (tax hikes) but each ‘solution’ is less than ideal and has ramifications on their economy and potential hardships for citizens.

When most of us look at the numbers published in the media like “US debt 16.4 trillion and counting,” our eyes gloss over because such figures are hard to put into perspective. I recently received a US Fiscal Cliff summary that takes the US debt and revenue numbers and reduces them down proportionately in terms we can better understand.

For illustration purposes, if the US was one person, here is what their personal financials would look like:

Stephanie Farrow, B.A., C.F.P., is a Certified Financial Planner and co-owner of Farrow Financial Services Inc., in Belmont

Net Annual Income..............$21,700 (relative to US Tax Revenue) Annual Expenses.................$38,200 (relative to US Federal Budget) New Annual Debt on Credit Card.....................$16,500 (relative to US New Annual Debt) Total Debt existing on Credit Card.....................$142,710 (relative to US National Debt) Expense reduction so far......$385 (relative to recent US budget cuts) You are no doubt reading this with your jaw on the floor. We can clearly see that $142,710 in credit card debt, and annual spending that nearly doubles income is a big red flag for an individual – enormous. Here is where the debt ceiling comes in.

The debt ceiling isWe a self-imposed law created to manage would like to thank thedebt levels. It represents the maximum amount of money the government can borrow at any given point in time.

A new debt ceiling negotiated in the summer of community forwas their participation 2011 as the US was about to surpass this limit and will most likely need to support of our Youth be renegotiated againand in May. The Budget Control Act of 2011 called for tax hikes and spending cuts, Entrepreneurship both scheduled to happen at the same time. FromPartnership this, the term ‘Fiscal Cliff’

program. If you are under 29 and interested in starting your own business, call Marilyn: We would like to thank the community

519 633 7597 ext 327 Partnership program.

If you are under for their participation and support of our Youth Entrepreneurship

mcrewe@elgincfdc.ca 29 and interested in starting your own business, call Marilyn.

Call Marilyn: 519 633 7597 ext 327

April, 2013

THANK YOU ST THOMAS AND AYLMER FOR MAKING US AN AWARD WINNING OFFICE IN CANADA.

Debbie Hamilton & Associates Ltd. became a Canada Wide Award Winning agency in 2012. This was attained through exceptional customer service and sales. Thank you for your generous support.

Our commitment to you is that we will continue to give back to the community who has placed their trust in us throughout the years.

Without you, this goal would not have been possible. In keeping with the Debbie Hamilton & Associates Ltd. tradition, we will be making various donations throughout the year to help local charities.

From Debbie and the team, a heartfelt Thank You! VISION STATEMENT Success is not measured by the amount of money in the bank, but by the number of lives that are changed.

Debbie Hamilton & Associates Ltd. 555 Talbot St. Unit 1 -17 King St. E. St. Thomas, ON Aylmer, ON (519) 633-3600 (519) 765-3636

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Tips for newcomers to the game of golf

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Few hobbies can be as enjoyable one moment and as frustrating the next as golf. Golfers know a great putt can be quickly followed by a bad tee shot, and maintaining their composure through the highs and lows of the game is a key to success on the links.Maintaining that composure isn’t always easy, even for the professionals. It’s even more difficult for beginners, who quickly learn the game of golf involves more than just spending sunny weekend afternoons on pristine golf courses. In fact, golf can be quite demanding, and beginners would be wise to heed a few tips before hitting the course.

• Don’t commit to an expensive set of clubs right off the bat. Golf clubs can be very expensive, so beginners should buy an affordable secondhand set of clubs so they can get the hang of what they like before spending a lot of money. Visit a pro shop and explain that you are just a beginner. The shop will likely make some valuable suggestions and might even let you try out a pair of clubs.

In addition, many driving ranges allow customers to rent clubs, and this can be a great and inexpensive way to find the right clubs for you.

• Take lessons. Even the very best at self-teaching might find it extremely difficult to become a selftaught golfer. When first trying your hand at golf, take some lessons and don’t expect to be playing 18 holes any time soon. Before hitting the course, where you might be discouraged and you might frustrate those golfing behind you, learn the fundamentals by taking a few lessons at the driving range. Learn from a professional, who won’t offer you any hidden secrets to golfing glory (there aren’t any) but will offer sound advice on the game’s fundamentals.

• Take the game home with you.

Beginners can even take advantage of golf ’s vast popularity by taking the game home with them. This doesn’t mean building a putting green in

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your backyard. Rather, purchase some instructional DVDs to learn the game during your down time throughout the week. Many golfers don’t have time to hit the links during the week, but they do have time to watch some DVDs when they get home from work. Such instructional DVDs can help you master your grip and stance, which you can then take with you to the course over the weekend.

• Have fun. Golf is a fun game; it just takes time to hone your skills.

But even if you aren’t ready for the professional tour after your first few rounds, you can still have fun.

Don’t let some beginner’s frustration, which every golfer experiences, ruin the fun of the game. Take note of your surroundings when you hit the links, and appreciate the time you’re spending with your group.

If the game becomes more a source of frustration than fun, then take a break and put in some more work away from the course, be it at the driving range or studying at home.

