Connect Canada Magazine - Edition Summer/Fall 2011

Connect Magazine • Summer/Fall 2011• Published by CC Group Inc.

DISCOVER

CULTURE*LIFESTYLE*BUSINESS*REAL ESTATE

spectacular

HOMES

in Nova Scotia

Über Hamburg:

International Tourism Exhibition 2012 Destination Travel

The Eastern Shore: Nature’s Perfect Balance of History & Present Day!

CAN $7.00

Connect CULTURE*LIFESTYLE*BUSINESS*REAL ESTATE Martina Robinson Financial Controller Frank Harmsen Design & Production Ross Graphic Assistant to the Editor Bill Slaunwhite Copy Editing Bettina Gouthro Grunwald Proof Reading Beatrice Hanisch Editor

Contributors

Timothy Brushett, Sharon Hallam, Martina Robinson, Bill Slaunwhite, Louisa Hatlapa, Don R. Campbell, Thea Wilson–Hammond, Paul Nicholl, Jenny Higgins, Kerstin Rohde On the cover: Main photo from left to right are: Melba

Russell, Reta Russell, Almon O'Brien and Maude Russell, circa 1936. Courtesy of: Joanne Coolen Middle photo: Ned Webber with children Ford and Ann Jannette. Courtesy of: Eastern Shore Archives Bottom photo: Webber family at Clam Harbour Beach, 1942. Courtesy of: Eastern Shore Archives Photo credits: Frank Harmsen, Stephan Wallocha

Connect >< Canada

CC Group Publishing Incorporated Editorial Office

19 Meaghers Grant Road P.O. Box 34, Musquodoboit Harbour Nova Scotia, Canada B0J 2L0 1.902.889.2198 Advertising & Subscription Inquiries:

info@CC–Group.ca

CC–Group.ca Connect Magazine Providing a visually engaging cross–marketing medium for professionals. Printed copies of our magazine will be made available on request, and are showcased at select locations.

Published twice annually, in June and in December.

No liability is accepted for editorial content, accuracy of text or possible misprints. No liability is accepted for errors in property detail, nor do publishers accept liability for accuracy of availability of featured properties.

Reproduction of content is by prior permission of the publishers.

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Welcome!

Clear Communication is not trend but style.

Trusting relationships, both business and personal, are built upon sincere, transparent communication, which is itself the essence of culturally correct and solid business dealings at all levels –whether internationally, nationally or within one's own neighbourhood. Recognizing true authenticity is a skill nowadays with virtual communication and social media trends bridging generations and cultures.

This Connect summer/fall 2011 Issue is special to us at CC Group Publishing Inc. as we appear for the 4th time in public, online and through print.

We continue to evolve into a magazine with its office roots on the Eastern Shore of the Halifax Regional Municipality, HRM in this gorgeous maritime Province of Nova Scotia, Canada.

This issue’s voice is a little R e t r o, which according to Wikipedia is, "a culturally outdated or aged style, trend, mode, or fashion, from the overall post modern past, that has since that time become functionally or superficially the norm once again. The use of "retro" style iconography and imagery interjected into post–modern art, advertising, mass media, etc. It generally implies a vintage of at least 15 or 20 years."

My values are older than 20 years within this young 4th Connect issue offering you Culture, Lifestyle, Business and Real Estate News from within Nova Scotia, reaching outward.

It is Connect Magazine’s mission to transmit "the essence" of a place and a given person as much as it is about a given person and a place.

In other words, we want “to show and tell” places and the people within, complemented by interesting real estate for sale around those places. You may wish to come into the picture as you find property you like and become a neighbour.

Please enjoy some highlights from

HRM's Eastern Shore, Nova Scotia

We are here by choice!

Martina Robinson, Editor

Connect

2011

summer/fall

contents

Real Estate Residential

die Makler

20 old trunk road

37 quebec farm

23 east petpeswick

37 großhansdorf

26 church street,

35 nicola schaper

A lovingly renovated century home.

Welcome to the neighbourhood.

liverpool

Incredible Estate with immaculate taste.

Property with Water 17 deadman island

Ca. 240ha Farm in Québec.

Großzügige Friesenhaushälfte.

immobilien

Pferdeimmobilien in Norddeutschland.

For Sale by Owner 39 crowell road

A waterfront home ready for you.

Privacy and beauty in one package.

18 schuster lane

A view from every window.

30 porters lake

Lake elegance with incredble entertaining venues.

22 clements road

Water, waves and endless possibilities.

Lifestyle Business 24 trot in time

A popular business to enjoy.

24 birchvilla cottages This is where vacation memories start.

24 harbour view b&b

Waterfront business, year round income.

24 d&l nurseries

Natures' most beautiful business.

24 the toy maker

An admirable legacy with fun.

28 sluice point

Golf, waterfront and business all in one offer.

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45

Business

Culture 18 the eastern shore

43 craftmanship

33 Green revolution

28 hope for wildlife

58 students abroad

40 staging matters

Destination Travel

52 to serve and protect

Nature's perfect balance.

The times they are a changin'.

Everybody wants to do it.

Is it really a by–gone art?

Connecting people to wildlife.

Value plus to sell your home.

What every business should know.

49 hamburg, germany

56 crea effects

Food

45 Über Hamburg

The good and the unintended consequences.

Cosmopolitan City with a Breeze.

12 yummy old cake recipe

International Tourism Exhibition 2012

No Sugar? No Problem.

Lifestyle 10 artist at large The making of a muralist.

8 dobbit bakery In our own backyard!

Green Homes 34 cape gegogan road In harmony with nature.

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FIRST SETTLERS WHO CHOSE TO STAY

Lobster factory at Bakers Point, East Jeddore ca. 1900.

The Eastern Shore

A Brief History By Thea Wilson~Hammond I have lived more than half my life on the Eastern Shore, all of my memorable childhood and the better part of my adulthood. I was a baby immigrant to this coastline, so am neither a native nor a true “come from away”. Yet I feel I have an understanding of this place, an understanding that comes from being a partial native who has spent the last eight years delving into its history.

Many years ago, when I first arrived back in Nova Scotia from living in Europe, I got that rare

chance to see my home as a foreigner might see it. I was struck first by the air–by the clearness of the sea air–and the many scents of a dying summer. The golden hues of early September, large stands of goldenrod along the roadside, the click–click–click of grasshoppers in the long grasses, and the cool blue of an approaching autumn sky. It was on this return home that I realized how remote the Eastern Shore still was. I saw its roughness; its scrubby trees; and its deep blankets of fog.

Not only was it far from Europe, it was far from the bustle of a busy Lumber camp workers somewhere near Mooseland ca. 1908. Nova Scotia summer. It still had the peace and emptiness of a land unsettled.

Why do some return to live here?

Living “on the Shore” requires a special something–a stubborn desire to tough–it–out. Many people choose to live here because you truly can get away from it all, but I often wonder what the first settlers were thinking as they built their homes in a land with many challenges.

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In 1783, when the first disbanded soldiers of the Loyal Nova Scotia Volunteer Regiment joined Captain Thomas Green in settling the lands around Ship Harbour, they recognized that the Eastern Shore was about as remote as you could get in the British colony of Nova Scotia.

The government’s policy of offering compensation to soldiers meant the best lands were soon gone. Until 1783, the Eastern Shore was still a vast forest known to the Mi’kmaq and a few squatting farmers (the exception was Chezzetcook, which already had an early Acadian settlement). Why was the Eastern Shore one of the last places to be settled? Quite simply, its rocky soil and coastal climate was not easy to embrace, and that remains as true today, as it was over 200 years ago.

While Captain Green’s soldiers were deciding whether to stay (many chose not to), a second set of settlers were claiming lands around Ship Harbour. These Loyalist families (largely Germanic) came primarily from the Carolinas in the United States. Unlike Captain Green’s soldiers, they brought their wives and children with them, and soon populated Ship Harbour, Owls Head, Little Harbour and Jeddore. Those able to tough it out have names still recognized today, including Webber, Siteman, Eisan, Blakeley, Weeks, and Marks. Census records show a quick change from the optimistic occupation of “farmer” to the much more realistic one of “fisherman”.

TILLING THE ROCKS Farming was the first choice of early settlers, as in many cases land had to be cleared and “developed” as part of the terms of their grant. If you have ever tried to start a new garden on the Shore, you know that agriculture is not without its challenges. Settlers did successfully grow potatoes, some other vegetables and occasionally enough grain to feed their animals, but the land rarely produced more than subsistence quantities. Walk through

One room schoolhouse at Oyster Pond, built in 1879 ca. 1890.

purchase enough root vegetables to stock their root cellar. Cranberries and fox berries picked in the boggy areas of nearby beaches ensured a local source of Vitamin C through the winter months.

LIVING FROM THE SEA Fishing quickly became a necessary source of food and income. Fishing camps were often built on nearby islands, where fishermen would spend the week fishing, cleaning, and salting their catch. They would return home on Hay making with ox at East Petpeswick ca. 1937.

the woods today and you will see large piles of stones–evidence of grew their potatoes in eel grass, past land clearing efforts. In the used seaweed and lobster bodies to 1838 census of the Ship Harbour improve the soil. As farming was not area, 31 homes listed themselves the primary occupation of families, as farmers, while 13 are listed as the work was often left for women fisherman, out of a total of 54. By and children to do while husbands 1871, for a similar geographic area, spent the summer months fishing there are 256 fishermen listed, and away from home. An alternative only 25 farmers, out of a total of to growing the winter’s supply of 448 households. vegetables, was for fishermen to Farming poor soil led to innovative take their empty boats to Prince practices we still use today. Farmers Edward Island or Cape Breton to

Walter & Hannah (Palmer) Stoddard’s family at Clam Harbour ca. 1889.

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WORKING IN THE WOODS

Prasac gold mine at Lake Charlotte, operated by Colonel Robert Logan ca. 1938.

Saturday night and spend Sunday with their families. With a coastline of long harbours and inlets, making the camps on the islands saved the fishermen a lot of rowing time, but it also meant that women and children were often alone.

In the late 1800s, improved canning techniques led to many small canneries opening. Canneries processed lobster, clams and herring. Women were good factory workers, their nimble fingers handy for shelling clams and picking out bones. Children worked in the factories too, and boys as young as 12 left school to join their fathers or grandfathers on the family boat.

A cannery may sound like a big enterprise, but most were family–run operations with questionable hygienic practices. Canneries utilized other local businesses, as wood was required to fuel the steam processors, and milled lumber was needed for building shipping crates and barrels. Larger operations often had a bunkhouse and cookhouse for feeding and accommodating workers. Transport was also needed to ship the products to market, first by boat and later by truck. Depletion of the raw materials (especially clams in the late 1940s) and changes in processing standards, brought an end to many of these canneries.

Sawmill at Oyster Pond owned by Andrew and John G. Mitchell ca. 1905.

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Early settlers focused on fishing and subsistence agriculture, utilizing the forest mostly for building materials and fuel. However, as the land opened up, shipbuilding and other demands for lumber increased. In 1861, when Joseph Howe travelled through the forest to reach the village of Tangier, he remarked on the “…unbroken forest to which the attention of our Merchants of Enterprising Capitalists ought to be turned. Noble groves of birch, beech and maple, hemlock and spruce interspersed with ash, oak and pine seemed to invite the axe of the lumberman.”

What were the forests of the Eastern Shore like 200 years ago?

Joseph Howe suggests an interior with a large and healthy mixed forest of hard and soft woods. No doubt the islands and coastal headlands exhibited the “scrub” of wind swept stunted black spruce seen today.

Yet the interior, easily accessed by a network of lakes and rivers, provided valuable lumber, feeding the many mills situated where the rivers meet the sea. By the late 1800s, large vessels were sailing into Jeddore, Ship, and Sheet Harbours to pick up large cargos of lumber.

Photographs of early sawmills show an impressive supply of good sized lumber, and other photographs reveal how denuded the landscape really was. Today, what were open fields a hundred years ago, are now grown over with balsam fir and white spruce. The change in the forest composition is reflected in the type of industries seen over time. In the early 1900s, sawmills dominated the landscape. During the 1930s

and early 1940s, the “Peg Factory” was producing hardwood products like wooden spoons, forks, shoe shanks and tongue depressors. By 1945, the supply of maple and birch was exhausted, and the factory shut down. In the 1930s, the change from sawing lumber to cutting and exporting softwood for pulp was also well underway. Before the war, peeled pulpwood was shipped to the United States and Germany, as well as to local pulp mills. Wartime slowed the export of pulp, but by then the pulp industry was well established in Nova Scotia, and would remain the primary focus of the forest industry.

