Celebrating 15 years of furnishing your home. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. 672 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge 289.268.0020 | zillihome.com Follow us on zillihome
IS WHERE THE HEART
672 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge 289.268.0020 | zillihome.com Follow us on zillihome
Kressibucher invites us to her breathtaking sunflower farm to learn more about
42 CURÙ SKIN: Melodie Padula is sharing the healing powers of traditional Italian botanical ingredients with the world
48 MCMICHAEL’S GALA: One of Canada’s most prominent art institutions hosts its annual Moonlight Gala in support of Canadian artistry
50 HONOURING MOTHER
NATURE: Koffler Arts presents Botannica Tirannica, a poignant exhibition exposing the colonizing tyrannies of botanical labelling and its lasting impact
COMPLIMENTARY
We provide free consultations for patients to explore our different orthodontic options and help them select the best treatment for their needs.
CONVENIENT OFFICE
With availability on weekends and evenings and two convenient practices located near major highways in Vaughan and Toronto, our office hours are flexible to best accommodate patients’ busy schedules.
WAITING ROOM & AMENITIES
Our office is designed to create a comfortable space for patients with amenities such as coffee, snacks, a gaming area, outdoor patio and mini-golf!
AFFORDABLE INTEREST-FREE PAYMENT PLANS
We provide personalized interest-free payment plans with low monthly payments. Our team helps patients choose the best option to fit their budget and maximize insurance coverage. Customer satisfaction will always be our top priority.
Michelle Zerillo-Sosa Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Fernando Zerillo Co-Founder/Creative Director
COMMUNITY STRONG
“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
eWare nothing without a sense of belonging or community. We Canadians are fortunate to live in a nation where multiculturalism and inclusion were woven into the fabric of our land right from its beginnings. Today, we don’t have to look far to realize how blessed we truly are, at a remove from the political turmoil, war and other calamities that beset other nations. But what should also make us feel truly fortunate is our ability to belong, to feel supported, loved and respected — to fit in o the Canadian tapestry no matter our shape, age, religion, or who we love.
The rich topic of family and community is a bright thread that runs through many of our featured stories in this edition of City Life, starting with our profile of the beloved TV journalist Susan Hay. A broadcaster we have all come to love and celebrate these past 35 years at Global Television, and a shining example of what a good community ambassador looks like. Susan’s desire to share inspirational stories is what keeps her motivated, and her positive nature and down-to-earth character — so amply displayed in her good-news reports — reflect her small-town roots. In fact, she still considers herself a small-town girl despite her international success and big-city TV fame.
Speaking of small-town girls, that’s how you might also describe Her Worship Mayor Lisa Post of Orangeville, who excels at inspiring her diverse and inclusive community and who’s a breath of fresh air when it comes to political leadership.
Mayor Post’s deep roots in her close-knit community have served her well in this town just 70 kilometres north of Vaughan. First elected in 2018 as a town councillor, in 2022 she became only the second female mayor of Orangeville since the town was incorporated in 1863. Her confident assertion that women can bring a distinctive voice to the table is both empowering and inspiring — not just to the residents of the Town of Orangeville, but also to the guests who attended our DOLCE Empowering Women’s Lunch last month, who felt fortunate attend and to hear to Her Worship’s speech.
Speaking of fortunes, this issue also features a heart-warming story about a $70-million Lotto Max winner who, despite his big win, still believes that family and community are what matter most in life. He may be able to take care of his family more lavishly now with new houses and maybe some cars, but he says that what will remain the most important for him is the memories he’ll make with his family.
We hope you enjoy this July/August edition of City Life — and feel inspired and empowered by what you read to live your best life in your own community!
Contractor Appreciation Month was proudly celebrated this April by the Benjamin Moore team at Steeles Paint to show gratitude and partnership in support of hardworking painting contractors. In addition to the exciting giveaways, product demos and showcasing, the pride and camaraderie that was on display truly reflects the dedication and professional skill of the painters who work alongside our Benjamin Moore reps.
SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR EXCLUSIVE FOOTAGE OF THE EVENT
“We couldn’t be happier to be here — to get on the street and listen to what the opportunities and the challenges are, to talk about our products and the service that Steeles provides to the customers.”
“It is worth a trip here to see what we do. There’s a reason why we are the most popular paint store in the GTA. We listen to our customers, we want to understand what they’re looking for, and we do our best to create the look that they’re hoping to achieve.”
