December 2011 - The Bulletin Magazine

www.TheBulletinMagazine.com 

THE 

Bulletin 

EAST GWILLIMBURY’S COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 

Holiday Cacti 

Can Live for 

Decades 

© JW Photography 

PLUS Chocolate Covered Circles: 

Fruit Jellies Christmas 2011 

December 2011 Issue 10 Volume 14

Sharon Temple National Historic Site 

and Museum 

presents 

Darryl Withrow 

co-author of 

From Hands Now Striving to be Free 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 

7:30 p.m. 

Admission $10 in support of Sharon Temple 

An interactive presentation about the boxes 

crafted by prisoners following the Rebellion of 1837 

Examples from the Sharon Temple collection 

will be on display 

www.sharontemple.ca 

Sharon Temperance Hall, 18990 Leslie Street 

Outdoor 

Skating 

on Main 

Street 

Kelly Ewing with her children Liam and Sophie at the 

Main Street, Mount Albert outdoor rink last February. 

The photos were taken after a snow storm leaving 

behind 6 inches of snow, so the background is a winter 

wonderland! 

Here’s to hoping that the rink this winter will be in 

great shape for family and player enjoyment all 

winter long! 

Bring your family 

over to our house 

for Christmas. 

A special Music Presentation just for you – 

“A Christmas Cantata” 

Christmas Eve at 6:30 pm 

Candlelight Communion at 10:00 pm 

Mount Albert United Church 

41 Alice Street, Mount Albert 

www.mauc.ca 

Submitted by Jack Parr

IN EACH ISSUE 

6 WHAT’S ON December 

Community events you don’t 

want to miss 

contents 

8 Chocolate Covered Fruit Jellies 

In the Kitchen with Moira Sanders 

12 EG Athletes 

Reports and news 

14 Circles: Christmas 2011 

By Vicki Pinkerton 

16 Decorating 

By Susan Crema-Martin 

20 Wellness 

Holiday Nutrition Advice from Dad 

24 In the Garden 

Holiday Cacti Can Live 

for Decades 

26 Tax Tips 

CPP: Salary or Dividend 

1st Sunday of each month 

Food Bank 

at Mount Albert U.C. 

41 Alice Street, Mount Albert 

Please bring non-perishable items for 

the Food Bank. All food bank items 

will be going to Mt. Albert to feed 

the people of East Gwillimbury. 

FEATURES 

11 @ the LIBRARY news 

What’s happening at EG libraries 

28 Tis the Season 

Greetings from local 

merchants & friends 

This month’s contributors: 

Moira Sanders, Vicki Pinkerton, 

Susan Crema-Martin, Anne Hill, 

Brandi McCarthy, Gerri Sefi, Ian Hawkins, 

Mary Lou Swanson 

Next issue: February 2012 

EACH ISSUE DELIVERED BY 

CANADA POST 

MacWilliam Farms 

22645 Leslie Street, South of Ravenshoe Road 

APPLES, TOMATOES 

MAPLE SYRUP, FRESH BROWN 

EGGS, JAMS, PRESERVES, CHEESE, 

PORK SAUSAGES, BACON, CHICKEN 

& MUCH MORE 

Everything we sell is grown on 

our farms in Ontario. 

APPLY NOW FOR THE 2012 CSA PROGRAM 

Call for hours 

905-836-9656 

www.macwilliamfarms.ca 

FIREWOOD AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND 

BUSH CORD $300 

TheBulletinMagazine.com December 2011 3

Well once again we are nearing the end of a year... 2011 seemed to have flown by - where does 

the time go? 

I don’t suspect that there is any reasonable explanation other than our lives are filled with busy 

schedules... whether it be work, school, family or children, we all have too much on our plate. So how do we fix it... 

is there an answer? A book “CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap” by Edward M. Hallowel 

states, “You can feel like a tin can surrounded by a circle of a hundred powerful magnets”. “Many people are 

excessively busy because they allow themselves to respond to every magnet: tracking too much data, processing too 

much information, answering to too many people, taking on too many tasks,” “all in the sense that this is the way 

they must live in order to keep up and stay in control. But it's the magnets that have the control.” 

Something for all of us to think about! 

I don’t usually make a New Year’s resolution, my belief is that we should set goals (personal) and focus on one at a 

time. When you’ve reached that goal... move on to another. This year if feel the need to start off fresh in a new year, 

so I will have my resolution in mind when the clock rolls over at midnight. 

For those that sent well wishes for Ross’ dad, thank you. He is thankfully hanging in there and we are taking one day 

at a time... hoping for another. 

To all of our readers, contributors, friends and family have the merriest Christmas and Happy New Year! 

THE 

Editors’ Note 

EDITOR/PUBLISHER 

CHRISTINE BENNS 

info@thebulletinmagazine.com 

905-473-9742 

ADVERTISING SALES 

JULIE SMITH 

julie@thebulletinmagazine.com 

905-473-9788 

MAILING ADDRESS: 

4819 Holborn Road, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0 

Christine Benns 

Bulletin 

EAST GWILLIMBURY’S COMMUNITY MAGAZINE 

WWW.THEBULLETINMAGAZINE.COM 

The Bulletin Magazine is published monthly 10 times per year, by 

Creative Graphics, 4819 Holborn Road, Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0. 

Acceptance of advertising does not carry with it endorsement by the publisher. 

Opinions expressed by The Bulletin or any of its authors do not necessarily 

reflect positions of Creative Graphics. 

No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without prior written 

consent from the publisher. We strive for accuracy and safety in presenting 

articles and photos. The publisher will not be responsible for advertising errors 

beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. 

Contents copyright 2011. All rights reserved. 

4 Merry Christmas to All!

2011 East Gwillimbury 

Chamber of Commerce 

Spirit of Success 

Business Awards 

were presented to the following on 

Friday, November 4, 2011 

For All Occasions Gift Baskets Excellence 

in Small Business Award 2011 sponsored 

by: The ERA 

Home Hardware Building Centre 

Excellence in Large Business Award 2011 

sponsored by: Floyd Preston Limited 

The Ladle Restaurant 

Best New Venture/Start Up Award 2011 

sponsored by: South Lake Community 

Futures Development Corporation 

Four Hundred Auto Wreckers (Canada) 

Ltd. – Environmental Business of the Year 

Award 2011 

sponsored by: TD Canada Trust 

Mount Albert Royal Canadian Legion 

Business Community Service Award 2011 

sponsored by: East Gwillimbury Business 

Development Committee 

The Roast of Sharon – Young Entrepreneur 

of the Year Award 2011 – sponsored by: 

Workforce Planning Board of York Region & 

Bradford West Gwillimbury 

Marilyn Payne, Professional Dental 

Hygiene Services – Entrepreneur of the 

Year Award 2011– sponsored: by RC 

Environmental 

Congratulations to all nominees and 

winners. 

•Renovations •Decks and Fences •Basements 

•Plumbing •Bathrooms •Electrical 

•Flooring •Soffit, Siding, Fascia •Roofing 

•Handy Man jobs •Kitchens Installations 

Toll Free 1-855-332-9997 

Servicing York Region 

Immediate response to all calls 7 days a week 

BUY or SELL AVON 

Email me: I’ll send you a link for the latest brochure 

Call me: I’ll drop a brochure off at your home 

ASK me: I’ll tell you about discounts on your Avon orders? 

