Muchmor Magazine Issue 41

muchmor Discover Your Canada

Canada Magazine

issue 42 jun 09

Did you hear the one about the bathroom reno?.

One Family’s Journey Across Canada: Part 3

Motoring: this months test drive The Volkswagen Tiguan. Quick guide to your financial ABC’s

Travel: Come out and play in Miami. Real life: Not your run-of-the-mill relocation Living with Osteoporosis don’t forget to visit us at www.muchmormagazine.com

2 Editorial

Muchmor Media 17 Woody Woodward Lane Corbyville RR1 Ontario K0K 1V0 Canada Tel: 1 613 396 5531 Fax: 1 613 396 3463 www.muchmormagazine.com Advertising: [email protected] Editorial: [email protected] Muchmor Magazine is a publication of Muchmor Media. All rights reserved in all media. No parts of this publication can be reproduced in any form, copied of stored electronically for commercial use without prior permission in writing from the publisher. Storing for personal use is acceptable. Muchmor Media relies on information supplied by external sources and this publication is supplied on the basis that it believes the to be correct and accurate at the time of publication. Muchmor Media does not however warrant its accuracy or completeness and to the full extent of the allowed by law excludes liability for any loss or damage sustained by readers arising from or in connection with the supply or use of this information. If errors occur and are brought to our attention it is our policy to correct any errors of fact whenever we can. The opinions of readers and contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Muchmor Media, and we cannot be held responsible for their comments.

From the Editor At last it’s June and we can finally look forward to long summer days and the smell of grilling in the air. Speaking of grilling, check out some great recipes on pages 20 and 21 - my mouth is watering already. If you fancy grilling in even more exotic locations they read all about what Miami has to offer as a summer destination. Prefer to stay in Canada? Read the story of Marie-Julie and her family as they continue their journey across Canada. This is part three of their story and if you missed parts 1 and 2, you can read them in our March and April issues. Mark Atkinson test drives the Volkswagen Tiguan to see if it lives up to its claims on page 38. This month we treat you to not one, but two real life stories of relocation. One from Stephanie who moved from southern to northern Ontario and another from Birgit who moved all the way from Germany in the late 1990’s. Osteoporosis can be a very debilitating disease and we get first hand information and advice from Osteoporosis Canada on how to live with the disease as well as ways of preventing it in the first place. If you are thinking of renovating your bathroom, you will find our story on page 60 interesting as well as funny. On the home front we also take advice from Doug Wilson of TLC's "Trading Spaces fame about incorporating technology into your home. Until next time. Jane Toombes Editor

Contents 3

Contents

Relocation

Canada Journey across Canada - part 3 You belong in Brandon



4 10



14





20 22 23 24 25



26 28 29

30

Financial ABC’s

Financial tips for parents and teens

32 37

Travel Come out and play in Miami

Lifestyle Grilling with skewers

Praize and be praized

Passport required to enter U.S. Top Canadian

Top kids stuff



Business The slightly unusual

Stand out and get more ROI

Canada’s workplace taboos Email marketing: Developing your email content

Money

Motoring Test Drive: Volkswagen Tiguan



38

Real Life: Not your run-of-the-mill relocation story

Real Life: From city life to country wife Which route to use to immigrate to Canada?



Flying high



41 44 46 49

Health & Wellness Living with or without osteoporosis The positive side to no



50 54

Home & Garden Technorating tips

Property in Alberta

Did you hear the one about the bathroom renovation?

Real estate today



56 58



60 62



63

Business Finder Muchmor Business Finder

4 Discover Canada

Follow Marie-Julie and her family on their journey across Canada. Part 3

Marie-Julie Gagnon, Joseph Sarr and their daughter Maya aged 20 months continue their journey across Canada

Discover Canada 5

On to the Rockies! Flight AC8056. We are about to

leave British Columbia for Alberta. Maya, who is now accustomed to falling asleep in one place and waking up in another, is still sleeping as we head to the airport. Being able to take the stroller to the departure gate (or in this case, right up to the small plane) makes our lives so much easier (we simply have to register the stroller when we check in). Maya continues to snooze in her “home on wheels” between flights, while we relax over breakfast in the Maple Leaf Lounge. We make a mental note: morning is an excellent time for us to travel. Flight AC208. We land in Calgary, and board the minibus to Banff. The closer we get to Canada’s oldest national park (and the third oldest in the world), the more impressed we are by the landscape. And the town is just as stunning. The first thing we notice is the abundance of chocolate shops. I count at least three on our way to the Mount Royal Hotel (a reminder of our little “hill” back in Montreal). When we get off the bus, we realize that no matter where we look, the Rockies shape the landscape. Incredible. The next morning, we visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and learn a little more about the history of Banff. The town was created after three railway workers,

in search of silver deposits, looking to make a fortune, discovered thermal springs instead. Today you cannot dip so much as a toe in these sulphurous waters because human bacteria could harm the Banff Springs snails, a protected species. The castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel really piques our curiosity. William Cornelius Van Horne, Vice-President of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, decided to build a deluxe hotel for wealthy tourists interested in the hot springs. The building opened its doors in 1888 and soon became one of the most popular hotels in North America. It is probably one of the most photographed spots in Banff, as it can be viewed from so many different angles. “Naminals! Naminals!” Maya is ecstatic. Just a few metres away, some bighorn sheep are watching the cars go by. When we board the minibus, we can see them strolling past us. It is not unusual to spot black bears, grizzlies, wolves, elk and the occasional moose either. Maya is in such good spirits that we decide to join a tour group headed to Lake Louise. Although we only spend half an hour there, Joseph declares it to be the most beautiful place he has ever seen. It’s not surprising that this is one of the most photographed sites on Earth. We are also thrilled by nearby Moraine Lake and its “beware of the

bears” signs. Is this my chance to finally see one?

From Banff to Edmonton Travelling all the way to Alberta has

taken me back to my parent’s living room. These same snow-capped mountains used to grace an entire wall of my childhood home in the 1980s. My parents have redecorated since then, but the Rockies continue to draw tourists from around the world, including from Quebec. Some come as visitors, and other young people come as seasonal workers. “There used to be a lot more of them,” our taxi driver informs us on the way to the cable car. “Lots of them would party into the wee hours of the morning and then would not show up for work the next day.” Oops. On the cable car ride up Sulphur Mountain, we watch the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel gradually disappearing into the vast expanse of green. We can spot a few hikers below us. Maya is delighted with the view, while I madly snap photos to drive out thoughts of the catastrophes that could occur as we dangle between heaven and earth… When we reach the top, we get out and explore. A hiking trail climbs even higher, but there are too many stairs for a stroller, so we decide to stay at the main observation area.

6 Discover Canada

Back at the bottom, we take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs. There are old-fashioned women’s bathing suits (skirts and all) for rent, and I am always keen on playing dressup. If the suit came any higher, it would be a turtleneck. People give me strange looks when I get into the pool, but a few minutes later, two other women show up in the same attire. “It’s hot!” complains Maya, who loves swimming. “It’s great!” I reply, happy to have finally found a pool that doesn’t give me hypothermia after five minutes. Open year-round, this site must be especially magical in winter, with Mount Rundle in the background. We do some shopping in town before boarding the bus. Banff is truly delightful. A place to relax and forget your worries. And with its wealth of winter and summer activities, it is never boring. On paper, exploring Alberta from Calgary to Edmonton in four days seemed like a great idea. But we are proven wrong on the five-hour trip from Banff to Jasper. From my window, I can see dozens of landscapes reminiscent of the one on the wall of my childhood home. Breathtaking panoramas. But

despite the incredible landscape, five hours on a bus with an impatient infant is too long. To make matters worse, we arrive in Jasper just after the cable car has closed for the day. Exhausted from trying to convince Maya to have a decent meal (the story of our life), we go to bed without even exploring the area. The next morning at 7 a.m., we’re back on another bus. Our impressions of Jasper? It seems great… The ride from Jasper to Edmonton is much less scenic, but we are relieved to finally arrive in Edmonton. Although we’ll be catching a plane at 1 a.m., we’ve taken a room at the Fantasyland Hotel in the famous West Edmonton Mall. The hotel’s 120 theme rooms transport guests to Hollywood, the Victorian era, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, Rome or Polynesia. Our “Western” room creates just the right mood for the Stampede, which will soon be in full swing in Calgary (from July 4 to 13). As soon as we enter, Maya jumps onto the “stagecoach” bed. She loves climbing up and down the ladder and finds her reflection in the overhead mirror absolutely hilarious.

As our time is short, we have a quick bite at Café Europa (an excellent buffet) and head for Galaxyland. I soon realize that our daughter is in not in the mood for “thrills and spills”. She clings to me when I lift her onto the carousel horse, and cries and calls for her daddy on the little train that winds through the amusement park. We decide to return to our fabulous hotel room, with its whirlpool bath. Ah, la dolce vita! A bit of shopping and we’re on the bus to the airport… In just a few hours, we’ll be in the Maritimes. P.S.: I never did get to see that bear.

In the footsteps of Anne of Green Gables It was my friend Julie who talked

me into reading Anne of Green Gables. We must have been 13 or 14, I can’t quite remember. What I do know is that the story of that outspoken orphan forever captured our imaginations. As we headed for Green Gables in Cavendish, I was thinking of Anne, but also of Diana, Gilbert (how could anyone forget him),

Discover Canada 7

Marilla and Matthew. These characters had always seemed so real to me; I almost expected to see them around the corner of Lover’s Lane (where you can still go for a stroll). I was also thinking about my friend Julie; how was it possible for two teenagers who had vowed to be best friends forever, like Anne and Diana, to have been out of touch for so many years? These thoughts continued to run through my mind as I watched Anne of Green Gables — The Musical at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. “Don’t give up all your romance, Anne,” Matthew tells the redhead with his dying breath. Staying true to yourself, despite the passage of time is one of the messages that continues to strike a chord with me from this tale that has been translated into 36 languages. “Many couples tie the knot here, the same place where Lucy Maud Montgomery was married,” Maureen Campbell, co-owner of the Anne of Green Gables Museum, informs us. “Especially Japanese couples.” “Japanese?!!” I have heard about their fascination with Anne, and seen busloads of Japanese tourists at Green Gables and Avonlea Village (tourist sites recreating the period of the novels), but do they really GET MARRIED in the same setting as the author?

“Absolutely. In fact, a Signthere’s in Churchill wedding here tonight. I play the wedding march that was played at Lucy Maud Montgomery’s wedding, on the very same organ, in the very same room…” I still can’t get over it Flight AC1138, July 4, 2008. It is after midnight but Maya is running all over the place. We brace ourselves for another hectic flight. “We’ve decided to put you in Business Class,” the boarding agent tells me. I almost kissed him. A journalist perk? Whatever the reason, we accept this unexpected offer. Between Edmonton and Montréal, the three of us doze comfortably in our roomy seats. Nothing could have convinced us to stay awake, not even Air Canada’s state-of-the-art entertainment system (I am totally hooked on the multi-function, individual seatback screens — available even in Economy! — that let you pause, advance or replay a movie or program). At Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport, we get lost speeding through the maze that leads to the departure gate. They do not call our names on the intercom (as I had always imagined it), but we are the last ones to board the plane that will take us to Charlottetown. Less than an hour later, we are greeted by Grant MacRae from

Tourism PEI. On today’s schedule: a visit to Avonlea Village, the site of numerous activities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the famous redhead. When we arrive, I give in to temptation and head straight for Anne of Green Gables Chocolates, where fudge, chocolate-covered caramels and chocolate-covered potato chips (I kid you not) beg me to indulge. I spot a pile of straw hats with red braids attached. I will be seeing THIS souvenir everywhere over the next few days, both in stores and on tourists’ heads (including Japanese tourists — an incongruous image that amuses me for days). I fight the overwhelming urge to buy one for myself (okay, I might be exaggerating a little bit), and settle instead for four little chocolate caramels. A more subtle way of expressing my admiration for the character (Maya approves of my choice). Avonlea Village in Cavendish has a line-up of activities spanning the entire summer: plays, potato sack races, musical performances, magic shows, etc. A petting zoo along with a horse and wagon ride bring smiles to the faces of even the most unruly children. Actors play various characters from Lucy Maud Montgomery books and mingle with the crowd, to the delight of the little ones. It is an ideal spot for a family outing.

Club Canada 8 Sequoia Discover

The presence of the beloved orphan is felt all over PEI. In Charlottetown I find a branch of Anne of Green Gables Chocolates. At Cows, a shop known for its ice cream as well as its t-shirts and knickknacks bearing the image of a cow, I come across a Holstein sporting a straw hat and red braids. Anne beverages and potato chips are also sold everywhere. Excessive? Not for diehard fans. True Anne enthusiasts must include a visit to the Anne of Green Gables Museum in Park Corner on their agenda. This is the house where Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved cousins lived. Now owned by one of their descendants, George Campbell, it is full of information about Montgomery’s life as a woman and a writer. The rooms have remained nearly intact since the turn of the last century, and the many photographs provide an idea of the “real-life characters” that inspired the novelist. Maybe I should call my friend Julie…

hair, but I suspect that Canada’s smallest province just blushes really easily. The Micmac have praised its In the glacial waters off Cavendish beauty for thousands of years. They Beach, 20-month-old Maya says her called it Abegweit, “Cradled on the very first swear word; she parrots Waves.” In 1534, Jacques Cartier the impressive three-syllable word described it as “the most beautiful uttered by her father as he plunges place one can imagine,” according into the icy Atlantic. Despite the to Ulysse’s Fabuleuses Maritimes, water temperature (a mere 14 published in 2007 (for an English degrees Celsius at the time), they guide, see Ulysse’s Atlantic both emerge with big smiles from Canada). Since then, visitors their brief dip. rediscovering the island have raved While they were braving the cold, about its beaches, its charming I was listening to some of the fishing villages and the pure lines of conversations on the beach (which its landscapes. With so many is spectacular, by the way). A compliments, how could it help but teenager was casually inviting her blush? pals to a barbecue with “hotdogs Prince Edward Island is more and shrimp.” Shrimp? This is than just the birthplace of Lucy definitely a seaside town. Maud Montgomery and the setting The first thing you notice is the for the adventures of her redhead colour red, apparently, the result of character (although the sites related grains of sand that solidified and to the novelist and to Anne are well were transformed into a layer of worth a visit). Through our sedimentary rock (sandstone), excursions and random stops, containing iron (thanks 275-allô!). Joseph, Maya and I discover the The soil of Prince Edward Island is island and take in the landscape. I’m rust-coloured because the iron not surprised that so many artists contained in it oxidized in contact have been inspired by these vistas. with the air. Maybe the red has something to do with Anne Shirley’s

In PEI, the living is easy

Discover Canada 9

I fall in love with the picturesque fishing villages, with their oldfashioned lobster traps and brightly coloured cabins. The sea lapping against the red sand, the pure green of the valleys, and the people themselves clinch the deal. I am mesmerized, and can tell that Joseph is too: just two days after our arrival, he starts noticing houses for sale! Charlottetown. With its terraces, green spaces and various shops, the capital seems as idyllic as the countryside. There are 56 kilometres of paths for cyclists and pedestrians. A boardwalk, starting from Victoria Park, lets you walk along the water. And Peakes Wharf, by the waterfront, is full of charming little shops. I treat myself to a double dip chocolate ice cream at Cows, the best ice cream parlour in Canada, according to Reader’s Digest (I do not need any more convincing). “Life seems good in PEI,” I think to myself as I wander through the bustling streets (and the ice cream is to die for).