Women working at the General Seafoods Clam Factory, Ostrea Lake ca.1945.

few who got rich. The lure of gold These landmarks speak to a time has not left the Eastern Shore, and when populations were greater, there are several companies active and when each community had the today, using chemical extraction, means to support several religious which is much more efficient, but denominations.

Today’s Eastern Shore is no also more controversial. longer tied to the sea as a transport SCENERY & PEACE: Today’s route, but by the Number Seven Highway that slices through the Natural Resources From the first settlers of 1783, long fingers of land that jut out communities sprang up all along to the sea. Turn down any side GOLD IN THEM THAR’ HILLS the Eastern Shore, each surviving road, and you will see how the In 1858 gold was discovered in the because of the combination of hard communities of the past look out Tangier River, near Mooseland. It work and readily available natural to the sea, rather than inward to soon brought gold rush excitement resources. The prosperity of the the road that now connects them. and population growth to the communities was directly linked to It is almost impossible to see the remotest parts of the Eastern the availability of wood, fish, gold Eastern Shore of today through the Shore. Between 1880 and 1910, and the trade generated by these eyes of our early settlers. It does over 600,000 ounces of gold resources. Very few manufacturing, not seem a place remote from all was extracted from Nova Scotia or value–added industries survived civilization, at least not to me. But goldmines, Goldenville being the once the natural resources if I return after a trip to Toronto, or most productive. Goldmining were depleted. Thus, inevitably, a stint in Berlin, I am immediately brought an aura of excitement economic decline followed, and aware of just how different this and mystique to the communities out–migration was a natural part place still is. I feel a relief when I of the Eastern Shore, but miners of life. arrive home, even if the cold fog is had little wealth in return for their The built heritage of the Eastern there to greet me. I feel the peace, hard labour. Modern stamp mills Shore is a reminder of a time the weight of urban stress lift, and and extraction techniques brought when our communities were busier I let that feeling wash over me like better yields in the late 1800s, and places. Take note of the white the ocean that is my neighbour.  again in the 1930s, but there were churches that still grace our villages.

All photos in this article appear courtesy of the Eastern Shore Archives. Opened in 2003, the Eastern Shore Archives provides a secure, climate controlled environment for the historical papers, photos and artifacts of the Eastern Shore. The archives occupy the former Upper Lakeville dance hall, now relocated to Memory Lane Heritage Village, and features a state–of the–art fire suppression system. The holdings of the archives

include land grants, wills, deeds, maps, letters, postcards, store registers, schools registers, and genealogies from families between Lawrencetown and Marie Joseph. The archives also has a 1200 image database of community photographs. The archives is open for research one day a week between June 15th and September 15th, and by appointment. For more information: call (902) 845–1937 or email info@HeritageVillage.ca

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I always knew someday I would come back home to Nova Scotia.

Nine years ago the whir of the high tech industry in Ottawa lost its appeal. After a healthy amount of discussion and planning with my partner, we moved to the Eastern Shore. Having grown up in Cape Breton, I did not know much about the Eastern Shore but we were enamoured with its unspoiled beauty and potential.

Our new home, to us, is over 130 years old. It was once a farm and is blessed with several acres of arable soil, something quite rare along the Nova Scotia coastline. We are on a hill overlooking a smattering of islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Our little community has a population of only 24 people, but at one time had over 100 settlers, fishermen, boat builders and others.

After of few years of working in Halifax at an outsourcing firm, I was presented with a resultant layoff notice from corporate restructuring.

This was the trigger for me to say goodbye to the corporate world and pursue a different career.

I love to bake. At this point in my life, it was time to become an

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entrepreneur and live my dream By Paul Nicholl of having my own bakery. So long High Techâ&#x20AC;Ś hello low tech!

I enrolled in Nova Scotia Community Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boulanger program and after graduating was ready to develop my business.

Within a few months, DOBBIT BAKEHOUSE opened its doors in Musquodoboit Harbour.

My partner and I are strong supporters of organic food. He now operates a small Certified Organic farm on our property, and I use as many certified organic ingredients in the bakery as my finances and customers will tolerate. My motto is: Local, Natural, Kneads.

Responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices are important to me. I acquire the products and services of local suppliers despite often finding a cheaper deal in the city. Most of the ingredients come from places in the Maritime Provinces, or if not, as least come from small independent suppliers. Heck, each fall I close up shop so my staff & I can have an outing to pick our own apples (17 bushels) from a Certified Organic orchard. Most of our waste is reused or recycled, allowing me to boast of producing only one small garbage bag every two days.

Dobbit Bakehouse offers both favourite local breads (white bread, molasses bread) and international breads (baguette, ciabatta, dark sourdough). We also produce a variety of squares, cookies, pastries, pies, and cakes. Some products, like our cupcakes, are packaged in recyclable boxes that are elegant enough to be presented to someone as a gift. And what would sweets be without great coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? So we offer that too, sourced from Canada’s first Certified Organic, Fair Trade coffee roaster, JustUs from the Annapolis Valley here in Nova Scotia.

In the winter months I offer a 4–day Bread Baking course in the evenings at the bakery. The students and I all have a lot of fun. It is very rewarding to see the students get

Phone: 889 2919

kayak adventure, or rock climbing expedition.

I have been told by some folks in the community that having a local bakery has helped in the development of the Eastern Shore.

I have a stall at the local farmer’s market. Businesses are placing orders with me. Community groups have informal meetings here.

College and high school students have had placements with me to

gain industry experience. Children have made it their weekly ritual to stop in for a cookie after a trip to the library, hockey arena, or hiking trail. So even though I am out of bed at 4’o clock in the morning, I’m having a blast!

7896 Hwy #7

Musquodoboit Harbour

excited when they pull out the first loaves of bread that they created from the oven!

Operating a village bakery is challenging and rewarding. It is sometimes difficult to convince customers to try products that they are unfamiliar with. However, when they taste a sample and roll their eyes exclaiming how good it tastes, I am delighted. As each week passes, more local customers become repeat customers. Visitors from far away and those not so far away seem pleased to spend time in my little shop, before or after their walk on the beach,

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Artist at

LARGE Early in spring 2004 we moved to Ship Harbour along the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia from British Columbia. It surprises and delights me that so many people from around the world have come to Nova Scotia for some of the same reasons we have.

One very creative person I met early in my move was Lynda McConnell.

Lynda was born in England and her family relocated to the suburbs of Toronto when she was 5 years old. As a young teen she took a 10–day vacation to Nova Scotia, fell in love with the province and never looked back.

Lynda and I were gathering pictures and words to help create a website for her business and I saw a large portfolio unfold, from small to very large artistic projects. I am so impressed and pleased to boast about her work and about her having been a community neighbour in Ship Harbour.

One project she created was for

the Halifax Seed Company located on Kane St. in Halifax. In 1999, business owner Tim Tregunno found himself needing to dress the outside of their building, and after feedback came in from a focus group, it was thought the outside of the building looked too institutional and needed softening (while they could add outside planters, it simply wouldn’t be enough). Lynda’s mandate was to create a softer, appealing look for the outside of the building and to speak of the heritage of Halifax’s oldest seed company. Many on–lookers stopped to say hello and talked about the progress of the mural and its impact in the community. The Halifax Seed Company is considered a landmark and tourist attraction and is one of Lynda’s favourites.

Shortly after in early 2001, during the construction of the Four Points by Sheraton on Hollis Street, in Halifax, Lynda was commissioned to solve a

Custom driveway marker in New Glasgow

problem with a stark concrete–walled courtyard that wouldn’t provide a pleasing view to hotel guests. Working from a warehouse in Musquodoboit Harbour Lynda began creating a turn–of–the–century street view; built to scale, painted on panels that were then later pieced together on site.

Lynda enjoys the research that is very often part of creating a mural as it gives her a sense of that time. For instance, through her research for this project, she found that where the Four Points

by Sheraton now stands, there once stood the historic Halifax Academy of Music, which is a large feature in this life–sized streetscape mural.

With the help of architects, engineers, tradespeople and other specialists the almost 9,000 square foot mural was ready for the unveiling in September 2001. CBC Halifax followed her through the development and you can view the last chapter of the project by visiting her website at McConnellMurals.ca.

Partial view of the courtyard mural at The 4 Points by Sheraton Hotel.

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Artists get to entertain a wide audience who otherwise might not set foot into an art gallery. Cities benefit from the beauty of a work of art by using murals. Many local bars, shops, local government and other business commission the work of a muralist. Today, many of our rural towns are using murals to create tourist attractions in order to boost economic income.

Murals are being found in the simplest settings to the most lavish. People are living in smaller spaces and with the use of a muralist one can create a wonderful expansive feeling in any area of the home. Businesses can educate, entertain and even advertise through the use of artistic murals.

I think it’s a winning solution when art surrounds

By Bill Slaunwhite us, wouldn’t you say?

The Making of a Muralist Faders Agencies on Shore Road in Dartmouth, which overlooks the Halifax Harbour, commissioned Lynda to create a period harbour landscape with historic clippers which covers a large area of the back of one of their buildings. You have to commend businesses that are concerned with how they are seen by the public.

A project that Lynda is particulary pleased with was comissioned by Nova Scotia Power who asked that she create a backdrop showing an osprey about to land on a line pole with an actual pole and nest placed just in front of the backdrop. They explained to Lynda the importance of securing a safe nesting area for birds that build on live electrical poles. Nova Scotia Power installed a new pole nearby the nesting site and moved the nest to the safe area. This shows a true commitment from Nova Scotia Power to do the right thing.

Before and after these few projects Lynda has created countless murals and artistic surfaces. Photographs I’ve been pleased to see are of a 16–foot by 16–foot intricate and elegant diamond mosaic that was created on a pair of domed ceilings in a penthouse suite in Halifax. I’ve seen projects on panels for use outside a building to enhance a setting that are stunning. It is amazing how a mural can revive a location and inspire a space.

The Significance of Murals Murals play an important role in society because they bring art into our public space. Murals have been used in the past as a social and political propaganda tool and can still be seen today most notably in Ireland as well in other countries. We are all aware of the Berlin wall where the Western side coveted the thoughts of anti–communist rule, until the fall of the wall in 1989.

Lynda McConnell Lynda’s ability to generate creative solutions for area usage, building structure and other challenges has resulted in more than five hundred commissions since 1992. Past clients include several private corporations, residences, museums, the provincial government and all types of business. Her finished projects are designed to fit well into their surroundings and are often highly researched for their accuracy. To see more samples of Lynda’s work visit her website at: McConnellMurals.ca.

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This recipe published in 1945 by Maclean's Magazine makes a remarkably tasty chocolate cake well appreciated during an era of sugar and butter shortages.

At Memory Lane, 16 restored buildings, typical of a Nova Scotia coastal village in the 1940s, await your discovery.

Cookhouse Meals 1940s Nostalgia Local Guides Antique Machinery Live Animals Local Crafts Fresh Bread C@P Site (free internet/email access) www.heritagevillage.ca

Saturday, June 11 Saturday, June 11 June 15 to July 2 Sunday, June 19 Friday, July 1 Friday, July 15 Weekend, July 16~17 Saturday, August 20 Saturday, August 28 Saturday, September 17 Saturday, October 15 Saturday, November 19 Saturday, November 20

Visual Arts Nova Scotia “Make Do” Exhibit Opening “Inspired by Art” Heritage Dinner Visual Arts Nova Scotia “Make Do” Exhibit Antique Car Show Dominion Day “Old Time” Village Fair Lunch Box Social & Dance Women’s Heritage Celebration Atlantic Canada Harmonica Festival Eastern Shore Homecoming Musique Royal Concert & Dinner Oktoberfest Heritage Dinner 1940s Christmas Dinner & Concert 1940s Christmas Dinner & Concert

Tel: 1-877-287-0697 or Email: info@heritagevillage.ca 50 min. east of Halifax on the #7 Highway at Lake Charlotte. Turn at Webbers Store toward Clam Harbour Beach.

