Business - Winter 2015 by TodayMagazine

USINES TODAY MAGAZINE

HOTEL

“myth” 6 understandings Common misconceptions on how to market on social media

GET ON THEIR

RADAR

The successful Save-A-Buck coupon book goes digital in the form of a city guide app

Unconventional workouts, for after you clock out.

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Where can we take you?

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR

elcome to the Business by Today Magazine. In this issue, in addition to focusing on the launch of the new Save-A-Buck app, we concentrate on great ways to not only keep your body active, but your mind as well. It’s easy to start feeling like a robot after working all day – every day – so it becomes even more important to get out, challenge yourself and keep fit (mentally and physically). If you can make that happen while doing something new and exciting like learning archery or taking a continuing education course on learning to play the ukulele, then why not? Speaking of robots…we’ve hidden three in this issue (not counting the one that’s on this page – that one’s for me), so have fun! There’s no actual prize, you are simply rewarded with the sweet satisfaction of having found them.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 7

CONTRIBUTORS

BUSINESS

LYNN OGRYZLO Lynn is a food, wine and travel writer, author of three international award-winning cookbooks and regular contributor to REV Publications. Lynn specializes in culinary tourism covering regional cuisine destinations, slow food, culinary holidays, wine, spirits and “la dolca vita”. She can be reached for questions or comments at lynnogryzlo.com.

JILL THAM Convinced she would have made a better teen in the 80s instead of the 90s, Jill’s passion for writing came after seeing the movie Stand by Me. When Jill is not moonlighting as a freelance writer, she is an Elementary teacher juggling her three children. Along with being a regular contributor to Today Magazine, Jill’s articles have been featured in Canadian Running, Pedal, Allergic Living and @OECTA. jilltham.wordpress.com @JillBT

LAUREN CHARLEY Lauren graduated from The University of Western Ontario with an honours BA.in Media Studies, where she also completed many creative and journalistic writing courses. She loves to travel, meet new people, and take too many pictures! Currently Lauren is learning to speak Mandarin. She lives for the summertime, vacations, and anything involving lots of sunshine!

FLAVIO IAMMARINO PH.D., SW., C.CHT

Renowned for his amazing ability to affect profound change in people within an impressively short period of time, Flavio works with professional athletes, corporate clients and individuals. He has trained and instructed in the martial arts for over 30 years. He has established an excellent reputation as an effective and skilled therapist working largely on referrals from physicians, psychologists and lawyers.

GABRIELLE TIEMAN Gabrielle is a writer with REV Publishing and holds a passion for covering travel and event pieces. She is always up for an adventure and loves meeting new people but also maintains close relationships with her Keurig and bicycle. Her favorite time of year is scarf season and she has easily watched the movie Armageddon 200 times. You should follow her @gabrielletieman

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ONTENT

PUBLISHER Rev Publishing Inc. PRESIDENT & CEO Daniel A. Pasco MULTI-MEDIA CONSULTANTS Patricia Bolus Ron Bowen Gail Cerrone Michael Koval Crystal Lowes Alexandra Mills Shannon Panaro Sarajane Trier EDITOR Megan Pasche PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Lanzillotta GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tabitha MacDonald Rachel Bertrand IT/WEB DEVELOPER Justin Soungie BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER David Mace MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Cortney Gusek CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Flavio Iammarino, Lauren Charley, Lynn Ogryzlo, Jill Tham, Gabrielle Tieman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS A.J. Harlond, David Haskell TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL 905.356.7283 or 1.877.888.2825 WEBSITE todaymagazine.ca

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Business by Today Magazine is published by Rev Publishing Inc. All opinions expressed in Business Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Rev Publishing, it’s employees or owners. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by Business Magazine for any errors, omissions or comments made by writers or interviewees that are contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of Business Magazine. All unsolicited manuscripts and/ or photographs submitted are assumed to be intended for publication or republication in whole or in part. The right to alter, edit or refuse photos and/or manuscripts intended for publication is assumed. All unsolicited material submitted to Business Magazine are submitted at the author’s risk. Manuscripts and or photographs intended to be returned must be accompanied by sufficient postage. Business Magazine does not assume any responsibility for any claims of our advertisers and reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Cover Story 34

GET ON THEIR RADAR The Save-A-Buck app gets you in the hands of tourists and local consumers.

Food & Drink 12

COFFEE BREAK

TAKE 5

PACK THIS, NOT THAT

Take a little brain vacation. Ten meals you can make with only five simple ingredients. Get healthier with easy food substitutions.

Tool Kit 23

LANDING “THE” JOB

SOCIAL MEDIA MYTHS

Interview tips to help you prepare and impress your new employer. The six most common marketing misunderstandings.

Lifestyle & Culture 30

DRESS TO IMPRESS

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

GET ACTIVE & HAVE FUN?

EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN

EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SUPPORTING THE CALIGIURI FAMILY

10 items every woman needs. Get started on your goals (today!). Unique ways to unwind after work. Staying sharp as established professionals. Tailor made to inspire. Their brave struggle with a rare disorder and our call to help.

Today’s Home & Office 64

COFFEE, CHARACTER, COMMUNITY. Niagara’s best independent coffee houses.

Social Page 81

TODAY’S PEOPLE Snapped at Rev Publishing’s Christmas Party & Charity Auction.

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” — JOHN WOODEN

RIDDLES

1 WHAT TASTES BETTER THAN IT SMELLS? |2 WHAT CAN YOU CATCH BUT NOT THROW? |3

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — THOMAS EDISON

WHAT JUMPS HIGHER THAN A BUILDING? |4 WHAT GOES UP AND NEVER COMES DOWN? | 5 WHAT HAS THREE FEET, BUT CANNOT WALK? |6 WHAT BELONGS TO YOU, BUT OTHERS USE IT MORE THAN YOU DO? ANSWERS ON NEXT PAGE >>

Decoding

fe ng of li t. i n a e “The m nd your gif is is to fi pose of life r The puive it away.” to g OUS NYM O — AN

THE MENU SOMETIMES WALKING INTO A COFFEE SHOP CAN BE A LITTLE OVERWHELMING…SO MANY OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM. HOPEFULLY THIS MINI GUIDE WILL MAKE THE CHOICE AT THE COUNTER A LITTLE BIT EASIER.

Espresso

THIS IS JUST A SMALL SHOT OF CAFFEINE, STRAIGHT.

Mocha

THIS DRINK IS EQUAL PARTS ESPRESSO AND CHOCOLATE, AND HALF PART STEAMED MILK.

Macchiato

THIS IS A SHOT OF ESPRESSO, TOPPED WITH SOME FOAMED MILK.

Americano

THIS DRINK HAS THE DELICIOUS TASTE OF ESPRESSO, BUT WITH TWICE THE AMOUNT OF WATER, SO THE DRINK LASTS A LITTLE LONGER.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” — MAYA ANGELOU

1 A TONGUE |2 A COLD |3 EVERYTHING, BUILDINGS DON’T JUMP. 4 YOUR AGE |5 A YARDSTICK |6 YOUR NAME

ANSWERS

Latte

THIS DRINK IS USUALLY A SHOT OF ESPRESSO, WITH MOSTLY STEAMED MILK AND TOPPED WITH FOAMED MILK.

Cappuccino

THIS DRINK IS EQUAL PARTS ESPRESSO, STEAMED MILK AND FOAMED MILK.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 13

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TAKE

5 BY LYNN OGRYZLO

THEN TAKE IT EASY

ontrary to what some may think, it doesn’t take a kitchen full of ingredients to make a great meal. In fact, you can put a really delicious meal on the table anytime and for any occasion with just five ingredients or less; what a relief that is for busy people. Five ingredient meals mean you don’t have to stock up on foods you’ll never use again, nor will you be using anything more complicated than a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board. Five ingredient meals mean you probably already have some of the ingredients in your kitchen. In a well-stocked pantry you’re likely to find a bottle or two of cooking oil, a few packages of pasta and a jar or two of tomato sauce; a pound of butter, a quart of milk and a dozen eggs in the refrigerator and a bag of frozen vegetables, a steak or two, and maybe even a box of phyllo dough in the freezer. Five ingredient meals mean you can take advantage of artisanal products like bottles of vinaigrette, jars of preserves and bottles of sauces. Many of these can be found at farmers’ markets, specialty food stores and even grocery stores. You can even stock frozen pizza dough and piecrusts in your freezer to make five-ingredient meals faster as well as easier. When you’re working with a limited number of ingredients, quality becomes important because the flavour of each ingredient becomes stronger. This is where fresh fruits and vegetables in season and local greenhouse produce trumps imported. While I do expect everyone to season these recipes with a bit of salt, I don’t count seasonings, oil, water, salt or pepper as an ingredient. And remember, you can always add more ingredients and make these recipes truly your own. Let’s get real: the best way to save time in the kitchen is to reduce the number of ingredients in each recipe. Here are 10 five-ingredient suggestions that prove the point. When the cold has you huddled inside, plan on a relaxing winter in front of a roaring fire by simplifying your kitchen time with these five ingredient meals. >>

0 1

GARLICKY GRILLED CHEESE:

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of creativity and not a degree in food science to put garlic bread together with cheese and a hot skillet. Loaves of store bought garlic bread add more flavour to grilled cheese sandwiches. This three-ingredient lunch includes garlic bread, slices of your favourite cheese and soft butter, grill like you would grilled cheese and you’re done!

