Blog

Happy Family Day

2012-02-20 | 07:06:26

Whether you agree that we need a family day or not, we have one!  In parts of Canada Family Day is a statutory holiday occurring on the third Monday in February... The timing of Family Day coincides with Presidents Day in the United States.

There’s lot to enjoy in your neigbourhood so get out and enjoy. And don’t forget your shut-ins as well; let not the family forgets the elderly.

The weather is beautiful in Muskoka! You can even enjoy Family Day at Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre Family with free admission http://goo.gl/71J3x

Have a great day everyone!

Twas the night before Christmas

2011-12-24 | 14:25:43

One of my favorite memories as a child was listening to the poem by Clement Clarke Moore"A Visit from St. Nicholas" (more popularly known as "The Night before Christmas” there is not likely a more parodied poem in the English language., so here is a few for a seasonal chuckle!

A Florida Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town,
No noses were frozen, no snow fluttered down...

A Lawyer's Night Before Christmas
Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse...

A Politically Correct Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?

A Programmer's Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before implementation, and all through the house,
Not a program was working not even a browse...

A Redneck Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the trailer
Not a creature was stirrin' 'cept a redneck named Taylor...

A Star Trek Night Before Christmas (I)
'Twas the night before Christmas on the Enterprise-D,
On a routine short hop to Starbase 03...

The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst TV-INTERNET AUCTION

2011-11-24 | 11:49:30

 The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst TV-INTERNET AUCTION

 I was asked why I was a Rotarian, after some thought my answer was: Where else could I Help eliminate polio, while feeding the local hungry? Where else could I Help with the bicycle project in Cambodia, while helping kids learn to play Chess in our local Public Schools? Where else could I assist Music on the Barge, Gravenhurst Girl Guides and Scouts, and our local hospitals. Where else could I do all of this and make friends for a lifetime all over the world? Where else but Rotary?

As chair of the 2011 Gravenhurst Rotary TV/internet auction I wanted to get the word out about the wonderful event, so I am enclosing Excerpts from the President’s Message - Enno Hoekstra, President 2011 – Rotary Club of Gravenhurst.

It’s that time of year again……time for the 31^st annual Rotary TV-Internet Auction when businesses and individuals in Gravenhurst and surrounding area step up to the plate and make it possible for the Rotarians of Gravenhurst to raise funds to help those in need both locally and internationally. The Auction along with our weekly Rotary TV Bingo and other fundraisers enable us to provide that much needed assistance. A big thank you goes to TVCogeco for their support year after year.

The proceeds from your bids and donations are used in many ways…….such as new jerseys for our Special Olympics softball team, wheelchairs for seniors, equipment for South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, and building Rotary House for family accommodation at the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Unit. In addition, our public and high school students benefit from courses we sponsor to better prepare them for the future and help them make career choices.

While the proceeds from this auction are used to do what we have been doing every year since 1937, I also want to make you aware of our Gravenhurst Rotary Bursary Endowment Fund. This fund was established in 2009 to provide bursaries to Gravenhurst students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. Donations to this fund are growing steadily and enabled us to award the first four bursaries this year. It’s another success story that Gravenhurst people have made possible!

This year’s Rotary International theme is “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity”. Your generous bids on the wonderful assortment of donated items and services will go a long way toward making life better for people in our community and abroad.

Thank you and I hope you may be able to participate!

Terry Pilger......Chair 2011 Gravenhurst Rotary auction

Main Phone Line 705-687-6777 or Bid online http://www.gravenhurstrotaryauction.com/

Housing market still economy's bright spot!

2011-10-19 | 12:22:55

Existing home prices in Canada continued to increase last month, although the gains recorded were the smallest since January http://business.financialpost.com/2011/10/17/canadas-home-price-gains-slow/ … Garry Marr Financial Post Oct 17, 2011 – 9:18 AM ET | Last Updated: Oct 17, 2011 4:52 PM ET

Thanksgiving in Muskoka

2011-10-09 | 07:23:31

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.....living in Muskoka especially our fresh air, safe communities and friendly atmosphere makes this a place where you can relax and appreciate your surroundings.

We have been blessed with an amazing climate, although others may argue the point.  I, for one, enjoy the vibrant colours and spectacular scenery as the seasons change.  Even winter can be beautiful.  When we see natural disasters around the world we, here in Muskoka, are so lucky not to have major forest fires, earthquakes and hurricanes.  Even tornadoes are rare!

On a positive note regarding the economy, Canada has not been unaffected by the global financial crisis.  Nevertheless our economy is among the strongest in the world.  Are we booming in Muskoka? No, but we are holding our own.  Could we have more prosperity, sure, but through these downtimes makes us appreciate the good times when they come around.  So as we celebrate Thanksgiving, count your blessings!

Keep your spirits alive.  Spend some time with your family and friends!  May God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving.

MAKEOVER MYTHS

2011-08-19 | 08:00:14

Given the current home-improvement craze, now seems like a good time to look at and debunk a few popular myths on the subject.

MYTH #1 - ITS MY HOUSE.  I CAN DO WHAT I WANT

In truth, there are some home improvements for which you need a permit.  These improvements vary depending on where you live, but typically include renovations involving structural changes and plumbing or electrical work.  To find out if your project requires a permit, call your municipality's building department.

MYTH #2 ANY IMPROVEMENT I MAKE WILL INCREASE MY HOUSE'S VALUE

While some projects certainly do boost a home's appeal (like adding a second bathroom), others can actually negatively impact your property's value.  Pools and elaborate landscaping are 2 examples of home improvements that, in some cases, could actually dissuade buyers, mostly due to the amount of work and expense required for upkeep.

MYTH #3 I CAN DO IT MYSELF- FOR LESS

Many home owners underestiimate the amount of time a project will take to finish, as well as how much it will cost (hidden expenses like permits are often overlooked) and they underestimate their skills, which can lead to mistakes that, at best, require more time and money to fix or, at worst, result in safety hazards and insurance issues.

MYTH #4 HE'S THE MOST EXPENSIVE - HE MUST BE THE BEST

Fact is, price alone is a faulty basis on which to hire a contractor.  The contractor with the highest estimate may just be the one who least wants the job.  Find out exactly what you would be getting for your money.  Check their references, and make sure they applicably licenses and insured.