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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 2 | APR/MAY 2019
CONTENTS COVER STORY
22
34
MATT DUSK: With the release of his latest album, JetSetJazz, Canadian jazz crooner Dusk shares his keys to a successful career in the music industry and a happy life
22 BACKYARD BUILDS: Sarah
Keenleyside and Brian McCourt transform backyards into outdoor oases
42 CHEF’S FEATURE: Stepping into the
kitchen with some of the chefs behind Vaughan’s hottest restaurants
56 MIA MARTINA: The French-Canadian singer is back, fuelled by her fans, with new music on the way
56 42 30 MOTHER’S DAY PICKS:
This year, get your mother something she’ll love, and make it a memorable Mother’s Day
50 AUDIO ONE: Uncovering the success of one of Vaughan’s long-standing family-run businesses
30 10
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Apr/May 2019
52 A MOTHER’S COURAGE:
Honouring the legacy of her daughter by helping others affected by domestic violence
58 THE DOCTOR WILL SEE
YOU NOW: What happens when the Hippocratic oath goes ignored
66 DESIGN AND
ARCHITECTURE: Stay up-to-date with some of the hottest trends in the design world
More stories inside …
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At Zilli Home, we travel the globe searching for the latest in home furnishings. Allow our team of expert Design Consultants to curate customized furniture and accessories that reflect your personal style. Begin your design journey today - visit us in store or online.
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Apr/May 2019
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Believe In a world that is fast becoming soulless Be challenged to find your own soul Then make it selfless. When the television portrays only tragedy Be challenged to turn it off Spend your time working on your own humility. If you’re surrounded by people who are envious Be challenged to cull the herd around you Fill your life with those who bring joyousness. During the times you feel utterly hopeless Be challenged to claw your way out Understand that genuine happiness is timeless. Find your soul. Believe in yourself. Trust in your God. Love your family. Share your plenty. Lean when you need. Live out loud. Zerillo LoveFernando heartily. Grow your humanity. Co-Founder/Creative Director Infect the world with your faith. — from The Wife by Iris Imeneo
natural disasters and extreme weather conditions, one could ask the same question now. In De Lio’s case, where was God when deadly bacteria infected his body, nearly taking his life and resulting in the amputation of both of his legs? In that article years ago, one of the questioned religious leaders replied that God was in the firemen going up the stairs to rescue the people in the towers. It’s a response that to this date gives me comfort. Likewise, now, God is in the rescue workers bringing relief to Puerto Rico, Mexico and Florida. And God was in the doctors who fought to save Paul De Lio. He was with the family and friends who prayed for De Lio’s life and later, for his recovery. Today, just a few months afterH. hisSchuller ordeal, De Lio is filled with — Robert positivity and gratitude. He is ready to help others find ways to live with motivation. Dare I say, then, God also resides in De Lio’s heart. See his story on page 32. partners. Rosychuk’s dreamyou for do hernot daughter — of my seeing her start Of course, it’s possible agree with thoughts afresh, happy and safe — has, in its own way, begun to fl ourish. on the whereabouts of God. We all know that one should not We spent an afternoon Dusk, speak casually of politicswith or Matt religion, forCanadian these aresuperstar sensitivejazz singer, his ongoing music, hisanymore, respect for topics chatting (althoughabout the weather isn’tpassion exactly for a safe topic others love ofyou travel. by stepping away from home either).and Buthis perhaps will Only be interested in our story about can truly appreciate how fortunate one with is to 5live a city like the one Bahá’Í Faith, a relatively new religion to in 7 million adherentswhere practising globally.communities If you believeembrace in the betterment of of Toronto, multicultural the diversity the world, unity, love andisservice, you might your each other’sincultures. Music an important part fi ofnd this cityplace and its here. Bahá’Í’s believeEven in equality of allunderstand sexes, racesthe and creeds, expression of culture. if you don’t lyrics, it can and inyour thesoul harmony of science and religion. Story on page 74.this move and make you feel good. We have a feeling that In this day and age,Life we could all use more new edition of City will make you feel unity, good,love too. and faith, regardless of what form it takes. May you enjoy this edition We hope the spring edition of City Life Magazine uplifts you of with City Life Magazine. It, like life, is yours to experience and do hope and the belief that you, too, can make a difference. with what you will.
“Anybody who succeeds is helping people. The secret to success is find a need and fill it; find a hurt and heal it; find a problem and solve it”
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa,
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
CAN YOU HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO?
A W
s we welcome spring, we see signs of life growing where A budGampp, buried this beneath ell,allinwas the dormant. case of Yolanda couldthe be winter earth wakes to the fi rst rays of sunshine and a real possibility. If you’re not yet familiar with startsher to work, flower.she This is a time for renewalYouTube — not a multi-millionaire only baker of nature, also of spirit. (3.3but million subscribers, that is) … all Spring ideal time to take stock and consider what we can do thanksistoanher incredible imagination. Thisaisraya of woman dreams uplife. cakes fora farmer a livingplanting — not to become light inwho someone else’s Like traditional tieredwe, shapes andplant flavours, but cakes that lookthat like seeds in the garden, too, can thoughts and intentions dogs, candy beautiful. apples, watermelons, in acceptance, flavours likelove the willhot grow intohuge something Only through redour velvet chocolate cake … You get the idea. andultimate respect will soulsand flourish. Sweet mother God, lady theofpower to growth tempt even Too often peopleofshy awaythis from thehas work personal and the strongest-willed person with her cakes! Her belief is that renewal. But if we only challenge ourselves to find an aspect of our is develop, possible,then and nourish with theit,love and itsupport life anything we want to protect and offof er family it lots and friends, the highest levels to ofsee success are attainable. Read of warmth, we might be surprised the result. her story on page 38. When Lynne Rosychuk lost her daughter to domestic violence, she Speaking of belief, we all pray that our faith need never be did not lose hope in humanity. Rather, her pain and loss motivated tested the way Paul De Lio’s is. Many of us go through life her to prevent other parents from having to endure such tragedy. without ever having to question why tragedies strike our lives or She adopted her three grandchildren and went on to become a ray the lives of others in the world. A few years back, we published of light for others caught in abusive like herasking daughter an article about the defi nition ofrelationships God. I remember the was.writer In 2012, she founded the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation, to pose this question to various religious leaders: “Where a shelter for women and their children seeking shelter from abusive was God in moments such as 9/11?” Given the recent state of 12
CITY LIFE MAGAZINE
Apr/May 2019
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Zerillo-Sosa Michelle Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director
@citylifemag / @amorebagstoronto / @fernandozerillo @dolcetweets @amorebagstoronto
www.mycitylife.ca
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michelle Zerillo-Sosa • michelle@dolce.ca DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca ART D E PARTM E NT CO-FOUNDER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fernando Zerillo • fernando@dolce.ca SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Ban SENIOR UI/UX DESIGNER Yena Yoo WEB DEVELOPER Jordan Carter JUNIOR UI/UX DESIGNER Nathan Chan E D ITO R IAL D E PARTM E NT FASHION & HOME DÉCOR EDITOR Michelle Zerillo-Sosa BEAUTY & WELLNESS EDITOR Angela Palmieri-Zerillo WRITER Victoria Scott CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephanie Clarke, Shaun Melady, Rick Muller, Lynne Rosychuk, Cece M. Scott, Myles Shane COPY EDITORS AND PROOFREADERS Catharine Chen, Jennifer D. Foster, Nina Hoeschele, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jesse Milns, Carlos A. Pinto, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS Adriana Parente, Jessica Spera VI D E O D E PARTM E NT VIDEOGRAPHER Carlos A. 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 MANAGERS Christina Bono, Adrienne D’amico OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Maria DiRico FRONT COVER Matt Dusk / Photo by Jesse Milns City Life Magazine • Volume 17 • Issue 2 • Apr/May 2019 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. We accept Visa, MC & AMEX. Send cheque or money order to Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 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 294,810 readers per issue through household distribution 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: June/July 2019 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 23 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. ©2019 Dolce Media Group • www.dolcemedia.ca • Printed in Canada
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Real Estate Emmanuel Belliveau hopes to allow his clients to extend their homes, create a new source of income or even provide an affordable option for renters in Toronto
WELCOME TO MODERN RENTING WITH LANEWAY LIVING SUITES IN TORONTO Make the most of your outdoor space and create a home away from home in your backyard with the help of Emmanuel Belliveau and his company, Eva Lanes
W
hat is a great way to make extra income? Or better yet, what is a better way to live alongside family and be comfortable with your day-today life? One new possibility is to make your extra space a home. You can do this with the company Eva Lanes and its Laneway Living Suites, creating tiny luxurious suites in your backyard. The common question right now 14
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would be, “What exactly is a Laneway Suite?” Do not worry, we have the answer. We had the chance to chat with Emmanuel Belliveau, who is a resident expert and local celebrity as a renowned television host on the ever-popular HGTV show World’s Greenest Homes and co-host on My Parents’ House. He also brings a passion for transforming rundown and outdated properties into
modern and stylish dwellings. Belliveau is also well-versed in architecture and design, and he brings all of this expertise to his role as the founder and CEO of Eva Lanes. “Laneway Living is actually an opportunity to take advantage of neighbourhoods in Toronto that are already established and hard to get into, because with Laneway Living, what you’re allowed to do now is put www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVA LANES
WRITTEN BY SHAUN MELADY INTERVIEW BY VICTORIA SCOTT
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www.vitantonioproducts.com Apr/May 2019
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Where a garage would normally sit on the lane, a Laneway Living Suite can replace it and offer homeowners much more versatility. These spaces can be used as a nanny suite, home office, art studio, rental unit and more
two primary residences on a laneway lot in specific areas where the program is valid, which wasn’t available to Toronto before June 27 [when] the bylaw changed with the introduction of Bill 825 and [Bill] 826,” says Belliveau. Basically, you can change the extra space that sits in-between your house and the laneway into a living area, studio, nook or any living space that you choose. This also allows owners or renters to branch out from the traditional condo living. It provides an opportunity for folks to have a home and to put a personal touch on their living space. Not only is there an opportunity for third-party renters, but also Laneway Living gives families the opportunity to keep their legacies alive within their homes and properties. Millennials and even intergenerational families can utilize these properties as shifts in society are constantly occurring. More times than not, millennials are saving their housing funds for smaller places to live, and older generations are wanting to keep their independence while living close to their families. With Laneway Living, families can benefit by keeping their parents close by while still remaining distant enough to live independently each day. The millennial generation can also benefit, as their feet may still be getting wet in the workplace postuniversity. This gives them the chance to be independent in a more affordable and comfortable way, rather than living in a rundown space that can feel like 16
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Apr/May 2019
Laneway Living is actually an opportunity to take advantage of neighbourhoods in Toronto that are already established and hard to get into the ceiling is about to collapse at any second. The realization is, people from young adults to those more advanced in years can all benefit with an extra space to stay in that they can call “home.” Better yet, these folks do not necessarily have to worry about how the new property will work out — from permits to foundation and the traditional headaches of homeowning — because Eva Lanes handles all of that. The Laneway Living Suites of Eva Lanes offer a comprehensive process, from conceptualization and design to securing permits through the city and building. “Eva Lanes offers a turnkey approach to laneway development for anyone. We do a free site assessment to see if you would qualify, design and