MUSHROOM STEAKS: Dinner doesn’t have to be elaborate, just delicious. And of course as easy as sautéed mushrooms spooned over skillet steak and served with seasoned rice. For this you’ll need a cup of rice and a beef bouillon cube. Put the bouillon cube in water and cook the rice according to package directions. Sauté slices of meaty mushrooms in butter while a peppered steak is sizzling on a griddle. How simply delicious is that? You can substitute caramelized onions for the mushrooms if you prefer.

EGGPLANT PARMESAN: In the winter you’ll find me roasting slices of eggplant and red peppers. In the skillet sizzling away will be mounds of spinach with chunks of garlic. Then I pack it away in the refrigerator until I’m ready for a quick meal. I pile garlicky spinach over a slice of eggplant and top with a few slices of soft red pepper. Then I grate a little Parmesan cheese overtop before popping it into the oven to warm it through. Not only is it quick, simple and delicious, but it’s my favourite five ingredient meal.

AGLIO E OLIO: At least one day a week I make a giant bowl of aglio e olio. That is, pasta with garlic and extra virgin olive oil. If you’ve never had this simple and delicious meal I urge you to try it for your own good (and winter health). Cook your favourite pasta according to package directions. In a small pot, warm minced garlic (an entire head), flavourful extra virgin olive oil (about ½ cup) and hot red chili flakes (to your liking). Don’t let it boil and don’t let the garlic brown. Drain the pasta and toss well with the seasoned oil and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. There you have it – deliciousness with just five ingredients. Alternately, Spaghetti Carbonara is typically made with just bacon, eggs, cheese, cream and black pepper.

GARLIC SOUP: My grandmother had a cure for the common winter cold. It goes like this: Simmer about 50 (or more) cloves of peeled, roughly

chopped garlic for 10 minutes. While the garlic broth is maturing, toast four thick slices of Italian-style bread. With the garlic broth at a low simmer, poach 4 eggs. Now put a piece of toast into each of four wide, shallow soup bowls. Lay a poached egg on top of each toast and ladle in lots of garlic broth. Sprinkle with chopped, fresh parsley and enjoy your new winter health.

SQUASH RISOTTO: This is a classic winter dish sure to warm your soul. Just sauté a chopped onion in a bit of oil until wilted. Add a cup of Arborio rice and stir to coat the rice with pan juices. Add hot chicken broth (abut a litre) and let cook on medium low heat until all of the water has been absorbed. Add as much diced squash as you want, half way through the cooking time. When the water has been absorbed, add a large knob of butter to the risotto and stir well. This is a great winter meal enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine in front of a roaring fire.

ROASTED RIBS: So who doesn’t love the carnivorous eating with your fingers thing? Wrap ribs in foil and roast them low and slow (about 200F for 4 hours). Half an hour before you’re ready to eat, baste generously with your favourite barbecue sauce and roast, uncovered at medium heat until barbecue sauce is real sticky (450F for 30 minutes). While the oven is at a higher heat, add a baking pan full of sliced potatoes. Now enjoy your ribs and roasted fried potatoes.

BROCCOLI AND FETA PIE: If you like quiche, you’ll love this make-ahead pie. Line a spring form pan with buttered sheets of phyllo (about 3 layers thick). In a bowl, add blanched broccoli florets (about 2 bunches) and crumbled feta (2 pounds). Beat 4 eggs and mix into the broccoli and feta with lots of chopped parsley. Pour into the phyllo-lined spring form pan. Cover with more buttered phyllo sheets and bake at 425F for 45 minutes. Remove it from the spring form pan and let it cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

ASIAN NOODLE BOWL: Try your hand at easy Asian with this quick dish. Toss cooked soba noodles (1 package) with as much thin, slices of steak, snow peas and ripped cilantro as you want. Drizzle all over with soy sauce and enjoy. The steak should be cooked ahead of time and the snow peas can be warmed with the soba noodles. Wasn’t that easy?

BLACK BEAN QUESADILLAS: These delicious quesadillas are easy to make and the kids will love them. Just baste oil over a tortilla. On the nonbasted side, sprinkle evenly with black beans, diced jalapeno peppers and grated pepper Jack cheese. Top with another tortilla, baste with oil and cook like you would a grilled cheese sandwich. They’re so delicious you won’t be able to make them fast enough! TM

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PACK THIS NOT THAT H E A LT H Y A N D E A SY F O O D S U B S T I T U T I O N S Sometimes switching out simple ingredients for something else can make all the difference in calories, but not necessarily in taste. You need your mid day meal to help push you through the rest of your working day, and if you choose the right foods, you will feel more energized, refreshed and healthy. Try these quick and easy substitutions to make you lunch just that much healthier.

Instead of white pasta and bread, swap it out for the multigrain version. It will lower your carbohydrate intake while your body also gets the healthy whole grains.

Instead of a dessert with your lunch, get in the habit of eating some fruit instead. Berries, oranges, and other fruits will do the job of satisfying any sweet cravings.

If you are bringing a salad to work for lunch, replace your croutons with nuts or seeds. Same thing if you are putting granola on yogurt; instead of the sugary packaged stuff, try using walnuts or almonds instead.

You can use mashed bananas to replace the fats in your recipes. One cup of mashed banana works great to replace 1 cup of butter or oil. Banana is also full of potassium, fiber and vitamin B6.

If you are one of those people who tend to skip breakfast, or eat a quick bowl of cereal, try swapping sugary cereals for more filling foods like oatmeal or eggs. Both can be made relatively quickly, and are much more filling in addition to providing a better start for the day.

If you are making a recipe that calls for mayo or sour cream, try using non-fat Greek yogurt instead. The consistency is the same, but it has less fast and calories then mayo or sour cream, while also adding an extra amount of protein.

Love rice? Try quinoa instead. It’s much healthier and full of protein, but also tastes great. TM

ü To get all the foods you need to start adopting healthier eating habits, visit Commisso’s Fresh Foods. Located at 6161 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls.

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WHAT'S YOUR

LIFESTYLE ERA MODERN

CONTEST CLOSES FEBRUARY 28

INTERVIEW TIPS With so much competition for jobs these days, sometimes even getting to the interview stage can be quite a challenge. And once you get there, you want to make sure you are well prepared. Here are some tips to help get you that much closer to scoring the job.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 23

1 2

Follow the company you are interviewing for on Google alerts. Anytime a relevant news story is published about the company, you’ll be up to date with any relevant information.

Review your social media. The majority of employers look up potential employees on social media. To make this task easier, try out an app such as social sweeper. It will detect any photos of beer bottles, solo cups and the like, so you can then delete them from your feeds. It will even alert you to any profanity that you’ve used.

Have stories ready by practicing them beforehand. Try to have at least three that follow the common format of problem, action, result. Once you have these stories committed to memory, you will be able to adapt them to a variety of situations and questions.

Remember to send a follow up email thanking the interviewer. This is helpful if you were interviewed early in the process and will keep the conversation going even if you don’t end up getting the job you applied for.

Have a list of questions prepared that you want to ask the employer; they shouldn’t be the only ones asking questions.

Make sure you have all your nonverbal communication down to a tee. Stand straight, make eye contact, have a firm handshake. Non-verbal things can make or break an interview. TM

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the

by Justin soungie & cortney gusek

most common misunderstandings of

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

the new growth of social Media over the past decade has changed the Marketing world. now businesses, in one siMple tweet or post, can speak to an entire following of potential custoMers with little effort. but with anything that is new and easy to perforM, there also coMes Misunderstandings and Misuse.

Myth: Measuring direct roi

Myth: social Media runs itself

Myth: anyone can Manage a social Marketing plan

Assuming your social media will run itself will lead to failure. To have an effective social media campaign you need to invest the time and commitment to a strategic plan. It requires continuous monitoring, input and research to stay current on trends and statistics while engaging with customers to make your social media efforts successful. Some areas of social media can be made easier with programs such as Sprout Social and Hootsuite to help manage multiple accounts and schedule posts. These are valuable tools to assist with work efficiency, time management and customer engagement by easily posting, monitoring and interacting in one management system. But you should never fully automate your marketing plans, as proper social media strategy requires ongoing thought, creation and modification of content and ideas, otherwise your audience may respond poorly to routine notifications.

Whoever you assign to manage your social media will become the voice of your brand. It requires professional and dedicated staff to manage and monitor your accounts in order to build a successful brand image. Having a social media manager provides a voice for the company, shows accountability for the brand and allows for the potential of growth over time. Managing social media is all about the people. Communicating with your network and providing exceptional customer service will generate a responsive and engaged following. Acknowledging customers by answering questions, providing feedback, responding to complaints and resolving problems through an online presence makes customers feel valued because their needs are being met. Ensuring skilled individuals are in charge of social media will ensure the execution of a successful social media plan.

Even with all the statistics and tracking information available, it is difficult to get an accurate measurement on your investment to determine if it is paying off. But social media marketing is still marketing, which is getting your brand recognized by the public. It is getting people to think about your company and what it is your company has to offer when they are seeking that product or service. Social media platforms do just that, create buzz and if done right, it creates the most valuable kind of marketing, word of mouth.