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HOPE FOR WILDLIFE SOCIETY

“Connecting people to wildlife in a positive way, the Hope for Wildlife Society believes that education through rehabilitation is the

S

... because they matter

Hope for Wildlife: True Stories of Wildlife Rescue

by Ray MacLeod $19.95

ince 1997, the Hope for Wildlife Society has been giving injured and orphaned wildlife in Nova Scotia a second chance. Through its wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education programs, over 12,000 animals representing over 250 species have been returned to the wild, and thousands of people have learned how they can live in harmony with the wildlife that surrounds us.

You can help! The Hope for Wildlife Society is a registered non-profit charitable organization (charity number 885062448RR0001). Support the efforts of this dedicated team of over 100 volunteers by making a donation to the Hope for Wildlife Society. Your generous donation will provide food, medical care, and shelter for over 1,500 injured and orphaned animals each year.

key to a sustainable future.”

Paperback • 176 pages Hope for Wildlife: Season 1 $60 Arcadia Entertainment DVD • 13 1-hour episodes

Produced by

for

airing Tuesdays at 8pm ET

Experience Hope for Wildlife at home: Visit our Gift Shop and pick up your very own copy of the Hope for Wildlife - Season 1 on DVD, or the book Hope for Wildlife: True Stories of Wildlife Rescue

The Hope for Wildlife Society invites you to visit our Learning Centre and Wildlife Garden this summer. Open June 1st – August 31st, Monday – Saturday, 10am - 4pm

Open House: Sunday, August 28th, 12pm to 4pm 5909 Hwy 207, Seaforth, NS B0J 1N0 (902) 407-WILD (9453) 13 www.hopeforwildlife.org

Feel right at Home.

Showing your newly built home to friends and family is an exciting time. The satisfaction of them sharing your enthusiasm for the entrance flooring, kitchen cabinets and bathroom tile. As you show your new home, pointing out other fine details, you will likely take silent pleasure in how efficient your heating system is. You probably won't mention the upgraded attic insulation. You might even smile to yourself about how thoughtfully the location of your light fixtures and switches were chosen.

This is the finale of the pleasant experience you had with a good builder. A "craftsman" I like to call it.

That is, someone who enjoys looking ahead to a job well done and giving all its details the careful consideration they deserve. That is what makes a good builder. Conscientious and reliable hands on work and attention to detail is what will make your new home Paramount.

Darcy Laycock Owner/Builder

Certified ICF (Insulating

Concrete Forms) Installer 14

Cell: 902 499 9901 Phone: 902 889 9024 Fax: 902 889 2118 info@paramount窶田onstruction.ca paramount窶田onstruction.ca

PARAMOUNT

CONSTRUCTION

“We all just cook with water and soup is never eaten as hot as it is served.”

These famous sayings are superbly interesting when applied to the Real Estate Market in way of marketing; selling & buying.

Timing is always of the essence within fiercely competitive exclusive and MLS® marketplaces. Internet data is exchanged at boiling speeds.

We at the Robinson & Harmsen alliance of Brokerages, both in Nova Scotia, Canada and in Hamburg, Germany; believe in old fashioned service! 'Offering clean water with handpicked ingredients, select seasoning at the right temperature.'

Patience and confidence assuring the individual 'recipe' will turn out perfectly and that everyone 'will have enough' and be satisfied. and of course – return for more!

Welcome & Willkommen

– as we understand the pot has to be large enough and the vision and mission has to suffice to get the job done right.

We are at your Service in both the English and the German language –and– place settings.

Martina Robinson, Broker Nova Scotia & Germany, member of the EU FIABCI Frank Harmsen, Broker Germany, member of the EU FIABCI

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Deadman Island for Sale

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Small cabin on the island.

Coastline on peninsula.

Tip of the peninsula.

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Path leading to the wharf.

Looking for a Get~Away? Find peace & adventure on this private island.

Approximately 400 feet from the mainland, off Sober Island, this almost 15 acre private, wooded island is a true gem. The island has a rocky coastline with unobstructed views to the ocean. A small, simple cabin on the island is without power or septic but can be the start to an adventurous holiday! Sheet Harbour with shopping, hospital and restaurants is only a short 15 minute drive away from the mainland. The Sober Island area is very popular with those who enjoy fishing, sailing and other water sports. Own your own island in this amazing area.

Property Info: Deadman Island & Peninsula, Mozier Cove Road, Sheet Harbour, NS MLS® #00578963/00620005 ES–5211/ES–5212 Price: Island $239,000. Island and Peninsula $350.000.

Contact: Martina Neuer, Licensed Real Estate Professional Mobile: +1.902.223.9924 M.Neuer@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com

Large deep water wharf.

Island & Penninsula

The easiest way to get to your private island is by owning this 2 acre lot on the mainland. The peninsula lot has a path leading to a wharf (a former government wharf) and has deep–water anchorage. From there, the island is only about 400 feet away. More than 1200 feet of waterfront and beautiful views guarantee you unlimited possibilities Halifax and the International airport are approximately 2 hours away. The island can be bought separately, the peninsula can only be bought together with the island!

Listing Brokerage

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&

Sunset 18

The Chalet has scenic views from all sides.

Warm and spacious living area.

Water and sunshine to relax with.

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Open concept dining room with amazing light.

Maple kitchen cabinetry.

Sunshine and a million dollar view from Sunrise to Sunset over Jeddore Habour. A one–of–a–kind chalet–style house sits proud on top of a ridge overlooking Jeddore Harbour. This home has exterior cedar siding and three bedrooms. The chalet’s upper level showcases a large master bedroom with a breathtaking walkout deck. The chalet’s lower level is highlighted with a walk–in entrance option offering plenty of space for business, office or future living quarters.

Included with this 5–acre package is 450 ft +/– of water frontage on Salmon River and a sweet, romantic cottage that can sleep four. The cottage has a wood stove, propane powered kitchen and sits right by the water’s edge. Ideal for all type of water sport heroes!

Property Info: Schuster Lane, Head of Jeddore, Eastern Shore, NS MLS® ES–5222 Price: $335,000.

Contact: Martina Neuer, Licensed Real Estate Professional Mobile: +1.902.223.9924 M.Neuer@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com

A cottage for extended enjoyment.

Listing Brokerage

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T

A splendid four bedroom home in its raised, sunny position inspires with uniqueness and fairytale charm.

This delightful country home, with a desirable family address is located

in the community of Oyster Pond, just about 45 minutes to Dartmouth/Halifax. The century home, lovingly restored, has enjoyed upgrades such as new windows and roof shingles. Further key renovations have sparkled up the bathroom, while carefully maintaining the home’s old world charm and aura.

The double garage, nicely landscaped yard and romantic gazebo highlight the outdoors. Enjoy safe ocean–water swimming nearby at Monument Loop.

The kids will thank you! Oh, and a new P–9 School is almost within walking distance!

Property Info: Old Trunk Road, Oyster Pond, Eastern Shore, NS MLS® ES–5202 Price: $249,900.

Contact: Martina Neuer, Licensed Real Estate Professional Mobile: +1.902.223.9924 M.Neuer@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com Listing Brokerage

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A Note from the Home Owners After 6 years of living in Oyster Pond and lovingly restoring our beautiful property we have reluctantly decided to downsize and move nearer to my husband's new workplace. This is our only reason for selling as we love both the house and the area.

A great deal of care and effort by us together with wonderful local craftsmen has made this house a wonderful home. Our house would make a fine summer home as well as a year round family home.

It is spacious but cosy with lots of character. The widows walk is where I like to write my stories, taking inspiration from the view of Jeddore Harbour. The attic space could make a wonderful place to paint or use as a studio.

We will sorely miss it.

Nova Scotia “How do you fancy Nova Scotia?” my husband asked me completely out of the blue. After a long period of illness I was given a clean bill of health. It had been many years since I had had what most people take for granted: the choice to move forward with their lives if they chose.

Two of my three children had left home and my husband had visited Nova Scotia five or six times with his work and always came home with stories of how friendly and helpful the Nova Scotians were. He enthused about the clean air, open spaces, the huge expanses of water and my particular favourite, trees. Trees as far as the eye could see. He loved the slower, more relaxed, way of life also. He remarked on the lack of stress (at least visibly) the local people displayed. Manners were generally better than where we came from, as people were more relaxed, not under constant pressure with lives full of stress.

our country. I was from Scotland and my husband originally from England. We toured the beautiful province for about a week. Each day we planned where we would like to visit. I had pre–printed cards explaining we were thinking of emigrating, and if we fancied a house which was for sale, I left it with a handwritten note saying, “If by any remote chance your house has not sold in a year's time, please phone...”

We left three cards in total and from that we received 2 calls to our hotel, one inviting us to a party to meet the locals. This party coincided with my husband's 40th birthday. We had a super night. We decided right there and then Nova Scotia was for us. Within three months of returning home the realtor from the third house we had left a card at emailed to say good luck and of course left his name should we wish to purchase at a later date!

After a few moments, and yes that's all it took, I said, “Only if we visit first and get a feel for the place.” We intended to go to New York, but decided to visit Nova Scotia instead. As soon as I arrived I could feel the difference in air quality. The scenery was stunning and the people were friendly and genuinely interested in asking questions about

Canada is a lovely country and Nova Scotia is a beautiful province.

Enjoy the thought of a new life.

Harriet Asher

An "entertaining" dining room.

A well appointed kitchen.

View of Jeddore Harbour from the sunny loft studio.

Large double garage with lots of storage upstairs..

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E

Pay yourself to take vacations on this ocean front lot and build a holiday cottage.

Bird watchers will definitely love this property’s private pond.

Enjoy the waves and the most spectacular sunsets around.

A dream come true, owning your own sandy beach.

Enjoy fishing, clam digging and walking to and on Martinique Beach. This beautiful nature setting lets you have the best of both worlds: peace and outdoor fun for your barefoot toes, while a bustling and growing community of Musquodoboit Harbour is at your fingertips!

There you have a yacht club, a 9–hole golf course, library, fitness centre, medical centre, several restaurants, cafes and even an organic Bakeshop for your fresh morning muffins and breads.

Every thing you need for a content, cottage country lifestyle that will please your senses.

Property Info: Clements Road, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS MLS® ES–5208 Price: $189,000.

Contact: Martina Neuer, Licensed Real Estate Professional Mobile: +1.902.223.9924 M.Neuer@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com Listing Brokerage

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Watch the sunsets from this gorgeous deck ovelooking the Petpeswick Inlet.

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“Welcome to the neighbourhood…

Plenty of storage in this well designed kitchen.

View of ocean inlet from the wrap around deck.

Cozy and sunny 14 year young three bedroom single family home sits on a tastefully landscaped lot with beautiful views of Petpeswick Harbour. Spacious walk–in closets, a wrap around deck and a 30 year warranty on the wood siding are just a few of the assets that make this a great deal. The house comes with all appliances and a wired shed and workshop. Just minutes from Musquodoboit Harbour and Martinique Beach. Bring your own kayak to the nearby yacht club where your kids also can attend summer camp and sailing lessons. There are many community activities such as dinners and dances. There is even a golf course in the neighbourhood.

“Come on in, take a look and stay”.

Property Info: East Petpeswick Road, Eastern Shore, NS MLS® ES–5207 Price: $246,500.

Contact: Martina Neuer, Licensed Real Estate Professional Mobile: +1.902.223.9924 M.Neuer@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com Listing Brokerage

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Property Info: Blue Rocks Road, Garden Lots, Lunenburg Co., NS Price: starting at $449,900. Co–operating Exclusive

A work–lifestyle you can live with!

Adjacent to seaside UNESCO–fame Lunenburg, this relaxing business is successful & highly respected; An amazing experience.

The iconic carriage tour company exercises its horses with replica 18th century buggies in pleasant weather. Come along for a ride or even purchase this turnkey operation?

Established since 1996, the business can include all buildings, equipment, and even a lease on 25 extra acres of pasture & woods trails.

Locally supported as a heritage asset and also by the SPCA, it is a business to be proud of.

