October 2016 by Elgin This Month

Your Business. Your Community.

BOB HAMMERSLEY Life after 30

Cover story: Page 3

Inside: • Performance conversation: Anouschka Van den Bosch Page 8

• Aylmer & Area Chamber Pages 18 & 19

• Be Ready For Winter Pages 20 to 25

Volume 7, No. 2, October 2016

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October, 2016

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 2

Hammersley reflects on 30 years at the helm by Terry Carroll

How did you get started with the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce? And were you always President & CEO, or did the role evolve over time? I was a Chamber volunteer from 1981 to ’84 and became familiar with the organization in conjunction with my work. In the summer of ’86, then Chamber Manager Steve Kirkland told me he was leaving for a job with the Chamber in Brantford. He suggested that my work experience and history in the community could be a good fit, and encouraged me to apply. I was hired as General Manager, then the job title was changed to President & CEO. The change kept us in harmony with most businesses that operate with a Board of Directors. It was also suggested that the new title (and matching business cards) were more economical than a pay raise. Tell us a bit about your life before you came on staff with the Chamber. My career started in radio broadcasting. I worked part-time on-air while I was in school, was offered full time work at graduation, then handled several programming and ad sales functions. I was Operations Manager at CHLO here when I resigned to join the Chamber. My family history included six years of running Hammersley’s Fish Market & Fish ‘n Chips. The business was sold out of the family in 1986 when joined the Chamber. The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce has long had a reputation for punching above its weight relative to other Chamber in Ontario and Canada. What are some of the key elements of this success? It’s really one big item – people. Great staff support and great volunteer support. Specifically about Business After 5, can you remind us of two or three things that account for the success of this monthly event? No other organization gathers 200+ key community people together under one roof at one time, yet we have been able to it every month. I think agenda makes it easy to plug-in. It’s quick, predictable and easy to attend, yet every month offers a twist or a reward that keeps it fund and informative. The event really helps people stay connected to our community and it can be a great tool to help new people and new businesses connect to their neighbours and the

Bob Hammersley in his office, doing what he’s done best for 30 years … communicating.

people they serve. Tell us about the “& District”. What geographic areas does this Chamber cover and what services does it supply to Members outside St. Thomas? The region we serve is defined under federal law. Our assigned turf is the City of St. Thomas, Municipality of Central Elgin, and the Township of Southwold. Our work and services are equal for all as “the voice of business” and as an association focused on community betterment. We also collaborate with other Chambers across the region whenever possible to deliver events and functions that help reach beyond the city limits and county borders. What noteworthy changes have you observed in the Chamber network since the mid-eighties? The needs of residents and businesses are very similar but the tools we use to meet those needs are much, much different. The biggest changes are computerization and how we communicate. Our website, online business directory, email and the inter-connection of Chamber offices across Canada, the US and the entire world make information flow quickly and economically. It has also shifted what we can do to promote and market local opportunities. We used to be able to sell and promote and inform people on local opportunities in a process that started in-person, face-to-face. Now we’re explored online and the in-person chats only happen if we pass initial inspection. That’s why it has become so important to present the best possible image and level of information via the internet. What technological changes are you expecting in the next 3 - 5 years? In 2016 we invested over $25,000 in upgrades to our website and information technology. Short and long-term, the need for speed, accuracy and reliability will only grow. The changes and challenges will come in having the best equipment and the best people with the best skills. You are one of only three Chamber executives in Ontario to still be on the job at the 30-year mark. What are some key learnings from the last 30 years? a. I have a Job Description, and a job that defies

description. Every day is different – and I think that’s what keeps me engaged and enthused. b. Anyone who thinks St. Thomas & District is different from other places is totally wrong. Our needs, wants, problems and challenges are mostly the same in other communities across the province, even the whole country. Looking beyond the local landscape and building connections near and far, and using the Chamber network to do it, can be incredibly useful and informative. c. If it’s not fun and rewarding for everyone involved, don’t do it. Hindsight being 20/20, is there anything you would do differently, if you had the opportunity to start over? I’d beg for new laws that make registration as a Chamber Member mandatory for all businesses. That’s the way it is in parts of Europe and the Caribbean. The good things we could accomplish with participation from all businesses here would be spectacular. You’ve worn the hat of Mr. Chamber of Commerce for 30 years, and it can be an all-consuming task. What do you do to get away or relax? My biggest passion is travel and I deeply appreciate winter escapes on cruise ships. Closer to home I see yard work as a form of therapy and love to keep my home and property looking good. Is there anything you would like to add? A big THANKS to the people I have shared this journey with and the people who make what we do possible.

Elgin This Month Section Editor Business Beat – Bob Hammersley Freelance Editor Terry Carroll Sales Supervisor Geoff Rae

Advertising Consultant Greg Minnema Layout Janine Taylor Production Metroland Media Group

Cover and page 3 photos by Angie Carroll

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 October, 2016

ELGIN THIS MONTH

INNES As I See It

Reflections on leaving a good community by Jim Innes We need occasional reminders of what we stand for. More so perhaps, we need to be affirmed in our sense of who we are and who we want (and wish) to be. This demands some personal support … a place, a people, in which, and with whom, we can unwind, download, and occasionally (as needed) realign with our purpose, and reinvest in our hopes. And for all this we must look to community, an irony given that it is in community where we wrestle most with our trust issues. Community is as much a state of mind as it is a place. In it we experience not only support and caring but alienation and woundedness. We alternate between love and fear, joy and conflict and feeling both grounded and disoriented. Far too often we find that we bounce confusingly between vulnerability and self-protection. I want to give a shout out to my community of St Johns Anglican Church in St Thomas. For 10 years they have put up with me as their priest and pastor. They have walked faithfully beside me as I hope I have walked faithfully beside them. Community creates tension, both creative and strained, within which we either grow or shrink. We move in and out of relationship, always learning, always forgiving, and finding out about ourselves, as we slip between vulnerability and closed

mindedness, participating in a cyclical, upward dance … with the same people. As I move into another pastorate I can only pray that I find the folk equally as patient and accepting of me as the good peoples of St John’s and St Thomas. To all of you, a heartfelt thank you! As I have come to realize in this place, God is found in the oftentimes messy arena of community life. And our unique identity or calling is revealed in the diverse personalities found in such fellowship. Over the 10 years in St Thomas, I have come to appreciate how in community there are few protective boundaries between the other and myself. There is no joy or pain that doesn’t in some way affect the entire community. We may feel unmoved or unaltered, but we cannot go untouched (in some manner) by the ups and downs of those around us. Managing this successfully is not so much about seeking to separate the right from the wrong (as we often tend to do, and thereby create division, alienation, and inevitably, conflict) and more about reaching out with compassion to all involved. Our moral compass ought to point inward not outward, trusting

that what we look for the most in others is found first within ourselves. And, further to the point, that which irritates or offends us about someone else is quite possibly some reflection of our own irritating and offensive self. Maureen Gallagher, Ph.D. points out that walking together in community has four common factors, all of which I will miss doing with those I have come to know truly care about me: “working for the common good; appreciating the giftedness of each person; participating in meals and being nurtured by each other; being open to share everything we have and, our common home, earth.” Jim Innes is a clinically trained therapist and a priest at St. John’s Anglican Church in St. Thomas. Learn more at jiminnes.ca.

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St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital fundraising chair for the Great Expansion Ken Monteith (left), and STEGH Foundation President Sandra DiMeo, were just two of the speakers at a leadership reception September 22 celebrating the success of the hospital fundraising campaign to date. The original goal of $13 million in local fundraising to expand the hospital has grown to $16 million (including a CT scanner), with almost $15 million raised so far. The leadership reception included hospital tours and a Beam Signing Event for donors at the $5,000-plus level.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 4

Business & Community OUR COMMUNITY

Locally produced food has many advantages by Serge Lavoie

The statistics are clear. There are fewer farm operators at work today than even 20 years ago, those farm operators are an aging demographic, and the farms they are managing are on average larger. In addition, the value of the agricultural and food processing sector is increasing, yet the proportion of our overall household income spent on food is declining. In Canada, we spend just over 10 percent of our income on food, second only to housing costs. Generally, the cost of food is relatively stable, it represents a smaller share of our household expenditures, and it’s produced by a smaller and smaller group of farm operators from farms that are getting larger and larger. That’s good, right? It’s a productive sector, it delivers good value for money to consumers and it regularly exports more than it imports. Just how good is it, though? Being something of a contrarian, I like to look for the down side of things in order to get a balanced picture. My perception of the down side in Canadian agricultures is based almost solely on anecdotal observation. Such as, why do I find so much imported produce in chain grocery stores, especially during the summer when we are at the height of local production? Why do California strawberries, blueberries, raspberries dominate our shelves even in June and July? Why is garlic imported primarily from China? Why is the vast majority of our apple juice grown and processed in China? Orange juice I can understand, but imported apple juice? In the home of the McIntosh apple? OK, so I’m not naïve. I understand the concept of global value and supply chains. I understand that our food prices are lower now because of those global efficiencies. But I also recognize the value of local economic development. When faced with a choice, my family will always

seek out and buy locally produced food. A surprising number of our friends do the same. We congregate each Saturday at the Horton Farmers Market. We make regular stops at Briwood or Salt Creek markets. We check out the farm stands operated by DeBackeres, Empire Valley, Howe Family, Talbotville Berry Farms, Thomas Bros., and Berry Hill. We trek to farms such as McSmiths Organic Farm or Orchard Hill. Collectively, these farms and shops feed a lot of Elgin County and neighbouring residents. They keep local farmland in production and they keep local dollars in the local economy. Increasingly, they keep and attract younger farm operators working from smaller, more specialized farms. While what I’m describing is largely small scale, traditional agriculture, we are also experiencing the impact of technologies on our ability to get locally grown and raised food during a longer season. In southwestern Ontario, we are blessed by one of the largest greenhouse clusters in North America, giving us access to a lot of produce virtually year-round. Newer crop varieties and techniques are stretching the growing seasons. (Have you noticed how early our corn and peach crops were this year?) We have a growing aquaculture sector giving us access to farmed trout and, wait for it, shrimp raised right here in the county. What I’ve learned is that shopping the way I do takes a little extra time, but it’s part of my social interaction

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with the community I live in. In some cases, the costs are a little higher, in many cases the costs are lower, much lower. My family budget can easily survive our decision to buy local whenever possible. I think about these things a lot, especially at Thanksgiving as the traditional growing season comes to a close. I am drawn to the idea that the majority of what we eat can be grown here. I’m also convinced that the small scale of the producers I buy from are raising demonstrably tastier and safer food. There’s a certain sense of security and satisfaction that comes from being able to look your farmers in the eye when you buy food from them. Serge Lavoie has a 35 year career managing associations. He is currently president of On Track St. Thomas. He lives in St. Thomas.

