City Life Magazine — Aug/Sept 2016

24

THE COURAGE & STRENGTH OF AN IMMIGRANT FAMILY

28

WHY VAUGHAN’S NEW LIBRARY IS IN OUR GOOD BOOKS

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EXPLORING THE SECRET LIFE OF A FARMER

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FASHION + LOCAL ART = A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

SINCE 2003

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE … IT’S OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Publication Mail Agreement 40026675

Sam Perri’s domed dream home is light years ahead of its time P. 46

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City Life Magazine

Visit the City Life Magazine online to view our full list of services and guarantees: www.mycitylife.ca/the-lh-prestige

Aug/Sept 2016

Lauren Parente and Hugo Castrillon, partners of the LH Prestige Team, Sales Representatives RE/MAX Premier Inc., Brokerage

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Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie and Hugh Jackman Crafted for New Heights In homage to the European explorer and his need for utmost precision, Montblanc pays special tribute with the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Quantième Complet Vasco da Gama Special Edition featuring a full calendar and a blue lacquered constellation around the moon phase, which shows the exact same night sky above the Cape of Good Hope as Vasco da Gama observed it in 1497 on his first journey to India.

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fusiongardening® CULTIVATE TRANQUILITY Fusion Gardening® is a new trend that can help you create your dream garden through unique combinations of colours and textures.

Every design is tailored to fit your property and reflect your personal style.

One of the first steps to a fusion garden is to determine the right amount of water needed for your landscape. Book a personalized consultation with a certified Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) to keep your landscape beautiful and healthy.

Want to be more creative this year? Visit one of our retail partners to learn how #fusiongardening can create the restful retreat you’ve been dreaming of.

For a list of retail partners, Certified WSIP contractors or to learn more about the program, please visit fusiongardening.ca or call 1-888-967-5426.

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Exclusively selected furniture and designs that are Exclusively selected furniture and designs that are built to last, and leave a lasting impression. built to last, and leave a lasting impression.

Fashion-forward products from across the globe, Fashion-forward products from across the globe, hand-picked by our lighting design specialists. hand-picked by our lighting design specialists.

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VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4 | AUG/SEPT 2016

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

24

46

SUPERNOVA SAM The self-made builder from Caledon, Ont., invites us over to explore his outlandish digs

FEATURE STORIES 24 HOME AWAY

FROM HOME How the Gallardo family from Ecuador is adapting to city life in Vaughan

28 BUILDING NEW STORIES

Vaughan’s newest library boasts modern touches for a high-tech reading room

34 THE SECRET LIFE OF

A FARMER #BuyLocal is trending — but we looked beyond the hashtag. Meet three local farmers putting good-foryou food on our tables

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28 18 38 18 THE 2016 DODGE CHARGER SRT 392 Summertime driving with year-round appeal. Get the details on this familyfriendly sports car 38 A MIDSUMMER DREAM Ethereal fashion meets a stunning sculpture installation at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

52 25 THINGS WE LOVE Summer may be fizzling out, but the fun in Vaughan is just getting started 44 SMILE 2 SMILE How one Toronto woman is saving the world, one teddy bear at a time More stories inside … www.mycitylife.ca

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Zerillo-Sosa • michelle@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL Simona Panetta-Kerr • simona@dolce.ca

man

once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” That was Steve Jobs.

As we searched for a theme to this edition of City Life, we quickly realized that the unique lifestyles of the people we profiled were nothing short of amazing. And in this age of negative news around the world, we all needed a bit of inspiration.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to grow the apple, carrot or grain for that sandwich in your lunch today? Imagine getting up at 2 a.m. each day to work the fields until the sun goes down, all for the love of bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to the table. This is the norm for people like Maria Russo, Brian Feddema, Pam Rolph-Romeril and all of our local farmers right here in Vaughan. Read their story on page 34, and perhaps the next time you say grace, you might just add their names as you reflect upon your blessings.

With the recent influx of immigrants, you may have noticed some new faces in your neighbourhood. These are the faces of people that have chosen Canada as their new home. Filled with hope and dreams, they come with stories of hardship and how they, armed only with courage, left everything they owned behind to embark toward a strange country and a new language. Remember this: if you do notice these new Vaughan residents, do extend a warm smile of welcome. I can’t tell you the sense of gratitude an immigrant feels when someone takes the time to show kindness, even if it’s just a smile and a sincere, “How are you?” As a former immigrant to Canada, I am a firm believer that with hard work anything is possible in this beautiful country of ours … See story on page 24.

And, as a young immigrant of 12 years old, I’ll never forget the incredible discovery of the public library. I cannot even begin to describe my happiness at the realization that I could take out any book in this building, free of charge, and then return it only to take out more! I am sure this sense of wonder was felt by the candidates who shared their favourite reads on their first visit to the new library in Maple. See story on page 28.

And what to say about meeting our cover man, Sam Perri? Outside of the fact that he is living proof that life doesn’t end at 67 — on the contrary! Amazing character, much like his UFO House, who left an impression even on my kids as they accompanied me to our photo shoot. These are the kind of unique individuals who make up our city, whose lives are not limited or defined by age, ethnicities or their pasts. They are the influencers, the shapers of our city, and all that they do, they do with love, faith and hope. I am very proud to call Vaughan home while surrounded by these masters of their own lives, who remain humble no matter what they encounter.

We hope you enjoy this edition of City Life Magazine.

Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

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@dolcetweets

Aug/Sept 2016

@amorebagstoronto

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca ART D E PARTM E NT CO-FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fernando Zerillo • fernando@dolce.ca WEB PROJECT MANAGER Steve Bruno SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Ban WEB DESIGNER Yena Yoo WEB DEVELOPER INTERN Jordan Carter E D ITO R IAL D E PARTM E NT FASHION & HOME DECOR EDITOR Michelle Zerillo-Sosa BEAUTY & TRAVEL EDITOR Angela Palmieri-Zerillo COPY EDITOR Simona Panetta-Kerr PROOFREADERS Nina Hoeschele, Simona Panetta-Kerr WRITER Amanda Storey CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amandalina Letterio, Alessandra Micieli EDITORIAL INTERN Erica Giancola CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Farzam Hosseindoust, Jesse Milns, Carlos Arturo Pinto, Bogdan Teodorov SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Sarah Kanbar VI D E O D E PARTM E NT VIDEOGRAPHER Carlos Arturo Pinto PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING T: 905-264-6789 info@mycitylife.ca DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Susan Bhatia SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Mario Balaceanu ACCOUNT MANAGER Miriam Kanbar OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Alessandra Micieli FRONT COVER Sam Perri / Photo By Jesse Milns City Life Magazine • Volume 14 • Issue 4 • Aug/Sept 2016 City Life Magazine is published bimonthly by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont. L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789 • F: 905-264-3787 info@mycitylife.ca • www.dolcemedia.ca Subscribe online at www.mycitylife.ca or by calling 905-264-6789. City Life Magazine’s yearly subscription fee is $24.00.

We accept Visa, MC & AMEX. Send cheque or money order to Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd. #30, Vaughan, Ont. L4H 3H9.

Publication Mail Agreement No. 40026675 All rights reserved. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publishers.

DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION City Life Magazine reaches 342,342 readers per issue through household distribution, newsstand sales and event partnerships across Canada. City Life is also available to over 100 million digital consumers of Magzter Inc. and Issuu.

Inquiries about where City Life Magazine is available for sale should be directed to Dolce Media Group: info@dolce.ca or 905-264-6789.

ISSN 1206-1778 Next Issue: Oct/Nov 2016 The opinions expressed in City Life Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Dolce Media Group does not assume liability for content.

The material in this magazine is intended for information purposes only and is in no way intended to supersede professional advice. We are proud to be a Canadian company that has successfully published magazines for the past 20 years without any government funding or financial assistance of programs to cover editorial costs. It has all been possible thanks to the wonderful support of our readers and advertisers. ©2016 Dolce Media Group • www.dolcemedia.ca • Printed in Canada @citylifetoronto www.facebook.com/citylifemagazinevaughan @citylifemag www.mycitylife.ca

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This Summer, we have you covered from wall to wall, floor to ceiling, inside and out.

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City Life Magazine

15

SERGUEI TIKHONENKOV

KANIZ VERSE

PAULINA RASO

From left to right: Vaughan crossing guards Serguei Tikhonenkov, Kaniz Verse and Paulina Raso

Knights with Shining STOP SIGNS

From street crossing to the spotlight, these three crossing guards talked to City Life Magazine about life behind the stop sign Written By Erica Giancola

I

f you’ve ever been fortunate enough to have crossing guards in your life, chances are you remember them. They can be recognized by their infectious smiles and sweet “good morning”s, and they might just be the only people in your life that care about your safety more than your parents.

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If you or your children have had crossing guards like Paulina Raso, Kaniz Verse or Serguei Tikhonenkov, you’re definitely thankful for them. These three are the powerhouses of crossing guards.

Their jobs are everything to them.

For Paulina Raso, 57, a passion for working with children and an ad in a newspaper were what brought her to

this profession. She says the kids are what keep her coming back. “I enjoy working with kids. You know why?

You watch them grow. You put smiles on their faces. When they don’t see me there, they wonder where I am,” she says with a beaming face. From Monday to Friday, you can find Raso helping students of St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary School get from one street to the next.

Raso, who has almost never missed a day of work, says the response she gets from kids on a daily basis is overwhelming. “It makes me very happy.

It makes me still want to do the job and continue doing it. I told Natasha, my supervisor, that as long as I have good health, I’m going to continue doing this until I’m 100.”

Kaniz Verse, 68, echoes Raso’s thoughts — she absolutely loves meeting new people while crossing them. “I like it. You know, you’re doing something nice,” she says. “I think it’s good, this job, looking after kids.”

Verse, who began her foray into crossing a year ago, emphasizes that her job is essential for the safety of her community. “I think safety is important.

Some people will be driving and they don’t stop,” she says, adding that having a crossing guard around helps people realize that they could hurt someone when not obeying laws.

Serguei Tikhonenkov, 65, says that he loves all aspects of this job, especially that it allows him to be close to his family. “I am able to do a lot of things [with my job]. I can take care of my daughter and my granddaughter … For me, it is also very interesting to meet new people. My main goal is to keep kids safe to and from school,” he says.

Tikhonenkov, who has held his station near St. Stephen Catholic Elementary School for the last four years, adds that safety is extremely important and keeping his community safe should never be a question. Much like Raso and Verse, he holds the same view. “It is my duty, my job every day,” he says. vaughan.ca www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

Community Leaders

www.mycitylife.ca

Aug/Sept 2016

City Life Magazine

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auto review

The 2016 Dodge Charger SRT 392 Combining svelte style with serious strength, this family-friendly sports car is as powerful as it is playful Written By Amandalina Letterio

W

hen describing the Charger SRT 392, Dodge has said, “Whether enjoying a play day at the track, or taking the kids across town for a play date, the Dodge Charger SRT® 392 has the power to get the job done and make every drive equally rewarding.” With a bold statement like that, clearly Dodge is targeting a demographic that was in need of something all their own: the cool parent.

