MAY 2013 ISSUE

• Jim Innes The wrecking ball Page 4 • Janine Lunn Partners in grime Page 21 • Elizabeth VanHooren Endless laundry Page 33 Special Features: Women In Business Backyards and Gardens May, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Dan and Rob Burns The 50th anniversary of K & K Locksmiths Cover story: Page 3

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

May, 2013

K & K Locksmiths celebrates 50 years Three keys to success, say the Burns family

by Terry Carroll

The Burns family attributes three main things to the success of their locksmith business, which recently celebrated 50 years of serving St. Thomas and area – customer service, innovation and a dedicated focus on the local community.

Rob and Beth Burns purchased K & K Locksmiths from Karl Kristoff (hence the K & K) a little over 25 years ago when it was at 587 Talbot Street in downtown St. Thomas.

First, Rob and Beth operated out of the basement at that location, before moving to Ross Street for almost four years and then Elgin Mall for 21 years. Now the family business is on the move again, back to a location at 632 Talbot, just down the street from their original home.

“We bought the building a year ago and we’ve been renovating as much as we can ourselves,” Rob says. “632 Talbot Street was a plumbing shop from 1915 to the day we bought it.” When renovations are complete, and the movein happens, Rob and Beth say K & K will have more space and excellent visibility, and they look forward to being part of the downtown historical look and revitalization including the new park on the railway lands.

Many things have changed for the business since 1952, not least of which is the involvement of Rob and Beth’s son Dan in K & K Locksmiths. Dan showed an aptitude for the business early – when he was six years old, and the family went on long drives to vacation on Manitoulin Island, his parents gave him locks to play with / pick, and he was able to pick them. While working in the family business, Dan has become an accredited locksmith. And

The downtown St. Thomas for K & K, currently under renovation he is helping his father and mother take the business in new directions.

It’s still “the home of 25,000 key blanks,” and cutting keys is very much part of the business, but new products and services are also the order of the day.

One new direction is “access control,” essentially access via a key card, much as one does when entering a hotel room. Access control offers features such as heightened security, records of transactions and entrances, multiple user identification and history of transactions. A business may also set up time zone schedules or restrict access to certain times. Dan has developed expertise in this area.

Digital locks, essentially push button coded entry pads, have become increasingly popular with institutions (hospitals come to mind), commercial outlets, medical offices and residences. “They’re good for young kids,” Dan says. “They don’t have to remember to take their keys with them.” And K & K has installed master key systems for most of the Elgin This Month General Manager Terry Carroll Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley

of Commerce, and Beth currently sits on its Board of Directors.

Other involvements that have kept them close to the community during the last quarter century have included sponsorship of children’s soccer teams and Junior B hockey, Crimestoppers including Jail or Bail, the Maple Syrup Festival at Springwater Conservation Area, the Lions Club car show, Wings ’n’ Wheels and recreational hockey for Dan. To help people out, the Burns family has occasionally shipped, or had people take, locking devices to Africa, Brazil and Florida.

The opening of the Talbot Street location is scheduled for the end of May. The new store completes a cycle for this family in many ways.

They continue to explore all that’s new in their profession as well as the transition of ownership to Dan Burns, who embodies the next generation of K & K Locksmiths and its dedicated service to the people of St. Thomas and area.

plants in the St. Thomas area.

With Dan’s interests, and the evolution of keying systems for automobile chip keys, K & K is looking into these locking systems and the programming that goes with them as a logical next step. “We started out with a little bit of automotive,” Beth says. “With new developments, it’s something we’re looking at pursuing. And our new location has a carport at the back.”

That new location also comes with municipal parking at the back as well as Talbot Street parking.

K & K also carries related lines in the area of locks and security, including safes, bars on windows, accessibility operators for buildings, padlocks, coloured locking systems for factories, and, of course, troubleshooting as needed for households or workplaces. Another unique feature with this business is designer locks for people who care as much about style as they do security.

Over the years, K & K Locksmiths The current Elgin Mall location for K has been a faithful member of the & K Locksmiths St. Thomas and District Chamber Advertising Sales Manager Nelson Parreira 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 May, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

3

INNES As I See It

The end marks g n i n n i g e ab

On the way to my first service on Easter morning rance and viciousness. It was an especially daunting I was appalled by the ominous sight of a gapping sight on that good morning. The Easter symbolism hole hammered from the south wall of a church set so evident they may as well have painted a sign to be fully demolished. Though I realize church and hung it over the neck of the steeple: ‘Hail this deconstruction is a sign of our changing religious dwelling of God.’ needs, it is still difficult to swallow, and this was I acknowledge that some, like my 23 year-oldprobably the most vivid I’ve yet witnessed. daughter, were enthralled by the sight. She told This didn’t appear to be an organized decon- me that the “unusually large hole” fascinated her struction site. There was because she felt “interestingly no tarp or solid fencing small’ in comparison to the to hide it. It was simply enormity of the living space smashed open in plain it was simply smashed displayed. But this middle sight, history spilling aged, slightly cranky cleric, open in plain sight. indiscreetly from the felt disturbed seeing it, and I gap. To me it looked wanted to, at least, respectfully like a raw wound shroud it from plain view. on shocking display for the entirety of I was also saddened by its impending demise, a main street’s traffic on a busy holi- though I don’t doubt that responsible stewards of day weekend. A demolition crane was that church had good reason to decide the buildparked openly beside the rubble, the ing needed to be torn down. And there was likely wrecking ball dangling dirty from no method of pulling it down and no right time the winch. It appeared as though to do it that would have prevented shocked reacsome worker had taken a single tions. Nonetheless, its death created grief that we swing at the exposed wall before all share, to some degree. This is because it is our calling it quits for the week- heritage. Many folk passed through its doors – end; a piercing stab many whose shoes left large footprints in this comthat, in my mind, munity. displayed a I can easily make sense of my own personal sadm i n g l e d ness, but my touchy (and slightly dramatic) reacportion tion to the sight of the church’s destruction is likely of ig- triggered by the visual reminder of the undeniable n o - truth that many mainline churches are struggling.

Many other churches will die a similar death. My own denomination is closing, or looking to close, several church buildings all over this Diocese.

Many, whose lives were cradled by their community church, now watch the inevitable change, a change that was predicted years ago.

A significant transition is at hand. The slicedopen church I witnessed Easter morning is more than just a metaphor for this evolutionary process.

It is a literal reality that many in the Christian church will need to accept and begin to grieve. As I begin to verbalize and work out my own grief, I try to remember that the end is only the mark of another beginning.

It is significant that I witnessed the visual reminder of this undeniable reality on Easter morning. I was vividly reminded that new life doesn’t come without its costs. As I see it, we are on an morereligious effective, healthy emotional,Be andmuch often scary, journey.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

May, 2013

Why change?

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Leadership

Seven questions around the process of transformation serving you must answer this next question in this article will be my last here with Elgin This one word. What need do you recognize in oth- Month for the reasons that follow.

1. For those of you who know me on a more As change is a part of life, both personally and ers? Here we are looking for things like - stability, professionally, I ask you today, “Why change?” security, balance, direction, hope, understanding personal level, you know that my Christian faith What follows is some direction in how to suc- etc. What one word, would describe the need you and belief in Jesus Christ guides all I do. In this, the opportunity to serve God’s church, equipping cessfully manage the changes needed in your life recognize in others?

His leaders and ministries to flourish has become and organization, using my usually style of seven obviously the place to be with the work we do.

Why serve them? questions.

2. Since Elgin This Month focuses on a broader One, because you recognize a need they have that you have a desire to answer. Two, they want audience (and out of respect for its readers), we What is change?

Change is a process of transformation. Notice I that need met. This is our definition of what an have decided to focus our resources where we recsaid a process, not a program. Change is continual opportunity really is. An opportunity is anywhere ognize our call to be.

3. In this, we are serving Christian leaders and and therefore requires a process that can be ap- you are needed and wanted. ministries that need direction in leadership develplied to multiple contexts in which transformaopment, vision and ministry strategies.

Why serve that need? tion is needed and wanted.

We are so grateful for the opportunity we have In serving that need, you fulfill on the reason To be transformed is to be new, separate from the old, not just a variation of the old, but whole why you and your organization are here. Under- had here with you our readers, Terry Carroll and standing what the need is and how you serve it the Elgin This Month team. It has changed our and new.

To be transformed requires one to surrender the is fundamental in clarifying the right direction to lives and helped to transform how we do things around here. Thank you for reading this column old and submit to the new way of doing things. go. and we look forward to serving those of you who This requires honesty, humility and willingness to need and want direction in the areas of leaderHow do you serve that need? change.

To serve the need you recognize in others, you ship, vision and ministry strategy development must determine your specific and unique differ- and implementation.

Why change?

So why would you put yourself or your organiza- ence. In this, you must understand the part each tion through a process of transformation? There person on your team plays in the whole picture. To Shayne Wyler, CEO of Seven, are several reasons why one would do this. We can know your difference empowers you to underclarifies your direction by asking stand which direction to move and what you need summarize these in three distinct ways. the right questions. to make that difference. It sets the course, method 1. A desire to be valued. of movement and informs who is to be a part of 2. A desire to belong. the journey.

3. A desire to continue.

As we have led others to do this, here at Who are you changing for?

Others is the answer. Others are in our lives and Seven, we have asked come to our organizations because of the needs these questions of ourMONDAYS TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS they have and want answered. In this, we are a selves. The answers that part of the solution to help those we serve to move have come have been Junior Day Ladies Day Men’s Day from A to B. In this, we as leaders, use the tools shocking at times, chalwe have available to meet others where they are lenging and ultimately 9 Holes for $14 9 Holes for $14 18 Holes for $20 and walk with them using the tools we have to an- right on to where the For Juniors under 17 yrs. old For Ladies For Men swer their need. This brings value, belonging and best opportunities lay. In this, we have confirmed a reason to continue for both them and you.

Mondays and Thursdays the right direction and opportunity for us to be Who are you serving?

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

5

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Technology

Internet security

The good, the bad, and the dark side

by Peter Atkinson

Last month I wrote about how the Internet can bring us together for good. This month, we’ll look at a different angle. I’d like to say it was all cleverly planned in advance, but really it was sparked by my discovery of a search engine called Shodan.

We’ve all seen stories of high-profile companies being ‘hacked’; evil computer geniuses break into the company systems and steal information that is supposed to be secure, including credit card numbers, login IDs and passwords.

Much of the time the damage from these hacks could have been prevented. Far too often, as I dig for the details, it turns out that basic security protocols were ignored by the system administrators.

It’s one of the reasons that I don’t use the ‘Login with Facebook’ option that is becoming common these days; I believe that Facebook uses state-ofthe-art security, but I’m less sure about a new start-up company with the cool new web tool, (say . . . Dragdis). The tool might be great, but I don’t know about their security. I understand that the Facebook login makes it easier to share, but I’m comfortable handling that myself, thanks.

And of course, we have a responsibility to protect our own security; passwords more complex than ‘password’ or ‘123456’, (the #1 and #2 most popular passwords in use – really, if you’re using

these to protect your personal information, my sympathy meter just dropped to zero), and not reusing passwords. While that might sound impractical, I’ve recommended the LastPass password tool before.

And then there’s Shodan.

Shodan tracks unsecured networks and standalone computer workstations, including those that control refineries, power plants and other industrial facilities. Its search results include all you need to login. Fortunately, Shodan is leaning to the side of the white hat, (good guy), hackers.

After three searches, you receive a polite message asking you what your intentions are.

On the one hand, this is one way to reinforce the need for good security practices. On the other hand, after a quick search, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with what someone might be able to do with the New York State University College at Buffalo, NTT Europe Web Hosting in Frankfurt, or Singapore’s SingNet networks.

Then there’s what’s called the Dark Web, full of sites that sell weapons, illegal drugs and even hitmen for hire. Payment is facilitated by Bitcoins, an Internet currency that is decentralized and untraceable (although the Bitcoins crash in April raises questions about its value). You can redeem Bitcoins for real world currency – you can even ‘mine’ your own Bitcoins for sale – and no one

can tell where you got them from.

If it all sounds a bit scary, it is. But here’s the thing.

Bitcoins and the Internet aren’t bad or evil. The Internet isn’t trying to steal your private information or sell you illegal drugs. And the Internet isn’t connecting you to your family or playing bridge with you online.

That’s all being done by people; good guys and bad guys. The Internet is a tool, a device, just like any other. A car can take you to see a loved one, or strike someone down on the street. The difference is only in how it’s used. The Internet, like any tool, is amoral, not immoral. It’s just a thing. A remarkable, incredible thing, but still just a thing that responds only to how we use it.

