New Tecumseth, ON

Tips For A Safe and Happy Halloween

1. Have adult supervision. Accompany your kids if you don't think they're old enough to trick-or-treat on their own.

2. There is safety in numbers. If they're old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group.

3. Map out your plan. Designate a route before your kids begin trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it.

4. Take the long way 'round. Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around. They should also avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.

5. Try tick-or-treat-friendly homes. Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.

6. Stay outside. Make sure your kids don't go inside someone's house. They can get their candy from the porch.

7. Remain visible. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or flashlight.

8. Remember, shorter = safer. Goes without saying but just in case you forget, ensure your kids' costumes aren't so long that they can trip over them.

9. Don't cover the face. Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.

10. Quality-check treats. Check your kids' candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.

11. Say "no" to strangers. Tell your kids to never accept a ride or go anywhere with a stranger.

12. Obey the law. Encourage your kids to follow all the regular rules for walking around. That includes looking both ways before crossing, obeying all traffic laws and using cross walks and crossing lights where available.

13. Have a great time! Finally, make sure your kids have tons of fun and get lots and lots of candy

Another winter season is fast approaching...

Here are some tips on keeping the flu and other viruses from spreading!

Reduce the risk of spreading infection:

• Cover you mouth and nose when you sneeze, using a disposable tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Eat well and get enough exercise and sleep.
• Treat all blood and other body fluids as infectious materials.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly

Many people get a flu shot each winter to help keep that flu virus away, here is a schedule of flu shot clinics in or near New Tecumseth...

With Thanksgiving approaching (Monday October 11th in Canada), we should be aware that the need for services at our food bank has increased by over 30% this year and that local food banks are in need of all basic, non-perishable foods. The Good Shepherd Food Bank in Alliston is having its annual Thanksgiving Food drive and is looking for your non-perishable food donations and can and will also accept cash donations (providing tax receipts for cash donations).

In New Tecumseth, drop off your food donations at the Cookstown Foodland, either the Zehr's or the Sobey's in Alliston, the Everett legion on County Road 13 (between 9 am and 4 pm) or to your local Church.

Not local to Alliston? Look around, food banks in every community are in dire need of supplies at this time of the year.

Help local families experiencing trying circumstances who are in need buying donating to your local food bank, wherever you are.

Time of Use Charges for electricity usage has been in place for different areas in Ontario for a while now, but today, October 1st, 2010 is the day that time of use periods and pricing will apply to residential properties in New Tecumseth.

Our old electric meter was replaced by a new digital electric meter last summer, but until today, it had been playing "dumb" ;-)

As of today, all our meters become "SMART"

Perhaps this is incentive enough for you to start making "better" choices resulting in less energy wastage and keeping more of your hard earned $$$ in your pocket.

To find out more information of TOU periods and pricing as well as links to previous posts on Saving Our Planet,
CLICK HERE

Thinking of buying a home in the near future?

Buying a home is a major decision. What you do and what you have done can cost you. Make sure that you are prepared. This is a great short You Tube video illustrating five steps that every home buyer should be doing.

If you are looking for affordable living close to the GTA, consider South Simcoe. Conveniently located near good commuter travel routes, you might just fall in love with some of the family friendly towns in New Tecumseth. Like more information?

Contact me and find out for yourself.