“I’m so excited to be here celebrating Contractor Appreciation Month with the Benjamin Moore Mobile Tour. We get to try out different stains, look at all the new opacities and have a few snacks.”
For all your paint and decorating needs visit our 20,000-square-foot superstore. Consultations available in-store or in-home. Call for details.
KEN CIEZADLO | Vice President of Sales at Benjamin Moore & Co.
ROBERT WEST | Paint Tech Management Team–Steeles Paint
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca
CO-FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fernando Zerillo • fernando@dolce.ca
ART DEPARTMENT
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christina Ban
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Soo Jin Oh
SENIOR UI/UX DESIGNER Yena Yoo
WEB DEVELOPER Jordan Carter
UI/UX DESIGNER Mariia Korolenko
DIGITAL CONTENT DESIGNER Marco Schirripa MULTIMEDIA ASSISTANT Massimo Sosa
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
FASHION & HOME DECOR EDITOR Michelle Zerillo-Sosa
BEAUTY & WELLNESS EDITOR Angela Palmieri-Zerillo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marc Castaldo, Rick Muller, Cece M. Scott, Massimo Sosa
COPY EDITORS & PROOFREADERS
Samantha Acker, Barbara Feldman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lismery Loyola, Emad Mohammadi
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS & CONTENT CREATORS
Valentina Concu, Amanda Palazzo
PR MANAGERS & EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Marc Castaldo, Anastasiia Horbulova
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Holly Potts
VIDEO DEPARTMENT
VIDEOGRAPHERS Lismery Loyola, Emad Mohammadi
PUBLISHER
ADVERTISING
T: 905-264-6789 | info@mycitylife.ca
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Angela Palmieri-Zerillo • angela@dolce.ca
DIRECTOR OF SALES Christina Bono
GROWTH MARKETING ASSOCIATES Mario Balaceanu, Farnaz Mobasser
FRONT COVER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Emad Mohammadi
CITY
LIFE
MAGAZINE
• VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 3 • JULY/AUG 2024
City Life Magazine is published by Dolce Media Group, 111 Zenway Blvd., Suite 30, Vaughan, Ont., L4H 3H9 T: 905-264-6789 • info@mycitylife.ca • www.dolcemedia.ca
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A careful selection of one-of-a-kind residential and commercial décors that are simple and tasteful
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
BARBERSHOP WITH CHARM
An Old English Vintage design narrative that harmonizes timeless charm with modern functionality. www.r-zinteriors.com
DAKSJUS
Decorative selfwatering inserts your plants will love as they replenish them with the amount of water they need to thrive. www.ikea.com
THE SHOWROOM
Visit Kimmberly Capone Interior Design’s showroom for an up-close-and-personal experience of top-quality furnishings and more. www.kimmberlycaponeinteriordesign.com
CURVED BENCH
By the celebrated Kristina Dam, a simple yet bold and functional design with storage for your your magazines within its curved base. stylegarage.com
If you want the best, you must go to the best! Yorkdale Mall will be your go-to shopping destination this summer!
TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO
ZARA HAIR
With The Undone Collection, Z ARA presents a hair-product line for any desired look and hair type. www.zara.com
SUMMER JEWELLERY
Embrace Pandora’s summer moments with its newest summer collection. ca.pandora.net
CODIGO 1530 TEQUILA ROSA
Pink, festive, and packed with flavours of agave and red berries, this tequila offers a twist on the classics. www.lcbo.com
BATH AND BODY WORKS
Home to blooming flowers and fresh-air fragrances that will uplift your spirits and bring a touch of sunshine to your summer days. www.bathandbodyworks.com
TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Step into the world of modern femininity at Chloé Boutique. www.chloe.com
SHOP THE MALL
CANADA CELEBRATES ITS TOP EDUCATORS
For as long as many of us can remember, teachers have always been held in the highest regard in our communities. Their position of importance derives from their direct influence on the next generation and, in turn, our future. Teachers are trusted to inspire young people to reflect, ask questions and challenge themselves so that their full potential is reached.
This year has special significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s Awards, given to Canadian teachers who have demonstrated creativity in their approach to education. Since the federal government instituted the Prime Minister's Awards in 1994, more than 2,200 outstanding Canadian educators have been honoured with them, recognized for inspiring their students to strive for excellence and giving them the
Alberta
Laura Noel
For the 30th year, the Prime Minister’s Awards are bestowed upon Canada’s
top educators
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
skills, tools and experiences they’ll need to become thriving adults and engaged Canadian citizens.
