Canada 150 -- A day to celebrate our nation

July 1 is a wonderful day to recognize our great nation

Ten Provinces and 3 Territories combine to create a terrific country 

By Mark Schadenberg

We have a wonderful and unique country.

Happy Canada Day !

Happy Canada 150 !

With our 10 provinces and 2 official languages, and many cultural backgrounds, it’s a diverse collection of 40 million great people.

We don’t all love 3-down football or hockey or curling, but we realize their role in the fabric of our nation. Fabric? Just like a toque on a cold winter day.

From cheese and gravy on french fries to our other passions of things Canadian –

While many around the world have an alphabet beginning with an ‘A’, our starts with an Eh!  

MacLean's magazine list

I love Quebec City and recognize it’s position in our great country’s history.

The Maritimes have their own tradition in employment, hobbies, music and heritage.

Ontario is so vast that southern Ontario is different than the vast density of Metro Toronto.

From the prairies to the Rocky Mountains to the west coast and Vancouver Island . . . It sounds like a song, and I would say our country’s soundtrack contains so much to the ingredients of our country.

MUSIC

I have seen many lists of Canada’s top songs in re cent days, so I will list my Top 10 in no particular order.

A Criminal Mind - Gowan

Sundown – Gordon Lightfoot

Fine State Of Affairs – Burton Cummings

Someday – Glass Tiger

Rise Again -- Rankin Family

Wondering Where The Lions Are – Bruce Cockburn

Believe In You – Amanda Marshall

Thank You – Alanis Morissette

Today I’m Gonna Try To Change The World – Johnny Reid

Harvest Moon – Neil Young

Ahead By A Century – Tragically Hip

There’s No Easy Way – Roch Voisine.

You are in fact correct ! I am unable to count to 10.

At the same time, I’m curious why these performers never became household names: Neverending White Lights, In-Flight Safety, Tara MacLean and Ray Lyell & The Storm.

Here are the links to all-time Can-Con songs;

LINKS:
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2017/06/28/from-rush-to-drake-to-bieber-celebrate-canadas-150th-with-the-150-best-canadian-songs-of-all-time

http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/18780/new-100-greatest-canadian-albums-ever

http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/18759/100-best-canadian-songs

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/06/30/best-canadian-songs-ever_n_5538527.html

http://www.strongwords.ca/files/Canadiantop100.html

http://www.canadianliving.com/life-and-relationships/relationships/article/your-great-canadian-music-playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttZaeCOzIa0

Happy Canada Day from:

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.royallepagetriland.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination

Tradition in Woodstock is Fritzie's restaurant . . . with 2 locations

French Fry King: Great fast food, including croquettes on the menu

Poutine with chili or bacon or green onions or shredded cheese or . . .  

By Mark Schadenberg

I grew up in a house with many influences from the Netherlands and Germany, so I know what Croquettes are.

I grew up in Woodstock, so I know all about Fritzie’s – The French Fry King -- restaurants and the fact they continue to serve Croquettes on their menu.

Also, as someone who has called Woodstock home for about 46 of my 50 years, I recall the origins of Fritzie’s French Fries as amazing takeout fare from a modified school bus. You could say it was one of the first food trucks. The bus was usually parked on Dundas Street near where the Rexall drug store is currently, but would also travel to many local events.

The Charron family business began in 1973 and is still the Charron family business as the grandson of Alfred (Fritz) and Margaret operates the East End store at 881 Dundas, while the original owners’ nephew Steve Charron is the owner / burger flipper / poutine master / milk shake creator / footlong hot dog wizard at the 32 Perry location – an eatery which opened in 1978.

With 44 years in the fast food business, the Charron name is synonymous with quality quick great food. While Fritz passed away about 13 years ago, Margaret is retired and certainly still active around Woodstock including her passion for painting art. 

MARVELOUS MENU

With 15 different flavours of milk shakes and many other menu items Fritzie’s is a great stop for lunch, dinner or early-evening munching. Location is important in restaurants and the fact the 32 Perry address is practically across the street from the Gallery 7-plex movie theatre was a smart move by the Charron clan as originally it would have been across from the former Perry Street Arena. That corner of Simcoe and Perry was historically a gas station.  

