On Wednesday morning on CJAD 800AM, you can listen to  me  on the radio (or Internet) on the Tommy Schnurmacher Show. This is a call-in show for an entire hour. We’ll be talking about summer shopping, ideas for people who have recently moved and more.

Those of you with those important shopping questions, this is your chance to have me answer them.  If you miss the show you can always write to me here at my website.

Location: CJAD 800AM
Time: 11-12 noon
Date: Wed July 14th

Q1: Today you want to let us know that although there might be oil spewing in the Gulf of Mexico, there will be no more oil spills possible in Montreal.

A: That’s right. We have reached the end of the line for oil or alkyd paint for painting inside our homes. With so many people getting ready for moving, and getting their new abode ready to live in, I just want  to let you know that as of the end of this year, paint stores will not be getting any more deliveries of oil based paint for painting inside or outside their homes. If they love the durability and wearability of this paint, they better get it now. The stores will be given two years to sell off whatever they have left on their shelves.

Q2: Why is it being taken off the market?

A: The reason is for reduced emissions in the air. The solvents in oil based paints take perhaps 30 days to dissipate into the atmosphere.

Q3: What if we had oil based paint on our walls or our shingles, what do we do now when we want to re-paint? And what do we do about areas that need the scrub-a-bility of oil paint?

A: You can go from oil to latex by sanding the walls, or using TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner and then using a primer in order for it to adhere properly. Paint companies, like Benjamin Moore has come up with en entirely new generation of paint. Theirs is called Aura which is tougher than conventional latex. It has a new molecular structure and is the biggest chemical change in paint since the  1950’s. You can scrub it to death.  Aura seals in an hour or two. No toxins being released as it seals so rapidly.

Q4: Where can we go to get this paint?

The outside of the Hub has an old-timey neighborhood feel and inside it reaffirms what shopping should be. Sure it’s a hardware store (some plumbing, gardening too) with personalized service but the raison d’etre these days is the bubbly decorating consultant who offers you a cappuccino and steers you through any decorating dilemmas (can even come to your house if needed). There’s Benjamin Moore paint, tons of wallpaper books, fabrics for curtains, blinds & shutters, Richelieu hardware, supplies to do the project, or even her little black book of experts to do it all for you.

Locations: 441 boul. Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield (514-695-3389); 3460 boul. des Sources (514-421-1454).
Hours: Mon-Wed 8:30-6, Thurs 8-8, Fri & Sat 8-5, Sun 12-5.
www. hubhardware.ca

City Paint is Montreal’s oldest paint store, open since 1898. Name brands sold here are Benjamin Moore and Mythic, along with stains and varnishes and tons of brushes. Yes, they’ve got the color matching computer, and low VOC, no VOC and the only VOC paint without toxins, but it is the service, the good old-fashioned kind, that has kept people coming back for generations from all over the city. If it’s good enough for the Mulroneys, it’s good enough for you.

Location: 200 rue Rachel est at Hotel de Ville
Phone: 514-288-8009
Hours: (Mar-Oct) Mon-Wed 7:30-5, Thurs & Fri 730-8,  Sat 9-4, Sun 11-4;  Nov-Feb) Mon-Fri 7:30-5, Sat 9-4
www.citypaints.ca

Q5: Is there any place we can go for the best price for paint?

Les Industries Gotham is a family business which has been manufacturing paint under many brands for the past 43 years. You can buy factory direct with friendly service and get an excellent product which yields a better result than some name brands at twice the price. Interior latex acrylic is only $27 for 3.78 litres, or you can buy it by the contractor’s pail of 18.9 litres for $95. They have ceiling paint, exterior latex, gray cement floor paint, industrial and more. They can also match your color with their computerized color matching system.

Location: 231 Rene A. Robert, Ste. Therese
Phone:  450- 435-1227
Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5:30, Sat 9-4

Both Rona  and Reno Depot are having a 25% off sale on Sico Paint up until June 29th If you like Sherwin-Williams paint, I’ve come across one store in Pierrefonds (4798 boul. St-Jean Tel: 514-696-2000) which is offering 40% off until July 4th.

Q6: Any other comments?

– Stores will still be able to sell alkyd paint for industrial use – for outdoors,  metal, floors, rust.
– They are also coming out with hybrid paints that use oil resins in them but can be mixed with water.
– There are also O VOC paint to be used in baby’s rooms, or to be able to paint while pregnant or for people with immune deficiencies.

On Wednesday morning on CJAD 800AM, you can listen to  me  on the radio (or Internet) on the Tommy Schnurmacher Show. This is a call-in show for an entire hour. We’ll be talking about Spring shopping and more. Those of you with those important shopping questions, this is your chance to have me answer them.  If you miss the show you can always write to me here at my website.