So just like the bad part of town that you avoid, or locking your car in a parking lot, stay in the bright, well-lit parts of the web and take the steps to protect your privacy. And then just enjoy it . . . really, it’ll be ok.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

May, 2013

HEALTHY LIVING Self Discovery

Change the channel Living life to the fullest

are positive and powerful. I saw a great quote a couple of days ago from livelifehappy.com The thing I like least about winter is the fact which read “Today . . . I am going to let my that months pass without me seeing many of burdens go. I am going to face this day and my neighbours. In the warmer weather, I walk have faith that everything will get better.� my dog daily and I get to catch up on the news Instead of choosing thoughts of lack or worin the hood with many of the people who have ry, try to choose thoughts that empower you lived in my area for the past ten years. I was and make you feel good. Negative thoughts therefore very saddened to hear that one fel- drain your energy. When faced with a negative low on the next block lost his wife to illness thought, change it to a positive one. We attract in December and two other what we focus on. neighbours are battling canMy father suffered a secer. vere stroke at the age of 56 he and Valerie Harper but lived a long and happy A few weeks ago, I saw actor Valerie Harper aplife due to his incredible would have gotten pear on several TV shows positivity. I think he and along very well. including Good Morning Valerie Harper would have America and the View talkgotten along very well. ing about her terminal brain cancer. What reRecently I spoke to a wonderful group of ally impressed me about Valerie was her mes- women, and I was given the book “Simple sage: “Don’t go to the funeral, yours or anyone Abundance� as a thank you gift. This book else’s, until the day of the funeral.� In other has a different positive theme for every day of words, live your life now. the year, and I read it before I go to bed each It is so easy to re-live moments in our lives, night. often the bad ones, where we see ourselves failNow that spring is upon us, I challenge you ing or do things we regret. Sometimes we re- to live your life to the fullest. live embarrassing moments. Last night I was Try to quit worrying so much watching Joel Osteen on TV and he was tell- about the future and focus on ing the story of a former Miss Universe who the day at hand or even the fell while getting on the stage but when asked moment at hand. If you do what her most memorable moment was, she know someone who is suffering did not refer to this horrific moment but to a from a terminal illness, think of time when she was able to volunteer in Africa something positive you could for a charity. do to support that person or I often use the phrase “change the channel� his/her family but don’t go to when faced with thoughts I don’t like. In order the funeral until the day of the to really experience happiness, we have to learn funeral.

Come in to live in the present and choose thoughts that

by Sharon Lechner

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

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

7

EVERYDAY HEALTH Public Health

Rethink your drinking this summer

by Vanessa Domenicucci, RN, BScN

Source: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.

(2012). Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines.

With the summer season quickly approaching, many of us are starting to think about how we will be enjoying the warmer weather.

You might decide to go camping, have a backyard barbeque, or spend some time with family and friends – all of which could involve having a drink or two. When it comes to alcohol, drinking is a personal choice and the majority of people drink responsibly, most of the time. Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines were recently created to help Canadian adults aged 25-65, who choose to drink alcohol, make informed choices about alcohol consumption to minimize associated short and long term health risks. The guidelines aren’t about abstinence – they’re about rethinking your drinking to reduce alcoholrelated harm. It is important to remember these guidelines are low-risk, not no-risk; they set limits, not targets; and they provide a definition for what “a drink” really means: 341 ml (12 oz.) glass of 5% alcohol content (beer, cider or cooler) 142 ml (5 oz.) glass of wine with 12% alcohol content 43 ml (1.5 oz.) serving of 40% distilled alcohol content (rye, gin, rum, etc.)

Let’s take a look at how alcohol impacts health, what the new guidelines are and what they mean to you. Drinking alcohol does have some health risks; otherwise these guidelines would not exist. Even if you are having as low as one or two drinks per day, average long-term alcohol use can lead to eight types of cancers (mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, colon and rectum), seizures, pancreatitis, stroke, irregular heartbeat, liver damage, high blood pressure, low birth weight and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

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Vanessa Domenicucci is currently working as a Public Health Nurse at Elgin St. Thomas Public Health.

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Short-term risks during or after drinking include the possibility of injuring yourself or others, and can be related to motor vehicle crashes, abusive or violent behaviour as well as alcohol poisoning.

So what can you do to lower your risk of alcohol-related disease and harm? First: set your limit. If you are a healthy man, drink no more than three drinks a day and 15 drinks a week. If you are a healthy woman, drink no more than two drinks a day and 10 drinks a week. For both men and women, less is always best and every week should have two days of no alcohol to avoid developing a habit.

We all have special occasions now and then – the second guideline addresses this. By drinking no more than three drinks (for women)

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• For every drink of alcohol, have one non-alcoholic drink.

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• Always consider your age, body weight and health problems that might suggest lower limits.

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or four drinks (for men) during these occasional times, you can reduce your risk.

Third, there will be times when zero is the limit: when driving a vehicle, taking medicine that is not to be mixed with alcohol, doing high-risk physical activities (like swimming) or when it is recommended by your health care provider. If you are pregnant or planning to be, are about to breastfeed, need to make important decisions or are responsible for the safety of others, zero alcohol is the safest.

This summer, rethink your drinking by keeping in mind what a standard drink is, setting your limits and knowing when that limit should be zero. If you would like more information about “Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines” speak with your health care provider, contact your local health unit or visit www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

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Kathy’s Catering staff members are all smiles as they prepare to serve Chamber Members and guests attending the monthly Business After 5 at Algoma University on Wellington at Elgin in St. Thomas April 10. Students complete the first two years of their university degree at this local campus.

Business Beat Table of Contents Get ready for China.... Page 10 Golf day sellout.......... Page 11 Title insurance............ Page 12 Outlook lunch............ Page 13 Enviro liability............ Page 14 Viewpoint.................. Page 15 New Members............ Page 16

Reps on road to Chatham The Ontario Chamber of Commerce Convention and Annual General Meeting happens close to home this year. It will be hosted in Chatham by the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce May 3 – 5.

Coinciding, the provincial Chamber staff association – the Chamber Executives of Ontario (CEO) will meet May 1 & 2 in the same location.

Titled and themed “Emerging Stronger Together”, the OCC meetings are focused on action across the provincial Chamber network that enhance our effort to drive business forward in a transforming economy.

Key agenda items include presentations by Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Trade & Employment, Hon. Eric Hoskins;

May, 2013

agenda will be advocacy and policy sessions that will see 86 pages of resolutions on business issues debated.

Resolutions adopted on the convention floor form the policy and business agenda for the provincial Chamber for the coming year.

MP & MPP Luncheon – Last Call!

It’s almost last call for tickets for the Chamber’s annual luncheon with our local MP & MPP in a luncheon event on Friday May 24.

Our event takes place Friday May 24 at St. Anne’s Centre and is designed to give our Members a chance to see and hear our federal Member of Parliament, Joe Preston, and our Member of Provincial Parliament, Jeff Yurek.

Doors open at 11:30

Wednesday May 8 St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation Members attending get a firsthand view on expansion and renovation plans underway, details on the launch of “the Chair Affair”!

Free parking in the East lot (entrance off Wood Street).

IdeaLab sessions on Information Technology for Small & Mid-Size enterprises, Labour Market Issues and Energy; and presentations by the leaders of the Ontario NDP and Progressive Conservative parties, Andrea Horwath and Tim Hudak.

The largest item on the convention

MP Joe Preston a.m. and lunch will be served in a bistro-style format as you arrive.

MPP Jeff Yurek Our MP & MPP will each open with remarks at noon, followed by

questions from the floor.

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

For tickets, call the Chamber office or order on-line via our website. $25 per person plus HST. Reserved seating on single orders of 4 tickets or more. For additional info, call the Chamber office at 519631-1981.

Special thanks to our event sponsors: Phil Mauer & Associates Inc., and Dowler-Karn Fuels Ltd.

Participate in Our 3 Part Series on Small Business June - Starting a Small Business July – Financing a Small Business August – Running a Successful Small Business Greg Minnema, Advertising Sales

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

or email me at gregthismonth@theweeklynews.ca June Edition Advertising Deadline is May 14th

ELGIN THIS MONTH

9

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members

China tour info May 7 With Chamber President & CEO Bob Hammersley returned from an early April tour of China, we’re hosting a presentation Tuesday May 7 with complete trip details. The tour Bob took with 33 Chamber Executives from across Canada is identical to the trip being offered locally this fall by the Chambers in St. Thomas and Strathroy. His presentation on May 7 will cover all aspects of the trip including hotels, food, the tour itinerary and some tips to ensure that anyone travelling with us October 23 to November 2 has a truly memorable experience.

To attend our free May 7 information night, please register in advance by calling the Chamber office at 519-631-1981 and checking the details posted on the main page of our website at stthomaschamber.on.ca or in our weekly Green Mail email updates sent to Members every Tuesday. Additional information can also be provided by our local travel agent, Elgin Travel and Cruises, in Elgin Mall.

Bob reports taking over 800 photos over his 11-day tour and will share highlights May 7.

The photos here are a few samples of the sights around Beijing.

No visit to China would be complete without exploring the Great Wall of China. 2,000 years old and 4,000 miles long, it attracts thousands of people each day.

The Forbidden City with its 9,999 rooms was the home of 24 Chinese Emperors.

It is a fascinating site and located near the famed Tian An Men Square.

It’s not what you earn...

It’s what you keep.

Kee, Perry & Lassam offers a full range of public accounting services including auditing, accounting and taxation services.

The Summer Palace was a retreat for Emperors that has become a colourful destination in any season. This 17-arch bridge was built in 1750 and includes over 500 stone lion carvings.

Our chartered accountants and staff have the experience, training and skills to deal with your business needs.

At Kee, Perry & Lassam we ensure our clients recieve the service and expertise they need to succeed. Please make a call to our office your first step on the road to success.

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

10

2013 Board of Directors

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

Bob Hammersley

Accounting Coordinator

Susan Munday

Member Services

Linda Crawford

Member Services

Jeff Sheridan

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Chair: John Regan Elgin Business Resource Centre 1st Vice-Chair: Laura Woermke St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Treasurer: Mark Lassam, CA CA Kee, Perry & Lassam Chartered Accountants Past Chair: Jason White Steelway Building Systems Director: Beth Burns K & K Locksmiths Director: Renee Carpenter Jennings Furniture Director: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Director: Monty Fordham Fordham Brightling & Associates, Lawyers Director: Dan Kelly Dowler-Karn Fuels Ltd Director: Jeff Kohler Presstran Industries Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Rob Mise myFM 94.1 Director: Debra Mountenay Workforce Planning & Development Board Director: Darren Reith Reith and Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Allan Weatherall Elgin Military Museum – Project Ojibwa

May, 2013

Member News Events and News of Interest to our Members Members Golf Day coming May 30 It’s a sold-out event, thanks to work by the Chamber’s staff and volunteers on our Member Services Committee!

If you’re one of the 120 golfers we will welcome to the impressive and beautiful grounds of the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club at Union on Thursday May 30, here’s a sampling of what you can expect.

Registration opens at 9:45 and all foursomes will be arranged for a shot-gun start at 11:00 a.m.

Valet club service will unload your clubs and place them in your cart as you arrive. Check-in at our registration desk and you’ll get $10 coupons from the pro shop plus some other goodies. And don’t forget to check the new info screens – electronic billboards that list all of our players and your hole assignments. Come a bit early if you wish; the driving range will be open and free for our players and the club pro will be at your disposal for free tips and instruction in a “Swing Clinic.” Or you could sample some food and beverage choices in the Club House. (Hint: the Dutch Western sandwich is a long-time favourite, and the Irish Nachos shouldn’t be missed).

Once play gets underway, special events and prizes happen all around the course. Get your foursome photo; look for longest/closest/holein-one competitions including something called “Drive the marshmallow” where the winner gets a new GPS system from Staples; and don’t miss the Putting Green Competition sponsored by

Legends Tavern. And did we mention the free sampling??

Apres-golf, it’s social and dinner time. The buffet meal means no one goes hungry. Last on our list, a HUGE silent auction with over $4,000 in travel, gifts, services and summer fun items. Free door prize draws, too.

We couldn’t do it without some truly awesome sponsors!

2013 Main Sponsor Libro Financial Group Cart Sponsor OLG Slots at the Western Fair Raceway Driving Range myFM 94.1 St. Thomas Gift Bag Sponsor St Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation Putting Green Legends Tavern Hole Sponsors Integrated Digital Solutions Phil Mauer & Associates Inc Mark A. Wales, CA Boston Pizza McGregor Auto Parts Ltd Millcreek Plumbing & Mechanical Ltd Photos by MG Quizno’s Sub

Allan Weatherall of the Chamber’s Board of Directors shows the enthusiasm of connecting on the golf course in this photo from our 2012 Members Golf Day. Disbrowe Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd Amino North American Corporation Railway City Brewing Company Scotiabank Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Services Ltd Century Sound GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Lyndon Security Services Inc. Farmgate Markets Inc

Metcalfe Gardens:

M

24 Years and Counting

etcalfe Gardens opened our doors to the seniors of St.Thomas and area, over 24 years ago.

Our seniors have taught us what is important to them, and we have filled their expectations with Quality Care and Service.

Simply put, we have identified three very important qualities that have made us successful.

Metcalfe Gardens offers a wellness lifestyle which fosters physical wellness through our in house physio therapy, and health care department, mental wellness through our Brain Gym program, and spiritual wellness through our weekly Chaplains services, and the opportunity to make new friends

and renew old acquaintances.

