January 2015

Volume 5 No. 5, January 2015

• Jim Innes Outer peace = inner peace Page 4 • Janine Lunn Farm shaming Page 6 • Elizabeth VanHooren Families need a break Page 29 Also Inside: Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Pages 18 and 19

Healthy Lifestyles Pages 22-31

Ken Monteith Volunteer fundraiser extraordinaire Cover story: Page 3

The Great Expansion of St. Thomas Elgin General is the single largest investment in OUR Hospital’s history!

Groundbreaking begins in late 2015 at the northwest corner (Elm Street/Hepburn Avenue) where a three-storey tower will be built to house a new Emergency Department, Surgical Suite, Sterile Processing Department, as well as a permanent home for Mental Health and Addiction Services.

The Great Expansion of OUR Hospital will ~ ■ Help us deliver the healthcare OUR families and friends deserve during each visit, at every stage of life, and as close to home as possible.

■ Empower us to continue to attract top notch medical professionals like the ones already delivering OUR community’s healthcare.

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital is a gem in our vibrant community.

Help make US shine!

■ Equip OUR expanded Hospital with the advanced medical equipment and design innovation of 21st Century care.

The Great Expansion is critical to keeping pace with a dynamic and changing healthcare delivery system and will ensure the citizens of St. Thomas and Elgin County continue to receive excellent patient care in a safe and compassionate environment.

189 Elm Street | St. Thomas | ON | N5R 5C4 P: 519.631.2030, x 2246 | E: foundation@stegh.on.ca

January, 2015

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2

Ken Monteith does what few people dare to do He asks people for money A running joke around the Monteith household is that when people see Ken Monteith coming, they run the other way. That’s because Ken has volunteered with – and chaired – more fundraising campaigns than anybody else in Elgin / St. Thomas.

In fact, most people don’t run when they see Ken coming. Some even ask how they can help.

Take the most current example. Ken is the volunteer chair for St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) Foundation’s “Join Us In The Great Expansion” effort to modernize and rebuild the hospital for maximum efficiency and patient care.

The Ontario government is funding 90 percent of the cost of hospital reconstruction. “And I’m grateful for that,” Ken says. The additional 10 percent has to be fundraised locally. Among other things, that redesign and rebuilding will benefit a new approach to mental health at the hospital.

The Great Expansion campaign has a goal of raising $13 million. Ken thinks that goal will be met or exceeded. “I wouldn’t have agreed to chair the campaign if I didn’t believe it would be successful,” Ken says.

But how does he do it? As Ken points out, whether it’s twenty dollars or a million dollars, it’s not easy to ask people for money. One analogy is swimming in Lake Erie early in the year. When you first go in, the water seems ridiculously cold.

But you wade deeper and deeper until the water is up to your chest, and once you start to swim, the water seems warmer than the air. You’re just fine with it.

...he’s always interested in people, their achievements, their families...

Ken Monteith first dipped his toe in the fundraising waters when John Wise (Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament from 1972 to 1988) gave him a list of names and asked him to call a few people. Ken followed Wise as Progressive Conservative MP, serving from the fall of 1988 to the fall of 1993. He lost his seat when the country went Liberal, with Jean Chretien as Prime Minister. Anyone who spends any amount of time with Ken Monteith will be entertained by stories from his years as Member of Parliament.

He had started in municipal politics as Southwold councillor, reeve and warden, and his time in Ottawa was the culmination of that experience.

His biggest secret of fundraising success is contacts. He has them, at all levels of society. His wife Luella says fundraising “adds to your social life through the people you meet.”

In the pre-Facebook era, he understood and practised the art of networking, until it became second nature. Like John Wise before him, Ken was a farmer and a Presbyterian, and both men retained the common touch whether they were at a local coffee shop or speaking from a dias in Ottawa. With Ken, it’s never just about the money. He’s

Elgin This Month Manager Linda Axelson Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley Regional Sales Manager Nelson Parreira

always interested in people, their achievements, their families. One of his favourite questions is, “What’s new?” He’s a better source of reliable information than social media.

Ken also understands that, whether it’s twenty dollars or a million dollars, several calls or points of contacts may be involved. Usually, he begins when he’s out and about, with his trademark smile and his steady delivery, with something like, “I’ve been meaning to come and see you,” or “We should get together some time soon.” From there, he does get together, or he does come and see you.

Of course, if it’s a big ask, he brings people with him. On major campaigns, good staff members at the organization he’s representing are crucial.

They provide the marketing materials, the knowledge of the organization and the all-important charitable receipting and recognition to donors.

The year after Ken was defeated as MP in 1993, he became involved in his first major campaign with what became the Ridgetown agricultural campus of the University of Guelph. His wife Luella was teaching school, they rented out their farmland, and Ken began his amazing career as an unpaid community fundraiser. After (and during) Ridgetown, he’s been involved with or chaired the following and more: STEGH campaign of 1985-87, the High Street YMCA, Dr. Monteith Medical Centre in Shedden, the Timken Centre in St. Thomas, two United Way campaigns, two International Plowing Match campaigns (one as chair) and now the Great Expansion at STEGH. He’s recently been honoured with the OAC Outstanding Service Award from the University of Guelph, the Westag Alumnus of Honour Award for a lifetime of outstanding agricultural and community leadership, and the 2014 Township of Southwold Mayor’s Prestigious Award.

The list is unlikely to end there.

Ken says the hospital campaign is the last one he’s chairing. But as all of his contacts understand, it won’t be a huge surprise if they hear, “I’ve been meaning to come and talk to you.” They might even be disappointed if they don’t hear from him.

Graphic Design / Production Metroland Media Group 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 January, 2015

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3

INNES AS I SEE IT

Activate peace within by sharing it with others And sidestep that old bugbear: anxiety

by Jim Innes

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Many people are searching for a sense of peace- of peace. In other words, the peace that we want fulness inside, some calm respite or some sense of to feel inside is discovered when we become that fulfillment. They are searching because they are peace on the outside, and within the circumstances of our life. Peace is not so much an inviting troubled by circumstance.

Peace is the opposite of anxiety. And anxiety is, space outside of ourselves, as it is a warm realin my experience, a very certain element of inter- ity that we carry within us. And to activate it, we relating with others. Be it at work or at home or must share it.

Though I have been a Christian pastor and a with friends, we cannot escape a certain level of trained counselor for many years, the truth of this anxiety.

For some this anxiety is minimal and manage- path to peace took time to unearth because it is able, even unnoticed. For others, this anxiety counterintuitive. It seems only right that we make is quite uncomfortable or severe. Philosopher / of our life what we can, including a peaceful space theologian Soren Kierkegaard said of anxiety: for ourselves. So to consider peace as something “No grand inquisitor has in readiness such terri- shared instead of something made, we must act ble tortures as has anxiety … choosing the instant contrary to seasoned reason.

I have come to appreci[one] is weakest … to lay ate the depth of meaning traps where [one] will be ...consider peace as in the simple words of this caught and ensnared.” The something shared well-known and oft-repeated Concept of Anxiety, 1844. prayer attributed, perhaps The search for peace is instead of something erroneously, to St. Francis important. And somemade... of Assisi: Make me a channel times our solutions have of your peace … where there the opposite effect. is hatred let me sow love …

In my experience as a counsellor and pastor (especially in couple and where there is despair, hope … where there is sadfamily therapy), when feelings of anxiety over- ness, joy … May I not so much seek to be consoled, come a sense of peace, people will close down as to console … for it is in giving, we receive … and and become self-protective. They will, if their (I would add) in letting go our life that we find it.

Mother Teresa, missionary and winner of the anxieties increase too rapidly, resort to an almost narcissistic level of defending themselves. It is in 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, publicly recognized this essence, a ‘fight or flight’ response that will in- prayer’s profound truth when she taught: so let us tensify depending upon the level of perceived be one heart, full of love in the heart of God and so challenge. More often than not, this reaction is share the joy of loving by sharing, helping, loving overkill and makes matters worse. Consequently, and serving each other.

As I see it, learned through trial and error, the at that point, peace, true peace, becomes an untruth of this seemingly counterintuitive path to likely possibility.

As someone who has managed anxiety for a peace, is not known until it is practised. So, I pray great many years, only recently have I begun to you well in your journey. May your new year be understand where true peace comes from. And it one of peace. doesn’t come from controlling my circumstances.

That kind of peacefulness is best called safety.

Jim Innes is a clinically And safety is circumstantial. We know too well trained therapist and that just when we think we have a situation under a priest at St. John’s control, something bulldozes the landscape.

Anglican Church For me, for many, true peace is found only when we turn our energies towards being people

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Business & Community COMMUNITY/EMPLOYMENT

Annual survey looks to identify the skills that employers need

by Justin Dias

What are the specific skills and training requirements that local employers are looking for? Do employers have positions currently available that they would like to fill but do not have qualified candidates for? Do they plan on hiring in the next year?

These and other questions are best answered by employers themselves, and the Employer One survey gives them the opportunity to communicate their situation to the community.

The survey is community-based and designed to find out the current and future workforce needs of employers in Elgin-St. Thomas. Similar surveys are currently being conducted across Western Ontario and Northern Ontario, organized by local workforce planning boards. With the help of local community partners in Elgin-St. Thomas, including the County of Elgin and the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, the survey is being widely distributed and provides valuable input into the workforce planning process.

It asks specific questions about an employer’s current workforce in terms of number of employees, demographic information about employees and the skills and training they possess. The next round of questions asks specifically about

P

the skills that are/will be required by applicants for positions. This is where employers can have a direct say in shaping future training and skills development programs by indicating areas where they are having trouble finding qualified candidates with specific skills. Employers can also share how they do their recruitment and any hard-tofill positions they might have. The ultimate goal is to identify missing skills, as well as employers’ preferred recruitment methods, so job seekers can obtain the necessary skills and training to connect with employers who are hiring in their areas.