Deal of the Day & Gift Baskets available 

Call me about your Fundraising Needs 

905-898-4228 

email: osmith@dundeewealth.com 

Your East Gwillimbury Avon Lady 

LINDA 

lindadh@rogers.com 

or 905-557-0070 

Successful investing begins 

with good advice 

RRSP, RRIF, RESP, Financial & Estate Planning 

Tax Reduction Strategies 

Owen M. Smith, HBA, B.Sc., Investment Advisor 

17345 Leslie St., Suite 100 

Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 0A4 


Now until December 25th 

East Gwillimbury Fire Hall Food and Toy Drive 

All Fire Halls in East Gwillimbury 

(Mount Albert, Holland Landing, Queensville) 

Drop off non-perishable food and toys. Get into the 

Holiday Spirit by donating and help local families in 

need. 

Tuesdays @ 11 am and Wednesdays @ 7 pm 

Yoga Classes for MS clients 

and their support teams. FREE 

MS Society of York. 905-830-4950 

MS Board Office, 17665 Leslie Street, Newmarket. 

1st Thursday of every month 

Seniors Luncheon 55+ 

11:30, Come and enjoy a delicious lunch with a 

good old hymn sing and embrace God’s word. 905- 

473-3227, www.hillsidechurchmountalbert.com 

2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month 

Euchre at North Union Community Center 

2624 Boag Road east of Woodbine Ave. 

7.30pm – all you people that like to play Euchre -come 

on out and have some fun. Admission $2.00 

include coffee and snacks -- 905 478 4947 

WHAT’S ON 

Saturday, December 3 

Meet the Artists 

Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket 

Free admission and NO HST. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 

Artists from the East Gwillimbury Group of Artists will 

display tables of original greeting cards, book marks, 

photography and a new selection of paintings for 

Christmas giving. Enjoy complimentary "Red Cardinal 

Punch" and festive baking while listening to the 

sounds of Christmas music. Show and Sale will 

continue until December 17 (visit Monday - Friday 

from 1 - 5pm or Saturdays, noon to 4pm) 

Monday, December 5 

East Gwillimbury Group of Artists: Christmas Art 

Show and Sale 

Holland Landing C.C., 19513 Yonge Street 

Original artwork, photography, bookmarks, greeting 

cards (seasonal, one-of-a-kind, and others) will be on 

display and for sale. Free Admission and NO HST. 

Thursday, December 8 

Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay 

10:30 am, Town Hall 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon 

Rick Hansen will not personally be attending. 


Lunch with Santa and Talent Contest 

Join Santa at 12 noon for a pancake lunch at the 

Mount Albert Canadian Legion, 31 Princess Street. 

At 1 p.m. an open fun amateur talent contest for 

children ages 5-14: musicians, magicians, dancers 

and singers welcomed. We are still looking for 

contestants to fill our schedule. Donation of non 

perishable food item for local food bank 

Pre-registration required 905-960-9186. 


Holiday Parties at Your Library 

Come to the Library for holiday fun with crafts, 

stories and singing. 

Mount Albert Branch — at 11:00 a.m. 

Holland Landing Branch — at 1:30 p.m. 


Family Christmas Fun Day 

York North Chapter of the MS Society. 17665 Leslie 

Street, Newmarket, Unit 7. Join us from 2 - 5 pm for 

crafts and refreshments. 905-830-4950. 


ELF DAY 

Sharon Public School, 18532 Leslie Street 

Let our elves “Wrap Up” your holidays! 

9 am to 1 pm. Pancake Breakfast, Gift Wrapping, 

Bake Sale, Fresh Trees, Vendors, Crafts, Movies for 

Kids and much more. This event is for raising money 

for music, arts, sports and technology programs at 

the school. 


Sunday, December 11 

Healing Service, 7:00 pm 

Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve Service, 7 pm 

Holt Free Methodist Church 

www.holtfmc.webs.com, 19198 McCowan Road 

(just North of Mt. Albert Road) 905-473-3783. 

WHAT’S ON 

Tuesday, December 13 

York Simcoe Naturalists Club Meeting 

Guest Speaker: Kevin Shackleton: His trip to Central 

America, Tishita Jungle Lodge: a cure for Nature Deficit 

Disorder. 7:30 pm 

20 Oak Street, River Drive Park Community Centre in 

East Gwillimbury. www.ysnaturalists.ca 

Please lug a mug. 


East Gwillimbury TRAILS WALK 

Scott-Zephyr Trail 

Meet at parking lot on north side of Holborn Road, 

east of Highway 48. 9:00 am. 

December 21, 22, 23 & 24 

ANNUAL NATIVITY PAGEANT 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in cooperation 

with the Town of Newmarket, presents the 

annual Christmas Pageant, “A Journey to Bethlehem”. 

Fairy Lake Park, Water St. Performance is repeated 

twice each evening 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. There is only one 

show on Dec. 24 Christmas Eve at 

7 p.m. Featuring a live cast and real animals 

representing the nativity scene and 

birth of Jesus Christ as told in the New Testament. 

Dress warmly and allow for a 20-minute walk. 

Admission is free. 


Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Tim Hortons First 

Night in Newmarket. 

800 Mulock Drive, Magna Centre. 5 to 9 pm 

Live outdoor family entertainment, horse drawn 

wagon rides, free skating and swimming. Enjoy a 

train ride on Tim Hortons Express (owned and 

operated by the Town of Newmarket). At the end 

of the evening be dazzled by the Grand Finale 

Countdown at 9 p.m. 


New Year’s Eve Celebrations 

8 pm-Midnight at the Newmarket Riverwalk 

Commons, Doug Duncan Drive. Presented by the 

Newmarket Main Street BIA. Bring your family and 

friends for an evening of skating, band music, 

wagon rides and refreshments. Free. For more 

information please visit 

ww.newmarketmainstreet.com 


New Year Eve Dance 

Come celebrate the New Year 2012 

Mount Albert & District Legion 

31 Princess Street, Mount Albert 

8 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

Dancing to a DJ, Party Favours, Buffet 

$45 per couple $20 per single 

To reserve tickets: 905-473-2565, leave a message 

or 905-715-1212 

HOLIDAY HOURS @ your LIBRARY 

Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24 at 1:00 p.m. 

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25 - Closed 

Boxing Day Monday December 26 - Closed 

Monday December 27 - Closed 

New Year's Eve Saturday, December 31 at 1:00 p.m. 

New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1 - Closed 

CHECK OUT PAGE 11 FOR DECEMBER EVENTS 


IN THE KITCHEN 

with Moira Sanders 

Giving homemade candy at Christmastime is a delicious 

way of spreading holiday cheer. These candies taste very 

similar to the well-known chocolate bar, Big Turk, but 

without any of the stuff they put in there to make it last years 

rather than weeks. I make these with my homemade crabapple 

jelly and they end up being a pretty pink colour 

(which is perfect against the chocolate brown!). Any flavour 

of jelly will work, however, and store-bought is fine. Many 

candy recipes call for a candy thermometer, but not this one. 

