Archive for 'SI-DAF Members'
Thank you to Christine from CT&G Automotive Specialists and Sandra from the Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre for hosting the Car Care Clinic tonight. It was an excellent learning opportunity for women to feel more confident talking to their mechanic.
If you weren’t able to make it, these are the top 10 things every woman should know about their car.
10. The hype about nitrogen in tires.
As of 2008, the government required all light duty vehicles sold to be equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems. This created chaos at dealerships every time the weather changed. Air expands and contracts with temperature changes, causing tire pressure monitor lights to illuminate and customers to panic. Nitrogen does not change pressure as the temperature varies, solving this seasonal problem. There will be no harm done to your vehicle if regular air is added to tires previously filled with nitrogen. Tires filled with air can be easily adjusted with the seasons if you don’t want to shell out the extra money for nitrogen, this could cost over $50.00!!
9. Don’t leave your pre-trip inspection to the last minute!
Driving up north for a couple weeks? Going down south for the winter? Don’t leave your pre-trip inspection to the last minute; you may have to delay your vacation because of vehicle repairs! When you bring your vehicle to a shop for a pre-trip inspection, a good technician will test all the safety features of your vehicle. Also, they should thoroughly look at maintenance items to make certain they will last the length of your trip; spark plugs, belts, and fluids. Unless you are incredibly detail oriented when it comes to the maintenance of your vehicle, it is likely that you will need a repair done to your vehicle before you leave. This may take up to a day or two, depending on the availability of your vehicle parts, so plan ahead.
8. YouTube and Google are very useful tools!
Ever had a mechanic or service writer tell you that your car needed something that you had no idea existed? Ever feared that they were just making up a word and attaching a rather large price tag to said word? Look it up!!! Over the past 8-10 years, the internet has exploded with consumers sharing their experiences with all sorts of products, including vehicles and repairs. Search the recommended repair and see what comes up. Keep in mind, not everything on the Internet is true, therefore take the time to read numerous write ups before you make your final decision.
7. Your owners’ manual contains a lot of practical information!
Every manufacturer has a different idea as to when maintenance should be performed. Each manufacturer is unique with what type of oil, fuel, coolant, etc. they endorse in their vehicles as well. Use your owners’ manual to help you prepare for expenses related to your vehicle. Timing belts, transmission services and tune ups are among the more expensive items you will be faced with down the road.
6. Winter tires actually do make a difference.
I’m sure that most of us have been stuck in a snow bank or even some deep snow, some of us have hit a patch of black ice and had the sin scared out of us (if we were lucky!) and we have all watched on as other drivers plowed through as though there was no snow. Snow tires have come a very long way over the past decade. They are engineered to stick to the road, keep your car going in the right direction on ice, and muscle through small snow banks. Snow tires are made of a softer rubber compound than all season or summer tires, this helps when the temperatures drop to bone chilling cold. Summer tires become hard, much like a hockey puck, while winter tires will remain softer. Winter tires also have siping in their tread. This is just small cuts all over the tread to allow the tire to stick to ice and snow. Think of it this way, you are on a slab of ice, one foot is bare, while the other has a sock on it. The foot with the sock will stick to the ice, while the foot with no sock will be sliding all over the place. This is very similar to winter tires (socked foot) and summer tires (bare foot).
5. Your car should not squeak, clunk, shimmy or grind!!!
Pay attention to the noises that your car is making, as well as any sort of vibrations that happen at different times. These are all signs that something is not quite right with your car. Paying attention to these issues and having them addressed could save your life and the lives of other motorists as well as pedestrians. Make sure you know when the noise occurs. Is it at a certain speed? When you’re braking? When the car is idling, going over bumps, cornering or reversing? This will help your mechanic pin-point the issue to repair it more efficiently.
4. Tires should be rotated.
Tire manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 10,000km, which works out to roughly every second oil change. By rotating your tires, you are increasing the-life span of your tires. Tires are expensive, so maintain them!
