Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Relay For Life Rally

Young cancer survivor tells her story

Here's the press release I wrote for The Sentinel-Review to promote the Relay For Life Rally set for Wednesday, Feb 29 at 7 p.m.
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By Mark Schadenberg
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) national motto 'celebrate . . . remember . . . fight back' is woven into the hearts of all participants in the annual 12-hour walk known as Relay For Life.
The 13th annual benefit in Woodstock is June 15-16 at CASS high school. The organizing committee's chosen theme is Field Of Dreams.
The guest speaker for this year's Relay For Life Rally on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. knows all about remembering, fighting back, and now celebrating her on-going dream to defeat cancer permanently.
Michelle Bisaillon will have the keynote address at the Rally planned for Feb. 29 at Quality Hotel & Suites on Bruin Blvd.
Bisaillon is the storyteller, recalling her battles with cancer over the past seven years. Every cancer survivor has a unique story. For Bisaillon, she was just 14 when diagnosed with leukemia.
According to a profile story published in The Paris (Ont.) Star newspaper just last month, her list of treatments only begins with chemotherapy. At an age when the pressures of life should be about the semesters at high school, her life included bone marrow testing, lumbar punctures, blood clots and nerve damage. Bisaillon was a patient in intensive care at McMaster Children's Hospital.
The entire medical chart will be revealed in her speech.
However, now a few short years later, Bisaillon is a second-year student at McMaster University. Due to cancer though part of her right leg has been amputated.
To celebrate or remember the two-year anniversary of the amputation, Bisaillon received a tattoo: 'What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger'.
"(The tattoo) is a discussion point and a great way to advocate with different groups that I volunteer with," Bisaillon was quoted in the Paris newspaper.
University studying is directing Bisaillon toward a career as a social worker and she wants to concentrate her efforts in one particular specialty -- the oncology ward at McMaster Children's Hospital.
"I can give (children diagnosed with cancer) hope at the time when it's hard and tell them there is a light at the end of the tunnel," said Bisaillon.
The Relay For Life Rally is designed to introduce the 13th annual event's theme of Field Of Dreams, notes committee co-chairs Kim Whitehead and Keri Axon. The volunteer steering committee number is close to 40 and the overall total of volunteers -- leading up the event and for the day itself, is over 250. Anyone planning on participating in Relay For Life this year is invited to attend the Feb. 29 rally.
Last year, 68 teams registered in Woodstock and over $275,000 was raised. This year, the goal is 75 teams and $300,000. You may register a team online at www.relayforlife.ca/woodstock, visit the CCS office at 65 Springbank Ave North, or call (519) 537-5592. New volunteers and corporate sponsors are also invited.
The Oxford unit of the CCS is part of the organizing group for Woodstock, but also has Relays scheduled for Tillsonburg (Annandale school on June 8-9), and Ingersoll (IDCI on June 22-23).

Saturday, 25 February 2012

Ontario Place employees want to save park

Ontario Place saga
Recently, I included a story in this space about Ontario Place phasing out much of its amenities, including the midway rides, in an attempt to refocus the highly-valued lakefront property in Toronto.
The actual concert amphitheatre was slated to remain open as its certainly a popular summer destination.
In today's Toronto Star newspaper there is a story quoting many Ontario Place employees about many reasons to not close much of the fcaility, saying ridership increased in 2011 compared to one year earlier.
Here's the link: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1136753--employees-and-supporters-rally-to-keep-ontario-place-open?bn=1

Thursday, 23 February 2012

Frosty Fest Fun For Families

Brantford has Bell Homestead and Frosty Fest

The Family Day holiday in Ontario has only been around for a few years, but it's time the focus on the day becomes a time to create as many local family activities as possible -- all-day free public swimming and skating, and maybe open up some school gyms for floor hockey or pickup basketball -- no registration fee and design it as unstructured play time for children and parents.
BRANTFORD
This past Monday, our family went to Frosty Fest in Brantford, which featured outdoor skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice carving with chainsaws, snowboarding exhibition, and even kids' midway rides like a carousel, tea cups, and mini roller coaster of trucks.
I believe this was the third year for this downtown winter carnival (Harmony Square literally on the same block as the Sanderson Centre), which is sponsored by the parks and recreation department in Brantford, but is organized by a church group called Freedom House (www.freedomhousebrantford.blogspot.com). The spokesperson / cheerleader for the event runs around in tights and a cape like a superhero and calls himself Captain Kindness.
With media sponsors CKPC radio and the Expositor newspaper, and corporate backing from TD Bank and Sylvan Learning Centre and many many others, the City of Brantford has a great idea happening.