Last year’s survey indicated that the number one recruitment method for employers was informal networks including word of mouth and personal referrals. 81% of area employers reported that the quality of the local workforce was good or excellent. Employers also identified skills deficits such as social media, customer service, marketing, sales and communications skills.

Information like this helps groups like the Elgin Workforce Development Committee bridge gaps in education, skills and training. The goal is to increase employment and economic development in the region through community workforce planning, with a focus on the next three years.

This process included community interviews and a workforce planning event at the Keystone

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For more details on how to access this opportunity call Cindy Hertwig at:

519-633-7597 ext. 335 Info Sessions - February 10 & March 10 @ 9 am at 300 South Edgeware Rd. New SEB Business Start-ups for Elgin include:

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January, 2015

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Complex in Shedden November 14, 2014, bringing together 55 community members including local politicians. The group was asked to discuss employment issues and identify priority areas for workforce development activities at the local level. When the Elgin Labour Force Strategy is published, it will be taken to local municipal councils with hopes that they will endorse the plan.

Employers are encouraged to access the link to the Employer One survey on worktrends.ca during the month of January. The survey can take as little as 15 minutes for small employers. The results will be posted in early February. For more information, contact the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board at 519-672-3499.

Justin Dias is Community Coordinator with the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board.

NEED A BUSINESS LOAN? Elgin Business Resource Centre provides loans up to $250,000 for businesses located in Elgin County and St.Thomas.

Ask how we can assist you to find loan financing for your business expansion or improvements. Loans are also available for purchasing an existing business or for new business start-ups.

Call Glenn Thorel for information on our loans programs:

519-633-7597 ext. 333

5

AGRICULTURE ON THE FARM

Will the REAL farmer please stand up?

“Farmer shaming” could be happening for the same reasons as other types of shaming

by Janine Lunn

I am happy to see that farming is gaining popular interest. Lately, it seems that agriculture has become sexy, and I’m relieved to see we’re graduating from the old image of men wearing striped coveralls, straw hats and chewing a stem of wheat.

Many non-farmers are now keen to meet their farmer, understand the process of growing food, and read labels to see just how much of their food, fibre and fuel they can source from Canadian farms, and close to home if possible.

With all this goodwill I would have thought the same thing would take place within the farm industry. However, there are some days I think it is just the opposite. As farms become more specialized by region and commodity, it is more common now for farmers to have very little knowledge of how and what their peers are producing down the road, much less across the country.

I spend a certain amount of time on social networking sites to keep up on agricultural news and see what trends are developing. I notice a lot of farmers on twitter especially, sharing tips and tricks on new equipment and technology, solutions for pesky insects and commiserating on the weather. Sometimes though I see a dangerous theme creeping into conversations. It can be best described as farm-shaming. And just like the mommy-wars, and fat-shaming, I think it’s a destructive kind of competition.

What does farm-shaming look like? What I see is people setting an arbitrary size, managementstyle or type of farm and declaring that as “normal,” so others who don’t resemble that cookie cutter don’t fit in. I suppose it depends a lot on how people define themselves as being a farmer that determines whether others fit their world view. There are still the humble folks who will say each time they are introduced “I’m just a farmer” and quickly fade into the background, and others who are loud and proud, happy to disclose acres, statistics, yields, twitter handles, public debates

… the whole works.

One of my local directors at a recent Ontario Federation of Agriculture convention told me that the most rewarding part of his day had been connecting with a farmer from Eastern Ontario who had a completely different soil base, mode of production and everyday life from the farm scene in Southwestern Ontario. I couldn’t help but wonder if more farmers could benefit from this type of information exchange; to try to understand that everyone is making their farm work with the means they have, in a different way.

For one person, farming means squeezing in chores to feed beef cattle before and after a shift at the plant, and for another it is a huge expanse of cash crop acres with all the paBook Your Residential Snow Removal Special perwork and employ& Small Commercial Snow Plowing Deal for ees required to keep things moving, and for Salting Available Early another farming means All season home repairs, renovations and Booking a couple of acres to maintenance also available grow berries and vegetables, and packing up to spend weekends Your Small at the market in town to share the farm story Job Specialist and shake the hand of every customer.

I wonder if “farmer

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shaming” is happening for the same reasons other types of shaming do; people feel inadequate or under pressure so they try to build themselves up by putting others down. In farming today the stakes are high, so perhaps people feel ultra-competitive and begin to see farming as an “us versus them” game. In my view, it takes a lot of different kinds of farms (and farmers) to meet the needs of diverse markets, so we should support each other’s differences rather than shaming them. Ultimately it says more about the “shamer” than anything else but it creates tension and division in the farm community that we really don’t need right now.

The longer I work with and know farmers, the more I realize that there are about as many different ways to farm as there are people who choose to farm. And there are plenty of other people who would give their left arm to leave their tiny lot in town for just a tiny patch of land so they too, could call themselves farmers. Instead of pitting farmers against farmers, it would be refreshing to see us stand up for each other more often. If we have any hope of making the farm voice heard, we would do well to speak up for ourselves, but in the process, also take the time to speak up to support each other.

Janine Lunn lives on the family farm near Belmont, Ontario.

6

Dining & Entertainment FOOD & WINE

My cold weather wine: the Rhone Valley

by Jamie Quai

Happy 2015! I am going to start this year with a quick summary of one of my go-to regions for quality wine in the cold winter weather. This month is all about wines of the Rhone Valley in France.

The Rhone can quite simply be summarized like this: Red wine dominant; Northern valley is elegant and refined; Southern Rhone is bigger and more intense. Rhone wines are generally fuller than Burgundy (which lies to the north) but less intense than many associate with Bordeaux (to the west). A savvy wine retailer will always recommend Rhone wines when a customer asks for a “full bodied Burgundy” or “lighter Bordeaux.”

The valley itself is generally considered hot and sunny relative to most other French wine regions.

The valley has a large proportion of stone in its soils which warm during the day, and radiate the

heat out at night. This serves to minimize seasonal Chateauneuf-du-Pape. As mentioned earlier, the majority of wines are either Côtes du Rhone, or variability and increase ripeness.

While there are over a dozen different grapes that Côtes du Rhone Villages. While grapes for these can be grown and used in wines of the Rhone the wines can come from anywhere in the region, the vast majority of the grapes used are either Syrah most are from the South.

I should take a moment to highlight a wine style or Grenache. Those are followed by Cinsault and Mourvèdre. There are two takeaways from this list that is making its way around the world right now. that will help you better understand the Rhone: It’s called a Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend. It Southern Rhone tends to be Grenache dominant, is also known as a GSM. California and Australia do some wonderful examples. The origin of this Syrah tends to be dominant in the North.

There are four general classifications of wines of style is the Rhone. If you like GSM style wines, the Rhone. They are, in order of cheapest to most consider coming back to the Rhone every now expensive: Côtes du Rhone, Côtes du Rhone and then.

One of the reasons I go towards the wines of the Villages, Côtes du Rhone Cru (that list a specific region), and Region Specific, that don’t list Rhone during the cold winter months is that they the Rhone on the label. Over two thirds of the have slightly higher alcohol levels (they mandate wines produced in the Rhone are either Côtes du minimums) than the rest of France, and while they generally tend to avoid the bombastic mouth Rhone, or Côtes du Rhone Villages.

The important regions in the Northern Rhone warming heat of California GSM, their heat does include the famous wines of the Hermitage, complement cold weather fare like soups and and Crozes-Hermitage. White wines are central stews. They are also complex wines that will reto the wines of Condrieu, and Chateau-Grillet. ward the attentive drinker sitting by a fire.

Wines of Cornas, St-Joseph, and St-Peray are less well known but no less spectacular. RoundJamie Quai is head ing out the Northern Rhone is the Côte-Rotie. winemaker at Quai Côte-Rotie is synonymous with a wine style indu Vin Estate Winery volving the red wine fermentations with white in Elgin County wine skins added for complexity. The Northern Rhone accounts for less than 15% of total Rhone output; almost all of it is high quality.

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January, 2015

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417 Wellington St. St. Thomas (519) 633-4640 7

HOMESTYLE DECORATING

Padded headboards

by Renée Carpenter

Once upon a time, padded headboards were only found in grand hotels. But today this lush hot trend is in our personal bedrooms, customized to fit any budget, whether simple or elegant.

And what a statement they make! Their mere existence adds a softness and comfort to a room that otherwise can feel quite stark with all the wood pieces. Colour, texture, pattern, or whatever design element the décor needs can be provided with a padded headboard, often making it the focal point in the room.

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etc.

- Does the room need texture, pattern, or leather?

- What colour do you have in mind?

- Will it be tufted or panels?

- Do you want nail heads? If so, what colour or size? Double row or single?

- A framed or a wrap-around style?

When choosing a style, such as traditional or contemporary, many options exist within this one decision! For instance, if you like more simple, neutral colours, a contemporary headboard with its clean lines provide the added touch, whether tufted or not. They can be mixed with metal or wood that have straight or gently curved “when dealing with the lines. elephant in the room, For a more traditional look, the sleigh bed is you want it spectacular” a classic that has survived. Whether leather or cloth, it is still very popular, although leather seems to be the most common with this style.

The graceful lines of an upholstered sleigh bed provide a luxury in any room. When going the traditional route, the completely padded bed tends to provide a more complete look.

Just as wingback chairs have stood the test of time, the same goes for padded wingback beds. And as we see today, they can surprisingly be modern or quite traditional, depending on the treatment.

The same comfort from the chair carries over to the bed.

Wingbacks are available in both Narrow down the op- tufted and plain styles.

And last but not least is the canopy bed. I retions by first asking yourself the following member as a child the sheltered and almost cocooned feeling they provided. When upholstered, questions: - What style or shape? it can be even more comforting.