engineer the project, submit for permits, build and have access to financing options,” says Belliveau. The company also assesses foundations of properties in order to build the proper living quarters for all sorts of occupancies. Eva Lanes also aims to provide more homes for renters in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as provide additional income to property owners and the housing market. “You are adding value to a property by making another opportunity to create income on that property,” continues Belliveau. “Some might see it as a deterrent for some neighbourhoods. But you figure there are some neighbourhoods that people just gravitate toward living in, and the more doors there are that can be rented, the better it is for those scenarios. The fewer number of doors there are, the higher the rent goes up. The more doors there are, the rent has a chance to somewhat level out,” he says. “A Laneway Suite could have one person, two people or could also have a small family. So, what kind of [housing market] dent will that have? I figure from a feasible perspective, there are almost 10,000 eligible houses in Toronto. If you could add a thousand homes to a rental market, that would do something for the market.” To learn more about Eva Lanes and see if your property qualifies for a Laneway Living Suite, visit its website at www.evalanes.com. @eva.lanes @myfloro www.mycitylife.ca
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Real Estate
HOUSE OF THE MONTH Dans l’Escarpement is a real cliffhanger and YH2 designed it perfectly WRITTEN BY SHAUN MELADY
E
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PHOTO BY MAXIME BROUILLET
ver wanted to escape the city life and go backpacking through the wilderness? If so, with the newest home design by architectural firm Yiacouvakis Hamelin, Architectes – YH2 – you do not have to just backpack there … you can live there, and in luxury. The newest addition to the firm’s eclectic portfolio, named Dans l’Escarpement, boasts a cabin-like design atop the hills of Saint-Faustindu-Lac-Carré. This landscape-inspired home was built in 2018 and sits on the outskirts of Montreal. The interior structure of the home is aligned with wood panelling and splashes of steel beams, giving it a modern and woodland feel. After entering, the views from inside the floating house are breathtaking as you set your eyes on the scenes of woodlands and serene waterways in the forest of Saint-Faustin-du-Lac-Carré. The strategic placement of the house is also complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows for guests to easily look out onto the lush surroundings. The exterior facade of the rustic building is greeted with a bridgeway into a modern, stone, steel and woodheld masterpiece. The YH2 team crafted this piece of architecture to resemble a treehouse but on a much larger scale. www.mycitylife.ca
Located an hour and a half from Montreal, this home overlooks breathtaking landscapes and serene lakes
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Apr/May 2019
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A mere 3,200-square-foot treehouse, that is. Definitely not your averagesized treehouse. The design of the home was crafted in such a way that it transports visitors into another realm upon entering. The feature of the bridge uniquely sets this house apart from others that have been designed by the YH2 firm. The house is accessed by walking down a metallic gangway stretching from a concrete garage near the parking area. As one progresses on the light bridge structure, particularly on a misty day, there is a sensation of going toward a treehouse that’s floating in midair. To learn more about YH2 and the Dans l’Escarpement home, visit the firm’s website at www.YH2Architecture.com. 20
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www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTOS BY MAXIME BROUILLET
To tie into the environment, mahogany was used throughout the home with Corten steel used to complement the colour palette and exposed concrete utilized to mimic the look of boulders that can be found in the environment
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Apr/May 2019 CITY LIFE MAGAZINE 4190 Steeles Ave. W., Woodbridge, Ont. | 905-850-4040 | www.steelespaint.com
21
Design As hosts of Backyard Builds, McCourt and Keenleyside transform backyards, creating a space designed specifically to suit their clients’ lifestyle
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE You’ll be looking at your backyard in a whole new way after watching what Brian McCourt and Sarah Keenleyside can do on their show, Backyard Builds
D
esigner Sarah Keenleyside and contractor/designer Brian McCourt are two people with quite different backgrounds fortuitously paired to host Backyard Builds, a show that just started its second season on HGTV Canada. McCourt and Keenleyside work with homeowners to maximize 22
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their backyards’ potential by creating personalized outdoor solutions with big custom builds. So, how did these two come to cohost Backyard Builds? Each was plotting how to recreate spaces in innovative ways. With open hearts and creative eyes, they submitted separate tapes to HGTV Canada. Luckily for their
clients and Canadian television, a mutual friend thought they would work well together. And as Sarah puts it, “We hit it off like a house on fire.” Since then, McCourt and Keenleyside have melded their primary angles to form a dynamic duo with one common goal: to provide the best renovations possible for their clients and leave the all-too-common www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HGTV CANADA
WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE CLARKE INTERVIEW BY VICTORIA SCOTT
designer versus contractor scenario by the wayside. What makes them tick individually? “I get excited about new materials that come out. I really like using construction materials in design ways that they’re not necessarily intended for and making them a feature,” says McCourt. For Keenleyside, “it’s about how the different zones are going to link to each other, [and] picking finishes and fixtures that tell an overall story.” Both of them always keep the big picture in mind, even as they focus on the details that will ultimately tell the individual stories of their clients. Focusing so keenly on the overall story while viewing each backyard as a clean slate comes with its challenges. Because McCourt and Keenleyside steer clear of anything ordinary, they take on projects consisting of things they’ve never attempted. “It’s like problem solving to the max. There is a lot of research, but our years of experience really help us get through it, and our problem-solving skills are essential,” says McCourt. However, none of this industriousness is approached grudgingly. Keenleyside points out: “What gets us really excited about this show is that it’s always different and it’s always challenging us.” This season’s first two episodes will showcase this propensity to embrace challenge and change as the team works with families and bachelors alike to create spaces that perfectly suit their needs. From a family-friendly backyard to one designed to please even the most demanding of hosts, Keenleyside and McCourt excel when tasked with the seemingly impossible. They always manage to come together in just the right way to create innovative designs that produce backyard spaces essential to a home, rather than simply an afterthought. McCourt and Keenleyside are settling well into the HGTV family with Backyard Builds, but there’s more to that story. They’ll also be part of the next Home to Win cast, and it will be exciting to see what their smooth collaboration style holds in store for this year’s winner. If you’re thinking about how to transform your own backyard space this spring, Keenleyside’s advice is to www.mycitylife.ca
When trying to create a seamless design, Keenleyside tries to tie each area of the backyard together and McCourt likes utilizing new materials, making them a feature in the space
start with an overall story, one that is a synopsis of your interests and lifestyle. Then, gear each piece of the renovation process to fit well with others to present your personality to those with whom you share the space. Bright, clashing patterns and movement away from the simplicity of modern design are what’s trending in 2019. “Add some fun back there. It should feel like a celebration in your backyard,” she says. McCourt agrees and adds this advice to those who want to embark on backyard DIY projects: “Get a [professional] quote anyway and divide and conquer.” He urges you to start within your skill set in order to avoid frustration and increasing costs in the long run. Then, let the contractor take care of those projects you’re not so sure you can pull off. You don’t have to complete every single aspect of your backyard renovation to enjoy it, and professionals are hired for a reason. For the future, Keenleyside and
McCourt once again have individual approaches with a common goal. They want to keep leaning more and more toward environmental awareness in their work and educate clients in the process. “Sometimes, money isn’t the first consideration. [Environmentalism] is becoming more and more of a focus for us,” says McCourt. He and Keenleyside strive to reduce the current 30 per cent of solid waste coming from construction, adjusting as much of their footprint as they can. Keenleyside and McCourt attribute their concern for the environment partially to being surrounded and inspired by Mother Nature so much in their work. “She really is the best designer,” says Keenleyside. The second season of Backyard Builds premiered on March 28, with back-toback episodes at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on HGTV Canada. @sarahkeenleyside @brianmccourtdesigns www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds Apr/May 2019
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A DV E R TO R I A L
Importer’s Gifts has been offering you the best in bomboniere, gifts and housewares for over three decades from its location on Highway 7 and Martingrove Road. The Colalillo family has created a business predicated on treating their clients as they would like to be treated
With dedication and unbridled passion, the Colalillo family has created a business that values high-quality products and long-lasting client relationships above all
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mporter’s Gifts, voted Vaughan’s Top Bomboniere Shop since 2016, has become a business built on passion, honesty, cherished relationships and dedication. One step into Importer’s Gifts and it is easy to see that Christine Colalillo, her son Anthony and their dedicated staff are at the forefront of the shop’s success. Christine remembers the early days when she and her husband John were just starting out. “After experimenting with the importing business in the late 1970s, it wasn’t until 10 years later that my husband and I opened Importer’s Gifts. At first, we were selling to friends and neighbours by way of flea markets and home parties. Eventually we took the next step, and we decided to open our store location on Highway 7 in Woodbridge, and this May we will be celebrating 29 years in business.” Anthony and Christine both agree Importer’s Gifts wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for them adapting to change over the years. “We embraced
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technologies like social media and a website long before many small businesses,” says Anthony, who integrated in-house, state-of-theart engraving equipment five years ago, allowing them to offer beautiful customized giftware and bomboniere as well as unique home décor pieces. Unlike some major retailers, which seem to have no service people assisting customers in the aisles and have computerized self-checkouts, Importer’s Gifts humanizes the shopping experience. Clients go to Importer’s Gifts to find unique items, but they also go to visit with Christine and Anthony, which is an experience online shopping simply cannot provide. “We’ve always operated our business with good faith and honesty, by treating others how we would want to be treated,” says Christine. “We still have many of the same clients who shopped at Importer’s Gifts the first day we opened for business, and 30 years later we’re providing products and services
TOP BOMBONIERE SHOP OF 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 IN VAUGHAN
5731 Hwy. 7, Units 18/19, Woodbridge, Ont. 905-850-8926 www.i-gifts.ca
www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
THE EPITOME OF A FAMILY STORE
for their children and grandchildren’s weddings and baptisms. When you are good to people it all comes full circle,” adds Christine. Even Anthony, who attended York University and Humber College for business and worked for various companies including national retailers, found his way back to the family business. “I’ve always had a passion for creativity and I love working in this environment,” he says. “There is no better feeling than seeing your ideas made into a reality and having clients that appreciate your work.” If you’re planning a function or looking to buy a gift, collectible or houseware item, Importer’s Gifts is the place to shop. Its slogan, “for life’s important moments,” holds true with its vast product offering and unique array of gifts and event essentials. Some of the latest specialty products Importer’s Gifts offers include “engraved goods, laser-cut acrylic and wood signage, custom cake toppers, personalized bomboniere, and many event essentials including sweet table décor pieces and Italian imported confetti. It’s a total party package,” says Anthony. Another special aspect of the Importer’s Gifts model is Anthony and Christine’s ardency about giving back to the community. They donate to the needy, sponsor gifts and prizes for local fundraising events and charities, and always remember that since they began nearly 30 years ago, without the Woodbridge community, without the friendly faces who keep coming back, there would be no Importer’s Gifts.