While Maya takes a nap, Grant MacRae, our delightful guide/ chauffeur/walking-encyclopaedia/ entertainer (officially representing the tourist bureau for the project) and I (Joseph is with Maya), taste Isle Saint Jean red wine at the island’s first commercial winery, the Rossignol Estate Winery, located at Little Sands, a 70-km drive and 10km ferry ride from Charlottetown. There are some sheep grazing blissfully around the estate, which overlooks the Northumberland Strait. The setting is as delicious as the contents of our glasses. I buy a bottle for my father and mail it quickly to avoid temptation. We don’t have the time to see more, but note that you can take a guided tour of the grounds, if you schedule it beforehand. To end our visit, Grant takes us to Fisherman’s Wharf in Cavendish for a “World Famous Lobster Supper,” as described by our placemats. It will be the first of a long series of lobster dinners in the Maritimes. P.S.: There are no bears in Prince Edward Island.

In our next issue we continue the journey with Marie-Julie and her family as they visit the New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador . Courtesy of the Canadian Tourist Commission Marie-Julie has worked in the communications field since 1994. She is a freelance journalist, a columnist, a researcher and a reporter for print, broadcast, and online media. She is also the author of a travelogue, Cartes postales d’Asie (www.cartespostalesdasie.com) published in 2007 by Mémoire d’encrier, and a book for young travellers, Embarquement immédiat (Stanké, 2004, www.edstanke.com/ ShowGuidePage.asp? CodeProduit=295687). She has set down her backpack in twenty or so countries and has been keeping a blog, Taxi-brousse (www.marieju.com), since spring 2008. She admits to knowing Asia better than her own country. But that is about to change!

10 Discover Canada











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Advertorial

Discover Canada 11

You belong in Brandon Close your eyes, picture a vibrant, growing city nestled in the scenic Assiniboine River Valley, surrounded by alluring landscapes, rolling hills, enormous skies, quaint towns and unspoiled countryside. Welcome to Brandon, a city of promise, in which our children wish to stay and raise their own children. We invite you to discover Brandon, Manitoba more closely throughout 2009 monthly editorials, each focusing on a unique topic. This month’s focus is recreation and leisure. Brandon’s diverse, world-class recreation facilities provide those who want to play for enjoyment or compete at an elite level, the surfaces on which to excel – whether it be hockey arenas, swimming pools, indoor and outdoor soccer pitches, baseball diamonds or boxing rings. As a host of many major, national events, Brandon has the legacy facilities that continue to support a strong recreation environment in our community. In addition, many sporting organizations are well developed to support and develop individuals at every age, from recreation leagues to elite athlete development. Recognizing the importance of providing residents with a superior quality of life, the City of Brandon is working towards developing a series of recreation hubs throughout the community to enhance existing leisure opportunities. Recreation hubs are being designed to function as gathering spots for families,

Activities on the Assiniboine River

youth, seniors and anyone who wishes to be active. Each hub will offer elements unique to their location. The hub located at 3rd and Aberdeen Avenue contains a water spray pad, a beach volleyball court, paved pathways, washrooms, a community garden, a children’s play structure, a BMX park , extensive landscaping, picnic areas, a gazebo and parking. Multiple indoor fitness centres offering a full range of services and equipment as well as personalized trainers are located throughout the city for the convenience of residents. Several racquet ball and squash courts, an outdoor running track and numerous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including a waterslide and an olympic sized pool, are readily available in the city. For those that are a little more adventurous, there are a variety of more challenging recreational opportunities available including; pilot lessons, parachute jumping, and several rock-climbing walls to name a few. The City of Brandon is great for the outdoor enthusiast with an extensive trail system that ranges

12 Discover Canada











Advertorial

One of Brandon's many golf courses

from natural river bottom forest to paved, lit walkways and links to sports venues, downtown shopping and dining. The Assiniboine River Corridor stretches 17 km through Brandon and is the ideal setting for canoeing, water sports, fishing, picnic spots and a host of other activities. It is not uncommon to see wildlife such as deer and rabbits in the river corridor area as well as in the undeveloped land in the City. The Power Smart Waterfall of Lights is a wintertime oasis offering skating and cross country skiing through beautiful light displays. This popular winter venue is illuminated from December through the end of February each year, weather permitting. The public park is complete with a warm-up shack, music, fire pits, benches and onsite bathroom facilities. Hiking and cycling are extremely popular in Brandon and the nearby Brandon Hills. Brandon offers a nice mix of man made and natural scenic trails perfect for walking, hiking, biking, rollerblading, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing. Golf is another sport that is extremely popular. Brandon offers multiple 9 and 18 hole golf courses and driving ranges, each offering it own distinctive feature or flare. For those that like a bit of variety, over 30 beautifully groomed golf courses are located in southwestern Manitoba, a short distance from Brandon. As a long-time Communities in Bloom competitor, Brandon’s parks and boulevards are well-maintained, showcasing beautiful blooms throughout the city in the summer months. Brandon also has a wide variety of arts and cultural performances and showings as well as unique shopping and dining experiences. Brandon is near some of Canada’s most amazing natural attractions including the Spirit Sands - a

Paved trails throughout Brandon

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Discover Canada 13

Power Smart Waterfall of Lights

prairie desert phenomenon, the spectacular Riding Mountain National Park, several downhill ski resorts and countless lakes, forests and provincial parks. With Manitoba’s abundant natural landscapes and wildlife, thousands of rivers and streams, 100,000 lakes, countless parks and forests, the area provides endless outdoor recreational opportunities. Riding Mountain National Park is located 100 km north of Brandon amidst a sea of agricultural land. The park rises dramatically from the prairie landscape offering visitors a panoramic view of the beautiful prairie landscape. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and vegetation with numerous hiking trails throughout. Several spectacular downhill skiing facilities are located a short drive from Brandon offering over 40 downhill skiing runs, snow tubing runs, as well as snowboarding. The facilities are equipped with chairlifts, tow bars, rope tows and certified ski and snowboard instructors and offer licensed dining and equipment rental. If you’ve been thinking about making a lifestyle change, we recommend you take a closer look at Brandon, Manitoba. Brandon is well-equipped with the recreation facilities, organizations and attitude to provide residents and visitors the opportunity to play, learn and relax. Whether coming for a visit, or coming to live, you will soon discover that you belong in Brandon.

Stanley Park

14 Travel

Come out and play in Miami

Photo by: Juicyverve

If you want sun, sea, sand and sports then Miami, Florida is the recreation destination of choice.

Travel 15

Photo by: GoMiamiCard.com

Sequoia Club

Water sports in Biscayne Bay average temperatures in the 70s, visitors who want to get their feet sun playground, Greater Miami, lures visitors year round with perfect wet never need look far to organize a day on the bay. Meanwhile, weather and award-winning beaches, whimsical architecture and landlubbers have plenty of onshore activities from which to choose. In a celebrity-driven nightlife scene the mood for afternoon tee? that grooves to an only-in-Miami Courses created by the world's beat. On any given day, however, top designers make Miami a golfer's many visitors to this urban tropical paradise. Tennis more your racket? resort are far more interested in The Crandon Tennis Center hosts where the fish are hiding out than in the Sony Ericsson Open each J Lo's purported whereabouts. In March, while the rest of the year perfect synch with all of its other its immaculate courts are open to charms, Miami is a sought after the public, along with innumerable international recreation destination other well-kept facilities throughout by virtue of its mild climate and Miami. Bicycle and jogging trails, unrivaled water access. beachfront yoga classes, even ultraIn 2008, Miami ranked #1 on light airplane rides beckon the Forbes.com’s America's Cleanest Cities list, and the #3 Fittest City by playful child within. Self Magazine in 2005, Miami caters Water, water everywhere to action-oriented visitors from around the globe with some of the world's top golf, tennis and sporting Whether it is from the deck of a 50facilities. Add sparkling waters that foot luxury yacht out for a pleasure are a magnet for boating cruise on Biscayne Bay or astride a enthusiasts, fishermen, divers and rented wave runner, Miami looks water sports aficionados to the magnificent from the water. equation and it is easy to see why Opportunities to experience this Miami is a number one choice for privileged vantage abound, with active travelers of all ages and skill multitudes of marinas and waterfront levels. concessions offering visitors dozens Flanked by the mighty Atlantic of different ways to experience the and the beautiful azure waters of Biscayne Bay, and warmed by yearly

The world's most famous fun in the

calm, tranquil waters of Biscayne Bay and the ocean beyond. If you have a passion for fishing, Haulover Beach Marina, home to the largest charter/drift fishing fleet in South Florida is probably on your vacation agenda. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway in Sunny Isles Beach, the 180-acre Haulover Beach Park also houses a popular kite rental concession, bicycle rentals, a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts, with an underground walkway leading directly to world-renowned Haulover Beach. Those who want to pilot their own course through the waters will find plenty of choices at Miami's many marinas that dot the coastal landscape. Here, knowledgeable old salts are quick to advise where the breezes are blowing and the fish are hiding. Black Point Marina in Homestead provides access to Biscayne National Park's treasure trove of wildlife, while Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove and the idyllic Matheson Hammock in Coral Gables have popular cityside access and amenities. Want instant gratification? Rent a motorboat for a few hours and zip around Biscayne Bay, exploring uninhabited islands and communing

16 Travel with local wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles and sea birds. Looking for a more long-term commitment? Stop by the Miami Beach Marina and charter a sailboat, complete with captain and provisions if you prefer, and set course for the Florida Keys or Bahamas. A very special community is served by Shake-A-Leg Miami, South Florida's only adaptive sailing program. Adults and youths with disabilities and at-risk youth, enjoy sailing programs, while events like the World Blind Sailing Championships event bring international attention to this important non-profit organization. Perhaps the greatest testament to the city's love affair with the waters that surround it is the yearly Miami International Boat Show. Taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center and other locations for over 60 years, the show brings together more than 2,300 of the world’s leading marine industry manufacturers to display the newest powerboats, engines and accessories. The latest in sailboats and related accessories are on display at Strictly Sail Miami, the sail-only portion of the show. Parasailing is a great way to see the city from above, while Key Biscayne's Hobie Beach gets its name from the proliferation of Hobie catamarans and other multi-hull sailboats that push off daily from the popular beachside launch. Thrill seekers have many avenues for adventure: surfers catch waves at South Pointe Park at the tip of South Beach and points further north, while kitesailing, a relatively new sport is catching on like wildfire all over Miami. Requiring equal parts balance, skill and nerve, kitesailing is the Gen X version of windsurfing. Kite boarders are pulled through the surf and sky, riding the wind and manipulating a massive kite in to skim the water's surface at high speed. One moment the board is on the water's surface, and the next moment the boarder is aloft, hang-gliding over boats. Instruction and equipment rentals for both windsurfing and kitesailing are available at locations throughout Miami. Divers and snorkelers are spoiled with the choice of a plethora of natural reefs, as well as one of the largest artificial-reef programs in the world. Fish flock to the more than 30 ships, tanks, concrete, limestone and other structures that have been sunk

over the past 20 years off Miami's coast, as far south as Florida City and north to Sunny Isles Beach. Most are located just a few miles offshore, in less than 130 feet of water, providing great diving for all levels. One of the most popular routes is the Wreck Trek, located off Miami Beach, just north of the Art Deco District. Here, divers can explore the 85-foot tug Patricia, the 100-foot steel fishing vessel Miss Karline, and an old radio antenna welded into 19 pyramids. In shallow waters off of Key Biscayne, the Half Moon and Germania form a fabulous underwater archeological preserve. Natural reefs are also found off Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Surfside and Sunny Isles Beach. Kayaking is another great way to navigate the waters of Biscayne Bay and Miami's inland waterways. The Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of naturalist-led eco-adventures. Key Biscayne is the setting for a wide range of tours - with hammock walks, kayak, snorkel and canoe trips, and bike trips for all age groups and skill levels. Canoe trips are popular - and there seems to be one for every conceivable interest - along the Coral Gables Waterway, at sunrise, sunset or by moonlight, along the historic Oleta River and through hidden waterways of Key Biscayne. For more information, visit www.MiamiDade.gov/parks/ ecoadventures.asp. For those with time to venture further from the city, there’s the option of traveling along Everglade National Park’s 99-mile Wilderness Waterway. Adventurers can paddle all day without seeing another soul, and spend the night camping out on remote chickees - raised platform campsites accessible only by water.

Tee Time Golfers from all four corners of the

globe are making a beeline for Miami Beach, eager to check out the Miami Beach Golf Club. Designed by Arthur Hills, one of America's foremost golf course designers, the course features papsalum turf, the perfect ecological answer to Miami Beach's sand-andsalt-heavy topsoil. The challenging course features plenty of hazards, however the wide fairways, groomed roughs and gentle breezes make a trip to these links memorable.

Travel 17

Golf is the main event at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa, which won Travel + Leisure Golf magazine's 2006 "Best of Florida Golf Resort" award and hosted the 2008 World Golf Championship. The 650-acre resort offers five 18-hole championship golf courses that can cater to golfers at every skill level. The renowned Blue Monster, host to the PGA Tour since 1962, is considered one of the most difficult courses in the world. The Greg Norman-designed "Great White," opened for play in 2000, features the only triple green in South Florida -holes 11, 13 and 17 share a putting surface of 25,000 square feet. The Silver, Gold and Red (host to LPGA event) Courses complete the equation, while professional instruction provided by the Jim McLean Golf School is considered among the tops in the nation. Fisher Island, a private residential and resort community just a half mile south of Miami Beach, is one of Miami's most exclusive environments, accessible only by boat, helicopter, seaplane or auto ferry. Here, golfers can luxuriate at The Links at The Fisher Island Club on a par-35, nine-hole golf course, designed by architect P. B. Dye. Don Shula's Hotel & Golf Club in Miami

Miami Facts Greater Miami covers over 2,000 sq miles Miami has a population of over 2 million The average January temperature is 20℃ The average July temperature is 28℃ Average annual rainfall 142 cm Average annual days of sunshine: 250 More than 800 parks Over 460 hotels and motels with 50,000 rooms Over 60 languages spoken locally One of the cruise ship capitals of the world Over 1,200 golf courses Over 12 million visitors every year

Lakes boasts two tree-lined courses complemented by native plants and wildlife that are accessible to all levels of golfers. The landmark Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables has its own 18-hole, par-71 course, which first opened in 1925 and has since been redesigned by renowned golf architect Donald Ross with a $5 million upgrade completed in 2007. In Aventura, the 300-acre Turnberry Isle Resort and Club is a world onto itself. Golfers can choose from two Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed courses, notable for graceful fairways and deceitfully tranquil hazards and traps. Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department operates several topnotch public golf courses, including the Crandon Park Golf Course. With water views, the course is considered one of the most beautiful and difficult par-72 courses in the state and has been rated in the top 10 courses by Golfweek and one of America's top 75 upscale courses by Golf Digest. Other public courses include International Links and Miccosukee Golf Club in South Dade and Greynolds and Haulover, further north.

18 Travel

Homestead-Miami Speedway Tennis Anyone? Tennis ranks with golf as a top

recreational pursuit in Miami. Indeed, many of the world's top ranked players got their starts early through youth tennis programs at the many fine public facilities throughout the county. Foremost among them, the Crandon Park Tennis Center is home to the U.S. Tennis Association's Player Development Program and the National Junior Tennis Team. The Sony Ericsson Open draws thousands of visitors when it plays host to the world's top players every March. Over 50 locations operated by the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department offer more than 200 courts to serve every corner of the county with amenities that encompass private and group lessons, courts lit for nighttime play and pro shops offering equipment rentals and sales. People with disabilities can also enjoy playing wheelchair tennis at various locations. For visitors who stay at one of Miami's luxury resorts, there is no

need to leave the premises to enjoy top-notch tennis facilities and instruction. Among the many upscale properties that make scheduling court time as easy as ordering room service: Grove Isle Resort in Coconut Grove, the RitzCarlton Key Biscayne, the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, the Mandarin Oriental, and Acqualina Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles Beach.