So, what makes the 2016 Charger SRT 392 perfect for cool parents? Let’s start with the fact that it’s powered by a 392-cubic-inch, 6.4-Litre HEMI V-8 engine, boasting 485 horsepower and

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472 lb.-ft. of torque, which gives you an adrenaline rush the moment you push start. The Charger’s engine revs so loud that onlookers will feel the vibration.

Its newly redesigned front fascia, hood, rear fascia and spoiler have fashioned a head-turning sports car. The front splitter not only optimizes airflow to the cooling modules without compromising vehicle balance, but it also gives the impression the car will eat anything that gets in its way on the road. The rear fascia and diffuser showcase the fourinch round exhaust tips, making it look intimidating, even from behind. Dodge also added a new colour option to the 2016 model — so if you’re a fan of deep purple, pick Plum Crazy Pearl.

Dodge made a lot of changes to the SRT 392 this year that they didn’t offer in 2015. The 2016 model comes with first-class technology to ensure hands-free features and safe driving at all times. It has navigation and five free years of SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link service. The UConnect 8.4 infotainment system adds drag-anddrop customization, along with Siri Eyes Free compatibility so that you can dictate any phone activity and your eyes stay completely focused on the road. If you’re in a bind, the owner’s manual can be accessed through the touchscreen display in a convenient and timely manner. If you have kids in the car, these technology features will keep you focused on what’s important: the road.

You can feel safe driving around your precious cargo thanks to the Brembo® ultra high-performance brake package, which gives repeated stopping power. There are 15.4-inch rotors in the front, giving the Charger SRT 392 the largest front brake package ever on a Chrysler Group vehicle. The two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers are vented and fitted for extra performance. The back has 13.8-inch rotors with four-piston calipers which are also vented and fitted. If you are a parent with flair or just enjoy a powerful car, the growling 2016 Charger SRT 392 is what you’ll want to be seen — or heard — driving. It’s perfect for an adult play day when the kids are off at a play date. www.dodge.ca www.mycitylife.ca

Come for the barbecue, stay for the patio dining.

Meet Rusty’s at Blue.

The best barbecue meets the best bar plus views of the Blue Mountains. And did we mention we have a patio too? Bring the kids, sit back and enjoy the fresh mountain air as you indulge in the picturesque view and casual dining. With our menu of sandwiches, steaks, chops and ribs, what’s not to love?

Don’t worry, herbivores — we have food for you too. Rusty’s at Blue is where you want to be.

Blue Mountain, 150 Jozo Weider Boulevard, L9Y 3Y9 | 705-445-2718

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www.mycitylife.ca

Aug/Sept 2016

City Life Magazine

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There is such a thing as the perfect gift!

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Denim Daze

HAIR AND MAKEUP: SILVIA ACQUAPENDENTE STYLIST: SILVIA STESY STEFANINI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOGDAN TEODOROV / TEXT BY ERICA GIANCOLA

Make the most of summer days with your favourite pair of jeans. From flared styles to ultra-cool cropped shorts, push the boundaries with denim before the seasons change

Dust off those blue suede shoes — they’re back in style. Paired with your favourite flared denim and floral print, this will surely be your end-of-summer go-to Top: Granovskaya Lingerie Pants: Miss Sixty Belt: Rosantica Milano Shoes: Fratelli Rossetti Bag: Fendi vintage

www.mycitylife.ca

Aug/Sept 2016

City Life Magazine

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If you’re looking to show off your glow, try out a pair of jean shorts. Paired with white, your look will give off a classic beach vibe

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOGDAN TEODOROV HAIR AND MAKEUP: SILVIA ACQUAPENDENTE STYLIST: SILVIA STESY STEFANINI

Shirt: Roberto Cavalli Shorts: DL1961 Foulard: Hermes vintage

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www.mycitylife.ca

VAUGHAN’S BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE

A DV E R TO R I A L

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Nestled in the heart of romantic Kleinburg Village, Luxe Hair Lounge Medi-Spa lets your most beautiful self shine through on your big day. On top of their much-loved spa and RMT services, they specialize in hair colour and are always on the pulse of what’s new in hair, like the balayage trend.

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ature’s Source is dedicated to improving health outcomes of its clients by offering best-in-class natural health products. Its exceptional team provides premium product education, service and support, and is dedicated to bringing customers the latest in health, fitness, beauty and the science of natural-source healthy-living solutions. To further its commitment, Nature’s Source sponsors industry events, offers ongoing wellness seminars and holds in-store demonstrations of today’s most exciting natural health products and services.

La Couture Hair Lounge 130 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 60, Concord 905-532-0235 La Couture Hair Lounge lacouturehairlounge

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air? Check! Makeup? Check!

Happy customers walking out of La Couture Hair Lounge on a daily basis? Double check. If there’s one thing that La Couture offers, it’s the highest quality service. The team, led by Diana Di Biase, has expanded over the years and welcomed more dedicated clients into the salon that feels like a second home.

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Angela Martino, founder of Neece Electrolysis

When Wh W hen en A Angela ngela Martino was ng w 15, a hormone imb imbalance caused what she describes excessive led to embarrassment and low ass “an a “an an e xxcces essi s ve amountt of hair on my face,” which w self-esteem. se elf--e est stee ste eem. m But But u Martino Martino found a solution that th helped her through it. “I started electrolysis raised my self-confi dence and put me on a journey el e llec eccttrrrol olyyssis ol siiss ttreatments, r at re a ments, which w self-c to help others going through the same difficulty,” she says. Today, Martino, the founder of Neece Electrolysis, has become a certified laser technician and electrologist. She says that she’s proud to be a part of building others’ self-esteem and confidence.

Electrolysis, a process that dates back over 135 years, is the only FDAapproved permanent hair removal system that has the ability to target all skin and hair types, including coarse, fine and light hair. Although electrolysis cannot fix hormone imbalances or cure hair growth, it can permanently stop the growth of existing hair. Delivering effective results for both men and women, electrolysis works on large or small areas anywhere on the body, removing hairs right at the time of treatment.

Visit Angela Martino at Neece Electrolysis today for the best results in permanent hair removal!

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Aug/Sept 2016

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23

From left to right, Juan Carlos with his mother, Melva, and father, Bravlio

Community

A Home Away from Home

City Life talks to Juan Carlos Gallardo, who has helped his family create a new home in Vaughan after emigrating from Ecuador Written By Erica Giancola 24

City Life Magazine

Aug/Sept 2016

www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTO BY JESSE MILNS

T

he sound of perpetual Vaughan traffic fades away as I pull into Juan Carlos Gallardo’s modest subdivision. The streets are quiet, and aside from the odd passerby, nothing seems much different from the rest of this city. Canadian flags hang sporadically above garage doors, mailboxes dot the streets, a man walks by with his dog. One of these houses is home to the Gallardo family, a new family in this Canadian city, welcomed here only two short years ago from Ecuador as permanent residents.

Before long, I’m sitting in their living room, opposite Gallardo, with the sounds of his young niece and nephew floating down from upstairs as they play. We’re sitting in his home talking, but we’re not really in his home. We’re in Ecuador, many years ago, in coffee fields, as Gallardo shares his favourite memories in earnest detail.

Prior to moving to Canada, Gallardo worked for an organization where he managed a fair trade coffee agreement for 600 families. He speaks about how they worked to integrate coffee with other farm products the families produced in order to help them make a living.

“It was a really good memory for me,” he says. “Those people are poor people, and when they received help from the associations or government, it helped a lot to [give them] a better life, because the main resource there is the coffee.”

His parents join us throughout the interview, greeting me with warm smiles and handshakes, attempting simple English words. “They don’t really speak English,” Gallardo says apologetically. With a mix of limited Spanish skills on my behalf and their limited English, we manage. Gallardo translates when needed for his mother Melva, 64, and his father Bravlio, 80, as we speak.

Gallardo himself is 27 years old, and is currently working with a painting company. He arrived in Canada with his parents after his sister, who is a Canadian citizen, sponsored them.

Gallardo and his parents currently reside in his sister’s house in Vaughan.

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Gallardo says the reason they came to Canada is twofold. “We came to get a better life,” he says, then adds that they are also here to aid his parents’ deteriorating health, specifically his father’s.

“He has a problem with his hearing,” Gallardo says. “He can’t listen. He was trying out some medicine in my country, but it wasn’t helping him. He also has other problems with his health, because he’s a senior.”

As Gallardo quickly learned, however, this “better life” comes with a lot of work. When he first moved here, Gallardo began working fulltime and taking night classes to learn English at the Vaughan Welcome Centre Immigrant Services. Recently, Gallardo has made the decision to take classes full-time during the school year at the Welcome Centre in an attempt to improve his English. He hopes this will help him apply to an environmentfocused university program, like biology, a field that he previously studied in Ecuador.

George Davidson, the general manager at the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, lists Gallardo among his most enthusiastic students, saying that his “can-do” attitude and “enthusiasm” are what make him stand out.

“Most of [the immigrants that study here] are like that,” he adds.

“Language is always a key piece here. If you can get to at least level five, you can compete in the workforce,” Davidson says. The Welcome Centre, however, teaches English language courses up to Canadian Language Benchmark level nine, although other facilities may teach up to level 12.

Gallardo says his passion to learn English was fuelled by his lack of understanding when he first moved here. He says the language barrier left him feeling isolated because no one would take the time to help him.

“Most of the time, people around here, they work a lot, usually they don’t have time to. Every time I needed another person to relate to me, or help me do things, it was hard for me,” he says. “Especially in my social life, I [couldn’t] start a conversation with another person. The [most] difficult 26

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thing to communicate was work, usually my boss or some co-workers, they tried to speak with me but I couldn’t understand [anything]. Just yes, yes, no, OK. It was terrible for me.”

Dr. Monica Boyd, former Canada Research Chair in Immigration, Inequality and Public Policy, who is now a professor at the University of Toronto, says a combination of losing their social

THEY TRIED TO “ SPEAK WITH ME

BUT I COULDN’T UNDERSTAND [ANYTHING]. JUST YES, YES, NO, OK. IT WAS TERRIBLE FOR ME

”

— Juan Carlos Gallardo

circles and a lack of understanding of conversational English can be difficult for immigrants.

“Many of them also don’t realize that, because they are changing their countries, they are changing their social relationships immediately with people around them. As a result, when they have problems, it’s because they don’t have strong support networks around them that they might have back in their home country,” Boyd says.

“A lot of immigrants think they have learned either French or English … but they’re not aware that saying you speak a language formally is very different from being in a context where the language is spoken rapidly, where there are a lot of colloquialisms, a lot of phrases you may not understand and you’re expected to interact very quickly back,” she adds.