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A great way to improve the game as you age Losing some weight is a goal for many people regardless of age. While youngsters and young adults might be able to get away with a few extra pounds without suffering any significant consequences, older adults carrying some extra weight might be putting their overall health at considerable risk.Shedding weight after the age of 50 is not always easy. As a person ages, muscle mass tends to dwindle while body fat has a tendency to increase. Since fat burns fewer calories than muscle, weight gain as a person ages is bound to happen. But that doesn’t mean such weight gain is inevitable. In fact, men and women willing to make certain changes with regard to diet and exercise can shed pounds after 50 while preventing future weight gain.DietMen and women need fewer calories as they age. For example, men and women in their 40s may need as many as 200 calories more per day than they will

when they reach their 50s. Counting calories might seem difficult, so men and women in their 50s and older who don’t think they can count calories can try to eat more low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.Consuming fewer calories often requires changing dietary habits, not only with regard to what you’re eating but also how you’re eating and even how you shop for food.

Men and women used to dining out for lunch every day can start bringing their own lunches so they can gain greater control of their daily caloric intake. For those who find they’re frequently too exhausted to cook each night, they can prepare meals in advance to have healthy, homemade meals waiting instead of always ordering takeout or delivery. When shopping for food, people should avoid doing so on an empty stomach so they’re less inclined to buy unhealthy snacks.ExerciseExercise is an-

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other essential component to shedding pounds after 50, though men and women over 50 should always consult a physician before they begin a new exercise regimen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that regular exercise can help older men and women prevent the onset of a host of ailments, including heart disease and diabetes.

In addition, the CDC notes that regular physical activity as one ages helps muscles grow stronger, which increases the chances that an individual will be able to perform necessary daily activities without the assistance of others. Maintaining that independence into older adulthood is a goal for many men and women, and it’s a goal that’s far more realistic for men and women who exercise than it is for those who don’t.When coupled with a healthy, low-calorie diet, routine exercise can help men and wom-

en over 50 shed extra weight and keep the weight off once it’s gone.

According to the CDC, older adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 more days a week. These muscle-strengthening activities should work all the major muscle groups, including the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.

Muscle-strengthening activities include lifting weights, working out with resistance bands, exercise such as push-ups and sit-ups that use body weight for resistance, and yoga. Even gardening that involves digging and shoveling can be considered a muscle-strengthening activity.Weight gain is often an expected side effect of aging. But men and women don’t have to gain weight as they get older.

Some simple dietary changes and a commitment to routine exercise is all it takes to shed weight after 50 and keep that weight off once it’s gone.

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Golf tips

by Brian Girard

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Putting #1: When putting, you should listen for the ball to drop in the hole. By keeping this in mind, you allow the body to use a different sense: “listening.” This reminds each golfer to keep still, and to keep his or her head down while performing the putting stroke. Try this a few time, and your results should begin to improve!

Putting #2: Golf ball manufacturers purposely locate their brand names in straight lines, on the balls themselves. To assist you in lining up your putts, line up the name on the ball with the line of the putt you intend to take. Some ball manufacturers even make it easier by putting a straight line on the ball to assist you in this effort. Most putters have lines on them as well, on the top of the putter. Line up your putter head with the name or line on the golf ball. Point it along your intended line of putt, and you’re “good to go.” Watch Tiger – he does it every time. Look closely next time he’s on TV. It’s a simple tip to assist you in keeping YOUR putts to a minimum!

Putting #3: It is impossible to teach someone how hard to hit a putt in order for the ball to travel the right distance to the hole. (This is also called the “weight” of the putt). That being said, keep this thought in mind: Before you putt, look at the distance to the hole. Next, think about how hard you would roll the ball to the hole, using your dominant hand, and apply that thought when putting the ball. Improving the weight of your putts will dramatically help to reduce the number of putts on each hole.

Chipping: When chipping around the green, it is important to remember to keep 70 – 80 per cent of your body weight on your left leg (or right leg if you are a left-handed golfer). Simply move your arms, almost as if you are putting, in a pendulum-like motion and without transferring your weight. When done properly, this can save you a lot of strokes around the green!

Waggle: With the exception of golf, there are no sports where you

ELGIN THIS MONTH

start out with a combination of “the ball is not moving” and the “participant is not moving.” . . .

Interesting! So, to alleviate this lack of motion, you should loosen your forearms and transfer your weight in a “waggle” motion before commencing the golf swing. This action sets you in motion, loosens you up, and ultimately should speed up the pace of play. (Have you ever seen anybody standing stiff and motionless over the ball, seemingly taking forever to start the swing?) So do yourself, and your golfing partners a favour . . . Learn “The Waggle!”

Don’t keep your head down: Have you ever had a “friend” give you the advice: “Keep your head down”? Do not listen! Even though the advice is well intended, if taken literally, it can do more harm than good. During the action of hitting the ball, you should actually see the ball leave the club; then by completing the swing, your head, neck and upper body follows through naturally. At the finish of your swing, your right knee and chest should be facing your target (if you swing right-handed), and your hands should finish high by your left ear. If you leave your head down throughout the swing, it does not allow your arms to extend through the shot which will result in “topping” the ball. In summary, do not keep your head down!

Keep your knees flexed: A very common problem among golfers is that they lose the flex in their knees during the execution of the golf swing, and most commonly, in the back swing. By straightening the leg(s), it causes the head to rise up along with the upper body, resulting in “another topped ball.” Like athletes in many other sports, golfers should maintain flexed knees in order to achieve maximum performance.

Brian Girard is PGA Professional at Dutton Meadows Golf Club.