When dealing with the elephant in the room, Traditional, contempoyou want it spectacular. Have an expert interior rary, etc …

- What type of bed? stylist help you with the selections to bring the Padded with posts, plat- room to life and enjoy it for many years to come.

It’s called a BEDroom for a reason, so make it the form bed, daybed, etc.

- What size of bed? focal point. And, don’t forget the bedding! It’s the Twin, full, queen, king icing on the cake. …

- Wall mounted, atRenée Carpenter owns tached to a metal bedJennings Furniture & frame, or a complete Design & Stage It With upholstered bed?

- How big can it be?

Jennings in St. Thomas.

Wide, high, shaped, framed, the focal point,

Styles and fabric or leather options are endless.

A wide range of design looks, from Hollywood regency to tailored masculine are showcased in magazines and model homes. The really tall headboards are ‘in’, along with tufting and nail heads.

The fact that padded headboards are available in any size, style, colour or fabric to fit the room make them very desirable. Not all rooms can handle really tall. The room dictates the piece.

An upholstered headboard can be mounted to the wall or attached to the bedframe. Or, the entire frame can be upholstered.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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• January 2015 •

From one exhibitor to another!

December Business After 5 sponsor/exhibitor Karin Barrie, centre, and Hollis Wealth donated a gift certificate from Legends Tavern, won by one of the people from another exhibitor, Elgin – St. Thomas United Way. Melissa Schneider, right, claimed the win and is shown with co-worker Laura Bart.

State of the Municipalities Luncheon 2015

Save the date! We're hosting our 5th annual "State of the Municipalities" luncheon on Wednesday February 18 with presentations by all 3 local Mayors at St. Anne's Centre in St. Thomas.

Our speakers will be Mayor Heather Jackson for the City of St. Thomas, Mayor David Marr for the Municipality of Central Elgin, and Mayor Grant Jones for the Township of Southwold.

Tickets can be ordered now from the Chamber office by calling us at 519-631-1981. $32 per person + HST. Information is also posted in the events section of the Chamber’s website: www.stthomaschamber. on.ca Tickets for this event are offered by advance sale only and reserved seating is assigned with single orders or 4 tickets or more.

Our event runs from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday February 18

and, based on survey feedback from prior events, we are modifying our event format to add a hot & cold buffet lunch. Doors will open at 11:15 with lunch buffet service starting at 11:30 and closing at 12:15 p.m. Once the buffet shuts down, the Mayors each get up to 10 minutes for individual remarks, followed questions

from the floor and the Chamber.

Chamber Members are also welcome to submit questions to the Chamber in advance of the event. If anonymity is a concern, don’t worry about it. We understand completely that Members are often reluctant to

stand and voice opinions or concerns in a public or semi-public forum, due to business relationships or even personal ones with family or employees. One of our roles as the “Voice of Business” is to be just that and act as your delivery agent or messenger.

Questions can be submitted in advance to our general email: mail@ stthomaschamber.on.ca Members of our Public Sector Liaison Committee will review all questions submitted in advance of the event. We can’t guarantee all questions received will be used due to time limits, but we’ll do our best to be your voice on key and priority issues.

2015 brings a new council to each municipality and we have invited each Mayor to look at bringing remarks focused on both the year ahead and the entire 4-year term. Please join us!

Chamber Business After 5

Wednesday January 14, 2015

Host & Sponsor: Jackpot City Gaming & Entertainment 140 Edward Street, St. Thomas Great door prize plus fantastic food from the Jackpot City Diner Free admission to all personnel from any business or organization that is a Member of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce

City of St. Thomas Mayor Heather Jackson

January, 2015

Southwold Township Mayor Grant Jones

Report on RRSP’s and Investing

Business Beat Table of Contents Celebrate excellence . Page 10 Love the judgment .... Page 11 Come uncorked ......... Page 12 Financial success ....... Page 13 Air show coming ....... Page 14 Dementia at work? .... Page 15 New Members........... Page 16

Municipality of Central Elgin Mayor Dave Marr

A special feature in the February edition of Elgin This Month

Greg Minnema, Advertising Sales

To take advantage of excellent advertising opportunities like this, give me a call at 519-633-1640 (ext. 222) or email me at gregthismonth@theweeklynews.ca

February Edition Advertising Deadline is January 15th

Business Beat ELGIN THIS MONTH

9

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Let’s celebrate excellence Calling for nominations The Free Enterprise Awards are the cornerstone of the Chamber’s work to celebrate success. Since the 1970’s, we have welcomed nominations of businesses, organizations and individuals who deserved to be recognized for their excellence in business and community service. There are three award categories, and nominations are open now through March 31. The 2015 Free Enterprise Awards will be presented during the Free Enterprise Awards Reception at St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas on Wednesday May 6.

Chair’s Awards This presentation reflects service and contributions, including volunteer activities, that have assisted the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce. Presented at the discretion of the Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors when events or circumstances reflect service or contributions of an extraordinary nature.

Free Enterprise Award of Merit Recognition of those businesses and/or individuals whose recent or specific accomplishments are significant. There is no limit to the number of times that an individual or business might receive a Merit Award. Entrepreneurial success is the pri-

New

mary focus of the Merit Awards with consideration of other desirables reflecting on community, civic and/or social betterment. No more than 3 winners may be named in any year.

Free Enterprise Master Awards Our major award. This honour recognizes businesses and individuals making significant, allencompassing contributions within St. Thomas, Central Elgin and/or Southwold. The recipients are proven leaders, as evidenced by repeated success in endeavours that relate to entrepreneurship along with community spirit and social well-being. No more than 3 winners may be named in any year.

Submit a nomination?

Success, innovation, leadership, community betterment and concern for social issues are all attributes of our award winners in every category.

Choose from the 3 categories described above and tell us why your nominee should be selected.

Our Awards & Recognition Committee, under the leadership of the Immediate Past Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, will review all submissions. Chamber staff may conduct additional research. Self-nominations are welcome. Individuals and businesses nominated must be active in serving the communities of the City of St. Thomas, Municipality of Central Elgin, and/or the Township of Southwold

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The Chamber prefers not to use a ‘cookie cutter’ form for nominations but encourages nominations in any form and format convenient to the writer.

- Describe the nominee’s relationships with staff, clients, suppliers, etc.

- Growth, changes or improvements that have enhanced performance?

- Are there any innovation, trailblazing or risktaking initiatives and strategies that have been developed or undertaken?

- Describe any situation where the nominee has created new jobs or successfully fought to sustain jobs in our market.

- Describe successes and achievements in community service, work with civic or charitable/ non-profit agencies, or volunteer activities - Has the nominee utilized conservation and stewardship techniques, advanced technologies, or developed programs to save, protect or enhance or environment?

- Name something that makes this nominee stand out above all others.

- Describe the time, energy, resources dedicated to professional growth and continuous learning.

- Details on measurement, practices and internal processes for customer service.

- Coaching, mentoring, assistance to other businesses, individuals or organizations?

- How has new technology helped?

- Marketing successes and strategy?

- Growth beyond local service to regional, national and/or international levels?

2015 Nominations close Tuesday March 31, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. For additional information, contact Bob Hammersley at the Chamber office at 519-631-1981 Ext. 524, or send your nomination to us: St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 115 – 300 South Edgeware Road St. Thomas, ON N5P 4L1 CALL: 519-631-1981 FAX: 519-631-0466 E-mail: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca

Business Beat Published by Metroland Media Group Ltd., and delivered to businesses in St. Thomas and Elgin Country 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 President & CEO Bob Hammersley Accounting Coordinator Susan Munday Member Services Warren Allen

For complete details, contact the Chamber

115 - 300 South Edgeware Road, St. Thomas Phone: 519-631-1981 Fax: 519-631-0466 Email: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca www.stthomaschamber.on.ca

January, 2015

The following points & questions may be helpful in writing a nomination:

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St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 2014 Board of Directors Chair: Laura Woermke St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Vice-Chair: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Vice-Chair: Dan Kelly Dowler-Karn Ltd. Treasurer: Mark Lassam CPA, CA Lassam & Co. Past Chair: Jason White Steelway Building Systems Director: Sean Dyke

St. Thomas Economic Development Corp.

Director: Monty Fordham Fordham Brightling & Associates Lawyers Director: Brian Helmer Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Jeff Kohler City of St. Thomas Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Ginette Minor Alexelle Slipcovers & Décor Director: Rob Mise myFM 94.1 Director: Allan Weatherall Elgin Military Museum – Project Ojibwa

10

Legal Business Events and News of Interest to our Members

The top court makes some new law

by Monty Fordham “Those who love the law and good sausages should watch neither being made.

– Mark Twain Normally I would not take is- Monty Fordham sue with the observations of the great American writer and social commentator – in particular his view on the complex and often incomprehensible world of the law. However, the Supreme Court of Canada, in the recent case of Bhasin v. Hrynew has provided some badly needed certainty in the area of commercial contract law.

The first, it seems, in a very long time. The process, in this case, deserves a good look.

It is a fundamental principle of contract law that parties and businesses alike should be free to contract with each other, without substantial interference of government regulatory oversight. In other words, parties should be able to “name their own poison.” If they make a bad deal, it’s no one else’s business but their own. Imposing requirements on the parties to act honestly and in good faith has historically been seen as an unnecessary and undesirable intrusion.

The law has, however, recognized certain contracts as being exceptions to this principle. Gener-

ally they are contracts of insurance, employment, franchise and tendering. Such contracts presume a certain level of good faith and honesty in order to be enforceable. Other, everyday commercial agreements are governed by the principles of English Common Law, as it has evolved over hundreds of years, modified only by case precedent or, in some instances, legislative intervention, as in the case of consumer protection.

The case of Bhasin v. Hrynew involved a contractual relationship between three business entities. There is not space here to give the entire background but suffice to say that the trial court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court all found as a matter of fact that one of the parties dealt in a manner, during the currency of a contract, which was dishonest at worst and in bad faith at best.