Metcalfe Gardens provides safety and security so that our seniors can be as independent as possible.

Offering service packages which meet their individual needs, we see the individual not an age.

Metcalfe Gardens is part of an award winning company, Diversicare Inc. which has won many accolades through the years, the most recent being the National Quality Institute “ Award of Excellence”.

If it is Quality Care and Service that is your number one priority for yourself or some45 Metcalfe Street, St. Thomas one you love, call Metcalfe 519.631.9393 Gardens, and find out why our resident’s say……

Fax: 519.631.2563 “Metcalfe Gardens, The Next www.diversicare.ca Best Place to Home”

The Next Best Place To Home!

May, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

11

Legal Business Legal News and Issues for Business

The role of title insurance in your home purchase

by Monty Fordham In the purchase of a home, one of the questions routinely asked of the real estate lawyer by his/her client is whether to purchase title insurance as part of the transaction. In order to intelligently answer this question in the context of any particular real estate purchase, it is necessary to first understand what title insurance is, and, perhaps more importantly, what it is not.

Traditionally, in Ontario, the lawyer’s role in the purchase of real estate, whether it be residential or commercial, was critical. He/she conducted a number of “searches� including a full historic investigation of the chain of title of the property in an effort to determine the quality of the “title� which the purchaser would obtain upon the closing of the transaction. Other searches included municipal tax status, land use zoning, municipal property standards and building standards and utilities.

Based on the information obtained the lawyer would form an “opinion� of the title which the purchaser would receive. This opinion, and any exceptions placed on the opinion, in turn, produced a qualified “guaran-

tee� of title.

With the increasing popularity of title insurance, the role of the lawyer has changed somewhat, but is just as critical. The title insurer, rather than a guarantee, provides an indemnity to the purchaser. To illustrate the difference, imagine someone offers to sell you a dog. The dog is said to be a two-year-old pure bred Jack Russell. If I guarantee the foregoing, you are entitled to just that. If, however, you later find out that the dog is a 12-year-old pit bull, enforcing the guarantee might prove difficult, and certainly would involve replacing the dog. An indemnity, however, would provide you with compensation for the difference between what you received and what you thought you were receiving. No dog, just dollars.

As I have often said to my clients, your home purchase is likely to be the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Your enjoyment of your home reflects your enjoyment of life in general. It is important, therefore, that there be few, if any surprises down the road. It would seem prudent to conduct any and all investigations of the property and, in turn, to obtain any indemnities

which are available in the form of Title Insurance.

Title insurance is often discussed in the context of the presence or absence of a recent survey. Indeed, lenders accept title insurance in lieu of a survey as part of the mortgage transaction. However, title insurance is not the same as a survey. To illustrate, suppose you have placed an offer to purchase with respect to a property and have, based on your careful inspection of the apparent boundaries, assumed it comprises a full acre. Should you later, after closing, discover that the property is less than an acre, provided the legal description is correct, title insurance probably will not help. The title insurer’s indemnity only applies to the property you have actually bought.

The foregoing problem can be addressed by obtaining a current survey of the property. This document describes the boundaries and extent of the property. Your lawyer will examine the survey, and should he/she have questions address them to the Ontario Land Surveyor, who will provide a narrative explanation if needed.

We begin to see that the purchase of a home is a complex process, in-

volving many investigations. The purchaser should, in my view, seek to protect his/her investment as much as possible. And this brings me to my final point about title insurance. The increasing incidence of real estate fraud, including the actual theft of the owner’s property has created a special need for title insurance, especially after the closing of the transaction.

In fact, title insurers have taken the issue one step farther: currently, insurers offer a product which indemnifies against actual identity theft, and the “non-real estate� losses one might encounter as a result.

I bet only a few years ago you didn’t think you would ever need to insure your identity. It now seems you do.

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

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

May, 2013

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members

Outlook 2013

diSTRICTLY Business June 6

The Chamber’s annual economic forecast luncheon, Outlook 2013, will be held Tuesday June 4. With nearly half of 2013 behind us at that time, our focus will be on the second half and beyond.

We are very pleased to welcome back BMO Chief Economist Douglas Porter as our keynote speaker.

Doug was promoted from his former position as BMO’s Deputy Chief Economist on February 1 following the retirement of Dr. Sherry Cooper. A native of London, he has special interest in, and awareness of, the local market. He has more than

It’s back! Our multiChamber regional expo of enterprise returns to Western Fair District’s Progress Building in London on Thursday June 6, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. More exhibitors! More Chambers! More opportunity to connect and network!

Exhibit space is open to any business that is a Member of the St. Thomas & District Chamber and/or any of the regional Chambers organizing it. Prices are all-inclusive (skirted table(s), drapery, Wi-Fi, hydro). 10x10 booth is only $275, 10x20 $550, or 10x30 $825.

This project is a joint venture of the regional Chamber offices in London, Strathroy, Brantford, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and St. Thomas.

All bookings are to be made through the London Chamber at www.londonchamber.com or by calling 519-432-7551, Extension 0.

25 years experience interpreting and explaining key economic data for businesses and investors. Last May, he was identified

by Bloomberg as the best economic forecaster in Canada for the prior two years. Doug’s presentation to us will include specific data related to the local market and commentary on how business can find “opportunity in economic difficulty.”

Tickets for Outlook 2013 are on sale now. $25 per person, and available online through the Chamber’s website or by calling the Chamber office at 519-631-1981. Please note the

location of this event will be Anderson Hall at the CASO Railway Station in downtown St. Thomas at 750 Talbot Douglas Porter Street. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Doug Porter’s presentation starts at 12 Noon. Lunch service will follow the keynote speaker’s remarks.

Legal series starts May 28

Algoma University was pleased to host the April Business After 5 at its (relatively) new campus at the Wellington and Elgin Streets in St. Thomas. The small university concept in St. Thomas is so popular that Algoma is receiving calls from other cities interested in exploring the concept.

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

Our featured speakers each week will be experts from the local legal community, on topics that are timely and relevant to every business and employer in our region. Full details and topic information in on our website at www. stthomaschamber.on.ca. Admission is $25 per person for individual sessions, or $100 for the full series if ordered before our first event on May 28. Series tickets are fully transferable to various people in any business. Tickets are sold by advance sale only.

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

Chair Affair What exactly is the Chair Affair? It’s a new signature fundraising event for the STEGH Foundation and a fun way to support patient care excellence at YOUR hospital.

It’s an opportunity for local businesses, individual artists, designers, upholsterers, craftsmen, and other talented people to design one-of-a kind chairs that are almost too nice to sit in! An additional component of the Chair Affair is our Muskoka Chair Corporate Challenge sponsored by myFM 94.1!

The actual chairs for this year’s event have yet to be created. We are just trying to get the word out about this incredible event, and ask for your support. Our launch date is Wednesday, May 8th at the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce’s Business After 5 which will be held in the Hospital’s Atrium, and we hope to see you there.

The 2013 Chair Affair will culminate with a gala event to be held on the evening of Saturday, October 26th at the CASO station. At this time, selected chairs will participate in a live auction. The gala promises to be an evening to remember – with celebrity auctioneers and chances to win fabulous prizes – and a night you definitely will not want to miss!

www.steghfoundation.ca The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation plays an integral role in supporting patient care excellence by independently raising funds to acquire patient care equipment, support educational endeavours, and upgrade the Hospital’s physical facilities. Through the generosity of our donors, the STEGH Foundation has transferred over $25 million to the Hospital since 1985 and helped medical staff save lives and improve the health of thousands of patients.

May, 2013

ELGIN THIS MONTH

13

Pro Text Business Management News & Issues Environmental liability. A solution to your legal obligations

by Darren Reith

Environmental stewardship is the responsibility of everyone. The duty of care and extent of our responsibility is codified in legislation, regulation and judicial case law. As Canadians, we are subject to both federal and provincial laws which are designed to ensure protection and perpetuation of our natural eco-system. Personal and corporate liability, with respect to the environment, is strict and joint and several.

Here in Ontario, offenders can be subject to severe fines and penalties – up to $250,000 per day and five years in jail – in addition to the costs of clean-up and remediation. Recent judicial decisions have even caused property owners, not responsible for the contamination, to be responsible for the cost of clean-up and remediation. The harsh reality is that less than 10 per cent of environmental losses are insured.

Increased awareness of the linkage between chemicals and certain illnesses; increased litigation; redevelopment of contaminated sites and increased regulation – waste disposal and pollution handling – has resulted in the rise of environmental liability claims. The issue, however, is typically, a commercial

general liability policy, forming part of most business insurance programs, exclude environmental liability coverage. In fact, typically, Canadian commercial insurer’s liability wordings contain absolute pollution exclusion.

Further, they also exclude losses due to mould, asbestos, lead and silica. There are some instances where a commercial general liability may carry Land and Water Pollution cover but don’t be fooled. In these instances, the coverage is restricted to only respond to losses that are sudden and accidental, where the release of pollutants is unexpected and unintentional and it is detected and reported within 120 hours of the release. Anything beyond that is uninsured. In addition, sudden and accidental cover excludes the handling and storage or treatment of waste materials.

This limited cover only provides for claims against resultant bodily injury and property damage sustained by a third party. It does NOT provide for the cost of clean-up and remediation.

In this instance, the property owner/ business operator is solely responsible for clean-up costs. Where the commercial property policy may contain cleanup costs, there is typically a limit of

$25,000 or $50,000 for such clean-up and it is restricted to sudden and accidental spillage. Cover is restricted to only the insured property, it does not extend to cover damage to adjourning or neighbouring properties. Where a pollutant migrates to another property and damage is caused then the property owner and or business operator of the premises where there pollutant originated is responsible for clean-up and remediation costs.

Specialized environmental liability products can properly and effectively cover the gap in coverage that exists within the typical commercial general liability wording and commercial property policy. These products can be written to cover just scheduled insured locations and holding tanks as well as specified job sites away from the base of operations.

Business operations that would benefit from environmental liability cover are: • Tank owners – above ground and below ground, storage of any fuel, chemical or solvent • Operations with inherent pollution exposures – manufacturing plants, util-

ity sites, waste site, etc., • Locations where a neighbouring property has a chance of polluting or causing damage to your land Given that the typical commercial general liability policy excludes mould and or carries modified sub limits of coverage, even contractors – general, plumbing, electrical, painters etc. – can have an exposure to environmental liability.

To ensure that your business operation is appropriately covered, take the time to review this potential exposure with your insurance provider. The cost of this additional insurance is an investment in the perpetuation of your business not another expense.

This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been submitted by Dan Reith BA (Hons) CAIB, a principal of Reith and Associates Insurance and Financial Services, 462 TalbotStreet, St. Thomas.

Questions and com-ments on this column are welcomed by the writer at 519-631-3862 or via e-mail: info@reithandassociates.com

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May, 2013

Viewpoint Events and News of Interest to our Members Apprenticeship ratios are undergoing review: Retail gone wrong Every once in a while, a business story surfaces that’s so lame it has to be shared.

This one comes via the March 26 edition of the online news/info site “Business Insider.� “There’s a store in Australia that really hates it when its customers walk around the establishment without buying anything. It involves a sign informing shoppers of a new fee at a specialty food store in Brisbane.

It’s $5 for “just looking.�

The fee exists to stop people from “showrooming� – which occurs when a customer looks at items in a physical store, then makes the purchase online.

The sign assures that you’ll have the five dollars deducted from the final purchase price, so you’ll get your money back if you buy something. Here’s what the sign says: “As of the first of February, this store will be charging people a $5 fee per person for ‘just looking.’ The $5 fee will be deducted when goods are purchased.

Why has this come about?

There has been high volume of people who use this store as a reference and then purchase goods elsewhere. These people are unaware our prices are almost the same as the other stores plus we have products simply not available anywhere else.

This policy is in line with many other clothing, shoe and electronic stores who are also facing the same issue.

-- Management�

The policy is being ripped apart. “It has to be the most misguided strategy we’ve seen for dealing with showrooming,� wrote Matt Brownell at Daily Finance. “The goal of any retailer should be to impress customers with competitive pricing and great customer service, not treat their customers with suspicion and hostility from the moment they walk in the door.� “If customers aren’t buying, the seller needs to figure out why and adapt accordingly,� wrote Chris Morran at The Consumerist. “If this store’s prices are truly the best, then maybe it should be offering a price-match guarantee. If it truly offers products that aren’t available elsewhere, then how are these showrooming shoppers buying these items from someone else?�

The commenters in a Reddit thread were more straightforward. “This store seems desperate to go out of business,� quipped one commenter. “If it was me, I’d say ‘Screw you,’ and not give them a dime, walk out and refuse them any future business,� wrote another. “They are asking to go out of business.�

And those were the polite ones.

What employers need to know

The Chamber network is continuing to advocate for legislative changes that we and hundreds of Ontario skilled trades employers agree are long overdue.