Organizations like the Vaughan Welcome Centre help immigrants significantly, especially in areas like Vaughan where, according to Statistics Canada’s 2011 census, foreign-born residents make up 46.4 per cent of the population. The Welcome Centre partners with other organizations to offer programs at no cost, like the English-language classes Gallardo takes, or classes to help permanent

residents apply for Canadian citizenship — which the Gallardo family says they will look into in the next year when they’re eligible to apply.

For now, though, the Gallardo family will continue to shape their new home and build their life in Vaughan, a place they have come to love. Gallardo says his favourite part about Canada so far has been the laws, and the hospitality shown by public workers.

“I love the laws,” he says. “They control everything. They help you a lot. For example, in my country when you take a bus, you don’t have these benefits with a ticket. You can’t transfer to another bus. They also have a lot of information for people. If you go to a station, or city hall, wherever you want, they give you any information you want to know about Canada, or about around you, like the place you live.”

Before I leave, I turn to his parents, who have been listening to us speak, and ask if they would like to share anything about moving to Canada (while Gallardo translates). His mother jumps in with a few words and a kind smile. “Benito Canada,” she exclaims, as his father nods along.

“She says Canada is pretty, it’s beautiful,” Gallardo says. As she continues, he translates: “Here they’re polite. They respect each other. She likes that.”

It’s interesting to think that just two years ago, Gallardo would have been in the same situation, unable to discuss his experiences with me due to two vastly different languages dividing us. Th e importance of free English programs, offered to newcomers like the Gallardo family when entering a new culture, lingers.

“It’s helped me a lot,” Gallardo states, adding he’s learned much more than just a language from their resources. By partnering with other organizations, including the police and COSTI Immigrant Services, the Welcome Centre has taught Gallardo, in his own words, how to “adapt to the culture,” while creating a new home in Canada.

It is here in the heart of Vaughan, a piece of their Canada, where the Gallardo family has chosen to create their new home. welcomecentre.ca www.mycitylife.ca

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learning

Building New Stories Vaughan’s Civic Centre Resource Library takes reading to a whole new level in an innovative space bursting with technology Written By Erica Giancola

Vaughan’s Civic Centre Resource Library, which opened May 14, is equipped with over 70,000 materials and personalized spaces for teens and children. The cube bookshelves pictured here are readjusted and moved on a daily basis

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www.mycitylife.ca

CITY LIFE MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH RESIDENTS OF VAUGHAN AND BEYOND TO TALK FAVOURITE BOOKS, SPENDING TIME IN LIBRARIES AND MORE

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

I’m

sitting on a lime green chair, reading a book. The glass of iced tea I purchased at an in-house café sits opposite me, and as I glance outside, to a patiostyle courtyard, I can see a teenager clad in shorts and sunglasses doing the same.

“I fit right in here,” I think to myself.

The “here” I’m describing is Vaughan’s new Civic Centre Resource Library, which boasts surprising modern twists unlike other reading rooms that came before it. Located in Maple, Ont., and equipped with an array of new technologies, this library is a place where kids, teens and adults alike can coexist in a space they can make their own.

Margie Singleton, CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries, says that this was always the goal they had in mind. Since 2009, when the library was proposed, and in 2012 when Vaughan Public Libraries began public consultations, the building was designed to be a place the community had a say in.

“We didn’t say, ‘How should we design your library?’ We said, ‘How are www.mycitylife.ca

ANN PACE

Principal, Tommy Douglas Secondary School Q. Who is your favourite author or what is your favourite book right now?

A. Right now I would probably say Lawrence Hill. I really enjoyed The Book of Negroes, but I would just say I’ve gotten to enjoy his work, period. And it has that historical fiction aspect to it. He tells a story, he tells a story about people and he tells it very well.

Q. What do you think the importance of public libraries is?

A. It’s the accessibility. Public libraries make anything available to families, children, students. There’s no charge to using a public library. Especially now, the way that they’re being designed.

They’ve always been inviting places. A child, a family, a student could spend hours here just immersing themselves in reading. Now that they also have an eBook catalogue, you can transfer books online and access it there. It just makes information and entertainment available to anyone at anytime.

BRADLEY YOUNG

Manager, Grazie Ristorante in Vaughan Q. Who is your preferred author or what is your favourite book?

A. I would say over the past 10 to 15 years I’ve always read Malcolm Gladwell books. I always find it really interesting what he brings to light. I would say he’s my favourite author.

Q. How has your reading changed over the years?

A. I find, for me, that reading was kind of the mandatory reading that was done in school. I think it’s changed now being a business professional. I focus a lot on the job I’m doing, so I’m always trying to keep abreast of what’s going on in restaurant news. On a personal level, I like autobiographies. I’ve always enjoyed autobiographies of sports individuals or teams.

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PAOLO PUSATERI

Manager of Brand Marketing, Pusateri’s Fine Foods Q. Do you have a favourite spot or location where you usually read?

A. I love reading outdoors. Right now I found a new spot on my balcony. It’s all concrete and sunlight but really warm so I love to be able to multi-purpose it with sitting outside, enjoying the weather and reading.

Q. What are you reading right now?

A. I’m reading a book called Midnight in Sicily by Peter Robb.

It’s a book about the origins of the Sicilian culture, and just the whole dynamic of how society has changed and how mythological fairy tales that have permeated into society have influenced it. It’s really interesting. I’m still not very far into it, so we’ll see where it goes.

WE WANT TO APPEAL TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, “ NOT JUST TO THE INTELLECTUAL OR NOT JUST TO THE STUDENTS. LIBRARIES SHOULD BE FUN BECAUSE IT’S A COMMUNITY DESTINATION

”

— Margie Singleton, CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries

FAVOURITE BOOK

SANDRA HOLVOR-CALHOUN

Centre Supervisor, Vaughan City Hall YMCA Child Care Centre Q. What do you think the importance of public libraries is?

A. I used to be in a library every Saturday, picking out books and studying when I was going through school. I continue to pick out books now and bring my children to libraries for story groups. For my own programs at the YMCA, we’ve invited the library to come into our programs so we can incorporate a small literacy segment that combines different aspects of literacy, different puppet plays, songs, that sort of thing. It’s a great resource for the whole community, really. I think it’s of great importance.

Q. Who read to you growing up?

A. My mom, mostly. My mom is an avid reader to this day. She mostly read to me story and picture books as a child.

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MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA

Mayor of Vaughan

Q. What was your favourite book growing up?

A. As a child I enjoyed reading a range of books, but among my most cherished was The Adventures of Pinocchio, a book that teaches many valuable life lessons.

Q. Do you have a favourite quote or lesson learned from a book?

A. “Fall in Love” by Fr. Pedro Arrupe.

This poem’s simplicity makes it profound. It answers the fundamental questions of what determines what we want and in turn, how it influences what we do. While it’s important to understand what you want in life and have a willingness to pursue it, what really gets you out of bed in the morning is what you love. This poem is definitely worth a read and if you take some time to contemplate and reflect on it, even better. It will be good for you.

you going to use your library?’

Because the most important thing is for the form to follow the function. We need to know how people are going to use the library and then we’ll design a library that meets their needs,” she says, as we sit in her bright office on the second floor of the library.

Natural lighting is a noticeable feature in this inviting space, with windows on every wall. And those new technologies the community asked for? They include an in-house café, a “Create It” space with a green-screenequipped video studio and an instrument-filled recording studio, as well as a rooftop patio and a courtyard on the first level. Here, bookshelves

FAVOURITE BOOK

JOE BRUZZESE

Store Manager, Longo’s Maple Q. What kind of books did you read growing up?

A. I remember reading history books about Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.

Those were my favourite thing back then.

Q. Do you have a beloved author or book right now?

A. I have read a lot of books over the years but some of the ones I remember the most would be by Eckhart Tolle, who wrote The Power of Now and A New Earth, and there’s another one called Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain.

He talks about everything that everyone else usually talks about but he keeps it simple.

Q. Do you have a favourite quote?

A. Yes, [by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin]: “We’re not human beings living a spiritual experience, we’re spiritual beings having a human experience.”

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move to accommodate different events, book checkout is self-automated, Bluray discs have replaced DVDs, and both teens and children have their own, virtually soundproofed spaces. The library also opened with a collection of 70,000 materials, including magazines, books and audiobooks.

“There’s been a real shift in public libraries,” Singleton says. “Historically, libraries were warehouses of information and we helped people, we guided people to find that information. That was the skill of the professional librarian, but it’s changing. In libraries now, people are not just finding information — they’re actually creating it.

“We want to appeal to the entire community, not just to the intellectual or not just to the students.

Libraries should be fun because it’s a community destination,” she adds.

The technical side of the library reflects the new demands of the world.

The library was built by ZAS Architects + Interiors and AquiCon Construction

Co. Ltd. to LEED Silver standards with many green-integrated technologies that include motion-sensor lights, low-flush toilets, two electric vehicle charging spaces and the potential for a future green roof if funding becomes available.

Many residents, however, are concerned about the fate of the Maple Library, located about half a kilometre away. According to Singleton, the Maple Library will continue running and be monitored by the Library Board for a year. At the end of the one-year period a feasibility study will be conducted.

“Maybe we will make it smaller, maybe we’ll close it. Maybe we’ll leave it the way it is. The board will make that decision based on facts, rather than speculation,” she says.

“The Maple Library used to be frantic, the pace was frantic. Since we opened this library, it’s dropped down, so now it’s just busy. It’s still busy. It’s shockingly busy,” Singleton adds. She notes that the Maple Library may cater to an entirely different group than this

library does. Where the Maple Library sees a lot of traffic from families after use at the adjoining community centre, the Civic Centre Resource Library is a standalone structure with resources that differ from the former. In a world where information is shared at lightning speed and as libraries change to meet the needs of a new demand, only time will tell.

As I leave the bright library behind I take a moment to glance around. A child is attempting to spin a shelf of books, looking for a new cover to entice him as his father hovers close by. A man, who appears to be retired, stands over a painting in a window-filled boardroom, a piece that he has been working on for the better part of the day. A toddler drags her mother past a group of teenagers, who are sitting on table-level chairs and working on their laptops. A man of about 50 sits beside a librarian, talking over their computers. If there’s anywhere in the city of Vaughan where we can find a place of our own, it’s this library. www.vaughanpl.info

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health

The Secret Life of a Buying local is no longer a niche choice or a wellness fad — it’s a lifestyle that’s hit the mainstream. As harvest time plows nearer, City Life Magazine switches the focus from the food to its growers. We met with three farmers from Vaughan and beyond who welcomed us into their worlds, demystifying their processes and politics, their struggles and successes. Here, get to know the people who fill your table with a rainbow of fruits, veggies and other local goods

E

very day, from May to November, Peter Russo’s alarm goes off at 2 a.m.