Local connections for suppliers is always important and Fritzie’s knows this as they acquire their potatoes from Aylmer and their burgers from Norwich’s Norpac 

I’m sure by now, you’re dialing your cell phone to order poutine, so I should mention that the Fritz Royale poutine includes bacon, cheddar, tomato, green onions, and your choice of ranch or dressing or sour cream. The list doesn’t end there as Fritzie’s lineup includes sweet potato poutine, onion rings poutine and chili poutine.

Fritzie’s is most certainly famous for their french fries, but footlong hot dogs, Oktoberfest sausage on a bun, fish & chips, corned beef sandwiches, chicken fingers, and my favourite deep fried mushrooms are also available.

Fritzie’s

Quality that Fritz took pride in.

881 Dundas Street                                  32 Perry Street

537-7177                                               539-6812

LINKS:
www.fritziesfries.com

www.cityofwoodstock.ca

2013 Story:

http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2013/07/24/feeding-five-generations-of-woodstonians

Facebook: ‘Fritzie’s – East’ and ‘Fritzie’s – West’

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Items on this blog are compiled by:

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.royallepagetriland.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination

Woodstock library is conducting a 'strategic planning' survey

Is Woodstock large enough for a satellite library?

With technology and downloading, what does the future hold?

By Mark Schadenberg

And the survey says . . .
The City of Woodstock is asking for your assistance, and in particular a series of questions are currently pondered as part of a survey conducted by the Woodstock Public Library.

At 40,000 residents is Woodstock large enough for a satellite library?

If the community has out grown the library at Graham and Hunter, do they plan an addition to their current facility?

Since this is 2017, what does the landscape of future libraries look like when you consider technology, computer stations, access to (hard copy) newspapers and magazines, and also current hard cover novels. Should the method of reading books be simply understood to be on-line or downloads. If music and movies are downloaded or streamed from the internet to a high portion, does a library have to continue featuring DVD’s and CD’s for its loyal customers.

What is the percentage of Woodstock people who attend the library for any reason on a consistent basis? In other words, families with small children likely love the story time and some adults would certainly be quite upset if the book clubs ever ended.

Your local library can also be seen as a gathering place.

What is your vision of the Woodstock Public Library for the next 25 years?

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Thursday, July 13, 7 - 9 p.m.

Goff Hall at the community complex

If a secondary location was built it would most certainly appear at the northeast park called Cowan Fields where currently there are 3 ball diamonds, a playground and a splash pad, plus more than 60 acres of vacant space for indoor and outdoor recreation. The outdoor recreation will certainly include a basketball court and pickle ball courts, but what about indoor needs for the community? The recently completed recreation master plan would quickly draw a picture to say Woodstock most certainly does not need a 4th hockey arena, but maybe the Civic Centre Arena should be replaced.

A regulation size indoor gymnasium for youth programming could be part of a community focal facility which could / would include a library, meeting rooms and other uses.

By the way, you can place my name on the top of the list of people who would completely disagree with adding a full size gym at Southgate Centre near Southside Park as the 55+ social group wants a larger facility and hopes to attract a youth centre (user group) component at the same time.

LIBRARY

I have compiled a long list of amenities at the library and invite you to take the survey online, which is easily found at their website.

The Woodstock Public Library is a marvellous destination currently for kids of all ages, adults with any interests, and everyone else in between -- from reading clubs for adults to story time with hand puppets.

One final commentary, is that it is my opinion that their fee structure for late returns should be much higher. I’m guilty of returning items, and in particular movies I simply didn’t watch, without any real substantial penalty for late fees. A late return on a book should be at least 50 cents / day. With the ability to renew items online (unless there is a hold on it), there truly is no excuse for returning anything late.

The website is excellent for researching the database / catalogue, learning about all programs for all ages, surfing the internet, and even discovering local history.      

I have noted before that the Woodstock library should be applauded for its 50 week series of featuring 3 Canadian authors each weekly for a total of Canada 150.

As you will see from this attachment, the process of asking questions and listening will continue with public meetings on July 12 and 13.

