It was another busy and productive day at Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Our grand opening is now within sight, finally. These are exciting times, and sometimes overwhelming, as alluded to in my blog entry last night.
I enjoyed a sandwich at a local Tim Horton’s today. I’ve had the same type of sandwich many times in the past, but this one, today, just seemed different. I can’t quite put my finger on the difference. And thank goodness for that! The sandwich just seemed a little, I don’t know, perhaps “flat” is the correct word. That said, lunch today was still very enjoyable. It was a very comfortable respite from a hectic day!
I’m having some challenges with my virus protection software/subscription. I’m told I have to renew, that my subscription has expired. When I proceed onto the company’s website, and log into my account, I’m told my subscription will expire in, are you ready for this?, 356 days! Wow! I better renew today!
And so I search for a phone number, and none can be found. I eventually gave up. I’ll take up the quest again early tomorrow.
This is quite a contrast to the customer service we will offer once we open. Of course, I may be somewhat biased, but you can be the judge. We will phone each of our members once every three months, to simply ask how we’re doing and how we can do better. We won’t try to sell anything. We won’t offer any special promotions or soon to expire deals. We’ll simply tell each member, every three months, that we care about his/her experience within our golf training center, and we want to make that experience even better, and ask how we might do so. Oh, and if you want to call us, simply dial our number, which is found on virtually every page of our website.
Better golf. More fun. Guaranteed.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
When a Task Seems Overwhelming
I had a good chat with Andrew Winston at Parmasters HQ this evening. It was “good” in that I learned quite a bit and he really challenged me to think outside the box and get creative with certain challenges. On the other hand, the magnitude of this challenge, the sheer amount of work to be done to open Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, on time and on budget, now seems really overwhelming.
I don’t mind admitting, entrepreneurship can be an emotional roller coaster. Don’t get me wrong; we’re absolutely focused on the task at hand. We’ll do whatever it takes to open this business and provide amazing service to our customers. It’s just that, at times, this entire process can become very stressful.
It’s at times like these, when a project seems completely overwhelming, that I try to employ a few tried and true strategies. For example:
1) Break the task down into smaller, more manageable, sub-tasks.
2) Do something. Get started. Just make some early progress. Build some momentum.
3) Leverage. Can some sub-tasks be handed off to other team members, friends, professionals, colleagues, etc.?
4) Don’t lose sight of the eventual outcome. Do some visioning. In this case, I picture the grand opening of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.
5) Challenge the feelings of being overwhelmed. Is the project really as daunting as it seems? Sometimes our minds play tricks on us, portraying something that is not reality.
6) Worst case scenario. Spend a little bit of time understanding the worst possible outcome. Once you do this, you generally realize that it’s not nearly as bad as you thought it was, before you really understood it.
7) Look to the wise words of others. (Please note this list is in no particular order.) Talk to a friend, a colleague, a confidante. Someone you trust. Someone that will tell it like it is. Someone with wisdom to share. I have done so recently and will do so again tomorrow.
8) Look to other wise words, such as those that follow.
“Never confuse activity with results.” -Lou Gerstner, former CEO, IBM
“Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.” -Vaclav Havel
“Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.” -unknown
“Some succeed because they are destined to. Most succeed because they are determined to.” -unknown
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” -Mark Twain
“No matter how big and tough a problem may be, get rid of confusion by taking one little step toward solution. Do something.” -George F. Nordenholt
I don’t mind admitting, entrepreneurship can be an emotional roller coaster. Don’t get me wrong; we’re absolutely focused on the task at hand. We’ll do whatever it takes to open this business and provide amazing service to our customers. It’s just that, at times, this entire process can become very stressful.
It’s at times like these, when a project seems completely overwhelming, that I try to employ a few tried and true strategies. For example:
1) Break the task down into smaller, more manageable, sub-tasks.
2) Do something. Get started. Just make some early progress. Build some momentum.
3) Leverage. Can some sub-tasks be handed off to other team members, friends, professionals, colleagues, etc.?
4) Don’t lose sight of the eventual outcome. Do some visioning. In this case, I picture the grand opening of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.
5) Challenge the feelings of being overwhelmed. Is the project really as daunting as it seems? Sometimes our minds play tricks on us, portraying something that is not reality.
6) Worst case scenario. Spend a little bit of time understanding the worst possible outcome. Once you do this, you generally realize that it’s not nearly as bad as you thought it was, before you really understood it.
7) Look to the wise words of others. (Please note this list is in no particular order.) Talk to a friend, a colleague, a confidante. Someone you trust. Someone that will tell it like it is. Someone with wisdom to share. I have done so recently and will do so again tomorrow.
8) Look to other wise words, such as those that follow.
“Never confuse activity with results.” -Lou Gerstner, former CEO, IBM
“Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.” -Vaclav Havel
“Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.” -unknown
“Some succeed because they are destined to. Most succeed because they are determined to.” -unknown
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” -Mark Twain
“No matter how big and tough a problem may be, get rid of confusion by taking one little step toward solution. Do something.” -George F. Nordenholt
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Hockey Practice
I'm standing in the lobby of the arena and curling club in beautiful Wellesley, Ontario. I had my eldest son up at 5:30am for his 7:00am hockey practice. He's zipping around the face-off circles, forwards and backwards, while controlling a puck, as I type. It's a great drill that I did countless times myself some 25-35 years ago! Ouch!
Actually, to be fair, I didn't have to wake him. He had set his alarm and was just starting his breakfast at 5:20am, when I arrived in the kitchen. Impressive!
It will be another busy day in the office after this practice. It's just a busy period. We have a lot to do between now and January, to stay on schedule for a late spring or early summer opening. I'll blog more on specific schedules - and perhaps a press release - in the near future.
And later today I hope to enjoy, along with millions of others, the 95th contesting of three-down football supremacy. I suspect Saslatchewan fans will be celebrating later tonight.
Actually, to be fair, I didn't have to wake him. He had set his alarm and was just starting his breakfast at 5:20am, when I arrived in the kitchen. Impressive!
It will be another busy day in the office after this practice. It's just a busy period. We have a lot to do between now and January, to stay on schedule for a late spring or early summer opening. I'll blog more on specific schedules - and perhaps a press release - in the near future.
And later today I hope to enjoy, along with millions of others, the 95th contesting of three-down football supremacy. I suspect Saslatchewan fans will be celebrating later tonight.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Fifteen Minutes
Today was very productive. I worked late last night and started a little late this morning, but managed to clear up several outstanding tasks. I also managed to get a great start on some writing that I had been putting off. I’m not typically one to procrastinate, but there are certain tasks that I simply don’t enjoy.
To tackle this writing project, I used a friend’s 15-minute approach. Jim Estill advocates this strategy when procrastinating. Simply make a deal with yourself that you’ll tackle the task for 15 minutes. As Jim notes, we can all do pretty much anything for a mere 15 minutes. I did so this morning. I decided I’d put 15 minutes into this writing task and see what happened. Two hours later, when I finally came up for air, I realized I had just created a solid first draft.
While eating lunch I watched a bit of the LG Skins Game taking place at the Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells (surprisingly enough), California, USA. I witnessed Fred Couples pull out another skins game miracle, holing out for eagle from a deep green side bunker on the short par-5, 501 yard fourth hole.
The Globe and Mail provided a recap, which I’ve included below.
Couples off to flying start at Skins Game
Associated Press
November 24, 2007 at 4:27 PM EST
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Fred Couples knows one good shot can make a huge difference in the Skins Game.
After bouncing his drive off a spectator's bag and into the fairway and hitting his second shot into a bunker behind the green, Couples knocked his 35-yard shot out of the sand and into the hole to win $75,000 (U.S.) on Saturday.
"I don't think I played particularly well, but I did hole a shot," he said after taking the first day lead in the LG Skins Game.
His eagle on the par-5, 501-yard fourth hole was worth three skins because the previous two holes were tied.
"He got rewarded for hitting a great shot," defending champion Stephen Ames said.
The 48-year-old Couples hadn't played competitively for almost eight months because of back trouble.
"I'm very rusty, but excited to play," he said.
Ames, of Calgary, was the only other player to win a skin over the first nine holes of the two-day, 18-hole event. He picked up $25,000 by making a six-footer for birdie on the first hole.
Skins Game rookies Zach Johnson, this year's Masters champion, and Brett Wetterich were shut out.
