Hometown St.Thomas June 2022

Hometown St.Thomas June 2022

Hometown St. Thomas June 2022 Issue 40

The St. Thomas Home Show Issue!

JUNE 25-26

• Tons of aircraft in the air and on the ground • Expanded Kid Zone • Camping • Mustang Car Club • Aircraft Rides • The Ultimutts Dog Show • The Hercules Haul • Exhibits • And So Much More!

Air Fest is Back in St. Thomas Goodness gracious, great balls of fire! The greatest show on a tarmac is back -- Air Fest in St. Thomas, on June 24th-26th. Air Fest 2022 is brought to you by the Great Lakes International Airshow which has been delivering this area one of the best air shows in the country for a long time. This year’s Air Fest is looking to be no exception with much of the same fun as you would expect, plus a whole lot more! “We plan on offering an interactive experience for people of all ages throughout the weekend, with much more to see and do on the festival grounds at the airport,” says Andrew Buttigieg, Director of Media and Public Relations. “This year, parking will be on-site. The general admission parking will enter through Elm St. (at the back of the airport) and you will be guided in to park on one of the taxiways. Shuttles will take you to the main festival grounds.” “Throughout the weekend, we are offering a wide range of new activities including a brand new kids’ zone with plenty of activities to enjoy. We are also welcoming the Ultimutts Dog Show who will be performing twice a day. Also new this year, is the Hercules Haul. Teams of five (5) will compete throughout the day to pull a 7,650kg DC3 Dakota (WWII transport aircraft) in front of a crowd of cheering spectators! If you want to register a team, you can register on our website, www.airfest.ca.” Another new attraction to this year’s Air Fest happens on Friday night. “We are offering a brand new gala with guest speaker, Brian Shul,” says Andrew. “Brian is one of the most popular and dynamic keynote speakers in America today. His compelling story of living fearlessly and embracing the opportunities that each day brings, resonates with men and woman of all ages. This will be his premiere Canadian appearance.” Brian was a pilot for the SR-71 Blackbird Jet. “This is a perfect event to enjoy with the entire family,” says Andrew. “Kids 12 and under are free this year. That is something we thought was important to inspire the next generation to enjoy ‘an air experience to remember’. Our vision – especially with the kids who attend our event – is to inspire

passion, interest and education in aviation. As mentioned above, the kids’ zone is one of the big additions to this year’s show. We used to have a kids’ zone on a much smaller scale, but this year we have moved it into one of the hangers and we are going to be including a bunch of interactive displays and activities for the kids to enjoy.” Air Fest was originally planned for 2020, but like many things, had to be postponed due to the pandemic restrictions. Andrew believes that the volunteer group presenting the show has used these past two years to make this years event even bigger and better. “We are excited because this is going to be one of the biggest events in St. Thomas-Elgin since before the COVID pandemic. I think that everyone is ready to get out, enjoy the summer weather and have an enjoyable experience with the entire family, something we have definitely missed doing during this pandemic.” So, if you feel the need for speed, make sure you pick up tickets for you and the family at www.airfest.ca (and remember children 12 and under are free).

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The June issue is also special because we once again paired with the St. Thomas Home Show which is on June 3rd – 5th at the Joe Thornton Community Centre. Inside this issue, you will find all kinds of information on the show, as well as some of its vendors. The St. Thomas Home Show has a proud tradition of being one of the best in the area, and while this year might be a little different, as it is in June rather then its usual March dates, I believe it promises to be just as spectacular! I hope to see you there! In this issue you will find a contrast of articles -- a few articles on some of St. Thomas’ best traditions, finally back after a long pandemic break, such as: St. Thomas Air Fest (June 25th& 26th); The St. Thomas Lions Club Fathers Day Car Show (June 19th); the Western Alumni Elgin County Dinner (June 15th), and Founders Day (July 3rd). This issue will have enough going on to keep your calendar full -- and while you have it open, you should pencil in some time to see some of St. Thomas’ newer offerings, such as Wing Boyz chicken wing restaurant. Those who have been following the magazine for these past four years will also have figured out how much I love the Horton Market! It is a weekly tradition for me, and I am so glad it is back. After a long winter, it was nice to stop in on Saturday morning and say hi to some old friends as well as to meet some new ones! This month we also bring back the tradition of ‘Meet Me at the Market’ where I share with you information on some of the amazing vendors the Horton Market has to offer. I will once again remind you that Election Day is Thursday, June 2nd. I urge you to go and cast your vote. This is your opportunity to help shape your province into what you believe it should be. It doesn’t matter if your candidate wins or loses; your vote matters and I hope you will join me in exercising our right to have our voices heard.