3. The lights on your dash board mean something!!!!
The lights on your dashboard are there for an important reason: to keep you safe while on the road!! Pay close attention to these lights. Even that pesky check engine light that “has been on ever since I bought the car” is now more important than before. If a vehicle has a check engine light on, it will no longer pass the emission test in Ontario. If your ABS (anti-locking brake system) or air bag warning light(s) are on, this means that these systems will no longer function. It’s critical because if you are in an accident, your air bags will not deploy, and if you have to slam on your brakes, your ABS system will not kick in. Be aware of the light show on your dashboard and check your owners’ manual to see what those lights mean!
2. Cars require maintenance.
A vehicle is the second biggest purchase the average household will make, second to their home, so consider your car a significant investment. Even though you may be driving a brand new car, it will still require timely maintenance. Vehicles have hundreds of thousands of moving parts, all wearing little by little every time you start your vehicle. Minor maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations should happen every 3-6 months depending on the manufacturer. Your owners’ manual will give you a better idea of what is recommended for your vehicle. This will help to keep your investment in good shape and avoid costly repairs in the long run.
1. Know your rights.
Know what is and is not legal going into a repair shop. Whether it’s the small shop in town or the big dealership in the heart of the city, your rights are always the same. They are not allowed to make any repairs to your vehicle without your consent. They are not allowed to hold your vehicle if repairs have been done that you did not authorize. And even though it is not technically a law, they are not allowed to bully you into repairing your vehicle. It is YOUR vehicle, and it is YOUR decision whether or not you want that repair done and where you want that repair done. Take your time to make the right decisions for you, and for your vehicle!!
Christine will be hosting a Car Care Clinic, along with Sandra from Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre tomorrow evening (Wednesday).
She will be helping you to feel more comfortable talking to your mechanic. I encourage you to come and hear what she has to say even if you have a mechanic that you know and trust. Also, if you have any friends/family that would be interested in attending, please send them too! 
It will be Wednesday 27th, 7:00-8:30pm at CT&G Automotive 941 Centre Rd. At the corner of Centre Rd and Concession 6.
February 26 2013 under SI-DAF Members
Hello, my name is Christine Aarlaht and I am a certified auto mechanic/ technician by trade, head mechanic and owner of CT & G Automotive specialists. So, I guess you might be wondering what brought me to the Soroptimist DAF organization in the first place. I had been looking to join a volunteer organization for some time and by chance came across the SIDAF at an awards ceremony. After listening to some women speak, I was “blown away” with all that these women have accomplished for women and girls in our communities. I said to myself….”I want to be part of that”. I joined SIDAF in January of 2012 and am currently on the fundraising committee.
I feel privileged enough to have been born into the most loving family and a free democratic country called Canada. I realize that it’s not that way for many women and girls in the world and even in our own community. For this reason and so much more…..I wanted to be a part of making a difference in the lives of others and be a positive influence wherever I can.
I love animals and have a Siberian husky by the name of Reaper! I love to cook, garden and fish….and when I’m not home you can find me working on or riding cars, trucks and motorcycles.
November 1 2012 under Member Bios
After working for many years in social services with the provincial government, Heather started her own business, Vocational Solutions, in 2002. Heather is a results-oriented Employment Counsellor who specializes in helping persons with disabilities and post secondary education to find and maintain employment. During her 20 years of professional practice, she has successfully coached hundreds of individuals with significant injuries and disabilities back into the workforce. Her philosophy is that people can achieve a productive vocational life if their needs and values are well understood, existing resources can be utilized, and appropriate personal supports are in place. She holds a M.S.W. degree, a RRP designation, a Certificate in Disability Management (Return to Work Coordinator), a Certificate in Adult Education, and is a Certified Job Finding Club Facilitator.