Festivals Galore In a city known for great outdoor

parties, one of Miami's most colorful events, the Miami-Bahamas Goombay Festival takes place in the city's oldest black community, Coconut Grove, every June. Settled in the 1890s by Bahamian immigrants, the "Grove" celebrates its roots with an annual week-long party that transforms Coconut At the Races Grove's Grand Avenue into Nassau's Bay Street. Those with a "need for speed" will The annual event sends brilliantly want to check out the races at the costumed junkanoo groups into the Homestead-Miami Speedway. streets, dancing to Caribbean Dedicated in 1995, the 1.5-mile oval rhythms to the accompaniment of race track on 600 acres has rake n' scrape instruments ranging grandstands that hold 65,000 and a from drums and whistles to Champions Club Tower that has 16 cowbells and combs. A wide variety luxury skyboxes. The speedway is of arts, crafts, food and drink from home to the Ford Championship more than 400 vendors line Grand Weekend, where NASCAR crowns Avenue. its season champions. The Ford With its legendary nightlife, top200/Craftsman Truck race runs on tier celebrity scene and non-stop Friday, the Ford 300/Nationwide on party atmosphere, South Beach Saturday and the weekend hosts Urban Beach Week each culminates with Sunday's Ford Memorial Day Weekend. The huge 400– the final race in the chase for event transforms the Art Deco the NASCAR SPRINT Cup. District into a hip-hop paradise. Celebrities such as Allen Iverson, P.Diddy, Janet Jackson, Nelly,

Travel 19 Ludacris, 50 Cent, Lil Kim, Beyonce, Sean Paul, Jay-Z, L.L. Cool J., Cash Money, R. Kelly and countless others have made the scene, joining stylish revelers from across the United States. Hotels and nightclubs are packed to capacity, while street traffic on Ocean Drive is brought to a standstill. Part hip-hop extravaganza, part beach blast, Urban Beach Week brings close to 250,000 revelers together to enjoy top musical acts, great weather and unprecedented people-watching in a safe, festive environment. Miami sizzles all year long with hot events and one of the most scintillating is Zo's Summer Groove, a weekend-long slate of sports and entertainment events spearheaded by Miami Heat basketball star and local philanthropist Alonzo Mourning. The weekend offers a jam-packed roster of events designed to celebrate the spirit and culture of South Florida. Zo's highprofile friends in the basketball and entertainment communities join him for a "Mega Groove" concert/ comedy show, celebrity gala/auction dinner, Zo’s “BLOCK” Party and the grand finale – an All-star Basketball Game at the American Airlines Arena, featuring some of the NBA's top stars. All proceeds from Zo's Summer Groove are donated to the Children's Home Society, 100 Black Men of South Florida and the Overtown Youth Center.

Shop till you drop A far cry from the days when a half

bushel of grapefruit and a Greetings from Miami Beach snow globe were de rigueur tourist purchases, Miami has become a red hot retail destination: a tropical treasure trove of trendsetting fashions, cuttingedge home décor and great values. Serious shoppers from around the world travel to Miami to check out designer showrooms displaying the latest styles and innovations, and visit funky boutiques trumpeting homegrown talent. As celebrities and fashion-savvy editors fall in love with South Beach all over again, a shopping renaissance is underway. A steady stream of trendy new boutiques and stores continue to open along the pedestrian-only Lincoln Road and in the Collins Avenue fashion district.

Lucky Magazine, the glossy that serves as the bible to those who view shopping as a calling, labels South Beach “a great shopping option with the same kinds of stores you find in New York or Los Angeles.” Lincoln Road’s eclectic mix of funky boutiques, restaurants and al fresco cafés now includes such hot brands as Diesel, Earl Jeans, Steve Madden, L’Occitane, and Kiehl’s. In its first heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, "the Road" was known as the Fifth Avenue of the South: stomping grounds for jewelry-laden matrons shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue and Harry Winston. Today, Lincoln Road serves as the true heartbeat of Miami Beach, as evidenced by the constant parade of shoppers, rollerbladers, parents pushing baby strollers, and people walking dogs and making the scene. In the heart of the Art Deco District, on Collins and Washington Avenue between 5th and 9th Streets, lies South Beach's bustling fashion district, a collection of hip designer stores including Betsey Johnson, Cynthia Rowley, Hugo Boss, Versace and Armani Exchange. Funky, youthful fashions are the rule at Urban Outfitters, Benetton and Kenneth Cole, while Spec's offers a great selection of music and DVDs. On nearby Ocean Drive, intrepid shoppers will be rewarded with several interesting shops and one of the best people watching spots in the world. Another area that has been percolating with activity in recent years is the Miami Design District. With a synergistic blend of art, architecture and design, the district is a compelling 18 blocks of interior design showrooms, home furnishings and furniture studios that are open to the public. Yet another renaissance in the making is the rebirth of downtown Coral Gables. Traditionally a tranquil shopping and business district, Miracle Mile has been transformed into a bustling, hip Mecca for shopping, dining and entertainment. More than 170 designer boutiques and specialty stores now line the boulevard. With nearly two dozen bridal boutiques, wedding cake galleries and invitation stores, Miracle Mile has also become a preferred shopping destination for brides from all parts of the world.

The Village of Merrick Park, 800,000 square feet of high-end retailers and restaurants in Coral Gables, illustrates just how much shopping has become part of the Miami experience. Beautifully landscaped with fountains, tropical foliage and serene gardens perfect for reflecting and relaxing between purchases. The prestigious Bal Harbour Shops, located one block from the ocean at the northern end of Miami Beach, set the standard for upper echelon shopping centers when it opened in 1965, with a reputation for the finest quality shops and products. Two other Miami-Dade shopping centers are hot destinations for avid shoppers. South Miami's Dadeland Mall is a traditional enclosed shopping mall featuring an excellent retail mix of 185 stores. At the opposite, northern end of MiamiDade, Aventura Mall has recently completed a comprehensive renovation project that brings a fresh and contemporary look to the mall. Savings is the lure at Dolphin Mall, located just five miles west of Miami International Airport. A mélange of reasonably priced specialty stores and bargain outlets, Dolphin Mall has been designed to reflect Miami's rich multicultural heritage. Prime Factory Outlets in Florida City is worth the drive. About 35 minutes south of downtown Miami, bargain seekers will find Nike, Gap Outlet, Mikasa Factory Outlet and other brand name stores in a colorful Caribbean-style marketplace chock full of great deals. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777.

20 Lifestyle

Get grilling with skewers Chicken and Bacon Shish Kabobs Ingredients: 60 ml soy sauce 60 ml cider vinegar 30 ml honey 30 ml canola oil 10 large mushrooms, cut in half 2 green onions, minced 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks 225 g sliced thick cut bacon, cut in half 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained skewers In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, cider vinegar, honey, canola oil, and green onions. Place the mushrooms and chicken into the mixture, and stir to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour. Preheat grill for high heat. Wrap the chicken chunks with bacon, and thread onto skewers so that the bacon is secured. Alternate with mushroom halves and pineapple chunks. Lightly oil the grill grate. Arrange skewers on the prepared grill. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, brushing occasionally with remaining soy sauce mixture, until bacon is crisp and chicken juices run clear.

Basil Shrimp Skewers Ingredients: 40 ml olive oil 55 g butter, melted 1.5 lemons, juiced 45 g brown mustard 20 g minced fresh basil 3 cloves garlic, minced salt to taste white pepper 1360 g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined skewers In a shallow, non-porous dish or bowl, mix together olive oil and melted butter. Stir in lemon juice, mustard, basil, and garlic, and season with salt and white pepper. Add shrimp, and toss to coat. Cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat grill to high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, and thread onto skewers. Discard marinade. Lightly oil grill grate, and arrange skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 4 minutes, turning once, or until opaque.

Lifestyle 21

Chili-Lime Chicken Kabobs Ingredients: 45 ml olive oil 20 ml red wine vinegar 1 lime, juiced 3 g chili powder 1 g paprika 1 g onion powder 1 g garlic powder cayenne pepper to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 455 g skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces skewers In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice. Season with chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish with the sauce, and stir to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour. Preheat the grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear.

Honey-Mustard Beef Kabobs Ingredients: 120 ml Dijon mustard 60 ml honey 5 ml Worcestershire sauce 2 g salt 0.3 g pepper 340 g beef sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch cubes skewers

In a bowl, combine the mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Pour half of the sauce into a large resealable plastic bag; add beef cubes and toss to coat. Set remaining sauce aside. Thread beef onto metal or soaked wooden skewers. Discard marinade from beef. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness, turning once. Serve with reserved sauce.

Club 22Sequoia Lifestyle

Praize and be praized Do you know a business that deserves to be praized? Do you have a business yourself that you want to praize, or want others to praize? If the answer to any of these questions is yes then you will want to check out Muchmor’s new online business finder - Praized. You can search for any vendor type e.g. retail, plumber etc, in any location to check out what others think - both good and bad and to give your own opinion. Simply use the search function to find the business, click on the (up or down) arrow to praize good or bad, you can also leave a comment for others to see. Virtually every company in Canada is in the system. The more people who use this service the more information will be available to others.

Lifestyle 23

Passport now required to cross U.S. border

By Thomas Pix

Canadians are now required to show passports, or equivalent documents, to enter the United States by land, sea or air. As of June 1 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will take full effect, meaning most Canadians will need to produce passports, NEXUS cards or enhanced driver’s licences, when entering the U.S. Previously, such documents were only required for U.S. air travel. Under the new rules, all Canadian travellers aged 16 and up will be required to present a valid passport, or other WHTI-compliant document to enter the U.S. Canadians aged 15 and under will be able to travel by presenting proof of Canadian citizenship, by using a birth certificate or citizenship card. Additionally, Canadian citizens aged 18 and under are only required to present proof of Canadian citizenship when traveling with a school or other organized group that is under adult supervision. The new travel rules also require Mexican, Bermudan and Caribbean travellers to carry the same type of documentation as Canadians when entering the U.S. as of June 1.

Your donations will have a lifelong impact! By sending a child to camp who otherwise would not be able to attend. By helping us finance post secondary educations for children who have grown up in care & overcome numerous challenges in their short lives.

The Children’s Aid Society of Brant Endowment Fund Your donations & estate gift giving will help us invest in a child’s future! Call: 519-752-9094 Fran Welsh Thank

you.

24 Lifestyle

Top Canadian… TV shows 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

American Idol 8 (Tues) - 2.46 Grey’s Anatomy - 2.42 American Idol 8 (Wed) - 2.21 Amazing Race 14 - 2.16 C.S.I. New York - 2.07

6. House - 2.06 7. Survivor: Tocantins - 1.95 8. C.S.I. Miami - 1.85 9. Desperate Housewives - 1.71 10. C.S.I. - 1.66

CD’s 1. Fais-moi de la Tendresse, Ginette Reno 2. Quiet Nights, Diana Krall 3. Mille Excuses Milady, Leloup Jean 4. Passione, Paul Potts 5. The Hannah Montana Movie Soundtrack

6. Ailleures Volume 1, Eric Lapointe 7. Together Through Life, Bob Dylan 8. Annie Villeneue, Annie Villeneue 9. Only by the Night, Kings of Leon 10. We Sing We Steal We Dance, Jason Mraz

DVD’s 1. Taken (14A) 2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG) 3. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG) 4. Valkyrie (PG) 5. New in Town (PG)

6. Outlander (18A) 7. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (18A) 8. Bride Wars (PG) 9. Killshot (14A) 10. What Doesn't Kill You (18A)

Fiction paperbacks 1. The Shack, William P Young 5. The Cellist of Sarajevo, Steven 2. The Book of Negroes, Galloway Lawrence Hill 6. Water for Elephants, Sara 3. The Guernsey Literary and Gruen Potato Peel Pie Society, Shaffer 7. Angels & Demons, Dan Brown & Barrows 8. The Private Patient, P D James 4. Careless in Red, Elizabeth 9. Still Alice, Lisa Genova George 10. Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, Austen, Grahame-Smith

Fiction hardbacks 1. The Winter Vault, Anne Michaels 2. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built, Smith 3. The Host, Stephanie Meyer 4. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Barrows & Shaffer 5. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, Shaffer & Barrows

6. Through Black Spruce, Joseph Boyden 7. The Children’s Book, Byatt 8. Dead and Gone, Charlaine Harris 9. Going Ashore, Mavis Gallant 10. The 8th Confession, Patterson, Paetro

Lifestyle 25

Top kids stuff… Bestselling books 1. Percy Jackson & the Olympians 5, Rick Riorden 2. New Moon, Stephanie Meyer 3. Eclipse, Stephanie Meyer 4. Breaking Dawn, Stephanie Meyer 5. Twilight, Stephanie Meyer 6. The Awakening, Kelley Armstrong

7. Love You Forever, Munsch & McGraw 8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Munsch & McGraw 9. Warriors Power of Three, Erin Hunter 10. Betrayed, Cast & Cast

DVD rental 1. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG) 2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG) 3. New in Town (PG) 4. Dora the Explorer: Super Babies' Dream Adventure (G) 5. Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts (PG)

6. Bride Wars (PG) 7. The Wrestler (PG) 8. Scooby-Doo: Where Are You? Vol. 2 (G) 9. Killshot (14A) 10. Taken (14A)

Video games X-Box 360 Halo Wars (T) Tom Clancy’s HAWX (T) Need for Speed: Undercover (T) PS3 Tom Clancy’s HAWX (T) Street Fighter IV (T) MLB 09: The Show (E)

Wii X-Men Origins: Wolverine (T) Super Smash Bros: Brawl (T) Mario Party 8 (E) Nintendo DS Pokemon Diamond (E) Pokemon Pearl (E) New Super Mario Bros (E)

Movies in theatres 1. The Ghosts of girlfriends Past (14A) 2. Monsters V’s Aliens 3D (PG) 3. Star Trek (PG) 4. Obsessed (14A) 5. Terminator Salvation (14A)

6. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PG) 7. Angels and Demons (14A) 8. 17 Again (PG) 9. Earth (G) 10. The Soloist (PG)

Club 26Sequoia Business

The slightly unusual We continue our series of unusual jobs with Christine Raynor who is the president of Home or Away Property Services based in Whitby, Ontario. Her company will look after you home when you can’t, so read on to find out more.

So, Christine, tell us a it about your business.

Christine

Home or Away Property Services are

fully insured, professional house monitors that provide a comprehensive property management service for your empty home. We check the security of your home, cut grass, water gardens and indoor plants, shovel snow, take in or forward mail and perform any other task that our clients require to enable them to remain worry free about their most expensive asset during their time away from home. As well as our regular services, we offer pool or hot tub maintenance, gardening, small animal care and house cleaning and our clients are greeted upon their return home with milk, juice and fresh bread in their refrigerator.   Emergency visits after power outages, severe weather or alarm calls are also included for no extra charge. We sit down with our clients to customize our services, bearing in mind the terms of their home insurance policy. Insurance companies now require regular, frequent visits to the home, by a responsible person, during the owners’ absence or they may refuse a claim for anything that occurred during that absence. Our job is to maintain insurance compliance, make the home look lived in and take great care when you can’t be there! Our commercial department specializes in landlord’s services, real estate management, power of sale and probate properties, corporate/ individual  relocations and services for travel agents.

