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Aftermath - And New Beginnings... |
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Written by Ric Cooper
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Friday, 13 August 2010 11:15 |
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I mentioned in the last issue that, after 16 years, I was moving the shop to a new location. Well, we survived – but the job was tougher than I thought!
For the past two years, I've been praising the sound of vinyl records. The main drawback turned out to be the weight! After moving 20,000 records (give or take a couple of hundred), my back is still aching, and the friends that helped won't say, but I'm sure they will never offer to move anyone else's vinyl ever again!
I'm sure that all of you have "put something away to do on a rainy day". Well, it feels like it's been pouring since the new location opened. I'm finding things that I forgot I even had, like rare out of print CD's, gold CD's and tons of rare vinyl titles that couldn't be displayed in the old shop because of the lack of space. On top of that, collections of vinyl have been coming in almost every day.
There is definitely a vinyl resurgence, with more titles being re- released all the time. In fact, statistics show that digital downloads lead recorded music in sales percentage increase. Vinyl is in a double-digit increase, while CD sales are in steady decline.
There are also more turntable manufacturers springing up. For the most part, they're designed to outperform high end CD players (although they're relatively expensive). You would be surprised how good vinyl sounds on a quality turntable. We're not talking the $100 – $200 cheap plastic tables like the ones from the late 70's & 80's.
The new location has given me the opportunity to add some new lines – one of them being turntables. I am now an authorized dealer for Pro-Ject turntables from Europe. These tables easily outperform most midrange priced CD players!
My wife Yvonne, through her hard work and perseverance, has also brought in a second new product line for us. We now carry licenced t-shirts from some very top-name bands like Pink Floyd, Bob Marley and Led Zeppelin. The shirts have been flying off the shelf, but my personal faves, the Beatles, have been doing less than I would have suspected.
The growing pains will last for some time, I'm sure. To add to all the confusion, there are huge CD and DVD orders arriving early for the upcoming Southside Shuffle blues festival. Make sure you get out to the Shuffle this year, as there will be great bands and a great time. I just hope the great weather holds out!
If you have the time, stop by and say hello, and check out the new products!
Our new location/address is at 257 Lakeshore Road East (L5G 1G8). Call 905-891-1523 for more information.
Keep supporting live music, and always remember to shop local! |
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Embrace your inner child at Sing Music Studios! |
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Written by Alex Gregory
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Friday, 13 August 2010 11:14 |
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Would you like to get in touch with your inner child?
Sing Music Studio, located in Port Credit, allows children (from newborn to age 7) and adults to take part in voice and piano lessons that are designed to expand their minds and teach them all about different styles of music.
The studio offers several different programs for students of any age, including Sing and Play Dates (themed classes), Sign and Sing (using singing and sign language), workshops and programs.
Mandi Galer, who runs the studio, started it in 2006 after establishing herself as a musician and singer. Galer knew she was great at teaching and wanted to teach music to a younger audience.
"As a musician, I can bring a lot more to the table when I work with children," she said.
Within two years, she built her first teaching program, which was a big hit with kids. Since then, the business has grown significantly.
Sing features Kindermusik programs, which are the world's most trusted name in music and movement programs for newborn and young children. Parents interested in seeing what Kindermusik is all about can stop by for any of the weekly Kindermusik programs and take part in a free trial class.
Galer, a Kindermusik Maestro (one of the top instructors in North America), said that having a connection with the students is the most important part of teaching.
"Kids seem to gravitate towards me because I'm a big kid as well," said Galer. "When I'm engaged with them, they can't keep their eyes off me."
Most musicians teach at a higher level of education, which leaves young children at a disadvantage because they are taught by educators with a very basic level of education. Children and families love the program, and often come back multiple times to take in different classes because of their quality, she said.
As for the future, Galer said she would like to open a studio outside of her home and create a larger music school.
For more information and a full roster of programs, call 416-388-8787 or visit www.singonline.ca. |
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The Cure for Investment Angst – Questions, Not Answers |
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Written by Gordon Stockman, CA, CFP
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Friday, 13 August 2010 11:12 |
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Last column, we discussed that wealth was not a cure for angst. That often acquired wealth becomes the source of much angst for many people. Individuals may be unable to make sense about what they hold in investments. They may be uncomfortable with some recent advice or action suggested by their advisor. They may be questioning perceived performance. They may be uncertain of the role of their advisor. They may be questioning why they are even in the "markets". They may not understand what their wealth allows them to do. Or they simply may just be confused.