Under Ontario’s outdated apprenticeship system, many employers in the skilled trades are required to have three qualified journeypersons for each apprentice – the highest ratio of any province in Canada, along with PEI. 3:1 journeyperson to apprentice ratios are forcing many companies to lay off apprentices and leave apprenticeship positions vacant. Meanwhile, Ontario is experiencing a major skills shortage and a tidal wave of retiring tradespeople is beginning.

The Ontario College of Trades is currently reviewing apprenticeship ratios for many trades. Below we present a number of arguments which support the change to a 1:1 journeyperson to apprentice ratio.

Why the ratio needs to change Economic impact:Â Some argue employers want a 1:1 ratio to increase profitability. However pay for apprentices can be scaled to experience. A first year apprentice will be paid less than a fifth year apprentice who is able to complete the job faster and with less supervision. Profitability is driven by highly skilled workers that complete jobs quickly and the ability to hire, train, and retain these workers over the long term. Profitability is not necessarily driven by lower apprenticeship ratios.

Rates of completion:Â The current 3:1 ratio pre-

vents business from hiring apprentices thereby lowering the overall number of skilled apprentices in the labour market. The government’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program further increases the gap between registered apprentices and completion because it bypasses the 3:1 ratio to introduce youth into the programs in high school, only to limit the availability of apprenticeships upon graduation.

Jurisdictional comparison:Â Ontario (and PEI) have the highest apprenticeship ratios in Canada, with many ratios skyrocketing to 3:1 after the first apprentice is hired by a business. In every other province, the apprenticeship ratio stays closer to 1:1.

Health and safety of workers: A 1:1 ratio between apprentice and journeyperson provides direct training and supervision for the apprentice. There is little evidence to suggest that lowering the ratio decreases the safety conditions for apprentices on job sites or reduces employers’ responsibilities for employee safety, which are dictated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Why apprenticeships work Apprenticeships are an effective way to plug the growing skills gap in Ontario. Current estimates indicate a provincial shortage of nearly 560,000 skilled workers by 2030. The skills shortage is a significant barrier to attracting new investment in the province.

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15

Chamber News Events and News of Interest to our Members The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. The staff and management of the organizations shown below were accepted as registered Members from March 16 to April 15, 2013.

Father & Sons Enterprize 44916 Talbot Line St. Thomas, ON N5P 3S7 Phone: 519-808-6540 Fax:  519-633-8431 Email: neil@ fathersonsenterprize.com Website: www. fathersonsenterprize.com Contacts: Mr Neil Fehr Buyer’s Guide Categories:

Windows & Doors, Eavestroughing, Roofing Contractors, Siding Products & Services: Father & Sons Enterprize prides themselves as being a reputable home improvement company that specializes in a variety of home improvement needs and projects. From the simplest window and door replacement to more complex projects; such as roofing or giving your home a face lift by adding new siding, soffit and fascia.

Gotta Keep Stitching 157 Ross Street, St. Thomas, ON N5R 3X9 Phone: 226-316-1092 Email: gottakeepstitching@ gmail.com Website: www. gottakeepstitching.ca Contact: Celia Morris

Buyer’s Guide Categories: Embroidery, Alterations Products & Services: Gotta Keep Stitching provides Custom Embroidery for Team, Work and Sports Wear. In addition to creating unique fashion apparel, alterations and mending services, they are ready to meet all of your stitching needs.

Consider Gotta Keep Stitching as a great gift idea for all ages.

GV Healthy Vending  35905 North Talbot Line Shedden, ON N0L 2E0 Phone:  519-670-2445 Email: gvhealthyvending@ hotmail.com Contact: Ms Vicki Fenn Buyer’s Guide Categories: Vending Machines - Sales, Rentals & Service, Health Foods Products & Services: GV Healthy Vending offers your

staff and customers literally hundreds of healthy snacks and cold drink choices from organic sodas to energy bars and crunchy, savory snacks made from clean, whole foods. Feel good foods that deliver energy rather than sapping it. Ask them how you can get your FREE “Max Healthy Snack Machine� at your location. A portion of all proceeds go to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Success Business Training 2373 Mossley Drive Mossley, ON N0L 1V0 Phone: 519-631-4660 Toll Free: 800-901-8831 Email: info@ successbusinesstraining.com Website: www. successbusinesstraining.com Contact: Mr Bruce Langford Buyer’s Guide Categories: Business Advisory Services, Web Design Services Products & Services: Success Business Training offers real, personal learning experiences to entrepreneurs, small businesses, sales personnel, business owners, CEOs, internet marketers, those who are looking for another stream of income, factory workers, teachers, and YOU.

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May, 2013

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Business Resources

Looking for business grants

by Ronda Stewart

When considering a new business venture, many entrepreneurs begin with a false impression that there is a surplus of free government dollars available to fund their initiative, if only they can just find the hidden key. Unsure of where to turn, entrepreneurs typically attempt online research during the open pockets of time in their day. It is understandable, with all of the information to sift through on the internet, how this research often confirms an entrepreneurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notion that there are business grants available. The truth is there really are very few grants available to start-up a for-profit company.

The good news is our federal, provincial and municipal governments have supports in place to assist entrepreneurs through business startup, maintenance, expansion and succession. Many of the start-up supports such as the Self Employment Benefits program, Summer Company program, and Industry Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Access to Capital in rural Canada through the Community Futures program, can be accessed

LLP LLP

through experienced industry and business professionals employed by local non-profit organizations such as Community Futures Development Corporations, Small Business Enterprise Centres and Research

have demonstrated financial statements. Finding these programs may be difficult but connecting with local economic and business development organizations can provide valuable resources and dialog in determin-

Innovation Centres. These organizations are entrusted with government resources and equipped with the mandate to serve clients seeking current business information and resources, planning and development assistance, and in some cases guidance through financing a businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs.

Additional good news is that, from time-to-time, government initiatives will create financing opportunities geared to help existing entrepreneurs expand business operations. Typically, these entrepreneurs have been in business for at least three years and

ing financing eligibility. From my experience, entrepreneurs are overwhelmed at the process of sourcing available funding opportunities, determining eligibility and then applying for a financial assistance program. Here are some steps to take before applying for funding: 1) Connect with a Business Advisor for guidance 2) Begin trusted online research at Government of Canada website canadabusiness.ca/eng 3) Identify potential funding initiatives to explore 4) Research the funding initiativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

mandate and ensure proposed project scope aligns 5) Prepare in writing current business information- include details such as business name, contact information, business type, industry sector, years in business, number of employees 6) Prepare in writing business goals and objectives for which new financing will achieve- include details such as anticipated project start date, total project costs, amount of funding requested, timeframe need for funding, scope of project, number of new employees, expected increase in productivity or revenues, other investors or funders collaborating, location and demographic of target markets, expected return on investment for all invested parties, etc 7) Prepare all details in a written business plan with financial projections 8) Re-connect with a Business Advisor and review the written concept together Ronda Stewart is the Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager at Elgin Business Resource Centre.

25 John Street S., AYLMER N5H 2C8 519-773-9265 25 John Street S.,ST. AYLMER N5HN5R 2C8 5V1 450 Sunset Dr., THOMAS 519-773-9265 519-633-0700 450 Sunset Dr., ST. THOMAS N5R 5V1 519-633-0700

Welcome our newest Aylmer staff members: Welcome our newest Aylmer staff members:

Tina Nevrly, CGA Tina Nevrly, Tina qualified as aCGA Certified General Tina qualified as a Accountant in 2000 Certified General and is a graduate of Accountant in 2000 Fanshawe College and is a graduate of with a Business Fanshawe College Administration with a Business Administration Accounting Accounting diploma.

Tina diploma.

Tina has over 15 years has over 15in years experience public experience providing in public accounting accounting providing accounting, taxation accounting, taxation and related services and related services to a variety of small tomedium a variety sized of small to to medium sized businesses. businesses.

Colin Yausie, CPA, CA Colin Yausie, CPA , CA Colin qualified

as a qualified Chartered Colin Accountant in 2011 as a Chartered and is a in graduate Accountant 2011 ofisWilfrid Laurier and a graduate University. of Wilfrid LaurierHe University.

He holds a Bachelor holds aof Bachelor Business of Business Administration Administration degree. Colin degree.inColin specializes audit, specializes in audit, accounting and accounting and to related services related services to the municipal and the municipal and not for profit sectors. not for profit sectors.

*UDKDP 6FRWW (QQV //3 VHUYHV FOLHQWV WKURXJKRXW VRXWKHUQ 2QWDULR IURP RIÂżFHV LQ *UDKDP 6FRWW (QQV //3 VHUYHV FOLHQWV WKURXJKRXW VRXWKHUQ 2QWDULR IURP RIÂżFHV LQ St. Thomas and Aylmer. In addition to providing the core services of assurance and tax, St. Thomas and Aylmer. In addition to providing the core services of assurance and tax, RXU WHDP DOVR FRQGXFWV EXVLQHVV FRQVXOWLQJ EXVLQHVV SODQ GHYHORSPHQW ÂżQDQFLQJ SURSRVDOV RXU WHDP DOVR FRQGXFWV EXVLQHVV FRQVXOWLQJ EXVLQHVV SODQ GHYHORSPHQW ÂżQDQFLQJ SURSRVDOV business acquisition and divestiture advices, as well as various other advisory services. business acquisition and divestiture advices, as well as various other advisory services. www.grahamscottenns.com www.grahamscottenns.com

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17

Women In Business 2013

24 Simple strategies to keep you sane, happy & healthy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Take Timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Slow Foodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; movements.

19. Take regular Ultradian Rhythm gaps e.g. power naps, 20 minute breaks.

20. Breathe from the belly.

21. Natural light and sun.

22. Do an environment check â&#x20AC;&#x201C; e.g. plants, fish, moving water, attractive environment.

23. Herbal eye mask.

24. Surround yourself with professionals, such as an Investment Advisor, to help alleviate financial stressors.

from Ellen Luft Successful women know when to say no, how to recharge their batteries, what and when to delegate, and how to be a strategic thinkers.

1. Are you trying to wear too many â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hatsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;?

2. Live in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. (Read â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Power of Nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

by Eckhart Tolle.)

3. Pause before rushing to the next task.

4. Create boundaries between different types of activity e.g. do creative work away from your work desk.

5. Have regular â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do Nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; times e.g. a regular weekend completely free of work, business email or phone calls. Also no rushing around, rules, restrictions or deadlines.

6. Honour the mundane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; instead of resenting simple tasks, consider and appreciate what they represent.

7. Build in regular â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;joyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; moments.

8. Give yourself regular rewards for good effort (not just for results).

9. Notice your high energy points and seek to apply your focus there regularly.

10. Audit your language. For example, which story do you want to talk into existence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never enough hours in the day for myself â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;?Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m learning to take time for meâ&#x20AC;??

11. Create rituals.

12. Meditation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; e.g. prayer, transcendental

Thank you to Robyn Pearce CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) for these helpful tips at gettingagrip.com

meditation, yoga.

13. Beware of multi-tasking.

14. Attitude matters.

15. Relax when someone suggests a different way â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it might be better. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no such thing as only one way to do anything!

16. Be flexible about where and when work is done. Results matter, not the time of day or location. How can this apply for your staff as well as yourself?

17. Simplify your life.

18. Investigate Simple Living philosophies e.g.

$IANNE $OWNIE OF &REEDOM &INANCIAL

) BEGAN MY CAREER WITH &REEDOM &INANCIAL IN FURTHERING MY ½NANCIAL PROFESSION AFTER YEARS OF BANKING EXPERIENCE 7ORK ING WITH INDIVIDUALS ON A PERSONAL LEVEL IS EXTREMELY GRATIFYING FOR ME AS ) ½ND EVERY PERSON ) MEET UNIQUE AND INTERESTING -Y CLIENT BASE RANGES IN AGE AND SPANS FROM ,ONDON TO #HATHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS ) ASSIST CLIENTS IN MEETING THEIR RETIREMENT AND PLANNING NEEDS BY INTENTLY LISTENING AS THEY EXPRESS THEIR SITUATION 4HEN WORKING TOGETHER WE CREATE A PLAN TO HELP ENSURE THEIR PERSONAL ½NANCIAL OBJECTIVES ARE ACHIEVED ) ASSIST CLIENTS IN PROTECT ING THEIR INCOMES SHOULD THEY BECOME DISABLED OR SUFFER A CRITICAL ILLNESS PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES IN THE EVENT OF TRAGEDY BUILD AND PRESERVE WEALTH AND TO ACHIEVE THEIR RETIREMENT GOALS )N MY SPARE TIME ) ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND CAN BE FOUND VOLUNTEERING IN DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF OUR COMMUNITY

This article was prepared by Ellen Luft who is an investment Advisor with DWM Securities Inc. a DundeeWealth Inc. Company. This is not an official publication of DWM Securities Inc. The views (including any recommendations) expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and they have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of, DWM Securities Inc.