"I think Zach and I are just waiting for the next nine holes; that's when all the big money comes up," Wetterich quipped.
The players usually are more relaxed on the first day of the tournament, joking and laughing, but things tend to get quieter when the big money is at stake on the second day.
Ames provided some fun on No. 9 when he pretended he was going to putt with a hockey stick. Couples joined in, waving his putter to challenge the hockey player.
Johnson said he didn't feel he needed to provide any levity.
"My wife says I'm not funny, so the pressure's off," he said, smiling.
He had several putts rim out of the cup, often shaking his head and grimacing.
The made-for-TV event is in its 25th year, and Couples is playing for the 14th time. He's the five-time tournament champion and has won 89 skins and more than $3.9 million, all topping the Skins Game list.
Most of the prize money remained up for grabs because the other five holes were tied on the first day. When the foursome tees off on No. 10 Sunday, that hole alone will be worth $270,000, and $900,000 of the $1 million purse will be at stake.
Couples' shot out of the sand was the highlight on a day when none of the four played especially well, at times making the relatively short, new course at Indian Wells Golf Resort resemble a gruelling U.S. Open layout.
Players are more aggressive in skins competition, not bothering to lay up shots in front of the green because they realize a par usually won't win a hole. That strategy sometimes leads to more shots straying into the rough or sailing beyond the pin.
"It was a little different scene out there for all of us, bombing drivers," Couples said. "In a regular tournament, you'd be doing different things. I changed some shots and hit some really pathetic shots."
When his bunker shot dropped on what seemed almost its final turn, Couples raised his arms in celebration, then added a brief end zone-type hip wiggle in the sand.
As Couples walked onto the green, some fresh bounce in his step, Johnson bowed to him a couple of times, honouring the player known as "King of the Skins."
The first six holes are worth $25,000, and Nos. 7-12 $50,000 apiece. The 13th through 17th carry a prize of $70,000 and No. 18 is worth $200,000.
A player takes a skin by winning a hole. If the hole is tied by any of the players, the money carries over and all four remain in the hunt. If there is a tie on the 18th, the players who tied enter a playoff.
Couples got a bonus along with the $75,000 he won on No. 4. Title sponsor LG had offered $50,000 in products for an eagle on either of the two par 5s on the course.
To tackle this writing project, I used a friend’s 15-minute approach. Jim Estill advocates this strategy when procrastinating. Simply make a deal with yourself that you’ll tackle the task for 15 minutes. As Jim notes, we can all do pretty much anything for a mere 15 minutes. I did so this morning. I decided I’d put 15 minutes into this writing task and see what happened. Two hours later, when I finally came up for air, I realized I had just created a solid first draft.
While eating lunch I watched a bit of the LG Skins Game taking place at the Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells (surprisingly enough), California, USA. I witnessed Fred Couples pull out another skins game miracle, holing out for eagle from a deep green side bunker on the short par-5, 501 yard fourth hole.
The Globe and Mail provided a recap, which I’ve included below.
Couples off to flying start at Skins Game
Associated Press
November 24, 2007 at 4:27 PM EST
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Fred Couples knows one good shot can make a huge difference in the Skins Game.
After bouncing his drive off a spectator's bag and into the fairway and hitting his second shot into a bunker behind the green, Couples knocked his 35-yard shot out of the sand and into the hole to win $75,000 (U.S.) on Saturday.
"I don't think I played particularly well, but I did hole a shot," he said after taking the first day lead in the LG Skins Game.
His eagle on the par-5, 501-yard fourth hole was worth three skins because the previous two holes were tied.
"He got rewarded for hitting a great shot," defending champion Stephen Ames said.
The 48-year-old Couples hadn't played competitively for almost eight months because of back trouble.
"I'm very rusty, but excited to play," he said.
Ames, of Calgary, was the only other player to win a skin over the first nine holes of the two-day, 18-hole event. He picked up $25,000 by making a six-footer for birdie on the first hole.
Skins Game rookies Zach Johnson, this year's Masters champion, and Brett Wetterich were shut out.
"I think Zach and I are just waiting for the next nine holes; that's when all the big money comes up," Wetterich quipped.
The players usually are more relaxed on the first day of the tournament, joking and laughing, but things tend to get quieter when the big money is at stake on the second day.
Ames provided some fun on No. 9 when he pretended he was going to putt with a hockey stick. Couples joined in, waving his putter to challenge the hockey player.
Johnson said he didn't feel he needed to provide any levity.
"My wife says I'm not funny, so the pressure's off," he said, smiling.
He had several putts rim out of the cup, often shaking his head and grimacing.
The made-for-TV event is in its 25th year, and Couples is playing for the 14th time. He's the five-time tournament champion and has won 89 skins and more than $3.9 million, all topping the Skins Game list.
Most of the prize money remained up for grabs because the other five holes were tied on the first day. When the foursome tees off on No. 10 Sunday, that hole alone will be worth $270,000, and $900,000 of the $1 million purse will be at stake.
Couples' shot out of the sand was the highlight on a day when none of the four played especially well, at times making the relatively short, new course at Indian Wells Golf Resort resemble a gruelling U.S. Open layout.
Players are more aggressive in skins competition, not bothering to lay up shots in front of the green because they realize a par usually won't win a hole. That strategy sometimes leads to more shots straying into the rough or sailing beyond the pin.
"It was a little different scene out there for all of us, bombing drivers," Couples said. "In a regular tournament, you'd be doing different things. I changed some shots and hit some really pathetic shots."
When his bunker shot dropped on what seemed almost its final turn, Couples raised his arms in celebration, then added a brief end zone-type hip wiggle in the sand.
As Couples walked onto the green, some fresh bounce in his step, Johnson bowed to him a couple of times, honouring the player known as "King of the Skins."
The first six holes are worth $25,000, and Nos. 7-12 $50,000 apiece. The 13th through 17th carry a prize of $70,000 and No. 18 is worth $200,000.
A player takes a skin by winning a hole. If the hole is tied by any of the players, the money carries over and all four remain in the hunt. If there is a tie on the 18th, the players who tied enter a playoff.
Couples got a bonus along with the $75,000 he won on No. 4. Title sponsor LG had offered $50,000 in products for an eagle on either of the two par 5s on the course.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Parmasters Indianapolis-Noblesville, Indiana, USA Set to Open
It’s an exciting time within the Parmasters world. Our third center, worldwide, is about to open.
Parmasters Memphis, Tennessee, USA opened in June 2006.
Parmasters Guangzhou, China, opened earlier this year.
And now, Parmasters, Indianapolis-Noblesville, Indiana, USA is on the verge. Dave and Betty Anderson will open the center’s doors to members on Saturday December 1! The general public will be invited for their grand opening on Monday December 3!
All of us in the Parmasters family are very excited for the Andersons. They’ve worked many long, hard days, weeks and months to make this dream come true!
Following quickly on the heels of Parmasters Indianapolis-Noblesville are Parmasters Edmonton, Alberta (Colin Christensen) and our very own Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Right now it looks like Colin may swing open his doors a month or two before us, but we’re working hard to overtake him. There’s a steak dinner (wager) on the line!
I discovered this golf comedy blog today. I haven’t reviewed it in great detail, but I did have a few laughs.
The electricity went out here this evening. It was nice to sit down with a few candles and a good book.
It’s amazing really. We don’t typically notice with ongoing whir of various small and not-so-small electrical appliances and gadgets that surround us. But when they’re all stopped, the silence is wonderful. As I’m typing this, clearly the electricity has been restored. I miss the quiet.
Parmasters Memphis, Tennessee, USA opened in June 2006.
Parmasters Guangzhou, China, opened earlier this year.
And now, Parmasters, Indianapolis-Noblesville, Indiana, USA is on the verge. Dave and Betty Anderson will open the center’s doors to members on Saturday December 1! The general public will be invited for their grand opening on Monday December 3!
All of us in the Parmasters family are very excited for the Andersons. They’ve worked many long, hard days, weeks and months to make this dream come true!
Following quickly on the heels of Parmasters Indianapolis-Noblesville are Parmasters Edmonton, Alberta (Colin Christensen) and our very own Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Right now it looks like Colin may swing open his doors a month or two before us, but we’re working hard to overtake him. There’s a steak dinner (wager) on the line!
I discovered this golf comedy blog today. I haven’t reviewed it in great detail, but I did have a few laughs.
The electricity went out here this evening. It was nice to sit down with a few candles and a good book.