“Canada’s educators are a lot more than just leaders in the classroom. They’re also incredible mentors, coaches, counsellors and supporters for our children and grandchildren. During my time as a teacher, and ever since, I’ve met so many teachers who dedicate their lives to inspire the next generation. Today, as we applaud the 2024 award recipients, we celebrate our educators, support their work and thank them for their contributions to making Canada even better,” said the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.
Award categories include Teaching Excellence; Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and
British Columbia
This teacher empowers young learners through multisensory learning.
Laura’s students are part of a “grand-buddies” program with seniors and a “kindness ninjas” initiative, performing good deeds around the school.
Math (STEM); and Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Within these categories, awards were given at regional or national levels.
“Canada’s famous education system starts with the early childhood educators and teachers who help kids learn, grow and ask questions. The 2024 Prime Minister’s Awards winners are inspiring curiosity in children and students, encouraging them to be creative and ambitious. Thank you for shaping a strong future for Canada,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
It is with great pleasure and gratitude that we present a few of these incredible Canadian educators here.
To view the full list, check out our website! mycitylife.ca
Matthew Trask
Matthew launched his high school’s first STEM program and reformed the evaluation of math and science knowledge in the West Vancouver School District. He collaborated with teachers to prioritize critical thinking and cumulative outcomes over content retention. In the classroom, he guides students to apply STEM theories to solve real-world challenges.
Ontario
Manitoba
Andrea Misner
Andrea goes beyond teaching science to let her students experience it firsthand. By leveraging her network and seeking funding, Andrea creates opportunities for students to conduct experiments that involve scuba diving, launching highaltitude balloons, and using research-grade telescopes, fostering a hands-on learning approach that engages their curiosity and deepens their understanding of the universe.
Karen Choo
Karen creates opportunities for her students to connect with subjects through art, language, music and culture. In her class, students explore their diverse cultures through various activities. Karen ensures that all her students can see themselves, their interests and their cultures reflected in what they’re learning.
Pierre Cook
Pierre is known for not coddling but instead reinforcing his students’ skills, confident that they have the self-discipline needed to complete their tasks. By giving them a certain amount of autonomy, Pierre encourages them to develop their criticalthinking skills and to take pride in themselves.
Northwest Territories
Québec
Rosemary Hill
Rosemary uses the subjects of Language and Literature as jumping-off points to engage her students in discussions about real-world issues. She challenges them to find and tell stories of their own about the world around them and to create positive change.
Join us for an evening of
Your generosity makes a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families affected by autism
Presented by
EATALY DON MILLS IS
NOW OPEN!
Eataly continues to deliver its authentic Italian food and lifestyle to Toronto with the opening of its third and newest location
WRITTEN
BY
MARC CASTALDO
From north to south, the regional cuisines of Italy are beloved all over the world whether it’s rustic homestyle or Michelin-star quality, Italian food will always be the top option, and no one understands this better than Eataly!
With the opening of its third location on May 30, 2024, at the CF Shops at Don Mills shopping centre at 1090 Don Mills Rd., this newest Eataly boasts a 10,000-square-foot marketplace showcasing the essential Italian products that Eataly is known for selling, including cured meats, artisan cheeses, a variety of extra virgin olive oils, as well as hundreds of other domestic and imported Italian goods.
But customers can do more than just shop for delicious products.
Whether you’re looking for an on-thego snack or a delicious meal to savour more slowly, their café, takeaway counters and restaurant will have something for you. From beloved classics like Neapolitan pizza to innovative and seasonal dishes curated by their exquisitely skilful chefs, all can be enjoyed in Eataly’s indoor
seating area, which can comfortably seat 180, and its outdoor patio.
“Toronto has embraced us from the very beginning, and with the opening of two stores in less than a year, we are committed to serving new audiences here and providing a taste of the authentic Italian lifestyle,” says switch, add comma: Tommaso Brusò, CEO of Eataly North America.
Today, when having a variety of food options delivered to your door is more convenient than ever, Eataly offers an easy alternative, hosting live demonstrations and complimentary tastings led by experts so that you can recreate the Eataly homestyle experience right in your own kitchen.