RenĂŠe Carpenter of 2ENmE #ARPENTER OF Jennings Furniture & Design RenĂŠe Carpenter of *ENNINGS &URNITURE $ESIGN The 128-year-old downtown landmark, Jennings Furniture & Design

Jennings Furniture, was purchased by 4HE YEAR OLD DOWNTOWN LANDMARK *ENNINGS The 128-year-old downtown landmark, Jennings Furniture, was Three purchased by RenĂŠe in 2009. ďŹ&#x201A;oors were &URNITURE

WAS PURCHASED BY 2ENmE IN reno RenĂŠe in 2009.

Three ďŹ&#x201A;oors were renovated to create a full-service interior 4HREE žOORS WERE RENO VATED TO CREATE A FULL vated to create a full-service interior design destination location in SWLOCATION On SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN DESTINATION design destination location in SW On tario.

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Far/NTARIO more justMORE a furniture store, clientsclients now cannow choose cabi- from cabistore, canfrom choose STORE CLIENTS NOW CAN CHOOSE FROM CABINETRY TO netry to to furniture, and window to bedding treatments. treatments. netry furniture, and window to bedding FURNITURE AND WINDOW TO BEDDING TREATMENTS #OMPLIMENTARY Complimentary in-home design service and delivery are Complimentary in-home design service and delivery IN HOME DESIGN SERVICE AND DELIVERY ARE PROVIDED 3TAGE are )T provided.

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A Designer a local workroom environment for the professional trade, DEVELOPERS ! $ESIGNER 2ESOURCE "OUTIQUE ALSO LOCATED WITHIN Resource Boutique, also located within Stage providing of high end designer manufacturers to It, provides 3TAGE )T hundreds PROVIDES A LOCAL WORKROOM ENVIRONMENT FOR THE order from for their clients from furniture to rugs, drapery, a local workroom environment for the professional trade, PROFESSIONAL TRADE PROVIDING HUNDREDS OF HIGH END DESIGNER lighting, and hundreds more. providing of high end designer manufacturers to

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Ellen Luft is an Investment Advisor with DWM Securities Inc. in St. Thomas.

The views expressed are her own.

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Women In Business 2013

Pathways to Prosperity

Economic security for women in St. Thomas and Elgin

by Petrusia Hontar, BEng, MSc. MA â&#x20AC;&#x153;Economic Security is having the financial means to support yourself or your family comfortably. This would include having the finances to provide basic needs but also financial security for the futureâ&#x20AC;? said a survey participant in a Elgin County and St. Thomas survey on Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Security. Pathways to Prosperity, a project funded by Status of Women Canada from 2012 to 2015, is working towards enacting change for females in our rural region.

On average, females earned $19,990 while men earned $38,000 in St. Thomas in 2006; their Elgin counterparts earned an average of $19,484 and $31,270 respectively. This wage discrepancy exists despite the fact that more women have formal education with rates in St. Thomas of 75.5% for females and 72.7% for males and in Elgin 69.5% for females and 68.2% for males in 2006. These statistics were compiled for the Community Planning report which culminates the first year of the three year project.

The information gathering process was fourfold: engaging women through community consultations, a survey for community based service providers, a survey for community members, and compilation of local statistics. The surveys collected information from almost 700 individuals, while community consultations engaged over 120 community members.

The collection process has provided the project

with a myriad of personal accounts, many of them echoed that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;cost of living increases every year.

I do not receive an increase in wages every year. It is becoming more difficult to do the same with less money.â&#x20AC;?

The frustrations of the working poor are clear while they try to attain a basic standard of living in the current economic climate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything costs too much! I instead of boxed crap thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cheaper but contains ingredients I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even pronounce. Cost of living is simply too expensive. I have two jobs and can barely afford to feed my family. What do other people do who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find work?â&#x20AC;? said a respondent.

Although the formal data collection phase has come to a close, the project continues, engaging the community with the objective of having an open dialogue as the strategies are put into action.

It is apparent that there is no one solution that will affect change; conversely, there is a need for the community to work together and help support the individuals and their families whose economic security is being compromised. The Collective Impact Strategy will engage the community at large to address the social need through a lens of a common agenda, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and the presence of a backbone organization. While there are many ways to categorize and prioritize the emerging areas of need, the strategy is geared to a collective impact approach focusing on

%LLEN ,UFT OF $UNDEE7EALTH

%LLEN HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE &INANCIAL 3ERVICES )NDUSTRY SINCE GRADUATING FROM (IGH 3CHOOL 3HE IS A #ERTI½ED &INANCIAL 0LANNER )NVEST MENT !DVISOR AND )NSURANCE !GENT 3HE FO CUSES ON PROVIDING WEALTH BUILDING SOLUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS BY FOCUSING ON ALL ASPECTS OF ½NANCIAL HEALTH INCLUDING SAVING GOALS TAXES

ESTATE PLANNING AND PHILANTHROPY %LLEN TAKES A VERY PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO WORKING WITH HER CLIENTS BUILDING LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON TRUST AND A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF HER CLIENT´S GOALS %LLEN IS VERY ACTIVE IN HER COMMUNITY SUPPORTING SUCH PROJECTS AS THE %LGIN 3T 4HOMAS #OMMUNITY &OUNDATION 4HE !RT #EN TER 4ALBOT 4EEN #ENTER AND LOCAL HOSPITALS 3HE IS A MEMBER OF THE +IWANIS #LUB OF 3T 4HOMAS AND SERVES ON NUMEROUS "OARDS IN THE COMMUNITY 7OMEN TODAY LEAD VERY BUSY LIFE STYLES (AVING SOMEONE THEY TRUST WORKING ON THEIR ½NANCIAL GOALS ALLOWS THEM TO GET ON WITH THE DEMANDS OF FAMILY

BUSINESS AND TAKING CARE OF SELF

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awareness, coordination, and advocacy.

While much still needs to be done to support women, there are signs that momentum is building.

Small and medium enterprises employ 56.7% of all workers in Elgin County. In the past six months, Elgin Business Resource Center staff has reported 56% of their appointments have been with women, and 30 of 48 new businesses started in that six-month period in Elgin County and St. Thomas were opened by women.

One respondent conveyed a spirit of resilience and hope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now it is just tough enough to get by.

But we do what we can. I am proud I am working and can support my family. I hope to attain more of an education for myself, which I am working towards. I hope to have some money put away for emergency and so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to live so close to the wire.â&#x20AC;?

In the coming years, Pathways to Prosperity will be working to help support women in St. Thomas and Elgin County on their road to economic security. For more information go toywcapathways.com or call 519-631-9800.

Petrusia Hontar who works at the YWCA is the researcher on the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic Security project, to be released shortly.

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Women In Business 2013

Quit waiting for permission from Cheryl Lester We’ve all heard the statistics. Women continue to be underrepresented in top executive leadership, board and management positions.

Businesses and organizations have been slow in bringing women into leadership roles. The Conference Board of Canada recently stated, “. . . the pace of change has been glacial.” Another resource points out that, “Women’s representation in top Fortune 500 leadership positions has stagnated over recent years.” Lack of recognition and support, old school thinking, and unequal compensation for women contribute to this situation.

So there’s a problem. What’s the opportunity?

Women have an opportunity to be active participants in re-defining, shaping, and demonstrating what it means to be an effective leader.

Women need to stop waiting for permission. They need to start taking responsibility and action for their own potential and development as leaders. Regardless of whether your role

is formal or informal, paid or not, in the profit or not-for-profit sector, the time is now to accept your role as a difference maker . . . a leader.

Here are four practices that will enhance your success: 1. Honour and hone. Your natural abilities form an important part of the foundation upon which you can develop your particular leadership brand. Don’t try to be all things to all people. It can’t be done – at least not without watering down your best stuff. Instead strengthen and bring out your authentic strengths.

Recruit people whose skills fill in the gaps.

2. Say no. It takes courage, vision, and commitment to say no to the things that pull you off track and hinder your effectiveness. Say no to old attitudes, assumptions, and behaviours that are hindering your ability to show up fully and effectively. Say no to being nice, when the situation calls for a stronger approach. Say no to activities and processes that waste time, resources, and potential and add no significant value.

3. Say yes. It also takes courage, vi-

Karin Barrie of DundeeWealth

Karin Barrie has been a financial advisor with Dundee Private Investors Inc. for 18 years. She has a Masters of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. As an independent advisor, Karin has access to products from a wide range of mutual fund, GIC, and insurance* providers. This gives her the opportunity to choose financial products from a variety of companies to provide financial plans with the best interests of her clients in mind. Karin is also committed to the next generation of Financial Planners by taking in co-op students studying in the financial services program.

Karin likes to be involved in the community through minor sports and was a part of the St Thomas Library Revitalization. She wants to help people succeed and keep focused on their financial goals. *Insurance products provided through Dundee Insurance Agency Ltd.

sion, and commitment to say yes to your calling and the things that enhance your offerings. Say yes to personal practices, development opportunities, and authentic relationships that help you develop and manifest your true leadership potential. Say yes to performance assessment tools and processes that really add value, ones that help you understand the underlying assumptions that drive your behaviours and help you chart a path of development. Say yes to a mentor, coach, or advisor who can encourage you, hold you accountable, give you honest feedback, and help you re-calibrate when your confidence, commitment, or performance wanes.

4. Own your own story. Your

Karin Barrie, MBA, CLU, CFP®, R.F.P. 519-631-4724 Certified Financial Planner 130 Centre Street Dundee Private Investors Inc. St. Thomas, On N5R 2Z9 kbarrie@dundeewealth.com www.dundeewealth.com 20

ELGIN THIS MONTH

unique blend of traits, skills, abilities, and experiences plays an important role in how you show up in life, work, and relationships. We become the stories we tell ourselves. When you let your story own you – instead of owning your story – underlying feelings of shame, alienation, inadequacy, dissatisfaction, and fear can undermine your effectiveness and potential. However, when you begin to own your story – all of it, the good, bad, AND the ugly – you begin to add profound value to both yourself and others.

As a woman, it is time for you to step forward and lead with confidence and courage. Quit waiting for permission. The world needs you now!

Cheryl Lester is a leadership coach who helps leaders improve their performance, effectiveness, authenticity, and impact in service to both self and others. www.eagletreeleadership.com May, 2013

Women In Business 2013

Women on the farm. Partners in grime from Janine Lunn There is an unspoken bond when two farm women meet, sort of a recognition that we are in this together.

I find the connection even stronger when I meet another farm mom, sort of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;you too?â&#x20AC;? moment when so much that we already know can remain unspoken. These are a few of our unspoken rules.

The laundry will not cease: Out here we have more than just play clothes. Drawers and closets are sorted by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nice,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;suitable for school,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;used to be nice but was worn to the barn a few many times,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;barn-only,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;upon removal, place directly in the garbage.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And speaking of laundry, special attention must be paid to the timing for those spring and fall loads destined for the clothesline. When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for spreading manure, the clothesline must be avoided lest the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;niceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clothes on the line become â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nice try, please wash again.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Be prepared: Every farm house needs a stash of tools that shall remain in an undisclosed location.

This will allow minor home repairs everyone should be happy for some to be tackled without an exhaustive time! search of the farm truck, implement Expect the unexpected: Despite shed and innumerable tractors. the predictability of regular farm Rubber boots arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just a fash- chores, there are many little blips in ion statement: Out here they are an the schedule. There are the sit-down everyday necessity, and can be paired meals hastily converted to portable with any outfit, from grungy work tractor-cab dining when the final clothes to date-night attire, should hours of harvest must be done before a last-minute the rain. We also barn check be rehave the grocery ...there are quired. run turned into many little blips There will be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re mud: I appreout can you pick in the schedule... ciate nature as up the replacemuch as the next ment part for person, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the broken down still at odds with tractor?â&#x20AC;? which the amount of nature that finds it- quickly turns into an Amazing self in our farm house, tracked in Race style challenge, juggling kids, on the floor, in the family van etc. melting groceries and an eye to the Tacked on to my fridge I keep a clock. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found myself at several wise message I once read on another parts counters over the years, with farm house wall: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A house should mixed results, so now our system be clean enough to be healthy, and now includes bringing a sample of dirty enough to be happy.â&#x20AC;? Based the broken part, calling the dealer on our real-life experiment of living in advance to ensure said part exists as a family of five with various pets onsite, and yes, even double checkand livestock, a sandbox and count- ing which colour of tractor the part less barnyard treasures, it looks like is for. Trust me when I say that you

will not find the replacement part for a blue tractor at a red tractor dealership.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sweat the small stuff: No matter how close we are to leaving the farm, there is always room for a slight margin of error. A last-minute lambing crisis means the ewe and her lamb need a few extra minutes of care before we can safely leave for a one-night getaway. Just before church, the tidy children must traipse through several puddles with the pup before sneaking their mudsplattered â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;used to be niceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clothes and shoes into the van. Inevitably there will be frustrations, but we have our own space, freedom and lifestyle, so we might as well make the most of it.

Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just best to take a deep breath and enjoy the view.

Janine Lunnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family operates a sheep farm, a source for local sheepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk cheeses.

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Women In Business 2013

The Elgin Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network

Who we are and what we do

provided by Gail McNaughton, EBWN

If we turn back the hands of time the early years of this network began in 1997 with under 10 members and today there are 84.