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY Tourism

Wildflowers Farm – growing and evolving naturally

by Katherine Thompson

Nestled among fragrant fields of flowers, just minutes from Lake Erie’s north shore, sits Wildflowers Farm, the homestead of Jane and Chuck Magri and their three young children. The Magris moved to the farm on Fruit Ridge Line in 2007, and soon after they launched Wildflowers Tea. Wildflowers Tea is a line of loose leaf tea blends with an emphasis on local organic roots, leaves, flowers, barks, and seeds.

The inspiration for the teas came from Jane’s personal passion for herbs and native plants and their nutritional and medicinal uses. Jane began selling Wildflowers Tea at area farmers’ markets which really helped her to connect with the community. Several years after creating the tea line, Chuck developed an interest in honey bees while visiting a friend with hives. Soon after, the Wildflowers Honey portion of the business was born. Now the Magris have 90 hives located on their own property and at several other Elgin County locations. The pair opened a store on the farm in 2013 as a place to sell Wildflowers Honey, Wildflowers Tea blends, and herb-infused bath products. A few years ago Jane began to teach Yoga on the farm. She started with one class and now teaches 5 - 7 classes a week in addition to hosting meditation workshops. She also offers workshops where participants can learn about local herbs and flowers and how to use them to treat various ailments. The farm plays host to several events each year including the popular Summer Solstice Festival that promotes the arts, local food, and sustainability. The event just celebrated its fourth anniversary where vendors, local food, live music, and craft beer drew an impressive 500 guests to the farm. Additionally, this fall Wildflowers Farm hosted a Fall Equi-

nox Harvest Dinner in honour of the changing season. This dinner was limited to 100 people and featured partnerships between local organic farms and local chefs. Recently, the Magris have worked with the local conservation authority to restore two acres of their property to a natural prairie wildflower meadow. This gorgeous property is a sight to behold in any season and has quickly become a refuge for those wanting to connect with the natural environment and learn more about the ancient traditions of herbal healing. The Magris look forward to continuing to grow and evolve naturally on the farm as they introduce new products and collaborate with new partners. For more information about Wildflowers Farm, Wildflowers Tea, or Wildflowers Honey visit www.wildflowerstea.com or visit them on Facebook. Katherine Thompson is Marketing & Communications Coordinator with The County of Elgin

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 6

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY FINANCIAL PLANNING

Don’t let fear stand in the way of the future by Stephanie Farrow

Trust the cornerstone of most relationships, personal and professional. Trust can make or break a relationship. It can come easily, or be difficult, have you sleeping well or cause sleepless nights. On a professional level, we all need to be able to trust people we choose to do business with. Do I trust my chiropractor’s ability to give me a safe adjustment? Do I trust my doctor or naturopath is recommending the right health plan? Do I trust the mechanic’s repair suggestions? Do I trust my financial planner is giving me good advice? The list goes on. We have many different business relationships where trust is required. But how do you choose someone you can trust, who is a good match for you? From my experience, it’s best for me to go with my gut feeling. It’s very unscientific I realize, but it’s what I’ve come to rely on. And letting fear stand in my way is not an option, with good reason. What happens if we feel uneasy and we don’t trust? Then what? Some people will look for someone they feel they can develop a relationship and come to trust. Others, to their detriment, do nothing.

What I’ve found interesting over the past few years in the financial business is the number of people who do not have an advisor, know they need one, but hadn’t taken steps to choose one. Why? Fear. They feel something like this: “We know we should have done something sooner but we didn’t know where to go or who to trust.” The financial business can be confusing and overwhelming, and it’s easy to freeze and do nothing. As time ticks on, it’s easy to lose sight of the potential damage to one’s future financial situation through loss of time and missed opportunities. Missed years of savings, missed growth and compounding, missed tax planning opportunities, not to mention the benefits that come along with the long-term value of advice. Many years may go by before they realize how far behind they are. The worst decision is sometimes indecision. If this sounds like you, and trust is your biggest stumbling block, it’s time to get past your fears and move on, for your own benefit. Yes, there are always going to be people you can’t trust, but there are also many people you can, in any walk of life. Look for a few financial planners who you are interested in meeting. Friends and family can be a great resource. Ask who they deal with and if they are happy. Do some on-line research. Schedule

a face-to-face meeting with each advisor and get a feel for how each one can help you, how they do business, how they are paid, and whether they could be a good fit for you. Trust can be hard to put your finger on right away. In the end, when you make your decision, I suspect you will go with your gut, as I do. The key is to start looking. Find someone who can help you make informed, confident decisions about your financial future. Take steps to find someone who you feel comfortable with before you let too much time pass you by. Stephanie Farrow, B.A., C.F.P., is a Certified Financial Planner and co-owner of Farrow Financial Services Inc., in Belmont

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

Healthy Living SELF DISCOVERY

Performance evaluation not working? Try this by Anouschka Van den Bosch

Recently, I was asked to be on a speaker panel for one of the breakout sessions at an HR conference. It was a little intimidating to be on a panel with HR colleagues who work for organizations with over 1,000 employees, compared with my much smaller organization. However, we all seemed to have the same types of struggles or concerns regardless of our size. We talked about recruitment, keeping employees engaged and performance evaluations. All great topics; however the performance evaluation conversation stuck with me the most. Many organizations, big and small, struggle with performance evaluations. Personally I have always struggled with their validity. Why are we doing them? What do we want the purpose to be? To make sure our people are doing what they are supposed to be doing, you say. And I say: Shouldn’t we be aware of that regard less of the performance evaluation? Why are we spending our time once a year filling out documents with about the same information as we did last year? Not saying that it happens everywhere, but, from listening to my colleagues, I know that it happens too often. Every year, it’s a struggle just to get the performance evaluations completed because no one has time anymore. I heard one HR colleague proudly

proclaim that she has no problems getting performance evaluations completed because, if they aren’t done on time, the manager or supervisor will go on a “list of shame”. That doesn’t strike me as very productive. I don’t think we need to shame our employees. So here’s my solution: A performance conversation. We need to talk with our employees more. Face-to-face. Yes, even if you have over 30 people in your department. I believe in the performance conversation so much that I have created a model for my own organization that we hope to roll out this fall. It’s based more on the employee and their growth rather than a ranking so we can put employees in a perfect little box. We are not meant to be put into perfect little boxes; we are individuals with different learning opportunities and career aspirations. Performance evaluations can often leave underperforming employees only looking at their weaknesses. The performance conversation model is about providing feedback, coaching and putting a learning plan together for the success of the employee and thus the organization as well. The conversation should continue throughout the year with 3- or 6-month check-ins depending on what the action plan looks like after the performance conversation. My research and my own experience tell me that a successful performance conversation model needs to have a foundation, what are we working towards.

For my model, I created competencies that will also help us in recruiting and succession planning. We want to show managers and supervisors how to have successful performance conversations so that they become second nature, conversations that may occur any time, not just once a year. Our model has four main categories: Exceeding expectations, achieving expectations, developing and not performing. But there are options within each category: These allow each employee to be their own individual within those categories, and there could be several options within the four main categories. I also suggest creating an action plan based on the conversation so that training can be planned throughout the year as well as any other resources that the employee would need to move forward. It’s going to take some time for everyone to adjust to this new concept, and it might not be for everyone; however, it will change the way people think about their performance within their organization. And it will spark face-to-face conversation … imagine that! Anouschka Van den Bosch is a Human Resources Professional and Certified Life and Career Coach.

What to do if you’re disrespected at work by Laura Pavilonis and Nancy Annett

We all have been disrespected at work at one time or another. Maybe it comes from a co-worker, or even your boss. Sometimes, when someone says or does something that really rubs you the wrong way, you think, “They should know that’s offensive, hurtful or insulting”. Sometimes you think it might be just you. Maybe you’re oversensitive? Sometimes you let it go and disregard it as a ‘one-off’ or a slip-up that wasn’t intentional. And yet, other times you know the behaviour is clearly inappropriate and you want to do something about it. But how do you deal with it? 1. Keep your cool According to Lynn Taylor the author of Tame your

terrible Office Tyrant, “The most common path is in inertia”. The benefit of this phase (and we hope it’s just a phase) is that it can help you to keep your cool. Try to separate your emotions from the situation and look at it with an objective view. Isolate the facts of the situation. If this is hard for you, talk to a more neutral confidante who can help you stay calm and get perspective. There could be many reasons for the behaviour, and it may have absolutely nothing to do with you. Sometimes, the behaviour is a way of expressing the unhappiness that can come from being in a role that does not align well with your personality type or values. This can show itself in ways such as anger, passive-aggressive patterns, indifference or other behaviours that can be hurtful to everyone around them.

Karen Vecchio,

2. Collect the facts The second thing you can do is collect the facts. What’s really going on? Usually, we simply don’t know all the factors that may have contributed to the behaviour. We only know how we feel as a result of it. Think about approaching the individual in a friendly and nonthreatening way and simply ask, “How are you doing?” This may require you to ask the question in the right place and at the right time, to really give them the time to have a conversation with you. The most critical piece here is to listen to what they have to say. We’ve been surprised when that simple question has generated an explosion of emotion, underlying fears and overall expression of what is going on. Continued on page 21

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ELGIN THIS MONTH

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• OCTOBER 2016 •

Business & Community Showcase – Wednesday October 19

Double winner Weekly News sales representative Chris Heil (left) congratulates Bonnie Corey from RBC for winning twice at the September Business After 5 cosponsored by The Weekly News and the Back Alley. Bonnie won a eWyn Weight Loss Studios program package and a $25 gift certificate from The Back Alley.

Congrats Duane! Elgin This Month sales representative Greg Minnema (left) shakes the hand of Duane Orth from St. Thomas Energy after Duane won a major advertising package from The Weekly News at the September Business After 5 cosponsored by The Weekly News and The Back Alley.

It’s the Chamber’s highlight of National Small Business Week 2016 as we host and present a very special event at St. Anne’s Centre. Over 60 businesses and services on display, an exceptional selection of free hors d’oeuvres and food sample plus free admission and fantastic door prizes. Our event runs for 4 hours on October 19, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and, in addition to displays, exhibits and giveaways, we’re featuring special 20-minute presentations in the Gold Room at St. Anne’s Centre. Six presentations will be shared, all featuring information of value to businesses and organizations across our market, in every sector. Presentations run on the half-hour, every half hour. And all of our speakers/presenters will have displays in our Showcase so everyone attending will have ample time for one-on-one questions or discussion. Here’s the line-up: 3:30 – Ontario Ministry of Labour 4:00 – The Achievement Centre 4:30 – Talbot Trail Physiotherapy 5:00 – Human Resources Partners for Business 5:30 – Catering by James Meadows 6:00 – Yurek Pharmacy

Winning smile Vicki Fenn (right) from GV Health Vending is all smiles as she accepts a major advertising package from Weekly News sales representative Chris Heil in one of the door prize draws at the September Business After 5.