The issue became: Is there liability in damages under contract law for such behaviour? The trial judge decided there was. The Court of Appeal decided there was not. Fortunately, the case went to the Supreme Court. The decision is a long overdue gem.

Mr. Justice Cromwell, writing the unanimous decision, extensively reviews the background of English Common Law as it relates to contract law.

Next, he reviews recent court decisions which have

altered the common law, albeit by increments. He then unleashes what can only be described as a reasoned and principled bombshell. continued on page 17 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 519-633-4000, FAX 519-633-1371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca

Our Residents and Staff would like to wish you a Happy, Healthy & Safe

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11

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Uncorked – Last chance!

Would you like to join us for our annual St. Thomas Uncorked wine & art night? If you act soon that might still be possible. At deadline time for this article, Uncorked tickets had been moving quickly and all indications point toward our third consecutive sell-out for the event on Saturday January 24 at the St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre.

Uncorked is a “blind” taste experience with wines from around the globe. Tickets are $40

per person and include 5 wine sampling tickets plus food. Sixteen wines, a mix of fine whites and reds, will be presented at four sampling tables and each table will feature an assortment of foods that complement the wines. For those who wish additional wine sample tickets, they can be purchased at the event. Special thanks to the Real Canadian Superstore for providing an exceptional and tasty selection of cheeses, fruits, meats and more to accompany our wines.

Big thanks, as well, to our main event sponsor TD. Their support means a lot to us and ensures that Uncorked is a unique adventure that’s fun and affordable for everyone attending.

Only 120 tickets may be sold for Uncorked due to space and beverage service restrictions so when they’re gone, they’re gone! Check with the Chamber office for availability by calling 519-6311981 or see the Event posting on our website at www.stthomaschamber.on.ca

Random Act of Kindness?

Anyone visiting Warren Allen’s office at the Chamber of Commerce is sure to get the message on tickets for our St. Thomas Uncorked event on January 24. The giant wine glass can hold five litres but, in this case, it makes a great container for ticket sales.

Mayor Heather Jackson

& the members of the St. Thomas City Council would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year

We’re doing it again on February 4, and you should too.

Chamber staff and volunteers are plugged-in as sponsors for the third annual St. Thomas Random Acts of Kindness Day, organized by myFM Radio. Beginning January 12, RAK Day ‘business cards’ will be available at the myFM studios to promote the day or be used when good deeds are done on February 4. Last year, over 5,000 cards were distributed!

We all know and support the notion that good deeds and Random Acts of Kindness should happen year ‘round but we’re proud to be part of this special day that reminds everyone just how good a smile can be. Go ahead … join with us and keep those smiles coming!

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Pro Text Events and News of Interest to our Members

Ten financial New Year’s resolutions you might actually keep

by Darren Reith

Do you enjoy making New Year’s resolutions?

Many have as much fun breaking them as they do trying to make them, and kudos to those who make them and can keep them.

At the top of most lists is diet and exercise, spending more time with family, quitting smoking or drinking, and saving more money or getting out of debt. Almost no one follows through – and almost no one gives it a second thought. Maybe it is time one does. Failed New Year’s resolutions have a real cost. When one gives up on diet, what becomes of that expensive juicer, that monthly gym membership or that jug of protein powder?

From a recent survey, seven in ten who fail to keep a New Year’s resolution will lose more than $1,000 in this manner. So, this year, why not switch it up a bit? Make some commitments that won’t cost a dime and will help in the long run.

Here are some simple financial New Year’s resolutions that are easy to keep: 1. Don’t count it as saving money when you buy items on sale. No matter how much the price is reduced, you’re still spending money, not saving it. This rule should be applied most to things you want, as opposed to the items you really need.

2. Stop looking at your investment accounts so often. Looking frequently probably won’t help you make smarter financial decisions, but it could prompt you to trade too much and perhaps make panicky decisions. It is always best to consult a trusted financial advisor to help make these decisions on your behalf. It is their job to manage your account and make the best decisions with your money.

3. Eliminate wasteful

spending. Items such as lottery tickets, groceries have the assets you need to grow your wealth. that end up going bad, gifts the recipients don’t 9. Grow your money. When it comes to saving, like, infrequently watched premium cable chan- the earlier you start the better. As you invest your nels, most extended warranties, roadside meals, savings, you need to understand the difference clothes you rarely wear and subscriptions to maga- between potential profits and probable pitfalls zines you don’t read. Get rid of them! so that you're smart about investing. By invest4. Take an inventory of your expenses. This ing wisely, you can grow your money to help pay means looking at every expense you have – includ- for your child's education, buy your first home or ing cable, cell phones, coffee or other specialty a vacation home, and – this is most important – drink purchases – and determining how you want fund your retirement. to spend your money.

10. Protect your money. Getting up to speed on 5. Don’t justify a new car or home improve- retirement, tax and estate planning methods can ments as investments. You’re unlikely to recoup allow you to retire on your terms and leave a legacy the full cost of a car or a remodeling project when of financial strength for your loved ones. Planning you sell, which means these are depreciating assets can help you save money. Careful estate planning – not something you want in an investment. can prevent confusion, chaos and drama for your 6. Build an emergency fund. In a world where family when you're gone. many people live from pay cheque to pay cheque, When all else fails, find a financial advisor that accumulate six months of take-home pay in case you believe you can trust. Take the time to sit you lose your job or have a medical emergency. with them, develop a plan that will meet your end 7. Have a frank financial discussion with your goals and that you can commit to. Then make the children. Tailor your remarks depending on their best of 2015 and your future. ages. Possible topics include how much financial help you’ll give them with college and other goals, your own retirement readiness, the financial blunders you’ve ATTENTION made, what estate planEMPLOYERS! ning steps you have taken and how much they can expect to inherit.

8. Manage your money. If you can't figure out how to earn more, spend Hiring Summer Students for 2015? less, save more, and pay Attend a Summer Jobs Services Information Session down debt, you won't

This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been submitted by Darren Reith, a principal of Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Limited, 462 Talbot Street, St. Thomas. Questions and comments on this column are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via e-mail: info@reithandassociates.com

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Member NEWS Events and News of Interest to our Members

New Board to pilot Air Show Jim Banman, President of the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes International Air Show (GLIAS), has confirmed the appointment of five area business executives to the 2015 – 2016 GLIAS Board.

The airshow has been a major attraction and economic driver since 2006, while donating over $150,000 to local not-for-profit organizations.

Named to the new Board are: Jim Banman, President – Jade investments; Paul Smith, Vice President – P.J. Smith & Associates; Paul Corriveau, Secretary/Treasurer – Railway City Brewing Co.; Bob Hammersley, Director – St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce; Rob Mise, Director – 94.1 myFM Radio; Paul Nicli, Director – RBC Royal Bank.

The Board will work with, and build, a team of over 300 volunteers to produce and deliver the next GLIAS in June 2016.

Details on the next show, including the 2016 theme along with sponsorship and community service opportunities will be announced over the next few weeks.

Pictured at their final 2014 meeting, members of the Great Lakes International Air Show Board. Left to right, Air Show CEO High Shields, Paul Nicli, Rob Mise, GLIAS President Jim Banman, Bob Hammersley and Paul Corriveau.

Absent when the photo was taken, GLIAS Vice President Paul Smith.

Notice of opportunity

The Board of Directors of the Great Lakes International Air Show invites expressions of interest and applications from individuals interested in serving on the GLIAS Board of Directors in preparation for the next Air Show in June 2016 at the St. Thomas Municipal Airport.

The Board wishes to add a Treasurer and two more Directors. Each Director will be responsible for one of eight key areas and work with dozens of volunteers under the guidance and supervision of the CEO and the full Board: • Media & External Communications • Hospitality & Volunteer Services • Public Safety/Emergency Services/Security • Finance & Administration/Banking/Ticketing/Insurance/Compliance • Air/ Ground Operations • Site Operations/Vendors • Sponsorship • Parking/Transportation Qualifications: Professional expertise and formal education or certification/designation in any of the eight key areas above is essential, ideally in a senior management/ownership capacity with a proven history of leadership and success. Ability to work in a large team environment and participate in regular meetings is essential. Board meetings are held monthly, at minimum, on weekdays at 4:00 p.m. and are approximately two hours. Group and team meetings will likely involve attendance at times other than normal business hours.

Strong and demonstrated interest in community service and production of a high-quality product are required.

These are strictly volunteer positions with no remuneration.

Please submit applications via email by January 31 to: opportunities@glias.ca

Chamber Chair 2015

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Ross Fair, Chair of the St. Thomas/ Elgin Regional Campus of Fanshawe College, has been named 2015 Chair of the Board of Directors of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce.

Ross’ interest in commerce, community service and education are in complete harmony with challenges the Chamber is focusing on locally, provincially and nationally as we work to harness the needs of employers with skills and opportunities in the workforce. Ross has served on the Chamber Board of Directors and our Executive Council and brings the benefits of his career experience in centres such as Hamilton and London to the Chamber Boardroom.

14

Member NEWS Events and News of Interest to our Members

Dementia in the workplace?

Local workplace needs and issues will continue to change as our population ages. Agencies and organizations such as the Chamber and our affiliate, the St. Thomas – Elgin Safe Communities Coalition, are already taking steps to offer new programs and services to respond and support the needs of Members. For example, our recent offering of the new Mental Health First Aid program was a sell-out for our first 12-hour course.

It attracted a variety of area professionals for a variety of reasons that all related to changes in the workplace and how staff can recognize, and deal with, issues and concerns among clients and staff.

Thanks to Stacy Wraight, Chair of our SafeComm Coalition and Public Education Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society, who shared the

following information that touches on another vital area of concern to employers and our community as a whole.

Dementia in the work force is becoming more common. 14% of the population were seniors in 2009 that number will grow to 25% by 2036.

Despite the perception that dementia impacts only older people, many people are affected in their 40s and 50s. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, up to 10% of dementia cases begin before the age of 65.