Eataly’s anchor experience is Eataly Ristorante, which offers an array of fresh handmade pastas, a variety of authentic napoletane pizzas and a formidable selection of Italian wines and spirits curated to enhance your dining experience
Whether you’re craving traditional pizza, pasta, cannoli, panini or just a good cup of coffee, Eataly Don Mills is the place to be.
www.eataly.ca
@eatalytoronto
Eataly Don Mills is divided into two sections: a bustling Italian marketplace and an elegant restaurant. Both are decorated with shades of cream, beige and olive green, creating a sense of relaxed harmony
ZERILLO.CA
samoras.com
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Available at SHOPDOLCE.CA
FAMIGLIA ZERILLO IS PROUD TO BRING YOU PREMIUM EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL FROM THE ADRIATIC COAST OF ITALY.
Zerillo Oil is crafted to perfection by more than three generations of olive growers. Reinforced by the grandeur of the ancient olive trees, Famiglia Zerillo honours our family’s heritage and legacy afforded by its founding members by serving you an elevated farm-to-table experience.
Much more than a brand of olive oil, Famiglia Zerillo symbolizes generational aspiration, passion, connection and humility toward the craft of making olive oil.
AVAILABLE AT
DOMINOES TOPPLE THROUGH TORONTO
Get ready for an incredible sight this September as 8,000 dominoes cascade through Toronto in the name of art!
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
Torontonians will come together with excitement on Sunday, September 22, 2024, as 8,000 giant dominoes will gracefully fall along an epic 2.5-kilometre trail through old and new downtown neighbourhoods, circumscribing The Bentway in a path that will stretch from King West to Canoe Landing to the waterfront — even crossing under the Gardiner Expressway!
The art project, known as Dominoes, was created by the artists of Station House Opera and is co-presented with Choice Properties. The Bentway is currently recruiting 250 volunteers (ages 16 and up) to participate in the construction of this public artwork and celebration, making it one of Toronto’s largest art projects. Additionally, this will be the project’s North American debut following successful presentations across Europe, Australia and South Africa.
“Dominoes is a unique and creative project for Toronto,” notes Deputy Mayor and local city councillor Ausma Malik. “It connects vital public spaces and everyone who is a part of them, imagining and engaging another vision of the city — just like The Bentway has done since its opening. I’m excited to see our communities and visitors enjoy the Dominoes experience!”
There is always meaning behind every piece of art and how it’s presented. Dominoes symbolizes the crucial act of collective city-building. Solidarity, a positive spirit and a common goal are the vital elements of a thriving city, and this artistic occasion reinforces it.
Ilana Altman, co-executive director of The Bentway, elaborates: “At a time when 43% of Canadians report never seeing their neighbours, this event brings together over 250 local volunteers and thousands of audience members in the collective act of city-building. We
are thrilled to bring this larger-than-life event to The Bentway and surrounding neighbourhoods to close our summer season and to prove out the possibilities for new long-term connections across the Gardiner corridor.”
This day-long city event will surely be an unforgettable and meaningful experience for community residents, businesses and non-profits to all enjoy as they come together in anticipation of seeing the “big fall”!
Who could have imagined that a cascading fall of dominoes could be both an artistic statement and community initiative, and also lead to the development of a community — all at once?
www.thebentway.ca
@thebentway
8,000 giant dominoes will weave and fall along an epic 2.5-km journey through downtown neighbourhoods on Sunday, September 22
Greg Chialtas of Toronto has 70 million reasons to celebrate, but he is focused on one thing, taking care of his family — his Big Greek Family!
Greg won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot from the April 19, 2024 draw. Ever since he discovered he was holding the winning ticket, he couldn’t wait to tell his immediate family. “We are a very close-knit family. It’s a bit of cliché, just like that movie, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s why I turned to them first with this incredible news!”
During his winner’s celebration, the single father explained that he’d purchased the Lotto Max ticket while out getting groceries. The lottery numbers on the winning ticket were numbers Greg had chosen because they are meaningful to his children, siblings and other family members.
store quietly, but my friend was freaking out!”
All Greg wanted to do was go home as soon as possible and share this incredible news with his family. “I got everyone on FaceTime to share this exciting news, but no one believed me!
It took a bit of time to convince them it was true.”
The recently retired public servant faced some health challenges in the past year and the support of his family helped with his recovery. Greg says they are now assisting him with a happier life-changing moment.
When Greg checked his ticket after the draw, he noticed he had only matched three numbers and said he was ‘happyish’ thinking he’d won a free ticket, but something told him to check the ticket again. “That’s when I realized I was looking at the numbers from the wrong draw date. So, I went back to find the results from the April 19th Lotto Max draw and that’s when I saw I matched all seven numbers. I was in total shock!”