October, 2016

Planting good will

Why Join The Chamber?

Elgin This Month sales representative Paul Marshall (left) presents Jean-Marie Steward from the St. Horticultural Society with a NAPA Winter Maintenance Package, her draw prize win at the September Business After 5 cosponsored by The Weekly News and The Back Alley.

Networking – Build and strengthen your business network with over 500 Members and over 20 events each year. Community – Creating a strong, local economy means creating a quality of life, attracts new talent and develops an environment that a growing workforce wants to live, play and stay in! Voice – The Chamber works to inform, educate and advocate on your behalf. Visibility – Stand out and get noticed as an active member of our community!

Take part in our November feature

Business Beat Table of Contents Page 10............ Great 1st date Page 11.....Wonderful website Page 12.................... Fall trees Page 13........ Apprentices now Page 14............New Members Page 15.......... More from BA5 Page 16........... Legal Business

Door prize draws will take place on the main stage at 6:30 p.m. but you don’t have to be present at the time of the draws to win. Did we mention great food & beverage samples? Las Chicas Del Café, Railway City Brewing Company, Pita Pit, Living Alive Granola, Boston Pizza, Catering by James Meadows and The Bistro will all be in the house and eager to share their wares! Last minute wish to be an exhibitor? As with any major event, last minute changes can happen. If you’re thinking this show should have been part of your marketing plan, please don’t hesitate to call the Chamber office to check if any exhibitor space has become available. Christy Hunking in Member Services is our primary contact for the Business & Community Showcase. Reach her directly at 519-631-1981 Extension 526.

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November Edition Advertising Deadline is October 18th

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 9

Viewpoint

Business marketing has to be like a great first date

by Christina R. Green

Marketing is dead. At least traditional marketing is. People don’t want to be cajoled, tricked, or begged into buying from you. A major research project completed by Retailing Today in 2014 confirmed that 81% of buyers do a lot of checking and research, mostly online, before talking to a salesperson or making a purchase decision. The numbers today are likely to show an even higher percentage of people using multiple tactics to explore and search for any product or service. Locally, statistics from the Chamber’s online business directory confirm it with over 700 searches completed on an average day. This year, the St. Thomas & District Chamber website will be used by people seeking products and places over 300,000 times, maybe more thanks to all the recent changes and upgrades. When businesses pounce on prospects with junky flyers, unsolicited emails and phone calls, or poorly designed messages in any medium, it turns them off much the same way an overly persistent courter might. To win loyal business and improve your word-of-mouth marketing, you don’t need to be Don Juan. People aren’t looking for suave, but fake approaches. Attracting the right customer can be as complex as finding the right person and experiencing an amazing date. Here’s how you can do that. Win them over like a first date

On a first date, smart daters behave at their best. You don’t want to lie but you also don’t want to open up about all your excess baggage. Think of your marketing as a great first date and don’t do these things. Pick the wrong place for your date The difference between a good date and a great date often comes down to two things – connection and personalization. The connection happens naturally, but if you spend time thinking about your date’s interests and creating a special time based on that person, the date will be so much better than selecting the same place for every date. Personalize your approach. Show them things they want to see. Take them places that suit their interests. Only talk about yourself Talking about yourself all night is enough to turn anyone off. The same can be said on your blog or social media, so don’t do it. Talk about what your audience is interested in and that usually starts with getting to know more about them. Choose everybody Sometimes you know from the beginning someone is not a good fit for you but you decide to move ahead anyway. Whether you’re talking about dating or customers, this type of action is ill-advised. In business marketing, it’s important to know your ideal customer. Both of you will be happier if you stick to people who are a good fit for you and what you have to offer. Brief them on your beliefs but don’t discuss theirs A great date usually involves stimulating conversation. Amazing conversationalists ask other people’s opinions. Try crowdsourcing some decisions in your business with the help of your ideal audience member. A great date might ask you what you thought about something and then linger on your answer. Remember how amazing that feels?

Give your customers that feeling too. Believe your person is an island Most people who are dating understand very few people make decisions in a vacuum. People have a best friend or family member they talk things over with. The same is true of purchases. People consult reviews, ask friends, and poll social networks. Understanding where your customers get their answers can help you have more influence over their decisions. Force the issue A great date never pressures you to order dessert, go somewhere you don’t like, or spend more time with them than you want to. High-pressure marketing and sales don’t work anymore, particularly when so many people are narrowing down their business choices before even speaking to anyone. That’s why you need plenty of resources on your website. You need to be making a good first impression, even when your business is closed. Don’t ask to see them again A great date talks about seeing you again and means it. Excellent marketing provides ideas for next steps as well; no pressure just suggestions on where things could lead. This means your blog should have suggestions of posts the reader might also enjoy. Your shopping cart also makes suggestions based on buying or viewing history. Pages have calls to action. Many a great date has been ruined because someone is too afraid to talk about what to do next. A final word about what marketers can learn from a great first date Sales and business choices can’t be forced. They must happen organically. Just like on a great date, show interest in the person you’re with. Make sure that person is your ideal and fits what you’re looking for. Talk about topics that interest them. Christina R. Green teaches small businesses, chambers, and associations how to connect through content. Her articles have appeared in the Associations North (formerly Midwest Society of Association Executives’) Magazine, NTEN.org, AssociationTech, and Socialfish. She is a regular blogger at Frankjkenny.com and the Event Manager Blog.

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

Bene�ts Planning Group bene�ts made speci�cally for small business

October, 2016

President & CEO Bob Hammersley Accounting Coordinator Susan Munday Member Services Christy Hunking Member Services Barry Fitzgerald

St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce 2016 Board of Directors Chair: Dan Kelly, CPA, CGA Dowler-Karn Ltd. Vice-Chair: Robert Furneaux Gorman-Rupp of Canada Ltd. Treasurer: Mark Lassam, CPA, CA Lassam & Co. Past Chair: Ross Fair Fanshawe College Director: Ray Bosveld HollisWealth Director: Kathy Cook World Financial Group Director: Sean Dyke St. Thomas Economic Development Corp. Director: Brian Helmer Reith & Associates Insurance & Financial Director: Kevin Jackson Elgin Business Resource Centre Director: Phil Mauer Phil Mauer & Associates Inc. Director: Ginette Minor Alexelle Slipcovers & Décor Director: Joe Preston Wendy’s Restaurant Director: Bob Ward The Auto Guys

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 10

Chamber News

What’s in our website? Maybe a photo of your place? The main page of the Chamber’s website is getting more new content. It’s all about our Members, so don’t be surprised if you see your shop, business or organization featured. We’re building our in-house photo library to promote and feature all aspects of St. Thomas & District. The City of St. Thomas, Central Elgin & Southwold are all part of our service area, as are the locations over 600 businesses and organizations, local landmarks and scenic views. Mix in the differences that the seasons bring and you’ll realize how big our photo project is. Over the next 12 months we’re estimating at least 2,000 shots that will be used in elements that change on our website every week. Our new “slider” banners are situated in the most visible part of the Chamber’s main page. That means they will be seen by up to 700 website users on any day. There are 7 banners in the group and each one appears in rotation for 7 seconds. If your business or organization has a special event or reason for a photo that could or should be included, call Member Services Rep Christy

Hunking in the Chamber office at 519-631-1981 Extension 526 or reach her directly by email: christy@stthomaschamber.ca We’re happy to try to include any element that shows the colour, character and diversity of our market. Sponsorship of a specific banner with ad or promotional content is also an option. And it’s not just our website! The photo inventory we’re building will also be used in the Chamber’s weekly Green Mail newsletter, on our public Facebook, in our

private Facebook group, and on the Chamber’s Twitter account. We’re undertaking this project because we know important it is for our community to be seen in a good image. Pictures certainly are worth 1,000 words and, thanks to the online world, we often never know who is looking. By showcasing our assets and our Members we hope to help give our community an edge that others miss.

It’s new – It’s Agri-Net The St. Thomas & District Chamber is proud to join with the other regional Chamber offices in London, Tillsonburg, Strathroy & Ingersoll for the debut of Agri-Net. It’s a one-of-a-kind event designed to showcase the agribusiness connection in our region. If your business or organization serves the ag sector, we invite you to participate as an exhibitor. Locally, for example, we will welcome fuel/lubricant distributor Dowler-Karn and one of St. Thomas’ newest food producers, Living Alive Granola. The event will draw from a wide, regional array of exhibitors including, but not limited to, farm operators, food producers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, farm insurers, transportation businesses, local restaurants, beer and wine producers, and anyone looking to build or grow connections in agribusiness. Event Details Date: Wednesday November 23 Time: 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Site: Western Fair District – Metroland Media Agriplex, 845 Florence Street, London. Cost: Exhibitor fee is $125 + HST All business aspects of the event are being handled by the London Chamber of Commerce. Contact Janie Rother at 519-432-7551 Extension 34 or connect via email to janie@londonchamber.com. St. Thomas & District business, please indicate your community connection at time of booking. We’re proud and thankful to acknowledge the sponsorship support of Libro Credit Union; LEPC (Local Employment Planning Council) and Western Fair District. October, 2016

- At the Dunﬁeld Theatre in Cambridge -

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD

$95, includes: coach bus transportation (leaves Elgin Mall at 10:45), Lunch at the Grand Valley Golf and Country Club and ticket to the 2PM performance. Call to reserve your spot 519-631-9393