We have a wide variety of businesses in our network: beginning with the farmers, upholstery business, and including, store owners, magazine producer, artists, professional services i.e. architect, engineer, planner, professor, paralegal, bookkeeper, spa owner, on-line marketing, healing energy, accounting/financial, yoga, freelance writers, travel agents, crafts, resource centre, rehabilitation therapy, photographer, chiropractor, fitness, signs, distributors, life coaches, cleaner, retail display, hairdressing, golf club owner, restaurateur, retailers, authors and other holistic health practitioners.

The EBWN, based in St. Thomas, is a business and professional womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization that meets monthly to offer networking, mentoring and support. A survey told us our members like dinner meetings so we meet monthly at various locations

Our EBWN business card cake to honour our Success Meeting. This cake was made by Scoops in St. Thomas. (L to R) Yvonne Brooks, Aniko Varpalotai, Irene Puddester and Gail McNaughton. (Photo Credit: April LaRoche, Jersey Photography)

in Elgin County. At our meetings, you are â&#x20AC;&#x153;inclusiveâ&#x20AC;? and you will find friendly faces and energetic networking opportunities from ice breakers to giving a 30-second synopsis of your business. There are business promotion opportunities; member presentations and guest speakers at monthly meetings; participation

members of the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce as well as the Dutton-Dunwich Chamber of Commerce and can attend their Business After 5 events.

Our website, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild Apricot,â&#x20AC;? is a new and improved, user-friendly website that all members can utilize and was just installed early this year.

We have a Website Administrator for guidance and support.

The EBWN Admin. Committee at the present time consists of Gail McNaughton, Chair; Susan FortinSmith, Membership & Treasurer; Anne Kenny, Member at Large; Sarah Martin, Secretary; Linda Crawford, Public Relations, Advertising & Social Media; Kim Davis, Website Administrator; and Yvonne Brooks, West Elgin Rep. Our next meeting is May 15.

Please check our website for details.

Please register and pay online.

Elgin Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network

in special events, success meetings, trade-shows; and learning new skills from education and training. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the laughs and the fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free!

The benefits to joining at $40.00 per year are bountiful. You are listed on our website www. ebwn.ca which can include your photo and logo. You have use of our Events section to post your business events, use of the Blog, Fa c e b o o k , Twitter and Aniko Varpalotai presents Irene Puddester with an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the EBWN. Irene was one of the original members of LinkedIn. WRED, which became the Elgin Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network. (Photo We are Credit: April LaRoche, Jersey Photography)

Andrea Ruth of Bookkeeping Principle

Angela DeVries of Elgin Realty

EBWN * Connect * Promote * Share

www.EBWN.ca We are a business and professional womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization that meets on a monthly basis to offer networking opportunities and business support for our members.

Andrea L. Ruth is a certified bookkeeper with 26 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience handling small to medium size businesses.

She is a member of the Canadian Bookkeepers Association, a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and a paralegal with 12 years of experience recovering outstanding receivables for clients.

She can bring your bookkeeping system up to date or carry on where you left off. Andrea provides your business with confidential, reliable, accurate service.

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May, 2013

Women In Business 2013

Elgin Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network

The benefits of membership Elgin Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network (based in St. Thomas) is a business and professional womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization that meets monthly to offer networking and business support for its members and guests. Join us to interact with other business and professional women, hear informative speakers and learn practical ways to help you succeed in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business world. Elgin Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month.

Membership fees are at a rate of $40 per year help to cover web development costs and put into a secure member account to assist with membership promotional events and activities.

There are several benefits to being a member of EBWN. You receive support from dynamic women and your company will be listed on the EBWN website including your photo. There are networking and business promotion opportunities at monthly meetings including member presentations, guest speakers, special events, success meetings, trade-shows, education and training. Through EBWNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership with the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Dutton/Dunwich Chamber of Commerce, you have access to any of their events.

You will receive support from our Website Administrator and our Administration Team as well as exposure on social media such as Facebook,

Roadhouse in St. Thomas. Bring your business cards and company literature to our meetings for others to take away with them.Â

The EBWN Admin. Committee 2012 and 2013 holding â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wild Apricotsâ&#x20AC;? doodle art presented to them by artist and Chair Gail McNaughton for their volunteer contributions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild Apricotâ&#x20AC;? is the new software used for the ebwn.ca website. (L to R) Gail McNaughton, Lori Wall, Linda Crawford, Kim Davis, Sarah Martin, Mary Pfeffer, Susan Fortin-Smith and Yvonne Brooks Absent: Ann-Marie Cheung, Anne Kenny, Andrea Ruth.

(Photo Credit:Â April LaRoche, Jersey Photography)

LinkedIn and Twitter. Elgin Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network has been going strong since 1997.

For more information contact Gail McNaughton by emailing gail@gailmcnaughton.com.

The May meeting is May 15, 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 pm at The

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Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Dr. Sandra Lee, DC, CAFCI, is a Chiropractor and an Acupuncture Practitioner who has enjoyed practising at CARE Chiropractic & Acupuncture in St. Thomas since 1998. She is dedicated to positively inďŹ&#x201A;uencing the health and well-being of all of her patients. She has studied and practised in Canada, the United States and in China. To ďŹ nd out if Acupuncture or Chiropractic can help you, please contact her at 519-633-1444.

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â&#x20AC;˘ The benefits of being a member of EBWN: â&#x20AC;˘ Support from dynamic business women. â&#x20AC;˘ Website listing including photo. â&#x20AC;˘ Event Scheduling on-line. â&#x20AC;˘ Low membership fees. â&#x20AC;˘ Business spotlight opportunities. â&#x20AC;˘ Exposure on social media - Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. â&#x20AC;˘ Access to post content to the EBWN Blog. â&#x20AC;˘ Networking and business promotion at monthly meetings which are varied including member presentations, guest speakers, special events, success meetings, trade-shows, education and training. â&#x20AC;˘ Ability to showcase at business events. â&#x20AC;˘ Leadership and volunteer opportunities. â&#x20AC;˘ Through EBWNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership with the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce, and the Dutton/Dunwich Chamber of Commerce, access to any of their events. â&#x20AC;˘ Support from Website Administrator and Administration Team. â&#x20AC;˘ Organized and Credible Network that has been on-going since 1997. â&#x20AC;˘ Membership fees are only $40 per year.

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Backyards & Gardens

Tip toe through the tulips Tolley in her book on tulips, explorers discovered them growing To me, May is a month of be- in the mountains of central Asia ginnings. It feels full of hope and and presented the flowers to a the anticipation of great things Turkish ruler, who adopted the to come. For gardeners in Elgin tulip as his royal symbol.

County, it’s the month when Bulbs also made their way to frost is no longer a threat, and Holland where tulips became an we can finally start planting. obsession and created “tulipomaBut even before we get that am- nia.” Seventeenth-century Dutch bitious, we can speculators ...tulips were reap the beauty traded bulbs once the flowers of the bulbs so feverishly we planted the of kings... that fortunes previous fall. were made The most popovernight, and ular of these are tulips, which everyone with a patch of earth begin poking up their heads in began growing them. When front yards, public parks, and the bubble finally burst, prices flower arrangements during the dropped, and many people lost month of May. all they had. However, the flowTulips don’t seem very exciting, er’s popularity was not affected, since they are so common now, and Holland eventually became but they were once the flowers the leader in tulip production. of kings. According to Emilie Continued on page 25

by Dorothy Gebert

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r (BSEFO #FET r *OUFSMPDLJOH 1BWJOH 4UPOF r 3FUBJOJOH 8BMMT r 8BUFS 'FBUVSFT r -BOETDBQF -JHIUJOH r %FDLT BOE 'FODFT r /BUVSBM 4UPOF 8PSL r 0VUEPPS -JWJOH r -PX .BJOUFOBODF -BOETDBQFT r 4OPX 3FNPWBM 4FSWJDFT

Triumph tulip cultivar (Photo by Dorothy Gebert)

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Backyards & Gardens

May is the month to enjoy these cheery flowers Continued from page 24 Intense cultivation has resulted in thousands of hybrids, cultivars, and varieties. Tulips now come in a variety of shapes (smooth or fringed), colours (all except blue and pure black) and bloom times (early, mid or late season), from the familiar egg-shaped Darwin

hybrids to the ruffled and striped Parrot tulips. There are almost too many to choose from!

The Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam put on an exuberant show of tulips every spring, but you don’t have to go that far to see a dramatic display. The annual Canadian Tulip Festival

Tulipa ‘Mary Belle’ (Photo by Dorothy Gebert)

takes place in Ottawa (May 3-20 in 2013) with almost a million tulips in bloom in parks around the National Capital region. The bulbs are an annual gift from the Netherlands to the Canadian people in thanks for giving refuge to the Dutch Royal Family

Tulipa ‘Jackpot’ (Photo by Dorothy Gebert)

during World War II. But if the nation’s capital is not in your travel plans, you can still take in the displays of tulips closer to home, either in your own garden, the neighbours’ yards, or in the flowerbeds of our local parks and municipal buildings.

All the Equipment You Need to Build that Backyard and Garden Paradise

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Tulips come in all shapes and sizes. (Photo by Dorothy Gebert)

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Backyards & Gardens

Spring cleaning tips for the BBQ (MS) – The weather is heating up and no matter whether you grill year-round or put the grill away for the winter, it’s always a good idea to clean it thoroughly once or twice a year. The grilling experts at Broil King offer some helpful advice to get your grill ready for the season.

You will need: - Sturdy bristle brush - Grill cleaner - Toothpicks - Soap and water - Venturi brush Step 1 Remove all the cooking grids, grates and burners and use a sturdy bristle brush to remove the buildup of grease on the inside of the oven. Using a grill cleaner, scrub the inside and outside of the oven and then rinse with water. Never use oven cleaner on your grill. It is corrosive and can damage the other components.

Step 2 Inspect the burners, making sure

there are no holes rusted through any of the components. If there are, it’s time for a replacement. Clean out any clogged burner ports using a toothpick, being careful not to damage the ports. Check all igniter contacts to ensure they are not corroded or loose and remove any debris from the electrode. Next, clean out the burner venturi tubes using a venturi brush. It’s very important to keep these tubes clean. Spiders

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love to make nests in these tubes, creating blockages that can cause serious damage.

Step 3 Examine the heat medium. If you have a heat plate, remove any grease buildup and make sure there are no holes rusted through. If you have briquettes make sure they aren’t crumbling and the pores aren’t clogged with grease.

Step 4

Check the cooking grids and make sure no welds are broken and brush off any stuck-on residue. If you have cast iron cooking grids, season them with oil to help keep food from sticking and help prevent rust.

Step 5 Inspect the gas hose to make sure there aren’t any cracks or leaks.

This can easily be done by preparing a soapy solution and applying it to the connections at the tank and valve. Turn the tank on slowly and watch for bubbles to form, which indicates that there is a leak.

Try tightening the connections and re-test. If persistent leaking or blistering is detected, stop using your grill and replace the gas assembly.

Finally, check the condition of your control knobs, thermometer, and handles. Replacing small items like this can refresh your grill and make it look new again.

More information, including recipes, is available online at broilkingbbq.com.

Design your dream garden (NC)—Wish you could give your garden an instant makeover? It’s easy to make a dramatic difference with accessories.

Fun fences! Faced with a concrete wall? Put up a trellis or two for an instantly dramatic and elegant look.

Play up the look even more by adding some climbing plants to highlight the trellis.

Blooms are in the Air! Hanging baskets add colour to an outdoor space. “Choose large baskets like the PC® Jumbo Hanging Basket,” suggests Peter Cantley, garden guru at Loblaw Companies Limited.

“The flowers are beautifully colour coordinated, and the basket is big and roomy and that’s so important because a larger soil capacity helps keep plants from drying out. For real impact try brightly coloured baskets like apple green or plum, which coordinate beautifully with flowers“ Rocky road! Add some pretty pebbles or stones around plant bases or arrange large, smooth rocks along the edges of a pathway. This sophisticated look will draw attention to the shapes and curves in your yard.

Continued on page 27

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Backyards & Gardens

Stain your home’s wood exterior like a pro (NC)—When your eyes turn to look at the prettiest house on the street, you can bet the owner worked hard to make that happen. The appeal, you may find, is rarely due to just one feature, but rather to several complementary features that create the “perfect package.” Did you know, for example, that the most attractive home exteriors often use as many as three or four wood stain colour combinations?

According to experts, a perfect package soothes the eye by blending hues from the same colour palette. The first step is to decide the main body colour to be used on your house, a decision often determined by the shade of the brick or stone. Once this main colour is chosen, you can mix and match complementary stains from the recommended palettes for all the exterior wood.

Here from the Olympic website (olympic.com) are a few colour coordination tips: Body colour: Brick and stone on a house often deliver a deep saturation of colour, so decide if your masonry is in the colour family of green, brown, red, cream, blue, grey or yellow. Any

dominant shade must be considered.

Roof: No need to match it, just harmonize the stain to it. Keep in mind that a gray, black or other neutral colour does not need to be taken into consideration when selecting stain.