Letter from the Editor Well, we did it; this June edition marks our 4th anniversary as a magazine! The idea behind Home- town St. Thomas was first conceived in April 2018 when Staci and I dis- cussed the idea of bringing a local print voice back here in St. Thomas. We wanted to focus on and share St. Thomas stories that would entertain as well as inform our readers. After a few

weeks of pounding the pavement looking to see if some advertisers would support such a project, we came away amazed at how much support we received from the community. Now, four years later, I am sometimes still amazed at how much support we receive. When we first launched the idea, we were asked several times if we thought there would be enough content in little old St. Thomas for a monthly magazine. I knew for sure there would be, because there are stories everywhere you look in St. Thomas. In four years, we have expanded our average page count from 20 – 24 to an average of 32, with some special issues like this one tipping the scales at 40+ pages. We have added thousands of new homes to our monthly distribution, as well as each business in St. Thomas. I am very proud of what Hometown St. Thomas has become; the partnerships we have built within the community and the stories we have shared. It is my sincerest hope that you have enjoyed our magazine, whether you were with us from the beginning or have picked us up along the way and I promise to keep sharing your stories!

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I'm Pickin' Up Good Vibrations: Lions Club Car Show Returns!

What has been a St. Thomas Fathers’ Day tradition for 25 years is back; the Lions Club of St. Thomas is bringing back their Fathers’ Day Car Show! The event will be take place Sunday, June 19th, from 7am to 4pm at Pinafore Park, with a theme of Good Vibrations. If you have not been in the past, this show is a must see and best of all, it is great fun for the whole family on a day meant to celebrate family!

them.” Of course, as most classic car owners do not like to take their cars out in wet conditions, Wayne does admit that a good turnout is dependent on weather. But for Wayne, the event is more than just seeing some cool vintage cars; it is about getting the whole family out to the park. As the Fathers’ Day Car Show is held in Pinafore Park there is lots of fun for the kids with the playground equipment, splash pads and walking trails. Plus, there will be food available, prepared by the St. Thomas Optimists, with breakfast being served from 8am to 11am, followed by Lunch from 11am to 4pm. If that isn’t enough there will also be prizes, 50/50 draws, vendors, and lots of great music.

Do you love showing off your car? Registration begins at 7am and goes until noon, with a $10 fee. Wayne says there will be prizes -- for the best of Ford, GM and Chrysler cars, as well as a people’s choice award.

We spoke with Wayne Cudney of the Lions Club, a long-time organizer of the event about how it got started. “Traditionally, antique car collectors tend to be men, so we came up with the idea to raise funds for the local community. Over the years, it has been an excellent fund raiser for our club.” Wayne says he has seen the event, a local tradition of over two decades, grow substantially. “We probably get 500 cars, and there will be thousands of people in the park walking around admiring

Make sure you circle the calendar for June 19th and take the family over to Pinafore Park, located at 95 Elm St., St. Thomas. Submitted photos from previous shows.

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Elgin County’s Western Alumni 80th Annual Dinner

“For some of us, the only chance we get to see each other is at this annual picnic,” adds Brian. Each year the picnic hosts a guest speaker who is also a Western grad or faculty member. “This year we chose to have Western grad, Alex Kopacz, who is a co-champion in the two-man bobsled at the 2018 Winter Olympics,” says Mary-Ellen. “He now coaches and trains future Olympians

Did you know that Elgin County’s branch of the Western Alumni Association hosts one of Western’s longest-running alumni events? That’s right; our local branch has been holding an annual picnic, going all the way back to 1927, an event which continued even through World War II, the Korean War and were only interrupted by the pandemic! Well, the Elgin County Western Alumni Association is proud to bring back their Picnic on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022, and if you are a graduate of Western University you are invited! “Originally started way back in the 20s as an informal gathering and potluck by a group of doctors from Western,” says Brian Bolt, one of the picnics organizers, “It slowly started growing. We are still not a formal group, and it has never become a formal, registered charity.” The charity Brian refers to is the Elgin County Western Alumni Bursary which is where the funds from the picnic have gone since 2007. The Bursary consists of four awards each year to local Elgin County students attending Western. “Eventually the picnic became an evening event,” Brian continues, “And then it started to become catered so now we still call it a picnic dinner as it is outside.” The event has been hosted at various alumnis’ homes throughout the years, and even in some local event spaces like the CASO Station in St. Thomas. Again, this year it will be hosted in an alumni’s yard. “The event ranges from 75 to 150 guests,” says Mary- Ellen Bolt who is

and, as this is an Olympic year, we thought it was a great fit.” If you are a Western Alumni living in Elgin County, then Brian and Mary-Ellen would encourage you to come out and have fun and be a part of this long standing Elgin tradition! RSVP to Mary- Ellen by June 9th at 519-633-6435 or email her at lightningbolt@ rogers.com.