He trudges out to the field where he mounts his tractor and spends the next four hours tending to his crops of zucchini flowers, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants and pumpkins. His workday won’t end until the sun goes down. And he adores it.

“I love what I do,” says Peter. “I love being in my tractor. I turn on the air conditioning, blast the music and I’m in la-la land out there. There’s no stress.”

Of course, the stress is waiting for him as soon as he hops out of the vehicle, but that’s a price he’s willing

City Life Magazine

DEPEND ON NATURE, YOU WORK LIKE CRAZY AND IT COULD ALL BE DESTROYED IN AN INSTANT BY A HAILSTORM, A DROUGHT, A FLOOD

”

— Sue Feddema, Round the Bend Farm

Sue and Brian Feddema bought Round the Bend Farm 30 years ago.

The 175-year-old farm has been a staple for families in the King City area for generations

Sue Feddema

34

YOU HAVE TO GO ON “ FAITH BECAUSE YOU

to pay to live out his passion. Peter is the son of Maria Russo, the matriarch of Russo Farms in Vaughan, which she founded 35 years ago as an excuse to get out of the house. But the produce was an instant hit among the locals, and a few years later she expanded, prompting Peter to shut down his Toronto-based clothing store and join his mother’s blossoming farm.

Today, Russo Farms is one of the few remaining in Vaughan. It clung on as the city rocketed through years of development that wiped out most of its

Aug/Sept 2016

www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

Written By Amanda Storey

farmland, including the locally famous Southbrook Farms (which moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake and became Southbrook Vineyards). A few years back, Russo Farms’ original location at the northeast corner of Weston Road and Major Mackenzie Drive succumbed to the aggressive monetary offers of developers, leaving the farm with just one spot around the corner from their old one. But the Russos don’t mind. They’re busier than ever before.

“We are at everybody’s table in Vaughan,” says Peter’s wife, Sandra, who opens their small fruit and veggie shop every morning at 7:30, often greeting the lineup that’s formed already.

While the farm has always been an integral part of the Vaughan community, the Russos say their popularity has boomed with the rise of buying local. No longer just a niche fad for the wellness-conscious, it’s become a common practice for many folks in Vaughan and beyond, prompting more and more people to crowd the weekly farmer’s markets and in-farm stores.

And what inspired the shift? There’s the growing desire to support local businesses and keep the economy flowing nicely. And lately people crave foods that are wholesome not only in terms of vitamin content, but also in the way they are grown — lovingly, and just a few kilometres from home. Plus, the hands-on grit of the pick-your-own trend has given GTA-ers the perfect method for reconnecting with nature Sandra Russo

www.mycitylife.ca

and their community, which just about everyone thirsts for in this concrete, digital age.

As the “local” trend hits the mainstream, people are starting to look past the food and to the farmers that grow them. Who are these people, and what are their stories? Most haven’t set foot on a farm since their elementary school tours, and many adults aren’t even aware of what’s in season, let alone the work that goes into crafting a tomato, a cherry or an apple.

Pam Rolph-Romeril, owner of Pine Farms Orchard, has her hands full — and not just with the Honeycrisps, McIntoshes and Cortlands that she grows. Nestled in the rolling hills of King City, this 16-acre orchard was founded in the late 1940s by Pam’s grandfather, Ernie Rolph, who dedicated his retirement to pursuing his passion for gardening. Over 70 years later, the apple trees planted by Ernie are still thriving.

“We get a lot of return customers, families who have made a tradition out of coming to pick their own apples. People bring their kids, their grandkids, and it goes on for years,”

says Pam. “But there are also lots of new people moving to this area, and I find these newcomers really, really want to buy local, which is fabulous.”

But, Pam adds, a lot of people interested in buying local aren’t so interested in the price tag, which tends to be slightly more than what’s found at the grocery store.

For anyone who questions the value of local food, touring Round the Bend Farm in King City is an eye-opening experience. Sue Feddema walks up and down her rows of cabbage, carrots and celery with the air of a humble queen, distraught by the drought that’s plagued her this summer but as optimistic as it’s possible to be. This is the driest season she and her husband Brian have experienced since buying the farm 30 years ago, a problem that only further complicates the already delicate craft of working the soil.

“You have to go on faith because Peter Russo

Thirty-five years ago, the Russo family matriarch started Russo Farms as a hobby. Today, the farm’s produce can be found on most tables in Vaughan

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35

Pam Rolph-Romeril Since Pam RolphRomeril’s grandfather first planted his apple trees over 70 years ago, Pine Farms Orchard has become a pick-yourown tradition in the GTA

you depend on nature, you work like crazy and it could all be destroyed in an instant by a hailstorm, a drought, a flood,” says Sue. “Some people work in an office. They go to their job and get paid every day. We spend every day in the fields, we pay all our expenses and pray there’s a harvest in 60 to 90 days.”

This year, her husband Brian and their son have worked 16 to 18 hours each day, irrigating the crops in an attempt to keep them watered enough to yield.

They know what they’re doing and are taking all the necessary measures to ensure they reap as much as possible, but even then, they’re expecting a significantly smaller harvest in the fall.

It’s for reasons like this that shopping local needs to get even bigger than it already is. While the new generation of grocery shoppers has initiated a hopeful trend, we still have a long way to go if local farmers are to continue thriving into the century. Even Peter theorizes that Canadian farms will soon cease to exist altogether, eventually being phased out by greenhouses and international importing.

“Every day, over 300 acres of farmland in Ontario are being turned into houses,” says Sue. “If you don’t want to buy American or buy overseas, you need to support local.”

Even in the midst of local shopping’s rise, farmers are gearing up to combat its potential decline by thinking outside the box — in fact, Round the Bend is thinking inside the bins. Three years ago, 36

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Aug/Sept 2016

THE PEOPLE THAT “ COME IN HERE AND

THE RELATIONSHIPS S THAT WE’VE BUILT, THAT’S WHAT WE’LL MISS IF WE EVER HAVE TO SAY GOODBYE

”

— Sandra Russo, Russo Farms

Sue and Brian started their 22-week Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program where locals sign up to receive weekly bins filled with farmfresh treats and recipes. It’s concepts like these that are keeping farms current and only further ingraining the relationship between farm and table.

Pine Farms Orchard is another testament to the versatility of farming, and to the possibility that with a little imagination and a lot of elbow grease, farms really do have a chance at surviving — and thriving — society’s evolution. For generations, folks from King City and beyond have flocked to Pine Farms to pick their own apples in the fall, but since Pam took the helm of her grandfather’s legacy 20 years ago, the property has evolved into so much more than an orchard. While the apples are still the bread and butter of Pam’s business, she’s transformed the property’s decadesold apple cooling house into a quaint

café-bakery and farm shop. In 2000, 00 she built a small art gallery space next to the orchard where artists hailing from Toronto to Florence have showcased their work. And having recently brought a professional event planner on board, Pam plans to amp up the wedding hype that’s already surrounding her orchard.

It’s the colourful, never-a-dull-moment sort of lifestyle that seems to follow every farmer.

“What I love most about my job is that it’s seasonal, so it never gets boring — ever,” Pam says with a laugh. She savours the springtime, when she and her team spend their days pruning the fields, uplifted by a sense of camaraderie.

Then she loves the summertime, when her café porch is crowded with coffee sippers by day, and by night the locals flock to sunset yoga sessions under her twinkling lights. “Every season brings something different and new and refreshing, and yet our roots are always the same. We will always be the orchard that my grandfather founded.”

So, suspended between the past and the future of their industry, farmers from Vaughan and beyond are learning to adapt while staying true to their roots. Modern farms — the ones that are left — are taking advantage of the www.mycitylife.ca

Planning a Party or Corporate Event? rise of shopping local, combining each farm’s history with new innovations to accommodate the next generation of consumers.

“One of our customers said it best,” says Sue. “She told me once, ‘I picked my dentist. I have a good dentist. I know my doctor. I have a good doctor.

And now I know my farmer. I have a good farmer.’”

Pam seconds that, urging that it’s important for Vaughan citizens to get to know their local farmers and tap into their specialties. “The grocery stores do their best to provide a convenience, but going to an actual farm is a whole experience,” she says. “Go to your mushroom farmer. Go to your garlic grower. Buy in small quantities. And always ask questions.”

If you don’t have an afternoon to spend trekking to the farm at the edge of town, there’s always your local farmer’s market — although many smaller operations are unable to participate in those, since they have too few staff (as is the case with these three farms). And if you find yourself in the grocery store but want to take home something local, ask which produce was purchased at the Ontario Food Terminal. These are the fruits, veggies and other products that were supplied by local farmers.

It’s not just the freshness of local fruit, veggies and meat that’s bringing more and more Canadians back to the tradition of sourcing their ingredients from their town’s farmers. There’s also something irresistible about the chance to get your hands a bit dirty, about swapping stories with the growers themselves as they help you pick out the juiciest tomatoes of the bunch. But while the trend is on the rise, many of us still have yet to discover the secret lives of farmers — which brighten our palates as much as they do our spirits.

“It’s a hard, hard job. But the people that come in here and the relationships that we’ve built, that’s what we’ll miss if we ever have to say goodbye,” says Sandra. “And more than anything, the memories our children have grown up with — those are what make everything worthwhile.” roundthebendfarm.com pinefarmsorchard.com Russo Farms: 905-832-9955 www.mycitylife.ca

Oh So Sweet specializes in spectacular Cakes, Cupcakes & other delicious Nut-Free desserts. We utilize your theme, colours and logos to create tasteful, memorable desserts.

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A MIDSUMMER DREAM

Nestled in the forest of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection stood enchanting creations by mixedmedia artist Thom Sokoloski. Combining the Colour of the River Running Through Us installation with a selection of whimsical gowns proves that the woods — and the season ahead — are anything but dark

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FARZAM HOSSEINDOUST MAKEUP AND HAIR BY EARL SIMPSON/JUDY INC. MODEL: JULIA EVGENOVA/NEXT MODELS TORONTO LOCATION: MCMICHAEL CANADIAN ART COLLECTION IN KLEINBURG, ONT.

With an illusion neckline and hand-beaded embroidery, this fairy tale tulle gown evokes starry nights and enchanting moonlit strolls “Style 6828” by Liancarlo, Mona Lisa Bridal Gallery, monalisabridalgallery.com Earrings by Rita Tesolin, ritatesolin.com

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www.mycitylife.ca

Q& &A W I T H THO OM SOK KOLOSKI Colour of the River Running Through Us was a 13-piece art installation in the forest of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Inspired by water, each part was an individual meditation that invited people to engage with the structures by writing their own haiku poems and dropping them in the pot that’s suspended in its middle. Here, artist Thom Sokoloski introduces City Life to the unique concept.

