Why I’ll Wear a Poppy on Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day has been a long standing tradition as the time that we pause to give thanks to veterans and to those who have given their lives in war. The day was dedicated by King George V in 1919 as a day of remembrance for members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I. Last year, Canada’s last World War I veteran, John Babcock, passed away at the ripe age of 109. Yet, our need for remembrance lives on in the veterans of more recent struggles as well as for wars to come.

I’d like to share a story from one of our staff members at CENTURY 21 Canada. She’s never had to experience violence and she’d like to give thanks to those who have given her that...

Why I’ll Wear a Poppy on Remembrance Day

I loved the “When I was young” stories that my grandmother used to tell me. To me, this was my time to indulge in slightly exaggerated stories of courage and adventure. She’d tell me about growing up in the rice fields of China, waking up early to help with chores and to carry water from the nearby river. Born in 1924, my grandmother was but a young girl when World War II started. She didn’t understand war and why people were fighting. She only understood that each time the soldiers came through her village, she had to run to her hiding place and keep quiet or bad things would happen.

Her stories took on new meaning when I accompanied her to her old village on a trip to China. It was the first time she’d been back since leaving during the Cultural Revolution. She led me down the narrow streets where her home used to be. The house isn’t there anymore, but all the memories were written on her face as she retold her stories, tracing each part through the sands and brush.

“In Canada, you’ll never have to experience anything like that. You’ll never have to see what I’ve been through,” she said to me. She’s right. I’m one of the lucky ones who have been sheltered from violence and war.

Thanks to many servicemen and women who have fought and continue to fight, we as Canadians remain free from oppression. So for my grandmother and myself, I’d like to say thank you to all the many soldiers who have fought for our freedoms and values.

This Friday, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, I stand in two minutes of silence wearing a poppy close to my heart in remembrance.

Lest we forget...

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

READ MORE - Why I’ll Wear a Poppy on Remembrance Day

YTD Century 21 In Town Realty and Centum Pacific Mortgages Easter Seals 2011 efforts

Hi everyone we just wanted to update you on our EASTER Seals efforts YTD.

Once again our Halloween Pumpkin Give Away went off with GREAT Success! We raised $1,243.25

Year To Date we have raised $10,431.25 for Easter Seals. (That's our best ever and the year isn't over yet).

We would like to thank all of you who have helped out this year and in the past for your contribution of time and donations, as well as, for all your friends and family who have helped out this great cause too.

So please pass on the good news to everyone you know. We have come a long way from just starting this 4 years ago with our Team. We feel so proud to be able to do such a rewarding effort and having a blast too!

I am sure the Kids have a huge smile on their faces as well!

Donations can always be sent electronicly via clicking here

Michael and Heather La Prairie are with CENTURY 21 In Town Realty in Vancouver, BC.

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

READ MORE - YTD Century 21 In Town Realty and Centum Pacific Mortgages Easter Seals 2011 efforts

The 2nd Annual GREAT PUMPKIN give away was a SUCCESS!

That's right.....Our second annual EASTER SEALS Pumpkin give away was a great success. NO RAIN either!

It started just before 12:00PM on Saturday October 22nd and ended right at 5:00PM. We had lots of support from the Team at CENTURY 21 In Town Realty. So far we have raised just over $800.00 with more to come over the next few days.

That's right we still have some left over, so if you are close by PLEASE come in (421 Pacific Street) and pick out a Pumpkin and make a donation....all monies donated will go towards Easter Seals "Send a Kid to Camp"

 

Michael LaPrairie is with CENTURY 21 In Town Realty in Vancouver, BC

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

READ MORE - The 2nd Annual GREAT PUMPKIN give away was a SUCCESS!

Value of Window Upgrades

I recieved this wonderful information from Mike Hemmerling today. Thank you Mike for letting me pass on this useful information about upgrading windows. Mike does the 'Pillar to Post' news and information letter. Here are some of the great things Mike had to say...

Clients often ask Pillar to Post inspectors about the value of upgrading windows. There are many good reasons to upgrade windows but it is often difficult to decide based solely on dollars and cents.

Save Energy
Replacing old drafty windows with modern windows will saves energy, but the cost will not likely justify the energy savings. Break even will only occur after 20 to 30 years. Beware of claims such as 40% savings on your energy bills. Realistically, you may save 10% to 20%. If saving money is your only goal, consider weather stripping and repairing the windows you have.

Comparing Windows
U-Factor: The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has developed a standardized rating system call the “U-factor” which provides a single number with which to compare windows. The U-factor is a number between 0 and 1. The lower the number, the better. 0.35 is good. In cold climates, the U-factor is the most important factor for selecting a window.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): In climates where air conditioning is more important than heating, the SHGC is the most important factor for choosing a window. The SHGC represents how much heat from the sun penetrates the window. The SHGC is a number between 0 to 1. For air conditioning climates, a number less than 0.4 is good. For heating climates, a larger number, such as 0.6, is better.

Advanced Technology

Argon Filled
Some manufacturers put argon gas, a better insulator than air, between the panes, resulting in a more efficient window. Most experts agree that the argon does not last forever.

Glass Coatings
Coatings or films can dramatically improve the efficiency of a window. In a heating climate, low-E glass allows short wave solar radiation into the home for a heat gain, and prevents heat loss by reflecting the longer wave heat from inside your house back into the room. In hot climates, the window can be coated or tinted to reduce heat gain from the sun. Ask a home inspector, or another impartial professional, whether you need to upgrade your windows. A window salesperson will likely give you only one answer: yes.

Kristie Kruger is with CENTURY 21 Foothills Real Estate Ltd. in Letherbridge, AB.

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

READ MORE - Value of Window Upgrades