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also organizing the picnic. “It is made up of Western Alumni and their spouses. It is always a lot of fun, and a chance to get together with old friends and make new contacts within the community. You already know you have at least one thing in common,” jokes Mary-Ellen.

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Working with a Kitchen Designer – Why it matters... By Pam Regier, Design & Sales Manager and Kimberly Bricker, Marketing Specialist, GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc. Although the process of designing a kitchen has evolved over the years, today’s home owners continue to find that working with a professional kitchen designer provides enormous value! The kitchen is one of the most intricately designed rooms in a home. Designing a kitchen space is about more than just making the space beautiful – it’s about function. Designers understand the process inside and out and their expertise can result in a more beautiful and functional kitchen. A TRAINED EYE SEES THE BIG PICTURE Designers are both analytical and creative, with access to a wide range of resources. They have experience, seeing many

Join our BOARD of DIRECTORS Make a Difference! Family and Children Services is currently recruiting new Board Members to join our team of dedicated leaders. As a provincially mandated Child Welfare agency, serving children, youth and families is at the heart of everything we do. The Society is committed to supporting and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our organization and the communities we serve. As such, we are expressly interested in hearing from individuals who identify as African Canadian, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, Low German-speaking Mennonite and persons with disabilities. Building a diverse and inclusive staff and Board is a priority for our organization. If you believe healthy families make healthy communities and want to help guide our future work and make an important difference in your community, you can apply to join our team. Board members must be 18 years of age or older and live in St. Thomas or Elgin County. You must also undergo a Criminal Record Check and Child Welfare Screening. To learn more about the work of the Society visit www.caselgin.on.ca. All interested candidates are encouraged to request a volunteer application by emailing [email protected] or by calling 519-631-1492 ext. 510 . other spaces, and can relate these to their decision-making in terms of layout and design. An experienced designer has the ability to visualize the space instantly and see the functionality of it. They can see the big picture down to every detail, ensuring correct measuring and that the design plans are complete well in advance of construction. This will ensure the project is done right -- AND on schedule. PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE Designers often have access to trade shows, exclusive publications, and information available only to the kitchen and bath industry. Constant training is offered by vendors and suppliers, keeping designers in tune with the latest trends and technologies, as well as, up-to-date with safety codes. The opportunity to work with various companies also creates new insight and experiences. From appliances and utility lines to doorways and walkways, there are countless things to consider.

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sure it suits the rest of your house. As nice as it would be to update with a fresh modern look, it may not suit your style, kind of sticking out like a sore thumb. When it comes to renovating, a professional designer will have the ability to make the new area modern and still tie it into the style of your home. BUDGET & PLANNING Believe it or not, most people don’t know what to plan for when it comes to a budget for their new kitchen. Walking your designer through the scope of your plan can be helpful to determine your needs. It will also help the designer understand how to design your space. Working with a designer can also benefit you in making the best choices for costly decisions, such as plumbing placement. Designers may also have a variety of ideas on how to help you save on costs. Do-it-your-self kitchen renovations put the responsibility on the homeowner for any damages incurred during delivery or installation, which sometimes can end up costing you more. When you choose a professional, not only do they take on that responsibility, they often may provide a lifetime warranty on your kitchen cabinetry! Working with a professional kitchen designer is well worth the investment. Seasoned kitchen designers can provide valuable opinions and advice on products and will also have considerable amounts of valuable experience that could save a homeowner significant time and money. They will bring their expertise and work alongside you to bring your ideas to life! Your final design will result in a more beautiful and functional kitchen.