What inspired this project?

The whole idea is for people to be immersed in some kind of metaphoric river that they understand they are in. I also wanted people to get engaged with it, so I incorporated my love of poetry and meditation.

You’ve been called the Tom Thomson of the 21st century.

What do you think about that?

I’m far from being Tom Thomson, but that’s certainly a wonderful thing for someone to say. I bet if I could sit down with him today we’d have a hell of a talk over some whiskey.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a piece that I’d like to do next year. It’s been designed, it’s all ready to go, but it’s not been built. It’s called The Elementa Quartet. It’s a movement in the same direction as this, only it’s meant to float on water.

To personally own a Colour of the River Running Through Us sculpture, visit thomsokoloski.com

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A cascade of lush, white layers and delicately embroidered florals make this gown an ode to a foliage-dotted stream “Luscent� by Ines Di Santo, inesdisanto.com Earrings by Rita Tesolin, ritatesolin.com

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www.mycitylife.ca

Soft but powerful, this bejewelled dress emanates the poetic juxtaposition that is the essence of femininity “Izar� by Ines Di Santo, inesdisanto.com Cuff and earring by Rita Tesolin, ritatesolin.com

www.mycitylife.ca

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With whispers of tulle and hints of sparkle, this gown is a quiet melody on a cool autumn evening “Greta� by Sareh Nouri, Mona Lisa Bridal Gallery, monalisabridalgallery.com Cuffs by Rita Tesolin, ritatesolin.com

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www.mycitylife.ca

Like a web of entwined branches above and the rush of a river below, this two-piece mirrors the yin and yang of the forest Gown by Terani Couture, Shahani Couture, shahanicouture.com Extended arm cuff by Rita Tesolin, ritatesolin.com

Shot on location at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, “A Midsummer Dream” explores the synergy between airy fashion and ethereal art. The Kleinburg, Ont.-based gallery is known and loved for honouring esteemed Canadian arts and launching fresh talent into the forefront.

Colour of the River Running Through Us — an installation, movement meditation and haiku ceremony created by Toronto artist Thom Sokoloski — stood in the forested grounds of the prestigious gallery for a year before coming to a close this July. But there’s still plenty to do at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. On top of its daily excitements, this year marks its 50th anniversary, and many initiatives have been planned, including the McMichael Milestones Interactive Timeline, the 50/50/50 Special Exhibition Program and the launch of the McMichael Collection Wines.

For more information, visit 50years.mcmichael.com

www.mycitylife.ca

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Spotlight Mélissa Calixte, a former luxury menswear specialist, wanted to channel her styling skills to make the world a better place

Smile 2 Smile Meet Buddy, the plush toy that’s teaching kids how to give back and bring smiles to children in need Written By Amanda Storey

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Buddies can be purchased at Shaye Collezioni in Vaughan. shayecollezioni.com

collection to children in Syria. But as soon as Canadian parents caught sight of the little creature and reached for their wallets, Calixte recognized an opportunity for a social enterprise — a more impactful and longer-lasting concept than a one-time philanthropic endeavour. Smile 2 Smile was born.

Inspired by the business model of brands like Toms, Calixte implemented a “one-for-one” principle to her work, promising that for every one Buddy sold, one would be given to a child in need.

In the spring of 2015, Calixte decided to shift the focus to Haiti, buying a small building there and hiring locals to take over the manufacturing process.

This doubled Smile 2 Smile’s impact, with the one-for-one model allowing Buddies to be gifted to children in need and the new Haitian headquarters providing financial stability for the five ladies and one man who work there.

“They can work in a dignified manner,” says Calixte of her team, which feels like her second family now.

“They’re really empowered financially and that really trickles down to their community and their children.”

Today, Calixte has big plans for

Smile 2 Smile. She continues to design the Buddies herself, releasing two collections each year, and this fall is introducing a new line of teething rings.

On top of travelling every two months down to Haiti, where she spends some quality time with her team, Calixte plans on more trips to different areas of need, one of which is the Inuit community in northern Canada.

While founding a social enterprise was never Calixte’s original intention, she’s found she’s a natural at it, twining her colour-matching skills with her inherent love for putting smiles on kids’ faces. And, the designer points out, when teaching your child about the importance of giving back, “adopting” a Buddy is a fun and relatable way to do that — for every Buddy sold, its doppelgänger is presented to a kid somewhere else in the world, facing their own, very different challenges.

“The kids understand it so quickly,” says Calixte. “For them, it’s a really simple thing — they have a friend that they might never see, but who has the same toy as theirs. And they can both play.” www.smile2smile.com www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTO BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

P

lush toys aren’t usually designed to be chucked into the air, dragged through the dirt or spun round and round in circles, but there’s a new teddy on the block that appreciates these important snapshots of childhood and is happy to hang on for the ride.

And his name is Buddy.

Mélissa Calixte, a former luxury menswear specialist based in Toronto, first created the plush and colourcoordinated mouse after hearing news stories about the devastation wrought

by Syria’s civil war. It was then that she realized her fashion skills could bring smiles to children in need. “I felt so touched by what the families [in Syria] were going through,” says Calixte. “I had this urge to help but I’m not a doctor or an engineer. I’m a fashion designer. So I wondered how I could put my existing skills to good use.”

Inspired by her own childhood teddy — the ultimate source of comfort — Calixte went to work sketching a toy that kids could befriend. Using scraps of fabric and countless stitches, she gave life to the first Buddy: with big ears for keeping secrets and long arms for giving comforting hugs, he was the perfect companion for any kid going through a tough time.

At first, Calixte hand-sewed every Buddy herself in her Toronto apartment, with the intention of donating a small

MAKE THIS YEAR THE ONE YOUR CHILD STANDS OUT IN SCHOOL.

Join the other successful students at Montessori School of Kleinburg to see the difference of a child-centred approach to education.

15TH YEAR OF OPERATION

“Education is the leading of human souls to what is best, and making what is best out of them.” — John Ruskin MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF KLEINBURG (MSK) MSK) is an accredited Montessori and ministry-licensed school educating children from 15 months to 12 years of age. Overlooking 13 acres of breathtaking greenery and the Humber River, MSK provides students with an academically rich, scenic and safe environment. MSK’s students are recognized for being respectful, responsible and resourceful citizens of the community. We look forward to welcoming your family into ours.

OPEN HOUSES SAT. OCT. 15 & SAT. NOV. 19 11 A.M. and 2 P.M. Enza Pellegrini, Principal

Montessori School of Kleinburg

Quality Educational Standards Overlooking the Humber River | EST. IN 2002

Contact Enza Pellegrini, Principal: 10515 HIGHWAY 27, KLEINBURG, ONT. 905.893.0560 • www.msk2002.com www.mycitylife.ca

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Did the Millennium Falcon just touch down in Caledon? City Life Magazine embarks on an interstellar mission to the area’s most outlandish address Written By Simona Panetta-Kerr Photography By Jesse Milns

hen the bones of a flyingsaucer-like home began to appear off an unassuming gravel path near Caledon, Ont., it came as no surprise that passersby wondered: who put it there, and how? On an unbearably humid afternoon I leave Vaughan in the dust to find out.

The open road cuts through a swathe of verdant countryside, leaving commercial plazas and residential homes behind in the distance. Driving down Olde Base Line Road’s undulating thoroughfare, I slow down as I catch a glimpse of a steel dome shimmering under the golden sunshine. I take a moment to marvel at the otherworldly structure, an aberration framed by a grove of emerald trees.

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Humankind has speculated about the existence of alien life for years and naturally you’ve heard the resulting chatter: unexplained flashes at night, fleeting extraterrestrial sightings in remote areas, unidentified flying objects streaking the firmament. If Han Solo jumped down from a spruce right now I wouldn’t be too shocked. This is a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Stepping out of the car, I venture farther onto the property, spotting posted signs to deter trespassers and a yellow Cat backhoe loader, its tires caked in dry mud. There’s an impermeable stillness in the air, except for the chirping of birds and a soft breeze that whistles through the encircling forest.

“Hello?” I call out. Silence. “Hello, anyone there?” A flight of concrete www.mycitylife.ca

stairs reminiscent of Rome’s Spanish Steps beckons me to enter the unusual and majestic fortress, taking me to the top of a wide-open entrance that sweeps left and right to form a complete circle. Steel beams curve to support the interstellar structure, a work in progress that its maker, Caledon resident Sam Perri, hopes to complete by year’s end.

Just then the staccato of a hammer breaks the quietude, but there are no Martians here. Perri, 67, comes into view, welcoming me with an easy smile as he puts down his tools and gets to his feet. My paranoia of encountering a mad scientist or alien abduction ring quickly liquefies. With a full head of hair and casual attire, he appears kind,

friendly and younger than his years. The stirring notes of a melody play in the background, creating a grand, theatrical energy. Classical music helps him relax and collect his thoughts, he explains.

Guiding me to a white table laden with binoculars, a clipboard and a desktop pencil sharpener, Perri is glad to take a break from working in the heat, he says, the scorching afternoon sun creating a mirage-like effect across a canopy of leggy trees that can be seen from where we’re standing. It’s a breathtaking view, a spot Perri’s transforming into an enclosed sunroom with accordion glass doors to let in ambient heat during the wintertime.

The atypical home, dubbed the “UFO House” because of its circular steel shape and proximity to the scorched red earth of the Mars-like Cheltenham Badlands, is much more than that to the former welder-fitter who conceptualized and built it. Perri has for years collected memories and designs and dreamed of building a place to call home among singing birds and direct views of lush greenery, an oasis of nature that trumps city lights and congested streets. “I grew up near Honest Ed’s on Bloor Street West so you can imagine how hectic it was with all the traffic and people,” says Perri, who moved to Caledon over 20 years ago and lives about 10 minutes

away from the site. “After you’ve lived out your [youth] you just want to get away. I’ve been called a hermit for many years,” says the father of two and grandfather of one.

A sense of utter peace washes over me as we walk along the composite steel flooring that covers the home’s main floor for now. Perri explains how the open-concept round house will have an aquarium with tropical fish in the master bedroom and a cascading waterfall behind it, a windmill for solargenerated electricity and a climatecontrolled greenhouse rising from the nucleus of the home and capped with a stained-glass cupola. With plans to house butterflies and birds, and to grow exotic fruits, palm trees and orange trees, which are commonly found in warmer climes, the aviary and its wraparound seating area are Perri’s most beloved accents. “I can have coffee or a tea and the birds can come and poop on my head,” laughs Perri, who bred lovebirds while owning a small business supplying the furniture industry many years ago.

By bringing the outside in, he can’t wait to indulge in his favourite pastime of birdwatching all in the comfort of his home, weird home.