How do you market your business? My marketing has been based on

How did you get started in this business and when? The business was started in 2007.  I

had been working for a local court reporting service and my job was not very fulfilling at all. I had always wanted to start my own business and had completed a course at Durham College in 2006 to give me the tools to do that. I was also accepted into the Ontario Self Employment Benefit program, run by Essential Communications in Whitby. My background was in commercial property management and I managed retail plazas and office buildings in London and Manchester, England. I saw an opportunity in the market, due to insurance legislation, for a home monitoring service for residential properties and now my business seems to be going from strength to strength. In fact, I am currently working on a franchise model and will be offering franchises throughout the GTA within the next 12 months.

creating a good, strong branding  for Home or Away Property Services, so I have been working with On Top Marketing, to create the image that I had envisaged. My business is built on trust and professionalism and my branding has to echo this. My company provides a new service to homeowners and my biggest challenge is to get the word out there that there is a professional, security conscious, fully insured and surprisingly affordable alternative to ‘having your neighbour’s son pop over’ to check on your most valuable asset – your home.  I advertise locally; I visit real estate agents, insurance brokers, travel agents and other relevant businesses; I blog, write articles, network up a storm, deliver flyers and appear on the television. I do what I have to do to get the word out about my business and then I also have my favourite way of obtaining business – through word of mouth. My clients that come to me by word of mouth are very special to me and I go out of my way to ensure that they will be more than happy with our services. I build a relationship with many of my clients that goes beyond purely a business one and have many testimonials and letters of referral to show that relationship.

I guess you don’t do all the work yourself? I could not do my business well

without an extensive network of support services such as

Business 27 landscaping, snow removal services, carpentry, painting and general repairs, just to name a few.  I am a member of Durham Relocation Services, which provides a free service to staff of local companies who have corporate relocation needs. DRS also provide relocation information to individuals relocating into or out of the Durham Region.  I am also a proud member of the Whitby and Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and the Durham Home and Small Business Association.

Give us some unusual facts about your business. My business is evolving and I find

that I am being asked to provide increasing amounts of services because of the demographics of the Durham Region. Sadly there has been an increase in power of sale properties in this area and Home or Away Property Services offers a

service to banks and real estate agents to help keep these properties looking maintained. We can also arrange for painting or landscaping work to be carried out to increase curb appeal and help these properties to sell as quickly as possible. We provide a service for families of people in long-term hospital or nursing home situations, whereby we maintain and regularly visit the home, allowing it to keep insurance compliance. We cut grass or shovel snow, forward mail and can even feed the cat! Our probate service provides similar coverage and we can even arrange for our invoice to be paid through the lawyer when the estate is settled. Our services can be a great help to the ‘sandwich generation,’ caught between taking care of young families and older relatives and trying to hold down a job and keep house at the same time.

What are the best and worst aspects of your job? I love my job! It enables me to

interact with my clients on a daily basis and build relationships that are mutually beneficial with other business owners. Is there anything I don’t like? Paperwork! But I’ve learned that you sell your strengths and hire your weaknesses, so I have someone to do that nasty paperwork! You can contact Christine via her website at www.homeoraway.ca or call her on 905-448-0808. Alternatively you can send her an email at [email protected]. If you are an MBN member you can view Christine’s profile using this link.

28 Business Sequoia Club

Stand out and get more ROI! By Darcelle Runciman Standing out from the crowd can be the best thing for

your investment property and a way to gain outstanding tenants. There are many ways to use “out of the box” thinking and get those quality tenants, great rents and more value for your money and yes even in Ontario’s rent controlled market. Turning over your vacancies quickly and efficiently takes a system, good marketing, and great relationships.

What are you doing to stand out! 5 Ways to do just that! 1. Look at what you can do to attract the quality higher paying tenants. Attracting the right tenant is easy with a clean, well cared for unit, a location close to amenities, schools, transit, and good value for the money. Advertising and the words used are keys to promoting your property as the best thing since sliced bread. Showing the tenants that you care about them

and that it should be treated as well as if it was their own, is vital to the success of maintaining a long term relationship with that tenant. A business relationship based on mutual respect is what you are going for.

2. How can you attract long term equity building tenants? Having quality units, one that you are proud to say you own. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to make a property look good, just some attention to the unit while vacant is the best time to get those minor repairs done.

3. Where can you reduce costs to spending for the unit? Property management fees could be one way. If your tenants are paying for their own utilities great if not...they should be. Do you have any leaks in bathrooms or kitchen that may be increasing your water bills? Are your mortgage rates been looked at and decreased? Now is the time to talk to your banker to negotiate a better rate.

4. What can you improve on for the unit to build equity and get those quality tenants? Curb appeal, curb appeal, and curb appeal! The next item is having a sense of Security of the area, unit, then quality of the home, then price. Renovate strategically to achieve higher ROI.

5. Is your system replicable? Are you verifying the Hemlock Investments is a real estate investment company that specializes in purchasing residential investment real estate with joint venture partners who may not know where to start, or may not have the time. We invest in properties generating positive cash flow or high appreciation with a proven system and a goal of helping others achieve success. Looking for Cash Flow? - Looking for Appreciation? - Want to Own Investment Property? Hemlock Investments A Professional Team, A Proven System, A Winning Combination!

Call Now!! 613-921-2535 - Or visit our website! [email protected] www.hemlockinvestments.ca

information the tenant gives you? Is your system working for or against you? Check into what the tenant is telling you. Check references, and treat your investments as a business. This individual will be renting from you for a long time and you will want to ensure you have the best possible candidate in your unit.

Curb appeal, renovated suites, and a systematic tenant approval process will get high quality people and lead you on a path of getting what you want while creating a win/win for everyone involved. Your tenants will be happy, your investors or you will be happy, and most importantly you now will have an investment that increases in value and cash flow over the long term. Darcelle Runciman is the COO (Chief Operations Officer) of Hemlock Investments a real estate investment company, a Business Mentor and a Contributing Writer of The Power of Women United a book about Confidence, Success, and Networking. Hemlock Investments works hard for you so you don’t have to. Visit her website at www.hemlockinvestments.ca or call 613-921-2535.

Business 29

Sequoia Club

Careers 33

Canada's workplace taboos

Duties of this fast-growing profession include writing and editing text, creating graphics, converting photos and drawings into digital images, designing page layouts and developing presentations.

If you want to make the case to a potential employer or your boss to let you Market research analysts, whose job numbers are expected to grow 20 percent work from home, keep a few things in mind. If possible, provide concrete by 2016, gather data on competitors and examples of how this arrangement was analyze prices, sales, and methods of successful in the past or how it will marketing and distribution. They often succeed. Suggest that you ease into it -Data Entry Clerk design surveys, compile and evaluate the Nevertheless, the survey saysathat while By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.ca spending few days to higher a few weeks in the Like administrative assistants, job data and make recommendations to their percentages of younger age groups commit taboos, office at the outset, meeting people and prospects should be best for those with client or employer baby based boomers upon their are anything but innocent. getting to know procedures. Then, during Certainexpertise activities, in computer words and software topics just aren’t findings. for the Twenty-six per cent of Canadian workers over the age the first three to six months on the new workplace. applications. For example, By typingsleeping, text, entering drinking data alcohol and of 55 have snooped around their office after hours job, make frequentage visits. kissing into co-workers things to be done behind a computer,are andall performing other Paralegal compared to 16 per cent of workers 18-24.

Market Research Analyst

closed clerical doors duties, – or atthese the workers very least, outside of the office. ensure 24 per cent of workers 55 and older have While lawyersAdditionally, assume ultimate But a recent CareerBuilder.ca survey and says workers are Kate Lorenz is the article and advice consumed alcohol companies keep up with information responsibility for legal work, they delegatewhile working, compared to 13 per embracing these taboos – and others – in the workplace. editor for CareerBuilder.ca. She cent of 18-24 year-old workers. technology. much of their work to paralegals. “Things that are considered ‘taboo’ in the office have The younger workers researches seem toand have writes sticky aboutfingers job search – Paralegals not only assist in preparation changed as workplace environments have evolved over and brains. Thirty-fivestrategy, per cent of both 18-24 and 25-34 career management, hiring Underwriter for closings, trials, and corporate the years,”Insurance says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of hearings, year-olds have stolen trends something from the office. While and workplace issues. Insurance underwriters serve as the meetings, they also perform a number of human resources for CareerBuilder.ca. “Employees need fewer than one per cent of Canadian workers age 35-44 main aware link between the insurance including draft to be more of what is and iscarrier not OK inother a vital functionshave taken someone else’s idea and presented it as their and the insurance agent. Underwriters contracts, mortgages, separation professional setting to avoid negatively impacting their own, 6 per cent of workers 18-24 have done so. career.”analyze insurance applications, calculate agreements, trust instruments andper maycent of young workers (18-24 year-olds) Finally, 14 Nearly (46loss per cent) of workers have fallen asleep thehalf risk of from policyholders, decide assist in preparinghave tax returns and lied about their academic background compared to at work,whether according tothe thepolicy survey. Thirty-five planning per centestates. of to issue and establish With onlyemployers 5 per cent reducing of both 35-44 year-olds and workers age those surveyed kissed 31 per cent 55 and older. appropriatehave premium rates.a co-worker and costs by replacing duties once tended to have consumed an alcoholic beverage whilebyon the job. lawyers with paralegals, growth of this Other workplace taboos that Canadian workers have profession is expected. committed include: • Stealing from the office (28 per cent) • Spreading a rumour about a co-worker (26 per cent) • Snooping after hours (22 per cent) • Lying about an academic background (9 per cent) • Taking credit for someone else’s work (4 per cent)

Boys versus girls

Subscribe Muchmor Magazine and Men engage in everyto office taboo more than women,

accordingnot to the survey. example, while women are only willForyou be reminded when stereotypically the usual suspects in office gossip, only every new issue is published 19 per cent of females have spread a rumour but aboutyou a co-worker, compared to 31 per cent of males. will also be placed into a draw to win When it comes to drinking, 37 per cent of men have tipped the bottle at work compared to only 21 per cent a $50 TimCard™ of women. Additionally, one-third (33 per cent) of men have stolen something from the office, while only 21 per cent have women reported having sticky fingers. Over half (51 per cent) of males surveyed have fallen asleep on the job, compared to 40 per cent of females. Six per cent of men have taken credit for someone else’s idea versus just 1 per cent of women having done so. Moreover, when it comes to kissing co-workers, 36 per cent of males puckeredfor up, the as opposed to 33 per readhave muchmor latest winner cent of females.

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Club 30Sequoia Business

Email Marketing: Developing your email content – part 2 hearing from you and will pass your emails on to friends and colleagues. So now let’s look at some places where you might find some of this content, both within your business and elsewhere. First of all, what’s your area of specialty? What are In my last article, I you an expert on? Share what you know with customers discussed some of the and clients (of course, you’re not going to give away types of content you trade secrets because you never know when your email might include in your will end up on the desk of a competitor – more on that permission-based email later), explain how things work in your industry, show program. Newsletters, how to distinguish a product of value from one that’s product promotions and ‘just okay’ (assuming that your product falls into the special offers are just a ‘value’ category). You can even expose a dirty little few of the ways you can maintain and develop your industry secret as long as it won’t backfire on you – if connection with current customers and client prospects. there’s a sales strategy that less scrupulous competitors The most important thing is to make sure people want to employ, make sure your own tactics will stand up to hear from you, either by asking new contacts if you may scrutiny. add them to your mailing list or by adding a sign-up form to your website. Frequently Asked Questions – companies often There are a few other types of content that might fit provide a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) on well with your business. their websites to answer some of the most common concerns raised by customers. FAQs give web visitors Opinion or analysis of industry-relevant topics – more information about how to use your product and particularly if you are in a technical business, give you another opportunity to subtly reinforce the commenting on new research or interpreting the details features and services you offer. If your website doesn’t of a report can be invaluable to your subscribers. include an FAQ, talk to your front line people about the kinds of questions people ask. You can use these Industry trends – keeping your readers in touch with questions as a basis for newsletter articles or just include the changes in your industry helps keep you top of mind a Q&A section in your regular messages. and positions you as an expert they can rely on for upto-date and relevant information. What are your readers interested in? – your email service provider should provide you with reports on the Case studies – showing how your business has links that readers click on to visit your website. Those solved a problem or provided a service for one of your reports can give you a pretty good idea of the types of clients will give readers insight into your business information your readers are interested in, whether it’s a methods and practices and get them thinking about particular type of product or an article on a special ways you can help them. service you offer. Compare that with your sales and client contact statistics – did those clicks turn into sales or at Product news & reviews – in this era of unlimited least more inquiries? With that knowledge in hand, you choice and new product introductions every day, readers can include more of those successful links in the future. appreciate hearing from a trusted voice. Evaluations of Or try some different links and compare results from one new products help readers make informed choices and campaign to another. cast you in the role of advisor. Remember that people like having useful information What is the competition writing about? – You have that helps them wade through the mass of data available signed up for newsletters from your competition, right? to them now. As long as you continue to engage your This is a great way to keep up with what others are doing readers with relevant, trustworthy information that helps and telling their clients. There is nothing to stop you from them in their lives or businesses, they’ll look forward to signing up for a newsletter – your competition is probably reading yours (see note above about not

By Penny Olorenshaw poloDesign

Sequoia Club

Business 31

revealing trade secrets). You’d never want to copy from another’s newsletter but you can find out the kinds of issues similar companies are discussing or the products they’re promoting. If you’re uncomfortable about signing up for a direct competitor’s email, look for a company in another city who’s in your line of work and subscribe to their newsletter to get ideas. What are people Twittering and blogging about? – the world of the web is all about connecting with others and finding new ways to promote your unique brand to the world. Even if you don’t want to get caught up in the Twitter craze, there are a lot of great ideas and trends making the rounds through social connection technologies, so you might be missing out on the next big thing. If there is someone in your industry you consider a guru, chances are they’re Twittering and writing a blog; the things they’re talking about will likely have relevance to your clients, either now or in the nottoo-distant future. Invite a guest author – you don’t always have to write everything. Is there a complementary business that would be of interest to your readers? Offer to exchange articles; this lets you introduce a new company to your customers and gives you an opportunity to reach a new audience. Ask your readers – invite your readers to tell you what they’d like to hear more about. In your email, place a link to an online form on your website to solicit ideas for future articles. That way, you’re encouraging two-way communication; customers love to feel that they’re connecting with the companies they deal with.

So there are many places to find inspiration for your email campaigns. Next issue, I’ll talk about structuring a successful email message. Penny Olorenshaw is the owner of poloDesign, located near Brighton, Ontario, and offers graphic design and web services to clients in eastern Ontario and the GTA. See her website at poloDesign.ca for further information or if you’re a member of The MBN you can view Penny’s profile by clicking here

32 Money

Financial ABC’s

By Heather Lang

Money 33 A Advisors: Who to trust and do I savings accounts and real estate are long term care insurance for when

have enough money to warrant using the services of an advisor ? When people say to me we have no money, we don’t need an advisor I counter with - you have no money because you don't use an advisor! An independent advisors duty is to provide the right advice to the client, they act on your behalf not the companies they do business with or the bank. Consider an advisor as a financial coach or translator helping you negotiate the complicated and often confusing world of personal finance. InvestorEd.ca has a special section on what to look for and how to find a good financial advisor.

B Bonds: In the recovering market to come, real return and corporate bonds are being highly recommended by many industry experts as a great opportunity to participate in growth. Be careful in the BEAR market, selling at a loss destroys your ability to recover - remember you want to buy low and sell high . Invesco Trimark has a great site to help negotiate the recent market downturns www.knowingpays.ca C Compounding interest can be your friend or your enemy! Credit card and Line of Credit interest can be a killer - pay off this type of debt first. The best kind of debt is a mortgage. Check out Manulife’s unique Manulife One calculator manulifeone.ca . What’s your number ? Contribute early, now and often to your RRSP or better yet TFSA. The trick is to start - even a very small amount grows substantially over time. D Debt is dangerous to your financial health - see C. Diversify Diversification in an investment portfolio reduces your risk and increases your exposure to more growth, exposure across sectors, geography and investment styles are all important to consider but also look at the actual products used in building your financial program. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, segregated funds, exchange traded funds , guaranteed minimum wealth bonus products, high yield

all building blocks to look at when planning your financial present and future.

you can no longer live in it.