Still not truly believing that he’d won the $70 million jackpot, Greg called his best friend for assistance. “I asked him to check the numbers on OLG.ca and to read them to me. All the numbers still matched. It was unbelievable to us but we had to make absolutely sure I had the winning ticket. So we decided to meet up at a store near our homes and triple-check them using the in-store ticket checker. When reality started to sink in, all I wanted to do was leave the
I got everyone on FaceTime to share this exciting news, but no one believed me! It took a bit of time to convince them it was true
“It’s been humbling and heart-warming to have their love during this entire incredible experience. They have kept me grounded and focused on what’s most important - my family!”
Some of Greg’s plans for his $70 million windfall include travel, ensuring his children finish their educations, possibly new cars and homes for his immediate family, and giving back to the community. But Greg also revealed a surprising item on his bucket list. “I plan to adopt a rescue dog so that I can change their life for the better, just like what’s happened to me!”
While Ontario’s newest multimillionaire begins to settle into this new and exciting chapter of his life, he continues to have his family at the top of his priority list. “We can buy anything now but the memories are more important because they will last a lifetime. So, we as a family will make those memories happen together. I love saying ‘we’ because it’s never ‘I,’ it’s always ‘we.’ They made me feel safe and supported so at this life-changing moment it’s all about ‘we’!”
The winning ticket was purchased at the Sheppard Ticket Centre inside the Yonge-Sheppard Centre on Yonge Street in Toronto.
Toronto’s Greg Chialtas says he’s going to focus on making memories with his family and friends!
PHOTO COURTESY OF OLG
SUMMER BEAUTY NOTES
PHOTO BY JANE PALASH
The fact is, the way you present yourself matters because confidence breeds beauty! When you feel good about how you look and who you are and truly believe in yourself, your confidence grows
LIP BUTTER BALM
TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO
Summer Fridays brings you a silky vegan balm that hydrates and soothes dry lips in seconds. www.sephora.com @sephora
BRIGHTENING BLUSH
A talc-free powder blush by Kosas enriched with squalane and hyaluronic acid, available in colour duos for a healthy flush of colour.
www.sephora.com @sephora
PAUME’S RENEWING HAND SERUM
ingredients to visibly even skin tone, reduce the appearance of brown spots, improve elasticity
COOLING WATER
COLOR FUSE TALC-FREE BLUSH POWDER
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga offers talcfree blush with fermented arnica to reduce redness and hydrating squalane and hydra berry that melt into the skin.
www.sephora.com @sephora
A cooling under-eye gel stick that visibly reduces and soothes puffiness with caffeine and seawater for hydrated, refreshed-
www.mycitylife.ca
4MENUNITED: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FAMILY
How four brothers, guided by their father, have established themselves as one of the best family-owned-and-operated businesses in Canada
Local family-owned-and-operated retail businesses, commonly referred to as mom-and-pop stores, have always been beloved by the communities they serve because there is a degree of personalized service that forges lifelong relationships. This has been the case for 4MenUnited, a premier menswear clothing store owned and operated by the Di Giovanni brothers. But to appreciate their success and
upstanding reputation in Vaughan, Ont., we must go back to the beginning, starting with their father, Luciano Di Giovanni.
Luciano had always surrounded himself with men’s fashion, running stores from Petrocelli to the Suit Exchange. In 2010, he opened Quattro Uomo, a men’s clothing store in Woodbridge, Ont. As each year passed, he strived to make a name for himself. His youngest son, Marco, would help him on the weekends while his three
older sons went on to pave their own paths in the men’s fashion industry.
Soon after the store opened, Luciano met Frank Zeni for the first time. Zeni, who’d left the fashion world behind but came to Quattro Uomo almost every day to browse because he still had a passion for menswear, would eventually become Luciano’s business partner.
Luciano, picking up on Frank's enthusiasm, first encouraged him to help
Every person who comes to 4MenUnited is welcomed like family, greeted with smiles and a freshly made espresso
the customers, merchandise, fold clothes, you name it. Eventually, they built on that relationship, and Luciano proposed that he come on-board.
“Frank jumped out of his seat,” says Marco. “At that point, I had just graduated from Grade 12. We worked seven days a week. I don’t think I even took a lunch break, and I know I didn’t get paid the first year.”
The company grew daily, and the weekend sales consistently grew more each week as they were the only business selling suits for groomsmen and their exclusive wedding packages.