April, 2013

Help kids learn the game of golf Adults who play golf know just how fun and frustrating the game can be. Whether you’re a veteran golfer or someone just learning the links, golf can be challenging.But as exacting as the game can be, it also can be just as rewarding, even for kids. Children who embrace the game of golf will learn a host of lessons they can apply in all facets of life. A humbling game even for professional golfers, golf can teach kids lessons in humility and the value of persistence even when things aren’t going your way. Golf is also a great way for parents to get kids off the couch and outdoors for some fun in the sun. Instead of spending summer afternoons in front of the television, kids who play golf are out patrolling pristine golf courses while getting some cardiovascular exercise along the way. Golf can also strengthen a child’s hand-eye coordination, which can help them in other activities, including many different sports.Though many people do not begin playing golf until they’ve reached adulthood, it’s never too early for boys and girls to start learning the game of golf. Parents of preschoolers can start their kids off with a toddler play set. Though it’s just a toy, a play set can help lay a solid foundation for future golfers. Kids who have watched Mom and Dad play golf or practice their swing can develop their own swings on their play set.As kids approach school age, don’t overlook the nearby putt-putt or miniature golf range as a valuable teaching tool. Miniature golf clubs are small enough for many children to use comfortably, and kids can use miniature golf courses as a place to put any lessons or advice on putting to good use. What’s more, a miniature golf course is more than just golf, with creative courses and other fun activities, so kids won’t feel overwhelmed with golf. When kids move on from preschool to elementary school, some might want to tag along with Mom or Dad to the driving range. You should try to avoid overwhelming kids with too much instruction or informaApril, 2013

tion. Instead, keep things as simple as possible, teaching them the basic swing and encouraging them no matter how quickly they adapt. As kids enter junior high and approach high school, those who are enjoying the game of golf can take advantage of the driving range if they haven’t already begun to. A driving range typically has markers that indicate the distance of a regular hole, regardless of which tee you will play from on an actual golf course. Kids can aim for holes at shorter distances to learn how far their drives are going.

You can then adjust the lessons you teach your children based on how far youngsters can drive the ball. As a child gets closer to high school, you might want to buy the child his

or her own set of clubs. Look for inexpensive clubs (oftentimes, thrift stores or other secondhand retailers have clubs for sale) because growing children will eventually grow out of their first set of clubs. When your child finds a set of clubs that suits

him or her, teach the proper way to swing and consider signing up your son or daughter for lessons.

Those first few lessons can prove invaluable, turning a pastime into a passion kids will carry with them throughout their lives.

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21

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Wine & Food

Less is more: A recent adventure with authentic wine

by Jamie Quai

One of the most discussed themes recently in wine has been a renewed interest in authentic winemaking. The term authentic wine was brilliantly covered in the preface of a book, aptly called Authentic Wine, by Jamie Goode and Sam Harrop, and essentially the terms means to craft (not create or manufacture) a wine that expresses the wine’s sense of place.

What I personally love about the term authentic wine is that it covers a spectrum including organic, biodynamic, low-impact, minimalist, sustainable, and natural farming methods. The theme of authentic wine can be called a renewed interest because, until the development of modern industrial farming, all wines were crafted this way.

There are strengths and weaknesses to authentic winemaking. Strengths include: more care put into the farm ecosystem, lower chemical inputs, and much more interesting wines.

Weaknesses include: higher labour costs, generally more expensive wines, higher risk of spoilage, and a greater variability from one vintage to another. The opposite of authentic wine doesn’t have a name, per se. It might simply be referred to as mass market, generic, simple, everyday, or table wine. These wines are by no means bad wines at all – most are quite pleasant. But authentic wines, when done right, should be exemplary or transcendent.

I have been interested in authentic wine for over a decade. The wines are simply more enjoyable to work with, and to drink. In my time as a professional winemaker I`ve tried to move my wines further along the spectrum of authenticity by reducing the amount of fertilizers used in farming to almost nothing, developing better management and monitoring protocols to reduce pesticide, and moving away from any recipe winemaking (the classic example of recipe winemaking is wine from kits: open package, add water, add yeast, wait). Not following a recipe means no added sugar, no artificial flavours or colouring, to name just a few criteria. Being hands off is hard work, but when done right – is worth it!

Every now and then all of us have encounters

that leave us speechless. I am a lecturing instructor on winemaking at Brock University in Niagara. Every semester I organize tours for my students and we visit wineries, talk one-on-one with passionate winemakers, study design, and process.

Several weeks ago my group visited a winery that is relatively new to the region. I had caught up with the assistant winemaker (a former student of mine) this past summer, and he had told me that this winery was doing some ‘really cool stuff’ and that a visit was in order. We arrived at a non-descript aluminum sided building nestled between grazing areas for the farm`s pigs, and cows. When we got inside, however one thing became clear – these wines were going to be very well crafted.

The design of the building was incredibly straightforward. They had taken care to select the correct vessels for the wines they wanted to produce. Their process was simple, nothing added, nothing taken away, with very careful monitoring to ensure that things proceeded smoothly.

The winemaker spoke eloquently about the need to understand the ‘whys’ in winemaking but not to interfere unless absolutely necessary. They did not subscribe to the absolute dogma that can accompany organics or biodynamics, but rather sought to understand how those approaches benefit wine and incorporated techniques when needed. The wines were almost never moved off sediments, never filtered, and no preservatives are added. When the wines had attained the desired level of stability, they were bottled and sold.

These wines were amazing! They were lush, they were a perfect balance of fruit and oak, they had weight on the palate, and they were complex. They were wines worthy of praise and respect. In those glasses of wine, I saw the future.

These were milestone wines on the spectrum of authenticity and the best part of all – they had a profound sense of place. They reinforced my love of authentic wines and left me with the desire to push my winemaking further along the spectrum and get interesting and authentic wine out. Seek out authentic wines. You won`t be disappointed.