The world has heard and seen stranger things: a toilet-shaped home, a mushroom house, a lodging built on

Former welder Sam Perri’s round house near the Cheltenham Badlands looks like it fell from Mars. Reddish-brown in colour, the Cheltenham Badlands are a rock formation in Caledon, Ont., and composed of exposed Queenston Shale

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An aerial view of Perri’s “UFO House” reveals his colossal building efforts

PHOTO BY ERIC TAYLOR

rocks. In 1975, a residence dubbed the “Airplane House” was built in Lebanon and fashioned in the shape of an Airbus A380. Near Strasbourg, France, a bioclimatic solar house designed as a sundial and dubbed the “Heliodome” is a study in architectural craftsmanship.

For those living under normal roofs, these outlandish abodes can leave us wondering: what could be motivating individuals to build outside the box?

In Perri’s case, the round house is a culmination of years spent sketching and shaping forms — it’s a symbol of his innate knowledge of designing anything from birdcages to sculptures to homes.

“You either have it or you don’t have it inside you,” says Perri. While most people his age and head down south, the artist and nature-lover’s retirement plan consists of surrounding himself with the things he loves while basking in the fruits of his labour. “The whole idea is a sense of accomplishment more than anything else,” says Perri. “There’s really no need for me to do this but I think it goes back to me being a young boy with a vision. This is my pride and joy,” he beams.

Born in Calabria, Italy, Perri and his parents came to Canada when he was 10 — old enough to fondly remember the swaying palm trees and open courtyards of upscale Italian villas. His intention, Perri explains, wasn’t to build what people are calling a spaceship, rather a home based on snapshots of his childhood with a mix of inspiration from the intersecting arches of the Pantheon in Rome, an ancient temple completed by Emperor Hadrian circa AD 126 and still in use today. “Everyone thinks this is going to be a flying saucer or some UFO nonsense but it’s not. See the obelisk at the top? That’s to see the stars at night. If you notice some of the smaller details on the concrete, it’s all moulding with decorative accents based on Roman architecture.”

Since construction of the home began in 2010, Perri has clocked in eighthour shifts every day, most often alone, inching ever closer to the completion of his magnum opus. But his adoration for custom homebuilding is no bigger than his love for maintaining familial foundations. He excuses himself to check in with his 94-year-old mother

Physical construction of Perri’s home began in 2010.

Included in its many features will be a greenhouse and obelisk to see the stars at night

www.mycitylife.ca

Perri’s out-of-this-world home is an ode to the ancient Pantheon. The front-entry stairs are reminiscent of Rome’s Spanish Steps

– Sam Perri

to make sure her air conditioning is working in the sticky weather. After he gets off the phone he lets out a laugh.

“She always says: ‘You’re still working on that damn house?’ Some people might think this is a little bit outlandish for my age, especially her.”

Perri first laid out the groundwork of the home seven years ago after spending long hours researching the art of building at the Toronto Reference Library, located at Yonge and Bloor.

For two years he educated himself on the inner workings of engineering and architecture before producing carefully thought-out blueprints for the over 3,200-square-foot home plus atrium, which sits adjacent to a protected UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

“I had to prepare a scale model of the home to show [the Niagara Escarpment Commission] and various authorities that I would comply with all the requirements, including the www.mycitylife.ca

colours of the stucco and the windows,” says Perri, who had a close friend that owned an engineering company review the blueprints and provide his stamp of approval. “He made sure that everything met code, bylaws and building requirements.”

Perri first purchased the close to 11acre lot in 1996 and estimates an end material cost of $600,000 to complete the home. Thus far, the amount of steel to construct the massive house, which has a diameter of 24 metres, is impressive. There are 16 columns that are 30 feet high to support the roof, 10 I-beams at a height of 24 feet, 30 curved steel tubes propping up the dome, 60 steel trusses on the roof, and 60 12-inch steel joints on the floor. With no nails in sight, Perri has gone through six boxes of bolts for a total of 15,000 screws. While he has no intention of selling, Perri assesses the home’s value and the labour hours put into it at

around $1.5 million.

This isn’t the first time Perri’s showed off his quirky view on homebuilding.

His initial attempt was 40 years ago when he built a 1,500-square-foot home for his family after moving from Toronto to Tottenham, Ont. From above, the home is shaped as a butterfly.

It’s still around today.

Constantly filled with brilliant ideas that push the boundaries of building and the human imagination, Perri’s obsessive enthusiasm and passion for perfection keeps him laser-focused on the details of his peculiar building vision. “I’ve had a number of assistants but because it’s not what you would call a ‘normal house,’ I couldn’t designate ample duty to someone — it has to be done in stages, so I had a number of people literally just stand there,” says Perri, a thrice-elected union representative for the Ironworkers Local 834.

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Holding his breath, Perri lets out a deep sigh as he recalls the memory of his late childhood friend, Wolf Mrusek, an owner of Brampton’s MBS Steel Ltd. Mrusek was always there to support him, says Perri, and he helped him save money on all the steel used in the home.

Looking around, he acknowledges that there will always be a piece of his friend with him here.

Walking toward the greenhouse, he points to the sculptural bust of an unknown god placed on a ledge, saying his children gave it to him as a source of inspiration. He describes his daughter, Christine, as artistic. In the next few weeks she’ll be constructing the stainedglass windows. His son, Richard, who used to be in the music industry, is now following in his father’s footsteps as a renovator and will help with the woodwork of the home. “Everyone always asks me about the round house and it’s surprising when I hear that people are driving by to see it and my father because to me, he’s the same old dad,” says Richard. “He’s always been doing stuff like this, whether it’s on this

– Richard Perri kind of scale or smaller stuff. He never admits to it but I know he definitely has a fear of mortality, I know that this house is sort of his last piece of art that will live on for years.”

As for what Perri’s naming his airy masterpiece — the Millennium Caledon, the USS Badlands? — Perri shoos away sci-fi nuances for a poetic

namesake in his native language instead. “I’ve toyed with the idea, I’ve thought about it.” On a cloudless autumn night, he says, when the leaves fall, you have a clear view of Toronto’s cityscape. “I’m thinking of calling it ‘Bella Vista,’ which means beautiful view when translated, because you can see the lights glimmering at nighttime.”

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#I LOVE VAUGHAN

# LA PALOMA 200 Windflower Gate, Woodbridge 905-851-5151 / lapaloma.ca @lapalomagelato You might catch us stuffing our faces here with a lemon and Baci chocolate ice cream. Whatever flavour entices your palate, La Paloma serves up traditional Italian gelato often hailed as a go-to treat after dinner.

LAKE WILCOX BREWING CO. 1033 Edgeley Blvd., Unit3, Vaughan 647-749-0489 / lakewilcoxbrewing.com @lakewilcoxbrewing After a long workweek, kick back and relax with a case of local beer from Lake Wilcox Brewing Co. Created by Richmond Hill’s very own David De Ciantis and Ray Nicolini, their brew blends distinct flavours, making it favourable sipping material on a day off.

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KORTRIGHT CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION 9550 Pine Valley Dr., Woodbridge 905-832-2289 / kortright.org @kortrightcentre Take a hike on one of Kortright Centre’s beautiful trails. There’s something for everyone, including forest survival skill classes and corporate venue spaces.

Upcoming nuptials? We love that you can tie the knot here in a forest ceremony.

OVE L E S W GHAN G N I TH UT VAU ABO BEYOND &

As the city steps out of its sundress and into a cosy fall sweater, the new season inspires new adventures. Be sure to check these must-tries off your early autumn to-do list!

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SORELLE AND CO. 1050 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan 905-303-1073 / sorelleandco.com @sorelleandco With its Tiffany-blue colour scheme, this vegan bakeshop and café feels as carefree as it is gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free and preservative-free. Its menu is as stylish as its vibe, making Sorelle and Co. a poetic setting for catching up with dear friends over artisan lattes and melt-in-your-mouth treats. www.mycitylife.ca

#I LOVE VAUGHAN IL PICCOLO FORNO PASTICCERIA BAKERY & CAFE 40 Innovation Dr., Unit 12, Vaughan 905-850-1660 @ilpiccolofornobakery Nothing’s quite like a fresh batch of cannoli, ready to share with friends over cappuccinos after a quick lunch.

We can’t help but swoon over Il Piccolo Forno’s creamy pastries when we’re in the mood for something sweet.

XXI CHOPHOUSE 21 Nashville Rd., Kleinburg 905-893-2467 / xxichophouse.com @xxichophouse Celebrating its first anniversary this summer, XXI Chophouse continues to excite diners with first-rate meals and an upscale vibe. The modern steakhouse in Kleinburg, led by owners Ben and Marc Graci, offers patrons premium aged beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine and scotch collection.

PEARTREE AND CLOVER Greater Toronto Area @peartreeandclover This gifted artisan’s work brings sweetness to any type of event.

Peartree and Clover will equip you with beautiful papercraft in the form of invitations, signage and other décor to bring your celebration to the next level.

STUDIO ONE SALON 9421 Jane St., Unit 122, Maple 905-303-2226 / studioonesalonmaple.com @studioonesalonmaple Go on and pamper yourself! Visit Tony Prochilo and his team of stylists at Studio One Salon and let them push the refresh button on your hair. You’ll be walking out of there with a stunning new cut and colour for fall.

WAFFLEU MELISSA PIAZZA BEAUTY 10 Buttermill Ave., Unit 4, Concord 416-399-6388 / mpiazzabeauty.com @mpiazza_beauty Beauty specialist Melissa Piazza loves sharing her expertise and knowledge of the beauty industry with those around her. With an educational background in esthetics and makeup, she’ll make you look photo-shoot-worthy in no time!

www.mycitylife.ca

2354 Major Mackenzie Dr. W., Unit 9, Maple / @waffleu WaffleU is everyone’s dream come true: imagine Nutella drizzled over fresh ice cream, juicy strawberries and a made-to-order Liège waffle. Did you know that owner and trained pastry chef Alex Puzo only makes 99 of these fresh waffles per business day? Once they’re gone, you’ll have to wait until next time.

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#I LOVE VAUGHAN HOTEL NOVOTEL – VAUGHAN 200 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Vaughan 905-660-0212 / novotelvaughan.ca @novotelvaughan A getaway without the jet lag? Yes, please! Check in at the top-notch Novotel hotel in Vaughan, which boasts a salt-water pool and the luxurious Trio Restaurant, plus complimentary parking and free Wi-Fi (yay!).

UPLANDS GOLF AND SKI CLUB 46 Uplands Ave., Thornhill 905-889-3291 / uplandsgolfandski.com @uplandsgolfandski Tee off on an impeccable golf course during the summer, and then hit the slopes in the winter! Uplands Golf and Ski Club has versatile amenities to keep everyone entertained, no matter the season.

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS 3255 Rutherford Rd., Building H, Unit 11, Vaughan 905-738-4100 / www.ediblearrangements.ca @ediblearrangementsvaughan There are floral arrangements, and then there are Edible Arrangements.