In almost all cases, the source of the angst was similar.
1) They have no financial plan. This led them to never define broadly the purpose of their saving or what the money will be spent on specifically, nor did they quantify what their level of savings meant to their future. They just did the right thing and saved.
It is never too late to assess this. A good financial plan will help them understand how much they can spend each year without worry. It will clarify for them the end result (say, money for the kids as an estate, or maybe better yet, more cruises and the kids are on their own). Much angst will get removed.
Why? It provokes thought. It stimulates discussion among spouses or others. It demands questions be confronted and answered. All in all, most will realize the answers were squarely in front of them, and they just needed to be brought out. You have your answers – your financial planner just has the questions.
2) There has been very little education provided to them from their current advisor. Critical information important to good decision making had never been proffered. For example, they were completely unaware of the actual cost of involving an advisor.
Well, there is no time like now to have your advisor bring you up to speed. A good advisor will be more than happy to. Professional financial planners know that an educated client is an asset, not a liability. Ask them the hard questions that you have avoided: How do you get paid? How much do you get paid? Are there ways that I can reduce or avoid some of the fees that I'll pay? Do you make more if I buy this stock (or bond, or mutual fund) rather than another?
3) They have been sold investments that they do not fully understand. Individual investors are led to believe that understanding is beyond them, so they should leave the choice to their advisor. Advisors everywhere are selling complicated products, born from the minds of mathematical geniuses. If you cannot fully understand the product, do not buy it. If your advisor cannot explain it to you, yet wants to sell it, run.
Do not feel stupid about asking straightforward questions. Does this investment match my investment goals? Why is this investment suitable for me? How will this investment make money? (Dividends? Interest? Capital gains?) Specifically, what must happen for this investment to increase in value? (For example, increase in interest rates, real estate values, or market share?) How liquid is this investment? How easy would it be to sell if I needed my money right away?
4) They misunderstand the role of their advisor. Financial planning is about assisting clients in making the most of their financial potential. It is about helping people husband the wealth they have created through their life's work or their good fortune. Individual investors should not be led to believe that financial success will be created from the participation in the markets. Rather, their own success can be enhanced and or protected through good advice.
Your advisor is there to enhance your capabilities and find solutions for your road blocks. He should assist you in paying down your debt, not sell you an investment. He should assist you in planning to deal with catastrophes such as disability or death, not just sell you an insurance product you likely do not need. He should assist you in finding the right depository for your money,that meets your defined needs, not just a sure "winner". Ask your advisor plainly: "Help me succeed. Do not just try to make me money."
5) They do not understand their own financial position. Your financial planner can only get it right with your help and hard work. You cannot know where you are going if you do not know where you are. Add up those statements and list your assets and liabilities to develop a true picture of your current net worth. List all – all – of your current spending. Do it again, because you missed some.
Do the math. Rules of thumb are silly. Science tells us that everyone has a different thumbprint, so shouldn't we all need individual rules? The industry has been great at convincing everyone that they need millions to retire. This is simply untrue for most of us. We are led to aspire to 70% of pre-retirement income. Why? Most of us will need less.
Likely your annual savings, employment taxes, mortgage, kids and high marginal tax rates are behind you. Those take up more than the 30% reduction as a "rule". You might get a full CPP payment or very little. You may qualify for the standard Old Age pension, or you might get some extra. Again, there is no substitute for doing the math.
So, what is it that you should do? How you get back a sense of control? How do you raise your level of understanding? Most importantly, how do you reduce or remove the angst?
Start now! Ask, ask and ask! Write down the answers...and relax!
Gordon Stockman, CA, CFP
Gordon Stockman is the Vice President – Financial Planning at Efficient Wealth Management Inc., a leader in cost efficient financial planning. He teaches at George Brown College and Seneca College in their Financial Services and Accounting areas. He is also a frequent guest on television and has written numerous articles on investing and financial planning. Value For Money Investing means we wish to allocate and use our hard-earned resources in order to improve investment outcomes in a continuous and sustainable way at a fair and equitable price. In other words, achieve good investment returns AND receive fair value for the services provided. Costs do matter! |
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Port Credit Community Corner - August Edition |
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Written by Alex Gregory
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Friday, 13 August 2010 11:11 |
P.C. 175 Council Meeting
The City of Mississauga held a special commemorative council meeting at Clarke Hall (formerly known as Port Credit's old Town Hall) on June 23 to celebrate Port Credit's 175th anniversary. Local community supporters and organizers, including P.C. 175 chair Lydia Ordonez-Niles and Village Times publisher Toby Gardiner, were honored for their work in organizing the year-long festivities. The meeting also included special video presentations highlighting the past and present history of the village. Congratulations, Port Credit!
