Types of glass

When deciding on a type of glass for your artwork, you have many options to choose from. The most common types of glass available include:

Museum quality

The name says it all. If it’s good enough for Picasso and Rembrandt… Museum quality glass is constructed to block the sun’s harmful UV rays while also providing an anti-reflective surface so you can enjoy viewing your artwork from any angle and in any light. You already know the harmful effect the sun’s rays can have on your skin but did you know that UV rays can also fade and damage your artwork? The effect of UV rays on your artwork are both cumulative and irreversible so be sure that the glass you choose provides full UV protection.

Reduced reflection

Also known as non-glare glass, this glass does not provide the same protection as museum quality but it is the next best thing, if you are on a tight budget. Using a film coating, this type of glass reduces the reflection from light by either absorbing it or by scattering it. Reduced reflection glass is still considered a type of preservation glass because it will help protect your artwork from light, heat and moisture in the air, just not as well and not for as long as the museum quality product.

Regular glass

As you probably guessed, this is the least expensive option available for framing and probably the last one you would want to consider. Regular glass provides little to no protection for the piece you are framing, produces glare in the light and is highly prone to scratching.

When framing a treasured piece of artwork, it’s always best to deal with a trusted source, like Kat’s Gallery, that can provide information and guidance. Visit them at www.katsgallery.com.

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The Georgina Chamber of Commerce considers networking to be an important aspect of doing business and as such offers monthly breakfast networking sessions that bring local business owners together to make new contacts, develop business relationships and exchange ideas. The meetings take place at 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at a local restaurant and attract 50 to 60 business owners.

Business partnering is another Chamber initiative that encourages business members to support each other.

One of the biggest advantages of being a member of the Chamber is the opportunity to network, partner and work with other like minded business owners. These are benefits that are valuable to businesses in any community, but especially in a small community, as it gives businesses more recognition.

The Chamber office in Keswick is a resource center for businesses. The focus of the Chamber is to work with the businesses in the area to help them grow and make the connections necessary to be competitive in a changing business environment. For more information about the Georgina Chamber of Commerce go to www.georginachamber.com.

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There are some simple precautions you can take to ensure you maintain the efficiency of your fireplace. Firstly, when you don’t have a fire burning make sure the damper is closed so heat in your house doesn’t escape up the chimney.

You can also increase the efficiency of your open fireplace and cut down on the amount of heat that escapes from your house by installing glass or metal doors, or heat shields, on the front of your fireplace.

Doors prevent the heat in your home from going up the chimney and are particularly useful when the fire in your fireplace is burning down for the night and the damper has to remain open to allow the smoke to vent.

Your chimney is an enclosed column of warm air or gases surrounded by colder outside air. The warm air or gas in the chimney is more buoyant than the dense, cold outside air, so it rises and produces a natural vertical draft in the chimney.

To keep your fireplace or wood stoves performing at peak efficiency, it is important to burn your fire at a minimum of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You could burn the fire at 600 degrees Fahrenheit or higher at first to burn off any build up of creosote in the chimney and then turn the damper down to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and it will stay there for hours.

When you visit Mason Place Fireplace and BBQ in Keswick, you will find a selection of quality wood stoves and fireplaces that meet all the necessary safety codes. The knowledgeable staff will work with you to help you create what you have in mind. For more information go to www.masonplace.com.

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When mixing and matching styles, it’s best to start out with a pale, neutral colour for your walls. If you start with a boldly patterned wallpaper or jarring paint colour, you could end up looking too mismatched once the furniture’s brought in. You’ll probably also want to use one standard base style (traditional, contemporary, etc.). From there, you can add in splashes of unusual pieces or unexpected décor.

For furniture, consider using pieces in unusual ways. Put a dresser in your dining room and use it as a chest to store dishes. Or use a vanity as a small writing desk in an entranceway or living room corner.

To decorate, use different sizes and shapes for picture frames and choose throw rugs and cushions that are in different, but complementary, colours and/or patterns.