Jamie Quai is head winemaker at Quai du Vin Estate Winery in Elgin County

Joe Preston, M.P. ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON

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22

ELGIN THIS MONTH

April, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Working In Elgin

First impressions

by Debra Mountenay

Despite the occasional cold weather, spring is just around the corner, and along with spring, comes tourism in Elgin County. Tourism operators are gearing up for what is hoped to be a busy season across the area.

According to progressivebynature.com, the County’s award-winning website, “Elgin County is an ideal location for tourism and recreation, bordered to the south by Lake Erie offering beaches, conservation areas and recreational facilities for boating, fishing, and camping. The area offers hiking & cycling trails and viewing areas to watch annual bird and butterfly migrations.

“Elgin County has numerous art studios/galleries and museums, two wineries, farm markets and even specialty farming. History abounds with heritage buildings and quaint rural villages offer unique shops.

The Elgin Arts Trail is a visual arts trail that connects visual arts attractions, such as artists, art galleries and other arts attractions, across Elgin and St. Thomas.

“Savour Elgin is a culinary trail throughout Elgin County and St. Thomas that highlights some of the best restaurants, farms, wineries and other culinary attractions that are local and unique to the area.”

It is a great description of all we have to offer.

With the return of spring, we also have the return of seasonal jobs in the tourism industry, putting seasonal workers and students back on the job. Many of these jobs will be posted on the local site for Elgin County and St. Thomas jobselgin. ca/job-postings.

Employers will be looking for potential employees with strong customer service skills who can create good experiences for the people who visit their businesses during their prime season.

How customers are treated when they come into a business often determines whether they will re-

An employee’s demeanour makes all the difference.

Photo by Al Bod.

Good customer service brings people back.

(Photo courtesy of Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism Services).

turn, and what they tell their friends about the business. Watch for the customer service in the businesses that you enter. Spotting what they do well and where they could improve will help hone your skills. If you want to check to make sure you have good customer service skills download the free guide at workforcedevelopment.ca. You will also find a guide to career information on jobs in the tourism industry.

First impressions tell customers what to expect from a business. Are they greeted immediately? Is the person greeting them friendly – smiling and acknowledging them? How you communicate both verbally and non-verbally lets customers know that you are interested in helping them. It is also clearly obvious when an employee is not interested in the customer who walks in the door.

Anyone who has ever walked into a business and been made to feel like they are intruding by trying

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to buy something knows firsthand what bad customer service looks like. Having great customer service skills can go a long way to keeping you at the top of the list of valuable employees while the lack of these skills may mean your job is less secure.

Another must-have skill for every employee is cell phone etiquette. If your employer doesn’t tell you about their cell phone policy, you can assume that the two basic rules apply. 1. For most situations, your cell phone should be off during work hours, and most importantly, when dealing with customers. 2. Do not text during work hours.

Building your customer service skills will also help your confidence in talking to potential employers about your opportunities in the tourism industry.

Discover the great experiences offered in Elgin County this spring and summer. Visit elgintourist.com to make your plans to be a tourist in your own community.

Debra Mountenay is executive director, Workforce Planning and Development Board (Elgin Middlesex Oxford).

Friday April 12: 3pm to 9pm Saturday April 13: 11am to 9pm Sunday April 14: Noon to 6pm Presented by: Aylmer and East Elgin Agricultural Society

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Just call (519) 773-3445 or go to www.aylmerfair.ca for more information April, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

23

HOMESTYLE Decorating

by Renée Carpenter

Part 3 of 3

Colour made

easy

The most common method of colour coordinating is to base it on a piece of furniture. When starting fresh in a room, choose a piece of furniture you want to center the room around. This should always be the first step in any colour selection.

I call it starting with the elephant in the room and then branch out from there. NEVER EVER choose your wall colour first and then try to find furniture to go with it! If your feature piece of furniture (the elephant!) is bold, such as the sofa, then keep the rest of the furniture in the room more subdued. Accessorize then with pops of colour.

Set the atmosphere and the mood.

Get inspired. Serene, cozy, vibrant . . . pick hues based on the way you want to feel when you walk into the room. Different colours, tones, and saturations will naturally lend themselves to a certain persona. For example, relaxing white and linen beige tones used in a bedroom can present a cozy atmosphere. If green is your hue of choice, a soft sage will project serenity and calm, while a seafoam shade will give the room a relaxed, cottage feel. A dark olive green will imbue a classic, reserved look; conversely, a zingy apple green will project trendy vibrancy.

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Make a list of the words you want associated with your room, then pair those words with colours that come to mind to create the perfect scheme.

To translate a feel-good colour into one that looks good on the wall, ask at the paint store about the colour’s light reflectance value (LRV). The higher the LRV, the more light will bounce around the room. The lower the LRV, the more the colour will absorb light, which will make the room seem moody.

Dark colours can bring depth and richness to a room; on the converse, bright colours can create a peppy vibe and can bring life to space, and cavelike rooms. People are nervous to put dark colours in small rooms, but they do not make the room seem smaller, they just make them darker.

Neutrals get more exciting when you mix textures and materials.

Contrast adds spice to a potentially boring colour palette. Neutral colours act as peacemakers. They help bold colours and patterns get along. White brightens whatever its with, but it can also be harsh. Try off-white instead. When you put a warm white next to a colour, it will still look bright and crisp. In a small

room, keep walls the same colour as the primary upholstered furniture.

The room will seem twice the size.

It is important to coordinate various textures within your colour scheme around the room to add more dimension.