45 Metcalfe St, St. Thomas, ON I www.verveseniorliving.com

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 11

Pro Text

As the

help you save it before it’s too late. Here are some things to look for: • The tree should have a full, lush crown. If a tree’s leaves begin to fall off before autumn, it’s a primary indicator of a problem. Leaves on an unhealthy tree will sometimes stay attached but may discolor or simply shrivel up. • Dead limbs are a big red flag. If growth is lopsided or unusual, this could be a sign that there is a serious problem on the desolate portion of the tree. • Look for cracks or large holes in the trunk which may be accompanied by flaky, weak or missing bark. Sawdust around the base of your tree is a strong indicator that carpenter ants have moved in. • Your tree should have a healthy “root flare” — the base of the trunk where the tree swells and roots dive underground. Trees with no root flare indicate a problem; fungus or mushrooms growing around the trunk may signal decay. Will my home insurance cover damage to my home caused by a fallen tree? Any damages caused to your property as a result of a fallen tree is covered under your Comprehensive Homeowners insurance policy. It is important to mitigate the damages by keeping any resulting damages to a minimum by boarding up broken windows or tarping any exposed areas keeping the wind and precipitation out. Calling a reputable restoration company is always your best

leaves begin to fall

by Janet Palmer

Trees are beautiful additions to any property — if they’re healthy, that is. Unhealthy trees can shed limbs or topple over, harming your home or family members along the way. With the increasing frequency and severity of windstorms, falling trees create a snowball effect of damages. For example, if a tree smashes through windows or breaks through the roof, snow or water is likely to come in causing significant damage to your home. Learn how to identify a potential problem before it becomes one. Give Your Trees a Checkup: Sick or dying trees display a variety of easy-to-spot symptoms that may

and safest bet. They have crews available 24 hours a day to respond to situations such as these. Who pays the damages to my neighbour’s home caused by a fallen tree from my property? Your neighbour will claim their damages through their property insurance. They in turn may attempt to recover these expenses from you and your insurer. As a property owner, you have a duty of care to those around you. A dead or dying tree constitutes a hazard and it is your obligation to address any dead or decaying portion or by removing the limb or tree altogether. Dead or diseased trees are considered liabilities and if you did not take steps to remove it, you may be found negligent which may limit the amount your insurer is willing to pay to cover the damages. A tree falling on your house can be a frightening inconvenience, but with proper maintenance and diligence you can lessen the risk and have peace of mind that your insurance policy will protect you in your time of need. Speak to your Insurance Advisor today and ensure you are ready for the approaching adverse winter conditions. If you have any further concerns about the trees on your property speak to a local arborist. This column appears regularly in Business Beat and has been submitted by Janet Palmer, CIP Advisor, New Business Development, with Reith & Associates Insurance and Financial Services Limited.

FREE Help With:

Resume Job Search Support Direct Link to Employers Youth Employment Programs

400 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON (519) 631-5470

www.employmentserviceselgin.ca October, 2016

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 12

Chamber News

An apprentice could really help your business Why hire an apprentice? In 2009 the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum released findings from a study of the cost-benefit analysis of apprenticeship training in 15 trade areas. Here is a summary of their findings: • The net benefit of apprenticeship training increases each year over the course of the apprenticeship period; • The revenue generated by an apprentice increases throughout the apprenticeship; • The majority of employers believe a “homegrown” journeyperson who they trained as an apprentice is more productive. Employers estimated that a “homegrown” journey person is 29% more productive. The bottom line is that a cost-benefit analysis shows that the benefits of apprenticeship training exceed the cost in each of the 15 trade areas examined. According to the website apprenticeshipnetwork.com, on average, for each $1 invested in an apprentice, a benefit of $1.47 accrues to employers, for a net return of $0.47. The Apprenticeship Network is a group of like-minded individuals and groups working collaboratively to promote apprenticeship as a first-choice career option. They provide accurate apprenticeship information to employers, youth and job seekers in the cities, towns and counties of Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford. In recognition for the dedication of our em-

ployers, the Apprenticeship Network hosts the annual Apprenticeship Network Employer Champion Awards dinners in November. These awards recognize employers that go above and beyond to support the development of Apprentices. Nominees come from all four sectors with construction, services, industrial, and motive power all being represented. Elgin County is proud to be continuously represented by our employers at these awards. In addition to the awards, Employment Services Elgin and Fanshawe Career and Employment Services hosted a variety of information and networking events. Recently employers were invited to enjoy breakfast and a presentation by the Ministry of Advanced Education & Skills Development followed by a question and answer period. Also presenting was RS200 Tax Consultants Inc. who discussed Apprenticeship Training tax credits. It is our desire to continue the growth of Apprenticeships in Elgin Country through education and support of our local Employers and Apprentices. For more information on apprenticeships and how your organization can benefit from providing apprenticeship opportunities, please contact Marie Forcier at Employment Services Elgin 519-631-5470 or Jan Maguire at Fanshawe Career and Employment Services 519-637-9876 or Lorry Dawdy at Fanshawe career and Employment Services 519-765-

Photo courtesy of Agata Lesnik.

halloWeeN Pizza ParTy!! School hot lunch Programs

We will deliver and serve hot,fresh lunches at your school and the kids will love it! With a record-breaking crowd of 95 people taking the Chamber’s Adventure To China trip this year, we had a packed house for our pre-departure session September 13. The Chamber’s tour group departs Oct 5 for an 11-day tour to Beijing, Shanghai and a special side-trip to Xi’an to see the famed TerraCotta Warriors. Plans are already underway for The Chamber’s next tour in 2017. India will be our destination over a 9 to 12 day itinerary next September.

With the partnership of caring local people, we invest in community based solutions that create meaningful and lasting impacts. 745 Talbot, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1E3 (519) 637-8230 www.escf.ca October, 2016

easy fundraising Programs

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Kindergarten Dough Show

Children learn hands on about their food and have fun doing it!

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omaS TreeT ST.Th S T o b l a T 5 6 9

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 13

New Members

New Members Laing Studios (Interstitial Entertainment) 456 Talbot Street, Suite 202 St. Thomas, ON N5P 1B9 Phone: 647-269-4415 Email: grayden@graydenlaing.com Website: www.graydenlaing.com Contacts: Grayden Laing, Owner Buyers Guide Categories: Media, Advertising/ Promotion, Artists & Galleries, Design, Graphic Arts, Graphic Design, Photographers Products & Services: Laing Studios is a media studio that specializes in video production, photography, fine art, and animation. Laing Studios is run by Grayden Laing through his company, Interstitial Entertainment. Lerners LLP 88 Dufferin Avenue London, ON N6A 4G4 Phone: 519-640-6307 Email: jhentz@lerners.ca Website: www.lerners.ca Contacts: Joseph Hentz, Lawyer

Buyers Guide Categories: Lawyers Products & Services: Lerners LLP Business Law Group and Land Development Real Estate Groups offer a broad range of legal services and expertise to business across southwestern Ontario. Philip N. Cassis Real Estate Brokerage 59 Walnut Street, Unit 2 St. Thomas, ON N5R 2Y7 Phone: 519-630-4791 Email: philipcassis@gmail.com Contacts: Philip N. Cassis, Broker of Record Buyers Guide Categories: Real Estate Services, Real Estate-Commercial, Real Estate Appraisals Products & Services: Philip N. Cassis Real Estate Brokerage (Broker of Record) is pleased to announce his return to his own Brokerage. Operating in Elgin and Middlesex counties, he can help with commercial and residential real estate, including industrial and land assembly. Phillip has owned several real estate companies, Venture Capital and funding operations, with business in the United States, China, Dominican, Great Britain and Hong Kong. But no matter where he has been in the past 55 years, he always returns home to St. Thomas.

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For more information, contact your First Data Business Consultant at 1-888-265-4117. * Some conditions apply. Merchant processing cost comparison based on all merchant services processing charges shown on most recent processor merchant statement, excluding 3rd party fees, compliance fees and equipment costs. Limit one gift card per merchant. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive for your MasterCard gift card. This exclusive offer is valid to new contract merchants only. © 2016 First Data Canada Ltd. is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Canadian Branch, Toronto, ON, Canada. All trademarks, service marks and trade names used in this material are the property of their respective owners. 21958 2016

October, 2016

The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes the following businesses and individuals as our newest Members. Those listed below were accepted as registered Members to August 16 – September 15, 2016. Once an organization registers with the Chamber, all personnel (owners/managers/staff) within the organization have full access to all Chamber programs, projects, events and services.

Pro Oil Change 1009 Talbot Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G1 Phone: 519-637-8887 Email: dportlock@ prooilchange.com Website: www. prooilofstthomas.com Contacts: Dave Portlock, Manager Buyers Guide Categories: Auto Services, Auto Repairs Products & Services: Pro Oil Change specializes in providing a professional and convenient experience for every customer that enters their store. They’ve made their reputation on delivering well-priced services quickly. Let them be the preferred destination to have your vehicle’s lubricant needs taken care of. STEAM Education Centres 50 Wellington Street

St. Thomas, ON N5R 2P8 Phone: 519-619-2534 Email: info@steameducation.ca Contacts: Jessica Moyes, Executive Director; Fred Cahill, Director of Education; Josh Gorman, Facilities Manager Buyers Guide Categories: Education & Training Products & Services: The STEAM Education Centre is a multi-use education/recreation facility supporting southwestern Ontario’s teachers, students and communities, advancing education by providing instruction, training, creative workshop classes and self-directed learning opportunities, fostering experimentation, ingenuity and technological literacy. The STEAM Centre aims to empower all learners and makers in the region to create the future through play and exploration using STEAM learning tools. StepAhead Educational Services 58 Lawton Street St. Thomas, ON N5R 1W8 Phone: 519-670-2106 Email: rborecki@rogers.com/leerowden@gmail.com Contacts: Rick Borecki & Lee Rowden – co-owners Buyers Guide Categories: First Aid Training, First Aid Supplies, Community Services, Training Products, Training Services Products & Services: StepAhead Educational Services can help with all your community safety training programs and more. Both Rick Borecki and Lee Rowden are licensed RNs who are passionate about First Aid, CPR, AED and Safety Training. Sweetgrass Holdings Inc. 32 Gladstone Avenue St. Thomas, ON N5R 2L4 Phone: 519-319-4471 Email: ramccaig@gmail.com Contacts: Robert McCaig, President Buyers Guide Categories: Developers Products & Services: Sweetgrass Holdings Inc. is a local property development company. Victim Services Elgin 146 Centre Street St. Thomas, ON N5R 3A3 Phone: 519-631-3182 Email: info@victimserviceselgin.com Website: www.victimserviceselgin.org Contacts: Natalie Redman, Executive Director; Kate Burton, Program Coordinator Buyers Guide Categories: Community Services, Agencies & Associations Products & Services: Victim Services Elgin is a free not-for-profit charitable organization which assists in providing confidential, practical, short-term assistance and referrals to victims and their families, of crime and tragic circumstances by connecting them with longterm, appropriate community resources.

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 14

Chamber News

September Business After 5

Roy Esbaugh of The Columbus Club demonstrates superb form during the paper toss contest at the September Business After 5 co-sponsored by The Weekly News and The Back Alley. Ironically enough, Roy went on to win one of the major prizes of the evening, a hall rental at The Back Alley.

St. Thomas Elgin Weekly News and Elgin This Month Sales and Office Manager Geoff Rae addresses the September Business After 5 crowd at The Back Alley on Princess Ave. in St. Thomas. The Weekly News and The Back Alley co-sponsored the popular event.