If you don’t want to go too eclectic, use only one or two standout pieces in an otherwise traditional room – perhaps a vintage table or rocking chair, or a unique piece of artwork.

Developing your own eclectic style is easy and shouldn’t require too much thought. In fact, if you think about it too much, you’re probably not choosing your own natural tastes. Examine the pieces you’ve picked up over the years – odds are even if they don’t match, they can go together in a way that complements your style.

Hart’s Country Furniture sells solid wood furniture and can give you suggestions on how to best decorate and mix and match your furniture. Visit www.pinefurnitureontario.com for more information.

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Sam Bozuk, owner of Prestige Jewellery in Georgina, recommends the following.

1. Stay away from chlorine

“With gold and silver you absolutely have to stay away from chlorine. It’s the worst thing for them and will definitely cause them to tarnish,” says Bozuk.

If you’re headed into a pool, Jacuzzi or spa, remember to remove all jewellery first. Chlorine damage can be almost immediate. The chemicals in the water can cause your gold or silver piece to discolour and tarnish and they might even create little holes or cracks, weakening the metal itself.

2. Watch the hair spray, perfume and cologne

Nothing matches pearl jewellery in terms of elegance and style, but pearls themselves are remarkably delicate. You want to do everything you can to preserve their natural luster and shine.

“Spraying your cologne and hair spray will kill your beautiful pearl,” says Bozuk. “It’s the alcohol in the spray that is so damaging.”

Apply these sprays first – if you must – and allow them to dry fully before putting any jewellery on. Think strategically about placement; make sure no product will come in direct contact with your jewellery, even after it has dried.

3. Learn to distinguish hard from soft

Opals and pearls are incredibly soft and fragile stones. Opals contain a lot of water and are surprisingly vulnerable. Extreme or sudden changes in temperature can cause them to crack. Also take care to keep them out of direct sunlight, which can change the colour of the stone or cause it to acquire a hazy look.

Pearls are known to scratch very easily. Also, try to limit contact with cosmetics, sweat and hair products.

For more information, visit www.prestigejewellery.ca or call 905-476-3700.

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It’s hardly a well-kept secret that behind every good band is an even more impressive dedication to practice. For budding musicians, though, finding time and a place to practise is the first big hurdle to overcome.

Relatively few musicians own their own house – it comes with the territory. Gathering a bunch of loud instruments in your parents’ home isn’t normally a viable long-term option. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to rent a jam space, where you won’t have to lug all of your equipment back and forth; and no one will cringe while your band irons out the kinks. The bigger the band, the more ways you can split the cost of renting a space.

Though a flashy vocalist and guitarist can spring a band into stardom, that band won’t make it past square one without a technically sound rhythm section. A solid drummer and bassist – no matter how creatively challenged – keep the song on target and provide a reliable point of reference for everyone else.

The best thing individuals can do for the band as a whole is to work effectively on their own. That way precious time spent together is rewarding and fruitful. The alternative, constantly grounding to a halt to hammer out specific parts, is like trying to ride a bike that forever has a wrench in its spokes.

In addition to individual lessons, Connors Music offers group sessions for anyone who wants to learn to play with other musicians. Participants will learn different skills from arranging to recording to performing. For more information visit www.connorsmusic.ca or call 905-476-3712.

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Why even own a pool if it only serves to embarrass you in front of the neighbours? If you have been there, you could use a refresher on proper pool maintenance.

Murky water is usually caused by a build up of bacteria in the pool. You should test the water at least every week using tools you can find at your local pool shop. 1 to 1.5 parts per million (ppm) is a good place to aim for. Dropping to far below will allow microbes to grow and levels too high and it can be harmful to your skin and eyes.

Also be sure to monitor the levels of pH in your pool and manage it with specialized chemicals. Your chlorine levels aren’t going to make a big difference if you pH is off and this can cause other problems. Overly high pH can cause scaling and staining in your liner and pipes, while low levels can cause corrosion.