Windows and moldings: If the window molding is recessed, a darker hue will highlight the details.

Decks: Use a semi-transparent stain on the surface and a solid stain on the rails and spindles for a dramatic look.

Doors and shutters: For impact, use a prominent colour on your front door. On the shutters, use neutral to blend, or use dark to accentuate.

Gutters and downspouts: These should be painted inconspicuously. If the house trim is white, they should be white, too.

Before buying the stain, take a moment to visualize how you want the wood to look. Different stains deliver different finishes. For example, if you would like the underlying wood grain and texture to show, use a semi-transparent stain. If you want

rich colour without losing the texture of the wood, use a solid stain.

Additional guidance is found on the Olympic website; follow Discover Color to Confidence to the Stain Color Visualizer. newscanada.com

Design your dream garden Continued from page 26 Light of the Party! Proper lighting is essential for entertaining on summer evenings and for creating the perfect ambience in your garden getaway. Light from candles, lamps or illuminated planters make a big difference with a splash of colour.

Light up planters can add fun and flair to your garden. The PC® Solar Powered Multi-Colour Illuminated Planters light up in the evening and give your gatherings a lovely ambience. They also make perfect containers for ice and bevvies during those summer parties too! www.newscanada.com

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Backyards & Gardens

Tips for a beautiful, low maintenance lawn (MS) – Homeowners aspire toward a beautiful lawn. It is often the centerpiece of a completed landscape, and can serve as a beautiful focal point in a home’s overall curb appeal. Typically lawn maintenance is time-consuming and can take a lot of effort on the part of a homeowner.

However, by employing a few tips it can be much easier to establish and help a beautiful lawn to endure.

1. Start with the right type of grass.

Not all grasses are alike or compatible with specific climates. Some are drought-tolerant and others are more akin to wet weather situations.

There is a particular type of grass that is very low maintenance no matter the climate – zoysia grass.

“Zoysia grass is a great choice for anyone who loves the look of a lush, healthy lawn but doesn’t want to be a slave to their lawn,” said John Ridgway of Zoysia Farm Nurseries (zoysiafarms.com/tca). “Zoysia grass is a warm season grass that thrives in summer heat and needs far less water during the growing season. It also needs less mowing than most other types of grasses, so it’s much less labor intensive.” Unlike other

grasses, zoysia is sold as individual plant “plugs,” which can be integrated right into an existing lawn. They will eventually spread and take over.

Early fall is a great time to start a lawn provided it is done 30 days or so before the first hard frost in the area. This establishes the grass before winter and it will get a head start on the next spring/summer growing season.

2. Install an irrigation system. A lawn needs a steady dose of water and ample sunlight to thrive. Some homeowners water too little or water inadvertently pools on the surface of the lawn without reaching the roots.

Irrigation systems, particularly drip irrigation systems put water at the roots of landscape plants where they need it most. This helps conserve water by preventing it from evaporating in the sun or watering unnecessary parts of the landscape, such as driveways and sidewalks. There are even kits that install on home downspouts that use rainwater for extra irrigation.

3. Fertilize less frequently. Fertilizer provides the extra nutrients to keep grass green and to encour-

age the grass to send out rhizomes (underground creeping rootstalks) and stolons (above-ground sprouts), both of which make the grass thicker and more healthy. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and don’t use too much. A good rule of thumb is to limit fertilizer use to a month before the growing season starts in your area.

4. Mow conservatively. Lawns needn’t be scalped, otherwise known as cutting the lawn too short. When the weather has been hot or dry, it may not even need to be cut every week. Thin, closely cut lawns can lead to dying out grass, shallow root systems and eventually a poorlooking lawn. Zoysia grass needs less mowing, so if this is your choice, you may be able to skip some of the most labor-intensive part of lawn maintenance.

5. Enjoy the lawn. Some homeowners want a grass showpiece and fail to ever step foot on the lawn.

But with the right type of grass that is thoroughly established and hardy, the lawn will remain durable to kids playing, pets frolicking and simply spending time out in the yard.

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(NC)—You don’t need to have a huge backyard or even be an expert gardener to enjoy a green oasis or fresh produce this summer. According to Mark Cullen, Home Hardware’s Gardening Expert, even those with limited space have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors by following a few simple tips: Create Your Ideal Oasis The best way to maximize your small space is to determine how you would like to spend most of your time outdoors, whether that is entertaining, playing with the kids, relaxing, or gardening. Your answer will determine the layout and will help you prioritize which elements to incorporate. Great features for small spaces include folding or stackable patio furniture to maximize the area, solar lighting for ambiance, and a trellis for natural privacy and a sound barrier.

Vertical Gardening Vertical gardening is a great way to maximize space. Plant stands and hanging planters are useful for not only freeing up ground area, they also provide an eye-catching deco-

ELGIN THIS MONTH

rative element to your garden and minimize weeds. Planters can be used for vegetables and herbs – and if you would like an additional space-saving solution, take a look at the Mark’s Choice Hanging Tomato Planter. It is true that 90 percent of the success of plant health is the result of soil nutrition. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in a high-quality soil mix specially formulated for use in containers to maximize plant growth.

Water Plants that are not rooted directly in the ground and are exposed to direct sun and wind usually need water more often. Invest in the SelfWatering Patio Planter – designed for growing plants in tight spaces, this planter will ensure your plants remain hydrated even when you are away. Another space-saving option that will help keep your garden healthy is the Mark’s Choice SelfDraining Clear Hose, which shrinks to a third of its width after use and is freeze proof and kink resistant.

More information is available online at homehardware.ca/gardening. www.newscanada.com May, 2013

Backyards & Gardens

Yummy reasons to garden this spring (NC)—If you’re looking for a spring and summer activity that will provide you with healthy and delicious food all summer long why not try growing your own produce?

Here, garden guru Peter Cantley, at Loblaw Companies Limited shares his favourite fruits and veggies that can be grown at home.

Savoury salads – These days, you can grow virtually all the fixin’s for your summer salads right in your own backyard. From delicious heirloom Brandywine tomatoes, to refreshing cucumbers, crisp radishes and savoury herbs, the possibilities

are endless to make your salads come to life. To give your salad real depth, try a variety of greens like Romaine mixed with Batavian or Butterhead.

Fruits of your labour – Canadian

summers provide the perfect climate for growing the freshest fruit your family will ever taste, and it’s easier than you think. Small fruit plants like the PC® Pixie Grape Pinot Meunier Hardy Vine can actually grow in a pot! These adorable mini clusters of juicy grapes can be eaten as is or even used in wine. If you’re looking for something completely different, try a fig plant which can be left outside over the winter in most areas of Canada– there’s nothing like the taste of fresh figs from your own garden!

Berry tasty – You’ll never taste

fresher berries then the ones you grow right in your own backyard.

And what’s more, these tasty little plants add the perfect pop of colour to any outdoor space. Try juicy blueberries or succulent strawberries to add to your summer deserts or toss into your favourite salads. Or, try something a little different like plump, juicy Haskap berries from the new PC Haskap 2-in-1 Borealis/ Honeybee plant – an exciting new fruit that tastes like a cross between blueberries, raspberries and Saskatoon berries. They’re perfect for jam, baking or enjoying by the handful.

Turn your yard into an outdoor haven (NC)—Canadians look forward to the summer when they can emerge from their homes and enjoy time in their yards. Here are some simple ways to transform your own yard into an outdoor oasis: First, determine how you most like to use your yard. Do you prefer relaxing outside with a book, playing with the kids, gardening, or entertaining?

The answers to these questions will determine how to design your space.

“I’m frequently asked how to make the best use of an outdoor space,” says Mark Cullen, Home Hardware’s Gardening Expert. “As I tell people, just a few small changes can really transform the overall look and feel of your space.”

To create an “outdoor room” and an area that offers shade from the sun, pergolas are a great choice, and a growing trend. They allow you to create a shaded walkway or sitting area where you can enjoy your garden without worry of the sun. To outline your “outdoor room,” lay out your furniture and define the “walls” with end tables, planters and other

decorative elements. A fountain or a pond act as a focal point and also add an element of relaxation and nature to the space.

To minimize watering, invest in a self-watering system such as Mark’s Choice Self-Watering Patio Planter, to ensure your plants remain hydrated even when you’re away from home for a few days at a time.

If you enjoy spending time with friends and family, a spacious deck will provide the perfect area for entertaining. There are many options available. Wood offers a natural look and is generally the most cost-efficient option. If you are eco-minded, composite decking is made from up to 95 per cent recycled material and requires little maintenance. Patio stones can be a more natural looking option which can also give more height to your privacy fence as the stones are flush with the grass line.

When it comes to privacy, there are many fence options including various woods, materials and designs, while iron decorative inserts,

toppers or caps are also a great way to add appeal. If you have a small yard, a privacy fence with built-in benches and planters is a great spacesaving solution. For natural privacy, consider a trellis, which is also a great sound barrier.

Last but not least, your oasis will not be complete without lush green grass and plants. Soil and grass require nitrogen to grow strong and

our harsh winters can often leave grass deficient of this important nutrient. Applying a quality fertilizer, such as CIL Golfgreen Fertilizer, which features a slow release of nitrogen into the soil root zone, will improve the long-term health of your lawn. Fertilize in the spring, summer and fall: 90 per cent of the success of plant health is the result of soil nutrition.

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HOMESTYLE Decorating

A staging investment right place to maximize space and creates a neutral, yet warm and inA friend was in my office recently viting feeling throughout the home asking about this â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;staging stuffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! Said for when a potential buyer walks he had been out with his boss re- through the door. cently looking for a new house. They Anyone that has experienced the went through several before a deci- quick sale of a staged home considers sion was made, but it was made very it money well spent. The investment quickly once in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house. to properly stage a home can be as Just so happens the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house little as $300 or up to $8,000 dewas the only one amongst all they pending on vacancy, size, needs and had looked at that was length of time needed. staged. Because they Surveys show the ROI ...the invest- from hiring a profeswere able to see the true potential of the ment ... can sional home stager is home, everything felt much as 343%. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a be as little as as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and the deal was no-brainer investment. $300... done on the spot.

Many have experiOne will never know enced selling for more if the sale was directly related to the than the asking price because the staging or if it was just the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; property showed so well, or due house, but based on repeated re- even to a bidding war. sults and the latest staging research, A stager should be your first call 93% of staged homes sell on average when a decision to sell has been in a month or less as compared to made. You want everything as perthe national average of 161 days on fect as possible before MLS photos the market. This comes about when are taken. Once on the realtor listsomeone with the proper know-how ing, photos are taken and immedistrategically places furniture in the ately online, in print, creating that

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;first impressionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; A first impression can only happen once and is why the investment in staging your home prior to any other decision is so crucial. The time to make the biggest investment is during the first month of the listing when new MLS listings are promoted with impressive photos and realtor tours of new properties are hot. Decide later whether to downsize the staging, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t skimp on the initial roll-out. If you wait until later to try to impress the buyer, the greatest opportunities have passed you by. Go big or stay home!

The real key, though, is to be able to detach yourself from your home and the belongings within it. This is why it is difficult to stage your own home as it is a reflection of you. Your style and furnishings are not for sale, but rather your space for others to create their own reflections within.

Since most people are visual, they

ELGIN THIS MONTH

cannot see beyond a wall colour, collections, clutter or a favorite worn recliner. The space must be neutralized â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not decorated â&#x20AC;&#x201C; into function, and warm, yet open to any interpretation of potential lifestyle. This is why you need the professional.

The term â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stagingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is very broad and appears to be a career option easily obtained by anyone with an eye or interest in decorating. It is therefore important to know you are working with a professional stager that does not discount his or her work to get the job, but, rather, knows how to leverage your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to bring you fast results.

RenĂŠe Carpenter owns Jennings Furniture & Design & Stage It With Jennings in St. Thomas.

May, 2013

LIFESTYLE Elgin Arts Trail

The Art Emporium

by Katherine Thompson

A popular destination for art enthusiasts, Port Stanley is home to the Art Emporium, Boathouse Gallery and Gift Boutique. Located at 177 Main St., Port Stanley, the facility consists of two unique sections: The Boathouse Gallery and the Gift Boutique.

The Boathouse Gallery is a bright and spacious area with a beachfront view. It houses the original fine art of a diverse group of over 30 talented local and regional artists. The artists work in many media spanning from paintings to sculptures, photography, pottery, textiles, and more.

While at the Art Gallery explore the Gift Boutique, offering a wide assortment of handcrafted items, made by artisans in the community. The handcrafted goods are a treasure trove of wood turning, hand painted silks, oneof-a-kind aprons, jewellery, bead-work, art cards and more. No two visits to the Art Emporium are the same; visitors and art enthusiasts alike are sure to find a unique memento or a special gift.