Just bring the jelly mixture to a boil and cook it for two 

minutes. Very easy and when I bit into my first piece, I went 

a little weak in the knees. Imagine making your friends and 

family go weak in the knees with your holiday gifts this 

year. Joy to the World! 

Chocolate-Covered Fruit Jellies 

1 cup jelly, homemade or store-bought, your favourite 

flavour 

½ cup water 

¾ cup granulated sugar 

2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes unflavoured gelatine 

¼ tsp citric acid (available at the Bulk Barn) 

Dipping Chocolate (for the simplest dipping chocolate, try 

Merkens chocolate wafers from the Bulk Barn) 

Icing sugar 

Butter or spray a loaf pan and set aside. In a medium 

saucepan, combine the jelly, water, sugar, gelatine, and 

citric acid. Place over medium heat and stir constantly 

with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes to a boil. 

Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour into the 

prepared pan. Refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm. 

Using a spatula, flip the candy out onto a piece of waxed 

paper or parchment. Cut into 1-inch squares. Melt the 

chocolate in a bowl set over simmering water. Use 

bamboo skewers or strong toothpicks to dip each piece 

into the chocolate and then set on parchment paper. Allow 

to set and store in an airtight container for up to a few 

weeks. 

Moira Sanders has made a career of 

food which gives her inspiration for her 

local cooking classes, her website 

www.moirasanders.com, and cooking for 

her busy family. Moira co-wrote the 

award-winning cookbook "The Harrow 

Fair Cookbook" published by Whitecap 

Books. Moira can be reached at 

moira@moirasanders.com. 



From all of us at 

Royal Le Page at Your Service Realty, 

Holland Landing Branch 

8 Bradford Street, Holland Landing 

905-836-6315 

905-478-4022 

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 10 - 6 

May the joy of Christmas be 

yours this season and in the 

coming year. 16,000 sq.ft. OF QUALITY ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES 

Free Ballot for a Shopping Spree 

Valid until December 20, 2011 

20091 Woodbine Ave., Queensville, Ont. L0G 1R0 

E-mail: contact@queensvilleantiquemall.com 

www.queensvilleantiquemall.com 

Season’s Greetings from 

our families to yours! 

Virginia, Cathy, Marlene, Tara, John, 

and staff at the Town of East Gwillimbury 


@ 

Bedtime Stories: Drop by and join Ms. Jodi & 

Ms. Mary Ann for bedtime fun! 

All Ages! (with adult) 

Mount Albert Branch – Wednesday, December 14 

at 7:00 p.m. *No registration required. 

CIRCLE OF READERS @ Mount Albert Branch 

will be held on Dec. 7th from 7-8 p.m. 

Grades 1-4 

This program is designed to build confidence in the 

reluctant or hesitant reader by setting goals and 

keeping track of their progress in a book. Through 

interacting with their parent and other children, the 

child will soon build confidence and learn to read 

out loud in a group or at school. When they reach 

their goal, there will be a celebration party (pizza or 

ice cream) To register, please call 905-473-2472 

(Mount Albert) or email Acting Children's 

Coordinator, Heather @ halblas@primus.ca This 

program is free. 

Saturday Crafty Kids: 

Join us for a messy morning of fun! 

Holland Landing Branch - December 17 at 

10:30 a.m. 

Mount Albert Branch – December 3 at 10:30 a.m. 

Ages: 3 - 8 years (with adult) Please register. 

NEW Tween Advisory Board: Are you interested 

in meeting tweens and helping the Library? 

Check out the Tween Advisory Board on 

Wednesday, December 14 from 4 -5 p.m. at the 

Tues to Thurs 10am to 8pm 

Friday 10am to 5pm 

Saturday 10am to 4pm 

Sunday 1pm to 5pm 

(mid-Oct to mid-May) 

Holland Landing Branch 

19513 Yonge Street 

(905) 836-6492 

the LIBRARY news 

Mount Albert Branch. Ages 9 - 12. For more 

information, contact Mary Ann at 

mareilly@primus.ca. Please register. 

TEEN Volunteer Opportunity: Need community 

service hours? Join the Teen Advisory Board! We 

meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Drop in and 

see what we’re about. 

Next meeting: December 14 at 7 p.m. at the 

Holland Landing Branch. For more information, 

contact Heather at halblas@primus.ca. 

Cookie Decorating Program: Celebrate the final 

days of the season by decorating your own cookies. 

Ages 4 and up (with adult). 

Mount Albert Branch - Thursday, December 29 at 

10:30 am 

Holland Landing Branch - Friday, December 30 at 

10:30 am 

Groove & Play: Discover the joys of music with your 

child. Mount Albert Branch - Saturday, December 

17 at 10:30 a.m. Ages: 1 - 5 years (with adult) 

Please register. 

Registration is required at least one week in 

advance for ALL Programs, unless otherwise noted. 

For 

more info and learn about 

other programs visit 

www.egpl.ca 

Tues to Thurs 10am to 8pm 

Friday 10am to 5pm 

Saturday 10am to 4pm 

Sunday 1pm to 5pm 

(mid-Oct to mid-May) 

Mount Albert 

19300 Centre Street 

(905) 473-2472 


EG ATHLETES 

Fulfilling Dreams 

Dylan Wallace has lived in Holland Landing his whole life. He started in EG 

Athletics at the age of 4 when he joined house league soccer. Even though he had 

learned to skate at age 3 in the local skating program at the Sharon arena, he did 

not start playing hockey until age 7 when he started playing 3-on-3 in the summer 

and EG house league in the fall of 2002. He then progressed quickly, playing for 

the EG 'A' team the following year (his team won the York-Simcoe championship), 

then York Simcoe Express AAA for the following 7 years (his team won back-toback 

OMHA championships and made the finals every year but one). Dylan is a 

left-shooting forward, his strengths being extreme lunge, deceptive speed, quick 

release and ability to score. Over the years he has consistently averaged between 1 

and 2 points per game. 

In 2010 he was chosen as a centre for the U16 Team OMHA, which beat the GTHL 

to win the Ontario Championship. He was interviewed on the telecast of one of the games for getting the gamewinning 

goal. 

Over the years, Dylan has also excelled at school sports, coming first in York Region in running long jump, 

high jump, and coming first in the Northern York area in badminton, triple jump, and helping his teams win 

the area in relay, volleyball and basketball. He also consistently maintained his Ontario scholarship status. 

Two of his proudest moments were when he was awarded the Male Athlete of the Year at Holland Landing 

Public School in 2009, and just recently the Junior Male Athlete of the Year at Denison High School. 

In May 2011, one of his dreams came true when he was drafted to the OHL Windsor Spitfires (their 5th pick 

in the 7th round). 

He is currently very proud to be playing for the Aurora Tigers Jr A team, one of their two 16-year olds on 

the roster. 

Dylan still enjoys playing pickup hockey and ball hockey on the street with friends, and still holds onto his 

dream of one day possibly having the honour of playing in the NHL. But the most important thing to him is 

his conviction to do his best at whatever he does, and hoping that good things come of it. 

Calling All E.G. Athletes... any age, team or individual! 

The Bulletin along with the assistance of Owen M. Smith are looking for reasons to celebrate the successes of E.G. 

athletes. Share your story with our readers. Contact info@thebulletinmagazine.com or osmith@dundeewealth.com - 

please put EG Sports in the subject line. 