LINKS:
www.mywpl.ca

www.woodstock.library.on.ca

www.cityofwoodstock.ca

http://markroyallepage.blogspot.ca/2017/03/canada-150-is-about-recalling.html

www.woodstockartgallery.ca

https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca/en/woodstock-museum/woodstockmuseum.asp

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.royallepagetriland.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination

Impressive 325 Lakeview apartment complex accepting tenants now

Built by Sierra General Contracting of Woodstock, L-shaped structure is 5 stories and includes more than 100 units

Just as their ads and street signage says: "Luxur Living is par for the course"

By Mark Schadenberg

Impressive, elegant and dazzling!

The Greens Of Sally Creek is a brand new apartment complex in Woodstock -- a stunning 5-storey rental building on Lakeview Drive (West off Highway 59 or VanSittart Avenue) in the Sally Creek neighbourhood.

Just as their ads say, “Luxury living is par for the course.”

Built by Sierra General Contracting (Part of the Sierra Group of Companies) of Woodstock, you can move in today at this sensational 106-unit apartment building.

The 325 Lakeview Drive project in Woodstock is in the prestigious Sally Creek neighbourhood (www.thevillagesofsallycreek.com), and is directly across the street from the area defined as the adult-only lifestyle community. Immediately next to the David Lowes Memorial Park, this rental property is a terrific destination for you, while the park itself is one of several attractive amenities.

Highlights of each apartment include a kitchen with a gourmet island and stainless steel appliances (6 appliances include washer and dryer). Each unit has its own laundry area, plus a balcony.

The building itself features a welcoming and spacious social room, expansive front foyer, along with state-of-the-art fitness facility with ellipticals, treadmills and other equipment. The building has storage lockers on the inside, and the outside includes ample covered parking.

Contact the rental office today at 226-232-5215 (www.sallycreekrentals.ca; Email: sallycreekrentals@gmail.com) for more details on availability, lease rates, square footage (Beginning at about 700 sq ft), drawings of each apartment layout, the quality of interior finishings such as hardwood, ceramic tile flooring and high-end light fixtures, and to secure your occupancy date. It’s a great opportunity to set your private viewing appointment of the model suites and the common rooms. The leasing specialist is Cathy Bruce. 

 

Each apartment is described as having 1 bedroom and a nook, or up to 2 bedrooms and a den.

Promotional material says: “Live elegantly at The Greens Of Sally Creek, a brand new mid-rise rental community walking distance to golf. Condo-inspired open concept suites are finished to the highest standard.”

For Sierra General Contracting, the recently-completed The Greens Of Sally Creek complex continues the Sierra partnership with The Villages of Sally Creek concept, especially the adult-only neighbourhood (www.thevillagesofsallycreek.com) and the Sally Creek Golf & Bistro 9-hole challenging golf course. Also in the Sally Creek development nearby vicinity are walking / cycling trails both at Burgess Park and Pittock Lake. 

While The Greens Of Sally Creek apartment building was built by Sierra General Contracting of Woodstock, the building’s ownership group is Starlight Investments (www.StarlightInvest.com), which manages dozens of similar projects in nearby communities such as London, Kitchener and Guelph, but also properties in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Alberta, and regional commercial office buildings as well.   

LINKS:
www.sallycreekrentals.ca

http://www.greenwin.ca/apartments-for-rent/the-greens-of-sally-creek

www.starlightinvest.com

http://www.starlightinvest.com/Portfolio/PortfolioDetails?PropertyType=Canadian%20Multi-Family&Propertyid=10455

www.thevillagesofsallycreek.com

www.sierraconstruction.ca

http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/starlight-investments-to-acquire-600-newly-constructed-apartment-units-in-purpose-built-luxury-concrete-multi-residential-properties-located-in-guelph-and-southwestern-ontario-through-forward-purchase-contract-625549344.html

https://www.walkscore.com/score/325-lakeview-dr-woodstock-on-canada

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If you're considering a move to 

The Greens Of Sally Creek,

and you have a home to sell,

call me today as I'm a full-time Realtor

with 18 years experience in the Woodstock-area market

Woodstock Cycling Club has a long tradition for trail riders and road racers

The annual Dairy Capital Stampede is set for Sept 10.

Buy a membership and enjoy The Pines along Pittock Lake

By Mark Schadenberg

I have compiled some items from the spring newsletter of the Woodstock Cycling Club (WCC) as I am now 2 years past my hip replacement and consider myself a trail rider again – but a somewhat cautious and careful trail rider.