If your levels are off as a result of neglect or just from using the pool a lot, perhaps it is time to shock the system. A temporary blast of chemicals will eliminate most problems with your water but this is something you need to do well before you plan on swimming. Chlorine levels above 3 ppm are dangerous so make sure you test the water again before you decide to go for a dip.

Chemicals exist to keep your pool from damaging itself and to keep you safe but they can also be dangerous if not stored and used properly. If you are having trouble with your water quality or aren’t sure about any aspect of your chemicals, visit the experts at Backyard Pool and Spa to learn how to do it properly. Give them a call at 905-713-2317 or visit their website at www.backyardpoolandspa.ca for helpful tips and information.

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Take the weekend to check out the latest items and chat with local merchants for tips and techniques to boost the value, usefulness and beauty of your home and lifestyle. From renovation standbys and new additions, to furniture, cookware, fitness and beauty products, you’ll find information, demonstrations and products all under one roof.

Do you want a new spa for the ultimate in at-home pampering? Are you curious about advanced power generation options from the wind and sun? Have you finally decided to turn over your landscaping to experienced professionals this year? Or maybe your plans extend into the future with custom architectural designs for a non-toxic, green sustainable eco-friendly dream home. This year’s exhibitors come prepared to serve you with renovation and lifestyle ideas to fully enhance your house and home.

Location: Georgina Ice Palace, 90 Wexford Dr., Keswick
Admission: $2; free for children under 6
Hours: May 4, 4 to 8 p.m.; May 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; May 6, 10 a.m. to  p.m.
For more information, contact Michelle Hines at  905-476-7870 or visit georginachamber.com

The benefits of a vacation rental

The obvious benefit is space. Instead of one often tiny room, you can have access to an entire condo or house. If you are travelling with children the benefit becomes immediately apparent. When the little ones are asleep, you and your partner can stay up and watch TV in another room or enjoy a glass of wine and a snack on the patio. And early risers can enjoy their morning coffee, or cartoons, without disturbing the rest of the family. A vacation rental can also save you considerable money on food if you are willing to do a little grocery shopping and have breakfast and the occasional dinner at “home”.

The downside of a vacation rental

While the space can be appealing, vacation rentals are like having your own home. They rarely come with daily maid service so when you return from a full day of sightseeing, you will find your rental in the exact same condition you left it. If you are the type of person who likes beds to be made and bathrooms to be cleaned daily, then a vacation rental may not be the best choice for you.

How to find a vacation rental

Some travel agencies, like Valhalla Travel in Stouffville, can help arrange for vacation rentals. “We can help our clients find every kind of accommodation from luxury villas in the Caribbean to rustic cottages in Denmark,” says Jon Sondrup of Valhalla Travel in Keswick. “This can be a particularly cost effective way to enjoy your vacation particularly if you are travelling in a group and would enjoy a villa that has eight bedrooms or more!”

Thinking about renting a vacation property? Let the travel experts at Valhalla Travel find the perfect rental for you. Visit them at www.valhallatravel.com.

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A lively retirement community will offer a range of fun seasonal programming, including multi-faith celebrations that bring people together, craft and bake sales, cultural or shopping outings and special meals, often accompanied by live music. Entertainment and good food are always a reliable way to bring people together and help mark the passage of various milestones and seasons; they also give us all something to look forward to and make life a lot more fun in general.

“Social activities help keep us all young,” says Kelly Brown, Director of Marketing at Cedarvale Lodge in Georgina.

Cedarvale is proud to offer the innovative Zest for Life program. It promotes vitality and personal wellness by focusing on the mind, body and spirit. Many of the programs bring people together for a range of learning and sharing opportunities; they also serve as the much-loved foundation of a busy social life.

A number of studies have found that maintaining strong social connections and participating in stimulating intellectual activity may lower the risk of cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer’s. Researchers aren’t sure exactly just how the protective functions of continued social and mental stimulation work. It is thought that such activities help promote new nerve cell growth and improve communication between existing cells.

For more ideas on how to keep up your social connections, visit Cedarvale Lodge online at www.specialty-care.com or call 905-476-2656.

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