East Gwillimbury Skating Club 

are all set for the EG Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, November 20 in Holland 

Landing. Don’t forget to join the club on Saturday, December 17 for the Annual 

Santa Skate. www.egskatingclub.com 

Holiday Skating 

Schedule 

Adults $2, Youth (under 16) $1 

East Gwillimbury Sports Complex 


Circles: 

Christmas 2011 By Vicki Pinkerton 

Christmas. Humans have been celebrating the lengthening of the days and the birth of a baby in a manger for 

thousands of years. In cold climates, it has been an occasion to snuggle near the fire telling stories and building 

traditions. As everything changes, so too does Christmas. I'm sure it is not the same as it was when I was a girl. The 

Saturday before Halloween, I found myself in a toy store picking up a monster magnifying glass. While I was there, 

the staff was shoving Halloween decorations into a big garbage bag and pulling smiling Santas, reindeer and 

snowflakes out of a box. "You're kidding," I said, "it's way too early." Two of the workers disagreed with me, "it's 

never too early," I was told. The other just raised his eyebrows. 

As I drove home that day, I was nostalgic about the loss of Christmas past and the way the whole thing seems to have 

shifted its meaning, so I decided to do a little investigation. I called Ormond Toole and Ramona Paisley, two longtime 

residents of our area and Katarina Martynuik, a 10-year-old grade 5 student from Mount Albert Public School to give 

me their perspectives of Christmas. Here is some of what I learned. 

Ormand Toole's family has lived on a farm just outside of Mount Albert for 5 generations. He has been there for 92 

years. When I asked him about Christmas, he smiled. He remembered the Christmas tree, beautiful but not yet 

twinkling with electric lights. He told me that they didn't get many presents and what they did, was mainly clothing. 

One year, he remembered, he got the sleigh he had been wanting. The best and closest hill around was the Mount 

Albert hill and he still remembers the cold, mile, long trek to get there. It was worth it. On Christmas day, his dad 

would hitch up the team and the family would pile into the cutter to head for Mount Albert for Christmas Dinner 

with family. He can still bring to mind his excitement at getting oranges and bananas; real treats at that time and of 

course the rich Christmas cake made by his mother every year. Thinking back, he said the best part of the season was 

the time spent with family. 

Ramona Paisley is also a long time resident of the area and she remembered the school Christmas Concert as being 

the highlight of the season. She went to a one room grade 1-8 schoolhouse. Everyone had a part from the youngest 

to the oldest. There were plays, poetry readings, recitations and music. One year her older sister did a long and 

complicated recitation all from memory. Today, she is still impressed at her sister’s ability to remember the whole 

thing and perform it flawlessly. 

Ramona's dad worked for Oldham's trucking company taking livestock to market in Toronto. When Christmas was 

coming he would do some special shopping in the city and come home with a 10 lb bag of peanuts in the shell and 

a smaller bag of mixed nuts for the season. Oranges, bananas and nuts would all be out along with some wonderful 

candies that only seemed to be available for Christmas. They were so good. 

On Christmas morning she and the kids would jump out of bed early to peek at the tree. What had Santa brought? 

Often it was clothing. She doesn't think there was much wrapping done in those days and she remembers one year 

finding a beautiful new dress hung in the branches of the tree. When her parents finally got out of bed, there were 

barn chores to be done and then her mother would put the goose into the oven of the wood stove. Later the cooked 

goose and food goodies were bundled up and everyone headed for the family Christmas just south of Sandford. What 

merriment as 13 cousins found themselves together for dinner and the afternoon. 

She told me that her family always had a car, although sometimes the horses were still hitched up to make the trip 

depending on the weather. One Christmas she remembers her Dad and brothers shoveling out the road in front of her 

house to get to Davis Drive so they could make their way to the festivities. The big meal would be eaten at noon, 


then the women would do the dishes and the kids would romp enjoying each others company. All day, oranges, 

bananas, dishes of nuts and candies would be available. Late in the afternoon, leftovers would be put out for anyone 

with any appetite left. After it was all over, everyone was bundled up again to head home for evening chores. It was 

a perfect day and repeated, without the gifts, New Years Day at a different family home. 

Katarina Martynuik is 10 years old with a younger sister 

named Payten. They live in Mount Albert. “Christmas trees,” 

she told me. “When I think of Christmas I think of a 

beautiful Christmas tree decorated with red and green with 

a star on top.” She also dreams of snow for Christmas and 

Santa. In her family, she told me, the tree goes up near the 

beginning of December. This year is the first year that they 

will have a real tree and she is looking forward to searching 

out the perfect one. She will help her mom with the 

Christmas baking, which will include chocolate chip 

cookies, shortbread and of course, a gingerbread house. 

There will be lots of Christmas music. Her favourite part of 

Christmas is the coming of family from all over the country 

and sometimes even from Germany. This year they are 

expecting aunts and uncles from Vancouver and Powell 

River in BC. Opa is from Germany so they open presents 

Christmas Eve in the German tradition. Christmas morning 

Opa will be in the kitchen whipping up his specialty, delicious, light, fluffy, Christmas waffles. 

This year Katarina helped Payten write a letter to Santa and she added her own Christmas wish at the very end. She 

only really wants one present this year and she is hoping that Santa, maybe with the help of her Mom, will be able 

to manage. It isn't the presents that make Christmas her favourite time of the year. It is getting together with family, 

the laughing and the feeling everyone gets being together. 

This was a great project for me. I loved being immersed in the memories of Christmas. As I write this, it is still 

November but in my heart it is Christmas. I am feeling the spirit in a different way than I did in the toy store at 

Halloween. I have realized through meeting Ormand, Katarina and Ramona that although things have changed, the 

important things still remain. The gifts might be different but it is the time with family that is important … and the 

food. It is the smells of Christmas, the laughter, the oranges, bananas, baking and the nuts. I am still carrying 

something Ramona said just before I walked out her door into a crisp, starry night. She had just been telling me how 

her whole family gathers in her home for Christmas dinners now and I asked, is there anything that you miss about 

the Christmases of long ago? “No,” she told me, “I live them again every year.” 

“I live them again every year.” It echoes in my mind still. And so we do, in our memories and in our actions through 

the season. So Merry Christmas everyone. I will see you again next year. 

Note: Not all of us have the same happy memories from Christmases past. There are still opportunities to help 

families who are not able to have an abundant Christmas this year. If you can, share with someone who doesn't have 

as much. A small act of kindness can make a large difference. 

Vicki Pinkerton lives on a small farm just outside of Mount Albert when she is not driving the roads of Canada. 

She is a practicing life coach, a writer and adventurer who wonders about many things. 

www.questacrosscanada.com or lifelinescoaching.org 

Where do you see community? What makes it work? Let me know. 

Email egbulletin@rogers.com and put Circles in the subject line. 


decorating 

Does New Carpet Really Help Sell a Home? 

By Susan Crema-Martin 

New flooring makes a crucial first impression on prospective buyers and brings a property closer to being move 

in ready. I often have to face clients that do not want to replace flooring because they think it will be easier for 

the next person who buys their house to pick what they want. I quickly ask them if they like the “honey do list”, 

and I usually hear, “oh no! I have done that before and I want a place where I don’t have to do all that work”. 