Heather also designed and delivered the Women Getting Work Program for the Women’s Centre of Hamilton. While working at the Centre, she saw a poster about the Soroptimist International Women’s Opportunity Award. Having worked with many courageous women who returned to school while supporting their families, she was aware of the tremendous need for financial support, encouragement and other’s belief in their potential. She decided to find out more about Soroptimist and was impressed with the vision, dedication, and commitment to improve the lives of girls and women, locally and around the world. She joined the club in 2011 and is now that Chair of the Club’s Awards Committee.
Heather and her husband, John, enjoy hiking and exploring the beauty of nature. Every spring they travel to Arizona to see the miracle of the desert in bloom. She believes it is important to give back to the community and has volunteered with FRIENDS for Success, The Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club, the Women’s Reference Group, Hamilton Training Advisory Board, and the HR Hero Award Committee of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.
August 27 2012 under Member Bios
On February 25th, the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce honoured Soroptimist International of Dundas~Ancaster~Flamborough (SIDAF) at their Outstanding Business Achievement (OBA) Awards Gala in several ways. SIDAF member Sandy Gray and her husband Steve (recently retired as owners of Weeks Home Hardware in Waterdown) were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, two other SIDAF members were nominated for OBA awards (Maria Demkowich of JDJ Trailers and Shirley Eden, President of SIDAF), and SIDAF itself was recognized with a special Community Recognition Award.
Sandy Gray and Steve, along with Sandy’s brother Dave Smith, bought Weeks Home Hardware from their parents George & June Smith in January 1987. According to Arend Kersten, Executive Director of the FCC, “Over the past 24 years, Weeks Home Hardware has helped define the very soul of our incredible ‘community of communities’ with outstanding generosity and community involvement.” When asked why she chose to become a member of Soroptimist International and SIDAF in addition to all of her other interests, Sandy credited her passionate desire to help others through both her business and personal connections, especially women facing barriers to achieving their goals.
This photo was taken at the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBA) Gala, from left to right: SIDAF members Nancy Davidson, Shirley McCoy, Janet Barnard, Sandy Gray (winner, Lifetime Achievement Award), Pauline Hardcastle, Shirley Eden (OBA Nominee) and Maria Demkowich (OBA Nominee). Thank you also to the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce for featuring our club in the Bottom Line, March 2012.
Soroptimist International of Dundas~Ancaster~Flamborough is proud of Sandy, Maria and Shirley, and grateful to the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce for their Community Recognition Award.
Carmela is a compassionate coach with over two decades of Human Resources experience. During her time in the corporate world of Human Resources, Carmela had a profound discovery; she needed change. Her passion for serving people in their personal and professional lives had a profound impact on her over the years and drew her to ask an important question – How can I continue to motivate and serve others better?
Carmela received her coaching accreditation (CPCC) from the Coaches Training Institute and (ACC) from the ICF and is an active member of the International Coach Federation. Carmela is passionate about helping people transform their lives and live the life they want with Clarity, Compassion and Heart. 
As an Executive & Leadership coach, she uses the knowledge and experience she has gained in the corporate world to guide her clients as they embrace change in order to create the life that they deserve.
Also, as a member of WIL – Women in Leadership Carmela was recently accepted as a Mentor with the association in Toronto which is sponsored by the TD Bank of Canada. This is a 6 month mentoring program for women either beginning their careers, in corporate employment for some time or transitioning into a new area of their lives.
Carmela believes in continuous learning and is an avid student in career development and leadership effectiveness that is why she is currently a participant in the Leadership Program through CTI. This program is all about “front of the room” leadership, the leader you want to be in the world and the impact you want to make. She is also certified in the TLC (The Leadership Circle) 360 Profile for Managers & Executives and the Culture Survey for use with teams. The use of the TLC Profile in her capacity as coach enables Carmela to support her clients who are ready for change.
If you have questions you may contact Carmela at carmela@cchcoaching.com or you can follow her on Twitter at cchcoachcarmela.