HONESTY. KNOWLEDGE. EXPERIENCE
REAL ESTATE WITH INTEGRITY CVD Realty Inc. is dedicated to professional service and meticulous detail to a HIGH LEVEL OF REPRESENTATION 16 Venkata Drive, Vaughan Located in Kleinburg Crown Estates
Michael Ettorre
445 Edgeley Blvd, Unit 6, Vaughan, Ont. 905-660-2789 (office) | 416-994-5540 (direct) www.cvdrealty.ca
Broker of Record
www.mycitylife.ca
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A DV E R TO R I A L
AN OPEN BOOK
Through the creation of longlasting relationships with clients and her innovative marketing strategies, Vaughan, Ont.’s premier realtor, Amatul Waheed, has achieved unprecedented success
Waheed can help buyers find premium listings, like this home in Kleinburg, 54 Ridgepoint Rd.
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or Amatul Waheed, starting out in the real estate business was something she didn’t know much about initially. “I never thought I could even sell a newspaper,” she jokes. However, as she set forth enthusiastically, as she does with all things, she learned that she is passionate about the people side of real estate, and her vision of providing her valued clients with the best real estate experience possible began to manifest. Waheed’s business grew rapidly, and she always puts great emphasis on the compassionate treatment of her clients as a huge contributor. “I’m really a people person. Honesty is very important. You have to give them a service that is really clear and transparent,” she says.
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YOU HAVE TO “ COME FROM EVERY
ANGLE. FILLING JUST YOUR POCKET DOESN’T MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL
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Waheed’s endearing personal qualities, along with her original and innovative marketing strategy, have set her vastly apart in the real estate industry. “To be a good real estate agent, you have to be really communicative. [The] market is changing rapidly, and it has never been more important to be on the cutting edge,”
77-9100 Jane St., Vaughan, Ont. | 416-987-8000 www.amatulwaheed.com
www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
AMATUL WAHEED
she says. Her customized marketing plan includes print, social media campaigns, HD YouTube videos, HD personalized home videos on Facebook and Instagram, and personal emails to the extensive list of potential buyers in her database. She adds: “This business is so competitive. You have to come from every angle. Filling just your pocket doesn’t make you successful.” By offering tailored, professional and seamless 24-7 assistance to clients in every aspect of home purchase or sale, Waheed has achieved a high level of success in a short time. As if these things weren’t impressive enough, Waheed is also dedicated to clients outside of business. “I want to make clients feel they are part of my family,” she says. Waheed states with pride how much she enjoys celebrating happy moments with her clients and attending important events in their lives. She also holds her professional team in high regard, noting how much they contribute to her business. “I have a professional marketing team working for me, [who] devise a unique marketing plan for each home. Only proper advertisement will sell the home fast. Otherwise, the house can sit on the market for months. I have a record of selling most of my listings in less than a week.” Waheed’s passion and enthusiasm for her business and her clients are clear, as well as contagious. It comes as no surprise that about 80 per cent of her business comes by referral. Her proven reputation as an honest and dynamic professional speaks wonders about her. When asked what she sees in her future, Waheed emphasizes “becoming more knowledgeable and participating in more training” as her primary goals. “Whatever you do, do your best or don’t do it,” she says. Waheed is ageless in her desire to learn and grow, both personally and in business. There is no doubt that she will be ever-evolving in every aspect of her life and in real estate. She just wouldn’t have it any other way.
EMBRACE AND CELEBRATE THE VALUE OF FAMILY
BARBARA SPADA “In early 2013 I was going through the most precious time a woman can have, the journey of carrying a baby. I embrace and celebrate the value of family. This inspired me to create a jewellery brand ... Bimbi.”
Made in Italy and inspired by the natural vibrant colours and unique iridescent effect in the inner shell layers of mother of pearl, these pieces are crafted from 18 kt gold and set with fine quality diamonds and hand cut natural mother of Pearl.
www.bimbijewels.com www.mycitylife.ca
Available at
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Busy Work/Lifestyle: Have You Considered Hiring a Portfolio Manager? Find your trusted advisor in Jason Polsinelli as he shares his insights about portfolio managers
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ason Polsinelli of the Polsinelli Financial Advisory Group leads a premier financial planning, advisory and wealth management team at Scotia Wealth Management. He hopes to use his unrivalled experience and expertise in this industry to help you manage your financial needs. Q. There are a lot of titles out there for those who look after wealth. How can I tell which one is best for our family’s wealth? A. In the past there were a number of titles and available choices, making it difficult for investors to ascertain and select the best fit when it came to a trusted advisor. The industry has done its best in the past few years to provide better clarity and narrow them down but nonetheless it can still appear to be a bit confusing or overwhelming. When it comes to choosing an advisor, it is better for an investor to
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frame their choice based first on how involved they want to be in the day-to-day investment decisions for their portfolio. Q. What are those levels of involvement investors choose for their portfolios? A. Of course, individual investors are unique and will often choose different involvement levels and specific advisors for different portfolios or accounts. Some investors want full control and decisionmaking ability as they remain active in the choosing of their individual investments. These individuals prefer self-directed platforms where they are essentially their own advisor. Other investors prefer the comfort of an advisor but would like the
ultimate decision on all the choices made for their portfolio. However, a growing segment of investors are choosing less active involvement and prefer to hire a portfolio manager to make all decisions within a prescribed framework to which they both agree in advance. Q. What is the difference between an investment advisor and portfolio manager? A. On the surface it may not look much different but there are significant differences between these two roles. Portfolio managers are required to have specific accreditation and must have first apprenticed as an associate for a certain length of time before receiving their designation. They are bestowed with much more responsibility and care in managing a client’s wealth. A client gives them the discretion to choose and manage the individual investments within their portfolio on their behalf. Therefore it is incumbent upon the portfolio manager to ensure they are aligned and aware of the investor’s needs and objectives. Because of the ability to exercise trading discretion on behalf of clients, there is a higher level of duty of care to make sure client expectations are determined and met. The investor–portfolio manager relationship is managed by way of an Investment Policy Statement whereby all objectives and expectations are determined in advance. Once the IPS is agreed upon and signed, the portfolio manager is mandated to stay within those parameters and objectives. Q. What type of investor chooses a portfolio manager versus the other options? A. There can be many reasons for making this choice but most of the time clients choose this type of service because they have really busy lives and may not have the time to make day-to-day investment decisions. They also recognize the amount of expertise required in building and maintaining portfolios and prefer to rely on this expertise to help them achieve their goals. PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
With unparalleled expertise, portfolio managers can make your life easier by making decisions for you within a prescribed framework that you’ve agreed upon in advance
www.mycitylife.ca
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body and support your immune system with Hum Nutrition’s Here Comes The Sun Vitamin D Supplement, a highly absorbable form of vitamin D
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sweet tooth with this bakeshop’s decadent desserts and be sure to check out its Easter treats this spring
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pink, ivory and peachy-orange, the Ranunculus Floral Pillow Cover made from cotton canvas will add a light accent to any room
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smooth leather with a chain-link handle, the Cynthia satchel is fitting for any occasion and is available in soft pink or black
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exquisite pieces from Bimbi Jewels, featuring luxurious round pavé-set diamonds framed in 18-karat white gold www.bimbijewels.com 2. JWLS: A statement piece with its orange band and rose gold dial, this Carrissa watch is certain to make an impression
1. BIMBI: Adorn yourself with
Celebrate your mother in style this year and gift her one of these intricate, exquisite pieces she’ll cherish forever WRITTEN BY VICTORIA SCOTT
MOTHER’S DAY PICKS
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8. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE: Smooth skin to dream of, thanks to the Central Park South 24/7 Body Silk from Bond No. 9 New York, with notes of violet leaves, jasmine and cedarwood m.saks.com 9. INDIGO: Add a vibrant touch to your cheese board this summer with these three cheese knives with gold-finish steel blades and floral-patterned enamel handles www.chapters.indigo.ca 10. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE: In the signature Burberry check and with its chic metallic leather trim, the Burberry Small Envelope Clutch will upgrade any outfit m.saks.com 11. ANTHROPOLOGIE: Step into spring with this vintage-inspired dress and add a feminine touch to your wardrobe with its delicate rose design www.anthropologie.com 12. MARTIN DANIEL INTERIORS: With its asymmetrical back and multifaceted colour palette, the Volta Fabric Armchair will tie in beautifully to your contemporary space, adding a striking pop of colour martindanielinteriors.com 13. PENWARDEN: The handcrafted White Freshwater Pearl Bracelet with Gold Toggle is a delicate design created with seven-millimetre white freshwater pearls and 14-karat yellow gold penwardenjewellery.com 14. BENTLEY: Travel fashionably with the Cushion-Lux 21-inch Hardside Luggage. Available in black or plum finish, the cushioned design is at the forefront of style www.shopbentley.com 15. SEPHORA: Feminine and floral, Gucci Bloom Nettare di Fiori comes together with notes of rose, Rangoon creeper and osmanthus flower www.sephora.com
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PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
Ugolini takes it upon herself to stay up-to-date with the newest technologies and treatments to ensure she’s giving her clients the services they deserve
RENEW AND REPAIR:
A 16-WEEK TRANSFORMATION Using a combination of the RF Skin Tightening Facial and the Signature Facial, Gianna Ugolini will have you looking your best in 16 weeks with this premium package
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s the leading skin-care expert at G.C. & Co. Salon & Med Spa, Gianna Ugolini is dedicated to providing new techniques and treatments to optimize results. To help achieve this, she has introduced a new 16-week treatment program that offers a non-invasive transformation while leaving clients with a youthful glow. With the 16-week program, clients alternate between the RF Skin Tightening Facial and the Signature Facial. Weekly visits alternate between Skin Tightening, micro-current muscle
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Using a combination of treatments to optimize results, this program decreases the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and lifts everything from your eyebrows to your jowls
tightening, a deep cleanse, light peel, extractions, microdermabrasion, contour massage, mask, micro-current and non-invasive microneedling. Regardless of your problem areas, this combination will leave clients with a drastically improved appearance. “Not only will it improve the appearance of hooded eyelids, it will also improve the look of bags under the eyes, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lift the cheekbones and brows, tighten the neck and help lift the jowls, all while leaving the skin with a beautiful glow,” she says. Although the treatment itself leads to amazing results, it is important to have a good skin-care routine morning and night. Clients need to do their part at home for maximum results. Gianna will work with you to source products that will be the right fit for your skin’s needs or concerns. In terms of maintenance, getting a facial once a month is a necessity in order to keep your skin in prime condition. “Every 28 days is the end of one skin cycle, so during a facial treatment I slough away all the dead skin that would otherwise keep your products from working properly. I empty and shrink all the pores, leaving the skin with a healthy glow,” she says. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic transformation or simply want to improve your skin-care routine, Gianna is here to offer her services and advice to help ensure your skin is feeling fresh and new, leaving you glowing day in and day out.
