A Lively Source of Real Estate & Community News
December 2001
The Winter Blues: Nothing To Be SAD About
W
inter arrives December 21st, and with it comes the least amount of sunlight we receive annually. Myself, I’m a sunlight kind of guy. That’s why I live in Wasaga BEACH. However, as the days get shorter, many people experience a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD—an extreme case of the "winter blues" that is relieved during the spring and summer months. Although SAD isn't totally understood, it is a real illness with sometimes severe symptoms. As seasons change, there is a shift in our "biological internal clocks" or circadian rhythms, partly in response to the changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to fall out of step with our daily schedules. SAD sufferers have a tough time adjusting to the shortage of sunlight in the winter months, especially in January and February. Part of the problem has been the homes we live in. Builders were under great pressure some years back to construct airtight homes with an eye toward saving energy. With this came a loss of window space—the conventional wisdom was fewer windows equaled less heat loss. But today, with window technology evolving rapidly, it is possible to be energy efficient even while bathing in daylight inside your home. What Are the Symptoms of SAD? Symptoms of depression occur regularly during the fall or winter months (changes in sleeping and eating habits; persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood; loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed) and subside in the spring and summer months. Symptoms have occurred in the past two years. Seasonal episodes substantially outnumber nonseasonal depression episodes. Cravings for sugary or starchy foods (mmm...Snickers).
Who Gets SAD? An estimated 25 percent of the population suffers from mild winter SAD and about five percent suffer from a more severe form of the disorder. Young people and women are at the highest risk for the disorder, but it can affect anyone. What Causes SAD? As the days get shorter and darker, the brain produces more Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone that can cause symptoms of depression and has been linked to SAD. So when the days are shorter and darker, the production of this hormone increases.
Did you know? Christmas was once a moveable feast celebrated at many different times during the year. The choice of December 25 was made by Pope Julius I in the 4th century A.D. because it coincided with the pagan rituals of Winter Solstice, or Return of the Sun.
Is Treatment Available? Yes—move immediately to Mexico (just kidding). People don't need to wait for the spring months to overcome SAD. For mild symptoms, arranging homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight may be helpful. And if you build a home, put in plenty of windows. Also, regular exercise— From Our House particularly if done outdoors—can relieve to Yours: depression. One study found that an hour's walk in My sincerest wish to all of winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half you is that this holiday hours under bright artificial light. season finds you in good For more severe symptoms, a light health, surrounded by treatment called phototherapy might those you love. May help. Phototherapy suppresses the brain's secretion of melatonin. peace, happiness and lots Although research hasn't proven that of chocolate be yours in this treatment has an antidepressant the New Year ahead! effect, it has helped many people. –Bruce The device most often used today is a light box that emits very bright light Compiled for happy clients by: through a filter. SAD patients sit in front of the Bruce Johnson light box for a few minutes everyday while they Sales Representative work or do other activities. Mary Johnson If phototherapy doesn't work, an antidepressant Assistant drug may help reduce or eliminate SAD symptoms, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc. but there may be unwanted side effects to consider. 1263 Mosley St., Box 490 In all cases, people who think they may have Wasaga Beach, ON L0L 2P0 SAD should discuss their symptoms with a doctor email: brucejohnson@remax.net or mental health professional. But if you do choose www.thehomehunt.com to move to Mexico, leave us a forwarding Tel: 705-429-4500 Fax: 705-429-4019 address—we may be coming for a visit.
~Bruce
MLS Statistics for Georgian Triangle for: October 2001 2001 2000 Listings
Sales
Average Sale Price
Listings
Sales
Average Sale Price
Area
Month
YTD
Month
YTD
Month
12 Month
Month
YTD
Month
YTD
Month
12 Month
Clearview
35
281
16
162
$180,013
$182,092
28
283
14
138
$159,321
$151,894
Collingwood
44
429
13
218
$151,808
$154,801
28
386
24
229
$153,177
$155,617
Town of the Blue Mtns
17
224
6
84
$252,000
$222,751
17
224
10
109
$373,540
$237,783
Tiny Township
1
45
2
23
$99,250
$119,746
5
62
5
24
$84,900
$107,939
Wasaga Beach
48
571
22
293
$155,227
$151,980
48
549
23
321
$145,923
$135,639
Frequently Called Numbers Ambulance Office: (705) 429-4655 Arena: 429-3321 By-Law Department: 429-2511 Chamber of Commerce: 429-2247 Fire Department Office: 429-5281 Hydro Office: 429-2517 Library: 429-5481 Municipal Office: 429-3844 O.P.P. (Police): 911 (emergency only) Provincial Park Office: 429-2516 Public Works Department: 429-2540
Please NOTE: November’s front page article on building permits, while wildly informative and exceptionally fun to read, drew “light” criticism from the building and planning department. Seems they’d like you to contact them regardless of what you are planning to build, including decks and sheds. So please direct your questions to (705) 429-3847 if you’re thinking of adding that solarium you saw at the Home Show! ~Bruce
THE “WOW” TRIVIA CONTEST Win A Wednesday Night Dinner For Two at: Goodies Cafe
“How many Wasaga Beach MLS sales were there in October 2000?” Call Bruce at 705-429-4500 to win! Congratulations to last month’s winner:
Lorna and Bill Bluett
Bruce and Holly bringing home a tree...
of Wasaga Beach Inc.