Trust your gut and the work you put into picking a palette. That blue wall or patterned chair will jump out at you when it’s the only thing in a room, but it will calm down after all the furniture and accessories are arranged. A room needs to be finished for it to make sense.

Get out the digital camera. It’s amazing how a photo can point out problem spots. Add colourful accessories, take a photo and assess the scene. When in doubt, call in an expert! It’s a misconception that a designer is just too expensive. Better to get it done right the first time than have to redo mistakes.

Renée Carpenter is the Owner of Jennings Furniture & Design in St. Thomas

PUBLIC HEALTH

Celebrate with a first birthday dental check

by Pat Lambier

Birthdays . . . we have them every year.

Some of us would like to forget our birthdays, while others celebrate each year that passes as a milestone that should be recognized with a party or celebration.

The most significant birthday that we all observe is the first birthday. The first birthday is an exciting time for the child, parents and extended family.

The oral health team at Elgin St. Thomas Public Health (ESTPH) wishes to celebrate the first birthday with an introduction into the world of oral health.

Elgin St. Thomas Public Health’s oral health team encourages the first birthday check. You are probably asking why your child needs a dental check around his/ her first birthday. You’ve been told that you toddler does not have to be seen by a dentist until he/she is around three years of age.

Things have changed. Best practice states that steps to prevent early childhood tooth decay should begin before the first tooth erupts in the mouth. What is early childhood tooth decay? Early childhood tooth decay is early cavities that start on the top front teeth that appear as white, chalky or brown spots.

Lift up your baby’s top lip and check the front teeth for any white or brown marks.

If you see something, then get your baby

ELGIN THIS MONTH

to the dentist or Elgin St. Thomas Public Health for a first birthday checkup.

The first baby tooth will appear around 6 months of age. Learning to provide proper care for your child’s teeth will establish good oral habits. A total of 20 baby teeth will come in. Taking your child for a first birthday checkup will help him/her to feel comfortable in the dental environment. Dental professionals will explain how to prevent early childhood tooth decay, how to deal with teething, cleaning your baby’s mouth, thumb sucking / pacifiers, bottle feeding / breastfeeding, introducing your child to a cup, snacking / diet, injury prevention and what to do in case of a dental emergency.

I’m sure you’re wondering why all the concern about baby teeth? The oral health team at Elgin St. Thomas Public Health checked the children in all the schools in Elgin County in the 20112012 school years and found the 57 per cent of children entering JK or SK had cavities. Cavities cause pain, which in turn prevents children from learning effectively.

If you have concerns about your child’s oral health contact the Oral Health Services at Elgin St. Thomas Public Health - 519-631-9900.

Pat Lambier is a Registered Dental Hygienist with Elgin St. Thomas Public Health.

April, 2013

LIFESTYLES In The Garden

Five things to consider when designing a home landscape

by Dorothy Gebert

April may be part of spring, but in southern Ontario’s climate, winter is not yet out of sight, and planting anything isn’t safe for another month. So what is a gardener chomping at the bit to do?

This is the time to get out pen and paper and do some planning. Even if your garden is established, there’s always something to move around or make more efficient. But it’s especially important if you’re starting a garden from scratch or doing a major redesign of an old one. You can do it yourself or ask for help from a professional. But, before you put pen to paper or pick up that phone, here are five things to think about.

Site Spend some time looking at your property and marking the information you see on a site plan. Which direction does the garden face? Do any distinctive features exist, such as a slope, creek, or large tree? Take some measurements to get an idea of how much room you have to work with.

Landscape designer Shannon Martin of Beamish Landscape Services in St. Thomas says it may even be a good idea to wait a year. “Get to know your space,” she says, “and find out what you like or don’t like before creating a design.”

Paying attention to the garden space will let you know if there are any problems, where the sun hits certain areas and how you move around the space. This knowledge will help you make more informed decisions about where to place sitting areas and planting beds.

Use Do you want to use certain areas for entertaining? Then maybe you need a large patio and space for a barbeque. Do your children require

Save the hSt

Landscape designer Shannon Martin of Beamish Landscape Services in St. Thomas creates a design for a client’s garden.

(Photo by Dorothy Gebert)

Landscape designer Shannon Martin of Beamish Landscape Services in St. Thomas shows an example of a design plan that she created for a client’s home.

(Photo by Dorothy Gebert)

room to play? Consider leaving a large lawn for them to run around on or an area for a play set. Or maybe you want a covered alcove to sit and relax? A place for a gazebo or pergola may be in order.

Consider how much time you actually have to enjoy your garden. Do you work long hours or go away to the cottage in the summer? A minimalist, low-maintenance design may make more sense than an elaborate and expensive planting scheme.

Desire Let your mind run wild. What would you love to have in your garden? To stimulate ideas, rip out pictures from magazines, collect brochures from home shows, make a list of plants you like, what colours make you feel good, and what styles make you happy.

Budget Taking into consideration all the things you’ve discovered about your site, how you want to use it, and what you’d like to see in it, can you afford to create your dream garden?

You know that landscaping is an investment in your property, so you

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not have considered. They are also up-to-date on the latest government regulations regarding construction on ravines, slopes, septic tanks, and other property issues.

And the preparation you did won’t go to waste, because it will help the designer understand your needs that much better. “If clients know exactly what they want,” Shannon Martin says, “the design process goes a lot quicker.”

Dorothy Gebert is a writer and garden enthusiast in St. Thomas

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may have set aside a certain dollar figure for the work already. If you’re doing the work yourself, this is the time to get prices from stores and suppliers. If you find that your budget may not cover everything you want, break the work into chunks and finish a section at a time.

