Quote of the Week
New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.
Mark Twain 

Have a great week and Happy New Year!

Paul Croteau
Mortgage Specialist
BMO Bank of Montreal
31 King Street
St. Catharines, ON
ph: (905) 321-3230
fx: (905) 641-7854
Paul.Croteau@bmo.com

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Tags: St.-Catharines, Niagara, Canada, Mortgage-Rates, Paul-Croteau, Mortgage-Specialist, Bank-of-Montreal

About NORAD

NORAD is the bi-national U.S.-Canadian military organization responsible for the aerospace and maritime defense of the United States and Canada. NORAD, created by a 1958 agreement between Canada and the United States, provides advanced warning of impending missile and air attack against its member nations, safeguards the air sovereignty of North America, and maintains airborne forces for defense against attack.

NORAD’s mission has evolved over the years. The most recent “evolution” in our mission came as a result of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. NORAD now coordinates closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV CANADA to monitor the airspace within Canada and the United States. In addition, the command also conducts maritime monitoring.

The men and women of NORAD are constantly watching the skies and waterways of the United States and Canada to keep us safe.

Why We Track Santa

For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s Christmas Eve flight.

The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born. To listen to Colonel Shoup talk about the experience, click here.

In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States created a bi-national air defense command for North America called the North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORAD. NORAD inherited the tradition of tracking Santa.

Since that time, NORAD men, women, family and friends have selflessly volunteered their time to personally respond to Christmas Eve phone calls and emails from children. In addition, we now track Santa using the internet. Last year, millions of people who wanted to know Santa’s whereabouts visited the NORAD Tracks Santa website.

Finally, media from all over the world rely on NORAD as a trusted source to provide Christmas Eve updates on Santa’s journey.

How We Track Santa

NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa – radar, satellites, Santa Cams and fighter jets.

Tracking Santa starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system consists of 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. On Christmas Eve, NORAD monitors the radar continuously for indications that Santa Claus has left the North Pole.

The moment that radar indicates Santa has lifted off, we use our second detection system. Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors which enable them to detect heat. Amazingly, Rudolph’s bright red nose gives off an infrared signature which allow our satellites to detect Rudolph and Santa.

The third tracking system is the Santa Cam network. We began using it in 1998, which is the year we put our Santa Tracking program on the internet. Santa Cams are ultra-cool, high-tech, high-speed digital cameras that are pre-positioned at many locations around the world. NORAD only uses these cameras once a year on Christmas Eve. The cameras capture images and videos of Santa and his reindeer as they make their journey around the world.

The fourth system is made up of fighter jets. Canadian NORAD fighter pilots flying the CF-18 intercept and welcome Santa to North America. In the United States, American NORAD fighter pilots in either the F-15 or the F-16 get the thrill of flying alongside Santa and his famous reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and, of course, Rudolph.

Source: NORADSanta.org

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What should I consider as I plan my retirement?
For active older Canadians, retirement opens up a whole new world of opportunities and one of those opportunities is finding the perfect retirement home.

It’s not an easy decision. For many retirees, leaving their family home is an overwhelming experience both physically and emotionally. Preparing yourself before you make your move can make all the difference in the world.

Before you start looking, here are some things to consider:

* Do I want to stay in the same neighbourhood? It’s been your home for years. Can you leave behind friends and acquaintances and say goodbye to your trusted doctors, friendly shopkeepers, and familiar surroundings?

* Where would I really like to live? Do you want the diversity and cultural opportunities of a major metropolitan city? Is it time for that home in the country? Can you bear the Canadian winter?

* How much can I afford? You have many years to look forward to, but your income is going to be relatively fixed. A good financial plan can help you decide what you can afford, not just now, but in ten or twenty years from now as well.

* What sort of lifestyle do I want? Retirement living offers all sorts of possibilities, from owning your own home, to living in a community, to joining a retirement community. Which one fits your lifestyle? Is it the small bungalow so you can have your own garden or the condominium that does all the maintenance for you? Each has its benefits and each has its drawbacks.

* Where will I be in ten years time? Ideally, the perfect retirement home is one that will accommodate your needs as they change over the next few years and reduce the chance of having to make another move when you may be less prepared.

Once you’ve determined that you’re ready to take the plunge, there is an abundance of options available to you.

Condominiums
Short on maintenance and long on amenities, condominiums are a favourite choice of empty nesters and retirees.

Condominium apartments and townhomes are available in virtually every price range and neighbourhood. Many offer recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness areas, and even golf courses.

Remember that when you own a condominium you’re governed by the by-laws, rules, and regulations established by the condominium board. Make sure you know how these will affect you (especially if you have a pet) before you buy.

Bungalows
Bungalows give empty nesters and retirees the best of both worlds – your own house and yard with minimal maintenance and, best of all for many retirees, no stairs.

The bungalow living concept has surged in popularity in recent years, especially in smaller communities outside major centres where homes are less expensive.