I Insurance: Most people have too little, start too late to acquire it and E Estate planning: You’re never can't get it when they need it the to young to start, and starting can most. Insurance can be like a multibe as simple as having an up to date purpose tool in your financial tool will, living will and power of attorney. box. Everything from protecting We can never determine or chose income and retirement savings to when exactly we will need all this so providing a tax shelter for like the Boy Scout motto says Be investment growth can be done with Prepared. an insurance product. Using an For many of us who are dealing independent insurance broker is with aged parents this is an your guarantee of getting the right important conversation to have with product at the right price for your family. Too many of us share too individual situation. See IFB.ca for much of our hard earned life savings an affiliated broker. with the government and not our own family or community. For a J Jobless rate: Used as an Free will kit see indicator of national economic www.truehelpfinancial.com health by many forecasters, 2009 February's rate of 7.7% was an F Forced savings: Pay yourself increase from previous months and first - how many times have we approaching the last recession Aug heard this message and not acted 2003 rate of 8%. Still, these on it? It doesn’t have to be hard. numbers are short of the double Any automatic chequing (PAC) or digit rates posted in the 1980s. So pay check deduction directly into a what does it mean? Some are high yield savings account (TFSA) suggesting a shorter length and will do the trick. Very few of us can quicker recovery from our present successfully budget our way to financial crisis. Like many of the wealth, making a savings program stories in the media it has to be simple and automatic allows us to taken with a grain of salt - bad news forget it and reap the rewards in sells and keeps the media and retirement or time of emergency . forecasters both employed! see ING.ca or Manulife Advantage. K Keep your money yours: Using G Goals: Great to have - harder tax efficient strategies like corporate to achieve. Make them realistic and class funds for open or non SMART specific measurable registered money. Invest as much as actionable realistic timed. Write possible in your Tax Free Savings them down as it makes you more Account and/or RRSP, sheltering accountable. money in a Universal Life insurance Gold: When markets crash or policy are all good tactics. Using a inflation is deemed a risk investors good accountant for the basic tax flock to gold - not a bad strategy return may be worthwhile, however, but once again, don’t put all your any small business or corporate eggs in one basket. filing should be prepared by a certified accountant. Estate planning H Home: For many people their should consider many options including gifting heirs before home is the first big purchase and charitable contributions of the building block for retirement. Today’s environment is a great time investments or insurance and the use of segregated funds. to buy - historic lows for interest rates and a dip in the real estate L Leverage loan: Using other cycle. A house can also be a source of cash, re-financing (with a peoples money is a strategy used mortgage broker of course), using frequently to top up RRSP holdings built up equity can help fund all and jump start investment manner of projects or goals from programs. While the numbers home renos, debt consolidation to almost always work out in favor of the investor realize this is a fairly

34 Money

aggressive tactic and only the the truly sophisticated investor with time (to allow the numbers to work) should use this. One advantage is the interest charged on borrowed money to invest is tax deductible. The majority of home owners already use this in the form of a mortgage a much safer option and one that in todays interest rate environment is a great deal.

products offered by many insurance companies. For those looking to generate income, these segregated funds with perks have guarantees to provide a steady income no matter what the market does with original investment, still offering the opportunity to participate in market highs and resets to lock in those market highs.

knows this and to ensure taxes are paid automatically withholds money till April filings. You can do the same. Most people quickly learn to live on what remains in their bank account.

Q Quick rich schemes: If it

sounds too good to be true, it probably is! The recent news is full of Ponzi rackets, corrupt financial professionals and inept managers. O Open money: This refers to Your best defense is research and M Mutual Funds: There are over investment money not in a registered trusted personal referrals. Look into 5000 funds available to the retail program RRSP RESP RDSP or Tax professional associations and investor. Basically a mutual fund is a free account. Returns generated are licensing bodies to ensure the basket of stocks and bonds taxed fully. The best form of growth person you are dealing with is who managed by a professional money for open accounts is a Return of they say they are. manager. When you purchase a fund Capital ROC no tax. These returns you buy a unit, units change in value are offered with many Corporate R Real Estate: An essential part of over time generating a loss or growth Class funds. The next preferable is any financial plan. If you own your ( in the form of interest, capital gains - only 50% of growth is own home it’s a great start. As part dividends ,capital gains or return of taxable. Dividends offer the next of a plan Real Estate can provide an capital) time is the factor here the lowest rate with interest being the inflation hedge, great diversification, average fund should beheld between most taxed form of investment conservation of principal and it can 5 and 8 years to see a profit. This growth. be very simple and accessible. You makes them great to hold in long can purchase directly or indirectly term investing scenarios like P Pay Yourself first: One of the through many of the real estate retirement savings. easiest ways to do this is with an REITS and funds available. automatic pay roll deduction directly N Notational value: This is a key into an RRSP or other savings S Savings: See P - Consider factor in the make up of the new vehicle. Budgeting is a near savings as a first step toward Guaranteed Minimum Wealth Benefit impossible feat, the government investing. One of the best vehicles

Money 35 around to do this is the virtual bank account, higher interest and no fees. Many companies such as Manulife , Presidents Choice, MRS and ING (Save your money) all offer these with the ability to bank on the phone or the internet/computer. To get an even better return consider doing one of these as a Tax Free Savings Account.

T Tax Free Savings Account: Do you have yours yet? A super government registered program allowing all Canadians 18 and older to invest up to $5,000 a year and not pay any tax on the growth. Any unused contribution room can be carried over to the next year. Withdrawals can be made for any purpose, any time without incurring tax. Great for any kind of savings project from a house down payment to education or retirement savings.

$5,000 10%, $5,000 -$15,000 20%, and funds greater than $15,000 30%. All the more reason to look at Critical Illness and Disability insurance as well as S and T to have an emergency fund or benefits to avoid situations where you might have to withdraw early.

Z Zig Ziglar is a motivational expert who uses the term “stinking thinking” you know that negative talk we often engage in. Thinking negative is not only bad for your X eXchange traded funds: EFT’s mental health it can make you are a new financial product physically sick as well. The news becoming more available to the retail these days is full of negative news (you and me v’s instituions or and predictions, sometimes we need pension funds) investor. They are a to just unplug from it all and focus on cross between traditional stocks and the really important things in our mutual funds. More transparent than lives like family and friends. mutual funds but traded daily like stocks these are becoming more Heather Lang is an independent attractive due to lower fees and financial advisor in the Quinte region of predicted higher returns . Ontario. Her company Cedarlane

Y Youth is wasted on the young! I can’t remember who said that but teach good financial habits early. If W Withholding tax: This is what you don’t have the money to pay for you will pay (on top of regular it right away, save and wait, or walk income tax) on any early withdrawals away. Every young person should from your RRSP. How much depends have a savings and a chequing on the amount withdrawn. Up to account and learn how to use them.

RENT

or

Like brushing your teeth every night good financial habits do not make sense to the younger set right away but pays off in spades later in life.

CHILDCARE

Over 1 million Canadians can’t afford both. The high cost of housing forces many people to make choices no one should have to make. You can choose to help. To donate, participate or advocate visit www.habitat.ca

Financial Consulting can be found at www.cedarlanefinancial.com If you’re a member of The MBN you can view Heather’s profile by clicking here

cted. Club 36Sequoia Money

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Money 37

Smart financial tips for teens and parents Does your teen expect you to dole out cash like an ATM? Does your child know the word "budget?" As many families take a hard look at their finances in light of the current economy, many are seizing the opportunity to instill money management skills and financial responsibility in their children. Now is the time to talk with your kids about money. With the end of the school year approaching, along with milestones like graduation, summer jobs and preparing for college in the fall, it is the perfect time to make money matters part of the dinner table conversation. The fact is, whether you are 13, 30 or 90, no one is immune to financial stress, especially given today's economy. "It’s important that parents have the ‘money talk’ with their kids first -even if you feel like maybe you haven’t always made the best financial decisions as a parent, older children learn from our candor,” says Matt Boss who heads up the mass customer strategy, including students, for Bank of America. “By talking candidly about money and finances with your child, it will be easier for them to take the reins and head down the path to a successful financial future." Here are some basic steps for providing your teen with a better understanding of how to manage their money:

Set a budget and stick to it Sit down with your

teenager and help them hash out a realistic budget plan. Record monthly income totals, including paychecks and allowances. Then record all expenses non-discretionary spending like food and insurance, and discretionary spending like movie tickets and CDs. Don't forget about savings - try to set aside 10 percent each month.

By Alan Cleaver

Are you a parent of a teenager?

Understand and actively manage a chequing account Take advantage of A chequing account is the educational seminars in your foundation of your teen’s financial hometown world. If they don't have one already,

help them open one and explain how it works. Make sure they understand the importance of a balanced account and consequences associated with not keeping track of that account. Talk about the pros Talk openly and honestly and cons of debit cards and how they work. Finally, utilize your bank's online tools for managing a checking The first step in educating your teenager about finances is to create account including online banking, mobile banking, account alerts, bill an open and honest relationship pay and transaction records. Using when it comes to money. Sit down and explain the importance of money Mobile Banking, students can check account balances, pay bills, transfer management and ask them what money, view transactions, and steps they think they should take to receive mobile alerts when their get their finances in order. Discuss any questions or problems that they balance falls below a set minimum, helping them avoid fees. have. Once trust is established, it leaves the door open for effective learning.

It's not uncommon for schools or

banks to hold short, educational classes to help younger generations comprehend different aspects of financial basics. Contact your bank, local community groups or your teenager’s school to see what is available. Make it more fun by attending with them or finding out if you can recruit their friends to go. "Taking the first step today will help your child learn financial management information that will benefit them for the rest of their life," concludes Boss. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Club 38Sequoia Motoring

Test Drive Volkswagen Tiguan

Story and photos by Mark Atkinson

Motoring 39

Talk about being late to a party.

During the Cute-Ute revolution of the late ‘90s, Volkswagen stood back and laughed. ‘Why would anyone spend money on a tall station wagon when you could just buy a regular station wagon instead?’ it asked. Over a decade and millions of sales later, it seems Vee-Dub has a case of corporate amnesia, finally introducing its Tiguan compact SUV last fall. Its competitors from Honda and Toyota have gone through three or four generations apiece by now, so you’d hope that with that much time to plan, the Tiguan would be the outright champion in the class, right? Hmm. Not quite.

I’ve seen it before you The Tiguan is based on the same

Volkswagen platform that underpins the Golf, Jetta, Eos and Passat, and shares just about everything mechanically with one of those rides. The 2.0-litre turbocharged directinjection, “TSI” engine and transmissions are ubiquitous amongst the Vee-Dub family, as is the optional Haldex-based 4Motion all-wheel drive hardware normally found in the Audi TT and Golf R32.

While the Tiguan’s engine produces a pretty sedate 200 hp, it’s the torque that makes it sprightly: 206 lb-ft from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm. That makes for a very flexible delivery, although there is some initial turbo lag followed by a big surge of power, which can make stop and go driving interesting. Only the base model comes with a sixspeed manual transmission; all others get the familiar six-speed automatic. The benefit to using the turbocharged engine is its reasonable fuel economy – 11.2/7.6 L/100 km city/highway with the manual, and 10.4/8.1 for the more popular automatic versions. The Tiguan uses MacPherson struts up front with a four-link independent setup in the rear, and even the base suspension is tuned for more sporting tastes. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and ESP are standard, meaning even the frontwheel drive versions are easy of control. The turning circle is small for this class, which helps around town. Customers in Europe and elsewhere can order a Tiguan prepped for serious off-roading, including skid plates and hill-hold systems. For North America, though, Volkswagen’s focus is completely on-road.

A tall golf? From the outside, the Tiguan apes

many of VW’s styling themes, and the front shares more with the sleek Passat CC than its bigger Touareg SUV brother. The rear would be familiar to a Golf/Rabbit owner, if only a little taller. Standard dual exhaust, roof rails and heated sidemirrors lend an upscale touch. Once you climb in the cabin, the Tiguan moves beyond the expected conservative German vibe, but not by much. Switches and gauges all come from the (admittedly very nice) parts bin. However, the radio, HVAC controls and center console are all different enough to be satisfying. The rear seats are intimate, although they do recline and adjust for either more leg room or increased cargo space. And the frontpassenger seat folds flat to help when hauling long loads.

Little value here Unfortunately, like most

Volkswagens, value isn’t really part of the equation. The range starts with the front-wheel-drive Trendline at $27,575 and moves through the $33,975 Comfortline to the $38,375 Highline. That’s without even

40 Motoring

considering selecting the optional all-wheel drive, which adds nearly $2,000 to the SE or SEL. Standard equipment includes 16inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD playing with aux-in, air conditioning, eight-way adjustable front seats, and head-curtain airbags. The Comfortline adds all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels, fog lights, privacy glass, upgraded ‘partial power’ front heated seats, a huge panoramic sunroof, and some leather and chrome bits strewn about to liven the place up. Finally, the Highline tries to justify is sky-high price tag by bringing all the luxury car touches to the masses, including 18-inch wheels, xenon lights, 12-way power seats, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and ambient lighting. Popular options include a quite excellent HD-based navigation system with music server, a rockin’ DynAudio sound system and rearview camera for $3,450, while rear passenger side thorax airbags are a reasonable $450.

Premium prices What you’re left with is a premium

SUV without a premium badge. The full-blown Highline is $3,500-$5,000 more than either the Honda CR-V EX-L or RAV4 Limited V6 AWD. A new Subaru Forester XT tops out at

$29,995, and it’s much more capable on and off-road than the Tiguan. Even an entry-level Audi Q5 based on the same mechanicals is only $5,000 in the other direction. The Tiguan’s ace in the hole will be its materials and build quality, which trump the Japanese competitors. And reliability, previously a dirty word when considering Volkswagens, has also improved dramatically in recent years, meaning customers can’t immediately take it for granted that the Honda or Toyota will be out of the shop any less. But that still doesn’t help answer the question of why not just buy a Jetta Wagon and be done with it? Unless you desperately need allwheel drive, the Wagon offers the same engine, better handling, a lower-step-in height and more cargo room, all for thousands less than the Tiguan. You could even put the extra money towards a set of snow tires if needed, and still have enough left over for a trip somewhere warm. Mark Atkinson has nearly 10 years experience as an automobile journalist working for publications like Inside Track Motorsport News, Carguide, World of Wheels, Canadian Auto World, the Hamilton Spectator Wheels section, Metro Carguide, Suburban Life and West of the City. Besides writing for Muchmor Magazine, Mark also has his own blog, www.drivingguy.com, and appears in a number of other print and online publications.

Relocation 41

Not your run-of-the-mill relocation story!

41 Moving to Canada

Birgit Wartenberg and her husband Wolf have become Muchmor regulars. Wolf featured in our March 09 issue and Birgit in our Feb 09 issue. I first met Birgit last year and it was obvious from her accent that she, like me, was not from around these parts. So, now Birgit shares how they first decided to move from Germany to Canada in the late 1990’s and how the move wasn’t what could be classed as “conventional”.

time as the property she lived on was for sale. My sister in law is a swami, an When I met Jane, your editor, we Indian monk, always wearing orange. discussed our mutual moves to She lived with her spiritual family on Canada. After she told me her story, I what was called an “Ashram”, where mentioned that ours is “just a bit old & young live together, but they more” interesting than others! I know had decided to sell the place as it you will say, well that’s what didn’t work out so well. At this point I everybody is saying. Wait … read had never been to Canada before, about two immigrants in there forties, but my husband was always very that decided out of the blue with one enthusiastic about it. phone call across the ocean to So, two days after he arrived in switch countries, lifestyle and move Beaverton at Lake Simcoe, Ontario away from family and friends. he called me and said, quote: “I’m Remember we were not teens who standing here, it’s 35 Celsius below, are entitled to do strange things! the sun is shining, lot’s of snow and But let’s start from “THE I’m thinking why don’t we buy the BEGINNING”. We lived in property my sister is selling?” Duesseldorf, Germany and one day I was speechless, which doesn’t in 1995 my husband Wolf surprised happen very often - after a couple of me with a “New Years Eve” in New seconds my husband said “are you York. We decided that after New York still there?” Yes, I’m still here, can I I would fly home to Germany, as I think about that?” I asked. “Sure,” he worked in my husbands company at replied, “let’s talk again tomorrow.” that time, and he would fly to The next day he called and said, “it Canada to visit his sister for the last

By Birgit Wartenberg

make’s no sense to think about it, book a flight and come over, you have to see it!” That’s what I did. I made different arrangements, booked a flight and arrived the next Friday at Toronto airport. My husband and my sisterin-law picked me up and we drove two hours north. I have to tell you, upon arrival I was in complete shock! When I entered the house, it was dark, not very clean, run down - in fact everything I hated. I started crying and couldn’t stop all night long. I questioned my husband, what was he thinking, he always said it’s so beautiful over there! There was nothing “beautiful!” There were four buildings on the property and the next morning we did another tour, this time with the sun out. Unable to cry any longer I saw potential in all these run down buildings. What really sold me was the 50 acres and the Beaver River.