MYTH: QUALITY VS. QUANTITY People follow your brand to hear about you and what you have to offer. They want to engage and do business with a company that has personality. Companies with a professional and strictly “here for business” tone will bore the audience and lose followers. People are more likely to engage with a helpful DIY tip or something funny and best-case scenario is they will share with their coworkers, friends and family. A quality network will also generate new leads. Generating successful leads comes from investing the time to build brand awareness and engaging your audience to find the value in your business. There should be a balance between sharing information that will convey your message, and posting so often that you overwhelm your audience. Finding that right balance will keep people engaged with what your company has to say while keeping you in the forefront of their mind. MYTH: MORE FOLLOWERS MATTERS MOST The purpose of social media is to actively engage with your customers and eventually grow your following. Having 100 actively engaged audience members far outweighs a following of 100,000. But eventually, the idea of having a hundred thousand followers regardless of their actual quality becomes appealing. People who engage with your brand are sincerely interested in you, and because of this may share your content to other likeminded people to increase your following with the right people for your business. It’s easy to monitor the growth of your followers and likes because this is a measurable amount. Instead of focusing on the growth of your followers, pay attention to the amount of re-tweets, likes and shares your posts are receiving to get a better idea of your social quality. MYTH: SOCIAL MEDIA IS 9AM - 5PM Statistically there are certain times of the day that yield higher results therefore it is important to plan and schedule your posts to target your audience at specific times and with the right platform that will maximize your engagement. Scheduling at lunchtime typically yields higher results as users tend to checkin on breaks. Posts during the “mid-week peak” on Tuesday to Thursday between 1pm – 4pm get good results, as users need motivation to get through the afternoon slump. Evenings and weekends should not be ignored. Posts published at night get high interaction when the majority of people have settled down after hours between 7pm – 10pm. Social media is a 24/7 network. Your audience has a limited amount of time and attention to give in a day and you want to capitalize on that time to strengthen the effectiveness of your posts. TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 27

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10 ITEMS EVERY WOMAN NEEDS MAKE SURE YOUR CLOSET IS PACKED WITH THESE TEN ESSENTIAL AND TIMELESS PIECES AND YOUR WARDROBE IS GUARANTEED TO NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. THERE WILL BE NO MORE OF THOSE DAYS WHERE YOU STAND IN FRONT OF YOUR CLOSET AND WONDER, “BUT WHAT DO I WEAR? I HAVE NO CLOTHES!” >>

EVENING CLUTCH It’s good to have an evening bag that is a bit smaller than your regular bag, but is still large enough to fit all the essentials. Get one in a neutral colour and make it versatile.

PRINTED SCARF To liven up any outfit, throw on a printed scarf. If the rest of your outfit is neutrals, you can get a bit crazier with the pattern. Leopard print, floral…there are tons to choose from. To change it up, wear a scarf in place of jewelry. There are also dozens of different ways to tie a scarf and they all provide a different look.

BLACK SUIT Something every businesswoman needs is a classy, black suit. Make sure it is fitted properly and the end result will be a clean, polished, timeless look. You can also wear the pieces as separates so you get three outfits in one.

EVENING DRESS You’ve heard of it before, a little black dress is definitely a wardrobe staple. They are simple, yet elegant, chic and sophisticated. Pair it with an appropriate accessory and you can dress it up or dress it down.

DAY DRESS Having a go-to dress is a must for every closet. It’s an instant outfit for most semi-formal festivities. A neutral colour like beige or black works well.

WRAP This can go perfectly with an evening dress, or just as easily with jeans or dress pants.

DRESSY JACKET Having a nice jacket in your closet means you can dress up almost any outfit instantly. It can be worn with jeans, dressy pants or skirts… tons of options!

FRENCH CUFF DRESS SHIRT This is just another classic piece of clothing that pairs well with black pants or a skirt. The cuffs add a certain degree of dressiness that will work for numerous occasions.

BLACK PANTS A nice pair of fitted black pants can go with anything and truly never go out of style. If you have these, you can grab just about anything else in your closet and you will have a great outfit.

BLACK PUMPS This is a great shoe that can be worn casually with jeans or can go more formal with a dress. They are truly versatile shoes. TM

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EASY TO USE. EASY TO MANAGE. EASY TO NAVIGATE. INSTANT GRATIFICATION. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no arguing that today for any business to succeed they need to have a strong digital presence. The struggle for any business is in reaching a captive audience; traditionally this elusive goal is sought out with a big budget and many man hours. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be great if magically, your business and the consumer could have their needs met both mutually and intuitively? Well, that time has come. The magic wand is here. Enter the Save-A-Buck App. >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 35

ecently a mobile app version of Rev Publishing’s widely popular Save-A-Buck coupon booklet was released. This free app, designed as a “city guide that saves you money along the way,” incorporating numerous features and is currently available in several cities throughout Niagara and presently expanding into other markets. On the radar for 2015 is Buffalo, Muskoka, Toronto, Kingston and 1000 Islands. This GPS based app includes an extensive category of listings that serves as a guide to everything there is to do in a city: restaurants, attractions, hotels, shops, bars, clubs and even special events. In keeping with the legacy of the Save-A-Buck booklet this app has corresponding coupons for each category. Business by Today Magazine met with Justin Soungie, the Development Manager of the Save-A-Buck app, to chat about the app and what goes into it’s creation and development. TODAY MAGAZINE BUSINESS: Can you talk about how you came up with the idea for the Save-A-Buck app? JUSTIN SOUNGIE: The idea to bring the Save-A-Buck coupon booklet into a digital form was initially brought to the table by our CEO, Dan Pasco. He wanted to bring the already successful and widely used coupon booklet in the digital and fast paced direction that the market is going in today. After discussing it a few times with our team, making it available not only digitally, but also in the convenient form of an app seemed like the most logical move with both iPhones and Android devices being a staple in today’s society. To make the app even more useful to our consumer base we wanted to build the ability to use coupons around a travel guide. Be everything a visitor needs to find their way during their stay, while offering them exclusive coupon discounts. TMB: What kind of niche does it fill in Niagara? JS: People tend to rely on prior planning of their arrival to determine what they do and where they go, usually via digital search engines and forums, or their hotel staff. But there is so much more that is available, that may not be easy to find, but is very worthwhile to the tourist. We strive to fill that gap, be the city guide that puts the entire Niagara Region in the hands of our visitors.

you. After finding your desired category you can view it by what is closest to your current location or see everything the category has to offer. You can also select the coupon feature, and your desired categories will now only show businesses that are offering coupons and discounts. Each profile lists the hours, phone number, address, website, short description, and even will give your directions to the business. If you don’t want to go immediately you can save the business or event in your favorites for later. TMB: What kind of work goes into the process of creating an app like this? Can you describe what the process is like? JS: It’s all about planning and having the right team. Before even getting to the first line of code many long months of planning are put in. It’s not about having a good idea, it’s about how the public will view and interact with it. But it all grows from the one question, what do we want our app to do for people? We want to be the guide that every visitor can use, because before they got here they weren’t able to plan every detail of their stay. Where is somewhere great in this area to eat or where else can we take the family that wasn’t found right away when planning online? That’s the point of visiting somewhere new, you don’t know much about it. And I want Save-A-Buck to fill that gap to bring the visitor everywhere and to have access to everything. After seeing what you want the app to do for the user, then the features just come naturally. Having access to directions in an easy place helps save time, hours are something that can make or break that drive you made with the family, or can be handy when trying to find somewhere close to your current location to buy yourself a new backpack because yours ripped while hiking. TMB: What was the most challenging aspect of developing Save-A-Buck? JS: Testing, testing, and more testing. Even after having launched for the summer months this past year, we’ve discovered a lot more that we can add in to the app to really bring it to the next level for the app users. The challenge is to keep growing and adapting, and I’ve been back to the drawing board since September with new additions and things to make the app even better. In the next couple months, watch for our big changes to Save-A-Buck.

TMB: How does the SAB app work?

TMB: What kind of testing does an app like this go through to ensure that the end product is user friendly?

JS: The app first has you determine the city you would like to discover. Then it breaks the city into categories that allow you to choose what you are looking for based on the category that interests

JS: Getting a group of users who have never seen or heard of the app and installing the Beta version of the app on their device and just monitoring their natural interaction with the app over a set

period of time. You really get to see what they focused on, get feedback on what they felt was missing or could have helped them better. Also a very important factor is different demographics; age, technical experience, and type of devices used. TMB: What are some of your favourite features created for the app? JS: Direction on each profile that use your phone’s navigation feature, sending coupons directly to your phone based on how close you are to the business offering the coupon, and soon, in the new features added, the entire city you are visiting can be accessed from your phone without the use of cellular data.

Save-A-Buck is a great app to try out not only when you are visiting a new city, but also for discovering places you may not know about in the city you live in. You never know what restaurant, attraction or store will pop up on your phone. It’s a great app that puts you “in the know”, in whatever city you happen to be in, and not only that, it will save you money. It’s like having your own personal, penny-pinching tour guide. It’s only a couple of taps away! The Save-A-Buck app can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the App Store. More information on Save-A-Buck can be found at saveabuck.com. >>

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OW IT WORK

PUT YOURSELF IN THE HANDS OF TOURISTS & LOCAL CONSUMERS The free GPS based guide that quickly allows you to search and find establishments. Save-A-Buck enables people to easily access entertainment, restaurants, attractions, nightlife, services and more. Promote your business and gain exposure while having the opportunity to offer coupons or promote your events to users. Save-A-Buck is a free city-guide mobile application. Now available on iPhone® and Android™.

Easily access Entertainment, Attractions, Activities, Bars, Services, Transportation, Rentals, Daily Coupons, and Much More!

Find exciting nearby events and locate them on the map.

Multiple ways to ﬁnd what you’re looking for. Find the BEST DISCOUNTS in your area.