It’s amazing really. We don’t typically notice with ongoing whir of various small and not-so-small electrical appliances and gadgets that surround us. But when they’re all stopped, the silence is wonderful. As I’m typing this, clearly the electricity has been restored. I miss the quiet.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Blessed Art Thou
I met with our Mizuno Golf Canada representative today. Each Parmasters Golf Training Center, our Kitchener-Waterloo location included, will offer custom-fitted, custom-built Mizuno golf clubs. We offer only the one brand, and only custom-fitted.
The representative was in town to call on various accounts and so offered to show me some of their innovations for the coming 2008 season. He was also interested in learning more about our operation, our schedule and our future location within Market Square in downtown Kitchener.
Amongst the new offerings from Mizuno golf:
- MP-57 professional series irons – a more forgiving iron to complete Mizuno’s MP iron series
- MX-950 game improvement irons – blending three distinct game improvement designs in a seamless set of irons
- MP-600 driver – with two movable and versatile eight gram weights to adjust ball flight
- MX-560 driver – designed for extreme distance and forgiveness
We also discussed many apparel innovations, including the Windlite Performance Mock which includes material that wicks away moisture while also generating heat and warmth.
The new clubs are gaining significant recognition and attention, as noted by this recent Golf magazine article.
This evening I was once again reminded of how incredibly lucky and blessed I am. A friend, Jim Estill, believes he lives a “charmed life.” I’m not sure I’m prepared for that particular phrase, but I was reminded tonight that despite the many challenges and stressful situations I currently face, I am incredibly and overwhelmingly lucky and blessed. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
The representative was in town to call on various accounts and so offered to show me some of their innovations for the coming 2008 season. He was also interested in learning more about our operation, our schedule and our future location within Market Square in downtown Kitchener.
Amongst the new offerings from Mizuno golf:
- MP-57 professional series irons – a more forgiving iron to complete Mizuno’s MP iron series
- MX-950 game improvement irons – blending three distinct game improvement designs in a seamless set of irons
- MP-600 driver – with two movable and versatile eight gram weights to adjust ball flight
- MX-560 driver – designed for extreme distance and forgiveness
We also discussed many apparel innovations, including the Windlite Performance Mock which includes material that wicks away moisture while also generating heat and warmth.
The new clubs are gaining significant recognition and attention, as noted by this recent Golf magazine article.
This evening I was once again reminded of how incredibly lucky and blessed I am. A friend, Jim Estill, believes he lives a “charmed life.” I’m not sure I’m prepared for that particular phrase, but I was reminded tonight that despite the many challenges and stressful situations I currently face, I am incredibly and overwhelmingly lucky and blessed. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Chief Lieutenant and Great Testimonial
My productivity has really taken a hit lately, starting with a few days off and then this cold that I’m still fighting. It seemed just a little better today. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
I did manage to get a fair bit done today. I had been procrastinating, just a little, on some writing but today managed to complete most of a good first draft. There were many calls, of course. And I also conferenced with Parmasters HQ.
I hope I’m not stealing their thunder, but Parmasters HQ has apparently established an agreement with a third party firm whereby this firm will provide project oversight services to franchise owners throughout the build stage of each center. I don’t believe this firm will act as a general contractor, but rather more of a chief lieutenant to the franchise owner.
Details on all of this are still sketchy, but this is welcomed news. It would free the franchise owner, me, to focus on building the operation, staffing, building revenue, and ensuring operational expenses are managed effectively from the start.
In doing a little reading, I came across this testimonial from a recent member newsletter issued by Parmasters Memphis, in beautiful Tennessee, USA. I have removed the attribution.
September 2007
"About 2 Months ago, after realizing people were getting promoted based on their golf game and golf tips, I decided it was time I learn the game. I had tried years earlier, even took a couple lessons with a TPC Golf pro, but what he was telling me to do seemed to defy the laws of nature, though he made it out to be so easy. After 2-3 weeks of missing the ball, punching dirt up into my eyes, I was getting frustrated. I didn't even keep score, because a lot of times I took so many swings that we were holding up the next group, so I would pick up the ball and move on. Then, someone I met on the course told me about Parmasters. I fell in love immediately! I was still bad, but I felt like I could improve with a practice facility as awesome as Parmasters. I attended the free 2 hour "Hit the Ball Straight" seminar, and within 2 weeks, using the techniques I learned, I shot a 106. Since then I have been at Parmasters 3-4 days a week, shooting about 103 avg during my weekend golf rounds. The people are so friendly here, both staff and members, which is why I like to think of it as my Second Home. The facility is top notch and they are constantly upgrading things. On another note, I highly recommend the burgers!!"
I did manage to get a fair bit done today. I had been procrastinating, just a little, on some writing but today managed to complete most of a good first draft. There were many calls, of course. And I also conferenced with Parmasters HQ.
I hope I’m not stealing their thunder, but Parmasters HQ has apparently established an agreement with a third party firm whereby this firm will provide project oversight services to franchise owners throughout the build stage of each center. I don’t believe this firm will act as a general contractor, but rather more of a chief lieutenant to the franchise owner.
Details on all of this are still sketchy, but this is welcomed news. It would free the franchise owner, me, to focus on building the operation, staffing, building revenue, and ensuring operational expenses are managed effectively from the start.
In doing a little reading, I came across this testimonial from a recent member newsletter issued by Parmasters Memphis, in beautiful Tennessee, USA. I have removed the attribution.
September 2007
"About 2 Months ago, after realizing people were getting promoted based on their golf game and golf tips, I decided it was time I learn the game. I had tried years earlier, even took a couple lessons with a TPC Golf pro, but what he was telling me to do seemed to defy the laws of nature, though he made it out to be so easy. After 2-3 weeks of missing the ball, punching dirt up into my eyes, I was getting frustrated. I didn't even keep score, because a lot of times I took so many swings that we were holding up the next group, so I would pick up the ball and move on. Then, someone I met on the course told me about Parmasters. I fell in love immediately! I was still bad, but I felt like I could improve with a practice facility as awesome as Parmasters. I attended the free 2 hour "Hit the Ball Straight" seminar, and within 2 weeks, using the techniques I learned, I shot a 106. Since then I have been at Parmasters 3-4 days a week, shooting about 103 avg during my weekend golf rounds. The people are so friendly here, both staff and members, which is why I like to think of it as my Second Home. The facility is top notch and they are constantly upgrading things. On another note, I highly recommend the burgers!!"
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Nationwide Tour Coming To Collingwood, Ontario
This cold I acquired while on my recent mini-vacation is unrelenting. We’re now into day 8 or 9 with no apparent end in sight. I'm told by one of the smartest people I know that anecdotally it seems the common cold has morphed into something more nasty and long-lasting, so I’m hoping that’s all it is, the “common cold.” It shut me down over the weekend and a lot of Monday, but I did manage to breathe enough today to make some good progress.
We had some good news for the local golf scene on Monday. Here’s the text of an article from the Globe and Mail.
Gretzky brings Nationwide Tour back to Canada
Canadian Press
November 19, 2007 at 9:19 PM EST
COLLINGWOOD, Ont. — The Nationwide Tour is returning to Canada with a little help from The Great One.
The Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic will be played next June at two courses near Collingwood, Ont., which is about 150 kilometres north of Toronto.
Gretzky said he was inspired to start the event after attending the Nationwide Tour tournament in Greenville, S.C.
"Each and every year we've gone to the Nationwide event in Greenville it's just been better each and every time," Gretzky said in an interview with the Golf Channel on Monday. "That's where we came up with the concept of 'Wow, this is such a great tournament, we should do one of these in Canada."'
It will feature a field of 160 Nationwide Tour players, each of whom will be paired with a celebrity or amateur player for at least two rounds. The Nationwide pros will be playing for one of the largest purses of the year — US$800,099 — and all four rounds will be televised on The Golf Channel.
The tournament, hosted by Gretzky, will be split between The Georgian Bay Club and the Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay, which was co-designed by Thomas McBroom and PGA Tour player Tom Lehman and opened in 2006.
"What we hope to do by having this event in Canada is raise the awareness that youngsters in Canada can get to the PGA," Gretzky said. "It takes a lot of time and you have to put in a lot of effort but there are stepping stones to getting on the PGA Tour.
"The Nationwide is a nice stepping stone and hopefully my event will give it some exposure in my country."