The artists of the Art Emporium demonstrate their passion for art and their desire to share it with others. The five members on the board of directors act as responsible members of the art community by giving their more than 30 member artists input into decisions made at the gallery. They are committed to fostering growth in the arts community and supporting the efforts of the many talented artists in the area by providing an affordable display space and promot-

The Elgin Arts Trail is a program with a goal to promote and enhance arts tourism in Elgin County and St. Thomas. The trail is a route through Elgin County that visits some of the best galleries, studios and artisans in Elgin and St. Thomas. For full trail information visit www.elginartstrail. ca or find us on Facebook May, 2013

ing the sale of fine art.

For more information about the Art Emporium or to discover the Elgin Arts Trail visit elginartstrail.ca.

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

KEITH HUNT CONSTRUCTION CUSTOM BUILT HOMES

• Renovations • New Home Design • Commercial Projects • Project Management • Cost Consulting The Parade of Elephants is a travelling exhibition of one-of a-kind elephant sculptures created by artists on the Elgin Arts Trail in partnership with the St. ThomasElgin Public Art Centre. Every month the elephants will travel to a new location and at each location a new elephant will be added to the collection. The next exhibit will be on display at: Medlyn Stained Glass & Jewellery Studio 634 Talbot St., St. Thomas May 1 - May 28, 2013 For a complete list of exhibit locations visit www.elginartstrail.ca/paradeofelephants

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LIFESTYLE That’s Life

More than grapes

Eight ingredients that can be used in winemaking

by Jamie Quai

I received a lot of feedback as a result of my article on Authentic Wines. Most of the feedback revolved around the revelation that when it comes to what’s allowed and what is not, some wines can be complex concoctions.

Rather than regurgitate the Canadian food laws, I thought I’d create a semirandom list of eight things that may cross paths with your favourite wine. Before we delve too far into the list I want to make two points.

First, wines can be made with and without these.

The choice to use them is entirely at the discre-

32

tion of the team behind the wine. Second, these ingredients are divided into two categories: additives and fining agents that do/don’t stay in the wine, respectively.

Egg whites are actually one of the most common fining agents used in wine. The goal is to have the egg protein, called albumin, bind to the bitter and astringent tannins in barrel aged wine. The result is that the fined wine is smoother, rounder in the palate, and is perceived to be fuller bodied.

Albumin does not dissolve in wine and is easily removed with a filter.

Skim milk, and the corresponding protein casienate, is used to eliminate bitterness and unstable colour compounds in white wines. Skim milk is also a fining agent, does not dissolve in wine, and is easily removed with a filter.

Isinglass is a fish-based preparation that is used in extremely low dosages to settle and clarify white, rosé wines, and even beer. The advantage of isinglass is that it is relatively gentle to the wine and if used properly will not impart a fish odour in anyway. This is a fining agent and is easily removed with filtration.

Gelatin is a relatively aggressive fining agent used to pull bitter and astringent compounds out of red and white wines. Gelatin is a product that is derived from animal collagen. Gelatin is used in the production of gummy candies, gel capsules for pills, and even cream cheese.

It is a fining agent and is easily removed with a filter.

Grape concentrate, it could be argued, is probably the most natural wine additive.

Small dosages of concentrate are used for two reasons: to make the wine’s c o l o u r more intense, and to add sweetness to build body. This technique fools the senses into thinking the wine is bigger and fuller than it would ELGIN THIS MONTH

otherwise be.

Inactivated yeast, are basically powdered dead yeast cells which are added to wine as both a fining agent and an additive. The cell walls bind to astringent tannins and fine out similar to egg whites. The cells also release proteins and peptides into the wine which contribute to a textural richness. It may sound unusual, but inactivated yeast has made its way into other beverages such as citrus juices.

Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is a common food additive that acts as a very powerful anti-oxidant. Winemakers will add vitamin C more often to white wines in order to react with the oxygen that would otherwise spoil the wine, or consume the other preservatives.

Chocolate and other niche flavours are a tricky realm. Technically the wine is considered ‘flavoured’ if the additive is added after the fermentation. Flavouring is not necessarily synonymous with artificial or fake. I chose to highlight chocolate as a flavouring for two reasons. One, it has to be in a refined form, such as a concentrated extract, that has no milk or fats in order to not fine the wine (see Skin Milk). And, two, chocolate flavoured wines are a growing sector with brand leader Chocolate Shop from the USA increasing by leaps and bounds. If the wine has had something added to flavour the wine, it will be labelled as ‘flavoured. If there is no flavouring label, it is a natural character of traditional wine aging (Mocha notes, for example, are a common result of the toasting in barrels).

Jamie Quai is head winemaker at Quai du Vin Estate Winery in Elgin County May, 2013

LIFESTYLE That’s Life

A man works from sun to sun A woman’s laundry is never done

by Elizabeth VanHooren

“Behind every working woman is an enormous pile of unwashed laundry.”

Barbara Dale When you are a working woman, whether that be 9 to 5 outside of the home or around the clock inside the home, there is one constant – laundry.

I believe my first tiff with my husband, as a married couple, may well have been over laundry. Apparently I didn’t fold his t-shirts properly to avoid an unsightly fold-line down the front. And I was horrified to learn that he expected a fresh towel every time he took a shower and that jeans were considered “dirty” even after only wearing them inside the house for two hours.

To his credit, as a son of a working mom, he learned from a very early age how to do his own laundry. (He’ll tell you he was so young he had to stand on a stool to load the laundry machine himself ). But, I find that most women, however much we hate doing it, don’t want someone else messing with our piles

...piles of

whites, colours and just plain muddy... of wash. For instance, while my husband knows where the Tide is, and where to put it, that doesn’t mean he understands that I don’t want my knit sweater in with his work pants.

His idea of “doing laundry” is basically: open lid, shove it in.

In an effort to please my sister who has two children under the age of two, my brother-in-law loaded up the machine. Admirable. But then he went off to another task and left his good deed for my sister to find a day later. Wet clothes locked in a tub are a hot, smelly mess that does not make a working mom happy.

Scanning my own laundry room this past weekend with its piles of whites, colours and just plain muddy I thought back to my own mom. As she was raising four girls, her laundry machine rarely took a break. When we came home from school, every girl would have a pile of clothes on May, 2013

the stair steps. The theory was that you would pick your pile up on your way upstairs. I cringe, just a little, remembering how much effort my sisters and I put into stepping around those piles to avoid putting the laundry away.

My eldest sister has a reputation of being a laundry overachiever. She has been known to wake up at three in the morning just to switch a load from the washing machine to the dryer. In the summer she hangs her wash out on the line the night before – to get a head start on the day.

So you can imagine my dismay when, after a surprise visit to her house one Saturday morning, I found her trying to iron her way out of a mound of her husband’s button down shirts. She sheepishly admitted to letting the dreaded chore pile up for weeks.

Yes, behind every working woman is an enormous, unending pile of unwashed laundry. Don’t tell my husband but, I think after all is said and done, the only real solution is to just keep on opening the lid and shoving it in.

Elizabeth VanHooren is General Manager of Kettle Creek Conservation Authority ELGIN THIS MONTH

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LIFESTYLE Time On My Hands

Viva las tatas!

Fighting breast cancer with tutus, toques, and, uh, plastic cups

by Duncan Watterworth

The runners faced hardship and tribulation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even before the race started. But by the time the Jacksonville Marathon/Half Marathon was over in Florida last February, more than $300,000 had been raised to fight breast cancer.

My wife Barb and I had signed up for the half marathon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 13.1 miles. But some nasty weather had followed us from Canada, and temperature forecasts were just above freezing, with brisk winds. You can run in that, but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand around. And organizers insisted that the 10,000 runners be in the starting corral one hour before start time. That would be a bone-chiller.

We rushed to Goodwill, and bought armloads of throw-away clothes, including toques, scarves and gloves, hoping to avoid becoming lycra popsicles before the run even started.

All bundled up at 6:00 a.m., we joined the long parade of cars heading to the starting area. But soon we were stuck in total gridlock, due to a problem at the parking lot. We knew this could get bad quickly. You need to understand that every runnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan is to start the run sloshingly full of water, but with an empty bladder. We guzzle water when we first wake up, and then depend heavily on the rows of portable toilets at the starting line. An hour stuck in traffic just wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do. The pressure quickly mounted. Panicked runners began leaping from their cars and streaming into the bushes. In our car, we found blessed relief in plastic drinking cups. Size large.

The start of the run was delayed a

half-hour, and we finally joined the corral of freezing runners who had been on time. The loudspeakers gave us a prayer and The Star Spangled Banner. When the announcer shouted the anti-cancer slogan, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stop This Thingâ&#x20AC;?, one shivering runner replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start this thing!â&#x20AC;?

The second great relief of the day was to finally start running. Piles of clothing were tossed to the sidelines, to be collected for charities.

Some may think that a breast cancer fundraiser should be conducted with decorum. But not the people of Jacksonville, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other fundraisers include Boobsapalooza, and Tacos For Tatas. This run is a celebration of

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life, of optimism, of fun.

Men wear pink wigs and pink bras. All sorts of people wear pink tutus. Anything pink, colourful, or crazy.

But it is also very poignant. How can it not be, when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re following a woman with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;survivorâ&#x20AC;? sign on her back? Or a man whose sign reads: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m running for my wife, or mother, or someone else?

The spectators are the great pleasure of the run. Thousands line the streets, smiling and cheering, energizing the runners. Little kids beg for high fives. Live bands entertain from the roadside. Each neighbourhood is a block party, with rock-androll blaring from curbside speakers.

An elderly lady in a full-length mink applauds with gloved hands. Another hands out home-made pink cupcakes. One family sets up its own water station â&#x20AC;&#x201C; offering cups of beer.

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Many spectators wave signs.

We finally figure out that Tatas means breasts in Spanish. My favorite sign is a painted sheet of plywood with two large holes. It says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Free Mammograms Here!â&#x20AC;? Barb laughs most at a guy near the finish line whose sign says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Have Stamina. Call Me!â&#x20AC;?

Suddenly itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over, and we cross into the magic land beyond the finish line. We enter the cloud of euphoria. Grinning volunteers congratulate us, drape medals around our necks, wrap us in foil blankets, hand us water bottles.

On this day, everybody wins.

Duncan Watterworth is recently a retiree and empty-nester in St. Thomas May, 2013

HEALTHY LIVING Everyday Health

Shoulder injuries It’s ball season, so be prepared

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

“Put me in coach, I’m ready to play, today.”

Some of you might recognize the lyrics from an old John Fogerty classic about baseball called Centerfield.

The question is, are you really ready to play? The start of May usually brings with it the start of another baseball season accompanied by the smell of the fresh cut grass, the crack of the bat, the call of the umpire and the inevitable ache in the shoulder of your throwing arm.

Throwing, especially overhand throwing is a very hard activity on the shoulder joint.

It particularly stresses something called the rotator cuff which is a group of four muscles that are responsible for controlling shoulder movement.

C l a s s i c a l l y, shoulder injuries from throwing include pain during the throwing motion especially at the point of release, a pinching feeling at the top of the shoulder especially when raising the arm above shoulder height and general stiffness and loss of range of motion in the shoulder.

Throwing often leads to a strain of the important rotator cuff muscles at the back of the shoulder referred to as the external rotators. These muscles are the “braking mechanism” which slows your arm down after the acceleration phase and then the release phase of throwing. That’s why it seems to hurt more once you release the ball. These muscles are also responsible for holding the top of the arm in the proper

position with arm movements. When these muscles are injured they shut down, and the top of the arm jams up into the shoulder socket pinching the soft tissues and creating pain.

This condition is called impingement syndrome.

Typically, for many ball players the last time they threw a ball was probably the last game at the end of the previous season. They haven’t thrown all winter and then jump right into the activity without any appropriate preparation. One of the best ways to avoid this type of injury is to begin in early April. Start gradually and gently by playing catch or if no partner is available start by throwing an appropriately weighted sponge or rubber ball against a wall to slowly work the muscles involved in throwing back into shape.

A key factor is proper preparation but if you are reading this now with a sore shoulder then the time for proper preparation has probably passed. So now it’s time to try to treat the injury that you have already created. Please take heed because ignoring it and trying to play through it will inevitably lead to a progressively deteriorating condition with possibly serious complications including tendonitis or a rotator cuff tear.

Although regrettable, if you haven’t done the appropriate pre-season preparation and are now experiencing shoulder pain, you may have to take a few weeks off to allow the shoulder to heal properly. You should have the shoulder properly assessed by a chiropractor or physiotherapist

when these muscles are injured they shut down

May, 2013

to determine the exact cause of your shoulder pain. Often muscular imbalances and weakness in the external rotators may be a big factor in the re-occurrence of the injury and need to be addressed with specific exercises.

Initial treatment includes the use of ice, ultrasound, laser or perhaps even acupuncture to reduce the acute pain and inflammation. The next step is to gradually increase the range of motion of the joint to help restore function as well as avoiding secondary complications like frozen shoulder from developing.

Once the pain and inflammation are under control and the range of motion is beginning to improve the next step is to address strength and length imbalances in the muscles involved.

Ultimately seeking the advice of a qualified professional that knows how to properly treat and rehabilitate these kinds of injuries will not only allow you to play pain free but may also increase your throwing ability. More importantly however, it may help you to avoid a potentially debilitating injury.

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

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