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THE CONCEPT IS SIMPLE. To make the app even more useful to our consumer base we wanted to build the ability to use coupons around a travel guide. Be everything a visitor needs to find their way during their stay, while offering them exclusive coupon discounts. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Justin soungie

COMING SOON: GEOTRACKING. We not only believe in keeping up with the lastest in advertising trends, but also pioneering and trekking into unchartered territory. We are dedictated and excited to announce that we are in the fi nal development of this next stage in GPS location tracking Beacon advertising. THE CONCEPT IS SIMPLE. We take the saying of driving traffic to you to a more literal level. Extending the ability of Beacon technology, you are able to customize and target your mesaege range by GPS location and coordinates. You no longer have to rely on proximity to be able to announce special events or coupons to your potential clients. We make sure your message gets out to customers you want â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when you want. TM

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IF NOT NOW, WHEN? by: Flavio Iammarino, Ph.D, SW, C.Cht

t a recent conference I proposed a powerful question to the group – If not now… when? The response was very interesting. Some responded that they were ready now, some did not understand the question, and one person replied, never. The way the group responded was based on what they were experiencing in their life, and what they were focusing on at the present time. There is no better time than now to take some type of action in your life! Whether your goal is to restructure your body, change your career, start a new business or expand your business, there is no better time than today to get started. So the question remains, what prevents some people from taking action? Why do some people seem to be stuck? The answer is quite simple – it is because there is some level of fear that is preventing them from taking the first step which will lead to accomplishing their goal. It could be a fear of failure, a fear of success, or a fear of being judged by others. Some worry what others may think, or what opinions others may have about them – this is where the trap lies. It is important for everyone to understand one thing: Other people’s opinions are none of your business! What you must remember is these are only opinions, and they could be coming from people who are envious, jealous, or full of fear themselves. These opinions could be very detrimental and limiting to your growth, and although good advice is always welcome on our journey, it is important to process what is constructive and what is destructive to our evolvement. Some people are made to believe that if they want more out of life they are selfish or greedy. Some have a belief that having more than the basic necessities is overindulgent and excessive. These are just some examples of many that may prevent someone from taking action and settling for status quo. For some, when they think about their business or career they experience a feeling of excitement. They have a passion to create new things and thrive on finding new ways to expand and grow. The common denominator with these people is that they love what they

do and it shows. There is something within them that just feels right and they follow their instincts. Through my life’s ups and downs I realized that to be successful one must model people that have already been successful. There is no point in reinventing the wheel and we can learn so much from others. I also found that most successful people are happy to share their knowledge and want others to be successful as well. If you have a goal that you want to achieve it is important to only share your goals with people that will assist and support you in your accomplishment. People often get excited and want to share their goals with the whole world. They want to believe that everyone will feel the same way that they do, and share the same excitement, but this is often far from the truth. Some people may not support you or your ideas and the naysayers could be family members, friends, or colleagues. They may be afraid, or they may be jealous or envious. These people may try to convince you that your idea is not a good one and may try to sabotage your dream. If you pay attention to these people your desire and your passion may begin to diminish. And if you listen to them for too long, they may stop you from going after your dreams altogether. Unfortunately in life we are often surrounded by people that may not want us to succeed. They will try to make us believe that it is not a good idea to take action, and disguise their negative advice as sincere concern. You must recognize these people and move away from them as fast as you can. What matters most is listening to your gut feeling. Your gut feeling, or instinct is what will always guide you in the right direction no matter what. You must realize that inside of each and every one of us there is a part of who we are that just knows what is best for us as individuals. It’s like a built-in support system that always has your best interests in mind. What is right for Mary, may not be right for Paul and that is why we all must follow our own instincts, not be guided or controlled by someone else’s. Your instinct will direct you in a positive way and knows what is best for you. A lot of people talk about their intuition, instinct, or gut feeling but many don’t understand the sheer power of it, and many don’t listen to it. Sometimes it is a voice in our head that is loud and clear, but most of the time it is a subtle feeling that comes and goes as a flash. You must learn to recognize it, acknowledge it, and be guided by it. Those that listen to their gut feeling go through life the easy way. Those that choose to ignore it learn a lot of tough lessons. The only thing you should trust or listen to is your gut feeling – looking for answers outside will only bring confusion, doubt, and fear. These negative emotions will often prevent you from making decisions or taking action. You can choose a life of fear where you chase the goals of others, or you can pursue your own dreams and live the life that you were intended to live. Fears can easily be overcome when you realize that your truth, and whatever answers or reassurance you may be looking for, are already inside of you. Can you be successful in business, in a relationship, and in all aspects of your life? The answer is most certainly, yes! In order to succeed, surround yourself with the right resources, believe that all is possible, keep your passion and dreams close to your heart, and walk and talk confidently like what you wish for is already yours. Confidence is simply a state-of-mind and with it we can achieve everything! TM For more information on this article or to find out how Flavio can help you in your journey please email us at personalgrowth@cogeco.ca or call our office at 905-684-1717. More articles and information can be found on-line at askflavio.com

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L et our onlin e co mmu n ity g u ide you t o popul ar l ocal dest i nat i ons, ev e n ts & ac ti v i t i es. D isco ve r wh a t’s n ew & exci t i ng, get speci al of f er s, and ex peri enc e th e fu n ye a r-ro u n d !

T O D AY- M A G A Z I N E . C O M / / F O L L O W U S

get active,

HAVE FUN uniQue ways to unwind after work

by gabrielle tieMan

After a long day at the office and hours spent wrangling kids, all most people want is to unwind with a bottle of pinot and Netflix. And though it may be tempting to push your gym plans aside for your couch, physical fitness is in fast the key to truly relaxing both mentally and physically at the end of the day. Out of the box fitness classes and sports leagues are becoming increasingly popular; forming fun and healthy solutions to repetitive and mundane fitness routines. You’ll never get sick of staying fit again!

HOT YOGA Hot yoga has become a must try physical activity for individuals looking to increase strength and flexibility while easing into an active lifestyle. But the benefits reach far past toning your muscles; increased adaptability and mental stability, improved focus and evacuated poisons from your internal organs are only a few to name on the long list of benefits. Moksha Yoga in St. Catharines, an independent hot yoga studio committed to ethical, compassionate and environmentally conscious living, believes that the benefits of yoga are limitless for every skill level. “You just need to come in and be yourself,” said Tracy Duru, a yogi and the owner, director and a teacher at Moksha Yoga. “The most common things we hear is that we are not in shape enough or not flexible enough to try yoga. We have this idea that you have to prepare to be really good at something before we do it in a group and it holds people back from trying something that can be great for them.” Moksha offers newcomers a 30-day introductory month of yoga at a vastly discounted rate of $40 dollars – compared to the regular $88 dollar monthly fee with a three month commitment – giving beginners the chance to see how the practice will suit them before they commit. “It is a hot and sweaty practice,” said Duru. “We heat the room with radiant panels from the ceiling so it is not a forced air heat. It heats the surfaces of the body, heats the floors and the ceilings but not the air. For some people, they love the heat and they know they want to feel that. Others are hesitant and some people come in and they actually don’t like the heat at all but they try and love it.” Moksha as well holds a set series that has participants focusing on being mindful of their breath, teaching those who lead stressful lives how breathing can keep them grounded in tough situations. “Our lives are going to keep going and getting busier and busier and time is getting faster and faster and that is not going to stop,” said Duru. “But this practice helps people become mindful; so they can take the practice off of their mat and into traffic jams and moments when you’re sitting across from your boss in an awkward confrontation or to when your kids are screaming and yelling. Breath can act as a tool to calm and balance and keep me present. It can get you out of that reactionary mode we are always in and start to connect the practice inside of the room on our mats to outside of the room into our lives.”

ARCHERY Archery has become increasingly popular in recent years for both men and women looking to get outdoors and re-connect with their primal selves. Open year round, Barefoot Bushcraft in Niagara-on-theLake has been providing individuals of all skill levels the opportunity to enjoy hands-on outdoor activities since opening in 2009. With a training focus on building relationships between yourself, others and the environment, Barefoot Bushcraft is ideal for those looking to meet new people and get outside for some truly unique physical activity. Newcomers are given guided traditional archery and slingshot lessons by trained archery coaches with all lessons taking places on Olympic class outdoor ranges. Each lesson covers a variety of safety procedures and techniques, including the ten basic steps to shooting to get you started. “Archery is fantastic for people who want to be physically active but may not have the coordination to run and jump,” said Wolf Starchild, owner and chief instructor at Barefoot Bushcraft. “It takes real concentration, strength and stability so it is a very much a physical activity. You’re focusing on your breathing and balance and strength similar to how you do with yoga.” Lessons are tailored towards both individuals and groups and all prices have been kept reasonable despite the increased popularity in the sport; introductory lessons are $30 dollars for the first hour and $20 dollars afterwards. With his background in professional outdoor education, Starchild said their main focus is getting people active and outside. “We try to keep our costs low to better encourage people to get fit and get out and keep active,” said Starchild. “We work hard to make it comfortable and easy for people to have fun with groups and get out there.” Archery classes are encouraged for all ages who are interested in trying the sport. “We are really bringing something new to the Niagara Region that makes fitness fun,” said Starchild. “It is a very non-threatening sport. If you go out into the world and say ‘I like guns,’ people are not all that accepting of that. if you go out and say you like archery people get really into that and ask questions.”