The Weekly News Sales Representative Paul Marshall (left) congratulates Scott Shakir on winning a NAPA Winter Maintenance Package at the September Business After 5.

Commitment to Excellence Business Plans â&#x20AC;˘ Management Consulting Small Business Services â&#x20AC;˘ Bookkeeping Services Estate and Trust Returns Business Succession Planning Our Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff have the experience and training to help you with all your accounting and taxation needs

Mark Lassam, CPA, CA 115 Curtis Street, St. Thomas 519-631-1631 mark@lassam.ca October, 2016

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 15

Legal Business

Homebuyer beware revisited

by Monty Fordham

In last month’s column, we discussed anticipated Ontario legislation, which would regulate and licence home inspectors operating within the province. A recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court underscores the importance of having a thorough home inspection done, and also the importance of careful drafting of agreements of purchase and sale, and the insertion of any clauses which may protect a purchaser from costs associated with latent defects discovered after closing. In 2011, a mother and son, Louise and Eric Brown, entered into an agreement to purchase a home from Gary and Wanda Cassidy. The parties negotiated the price and formulated the general terms of the agreement directly between themselves. The agreement was ultimately drawn up by the sellers’ lawyer. The agreement contained no representations or warranties as to the condition of the property and was not conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection, and, in fact, none was performed.

Sometime after the closing of the transactions, the Browns discovered a water leakage problem in the finished basement of the home. In addition, the leakage had caused mould to develop under the subfloor of the basement. This latter discovery would tend to suggest the water problem had existed for some period of time, certainly during the time the sellers had owned and occupied the home. During the course of the negotiations between the parties, and the several attendances at the home by the purchasers, there were general discussions concerning the basement. In fact, the sellers disclosed that a number of years previously, they had experienced water leakage in the basement. They further disclosed that they had engaged the services of a contractor to correct the problem. Excavation had taken place around the foundation and a membrane installed in order to prevent seepage into the basement. A sump pump in the basement and drainage pipe around the house were installed. In short, significant efforts had been made to alleviate the water problem.

Questions, comments and suggestions for future columns are welcomed by lawyer Monty Fordham at his Monty Fordham office: Fordham & Brightling Associates – Lawyers, 4 Elgin Street, St. Thomas. Telephone 519- 633-4000, FAX 519-633-1371 or e-mail: montyfordham@4elgin.ca

Crystal Underhill EXT 234 or Janet Palmer at EXT. 226

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October, 2016

The trial judge found that the sellers, at the time of the negotiations with the buyers, and at the time of closing, were “ignorant of the water drainage/leakage and mould contamination issues anywhere in or around the house”. However, the original leakage problem had not been completely corrected, and water had been circulating below the subfloor, causing mould to develop, as well as other problems associated with water seepage. The buyers were compelled to undertake extensive renovations in order to finally address the issue. They sued the sellers for $85,000 in damages. We have all heard the term caveat emptor, “let the buyer beware”. Generally, the risk of deficiencies in a property are on the shoulders of the buyer, with four notable exceptions: fraudulent misrepresentations by the seller (e.g., “There has never been a water problem in this house”); knows of a latent defect rendering the house unfit for habitation (e.g., seller knows about the mould but doesn’t disclose); the seller is reckless as to the truth or falsity of the representation; or the seller has breached his duty to disclose defects which render the property dangerous. The judge found none of the exceptions applied, and dismissed the buyers’ claim. Moreover, he found that the sellers, at the time the deal was made, did not actually know of the latent defect. The buyers, it would seem, bore the responsibility to further investigate the water seepage issue, either with a qualified contractor, or, at the very least, a home inspector, especially if the existence of a previous problem has been disclosed.

Service to All MAkeS Natural Gas and Dishwasher Hookups

4th Generation Business Since 1962 7 Hydro Road, St. Thomas ON www.mudgesappliances.com

519-633-0107

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 16

Participate in our 2016

Bail or Jail October 13th & 14th at Geerlinks Home Hardware

Be a “Detainee” (or persuade someone to be a “Detainee”) and the release from “Jail” will be determined by money collected previously by “Bail Pledges” or by phoning friends and relatives for bail money while you are in jail. We will be Rewarding the “Detainee” who brings in the highest amount of collected pledges on the day they go to “Jail” with a very special prize. Call Constable Heather White at (519) 631-1224, ext 153 to get involved.

1-800-222-TIPS (8477) www.stthomascrimestoppers.ca

We Couldn’t do it without the support of the Community Supporting Our Community

Proudly Fuelling Crime StoPPerS For over 10 yearS!!

lynhurst eSSo & variety

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Supplying Vehicles to Crime Stoppers for Over 10 Years!! It’s All About You!

Celebrating over 30 years

Break open tickets on sale now. All Proceeds from the tickets go to Crime Stoppers

of being Family Owned & Operated… and still FULL SERVICE!

Wellington Road at St. George St., St Thomas, Ontario

(519) 633-0002

open 7 days a week

Proud Supporter of Crime Stoppers

Locke Insurance Brokers Est. 1929

St. Thomas’ Oldest Family-Owned Insurance Brokerage Serving the Family-Owned Community forInsurance over 80 years St. Thomas’ Oldest Brokerage ------------------------------------------

496 Talbot Street St.Thomas, ON N5P 1C2 (519) 631-2782 info@lockeinsurancebrokers.ca

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www.lockeinsbrokers.com The St.Thomas Police Services Board & Members of the St.Thomas Police Service are Proud Community Partners with Crime Stoppers. St. thomaS Police 30 St. Catharine Street St.Thomas, ON N5P 2V8 519-631-1364 www.stps.on.ca October, 2016

Proud SuPPorter of Crime StoPPerS

225 Chestnut Street, St.Thomas 519-633-2850 E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 17

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Mayor Greg Currie, TOWN OF AYLMER

Since the last Mayor’s Breakfast, the Town Council has continued to work cooperatively with the Malahide Council to address issues involving the East Elgin Community Complex. I am pleased to acknowledge the work of James Allen, the Complex manager, to realize a reduced budget and an increased revenue stream for the Complex. The Aylmer Library plan is in process. The Council hopes to have an announcement about the direction this plan will follow by the next Mayor’s Breakfast. We’ve conducted recent information sessions and committee meeting concerning OPP costing as it relates to policing in the town. Now, one of the highest expenditures for our budget is the Police Budget. Although cost is not the only consideration, Council has asked for an OPP costing projection to see if this is a more fiscally prudent way of policing our town. The Town has been working recently on the annexation of property for the Giant Shrimp Company. With the Council of Malahide, our Town Council has agreed on the annexation. We have already received the consent of the County Council. The next step in the process is to get the approval of the Ministry. With this approval, the property of concern will fall under the jurisdiction of the Town and full servicing of the Giant Shrimp Company will be achieved. The plant is already being serviced on an interim basis so that its progress is not halted. New projects for the near future include implementing our plan for the Service Delivery Review. Our plans include renewing the structure and formatting of our Town departments and staff complement. Succession planning has been deemed important by the Council in order to keep the work of the Town meaningful and ongoing for the next 5, 10, and 20 years on the horizon. In terms of our town’s growth in businesses, I am pleased to announce the debut of three new businesses in Aylmer: Fancy Nails and Spa, the Aylmer Retirement Residence opening shortly on Talbot Street, and Schmitt’s Gorditas coming soon. The new marijuana facility has been given approval from Health Canada so we will look to the potential jobs this company will generate. Plans for the new Terrace Lodge facility are moving along a little more slowly than was initially planned. However, the County Council Committee has to be sure that positioning of the building is firm. The committee is also committed to making sure that sound decisions are being made as to what will become of the existing building. Finally, I would like to compliment all the businesses in our town that took advantage of the “Town and County” incentives to upgrade their store fronts. They add to Aylmer’s appeal as a place to live and to do business.

Semi-Annual Mayors’ Breakfast

Over 70 Aylmer and Area Chamber members attended the Semi-Annual Mayors’ Breakfast September 21 at the Saxonia Hall. The three speeches on these pages from that breakfast have been edited for length.

Now! Local community news every day. Plus much more!

HA Kebbel Funeral Home Limited Serving Aylmer since 1961

119 Talbot Street East Aylmer kebbel@eastlink.ca

(519) 773-8400

www.theweeklynews.ca

www.kebbelfuneralhome.com October, 2016

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Aylmer & Area Chamber of Commerce Mayor Paul Ens, MUNICIPALITY OF BAYHAM

In 2016 Bayham we have seen completion of a new pavilion in Corinth, a Storm Sewer EA done in Port Burwell, consolidation of facility footprint between Water/Wastewater and Public Works and significant ditching and a brushing and road improvement programs that will elongate the life of linear assets. Our Municipality had decided to contribute financially along with some in-kind services to the major festivals such as Edison Fest, Watermelon Fest and Beach Fest. We remain committed to the Elgin County Eco-