6175 Hwy. 7, Unit 7, Woodbridge, Ont. 416-527-1023 www.giannacathy.com @gianna_gcandco www.mycitylife.ca
A DV E R TO R I A L
DAVID’S
FINE LINENS
Bring the fresh feeling of spring into your home with the premium products from David’s Fine Linens
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ut the right foot forward this spring and add some fresh touches to your home. With the premium selection on offer at David’s Fine Linens you’ll be walking out with items from high-quality brands, featuring some products straight from Europe, with notable brands including Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Sferra and Bellora. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your bedroom or your bathroom, David’s Fine Linens has the products for you. Shop the diverse selection of bathroom rugs and towels to make sure you start the day off right and invest in some new bedsheets and fresh bed linens to help you dream up new ideas this season. Make sure to stop by and visit one of the David’s Fine Linens retail stores in North York and Woodbridge or check out its online retail store and take advantage of free shipping across Canada.
Choose from the best selection of towels and bed linens and infuse your home with freshness this spring
www.davidsfinelinens.com Centro Square 7777 Weston Rd., Woodbridge, Ont. 905-264-7778
Bayview Village Shopping Centre 2901 Bayview Ave., North York, Ont. 416-590-7311 Toll-Free: 1-877-591-1115
ASK THE EXPERTS IN FINANCING
SPRING IS HERE…READY TO BUY A PROPERTY?
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19 Coalbrook Court, Vaughan, Ont. 1 (855) 245-9473 | 905-266-9986 info@intouchmortgagesolutions.com
www.intouchmortgagesolutions.com
FSCO Lic #11789 – InTouch Mortgage Solutions is owned by Centum Finding the Right Mortgage independently owned and operated - and part of Centum Financial Group.
www.mycitylife.ca
f you’re planning to buy a property, it’s absolutely essential to know how much mortgage you qualify for – based on the Mortgage Stress Test rules. Getting a pre-approval in writing before you start house hunting allows you to make an offer to purchase with the confidence of knowing exactly what you can afford – and helps you avoid the legal penalties of not being able to close the deal. The Mortgage Stress Test introduced in 2018 has definitely reduced buying power, where many buyers may not be able to afford their dream home. Instead of delaying a purchase until you can afford a larger property, it would be wise to get into the market in a smaller home that you can afford today. Historically, the cost of owning real estate has continued to climb. With the arrival of Spring and interest rates being relatively low, it’s a good time to make a purchase. Being invested in the market will allow you to build equity and capture gains as property values will most certainly continue to rise. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upsize or downsize, the team at InTouch Mortgage Solutions will help you understand how the stress test impacts you, and how you can improve your overall score and buying power. They work with a wide range of lenders and understand each lender’s criteria. These mortgage experts will coach and advise you on how to get you into homeownership or purchase your desired property by reviewing your financial situation before you buy. They work to find you the best available mortgage terms and rate for your situation — saving you money.
Spring into Action – Get InTouch and get Pre-Approved today!
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MATT
DUSK:
THE SWING FROM WHICH DREAMS ARE MADE Mix an ounce of Frank Sinatra’s style with two fingers of Bobby Darin’s swagger, and the jazz vocal stylings of Matt Dusk go down silky smooth every time WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER INTERVIEW BY VICTORIA SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE MILNS
Blazer - Thomas Henry Made Shirt - ASOS Watch - Finch Centre Jewellers Suspenders - Zara Pants - Thomas Henry Made
JetSetJazz, Dusk’s 11th studio album, pays homage to Frank Sinatra and will take listeners on a journey back to the world of 1960s air travel
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SHOOT CREATIVE DIRECTION: MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA | WARDROBE STYLIST: ASHLEY GALANG WARDROBE PROVIDER: TNT | HAIR CREDIT: ROBERT AMADO OF AMADO SALON LOCATION: MARRIOTT MARKHAM HOTEL | WATCH: FINCH CENTRE JEWELLERS VIDEOGRAPHER: CARLOS PINTO
W
www.mycitylife.ca
e never know in life’s early stages when we might encounter something or someone who influences our direction. If we all look back closely enough, there was most likely a time, a moment or circumstance, that captured our interest in a way unlike any other and may have played a role in setting our path. For Canadian superstar jazz singer Matt Dusk, that pivotal moment came when he was just 17 years old and had been focused on opera and classical music for the previous decade as a member of St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto. But it was then the young Dusk first heard Tony Bennett and Sarah Vaughan. From that first seemingly innocent exposure, Dusk now has released his 11th album, performed with 80-piece orchestras and recorded songs with legends in the industry. He is, by proud definition, the essence of a classic crooner. “A crooner is someone who sings popular songs in a voice for everyone,” describes Dusk in a recent sit-down interview with City Life, a fun, free-wheeling session that showed off his playful side. “Lady Gaga recorded with Tony Bennett, and there is an attraction to that type of music. Crooning is something I believe can be sung by all. It came from the jazz and big band eras of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. So when we say ‘crooner,’ we harken back to romantic times. Jazz today is more of a classical art form engraved in our society until it becomes new again, as music always does.” We’ve all marvelled at singers and how they feel the words and message of a song and how they emote through their interpretation. We’ve all tried to emulate them, whether through karaoke or a hairbrush and a full-length mirror, but very few real singers have so fully captured the soul of a song better than Dusk. He is no stranger to karaoke, having emulated his favourite singers in his teenage years. Dusk is a proud product of those who came before him, continuing the Apr/May 2019
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Jacket - Eleventy available at TNT Sweater - PATRICK ASSARAF available at TNT Throughout his career, Dusk has received four Juno nominations in Canada, he is the recipient of a Rose Gali Award (the most prestigious music award in Poland), and he is the first jazz artist in history to score a No. 1 hit in Japan
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Tuxedo Jacket - Thomas Henry Made Shirt - ASOS Suspenders - Zara Watch - Finch Centre Jewellers Socks - Calvin Klein Shoes - Steve Madden Some of the most important things in Dusk’s life include his family, driving and fixing up old cars, the Internet and music, of course
tradition of the greatest male singers. He seems a hybrid of some of not only the best singers, but also performers of songs in the truest and best tradition of saloon singers. Whether it’s those who made us feel the emotion of a song, like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett or Nat King Cole, or those who could command a room and engage the fans with matinee looks and style, like Bobby Darin, Robert Goulet or Dean Martin, Dusk seems to have all of those rare qualities and abilities. “Sinatra was my first teacher, and when you think about it, Sinatra was the first Justin Bieber,” says Dusk. “He was a teenager and had women lining up for hours to see him. He’d be in his suit, drinking martinis and smoking www.mycitylife.ca
cigarettes, and he had the persona of a gentleman. Tony Bennett, I’ve spent a lot of time with, and at the end of the day, he’s just a guy and says the exact same things that I do, as we both love this music. You can age gracefully with jazz.” Dusk’s new album, JetSetJazz, features 10 new and original songs that pay homage to Sinatra, his personal favourite, and the emerging world of jet-set air travel of the 1960s. It continues his successful career that includes two certified gold albums, two certified platinum albums, more than one million records sold worldwide, and a series of awards and nominations including 4 Juno nominations in Canada and a Rose Gali Award, the most prestigious music award in Poland.
He is also the first jazz artist in history to score a number-one hit in Japan. After his first exposure to jazz, Toronto-born Dusk entered and won the Canadian National Exhibition Rising Star Talent Competition when he was just 19. He had entered York University to study economics, intending to take over the family business, but the pull of the jazz genre made him switch to music after just one year. He studied jazz theory, attended master classes taught by Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson and was awarded the Oscar Peterson Scholarship, graduating in 2002. Then, fully committed to his passion, he recorded four albums independently before he had ever secured a major label recording deal. In 2004, he was invited to the Apr/May 2019
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“
One of my goals is to inspire people to follow their dreams
Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas to perform as an in-house entertainer for the filming of the FOX-TV reality show The Casino. Dusk realizes that was opportunity knocking at just the right time because of the environment in 2004, which has changed so much and so rapidly in the ensuing 15 years. “It was a really good media play for me, as television is still the biggest way to get traction,” says Dusk. “We can talk about social media and online streaming, but TV can really help promote, at least back then.” As he recalls the changes in his profession since he started, Dusk shows the wisdom of a veteran performer who understands not only his craft, but also the business side of the music and recording industry. “It’s not the music, it’s the story. What breaks an artist is, what’s the story, who cares about the music?” observes Dusk. “We live in such a fast news cycle today that whoever is the winner of The Voice or whatever one night, the next night we’re looking for the next winner. Today, everyone just thinks about what’s next. It’s harder today, for sure, as there is less engagement through social media, rather than actually buying and listening to an entire record [like was done] 20 years ago.” His debut album, Two Shots, was released as the TV series began and was certified gold in Canada. That album had a bit of Vegas luck associated with it, as it included the hit single “Two 38
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Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad,” which became the theme song for The Casino. In early 2006, he recorded his second album, Back in Town, at Capitol Records’ famed Studio A in Los Angeles, backed by a 56-piece orchestra. Including a mix of jazz standards and originals, the album took off overseas, where it reached No. 1 on the Japanese pop radio chart. Dusk’s popularity continues in many countries, and he and his band travel extensively internationally. “One of my favourite things about Toronto is its multiculturalism,” says Dusk. “As a person who travels, I have the whole world right here, and I wish people would travel more, so they’d realize how awesome Toronto really is.” While jazz is his mainstream, Dusk has experimented with other types of music. In 2015, he released his eighth album, Quiet Nights, in Canada, paying tribute to the bossa nova genre. The album rocketed to No. 1 on the Canadian jazz charts, where it stayed an incredible 16 weeks (those are Beatles-type numbers in the record business) and continued his impressive artistic output. “It’s constantly working and trying to give your audience a reason to come back and to expand your audience,” says Dusk about the volume and quality of his recordings. “So the more work you put out, the more opportunity you’ll have to expand your audience.” One of the first things that strikes
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you about Dusk is his positive nature, infectious sense of fun and love of his craft. He brings this to his live performances in the way he engages with his audiences, resulting in as enjoyable and happy a live show as anyone could ask for. More than anything, it is his passion for music that shines through. “Whenever I talk to kids about life, I tell them that whatever you do, just be passionate about it. If you’re passionate about it and it starts to give you momentum, you’re just naturally going to grow where it can fill your need,” he says. In his personal life Dusk is married and the father of a young daughter. He’s enjoyed sharing some of his personal life philosophies. “Treat people with respect, be accepting and polite,” says Dusk. “Don’t impose your will on others — you can get a lot more that way than by yelling at people.” Dusk is currently building a large home, for his family. As a way of giving back, Dusk has identified people in the past with great ideas and financially assisted them in starting their business and bringing their passion to life. “Older people are really smart, but younger people are extremely dreamy, and to help them start is exciting,” says Dusk. “One of my goals is to inspire people to follow their dreams.” Dusk is quite simply the personification of great entertainment. In the vernacular of show business, www.mycitylife.ca
Dusk always “kills.” He’s got “it” — whatever that unquantifiable “it” may be. With his looks, suits, voice and mannerisms, he is the definition, if indeed there is one, of “one cool cat.” Close your eyes, and his songs and vocal stylings take you back to smoky, late-night lounges with leather banquettes, red tablecloths adorned with ashtrays and lantern lights, wise guys wearing fedoras and dames wearing pearls, with cigarette girls providing the background between musical sets. Dusk describes his music as “classy, romantic and cool” and his shows as “totally carefree, just a night out and a total escape.” Says Dusk: “What keeps my band and I going as touring musicians [is] getting people together who love the music and getting them to participate.” He says that “concerts are about moments: How do you make people feel and take them on a journey? Tony Bennett taught me that 95 per cent of the audience wants the artist to succeed and do well. So I can sing some songs, have a few drinks, tell some stupid jokes and basically have some fun. I’ve always said a show is like a sandbox. This is my sandbox, let’s all play together. Music is spiritual and brings people together, and you always have to connect and be honest with the audience.” In a career of highlights, there is one that stands above the others — playing the Tokyo Jazz Festival with Tony Bennett and hanging out with him off-stage as well. It reflects Dusk’s respect for the tradition of his craft, and how today’s performers must honour the past. “As a performer, I stand on the shoulders of greats,” says Dusk. “Just as Sinatra or Ella [Fitzgerald] stood on the shoulders of those who came before them. We all just continue the tradition forward.” With a national tour through Canada and the United States later this year, and through his talent, his music, his passion and style, the continuing tradition of super-cool musicianship and showmanship is in good hands with Matt Dusk.
