Brampton, ON

"Ghosting" is a fun Halloween tradition of doing something nice for your family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, etc. In the spirit of "paying it forward", everyone needs more positive interaction in their life. In our current world filled with constant negative news, Ghosting It Forward is about spreading positive thoughts & energy and brightening someone's day. And the best part is - it multiplies!

Here's how it works...you send a "Ghosting package" to three people - whether it is an anonymous note of thanks to your neighbour, an email to a friend, a bunch of flowers, a bar of chocolate, an inspirational book or movie, a bag of goodies, or just a simple smiley face, the possibilities are endless - and each will in turn send packages to three more people. Quickly, this becomes a chain reaction of goodwill throughout your circle of aquaintenances, and hopefully beyond.

Encourage your children to get involved and work together with them to make the packages.

Not only is this a fun Halloween activity, but it's also an opportunity to expose them to the endless rewards of giving something positive to another person. They can help decide what goes into the package, write a poem to include, draw a ghost picture, decorate the bags, or even make a craft!

Ghosting It Forward will energize people who send and receive the positive touches. Imagine finding a small surprise at your front door, knowing that someone wanted to bring a smile to your face. Now, think about how it would feel to be the person who brings a smile to an entire neighbourhood!

To join us in "Ghosting It Forward" visit http://www.ghostingitforward.org to find instructions and all you will need to get started "Ghosting It Forward".

Get ready neighbours, here I come!

Sincerely,

Sara Kareer
Sales Representative
Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage

(tel) 905-450-8300
(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301
(web) www.SaraKareer.com

This is a very special long weekend. This is the weekend we give thanks. Be thankful for your health, your family, and your friends.

Be thankful for what you had, what you have, and remember to help those that are less fortunate. Kindness has its own rewards.

Have a happy and safe long weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Sara Kareer
Sales Representative
Century 21 Millennium Inc., Brokerage

(tel) 905-450-8300
(toll-free) 1-888-450-8301
(web) www.SaraKareer.com

Monday, October 6th is the last advance voting day. Otherwise, your last chance to vote is election day, Tuesday, October 14th.

By now, you should have received a voter information card (if you're on the voter registration list or gave the Canada Revenue Agency permission to share your residence information with Elections Canada). You don't have to bring this card with you to vote, but it is adviseable -- the poll no. printed on the card helps those working at the polling station to direct you to the proper table.

If you haven't received a voter information card, or the one you received is addressed to someone else or contains errors, call the local (Brampton) Elections Canada office at 1-866-236-8618.

Don't forget your ID. (If you don't have an acceptable piece of primary ID, e.g., driver's licence, there are some alternatives.)

Reference: Elections Canada

For Lakelands Village residents, you may have received misinformation from your local candidate(s) (e.g., automated phone message) about where your advance polling stations is. Refer to your voter information card. (In the worst case, if you show up at the wrong place, they'll tell you where you should go.)

If you want another incentive to vote, many of the advance polling stations are at community centers. It's a good opportunity to also check out your local CCs: facilities, programs, and upcoming events, especially family activities. For example, there will be grand re-opening celebration for the renovated swimming pool on October 18th, at the Century Gardens Recreation Complex.

Would you like to see or have a copy of your home's floor plans? Well, the City of Brampton should have a copy of your home's building plans on file.

Just head over to the Building Division of Planning, Design and Development, now located at Flower City Community Campus (a "block" south of Queen St), address: 8850 McLaughlin Rd., Unit 1.

Once inside the building, head downstairs to Document Services. Don't forget to bring picture ID (e.g., Ontario driver's licence). The clerk will verify your identity against their tax roll information for the property. For a recent transfer in title, you may have to bring a copy of your Purchase Agreement to show that you are the new homeowner.

The clerk will then retrieve the microfiche for you to view. If you live in a subdivision, there's a reference set of plans submitted by the builder for each model, and a separate file specific to your lot. Among the things you might find: HVAC heat loss calculations, mechanical drawings, floor plans, elevation drawings, cross-sectional drawings, etc. (The city may not have a copy of your survey though.)

There's no cost to view your plans. If you'd like copies made, it's $5 per page + GST (capped at $25), plus a $5 access to information fee (per Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990c. M56.). As an example, the reference set alone for my home was 30 pages.