Kitchens are not just for cooking and eating -- they are a space where we entertain; where kids play, finish homework, or where we simply hang out. Your kitchen designer can guide you in selecting the best layout and materials that suit your character,

lifestyle, and withstand the test of time! UNIQUE AND PERSONALIZED IDEAS

Invite your designer to get to know you on a personal level with opportunities to learn what you are all about and what your needs are. Having them over to see your space can be extremely helpful! What worked in one home may not work in the next. When focusing on one specific area of the home, it’s important to make

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Celebrating Our Past, Exploring Our Future This July 3rd marks St. Thomas’ 5th Founders Day, hosted by the Old St. Thomas Church. The event will be held from 3pm- 4pm and will include some guests and a local speaker, with a small reception after words. Rev. Nick Wells explains how the event began: “I've been the chaplain for the Old St. Thomas Church for eight years and this event started since my incumbency. There used to be an event, more of a Heritage Day, at Trinity Anglican Church that celebrated the first Eucharist celebrated in the church. We thought to start a Founders Day for the Old St. Thomas Church, yes, marking the beginning of the Anglican Church in St. Thomas but I wanted to take it a step farther than that, and expanded it into the community. Captain Daniel Rapelje, the founder of St. Thomas, actually has some of his family buried in the Old St. Thomas Church because he set aside two acres plus two rods (an old English measure of distance equal to 16.5 feet) for the setting of a public church and burial ground. I thought that we needed to look at a much larger community and make it open to all the religious groups and all the communities in St. Thomas.” “The more communities we can get participating the better; I would like it to be as diverse as possible, and not just restricted to Anglicans. We want to remember all of our past and also to begin reflecting on our future and pondering on what it might be like. Because St. Thomas is changing, and it's going to continue to change, continuing to get more diverse, our service needs to reflect that. Even though we're honouring pieces mostly from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with some pieces from the 60s and the 2000s as well. Whether you were into WWF wrestling, Strawberry Shortcake, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Star Wars, or GI Joe, Dark Matter has something to help you scratch that nostalgic itch. “It’s a place of joy and happiness and awesomeness!” says owner Craig Lawrence enthusiastically. Craig is a big kid at heart, and his passion for bringing childhood memories back for his customers shows in everything he does. “I love bringing joy to my customers,” he says. “Helping them to relieve experiences, hearing their stories – that’s why I do this.” Craig is also a big believer in giving back to his community, and he strives to be engaged in the community in as many ways as possible, whether it’s through participation in Free Comic Book Day or by creating an eye-catching float for the Santa Claus Parade each year. For Craig, it’s not the monetary value of a piece that is the most important thing. “I’m happy to see odd things come in,” he says. “Something doesn’t have to be valuable to be awesome!” Craig is always looking for items to buy for the store as well, so if you have some vintage toys or collectibles collecting dust in your basement, bring them in. “Everyone’s welcome,” says Craig. “I love this town and I hope they support me like I support them.” Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles is located at 127 Ross Street. Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles celebrates their 3rd anniversary July 27th!