March 15 2012 under Member Bios
Deb Bryson is an Occupational therapist (B.Sc.(OT), University of Toronto, class of ’77); who works as a Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant with the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton. Deb is married and has one son, Thomas. Her greatest interest is literature, and she is a “constant reader”. She is an omnivore when it comes to the written word, but her true love has always been poetry. She is a founding member of the Hamilton Poetry Centre, and her poetry has been published in many literary journals.
Deb loves to golf with her family and as a member of a local ladies’ golf league. Her favourite spectator sports are golf and cycling, and she is completely addicted to the Tour de France. She traveled extensively in her younger days, taking many trips to different parts of France, as well as to Sweden, Denmark, northern Spain, England and Scotland.
Deb is new to SIDAF, having just completed her first year as a member. She has found SIDAF to be a great combination of fun and hard work, and the ideal organization to help her support the causes of women and girls.
July 10 2010 under Member Bios
Judi Partridge, member to SI-DAF, has registered to run for Flamborough Ward 15 Councillor. We know her best as a founding member to establish the new Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre (FWRC); providing counselling and legal services to help teens and women of all ages including those in the urban and rural areas of Flamborough who are dealing with family crisis.
Read her full story in the Flamborough Review »
January 22 2010 under SI-DAF Members
Pauline was born in London, England and moved to Canada in 2002 with her husband David who is an engineer. They have two children who both live and work locally. Her favourite pastime is eating chocolate. Her biggest fear is flying – she would rather spend three days on a bus or train to get to her destination just to avoid leaving the ground.
Pauline works part time for State Farm Insurance as a licensed representative and she also runs her own business Pauline’s Fine Art. Her artwork is a collection of inspirations, mainly abstract, using all mediums: acrylic, ink, pastels and watercolour. Her work is sold primarily on-line through her website: www.paulinesfineart.com.
Yes there is an Inukshuk in this abstract piece - you just have to study the canvas and I am sure you will find him. Turquoise is the main colour in this piece of acrylic artwork (24x24) which I feel captures the essence of the frozen north.
Pauline is currently an SIDAF Board member, she also sits on the Programs committee and the Awards committee. In addition Pauline is a member of The Ancaster Lions.
This piece of acrylic artwork (20x24) was donated to the Soroptimist's as a raffle prize for their "I Love to Rock & Roll" evening. It was a great event and raised a good profit. The subject was inspired by the event.
Since joining Soroptimist Pauline has gained the friendship and support of an amazing group of women whose combined mission is to help improve the lives of women and girls both locally and worldwide, and she feels privileged to be part of that organization.
Pauline’s favourite quote: “have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it” – Salvador Dali
Going
Going
Gone ... now proudly owned by fellow SI-DAF member, Brooke
May 2 2009 under Member Bios
Shirley has been a member since January 2005, served as Secretary, Vice President and President.
Shirley has been married to her husband Ted for 34 years and has 4 daughters, yes 4 daughters. Her girls are currently 25, 23, 20, and 18 … busy household. She stayed at home as a mom for 17 years, then joined “Curves” and from there “as they say” the rest is history. She opened 7 of her own Curves in Hamilton, Dundas, Mississauga and even Tennessee. Talk about a career change!
Over the years Shirley has enjoyed being a Girl Guide Leader for 7 years while the girls moved their way up through the program, hoping to show them the value of volunteering. Always loving working with young girls and adults, working at and owning Curves just seemed to fit. Mentoring and helping women achieve their goals. Much like being a Soroptimist, helping women and young adults better themselves.
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The Eden’s
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Travelling with the family is a great pastime, especially those yearly trips with her husband, finding a nice warm beach to sit on, getting away and regrouping. Shirley also enjoys their 40 foot motor home for Nascar races.
Shirley has been very fortunate, now that Curves is successful and doing well on it’s own with good managers, she has time to give back. Helping women feel good about themselves can move mountains, improve self esteem, hand in hand we move forward.
Why she joined SI-DAF “Helping other women achieve their best and knowing you made a difference. The friends you make along the way make it all worth the time spent.”
