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Sheridan College opens its studio doors By Bernie Bugler GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR HOME INSURANCE As consumers in the ‘90s, we are all ?etting smartâ€" er. The "spend now, ask questions later" era of the last decade is a fading memory, and people of all income levels are taking the time to comparison shop to ensure they are getting the best deal for their money, whether they are buying a new car or stereo equipment or just the weekly groceries and gas fillâ€"up. When it comes to your insurance concems, your local insurance broker can do all your companson shopping for you. One area with many options for savings and proâ€" tection is home insurance. Here are some tips: * Consider installing a home security system. Some insurance companies offer savings to people who have taken steps to avoid theft. * Think about raising the deductible on your home insurance. Most policies are subject to a $200 deductible if you make a claim. Choosing a higher amount â€" say $500 â€" will lead to a lower premium. * Ask your broker about a monthly payment plan. You might find it easier on the checkbook to space your payments out over the year, instead of paying an annual or biâ€"annual sum. * Investigate your options if you plan to purchase a brand new home. Some insurance companies offer discounts to people who purchase new! constructed homes â€" up to 10 or 15 per cent. Many policies also offer discounts for seniors. Mortgage Life Insurance Many people choose to purchase insurance that, in the event of a sudden death, allows the person‘s loved ones to pay off the mortgage on the family home. Talk to your broker about the variety of policies available, and make sure you choose a plan that gives your loved ones several options to choose from. With the gght plan, for instance, the surviving spouse could choose to pay off the mortâ€" %age right away or decide to wait a while until all the financial needs and choices have been assessed. The spouse may decide to move to be closer to family members, and it may be preferable to have the new home buyers carry on with the existing mortgage. And if, through sound manageâ€" ment, the mortgage has been paid off ahead of schedule, the policy holder can still continue with the mortgage life insurance plan as a security that will be payable to his or her loved ones. The bottom line when considering any mortgage life insurance glan is to make sure you are in control â€" and your roker can help. Home Renovations Finally, if renovations are on your mind this spring, don‘t forget to think about the insurance implicaâ€" tions. If you are hiring a contractor to work on your home, verify that the contractor has insurance for the work being done, and is covered by liabili insurance once the renovations are completed. That way, if the roof falls in after it has been repaired, or if the house is set on fire while renovaâ€" tions are underway, the costs will be covered by the contractor‘s insurance plan (if negligent) â€" not Yours. And if you are undertaking a large renovaâ€" ion, such as adding an extra storey or a family room extension, check with your broker to see if Your home insurance policy covers the new addiâ€" ion. You may have to increase the value of your insurance to satisfy the guaranteed replacement cost coverage clause, to ensure you will be properâ€" ly compensated in the event of a fire or other damage. Most of us regard our home as our most prized possession. You owe it to yourself to maximize ?lour insurance investment, and protect yourself rom unforeseen problems. While you are waiting for the snow to melit, give your local insurance brokâ€" er a call to discuss your options. Bernie Bugler is president of B.W. Bugler Insurance Brokers Ltd. 3 "Your Insurance Broker Understands" is provided as a public service by the members of the Insurance Brokers Association of Oakville MIUMâ€"FOINTERS) Peter McCusker Photos by Sheridan and Erindale Colleges hosted "Art and Art History Studio Day" this past Tuesday at Sheridan‘s Oakville Campus. The event was to showcase the activities of the Art and Art History program which is a unique coâ€"operative effort between Sheridan‘s Faculty of Visual Arts and Design and Erindale College, the University of Toronto. Students can earn a three or fourâ€"year degree from U of T as well as a diploma from Sheridan. During the dayâ€"long open house students and instrucâ€" tors alike took great pride in exhibiting their work and revealing to visitors just how it is created. For example, Andrew Wright (above) can be seen with a series of hanging prints. Year 2 Art and Art History student Paula Tavares (top left) gives a demonstration of printing techâ€" niques while first year painting student Rita Vivona (bottom) concenâ€" trates on her work. New Art Space classes New Art Space will be offering a wide variety of classes during March Break, including drawing, painting and screen printing for children and young people. These will be available mornâ€" ings and afternoons. New Art Space has also just recently Serving the community for over 25 years, Dearcroft offers a unique and challenging Preschoo! and Elementary program for children aged 3â€"12. â€" View our classrooms and campus â€" Talk to teachers and students â€" Learn about our program OPEN HO“SE Saturday, March 6th, 10 a.m.â€"2 p.m. 1167 Lakeshore Rd. E. (between Burgundy Mortison Rd. â€" 2 km East of Trafalgar) Chop * â€" DEARCROFT MONTESSORT SCHOOL â€" Oakyville‘s Original Montessori School â€" Phone: 844â€"2114 Desides big department stores, there are many smaller specialty stores in Oakville that you won‘t find anywhere else. With so much variety on your doorstep it‘s a lot easier to find gifts that reflect your personal taste. acquired a kiln and will also be offering classes in clay work durâ€" ing March Break (March 15 to 19.) Call New Art Space owner and artist Ilze Berzins at 338â€"5139 or drop by the gallery at 83 Reynolds St. just south of Lakeshore Road.