Location: CJAD 800AM
Time: 11-12 noon
Date: Wed May 26th

On the show I’ll be giving  away a glow-in-the-dark T- shirt  (size large) with a ying-yang design, and one doggie shirt (size large) with a ying-yang design.

These are Scotchlite shirts by canucme.com, and they reflect light to make walking at night safer. They have been donated by Les Textiles Bon-Mar at 8448 boul. St-Laurent (Tel: 514-382-2275).

All you have to do is add a comment here, stating whether you’re interested in the human or dog version of the shirt, and leave your email address (or those of friends who might want to win one). Winners will be picked by a random computer program, and they will be notified by email.

I’ve seen it coming for a couple of years so I can’t say I am surprised but Classy, the men’s formal wear company has gone bankrupt. Any male from young to old that wants to own a tuxedo, this is an opportunity to stock up. Tuxedos don’t change all that much over the years so you could pick a classic style and wear it a long time.

Men are lucky that way. When women are invited to formal events, we have to constantly look for new special occasion dresses and gowns plus all the accouterments that go with it. It takes a lot of time and effort. While we run around in circles each time, men are just relaxing at home.

These suits have been rented out so they call them “previously enjoyed”. It didn’t bother you when you rented it so it shouldn’t bother you when you own it. A tuxedo with a jacket and pants is only $39.99 and a full outfit with suit, shirt, tie, vest, suspenders, cuff-links, shirt studs, handkerchief, pants, cummerbund, socks and shoes is only $69.99. Boy’s suits with a tuxedo, shirt, tie and handkerchief is $29.99 and if you want to add a vest or shoes they are $5 each. Oversize suits are there too.

Wholesale volume sales are possible for anyone including: retailers, hotels, reception halls, restaurants, caterers, waiters, schools, churches, weddings,  or proms.

Locations: St-Michel (main warehouse), 8211 17th Ave at Jarry;Decarie, 6100 Boul. Decarie at Van Horne; Hochelaga, 6945 Hochelaga at Haig;
Phone: 514-344-4456
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat & Sun 9-5
Bancrupty auctioneers: www.mgmartin.com

After 77 years, Ararat Rug Company, Montreal’s oldest family owned carpet business founded by Kerop Bedoukian, is now closing.

Ararat is owned by Harold Bedoukian who”grew up in the business. He has been active in Oriental rug associations in the US and Canada.  He is treasurer of the Armenian Rugs Society, past president of the Montreal Oriental Rug Club and The Quebec Carpet and Textile Society. Harold Bedoukian is the only appraiser in Montreal certified by the Oriental Rug Retailer’s Association, (ORRA).

He works with his wife, Janice Summers, who is an internationally respected authority on Oriental rugs.  She has more than 30 years of experience as a retailer, collector, author and lecturer, and is the author of four books and numerous articles on Oriental carpets.

Harold and Jan’s knowledge of the history, design and techniques of oriental rug weaving extends far beyond their formal education.  They travelled extensively in the Middle East where, for centuries, the manufacture and merchandising of rugs were closely linked to the culture and often the mainstay of life itself.  They spent time with rug weavers from the most primitive nomadic peoples to sophisticated urban communities whose skills have been refined and passed down from generation to generation. Harold and Jan have studied the artisans’ crafts and artistry from the gathering of goats’ hair to the preparation of detailed cartoons from which rugs are woven.

When buying a rug from Ararat you were always able to rely on their knowledge and be confident of its quality and assured of its provenance. Now we have to say “adieu” as they continue the tapestry of their lives.

Location: 3457 Avenue du Parc
Corner: Milton
Tel: 514- 288-1218
www.araratrug.com

Our efforts to become better keepers of our Earth just got easier here in Quebec. Kruger Products, a home grown company and maker of Cashmere Bathroom Tissue, SpongeTowels and Scotties, has launched their first complete EnviroCare family of 100% recycled, premium-quality paper products for the home.

Perfect for living green and supporting our neighbors while keeping the house (and your nose!) clean.

Sheldon Kagan is well known for his Bridal Event every year. Well those brides and grooms eventually get older, so they could now be old enough to attend his Baby Boomer Event. Kagan fills the Palais de Congres with products and services to help the 45+ generation get the most out of life.  And we all know that Sheldon knows how to plan a great event so it should be lots of fun.

Below you will find a smart shopping way to save money on the entrance with a 2 for 1 coupon.

Location: Palais de Congres, 1001 Lagauchetiere
Corner: Bleury
Phone: 514-631-2160 or 888-KAGAN4U
www.sheldonkagan.com

Val-Morin Piscines is having a bankruptcy sale. Everything in their 3 locations will be 25%-50% off. This includes: pools, spas, spa parts, chemicals, maintenance products, floating chairs, water toys, bbq’s, patio furniture, garden accessories, gazebos, etc.

The 25% off is more on the spas, bbq’s, heat pumps, solar blankets, chemicals and the 40% is more likely the patio furniture.

