6 minute read
COVER STORY
JAMES MENZIES
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There are three constants in life: death, taxes... and dirty windows.
If you’ve been stuck at home for the greater part of a year, chances are you’re staring out into the wild, grayish-brown yonder through dirty windows. That foggy film through which you gaze isn’t a metaphor for pandemic life; it’s caused by weeks and months of unabated bombardment from interior and exterior sources of dirt - new dirt on top of old dirt. That is, unless, you’re one of the very few people who have their windows cleaned professionally on a regular basis.
If you’re like most Canadians, you likely haven’t cleaned your windows (inside and out) for a while. Have you?
Our east and west coast brothers and sisters tend to clean their windows more frequently because of their exposure to salty air. Did you know that living in South Etobicoke can be considered coastal if you count the proximity to Lake Ontario? Although it’s a freshwater lake, it brings with it a different set of issues for homes and condos. I’m talking about spiders.
Spiders?! You betcha. And they spin their webs in windows all across our waterfront neighbourhoods with incredible efficiency and zeal.
So how do we defend against the onslaught?
That’s easy. Call James Menzies, owner of JEM Window Cleaning.
James (as in the J in J-E-M) has been helping Etobicoke families see the light for 34 years. His window cleaning service specializes in regular, proactive cleaning so his clients can protect and preserve their greatest investment.
James is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the science of cleaning.
“The industry has changed so much over the past thirty-plus years,” he explains. “We used to use soap and harsh chemicals. Now our company uses deionized water; an aggressive, chemicalfree process that is safe and effective.”
James has called Etobicoke home for 55 years and is very active in the community; raising awareness and funds for causes close to his heart, namely The Scott Mission and Covenant House.
He’s earned accolades for his work in the form of the Spirit of Etobicoke Award as well as being recently nominated for a GEM of EtobicokeLakeshore Award.
Leveraging the success of his window cleaning enterprise, James is launching a new business to focus on cleaning homes and condominiums. It’s called JEM Cleaning.
Imagine a service that cleans your windows allowing fresh, emotionally-cleansing natural light to pour uninterruptedly into your home AND cleans the interior of your abode, as well. Exhale with me...
“It goes without saying that your home is your most valuable investment,” explains James. “But most people put off cleaning their windows for some reason.”
Did you know that glass degrades over time? No? Neither did I. But James does. And he knows how to help his clients stay on top of things to ensure their windows last and function to their fullest.
“Windows need to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to maintain their integrity,” James says. “If left too long without cleaning, the frames will be damaged and the windows themselves will be affected.”
I suppose that makes sense. Why do you think property management companies and retail shops clean their windows so frequently?
“Because clean windows also make for happier occupants and happier customers,” answers James.
I’m not sure if clean windows will keep your toddler from making less of a mess, though. You’ll just be able to spot all those pesky crumbs and Lego pieces easier with all the extra light shining into your home.
Did I say mess?
If you cringe when I say words like mess or clutter, then you have another reason to call James. If you’ve been locked up (I mean pleasantly sequestered) with your spouse and children for over a year, it might be time to seek professional help - I mean for the mess.
JEM WINDOW CLEANING
does good for their community. Over the past year JEM has donated $1540 in September, 2020 to Covenant House (Right). And also donated $3000 and 705 hot meals to the Scott Mission in December (Below). Being a friendly neighbour, notable business owner and avid volunteer in his community is what makes James stand out in Etobicoke Lakeshore.
For more information on their full list of services contact them at:
JEM WINDOW CLEANING
3045 Southcreek Rd #11 (427 & Dundas) 416.410.5131 www.jemwindowcleaning.com www.jemcleaning.ca
Last fall we moved our team out of my home office and into Office146, and I am so glad we did. The environment here is upbeat yet calming. We are even more productive, cohesive, and forward thinking with our bookkeeping practice now and I have a much-improved work-life balance.
Freestone Associates has been providing bookkeeping and managerial accounting to small, growing businesses in the GTA for more than 10 years. We have a passion to see small businesses grow, so we always strive to add extra value at every engagement. Gain more insight on our background at www.freestoneassociates.ca and see Kim’s profile on LinkedIn. Call 416-6699255 for a free consultation on how we will add value to your business.
How you can help build a Pollinator Corridor in Longbranch
If you have kids of your own, you can likely remember going for a drive as a kid and your parents having to use the windshield wipers over and over to get rid of a graveyard of dead bugs. There didn’t seem to be enough windshield washer fluid back in those days. Nowadays, it’s not such a big problem for the windshields, but the loss of insects is jeopardizing our food supply. Flying insects have declined 76% in the last 27 years. A combination of habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use have put more than 1/3 of our food crops at risk. Our butterflies and bees are in trouble. The question is – what can Longbranchers do to help? KIM FREESTONE
B Comm., Freestone Associates 146 Thirtieth St (South of Horner Ave) 416.669.9255 www.freestoneassociates.ca
COMMUNITY IF YOU GROW IT, THEY WILL COME
The David Suzuki Foundation’s (DSF) Butterflyway Project has arrived in Long Branch with the help of some excited local residents. This cross-country project helps bring neighbours and local groups together to create food and shelter for pollinators. DSF is even planning to map out the pollinator corridors on Google maps – lots of fun for the kids to follow! plants for caterpillars. Your own “pollinator patch” can be part of an existing garden, lawn, balcony or windowsill. No size patch is too big or too small – it all helps!
Using native plants has many benefits. They’re adapted to local climate and require less care and watering. They are also adapted to local insects and soils and there is no need for fertilizers or pesticides. In Long Branch, some of the flowers on the hot list are Woodland Sunflower, Dense Blazing Star, Virginia Mountain Mint, Pearly Everlasting, Wild Geranium, Swamp Milkweed, Bee Balm, Culver’s Root, Anise Hyssop, Cardinal Flower, Evening Primrose.
Some techniques you can try:
• Floral bull’s eyes: Plant each species in clumps of at least one square metre.
• All-season buffet: Choose combinations of species that bloom from spring to fall.
• Host plants: Provide species local caterpillars eat.
• Never treat pollinator patches with pesticides, insecticides or herbicides.
For a full list of native plants, where to find them & how to get involved, contact your local David Suzuki Foundation volunteer, Cathy Thurston at cathychatterton@outlook.com
You can get involved with the project by planting native wildflowers and shrubs as well as host