For prices and inquiries visit: st-catharines.mokshayoga.ca

For more activities and inquiries visit: barefootbushcraft.com >>

Sometimes, you just need to get outside and play. BEACH VOLLEYBALL This winter, you no longer have to jump on a plane to put your feet in the sand. With indoor beach volleyball taking over Niagara courts, your winter getaway just got much closer to home. Offering multiple adult co-ed leagues and divisions, Not So Pro Niagara Sports League has become the easily accessible route for adults of every skill level looking to balance exercise with their busy lives. Having recently expanded their indoor facility to house multiple beach and court volleyball games simultaneously – while boasting another five outdoor courts for the summer months – NSP is bringing summer to you all year round. “It’s fun to kick off your shoes and enjoy the sand – not a lot of people can do that year round especially in the winter,” said John Morrison, Founder and President of Not So Pro. “As far as the sport goes, there is nothing like hitting a few volleyballs and releasing some stress with a team.” With no membership fee or commitment required, players are able to move between divisions, nights of the week and sports with ease while accommodating hectic schedules simultaneously. “If you’re busier in the summer you can leave and come back in the fall,” said Morrison. “We are very flexible to individual’s wants and needs.” Though NSP encourages players to register as a team, individuals are welcome to sign-up and play one of the multiple nights a week tailored towards single players. “With individuals, it’s usually people who come here from a different place, they’re moving from Montreal and they don’t have any friends or they have been transferred here for work, and this is their opportunity to meet people,” said Morrison. “It’s not simply about coming out and playing a game; it’s also about getting out and hanging out with some people that you may not have an opportunity to hang with during the day time cause you’re working.” With big expansions on the horizon, NSP will continue to expand on their Beach Box clubhouse and offer a licensed lounge area where teams can kick back before and after the game to watch sports and hang out. “We really want to get back to the social,” said Morrison. “We want teams to come around before the games and stick around after their games, hang out, get to know each other, watch the Superbowl and some hockey and enjoy a place where they can hangout.” Not interested in volleyball? NSP as well offers soccer, ultimate Frisbee, softball, dodgeball and basketball both seasonally and year round and is looking to expand from grass soccer to beach soccer in the near future. “Having all of these different sports and everyone under one roof makes it very exciting and gives people the opportunity to meet new people,” said Morrison. For more information and costs, visit notsopro.com.

FIELD SPORTS Sometimes, you just need to get outside and play. Grass under your feet, sun on your face, air in your lungs – it can take years off your life and bring you back to when you were a kid on the soccer field screaming and running like a mad man with your friends. Niagara Rec Sports, a coed adult sports league, offers adults the opportunity to lace up and enjoy some friendly competition post work. Whether you’re an individual looking to rekindle a love for an old high school sport and meet new people or looking to try something new with a group of friends, NRS has a sport to fill your craving. “I grew up playing soccer and as I grew up I ended up playing in various coed sports leagues; but I always thought the leagues were lacking,” said Vince Amato, founder and coordinator of NRS. “I started by offering soccer and the other sports came from people requesting them.” Today, NRS offers soccer, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, dodgeball and softball with most available year round throughout Niagara. But more than just a sports league, NRS has become a social club targeted towards newcomers to Niagara looking to mingle and make friends with similar interests. “We have a lot of teams comprised of people who have registered individually,” said Amato. “And maybe 50 per cent of them stay together as a team going forward into future seasons. People tend to bond.” With the average age between 20 and 40, Amato says he purposely schedules games later in the evening to give the adults coming from work or those who have kids the opportunity to enroll and get active. “I really try to put the players first,” said Amato. “We schedule the games a little later, especially in the winter, to accommodate those who have to work during the day but still want to play sports in the evening. If something isn’t working and players aren’t liking what’s going on I am not afraid to make rule changes according to player feedback. It’s about having fun and being active.” Though the games are taken seriously, Amato said his league has evolved from being a competitive outlet to an outpost for fun physical activity. “It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about getting out, getting active, meeting new people and not sitting on the couch,” said Amato. “People call up and they may be new to the community or want to get their spouse involved in a sport they love – they’re all just looking for something to do and to get involved and get active regardless if they’re good or not. You’re still out and running around and being active while doing your thing.” TM For more information on costs and registering as a team or an individual, check out niagararecsports.com/.

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STAYING SHARP as established professionals

By Lauren Charley Many of us learn a lot of information during our years, through education, work experience in a variety of jobs, and simply through challenges which once played a significant role in our life. However, if we do not continue to utilize these skills or practice new ones, we often lose our abilities to work with them, and must re-train all over again. With the complexities and demands of our current jobs, any time spent outside the workplace we see as downtime to, “veg out” or unwind in activities which require little mental effort…but it is important to keep up with our cognitive abilities on a variety of platforms, to exercise all areas of the brain and in turn, use this new expertise to benefit ourselves in both our work and social lives.

NIAGARA COLLEGE CONTINUING EDUCATION Continuing education programs are becoming increasingly popular amongst working professionals. By partaking in such programs, they can expand their studies or achieve career goals by taking industry relevant courses to obtain a certificate in their current field, or attend a post-diploma program to gain knowledge in another area of expertise.

The Niagara College Continuing Education programs allow students to build upon their pre-existing skills and experience, in order to advance their credentials with an official diploma or certificate from this acclaimed Ontario college institution. Students choose from a wide variety of courses for both professional development and general interest. The programs of study include a mix of enriching lectures, seminars and discussions, taught by industry professionals with current work experience and a passion for teaching. The college conveniently offers evening and weekend hours, as well as over 400 online courses where an education can be obtained directly from home. Students may choose to select individual elective classes or complete, within a five year period, a specific parttime program of study by taking required subjects. A few of the programs available at Niagara College include Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Medical Office Assistant, and Web Design. These curriculums are designed to prepare students for a specialized career in their chosen occupation by granting them a Professional Association Equivalency. >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 51

“

EVERY DAY I’M LEARNING SOMETHING NEW. Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group.

Richard Branson is renowned as one of the “founding fathers of modern business practices”, based on his success as an entrepreneur, and is therefore a role model for businesspeople worldwide. His quote illustrates the importance of continued education for aspiring professionals, as the world is constantly changing and adapting. It is up to entrepreneurs to stay ahead of new innovations and knowledge, by attending lectures, taking courses, and doing their own research to stay abreast of business trends.

FREE UNIVERSITY-LEVEL ONLINE COURSES Obtaining an education through some of the world’s most renowned universities is no longer only obtainable to those blessed with the financial funds, or fortunate enough to receive scholarships and grants. Universities including Harvard, MIT, and The University of Washington are only some of the institutions now offering courses to the general public for affordable tuition or even free of charge. Prospective learners can take advantage of this by choosing from over 400 online classes available on several web databases, including Coursera, EdX, and Lynda. These websites provide students with a platform based on teaching methods applied by top researches, used in post-secondary educational institutions. The U.S. Department of Education concluded through studies that students who take online courses, whether completely online or blended, produced stronger outcomes than students who were taught solely through face-to-face interaction in a classroom setting. Established professionals are amongst the many who choose to advance their education by enrolling in online courses. Some of the most popular classes taken by those already established in their careers include public speaking, how to reason and argue, and introductory finance.

DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS AND INTERESTS BROCK UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY LEARNING Brock University believes that learning and education plays an essential role in our community, as it is where we discover our strengths and interests while feeling a sense of belonging. Although Brock is proud to offer quality education to students pursuing post-secondary degrees and qualifications, they also acknowledge that there are skills and experiences gained beyond the traditional classroom setting which are useful to apply in both our careers and everyday life. Therefore, they encourage citizens of all ages to come together to try new things, share knowledge, and discuss ideas by participating in activities and events designed at the grass roots level. For a fee, Brock offers elementary school kids a variety of educational clubs designed to intrigue children to learn while engaging in fun activities with their peers. Meetings for these clubs take place right on the Brock University campus from 5-7pm on select week nights, which are listed on the Brock U website. Community courses are available not only to children, but to teens and adults too. Operating similarly to the kids clubs, youth and adults can engage in creative and didactic programs such as Spanish, art, and technology subjects. Family Adventures are a great way for children and parents to bond while demonstrating their talents and abilities as they work together to solve challenges in special workshops on designated dates, taking place at the university campus. Brock also partners with community organizations and associations to host both Conversation Cafés and a program called “100 Days of Learning”. Conversation Cafes are facilitated discussions which take place on Tuesday evenings at Maytay Café in downtown St. Catharines from 7:30-8:30pm. Discussing material on a variety of subjects encourages individuals to expand their horizons and learn about unfamiliar topics. Similarly, the “100 Days of Learning” initiative raises awareness to the many varied lowcost or free learning experiences available throughout the Niagara Region. For 100 days, the university promotes an educational activity for children and/ or adults to expose individuals to unique opportunities we can enjoy in the community.

Learning something new and stepping outside your comfort zone involves many areas of the brain and can help forge new neural pathways. Neural science experts recommend learning a second language; bilingualism causes centres in your brain to grow and can stave off dementia by up to five years. The skill can also boost your memory, increase your attention span, and improve efficient multi-tasking. Similar advantages are produced by taking up a new instrument, which can advance core educational skills such as mathematics, reading and comprehension, as well as sharpening your mental concentration.

LINKEDIN LinkedIn is a social networking website for entrepreneurs and professionals who wish to connect with like-minded individuals for the purpose of building their reputations in their careers. In addition to showcasing one’s resume and an optional portfolio of work samples, profiles highlight the specific skills the user has acquired, which may also be endorsed by others who have worked with them. Employers use LinkedIn as a way to scope out potential new recruits to their company, and therefore seek out the ones with unique talents which will be the greatest asset to their team. By building these lists, you are at a better chance of being scouted by someone who may offer you an incredible opportunity to advance your career. TM EAT ANTIOXIDANTS Foods which are rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries and dark chocolate, have been proven to reduce free radicals, the agents responsible for causing age-related diseases through the process of oxidization. These “super foods”, which include a lot of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seafood, act as your brain’s defense against these free radicals, helping to reduce or prevent mental health issues including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

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Sprinter has been called “the working MercedesBenz,” a vehicle that has been refined over the course of a century and is the van of choice for tradesmen, craftsmen, and artisans.