Gretzky is an avid golfer and played in the pro-am at the CN Canadian Women's Open this summer at Royal Mayfair in Edmonton.
The Nationwide Tour last held events in Canada in 2005, when the CPGA Championship was played in Cambridge, Ont., and the Alberta Classic was held in Calgary.
We had some good news for the local golf scene on Monday. Here’s the text of an article from the Globe and Mail.
Gretzky brings Nationwide Tour back to Canada
Canadian Press
November 19, 2007 at 9:19 PM EST
COLLINGWOOD, Ont. — The Nationwide Tour is returning to Canada with a little help from The Great One.
The Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic will be played next June at two courses near Collingwood, Ont., which is about 150 kilometres north of Toronto.
Gretzky said he was inspired to start the event after attending the Nationwide Tour tournament in Greenville, S.C.
"Each and every year we've gone to the Nationwide event in Greenville it's just been better each and every time," Gretzky said in an interview with the Golf Channel on Monday. "That's where we came up with the concept of 'Wow, this is such a great tournament, we should do one of these in Canada."'
It will feature a field of 160 Nationwide Tour players, each of whom will be paired with a celebrity or amateur player for at least two rounds. The Nationwide pros will be playing for one of the largest purses of the year — US$800,099 — and all four rounds will be televised on The Golf Channel.
The tournament, hosted by Gretzky, will be split between The Georgian Bay Club and the Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay, which was co-designed by Thomas McBroom and PGA Tour player Tom Lehman and opened in 2006.
"What we hope to do by having this event in Canada is raise the awareness that youngsters in Canada can get to the PGA," Gretzky said. "It takes a lot of time and you have to put in a lot of effort but there are stepping stones to getting on the PGA Tour.
"The Nationwide is a nice stepping stone and hopefully my event will give it some exposure in my country."
Gretzky is an avid golfer and played in the pro-am at the CN Canadian Women's Open this summer at Royal Mayfair in Edmonton.
The Nationwide Tour last held events in Canada in 2005, when the CPGA Championship was played in Cambridge, Ont., and the Alberta Classic was held in Calgary.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Mini-vacation
I visited Market Square, our future location, this afternoon, to take some measurements. We’re working on some rough drawings and floor plans. Our architect/designer will finalize the layout, but it’s helpful for us to develop a rough idea.
I took a little mini-vacation Friday through Monday. No work. It was very strange. Friday and Monday were very enjoyable. I just did exactly what I wanted to do, morning through night. Both days were wonderful! Saturday and Sunday I stayed around home and relaxed, or attempted to relax, as much as possible. Of course, upon my return on Tuesday there was plenty to do.
And somehow, over the course of this mini-vacation, I came down with a head cold. I’ve mentioned this to a few people and each of them has said that’s always the way; you slow down for a few days and a cold catches you! Interesting theory.
I have some writing to do this week, which is something I don’t really enjoy. That probably sounds strange, as you read this on my blog. Why does a non-writer blog? I guess it’s just the type of writing. I enjoy writing for my blog, as I am doing right this second, but do not enjoy other, more arduous and detailed writing. But, of course, it’s necessary.
Well, for now, back to my backlog of work.
I took a little mini-vacation Friday through Monday. No work. It was very strange. Friday and Monday were very enjoyable. I just did exactly what I wanted to do, morning through night. Both days were wonderful! Saturday and Sunday I stayed around home and relaxed, or attempted to relax, as much as possible. Of course, upon my return on Tuesday there was plenty to do.
And somehow, over the course of this mini-vacation, I came down with a head cold. I’ve mentioned this to a few people and each of them has said that’s always the way; you slow down for a few days and a cold catches you! Interesting theory.
I have some writing to do this week, which is something I don’t really enjoy. That probably sounds strange, as you read this on my blog. Why does a non-writer blog? I guess it’s just the type of writing. I enjoy writing for my blog, as I am doing right this second, but do not enjoy other, more arduous and detailed writing. But, of course, it’s necessary.
Well, for now, back to my backlog of work.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Full Of Life
I’ve been a very bad blogger of late. Hardly a blogger at all really. And this just a month or so removed from my Absentee Blogger post.
Part of the problem, as alluded to in another recent post, is that I can’t really blog much about our golf training center right now. The things I’m working on don’t allow for much public disclosure. And since the center is my passion, and what I love to blog about, when I can’t write about it, there’s a tendency to write less.
I look forward to a time when my day-to-day tasks can be more public and appropriate for publication via this blog and other avenues.
I ran 10 kms (10K) late Saturday afternoon. I’ve been getting back into running over the last few years and recently started running in a few organized/charity 5Ks. On Saturday, I had planned to run 5K. But before my run, I started considering whether I should do the route twice, and do 10K for the first time in a very long time.
At about the 4.5 km mark, where I had to decide whether to head back home or continue, I decided to continue. I felt good. Somewhere close to the 6.5 km mark I started to lose my form. My legs tired and I started getting a little sloppy. After another 2 km my legs were starting to get sore, partly from the extra exertion, and partly due to my poor form. I corrected as best I could, and finished fairly strong.
I’m glad I did it and will likely do so again. Setting the challenge and then meeting it, was enjoyable.
And lastly, I play a little pick-up hockey late Tuesday afternoons. This evening I had a very delightful opportunity to talk a little hockey with an exceptional young man. He was just a real joy to be with. Very polite and full of life. A strong skater and solid on the puck too. He definitely stands out both on and off the ice. As you can tell, he made quite a lasting impression. I’m hoping, someday, for at least a little while, he’ll work in one of our golf training centers. His future is very bright and he’ll succeed at whatever he tackles in life. I walked away feeling richer for having met him, and also inspired to be just a little more “full of life”, like him.
Part of the problem, as alluded to in another recent post, is that I can’t really blog much about our golf training center right now. The things I’m working on don’t allow for much public disclosure. And since the center is my passion, and what I love to blog about, when I can’t write about it, there’s a tendency to write less.
I look forward to a time when my day-to-day tasks can be more public and appropriate for publication via this blog and other avenues.
I ran 10 kms (10K) late Saturday afternoon. I’ve been getting back into running over the last few years and recently started running in a few organized/charity 5Ks. On Saturday, I had planned to run 5K. But before my run, I started considering whether I should do the route twice, and do 10K for the first time in a very long time.
At about the 4.5 km mark, where I had to decide whether to head back home or continue, I decided to continue. I felt good. Somewhere close to the 6.5 km mark I started to lose my form. My legs tired and I started getting a little sloppy. After another 2 km my legs were starting to get sore, partly from the extra exertion, and partly due to my poor form. I corrected as best I could, and finished fairly strong.
I’m glad I did it and will likely do so again. Setting the challenge and then meeting it, was enjoyable.
And lastly, I play a little pick-up hockey late Tuesday afternoons. This evening I had a very delightful opportunity to talk a little hockey with an exceptional young man. He was just a real joy to be with. Very polite and full of life. A strong skater and solid on the puck too. He definitely stands out both on and off the ice. As you can tell, he made quite a lasting impression. I’m hoping, someday, for at least a little while, he’ll work in one of our golf training centers. His future is very bright and he’ll succeed at whatever he tackles in life. I walked away feeling richer for having met him, and also inspired to be just a little more “full of life”, like him.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Wise Words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I met with a true rainmaker on Friday, and was happily reminded of these famous and powerful words by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
“Until one is committed, there is always hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising to one's favor all manner of unforeseen accidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
This prompted me to do a quick web search for other nuggets from this 18th century poet, novelist, playwright and philosopher.
“For a contented life:
Health enough to make work a pleasure.
Wealth enough to support your needs.
Strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them.
Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.
Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished.
Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor.
Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.
Faith enough to make real the things of God.
Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning your future.”
“Nothing shows our character more than what we laugh at.”
“We must not hope to be mowers,
And to gather the ripe gold ears,
Unless we have first been sowers
And watered the furrows with tears.
It is not just as we take it,
This mystical world of ours,
Life's field will yield as we make it
A harvest of thorns or of flowers.”
“They are happiest, be they king or peasant, who find peace in their home.”
“Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it,
and others do just the same with their time.”
“Treat people as if they were what they should be,
and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
I sourced these quotes from a single web site (www.livinglifefully.com).
“Until one is committed, there is always hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising to one's favor all manner of unforeseen accidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
This prompted me to do a quick web search for other nuggets from this 18th century poet, novelist, playwright and philosopher.