Therefore, it is important for a professional to look at different options when it comes to flooring to help reduce 

the risk of a large price reduction when a property goes on the market. 

Some popular types of flooring are hardwood, bamboo, cork, linoleum, laminate, stone and cozy carpeting. 

Carpeting is still a very cost effective way to cover large areas of flooring. Carpeting today can make any room 

feel warm, rich and inviting, dampen noise, provide a soft and comfortable underfoot, as well as being 

non-allergenic. Frances McConnell, at KMS Flooring in Newmarket suggests the following: 

3 types of carpeting: 

FRIEZE: cut pile carpet made with twisted fibre; has a slightly informal look and hides multitude of sins 

which is great for high traffic areas and will not show footprints; available in a large range of colours and patterns 

BERBER: cost effective; typically was multi coloured, but now comes in many solid colours; great for wear 

and tear; made of olefin which makes it easy to clean 

SEMI-TRACKLESS: this style of carpet hides footprints; flat and tight carpeting that does not show marks; 

popular for hall and stair installations. 

HomeGain statistic for replacing or shampooing carpets, on an average cost $400-$500, can increase your home 

price between $1000-$1500, which is a 295% (ROI)return on investment. 

Let’s Cozy up for winter… 

This York Region property sold in 4 days for 100% of the list price, June 2011 – staging works 

Left: 

before 

Right: 

After with 

new carpet 

and fresh 

paint! 

Susan Crema-Martin is a Certified Master Canadian Staging Professional – CCSP Mentor 

If you have a question for Susan, send your questions to: info@thebulletinmagazine.com 



By Anne Hill 

hort happenings 

December News 

Last month I mentioned that Project Feederwatch was 

about to start for the season and I’ve had an exciting first 

count! For the first time ever a red-bellied woodpecker 

has been coming to the peanut feeder – this large 

handsome bird has not typically come this far north. It got 

me thinking about the changes we see from year to year as 

the climate changes. There are still annuals, including 

snapdragons, in flower and the hanging baskets of annual 

geraniums are looking just fine although it’s 

November 20th. 

Of course, winter is just around the corner and the 

birdbath is now plugged in so that it won’t freeze. The 

birds really do appreciate a water supply in winter 

We have been planning the flower shows to be held at the 

East Gwillimbury Gardeners meetings from May to 

October. Showing the flowers from your garden is a great 

way to ensure that you really take a close look at what’s 

growing and enjoy the details. It’s also a chance to let 

other gardeners see something new. 

This is a good time to think about delights and 

disappointments in the garden this year. I thoroughly 

enjoyed the containers that I put together using some 

plants I’d not tried before. A very tall grass, King Tut 

papyrus, looked exotic in a large pot with lower plants 

around it; that’s one I’ll use again next year. 

The first of the seed catalogues has arrived already – time 

to dream of setting up lights and starting seeds inside. It 

is a great way to get 

exactly what you want and 

avoid the winter blahs. Do 

you save cuttings from 

favourite annuals over the winter? Or keep a pot of 

rosemary indoors? We just don’t want to give up on 

things, do we. 

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday February 21st. 

Malcolm Geast will talk about Bugs in the Garden (he 

was to be our speaker in October but was sick). I expect 

there will be some questions about indoor plant bugs too 

as we are all eager to learn environmentally safe ways to 

control the little pests on our houseplants. We plan to have 

a mid-winter pick-me-up that evening with warm punch 

and tasty treats so join us for a social time at 7 p.m. The 

meeting proper starts at 7:30 p.m. 

The Junior Gardeners will meet at 7p.m. on Feb 21st to 

kick off their year of learning about nature and growing 

things. They took home bulbs planted in pots in October 

so in spring they will have the excitement of watching the 

growth. Youngsters aged 6 – 16 are very welcome to join 

them. Membership for a child is $5 per year, and a family 

membership is $30 (two adults and up to four children). 

All our meetings take place at Mount Albert Community 

Hall, 53 Main Street. For more information please call 

me at 905-478-8450 or check out our website at 

http://www.gardenontario.org/site.php/mountalbert 

Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year. 


Make sure your children are safe 

when they toboggan and skate. 

Children can strangle on a cord or scarf. Use a 

neck warmer instead of a scarf. Take the cords 

and drawstrings off their clothes. 

Safety Tips 

Keep children warm. Dress your children in layers. 

Make sure their heads and necks are covered by a 

hat and a neck warmer. Watch for frostbite! 

On sunny days, put sunscreen on their skin. 

Check your children's equipment to make sure that 

it fits and is in good condition. 

When tobogganing or sledding: 

Make sure your children wear a helmet. 

Choose a hill that is away from roads and parking 

lots. There should be no rocks, trees, fences or 

other dangers in the path. 

Teach your children to slide down the middle of 

the hill, climb up the side and watch up the hill. 

Teach them to move out of the way quickly when 

they get to the bottom. 

When skating: 

Children should wear a helmet. 

If you skate on lakes or rivers make sure the ice is 

smooth and at least 10 centimetres or 4 inches 

thick. Never skate near open water. 

Children should skate in the same direction and at 

the same speed as the crowd. 

Skaters who cannot keep up with the crowd 

should move to the side. 

When playing hockey, only wear a CSA-certified 

helmet. Replace hockey helmets at least every 5 

years. 

MOTORCYCLE, ATV & SLED 

SALES & SERVICE 

25426 Highway 48, Sutton, ON 

Phone: 905.722.7200 

Toll-Free: 1.877.722.7205 

Guy Stramaglia 

& 

Bruce Trim, Brokers 

HALL 

of 

FAME 

1990 

TheBulletinMagazine.com December 2011 19 

2007 

1140 Stellar Drive 

Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7B7 

Toronto Line: (416) 798-7365 

Omega Realty (1988) Ltd., Brokerage 

Independently Owned & Operated 

(905) 

898-1211

Holiday Nutrition Advice from My Dad 

By Brandi McCarthy 

WELLNESS 

Well, the holidays are officially upon us and at this 

time of year I am always at a bit of a loss as to what to 

write. No one really wants to be told what they are 

doing wrong this time of year; no one is really 

interested in making a big lifestyle or nutrition change 

right now. We all have too many things going on now 

that making another change (or reading another article 

about what you shouldn’t be eating at that holiday 

party) just isn’t a priority. So, what is a nutritionist to 

write about over the holiday season? Another “holiday 

survival” tip? Maybe some healthy appetizer ideas for 

Christmas parties? Nothing seemed right. 

I was discussing my dilemma over lunch with my Dad 

the other day (we aim to have a weekly lunch that is 

great downtime for both of us) and he said something 

so perfect that I thought – that’s it! That’s what my 

December article should be about! So what perfect 

nutritional advice did dear old Dad have to share? 

“It’s not what you eat between Christmas and New 

Years that matters, it what you eat between New Years 

and Christmas.” 

Leave it to Dad. It’s not that I haven’t heard the 

expression before, I’m sure I have even said it before, 

but it came at just the right time. Why stress out over a 

couple of weeks when we have fifty other ones to make 

a difference with! 