The risk is twofold: as our workforce ages, more and more workers will be experience the effects of dementia while working, and early-onset dementia will continue to strike individuals in the prime of their working lives.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of brain disorders. Symptoms include loss of memory, judgment and reasoning and changes in mood and behaviour. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with a person's ability to function at work, in relationships and in everyday activities.

The Alzheimer Society Elgin - St.Thomas can assist employers, employees, co-workers and families to understand dementia and how it may affect the workplace.

Employers of someone with dementia can explore how dementia can impact employees, signs that an employee has dementia, ideas about ac-

commodation, legal obligations and accommodating employed caregivers.

Employees with dementia can learn more about what dementia is, approaching your employer, legal rights and obligations, informing your coworkers and asking for accommodations.

Businesses serving customers with dementia can explore ways to making it easier for people with dementia to use your service and supporting your staff to serve them.

Employees who are caregivers for someone with dementia can receive free confidential support through the Society’s caregiver support groups, one to one support or educational learning series.

For more information contact the Alzheimer Society Elgin-St.Thomas. Call 519-633-4396 or 1-888-565-1111; or visit Alzheimerelgin.ca.

Other valuable data and resources may be found on www.alzheimer.ca

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Member NEWS Events and News of Interest to our Members

New Members The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. Those listed below were accepted as registered Members November 16 to December 15, 2014. Once an organization registers with the Chamber, all personnel (owners/managers/ staff) within the organization have full access to all Chamber programs, projects, events and services.

Clovermead Adventure farm 11302 Imperial Road Aylmer, ON N5H 2R3 Phone: 519-773-5503 Email: info@clovermead.com Website: www.clovermead.com Contact: Chris Hiemstra, Owner Buyers Guide Categories: Attractions, Agriculture – Growers & Producers, Food Specialties, Party Services Products & Services: Create family memories visiting their heritage honey farm in Aylmer. Enjoy the Adventure Farm family playground and animal farm.

Visit the Bee Discovery Station with Ontario's Longest Glass Bee Display Hive, shop for unique treasures and honey treats. Bee-line tours available for school groups,

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• • • • • •

bus tours, and large family gatherings. Annual events include "Summer Days with the Beekeeper", "Honey Festival", "Pumpkin Festival", and the popular "Annual Bee Beard Competition".

New Vision Community Church 38 Aldborough Avenue St. Thomas, ON N5R 4T1 Phone: 519-631-5705 Email: admin@newvisioncc.ca Web: www.newvisioncc.ca Contacts: Reverend Jim Evans Dianne Nickson, Media Chairperson Sandra Horgan, Board of Directors Buyers Guide Category: Churches, Community Services Products & Services: New Vision Community Church; United Church of Canada is the newly amalgamated congregation consisting of the former congregations of Grace United Church and St. Mark’s United Church, both in St. Thomas. Everyone is welcome to join the New Vision Community Church with services every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and all sermons are available to view through the website and Facebook. Every week features Bible Study Classes, choir practice, a knitting/crocheting group, and many other activities for the whole family. New Vision Community Church is currently raising funds for the Building Accessibility

Voice / Voice Mail Data Communications CCTV Video Surveillance Security Sound/PA Systems Business Phone Systems

Adamson & Associates 142 Centre Street St. Thomas, ON N5R 3A3 Phone: 519-633-8185 Email: jennifer.adamson@adamsonassoc.com Web: www.adamsontrustee.com Contact: John Adamson, CPA, CMA, CIRP, President Jennifer Adamson, CPA, CA, Manager Angel Kaplanis, CPA, CA Manager Buyers Guide Categories: Bankruptcy Trustees Products & Services: Adamson & Associates has built a solid reputation as an Ontario trustee in bankruptcy and consumer proposal administrator. They provide clients with professional bankruptcy and insolvency services from six offices including the main office in St. Thomas, 2 London locations, and Windsor, Chatham and Waterloo. Adamson & Associates understand that dealing with bankruptcy can be a troubling and confusing time, so they strive to always provide clients with information every step of the way to reduce their anxiety about the future and to decrease stress. Adamson & Associates has years of experience helping people, small businesses, their owners and even lenders, find solutions to debt problems including bankruptcies, debt negotiations, consumer proposals, and credit counselling.

St. John Ambulance – St. Thomas-Elgin Branch 656 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 1C8 Phone: 519-633-2290 / after hours 519673-9979 Email: st.thomas@on.sja.ca Web: www.sja.ca Contact: Raymond Ormerod – Branch Manager Buyers Guide Categories: Community Services, First Aid Training Products & Services: St. John Ambulance features a volunteer medical first response coverage unit providing coverage at community or private events. They have community service programs run by trained volunteer personnel who provide first aid and health care services. St. John Ambulance First Aid training is also available. Meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in St. Thomas at 656 Talbot Street and is open to the public.

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Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY FINANCIAL PLANNING

Everyone should have one

plan to ensure you’ve saved for a range of financial needs you may have in the future. Working with an investment advisor to guide the investment process will guarantee that all your financial goals are being met in a tax efficient manner geared to your personal goals and encompassing not only the TFSA but also RESPs, RRSPs and other more specialized options. If you are saving or you should be saving, a Tax Free Savings Account should be your investment vehicle of choice. You owe it to yourself to use a TFSA to help increase your savings and save tax dollars at the same time.

Talk to your Investment Advisor about building your plan around the many benefits of a Tax Free Savings Account.

by Ellen Luft, Certified Financial Planner®

There has been much in the press lately regarding TFSAs, articles ranging from “The Misunderstood and Under Utilized Investment” to “Problems and Pitfalls” and “Five Things you May Not Know about TFSAs.” Since I believe that everyone who is saving or attempting to build their savings should be including a TFSA account as part of their investment strategy, I feel compelled to dispel the myths and emphasis the facts.

A TFSA is an effective way to grow your saving tax free. Unlike an RSP account, the money you contribute to a TFSA is not tax-deductible up front or taxed if you have to withdraw it later. A TFSA is a great way to park your money tax-free in the short term – for automobile purchases, vacations, renovations or topping up a child’s education fund, or your RSP. It can also serve as a long term saving strategy to complement your RSP. Since the TFSA was introduced in 2009, less than one third of Canadians have opened one.

From its inception in 2009 until 2012, the maximum annual contribution to a TFSA was $5,000. In 2013, this limit increased to $5,500.

If you don’t use your full contribution limit in any given year, you can carry forward the unused room indefinitely. Therefore, if you have never made a contribution to a TFSA from its inception in 2009, your contribution limit in 2014 is $31,000.

You can re-contribute your withdrawals – but not until the following year otherwise you will be subject to an over-contribution penalty tax. Plus you never lose contribution room, regardless of your age or circumstances. You don’t have to be a big saver to benefit; you may not have lots of savings today, but using a TFSA will help shield any interest or growth in the portfolio from income tax.

Your savings grow much faster in a TFSA. For

instance, investing $5,500 a year for 20 years at 6% interest would grow to $214,460 in a TFSA but only $163,454 in a taxable savings account.

Contrary to popular belief, the TFSA is not merely a saving account as its name suggests.

Rather it can be used as a vehicle to hold all kinds of qualified investments.

The options for TFSA investments are virtually endless and should focus on your ability to manage risk, investment time horizon and goals.

It’s important to have a

The top court makes some new law continued from page 11 Justice Cromwell observes that “Anglo-Canadian Law has resisted acknowledging any generalized and independent doctrine of good faith performance of contracts.” He goes on, “the result is an unsettled and incoherent body of law. This approach is out of step with the civil law of Quebec and most jurisdictions in the United States.”

In order to address the obvious shortcomings of the Canadian law of contract, Justice Cromwell states that it is time for the Supreme Court to take two incremental steps. The first is to state that good faith performance is a general organizing principle of the common law of contract. Second, to state that there is a common law duty which applies to all contracts to act honestly.

The Supreme Court recognizes that the decision in the Bhasin case effectively creates new law. In effect, it creates a new duty of honesty in contractual performance which applies to all contracts governed by the law of Canada. One might anticipate that some unscrupulous contracting parties may attempt to have the other party contract out of the duty of honesty. All we can say is: Good luck with that one.

The top court has done some good work here; Canadian businesses and individuals will be the beneficiaries moving forward. It has created some law, and, with all deference to Mr. Twain, it was a pleasure to watch.

January, 2015

This article was prepared solely by Ellen Luft who is a registered representative of HollisWealthTM (a division of Scotia Capital Inc., a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada). The views and opinions, including any recommendations, expressed in this article are those of Ellen Luft only and not those of HollisWealth. TM Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license. Please speak to your professional tax advisor for tax advice.

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Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

New Years greeting from Aylmer & Area Chamber president

Members of the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate Christmas with the team at Hamilton Ward & Cathers Insurance December 3, 2014. Over 50 members enjoyed the hospitality and networked during the Business After Business Social.

Karyn Silliker Chamber President 2014-2015

On behalf of the Board of the Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our members, staff, supporters and friends a very Happy New Year.

Looking back through 2014, it has been a very successful year with growth and support of many activities from our members.

With monthly member engagement activities, regular communication newsletters and social media connections, the Chamber has worked hard to develop long term relationships with our members and community. Our Chat & Chew lunch networking socials were created in 2014 to offer a new approach to networking and help to remove some of the barriers to our members.

Our board is collaborating ideas to create new events for members such as offering comprehensive educational seminars that would be useful for members.

As we enter another year it is important to note that this progress would not have been possible without the input of all those associated with the Chamber – the Board and Staff, supporters and of course, those who use our services. Thank you all for your invaluable contribution.

A joyful 2015 to you all.

Karyn Silliker Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce President 2014-2015

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Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce members get caught up at Central Family Restaurant during the Christmas Chat & Chew held December 2.