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To advertise here, please contact [email protected] 43808 Talbot Line, St. Thomas [email protected] • www.jumbobuildingproducts.com We offer many different glass options, such as Low-E Glass, triple-glazing and inert gas fills for windows to keep your home cozy in frigid temperatures and comfortable during the warmer months. The technology might be invisible, but you’re sure to see the savings. ©2016 North Star Manufacturing (London) Ltd. All rights reserved. ©2016 North Star Manufacturing (London) Ltd. All rights reserved. ©2016 North Star Manufacturing (London) Ltd. All rights reserved. ©2016 North Star Manufacturing (London) Ltd. All rights reserved. We offer many different glass options, such as Low-E Glass, triple-glazing and inert gas fills to keep your home cozy in frigid temperatures and comfortable during the warmer months. EASILY GLIDE INTO OUTDOOR LIVING Combining beauty, security and energy efficiency, North Star’s collection of sliding glass patio doors offer your home the added value and space you need. With durable hardware, quality locks and Super Spacer technology, our customizable two, three and four-panel doors resist condensation, reduce noise and boosts insulation values. North Star Patio Doors open-up your home to an air-tight investment. Combining beauty, security and energy efficiency, North Star’s collection of sliding glass patio doors offer your home the added value and space you need. With durable hardware, quality locks and Super Spacer technology, our customizable two, three and four-panel doors resist condensation, reduce noise and boosts insulation values. North Star Patio Doors open-up your home to an air-tight investment. EASILY GLIDE INTO Saving Energy Never Felt Better. Combining beauty, security and energy efficiency, North Star’s collection of sliding glass patio doors offer your home the added value and space you need. With durable hardware, quality locks and Super Spacer technology, our customizable two, three and four-panel doors resist condensation, reduce noise and boosts insulation values. North Star Patio Doors open-up your home to an air-tight investment. EASILY GLIDE INTO OUTDOOR LIVING Combining beauty, security and energy efficiency, North Star’s collection of sliding glass patio doors offer your home the added value and space you need. With durable hardware, quality locks and Super Spacer technology, our customizable two, three and four-panel doors resist condensation, reduce noise and boosts insulation values. North Star Patio Doors open-up your home to an air-tight investment. North Star Windows & Doors can help you save money on your energy bills. QUALITY WINDOWS & DOORS GREAT SERVICE. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. QUALITY WINDOWS & DOORS GREAT SERVICE. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. QUALITY WINDOWS & DOORS GREAT SERVICE. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. QUALITY WINDOWS & DOORS GREAT SERVICE. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. QUALITY WINDOWS & DOORS GREAT SERVICE. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. 519-631-9066 our ‘founder’, Daniel Rapelje, it's actually honouring all of our founders. Although different religious and other ethnic groups, at one time themselves pioneers, have come in here over time, they're not pioneers anymore because they've integrated themselves into the community. This event is a time to give everybody an opportunity to speak; each year, I pick somebody in the community to come and speak and talk about what it's like to be a member of St. Thomas, and what their hopes and dreams are for the city.” Rev. Wells notes that the guest speaker will be joined by delegates from the city. While Rev. Wells has chosen the speaker for this year, he is keeping it a surprise for those who attend. He says one thing he enjoys about the event is that he never knows what the chosen speakers will say of their experiences and their visions for the city. “I never ask for their speeches ahead of time,” he says, “But I do always ask for a copy of it afterwards. I've been collecting them because at some time in the future it would be great to have them published as a collection of what different people thought of the city at different times. Somewhere, sometime in the future, people might look back at those and think, ‘Wow, they were really prescient’.” If you would like to celebrate St. Thomas’ past, or be a part of the discussion of what our future may look like, attend Founders Day on July 3rd at 3pm at the Old St. Thomas Church, located at 55 Walnut St., St. Thomas.

SUNDAY JULY 3, 2022 3pm 55 Walnut Street Please join Mayor Joe Preston, the city council, Elgin County Municipal Mayors and councils, The Elgin Regiment, members of the Court, the Police Department and Fire and Rescue as we reflect on our past, and anticipate our future. Please join our Mayor and city and County Council members, religious leaders of all faiths, Police and Fire departments as we reflect on our past, and ponder our future. Covid Protocols may be in effect. AUTO

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Rolling Stock Co. Quality Leather Goods Made to Last Leather, one of mankind’s oldest materials, is beautiful, long lasting, and luxurious. Husband and wife team, Dan and Erin Sweiger, with Rolling Stock Co., are looking to make your new favourite items out of leather. What started out as a hobby has blossomed into a business -- they are custom making and selling leather goods all over the world from right here in St. Thomas! “Rolling Stock Co. started as a hobby in January of 2018,” says Dan. “I was looking for a hobby outside of music where I could physically create projects with my hands. I found most leather items I purchased from retail outlets didn’t last very long or didn’t match the aesthetic I thought leather should have. I always felt leather was meant to last and have a nice patina. After being gifted some simple tools and a wallet kit from Erin’s late grandfather, I was on my way to build my first handmade wallet. It was terrible but I loved it! Soon, I found myself researching leather types and tools and figuring out how to work with this new media. Research led me to find the closest leather supply shops -- which are hours away, so I made the drive and bought my first quality leather and some tools. Shortly after that, I was building wallets and selling to friends and family. Word of mouth took off like wildfire and we started receiving orders from new clients.” “The product we are best known for is our Erie Money Clip,” says Erin. “It showcases simplicity in design while being completely utilitarian at a good price point. We often receive rave reviews on the Erie Money clip, as the wallet ‘I didn’t know I needed and can’t live without’. We also have a high demand for Blueridge Satchels and Berkshire Belts.”

Last year, Dan and Erin expanded their line to include a pet line called BarksCar Pet Shop. “We discovered when we got our sheltie, Sullivan, we were unable to find really good quality collars that would properly fit him,” says Erin. “Dan built him a custom-fit collar and designed a leash specific for his walking needs; it snowballed from there into a pet category.” With this pet line, they paired up with The Phoenix Canine Initiative to give back to their community. “We work with them to provide service dog training leashes,” says Erin. “For every leash purchased by those who come to us and mention Phoenix Canine, we donate $10 back to their program.” To purchase yourself some locally made, high quality leather goods, go to their website www.rollingstockco.ca, or check out their social media pages. Their leather collars are also available at the St. Thomas location of Pet Valu.