The holidays should be a time to enjoy, not dread! They 

only come once a year and before you know it they’re 

gone. We get so filled with anxiety at the prospect of 

the family gatherings or the company holiday party 

with all of the temptations lying in wait for us. We 

worry about our waistlines and lack of gym time, we 

stress out that we “overdid it” and then worry about 

working it off for the rest of the week. That’s no way to 

enjoy the holidays! If you’re doing your best all year 

round, enjoy a holiday cookie, enjoy a cocktail or two, 

just don’t indulge like that all year round! It’s really 

pretty simple when you think of it. Two weeks out of 

the year isn’t going to make it or break it. I’ve always 

been a big believer that stress is one of the worst things 

we can do to our body – if you stress about every little 

thing that you do “wrong” over the holiday season you 

will miss the enjoyment of the holidays altogether! If 

you want to indulge a little, go for it, but do it without 

the guilt! 

Now, before you head out to the next party and eat 

everything in sight, remember, you’re relaxing a little, 

not storing for hibernation! A few parties and treats 

won’t ruin a season but try not to treat the holiday 

season like a two week “all you can eat” buffet! 

I promise Kim and I will be back to motivate you guys 

to get right back on track in January, but for now, relax 

just a little, enjoy the good times and good food with 

your friends and family. Unwind, de-stress and really 

enjoy everything the holidays have to offer. 

(Thanks Dad!) 

Brandi (age 2) with her dad enjoying a cookie. 

By Brandi McCarthy, RHN. Brandi is a Registered Nutritionist and certified Personal Trainer at 

Body Design. Body Design offers personal training, nutrition and lifestyle coaching to assist individuals 

achieve their fitness and weight loss goals. www.bodydesign.ca 


DEADLINE 

DECEMBER 

Experienced 

Cleaning Ladies 

Offering Safe, Environmental Cleaning 

References Available 

905-853-4331 

East Gwillimbury Council Meeting Schedule 

December 5 10:00 am – Committee of the Whole Council 

December 5 3:00 pm – Council Meeting 

December 19 1:00 pm – Committee of the Whole Council 

December 19 7:00 pm – Council Meeting 

All meetings are held in Council Chambers at 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon 

The Bulletin Magazine’s February 2012 Issue (no January edition) 

Advertising Deadline: January 18/12. Delivery starts February 1/12 

Canada Post delivers to your mailbox! 

Holland Landing, Sharon, Queensville, Mount Albert, Cedar Valley, 

Holt, River Drive Park, Harvest Hills. 

9,000 copies distributed each month! Proudly owned in E.G. 

MontaBella Skin Care 

& Laser Clinic 

Specializing in: 

Laser Hair Removal 

Microdermabrasion Facials 

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening 

Herbal Detox Body Wraps 

Loose 1-3 inches in as little as 45 minutes... 

Inquire about our Gift Certi�cates & 

Spa Packages for Christmas! 

www.montabellaskincare.com 

montabellaskincare@gmail.com Tel: 905-505-5450 

Contact Julie Smith 

for advertising rates 

julie@thebulletinmagazine.com 

or call 905-473-9788 

Main office: 

info@thebulletinmagazine.com 


FROM EMPLOYMENT TO 

EMPOWERMENT 3 - Part 3 By Gerri Sefi 

This is the final part of the article on questions to ask both the franchise and yourself before you begin the 

lengthy and often costly investigative process. 

What makes a good franchise operation? 

There are a number of factors that contribute to good operation, notwithstanding the obvious i.e. high ROI. Here 

are a few: 

Management tenure – this is often a good example of how solid the business culture is, and staff longevity 

indicate that management knows how to keep good employees. Their philosophy for franchisees will often be 

the same. 

Franchises are awarded – not bought – so it’s important to assess the quality and quantity of corporate data 

provided to you. A good coach can provide you with a list of questions to ask to ensure you cover all the bases. 

Many companies will hold a “Discovery Day”. This is your opportunity to meet the management team at their 

Head Office and kick the tyres. 

Training - Does the franchisor have initial and on-going training, and are they accessible to assist and guide you 

when required? 

Franchisee Input - Does the franchisor have an advisory group i.e. does management listen to those in the field, 

or are all decisions made unilaterally? 

What is life like as a franchise owner? 

Franchise owners experience much the same work life as any other small business i.e. you are responsible for 

everything from marketing to administration to technology. In my experience, very few small business owners 

ever completely leave the business behind when they leave for the day – business owners are never “off-duty”. 

However, the franchisee has an added dimension to his business in that he has support and assistance from the 

franchisor, as well as access to non-competitive associates, some of whom will have been in the business longer 

and are experienced with the business cycle. The anxiety of having all the responsibility is somewhat mitigated 

by being able to share with those in exactly the same position in the same industry. 

What are some of the work life expectations? 

Even if you choose a business that operates during business hours, owners rarely work 9-5, 5 days a week. Be 

prepared to work harder than you have ever done before but with the knowledge that all the rewards are yours, 

as well as pride and satisfaction. 

What are the 5 biggest challenges about owning your own franchise? 

• The larger investment up front instead of gradual capital injection as the business grows. 

• On-going fees - most franchises will take either a percentage of revenue, or a fixed cost, as this is how the 

company itself makes a profit. This can be challenging in lean times. 

• Exit strategy – contracts vary but 10 years is fairly common. You may not be able to quickly sell the business 

as, unlike a normal sale of a business, the franchise company will want to approve the new buyer. It’s not 

just a question of capital, fit is important. 

• You may not agree with some of the decisions made by the management team. Rarely is a franchise company 

a democracy, so you have to be prepared to live with what works for the majority. 

continued on page 30 


Classes running now! 

Tuesday Nights 7 - 8 pm 

Drop-in $10 

Sharon Hope United Church 

18648 Leslie Street, Sharon 

Come join the Zumba fitness Craze. 

Session starts January 10 to March 13 

10 weeks 

YOGA 

with 

JOANNE ROYCE 

certified Yoga Instructor 

Beginner & Intermediate Classes 

Day and Evening Classes available 

9 week course starting January 9, 2012 

** Call Ahead - Space Limited ** 

Sharon 

Healing Service 

Sunday, December 11, 7:00 pm 

Christmas Eve Service 

Saturday, December 24, 7:00 pm 

www.holtfmc.webs.com 

19198 McCowan Road 

(just North of Mt. Albert Road) 

905-473-3783 

905-478-8245 

yoga-with-joanneroyce@rogers.com 

Judy Coffey, Official Zumba Instructor 

289-338-4227 or judy@zumbanorth.com 20% off your first service with DASHA! 

For the complete Zumba North fitness class 

schedule visit www.zumbanorth.com 

In 2010, nearly 119,000 Canadian 

Mo Bros and Mo Sistas got on board, 

raising $22.3 million CAD during the 

Movember campaign. 

Like East Gwillimbury’s Bulletin 

Magazine on FACEBOOK 

Let us assist you with: 

• House cleaning/laundry • Running errands 

• Yard work/maintenance • Meal preparation 

• Holiday preparation • Snow removal 

Anything we can do to help you continue living independently; 

safely & worry free. 

289-380-1226 www.dashainc.ca 

Fully licensed, bonded & insured for your safety & peace of mind. 