Committed Chamber members never underestimate the power of relationship building among our family and friends to help us build our businesses. There is a good chance that someone in your network is able to introduce you to another person who could be a beneficial relationship for you. The Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce has designed our monthly Chat & Chews to offer the opportunity for that invaluable face-to-face opportunity that can help elevate your business profile. They provide an opportunity to converse with others who may be able to help advance your business. You gain useful contacts, learn about other people and organizations and perhaps even find a solution to a challenge you are facing. Chamber members, please mark your calendars for the January Chat & Chew Wednesday January 21, 12:15-1:15 p.m. at the Central Family Restaurant in Aylmer.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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LIFESTYLE Our Heritage

Barn Quilt Trails – A colourful celebration of Elgin’s heritage

by Katherine Thompson

When travelling Elgin County’s country roads you are likely to encounter large colourful squares painted with geometric designs that are affixed to the side of barns, houses and historic buildings. Barn quilt trails use decorative murals based on quilt block designs as markers to signal historical and other points of interest. The quilt blocks are painted on a square wooden frame hung on the side of a barn or farm building or set on free standing posts. They highlight not only the area’s history in a refreshing way but also, the beauty of the quilt designs themselves.

Elgin County is home to the Settlement Stories Quilt Trail in eastern Elgin and the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails including the Dutton/Dunwich Barn Quilt Trail and the Elgin County Barn Quilt Trail in central and western Elgin.

The Settlement Stories Quilt Trail celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage, the Amish and Mennonite Communities, and the small businesses that form the backbone of Elgin’s economy. Continued on page 21...

JEFF YUREK, MPP

ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON Here to Help You with:

Ontario Works Ontario Disability Support Program Driver’s Licences OHIP Cards Any other Provincial matter

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 10am-4:30pm

750 Talbot St., (CASO Station Suite 201) St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E2 519-631-0666 email: jeff.yurekco@pc.ola.org www.jeffyurekmpp.com

January, 2015

ELGIN THIS MONTH

20

LIFESTYLE Our Heritage Continued from page 20...

The Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trail runs through the counties of Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Norfolk and Brant as well as the City of Brantford and tells the stories of the communities, families and events that comprise the region’s rich heritage. Retrace the steps of early settlers who carved their farms and towns out of dense bush. Discover stories from the War of 1812 and see how the entrepreneurial skills of Thomas Talbot and his right-hand man, Col. Mahlon Burwell, shaped communities on Lake Erie’s sandy northern shores, and learn about the County’s hardy Highland Scot settlers.

All of the trail locations are accessible by car or bicycle and can be seen year-round; however, please remember that the barn quilts are often located on private property.

Maps of the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trails (www.barnquilttrails.ca) and the Settlement Stories Quilt Trail (www.settlementstoriesquilttrail.org) are available for download online.

For more information about heritage attractions in Elgin County visit www.elgintourist. com/heritage.

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

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

• Revenue Canada • Seniors’ Issues • • Citizenship & Immigration • • Employment Insurance • Passport Inquiries • 24 First Ave., Unit 2, St. Thomas, ON N5R 4M5

519-637-2255 • 1-866-404-0406 www.joeprestonmp.ca

January, 2015

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21

Business & Community Leadership

HealtHy lifeStyleS

What’s your plan?

Achieve a year of self-leadership and success

by Cheryl Lester

Every successful for-profit or not-for-profit leader knows that having a plan that includes measurable goals is an important factor of success. The same holds for the success of self-leadership.

So, as the leader of your own life, what do you want to be different by December 31, 2015? If you’re truly satisfied to find yourself at the same place a year from now, then you should probably just skip to the next article; however, IF you want to experience change, growth, and success, then keep reading.

To get started, spend some time envisioning yourself at the end of year. Get a mental picture of where you want to be, who you want to be, or what you want to be different. As part of that process you might choose to do a vision board comprised of magazine clippings that creates a visual representation of your dreams and goals — personal and/or professional.

As you think about what you want to achieve in 2015, be realistic. It may not be realistic to say you want to climb Mount Everest in 2015 if you currently struggle to climb even one flight of stairs. Don’t lose your long-term dream; however, use the year to intentionally move towards your

dream, i.e. set some stair climbing goals for this year. Let’s say you want to be able to climb 50 sets of stairs a day by December 31, 2015, then create a plan that incrementally builds your strength and capacity through weekly, monthly and quarterly objectives designed to help you reach your end-of-year objective. You might decide to set your success indicators at 5 flights of stairs per day by February 15; 15 flights a day by March 1; 20 flights by May 1, etc., building to 50 flights a day by December 31. Meanwhile, get inspired (and informed) by people who have achieved the Mount Everest dream.

Or perhaps you want to meditate as a way to gain inner peace or a new perspective, lower your blood pressure, achieve better sleep, or develop a deeper understanding of who you really are.

Again, if you’ve never meditated before, be realistic. Take some time to look ahead to the end of the year to get a picture of what you want meditation to be for you at that point. Create a plan that will encourage, challenge, and support your objectives. Your goal to success might start with researching five different approaches to mediation

by January 30 then doing a 5-minute mediation at least two times per week until February 28,

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Cheryl Lester, Eagle Tree Leadership, is an international leadership coach known for her ability to help people improve their performance and effectiveness.

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2015, then increasing to 10 minute mediations three times per week for the months of March and April … and so on.

The most effective plans — organizational or personal — start with the end in mind, i.e. the longer view, and move the action forward through specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART) goals that successfully bring about the desired outcomes. Share your plan with someone else. Get an accountability partner. Refer to your plan regularly. Monitor, report and celebrate your progress. Be both kind and ‘pushy’ with yourself. Experience the joy of self-achievement and growth.

Best wishes for a year of meaningful self-leadership and success.

All Programs are open to the Public and are FREE. Call for more information.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

22

HealtHy lifeStyleS

Living healthy as a caregiver

by Pam Buys

Caregiving is a simplistic word used to describe the activity of caring for someone. Caregivers have a great deal of time and energy invested in the well-being of their loved ones, often placing a heavy burden on their own stress and emotional well-being. To be able to do the best job for your loved one, you need to take care of yourself and remain healthy. You must be able to recognize limitations, learn to care for yourself as well as others and identify the signs of burnout.

According to the Canadian Caregiver Coalition, some 4 – 5 million people are providing care to a chronically ill, disabled, or aging family member.

Many caregivers feel the stress of balancing work, family and their caregiving commitments, often leading to juggling multiple demands while feeling little support. As our country ages, more demands will be placed on informal caregivers.

VON Caregiver Support Programs are dedicated to providing information, care and support to caregivers in a group setting or individual. Caregiver Support Groups provide an opportunity for caregivers to connect with others living in similar circumstances who are also caring for their loved ones, whether a senior parent or spouse, an adult with a disability or those living with chronic illness. They also offer participants the opportunity to meet others who may be struggling with similar caregiving concerns and learn new ways to problem solve the challenges and changes their loved ones might be going through. ...the stress of balancing In a group or individually, caregivers have an opportunity work, family and to learn about the available resources and services that can caregiving assist them in their roles. Carecommitments... giver Support Groups are the first Monday of every month from 2:30 – 4 pm at the VON St. Thomas office – 175 South Edgeware Road. For more information or to register, please call the VON office at 519-637-6408.

Pam Buys is VON Coordinator of Client Services

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23

Healthy Living SELF DISCOVERY

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Genuine connections

by Anouschka Van den Bosch

for too long. did 15 years ago.

“I’ll tell you what that would look like Ms. Coach, When networking, it’s always interesting to listen to the conversations. The “How are you?” and it would take time away from my business, away “How’s business?” questions seem to be genuine. from networking with more people so I can get more However, the responses are too often flat and sales.”

Yes maybe, however, I believe you could actually without substance and just as often not heard or acknowledged by the other person. We rush gain more by connecting with one or more two through the room to make sure we collect the busi- contacts on a deeper level. As you get to know ness cards our networking guru told us to collect. each other you can both set up introductions with We tend to forget about the human connections like-minded individuals and thus build a network that could have been so much more beneficial of true genuine connections.

There are those who connect individuals by zipthan the business card exchange (while frantically trying to replicate guru tricks to remember names ping through their Rolodexes, pointing a finger and saying, “Here, you should and businesses the next time meet this guy” and those who you meet people). have an in-depth knowledge of As we dive full steam ahead “responses are too their connections. These people into 2015 with goals and intentions for our business and often flat and without know that connecting me with a particular contact will enhance personal lives on paper, I insubstance” my life and career as well as that vite you to take a few minutes of the person I am being conto ponder with me what it nected with. An experience like would look like if you that is far more important than having 20 busiwould meet one or two ness card in my purse and not really knowing anynew business contacts, thing more than a business name.

Reading “The Invitation” again as I prepared for job seekers or work colThere is absolutely nothing better for leagues this year and re- this article, I know that my life is richer because stress and tension reduction than ally got to know them. my connections know my dreams and my fears. a therapeutic massage.

Maybe take them un- They know and care about me beyond what I do der your wing or sup- for a living.

Three RMTs to serve you with special interests in: My wish for you is that 2015 is a year full of port them as they start a •Work and Sports new business adventure, genuine connections.

Related Injuries For more about Oriah, visit a new job or work on •Motor Vehicle a challenging project. oriahmountaindreamer.com and Personal Injuries What would that look •Health and like if you could really Anouschka Van den Wellness Needs connect, have conversa18 Years of Practise Bosch is a Human tions about their fears of Dean R. Lush, RMT Services are often Resources Professional Shara Ross-Jelfs, RMT failing, guilt over workcovered by extended and Certified Life and Andrew VandenDool, RMT ing too much or being health care benefits Career Coach.

519-631-2829 away from their families

“It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.” The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer I’m not a great fan of poetry, but the poem “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer is one that I have cherished since I first read it over 15 years ago. Oriah wrote the prose poem after she’d been at a party, where she’d been making a real effort to have social conversations. When she arrived home, she was left with the empty feeling of just going through the motions, and she started to write about the feelings generated by hollow party chatter.