Help However, if you are looking at the information you’ve collected and wondering how it will all come together, consider calling a professional. Landscape designers have the experience and knowledge to know what will work in a space and what won’t. They will look at your property with a new set of eyes and be able to show you possibilities you may

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HEALTHY LIVING Everyday Health

Children’s soccer and knee pain

by Dr. Greg Johnston B.H.K., B.Ed., D.C.

With the coming of spring generally comes the beginning of soccer season for those that participate in the sport. Soccer is a fantastic activity for children; however, as with any activity there is the potential for injuries to occur. Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that causes knee pain in children usually between the ages of 11 to 14. It is not specifically unique to soccer but may occur more frequently in sports such as soccer. This month’s article is designed to give you some knowledge about the condition so that you can monitor your young soccer star if the symptoms we discuss develop.

The first and most noticeable symptom of Osgood-Schlatter disease is knee pain which usually seems to develop insidiously. This means that it is not directly attributable to a specific incident such as contact with another player. One of the hallmarks of the condition is that a painful lump or bump develops just below the kneecap on the area anatomically known as the tibial tuberosity. It often develops in sports that involve running, jumping and quick changes of direction such as soccer, basketball and skating or hockey. It is generally more common in boys but does affect girls as well.

The age range may vary greatly and is generally attributed to differences in the onset of puberty.

The signs and symptoms of the condition include pain and swelling and tenderness on the bony

Sounds are amazing!

prominence just below the kneecap. The pain becomes worse with activity especially with running and jumping and with forceful extension of the lower leg as when kicking a soccer ball. Climbing stairs can be extremely painful. The condition improves with rest. Tightness in the surrounding musculature especially in the thigh or quadriceps muscle is common as well. The severity is greatly variable and can be mild to extremely severe.

It usually only affects one knee but can involve both. The symptoms may last only a few weeks or can last months and can be re-occurring until the child stops growing.

endorphins . . . natural chemicals that mimic morphine It is important to have any joint pain in children assessed by a qualified professional, but especially important if the pain is persistent or worsening, interferes with your child’s ability to perform daily activities, shows signs of redness or swelling and especially if it is associated with a fever as this might indicate a potentially serious infection.

These are not all symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter but are good general guidelines.

The cause of Osgood-Schlatter disease is stress on the growth plate located at the tibial tuberosity.

This stress is caused by activities such as running,

Hearing your favourite ones – even better.

jumping and especially when kicking a soccer ball.

This pulls on the tendon that attaches to this area of bone initially causing irritation leading to swelling and pain but could eventually lead to an avulsion where the tendon actually pulls a piece of the bone away. This is what leads to the appearance of the bump previously mentioned. Once formed the bump remains for a lifetime. The condition will resolve but the bump remains. It is noted that this condition will occur in about 20 per cent of children that participate in sports compared to only about 5 per cent of children that don’t participate in sports.

Although serious complications are rare, they can include chronic pain and swelling affecting knee function. It is important to have this condition assessed by a qualified professional like a chiropractor or physiotherapist to determine the severity and the appropriate treatment. Treatment may include icing, stretching, soft tissue therapy and ultrasound or laser therapy. In some cases, it may be appropriate to take a break from the aggravating activity. This unfortunate step may be frustrating for the young athlete but may be crucial to avoid potentially life long complications.

This spring, as your child starts up the new soccer season, be sure to pay attention if they complain about knee pain.

Dr. Greg Johnston is a Chiropractor and partner in Family Health Options Treatment & Resources Centre in St.Thomas

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Tending to the details immediately following a death can often be complex and confusing. By preplanning, you not only relieve your family of the burden at an emotional time but also of the task of secondguessing what you would have wanted.

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April, 2013

LIFESTYLES Elgin Arts Trail

Village Crier Gallery and Frame Shop

The Parade of Elephants is a travelling exhibition of one-of a-kind elephant sculptures created by artists on the Elgin Arts Trail in partnership with the St. ThomasElgin Public Art Centre. Every month the elephants will travel to a new location and at each location a new elephant will be added to the collection. The next exhibit will be on display at:

A lesson in rural history

by Katherine Thompson

A century old building in the heart of Dutton is home to the Village Crier Gallery and the art of owner Jenny Phillips.

Jenny is an artist who delights in recording the vanishing rural landscape of southwestern Ontario.

She was once known as the “Horse Artist” for her skillfully rendered equine portraits; however, Jenny now depicts a number of different subjects. Her paintings are vibrant, dynamic and illustrate a wide-range of country scenes, children at play, nature and architecture.

For many years Jenny painted and exhibited at ploughing matches, steam shows and historical events.

Her lighthearted cartoons about life on the farm have also been featured in Farming Today. In 2010, the International Ploughing Match came to Elgin County and Jenny was chosen as the feature artist for the event. Her painting entitled Honouring Elgin’s Past Provincial Ploughing Matches appeared on promotional posters and in limited edition prints.

Jenny now exhibits her work primarily at the Village Crier Gallery and Frame Shop in Dutton. The Gallery has recently undergone extensive renovations but still features several historical elements including an elaborate copper-coloured tin ceiling, an exposed brick wall and a pine plank floor. The Gallery offers custom framing, publishes books, and is a dealer of custom tin ceilings and specialty stained glass lighting.

Take a trip off the beaten path for a lesson in rural history at the Village Crier Gallery where each unique piece is part of a larger story that Jenny Phillips, also a knowledgeable local historian, is happy to share with visitors.