Club 42Sequoia Relocation

I had to fly home on the Sunday and Wolf’s flight was a week later. My head was spinning… I have to admit, at that point in our lives we were talking about changes in our lifestyle, what to do, where etc. So, I said to myself, maybe this is our chance for change. Knowing that opportunities only pass by once and it’s not always the best timing, but sometimes you have to jump on that train! At that time we were based in Germany but had purchased a property in Spain which we were about to move to. The architect had already completed the plans for the renovation when we decided to move to Canada - after we talked to our lawyer, tax advisor, accountants .. you name it. At the end of February 1996 we made all the arrangements we thought we had to do in order to move to Canada, not knowing that this was a long, long ….! We applied for landed immigrant in Bonn, Germany, did our medical tests and translations. In the meantime we had an appointment with our lawyer in Toronto and found out that we couldn't buy farm land as we were not “landed immigrants.” As my sister-in-law wanted to close the sale, our brother-in-law bought the property for us. We started to renovate our house and in the meantime we sold our house in Spain and were looking for a buyer for the company. One of us was flying constantly, picking up tiles, wood, finding a kitchen builder etc. The best I remember was when the construction guy called me and asked if I wanted the outlets on the east or north side of the living room? How would I know were east or north is in my future living room? Anyhow we managed it very well and we were very pleased with the outcome! Our problem was the permit, my husband couldn’t get one because of his high blood pressure, they didn’t say yes, but they didn’t say no either. He had to go and get even more medical tests. I flew over in October with our dog, direct flight from Frankfurt so the dog had less time on board, and stayed in the little cabin we had on the property, approx. 300 sq.ft., no furniture and in the meantime 2 dogs. My husband came in December and our 40 foot container arrived in the middle of

December 1996 in Montreal. We had to truck the container over to Toronto and had to appear at customs with our papers, keep in mind, we still had no permit! I said to my husband “what if they don’t allow us to keep the container here, what’ then?” His answer was “we have to put the container in storage or ship it back to Germany!” Great !!! Here is what I love about Canada! We walk towards the customs officer, he looks at our papers and said “I assume you bought a cottage and needed some European furniture, right?” With our yes he endorsed our papers and we walked out with his best wishes and a “welcome to Canada”. I started crying as soon as we left the building still expecting him to be calling “come back, I made a mistake!” So, our 40 foot container arrived and we unloaded it with eight hard working people in a couple of hours! It was raining cats & dogs - or should I say raccoons and beavers? Our constructor was stunned when he came back after the holidays. The house looked great, most of our boxes unpacked, books in the shelves, pictures hanging, fresh flowers on the dining table. I think we worked 14-16 hours a day, just the two of us. On New Years Eve 1996 we were sitting in front of our open fire place, but still sleeping in the cabin. Four

weeks later the second floor was done and we moved in completely. We started to renovate our guest house, bought furniture from IKEA, our favorite store, which we then had to assemble. At the end of February our first yoga group came - our new venture had begun. My husband was still running his company from Canada, flying over to Germany every other month. Once, whilst he was on one of these trips and I was alone in Canada I fell whilst taking the dogs for a walk. It was about ten at night and I knew instantly that I had broken my wrist, just by the sound. I called our neighbor and he and his wife drove me, in a snow storm to the hospital in Port Perry. However, it turned out they only did x-rays until 7 pm, so we went home and had to return the next day to the hospital in Newmarket. After 7 hours waiting I got my cast and my neighbours picked me up again. My husband came back two days later and we continued to host more and more yoga groups whilst continuing with the renovations. After being in the country as a visitor for over six months I got a letter asking me to leave - I still had no permit. We decided to drive to the U.S. Border and come back through thus giving me another six months as a visitor. However, at that time they just waved the cars through and I still had no stamp in my passport. My

Relocation 43

Sequoia Club husband decided that it was time to go to an immigration lawyer as we needed to hear a definite yes or no from the government. We made an appointment and were a bit shocked when we had to pay $500 at the door as a down payment, but what can you do? During all these months of waiting I remember that in our first summer the liner from the pool broke, the tractor broke and in the fall the furnace in the guest house developed a hole and had to be replaced. Our chef quit in the middle of a 14-day workshop and we had to take over, literally over night! I started baking German cakes as desserts (I had never baked before in my entire life) But still no permit! We adapted to porcupines, skunks, raccoons and snakes in the basement, snapping turtles on the driveway or in the pool, coyotes, wolves and bears at the front porch, blue herons eating our frogs in the pond, beavers playing at the river, minks, a dead emu, squirrels you name it….. We still continued our renovations, we had a to-do-list for both outdoors and indoors, our guest list was growing but still no permit! In spring 1998 we were so tired of waiting for the permit that my husband said, “if we do not get it by June 30, 1998, we will move back to Europe, not Germany, but directly to Spain.”

Believe it or not the note that our permit was ready for pick up in Germany was finally in our mail box in May 1998. We had to collect our permit from the Canadian Embassy in Bonn, Germany as our first residence was still Germany, and the rule is to enter the country and get the landed immigrant status at the border. What we did, was that we organized a courier service to Canada, and than we crossed the border to the states and came back 20 minutes later to get the “status”. At long last we were officially residents of Canada.

During the following twelve years we created a very peaceful retreat center which was very successful. The people loved it and some groups come back over ever year for ten years. Our guest always said that they entered a different world when they turned into our driveway. I have to say, after we decided to host workshops (yoga, enlightenment, talking to nature, drum crafting, meditation, NIA dance etc) we met some amazing people Very kind, funny, some of them may be different (that could be another article), but we had a great, great time! In 2008 we felt it was time to move on and we sold the place. We now live in Prince Edward County, Ontario and have new business ventures which you can read about using these links. Birgit and Wolf. Maybe we are able now to slow down a bit!

Visit www.readmuchmor.com to read all our back issues and find muchmor.

Club 44Sequoia Relocation

From city life to country wife

by Stephanie Brown

By Scott from Mississauga, ON

Relocation 45

You learn to incorporate new and stimulating things with your time in in the north, we hear the fascinating the country; no more of running to sounds of the songbirds, bees the malls or restaurants, as we no buzzing on the newly bloomed longer have that luxury and it’s flowers, and tractors tilling the farm probably for the better, it provided fields. Each morning, I wake up and absolutely no benefit anyway, and have the pleasure of looking out my needless to say, my baking and window to see the serene sights of the deciduous trees beginning to bud cooking skills have vastly improved. and sometimes if I am lucky I will see Now our ideas of excitement consist of taking the girls out on the property the occasional animal scamper by. and exploring every unturned rock, Only in the country can you examining the mysterious claw appreciate such idealistic things to marks on the trees and checking out see. many different types of animal Being born and raised Central droppings. Ontario I would have never pictured I will openly admit that over the myself living here in rural Northern years I have done a lot of Ontario and especially for this length complaining about living so rurally of time, I really have gone against all and sometimes wonder if the impulse the odds on this one. Its no doubt decision we had made to trade in our my husband has had a hard time life from the rapid pace of city to the breaking this city girl into a country much slower pace of country living a wife. However, I am gradually getting short 4 years ago was actually for the used to this new found life of dial up better, but when it comes down to it, internet, the coexistence with bears I truly believe it has been a blessing and moose, not to mention to the in disguise, while living here in what numerous unknown bug bites. I my children refer to as the “boonies” simply wasted no time getting used I have had the opportunity to be able to having so much privacy; all of a to sort out life’s issues and discover sudden there was no need to worry new passions in life such as writing about going outside in my pajamas or sun tanning around the pool, since and enjoy nature at its finest. Have you ever laid under the blanket of no one is around to disturb you. So stars or seen a falling star so close it when you do get a visitor whew it’s felt like you could reach out and grab quite a surprise.

As summer fast approaches us here

it, you just get those experiences living in the city. It still amazes me to this day how small wonders provide us with so much gratification. Regrettably, one serious drawback to country life is that loneliness can come quickly knocking at the door as a mysterious house guest and the chances of becoming a recluse draw closer and closer. Although it can happen to anyone, it tends to fall much easier in the hands of the country dweller. Believe me I have first hand at this, after many trials and tribulations, I have finally realized that country life is something that just takes time to adapt to and despite the trivial matters of country living such as having to drive thousands of kilometres each year to visit family and friends and the odd power outage it kindly repays us in the end with its ever changing beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stephanie Brown is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and three daughters in Northern Ontario. She writes for pleasure donating her articles to community newspapers. She can be contacted at [email protected]

46 Relocation

Which route to use to immigrate to Canada?

When people get the idea of moving

to Canada for good, they may initially think it will simply be a case of filling in some paperwork, waiting a short while and off they go. This is absolutely not the case. In order to immigrate to Canada from any country there are rules to follow and only a few select methods of immigration to choose from. If you find you do not fit the criteria of one method, you can look to another. Many people will find a route suitable for them, but there will always be some who, however determined they are o get to Canada will not be able to do so. This might be because they do not have the right skills or perhaps the right experience. Here we take a look at the various options available to potential immigrant applicants.



Skilled Worker The most popular route into Canada

is the Skilled Worker Class. This route allows people to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, language skills etc. The criteria for immigrating using this route was recently amended and now the principal applicant needs to not only score enough points in the selection factors, but must also have experience and qualifications within certain industries and job descriptions as specified by the government of Canada. In order to apply under this category you must either have an arranged offer of employment, or be a foreign national living legally in Canada for one year as a temporary worker or international student or have at least one year of experience in one or more of the following:

Financial Managers, Computer and Information Systems Managers, Managers in Health Care, Restaurant and Food Service Managers, Accommodation Service Managers, Construction Managers, Financial Auditors and Accountants, Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists, Mining Engineers, Geological Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Specialist Physicians, General Practitioners and Family Physicians, Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Head Nurses and Supervisors, Registered Nurses, Medical Radiation Technologists, Licensed Practical Nurses, University Professors, College and Other Vocational Instructors, Chefs, Cooks, Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades, Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades, Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy

Relocation 47 Construction Equipment Crews, Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System), Industrial Electricians, Plumbers, Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers, Welders and Related Machine Operators, Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics, Crane Operators, Drillers and Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction, Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying, Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service or Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities. If you qualify under this criteria you must then score at least 67 points in the selection factors which include education, French and English language skills, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada and adaptability. You must then be able to show that you have enough money to support you and your family. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) set proof of fund figures for different family numbers and you will need to prove you have this money available at the time of application. An example would be a family of four would need to have at least $20,130 CND as proof of funds. If you satisfy all of these criteria you may apply for permanent residency under the skilled worker class. Ore details about this class of immigration can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration website using this link. Applicants wishing to immigrate to Quebec will need to use the Quebec Skilled Worker Immigration route.

Experience Class This route of immigration can be

used by people who are temporary foreign workers or foreign students in Canada and who wish to reside in Canada permanently. This route does not apply to people who wish to reside in Quebec. In order to apply through this route you must either be a temporary foreign worker with at least two years experience of full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada. Or you can be a foreign graduate from a Canadian postsecondary institution with at least one year full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada.

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In either case you must also possess the ability to speak either English or French. Full details of this class of immigration can be found using this link.

Investor Class

must score at least 35 points in the selection factor criteria and have enough money to support your family as per the proof of funds amounts set by CIC. Full details of this route can be found using this link.

Self-Employed Class If you are an experienced business

person willing to invest in Canada you may qualify under this category of immigration. You must have at least two-years business experience and have a net worth of at least $800,000 CND and be able to invest $400,000 CND. I addition to this you must also score at least 35 points in the selection factor criteria and have enough money to support your family as per the proof of funds amounts set by CIC. Full details of this route can be found using this link.

Entrepreneur Class This class os for people who have

money to invest in a Canadian business and can successfully manage a business which contributes to the economy and creates jobs. You must have at least two-years business experience and have a net worth of at least $300,000 CND and

This class of immigration attracts

people who are looking to become self-employed in Canada, but may not be exactly what you think, so read the rules carefully. You must have relevant experience in one or three categories: participation at a worldclass level in cultural activities or athletics, farm management experience or self-employment in cultural activities or athletics. I addition to this you must also score at least 35 points in the selection factor criteria and have enough money to support your family as per the proof of funds amounts set by CIC. Full details of this route can be found using this link.

Provincial Nominee Program This class of immigration is

determined by each individual province or territory based on the

48 Relocation



needs of the area regarding skill shortages etc. All Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are based on the applicant having a secured job offer from an employer within the province or territory. Each has its own rules and regulations and criteria, so you should check out each to see if you might qualify. Alberta Manitoba Newfoundland and Labrador Ontario Saskatchewan British Columbia New Brunswick Nova Scotia Prince Edward Island Yukon Territory

Family Sponsorship If you have family in Canada who are permanent residents or Canadian citizens they may be











able to sponsor you to immigrate to Canada. This is dependent upon your relationship to them and the sponsorship must be initiated by them. Spouses, conjugal partners and common-law partners of opposite or same-sex can be sponsored as can dependent children. Other relatives that can be sponsored include parents, grandparents, brothers or sisters, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons who are orphaned, under 18 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship or another relative of any age or relationship if none of the above relatives could be sponsored, and you have no other relatives who are Canadian citizens, persons registered as Indians under the Indian Act or permanent residents. Full details of the family sponsorship class can be found here.

Everyone looking to move permanently to Canada will be required to meet medical and security requirements. You and your family members must pass a medical examination and security and criminal checks. This is relevant to all immigrants regardless of the route used to enter the country. Details of all routes into Canada including temporary foreign workers and study permits can be found using the Citizenship and Immigration website.

Visit www.readmuchmor.com to read all our back issues and find muchmor.

Relocation 49

Flying high Air Canada expands flights to and from Spain Air Canada and fellow Star Alliance partner Spanair

today announced they have entered a codeshare agreement that expands their networks between popular business and leisure destinations in Canada and Spain. This follows the re-introduction May 1, 2009 by Air Canada of non-stop flights between Toronto and Madrid, the only scheduled service between Canada and Spain. Under the codeshare agreement, Air Canada's network has expanded to serve six destinations in Spain on codeshare flights designated by the AC code that are operated by Spanair between Madrid and: Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Alicante, Bilbao and Valencia. Spanair customers in turn, benefit from an expanded network including non-stop codeshare service designated by the JK code between Madrid and Toronto, operated by Air Canada, with convenient connections in Toronto to and from: Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Both carriers thus offer services between popular destinations in Canada and Spain, each one using its own code throughout the entire itinerary. The new codeshare flights are now available for purchase.

Air Transat specials Air Transat are currently offering special deals between Canada and European destinations such as the UK, France and Germany.