Locations: Pierrefonds – 14 400 boul. Gouin O.
Hours: M-W 10-6, Th & F 10-7, S & S 9-6

Laval – 3229 Autoroute 440 Ouest
Hours: M-W 10-6, Th & F 10-8, S & S 9-6

Dorion – 310 boul. Harwood
Hours: M-F 10-6, S & S 9-5

Q1: Sometimes we wind up in legal hassles and need some legal information or advice and we  may not have the money to hire a lawyer, do you have any help for us?

The Bar of Montreal has its legal fair starting on Monday April 12-18 so you could start there. Besides their interesting event, I have a couple of other suggestions about where to find free or almost free legal advice and legal help throughout the year. The law is very complicated for the average person to understand. There are times when you will need to sit down with someone to get some legal assistance to face decisions you may have to make. It might be anything from separation or divorce to a quarrel with a neighbor over your property to the setting up of a new home business or estate planning.

Q2: You mentioned the Bar of Montreal Legal Fair, what is that all about?

Each April for the past 13 years, at the Bar of Montreal Salon Visit Droit, the public and community organizations that work in connection with the justice system have gathered together to help the public better understand the legal system. Not only is the entrance Free, but the most popular activity is the Free legal consultations, where you are able to ask questions (over 100 lawyers help out) about starting a company, writing a will, recouping money owed, etc. Don’t forget to bring all the documents related to your problem. During the event there are mock trials, theatrical activities, quizzes and over thirty exhibitors to check out.

Location: The Bar of Montreal Salon Visit Droit, Grande Place of the Complexe Desjardins, 150 Ste. Catherine St. W at Jeanne Mance.
Dates: Mon April 12 to Thurs April 15
Hours: 10-5
Phone: 514-866-9392.
Address the rest of the year: 1 Notre Dame St. East, Suite 9.80.
www.barreaudemontreal.qc.ca

Q3:  Since that happens only next week, what could we do the rest of the year if we needed inexpensive advice?

Lawyers are very expensive, but there are social agencies that make it possible for you to have time with legally educated people at very little cost. McGill University has had, for over three decades, a legal information clinic. Organizations like the Women’s YWCA have lawyers on hand during certain hours who can help you sort out your problems. You would be surprised, if you just took the time to ask around at other community agencies in your own neighborhood, what legal advice you could find at reasonable rates.

McGill Legal Information Clinic,  For the past thirty-seven years, questions regarding your legal rights, ranging from leases to marriage contracts, human rights and immigration have been answered by law students. Remember – they can only give you referrals and legal information, not legal advice. They do not handle questions about criminal actions, taxes, or problems with builders or renovations. They refer you to the correct places for those. It may take up to 10 days for them to answer a question. Community groups can ask for a student to give a seminar on topics from tenants’ rights to family law, etc. No appointments are necessary.

Location: 3480 McTavish St., Room 107
Corner: Sherbrooke St.
Phone: 514-398-6792.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9-5 (closed from December to the second week in January, during Spring break and exam time. They will re-open on May 3rd).
www.mlic.mcgill.ca

You don’t have to be female to use the Women’s Y of Montreal’s legal clinic. It  is inexpensive ($5 for 30 minutes) and the service offers  legal information from the  rotating group of about twelve lawyers and a notary. Income level is not a consideration either. Appointments are necessary.

Women’s Y of Montreal, 1355 Rene Levesque Blvd. West
Corner:  Crescent St.
Phone: 514-866-9941 ext. 293
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., by appointment

Q4: I understand that you have one more little-known piece of information about the city of Montreal, that could be of great use to many of us…

I wonder how many of you know that we have a Montreal Ombudsman office. It offers a friendly ear to help citizens with their rights involving city services, para-municipal organizations and city controlled corporations. Your own borough is the first place you should be going to for your problems, since the Ombudsman is the place of last resort

Montreal Ombudsman office is the guardian of our Montreal Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, which has been around since January 1, 2006. The charter states in writing the principles that guide our actions in the city. If your own borough fails you in your quest to solve a problem, this office is your last resort.  There are six full time employees along with Johanne Savard, who is our very own ombudsman (or is that ombudswoman?).

Location: 275 Notre Dame St. E., Suite R100
Corner: at Gosford St.
Phone: 514-872-8999.
Hours: Monday to Friday 8 – 5
www.ombudsman@ville.montreal.qc.ca

On Wednesday morning on CJAD 800AM, you can listen to  me  on the radio (or Internet) on the Tommy Schnurmacher Show. This is a call-in show for an entire hour. We’ll be talking about Spring shopping and more. Those of you with those important shopping questions, this is your chance to have me answer them.  If you miss the show you can always write to me here at my website.

Location: CJAD 800AM
Time: 11-12 noon
Date: Wed March 24th