Lifestyle Businesses fo

There are 13 cottages and one fully–equipped cottage suitable for handicapped guests that can sleep up to 8. All the cottages are winterized so year–round rental is possible.

Property Info: Highway #1, Smith Cove, NS Price: $745,000.

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An overwhelming sense of calm is sure to envelop you as you step onto this 8 acre property, located in the resort community of Smith’s Cove in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Every aspect of this 8 acre property, from the meticulously kept cottages, the crystal clear pool, the fire pits, and the children's play area, to the heritage charm of the main house is sure to bring back your own memories of summers gone–by. This property has great untapped potential, whether running women's retreats on/off season, or partnering with other local businesses in creating vacation packages, or even creating an RV park on the 4 acres of the property that is currently undeveloped.

HARBOURVIEW B&B AND MOTEL

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On the waterfront side of the property, there are an additional six, fully winterized motel units. Each suite has a queen size bed, a double pull out bed in the sitting area, a small kitchenette with microwave and fridge, 4 piece bathroom and satellite TV. With proximity to local colleges, the Harbourview B&B and Motel is able to rent out its units to students on a weekly or monthly basis; this is especially beneficial during the off–season time periods.

In short, these units provide a steady source of income throughout the year!

Built by Embree Shipbuilders in 1880, this four–rental room B&B with innkeeper suite appropriately named Captain James Embree House, not only stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the day, but as a rich legacy of Nova Scotia’s maritime culture.

Property Info: Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury, NS Price: $567,000.

or Sale

Contact: Martina Robinson & Bettina Grunwald RobinsonHarmsen.Com

Listing Brokerage

Be your own Boss on Land & Sea! Circa 1990’s established business. 3 Greenhouses, 1 Cold Frame, 6 Furnaces, Germination Table, 2 Fertilizer Injectors, 1 Drilled Well, 1 – C1 Septic Field, 1 Forklift. Customer list@closing! It is possible to purchase a well kept 3bdrm/2bath bungalow, please inquire.

The Toy Maker of Lunenburg has been operating for over 30 years and has earned the reputation for producing safe, practical toys that challenge children’s imaginations. Current toys include brainteasers, puzzles and giftware with room to expand the line. As the new owner, you’d gain an admirable legacy, producing long–lasting, quality products that could be used for generations to come. It is possible to purchase a home with this business. Inquire please.

Property Info: #7 Highway, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS Price: $285,000.

Take–Away Price for Business & Assets only $225,000.

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Liverpool Manor with an impressive interior takes elegance and grandeur to comfortable heights.

L

Luxury customized in the heart of Liverpool.

Possibly the finest real estate in the area, this family estate offered for sale depicts a four bedroom, two full bath and two half bath Manor. A bright and airy two bedroom carriage house with double garage offering a stylish inâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;law suite/ rental unit option to the Manor. Also part of this portfolio is the executive three bedroom, two full bath home which could yield rental income.

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Extravagant oasis found within the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy entertaining flow.

For these property owners simplicity and cosiness are the key ingredients in creating a functional kitchen.

There are endless reasons for getting up early to enjoy this gorgeously organized dressing room.

E

While the visual impact of this bathroom cannot fail to catch the eye, imagine the enjoyment it will offer your senses.

Executive three bedroom house offers renewed interest in traditional design planning.

As part & parcel of this whole residential and multi–family listing: this house promises to have room for what is meaningful and useful. You may consider yourself lucky to have found a solid investment within the honest township of Liverpool. Offering potential income and family living, this three bedroom, two bathroom house is expertly renovated. You will find this hard to resist modern–retro flair enchanting.

The natural beauty of refinished floors in the dining room sparkle in the light.

Property Info: Church Street, Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0 MLS® #70023742/59/26 Price: $997,000.

Contact: Martina Robinson, Broker Mobile: +1.902.476.4710 M.Robinson@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com Listing Brokerage

27and fine A smart new kitchen.

Lake

Elegance

S

Western sun exposure with a natural sandy beach, this splendid 260 feet waterfront family estate on Porters Lake is both a pearl and an oyster!

Simply one of the best locations on Porters Lake. This Prestige Family Estate offers a threeâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;bedroom main residence in the handsome executive home affording warm living flow with easy entertaining management throughout livingroom, kitchen and sun room over to the outdoor deck. Owned ETS system plus pellet stove.

Featuring this property perfect for outdoor entertaining: a romantic pergola, a deep water anchorage wharf to waterâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;ski off and the sandy white beach to sink your toes in or to let your children play safely, as the water gently slopes 30area. in that

Pink lemonade in the afternoon and cool drinks by the warm outdoor fireplace "two for the price of one, excellent and true in every way!"

Bright windows offering unparalleled 180º views of Porters Lake.

A smart pellet stove ensures snugly evenings indoors.

The washed oak kitchen is built to order through local master craftsman.

It includes a well organized centre island with electrical outlets and a separate hutch for fine dishes enhancing the dining area.

A family estate with its impressive main residence and separate guest house, which in itself is two apartments.

It is located on a quiet side lane in the most sought after HRM district of Porters Lake. The main residence is energy efficient through an owned ETS system. A high–quality of appointment compliments the spacious interior layout and includes such values as a separate

Guest House/2 level Cottage

Showing off a teenager suite or in–law living accommodations/rental unit on two separate self contained levels.

double garage. The terrace and pleasant gardens with the lakefront feature round off this impressive home living concept.

Property Info: 110/112 Whisper Ridge, Porters Lake, NS MLS® ES–5225 Price: $689,500.

Contact: Martina Robinson, Broker Mobile: +1.902.476.4710 M.Robinson@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com Listing Brokerage Enjoy the lovely grounds; a veggie–garden plot and a separate garage.

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and here it could be argued the government has dropped the ball in not offering incentives to individuals and small companies to adopt and invest in these technologies. Still, the picture is far from bleak although as is often the case the hard lifting is being performed by those same individuals and small businesses. The Renewable Energy Association of Nova Scotia and Solar Nova Scotia are both thriving major players in the local renewables scene. There are also a number of suppliers and installers of systems and components who, if not getting rich, are operating comfortably in the black. More important, perhaps, is the sense of momentum and a kind of approaching critical mass that’s building in the industry.

These individuals and small businesses are the true pioneers, the revolutionaries. They are friends, neighbours and acquaintances. They recognize the coming changes already underway in our access to energy and food and all the things that make our lives rich and worthwhile and are making the personal

choices compelled by that recognition. Those choices could be as basic as the simple steps necessary to make one’s home more air tight and energy efficient or as complex as going completely off grid. Perhaps they choose to invest in the technologies themselves or become players in the attendant businesses.

The choice to become completely energy self sufficient is not necessarily altruistic however. Pioneers tend towards individualism and often will go to great lengths to indulge that individualism. It’s inherent in their nature to want to be the engineers of their own destiny. Privacy is important to them as well and it is often the case that it’s simply less expensive, not to mention more reliable, to provide their own power rather than have it supplied to a secluded and even remote location by a large utility. Such people thrive on challenge and the potential and possibilities they recognize in this beautiful province are merely the icing on the cake.

Harmony Nature

In with

GREEN property

Green is the word!

Built directly by the ocean, these Green lifestyle properties mingle with their surroundings! For years this cape of peace and quiet has been enjoyed by discerning Europeans. Here is an invitation to purchase: Contact: Martina Robinson, Licensed Real Estate Professional Mobile: +1.902.476.4710 M.Robinson@RobinsonHarmsen.Com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.Com Listing Brokerage

Home with +2,500 sq ft * Land with +25 acres MLS® 35179134 Price: $495,000.

GREEN property

Enjoy bold ocean views from the back deck of either property listed here.

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Summer Home with +1,500 sq ft * Land with + 25 acres MLS® 35126168 Price: $219,000.

Pferde- und Landimmobilien in Norddeutschland und Kanada

Sie wollen eine Pferde-/ Landimmobilie verkaufen oder verpachten?

Sie suchen nach einer Pferde-/ Landimmobilie zur Pacht oder zum Kauf?

Sie suchen nach Pferde-/ Landimmobilien in Kanada?

Frau Nicola Schaper ist eine kompetente Fachfrau, die sicher und sportlich erfolgreich im Sattel sitzt und jahrelange Erfahrung auf diesem Gebiet vorweisen kann.

www.nicola-schaper-immobilien.de Phone: +49-40-60 82 17 24 Fax: +49-40-69 70 21 32 Email: info@nsi-immobilien.de Eimsbütteler Straße 63 – 22769 Hamburg Als Deutsche Kooperationspartnerin der Nova Scotia Brokerage

vermittelt Nicola Schaper Immobilien auch Pferde- und Landimmobilien in Kanada.

Idyllisch gelegene Reitanlage im Herzen der Lüneburger Heide zu verkaufen!

Reetdachhaus, Baujahr 1972, Wohnfl. ca. 220 m², Nutzfl. ca. 400 m², 6 Zimmer, Carport für 3 Autos, Pferdestall mit 10 Boxen - davon 2 große Abfohlboxen mit Videoüberwachung, Reitplatz (20m x 40m), Grdst. ca. 31.000 m², angrenzende Pachtweiden ca. 3 ha, Remise, Scheune, betonierte Dunglage, gepflasterter Außenbereich, nutzbare Reithalle in ca. 1 Km Entfernung, bestes Ausreitgelände, ruhige Naturlage nahe größerer Ortschaft, Kaufpreis: € 650.000,-- zzgl. Erwerbskosten und Maklercourtage, www.nicola-schaper-immobilien.de

35

Connect >< Canada CC Group Publishing Incorporated

What is it? What does it do? How does it do it? And… so what?

We have often witnessed the power of a good IDEA. It's catchy! It excites!

Where one might have expected something totally different. Admittedly, it takes pure boldness.

To be bold enough to make a difference.

We are doing it.

Successfully.

1 2 3 HOME Plus • •

Seller Services

Personal Property Promotion

powered by CC Group Inc.

powered by CC Group Inc.

CC who? We are the marketing firm who owns the 1•2•3 Home Seller Service Plus business concept.

A Home Seller is showcasing their property for sale on the following page. They have enjoyed the liberty of choosing from the 1•2•3 Home Seller Service professional menu and designed their ad with us.We are pleased to present this Seller’s advertisement you see here.

CC-Group.ca 38

This

Porters Lake Property is offered

4 Sale by Seller

Executive Bungalow on Crowell Road, Porters Lake Contact Seller directly: Price: $310,000.

Mobile: 902 877 0228 Email: rihm@eastlink.ca Fresh bungalow on Porters Lake enjoying easy waterfront & full views.

Location*Location*Location 2 minutes to Lawrencetown Beach.

10 minutes outside of the community of Porters Lake.

20 minutes Direct access from the living space to a terrace, where you can enjoy a barbeque or sun bathing.

to Cole Harbour.

This smart, modern home showcases an open concept.

30 minutes to Halifax.

This woodstove could heat the whole home comfortably.

Main Floor

Magnificent views to wake up to from the master bedroom.

Posting by Seller through NS licensed Industry Member

Lower Level The lower level offers a bachelor style space with full bathroom and an outside entrance leading to the well groomed gardens and the waterfront.

A Home Office Possibility!

1 2 3 HOME Plus â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Seller Services

Personal Property Promotion

powered by CC Group Inc.

Floor plan diagram and measurements to be verified by interested parties

39

Centre Stage with Marsha Sefcik Interiors I am happy to confess, I am a small town girl. After living in the big city out West for 10 years, I returned to my roots, along with my husband and two children to settle on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.

I like to joke that my first love really was a century old home named the Winterholme in old downtown St. John’s NL. So after building two new homes and assisting several clients with their new home construction projects, life has come full circle for me. For the past four years, I have renovated our Century-home; 140 years old to be exact which overlooks beautiful Petpeswick Inlet.

When I’m not covered in plaster-dust, I really enjoy perusing the MLS listings. You just never know what “gem or diamond in the rough” you are going to find.

When it comes to home staging, I am really surprised at the number of property listings that go un-staged.

When it comes to selling your home, you want the best return on your home; and home staging will do exactly that. For most of us, our home is our biggest asset. So when it comes to selling this asset, you want your home to be the showstopper on the block. Despite the size, neighbourhood or price, you deserve to get the most out of the sale of your home and we at Marsha Sefcik Interiors will help you get just that.