Blazer - Eleventy available at TNT Pocket Square - Eleventy available at TNT Sweater - Acne Studios available at TNT Watch - Finch Centre Jewellers Pants - Eleventy available at TNT Socks - Calvin Klein Shoes - Under Armour Performing with Tony Bennett and learning from such a legendary figure in the music industry stands out as one of the most memorable achievements for Dusk when looking back over his career
www.mattdusk.com @mattdusk www.mycitylife.ca
Apr/May 2019
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A DV E R TO R I A L
New TMS Lower School entrance rendering
HEAD, HEART AND HANDS
As well as providing students with a highcalibre education, TMS views citizenship and community giving as crucial components to instill in students during their time at the school
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t doesn’t take long for someone new to TMS to see that it is a very special place. Throughout the school, from the youngest learners in the Toddler Program to alumni who return again and again to visit, students are not only passionately engaged in their academic pursuits but committed to improving the world around them. Citizenship and giving back are important parts of student life at TMS. Across all levels of the school, students initiate ways to raise funds for worthwhile causes, donate their time to build awareness of social issues and use their powerful voices to make change happen. Through a framework for community giving called Head, Heart and Hands, students connect with the “what and why” behind a cause (Head), understand what causes them to care and feel that this is an important issue for them to support (Heart), and then take action and put their learning into practice (Hands). “While it’s important that our students excel academically, it’s not enough,”
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says David Young, Head of School at TMS. “We want TMS graduates to find Significance; to seek to contribute to the world around them, to engage, to make an impact and to serve their communities.” This idea of Significance is woven into all parts of the TMS Community, including engagement with TMS parents, staff and faculty through the school’s Culture of Giving that asks all stakeholders to offer support through time, talent and treasure. “Time” defines and celebrates meaningful volunteer opportunities, “talent” refers to opportunities where parents lend the school their expertise in some way and “treasure” refers to philanthropic donations to TMS. All three are equally valued at the school. “Just as we work with our students to understand the ‘Head, Heart and Hands’ approach to charitable support, we take a similar approach with our TMS Community. Every way an individual or family chooses to engage or support our school is meaningful and we want it to
be a happy and joyful experience,” says Kirsten Eastwood, Executive Director of Community Development at TMS. “As a not-for-profit organization, we know the power of philanthropy and what it has enabled our school to become. We are so grateful for the generous support of our families and are looking forward to what their continued support will help us do in the future,” says Ms. Eastwood. That future is not far away, as TMS is currently building new, beautifully designed spaces through the philanthropic support it has received to date. “These new spaces are ones in which our students will try something new, meet friends, build resilience, develop an entrepreneurial mindset and, in short, thrive,” says Mr. Young. For more information about TMS, visit: www.tmsschool.ca
@tmsschool
www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TMS
How one school in Richmond Hill is building citizenship from the ground up
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TORONTO Corso Italia
WOODBRIDGE Piazza Del Sole
1357 St. Clair Avenue West
200 Windflower Gate, Unit 1
www.mycitylife.ca
416-656-9900
905-851-5151
TORONTO Yorkdale Shopping Centre 3401 Duff Apr/May 2019 CITYerin LIFE Street MAGAZINE
416-781-4400
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Cuisine
This issue, City Life got behind-the-scenes access to four of the most-popular restaurants in Vaughan: Passione Moda Cucina, Cento40 Trattoria, Villaggio Ristorante and Forno Alimento. Get to know the men behind the magnificent culinary creations these restaurants provide and uncover what makes their restaurants special
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WRITTEN BY VICTORIA SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS A. PINTO
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www.mycitylife.ca
Cento40 Trattoria Passione Moda Cucina
VILLAGGIO ristorante
forno alimento
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Passione Moda Cucina Francesco Comito CH E
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Cento40 Trattoria Mario Turco
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villaggio ristorante Matteo Napoleoni 44
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forno alimento Vincenzo La Mura www.mycitylife.ca
Cento40 Trattoria — Mario Turco For most aspiring chefs, the final goal is to own their own place, and the same was true for chef Mario Turco. After 25 years as a chef, he finally had the opportunity to open his own restaurant and Cento40 Trattoria was born. With a comforting, homey feel, guests will not only get to eat an exquisite meal, but will also feel right at home.
Q: What was your goal when you were creating Cento40? A: My goal was to provide the community with great food, great service and a place where they would find themselves always wanting to come back for more. I have always loved food and throughout my career have incorporated all my flavours and experiences, bringing them to the table for my friends, family and patrons. Q: Tell us about your dish. A: This pasta dish is cavatelli pasta with fennel sausage, cherry tomatoes, rapini, garlic and olive oil sauce. The combination of flavours has always been a great comfort dish. This pasta bursts with flavours and is a light alternative to heavier pasta sauces; it will always leave you wanting more. www.cento40.com @cento40.trattoria
140 Woodbridge Ave. Vaughan, Ont. 905-605-8775
Passione Moda Cucina — Francesco Comito Chef Francesco Comito and restaurant pioneers Tony Guarasci and Domenic Comito have brought a trinity of expertise to their restaurant, Passione Moda Cucina. The name says it all — “Passione” is a concept where food made with love and passion gives your tastebuds a tremendous culinary experience. Chef Francesco’s brand “moda cucina” is a concept consisting of a trendy, sophisticated and innovative cuisine showcasing dishes like a work of art combining colours, elements, ingredients and textures that will leave you with remarkable memories. This is a place “where food meets style.”
Q: What makes Passione Moda Cucina original? A: Vaughan [Ont.,] has a lot of amazing restaurants with a huge Italian and multicultural population. With my concept, I believe that I’m kind of different in this community by bringing forward a variety of vegan, plant-based dishes, as well as a large selection of gluten-free options. Q: Tell us about your dish. A: The dish created is called “gamberoni alla grande.” Jumbo shrimp in a limoncello liquor sauce served with lemon beets, mascarpone risotto and garlic sautéed vegetables. It’s fresh, elegant, sexy and super-tasty. passionemodacucina.com @passionemodacucina
Villaggio Ristorante — Matteo Napoleoni With a sleek new look and a dedicated family at the helm of the operation, Villaggio Ristorante is the place to be. The Barbiere family run this operation, with chef Matteo Napoleoni in the kitchen as head chef. Originally from Rome, Napoleoni worked in restaurants all across Italy before coming to Canada at the age of 19. Now having been at Villaggio for seven years, he shares his passion for food and fine dining with guests.
Q: Share with us the philosophy behind your food. A: Love. Every dish deserves an extra dash of love. It’s the secret ingredient to great food. I pour my heart and soul into everything that I prepare for my clients. I then pair that with fresh ingredients and unique flavours in order to create a work of art that first satisfies the sense of sight, followed by the sense of taste. Q: Tell us about your dish. A: This dish consists of an Ontario rack of lamb, pan seared with a fresh mascarpone and pistachio crust on a bed of sweet potato purée and arugula. I created this specific dish as the official welcoming to spring! www.villaggio-ristorante.ca @villaggio110
www.mycitylife.ca
110 Nashville Rd., Unit 11, Kleinburg, Ont. 905-893-4888
4040 Highway 7, Unit 3, Woodbridge, Ont. 905-265-2323
Forno Alimento — Vincenzo La Mura With an urban, modern style and a warm atmosphere, Forno Alimento is an oasis in Vaughan. The most recent project by Mauro DiLauro, founder and owner of Avenue Cibi e Vini in Kleinburg, Ont., Forno Alimento will have you feeling like you’ve stepped straight into Italy with its idyllic ambience. Chef Vincenzo La Mura adds to the illusion, having come to Canada from Italy just five years ago and bringing his expertise to Vaughan.
Q: Why do you think people enjoy coming to Forno Alimento? A: Dining in Italy is a full and sensory experience, the centrepiece of the day, and that’s what our customers receive. From our warm greeting and service, the ambience, and the authentic quality of our food, Forno Alimento is the ultimate Italian dining experience. Q: Tell us about your dish. A: This dish is a composition of grilled octopus and traditional Sicilian caponata! The caponata really brings that sweet and sour explosion to your palette and delightfully accents the tenderness of the octopus. @fornoalimento
3600 Langstaff Rd Unit 1, Woodbridge, Ont. 905-850-0828 Apr/May 2019
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BREAKING BARRIERS WITH BARBIES With the release of the 2019 Shero Role Model series, young girls will now get to see the possibilities ahead of them, thanks to a group of empowered women, including Canada’s own Tessa Virtue WRITTEN BY VICTORIA SCOTT
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his year marked a momentous occasion — the 60th anniversary of Barbie. Having been around for six decades, Barbie has had to adapt and evolve with society. One recent shift that has taken place is the movement toward 46
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the empowerment and education of young women and girls. One way that Barbie has made an effort to raise awareness is through the Dream Gap. Research has shown that around five years of age, girls often begin to develop limiting self-beliefs,
Olympic ice dancer, Tessa Virtue, was one of the women recognized by Barbie this year with a one-of-a-kind Barbie made in her likeness as part of the Shero Role Model series
based on stereotypes and gender roles presented in society, while young boys don’t experience this. This phenomenon, dubbed the “Dream Gap,” results in a lack of confidence and a limited outlook as to their own abilities. To help counteract this and show girls the endless array of possibilities available to them, Barbie released its 2019 Shero Role Model series on International Women’s Day. Displaying a selection of original dolls representing 20 women from 18 countries across the world, including professional tennis player Naomi Osaka and actress, model and activist Yara Shahidi, young girls can imagine themselves through the eyes of these empowering role models, with diverse careers ranging from athletes to journalists to scientists. One of the women included in this series is Tessa Virtue, the Canadian ice dancer who won two gold medals at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics with her skating partner, Scott Moir. Working together for more than 20 years, they have taken the ice dancing world by storm, winning five Olympic medals and illustrating to young girls, and boys, that with hard work, you can accomplish your dreams. “I keep thinking about how I felt at five years old and what I was playing with, what I was thinking, what I was dreaming of. And it’s so sad to me that any young girl wouldn’t be aware of the potential and the possibilities that await her. And I think my part in this as a role model is just to share my story,” she says. Looking back at her own childhood, though Virtue did spend much of her time on the ice, she still spent time playing with her own Barbies, creating intricate lives for them. “My Barbies could do and be anything,” Virtue says. “I was quite imaginative as a young girl, and the layers and the nuances in these www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTO BY KATHERINE KWAN
Role Model
Pandora Swarovksi
Barbie 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Doll
Wedgwood
Michael Aram
Sara Miller
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reat your mother this year with a gift from Desirée. As the go-to location in Vaughan for the finest selection of home décor, tableware and more, you will be overjoyed at the amount of possibilities awaiting you, and your mom. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Desirée has honed their collection over the years and with their new location display it in a trendy, state-of-the-art space. The expertly trained staff is there to help you every step of the way, sharing their extensive knowledge about the product range to ensure you pick out what is right for you. Be sure to stay up to date with our social media channels this season and keep your eyes open for many upcoming draws in celebration of our 30 years in business.