nomic Development Group, including the Elgin- of 2016 permitted pre-planning and tendering at centives program. That program is showing strong the earliest points possible to ensure competitive results. pricing. We continue in marketing our municipality to Summer 2016 was successful for the Municipalbring residents, tourists and businesses here. ity with a significant increase in building permits The Municipality recently launched a new web- and planning applications. A number of businesses site, which more adequately reflects the image of took advantage of the Elgincentives Program to Bayham and provides the community and visitors build on their businesses strengths including Simwith a wide array of community and tourism op- ply Scoops, Periscope Playhouse and Alvinston tions, while also making strong use of the various Pharmacy. services and information offered throughout the Our community celebrations were amazing, and County from other organizations. weather cooperated, and now we ramp up for 2017 We continue to pro- celebrations including a special Canada Day celduce event brochures ebration. and attend area tradeThe Municipality is working on finalizing the shows and partners Straffordville Community Centre as a Community with the County. Hub. We are lucky that a group of dedicated resiThrough administra- dents have banded together to help fund a portion tive and operational of the project. It has been a relatively quiet year, but there are a few things that we can changes, including the When unveiled in January 2017, the Straffordhighlight. digitization of pro- ville Community Hub will be a great facility and 1. Overall building permit activity remains strong, and we are on pace to cesses, more projects complex for the community. match last year’s total of 178 permits. and work are being asThe Municipality is in the detailed design stage of 2. There are a number of new commercial activities, with the New Gas Bar sessed by council and Storm Sewer Construction in Port Burwell which / Takeout Food establishment on Talbot Street West being the largest. completed by staff to would include streetscaping and general improve3. Several large agricultural related projects, including large dairy and the benefit of the comments as the project is phased in and moved ahead. chicken barn expansions are underway. munity. The project is a great example of the long term 4. We continue our partnership with the County of Elgin in promoting the Passing the 2016 planning the Municipality is engaging in. We hope Community Improvement Plan, particularly in relation to the Elgincentives Capital Budget in the Bayham application for OCIF funding will be program. This program includes a variety of potential grant programs to 2015 and the Operat- approved and the water systems in the Municipalstimulate economic development within the Township. ing Budget in January ity will be rehabilitated. 5. We continue to work with Aylmer to complete a boundary adjustment to move that portion of the Elgin Innovation Centre that is currently located in Malahide into the Town of Aylmer boundary. This will facilitate servicing and future growth to the benefit of both communities. 6. With the assistance of a Canada 150 Grant from the Federal Government, work has begun on the Port Bruce Pier and Wonnacott Park Improvement Plan. This includes a facelift to pavilion, picnic tables, benches, water station, playground equipment, etc. 7. Worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources and local ratepayers to clean-up the beach in Port Bruce and have mobi-mats installed, enabling greater use of the beach area by everyone. Aylmer Retirement Residence is located 8. Improvements to Malahide Community Place with hard surfaced walkin the heart of downtown and provides affordable retirement living for those who ing trail and landscaping. do not require nursing home care but who 9. Undertaking a street scape beautification design project with Fanshawe feel more comfortable in a supportive College students to produce some long term plans for the Village of Springenvironment. field and the Village of Port Bruce. 10. New Comprehensive Zoning By-law with a focus on eliminating unnecessary red tape for small business start-up and expansion, will be in place by the end of the year. 11. With our Bayham and Central Elgin partners, we have undertaken improvements to the Port Burwell Area Water System by relocating a portion of the Dexter Line water main and re-furbishing the Port Burwell elevated water storage tower. • Newly renovated suites with 12. The Road Department has completed surface treatments on Brook 2 piece washrooms Line, Caverly Road, Dingle Line, Half Moon Road, Rogers Road, Vienna Line, and Wilson Line. • Safety walk in tubs on all 13. As well, they completed the conversion of gravel to hard surface on 3 floors Rogers Road and Dorchester Road (about 7 km). • Transport lift between floors 14. We were able to do additional work on Dingle Street, Half Moon • State of the art call bell system Road, and Caverly Road. 15. We completed about 9 km of micro surface, a less expensive option • Sprinkler System than tar and chip that extends the life of the tar and chip surface so that • Fire Prevention and Monitoring Aug24 - Oct12c resurfacing needs to be done less frequently. • Monitored Emergency The Council of Malahide recognizes that without serviced commercial/in258 Talbot St, Aylmer Response System dustrial land, a large-scale industrial development such as a CAMI or Toyota 519-859-0133 plant is not realistic. Instead, Malahide is working diligently to continue to • Wander Detection and provide the necessary services and supports to be able attract new businesses aylmerretirement.ca Monitoring and retain our existing small businesses.

Deputy Mayor Mike Wolfe, TOWNSHIP OF MALAHIDE

October, 2016

ELGIN THIS MONTH

Be Ready for Winter Prepare vehicles for harsh weather As the seasons change, motorists must take steps to safeguard their vehicles, especially when the season changes from fall to winter. Each winter, many vehicles are subjected to sub-zero temperatures, snowfall and icy roads, and such conditions can take their toll on vehicles over time. Taking steps to prepare vehicles for winter weather is a vital step that can make cars and trucks safer for drivers and their passengers. Battery Old batteries should be replaced before winter begins. Without a strong, properly functioning battery, engines cannot turn over. Most batteries last between three and five years. However, extreme cold can compromise batteries, especially those that have been around awhile. Batteries are made up of acid and water, and cold temperatures can freeze the water, thereby affecting battery performance. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at O Celsisus, the average battery loses 35 percent of its strength. Newer batteries can be protected by starting the vehicle each day to warm up and recharge the battery. Let the car run for at least 10 minutes if you cannot take an extended drive. Exterior maintenance Keeping a car waxed and sealed can help maintain a durable exterior finish. This includes not only the paint, but the rubber and vinyl parts of

the car’s exterior. Winter is a good time to switch to a heavy-duty synthetic wax that can shield against water and road salts. High-quality sealants can be used on bumpers, trim and rubber door seals as added protection. Speak with an automotive retailer or even the car dealership if you are unsure which products will make your car’s parts most durable for winter weather. Do not stop washing your car just because the weather is cold. Slushy, wet roads and snow-melting salts can speed up the formation of rust or other decay on the undercarriage of the vehicle. These materials will need to be periodically cleaned off. Flush the underside of the vehicle whenever possible, taking advantage of any dry, slightly warmer days. Tire pressure Vehicle tires lose a pound of air pressure for every 12-degree drop in temperature. Many modern cars will alert to changes in air pressure, and drivers should be diligent in maintaining the proper tire pressure. Fuel economy as well as handling ability can decline when tires are not inflated properly. Tires can be refilled at many gas stations for little cost. Wipers

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Be Ready for Winter Conserve fuel during a daily commute Commuting is a part of daily life for many working professionals. Canada’s National Household Survey found that, in 2011, commuters in Canada spent an average of roughly 25 minutes traveling to work each day. While many people enjoy their daily commutes, feeling it’s a time to prepare for the day ahead and, if using public transportation, to relax and let someone else do the work, it’s fair to say the majority of commuters would like to spend less time getting to and from work. Many would also like to spend less money getting to and from their offices, and finding ways to conserve fuel is an effective way to do just that. 1. Maintain your vehicle. Poorly maintained vehicles endure undue stress that can be prevented by adhering to routine maintenance schedules. Peruse your vehicle’s owner’s manuals to determine the recommended intervals

to change the oil and replace the air filter and spark plugs. These simple maintenance tasks are easy and inexpensive, but they make it easier for engines to run smoothly and make efficient use of fuel. 2. Keep tires properly inflated. Properly inflated tires reduce drag on the engine. Engine drag makes the vehicle work hard to move, and that wastes fuel. But the type of tires a vehicle has also can affect how efficiently it uses fuel. According to the Transportation Research Board, tires that reduce rolling resistance by 10 percent can improve gas mileage by as much as 2 percent. While that figure might seem insignificant, that 2 percent savings can add up to a substantial amount of money for commuters who spend 50 minutes every day getting to and from work. 3. Drive a vehicle with stop/start technology.

Stand up for what is important to you Another way to collect facts is to try to get the backstory as to why someone is acting this way. Is the behaviour prolonged and on-ongoing, which would indicate that the behaviour is a reflection of their character, or is it limited to a specific time or specific situations? 3. Call it – Unacceptable and unprofessional The third thing you can do, is be clear that disrespectful behaviour is unacceptable and unprofessional. In the past, disrespectful behaviour was just part of the work world. If you were the new guy/girl, part of earning your stripes was to be able to deal with whatever actions were thrown at you – disrespect was part of the test. For example, if you messed up, you might expect to be yelled at. However, in today’s social climate, disrespect in the workplace is unacceptable and

it’s important to understand that you play a significant role in putting a stop to it. If you’ve tried to put an end to the disrespectful behaviour with no avail, it’s time to report it. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what’s important to you. Your boss or human resource department have a responsibility to put a stop to this type of behaviour, especially if it’s contributing to a toxic work environment. Take action when disrespectful behaviour persists. The environment you work in is critical to maintaining your physical and emotional health. Nancy Annett, MBA, CHRP and Laura Pavilonis, MBA CHRP own Flashpoint Training and Development.

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Stop/start systems, in which engines shut off automatically when drivers brake and restart automatically when the driver lifts his or her foot off the brake pedal, can make more efficient use of fuel. Once exclusive to hybrid cars, stop/start technology is now more widely available and can cut back on fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. That’s especially attractive to eco-conscious commuters who live in big cities where stop-and-start traffic is unavoidable. What’s more, many modern air conditioning compressors operate off electricity and not via a car’s engine, meaning vehicles with stop/start technology will stay cool in the summer even when the engine shuts off.

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Be Ready for Winter Make an older home more energy efficient While new homes are being built to be more energy efficient than ever before, thanks to a growing green building movement and increasingly strict building codes, the age of existing dwellings continues to present challenges. Yet, much can be done to help homeowners improve their building envelope to reduce energy use and increase efficiency.Improving your home’s energy efficiency can help save money, keep you more comfortable, reduce pollution, and prevent global warming. Try these five simple measures to maximize the energy efficiency of your home:1. Seal cracks and gaps around your home’s windows, doors, and vents. These can be a considerable source of energy loss, allowing conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to infiltrate your home, placing stress on your furnace and air conditioner in the process. An easy DIY solution is to caulk around windows, doors, and vents, and install or replace worn weatherstripping. An average home loses up to 30 percent of its energy through air leaks, so sealing your home is a worthwhile exercise.2. Top up or replace old insulation in your attic. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss. Also, over time, some types of insula-

tion can settle and compact, allowing heat to escape through gaps. Experts recommend installing a dimensionally stable batt insulation. Aim for an r-value of at least R-50, or a depth of roughly 16 inches.3. Insulate basement headers. Uninsulated basement headers are common, especially in older homes. They can act as a gateway for heated air to escape. Fixing the problem is fast and easy. Simply cut insulation to fit the cavity and compress into place. Doing this throughout your basement will prevent heat loss and can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year. 4. Switch to LED light bulbs. Some LED light bulbs have a lifespan of up to 10 years, and are 80 to 90 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs. They are generally more environmentally friendly than CFLs and safer, too, since they produce less heat. The return on investment is excellent, as LED bulbs often pay for themselves through energy savings within the first year. 5. Consider a home energy audit. This will help you identify and target specific problematic areas of energy loss. A professional home energy audit will also provide a list of recommended solutions to help you maximize your energyefficiency strategy.