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Hope Continues to Grow at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital through the Tree of Life by Melissa Beilhartz, Manager of Communications and Engagement with STEGH In 2019, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) unveiled in the hallway outside of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) a life-sized ‘Tree of Life’ to symbolize strength and vibrancy, and to reflect on the generosity and hope that organ and tissue donation offers to both families and recipients. The hallway, which leads from the ICU to Surgical Services, is known at STEGH as the ‘Hallway of Heroes’, adequately describing the great sacrifice of a donor’s final contribution. Each leaf on the tree is individually handcrafted and acknowledges an organ or tissue donor at the hospital. Each year during Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Month in April, STEGH adds one leaf to the Tree for each donation that has taken place over the past year. This year, STEGH added 23 leaves. The branches now support over 150 leaves in total. “We are proud of the unique way in which we pay tribute to the incredible decision donors and their families have made at a very difficult time,” says Dr. Fahad Sheikh, Intensivist at STEGH. “Each organ donor can save up to eight lives, and each tissue donation could make life better for up to 75 other people! I encourage everyone to consider organ and tissue donation.” Although more than 85 per cent of people in Ontario are in favour of organ donation, only one in three Ontarians have registered to be a donor. By registering consent for organ and

tissue donation, you give hope to the thousands of Ontarians waiting for a transplant. Individuals on the transplant wait list are suffering from organ failure and without the generous gift of life from an organ donor, they will die. Tissue donors can also enhance the lives of recovering burn victims, help restore sight, and allow people to walk again. Transplants not only save lives, they return recipients to productive lives. Anyone 16 years of age or older, with a valid Ontario health card, can register their consent for organ and tissue donation at www.BeADonor.ca, or in person at any ServiceOntario. Hometown St. Thomas June 2022 Cover

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Page 14 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2022

Remodelling your Bathroom? What to Consider for your Space After your kitchen, remodelling your bathroom can be the next biggest change in your house! If you only have one or two bathrooms in your home, it is especially important to plan ahead so that you can get your renovation done on time! Here are some tips, trends and things to consider when you are updating your home’s bathroom(s). Storage Space If you walk into a bathroom that is cluttered with cosmetics and grooming products, it doesn’t matter what the rest of the room looks like; that is all your eye can see. Make sure your plan includes plenty of attractive yet functional storage solutions for your whole family so that everything has its place. Proper Lighting Choosing the proper lighting for a bathroom is key, but it can also be tricky. There are times when you require a good amount of light such as for the shower, or when applying make-up or shaving. But when for instance, you are taking a long, luxurious bath, you want the right ambiance. There are a few solutions to this: first, invest in a mirror with its own LED lighting so that it is bright right where you need it to be bright. Second, adding a chandelier is a quick, easy bathroom upgrade that can provide light throughout the room. Paired with a dimmer switch, it can offer you that relaxed lighting you are looking to enjoy for your lingering baths. Radiant Heat Flooring We fully acknowledge this is more of a want than a need, but, if you are already redoing your bathroom, why not go for it?! Bathroom floors are traditionally ceramic or stone; while

beautiful, they tend to be cold on your feet first thing in the morning or as you are getting out of the shower. Why not skip that chilly feeling and treat yourself to warmth underfoot with a radiant-heat system installed below your bathroom floor. The Bathroom of the Future! For some, the bathroom is the last room in the house where you can get away from technology. Perhaps you want to soak in utter silence, or you want to escape for a few minutes to sit and read a magazine. For others, the bathroom is the next frontier. Showers can have built-in Bluetooth speakers; bathtubs, TV’s on the wall -- even smart toilets are a thing now. If you are not quite there yet, perhaps invest in a discrete portable blue tooth speaker you can put on a shelf to add some backup vocals to your singing in the shower. When you are ready to make the leap and create your perfect space, I would encourage you to reach out and seek the expertise and skill that’s available to help create the bathroom of your dreams!

OPEN 1/8

Serving Elgin County

KITCHEN • BATH • LAUNDRY • CLOSET • CUSTOM

We Offer

Kitchen Cabinetry • Bathroom Vanities Refacing Cabinetry • Refinishing Cabinetry Closet Organizers • Laundry Room Storage Countertops • Hardware & Accessories European & Traditional Design

We help create the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room of your dreams: From floor to ceiling with a small town friendly feeling.

519-317-8746 www.daveyanddaveycabinetry.ca

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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2022 • Page 15

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