Not sure if it is about getting older or just maybe wiser, but I really get the poem now more than I

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

24

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Feeling good living in the space I call me inviting is to clear out the clutter and find a home for things you want to keep. Clearing the clutter With so many programs on television to re- out of your space allows the energy to flow. It's design your home to make you feel good, what like having a blocked pathway when too much about the space you are living in everywhere you stuff is in the way of travel. Most people feel betgo? The space in which you live your whole life no ter after they have cleaned up a space in their matter where you move, this home. De-cluttering your space space is called you. helps de-clutter your mind and Feng shui your space therefore reduces your stress.

You may of heard of the an“past memories Feng shui you cient application of feng shui Did you know that the average belong in the past” (pronounced fung shway). person has 300 negative thoughts It is believed that you can a day? Wouldn't you say that's achieve perfect harmony in clutter of the mind? How would your surroundings, and then extend this harmony your life be different if the space inside you had into your life. It is based on the concept of "chi", the feng shui principals applied as well? Wow … or life energy, and its goal is to promote a healthy how clear would your thinking be and how much flow of this energy in any space you are in. In the harmony would you feel? most simply terms, if the space you are in feels Negative thoughts drain our energy good, you feel good.

With all these negative thoughts rolling around Have you ever walked into a room and felt to- inside your head, isn't it time to feng shui your tally relaxed in minutes? There was something mind too? Since you can't eliminate the events about the room that was inviting and you felt to- that happened in your life, what do you do with tally at home. Often the feng shui principals have all the memories associated to these events? Many been applied whether at a conscious level or un- of us replay these events over and over again in conscious level. You don't have to be a feng shui our mind causing us to have bad feelings. These expect to know whether your space feels good to bad feelings cause stress on the body and rob us you or not. from enjoying our life to the fullest.

One of the fastest ways to make your space more "The problem with carrying these worries,

by Ronda Degaust

Ring in the

grudges, and resentment is that they destroy our health insidiously. Resentment contributes and plants a seed in the development of cancer," says Dr. Donna Schwontkowski, (Ret.) D.C., M.S. Nutrition, Master's in Herbology.

If we use the feng shui principals, past memories belong in the past, not in front of our mind blocking our path and cluttering up our present. Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a process used by well-trained practitioners to help you unclutter you mind, putting negative emotions in the past where they belong while adding balance and harmony into your present.

Ronda Degaust lives in St. Thomas. She and Bob Clarke are NLP trainers and coaches.

Learn more by visiting their website www.LifePotential.ca.

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HealtHy living EvEryday HEaltH

HealtHy lifeStyleS

Chiropractic care improves lifestyle of seniors Two U.S. studies confirm the benefits

The first study was published six months ago on chiropractic by Medicare had been progresand dealt specifically with back pain and mea- sively increasing. As I have discussed in past arsured improvement through following how pa- ticles, chiropractic treatment of back pain can be As another year begins, one of the things that tients continued with their activities of daily liv- a very economically efficient tool for health care we all can look forward to is becoming another ing (ADLs) and lower body functions (LBFs). The systems, and in many studies, it has been shown year older. Ideally, as we age, we will be able to information came from a sample size of 7,000 to be an effective cost saving method when people continue to enjoy and maintain a level of func- participants aged 70 or older in 1993 who were access it. tion and independence that allows us to attain the interviewed then and every two years since, as The article goes on to conclude that there is now standard of living (in every sense of that phrase) well as data collected from Medicare claims. preliminary evidence from independent health that we had hoped for as we looked toward our The research indicated that 30% of individuals policy experts suggesting that chiropractic care for senior years. Two new studies out of the United with ‘medical care only’ declined in ADLs, mean- seniors satisfies what is known as the “triple aim” States indicate that chiropractic care of seniors ing that they lost functioning ability, while only of Obamacare. Specifically, improved patient can help us to attain that standard.

19% with chiropractic care showed any decline. health, improved patient experience / satisfaction In a recent edition of a quarterly publi- 38% of individuals with ‘medical care only’ re- and decreased costs per person. cation that I receive called “The Chiro- ported declines in lower body function while Contrary to what some may think, chiropractic practic Report,” there was only 30% of individutreatment for seniors is very appropriate a discussion about two als with chiropractic care and can be very effective. Often people recently published re- reported declines. With are concerned that, due to conditions “40% of the ports in “The Journal of regard to lifestyle factors, that are prevalent in the aging populachiropractic care Manipulative and Physi- 40% of the chiropractic tion, chiropractic treatment may be at group reported ological Therapeutics” care group reported being best ineffective and perhaps at worst po(JMPT) that examined how involved in vigorous exbeing involved in tentially dangerous. Chiropractic treatchiropractic care for seniors ercise while only 27% of ment is appropriate for all age levels startvigorous exercise” helped to maintain a higher individuals in the mediing from the very young and all the way standard of living than other cal care group exercised through to the very old. As chiropractors, traditional methods when vigorously. we are trained to take a thorough history, to comdealing with musculoskeletal In the second paper, a different source for the plete an extensive physical examination, to perpain and injuries. research was used called form X-rays when clinically indicated, and, when the Medicare Cur- appropriate, to refer to other health practitioners. rent Beneficiary Sur- Techniques are modified and adapted to be apvey which is linked to propriate for every patient and especially for the ST. THOMAS - ELGIN LOCAL IMMIGRATION PARTNERSHIP claims made between very young and the very old or those with special PRESENTS: 1997 and 2006. In this circumstances.

As we all advance through life it is important study, the research indicated that spending on to take advantage of every health care tool availspine-related conditions able to help us to continue to enjoy a high stanfor chiropractic treat- dard of living and function. Chiropractic can be These awards support the building of welcoming, ment did not increase a very effective, safe and enjoyable part of the caring, and inclusive communities by over this period of time aging process. encouraging citizenship and engagement but that spending on these types of condiDr. Greg Johnston is a Chirotions in general had practor and partner in Family roughly doubled. This Health Options Treatment & Two awards will be granted: is important because Resources Centre in St.Thomas it has been implied in the past that spending  EXCELLENCE IN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

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

Newcomer Champion Awards

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NEWCOMER COMMUNITY LEADER

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26

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY CAREER CHOICES

New year … Dream bigger

by Laura Pavilonis and Nancy Annett

January can be a time of renewal as we take time to think of new possibilities and New Year's resolutions. Embrace this opportunity. Dream big and allow the positive momentum to take you places you never thought possible.

How do you keep the momentum? It takes five weeks to form a new habit, so pushing through those first few weeks is important. When new habits or new ways of thinking occur, neuropathways in your brain become more insulated and allow new habits or thought patterns to become easier to sustain. Here are some important tips to remember and help you along the way.

1. Don’t ignore other aspects of your life. Putting all of your effort into a new initiative doesn’t guarantee success. Don't ignore your emotional well-being, physical wellness, or important relationships. Doing so could actually sabotage your success. Without a healthy mind, body and spirit, it can be easier to get frustrated and give up or simply burn out.

2. Don’t let your limiting beliefs about yourself get the best of you. We've all had that negative internal dialogue. “I'm not good enough.” “I'm not smart enough.” “I won't fit in.” “I won't be liked.” “I can't do ...”… just fill in the blank.

Use positive visualization to help you channel the power of your thoughts to work for you not

against you. For some, it’s called the "fake it till you make it" approach, but you need to take it one step further. Visualize yourself succeeding, conjure up the ‘feelings’ of being successful and finally, act like you’ve already succeeded.

3. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Think about what is really important to you, and remember, whether you fail or succeed at this new challenge, its relevance is insignificant compared to the things that you value. Take some time to think about the things that matter to you and write them down.

Stick to 10 or fewer, and prioritize them to help you make better decisions. Keep them posted or visible somewhere you can revisit them easily.

4. Don’t do it all alone. Help keep yourself accountable by telling close friends and family about your goals and asking for support. It can be hard to ask for help, but having an accountability system is one of the keys to reaching your goal. Create systems that are already naturally part of your life rather than creating new tasks that can feel cumbersome and easily dropped at the first sign of time restraints.

Sometimes getting professional help can also be helpful. For example, life coaches can assist you in reaching your goals by asking powerful questions that help you identify what you re-

ally want and the barriers that may be preventing you from success.

Enjoy this amazing time of fresh new starts and don’t be afraid to step into something different.

Try a different approach to a problem or simply start something new. If you want change in your life, you simply have to be willing to start and do something differently to get a better result. Trying is half the battle. As Gretzky says, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” When will you take your next shot?

Nancy Annett, MBA, CHRP owns Ignite Career Life Solutions, and Laura Pavilonis, MBA, CHRP owns Reach Beyond Limits. Together, they form Rock Your Career Club.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Wellness It’s so much more than the latest buzzword

by Brenda Dowell

Wellness seems to be the buzzword right now – everyone and everything in advertising tries to convince you that if you buy this, do this, wear or consume that – it will in some way affect your wellness.

I believe, as I process more and more life experience, that doing less and being more is the key to our overall wellness.

We need to let go of the belief that to re-connect with our wholeness we have to look outside ourselves. That somehow – we are not enough! We need to slow down – do less – listen – pay attention – breathe deeply and re-establish a relationship with our own hearts.

As we learn to 'be still' and enjoy who we are, what we have and where we are in our lives, we begin to dissipate anxiety, feelings of not being enough, and open the door to a depth of understanding and awakening from within.

To accept that we are physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual be-

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ings and to create wholeness, we need to incorporate all aspects of who we are. I believe everything in our lives (relationships, jobs, circumstances, situations, etc.) has helped to guide us, mold us and remind us of the internal work we are here to do.