Masterpieces crafted with colourful fruits dipped in chocolate are definite smilemakers for anyone receiving these as gifts. P.S.: Edible Arrangements make great corporate snacks at meetings too.

BLACK CREEK PIONEER VILLAGE 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., Toronto 416-736-1733 / blackcreek.ca @blackcreekpioneervillage Everyone remembers school trips to Black Creek Pioneer Village. It’s an educational yet fun experience for people of all ages to brush up on history, learn how things were made as well as acknowledge life without modern inventions such as electricity (gasp!).

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FINE CAKES BY ZEHRA

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81 Zenway Blvd., Studio 15, Woodbridge / 416-824-6221 www.finecakesbyzehra.com @finecakesbyzehraofficial There’s a reason why brides gush over the beauty, elegance and overall design of these custom creations. Fine Cakes

by Zehra makes towering wonders of extravagant detail, looking all too pretty to cut and serve to guests.

910 Rowntree Dairy Rd., Unit 2, Woodbridge 416-509-8358 / eventgraffiti.com @eventgraffiti Own your party with a personalized dance floor decal or bright marquee lights with your initials. Event Graffiti dominates customization with a wide range of décor to add extra flair to any wedding or milestone celebration. www.mycitylife.ca

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The MoneySense-Approved rating is created for information purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. MoneySense-Approved is not responsible for any advice or other communication provided to an investor by any financial advisor. Rogers/MoneySense makes no representations or warranties as to the suitability of any particular financial advisor and/or investment for a specific investor. Visit MoneySense.ca/approved for the full methodology.

President and Advisor, Tony De Thomasis, BSc (Math), CFP, RFP Independent Financial Advisor since 1987 Advisory fees as low as 0.25% De Thomas Financial Corp. tdt@dethomasfinancial.com, 905-731-9800 ETF FUNDS, RRSPS, RRIFS, TFSA, RDSPs, Income Tax Planning, Retirement & Estate Planning, and more.

www.mycitylife.ca

Find the advisor who’s right for you

7620 Yonge St., Suite 200, Thornhill, Ont. (West Side, South of Centre Street) Aug/Sept 2016

City Life Magazine

invest@dethomasfinancial.com | dethomasfinancial.com | P: 905-731-9800 | T: 877-422-9622

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#I LOVE VAUGHAN

DELICIOUS FOOD, PICTURESQUE SCENERY VILLAGGIO RISTORANTE IN THE HEART OF KLEINBURG For over 10 years, Villaggio Ristorante’s awardwinning Mediterranean-Italian dishes have exceeded guests’ expectations. Featuring only the freshest ingredients, and coupled with a contemporary fine-dining atmosphere, Villaggio has quickly become one of the top restaurants of Vaughan’s competitive dining scene. Savour delicious dishes such as Black Angus New York steak, Quattro Formaggi pizza or pappardelle in tomato lamb sauce alongside the elegant scenery Kleinburg has to offer. Come for the food, stay for the memories. Villaggio Ristorante.

SIMPLYTIRE 14 Toro Rd., North York 416-916-9233 / simplytire.com @simply_tire Hate seeing cars with rims that don’t match? Yeah, neither do we. SimplyTire will help you pick out the right set of rims and tires so you can hit the road in style.

There’s an abundance of selection and price points to choose from, which earns SimplyTire its stars.

ARTEMANO 255 Bass Pro Mills Dr., Unit 405B/406, Vaughan 289-807-0700 artemano.ca @artemanodecor Imagine eating dinner every night on a beautifully crafted, live-edge table, or enjoying a cup of tea upon a one-ofa-kind bench. Looking for furniture to complete your space? Artemano is the spot for timeless, eye-catching pieces.

MAMA EARTH ORGANICS

905-893-4888 110 Nashville Road, Unit 11, Kleinburg, Ont. 56

City Life Magazine

Aug/Sept 2016 www.villaggio-ristorante.ca

19 Waterman Ave., Unit 24, Toronto 416-850-8662 / mamaearth.ca @mamaearthorganics Who knew healthy and organic food had its own delivery service in the Greater Toronto Area? Say hello to Mama Earth Organics, a service providing local and organic yumminess to feed everyone’s tummies. www.mycitylife.ca

BEST MONTREAL SMOKED & AIR CURED MEATS IN TOWN The Imperial Meats experience has been over a century in the making. Founded by a family of butchers that still operates it today, Imperial Meats blends the rich tradition of the delicatessen culture with innovative ideas.

Let our team of seasoned staff bring your meal to life with expertly, lovingly prepared meats, from our table to yours.

Stop in for lunch!

COOKSTOWN Tanger Outlets 3311 Simcoe Rd. 89 Cookstown, Ont.

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Outlet Collection at Niagara 300 Taylor Rd., Unit 813 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

WOODBRIDGE NOW OPEN 471 Jevlan Dr., Unit 10, Woodbridge, Ont. www.imperialmeats.net | 905-856-3287

OPEN

Labour Day Monday, Sept. 5 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

6

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Mon. to Thurs.

8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Aug/Sept 2016

Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

City Life Magazine

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#I LOVE VAUGHAN

WOODBINE RACETRACK 555 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto 416-675-7223 woodbineentertainment.com @woodbineracing And they’re off! Exhilarating horse races at Woodbine Racetrack bring families together as they cheer on the horse they predict to win, all while enjoying a Sunday afternoon eating soft pretzels and pizza slices.

STUFFED WITH LOVE FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS The mother-daughter team at Cannoli Queens has charmed Vaughan’s cuisine scene with a genuine love of baking, using old-time family recipes to craft fresh takes on your favourite treats.

ITA

LIA

AS N P

TRI

ES

A1 AUTOSTRADA

200 Marycroft Ave., Unit 23, Vaughan, Ont. T: 905-850-8880

www.cannoliqueens.com 58

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3255 Rutherford Rd., Vaughan 905-760-8338 / @a1autostrada Have you seen the dishes at A1 Autostrada? It’s almost as if Leonardo Da Vinci himself designed the various plates, which range from mouthwatering smoked duck breast to porcini and mixed mushroom risotto. www.mycitylife.ca

#

THE BURGER’S PRIEST 7887 Weston Rd., Unit 6, Woodbridge 905-856-2662 / theburgerspriest.com @theburgerspriest Alleluia! The Burger’s Priest delivers big on premium ground beef and delicious toppings. What more can you ask for?

Well, maybe a secret menu ... but our prayers have already been answered!

TORONTO ITALIANS BOUTIQUE 27 Roytec Rd., Unit 12, Suite 6 (Upstairs Level), Woodbridge 647-388-5359 / tdotitalians.com @tdotitaliansboutique You can’t cheer on Italy without wearing an Azzurri jersey — it’s just not heard of. Angelo De Luca, the face of Toronto Italians Boutique, will assist you with just that. He’s got everything to help Italian Canadians show off their cultural pride. www.mycitylife.ca

HAIR CARE, WIGS & EXTENSIONS 1430 MAJOR MACKENZIE DR. W - VAUGHAN, ON 905-695-7809 - www.THEBEAUTY-EMPORIUM.com FOLLOW US @BEAUTYEMPO

Aug/Sept 2016

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# THE WORLD OF PERSONAL INJURY LAW CAN BE COMPLEX. BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE. You deserve a personal injury law firm that has your best interests in mind.

Let Taverniti | Vashishth LLP help put your injury behind you, so you can get back to living your life.

THE ARCHERY GAME VAUGHAN OFFICE 3800 Steeles Avenue West, Suite 200 W, Vaughan, Ontario, L4L 4G9 905-264-8686

www.tvinjurylaw.com

2501 Rutherford Rd., Unit 18, Vaughan 905-553-5388 / thearcherygame.com @thearcherygame Unleash your inner Hawkeye or Katniss Everdeen while playing archery tag with your squad. Currently, The Archery Game is the only facility of its kind in York Region, offering the perfect fusion of archery with dodgeball.

Your one one-stop -sto Bakery for alll your yo special occasions Bridal-Confi Bridal-Con nfirmation-Communion rma

GLAMA GAL TWEEN SPA

905-832-2987 905-832905-8

10040 Keele St., Maple, Ont. www.maplebakery.ca

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665 Millway Ave., Unit 14, Concord 905-482-4435 / glamagalparty.com @gg_vaughan Every girl needs to have her nails done — especially during a spa party.

It’s only natural, then, that groups of tweens come together to celebrate with Glama Gal’s array of fun spa services. www.mycitylife.ca

#1 TEAM IN YORK REGION** #4 IN CANADA***

CALL

For The Royal Treatment

(905) 907-5464

LET DARYL KING’S PROVEN TRACK RECORD GO TO WORK FOR YOU! Over the last 30 years, Daryl King and The Daryl King Team, have helped over 7,000 happy families buy or sell their home with a total of over $2 billion in sales!

DARYL KING Sales Representative

AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS EXCEPTIONAL MARKETING POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS

YOUR SEARCH FOR LUXURY REAL ESTATE STARTS HERE

www.torontoluxuryrealestate.com

Office: (905) 907-5464 WWW.DARYLKING.COM www.mycitylife.ca

9050 Yonge St., Suite 100, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9S6 1HÆ‚EG ^ 6QTQPVQ

YYY &CT[N-KPI EQO ^ JQOGU"FCT[NMKPI EQO

Aug/Sept 2016

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The Daryl King Team consists of 43 registered Sales Representatives. **For Royal LePage Your Community Realty, Brokerage based on real estate sales in 2015. ***For Royal LePage based on earnings in 2015. Not intended to solicit clients currently under contract with another Brokerage.