MarshaSefcikInteriors.ca • Telephone 902.889.2659

Express your interior Space In an interview Marsha replied “Often TV programs cause many to be shy when it comes to home staging as they think it’s going to cost several thousands of dollars. Actually, often it is not the case. A couple of thousand dollars isn’t a lot when you are looking at 100’s of thousands of dollars as an asking price. Often I explain to clients that if their listing isn’t generating a lot of interest, the first price reduction on their listing may be anywhere between $5,000 - $10,000. Ask yourself, is that money you are willing to walk away from because you didn’t want to repaint a room, declutter, or turn that room that you are currently using as a playroom back into a dining room? All these things can and will affect the bottom dollar. We offer our clients in-home staging consultations where we walk through their home with the homeowner, making suggestions and recommendations. After the consult, we provide them with a detailed report - a road map of suggestions on a room-by-room basis. If they do not feel up to tackling the list themselves, we would be more than happy to assist and help them on their way to showcasing their home for that sale.

A home that shows well may sell quickly, allowing the sellers to take their next step, whatever that may be.”

Origins Gouache on onArches, Arches,33” 33”x x43” 43” Origins No. No. 5, 5, 2005, 2005, Gouache

MICHAELBENTLEY MICHAELBENTLEY A b s t r a c t

A b s t r a c t

L a n d s c a p e s

L a n d s c a p e s

September 9th, 2011 - Solo Exhibition September 9th, 2011 - Solo Exhibition New works by Nova Scotia Artist Michael Bentley New works

by Nova Scotia ArtistGalleries, Michael Bentley coming this fall to Gruen coming this fall to Gruen Galleries, located in the heart of Chicago’s River North Gallery District located the heart of Chicago’s River North Gallery District Forinmore information visit www.GruenGalleries.com For more information visit www.GruenGalleries.com or michaelbentleystudio.com

or michaelbentleystudio.com

Gruen Galleries

Gruen Galleries

226 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60654 USA 312.337.6262

226 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60654 USA 312.337.6262

41

Craftmanship The Art of

by Timothy Brushett

Recently I was handed a copy of an architectural quarterly published out of Ontario. In a relatively strident editorial the publisher expressed his concern over the current state of house construction, particularly the dearth of artistic detail and so called traditional craftsmanship. He went on to bemoan the ‘fad flea market chic’ mentality of interior design and wondered if it were possible to ‘bring back craftsmanship’ and a sense of ‘art in architecture’. While I find myself not without sympathy for his point of view it struck me as somewhat simplistic and tending to paint the issue with a very broad brush.

Within the context of house construction itself combining artistic aesthetics with issues of craftsmanship is something of a minefield, like combining two very different recipes. Exactly where do the two overlap and how do we provide meaning to that borderline?

Thinking that definition might provide clarification I turned to the Oxford Dictionary for help. It defines ‘craftsmanship’ as ‘ skill in a particular craft’. Fair enough, I thought, no ambiguity there. Things, however, became a bit more complicated when I looked at synonyms.

‘Cleverness, craft, dexterity… sure. ‘Expertise, handiwork and workmanship’… no problem. And then, suddenly, ‘art or artistry’. Oh, my! Complication.

Is there artistry in the work of a rough framing carpenter? Craftsmanship, certainly, if the framer pays attention to details like the crowns on his lumber, the number and placement of fastenings, measurement and execution of cuts and if he works in a safe and efficient manner, keeping things level and plumb. But artistry? The artistry here lies, I believe, in performing all of the above in a manner that seems, to an observer, effortless, as if the tradesman were engaged in a sort of dance involving himself, his tools and materials. The Attic venting disguised with curved eyebrow shingleing. Crown moulding leads into substantial architectural returns.

42

same could be said for any aspect of the construction process although it might be argued there is a greater opportunity to express artistic sentiments in the finish details and trim work. Having said all that the house builder is ultimately rendering real a vision or set of plans derived from someone else’s mind.

Who then determines how much artistry or craftsmanship will be instilled in a house? Once again we find ourselves in a minefield of players. Architect and potential homeowner, we might agree, are responsible for the original vision and yet draftsman, planner and tradesman are all intimately involved so that each has an

Original doors rebuilt to access storage under basement stairwell. Electrical panel aesthetically concealed in cabinetry.

impact, conscious or otherwise, on the finished product.

The potential variables and permutations might fill a book. But architecture, both literally and figuratively, not only rests upon a foundation of proven techniques, styles and aesthetics but is ultimately an expression of the times in which it is created. So too, craftsmanship. Is the modern expression of craftsmanship a mere shadow of its former self?

The author of the aforementioned editorial was correct, I think, in that we have, on a certain level, become dumbed down with regard to what we expect in a house and, indeed, sensibility and aesthetic seems conspicuously lacking in much of what’s being built today. Consider the perfectly aligned, virtually identical vinyl clad split entries and semi detached houses that represent much of the contemporary suburban sprawl. Or the row upon row of massive testaments to ego with a street facade smattering of stone or brick, fan light transoms and arched windows

A pleasing archway leads into the dining room with crafsman style window casings and oversize window sills.

Cozy window seat with built in storage drawers and plate rack.

and extended gable returns as nods to materials but to some degree, also, architectural detailing. Builders must, we have agreed to forgo good design nonetheless, work to a profit margin and aesthetics in favour of multiple and there are and always have been, bathrooms with Italian fixtures, I suspect, unscrupulous builders marble countertops, mean mouldings for whom profit eclipses all other and acres of vinyl. considerations. One might argue that The post war boom in house profit margin has become inflated along construction, primarily bungalows with the expectations and perceived and the genesis of today’s suburbs needs of our times but I choose to provides some enlightenment. believe most builders want to provide Those original homes, for all their a reasonable product for a reasonable ‘cookie cutter’ aspects, embodied profit. But everything has a price and a quality and sensibility of design evolution continues unabated. Much and construction that has stood the of the exterior of the modern house litmus test of time. Those qualities reflects an unwillingness or inability and sensibilities evolved out of pre– to take responsibility for ongoing existing criteria as well as the tastes of maintenance as well as a response the era, specifically the Arts and Crafts to a harsh climate that plays havoc Movement. Today those bungalows with elaborate mouldings and natural are being purchased and refurbished by a new generation of homeowners who recognize and cherish those criteria but who, nonetheless, choose to redesign the interiors or even add onto the existing structures in order to bring them into step with modern lifestyles and aesthetics. Within this context a great deal of outstanding work is being done.

Homes represent so much more than simply a physical structure. In their role as shelters they provide a haven for that aspect of us as human beings which is at once both most vulnerable and most dynamic, an accommodation for our creative selves. They embody the story of a Built in bath storage cabinet with woven place, a culture, the sensibilities of an cane panels for era. It could thus be argued that, for ventilation. all our technological wealth, we are

Kitchen display shelves with towel rack and hidden task lighting.

becoming aesthetically impoverished and yet houses are still being built and renovated which are testaments to the thoughtful and deeply rooted skills of the craftsmen who build them and the vibrant creative sensibilities of their designers. We are fortunate in Nova Scotia in that we have a rich architectural heritage. We are, by nature, a conservative people and yet we have managed to embody in our architecture the diversity of our cultural roots; the native Indians, the French, British, German, Scottish and Irish, the American Loyalists and all other ethnic groups who settled this Province. One will see examples of Georgian, Victorian, Queen Anne and Gothic Revival architecture in

Kitchen office with shelves and outlets for rechargeable electronics; cabinets for cookbooks and pigeon holes for paperwork.

43

Above window display shelf with built in curtain rods.

Window sills are oversized to hold displays or plants.

Master bedroom/away room with built –in library and storage cabinets.

nearly all our old cities and towns as well as Greek Revival, Italianate and Second Empire details and design. Some of these will be incorporated into what’s known as Vernacular design as local interpretations of the more classical or ‘high’ styles. These interpretations and their inherent craftsmanship are outstanding. Much of it, rendered by artisans, carpenters and boat builders who understood the geometry of ever changing curves and angles, the dynamics of maritime climate, the devious vagaries of wind and water, is positively inspired and often whimsical.

My own experience as a builder leads me to believe that same craftsmanship is indeed alive and well. It exists in the most humble dwellings and abides throughout the spectrum to include the mansions still springing up here and there around our Province; anywhere where trades people care and are willing and able to take the time to do things properly. At the same time we are seeing remarkable changes in attitudes and technologies concerning energy efficiency and materials and methods.

Designs too are changing. Smaller is becoming better and I notice a growing interest in proportion and design aesthetics not evident merely in the more high end homes, as well as a sense that these can be balanced with more practical considerations; that, after all, the home must do more than provide shelter: it should also nurture our spirits and comfort us in ways we may not even be able to articulate.

Where are we headed? Hopefully, somewhere good but it is, after all, an ongoing evolution– the direction of which we may recognize even as its incarnations we may only guess at– however of one thing we may be certain: Craftsmanship is alive and well.

Tim Brushett is a freelance writer living in Musquodoboit Harbour who has 35 years experience as a cabinet maker, boat builder and general carpenter.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of CC Group Publishing Inc.

The property showcased in this article is the author's Home and is for sale.

Enclosed stringer stairwell with craftsman style newel post.

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Property Info: East Petpeswick Road, Eastern Shore, NS MLS® #40859209 Price: $429,900.

Contact: Martina Robinson, Licensed Real Estate Professional Mobile: +1.902.476.4710 M.Robinson@RobinsonHarmsen.com For More Information Visit: RobinsonHarmsen.com Listing Brokerage

Showing off @

REISEN HAMBURG trade show 2011

"89% of visitors are definitely intending to go on holiday this year to their favourite destination!"

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The true highlight of the trade show was the newly designed Outdoor–Welt which included the Globetrotter Adventure Camp. As you walked through the doors of hall B5 you entered a world of outdoor sports and activity. Falconers, representing popular wildlife parks in Northern Germany, showed off their eagles and snowy owls. You could watch some of the world’s best slack liner balancing acts at dizzying heights well above visitor’s heads; get into action on the adventure rope course, or test your lumber jack skills at axe throwing. It was all about joining in and trying out.

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REISEN HAMBURG survey:

This year, 89% of visitors are definitely intending to take a vacation to their favourite destination!

With an above–average number of vacation weeks and a growing level of disposable income, the European visitors remain excited about traveling abroad. Due to great interest in culture –organized tours remain the overall favourite,

Photo: Stephan Wallocha Urheberrechtshinweis: Stephan Wallocha (WA)

Inline with today’s natural trends

Following the motto “Lebe Deinen Traum” (“Live Your Dream!”) you were offered a ride on the e–bikes at the cycling test track, check out camping tents or jump into a canoe simulator while the outdoor experts were eager to show you the latest trends and to offer you best professional advice.

Next to the Adventure Camp you would have found the cycling area, which offered personal advice to bike enthusiasts regarding their favourite vacation destinations and entertaining stunt–shows.

In many ways this Outdoor–Welt highlight mirrored our natural Canadian outdoor activities as it was all about cycling, hiking, climbing, paddling and camping!

The outdoor fun continued at the “Erlebnisinsel” within the caravanning section. There you were invited to experience surfing and snowboarding on the big Citywave.

Overall, the Outdoor–Welt including activity and adventure vacations were THE big hit with visitors which shows that REISEN HAMBURG is very much in tune with the current consumer trends: “@ home outdoors through life activities!”

Photo: Stephan Wallocha

German Tourism Exhibition open to the public: Over the years REISEN HAMBURG has attracted a wide audience – young, mature, families, and singles including many loyal fans that come back year after year. In 2011 the Exhibition showed an increase in the number of first–time visitors and at the same time the audience has become younger.

In seven halls, around 900 Exhibitors from all over the world utilized this opportunity to present their latest vacation & destination trends and products, reaching their most important target groups, and meeting their sales expectations. From family trips to thrilling adventure tours REISEN HAMBURG presents all sorts of attractive destinations within Europe and in North America.

followed by beach, theme, activity, and adventure vacations.

For Europeans; North America remains the number one destination overseas.

Tourism Operators specializing in the USA and Canada drew absolute positive conclusions for North America as they expect continued growth in bookings for the 2011 season.