“For a contented life:
Health enough to make work a pleasure.
Wealth enough to support your needs.
Strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them.
Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.
Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished.
Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor.
Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.
Faith enough to make real the things of God.
Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning your future.”
“Nothing shows our character more than what we laugh at.”
“We must not hope to be mowers,
And to gather the ripe gold ears,
Unless we have first been sowers
And watered the furrows with tears.
It is not just as we take it,
This mystical world of ours,
Life's field will yield as we make it
A harvest of thorns or of flowers.”
“They are happiest, be they king or peasant, who find peace in their home.”
“Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it,
and others do just the same with their time.”
“Treat people as if they were what they should be,
and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
I sourced these quotes from a single web site (www.livinglifefully.com).
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Adoption
A friend asked me recently why I haven’t blogged a lot about the center – Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo – lately. The answer is fairly straightforward. I simply can’t. The things we’re working on right now, the current day-to-day tasks, are simply not for public consumption.
From the very beginnings of this blog I’ve strived to very open and forthright. But there will be times, and this is just such a time, when I must be a little quiet about the daily activities within our business.
I look forward to a time, soon, when I’ll be able to blog more freely about the daily triumphs and opportunities.
I spoke to my parents this evening. They live approximately 200 kms away, so there are more phone calls than face to face visits. And Sunday evenings seems to be their preferred time for a chat.
They told me that one of my distant cousins had passed away. At one point, last spring, she thought she had Celiac Disease. My eldest thrives with Celiac Disease, so she called me to ask a few questions. I hadn’t spoken to her much and did my best to help. She didn’t have Celiac.
The funeral is Tuesday, with visitation on Monday afternoon and evening.
The call, as well as other recent conversations, lead me to think about family. I entered the Southern family via an adoption. My parents adopted me when I was an infant.
There are times when my connection to the Southern family seems tenuous. You see, we’re not a close family by any stretch of the imagination. For the most part each set of siblings and parents seem to get along. But when the family stretches out to cousins, there seem to be little fiefdoms, age-old quarrels and misunderstandings.
My parents do their best to stay in touch with most of their cousins, and thus I get updates and, to some extent, stay in touch with many of my cousins also. But what happens when my parents move on from this life? My connection is via them.
I wonder if, when my parents have moved on, I will feel somewhat family-less. And I wonder what that might feel like.
It seems to me, for parents of sons and daughters who’ve been adopted, and I chose those words very carefully, it seems to me that it’s vitally important that those parents ensure that their sons and daughters build strong relationships with their extended family, with their cousins and aunts and uncles. Those sons and daughters will benefit from those relationships when their parents leave this life.
As for choosing those words carefully, as a son that was adopted, I firmly believe that terms like “adoptive parent” and “adopted children” are both inaccurate and hurtful. Adoption is an act, not a label and certainly not an adjective. Parents that adopt are not “adoptive parents.” They’re parents. Sons and daughters that have entered a family via an adoption are not “adopted sons” or “adopted daughters.” They’re sons and they’re daughters. Every child should know the comfort and security of having a “mom,” not an “adoptive mom,” and a “dad,” not an “adoptive dad.”
Somewhere out there, for each child that has experienced and adoption, there may be a “birth mom” and a “birth dad.” That’s fine. But with the child on a daily basis, doing all of the mom things and all of the dad things, is simply a “mom” and a “dad.” It must be that simple.
From the very beginnings of this blog I’ve strived to very open and forthright. But there will be times, and this is just such a time, when I must be a little quiet about the daily activities within our business.
I look forward to a time, soon, when I’ll be able to blog more freely about the daily triumphs and opportunities.
I spoke to my parents this evening. They live approximately 200 kms away, so there are more phone calls than face to face visits. And Sunday evenings seems to be their preferred time for a chat.
They told me that one of my distant cousins had passed away. At one point, last spring, she thought she had Celiac Disease. My eldest thrives with Celiac Disease, so she called me to ask a few questions. I hadn’t spoken to her much and did my best to help. She didn’t have Celiac.
The funeral is Tuesday, with visitation on Monday afternoon and evening.
The call, as well as other recent conversations, lead me to think about family. I entered the Southern family via an adoption. My parents adopted me when I was an infant.
There are times when my connection to the Southern family seems tenuous. You see, we’re not a close family by any stretch of the imagination. For the most part each set of siblings and parents seem to get along. But when the family stretches out to cousins, there seem to be little fiefdoms, age-old quarrels and misunderstandings.
My parents do their best to stay in touch with most of their cousins, and thus I get updates and, to some extent, stay in touch with many of my cousins also. But what happens when my parents move on from this life? My connection is via them.
I wonder if, when my parents have moved on, I will feel somewhat family-less. And I wonder what that might feel like.
It seems to me, for parents of sons and daughters who’ve been adopted, and I chose those words very carefully, it seems to me that it’s vitally important that those parents ensure that their sons and daughters build strong relationships with their extended family, with their cousins and aunts and uncles. Those sons and daughters will benefit from those relationships when their parents leave this life.
As for choosing those words carefully, as a son that was adopted, I firmly believe that terms like “adoptive parent” and “adopted children” are both inaccurate and hurtful. Adoption is an act, not a label and certainly not an adjective. Parents that adopt are not “adoptive parents.” They’re parents. Sons and daughters that have entered a family via an adoption are not “adopted sons” or “adopted daughters.” They’re sons and they’re daughters. Every child should know the comfort and security of having a “mom,” not an “adoptive mom,” and a “dad,” not an “adoptive dad.”
Somewhere out there, for each child that has experienced and adoption, there may be a “birth mom” and a “birth dad.” That’s fine. But with the child on a daily basis, doing all of the mom things and all of the dad things, is simply a “mom” and a “dad.” It must be that simple.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Golf More Difficult To "Master"?
The average PGA major champion won at age 31.3, having played golf, and no doubt worked at the sport for approximately 23 years. For the LPGA the numbers are age 25.5 and approximately 16.5 years of playing, training, practicing, etc.
Of course, when describing a major champion on the LPGA or PGA tour the term "average" seems ridiculous. We're talking about average ages, not average golfers!
As reported in the September 2007 issue of the RCGA's Golf Canada (p. 34), the U.S. Olympian's Association studied "all sports" between 1984 and 1998. They found it "took athletes an average of 10 years of specific sport training to reach an international level of competitiveness."
The PGA of America then looked specifically at golf, as far back as the Bobby Jones era.
Ten years ("all sports") versus 16.5 years (female golfers) and 23 years (male golfers). Wow!
On the surface this data would seem to suggest that mastery of golf is more challenging, or simply takes much longer than mastery of other sports. The industry may choose to look inward and question teaching methods, training, coaching, etc. Golf could take this data and initiate a revolution, assuming we must usher along talented players with more urgency and proficiency. We must reduce the TTM (Time To Major)!
I'm not convinced.
I suspect the two studies have used dramatically different yard sticks. Having not read the studies, there's certainly some conjecture herein. The Olympian study apparently speaks of reaching an "international elite level of competitiveness" while the PGA study focuses on major champions.
Those are two differing measures. A golfer can compete at an "international elite level" for his/her entire career and never win a major. The media loves to pass along the label of the "current best player to never win a major." A few years ago some experts wondered if Phil Mickelson would ever hoist a major trophy. None ever questioned his status as an "international elite" golfer!
The devil, as they say, lies in the details. How did the Olympian study actually measure this "international elite level" in each sport? And how does that compare with winning an LPGA or PGA major?
I've searched for the U.S. Olympian's Association study but have not found it.
In the meantime, we at Parmasters will continue to teach our clients how to hit the ball straight, guaranteed. Perhaps we'll have to wait some 16 or 23 years before one of our Straight-Line(TM) golfers wins a major.
I suspect the wait will be much shorter!
Of course, when describing a major champion on the LPGA or PGA tour the term "average" seems ridiculous. We're talking about average ages, not average golfers!
As reported in the September 2007 issue of the RCGA's Golf Canada (p. 34), the U.S. Olympian's Association studied "all sports" between 1984 and 1998. They found it "took athletes an average of 10 years of specific sport training to reach an international level of competitiveness."
The PGA of America then looked specifically at golf, as far back as the Bobby Jones era.
Ten years ("all sports") versus 16.5 years (female golfers) and 23 years (male golfers). Wow!