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In 2015, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the only commercial van in Canada that offers a true 4 x 4 system – the Sprinter 4x4. Its features include: • Adaptive ESP/4ETS electronic traction system at the push of a button; • 4X4 Low Range low-gear diﬀerential to help navigate harsh winter conditions, steep grades, and difficult off-road terrain;

• Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) that works with the system’s low-range gear to slow the vehicle down to a set speed during tricky downhill grades.

• Minimum Weight Impact for traction needed without sacrificing payload capacity or fuel efficiency.

• Higher Ride Height up to 10 cm (3.9 in) on the front axle, and up to 7.5 cm (3 in) on the rear axle. • Reinforced stabilizers on the front and rear axles.

In addition to the Sprinter 4x4 Cargo Van, the Sprinter 4X4 is available as a Passenger Van – the only commercial passenger van also designed to negotiate even the toughest weather. Other vans in the Mercedes-Benz line-up include the Sprinter 2500 and 3500 Cargo Vans and 2500 Passenger Vans as well as the Sprinter 3500 Cab Chassis. The Metris, a mid-size utility van will be launching in Canada later this year. Known as the Vito in other parts of the world, the Metris will be sure to follow in the Sprinter’s successful footsteps. With more than 25 different models available, all Sprinter vans are fully customizable with a wide range of accessories as well as add-ons from Sprinter Preferred Upfitters. You can equip your Sprinter to meet your business needs, including sidewall and floor lashing rails, four different style partition walls, three different interior trims, and much more. The unobstructed frame rails of the Sprinter Cab Chassis can handle any unique configuration you require. To ensure your Sprinter stays on the job, Mercedes-Benz even offers a Sprinter Pre-Paid Maintenance Program, which helps ensure that routine scheduled maintenance costs never catch you by surprise. Prepaying these costs locks them in, so as prices rise, your maintenance budget won’t have to. The Sprinter is also backed by some of the most comprehensive warranties in the business, including an Extended Limited Warranty. The Sprinter also boasts a best-in-class 25,000-kilometre maintenance interval. If you’re looking to lease or purchase a Sprinter van, Mercedes-Benz offers a variety of products and solutions with flexible benefits and competitive rates tailored to your business. Whatever the demands of the job, the Sprinter van is the answer to efficiency, comfort, functionality and safety. From its turbo-charged BlueTEC diesel engine to an ergonomically designed cab; to driving assistance features like PARKTRONIC; to an expansive cargo hold that boasts best-in-class payload, cargo volume, interior height, step-in height, and fuel efficiency; and to standard safety features like front airbags, wide-angle side mirrors, and tire pressure monitors – Sprinter is indeed the working Mercedes-Benz. A 2.1L 4-cylinder, 2-stage turbocharged BlueTEC diesel engine. And a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission that delivers 161 hp, 265 lb-ft of torque, and best-in-class fuel efficiency. You’ll never find this level of efficiency and power in any other drivetrain on the road. And for those who prefer the increased horsepower and torque of a 6-cylinder, the 3.0L BlueTEC diesel engine with 5-speed transmission is also available. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the lowest fuel consumption of any vehicle in its class. The powerful V6 diesel engine with BlueTEC SCR clean diesel technology saves you up to 39% when compared to our competitors' gasoline-powered vehicles. A total of 4,077 Sprinter vans were sold in Canada in 2014, an increase of 19.1% from the previous year. The availability of the new Sprinter equipped with a powerful and fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine helped make it a banner year for Sprinter Vans in Canada.

BASIC LIMITED WARRANTY 3-YR/60,000-KM Basic coverage for 3 years or 60,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Excludes normal maintenance and wear items.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5-YR/ 100,000-KM Powertrain coverage for 5 years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

DIESEL ENGINE LIMITED WARRANTY 5-YR/ 160,000-KM Coverage for Turbo Diesel engines for 5 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5-YR/ 100,000-KM Roadside Assistance is available 24 hours a day, virtually anywhere in Canada or the continental United States.

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TAILORMADE TO INSPIRE

BY JILL THAM

Three words best describe Shannon Passero: empowerment, drive, and heart. At the age of 25, Passero was working as a sales representative when she met Sebastien Sirois, sharing a common idealistic view of the world, the pair decided to tackle social justice. Armed with only an idea to begin a company that produces handmade sweaters and a local contact in Thailand, the two hopped on a plane and set out to see their dream become a reality. “We didn’t have a business plan or structure for the company. It was more organic than that,” states Passero.>>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 57

short time later in 1998, the company Pure Handknit was founded. Pure Handknit consists of a collection of individually hand knit sweaters that are famous for their buttons which are made from recycled coconut shells. The factory in Thailand that manufactures this brand employs 4,500 women knitters. Passero didn’t stop there, in 2006, she launched Neon Buddha, a lifestyle clothing line perfect for all occasions. “These clothes are intended not only for work, but for travel, home, yoga and all of life’s adventures,” states Passero. “Neon Buddha is designed with a conscience and employs 800 staff members.” Ethical work standards are at the forefront of Passero’s business practices: making the philosophy behind her company original. “All of our staff, who are primarily women, have paid health care and maternity leave,” says Passero. She also makes it possible for women in a third world country to achieve some of the basic rights that North Americans take for granted. “Education is our corporate mandate. We offer free continuing education, English and Thai classes,” says Passero. Her dedication to creating equality for women in the workplace has led to long term working relationships with her staff. “Many of them, directly with our support, have finished a higher level of education, including their master’s degree and still work for us,” says Passero, adding “Many of these women were formerly rice farmers.” Passero has witnessed a great deal of growth in Thailand over the years she has spent travelling back and forth to the factories. “Fifteen years ago we were faxing the patterns because there wasn’t the internet or email. We purchased the fax machine and it became a party line because no one in Thailand could afford to have their own telephone,” says Passero. “The women I work with are open to change. At first they thought our button idea was crazy, but they were able to see the vision,” says Passero. While spending a great deal of time travelling around the world, Passero finds inspiration for her designs from all walks of life. “Our designs have great artistic features and are highly functional. Most of the jackets have pockets to carry life’s essentials,” says Passero. Passero has found inspiration for her clothing line right here in the Niagara Region. “The Hillcrest Jacket is inspired by the women in Niagara. “Having the retail store directly in the same building as our design office has opened up a wonderful can of worms – the designs have gotten better because of it,” states Passero. “For sure Niagara has had an impact on the fashions over the last 5 years.” Neon Buddha and Pure Handknit are the epitome of high quality fashion. “We spin the yarn, spin the fabric, die the yarn, cut and sew. We have the ability to have great quality from the very beginning,” states Passero. Her products are handcrafted with North American style. “We are not fast fashion we are slow fashion. We want you to be able to wear the pieces for a long time,” says Passero. Her products are ideal for women as they embody a classic and timeless look. The hand knit sweaters and her most popular item, the Three Button Wrap, will easily become your favourite go-to item. When Passero was only 14 years of age, she was drawn to fashion and sales. Her love of retail originated as she worked in a small clothing store located in Fonthill, “Country Spirit was the best training on how to start a boutique in a small town. It’s funny I’ve come full circle and I hope to have that customer service here in my retail environment,” states Passero. Along with the milestone of turning 40, having her first child, and opening up the storefront in Thorold, Ont., Passero celebrated 15 years in the business, making 2013 an enormous year - one that she calls “auspicious.” In that same year, she also founded the Shannon Passero Women’s Business Grant Program. Her inspiration for the grant came from reading the novel Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg,

FIGURE OUT SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO. WORK HARD AND DON’T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. IF YOU MAKE IT… GIVE BACK |

SHANNON PASSERO

the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. In Sandberg’s book, she challenges women to ask themselves what they would do with their career if they weren’t afraid? The book not only validates the working mom, but also inspires others to reach out and achieve their goals. “I feel so grateful to work in a field I love, doing what I love. I have a soft spot for Niagara and there is a need to support entrepreneurs and mentor them,” says Passero. In Passero’s first year of the grant, she had 30 applicants and selected two winners. Recipients were awarded with a grant of $12,500.00. “Funny enough, I have gotten much more out of the phenomenal women who won the grants. They are now fellow entrepreneurs and I have this relationship with them,” she says. Passero has recently finished closing the 2014 grant applications and will be selecting this year’s winners in the near future. “We don’t get to see everything in Niagara and the grant has opened my eyes to what is happening in business in the Region,” says Passero. Passero offers this advice to new entrepreneurs. “Figure out something you love to do. Work hard and don’t take no for an answer. If you make it…give back,” she says. “There are a lot of business people that have done well and we have to make sure we nurture the entrepreneurs that are coming up,” says Passero. Being a mother of two small girls hasn’t slowed Passero down. Her future goals include expanding the grant program and possibly a second store. “We want to grow organically and expand mindfully in the fashion industry,” says Passero. Passero is truly humbled by the support from the Niagara Region. “I am amazed, but not surprised at the support from Niagara. Not only from the women that shop in the store, but also the business community. They have embraced us. We could have our business anywhere. I am here because I grew up here and I want my family to be raised here,” she says. Niagara is blessed to have Passero back in the community. Not only are her products practical, comfortable, and entirely different from the competition, but she is a strong powerful voice for women in business, and her company mandate that is grounded in social justice should serve as a beacon to others. Passero has proven that you can make a difference and a successful business at the same time. For more information visit shannonpassero.com TM

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WHAT WE DO FOR OURSELVES DIES WITH US. WHAT WE DO FOR OTHERS AND THE WORLD REMAINS AND IS IMMORTAL.