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Be Ready for Winter To change or not to change? by Cheryl Lester

Nelson Mandela once said, “One of the most difficult things is not to change society, but to change yourself.” You may be someone who subscribes to T. Bert Lance’s adage, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. This could be simple wisdom. Or it could provide a convenient excuse for you to avoid action. You may be someone who resonates more with a quote from Frederick Douglass, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” A statement of truth, or perhaps an attitude that perpetuates a ‘never good enough’ attitude about yourself and your work? If you haven’t already guessed, as a leadership coach, I have a bias; but, my bias for change is not just for the sake of change. My bias is for change that empowers you to discover, develop, and manifest your potential—in service to Self, others, and the greater good. To change or not to change? How do you answer that question for ‘you’? First, be honest about where you are in this moment as it relates to your attitude regarding selfchange. Second, think about your answers to the following questions about stagnation and fragmentation

(just two areas of potential struggle). Open yourself to answers from the deepest — sometimes quietest — part of yourself. • Stagnation: Are you experiencing notable lethargy — mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually? Do you have inertia, finding it difficult to take action? Do you have a fear of becoming old, irrelevant, dull, or stale? Have you lost (or perhaps never found) an enthusiasm for life, work, and relationships? • Fragmentation: Do you feel like your attention, your energy, your focus is torn into little bits, and being continuously pulled in different directions? Do you feel like you want to press the ‘defrag’ button on yourself, your life, work, or relationships? Are you trying to be all things to everyone/everything else? Third, if your answers to those questions indicated a deep contentment and satisfaction. Simply keep doing what you’re doing. However, if your answers pointed to a need or desire for change, consider the following. They may be a lifeline for you or a springboard to other possibilities. • To counter stagnation: Try something new — food; style or colour of clothing; skill-set or hobby; genre of books or music; hairstyle; route to work; hangout location. And/or, reflect on your childhood interests and passions; re-introduce

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some aspect of that into your life. • To de-fragment: Say ‘no’ to something or someone today; take three very slow and very deep breaths; look at your life, work, or relationships through the lens of someone you respect — living or passed, real or fictional; do an honest (a really honest, mature, and objective) assessment of which relationships, tasks, or opportunities are actually important in the larger scheme of your life, work, and relationships. Fourth, take action. If you’re serious about changing yourself, do something right now that will change ‘it’ up. No excuses. No ‘I’ll do it later’. The action does not need to be huge. Even the smallest step can, over time, result in significant change. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world’… by changing yourself. Cheryl Lester and Doug Lester—individually and together—making a difference through leadership coaching and development, writing, and speaking. Co-authors of 12 Steps of Self-Leadership. eagletreeleadership.ca.

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Be Ready for Winter What to look for during roof inspections Cold weather can be tough on a home, and perhaps no part of a home is more vulnerable to harsh winter weather than its roof. Fallen snow can equate to several pounds of pressure placed on a residential roof. Roofs do not often collapse under heavy snowfall. But adverse winter weather conditions can compromise roofs in other ways. Water leakage and damage to the roof ’s interior are just two of the potentially problematic issues that can arise when roofs are battered by cold, blustery weather. That’s why many home improvement specialists advise homeowners to conduct roof inspections prior to the start of winter. Many homeowners can conduct their own cursory roof inspections, but they may not know exactly what to look for. There are certain key areas to inspect that may reveal some telltale signs of roof damage. Curled, cracked or missing shingles may prove troublesome. Inclement weather can test the strength of even the most durable roofs. Even though many roofs are designed to last up to 30 years, some may need to be replaced early, particularly when they have been exposed to harsh weather over a period of years. Individual shingles can be replaced as spot treatments, but if the damage is widespread, a new roof may be necessary. Attic leaks or water elsewhere might signal is-

sues with the roof. Figure out if water inside the home is coming from the roof. Water stains do not always indicate problems with the roofing, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Look for protective granules wearing off. If gutters are filled with the sandy granular material that coats roofing shingles, that may be a sign of an aging or damaged roof. Inspect flashing. Professional roofers can recognize properly installed flashing, the material that connects the roof to other parts of the house that adjoin the roof, like skylights or a chimneys. Poorly installed flashing Inspect a roof each fall to get an idea of the potential damage and any can cause leaks. Stains that appear necessary repairs that may be needed before nasty weather sets in. below chimneys or near attic winconsider with regard to roof damage. Boring indows may indicate new flashing, and sects and animals may cause problems with roofs not new shingles, is needed. Gutters and downspouts should be in good as well. A roof inspection may shed light on potential condition. A roof is the sum of its parts, and that includes downspouts and gutters. If the gutters pest problems. Holes or nesting materials may inare clogged or damaged, they cannot direct water dicate that an animal or animals are using the attic away from the house properly. Snow, leaves and as a shelter from the elements. Get to the root of issues with your home’s roof other debris needs to be cleared from gutters to before they become bigger problems once winter help them function at optimal capacity. Animals and insects can cause damage, too. It’s arrives. A thorough inspection can reveal problems not just poor weather that homeowners need to that may prove costly if ignored.

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Be Ready for Winter Choose the right tire for your vehicle and season Motorists spend hours behind the wheel and spend lots of money on maintenance to ensure their vehicles are in top working order. But tires are one area of maintenance that often goes unchecked, even by the most diligent automobile owners. Tires undergo a lot of wear and tear, which only highlights the importance of proper tire maintenance. But many drivers do not give tires a passing thought until there is a problem, such as a flat or excessive wear. Also, some drivers think that all tires are the same, failing to realize that the kind of tires vehicles need depends on various factors. In addition to the size and type of vehicle, drivers should consider the type of driving they do and the driving conditions they routinely encounter before choosing tires for their vehicles. Many vehicles come off the lot with all-season passenger tires because these tires are among the most versatile. However, if you live in a particular climate or do a lot of driving that requires specific traction or maneuverability, all-season tires may not be the best bet. The following are descriptions of common tire types and the conditions in which they might make the best fit. All-season All-season tires provide all-season versatility, good wear and ride comfort. They can be dependable tires and offer light snow traction as well. All-season tires provide adequate protection in many conditions, but do not offer specific benefits in any one area. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to be satisfactory for a vast array of drivers. All-season tires are typically offered in touring and passenger types. Touring will provide lower road noise and better handing, while passenger varieties offer a smooth ride and longevity. Summer tires Summer tires are designed to offer traction and maneuverability in warm weather. Orbital grooves and complex treads maximize traction in hot, humid weather. In areas like southwestern Ontario where the temperature is consistently steamy, summer tires may be a good investment. Winter tires A safety precaution for people like us who live

where conditions often include snow, ice and cold weather, winter tires can be lifesavers. These tires are designed using several different types of rubber, and feature tread designs that maximize traction during inclement conditions. Winter tires also come in various subcategories. Studdable winter tires or areas like Northern Ontario provide the extra security of added studs to enhance traction on ice. Performance winter tires offer better dry road handling, but traction on snow and ice may be compromised. Performance tires Performance tires offer a sports car feel. These are meant for drivers who want to feel the road and increase low-speed traction. The higher the level of performance, the increased level of handling and stability at high speeds. Truck tires Trucks, pickups and SUVs also have a variety of tire types. There are off-road varieties, which will offer an aggressive tread design for off-road traction and other obstacles.

Light truck tires help provide durability and traction. Specially designed SUV tires may be large, but can still offer comfort-focused applications designed for on-road driving. Drivers looking for better performance from their tires should speak with a tire retailer about the options available to them.

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HEALTHY LIVING Everyday Health

Don’t simply reach for PILLS TO CONTROL PAIN tem for weeks, months or even years. An initial injury such as an ear infection or sprained ankle may have I don’t like pain. Pain hurts! triggered the original signal but in While this may be stating the obvious it un- some cases there seems to be no derscores why the American Chronic Pain Asso- known precipitating event. Many ciation designated September as pain awareness people experience ongoing diffuse month. Millions of Americans and Canadians chronic pain with conditions such experience occasional and chronic pain and it as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue has huge implications for our society. The topic syndrome. These entities have been of pain is extremely complex and important as the source of much confusion and we are all directly or indirectly affected by it on frustration. Studies continue, but a daily basis. there is still very little understanding There are two broad categories of pain. Acute of these conditions. pain is what one experiences usually on an imOften those with ongoing pain mediate and relatively short term basis. Chronic turn to over-the-counter pain pain on the other hand is an extremely complex (OTC) medications. In early Sepentity that may recur often or be constant and last tember, the American Gastroenterological Asmonths or even years. Its effects include lost time sociation (an association of stomach doctors, and productivity from work, AGA) issued a press release in drug use and abuse, depression, sometimes there is an effort to educate the general suicide and the list goes on and public about common myths on. and dangerous misconceptions Ongoing persistent pain may regarding the use of common be the sign of a serious underOTC pain medications. lying pathology such as cancer, According to a survey coninflammatory arthritis, or other disease entity. ducted by the AGA, 39 percent of adults admitThese conditions must be ruled out by appropri- ted that they have knowingly taken more than the ate testing and studies. Sometimes with persistent recommended dose of an OTC pain medication. chronic pain there is no evidence of a known According to the AGA, this puts these individuals cause. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous sys- at risk for severe overdose complications such as stomach bleeding, ulcers, liver damage and even death. The AGA makes the following recommendations: 1. Read and follow drug labels and instructions. Medicine labels can change periodically make sure you are up to date. TOWING SERVICE AVAILABLE 2. Taking more than the recommended dosage will not lead to Full Service quicker pain relief. Garage With 3. Mixing medicines Licensed is dangerous. Be aware Mechanics

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that many combination drugs for cold symptoms and back pain contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Taking more of these drugs along with the cold or back pain medicine can lead to an overdose. Although medication may be helpful, there are other proven effective methods for dealing with both acute and chronic pain. The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research has recommended for some time now that spinal manipulative therapy (manipulation of the spine as performed by a chiropractor) is an effective treatment to relieve low back pain. Massage therapy can be an effective method to treat both acute and chronic pain. One of the most effective ways to treat many types of chronic pain is with exercise and active therapies as are prescribed by physiotherapists and chiropractors. Pain is a personal experience. We all experience it in our own way. Yes, some people seem to be able to tolerate pain better than others, but this should not be a source of judgment. It is important that we find effective and safe ways to manage pain. Dr. Greg Johnston is a Chiropractor and partner in Family Health Options Treatment & Resources Centre in St.Thomas

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Ontario Grape King 2016

by Jamie Quai

In early July this summer, I was contacted by one of the administrators with the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO). The GGO is the organization that advocates for the farming side of the industry, represents growers’ interests in pricing negotiations with buyers, and generally promotes the wine business as a whole. They wanted me to know I had been nominated for the 2016 Grape King title and they wanted to know if I would accept the nomination. I was honoured. The Grape King title is given to a single grower as recognition for their hard work, quality product, and dedication to the business. The tradition of naming a Grape King goes back to 1956. It’s a little confusing because the grower is recognized, but it’s based on the vineyard. Essentially, the

Grape King title is a stand in for Grape Grower of the Year. I’m proud to be the 61st person ever to win Grape King. It’s also worth mentioning at this juncture that king is used in the sense of a ‘ruler’ rather than a ‘male ruler’. There have been women crowed Grape King – none of them insisted on a royal title change. Nominations must be made by a fellow grower. All of those who stand for nomination are adjudicated by a group of industry experts from Brock University, University of Guelph, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming, and Rural Affairs. The site visit takes over two hours. The experts tour the farm and go through a questionnaire about farming practices, sustainability, vineyard composition, risk management, and overall stewardship. By the end of the first week of August the GGO had informed me that I had won.