To be discerning, use everything we know resonates with us, to move toward greater health and vitality. And if we dive into the challenge to be fully alive – these lessons and experiences can help bring us back to the essence we were born to be – and help us understand the real capacity to create wellness comes from the inside out.

Brenda Dowell is the owner of Enjoy The Journey

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

28

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

LIFESTYLE THAT’S LIFE

Stay-home-day reminds busy Mom of true priorities

by Elizabeth VanHooren

A few years ago at Christmas, my parents presented my sisters and me copies of a poem. They instructed us to hang it in the entrances into our homes. The poem is unsigned, anonymous. And other than being outlined by a wooden frame, hand made by my father, it seemed a little underwhelming at the time.

That is until I had children.

The poem starts, “No work, worry or fear allowed on these grounds. Within these limits dwell love, romance, faith, hope, peace of mind and courage.”

Over the past holiday season, most of these attributes were, in my opinion, scarce in our household. We ate out more than we ate in, or slapped together a sandwich as we headed out the door to

“no work, worry or fear allowed on these grounds” a piano recital, church concert or parade.

In order to work full-time outside of the home, and be a full-time mom I think you need to tap into your inner drill sergeant. Everything from meal prep, homework and the dreaded laundry needs to be orchestrated according to schedule.

How else can I bake the tarts for the family reunion, review the year-end financials for work and continue to read the expected bedtime stories all in one evening? I do wake up in the night full of doubt that I have forgotten something or worse not anticipated someone’s needs.

The holiday season aside, our family is constantly on the move. Monday evenings we have swimming lessons, Wednesday is piano, and for a short time this winter, we added basketball to the mix on Sunday.

So I shouldn’t have been surprised when my youngest son looked up at me one morning and

said, “Mom, can it be a stay home day today?”

My heart broke just a little.

Home. It is where you should be “loved for what you are and all that you can become.” And you should have the opportunity to simply enjoy it, take pleasure in it alone.

And so we did. The four us forgot church, forgot basketball and laundry. We curled up on the couch and watched a movie together. We made and ate supper together; played a board game that night. Made popcorn. We laughed and enjoyed our home and each other.

So, my New Year’s resolution is simply to enjoy my home more.

And to stop and read the poem my parents so wisely gave us to grace our entranceway. I will All proceeds go to: remind myself that my home is an atmosphere Bridges Out of Poverty and spirit that belongs St. Thomas Elgin St. Thomas - Elgin to me, mine to possess Purchase on-line: and enjoy with my chil- www.brendadowell.com dren. And I plan to do Or available at: it a lot more in 2015.

Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

Let Your Inner Sun Shine Calendar

No work, worry or fear allowed on these grounds.

Within these limits dwell, love romance, faith, hope, peace of mind and courage.

Take a drink from the cup that runneth over.

For here you are loved for what you are and all that you can become.

Enter with joy and know that you are free and at peace with yourself and the world.

The atmosphere and spirit belongs to you, it is yours to possess. ~Anonymous

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LIFESTYLE Time On my Hands

HealtHy lifeStyleS

Fine art, fine food, fine friends, and passable wine And finding fine words to describe them

by Duncan Watterworth

In early December, our old Cambridge friends, Mark and Ann, planned a Friday in Toronto for Barb and me, and also their neighbours, Mark and Nancy. We had tickets for the Alex Colville exhibit at the Art Gallery Of Ontario, followed by dinner reservations at the Little Sister Indonesian Food Bar, a new eatery enthusiastically reviewed just days before in the Globe and Mail.

I have always liked paintings in the realistic style. Colville, although in that tradition, favours subdued colours and a pared down vision of his subject matter. I was pleased that the exhibit included his most famous painting, Horse and Train, in which a black horse is running down the tracks at night, toward a distant oncoming train, in an otherwise vacant landscape. It is dark and foreboding. Something must happen, yet there is somehow a sense of stillness and calm.

Colville’s painstakingly precise images depict an elusive tension, capturing moments perpetually on the edge of change and the unknown, often imbued with a deep sense of danger. He explores issues of anxiety and control … Oops. Should have used quotation marks there – it was straight from the AGO website. I wish I could have writ-

ten that.

I got my face up close to another well-known piece, Hound In Field, and could have counted every hair and blade of grass. I wondered what kind of mind would spend months on a single painting, meticulously building up colours with acrylic paints and a fine brush.

And then it was north on Yonge Street to the narrow storefront into which Little Sister was squeezed. Our table was similarly cramped, beat up like a school cafeteria’s, and lit from above by a car headlight dangling from two wires. But the food!

It’s an Indonesian restaurant with a Dutch accent, filtered, just enough, through a distinctly Toronto lens. Yet, against what might seem like long odds, it nails the palm sugar and ketjap manis sweets, the clove, ginger, and tumeric depths, and the bright, spice-stoked endorphin highs that make Indonesian eating such an extraordinary experience … Okay, that’s from the Globe review. I can only humbly concur.

At the Globe’s suggestion, we ordered one of everything on the menu.

Really. Three satay skewer dishes, six other appetizers, six main dishes, and five sides.

They arrived much too fast for our undersized table and virgin palates, creating delicious pandemonium. “Colville wouldn’t like this place,” I said. “It’s definitely an oil-painter’s meal,” Nancy replied.

Before we knew it we were headed out the edging past the be Patient and door, line-up wanting in. We

Alex Colville’s Horse and Train realized we had been big-city slammed. “I don’t remember what anything was.” said Mark. “I just know I want to come back.” Well, maybe on a Tuesday, and steeled to fend off the onslaught from the kitchen.

It turned out that Nancy is an oil painter, and we saw some of her work later that night. They were boldly stroked semi-abstracts, often of jazz musicians. And, like Little Sister, Nancy could nail the bright, spice-stoked endorphin highs.

After staying overnight in Cambridge, Barb and I had one errand there in the morning. We had been told about the Magnotta Winery store and, as promised, they offer some of their products in sixteen litre bag-in-box cartons. Industrial size.

So we are enjoying their Cabernet Sauvignon. I found the wine a bit heavy, but well balanced if you carry one in each arm. Unpretentious, yet effective. No quotation marks needed on that.

Volunteers Wanted!

STEGH is recruiting volunteers to Family Advisors.

Advisors play an important role in working with our staff to improve the patient and family experience. We’re looking for current and past STEGH patients and their family members.

For more information, contact our Patient Experience Office 519-631-2030, ext. 3748 or email patientexperience@stegh.on.ca

www.stegh.on.ca

Duncan Watterworth is a lifelong resident of Elgin County, and a retired lawyer. He can be reached at bdwatterworth@gmail.com.

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HealtHy lifeStyleS

Oral health and overall health

by Cheryl Sinclair

Most people don't connect their mouth to the rest of their bodies. There is a link. Gum disease and cavities are chronic oral infections that can lead to many serious health conditions.

Clean, healthy gums and teeth make you feel better both inside and out. It all starts with good oral hygiene habits. Dental hygienists care about your oral health. They take the time to get to know you and explain the different procedures for treatment. Dental hygienists are recognized and respected for their knowledge, expertise, ethics and commitment to the prevention of oral diseases and for keeping your smile healthy.

The mouth-body connection Bacteria from oral infections can enter the blood stream or airways and travel to other parts of the body. These bacteria have the potential to increase the risk for other health problems such as heart disease, stroke and respiratory disorders. Gum infections also make it difficult to control diabetes and may contribute to premature and/or low-birth weight babies.

As many of us have heard through newspapers, magazines and television emerging research has linked gum disease to a variety of health concerns. Periodontal disease is one of the most common disease affecting the gums and bone structure of the jaw. Over time, a buildup of bacteria called plaque collects along the gum line, hardening into calcium deposits called tartar/calculus. If the hard deposits are not removed regularly by a dental professional, this infectious condition can result in abscesses or the complete destruction of the tooth’s supporting tissues with tooth loss.

The role of the dental hygienist As regulated healthcare professionals, dental hygienists must follow stringent rules and standards set by their regulatory college (C.D.H.O) to ensure the public received safe ongoing oral care. The provincial government recognized dental hygiene as a major contributor in Ontario’s healthcare system.

Dental hygienists have a distinctive clinical role in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, which increases the person's well-being and overall health. As important members of the oral health-care team, their primary role is promoting good oral health.

With regular, professional scaling, dental hygienists help control bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Maintaining good oral health January, 2015

requires collaboration. Dental hygienists work with many health-care professionals and may refer clients to oral surgeons, physicians, nutritionists, and dentists.

Seniors can still get cavities, especially around the roots of the teeth, and continue to get problems related to gum disease. Oral diseases may be complicate by various medical conditions and medications. Seniors should continue to brush and floss daily to reduce bacteria accumulation, perhaps adding a fluoride rinse/gel to one’s daily oral regimen. Those with cognitive or severe phys-

Directory of Services ChiropraCtiC & aCupunCture Dr. Steven perry, B.Sc., D.C. Dr. Gregory Johnston, B.h.K., B.ed., D.C. Dr. Jennifer Durocher, B.h.K., D.C. Dr. Jay Charron, B.a. Kin, D.C. reGiStereD MaSSaGe therapy Lisa Bosveld, B.Sc., rMt Chris huctwith, rMt Crystal Gruendler, rMt Cindy Watters-Carroll, rMt naturopathy & aCupunCture Dr. Christine Slonetsky, B.a., MSW., n.D. herBaL one 519-631-6611 pSyChoLoGiStS Dr. patricia Doris, C. psych 519-636-6660 Dr. Clara Beissel, C. psych 519-619-2057 re-treat Day Spa 519-472-8867

ical disabilities may require help from a caregiver.

Ask for advice from your dental hygienist if this becomes a problem.

Please contact Cheryl at 519-695-5054 or by email casinclair@ciaccess.com for more information.

Cheryl Sinclair owns CMS Dental Hygiene Services, offering in-house mobile dental hygiene care and treatments to residents of the four counties area since 2010.

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