Since Hamburg proudly holds the title “European Green Capital 2011” special emphasis was placed on suitable travel. The city intends to create a Europe–wide platform for the active exchange of ideas between experts and citizens. Taking on environmental questions of our time, many exhibitors presented their programs promoting environmentally and socially acceptable trips. Ideas were very well received overall. In fact there was strong demand for “Green” topic discussions among visitors and of course the demand is expected to increase further in the immediate future!

Happy exhibitors

After 5 full days, the REISEN HAMBURG trade show came to a close with positive conclusions overall. The vast majority of the 900 exhibitors were able to reach their target groups and expect good post–event business. Since most exhibitors consider REISEN HAMBURG to be a significant marketing strategy for themselves, it is highly predictable that they will exhibit in the coming year again.

2011 was the first time for Nova Scotia based company CC Group Inc. to show off Nova Scotia as a modern

Destination through their trade show booth and image.

It is this marketing company’s mandate to promote the Canadian lifestyle and culture to German speaking countries with specific and particular emphasis on the Province of Nova Scotia with its diversity of modern city lines, nature and ocean adventures.

• Robinson & Harmsen Lifestyle Real Estate Inc. The Nova Scotia's Real Estate Brokerage joined CC Group’s invitation to exhibit by showing off their FOR SALE Portfolio: Land * second/seasonal Homes * Vacation–destination Properties. “Lifestyle Businesses such as Tourism Operators offered FOR SALE were the absolute hit with visitors!” state the Brokers of Robinson & Harmsen. “The possibility of owning and operating a business which permits a positive lifestyle change is most exciting to European Entrepreneurs. Investing in land is another strong want for many.”

• Newtown Immigration Inc. To help with immigration questions by offering clear answers and action plans to those wishing to relocate.

A professional immigration consulting company based in Halifax, whose consultants are licensed members with CSIC, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, exhibited through the CC Group–platform.

• Willkommen http://www.NovaScotia.com/deutsch/en/home/default. aspx English/French and Deutsch Language choices. The Department of Nova Scotia Tourism delivered information materials such as the Doers & Dreamers Travel Guide, the

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provincial touring map and select German Language literature promoting the Province as a collective. The Visitors loved taking comprehensive information away with them for their planning. Immediate questions relating to the Province of Nova Scotia were answered by the Team of CC Group Inc. • A Cut Above Cedar Homes & Cottages The Nova Scotia independent distributor of Lindal Cedar Homes, received a high level of interest in combination with the land offered for sale by Robinson & Harmsen Lifestyle Real Estate Inc. “Lindal has been helping people bring their dreams to life for more than 60 years.” The CC Group Inc. Team were connected live via Internet to the professionals of the Nova Scotia Independent Lindal distributor. In 2012, A Cut Above Cedar Homes & Cottages plan their own reps for the Trade show to stand their ground at the CC Group Inc. Booth.

"We very much enjoyed the REISEN HAMBURG trade show and will definitely go again next year!“ say the owner and operators of CC Group Inc. “We already know what we will improve on, as we enjoyed a great learning experience this time around and served many people who will and have already turned into customers and– true Canada enthusiasts.”

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Don't miss the 35th International Tourism Exhibition REISEN Hamburg from February 8 – 12, 2012.

Register through CC Group to optimally complement your company's marketing strategy.

CC Group is actively planning their booth for 2012.

A superb opportunity to boost awareness of your Canadian Company and Tourism Business; promoting your business’ services to European Visitors! CC Group professionals speak German, English and French.

You don’t have to do this Trade Show work on your own; connect to CC Group for active promotion @ the 2012 Tourism Exhibition in the metro city of HAMBURG.After all it’s about Connect><Canada.

Louisa Hatlapa is a full time student at the University of Hamburg and is enjoying her internship through CC Group Inc. She was born in Nova Scotia and loves spending her summer breaks at the family estate in the Truro area. She comes by the destination & travel gene naturally as her father is a Lufthansa Pilot and her mother a Flight Instructor.

Her University degree will consist of a Master's in North American Studies.

Destination Travel

HAMBURG G

Germany’s Hamburg, the free Hanseatic City on the Elbe and the Alster rivers is the second largest city

in Germany second only to Berlin both in terms of size and overall population, it is by no means second rate when it comes to tourism and is known as the “Gate To The World” receiving its visitors with open arms and bringing them to the heart of Hamburg – its port. The port which was built in 1189 is the second largest container terminal in Europe and the river Elbe, where the port is located, has been vital in the shaping of the city’s development. There is no doubt to any visitor that water shapes every aspect of life in Hamburg.

Reminiscent of Amsterdam, the network of canals will speak to you that a walk through this city is a walk over water—with a grand total of 2479 bridges, Hamburg has more than Venice.

Although comparatively few foreigners live there, many pass through it. Among Hamburg's many other facets are a network of canals reminiscent of Amsterdam; lakes, parks, and verdant suburbs full of gracious houses; elegant shopping arcades; richly endowed museums; and a vibrant cultural life. These are among the attractions that have contributed to a growing tourist industry.

The characteristic individuality of Hamburg has been proudly maintained by its people so that, in many spheres of public and private life, the city's culture has retained its uniqueness and has not succumbed to the general trend of standardization.

The port site itself is known to be one of the largest and finest

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A Cosmopolitan City…With a Breeze

in Europe and begins with the historical Deichstrasse, an upscale part of the city with stunningly beautiful townhouses. Well worth seeing and situated in the Free Port area between the Deichtorhallan and Baumwall is the Speicherstadt (Storage City), the world's largest and oldest self contained warehousing complex in the world.

The little towers and gabled roofs are best seen on a harbour tour where the red brick buildings speak to you still today of a long tradition of the merchant dynasties so characteristic of Hamburg. This is home to numerous museums and Europe’s largest computer–controlled railway “Miniature Wunderland” which is as exciting for adults as children.

Right beside the Speicherstadt Museum is the only museum in the world which provides an exotic experience mostly for the nose. The Hot Spice Gewürz Museum is where you can discover everything from old spice grinding mills to mortars and many other artifacts used to process spices. You will be struck with a heady aroma of spices upon entering, lessons on how to grow your own spices are offered and upon exiting, lessons on how to grow your own spices are offered and upon exiting, visitors are given a delightful sack of pepper as a souvenir.

HafenCity (Port City) is a stones throw away and is Europe's largest and most modern architectural urban construction project. This is an inner city construction

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project and is the newest part of Hamburg. Providing over 50,000 people with space to live and work. The area is filled with sun flooded glass front office buildings, elegant apartment houses and plenty of restaurants, bars and shops, however, there are also countless number of bridges, canals and spacious parks and gardens all reflecting the urban lifestyle.

Shipping and trade have been Hamburg's lifeblood for centuries and so in the beginning of May Hamburg celebrates its harbour anniversary – an 800 year tradition.

A million or so visitors each year flock to Hamburg to join in the celebrations. Tall ships congregate at the Landungsbrücken jetties to add to the spectacle and there are numerous events both on land, water and in the air.

It is not all about the port in Hamburg, did you know that this was once one of the most important locations for the Beatles, yes the “It was a Hard Days Night” Beatles.

So it will come as no surprise that this city has dedicated a lively interactive five story museum to the “mop tops”.

Hamburg is also one of the most important media hubs in Germany; half of the nation’s newspapers and magazines have their roots here. It is also a major location for the world’s aerospace industry, right behind the USA and France. This is a city that also has dealings with a large number of nations and has more consulates than any other city in the world except for New York City.

One of the finest sights of Hamburg is undoubtedly its splendid Rathaus (Town Hall), the seat of the Senate, incorporating the old and new, one can walk directly adjacent to eleven luxurious malls, the Haute Couture Mile, the Neuer Wall and the Mönckebergstrasse with its numerous department stores.

A trip at twilight on the Alster, the daily organ concert in the “Michel” a Baroque landmark of the city, an excursion

to Blankenese with its Stairway Quarter and Mediterranean atmosphere and a stroll along the nocturnal Reeperbahn are other highlights of an unforgettable visit to Hamburg.

Unassuming Hamburg certainly has it all when it comes to art – over 50 museums covering a wide range of genres. One can gain a fascinating glimpse of the treasure of private art collections or take a tour at many of the exhibitions. Fans for musicals and drama will feel right at home here as Hamburg boasts more than 20 theatres that stage everything from passion to tragedy and is also home to one of the world’s best known ballet companies with choreography by John Neumeier in the Hamburg State Opera.

Although it was badly damaged during World War II, Hamburg has succeeded in maintaining a sense of old– world grace alongside its thriving commercial life; both cosmopolitan and progressive in its outlook, this city is one of Germany’s most diverse.

by Sharon Hallam

Sharon E. Hallam owns and operates a Travel Company and is recognized in the industry for her accreditations as a travel planner, with excellent research, planning and consultation skills. Sharon specializes in European, Caribbean and Cruise travel.

Sharon is the travel columnist for The Eastern Gazette and is featured monthly.

TravelAnswers.ca The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of CC Group Publishing.

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To Serve and Protect

by Jenny Higgins

Lawyers

They may not wear capes and they certainly don’t have x–ray vision, but a good one can save your company from the perils and pitfalls of the business world. Take contracts – signing one you don’t entirely understand can bring a promising start– up business to a grinding halt, or bog a more established one down with debts and lost revenues. Sarah Bradley saw this happen to a young manufacturing company that was brimming with potential until its owners signed an agreement with a large distributor.

or break a business, they say too many people just decide to write their own or recycle an old one without getting professional advice. But it’s a decision that can result in future disputes, hefty legal fees and, in the worst cases, litigation or bankruptcy.

“That’s the danger sometimes in non– lawyers writing up contracts,” says Ryan. “They don’t always understand the ramifications of how they’ve said something or what they’ve said.

Businesspeople take risks all the time and I think that sometimes they’re afraid that lawyers are too conservative and all we do is point out all the risks.”

All three say it’s cheaper for businesspeople to visit a lawyer before “Without legal advice, they entered into a very large contract with an important signing a contract – or even before customer that relied on them to produce starting a company – than it would be this product in very large quantities,” to fix any mistakes made along the way. says Bradley, a professor at Dalhousie “We all see time and again that when they University’s Schulich School of Law. don’t do that, it ends up costing them “However, their production method more in the long run,” says Staniland. wouldn’t work on a large scale and, “Whether it’s that you have to go back because of the way the contract was and re–do what was done or whether it worded, they were unable to get out of results in litigation.” it and were on the hook for some very Five Areas of Law All significant damages.”

Businesspeople Should The company ultimately went out of business, which is something that would Know not have happened if its owners had According to Steven Enman, who teaches sought out legal advice before signing business law at Acadia University and the dotted line. A lawyer would have co–authored Canadian Business and the identified any risks connected to the Law, there are a few key areas of law contract, drafted cautionary clauses to that will likely impact most businesses. protect the company and provided some A knowledge of contract law is vital negotiating assistance. “They would because almost every businessperson have certainly not had the big downside will have to sign or draft one at some that they ultimately had, or at least would have fully understood the risk before they entered into the contract,” says Bradley.

It’s a problem that’s all too familiar to Maureen Ryan, Stephen Winter and Tauna Staniland – all corporate lawyers with the firm of Stewart McKelvey.

Despite the complex language used in a contract, and despite its ability to make

point in his or her career. Sign one you don’t understand and you could wind up in future disputes with your clients and partners, or, like the manufacturing company at the start of this article, you could lose your business entirely.

If a business has employees, it must also be aware of a host of labour laws that relate to human rights, the hiring and firing of workers, and the safeguarding of employees’ private information. Ryan says the way employers deal with staff can impact them years down the road if they don’t handle the situation properly from the beginning. “Sometimes in the employment law context, people – because they don’t get advice early on in terms of dealing with an employee who might be a problem – they don’t realize that as time goes by they’re probably incurring greater obligations to the employee than if they’d dealt with something early.”