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Alessi Celebrating 30 years of Girotondo
Le Creuset
3590 Rutherford Rd., Unit 9, Vaughan, Ont. www.mycitylife.ca 905-850-2818
Apr/May 2019 CITY LIFE MAGAZINE www.desiree.ca
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storylines that I would come up with relating to my dolls were just so extensive. And I know now just how that play affected the way that I approached and saw the world.” Although not all young girls are able to have such an expansive view of the world, with initiatives like this, soon young girls all across the globe will begin to understand that their options in life are endless. Virtue’s been able to see this first-hand in her own life in many ways, but an interaction with her four-and-a-half-year-old niece stands out. “She was recently playing table hockey and said pretty innocently to my brother, ‘Is the goalie’s hair just in a bun under her helmet?’ not thinking that that game was made for males and young boys,” she recalls. “I just thought that was so beautiful and so pure, and the longer she can hold on to that sense of limitlessness, the better. I think there is a bit of a shift [happening]. There’s more fluidity to those typical gender roles, and I think that’s key.”
PHOTO BY KATHERINE KWAN
Whatever your passion may be, wherever your dreams may lie, I just want young girls to have the opportunity to chase those dreams — fearlessly
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When undergoing the surreal process of designing her doll, there wasn’t much contention when it came to the design. “We wanted it to be that iconic red Moulin Rouge Free Dance dress from the PyeongChang Olympics, [with] matching hair and makeup. Finding just the right balance of likeness was a collaborative process, but one that was very open and honest and exciting. And I think it couldn’t have turned out any better. I think the likeness is uncanny,” she says with a laugh. Throughout her life and her career, Virtue has had a dedicated group of people surrounding her who have helped her recognize that her dreams are possible with hard work and dedication. Now, working with Barbie, she will be able to act as a role model for young girls, letting them know their dreams are possible, too. “Whether you’re an athlete or you’re pursuing sciences or whatever your passion may be, wherever your dreams may lie, I just want young girls to have the opportunity to chase those dreams — fearlessly,” she says. “If I could have just some tiny, little iota of impact on some young girl, then mission accomplished.” www.barbie.mattel.com @tessavirtue17 www.mycitylife.ca
BACKYARD ENTERTAINING Italian Style Rekindle your family favourites at www.auroraimporting.com
www.mycitylife.ca
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success story One important lesson the D’Ascanio brothers have learned during their time in the industry is that change is a constant, and you must adapt to thrive
LISTENING TO LIFE’S LESSONS
A fixture in Vaughan for over 32 years, the D’Ascanio brothers have created a business in Audio One that has evolved, while staying true to their inherent values
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ometimes in life, it’s the tragic moments that lead to rebirth. This concept applies to brothers Anthony, Carlo and Gino D’Ascanio, who founded Audio One, one of the longest-standing businesses in Vaughan, Ont. After losing their father to cancer in 1985, they took a step back and realized the importance of family. They chose to 50
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work together, creating a business the following year. Staying true to themselves, the brothers nurtured their shared love of music and interest in audio equipment, bringing their passions together and creating Audio One in 1986. City Life sat down with Gino D’Ascanio to get an inside look at the business and understand its 32-year history. www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
WRITTEN BY VICTORIA SCOTT
Q: Tell us about the evolution of your company. A: What started as a simple audio store, selling turntables, speakers and hi-fi equipment from our retail location, has evolved into a business that covers many facets of home entertainment and automation. We sell and install everything from audio and home theatre systems to full home automation systems. This change in business offering has required a change in both strategy and attitude in order to keep up with the fast-paced industry. Today, we are as much a contractor business as a retail business. Much of our work is outside our showroom, bringing us into our clients’ homes and businesses. Q: Describe some of the advantages to working with your family. A: It is more than just working with family. Audio One is the epitome of our hard work and what we have been able to build together that has lasted over 32 years. Working alongside my brothers (and now a nephew, too) has been very rewarding. It is a family here above just the employees who share the same bloodline. Our passionate and dedicated staff have all become like family to us. We look out for one another, and we have a mutual trust in one another, sharing common goals and aspirations. This has been the biggest reason we have been able to work well together all these years. Q: How do you resolve conflicts working with your family? A: When we have to make a major decision or resolve an issue, we discuss it among one another and generally agree on a majority of decisions. Communication is key, and we always focus on remembering we are all in it together. I can’t recollect one time we haven’t resolved an issue or have made a decision that had any lingering effect or resentment between us. We do, however, have thick skin and are able to navigate each other’s personalities after 32 years. Q: What are some business or life lessons you have learned during your time in your industry? A: The most important lesson we have learned is: change is constant, www.mycitylife.ca
QA &
WITH
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and you must embrace it. By focusing on becoming home theatre specialists when that segment of the industry grew, instead of resisting the change and avoiding new training, we have added programmers and network specialists to our staff, helping grow our home automation division. 32 years ago, we would not have imagined a regular part of our business would come from new technologies and services (installing motorized shades, surveillance cameras, digital signage, and designing and installing A/V systems for many of the common areas in condominiums around the city). There have been many technologies through the years that weren’t ready or reliable for our clients and therefore our business. We are always careful to ensure the new technology works before we install it in our clients’ homes or businesses.
Q: What are the leading factors that have contributed to the growth and success of your business? A: They can be traced back to our core values of working hard, honesty and treating people right — this is how to sustain a business over a long period. There are so many competitors we have seen come and go, but we continue to thrive by sticking to those triedand-tested values. Another important strategy is to work with brands and products that fall in line with our core values. Many of our brands and suppliers have been with us for decades;
these brands have great products, people and values. We refuse to sell out on lesser products just to benefit our bottom line. Deliver a quality product with quality service, and you will always ride the bumps and dips that every business will inevitably face.
Q: What advice would you give to those interested in starting their own company? A: Figure out what kind of company and business person you want to be and stick with it. Listen, learn and adapt, but never replace hard work, honesty and reputation. Every business is a journey, and like anything good in life, you’re going to have to fight through some tough times to get to the good stuff. Keeping positive is essential to getting through what could drive many people to give up. Most of all, have some fun. Working hard doesn’t mean you can’t maintain a fun and friendly atmosphere for both your team and clients. Q: How do you envision the future of your company? A: We envision our company remaining very active in the home automation and installation business. We see so much potential in the way technology is pulling everything in the home together, and we believe anyone building or remodelling a home will require essential technologies that will exponentially improve the living experience. This technology, however, requires experts to program and install, [so] we have put a lot of focus in growing the installation and service side. Outdoor living is another growth area that ties naturally into our installation business. Products and services (outdoor TVs, music systems, lighting and outdoor networking) are all parts of the home people want to experience more of. We also see the commercial service side of our business as a major factor going forward. We have worked with so many condominium developers by providing digital signage and A/V systems for their buildings, we are confident we’ll help to expand this area of expertise. www.audio-one.ca @audiooneca
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Life Story
d Lynne an
Jessica
Lynne joined by bo
th her daughters,
Jessica and Jackie
A MOTHER’S COURAGE
One mother’s fight to escape domestic violence repeats itself years later when her daughter becomes involved with an abusive partner. From tragedy, a beautiful legacy is born
I
have been surrounded by domestic violence since I was a young child. My earliest memory is watching an uncle come home in a rage and smash a bowl of mashed potatoes at the wall, nearly hitting his wife in the head. Throughout my childhood, I witnessed many incidents among other members of my family, who committed awful things to their spouses or loved ones. I grew up feeling so confused because I knew they all loved one another and would do anything for you, but how, then, could they turn around and hurt the ones they loved with words or fists? I wanted so badly to grow up and find someone to spend my life with who would love me without judgment and keep me safe. I wanted it so much that I made one bad choice after another. When I was around 16, my relationship with my parents was
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volatile. I met the first man who would abuse me emotionally. I fell in love with him hard. He was so easy to love, but he was also very broken. We shared a kindred spirit. My heart broke for him. His story was so much worse than mine. His brokenness was more than I could manage. I was so young. I stayed with him for about a year. My parents didn’t want me to be with him. They told me if I chose to stay with him, I couldn’t live at home anymore. I chose him. That was such a bad choice in so many ways. We became homeless and lived in a car for about four months in the middle of winter. It was difficult, and I was so scared — that wasn’t what I had imagined for my life. I left him when I found out I was pregnant. I was 17, and all I could see was my life repeating itself with this baby and I couldn’t stay. I met my first husband when I was 18. We were married when I was 19. I
was still so young. I ignored so many signs at the beginning. He was saying and doing all the right things at first, but slowly I started noticing things that were worrisome. I had my second child. The verbal and emotional abuse changed to physical abuse. I knew I had to get out of this relationship. I had two young daughters who were the best thing that ever happened to me, and there was no way I would allow them to live in fear. I left with my two girls and vowed to myself that I would not let that happen to us ever again. I met my husband Lawrence a couple of years later, and I thank God every day for him. He is one of the kindest, most generous men I know. He has been what every woman hopes for in a man to spend her life with. We have been married for 26 years now and are mostly happy. Throughout our marriage, Lawrence has been extremely www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LYNNE ROSYCHUK
WRITTEN BY LYNNE ROSYCHUK
“There are no shortcuts. Lighting is pure design.”
