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20 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, June 23, 2011 Sheridan Nurseries and Region offer water use contest with big prizes Halton Region and Sheridan Nurseries invite residents to pledge their commitment to reduce outdoor water use this summer for a chance to win one of three Wise Outdoor Water Use prize packages as part of Halton's Outdoor Water Use Program-- Know Your Colour, Know Your Limits. Even though the spring season has been filled with rain, it is still important to be mindful of outdoor water use as it only takes a few hot days filled with resident lawn and garden watering to increase the demands on the Region's water distribution system. The Wise Outdoor Water Use Contest runs until July 15 and the grand prize is valued at over $3,200 and includes an At-Home Master Landscape Design Plan for gardens that feature drought tolerant plants from Sheridan Nurseries and more! "During the summer months water consumption often doubles making it important to take steps to reduce your outdoor water use such as decreasing lawn watering, planting drought tolerant plants with mulch and using a rain barrel," said Halton's Regional Chair Gary Carr. "By taking a few simple steps to conserve water during the summer months we can ensure that emergency services like firefighting have an adequate supply of water." Contest prize packages include: Grand Prize (valued at over $3,200): An At-Home Master Landscape Design Plan from Sheridan Nurseries, a $2,500 Sheridan Nurseries Gift Card towards the purchase of drought tolerant plants, a copy of The Canadian Illustrated Guide to Green Gardening and an Outdoor Watering Toolkit. Second prize (valued at over $1100): In-Store Landscape Design Sketch from Sheridan Nurseries, a $1200 Sheridan Nurseries Gift Card towards the purchase of drought tolerant plants and an Outdoor Watering Toolkit. Third prize (valued at over $900): InStore Landscape Design Sketch from Sheridan Nurseries, a $750 Sheridan Nurseries Gift Card towards the purchase of drought tolerant plants and an Outdoor Watering Toolkit. "Sheridan Nurseries is excited to be a part of Halton's second Wise Outdoor Water Use Contest," said Sheridan Nurseries President Karl Stensson. "Sheridan has many expert designers who are able to help residents with the planning and development of a drought tolerant, water efficient garden." To enter the Wise Outdoor Water Use Contest, Halton residents 18 years and older may: · Visit www.halton.ca/waterconservation to review complete contest rules and regulations. · Complete the entry form by answering four questions about the Region's Oh What a Knight! St Francis of Assisi Grade 7 students Sierra McEwen, left and Alex Hughes were among the cast members of `What a Knight', a comedic musical set in the time of Camelot, in which Watt Cobblers (Hughes) is expelled from knight school and becomes Merlin's apprentice, while Princess Lisa Lugabout (McEwen) has similar problems, and ends up working with the cook. When King Arthur's sword Excalibur goes missing, it's up to Cobblers and Lugabout to save the day, and the fate of Camelot. Photo by Ted Brown Outdoor Water Use Program and pledge your commitment to be water wise this summer by sharing the actions you plan to take to reduce your outdoor water use. · Entry forms can be completed and submitted online or printed and mailed to Halton Region at "Wise Outdoor Water Use Contest", 1151 Bronte Rd. Oakville, L6M 3L1 C/O Strategic Communications. · All correct submissions will be entered into the contest and three winners will be randomly drawn. · One entry per person. The contest closes on July 15 at 4:30 p.m. For more information on the Wise Outdoor Water Use Contest including additional tips to reduce your outdoor water use, please contact Halton Region by dialing 311, or 1-866-442-5866, TTY 905827-9833 or visit www.halton.ca/waterconservation. PEOPLE IN BUSINESS SHOPLOCAL SHOP SMART... SHOP HALTON HILLS CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR BUSINESS PROFILES IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Peter Doucette & Jennifer (Oxford Auction) For Oxford Auction owner Peter Doucette and assistant buyer Jennifer, honesty is the best policy. Peter, Jennifer and the staff at Oxford Auction travel around the country buying precious metals like gold and silver and selling them back to the refiners. The Oxford buyers pay top dollar by weight for a variety of gold and silver items, like jewelry, knick-knacks, trophies and even teeth. "We're probably one of the highest-paying road shows out there," Peter says. "And we're honest. If someone comes in with something they think is 10 carats but it's actually 14 carats, we'll pay them the 14-carat rate." Before visiting a buyer, Peter recommends that customers do their research. Learn about the items you want to sell and find out the current rate for gold and silver, he says. "I wish people would educate themselves so they don't get taken advantage of," Peter says. "There are all kinds of different guys out there right now, so do your research before coming to see me or anyone else." Although the business is based in Ingersoll, Oxford buyers come to Halton Hills a few times each year. "We have a good little following in Georgetown," Peter says. "It's one of our better towns that we go to." SHOPLOCAL SHOP SMART... SHOP HALTON HILLS Maurizio Abate (Mink Hair Lounge) Maurizio Abate and the staff at Mink Hair Lounge are bringing a taste of big city style to the people of Halton Hills. Located at 324 Guelph Street in Georgetown, Mink Hair Lounge is a unique, upscale hair salon with seven talented staff stylists who create looks specifically tailored to each and every client. Maurizio, who owns and operates the salon, set out to create a luxurious and modern environment where his clients can sit back and relax. "Everything in here was hand-picked with the customer in mind, from the furniture to the natural lighting to the calming colours," says Maurizio, who has been in the hair styling business for 13 years. "We're not just another hair salon. We want our customers to come in and lounge." Mink Hair Lounge provides an array of hair services for men, women and children. The salon's menu includes haircuts, colouring and treatments, as well as updos and bridal services. The salon also has a boutique area selling paraben-free, sulfate-free and vegan hair products. "I want to give Georgetown a downtown Toronto feel," Maurizio says. "Everything here is an experience. We've created different areas for colouring, cutting and washing with a focus on client comfort and satisfaction. I think the people here deserve that." OXFORD AUCTION Serving Halton Hill & Surrounding Areas JENNIFER - OXFORD AUCTION 519-425-9022 MAURIZIO ABATE 324 Guelph St. #5 Georgetown 905-702-0411