Young Street For A Young Family

Is 44 Young Street Your Destination?Newer and Young (Street)!
A central location and a quiet street are important selling points about this 7-year-old 2-storey with 3 bedrooms. The 44 Young (MLS: 68-767; Asking $217,900) offering is highlighted by extensive crown moulding, ceramic tile, custom blinds and wainscoting.
Open concept main floor which includes a large eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar and pot lights. The dinette area is large enough for a table for eight. Patio doors to a wood deck. Picture window in living room which has laminate flooring.
Main floor 2pc bathroom with antique-like vanity -- another feature that makes this house a home.
Let's Go Fencing !
Lot is 150 ft deep and fenced -- ideal for a family with a Boxer named Rover or a roving Shepherd.
The double-wide paved driveway has been added in the last two years. The garage includes an automatic opener and shelving for your camping gear.
This is a great choice for a young family with convenience of master bedroom's (Vaulted ceiling and attractive appealing decor) cheater door to main bathroom. The full enclosure tub is always one way to know you're getting a home where the plumber was thinking quality and convenience.
High efficiency gas furnace and central air too!
The lower level is unfinished, but there is a rough-in for a 3rd bathroom.
This home is near shopping and several restaurants -- just a short walk to Dairy Queen.
Call me today to view this home, or anything you see on Realtor.ca.

Friday, 17 February 2012

Genworth vs CMHC

Should You Consider Genworth For Mortgage Insurance? Yes
When thinking about purchasing a home and sitting down with a calculator to establish how much you may be able to afford, be sure to consult with both a Realtor (hopefully myself) and your financial institution (*).
The reason I say this, is your lender may tell you that you could afford a (example) $200,000 home, but based on the insurance due on a high-ratio mortgage for a down payment of less than 35% (loan-to-value ratio), you will also have closing costs, which includes this insurance amount. The mortgage insurance will either be through Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en) or likely Genworth Financial (www.genworth.ca), which is a TSE traded company (MIC) and not a federal government agency.
If your savings amount to less than 25% down payment (Savings or equity from selling current home) on your chosen house, you will be required to pay this insurance. In fact, the percentage for most buyers with even 34.9% down is still 0.5% or $1,000 on a $200,000 mortgaged amount. You can visit the two above noted websites for more homework, charts and calculator tips, but it can be said that 5% down requires a 2.75% insurance fee on the amount you are borrowing.
Quite frankly, this creates an obvious safety net for the lenders, who must scrutinize who they hand out mortgages to (credit checks, etc), but it is also a terrific method of making Canadians home owners.
While much of this material has been presented in other writings, my point today is to ask your lender which direction they will go in underwriting your mortgage -- Genworth or CMHC. It might be important to attempt an affiliation with Genworth.
The other day I attended a morning seminar conducted by Rory Campbell of Genworth, and he made several very good salesmanship points about the company he is employed by.
In the worse-case scenario of losing your job or having an injury or illness preventing you from working for a few months, Genworth is the company that is ready to work with their clients/borrowers to keep them in their home, and not losing the house to a power of sale or foreclosure.
Genworth has 30 employees whose sole job is to negotiate 'workouts' with clients. With early intervention, Campbell notes, most people could stay in their house by deferring payments for a few months, increasing the amortization timetable or even receiving assistance in selling the house to cover (loan) any shortfalls.
The interesting statistic that Campbell noted was that in 2007 there were 450 'workouts' in Canada, but by 2011 that number had risen to 6200. Remember, the key to this mortgage insurance is to make it easier for home ownership for families.
Campbell's seminar also included terms such as shelter shock, beacon score and drive-by appraisal. In the end, it was a very informative course attended by many local Realtors.
(*) Your Mortgage
Just a quick reminder. If your mortgage is soon due for renewal or you are thinking of a move, give me a call to talk about house prices and what is available on the market, but also call me as I have many very good contacts at all five major banks in Woodstock, plus Rochdale Credit Union, and a mortgage advisor with Dominion Lending Services with more than 25 years experience. You will receive the best information and advice by going to the right people first.
I could show you a chart depicting that thanks to on-going low interest rates and the equity you currently have earned (low interest rates allow you to pay off your principle quicker), you could buy that larger home your family requires (is growing into) and maintain the same monthly payments you are already accustomed to.
Mark Schadenberg, sale rep
Royal LePage Triland Realty
www.marksells.ca
mschadenberg@rogers.com
Call or Text: (519) 537-1553
Office: 539-2070

Monday, 13 February 2012

Promote Your Activity and Recreation Fair

More Exhibits Still Required
Story I wrote for Woodstock Sentinel-Review to promote upcoming Rec & Leisure Fair:

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The annual Woodstock Rec & Leisure Fair bills itself as having something for everyone, and that only becomes a reality after a wide range of exhibitors agree to participate to promote who they are.
This is the eighth year the Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC) has organized this free community event, which is all about finding a place to be involved -- for you or your entire family. Information will be available on minor sports, adult sports, hobbies (photography, crafts, etc), groups who research history, collecting clubs, choirs, dancing, acting, singing, musicians (arts and creative arts), tai chi, fitness, service clubs, and sports clubs to join -- perhaps badminton, cycling, lawn bowling, curling and kids' tackle football.
WRAC has already sent out close to 100 invitations to groups, asking for their participation.
The Fair this year is Sunday, March 4, 1 - 4 p.m., at Cowan Park (indoor soccer complex) off Ridgewood Drive. Admission is always free and door prizes will be awarded.
"(WRAC) decided to change venues for two main reasons," says WRAC committee chair Mark Schadenberg, explaining that the community hall / gymnasium at Cowan Park is larger than Goff Hall at the Southwood facility, which in-turn provides for additional space for both booths and demonstrations.
"We also felt our show would be another vehicle to help promote this terrific new municipal facility which is quickly becoming an option locally for event planners, weddings, fundraisers and banquets," added Schadenberg.
WRAC reminds all groups who invite membership from the public and want to promote exactly who they are, to plan on booking a booth for the fair -- $25 for non-profit organizations, and $50 for for-profit companies, such as fitness centres, golf courses and nutritional advice. If you or your organization have not already received a formal letter from WRAC, contact the committee soon.
"One of the mandates of (the WRAC) is to promote the availablility of all recreation and leisure activities. The Rec and Leisure Fair can only be successful if first we sign up a large cross-section of groups to participate, and then it becomes a successful event when the public attends the show," says Schadenberg. "Whether you're new to the area and seek information on a wide range of interests, or have lived in Woodstock for a long time, people are always looking for something new to be involved with for healthy living or simply feeling more connected to the community."
The Rec & Leisure Fair could be a good venue, for example, for a group seeking to recruit volunteers, for service clubs to invite new members, to learn about tackle football for kids, or tackling a new activity like square dancing.
"It really is an event for everyone to attend from all age brackets and interests," says WRAC vice chair Dan Gray. "This is a great event for a family because it really does depict something our committee (WRAC) believes . . . that Woodstock does have something for everyone."
If you're part of a group seeking more information about booking an exhibit booth, contact Glynis Hill at the City's Community Services department soon at 539-2382.

Monday, 6 February 2012

Four For You To Consider

Two Condominiums & Two Detached Homes
In this space I write often about my current listings and upcoming open houses, but what about all the other marketable homes our office is currently promoting.
Here's a group of four re-sale residential properties that could be of interest to you. Again, since all consumers (you and I) believe information should be available to all, I do include the MLS (realtor.ca) number and asking price for each.
246 Light St, Woodstock.
Asking: $319,900. MLS: 67-983.
Listed By: Lynn Routly
Century home in one of Woodstock best neighbourhoods. Hardwood flooring and original tall trim among highlights of 3-bedroom home. Master bedroom with ensuite. Spacious main-floor family room with sliding doors out to a deck. Basement recroom is approx 25' x 25'. Lot is 54' x 198.
617 Lansdowne Avenue
Asking: $259,900. MLS: 66-717
Listed by: Bob Pozza
With a tennis court and inground pool, this truly is city's destination for a condominium lifestyle. Two-storey unit features 2-car garage, 3 bedrooms including large luxury ensuite and walk-in closet, plus extra-large eat-in kitchen and brand new appliances. Even a putting green in lower recroom.
635 Southwood Way, #18, Woodstock
Asking: $215,000. MLS: 68-326
Listed by: Peter Vandersar
Unique one-floor-plan 2-bedroom condo, which is both an end unit and features a 3-car garage. Convenience of main-floor laundry. Open bright theme at front with its living-dining-kitchen area. Five appliances plus central vac. Across street from a park and very close to new hospital.
48 Anderson St, Woodstock
Asking: $199,900. MLS: 68-165
Listed by: Sharon Veenstra
Family home with 3 bedrooms, but best feature is the 3-year-old maple kitchen with granite counters (stunning renovation) in open-concept main floor. Plus: stainless steel appliances included, newer patio doors, hardwood flooring, 2 full bathrooms, lower recroom, and central air.
This is simply a very small cross-section of our office listings. If you would like to view one of them or anything you see on http://www.realtor.ca/, give me a call anytime.

Finally, a quick tip about realtor.ca? If you're looking in a certain price range, this website divides its listings and searches into $25,000 increments. Best idea then is to look within those parameters -- your price range and simply click on the red dots that appear on the map.
I'm a full-time Realtor with 13 years experience. If you've been considering a purchase for awhile and you're ready to run out and find your next home, I'm ready to run with you.
Mark SchadenbergSales RepresentativeRoyal LePage Triland Realty757
(519) 539-2070
www.wesellwoodstock.com
Home: 258 Dent Place, Woodstock
537-1553, cell or text; 539-4319, home
Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ont.www.marksells.caEmail: mschadenberg@rogers.com
Twitter: markroyallepage