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Apr/May 2019
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supportive of my desire to help other families who are experiencing domestic violence. Raising my two daughters, Jessica and Jackie, together, we were open about relationships and what they should and shouldn’t look like. I was praying they would each find someone who would respect, love and treat them well. When Jessica first introduced me to James, I felt uneasy. I had heard things about him that weren’t good. The feelings from my past kept gnawing at me. I shared my feelings with Jessica, but she told me not to worry. They were together for about a year when she left for the first time. She found out she was pregnant and went back to him. I continued to keep a close watch. We lived in the same community. Jessica and I talked often about her leaving. She was scared; we both were. Leaving an abusive relationship is very dangerous. You should reach out for help in your community. Unfortunately for Jessica, we didn’t have those resources available at the time. Jessica and I would often talk about opening a safe haven for families to be able to escape the abuse — a place where you could begin the process of healing and starting a new life. Little did we know that we would not be building one soon enough. On April 29, 2009, the day we were supposed to get Jessica and her children out, she was brutally murdered by her common-law partner in front of their three children. We were so devastated. I wanted to die. Our lives 54
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Her story continues to give and help, and soon it will provide safety and hope to families fleeing domestic violence
Lynne, joined by her husband, Lawrence, was the 2019 National Honouree for L’Oréal Paris’ signature philanthropic program, Women of Worth
would never be the same. We adopted our grandchildren and tried to begin our journey of survival. It has been an extremely difficult journey. In our process of healing, it became important to us to share our story, and as we began to share, we were encouraged to follow the dream Jessica and I had to build a safe haven. In January 2012, I, along with an amazing group of individuals, began the Jessica Martel Memorial Foundation. Our mission was to build a safe house in our community that would house people affected by domestic violence. And now we offer an outreach program that helps provide resources to the families we assist. In September 2018, our dream became a reality. We broke ground on a 9,000-square-foot home in our community in Morinville, AB. We are scheduled to open in January 2020. We are still trying to raise $1 million to cover the construction and first-year operational costs. I am so proud of all who have helped us get here today. Jessica had a true spirit of giving and helping. Her story continues to give and help, and soon it will provide safety and hope to families fleeing domestic violence. What an inspiring legacy to my daughter. If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, please call 911 or your local resources. Reach out — you are not alone. Visit www.jessicamartelmemorialfoundation.com for more information about Jessica’s story. www.mycitylife.ca
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LYNNE ROSYCHUK
Scheduled to open in January 2020, the 9,000-square-foot home will provide shelter and safety to those trying to escape from domestic violence
PHOTO BY CARLOS A. PINTO
Lets Celebrate
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{ CLIENT TESTIMONIAL } Several months ago I made a promise to myself that I would stop wasting time and energy on waxing, threading and tweezing the hairs off of my face. That’s when I found Angela at Neece Electrolysis. Instantly upon meeting her I felt comfortable and confident in her ability to remove unwanted hair through electrolysis treatments. I was amazed at how smooth the skin looked and felt immediately following the first treatment and was even more amazed at the minimal pain involved. Angela provides a welcoming environment free of any judgment and is always very professional. She is very passionate about what she does and truly has a talent for removing unwanted hair. I would highly recommend Angela to anyone looking to get rid of unwanted hair permanently.” — Joanna Campagna
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Music
Martina has several projects in the works, with new music being released in April and a book she has been working on that she describes as an educational biography
Mia Martina, a FrenchCanadian singersongwriter, speaks to us from her home in Miami about what music, community and love mean to her
MIA MARTINA −
MAKING MUSIC HER WAY
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PHOTO BY ARA SASSOONIAN
WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE CLARKE INTERVIEW BY VICTORIA SCOTT
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fter a break from the music industry, Mia Martina, a multi-platinum recording artist, is ready to come back better than ever for her fans, of whom she speaks very fondly and graciously. In fact, she attributes her re-emergence largely to their love and support. “I had that crossroads kind of feeling. It was just needed for me to regroup and reassess what I really wanted out of life, but they were waiting for new music, and it’s not right that I don’t continue doing music,” says Martina. Martina also points out that she revitalized herself and her creativity in a way that gave her a new appreciation for the music industry, as well as a new outlook on how she can have more control over herself as a brand. “It’s super-important to know about your business and where your dollars are going, to know the fine print, the legal aspects,” she says with a new-found wisdom of how she wants to present her music and herself to the world. Currently, Martina stands firmly in her dedication to independently promoting herself. “I learned the hard way, but I needed to go through that to be here today. It’s my fault at the end of the day, and I trusted someone who I thought had my best interests at heart, but I was just a business, not a person.” Martina has come to realize the power of social media channels to promote her music, something she feels has drastically changed the music industry since she first got started early in her career. Working independent from a label now, she shares how social media has become a valuable tool, allowing her to personally engage with her fans and share new music: “You can be in your fan base through social networking,” she adds, “we’re going to be shooting my video in Greece. We found all the contacts
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through Instagram. It is such a major tool.” Martina urges new artists to use that platform and learn how it works. She goes so far as to say that “you can make anything happen. The sky’s the limit.” She also emphasizes the need for artists to be educated about how the industry works, to understand that radio and video are still great tools and to know how different channels affect their careers.
It’s compassion and helping one another. That’s what real beauty is
Coming from a village of 500 people in New Brunswick, Martina knows the struggles of making yourself known as an artist and coming to believe that lack of support, or even ridicule, doesn’t have to define you. Her takeaway? “It made me work extra hard; it keeps you humble,” she says. Martina conveys a sense of compassion and hope for empowerment for new artists in the music industry, especially women. In fact, she’s working on a book with that goal in mind. She describes it as an educational biography that tells the story of a small-town girl who made her way in an industry that is not always true to the artist and the person within, and how you can overcome that.
She knows that it’s possible to find authenticity in the industry and personal work alike. “I want women working in the industry to understand there will be ups and downs, but you come up, and nothing is ever that serious. You can accomplish anything, even when you think you can’t,” says Martina. A memory that holds a dear place in her heart is the first time she performed in Russia. Having had a No. 1 song there for 14 weeks, she performed in front of 200,000 people who all knew the words, singing along with her in French. “I always go back to that moment,” she says. Martina carries humility with her, along with gratitude and hope for up-and-coming artists. She has learned not to give up, and she hopes to pass on that spirit. Where does her spirit and love for life originate? “My parents are the best example for me, how they live such a simple and beautiful life, and they’re so grounded. I’m just so grateful to have them in my life,” she says lovingly. With new music coming out in April and a book on the horizon, Martina still has time to support those in need. She was the first-ever live performer at Boobyball supporting breast cancer, and she works with an anti-human trafficking initiative, Free Them, based out of Toronto. Martina showed no hesitation when talking about what her definition of beauty is. “It’s compassion and helping one another. That’s what real beauty is,” she says with her typical sense of grace and humility. But, most of all, Martina has learned that, even though you may have to fight for your authenticity, it’s worth it in order to inspire others to do the same. “Be yourself. It’s the most beautiful thing you can be.” @princessmiamartina
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Medical Malpractice
THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW Physicians are expected to act in the best interests of their patients. But do they all? WRITTEN BY CECE M. SCOTT
H
ow would you rate your family physician? Your surgeon? Your psychiatrist? Have you ever questioned his or her standards of practice, methods of treatment or diagnoses? When you leave your doctor’s office, are you confident that all your issues have been addressed to the best of your doctor’s ability? If you are of a certain age, you may remember that there was a time when no one would ever think to question a doctor’s professionalism or expertise — not even a fellow professional. The doctor was sacrosanct. Along with priests and policemen, doctors were figures of authority whom the general public would entrust with their lives. And so, it is with both surprise and alarm that we sometimes learn of incidents of fraud, overbilling, inappropriate sexual conduct and sexual impropriety on the part of society’s most trusted and vaunted figures, our doctors. As patients and advocates for both ourselves and our family members-
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husbands, children, elderly parents-what are the steps, questions and resources we need to be aware of in order to protect our loved ones? The first question we need to have answered is, how rare are these charges? Or, conversely, how common are they? Are doctors ever found guilty of abusing their clients or the medical system itself ? What recourse do patients have who feel that their doctor has acted inappropriately and below the anticipated standard of what they as patients expect from the doctor? To answer these questions, it is important to understand the fundamental keystones of a doctor’s mission, and his or her purpose as a healer, not just from a physical aspect but from an emotional one as well. Historically, the time-honoured ritual for medical students, when they became physicians, was to take the Hippocratic Oath, possibly one of the most famous of ancient Greek medical documents. For centuries, new physicians swore to all the healing gods that they would uphold a number of ethical standards.
The Oath, which dates back to the 5th century B.C., has been rewritten over the centuries to suit the values of different cultures influenced by ancient Greek medicine.1 A fundamental part of the Oath states, “Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick, avoiding any voluntary act of impropriety, of corruption, including the seduction of women or men…. In purity and according to divine law, I will carry out my life and my art.”2 The swearing of the Oath is not mandated in contemporary medical schools, but nonetheless it remains the ethical cornerstone of the medical profession. In the current version, new physicians swear by “whatever each of us holds most sacred.” All versions, regardless of amendments, promise the doctor will “act in the best interest of the patient and to protect patient privacy.”3 However, many of us, in our roles as patients or advocates, have read about, or even experienced, situations that are at the polar opposite of a physician’s sworn oath to act in the interests of a patient’s www.mycitylife.ca
well-being. In fact, inappropriate behaviours by physicians have been known, and proved, to have taken place in our own backyards. Dr. Rodion Andrew Kunynetz, a dermatologist practising in Barrie, was on March 21, 2017, found, by the Discipline Committee, to have committed an act of professional misconduct, in that he engaged in sexual abuse of a patient; engaged in conduct or an act of omission relevant to the practice of medicine that, having regard to all circumstances, would be reasonably regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct. The investigative committee found no clinical justification for the sexual touching of the female patient. Two other patients alleged that Kunynetz moved or removed their clothing without adequate warning or explanation. And two more patients testified at a College of Surgeons and Physicians of Ontario (CPSO) hearing that Kunynetz had pressed his genitals against their legs. Kunynetz’s defense was that his lower abdomen was too fat for this action to be physically possible.
While the Committee did not find there was intentional touching against two of the patients, the investigative committee concluded that this supposed impossibility of contact with other complainants was not established. The Discipline Committee ordered the revocation of Kunynetz’s certificate of registration, as well as a reprimand and reimbursement to the College for funding provided to patients required under Section 85.7 of the Code, in the amount of $16,060, and payment of costs in the amount of $145,460.4 Certainly, not all misconduct by doctors has to do with sexual impropriety. Dr. Ranjit Kumar Chandra, a pediatrician practising in the field of allergy medicine, was found by the College, in March of 2016, of submitting and having unusual billing patterns and referral sources regarding his billings. The College received a complaint from Patient A, who had only seen Dr. Chandra on one occasion, that he had asked her to participate in a fraudulent billing scheme using her health card and those of her family for services he had not provided. Patient A also heard Dr.