Holt Free Methodist Church 


in the garden 

Holiday Cacti Can Live for Decades 

By Mary Lou Swanson, Lake Simcoe South Master Gardener 

One of the houseplants in my living room often sparks a conversation amongst visitors. In its native Brazil, this plant 

is called “Flor-de-Maio” because it blooms in May, the month when winter begins there. Here in North America, 

clever marketers renamed this plant the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi). As our days shorten in 

December, its bold colourful blooms, ranging from red to white, appear just in time to brighten our homes during the 

holiday season. 

Many people growing these succulents are confused about the bloom time. The reason is that there are so many 

cultivars of closely related species being sold today. Their commonality is that they’re all originally forest cacti. They 

grow in trees at high elevations in the mountain regions above Rio de Janeiro. Like orchids, these epiphytes don’t 

require soil in their natural setting, but get their nourishment from the air. 

One such plant is the Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) 

which generally blooms from April through May. It 

differs in appearance from the Christmas cactus in leaf 

shape. Whereas the 

Christmas cactus has 

scalloped or rounded leaf 

edges, the Easter cactus has 

pointed margins. Once 

established, the Easter 

Striking blooms of Thanksgiving Cactus (S. Truncata) add a touch of colour to holiday celebrations. 

cactus will grow as a 

cascading plant, with stems 

that reach up to 30 cm long. 

Its funnel shaped blooms 

appear in shades of red, 

lavender or pink and can 

produce more than 50 

flowers at a time, depending 

on the variety. 

The Thanksgiving cactus 

(Schlumbergera truncata) is so named for the fact that its bloom time coincides with the holiday south of our border. 

Its flat stem segments are long and narrow and connected by a mid-rib. The deeply indented stems look like crab 

claws, giving it a second common name, Crab cactus. In late fall it bears an abundance of large, striking flowers which 

may be red, pink, peach, orange, white or bicoloured. 

For obvious reasons, this entire group of plants has acquired the name Holiday cactus. Considered heritage 

houseplants because of their longevity, these cacti can live for decades. To propagate by cuttings, simply twist or snip 

off segments from existing plants and dip them into a rooting hormone. Allow two or three days for the cut end to 

callous over and then plant in a damp, fast draining potting mix. It won’t be long before new growth appears. 

Holiday cacti require bright indirect light. The soil should be allowed to dry out before watering. Fertilize twice a 

month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Provide the plant with cool, dryer conditions for a couple 

of months prior to its bloom time to encourage the formation of flower buds. After blooms have dropped, stop 

fertilizing for a month. 


This versatile group of plants are easy to grow. If 

taken care of properly, a single plant can add a 

delightful touch of colour to your holiday celebrations 

for decades. 

Lake Simcoe South Master Gardeners provide free 

gardening advice. Send your questions to our 

gardening hotline at lssmastergardeners@gmail.com 

Health Canada helps protect the Canadian public 

by researching, assessing and collaborating in the 

management of the health risks and safety hazards 

associated with the many consumer products, 

including pest management products, that 

Canadians use everyday. 

http://hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/index-eng.php 

Merry Christmas from 

Harrogate Hills Riding School 

www.harrogatehills.com 

Start Your Riding 

Experience Now! 

Call for a Free Assessment 

Ask about Savings 

for Summer Camp ‘12 

18786 McCowan Road, Mount Albert 

905-473-3847 

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 

Like us on 

you’ll find events, photos and a whole lot 

of horsey stuff! 


Tax Tips 

CPP - Salary or Dividend 

By Ian Hawkins 

This month’s topic is of particular interest to majority shareholders of Canadian Controlled Private Corporations 

(CCPCs). It might also be of interest to the self-employed (or those about to create a new business) who are 

wondering whether to incorporate or not. 

In general terms, Canada’s tax laws work to make one indifferent about receiving remuneration by way of salary or 

dividend. With dividends, the corporation has to first pay tax on its income and then pay out the dividend from 

retained earnings. Due to dividend tax credits, an individual can receive just over $40,000 in dividend income 

without having to pay personal income tax. With salary, the salary is a pre-tax expense that reduces taxable income 

in the corporation but the recipient individual pays tax on the income. The total income tax Ottawa receives is 

approximately identical whichever way the small business owner chooses to pay herself. 

Where an individual can save money is by deciding to NOT pay CPP. To make this decision one has to first contact 

Service Canada - 1-800-277-9914 - to get a CPP pension benefit estimate. The maximum monthly payment you 

can receive from CPP at the present time is $960 per month. The average actual being paid right now is $512 per 

month. The reason for calling for an estimate is to find out what your own CPP pension payout is likely to be 

provided nothing changes between now and retirement date. Service Canada will provide you with an estimate of 

what you will get when you choose to retire. (Previous articles dealt with making a decision on taking CPP early). 

You do not pay CPP on dividend income. Also, if you already elected to take CPP early and still operate a 

corporation you are CPP exempt and no added benefit can accrue to you from taking dividends. NOTE: If you are 

only taking a small income from your corporation it may be beneficial to continue paying yourself a salary as you 

may be eligible for the Working Income Tax Benefit and you would lose this by taking your income by dividend. 

The next step is to ask Service Canada what your pension will be if you STOP making contributions today. You 

may be in for a shock. If you are at, near or over 50, you might find that the additional contributions that you would 

make if you continued to pay yourself by way of salary make very little difference to the amount of CPP pension 

you receive. You might well be better of putting this money into a Tax Free Savings Account and taking your 

remuneration by way of dividend. If the only income you have is from your own company and you pay yourself by 

dividend, RRSPs do not work for you as dividends are not considered ``Earned Income``. 

This really hits home when you consider that as a small business owner of a corporation, you pay CPP twice! The 

maximum CPP contribution (based on only $43,700 of income) per year per employee is $2,163.15. You pay this 

as the employee and then your corporation has to pay this again for the employer`s portion. Say you intend to 

continue to operate your corporation for another ten years. Based on today`s numbers, that is $43,263 you will be 

paying to Ottawa. You can easily work out how much your CPP Pension would have to increase per month to have 

any chance of making this sum back before interest on the principal. So check it out and make an informed 

decision. This is even more important if you pay your spouse remuneration from your corporation also. 

Self-employed individuals do pay CPP on self-employed earnings. They have to complete a Schedule 8 to the T1 

return and remit the CPP if there is a balance owing. If there is a refund, the CPP owing will be deducted from the 

refund. If you are self-employed you cannot pay yourself dividends and cannot avoid paying CPP. 

continued on next page... 

Ian Hawkins owns and operates Holland Landing Tax Company at Grist Mill plaza and Mount 

Albert Tax Company next to the post office - ``the LOW-COST providers of professional tax 

services``. Call for an appointment to review your options on this or any other topic of interest 

to you. 


For retired persons generally that have bothered 

reading this far (and for the benefit of seniors you 

may know) REMEMBER there is also the GIS. 

Many seniors do not know about or forget to apply 

for the GIS. Persons over 65 are not limited to CPP 

and OAS. The guaranteed income supplement is 

currently only based on income and NOT assets. If 

you are reliant on CPP and OAS for your retirement 

income you may well qualify for GIS –so apply and 

find out. 