On the surface this data would seem to suggest that mastery of golf is more challenging, or simply takes much longer than mastery of other sports. The industry may choose to look inward and question teaching methods, training, coaching, etc. Golf could take this data and initiate a revolution, assuming we must usher along talented players with more urgency and proficiency. We must reduce the TTM (Time To Major)!
I'm not convinced.
I suspect the two studies have used dramatically different yard sticks. Having not read the studies, there's certainly some conjecture herein. The Olympian study apparently speaks of reaching an "international elite level of competitiveness" while the PGA study focuses on major champions.
Those are two differing measures. A golfer can compete at an "international elite level" for his/her entire career and never win a major. The media loves to pass along the label of the "current best player to never win a major." A few years ago some experts wondered if Phil Mickelson would ever hoist a major trophy. None ever questioned his status as an "international elite" golfer!
The devil, as they say, lies in the details. How did the Olympian study actually measure this "international elite level" in each sport? And how does that compare with winning an LPGA or PGA major?
I've searched for the U.S. Olympian's Association study but have not found it.
In the meantime, we at Parmasters will continue to teach our clients how to hit the ball straight, guaranteed. Perhaps we'll have to wait some 16 or 23 years before one of our Straight-Line(TM) golfers wins a major.
I suspect the wait will be much shorter!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Golf in Verse
I found these to be quite enjoyable. Hopefully you will as well. I found them at Pasturegolf.com.
I've tried all the tips and received much instruction.
It didn't help at all so I used deduction.
I figured it out, the thing my game lacks.
I'll never be a pro cause I can't stand the slacks.
- John Prince
Some golfers blast their ball from traps
With one adroit explosion,
But others, out in ten perhaps,
Depend upon erosion.
- Richard Armour, Golf is a Four-Letter Word (1962)
Some golfers lie awake at night
And brood on what went wrong;
I'd rather think of what went right.
It doesn't take as long.
- Dick Emmons
When hitting wedge shots, I've a flair
That's turning my hair gray;
They stop, I swear, right next to where
The pin was...yesterday.
- Dick Emmons
I sank a long and curling putt,
It's like I've seldom seen;
It would have helped my scoring but,
'Twas on the practice green.
-Richard Armour, Golf is a Four-Letter Word
If only I kept my eye on the ball,
Looking downward as does the pro there,
I might not see where it was going, at all,
But there might be a chance it would go there.
- Richard Armour, Golf is a Four-Letter Word
And thus, with self-deception bland,
We mourn the fours that should have been,
Forgetting, on the other hand,
The luck that helped us through the green;
Calmly accepting as our due
The four-hole which we fluked in two.
- Thomas Risk, The Lyric of the Links
I've tried all the tips and received much instruction.
It didn't help at all so I used deduction.
I figured it out, the thing my game lacks.
I'll never be a pro cause I can't stand the slacks.
- John Prince
Some golfers blast their ball from traps
With one adroit explosion,
But others, out in ten perhaps,
Depend upon erosion.
- Richard Armour, Golf is a Four-Letter Word (1962)
Some golfers lie awake at night
And brood on what went wrong;
I'd rather think of what went right.
It doesn't take as long.
- Dick Emmons
When hitting wedge shots, I've a flair
That's turning my hair gray;
They stop, I swear, right next to where
The pin was...yesterday.
- Dick Emmons
I sank a long and curling putt,
It's like I've seldom seen;
It would have helped my scoring but,
'Twas on the practice green.
-Richard Armour, Golf is a Four-Letter Word
If only I kept my eye on the ball,
Looking downward as does the pro there,
I might not see where it was going, at all,
But there might be a chance it would go there.
- Richard Armour, Golf is a Four-Letter Word
And thus, with self-deception bland,
We mourn the fours that should have been,
Forgetting, on the other hand,
The luck that helped us through the green;
Calmly accepting as our due
The four-hole which we fluked in two.
- Thomas Risk, The Lyric of the Links
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Arson in Cannington, Ontario
My home town, Cannington, Ontario, awoke this past Sunday morning to some tragic news. Two churches were on fire, along with a few automobiles.
Cannington is a small town, with a population hovering around 1,000. I've joked that there are only 999 since I left in 1985. Everyone knows everyone. As I told a close friend recently, I estimate that I have a memory of some sort attached to at least two-thirds of the homes in town.
There are, or were, four churches in Cannington, all Christian: United, Baptist, Anglican and Presbyterian.
The Presbyterian church was destroyed. The United church, my childhood church, suffered significant damage in the lower level.
Of course, I'm using the term "church" rather loosely to signify "church building." "Church" more accurately signifies the people, the members. Happily, in that sense, the "churches", the people, were not harmed.
Of course, arson is suspected. A local 17 year old male has been charged.
You can learn more about this tragedy within the news articles below. I've included the full text of one article and links to others. (My apologies as these links will no doubt go stale quickly.)
- 680 News
- A-Channel News (video)
- CTV News
- Toronto Sun
- Blog entry by a local citizen
Youth charged in rash of Cannington fires
(From newsdurhamregion.com.)
Tue Oct 09, 2007
By: By Jeff Hayward
CANNINGTON -- A 17-year-old Cannington boy is facing 15 charges in connection with $4 million in arson damages, including a fire that destroyed a historic church early Sunday morning.
Durham Regional Police responded to multiple calls in the Laidlaw Street area in Cannington on Sunday, Oct. 7, starting at approximately 4 a.m. Officers arrived to find four vehicles on fire, and shortly after were alerted about a fire at Trinity United Church. Within the hour, another vehicle was set on fire along with the Knox Presbyterian Church, according to police.
Shortly after, officers assisted by the canine unit tracked a suspect to a nearby home and arrested the youth, according to police. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Justice Act, is charged with two counts of break, enter and commit-arson, seven counts of arson, five counts of mischief and a charge of breach of recognizance.
The damage to the Presbyterian church, a 144-year-old building, required the structure to be taken down. Demolition crews were on scene Tuesday morning to start the process, which Brock firefighters said could take days.
Lay Pastor Judy Hein was there to witness the remainder of her church being destroyed.
"This is people's lives and memories," she said of the church. She said she will have to meet with the church congregation to determine where services will be held in the near future, noting other churches in the area have been supportive. "It's going to take weeks to sort out."
Ms. Hein smiled with the fact furniture inside, including pews over 100 years old, were salvaged relatively undamaged.
Also watching the church come down was Stewart Arksey, who said he has lived in Cannington all his life. "I've never seen anything like this," he said of the fire.
Meanwhile, the Presbyterian community wasn't without a meeting place on the long Thanksgiving weekend. Cannington residents Doreen and Grant Oliver, also witnessing the demolition, invited 23 members of the church into their home.
Ms. Hein, who became emotional for a short time as she watched crews prepare to bring down the old building, explained the church had recently been renovated inside. She said she received a call Sunday at about 4 a.m. from the Office of the Fire Marshal, and firefighters returned to the site again in the afternoon to battle "hot spots" in the building.
Firefighters on scene did not say if the Trinity United Church, two blocks from Knox Presbyterian, will face a similar fate. But a drive-by of the building revealed minimal visible exterior damage. The Sunday service of the United Church was moved to the Cannington Lions' Hall, said Ms. Hein.
Police are pegging the collective damage from the blazes at $4 million. No injuries were reported.
A police command post has been set up on the site of the Knox Presbyterian Church at the corner of Cameron Street and Peace Street in Cannington. Anyone with information about the fire can visit that location or contact Det. Sgt. Herb Curwain at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2674. Anonymous tips can be made to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Cannington is a small town, with a population hovering around 1,000. I've joked that there are only 999 since I left in 1985. Everyone knows everyone. As I told a close friend recently, I estimate that I have a memory of some sort attached to at least two-thirds of the homes in town.
There are, or were, four churches in Cannington, all Christian: United, Baptist, Anglican and Presbyterian.
The Presbyterian church was destroyed. The United church, my childhood church, suffered significant damage in the lower level.
Of course, I'm using the term "church" rather loosely to signify "church building." "Church" more accurately signifies the people, the members. Happily, in that sense, the "churches", the people, were not harmed.
Of course, arson is suspected. A local 17 year old male has been charged.
You can learn more about this tragedy within the news articles below. I've included the full text of one article and links to others. (My apologies as these links will no doubt go stale quickly.)