Chandra approach other patients to the same effect. Three other patients testified at the hearing and the Committee considered detailed documentary evidence including OHIP records, Dr. Chandra’s banking records, his records from Rogers Communications and Bell Canada, as well as email correspondence seized by the College. The evidence demonstrated that Dr. Chandra recruited approximately 300 people to this scheme, and $2,056,342 in OHIP fees were paid to Dr. Chandra over four years. Dr. Chandra was found by the Committee to have engaged in a scheme to defraud OHIP, including soliciting patients to participate in the scheme, and providing patients with payments in exchange for their participation in the scheme. The Committee ordered the revocation of Dr. Chandra’s certificate of registration, a $35,000 fine payable to the Minister of Finance, and a reprimand. Dr. Chandra was also ordered to pay costs to the College in the amount of $16,500. 5 Disquieting as the details of such charges are, it is important to
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understand the scope of the issue, the processes in place for patients to file complaints, the factors that the CPSO’s Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) considers when examining each complaint, the accountabilities and consequences imposed on offending physicians, and the after-support provided to the victims of these sexual assaults. To understand the scope of the sexual abuse and sexual impropriety complaints brought to the CPSO, one must look first at the number of overall complaints filed against doctors over the last few years (including issues such as overbilling and incompetence to practice), then at the breakdown of subsequent cases proven after an ICRC investigation. In 2017 (the last year for which the CPSO has stats), there were 2,682 new public complaints, of which 691 went to the ICRC. Of those, 45 cases of various transgressions such as sexual abuse, sexual impropriety, incompetence and failure to maintain standards were proven. Of the 45 cases, 11 per cent (6 cases) were proven transgressions of sexual abuse, and 2 per cent (1 case) was a proven sexual impropriety. The sexual impropriety charge landed the physician a revocation. The sexual abuse charges resulted in three revocations and two suspensions.6 In 2016, of 46 proven cases, 28 per cent (13 cases) were for sexual abuse. There were 84 referral cases before the committee at the end of 2016; 35 per cent (29 cases) were for sexual abuse; 2 per cent (2 cases) were for sexual impropriety.7 Of the 31 proved cases in 2015, 19 per cent (6 cases) were for sexual abuse, and 3 per cent (1 case) was for sexual impropriety.8 The facts of complaints of sexual abuse and sexual impropriety are highly unsettling. The public should be aware of what is being done to identify and prosecute offending doctors. First, the CPSO has a Complaints Process
in place for patients to register their complaints. The CPSO website also lists a doctor’s status (in good standing or restricted licence) in its Find a Doctor database. There is also a current ongoing list of Unregistered Practitioners who fraudulently claim to be doctors. (Visit www.cpso.on.ca/Public/Services to access all the resources described in this paragraph.) The College’s ICRC considers a number of different factors when reviewing and investigating complaints. These include: the facts of the case; the
Unit at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, as well as a member of Orillia’s Soldiers Memorial Hospital CEC (Community Engagement Committee). “Quite often, complaints are dealt with at the first level, between patient and doctor; if a complaint escalates to the College (CPSO) level, it is very, very serious.” And while 33 per cent of open investigations involve a physician with more than one active investigation, it is comforting to know that the median number of days to complete an investigation decreased 18 per cent between 2016 and 2017.9 The ability to identify, isolate and discipline in a timely manner a physician who is dangerous to public safety is crucial to ensuring the ongoing confidence of patients. “If the complaint is minor, I think the patient should speak up and address it with the physician or his administration,” Behan says. “It can be done in a diplomatic way. If, however, it is a major complaint, I believe it is the patient’s responsibility to let the physician know the seriousness of the complaint and that they want it resolved. If the physician does not agree with the patient’s complaint, that is when the patient can discuss it with the manager or, conversely, the patient can call the CPSO.” Certainly, media spotlight on the impropriety of some doctors’ conduct is unforgiving. It is also important that doctors who are unfairly accused have their own processes of protection. “The investigative process is a fair process intended to identify the truth and address concerns by obtaining relevant information, including medical records (from the doctor or other health care providers or facilities) and other documents. The investigator may interview witnesses, including family members, pharmacists, nurses, other doctors involved in the care, and hospital administrators,” says Shae Greenfield, senior communications advisor at CPSO. The trauma of being sexually abused
Physicians today are more collaborative with their patients. But I believe that the public have to be their own advocates, and that patients have to be informed and involved in their own care
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− Cheryl Behan number and seriousness of care/conduct concerns at issue; whether the physician is practising within his or her area of expertise; the physician’s response to the investigation; physician insight; the physician’s self-identification of areas for improvement and changes to practice; the physician’s apparent capacity for remediation; the physician’s investigative and disciplinary history; expert opinions obtained in the course of the investigation; and other doctor and witness information. “The College (of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) takes complaints from the public very seriously and follows up on them with due process. They do a good job on that front, with respectable checks and balances in place,” says Cheryl Behan, retired assistant head nurse of the Neurosurgery
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by a trusted figure is intense and farreaching. Feelings of fear, confusion, anxiety, mistrust and, in some cases, guilt can haunt a patient for years. Through its Patient Relations Committee, the CPSO offers assistance in the form of funding for therapy and counselling to patients who are found by the College to have been sexually abused by an Ontario physician, or whom the physician admits to having abused, or whose physicians are convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada for sexual abuse. Certainly, doctors are not the only ones in the patient-care field who engage in sexual impropriety. One recent case is that of massage therapist Jasil Rahman Puniyanikodan, who was convicted of sexual assault earlier this year. Which raises the question: How can the public protect themselves against sexual impropriety from health care providers (including doctors, nurses, dentists and medical support service providers)? And can we, as patients, continue to place our trust in the medical field? For entry into the MD Program, the University of Toronto requires applicants to submit to a Vulnerable Sector Screening and Criminal Record Check as a condition of their registration, with an annual “attestation” in subsequent years of the program. All new domestic postgraduate medical residents and fellows must submit the results of a Vulnerable Sector Screening as a condition of their registration in the program.10 Applicants to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) must declare whether they have any condition, disease or disorder that could impact their ability to safely practise nursing. “They must also declare any ongoing proceedings, criminal charges and/ or findings by lawful authorities,” says Farah Ismail, director, Professional Conduct, CNO. “The CNO reviews all information received during the application process to ensure that applicants meet the conduct and health requirements.” While there is no official psychological testing for physician or nursing candidates, the CNO has a new Code of Conduct for nurses that www.mycitylife.ca
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specifically outlines the expected behaviour and accountability nurses must adhere to, including maintaining professional boundaries. “At the core of nursing is the therapeutic nurseclient relationship,” says Ismail. “Recognizing that boundary violations can lead to sexual abuse, both the Code of Conduct and the Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship Practice Standard clearly identify the need to maintain the appropriate boundaries. In addition to sexual abuse, the College’s abuse prevention program addresses physical, verbal and emotional abuse.” Disturbing though they are, news stories of abuse and impropriety and intense media scrutiny on misconduct should not be seen as a massive breach of public trust. “When you think of all the hours, and all of the surgeries, and all of the patients that doctors see, I don’t believe these types of incidents represent a big number,” Behan says. “What I think is that we hear about the serious cases nowadays. And that is good. It keeps the public informed and aware that there are systems in place to report inappropriate behaviour or activity. Physicians today are more collaborative with their patients. But I believe that the public have to be their own advocates, and that patients have to be informed and involved in their own care.” Footnotes 1, 2: National Library of Medicine (2002), translated by Michael North Footnote 3: UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Footnotes 4, 5: MD Dialogue Magazine, Volume 14, Issue 4, 2018 Footnotes 6, 7, 8, 9: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, (CPSO) Annual Reports Footnote 10: Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO)
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Apr/May 2019
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CITY NOTEBOOK LUPUS ONTARIO
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On March 2, Lupus Ontario had its annual Italian Dinner Dance at the Riviera Event Space. The evening saw generous funds raised, which will go toward the Geoff Carr Fellowship. Created in 1990, the fellowship is a bursary designed to train a rheumatologist in the management of patients with lupus. The only fellowship of its kind in North America, it has funded the research and education of over 25 medical fellows and is one of the keys to furthering medical breakthroughs in treating lupus. www.lupusontario.org 3
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PHOTOS BY ROCCO GROSSI
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1. Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Alida and Joe Dussin and supporters 2. Rose and MP Francesco Sorbara, Dennis Dussin, Danny Montesano, Mary Grossi 3. Greetings from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for Jerry and Frances Gotkin's 65th wedding anniversary, with MP Francesco Sorbara 4. MP Francesco Sorbara with Linda Keill, president of Lupus Ontario
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PHOTO COURTESY OF EMPIRE COMMUNITIES
H.O.M.E. AWARDS An independent certification program for home builders, the Home Owner Mark of Excellence (H.O.M.E.) was created by CustomerInsight to allow the voice of the customer to come through and dictate the results. This year, Empire Communities had a triumphant night, walking away with the awards for Low Rise Builder of Choice in Ontario and Best Customer Experience for High Rise in Ontario. “I am both inspired and empowered by Empire’s rich history, progressive vision and passionate culture of care and commitment to its employees and customers,” says Nancy Omran, VP of customer experience at Empire Communities. www.empirecommunities.com
Nancy Omran, VP, customer experience (middle) with Carlos Chance, director, customer service – low rise division (left) and Samar Teymourinofeli, director, customer service – high rise division (right) The premium economy class will consist of a 24-seat section on SWISS’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft
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SWISS PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS
PHOTO BY KAROLINA KURAS
On March 23, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto hosted the International Competition for The Erik Bruhn Prize. Created by Erik Bruhn to recognize two young ballet dancers, one male and one female, the prize’s winners this year were Siphesihle November, 20, of The National Ballet of Canada, and Catherine Hurlin, 23, of American Ballet Theatre. Each dancer won a cash prize of $7,500 and a sculpture by Jack Culiner. The event also had a Choreographic Prize, which Kristian Lever from The Hamburg Ballet won for his specially commissioned work, An intimate distance.
Siphesihle November of The National Ballet of Canada accepting The Erik Bruhn Prize
The Airline of Switzerland, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), will be introducing a new premium economy class. Available on its long-haul aircraft fleet from spring 2021, this new class will provide more inflight comfort with components like a newly designed seat providing ample legroom. “All in all, our premium economy class travellers will enjoy a substantially stronger sense of personal space,” confirms Tamur Goudarzi Pour, SWISS’s chief commercial officer. www.swiss.com
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STRANGER THINGS SEASON 3 Netflix had an exciting announcement for its viewers this March, releasing the trailer and premiere date of Stranger Things season 3. Set in the summer of 1985 in Hawkins, Ind., school’s out for the summer and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the kids we’ve grown to love after witnessing the tumultuous events of the first two seasons. The third season will debut on July 4, 2019 — try not to watch it all in one day.
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DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Step into the design world and educate yourself on architecture with this selection of trendy events, companies and locales TEXT BY VICTORIA SCOTT
FLOU Innovating “sleep culture” since 1978, Flou dedicates itself to designing beds that prioritize improving comfort, wellness and one’s quality of life. www.flou.it
SIMONS LAUNCHES FABRIQUE1840 Simons has expanded its e-commerce presence with the launch of Fabrique1840, a retail community featuring an allCanadian selection of talented artisans offering products from home décor and modern art to accessories and stationery. www.simons.ca
THE SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DEL MOBILE MARCANTONIO ART AND DESIGN Marc Antonio brings to life the beauty that exists in nature, like this piece called Giraffe in Love, an installation at Università Statale Milano www.marcantonio.it
Launched in 1961, the Salone Internazionale del Mobile is a yearly event held in Milan showcasing some of the most creative companies across the globe and displaying cutting-edge furnishing and design products. www.salonemilano.it
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