The Caligiuri family, their struggle and how you can help.

– ALBERT PIKE At Rev Publishing’s annual Christmas party this past November, a silent and live auction fundraiser was held to help out a local family dealing with a rare genetic disorder. Their eight-year-old son Matthew is currently living with this disorder, and their son Riley passed away four years ago. The disorder, which is the 5th mutation of the PRPS-1-Gene, affects male babies and is carried through the mother, is exceedingly rare. Riley and Matthew are the only known children with the 5th mutation of this gene. >>

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OTHER PEOPLE I really want to thank Dan and Fran from the bottom of our hearts for being so kind and generous for including a fundraiser at their company Christmas party to assist us in retrofitting our home to make caring for Matthew easier. They are very emotional people, and we really appreciate everything they have done. Thank you to Alex at Rev for organizing the night and for all of her hard work in making it a success. A big thank you as well to everyone for donating prizes or making a monetary donation. You have all helped to make our lives easier in caring for our beautiful son Matthew. Thank you! Sincerely, Leianne, Ralph, Adam and Matthew Caligiuri

To put it in layman’s terms, the boys mother, Leianne Caligiuri, explains exactly what having this disorder means: “It is a neurological disorder where the signals from the brain aren’t sent to the rest of the body. Matthew has no trunk control, so he can’t sit up, walk or talk. He is legally blind, but does see very bright light. He is hearing impaired, but is on a trial drug to slow down the progression of hearing loss. He has Diabetes Insipidus, which is a very serious problem with his sodium. He has seizures and he also has control central sleep apnea, where his brain forgets to send the signal for his body to breathe.” Needless to say, this is not an easy condition for a family to deal. Leianne notes that despite all these issues, Matthew is still a happy kid. “He loves going to school everyday, to listen to his friends sing and play. The other kids read to him and love to push him around in his wheelchair.” Matthew absolutely loves listening to music, and has an IPOD on the go at all times. He loves hearing his dad sing and his mom talk, and loves getting cuddles from his brother Adam and the whole family. The older Matthew gets though, the more difficult it becomes to care for him. Certain modifications need to be made to the house to ensure that the family can continue to care for Matthew at home. The fundraiser Rev had was done to raise money for the retrofit of the Caligiuri’s home. As Matthew has gotten older, he is getting heavier to lift, so ceiling tracks are needed in some areas of the home to make it easier to move Matthew around. An accessible bathroom is also needed on the main level of the home as well as lifts in the garage and throughout the home, which will assist in getting Matthew in and out of the house. Leianne relates that Matthew requires 24-hour care, and has a nurse overnight as well as other workers to assist throughout the week. The fundraiser put on by Rev will allow the Caligiuri family to begin renovations on their home in the near future, which will help to improve quality of life for not just Matthew, but the entire family. If you wish to help the family please email caligiuri@revpublishing.com for details on how. TM

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COFFEE, CHARACTER, COMMUNITY. NIAGARA’S BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEE HOUSES BY JILL THAM

Finding a good cup of coffee is easy, however the search for a truly unique and incredible cup of Joe is not such a simple task. You need not look any further as these three independent coffeehouses in the Niagara Region are as warm and inviting as the coffee itself. Nowhere else can you find coffee shops that are this full of character, community involvement, comforting food and premium coffee, along with owners who are charismatic and in tune with fair trade.

MAHTAY CAFÉ Want to drink mate? Or should you say, “Unos Mate?” Be careful, the cup of tea comes with an extensive set of rules to follow while drinking, such as don’t touch the straw, never complain and certainly don’t take too long to drink your share. The Mahtay Café and Lounge in St. Catharines, Ont., was named after the South American tea yerba mate; a tea that symbolizes community and friendship. The Mahtay Café and Lounge opened its doors to the downtown core three years ago. “It was always a romance in cafés and finally opportunity met circumstance and that is how it all started,” recalls Chris Lowes, owner and operator of the café. Lowe recalls the harmonious occasion when he selected his coffee roaster. “When you open up a coffee shop you get to taste a bunch of different coffees from a bunch of different roasters. It was the perfect mix for us,” explains Lowes. Lowes definitely made the right choice with his selection of the Union Island Coffee Roaster. “Our roaster was just named coffee roaster of the year by Roast Magazine,” explains Lowes. “It’s the crème de la crème of coffee roasters.” The Café offers at least three roasts at one time that vary from fair trade, direct trade or organic. “We are quite proud of our coffee,” states Lowes. The Mahtay Café is also proud of their commitment to promoting Niagara’s artists and community groups. “It’s our mandate to never say no,” states Lowes. In order to fulfill their promise of opening their doors to community groups, last August Lowes expanded the café to include a community room where events can be held while others continue to enjoy the café atmosphere. “We host a variety of events from music, poetry, book signings, plays, readings, Twilight Jazz Series, open mic and local groups who like to use our facility for their meetings,” says Lowes. To further keep their feet planted in the community, 50 paintings from local artists, that change monthly, hang on display in the art gallery. Being a downtown location allows the Café to serve a diverse array of customers. “The people that cross our threshold come from different backgrounds. We serve office workers, lawyers, Brock University professors and students,” says Lowes. Free Wi-Fi, bookshelves filled with an eclectic assortment of books and a variety of board games are also available to customers of the café to use at their leisure, further adding to the homey experience. Fresh ingredients and a homemade touch is what makes Mahtay Café stand out. “We often get people phoning in to ask us what the soup of the day is,” laughs Lowes. “We make all of our soups from scratch.” The menu has something to appeal to every palate, and includes a variety of vegan and gluten free options. In fact, the staff is happy to make any sandwich vegan or gluten free upon request. The secret to the great taste is the wholesome ingredients such as apple jam and roasted chicken. “The Chicken Apple Club and Quinoa Salad are our most popular menu items,” says Lowes. Unos Mate? The drink of the Gods is a perfect fit for the namesake of the Mahtay Café. The Yerba Mate is designed to strengthen the immune system and increase endurance. Whether you drink the tea or not, you will most definitely be rejuvenated and feel a boost of energy after your visit to the Mahtay Café and Lounge. For more information visit mahtay.ca

STATION 1 COFFEEHOUSE

VINCENZO’S CAFÉ

Laurie Didyk-Mindorff, owner and manager of Station 1 Coffeehouse in Grimsby, always envisioned a place where organic coffee and fresh baked goods would come together in perfect harmony. “My husband and I had been thinking about it for a long time. The old fire hall became available and we decided to go for it,” recalls Didyk-Mindorff. Didyk-Mindorff set out to find a solid cup of coffee and a skilled baker and didn’t have to look far to find both. “Everything is made in house; not many places make their own baked goods,” states Didyk-Mindorff. “We brew fair trade organic coffee that is roasted in Hamilton. You don’t have to ask for it.” The savoury muffins, which sell out fast, are made with local and wholesome ingredients such as cheddar and broccoli or sundried tomato and corn. They also serve sweet muffins on their menu, with options such as chocolate chip, date, blueberry, blueberry cranberry, and morning glory. “All our muffins and our chocolate cupcakes are made with gluten free flour. We also have vegetarian options like our chilli which is very popular with everyone,” states Didyk-Mindorff. With their signature homemade Panini’s such as the turkey and brie and the three chesse on freshly baked focaccia bread, Station 1 is the perfect lunch destination for those seeking tasty and healthy options. Cappuccinos and Lattes are made the old fashioned way. “We freshly grind the beans and we put the grinds in the filter and press it ourselves. People who really know coffee can tell the difference and enjoy it,” says Didyk-Mindorff. For those wanting to pair their Panini with a beverage other than coffee, they have local wine and beer on tap. Each month the coffeehouse sponsors a local charity and donates a percentage of their hot beverage sales to the cause. “We give back to the community by running events for them in our shop. We stay closely connected to community organizations,” states Didyk-Mindorff. Station 1 is bursting with a diverse clientele. From children to grandparents, all ages of people can be seen enjoying the atmosphere and the fare in the coffeehouse. From social gatherings amongst friends to business meetings, the coffeehouse is both an ideal place for friends to share laughter and for professionals to woo their clients. With a diverse calendar of events, customers can take advantage of the open mic, talented musicians, book clubs and trivia nights. The décor inside Station 1 is a testament to their dedication to the environment and the local community. With reclaimed wood on the walls, vintage cupboards and a countertop from the 1800s from Forks Road Pottery in Grimsby the old-fashioned décor is worth the trip all on its own. An ever-changing collection of local art, all for sale, adorns the distressed walls and gives visitors a chance to appreciate some of the local talent the community has to offer. While there are many places to get a cup of coffee, few can deliver a complete sensory experience like Station 1. One visit to the café and you will be hooked on the mouth-watering baked goods, the aroma and fully body taste of the organic coffee and eclectic décor. For more information and menu options visit stationonecoffeehouse.ca