Family Fishing Fun Day
On July 10, as part of Port Credit's 175th anniversary celebrations, a Family Fishing Fun Day was held at Memorial Park. More than 500 parents and children turned out for the inaugural weekend-long event, which was organized by local fisherman Bob Cutmore. Over 300 prizes were awarded, including a huge number of free fishing rods. Special thanks to Muskies Canada Incorporated and all the volunteers who helped out!
Heritage Designation
On August 4, Mississauga City Council voted to proceed with a heritage designation of the Hill Gatehouse / Dudgeon Cottage property at 305 Lakeshore Road West. Although the property was in danger of being demolished for use as a driveway, local citizen's and community groups rallied to save the historic house.
A Hole In One For Hunger
Golfers gathered at the Mississauga Playdium on August 12 to play 18 holes of mini-golf and raise funds for the Mississauga Food Bank during their inaugural "A Hole In One For Hunger" golf tournament. The MFB supplies food to more than 12,000 residents in need each month through its network of member agencies. This growing network of food banks, meal programs, shelters, addiction centers and breakfast programs run across the city, feeding the 17% of Mississauga's population who live in poverty. To donate or to learn about the MFB, visit www.themississaugafoodbank.org or call 905-270-5589.
Amadio's Pizza Fall Update
Amadio's Pizza, located at 360 Revus Avenue, will re-open after the summer holidays on August 19. For more information, call 905-891-5500.
Rotary Outdoor Movie Night
The final Rotary Outdoor Movie Night will be held at Memorial Park on Friday, August 27 at 8:15 p.m. Come out and enjoy a blockbuster movie on a big movie screen under the stars! Bring your own lawn chair and blanket. For more information, visit www.rotarymovienights.com.
Grangestock
Be ready to have your world rocked by the sights and sounds of Heritage Mississauga's second annual Grangestock festival! On Saturday, August 28 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., the grounds of the historic Robinson-Adamson House (The Grange)will be transformed into an art and music festival. Come out and listen to the rock and blues of The Jerry Stiff Band, as well as see multimedia artists who will be demonstrating and selling their works in the vendors' village. Don't forget to enjoy an ice-cold brew supplied by Old Credit Brewery, buy a piece of art and stop by for our barbecue. Admission is free, and all proceeds from refreshment sales and silent auction will support the new Research, Education and Resource Centre at Heritage Mississauga. The Grange is located in the heart of 1921 Dundas Street West (one block west of Mississauga Road).
Farmers' Market
Visit an urban village farmers market with a community spirit! The Port Credit Farmers' Market runs each Saturday until the end of September, beginning at 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Walk and cycle to thie market, meet up with family and friends and pick up some fresh vegetables and fruits, while also having the opportunity for mainstreet shopping along Lakeshore Road. The market is located at 200 Lakeshore Road East (in the parking lot between Planet Organic and the LCBO).
Art Classes
Motyka Fine Arts will be holding En Plein Air Classes every Sunday through September at 2 p.m.. The classes will teach artists how to quickly launch into a plein air study using either drawing or painting techniques. The classes will also focus on capturing the different qualities of light, establishing composition and developing individual creative expression. Classes are $35 each ($120 for any 4 sessions). Visit motykafinearts.com for more information.
Cloverleaf Garden Club
The Cloverleaf Garden Club of Mississauga meets at the Mississauga Seniors' Centre (located at 1389 Cawthra Road) on the 3rd Wednesday of every month (except July, August and December) from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to visit this local gardening club, which was established in 1944 and is a proud member of the Ontario Horticultural Association. Cloverleaf is well known in the community for their annual plant sale and their annual garden tour. At the monthly meetings, knowledgeable speakers are brought in to talk on a variety of garden subjects. The feature presentation is followed by a judged flower show and time to socialize over tea, coffee and baked goodies. Come and join the fun, improve and share your knowledge of gardening, and make new friends in the process. Visitor fee is $5, and an annual membership may be purchased for $14 (or $12 for seniors 65 and over). For a complete schedule of meetings, visit www.cloverleafgardenclub.org.