- 680 News
- A-Channel News (video)
- CTV News
- Toronto Sun
- Blog entry by a local citizen
Youth charged in rash of Cannington fires
(From newsdurhamregion.com.)
Tue Oct 09, 2007
By: By Jeff Hayward
CANNINGTON -- A 17-year-old Cannington boy is facing 15 charges in connection with $4 million in arson damages, including a fire that destroyed a historic church early Sunday morning.
Durham Regional Police responded to multiple calls in the Laidlaw Street area in Cannington on Sunday, Oct. 7, starting at approximately 4 a.m. Officers arrived to find four vehicles on fire, and shortly after were alerted about a fire at Trinity United Church. Within the hour, another vehicle was set on fire along with the Knox Presbyterian Church, according to police.
Shortly after, officers assisted by the canine unit tracked a suspect to a nearby home and arrested the youth, according to police. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Justice Act, is charged with two counts of break, enter and commit-arson, seven counts of arson, five counts of mischief and a charge of breach of recognizance.
The damage to the Presbyterian church, a 144-year-old building, required the structure to be taken down. Demolition crews were on scene Tuesday morning to start the process, which Brock firefighters said could take days.
Lay Pastor Judy Hein was there to witness the remainder of her church being destroyed.
"This is people's lives and memories," she said of the church. She said she will have to meet with the church congregation to determine where services will be held in the near future, noting other churches in the area have been supportive. "It's going to take weeks to sort out."
Ms. Hein smiled with the fact furniture inside, including pews over 100 years old, were salvaged relatively undamaged.
Also watching the church come down was Stewart Arksey, who said he has lived in Cannington all his life. "I've never seen anything like this," he said of the fire.
Meanwhile, the Presbyterian community wasn't without a meeting place on the long Thanksgiving weekend. Cannington residents Doreen and Grant Oliver, also witnessing the demolition, invited 23 members of the church into their home.
Ms. Hein, who became emotional for a short time as she watched crews prepare to bring down the old building, explained the church had recently been renovated inside. She said she received a call Sunday at about 4 a.m. from the Office of the Fire Marshal, and firefighters returned to the site again in the afternoon to battle "hot spots" in the building.
Firefighters on scene did not say if the Trinity United Church, two blocks from Knox Presbyterian, will face a similar fate. But a drive-by of the building revealed minimal visible exterior damage. The Sunday service of the United Church was moved to the Cannington Lions' Hall, said Ms. Hein.
Police are pegging the collective damage from the blazes at $4 million. No injuries were reported.
A police command post has been set up on the site of the Knox Presbyterian Church at the corner of Cameron Street and Peace Street in Cannington. Anyone with information about the fire can visit that location or contact Det. Sgt. Herb Curwain at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2674. Anonymous tips can be made to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Mill Run, near Uxbridge, Ontario
Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to all! The temperatures made it seem more like Canada Day than Thanksgiving!
I competed in the 10th or 11th staging of the Peace Street Classic golf tournament yesterday. It's a prestigious event, an invitational tournament restricted to only the highest calibre of poor golfers.
To qualify you must:
- have grown up (or atleast aged) on Peace Street in Cannington, Ontario
- said growing (or merely aging) must have occured between 1965 and 1985
- your initials must be JB or SS
- you must have spent countless hours playing road hockey or riding your bike up and down Peace Street
- you must have spent even more hours playing minor hockey through the winter (and fall and spring) in the local barn-like arena (still standing)
Jeff, the JB in the group, lives in the Newmarket area now and has but one tie left to Cannington. His paternal grandmother resides in the local nursing home. The family home, located a three-quarter lob wedge north of my childhood home, was sold a few years ago. His mother is in Lindsay.
We meet a few times each year and compete in match play for the coveted hardware. Oh yes, there is hardware, and it is coveted!
Yesterday was my first victory since the coveted hardware was established. I didn't play all that well. Jeff just struggled a little more than normal.
We played in a beautiful fall setting just west of Uxbridge, Ontario. The course was Mill Run. I believe you can find it at golfmillrun.com or .ca. We played the Wheel nine and the Grind nine.
The leaves were a beautiful colour. The elevation changes made for wonderful vistas, especially on the par-5 15th on the Grind nine, a hole I birdied.
Our 10th hole, number 1 on the Grind nine, is a fun, short par-4 with a tough green backed by an amazing patch of Sumac.
The leaves were amazing colours. Of course, perhaps I'm biased. I love Sumac!
I competed in the 10th or 11th staging of the Peace Street Classic golf tournament yesterday. It's a prestigious event, an invitational tournament restricted to only the highest calibre of poor golfers.
To qualify you must:
- have grown up (or atleast aged) on Peace Street in Cannington, Ontario
- said growing (or merely aging) must have occured between 1965 and 1985
- your initials must be JB or SS
- you must have spent countless hours playing road hockey or riding your bike up and down Peace Street
- you must have spent even more hours playing minor hockey through the winter (and fall and spring) in the local barn-like arena (still standing)
Jeff, the JB in the group, lives in the Newmarket area now and has but one tie left to Cannington. His paternal grandmother resides in the local nursing home. The family home, located a three-quarter lob wedge north of my childhood home, was sold a few years ago. His mother is in Lindsay.
We meet a few times each year and compete in match play for the coveted hardware. Oh yes, there is hardware, and it is coveted!
Yesterday was my first victory since the coveted hardware was established. I didn't play all that well. Jeff just struggled a little more than normal.
We played in a beautiful fall setting just west of Uxbridge, Ontario. The course was Mill Run. I believe you can find it at golfmillrun.com or .ca. We played the Wheel nine and the Grind nine.
The leaves were a beautiful colour. The elevation changes made for wonderful vistas, especially on the par-5 15th on the Grind nine, a hole I birdied.
Our 10th hole, number 1 on the Grind nine, is a fun, short par-4 with a tough green backed by an amazing patch of Sumac.
The leaves were amazing colours. Of course, perhaps I'm biased. I love Sumac!
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Advancing (Age) with Golf
I read with interest a recent article in the RCGA’s Golf Canada titled “Game of a Lifetime.”
“A York University stuffy has concluded that golf does indeed live up to its reputation as the game of a lifetime, good news for baby boomer golfers looking to stay active despite turning 60.”
Joe Baker, a professor at York, studied 96 PGA Tour golfers, each whom had logged at least 12 years on the tour. The study looked at “scoring average, driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putts per round and number of competitive rounds played.”
Baker concluded that “performance in golfing can be maintained to a much greater extent than performance in activities relying on biologically-constrained abilities.”
Other conclusions included:
- Among the statistics studied, driving distance and greens in regulation declined most rapidly with age
- Declines in scoring average and putts per round were “minimal”
- Driving accuracy “improved a little for players past the age of 50”
From a business perspective, as we work towards the opening of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, I obviously find this data encouraging. We’ve all always known that golf can be played, and even mastered, by those of advanced years, even if the game is discovered late in life.
However, as an organization that guarantees to deliver a 25% reduction in your handicap, or your money back, we’re very happy to hear that scoring average suffers from only a “minimal” decline as a golfer ages.
And of course, on a personal note, since I don’t get to play much golf now, and I’m not sure if/when I will play very much, I’m buoyed by the prospect of playing well for quite some time to come.
For now, keep it in the short grass, especially ye who are 50+!
“A York University stuffy has concluded that golf does indeed live up to its reputation as the game of a lifetime, good news for baby boomer golfers looking to stay active despite turning 60.”
Joe Baker, a professor at York, studied 96 PGA Tour golfers, each whom had logged at least 12 years on the tour. The study looked at “scoring average, driving distance, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, putts per round and number of competitive rounds played.”
Baker concluded that “performance in golfing can be maintained to a much greater extent than performance in activities relying on biologically-constrained abilities.”
Other conclusions included:
- Among the statistics studied, driving distance and greens in regulation declined most rapidly with age
- Declines in scoring average and putts per round were “minimal”
- Driving accuracy “improved a little for players past the age of 50”
From a business perspective, as we work towards the opening of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, I obviously find this data encouraging. We’ve all always known that golf can be played, and even mastered, by those of advanced years, even if the game is discovered late in life.
However, as an organization that guarantees to deliver a 25% reduction in your handicap, or your money back, we’re very happy to hear that scoring average suffers from only a “minimal” decline as a golfer ages.