Vincent Spacone is a true entrepreneur who has spent his career being self-employed. Dedication and delivery of a high quality product or service is ingrained in him. “I used to own a pizza business and a refrigeration business, but owning a coffee shop was my dream. I could be in the coffee shop 24 hours a day,” states Spacone. Vincenzo’s Café, located on Portage Road in Niagara Falls, has been serving 100% organic coffee to satisfied customers for the last five years. Vincenzo’s Café stands out from all the others, first and foremost, by the quality and texture of its coffee. “It’s not a blend,” states Spacone, owner of the café. Spacone confidently brags about his coffee. Claiming he will turn you into a connoisseur with just one cup of his brew. “My coffee is top quality. It comes from Honduras, 5000 feet above sea level,” he states. Spacone’s coffee is selected from only fully ripened beans. The flesh is removed from the “berries,” a process that some processing plants omit. The result: a smooth cup of coffee that Spacone trusts does not irritate the digestive system. “My coffee will never keep you up at night. If it does, call me I will make you breakfast,” laughs Spacone. Although his coffee has a delicate taste when served black, Spacone recommends adding real sugar cane and half and half cream to bring out the full flavour of the coffee. The golden coloured “crema” on top of the expresso at Vincenzo’s Café has a bold taste. “My expresso is different because there is no foam on top of the expresso, what you see is the natural oil of the coffee,” states Spacone as he downs his expresso in one shot. Vincenzo’s is open 8am to 6pm six days a week with the exception of Sunday, which Spacone reserves as a time to be with his family. Vincenzo’s Café has a dedicated following of loyal customers ready to pledge their allegiance to Spacone’s craft. “It’s the only place I drink coffee. It is unique; strong not bitter. I find other coffee watered down,” explains Mike Riddick, one of the many devoted customers, adding “It’s the best in Niagara.” Although the coffee is the number one seller at the Café, followed by the All Day Breakfast, expresso and Panini’s are also popular items on the varied menu. “We often have high school French classes come by for our crepes,” states Spacone. Refusing to provide any inferior quality, Spacone food is made to order, “Call ahead and we will make you fresh pasta. We don’t put it in the cooler and warm it up again,” says Spacone. The warm and inviting décor inside the café will make you feel as though you are enjoying your beverage in the comfort of your own home. Meetings and small groups take advantage of the couched area and the television often entertains the little ones while the mom’s catch up with each other. Vincenzo’s also serves as a place for old friends to socialize, while other individuals pull out their laptop and get some work done. You will fall in love with Vincent’s charisma, friendly demeanor and his passion for the perfect cup of coffee. “Finally I found a great quality coffee. I can do something different than everybody else. It’s a dream come true,” says Spacone. TM

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ROMANELLI WOODWORKS HIGH QUALITY, ONE-OF-A-KIND

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Melding modern and traditional aesthetic, Romanelli Woodworks has filled a niche in Niagara’s home improvement and construction market. Specializing in crafting high quality custom cabinetry and one-of-akind furniture based on the individual needs and desires of their customers, the home grown business’s commitment to client needs and detail has placed Romanelli Woodworks a step ahead of the big box competition. Established in 2007, Niagara native Sam Romanelli says his small independent company has become a reflection of his lifelong passion for woodworking and craftsmanship that was fostered at a young age. “[Woodworking] was something I always did as a kid,” said Romanelli. “I was always putting models together, woodworking and drawing so when the opportunity came up I took it.” Though Romanelli has worked in every area of the home – having constructed custom bathroom vanities, shelving units, built-ins and furniture in the past – it is their kitchen remodels and European cabinetry that have placed Romanelli at the forefront of home improvement in Niagara. “The cabinets we build are solid cabinets whereas in big box stores the cabinets are paper thin,” said Romanelli. “According to customers, my quotes are always coming in lower than Lowes, Home Depot and other big box stores, and they are getting custom work instead of set size, large fillers, cookie cutter cabinets. We make sure everyone is happy and gets a custom fit kitchen to their home.” All clients are given the opportunity to construct the kitchen, bathroom or living space of their dreams. It is this hands-on, personalized approach to custom design that has become a principal to the Romanelli team; guaranteeing the satisfaction of the customer and the quality and detail of the finished product.

“I am involved with clients from beginning to end,” said Romanelli. “I am involved with designing the fixtures, to meeting with the clients, to crafting the cabinets, to installing them. It’s me they see the whole time throughout, it’s not one group and then another. It’s very personalized and everything is customized to fit their space and needs.” For custom furniture needs, Romanelli offers unique, hand crafted pieces ideal for holiday gifts or statement pieces in your home. Past pieces have included one-of-akind wood harvest tables, cigar humidors, solid block cutting boards and rustic side tables featuring single pieces of wood and preserved bark. All projects are built from a wide selection of locally sourced woods and materials, including custom veneers, stainless steel, stained glass and mosaic tiles that Romanelli then handcrafts into custom patterns designed for his clients. Varieties of wood include a diverse array of both the standard Maple and Oak woods you would traditionally see in stores and higher scale samples of Cherry and Walnut. Cabinets take approximately six weeks to construct, depending on both the size of the room, level of work and their independent schedules, but with such a quick turnaround Romanelli said they can have homes up and running in no time. To fulfill your other construction and remodeling needs, Romanelli has family ties to other design and home improvement teams in the Niagara Region. His sisterin-law Nicole Romanelli is a local interior designer and his brother John Romanelli specializes in home improvements. Romanelli Woodworks is currently located at 6785 Cropp Street in Niagara Falls. For more information on the business, free construction quotes and hours of operation visit www.romanelliwoodworks.com or call (905) 358-1967.

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BUFFALO TRANSPORTATION PIERCE-ARROW MUSEUM

RHEA ANNA

“The Frank Lloyd Wright gas station is really beautiful. Lots of history, period costumes, toys, bikes, etc. The Pierce-Arrow was certainly one of the most beautiful machines ever created, and there are other cars to drool over as well!!”

Dear Canadians, You’ve tailgated at the Ralph. Caught a flight, found a bargain, been to a game and returned home the same day. You’ve been here, done that. But do you really know Buffalo? Have you seen a Broadway show at Shea’s? Tried the beef-on-weck sushi at Seabar? Quaffed a craft brew at Cole’s? Toured a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece? Walked and gawked and windowshopped in the Elmwood Village? Caught an alt-country show at an opening at the Burchfield Penney? Segwayed through Delaware Park? Stopped to smell

BIFF HENRICH

Sportsmen’s Tavern? Been to

ERIC FRICK

the flowers at Garden Walk? Taken the kids to the Buffalo Zoo? Had an artisanal cocktail at Vera? Been to a classical concert at Kleinhans? Kayaked through Elevator Alley? Gone to a food truck rodeo at Larkin Square? Tried your luck at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino? No? Then what are you waiting for? That’s 15 things you didn’t know about Buffalo Niagara. Pop over the Peace Bridge and see for yourself. The nearest faraway place is just a short drive away. Sincerely,

Buffalo Niagara

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1. Fran, Isabella, Josh & Daniel A. Pasco 2. Tony and Connie Pasco, Maria & Vince Notarianni 3. Ralph, Adam & Leianne Caligiuri 4. Maria, Baby Carlo & Carlo Vescio 5. Michael & Jamie Caswell 6. Matteo & Carmen Menechella 7. Johnny Boz & Melisa Rudan 8. Karen Stearne, Terra Pasco and Anita Fiorentino 9. Yvonne & Mayor Jim Diodatti 10. Tony & Anna DAmore 11. Peggy Alexsiejuk & Scot Daly 12. Andrea Kaiser & John Hare 13. Lil & Simo Rudan 14. Sara & George Vazquez 15. Mrs & Mr Shawn Fanni

16. Kerry & Mark Paulmbi 17. Frank & Elsa Maraldo 18. Brian Kremen 19. Janet Schonewille and Marj Ruddy 20. Frank LaPenna & Lee Carr 21. Joy and Vince DiCosimo 22. Jeannette & Greg Pillitteri 23. Mr. & Mrs Pietrangelo 24. Mike & Lynn Karagias 25. John & Rose Alferi 26. Joe & Maria QuiQuero 27. Olivier Reynaud & Vernoica Rudan 28. Mark Spadafora & wife to be! 29. Erin & Anthony DiCenzo 30. Lucas, Dave,Delphina & Eva Pietrangelo 31. Tish DiBellonia & Carm Fiello 32. Matthew & Silvana DiBellonia 33. Terri Scordino &Joe Ingribelli

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WORLD WONDERandWORLD CLASS The perfect escape isn’t one thing. It’s many. It’s getting away. And feeling at home. It’s the excitement of something new and unexpected. And the comfort of being treated like you are the only guest. At Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, it’s all here. And it’s all exceptionally well done here. From the world-class cuts, chops and seafood at The Western Door Steakhouse, to the excitement of the casino floor and the energy of STIR, to the most luxurious accommodations– we make your escape perfect.

STAY, PLAY AND SHOP!

Stay from $119 per night! Call 1-877-8-SENECA (873-6322) or go online to SenecaCasinos.com and plan your getaway today. Use promo code

STAYANDPLAY*and get $40 FREE PLAY, $30 RESORT CREDIT, and a FASHION OUTLETS SAVINGS CARD!

*Room rate valid through February 26, 2015. Available Monday through Thursday. Subject to availability. Promo code based on double occupancy. Blackout dates apply.

50 NEW OUTLETS NOW OPEN. JUST MINUTES AWAY!

IT'S TIME TO PLAY 1-877-8-SENECA (873-6322) | SenecaCasinos.com 310 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 MINUTES FROM THE RAINBOW BRIDGE