The Perfect Tree - Keep it 

Real! 

With Christmas just around the corner, many 

may recall last years trek through deep snow, 

axe in hand, circling evergreens and sizing 

up countless prickly specimens. 

For many families this annual tree hunt is a 

favourite holiday tradition so it's nice to 

know that not only is it a great winter outing 

but it's also an environmentally friendly 

choice (not to mention a priceless photo 

opportunity!). 

Here a few things you might not have known 

about getting a 'real' tree from a farm or 

local vendor, and why it's a wise choice this 

Christmas. 

• Tree farms stabilize soil, protect water 

supplies and provide refuge for wildlife. 

• Real trees are a renewable, recyclable 

resource. 

• For every real Christmas tree harvested, 2 

to 3 seedlings are planted. 

• Each acre provides enough daily oxygen 

for 18 people! 

• Real trees are a product of local farmers, 

they are grown right here in York Region. 

• Many tree farms offer sleigh rides, cozy 

bonfires and hot chocolate. 

WORRIED ABOUT POOR WATER QUALITY? 

BRING US A WATER SAMPLE FOR A 

FREE TEST 

BUILDING THIS YEAR? 

DON’T FORGET RADIANT FLOOR HEATING! 

OVER 50 YEARS in BUSINESS 


Season’s Greetings 

from the 

Skwarchuk Family 

19153 Centre Street, Mount Albert 

905-895-8062 

Wishing you a 

Merry Christmas, 

Health & Happiness 

for 2012 

Professional Dental 

Hygiene Services 

905-960-6436 

During the holiday season 

and every day of the year, 

we wish you all the best! 

Merry Christmas 

and 

Happy New Year 

from Pizza 77 

19181 Centre St., Mount Albert 

905-473-7700 

Season’s Greetings 

from all of us 

at 

Mount Albert Veterinary Hospital 

19144 Highway 48, Mount Albert 

905-473-2400 

Merry Christmas, 

May your holidays be the brightest 

and your new year full of hope. 

From all of us at The Bulletin Magazine 


Merry Christmas 

and 

Happy New Year 

Julia Munro, MPP York-North 


905-478-2572 

Warmest wishes for the Holidays 

and a very Prosperous New Year. 

To all our friends, neighbours, 

and partners in the community. 

905-895-5972 • 1-877-895-5972 

Happy Holidays and 

Best Wishes for a healthy 

and prosperous New Year! 

From the board of directors 

and staff of the 

East Gwillimbury 

Chamber of Commerce 

Wishing you all a 

Happy Holiday Season 

Janet, Phyllis & Beth 

Christmas Toy & Food Drive DROP OFF 

Supporting the Mount Albert 

Fire Department Drive 

19124 Centre Street, Mount Albert 

905-473-6588 

During the holiday season and 

every day of the year, 

we wish you all the best! 

Wayne N. Dargus 

Financial Advisor 


Office: 905-478-8963 

www.edwardjones.com 

Member CIPF 

Best wishes 

throughout the 

holiday season! 

Bruce 

GEORGINA AUTO GLASS 

Your #1 Auto Glass Service In East Gwillimbury 

905-955-6365 

Happy Holidays and 

Best Wishes for the 

New Year! 

From all of us at 

Georgina Kitchens 

905-722-8555 


EMPLOYMENT TO EMPOWERMENT continued... 

company a democracy, so you have to be prepared to live with what works for the majority. 

• Mis-conceptions from other professionals. You may hear that franchises are a “rip-off ” and that only the 

franchisor will make money. This is patently untrue, as research proves, but it can be challenging to defend 

a franchised business rather than your own independent one. 

What are the top skills needed to own a franchise? 

BELIEF 

Will you trust and use the system you purchased? 

TRUST 

Can you follow someone else’s rules? Although you may have extensive business experience, you won’t yet know 

every facet of your new business. You will need an open heart and mind to listen and learn about a system that 

has already proved to be successful. 

ENTHUSIASM 

Are you willing, able and eager to learn new skills? 

CHANGE 

Can you set aside old habits and beliefs and embrace your new environment? 

STRONG WORK ETHIC 

You are no longer an employee who leaves it all behind at the end of the day knowing that someone else will 

ensure your pay cheque is processed correctly … are you willing to put in the time and effort required to push 

and pull your business to success? Are you willing to take responsibility for every aspect of your business? 

Self-employment is not for the faint-hearted! But if you truly want to control your financial and lifestyle, 

working for corporate is not going to get you there. A crucial advantage of your search for a franchise business 

is to work with a coach who will keep you focused, objective and accountable. 

Gerri Sefi is a self-employment coach who is dedicated to helping aspiring 

entrepreneurs fulfil their dreams of owning a business. She can be contacted at 

gsefi@rogers.com or 416-628-3171. 

The Pet Nanny 

Need pet sitting services? 

Contact Lynda Annall 

t: 905-473-6708 

c: 905-830-2487 

e-mail: lannall@xplornet.com 


My name is John Hayes and my wife Julia and I own and operate Blackwater Golf 

on Highway #48. As 2011 draws to a close, It is time for me to write my annual letter 

to Santa - so here goes… 

Dear Santa. 

Please fill my stocking with wishes and such and maybe just a few candies and nuts. 

I know that modern chimneys are small, I’ll leave cookies and milk (low fat) for you all. 

Number one on my list refers to the Town – I hope this can be done with nary a frown. 

We expect a new budget the start of the year – a zero increase would bring us all cheer… 

Come on you guys – the economy’s tuff… don’t be so rough – go easy on us… 

And an apple… 

My stocking is hung right by the fire so now can I present another desire. 

Meetings a plenty are held before noon, could a few in the evenings be made to come soon? 

Adjust the agenda, allow us to speak, on upcoming issues that pertain to that week. 

And a pear… 

Am I being too wishful to ask for a dishful. 

Of pure water – for all of the town, 

Not low pressure, full of chlorine and eerily brown. 

And an orange… 

Enough of the local – lets widen our net 

The state of the world is making me fret 

If there’s room in my stocking for more of my gift 

The global economy could use a big lift. 

The powers that be need to talk and agree 

If we are to remain the Land of the free 

Avoid a global recession – that’s a biggie I know - 

Plant the seeds to recovery – and then let them grow. 

Last on my list - but high in desire 

Peace and goodwill set down by the fire 

For all to enjoy – no matter who 

Make this a wish for both me and for you. 

ADVERTISEMENT 

THROUGH THE HAYES 

Christmas is coming – oh joy of joy. And I have been a very very good boy… 

That’s it for this month. Please feel free to contact me at Blackwater Golf (905) 473-6684 or 

contact@blackwater-gc.ca. No rude mails or I can’t forward them… 


Holland Landing Tax Company 

(Grist Mill Plaza – Mount Albert Rd.) 

Mount Albert Tax Company 

(next to Post Office – Centre St.) 

``the LOW-COST providers of professional tax services`` 

We want to thank our loyal clients for 

making 2011 another year of record growth. 

Your kind referrals are the greatest compliment 

that we ever receive. 

www.t42.ca 

Mount Albert: 905-473-6522 

Holland Landing: 289-319-0506

December 2011 - The Bulletin Magazine

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?