And of course, on a personal note, since I don’t get to play much golf now, and I’m not sure if/when I will play very much, I’m buoyed by the prospect of playing well for quite some time to come.
For now, keep it in the short grass, especially ye who are 50+!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Oktoberfest
I’ve just returned from my eldest son’s first hockey practice. Well, not officially his first, just his first for this season. He’s played defense for years but may play right wing this coming season. It was nice to hear him so excited about the coaching staff, the team and the season that lies before him.
Earlier today I attended – for the very first time – the official keg tapping that kicks off Oktoberfest. Wunderbar! I’d always wanted to attend, but never found the time.
This year I was also interested in how the festivities affected the downtown core. The event was held, and I guess is always held, in the civic square in front of Kitchener City Hall. King Street was closed in front of City Hall, but open elsewhere. There’s a temporary (tent) fest hall on Frederick Street, between King and Duke Streets, and other installations, also on Frederick, between King and Charles Streets.
Thinking pessimistically, I might lament that these temporary road closures will make life difficult for our members and other clients as they enter and exit Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, to be located within Market Square at the corner of King and Frederick Streets. However, I don’t like to think pessimistically.
In reality, Oktoberfest is great for the downtown core, and it will be great for our center and our members and clients as well. While ingress and egress may be slightly more challenging during Oktoberfest and other festivals, the festivals themselves offer countless benefits. I can’t wait till next year, to see what our staff comes up with as we help Kitchener-Waterloo celebrate Oktoberfest!
For now, it’s soon time to call it a night.
Earlier today I attended – for the very first time – the official keg tapping that kicks off Oktoberfest. Wunderbar! I’d always wanted to attend, but never found the time.
This year I was also interested in how the festivities affected the downtown core. The event was held, and I guess is always held, in the civic square in front of Kitchener City Hall. King Street was closed in front of City Hall, but open elsewhere. There’s a temporary (tent) fest hall on Frederick Street, between King and Duke Streets, and other installations, also on Frederick, between King and Charles Streets.
Thinking pessimistically, I might lament that these temporary road closures will make life difficult for our members and other clients as they enter and exit Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, to be located within Market Square at the corner of King and Frederick Streets. However, I don’t like to think pessimistically.
In reality, Oktoberfest is great for the downtown core, and it will be great for our center and our members and clients as well. While ingress and egress may be slightly more challenging during Oktoberfest and other festivals, the festivals themselves offer countless benefits. I can’t wait till next year, to see what our staff comes up with as we help Kitchener-Waterloo celebrate Oktoberfest!
For now, it’s soon time to call it a night.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Causes
I've been thinking a little lately about the causes we will support.
Our franchisor supports Right To Play (I'd provide a link but I'm blogging via my Blackberry.). For every golf lesson we provide, one dollar goes to Right To Play. They use sport and play in worn torn areas of the world to help children cope, to give them hope and to build bridges in regions where walls are more common.
Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will offer an amazing, open and inviting space. We will also have access to media, various golf-themed events and a large, thoughtful membership. We have a lot to offer, and a lot of reasons to give back to our full capability.
My eldest son lives with ... no, he thrives with Celiac Disease. That means he must ensure he doesn't eat wheat, rye, oats or barley. If he ingests as much as speck of flour he may become violently ill. I'll blog more about Celiac in the future. For this entry, suffice it to say that Celiac Disease is a cause I'd like to see us support.
Other loved ones and friends live and thrive with other challenges. There are many causes very near and dear to my heart.
I realize, of course, that we must prioritize and focus. We can't solve all the world's problems. If we try to do too much, we won't do much at all! And our primary focus must always be serving our members and other clients, and thus delivering an exceptional return to our shareholders.
We'll approach this in a very thoughtful and strategic manner. We simply want to ensure we maximize our positive impact both locally and globally.
Our franchisor supports Right To Play (I'd provide a link but I'm blogging via my Blackberry.). For every golf lesson we provide, one dollar goes to Right To Play. They use sport and play in worn torn areas of the world to help children cope, to give them hope and to build bridges in regions where walls are more common.
Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo will offer an amazing, open and inviting space. We will also have access to media, various golf-themed events and a large, thoughtful membership. We have a lot to offer, and a lot of reasons to give back to our full capability.
My eldest son lives with ... no, he thrives with Celiac Disease. That means he must ensure he doesn't eat wheat, rye, oats or barley. If he ingests as much as speck of flour he may become violently ill. I'll blog more about Celiac in the future. For this entry, suffice it to say that Celiac Disease is a cause I'd like to see us support.
Other loved ones and friends live and thrive with other challenges. There are many causes very near and dear to my heart.
I realize, of course, that we must prioritize and focus. We can't solve all the world's problems. If we try to do too much, we won't do much at all! And our primary focus must always be serving our members and other clients, and thus delivering an exceptional return to our shareholders.
We'll approach this in a very thoughtful and strategic manner. We simply want to ensure we maximize our positive impact both locally and globally.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Absentee Blogger
In posting this entry tonight, I’ve avoided going a full two weeks since my last blog post! Two weeks!
I’ve never before had such a long stretch without a blog post.
There are many factors or influencers that motivate me to write and post entries. For the most part, I feel an urge to express some thought(s) or opinion, or to pass along some information, etc. But there is also some blog/peer pressure in the blogosphere. And I even feel guilt at times, like now, when it’s been a really long time between posts.
According to Blogger I’ve posted 183 entries since this blog was established on September 4, 2006. September 2006, as it turns out, was a month that saw the beginning of several personal journeys, including this blog. In some ways it seems like yesterday. In others, it truly seems like a lifetime has passed. But, of course, that’s another story.
There were 69 blog entries in 2006 and 114 so far in 2007. A quick calculation reveals 393 days, inclusive, in that period, and thus one post/entry every 2.1 days (i.e. 393/183) on average.
I don’t really have much of an explanation for my being a recent absentee blogger. It’s certainly a busy time, but not as busy as many other periods in the past 393 days. And it’s certainly a stressful time, and yes perhaps a little more stressful than any other period in the past 393 days, but only slightly more stressful. There’s a lot happening within the normal spheres of thought and discourse that I tend to blog about (e.g. Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, the local golf scene, professional golf, day to day life, etc.), so there would seem to be lots of topics and lots to say. And yet, blogging temporarily moved to a lower priority.
I believe in the power of routines. We all love our routines and don’t appreciate it much when our routines are interrupted or disrupted. Humans are creatures of habit, for the most part shunning change.
Routines can serve both a positive purpose (i.e. getting into a routine of posting blog entries regularly) or they can be less positive (i.e. routinely typing on a Blackberry when one should be focusing elsewhere).
I’ve heard that it takes some 21 days/iterations to form a habit. So, if I posted daily for 21 days … hmmm.
I’ve never before had such a long stretch without a blog post.
There are many factors or influencers that motivate me to write and post entries. For the most part, I feel an urge to express some thought(s) or opinion, or to pass along some information, etc. But there is also some blog/peer pressure in the blogosphere. And I even feel guilt at times, like now, when it’s been a really long time between posts.
According to Blogger I’ve posted 183 entries since this blog was established on September 4, 2006. September 2006, as it turns out, was a month that saw the beginning of several personal journeys, including this blog. In some ways it seems like yesterday. In others, it truly seems like a lifetime has passed. But, of course, that’s another story.
There were 69 blog entries in 2006 and 114 so far in 2007. A quick calculation reveals 393 days, inclusive, in that period, and thus one post/entry every 2.1 days (i.e. 393/183) on average.
I don’t really have much of an explanation for my being a recent absentee blogger. It’s certainly a busy time, but not as busy as many other periods in the past 393 days. And it’s certainly a stressful time, and yes perhaps a little more stressful than any other period in the past 393 days, but only slightly more stressful. There’s a lot happening within the normal spheres of thought and discourse that I tend to blog about (e.g. Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, the local golf scene, professional golf, day to day life, etc.), so there would seem to be lots of topics and lots to say. And yet, blogging temporarily moved to a lower priority.
I believe in the power of routines. We all love our routines and don’t appreciate it much when our routines are interrupted or disrupted. Humans are creatures of habit, for the most part shunning change.
Routines can serve both a positive purpose (i.e. getting into a routine of posting blog entries regularly) or they can be less positive (i.e. routinely typing on a Blackberry when one should be focusing elsewhere).
I’ve heard that it takes some 21 days/iterations to form a habit. So, if I posted daily for 21 days … hmmm.
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