For more information on the Village Crier Gallery or the Elgin Arts Trail visit elginartstrail.ca.

Katherine Thompson is Marketing & Communications Coordinator with The County of Elgin

Portside Gallery 187 1/2 Main St., Port Stanley March 29 – April 26, 2013 For a complete list of exhibit locations visit www.elginartstrail.ca/paradeofelephants

[above, right] Dave Phillips outside The Village Crier in Dutton

The Elgin Arts Trail is a program with a goal to promote and enhance arts tourism in Elgin County and St. Thomas. The trail is a route through Elgin County that visits some of the best galleries, studios and artisans in Elgin and St. Thomas. For full trail information visit www.elginartstrail. ca or find us on Facebook

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HEALTHY LIVING Self Discovery

Anita Moorjani’s near-death experience And what she learned from it

by Sharon Lechner

In 2006, Anita Moorjani was lying in a hospital bed in Hong Kong.

She had been battling cancer for four years, and her body was covered in lesions. She slipped into a coma and was not expected to last the night. While in the coma, Anita underwent a near-death experience.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing this incredible woman for Elgin This Month Magazine. Because the interview is very long, I have provided some of it below. If you would like the complete interview, please contact me by email, and I will be happy to share it.

Sharon: Hi Anita, thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. I know you must be continually bombarded with requests for interviews so I very much appreciate you speaking with me. Can you tell me what happened during your near-death experience?

Anita: It was an indescribable

Anita Moorjani

state. I felt that I was surrounded in pure unconditional love. But it was much more than that; it was more than unconditional love. It’s nothing like the love that we feel here when we express love to each other. It was like I didn’t have to do anything to deserve it. I was just loved because I existed. It didn’t even matter what I had done in my life. This is what is so different from what I had always believed. I had always believed that

I had to work hard at being more spiritual. I felt that we had to create a good experience of the afterlife by working hard all our lives, to be spiritual, to be good people, to do things, to go out of our way to do positive things. But the most interesting thing is that I realized that regardless of what I had done or had not done, I was still loved unconditionally.

I didn’t want to come back at first.

My body was completely deteriorating, it was dying, but not only was I suffering in this body, but my whole family was. They had taken care of me and I didn’t want them to suffer anymore. But then I felt what can only be described as a complete state of clarity. I understood why I got the cancer. I realized that my purpose was to come back and be my magnificent self. I realized as well that if I chose to go back to my body that it would heal.

Sharon: What happened when you regained consciousness?

Anita: A lot happened in the other realm, but time is very different and even though I was only gone about 30 hours, it feels like a lot longer. When I did come back, and I opened my eyes, everybody was really surprised and I healed really, really fast. The doctors just couldn’t

Sharon Lechner is a certified master life coach and owner of Reach for the Stars Empowerment in St. Thomas

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believe it, and they didn’t know what to write in their medical records. I didn’t even know I had been in a coma. In the other realm, I actually saw the doctors coming in to tell my family they had good news.

Sharon: What is the message you want people to know after undergoing this incredible experience?

Anita: It’s beautiful to be different.

I only embraced the value of being different after my near-death experience. It took that for me to realize, “Oh, I was meant to be this way. I’m not supposed to try to change it or fit in, or make myself small, or make myself someone else. This is who I am, and it is an amazing gift.”

Sharon: Your book is called Dying to be Me. Where can people buy a copy of it?

Anita: In their local bookstores, online at amazon.com or through Hay House Publishing.

Sharon: Thank you so much Anita. I wish you continued health and happiness.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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LIFESTYLES That’s Life

I didn’t want her

haunches, tall and proud. She looks west to east in a continuous scan of our field and woods. It’s become her morning ritual – surveying her turf. If she spots a deer, turkey or the occasional coyote, she’s on the tear. One warning bark, a leap of the back deck, to chase the trespasser off.

It’s funny how a dog can weave its way into your family, become an integral part of your home. She is our protector.

My youngest son is a wanderer. By your side one minute, gone the next. On more than one occasion this past summer I looked to Ruby for help.

After frantically screaming for my son around the yard, I spotted Ruby pacing in front of the garage and that’s where I found him.

Ruby sits at the end of the laneway and waits for my oldest son to get off the bus. She gives a warning bark whenever a car comes up the drive. And with more time on my hands, she has become my walking partner.

She’s not perfect. Anything left on the mudroom floor she still considers a fair chew. But after a long day at work, when she greets me at the back door with those big brown eyes, I can’t help but rest my hand on her head and say, “Good dog, Ruby.”

by Elizabeth VanHooren

Nine months pregnant with my second son, the last thing I wanted to worry about was a puppy.

But my husband presented her to me anyway, a small brindle-coloured Lab and Boxer mix.

“I think you got a dud,” I said. Unlike any other puppy I had met, this one just lay there, no soft whimpers, no licking my face with any enthusiasm. She just looked up at me with soft big brown eyes.

My son was born two days later. Ruby, as she had been dubbed, got little attention from me in those early days. In fact I distinctly remember through a haze of hormones telling my husband that she was his responsibility to train, walk and feed. I had enough feeding and diapering to do myself.

Six months later, I had grown no fonder of “that dog.” A puppy, just like a baby, needs attention, and I had none left to share. I concentrated on my son, and Ruby concentrated on digging holes in my flowerbeds, and chewing. She chewed through my favourite pumps, chewed the baby socks accidentally left on the floor, she gnawed at the baseboard. And yet, the many dog toys I got

her went unscathed.