Great offers from Canadian Affair Travellers searching for a summer holiday bargain need look no further than Canadian Affair. The UK’s largest tour operator to Canada commences its summer schedule this week with return flights to and from eight Canadian. For summer 2009, the operator will offer a choice of over 60 direct services each week from 10 UK & Ireland airports – London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Exeter, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin and Shannon. With flights available to eight Canadian cities Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Halifax, Edmonton and Fredericton.

American Airlines new travel tool According to American Airlines booking travel through

their website www.AA.com just got easier. Their new DealFinder℠ downloadable desktop tool gives information and control over your travel planning. The new DealFinder gives you quick and easy access to all of the great information available on AA.com. The tool works with most Windows® computers, but is not yet available for Mac users.

50 Health & Wellness

Whether living with or without osteoporosis – your bone health is important!

Health & Wellness 51

Bone Density Scanner loss of mobility, and decreased independence. and guardians have made their Consequences of osteoporosis children’s health a top priority. are frightening, and though many of Whether they exposed their children us may feel that we do not need to to the right foods, or perhaps worry about osteoporosis, we must encouraged them to pursue physical still pay close attention to our eating activity, parents have understood habits and lifestyle in order to the need to help children build ensure that we reduce our chances strong and healthy bodies. Yet even of acquiring the disease later in life. if one were to eat all of the right Osteoporosis Canada, the first foods and maintain a healthy and national organization of its kind to active lifestyle, the risk of focus on raising awareness of and developing osteoporosis still promoting education about remains. osteoporosis, is on a mission to help In Canada alone, one in four the public decrease their chances of women and at least one in eight developing the disease, as well as men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis. It is estimated that as helping those already living with many as two million Canadians may osteoporosis to learn how to manage it safely, thereby regaining be at risk of osteoporotic fractures their quality of life. during their lifetime. The reduced quality of life for those with osteoporosis is enormous. This disease can lead to disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or

Throughout generations, parents

Decrease your risk of fracture While the most common fractures

associated with osteoporosis are those of the hip, spine and wrist, not everyone diagnosed with this disease breaks bones. Whether or not you have had a fracture, everyone with osteoporosis should attempt to modify their lifestyle in order to minimize their risk of breaking a bone. The essential elements in maintaining bone health are an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D and physical activity, particularly weight-bearing activity. (This is any kind of activity where you are bearing your own body weight, such as walking.) If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe an osteoporosis medication. There are several that have been approved by Health Canada. Even if you are on a

52 Health & Wellness medication, don’t ignore calcium and vitamin D. For those 50 and over, Osteoporosis Canada recommends 1500 mg of calcium and at least 800 IU vitamin D daily from all sources. In the winter months, October to March, vitamin D is not created by the action of the sun on the skin, and there are not many food sources of vitamin D, so a supplement is in order. In addition to drug therapy, exercise, calcium and vitamin D, it is very important to understand how to move in a way that is safe for your bones. The practical advice that follows is designed to help you understand what are considered safe movements and to pay attention to the details of daily living so that you don’t compromise your bones.

Guidelines for safe movement: Do not bend forward, as it puts you in danger of

breaking the bones in your spine. Use your knees instead of bending at the waist. Avoid twisting your torso – it will put pressure on your spine. When lifting objects that are not too heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Avoid lifting objects above shoulder level and do avoid reaching over your head to retrieve something from a shelf or cupboard. Avoid activities that overload your spine when you are in a bent position, e.g., putting a roast in or out of the oven, putting wet laundry in the dryer, lifting the mattress to tuck in sheets, shovelling the driveway. Ask for help. Think, then do. Don’t do something dangerous in a moment of impatience. Don’t be in a hurry to catch a bus, answer the phone or respond to a doorbell. Haste may create more problems than it’s worth. Stick to moderate weight-bearing exercises. Jogging jars the spine and puts you at risk of injury. Take extra care if you have a poor sense of balance, poor eyesight, or if you wear bifocals.

Tips for daily living In your home: • Don’t bend to pick up a child (or anyone else you may be caregiving). Sit and let the child climb onto your lap. • Get in and out of bed carefully. To get in, first sit on the edge of your bed. Then lie on your side and gently roll over. If you sleep on your side, a pillow between your knees will help support your hips and lower back. To get out of bed, lie on your side, ease yourself to the side of the bed, then push yourself up

Health & Wellness 53 with your arms so that you are in swing legs inwards. Reverse the a sitting position at the side of procedure to get out of the car. the bed with both feet on the • If you drive a car, use rear view floor. mirror extenders and your side Avoid reading in bed. To read mirrors to check traffic behind • comfortably, sit in a chair, place a and beside you to avoid having firm pillow on your lap, and to twist around. Watch out for the support your arms and book on blind spot. the pillow. Keep chin tucked and neck straight. Raise your feet on If you have been recently a low stool, keeping knees bent. diagnosed, here are some ideas about where to begin: • Educate yourself: learn all you can about osteoporosis. In public places: Osteoporosis Canada operates a toll-free information line. Our • Request a comfortable chair information counsellors discuss when dining out. Don’t feel you your concerns, send you relevant have to explain your illness, just information and, if there is one, say “I have a bad back problem.” refer you to a Chapter or support • Do avoid crowded public places group near you. because it is easy to get knocked • Consider adding your name to off balance and fall. If using COPN, the Canadian public transit, travel during offOsteoporosis Patient Network. peak hours if possible. They publish a regular newsletter • Take care not to jolt your spine with helpful tips and information when climbing stairs or stepping on living with osteoporosis. off a curb. Please visit our website (another • Take a pillow with you for back great resource tool!) for more support in cars, offices, etc. details. • When getting in and out of a car, sit down facing the door, then

Naturopathic

Chiropractic

• Review your treatment options with your doctor. You have several choices. • Review necessary lifestyle changes with your doctor as well. • Ask your doctor to refer you to other professionals. Although your physician is your primary medical resource, there is a wide range of professionals who can be involved in helping you care for your bones. This article was prepared with collaboration from Osteoporosis Canada; for more information about osteoporosis, please visit www.osteoporosis.ca or call 1-800-463-6842.

•

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54 Health & Wellness

The positive side of no!

mental and physical wellness. The perfect example of this is how ‘no’ protects our children from predators. You would never take the power of that word from them. In the same way, ‘no’ protects you Recently from the predators that prey on your I was time and energy. Without the option speaking to say “no” we are at the beck and with a call of everyone else’s agenda as young well as our own ego’s demands. mother It’s not the words – yes/no – that who felt carry a positive or negative charge overwhelmed by all her commitments but rather the intention with which and the things she had to do in a you use them. Consider this: day. As we talked I started to suggest that she needed the word • Are you saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ ‘no’ but before I could finish she cut without thought to the me off. consequences? Either answer is a “No is a negative and I don’t invite negative influence in our lives if it in.” we operate on autopilot. In the moment my thought was to Are you saying ‘no’ because the • reframe what I was about to say but request steps on one of your core her statement has stuck with me values? In this case your ‘no’ is simply because I could hear her pain. positive because you are There was a definite disconnect maintaining healthy boundaries. between her belief and what she was Will you answer ‘no’ in order to • experiencing in her life. I felt it as she say ‘yes’ to something that is a said it but it eluded me until later higher priority for you? Creating when I had time to think about it. balance in your day, week and I realised that there was a basic year is a huge positive, reducing assumption being made. It’s one I stress. hear often, particularly from those Are you saying ‘no’ because of • who are striving to live a conscious fear? Definitely a negative charge life. Simply, that the word ‘no ’ itself but again, it’s not the word that carries a negative charge. The carries it but the fear itself. Often disconnect occurs because this closely related is replying with a assumption creates a powerful ‘no’ because a request takes you consequence. By refusing to use the out of your comfort zone. word “no”, we relinquished our Are you responding ‘yes’ to • power of choice. please someone else? Or So I am challenging that perhaps to please your own ego? assumption here. I believe that ‘no’ Again, this so-called positive reply possesses some very positive usually carries negative aspects, such as protecting our consequences. boundaries which in turn support our

By Aprille Janes

There are plenty of other scenarios we could explore but the bottom line is this - when we make up the rule that we can’t say ‘no’ we remove our own freedom of choice, one of the most valuable freedoms we possess. At the extreme end of this spectrum is something like a Stepford Wife! We can even trace the current economic crunch to this flawed assumption. When we stopped saying ‘no’ to our wants because credit was easy to obtain, negative energy built up until we could no longer sustain the illusion. Now we are being forced to say ‘no’ because a universal law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Without choice, our lives become busier and busier, filled with the demands of others. We build up time and energy debts that must eventually be paid. Then, like the economy, we crash and burn under the strain of trying to do it all and please everyone. In the end you’ll find that a few, well-spoken nays are vital to the balance of your life. Aprille Janes is a certified life coach, author, inspirational speaker and a champion of women who long to live the life they were meant for! She teaches that the best way to reclaim that Bolder Woman inside of each of us is by connecting to our irresistible core of passion. Download her free Ebook Passion, Purpose and Values - at http:// www.aprillejanes.com . It's a great place to start your own journey. If you’re a member of The MBN you can view Aprille’s profile by clicking here

Health & Wellness 55

56 Home & Garden















Techorating tips: new technology in your home Angel

ARAcontent

Downtown Calgary

Pastures

Home & Garden 57

In the current economic

environment, many people are refocusing their priorities on family and home. Experts say more Americans are creating a home theater experience in their home instead of going out. Perhaps you're thinking about using your tax refund for a new HDTV. Or maybe you're getting a new home theater system in time to invite friends over for the summer baseball season or to enjoy this fall's football games in bigscreen style. But do you know how you're going to incorporate this new technology into your home decor? LG Techorator Doug Wilson, from TLC's "Trading Spaces" and "Moving Up," has some tips to streamline your space and cut out the clutter. Techorating means combining technology and interior design so that a room works as one unified space.

designated "eCycling Centers" across the country. Visit www.lgusa.com/green to find out more about the programs near you.

Pick a focal point Now that the old stuff is gone, find

your room's focal point and work your way out. "In large rooms, make sure you don't go overboard with one particular theme, pattern or technology," says Wilson. "With just a few integral pieces, the room can be made to feel spacious, yet comfortable." Remember to streamline by removing unnecessary clutter and installing shelving units or wallmounting your new HDTV.

Consider your space This is a case where bigger is not

always better. Technology needs to fit the space you have; otherwise it can overwhelm a room. While large flat-screen HDTVs are a nice You don't need your old box TV or upgrade, they can overpower the huge computer monitor anymore, so room if the screen size is too large why not be environmentally for the space. You need other items responsible, get it out of your house on the wall to offset the presence of and recycle it? Companies like the TV. If you're still shopping Waste Management and LG around, take measurements of your Electronics offer nationwide wall space along with you to make recycling programs for unwanted sure you get the perfect sized electronic products at 150 the cat technology. Monty

Recycle the old technology

Practice cord control Nothing causes more headaches

than trying to hide all the cords behind furniture while still trying to reach the available outlets. "Go wireless," says Wilson. "Many leading technology companies, including LG Electronics, offer wireless speakers and TVs, giving your living space a crisp, modern feel."

Use digital accents Digital photo frames placed

throughout the room and house can hold family photos during the regular year, but bring a reminder of your favorite team's great season when you have everyone over to watch the games. The photos can help get the conversation going, especially if everyone has just met. Plus, this is a decoration you don't have to clean up -- either reprogram the frame or take it on the road to the next game party. Whether you're equipping a tiny den, medium-sized bedroom or expansive media room with the latest in consumer electronics, TLC's Wilson recommends techorating as a way to get the most from your new equipment and your new digital lifestyle. For more techorating ideas, visit www.lgusa.com/techorator.

58 Home & Garden



MLS: C3376533 Bedrooms: 4



Price: $790,000 Bathrooms: 3











Helen Parnell Tel: 403-932-8888 www.moving2alberta.com

Province: Alberta City: Waiporous Vaulted ceilings, skylight, deck, 1.8 acres, wooded views

You will be impressed by this 3520 sf two storey on private 1.8 treed acres in Waiporous. Water not an issue 30+gpm. This home built by Saddlebrook Homes has a 24x32 double attached garage, large front veranda with metal rails & the same at the rear of the home.Four large bedrooms on the upper level with 2-4pc bathrooms each with a skilite. The master bedroom has a walk in closet and 4pc ensuite with soaker tub & 4' shower stall.There is a bonus room with scissor cut vaulted ceiling(also in master) that is used as school room for home schooled children. Wrought iron railing on main between Kitchen & livingroom. Open concept with large country kitchen with maple cabinets, island, walk in pantry, tile flooring. The livingroom has laminate wood flooring with corner airtight woodburning fireplace, stone front. There is also a RI for fireplace in master bedrm. The office is on the main as well as the laundry room(sink, cabinets, folding counter), mudroom with cabinets, bench seat. Dark room finished in lower.

MLS: C3353410 Bedrooms: 3

Price: $217,000 Bathrooms: 2

Province: Alberta City: Cochrane Condo, updated, south facing balcony

INVESTOR ALERT! FIRST TIME BUYERS! Bright 3 bedroom,up-down, nicely upgraded condo walking distance to town. (Total living space: 1268 sq ft.) New carpet, tile, and fresh paint throughout. Main floor laundry. Newer furnace and hot water tank. Private corner yard with large spruce trees and south facing balcony. MUST SEE!

MLS: C3371769 Bedrooms: 3

Price: $499,900 Bathrooms: 3

Province: Alberta City: Cochrane 9ft ceilings, walk-out basement, pantry, mudroom This Calbridge built home is great for any growing family. You can feel and see the upgrades as you walk into the home. The kitchen is bright with south facing windows towards Cochrane. Ceramic Tile and lighting put a classy touch on this kitchen. The family room has upgraded carpet plus a gas fireplace for when the nights get colder. There is a walk though pantry to a large mud room and garage. Upstairs you have the bonus room plus a loft area. 3 good size bedrooms and 4 peice ensuite to the master. There is plenty of room for all the family in this house. The walkout basement has still to be developed, so just bring your plans and finishing touches.

Pastures

Home & Garden 59

Helen Parnell Tel: 403-932-8888 www.moving2alberta.com

Charlotte, Debra & Carl hiking in Arnica Lake

MLS: C3375491 Bedrooms: 3

Price: $379,900 Bathrooms: 3

Province: Alberta City: Cochrane Environmental reserve, rolling land, gazebo

First time for sale, immaculate 3-bedroom house backing on to the reserve. Walk in and you are greeted to a large family room, which is exceptionally bright and warm. To one side there is a sitting room separated by a 3 sided gas fireplace. The kitchen has oak cabinets, which overlooks the yard and deck. The deck was recently completed with Dura deck, covered gazebo and smoked glass. This house backs on to the RESERVE you will have NO ONE overlooking you. Back to the house and you have one bedroom on the main with full bathroom, the master bedroom with ensuite (with deep soaker tub) and walk-in closet is just a few steps up and then down in the basement we have a large rec room, 3rd bedroom and 3rd full bathroom. This is a no smoking, no pet home. This house is perfect, for anyone who wants to live in town and also have the feeling they are living on an acreage!

MLS: C3369944 Bedrooms: 3

Price: $459,900 Bathrooms: 3

Province: Alberta City: Cochrane Views, fireplace, walk-out basement, fenced yard

What a great home. This fully upgraded 2-storey home has everything a growing family needs. It is situated on a quite street with views of Cochrane and Bill Hill. There is hardwood through out main floor. Family room has built in shelves and fireplace. Kitchen has nice size island and nook. Out side there is a nice large deck to sit down and watch the city lights. On the main we have a den or possible dining room, the choice is yours!! Upstairs we have a large bright bonus room with vaulted ceilings and 2nd fireplace, which leads to 3 good size bedrooms and 6-piece ensuite off the master bedroom. The basement has in floor heat and 4th bedroom. The walkout basement is currently used as a MIL suite but could easily be converted to large family room with wet bar. To finally finish the upgrades we have knock down ceilings, rounded corners and extra large insulated and dry walled garaged. Call today.