I will state firstly that a membership to the WCC is only $35 per adult or $70 for a family, and when you visit the trail system called The Pines you will quickly realize your annual stipend is just a small contribution to an association which has a strong work ethic to create, expand, maintain and nurture the nature which is in on the south shore of Pittock Lake (Thames River) just east of Woodstock.

The club hosts many activities, including a pizza party on June 28 for its youth program participants.

I did edit out events which have already occurred and attempted to verify any changes from the club's website.   

The WCC has been in existence since 1896.

Check out the link below on the history of cycling in Woodstock as our community has a vibrant past in road racing, mountain-bike racing and certainly even the historic Penny Farthing bikes.

Penny Farthing in Woodstock Museum

The cycling club newsletter:

The WCC executive is in place and hard at work planning for a fun year of activities for all of our members. We look forward to seeing everyone out for a ride on the road or on the trails at The Pines.  We encourage everyone make our club a friendly community so be sure to take a minute and say hello to the people you meet.     Youth MTB ProgramWe are happy to announce that the popular youth MTB program is returning again this year.  This year the youth program (10 – 17 year olds) is going back to 2 days a week. . . . and will run until June 28, 6 - 7:30 pm.     Club ActivitiesRides may be cancelled due to weather; extreme heat, cold or thunderstorms.  Follow the club’s twitter feed (@WoodstockCycle) for updates.  Helmets, water and a bike in safe working condition are mandatory.   

    Group RidesWe will have several group rides this year, including all the favourites from previous years such as the pancake ride and the pizza ride.  New this year we are planning an overnight camping trip.  The plan is to leave The Pines via bike and ride to Turkey Point, camp for the night and ride back the following day.  We have booked a group campsite for July 8th at the Turkey Point Provincial Park.  Here’s the details:

- Room for the first 30 people who sign up - Meet at the Pines at 9 am on July 8.  The ride is about 70 km to Turkey Point.  - There will be a van going to take food, tents, and gear and act as technical support along the way.  There will only be room for food and gear, no extra bikes please. - If you are interested please RSVP to the club at woodstockcyclingclub@gmail.com, put “Camping Trip” in the subject line.  More details to follow.

Canada Day 150 KM - Saturday, July 1. Leave Upper Thames Brewery at 9 am. There will be a rest stop halfway
Pizza Ride - Sunday, Oct 1 Group 1 -  “Earn your Pie” – advanced riders - 60-70 KM. Leave Upper Thames Brewery at 10 am Group 2-  “Single Slice” - 30 KM Leave Upper Thames Brewery at 11 am        Weekly Recurring RidesThursday Night Intermediate Level Training ride – 6 pm, Pedal Power Parking Lot   

      Trail DaysWe are planning a number of trail days this year to support both trail construction and maintenance.  There are a number of exciting additions and changes planned and we need lots of help to make them a reality.  All trail changes are submitted to the Upper Thames Conservation Authority for approval prior to construction.  This year we are planning trail build days. And these are the future trail maintenance days: July        8 and 29 (trim and mow) Aug        26th Race Prep Day   Trail build days will be focused on creation of new trails, trail features, etc. on a specific section of trail or new trail area.  Trail maintenance days will be focused on mowing grass, trimming branches, leaf blowing, etc.  We need lots of help for both activities, so look ahead and pick the days that work for you.  All work is weather dependant, look to Facebook and Twitter if you are not sure if the day is a “go.”  Everyone is welcome to come and help out.  Please let us know if you are coming by emailing the club at woodstockcyclingclub@gmail.com.
    Dairy Capital StampedeMark your calendar now for the 18th annual Dairy Capital Stampede 6-Hour relay race on Sunday Sept 10, from 10 am to 4 pm.

LINKS:
www.woodstockcyclingclub.ca

www.pedalpower.ca

http://www.tourismoxford.ca/Events/Detail/ArticleId/4105/Woodstock-Cycling-Club

http://www.rideoxford.ca/cycling.aspx

https://woodstockcyclingclub.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/wcc-history.pdf

http://www.ridingfeelsgood.com/ontario-mountain-biking-trails-pines/

https://www.trailforks.com/video/2291/

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

Independently Owned & Operated, Brokerage

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.royallepagetriland.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination