by Bruce Stapley

Ron Schell knew he had made the right move tying his Schell Lumber building centre operation in with the Home Building Centre group of stores when he walked into the Home Building Centre’s head office. “I saw that the green chair used by the CEO had a big rip in it. We can relate to that,” he laughed.

“They are a down home family company just like us,” he said. The fact that the Home consortium is made up of over 1,000 independent stores makes the association a natural fit. The Schell Lumber tradition will continue as it has through four generations since 1922, when Wesley Schell, Ron’s grandfather, started it up. “We’re here to stay,” said Ron.

The liaison will give Schell a wider variety of products in the front end of the store, while the lumber operation can continue as is, he noted. “Plus there is the marketing aspect. Home advertises on hockey games and baseball games etcetera. They had everything we wanted.”

Schell currently employs 70 people and has two stores – the original Edward St. location in Downtown Stouffville, and a second location on Dalton Rd. in Sutton. Anyone who shops there knows exactly why they have been in business so long; they have customer service and knowledge down to a fine art.

“I love it when a plan comes together,” was the signature sign off line of George Peppard, the cigar-chewing leader of The A Team, at the conclusion of each episode of the 1980’s action/drama TV show. Whitchurch-Stouffville Economic Development Officer Rebecca Mustard and her Town team would be entitled to use that same line as they assess the impact of the new Downtown Farmers Market. The market, which  operates Thursdays from 2:30 to 7 p.m. through October (with the exception of July 2), is operated on the 100 Mile Diet principle, with fruit, veggies, flowers, baked goods, meats, honey and crafts of high quality for sale, most of them from the Whitchurch-Stouffville area, many with an  emphasis on healthy living and organic growing standards.

But while the produce and products are of high calibre, half of the appeal is just chatting with the vendors, people like Paul Nauta of Meadowview Honey, which produces honey and maple syrup on Bethesda Rd.; Warren Abbott of Stouffville’s Abbott Farms, who is the epitome of the old fashioned butcher; Dave Barry from Barry’s Gardens at Ninth Line and Bethesda; Doris Fusco who operates the Giardano Organic Farm on Bloomington Rd.; John Moncada of Sicilia Gardens on 10^th Line North; crafters Lisa Charlton and Lori Ann Crittenden, real artists and a delight to chat with.  These people talk about their products with a passion and sense of pride that makes you feel good about your purchase. And for us east enders, being able to pick up our Reesor Farm Kitchen (“It’s good to know your food!”) baked goods without having to drive all the way to Ringwood Drive is a big time saver.

There are no hucksters at this market, you are free to browse without being accosted, and the atmosphere is small town friendly.  What better way to spend a Thursday afternoon or evening!

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K9’s in Kahoots to the rescue!

The Downtown Stouffville doggie day care and obedience training centre is to hold a benefit day for the Organization for the Rescue of Animals (ORA) Saturday July 25 from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.

K9’s In Kahoots owner/operator Darlene Johnson and her staff of devoted doggie divas will be offering a variety of novel indulgences for pooches and their owners, including the chance to have Rover’s caricature done by an artist for only $5. Picture postcards featuring your canine companion will also be available.

Dogs will get the chance to bob for apples, and there will be agility demonstrations where pet owners actually get to try out the equipment. A doggie bakery, specialty dog treats, and possibly a silent auction are to be included as well.

All proceeds from the day go to the ORA, a not for profit outfit based in Mt. Albert.

Compass Insurance Brokers has teamed up with Gore Mutual Insurance Company Foundation to give a boost to Parkview Services for Seniors. The duo handed a cheque for $1,000 towards the purchase of overhead lifting services for Parkview’s use. According to Ron Bennett of Compass, which is located on Freel Lane behind Candlelight & Memories and the Earl of Whitchurch in Downtown Stouffville, donations such as this are vital in keeping services up to standard for seniors. “Many people feel that government funding provides for our seniors but it takes a great deal more to provide the care that is a cut above, such as Parkview,” he said.

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