Bruce Johnson, Sales Representative
True North INSTALLATIONS Ceramic Wall & Floor Tile Installations Slate Tumbled Stone & Tile By Design Mike Chapman Tel: (705) 429-7237 Mobile: (705)725-2294
BRIAN GREASLEY, B.Sc., LL.B. Barrister and Solicitor 33 Ste. Marie St. P.O. Box 490 Collingwood, ON L9Y 4B2 (705) 445-9300
1263 Mosley St. Riverbend Plaza Wasaga Beach, ON L0L 2P0 (705) 429-5199 Fax: (705) 445-2269
Your Family’s Full Service Lawyer
TIMLOCK CONSTRUCTION W.D. Redick & Associates Inc.
John Redick Sales Representative 47 Ste. Marie St. Collingwood, ON L9Y 3J9 Bus: (705) 445-0301 Fax: (705) 445-1400
587 River Road West Wasaga Beach, ON L0L 2P0 Bus: (705) 429-7600 Fax: (705) 429-7610
Al Timlock Box 186 Wasaga Beach, ON Tel: (705) 429-6870 “Building Fine Homes in Wasaga Beach Since 1964”
930 River Road West, Suite 5 Wasaga Beach, ON L0L 2P0
MOVING, MAINTENANCE & PROPERTY CARE We do it all for You! Moving & Storage Yard Maintenance Home & Trailer Washing Snow Removal Loads of topsoil/gravel
DAN BROWN: (705) 429-4323 Toll-Free Pager: (416) 550-2960
Medical, Surgical & Dental Facilities For Your Pet
Nottawasaga Chiropractic Dr. Mardi Charlton B. Sc., D.C., Dip. Acu. Chiropractor, Acupuncturist Ph. (705) 429-5073 Fax: (705) 429-8168
Call Michelle or Steve 65 Cedar Pointe Dr., Suite 105 Barrie, ON L4N 9R3
1-800-396-POST -Certified Inspectors -Full E & O insurance -Reports given on site
Dr. Kelly Volmers, D.V.M. 91 RIVER RD. WEST, WASAGA BEACH ON L0L 2P0 (705) 322-3459 The advertisers herein are owned and operated independently. The Publisher cannot and does not guarantee or assume any liability for the services advertised.
YEAR-ROUND NEAR BEACH
TRULY A REMARKABLE HOME!
Cute home or cottage very close to sandy beach. 650 sq.ft. on main floor and nearly 500 sq.ft. in fully finished basement. Master bdrm and family room both have new gas fireplaces. Also, 2 bathrooms & frontage on 2 streets. Offered at $89,900.
2,000 sq.ft. of main floor beauty & a 1,562 sq.ft. in-law suite downstairs. Countless upgrades: 2 fireplaces, 40 oz. carpeting, 9’ ceilings, c/air & an inside entry to a dbl-car garage with a finished family room above. Perfect for a family living with elderly relatives. Offered at $229,900.
BEACHFRONT LOT! Waterfront lot in Wasaga’s west end. Stone breakwall in place and water/ sewer/ gas at the lot line. There are mature trees, shrubs and perennial flowers and you are close to both Collingwood & Wasaga. This is your chance to own Wasaga beachfront property. Offered at $149,900.
GEORGIAN GLEN MODULAR
HOME NORTH OF MOSLEY
950 sq.ft. modular home in Georgian Glen Estates. Features include a large living room with a gas f/p, 2 spacious bedrooms, single-car garage, 2 sheds, screened porch & a private parkette next door. $383 monthly land lease includes taxes, water & sewer. Offered at $54,900.
NEWER HOME ON ACORN Very well kept 1,005 sq.ft. home (1,700 sq.ft. finished) on Acorn Crescent. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, breakfast nook, central a/c and air cleaner, huge shed and a lovely lot in a newer area of fine homes. Offered at $154,900.
The soft powdered sands of Wasaga Beach are just down the street from this 722 sq.ft. home or cottage on muchdesired 27th St. North. Water & sewer are in & paid for and gas is on the street. Three bedrooms, a garage and this fantastic location. Offered at $89,900.
ALL-BRICK HOME NEAR BEACH
NEW HOME ON SMALLMAN
2-storey home near the Beaches in Sunward Estates has 1,360 sq.ft. finished on each level. Ideal for 2 families—2 kitchens, 2 wood-burning fireplaces, huge 114’ x 185’ landscaped lot, circular driveway and a huge covered concrete balcony. Offered at $179,900.
This 1,163 sq.ft. new home features a dbl-car garage, gas f/p, eat-in kitchen & municipal services—all on a beautiful pie-shaped cul-de-sac lot. Fully insured with ONHWP & GST included with rebate assigned to builder. All measurements approximate. Offered at $159,900.
Reasons Why The English Language Is So Hard To Learn
The bandage was wound around the wound. The farm was used to produce produce. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. We must polish the Polish furniture. He could lead if he would get the lead out. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes. I did not object to the object.
The insurance was invalid for the invalid. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row. They were too close to the door to close it. The buck does funny things when the does are present. A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line. To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow. The wind was too strong to wind the sail. After a number of injections my jaw got number. Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests. How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc. Independently Owned and Operated
Bruce Johnson, Sales Representative
1263 Mosley Street, Box 490 Wasaga Beach, ON L0L 2P0 E-mail: brucejohnson@remax.net
(705) 429-4500 “A Moving Experience” www.thehomehunt.com
Published by Bruce Johnson, Sales Representative, RE/MAX of Wasaga Beach Inc. Not intended to solicit properties currently listed.