A third area of law that affects many businesspeople is property law. This may mean real property, such as land, or intellectual property, such as inventions and artistic works that may need to be patented or trademarked. Roddy Awad, co–owner of Moncton–based IT firm Tech Knowledge Solutions, says protecting intellectual property that belongs either to his company or the clients he represents is crucial to remaining profitable. “It is certainly a topic for us being in a technology field and providing professional services. We typically provide a service for some of our clients and allow them to keep their intellectual property, so it’s important from a legal perspective that they are well covered. That’s a piece where legal counsel is very important.”

Safeguarding intellectual property is not only paramount in the IT sector, it’s vital for any company that needs to protect the formulas and procedures that make its products unique. An example is Tvål Skincare, which produces handmade natural soaps, bath products, skincare and mineral makeup for its shops in St. John’s and Toronto. “We made up a confidentiality agreement for the employees to sign, just protecting our

If you’re a developer working in Atlantic Canada, you may have to work around some pretty complex regulations.

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The more a lawyer knows about a business and how it operates, the more effectively he or she can provide services to that company. recipes and trade secrets and stuff like that,” says company co–owner Bobby Bailey. “We had that drawn up by a lawyer.”

Then there are the laws that govern real property. These not only address the buying, selling and leasing of land, but also any zoning or urban planning issues that determine what size or type of structure can be built in different areas. If you’re a developer working in Atlantic Canada, you may have to work around some pretty complex regulations.

“Whether it’s in St. John’s, or Moncton, or Halifax, or Sydney, or anywhere, there are urban planning rules and you’re going to have to navigate your way through that,” says Colin MacLean, president of Nova Scotia’s Waterfront Development Corporation. “In Halifax, one of the governing principles around development in the downtown is the view from Citadel Hill. The city has developed what are called view corridors from that hill, so that you cannot obstruct the view from that hill to Halifax Harbour, except in certain corridors.”

It is also vital that many businesspeople have a good understanding of tort law, which protects individuals who have been injured by the negligence or wrongdoing of others. “Tort law is obviously relevant in terms of the harm that might be caused to people by business activities, such as pollution or defective products,” says Enman.

Tort law can be especially important to businesses that deal with the public directly, such as shops, restaurants, and pubs. Russell Floren, owner of the Bookery on Signal Hill/Sweet Relic in downtown St. John’s, says having liability insurance is critical if you’re running a retail establishment.

“Someone could come in and trip and sue me for whatever. So it’s good to have a good liability and insurance policy for a public space before you open. That’s the number one thing.”

A final area of law that businesspeople should be familiar with is tax law.

Professor Bradley warns that this is

what the business is doing.”

Finally, cost is an important consideration when choosing a lawyer. Businesspeople should always be upfront about how much they are willing or able to spend when shopping around for a law firm. “That should be something that you as a client can simply talk to the lawyer about right off the bat,” says Bradley. “Especially in establishing a new relationship, many lawyers will be a highly complex field that would be willing to have an introductory meeting extremely difficult for most people to at no cost, and will give you a sense understand without seeking expert of what they’re actually able to do for advice. “When businesses are engaging you, what their competencies are, and in almost any relationship that involves that’s something a business starting the transfer of money from one party out will want to take advantage of as to another, tax issues will arise. The they try to find a lawyer and establish a Income Tax Act is extremely intricate relationship.” and contains many rules and provisions Businesspeople in Atlantic Canada can that really are only well–understood by choose between large interprovincial experienced tax professionals and tax firms and smaller boutique firms. Each lawyers.” has benefits that may attract different clients, depending on their needs.

Finding a Good Lawyer The big regional firms can draw on a Most business owners will have to seek large pool of experienced lawyers who legal advice at some point of their career together cover almost every area of legal – whether they’re starting, growing, or practice. Stewart McKelvey’s Maureen selling a company. Although there are Ryan says this gives clients access to a plenty of skilled lawyers in Atlantic broad range of services. “At our firm we Canada, there are a variety of factors have depth in pretty much everything, that businesspeople should take into which I think gives businesses a lot of consideration before choosing one. A comfort because they may come to me on good starting point is to assemble a a particular contracts issue, for example, few prospective lawyers who specialize but then if a labour and employment in or have relevant experience with issue comes up, they don’t have to go whatever field of business the company somewhere else and re–educate another is operating in. The more a lawyer team of lawyers about their business.” knows about a business and how it On the other hand, there are also operates, the more effectively he or she clients who may prefer to deal with a can provide services to that company. more locally based and smaller firm.

Fit is also important – this means finding David Melvin is a lawyer who practices a lawyer you can get along with and who corporate and commercial law in the supports your goals and motivations. Dartmouth–based firm of Livingstone Bradley suggests that businesspeople and Company. He says clients who invite prospective lawyers to visit their choose a smaller firm often get to work place of work so they can watch the daily more closely with their lawyers than routines, see what the products are, and clients in interprovincial firms. “Smaller get a general idea of how the company firms can offer more one–on–one operates. “That’s something that a lot of contact,” says Melvin. “Clients are able lawyers would be very willing to do,” to interact directly with the main lawyer she says. “It might help to contextualize on the file as opposed to paralegals or the advice that they give and provide junior lawyers.” them with a better understanding of Kenneth Godfrey, who practices

That’s the danger sometimes in non–lawyers writing up contracts… it ends up costing them more in the long run.

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…because of the way the contract was worded, they were unable to get out of it and were on the hook for some very significant damages. business law with the Charlottetown is this an avoidable problem, but it’s firm of Campbell Lea, agrees. “What one that can hurt business owners years we offer clients is a more personalized down the road when they try to sell their service and, perhaps more importantly company. than that, the assurance that our focus is Stephen Winter, who practices corporate on local business. In a small market such law with Stewart McKelvey, saw this first– as PEI, conflicts can become a problem hand while working with a company that for the regional firms and no one wants had no documents in place to identify to be bumped because their lawyer has its shareholders. “Down the road, when concerns that are more focused on their the company went to sell some shares national clients, or their regional clients, and the buyer wanted to see what had or interests that are at the regional and transpired – who are the shareholders? national level. I think the main thing we how much did they acquire the shares for? offer is that independence.”

– those records weren’t in place. There Melvin also adds that many clients may was a complete lack of documentation,” find it more economical to turn to a says Winter. “These people buying the smaller firm for advice instead of an shares needed to know that the people interprovincial one. He says the smaller they were giving money to owned these firms tend to have fewer overhead shares and that wasn’t something that expenses and can therefore charge was easily ascertained. We had to do a lower hourly rates. They also have a lot of work to rectify these problems.” more flexible fee structure and may be It is also critical for companies to able to provide a fee for a service instead remain financially responsible – this of by the hour. means keeping your liabilities down Both men, however, say that the regional and paying all of your taxes and debts firms also have their advantages. “Larger in a timely fashion. Godfrey says the firms have far more resources and tend single–most important piece of advice to be more specialized in areas like tax he gives all business owners is to get a law, for example,” says Melvin. “They good tax accountant or tax lawyer. “Most may have a core of expertise that other businesspeople understand the business firms may not. If I don’t have that nature of the transaction, they often do expertise, I’ll refer a client to one of my not understand the tax details,” he says. colleagues in a larger firm.”

“That is the number one item that causes “There’s a place for both in the Maritimes,” pitfalls and problems later on.” says Godfrey. “For clients that want a job Staniland agrees. She says businesses done that needs to be done across the often enter into transactions without country, then they might prefer the one– realizing the many side effects that their stop shopping aspect of a regional firm.” actions may have in the future. It’s not uncommon, for example, for clients Legal Tips to consider signing a deal that could to Help Your Business change the way they’re taxed or, much Although different businesses will worse and less frequently, could cause encounter different problems and their company to become delisted from regulations, there are some general the stock exchange. “So how they decide legal tips that can be applied to most to structure a deal – it’s generally really companies. First and foremost is to important that they get that advice,” she keep a paper trail of every deal and says. transaction that takes place during A piece of advice for businesspeople the life of your business and to who do find themselves in a dispute is maintain orderly files so you can retrieve to try and work things out before going information fast. It sounds simple, but to court. If that doesn’t work, then settle lawyers know that too few businesses whenever possible. It’s cheaper, faster, keep good corporate records. Not only and easier. Floren says he learned this

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while watching another shop owner work through some legal problems with a contractor. The contractor agreed to do some renovations for $25,000, but then delivered a bill for $80,000. His client refused to pay more than the original quote, but had nothing in writing saying what that was.

“So the contractor goes and throws a lien on the property, which they can do, it’s called a mechanics lien,” says Floren. “With the lien on his property, the shop owner could never sell the store or do anything with it until paying the contractor.” In the end, Floren says the shop owner took the contractor to court and ended up paying as much in legal fees as he would have if he had just paid the $80,000 to start with.

“What I learned out of that story is: try to settle, don’t go to court and try to get everything in writing,” he says.

Finally, it is important that businesspeople know how to be good clients. Lawyers can do wonders to keep a company profitable and out of trouble, but they need direction and input. The easier you can make your lawyer’s job, the faster he or she can work and the lower you legal fees will be. Melvin, of Livingstone and Company, says it’s always a great help when his clients make their documents readily available and provide him with contact information for all the parties involved.

He also says it can create a lot of delays if the client is out of reach or slow to return his phone calls and emails.

The single–most important thing a client can do, he says, is to never sign any contracts or enter into any transactions without asking a lawyer first. This will help to stave off future problems and keep legal fees low. Otherwise, once a client has signed a bad agreement or performed another ill–thought–out piece of business, it’s just damage control.

Jenny Higgins is a freelance writer living in St. John’s. She has worked for various broadcasters and publications, including CBC Radio, the Independent, the Newfoundland Quarterly, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.

Reproduced by permission of Jenny Higgins and Atlantic Business Magazine. A version of this article appeared in the July/August 2010 issue of Atlantic Business Magazine.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of CC Group Publishing Inc.

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The Unintended Consequences of the CREA Settlement with the Competition Bureau.

It has now been some time since the announcement was made regarding the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (MLS) settlement with the Canadian Competition Bureau and the initial frenzy of news has begun to die down.

As I am not a realtor but an interested and active market analyst I have been watching this story progress over the last year.

Now that all of the knee–jerk and emotional reactions have ended, it is time for some analysis on how this change will affect the Canadian real estate landscape both in the short term (24 months) and long term. As we have observed over the past 18 years of analysis, whenever there is a regulatory change there are both intended consequences of the change as well as the unintended (and often negative) consequences. This situation will not break this pattern. This paper will answer: What Does This Settlement Really Mean For Canadians?

First the good: KEEPS INTEGRITY OF MLS.CA DATA: The settlement does deal with the information integrity issue of MLS. Any situation that would have allowed any unlicensed person to post any property on MLS would have had the potential of lowering the integrity and accuracy of the information on the site, a big concern for Canadians as we have come to rely upon certain standards. The agreement states that the listing must still flow through a licensed real estate agent and because they are licensed they must live up to the standards or risk their livelihood.

NEW BUSINESS MODELS: The settlement will now allow the many real estate entrepreneurs sitting on the sidelines to build a business model based on this new reality. This should work in the Canadian consumer’s favour as new models are developed that will allow differing levels of costs and services to be provided. As with any major market game– changer, we will witness many models being touted over the coming 18 to 24 months with only a few surviving to become permanent models.

PROS WILL PROSPER: Professional, full–service realtors who run their business like a true business and have built that business on the qualities of their added service, strategic marketing and overall market and negotiations knowledge will continue to do very well under this model. Realtors who haven’t

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taken the industry as seriously or whose main business model has been to list as many properties as possible, and wait for another realtor to call, will feel the pinch unless they change their business model. These changes will end up lowering the number of licensed realtors over the coming years.

The Unintended Consequences: INCREASE IN SELLER’S REMORSE: Today’s market conditions have shifted to favour the buyer. That means it takes a lot more knowledge and marketing strategies to sell a property than it did during the boom, when the Competition Bureau initially brought this matter up. That means now, more than ever, is the time where you need the support of a professional to move your property but due to these changes more people will opt to ‘go it alone’ than in the past. During a boom it is simple to sell a property; during regular or slow market conditions the transaction becomes more complex and costly.

PROLONGING MARKET SOFTNESS: The option of low ‘barrier to entry’ for potential sellers will bring an increase number of active listings by unmotivated sellers. These will be sellers not really inclined to sell, but will if they get a high enough price. This will lead to an increased number of listings, which will make the sales– to–listing ratios look worse than they actually are when they are compared to historic numbers. This increase in listings, and some sellers selling for less than market value due to perceived commission savings, will also keep average sale prices down for longer than would be expected under normal conditions.