Doors Open Mississauga
Don't miss your chance to peek inside the city's hidden gems on Saturday, September 18 during Doors Open Mississauga, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at locations across the city! This year's event focuses on the city's west end. Participating sites will be located in Port Credit, Clarkson and other villages! Visit www.mississauga.ca/portal/discover/doorsopenmississauga for more information.
Cloverleaf Garden Tour
The Cloverleaf Garden Club will hold its annual walking tour on Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at various sites around the village. The tour will visit 20 residential gardens that are south of Lakeshore Rd and east of Hurontario Street. Tickets will go on sale at the beginning of September. Visit www.gardenontario.org/site.php/clover or call Maneula Neto at 905-274-8938 for more information.
P.C. 175 Exhibit
Bradley Museum will run its current exhibit, "175 Years of Port Credit History", until December 29. The Museums of Mississauga are celebrating 175 years of history in Port Credit with a display highlighting artifacts from their collection. Items include models of Port Credit from the 1930's and 2008. Also featured will be items from St. Lawrence Starch Works and various items belonging to past residents of Mississauga, including the Maybee, Gray and Naish families. Admission is free. Guided tours are also available every Wednesday through Sunday (until the end of August) and Wednesday/Sunday for the rest of the year from 1 – 5 p.m. ($5.38 for adults, $3.43 for students, $2.05 for children and $13.40 for families plus taxes). Bradley Museum is located at 1620 Orr Road.
CanAfric Theatre will hold African dance classes for all ages every Thursday – Saturday at Prince Edward Montessori School, located at 12 Peter Street South. Come out and join the fun, as you jam to rhythms that will inspire you to move! Hours are 5 – 6 p.m. (children) and 7 – 8 p.m. (adults) on Thursdays, 5 – 6 p.m. (children) and 6 – 7 p.m. (adults), and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (children) and 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (adults) on Saturdays. Children's classes are $12/class or 5 classes for $50. Adult classes are $18/class or 5 classes for $80. To register, contact
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or call 905-891-9494.
The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga and Orchestras Mississauga are trying to make the world a better place through the Pepsi Refresh – Tales and Tunes for Toonies project. Visitors to the Pepsi Refresh website can vote on projects that develop positive change in local communities. By supporting Tales and Tunes for Toonies, local residents can help CMSM and OM present live professional musical events for elementary students and families at the Living Arts Centre. If the idea gets enough votes, Tales and Tunes for Toonies could get a $10,000 grant to bring the idea to reality. The grant money will be used to pay for the staging, creative lighting design and technical costs of bringing the show to the Hammerson Hall stage. For more information, e-mail Peggy Hills at
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or visit www.refresheverything.ca/talesandtunesfortoonies.
Port Credit Cycling Tour
In honoir of Port Credit's 175th anniversary, the P.C. Cycling Tour has been designed for anyone with a bike who wants to ride on a self-guided cycling route around Port Credit. The route is approximately 20 kilometres, and takes about 1 1/2 – 2 hours to complete. There is thorough coverage of Port Credit parks, public art, landmarks, heritage spots, neighbourhoods and cycling paths, with forays into adjoining districts to the east, west and north. For a route map, visit www.topca.net/images/TOPCA_Bike_Tour_2010_Map.jpg.
The City of Mississauga that Lions Park be renamed "Harold E. Kennedy Memorial Park", and that the Port Credit Outdoor Pool be renamed "Lions Club of Credit Valley Outdoor Pool". The city is currently reviewing public input for the name change. For more information, contact Ruth Marland at
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or 905-615-3200, ext. 5827.
J.C. Saddington Salmon Initiative
The Port Credit Salmon and Trout Association (PCSTA) is currently spearheading a local initiative for adaptive reuse of the heritage pumping station buildings at J.C. Saddington Park. The proposed project will allow salmon fry to hatch and imprint locally at the pumping station facility, beginning in the fall of 2011 The buildings are now being evaluated as to potential design and remediation considerations in support of a formal proposal to the City.
A painted mural located near the Port Credit Lighthouse was recently defaced by graffiti artists. This is is only one of a series of similar incidents being reported across the village. If you have any information or tips regarding vandalism of public property, please contact the Port Credit Business Improvement Association at 905-278-7742 or e-mail
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