Source: Royal LePage

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Tags: St.-Catharines, Canada, Retirement-Properties, Retired-Canadians, Condominums, Bungalows, Royal-LePage

This story was posted in St. Catharines Standard, 12/19/08, by Grant LaFleche, Standard Staff.

Bertha Power tries not to cry. There are enough waterworks around Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold this time of year without her contributing to it.

“I do the big hugs, though,” she said. “I’m OK with those.”

But some days it’s hard not to get emotional. Power volunteers with the food bank’s adopt-a-family program, which sees local residents and businesses sponsor families for the holidays, providing them with presents, food and other items for Christmas.

Power acts as the link between the sponsors, who always remain anonymous, and the families. She is often there when the families come in to pick up the gifts the sponsors have left for them.

And that is when the tears flow.

“I had one lady come in and saw a pink tricycle and she just lost it,” Power said. “She said, ‘Oh my God, a pink tricycle. That is all my daughter wanted.’ ”

The program sponsors 250 local families struggling to make ends meet, let alone indulge in holiday spending. Power said they are chosen by the intake workers who register families for Community Care’s annual Christmas program.

“These are people in exceptional circumstances,” said Community Care CEO Betty-Lou Souter.

Although the adopt-a-family program is finished for this year, the need in the community continues to grow.

Souter said there are 377 more families registered for help than at this time last year and the demand is expected to continue to climb.

She said some of those registering are people who donated last year, but have recently lost their jobs and need help.

However, despite bad economic times, St. Catharines residents are coming through for the food bank.

Souter said people with means are giving a little more this year because they are aware that so many in the community are hurting.

Community Care needs to raise about $300,000 for its Christmas program — which provides food and toys for families — and to see it through into the new year. Souter said so far the food bank has raised about two-thirds of that total.

“This is the week,” Souter said of the remaining days before Christmas. “There isn’t a lot of time left. This is when we make it or we don’t.”

Souter said there have been some unexpected acts of charity from the community.

On Thursday afternoon, for example, the Canadian Tire store on Welland Avenue dropped off Christmas trees for Community Care clients.

“I have people literally crying because they have never been able to afford a Christmas tree before,” Souter said. “It’s sometimes these little things that really impact people.”

While donations are coming in, Community Care is dealing with some clothing shortages, particularly winter boots for men.

Donations can be made to Community Care at 12 North St., by calling 905-685-1349 or by going online to www.communitycarestca.ca.

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Tags: St.-Catharines, Canada, Community-Care-of-St.-Catharines, Thorold, St.-Catharines-Standard, Donations

UPDATE: This property has been SOLD!

Please use our online complimentary St. Catharines Ontario real estate search to find similar available listings.

 The price has been adjusted!!!  This executive home in St. Catharines is now priced at $319,900.00!

This executive home in St. Catharines is priced at $349,900.00!

This custom-built Monarch home (2002) was known as “The Brookside”. It was built larger than the original plans. In this model home there is an open concept kitchen with white cabinets and a kitchen island which overlooks the dinette area. A bright main floor family room has been finely detailed with a gas fireplace which is complemented with a mantle and hardwood flooring. Also on the main level of this home there is a 2-piece powder room and laundry facilities with access to the double attached garage.

In the spacious master bedroom there is a walk in closet and 4-piece ensuite that features a whirlpool bath and separate shower. In the lower level there is a partially finished basement, 3-piece bath adjacent to a large recreation room area. Once you walk through the patio doors on to a two-tiered wooden deck, to your left is a six person hot tub which was installed in 2007 and included in the purchase price.

For directions, click this link.

For other pictures of this home, please click here.

For other homes I have listed in this price range, visit St. Catharines Real Estate listings page or the blog listings page.

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5 YEAR FIXED RATE SPECIAL UPDATE:  BMO is still offering our 5 year fixed rate mortgage term at 4.79%. I have not been advised as to when this offer expires, but as usual it would be best for any customers considering a mortgage to complete an application to get this rate guaranteed for 90 days.

Quote of the Week
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens 

Enjoy the holiday season!

Paul Croteau
Mortgage Specialist
BMO Bank of Montreal
31 King Street
St. Catharines, ON
ph: (905) 321-3230
fx: (905) 641-7854
Paul.Croteau@bmo.com

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Tags: St.-Catharines, Niagara, Canada, Mortgage-Rates, Paul-Croteau, Mortgage-Specialist, Bank-of-Montreal

Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold held their annual Stuff the Bus campaign on Friday, 12/12/08. It was held at the local radio station, 105.7 FM and 610 CKTB, located on the corner of Yates Street and St. Paul Street West.

Timothy Salisbury stopped by to donate items and funds which he raised from his client appreciation party. In total, 4 bins of needed items and $670.00 were donated by his clients. Timothy matched the monetary donations for a total of $1,340.00 going to those in need this holiday season.

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Tags: St.-Catharines, Canada, Community-Care-of-St.-Catharines, Thorold, Stuff-the-Bus, 105.7-FM, 610-CKTB, Timothy-Salisbury, St., Catharaines-Community, St.-Catharines-Donations, Betty-Lou-Souter, Tom-McConnell, Phil-Porter