MARKET STATISTICS COMPARISONS NOT ACCURATE MEASUREMENT – Many people and pundits use housing market statistics to comment on the health of a housing market. This is like trying to drive across Canada while staring into your rear–view mirror – you just can’t be accurate. GDP & Job Numbers and in–migration are the underpinnings of any property market – without these you will have stagnation or drops in values. This being said, those who do continue to use the housing stats will find their data to be even less accurate due to this new CREA agreement. Due to low barrier of entry for listings on MLS, there will be more listing coming on, so even if sales begin to increase or even stay flat the market will look like it is underperforming.

Key housing market ratios will be skewed and will be an inaccurate indicator of market health if compared to statistics from ‘pre settlement.’ Sales–to–Listing ratio will decrease even as sales increase, average days on market will slowly increase (as unsophisticated sellers leave their properties on for long periods of time).  SELLER UP FRONT FINANCIAL RISKS: Under the old system, sellers had no up–front financial risk when putting their property on the market (no marketing costs, no listing fees, etc.) Now, when they choose the a la carte selling option, the seller will have to pay the fees (listing fees, lock–box fees, signage fees, advertising, etc) whether their property sells or not. So, if the property doesn’t sell, the seller will be out these expenses. Under the old model, the realtor took this financial risk in most cases.  BUYER’S COMMISSIONS STILL PAYABLE: Sellers will still have to offer a buyer’s realtor commission if a buyer is brought to them by a real estate professional.

If the seller is saving commissions by not using a realtor on their side, that doesn’t mean that they can get away with not paying a potential buyer’s realtor commission.

The seller will dramatically reduce their number of potential buyers, if the seller is not offering a payment to a realtor who brings a buyer to the table.  CROSS PROVINCIAL BORDER CONFUSION: Cross provincial border issues will occur in the first stage of these changes. The most common issue will be when a consumer who owns a property in one province pays a zero commission company, who happens to be located and licensed in another province, to list their property on MLS.ca. This will contravene the regulatory boards of both provinces and will cause confusion and a potential loss of seller’s money.  INCREASE IN CLOSING COSTS: Although this will not happen immediately, an increase in the number of a la carte sellers will lead to an increased demand on the closing lawyer’s time. This will occur due to the seller’s questions previously answered and situations previously solved by the realtor now landing on the desk of the sellers’ lawyer and increasing the overall legal time required to close the deal reliably and legally. These questions often start at the offer stage and flow right through to closing. The answering was shared by the realtor and lawyer in the past, but now that there isn’t a seller’s realtor the questions will still need to be addressed and disputes resolved, now by a lawyer.

INCREASE IN PREDATORY BUYERS: Unfortunately some unscrupulous predatory buyers will be flooding the a la carte type sellers with low–ball offers hoping to capture one unsophisticated seller with fancy negotiations tactics. In fact, the initial offer may be at close to asking price but as it gets closer to condition removal time some of these unethical buyers will start to put additional pressure on an unsophisticated seller to lower the price using many different excuses. Which will lead to…

“HOMEOWNER TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF” HEADLINES: The unfortunate result of some unsophisticated sellers not understanding the full and legal selling process and contract commitments will be sellers signing documents they don’t truly understand or believe to mean something else. This, combined with a few predatory buyers, will lead to an increase in the number of stories detailing how sellers are being taken advantage of. Stories of manipulation, losing the family home and fraudulent transactions will be trending and will unfortunately paint buyers with a bad brush. This will then lead to putting sellers on too much of an alert, thus slowing down the number of legitimate transactions, which over the following years will lead to more Canadians choosing the full service route again, as we go back full circle.

Overall, the changes will lead to a more ‘competitive market’ which will help provide choice to Canadians; however, the cheapest option in many cases in life is not the best choice.

All sellers need to ensure that they have weighed all of the hidden costs (both financial and emotional) of a real estate transaction before they choose their option.

It will be up to the full–service realtors and other real estate entrepreneurs to clearly describe the benefits of their model so that Canadians can make a clear choice.

The next 24 months will bring some turmoil as the industry deals with these changes; however, at the end of the day, this change can be good for the market as long as all players are monitored and play within the rules and ethics.

Don R. Campbell is a Canadian–based real estate investor, researcher, author and educator. He is President of the Real Estate Investment Network™, and Cutting Edge Research Inc. Don is also author of the best–selling Canadian real estate book Real Estate Investing in Canada. Published in May 2005, it has become the all–time best–selling real estate book in Canadian history.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of CC Group Publishing Inc.

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Hamburg’s students go abroad.

By Kerstin Rohde

Everyone wants to be an ERASMUS Student.

Nowadays we are all confronted with the phenomenon of globalization, which spreads from nation to nation and as a result can be found all over the world. Thus, for a successful job application one needs to have experiences abroad. A student’s time at university is the best time for acquiring these. Unfortunately, a lot of German students get deterred by high tuition fees and the foreign selection process at a potential host university.

The European Union solved this problem by founding the ERASMUS–Program on the 15th of June 1987 as part of the EU Life Long Learning Program.

This program allows students to study at a foreign university of their choice, without paying high tuition fees and without having to have a language certificate.

Added to that, they also do not have to fear a foreign selection process, since they do not apply directly at their host university.

ERASMUS aims to facilitate and enhance the cooperation of universities from around the European continent. The core purposes of the program are the acknowledgement of course achievements, through the European Credit Transfer, as well as the financial support of the participating students by means of an allowance – the ERASMUS–grant.

Aside from the exchange program for students, ERASMUS also helps to set up partnerships between universities. Therefore it offers easily manageable standard procedures and financial benefits, by dint of a Preparatory Visit. This is the first step of founding partnerships and collaborations. During the Preparatory Visits, teaching staff members of both home and host university enter into negotiations, in order to reach an agreement about the arrangements of a partnership contract. Over the past years, the ERASMUS–Program has developed into a complex structure of partnership contracts, which are often (but not necessarily) founded on three pillars.

• The first pillar is the Student Mobility (SMS).

Contracts regarding this mobility contain the number of students exchanged between one another, the time the students have to spend at the host university, and a catalogue of courses which are to be offered to the students. This is the best known and most used mobility of the ERASMUS–Program at the University of Hamburg.

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“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other. ” Desiderius Erasmus • The second pillar of the ERASMUS–Program is the Short Term Lecture Mobility (STA). This mobility allows teachers to hold lectures at the partner universities, and to engage in scientific research.

Thereby the teaching staff members are fostering international relationships and thus are extending the arrangements for the bilateral agreements regarding the Student Mobility.

• The third pillar of the ERASMUS–Program is the Staff Training Mobility (STT). Through this mobility members of the universities’ ERASMUS administration are offered the opportunity to become familiar with different procedures of how ERASMUS is dealt with at other universities. This way they can provide students at home with useful information about the ERASMUS management at the foreign host university.

At the end of each Preparatory Visit, a package of agreements is gained, which equally benefits each party of the partnership contract. This balance motivates the arrangement of partnerships with as many universities as possible. The University of Hamburg currently fosters partnerships with universities of high reputation such as the Trinity College in Dublin, the Sarbonne in Paris, the Alma Mater Sudiorum in Bologna and many more.

Unfortunately the ERASMUS Student Mobility (SMS) has been harshly criticised over the last two years, mainly because it is impossible for a student to make a living with only the ERASMUS–grant in his or her pocket. Based on my own experience as a former ERASMUS student, I can say that this criticism is not unfounded, but regarding the number of participating countries, it is a broad–brush criticism. Whilst students attending universities in the United Kingdom or cities such as Venice or Lisbon might experience their life there as expensive, students going to Czech Republic or Poland experience the contrary.

Still, the time as an ERASMUS student is unique for participating students, and thus its value cannot be only monetarily measured. With this I have reached the most important part of this article, the discussion what the ERASMUS–Program stands for. Being an ERASMUS student does not merely mean “party and fun”, although this might fill much of a student’s leisure time abroad.

Being an ERASMUS student also means getting a deeper insight into European cultures. That is why the Program is named after Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, a Dutch

philosopher who had been working in many places in Student Mobility (SMS) means more than taking a Europe, to open his mind by expanding his knowledge time–out from a monotonous student life. One turns and gaining new insights. into an independent person and broadens one’s mind, During the time as an ERASMUS student, one will and thus makes academic and personal progress. inevitably meet a lot of other ERASMUS students from Whereas a lot of the above mentioned might well all over Europe. That way the students not only get apply to other scholarships and exchange programs, introduced to the culture and there is one thing which can language of the host country, but only be experienced through to those of a lot more countries. the ERASMUS–Program: This is facilitated through special everyone who has once been offers for ERASMUS students an ERASMUS student inevitably such as trips through the country, becomes a part of a big group dinners, and parties.

Like of students, and this sense of Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, belonging does not subside as an ERASMUS student, one after the year draws to an gets to know what the meaning end. One will always be part of Europe is. Through ERASMUS of the ERASMUS student Europe becomes a melting pot culture, staying in touch with of languages, traditions and other former and other future cultures, and therefore forms ERASMUS students, sharing a European union apart from common memories. the political structure of the Many students have European Union. The program described their experience as promotes the international an ERASMUS student as the understanding on the continent, best time of their life. Even because among the loose ties of though I have not lived long fast–building ERASMUS–cliques, enough to state the same about one can also find real friendships, my ERASMUS year as well, I Desiderius Erasmus, Dutch philosopher (1466–1536) which will survive over decades. certainly can say that it was It should not be forgotten though that the purposes one of the best experiences and times I had so far. This of the ERASMUS–Program are academic achievements. sense of belonging and the excitement – which does Therefore, courses have to be attended, exams and not cease over years – is unique for the ERASMUS– course work are to be done and passed. This is actually Program. more than just a relocation of a student’s everyday life.

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/ A striking feature of the ERASMUS–Program is that desiderius_erasmus_2.html#ixzz1MtWmPyFa most students experience less pressure during their http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/desiderius_ time at their host university than at home. Not only erasmus_2.html#ixzz1MtWUD4Ky are teachers often mild–mannered towards ERASMUS students, but also most ERSMUS students attend their lectures more eagerly and with more interest “The desire to write grows with writing.” than at home. The students find themselves in an Desiderius Erasmus entirely new atmosphere, influenced by the number of attending students, the methods of teaching, the use Kerstin Rohde attends the Univerof media and many other factors. Attending a lecture sity of Hamburg and is studying thus becomes an adventure instead of being a mere Law, with a main focus on Public obligation.

International and European Law. The above mentioned enthusiasm might also be During her studies she is working fuelled by the opportunity to attend other courses within the department of internathan at home. During my ERASMUS year, I had the tional affairs at the University of chance to gain insights into areas of the European Law Hamburg. Kerstin spent time in which I would not have gained if I had stayed at home.

Ontario, Canada and in Norwich Reasons for this are that the courses I took are either UK. She will continue to seek international opportunities. not offered at Hamburg University, or I would not have picked them. That is why participating in the ERASMUS

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The Grammar Hier gibt es die perfekte Kombination aus Selbstständigkeit und Unterstützung. Sowohl in der Schule als auch privat. Die Leute sind unglaublich nett und offen. Die Lehrer geben zum Beispiel extra Hilfe in der Mittagspause.

– Sven

Die Menschen hier sind alle super freundlich und hilfsbereit. Der Unterricht macht sehr viel Spaß und ist nie langweilig. Der Kunstunterricht hat mir am besten gefallen, da wir sehr kreativ sein konnten.

– Rosalie

Experience Come to School in

Eastern Canada!

Ein einmaliges Erlebnis! Die Schule kombiniert Lernen und Spaß, die Familie zeigt euch die Kultur und die Schüler bieten einen Einblick in das Schülerleben, die Stadt und Szene.

– Roman

Halifax Gr ammar School 945 Tower Road, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y2 T 902.431.8550 F 902.423.9315 www.hgs.ns.ca admissions@hgs.ns.ca

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WHERE STUDENTS FLOURISH AND TEACHERS INSPIRE