She also explored. Not the 20 acres that we owned. No, the field across the road was more appealing. The neighbour brought her back more than once. “Found her at the road again.”

Now three years old, Ruby has grown into her large paws and lanky legs. From the breakfast table, I can see her sitting on the back deck on her

ice Hikagieng. p s o H e s u o H y it n re e S is “Canadians are the math. y 5,

We’ve done On Sunday, Ma nce Have you?” Professio Serenity House Hospi and the s Me ver its egi st ho car , to d als ite exc is ce general public are enmorial Hike for Hospi peo re mo t couraged to advocate fore to ensure tha better hospice palliativth ple receive the end-of . for sh wi y the care . . . especially wi e car life ens ion nat do an aging population.

Hike use Ho ity Plan to have some funf able Seren at the Hike Kick-Of r to provide support and at the Roadhouse Ba educational informationto have and Grill in St. Thomas sh du wi ivi ind ple r peo we po to em end of life at 7 p.m. th als who are living wi home-based tion is only Friday April 5 fle winerop raf alt is /50 Th care. with a 50 a progressive life ir a variety of ner, refreshments and ing illness, and the ir feasible if rts po sup r. Bring families, to meet the community ble. Many a guest speakes about and ila ion al ava est on qu oti are your physical, em our size an indispiritual needs. Serenity- communities e hospice registering as m. ily hav tea fam y a or es ead alr vid ual pro vid use Ho in County particincentered compassio care, and Elgneeds this To support orMemorial on ly s ate the use per foc in t des e pat ate care tha in resource as well.”

Hike For Hospice, conat comfort and support s les ard reg bber ng , We rsi day nu dy me , Cin So me t ho tac ’s ent cli or visit are, we will home, assisted living fa- of who we on average, 519-637-3034 ospice.ca , seh ou and . , tal tyh spi die eni ser cility or ho affects five Dr. Bob Jones has this directly . With your any ple “M other peo that, noted help, Serenity Housee Hospice will make sur that loved ones always ist receive care to ass them at their end of life ef journey, as well as gri t lef es on the for rt po sup behind.

The theme during Nae tional Hospice Palliativ11 Care Week May 5 to

April, 2013

Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

29

LIFESTYLES Time On My Hands

Limestone: My favourite rock Don’t judge it by its dreary cover

In a beauty pageant for rocks, lime- and grainy. And often pockmarked. But stone would not fare well. It is dull, gray add a talent component to the contest, and limestone will triumph. It has character and entertainment value that other rocks can only dream of.

Locally, limestone provides our most dramatic scenery – Niagara Falls, the overhanging cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, the rugged Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island.

But the local scene does not showcase limestone’s best trick: it dissolves in the rain. Given time, the slight acidity of rainwater can turn limestone into Swiss cheese. Surface streams penetrate down through cracks, dissolving bigger and bigger passages. Eventually, the drainage system moves underground. We’re talking caves. Most of the world’s caves are dissolved limestone.

More than five per cent of the earth is limestone, creating a unique “karst” landscape of sinkholes, caves, disappearing streams, and resurgent springs.

And way more than five per cent of the adventure.

The closest big caves are in the Appalachians. Years ago, I hooked up with some cavers from London for many trips to Tennessee, and some of the best adventures of my life. By the light of headlamps we hiked, climbed, crawled, and squeezed through kilometers of passages. Through one memorable passage, less than a foot high, I wriggled on my belly, pushing my helmet ahead of me and towing my backpack, tied to my ankle, behind. When I took a deep But cavities aren't all that parents need breath and my chest expanded, it felt to learn about their child's oral health. like the roof clamped down on me.

But I also won’t forget the tomb-like silences, the waterfalls, the high, echoThe age 1 dental visit lets parents discuss: ing chambers, the spectacular calcite formations – stalactites, soda straws, • How to care for an infant's or toddler's mouth flowstone, cave pearls, the place we called the enchanted forest. Not to • Oral habits, including finger mention the camaraderie and the and thumb sucking moonshine.

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a jungle river that flows into a cave. My wife Barb, a guide, and I, sitting on inner tubes and wearing headlamps, drifted for hours through the cave. Through holes in the thin roof, ferns and roots dangled, and sunbeams stabbed the darkness. Emerging was like being reborn in the jungle.

Barb and I have spent the last two Februarys on Florida’s Panhandle. The entire state is a slowly dissolving limestone platform with a sprinkle of sand on top. It is riddled with water-filled caves. With abundant rain, the Floridan aquifer is one of the most productive in the world, and nourishes hundreds of springs and lakes from below.

A few kilometres from our rented house, a full-sized river springs out of nowhere in the middle of a woods, and heads off toward the Gulf. Its source, the Wakulla Spring, is one of the largest in the world, discharging an average of 250 million U.S. gallons of water per day. From tourist boats we peered deep into the spring, and then turned downriver to view alligators, manatee and waterfowl.

Another day we launched our kayaks over a cluster of 12 springs which kickstart the mangrove-lined Wacissa River.

A few kilometres from the Wakulla Spring, we hiked the oak and pine trails of the Leon Sinks Geological Area and gazed into numerous sinkholes. The largest, Big Dismal Sink, drops 30m to the water surface, and then another 30m below that.

In 2007, a team of cave divers entered one of the Leon Sinks and travelled 11 kilometres to resurface at Wakulla Spring, linking the two cave systems and their 51 kilometres of explored passages.

So much beauty, mystery and adventure from dull, gray limestone. Gotta love it.

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