: Roser enjoys discovering ancestors e Beaver Weeken "You start out researching your own family," the White Oaks High School grad confessed," but you get so hooked on the process, it becomes an obsession." Roser has been a member of the (Continued from page 3) through her greatâ€"grandfather, Lewis Watson MacGillivray, whose line reaches back to old England, Alfred the Great, and a chap with the curious name of Cerdic, who met his demise in 534. prestigious Mayflower society since 1981. Currently, she is official hisâ€" torian for her branch, editor of the newsletter, Canadian Pilgrim, and author of five research books on the Mayflower, listing Marriages, Births Deaths, Deeds Probates, and more. (Not what you would call easy reading, but a valuable resource.) (There is only one member of the Society in Oakville, a B. Warmski, but three others are actively workâ€" At the moment the Milton resiâ€" dent (she lives a stone‘s throw north of Britannia Road) is scoping the family tree of one ‘Pharis Doty‘ â€" a former Oakvillian. "As historian of the group," explained the former high school reporter, "it is my job to help appliâ€" cants document their family linâ€" eage." ing on their charts â€" this according to Roser.) The Society, while it is always delighted to gain new members, is strict about verifying the authenticiâ€" ty of its members. Hence, it requires that all links in the generational *chart be documented by a ‘primary‘ source â€" a birth, death or marriage certificate, deed, will, census, or Bible record. Oral family histories are notoriously inaccurate, said Roser. Not too long ago, the genealogist got a request from a prospective Alberta member, whose research had led her to Oakville â€" in the perâ€" son of the late Pharis Doty â€" busiâ€" nessman and boilerâ€"maker by trade. It seems there was a manâ€"servant on the Mayflower by the name of Edward Doty, and Pharis may well be an intermediary step in the line to the Alberta hopeful. "People work for years on this documentation," said Roser. "Sometimes, there are snags along the way. That‘s the challenge. Sometimes, the line cannot be comâ€" pletely documented. That‘s the frusâ€" tration." Her hunch is that Pharis will prove a direct descendent â€" though he is not a shoeâ€"in yet. If there are Synthetic Foams For large gaps or holes, there are several varieties of synthetic sprayâ€" foams on the market. A small amount is squirted into the gap and expands to fill the hole. Excess material can then be removed. This dense filler is ideal for insulating around difficult, hardâ€"toâ€"reach areas. When using any of these products, be sure to read the Also make sure there are no drafts coming in around your power outlets. These should be properly insulated as well. If your windows or doors are in extremely poor shape, you may want to think about replacing them with some of today‘s energyâ€"efficient alternatives. To solve this problem, caulk or apply weather stripping. These can be purchased at you local hardware or building centre. Both are available under a variety of product names. Check for drafts by holding a feather or a piece of tissue paper suspended from a hanger up to the areas where You suspect there may be leaks. If the eather or tissue moves independently, you‘ve located a draft. Check Windows and Doors Start with a thorough check of your windows and doors. Cracks around these areas can let in chilly drafts while letting valuable heat out. So, before you get "left out in the cold," now‘s the ideal time to give your home a thorough fall tuneâ€"up to make sure it operates at peak efficiency this fall and winter. Much like the engine of a car, your home deserves ongoing maintenance. And since your home likely represents the largest single investment you‘ve ever made, it makes sense to treat it to some tender loving care. And while winter may still seem like a distant reality, it will arrive on your doorstep sooner than you think. And you remember how cold it was last winter! Once again it‘s time to pack away the beach ball, lawn chairs and other summer paraphernalia and brace your home, and yourselves, for the onslaught of cooler weather. Gallery Hours C I, LO 1N T , XO Mon. Tues. 10 am. â€"4pm. _ Meet the artists at the opening Wed. Thurs. 1 p.m. â€" 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 Saturday 11 a.m. â€" 4 p.m. 1 p.m. â€" 5 p.m. OTHER FINE ARTS BY GALLERY MEMBERS ALSO FOR SALE (See ‘Challenges‘ page 11) Tips For Getting Your Home Winterâ€"Ready GALLERY 560 BRONTE RD. (corner of Speers) 905â€"827â€"5711 DOROTHY WILDE OCT. 16 â€" NOV. 16 You are cordially invited to Also, be sure to move any items you may have stored near or around your furnace or boiler before turning it on â€" and make sure the space around it is clean and free of dust or combustible materials. It‘s also a good idea to check the insulation in your attic. It may need to be topped up. If you‘re not sure, consult an expert. Furnace or boiler While still in the basement, be sure to check your furnace or boiler. This, after all, is the "hub" of Your heating system and requires regular maintenance to giveâ€"good performance. It should be checked annually be an expert to ensure everything is in good working order. It‘s probably advisable to book a "checkâ€"up" or cleaning with your utility or fuel company before the fall rush. ‘If your basement is unfinished and especially chilly, you may want to think about insulating. Again, if you‘re not particularly handy, hire a contractor for this type of undertaking. Check Basement Conduct the same draft test on all floors of your homeâ€"including the basement. And while you‘re down there, if your basement is unfinished, check around for any cracks or holes in the foundation walls. These should be repaired before they worsen. If you don‘t think you‘ll be able to handle the job yourself, consult an expert. _ manufacturer‘s instructions and follow them carefully â€" some substances can irritate skin and eyes. Dan Cooper is an awardâ€"winnin Associate Broker with Countryiwide Town Centre Realty Inc. and can be reached at 338â€"6550. Pharis Doty: link with the past an exhibition of original paintings by pottery by