Helen Parnell Associate Broker

# Certified Condominium Specialist, # Bronze medallion holder for real estate sales in 2006 and 2007 # Diamond award holder for customer service in 2007 and 2008.

Monty the cat

60 Home & Garden















Photo by: urbaneapts

Did you hear the one about the bathroom renovation? Join us on a journey of how one couple renovated their bathroom and lived happily ever after…

Home & Garden 61

consumption, one/two flush systems, lined tanks and colour…we chose linen to go with our relaxed spa feel. shower surround one by one for years, the sink faucet For the faucets, our designer suggested brushed had a constant drip that was almost rhythmic chrome, as maintenance won’t be such an issue with sounding…almost! And the toilet, well the water was our hard water. just flushing away our money…every time we had to We decided on an under mount china lavatory sink to “Go”! So, I approached my Husband…we NEED to go in the quartz counter top our designer renovate our bathroom…he concurred! So, now what… recommended…the counter has a mix of creams, blacks we bought numerous décor magazines and visited the & blues! This works wonderful with our ivory coloured home centers but still did not know where to start…can cabinets that our designer is ordering for us direct from we do the work ourselves, what colour do we want to her supplier…a great cost savings – no middleman! paint the walls, do we use ceramic tile on the floor, vinyl Next, the ceramic tile store…we decided to go with flooring or something else!? What about all the choices in-floor heating and a tile floor! It is a bit of a splurge but when it came to fixtures: toilets, sinks, taps, tubs and we opted out of the whirlpool option with our new tub, lights! How much should we budget for? Do we need a as the electrical upgrade would have been a huge added permit? Who can we get to do the plumbing, electrical, expense. And the in-floor heat will be awesome on those carpentry!? Oh, did I mention…my Husband is not cold winter mornings. handy at renovating and although I love him, he is not A few final touches…paint (a beautiful soft slate blue), great at finishing projects that he starts either! lighting (square brushed chrome with frosted glass After being overwhelmed by all this and knowing we shades) & accessories (brushed chrome, of course and should NOT do the work ourselves, we made a decision! linen coloured towels). Call a designer…what a huge help! She directed us Our designer ordered everything, scheduled the through the process and balanced both our desires for trades needed and supervised the project from start to the décor of our bathroom! I wanted something calm & finish…we were fortunate to have another two piece relaxing for our new bathroom but my Husband was bathroom for late night “emergencies” and our afraid it would be too “girly.” But, I am getting ahead of membership at the local gym for showering worked out myself! too. After two weeks of planning, two weeks for ordering First, we started out having the designer come for a of material and two weeks of actual renovation time we home visit…a free one-hour consultation to discuss our were enjoying our new bathroom…this went so well we goals! We liked her, along with her portfolio of projects & may tackle another project, with our designers help of list of referrals…so we paid a retainer to have her course! proceed with a design and arranged for our next visit to Thanks to Cindy L. Dow of Interiors by Cindy for go shopping…this was exciting…we were on our way to making this a great experience.” getting this bathroom done! We decided that the placement of the fixtures was fine You can contact Cindy Dow of Interiors by Cindy at and that would also help our budget. We did think that a www.interiorsbycindy.com. She offers custom cabinet design closet in the adjacent bathroom was not needed so we and installation, kitchen and bathroom renovations, furniture reclaimed that space…. allowing us to expand our vanity and lighting floor plans, colour consultations and decor and make the room feel larger! workshops. With over 20 years experience Cindy will help you With our new plan in hand, our designer there to guide create the home decor of your dreams while working within us…we visited the plumbing supply store and picked your budget. If you’re a member of The MBN you can view out our fixtures. Who knew there was so much to learn Monty the cat Cindy’s profile by clicking here about toilets – elongated bowl, round front, low water

“It was time…the ceramic tile had been falling off the

62 Home & Garden

Real estate today You would have to be living with

your head in the sand not to have noticed the economic downslide. One of the best indicators of this has been the real estate market which has certainly seen better days. We asked Realtors across Canada how their local market is fairing and what the past year has been like for them. We also look at the future to see if the trend is now getting better. Let’s start with Canada as a whole. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) the average selling price across the country is currently $306,366. This compares to the same time last year when it was a little higher at $316,438. They also reported that seasonally adjusted sales activity rose 11.2% compared to the previous month. This is the largest month-to-month increase in more than five years. In Vancouver we spoke with Frank Gerryts of MacDonald Realty who said the market is less hectic than it was last year. He went on to say, “After years of boom times we have seen prices come down and sales volumes reduced. The winter months were particularly quiet but with spring here, market activity has increased markedly, though still below that for last year.” In Vancouver the average sale price is down around 12% on last year. Single family homes are selling for an average of $675,268 compared to $771,321 in April 2008. Townhouses are selling for an average of $431,759 and apartments for $340,203. In the same month last year these sold for $477,900 and $389,070 respectively. Over on the other side of the country Realtor Mark Spindloe in Halifax, Nova Scotia said “The market started off really slow in 2009 with a double figure reduction in the number of listings. This had the positive effect of putting a floor under prices as the supply dried up. Since then the market has been steadily improving with people not seeing the feared catastrophe

same time last year when prices were averaging $205,185. “It is also worth noting we actually have areas within Quinte where Frank Gerryts - MacDonald average sale prices have increased. Realty So far, May has been a very busy www.relocation2bc.com month, so we have to wait and see www.VancouverForHomes.com what the statistics will tell us.” Helen Parnell, a Relator from Mark Spindloe - Exit Realty Calgary reports “The market is Metro starting to pick up in the Calgary www.100metro.ca area but has not stretched as far as www.relocationnovascotia.com the outer towns and rural acreages. It has picked up compared to last Claudia Hancott - Century 21 month, but compared to this time www.claudiahancott.com last year the number of houses for sale has dropped by 5% and the Helen Parnell - GMAC Real average price has dropped by 10% Estate from April 08 to April 09.” www.moving2alberta.com Single family homes in Calgary now sell for an average of $426,311 Greater Toronto Real Estate Board compared to $474,564 in April 2008. www.torontorealestateboard.com The average selling price for a condo in Calgary is now $277,593, 11% lower than the $312,586 of 2008. forecast in the media, and so willing So, what does the future hold? to move forward with their plans. Helen says, “I feel that real estate is “In the Maritimes we never had a boom market so are not experiencing going to level off by the end of this a bust. However, we are not immune year and then stay level for at least another year. The time of big price from the impact of the global increases or decreases are gone for downturn and must expect a soft now. Our net migration is down market going forward. I feel we will which was one of the main causes of see less effect than the rest of house shortages and of big price Canada.” increases.” According to the CREA the In Vancouver Frank agrees that average price of a resale house in prices are unlikely to rise this year Nova Scotia in April 2009 was $245,412 compared to $231,895 for but add, “Vancouver continues to be a popular destination for immigrants April 2008. In Ontario the Greater Toronto Real and this puts pressure on our housing supply, especially as there is Estate Board reported seasonally adjusted April figures 3% lower than limited land on which to build more homes. last year at $385,461. Sales also Over in Halifax, Mark thinks Nova remain lower (7%) than last year Scotia benefits from the west. “The however month-on-month they are Maritimes is buoyed by locals increasing. “Conditions in the resale returning as cash buyers from the oil housing market have improved rich provinces that have been taken markedly this spring,” says TREB down by the commodity crash as President Maureen O’Neill. well as a significant influx of Further east the Quinte area of immigrants from Europe and the U.S. Ontario is also seeing lower prices TREB’s Maureen says “Home than last year. Realtor Claudia purchases have increased as Hancott of Century 21 said, households have taken advantage of “according to the latest statistical low interest rates and slightly lower report the average prices in the home prices. I see this trend Quinte area year-to-date are continuing.” $199,067. This compares to the

Contributors

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Business Services D’s Bookkeeping - Bookkeeping solutions for small businesses and independent contractors 764 Hearns Road, Frankford Ontario, K0K 2C0 Tel: 613-398-7964 Email: [email protected]

MBN Muchmor Business Network - Free online

The Office Rescue - Delivering trustworthy and accurate bookkeeping & administration. 598 Sidney Street, Belleville Ontario, K8P 4A6 Tel: 613-849-1844 Fax: 613-962-9776 Email: [email protected]

Careers CareerBuilder Canada - Jobs from the Canada Job

Bank, the largest web-based network of job postings business network that enables Canadian businesses and available to Canadians as well as jobs from some of people to network, promote their services and exchange Canada’s top employers ideas. Tel: 613-396-5531 Fax: 613-396-3463 Email: [email protected]

Charities & Non-profit

Power of Women Exchange - A networking group from professional women and entrepreneurs. Meetings throughout Ontario Tel: 905-668-6687 Fax: 877-876-6585 Email: [email protected]

Success For Women - Aprille Janes, a Certified

Professional Co-Active Coach and business consultant. PO Box 5, Port Perry, Ontario, Canada, L9L 1A2 Tel: 905-985-6454 Fax: 905-985-7090 Email: [email protected]

Children’s Aid Society of Brant - A non-profit

agency mandated under the provincial legislation of the Child & Family Services Act to protect children. The Family Resource Centre, 14 Henry Street, Brantford, Ontario Tel: 519-752-9094

Habitat for Humanity - National, non-profit, faith-

based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Tel: 800-667-5137 Fax: 519-885-5225 Email: [email protected]

64 Business Finder Junior Achievement - Dedicated to educating and

Government of Alberta - The best place in the world

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Our

MyCollingwood - The most popular website for

inspiring young people about business and economics through hands-on learning and mentoring. Tel; 905-432-2492 Fax: 905-432-7514 Email: [email protected] Mission :To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. Tel: 416-922-6600 x 2304 Fax: 647-435-4961 Email: [email protected]

YWCA Durham - Serving women and their families in Durham region since 1945 Higgins House, 33 McGrigor Street Oshawa, ON L1H 1X8 Tel: 905-576-6356 Fax: 905-576-0816 Email: [email protected]

Clubs Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada - The mission of all

Boys and Girls Clubs in Canada is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life. Scouts Canada - The country’s leading youth organization, offers seven challenging programs for boys, girls and youth age 5-26 in thousands of individual groups in most cities and towns across Canada.

Girl Guides of Canada - fun, friendship and

adventure. GGC is a safe, accepting environment with diverse and exciting programs and activities that offers girls the chance to learn, grow and discover through age-appropriate programming.

Put Your Business Here

to live, work and do business. Information about economy, development, productivity, immigration and all things Alberta Tel: 780 427-2711 Collingwood and surrounding area of Ontario 20 Forest Drive, Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 4W5 Tel: 705-444-0123 Email: [email protected]

Mymuchmor - This Canadian online social network

enables people to meet, blog, post photos, chat and promote local events in a friendly and safe environment. Tel: 613-396-5531 Fax: 613-396-3463

Ontario Economic Development - In Ontario we

value healthy balance between business and pleasure. Here you can build your career while enjoying a highly satisfying and relaxed lifestyle.

Education Lansbridge University - Only accredited eLearning institution in Canada for in MBA and eMBA Degree Programs 412 Queen Street, Fredericton NB, E3B 1B6 Tel: 506-443-0780 Fax: 506-459-2909 Email: [email protected]

Health & Wellness Forces of Nature - Naturopathic, chiropractic, massage therapy and psychotherapy 2443 ½ Yonge St, Toronto Ontario, Canada M4P 2E7 Tel: 416-481-0222 Email: [email protected]

You can put your business in front of thousands of readers for just $85 per year. Listings feature in Muchmor Canada Magazine and the MBN Magazine and include links to website and email addresses. Just $85 per year for listings in two online magazines. Click here for details.

MaxGXL - is a complex nutritional supplement that

Communities

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Brandon Economic Development - Marketing

Staging For Success - Let certified Canadian Staging

Brandon as a great place to live, work and invest in. City of Brandon 410-9th Street Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A2 Tel: 204-729-2132 Fax: 204-729-8244 Email: [email protected]

uses an ideal combination of nutrients to facilitate glutathione replenishment. Sherry Turner Independent Associate, Campbellford Ontario, K0L 1L0 Tel: 705-653-5117 Email: [email protected]

Professional™ Birgit Wartenberg help you to transform your home. Serving the Quinte area of Ontario. Tel: 613-771-0075 Email: [email protected]

65 Business Finder Sequoia Club

Jewellery & Clothing Jewelry by T - Jewelry for the woman who dares to be admired. Custom handcrafted designs by Canadian Designer Tina Dezsi. Tel: 905-668-2352 Email: [email protected]

Money & Finance

Stagecoach GMAC - Helen Parnell - Sales

Representative covering the Cochrane and Calgary area of Alberta Tel: 403-92-5670 Email: [email protected]

Relocation Best Place Immigration - Immigration advice by

advisor servicing Quinte Region, Eastern Ontario RR#2, Shannonville, Ontario K0K 3A0 Tel: 613-922-6699 Fax: 613-962-6736 Email: [email protected]

authorized representative Ron Liberman, Full Member of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC). 1500 West Georgia Street, Suite 1400, Vancouver BC, V6G 2Z6 Tel: 604-970-0629 Fax: 604-608-4723 Email: [email protected]

Hemlock Investments - Investors who specialize in

LoonLounge.com - LoonLounge is your Canadian

Cedarlane Financial- Independent financial services

residential real estate in Ontario, and Alberta. Quinte, Ontario Tel: 613-921-2535 Fax: 613-473-0014 Email:[email protected]

immigration and settlement community; a place to meet your future Canadian neighbours, employers and employees while learning about life in Canada. Email: [email protected]

HiFX Currency Specialists - HiFX helps over 30,000

Moving 2 Alberta - Real estate, relocation and people buy and sell currency every year for personal and settlement services by Helen Parnell for people moving business needs. to the Calgary & Southern Alberta area Worldwide locations Tel: 403-92-5670 Email: [email protected] Sciore & Associates Inc - Certified Financial Planner, Insurance Specialist, Retirement Income Specialist Mymuchmor - This Canadian online social network 102 King St E, Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 1N5 enables people to meet, blog, post photos, chat and Tel: 905-697-2262 promote local events in a friendly and safe environment. Email: [email protected] Tel: 613-396-5531 Fax: 613-396-3463 The Expat Coach - Our services ensure you collect the research information you need, choose the right place to live, know the lifestyle you can expect, and to be certain your emigration is worth the time, effort and money. Go-Snapit - The aim of this project is to capture 136 Cougar Point Road, Canmore, Alberta, T1W 1A1 everyday life in Canada as seen by ordinary Canadians. Tel: 403-675-2039 The goal is to select the best photos from those sent in Email: [email protected] and produce a book that captures the real essence of how Canadians see life around them.

Photography

Put Your Business Here You can put your business in front of thousands of readers for just $85 per year. Listings feature in Muchmor Canada Magazine and the MBN Magazine and include links to website and email addresses. Just $85 per year for listings in two online magazines. Click here for details.

Shopping

Buy Canadian First - Our website's mission is to

showcase products that are made in Canada, but more importantly, it tells consumers where to buy them! We also offer content celebrating these products and Canada as a whole through our blog. Check us out! Tel: 1-888-633-6319, Email: [email protected] Blog: www.thegoodshopperblog.ca

Real Estate

Web Services

Century 21 Lanthorn - Claudia Hancott - Sales

poloDesign - Whether you need a custom-designed

Representative covering the Quinte area of Ontario. Earn AIR MILES when using my services. 264 Front Street, Belleville, ON K8N 2Z2 Email: [email protected]

website you can update yourself, a retractable banner or pop-up display, or a whole new look for your company, poloDesign will help you communicate your message. Tel: 613-392-2011 Email: [email protected]

Club& Garden 66 Home 32Sequoia Working Life

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