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26 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 10, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Family flower business grown over time By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER A family business and 50 years running are becoming anomalies in the retail world, but Stadig House of Flowers has achieved both. In 1951, newlyweds Deedee and Ed Stadig came from Holland to Canada with a dream and a willingness to work hard. The horticulture business interested Ed, but in the couple's quest to make ends M.e. Coats Faux fur reg. $260 meet he took a menial job working in a greenhouse in Burlington, jumped to a job with the parks and forestry department in Hamilton, and then another as a handyman at a guest house in Brighton. The plan was to open a flower shop to call their own. The Oakville couple waited and waited for a spot to open downtown along Lakeshore Road and snapped up number 171 when it became vacant. With a pool hall in the back Deedee and Ed opened up House of Flowers on All winter collections $ 79 now 98 PEGGY'S DISTINCTIVE LADIES FASHIONS 40% off amazing koret country estates winter sale begins 50% off up to 70 % off 60% off Blast weekend wear Spanner mix n' match casual Wear 40% off ALL SALES FINAL selected winter fashions Now only $17.98 to $24.98 hopedale MALL, oakville 905-465-3499 Abacus & London fog Coats 50% off ALL SALES FINAL Aug. 15, 1956 with 100 red roses stored in a cooler Ed built, a flat of green tropicals, one of African violets and a bit of pottery. Deedee was pregnant at the time, too. Son Herb was born Nov. 1 the same year. "They started with nothing and built it up from scratch," said daughter Heather. Savings were socked away and eventually Deedee and Ed bought the building for $25,000 pushing out the pool hall and taking up 2,500 sq. ft. for the retail enterprise. The second floor was used to set up their family home. Heather lives there now. She worked at the shop, along with her brother, in her youth. While her brother finally became an engineer, Heather was drawn back to the family fold and began working full time in her parent's shop in 1983. She bought the business in June 1995. Sadly, her dad died of a heart attack in October that same year. At 80, Deedee still works alongside her daughter, climbing into the wholesale rig that pulls up weekly choosing the flower stock by hand, cleaning it and arranging gorgeous designs. "Mom is a spitfire," said Heather. Four full-time and six part-time staff assist the family in maintaining the florist's reputation for personal service and honesty. Although one would think being constantly surrounded by beauty is an idyllic work environment, it's actually hard, dirty work, said Heather. The town has grown immensely around the little business that also grew. There are more weddings, funerals, graduations, births and get-well bouquets heading out the doors every day. And Heather gets a thrill out of knowing that once betrothed couples who ordered their wedding flowers from Ed and Deedee are now doing so for their children's nuptials, from her. It's all in the family, after all these years. BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER A FLOWER FAMILY: Deedee and Heather Stadig from House of Flowers. They are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the downtown Oakville family business. The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 3, 2004 - C7 Healthy eating habits begin at home Helping kids develop good eating habits starts at home. Research shows that children who see parents and family members who are active and eat a healthy diet will be more likely to adopt the same habits. In a study published in the Journal of The American Dietetic Association, mothers who ate more fruits and vegetables had daughters who in turn ate more fruits and vegetables. Families can maintain and improve their healthy eating habits with these practical tips: Breakfast ­ Studies show eating breakfast improves concentration, builds energy and reduces hunger throughout the day. For a healthy start to the day, choose whole-grain breads, cereals and low-fat muffins, fruit and yogurt. Add Iron ­ Iron is important for both adults and children to feel energized. Sprinkling currants, raisins, almonds and other dried fruits on cereal, for example, or adding peas, lentils and beans to soups and casseroles is an easy way to add energyboosting iron to your diet. Boost Fibre ­ Fibre can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, and help curb hunger between meals. Healthy snacks such as raw vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds require little effort to prepare, are easy to transport and will help keep you satisfied until the next meal. Healthy Snacks ­ Opt for healthy snacks between meals such as dried fruit, yogurt or applesauce for yourself and your kids. Keeping these snacks handy after school or in the car lowers the temptation for something fast and less nutritious. It can be difficult to keep track of your family's nutrient intakes and understand where the shortfalls may be on any given day. A multivitamin, is formulated to top up a diet that may not meet all of your daily nutritional needs. 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