On September 14, 2016 the GGO holds a celebrity luncheon to celebrate the start of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. This luncheon is also used to announce the new King. While I, and close family, staff, and a few friends knew well in advance … it was a surprise to the broader industry. There were over 300 people in attendance when I delivered my acceptance speech and gave thanks. I was told there was an added level of mystery this year because past Kings are usually told who won in advance. They weren’t specifically told this time. They were only given a clue – “He’s not from Niagara” (this was the first time since 1999 that the King was not from the Niagara Peninsula). Now the wild ride starts. There is an induction ceremony held on the winning vineyard, typically the day of the announcement, but because of distance and logistics – mine was held September 30th. Big party, lots of VIPs, and more than a few glasses of wine poured. For the two weeks that the Grape and Wine festival runs, there are several events that a King and the royal family (their term), my wife and kids, attend. There was a civic pride awards ceremony, the mayors’ grape stomp, the festival itself, and most humbling of all – the whole royal family rides on the last float in the Grande Parade in St. Catharines. The King title means spending quite a bit of time smiling for photos, shaking hands with attendees, and talking all things grape and wine. Then there are all of the responsibilities over the next year: attending and bringing thanks to Queens Park for the legislative tasting in November, Icewine Festival in January, New Vintages festival in the spring, Cuvee weekend in March, the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration in July, and a visit out to British Columbia in July to attend the big growers conference. That’s by no means an exhaustive list. Quite a lot of travelling in the next twelve months. I owe a big thanks to the GGO, as well as Farm Credit Canada, and the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival for their support of the Grape King program. Cheers! Jamie Quai is head winemaker at Quai du Vin Estate Winery in Elgin County, and 2016 Ontario Grape King.

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October, 2016

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 27

HOMESTYLE Decorating

Colourful front doors: the eyes of homes

by Renée Carpenter

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, what then is the ‘eye of the home’? It is the first impression made, the welcoming spot for friends and family, the one thing our eye is always drawn to first. The front door – the entrance to whatever lies beyond – not to mention the highly-acclaimed curb appeal that it also provides. It is the necktie to the suit. Your front door sets the tone for the entire home, the most important element of a home’s exterior. Think necktie again and the fun it brings to an otherwise basic attire. There is no faster way to have a quick exterior makeover than by painting the front door. Colour matters. A long history is associated with door colours and their meanings, much of which is ignored today. But it can and does affect not only the appeal but the bottom line when it’s time to sell. Choose with enthusiasm but not

without thought! The colour of your front door should be chosen first, but most of the time it is the last – yet it is the first thing everyone sees. That is, unless you have allowed your garage door to take top billing over your front door! The front door simply MUST win. Therefore do not paint them the same colour or else the larger block of colour will gain the eye. Paint out the garage door in a colour that is similar to the surrounding of the exterior wall and let the

front door do the talking. Classic green, red and black have long been the defaults – and there is still nothing wrong with them – but those colours are now beginning to change, as homeowners realize that colour can be playful and unexpected and is a great way of introducing the people that dwell inside. Yet, there are actual “do’s and don’ts” when it comes to choosing the colour. But before rushing out

14th Annual

to buy that can of neon green, take note of the style of home/door as well as the trim and siding that frame it. Basic rule of thumb is to pick a colour that works within the wood or brick of your home, or coordinates with the shutters and accents on the home. But this still leaves room for fun and imagination. Consider style AND how you wish to express yourself. We want strong character and welcoming personality, while maintaining stunning good looks. Sounds like a dream soulmate ad! Colours tend to fade more and are much less intense outside compared to the paint sample. So throw caution to the wind and go bold! Always choose saturated hues that are darker than you would normally envision on your front door. Test it outside to see how the colour looks throughout the day as the light changes. The kind of weather-resistant paint used depends on the quality of the door. It is not advised to put a high gloss paint on an older damaged door because the imperfections will show through. Glossy finishes, though, do bring out architectural detail. - A simple cottage-style door can look more sophisticated in a stately shade, while a casual, bright hue can make a formal façade friendlier and more whimsical. - You never want a door colour to compete with the siding or brick colour. Go for balance by deciding which one gets the biggest punch of colour. - A door that involves a lot of glass can keep an intense shade from being too overwhelming. - If you are squeamish about vibrant colours, try a colour that is also neutral but the opposite ‘temperature’ - Don’t forget your screen door. Paint it a contrasting hue for a second punch. - You can also make your door monochromatic. Paint the door, trim and exterior the same colour to visually expand your home and highlight accessories. Renée Carpenter owns Jennings Furniture & Design & Stage It With Jennings in St. Thomas.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 28

LIFESTYLE That’s Life

‘Clean desk award’ brings mom hope and joy

by Elizabeth VanHooren

This week the desk fairy visited my son’s grade three classroom. To my delight (okay, surprise) my son received a “clean desk award” from said fairy. This mystery nymph left a rocket candy and the following note: “The desk fairy stopped by and rewarded you with a prize for having a clean desk. Thank you for keeping your desk neat and clean.” My son presented the note to me as if it were still covered with fairy dust. Pride, wonder, happiness all danced in his eyes. He knew this would surely make me happy.

And it did. mounded into piles under their beds. Dresser At times, tidiness seems next to impossible in drawers are left open with fresh, neatly piled our household. I think I had better control over clothes tossed to find a favourite shirt. the mess of our daily lives when the boys were todThe bathroom is often a scene of lids-off toothdlers. If their clothes were dirty, I picked out fresh paste tubes, towels on the floor and dripping ones and put the dirty ones in the laundry. Neat. faucets because one or the other boy “forgot”. In Tidy. Done. the back hall, shoes are not on Today, the boys’ sphere of inshelves as though the person sometimes there is that owned them just stepped fluence on household clutter is greater. I expect them to come out of them and kept walking. home from school and change Actually I know that is what into play clothes, protecting happened ... I’ve seen it with their school clothes from acmy own eyes. tivities like cleaning the chickWe’ve had discussions, reen coop. Changing from ‘good’ clothes to ‘old’ minders, and conversed about the importance of clothes is something they understand – actually looking after yourself, keeping track of your own embrace. Placing their dirty clothes in a belongings. Why? “Because I am your mother laundry basket however, causes a NOT your fairy godmother. Contrary to popular short circuit in their brains. belief I don’t always know where the item you are I’ve found socks looking for is. And, I won’t be around forever to balled up and pick up after you.” So you can imagine our mutual surprise, my son and I, when he received this note from the desk fairy. I’m impressed because my son has displayed tidiness – confirmed by an outside source with documentation. My son is impressed that fairies do exist ... And they bring you candy. So a big thank you to the desk fairy for inspiring young minds, reinforcing positive character traits and bringing hope and fairy dust to this mother and son.

“

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 29

LIFESTYLE Time On My Hands

An offbeat tour of America’s heartland, and the blues at Fur Peace Ranch

by Duncan Watterworth

It was a weekend that stretched from the 1960s right into Trump’s rustbelt campaign, with fried bologna, and a whiff of murder. Just the sort of trip our old friends, Mark and Ann, would orchestrate. The story starts at the 1969 Woodstock Folk Festival, with the psychedelic supergroup Jefferson Airplane. If you don’t remember guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, perhaps you were beguiled by vocalist Grace Slick. Flashing forward to 1989, Kaukonen and his wife bought a farm in the hills of south-east Ohio, and created Fur Peace Ranch – a music and guitar camp. $1,440 for a four-day course. Kaukonen or other professional musicians do the teaching, and then give public performances each Saturday night. Mark and Ann have attended several of these concerts, and had tickets for an Eric Bibb and Rory Block show. Both are talented blues musicians, though not household names. By the time Barb and I agreed to go, the tickets were sold out, but over the years Mark has ingratiated himself to farm manager John Hurlbut. Mark phoned him, and assured us “Hurl” would let us in. On a Friday morning we headed south, and by chance stopped for lunch in Waldo. Where’s Waldo? In central Ohio, off highway 23. Clearly

down-on-its-heels, main street deserted and pallid, population 350. We ventured into The G&R Tavern and, to our surprise, there they all were. The joint was raucous. Turned out it’s the Home of The World Famous Bologna Sandwich: a slab of fried bologna thick as your thumb, a slab of onion, cheese, pickle, bun, on a paper plate. Of course we tried it, but probably wouldn’t again. We continued south to the bottom of the state, and checked into Mark and Ann’s usual motel, far from town, far from fancy, but near the Ranch. We had time to explore Athens, an old town of brick streets and historic buildings, but a college town, with the consequent restaurants, shops, and energy. For an early supper before the concert, we drove down to Pomeroy, a rough little town on the Ohio River. Its main street followed the riverbank, and the side streets twisted uphill into the ravines. Over enchiladas and beer, we watched a tugboat push a raft of coal-laden barges down the river, and gazed across at West Virginia. And then it was down rolling country roads and up a long lane to Fur Peace Ranch. Hurl, collecting tickets at the gate, cheerfully let us Canadians through. When we offered cash for our two admissions he said to give the money to the woman in the merch store on our way by. Standing out above the cabins and performance hall was the tall, cylindrical Psylodelic Gallery (silo – get it?).

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Its curved wall was alive with squishing colours – a vintage light show. Inside, art by Grace Slick and Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia, and a collection of 1960s concert posters, guaranteed flashbacks. Tiedyed beanbag chairs slumped on the carpet. The crowd was mostly vintage too, enthusiastic, relaxed, but with a disconcerting number of canes and knee braces. Both performances were excellent, very informal with plenty of banter. At the intermission, we strolled out under the stars and chatted with one of the guitar camp students, by day a professor of religious studies. And the murder part? In 2013 a registered sex offender from Pomeroy was stabbed to death in our motel, room 22. Lurid details available on the Internet. Mark had gleefully booked Barb and me into “the murder room”, as he calls it. It’s that extra care that makes travelling with Mark and Ann so memorable. Duncan Watterworth is a life-long resident of Elgin County and a retired lawyer. He can be reached at duncanetm@gmail.com.

28 Weeks Later, Dan Reith is 62lbs Lighter! Respected St. Thomas business owner, Dan Reith, lost over 60 pounds and 35 inches in 28 weeks on Ideal Protein. What’s even more impressive is that he did so over many holiday meals! Come in today and talk to our weight loss coaches Wendy or Chris to learn how Yurek’s medically supervised weight loss program.

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E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 30

October, 2016

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 31

N OW O P E N ! ! 2 Brand New Model Homes in St.Thomas

October, 2016

E L G I N T H I S M O N T H 32