*

People & Places LUCA’S WILL TO LIVE

36

GOOOAAALLL! EAT, DRINK & BREATHE THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

46

HOT NEW BBQ TIPS TO MAKE YOUR BACKYARD SIZZLE

66

LIFE’S A DANCE IN THE LATEST BALLET-INSPIRED STYLES

84

THE CITY LIFE FIX: SUMMERTIME FINDS TO ENTERTAIN

SINCE SI S IN NC CE 20 22003 003 0

THE

LITTLE BOY WHO COULD:

Publication Mail Agreement 40026675

Rocco Di Feo, Carmine Damiano, Gerado Damiano, Antonio Porretta, Peter Cipriano, Giuseppe Cicchillo, Angelo Damiano, Mary Mauti, Sam Ciccolini and Rocco Grossi

Our last issue’s cover star Luca Gennuso was honoured with a fundraising gala on June 11 to assist with costs related to his therapies and treatments after experiencing a neardrowning accident in 2014. Held at Da Vinci Banquet Hall in Woodbridge, the event was sponsored by Goldpark Group, Patronato EPASA and Parente Borean, among others. lucaswilltolive.com

Luca Gennuso HAS A SMILE SMIL LE THAT’S THAT’S AT T’S SM MOVING O THE COMMUNITY YP P. 30

June/Julyy 2016 $8.00

Display in F Fashion/Lifestyle until Aug 22 2

0

06

74470 94927

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2016 ENBRIDGE RIDE TO CONQUER CANCER

The ninth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer saw cyclists covering 200 kilometres in two days from Toronto to Niagara and vice versa. The Ontario Ride has raised over $155 million for cancer research, treatment advances and education since 2008, with this year’s ride bringing over $17 million for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. conquercancer.ca

Top: Four participants enjoying the beautiful day, which was full of sunshine, golf and good spirits Bottom: Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua with Vivian Risi, president and broker of record of Royal LePage Your Community Realty, and Michelle Risi, manager of business development at Royal LePage Your Community Realty

NINTH ANNUAL ROYAL LEPAGE YOUR COMMUNITY REALTY CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Community members flocked to Eagles Nest Golf Club for the ninth annual Royal LePage Your Community Realty Charity Golf Tournament. Over $650,000 was raised in support of the Yellow Brick House, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Mackenzie Health and United Way. yourcommunityrealty.com

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Left: A total of 4,253 cyclists participated in the ninth annual Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, which raised more than $17 million for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Right: Dolce Media Group’s Fernando Zerillo and Sergio Sosa smile for the camera in the midst of the two-day, 200-km ride

As one of Ontario’s most prestigious fashion academies, Haute Couture’s annual fashion and art show gala is always a parade of innovative concepts by young designers

HAUTE COUTURE FASHION & ART SHOW GALA

Vaughan’s leading design academy hosted its annual end-of-year fashion show this July. Over 500 people attended to catch Haute Couture Academy of Fashion, Fine Arts & Design’s talented students showcasing their beautiful work. hcfashionarts.ca

Top: Clients new and old came together to celebrate the third anniversary of Freedom Medi-Spa in Vaughan Bottom: Daniela Hofmann, owner of Freedom Medi-Spa (middle), with Vanessa Budz and Alexa Calla

FREEDOM MEDI-SPA ANNIVERSARY

Offering a bevy of beautifying services, Freedom Medi-Spa in Vaughan recently celebrated its three-year anniversary. With food provided by Nourished & Co. and a door prize donated by Novotel Toronto Vaughan, the open house drew in clients and new faces throughout the day. freedommedispa.com

www.mycitylife.ca

ONLY 21 PACKAGES AVAILABLE!

OUR

$99 AMADO SALON’S HAIR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

1. Colour & Style Consultation valued at $25 2. New Style Cut valued at $55 3. Partial Highlighting Foils valued at $60 4. Permanent Colour Root Touch-Up valued at $52 (add $45 for full-colour change)

5. Gloss & Hydration Hair Treatment valued at $25 6. Luxurious Blow-Dry and Style Finish valued at $30 7. Hair Styling Lesson so you can recreate your gorgeous new look at home

TOTAL PACKAGE VALUE: $247

Get a beautiful look with our STARTING NEW HOTHEADS TAPE AT EXTENSIONS! $650* Their innovative design blends right into the roots for g full head of hair a natural-looking, *The Hotheads Tape Extensions package includes free shampoo and conditioner, and tools for at-home maintenance.

Both promo packages apply to selected stylists

The Amado Salon team and creative director Robert Amado offer a relaxing experience with a customer-first philosophy

www.amado.ca 905-893-3686 | 10462 Islington Ave., Unit 2, Kleinburg, Ont.

From our hands to yours Gourmet, hand-picked produce, meats and an extensive selection of organics in a grocer that’s conveniently located in the heart of Bolton

501 Q Queen St Streett S South th Bolton, Ontario

905-857-1227 www.gardenfoodsmarket.com

www.mycitylife.ca

Aug/Sept 2016

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VOLUNTEER, DONATE OR

BUY A T-SHIRT

Become an Angel of Vitanova The Vitanova Foundation is a not-fo not-for-profit corporation chartered by the P Province of Ontario and a regist d Canadian charity that provides a registered range of addiction-related services to individuals, families and the community at large — all at no charge. We are a client-centred agency, focused on restoring the individual’s potential as a valued member of a fully functioning family and a net contributor to the community.

Join us for the Vitanova Summertime Festival BBQ | Entertainment | Bake Sale Silent Auction | Fun Activities August 21, 2016 | 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Special thanks for the support received from the following Angels of Vitanova:

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE $100 OFF YOUR FIRST TREATMENT

The friends, staff and members of Liuna Local 183, Valente Jewellers, La Strada Bakery and Globe Meats.

To order your T-shirts visit our website. www.vitanova.ca 6299 Rutherford Rd., Woodbridge, Ont.

905-850-3690 www.vitanova.ca

NOW ACCEPTING Registration for our 2016/17 programmes!

ACADEMY OF FASHION, FINE ARTS & DESIGN The only school in YORK REGION Specializing in Fashion Arts & Portfolio Prep for the Fashion Arts Industry for over 22 years.

“WE NEED TO TALK!” We have seen your marketing We can help with your brand identity

PROGRAMMES & WORKSHOPS FOR ALL AGES Fashion & Art Shows | Sewing & Patternmaking | Fashion Illustration | Magazine Styling Professional Photo Shoots | Visual Arts | Graphic Design | Interior Design | Cosmetics BEST Portfolio Prep | Scholarships | Internships | *Elements of Design Trip

FASHION WEEK ROME, ITALY ALTA MODA F

*ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

Marketing | Web Design Video Production | Print Design Branding | Social media Custom Publishing

AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF ROME FASHION WEEK UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. PARTNERED WITH

BEST Portfolio Prep & Scholarship Programmes in York Region!

8099 Weston Rd, Unit 10, Woodbridge | www.hcfashionarts.ca | 905.264.9341

www.dolcemedia.ca | 905.264.6789

MEMBER OF THE VAUGHAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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www.mycitylife.ca

G.C. & Co is going green with the Éminence Organics skin care line

Éminence products are not mass-produced; they are all handmade in Hungary and provide beautiful results.

A tree is planted for every Éminence product sold!

FREE ÉMINENCE FACIAL

with the purchase of select home care products

For more details, contact 416-527-1023

Creating

Experience what true beauty feels like with the team at G.C. & Co. Salon

a Naturally Beautiful You

With over 20 years of experience as a skin care specialist, renowned facial expert Gianna Ugolini is the first to launch, straight from Hollywood, California, the iDerm Galvanic Facial treatment — also known as Spanx for the face. Hard work and perseverance have made her proud to become the only iDerm provider in Canada. Along with colleague Ellena Romano, they offer the gold standard in facials, which include the oxygen facial, as well as laser hair removal. G.C. & Co offers the Soprano ICE pain-free hair removal system, with a a large, loyal following due to the amazing results they provide.

NOW OFFERING • The double facial treatment room! Now moms and daughters, couples or friends can experience a relaxing facial treatment together.

Gianna Ugolini, co-founder

6175 Hwy. 7, Unit 7-B, Vaughan, Ont. www.giannacathy.com

@gianna_gcandco | 416-527-1023

:H[\YKH` 6J[VILY -HTuL -\YSHUL ;V W\YJOHZL ZWVUZVYZOPWZ VY [PJRL[Z JHSS VY NV [V ^^^ ]PSSHNHTIPU JVT MVY TVYL KL[HPSZ www.mycitylife.ca

Aug/Sept 2016

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65

PHOTO BY PETER TAMLIN

SHOPKEEPERS

Haigo Derian and Jeff Karadjian, owners

CUPIDO

Nicol Fabian, co-owner

Carmen Valente, owner, and Yolanda Valente, secretary-treasurer

When there’s a designer fashion trend blooming overseas, Jeff Karadjian and Haigo Derian are promptly in the loop. These gents keep their boutique stocked with the best and brightest accessories, from Pandora rings to men’s Scott Kay jewelry and everything in between. If gems and jewels are your jam — or if you seek a sparkly gift — visit Cupido to find your fix. @cupidodesigns cupidodesigns.com

NICOL’S PASTRY SHOP

VALENTE JEWELLERS Ring shopping should be exciting, not terrifying — but with all the cuts, clarities and colours, what’s a hopeless romantic to do? Carmen Valente and his son Chris are experts at gemology and renowned in the sparkle industry for their unique designs and immense jewel knowledge. @valentejewellers valentejewellers.com

PHOTO BY 7VALLEY VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY

Cake: the one thing everyone looks forward to at a party. It’s also the art form of award-winning pastry chef H. Fabian and his daughter Nicol, who use equal parts skill and imagination to craft sweets that’ll rock any celebration, from birthdays to weddings to every-now-and-then cheat days. @nicolspastryshop nicols.ca

DESIRÉE CHINA & GIFTS

Val Cappelli, co-owner

7VALLEY

Your best friend just moved into her new home and you just know she’ll cherish a Kate Spade New York serving platter and rolling pin. Find them among the treasures at Desirée China & Gifts, where co-owners Carmela Bozzo and Josie Restivo have curated a charmed collection of kitchenware, home décor and other ideas. @desireegifts desiree.ca

THE BIG CANNOLI

Chris Rosa, Jerry Rosa and Luca Di Carlo may be three quarters of Vaughan-based rock band Rollercoaster Jupiter, but their other passion project is 7valley, a professional audio facility where artists both aspiring and accomplished can record, mix, edit, master and produce.

It’s also a unique spot to host a birthday party for your little singer-songwriter. @7valley 7valley.ca

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We’ve never seen people so passionate about cannoli as Val Cappelli, his son Michael and their tight-knit crew, who use a traditional recipe to craft their sweets. So go ahead — enjoy a macchiato with one (or five) of this bakery’s namesake pastry. @bigcannoli thebigcannoli.ca

www.mycitylife.ca

PHOTOS BY CARLOS ARTURO PINTO

Chris Rosa, Jerry Rosa and Luca Di Carlo, owners

Carmela Bozzo and Josie Restivo, owners

THE FOOD. THE DRINKS. THE VIBE. HAVE IT ALL AT XXI CHOPHOUSE

STEAK • SEAFOOD • FINE WINE AND SPIRITS

www.XXIchophouse.com www.mycitylife.ca

info@XXIchophouse.com

905 893 CHOP (2467) Aug/Sept 2016

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67

MOST WANTED: MIXED METALS T H E PA N D O R A S T O R E AT

VAUGHAN MILLS

PROMENADE MALL

SHERWAY GARDENS

MARKVILLE SHOPPING CENTRE

905.660.7400

905.889.5656

416.621.6643

905.477.9606

VAUGHAN MILLS 905.669.8522 BAYVIEW VILLAGE 647.346.2176 cupidodesigns.com

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FAIRVIEW PARK 519.894.4900

VAUGHAN MILLS 905.660.9993 MARKVILLE SHOPPING CENTRE 905.477.1273 loro.ca

www.mycitylife.ca