“As the company became more successful, one by one my three older brothers left their jobs in retail, each at the top of their game, and came on board,” says Marco.
Luciano passed his 40 years of experience in the menswear business on to his four boys, teaching them patience, the value of hard work, and the importance of not commanding but leading by example.
With its inventory a mix of traditional Italian and modern Scandinavian styles and from Montreal's Au Noir to the European threads of Amsterdam, 4MenUnited is renowned for showcasing high-quality, fashion-forward suits, casual wear, and sportswear that truly reflect the wearer.
For the 12 years the store has been open, the success of 4MenUnited has never been a secret. Their purpose and camaraderie are evident from the moment clients are welcomed, as soon as they walk through the front door.
“What we do here can’t be replicated. Four sons at the top of their game, doing what’s best for the company because we all care about the business,” says Marco.
The eldest brother, Mario, the “guerilla tactics” salesman, goes to all of the wedding venues and bridal shows, with the mission of greater brand exposure.The second eldest, Michael, is the manager who keeps operations running smoothly, from overseeing employee hours to directing the bespoke tailoring program.
Alessandro, the third son, is the buyer, with a keen eye for what’s in style and what will be in the future. He travels to shows from Las Vegas to Italy to make sure their brand is always positioned to be a major player in the game.
Finally, the youngest, Marco, “the Renaissance Man,” knows every facet of the business and does a little bit of everything, from running the store while being a top front-line salesman to overseeing the brand’s social media presence.
With their flagship location on Steeles Avenue in Woodbridge neighbouring their second and recent outlet expansion, 4MU Outlet, plus their third location on Rutherford Road in Maple, Ont., 4MenUnited is poised for longstanding success — and the hope of passing it on to the next generation of Di Giovannis.
Steeles (flagship)
4040 Steeles Ave. W #38
Woodbridge, Ont. 905-605-1490
Rutherford
3120 Rutherford Rd. Unit 19 Maple, Ont. 905-832-3222
4MU outlet
4040 Steeles Ave. W #25, Woodbridge, Ont. 905-605-5437
4menunited.com
@4menunited
Real weddings, real moments, slick suits — to see 4MenUnited's wedding-party collections and packages, visit their Steeles or Rutherford locations
Summer style by VERONICA BEARD
Introducing Veronica Beard’s Pre-Fall 2024 Collection! A tribute to vintage summers and classic dress codes
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
The Veronica Beard fashion line has always been a women’s wardrobe staple known for its eclectic style and perfectly tailored blazers.
Courtesy of Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard, the iconic sisters-in-law designer duo, the New York-based brand has proven to be a timeless addition to many women’s
closets. With the summer season in full bloom, the Veronicas have proudly unveiled their Pre-Fall 2024 Collection.
Inspired by vintage summers and classic dress codes for those formal occasions, these pieces are meant to be mixed and matched with ease and worn into the next season if you so desire. Denim pieces, shirts, fine suits and knitwear have been reimagined and
made with a more fitted and feminine presentation.
So, when an unexpected cool summer breeze hits you on a patio date, a weekend at the cottage or just a latenight August stroll, you’ ll feel graceful, elegant and equally breezy.
veronicabeard.ca
@veronicabeard
The Pre-Fall 2024 Collection
‘Look good, feel good, do good.’ Veronica & Veronica
This cozy and charming tailored-fit
showcases contrasting trim, flap pockets and a button-front design for that sophisticated look
day at the beach or for running errands
Mabel Tweed Jacket
This Miller Dickey Plaid Tweed Jacket sports a plaid pattern and embossed silver-toned buttons
The Small Shopper can be styled with the structured top handle or as a crossbody with the removable shoulder strap, offering chic versatility
The Amalia Stretch-Linen Dress is made from lightweight stretch linen in a floral print … the perfect sundress
Dahl Striped Denim Chore Jacket and Pants are made from premium Italian denim and inspired by the classic denim look with a cool-girl twist
The Small Crest Market Tote is crafted from chic perforated leather and is the perfect size for a
Discovery awaits at The SUNFLOWER FARM
This multigenerational family farm invites visitors to reconnect with Canada’s farming roots and with themselves by offering an immersive experience that concrete cities just can’t compete with!
Experience a glorious day on a stunning 20-acre sunflower farm, where self-reflection and a connection to nature can flourish
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
Ursula Kressibucher has always called the charming small town of Beaverton, Ont., her home. Although she’d had childhood dreams of exploring the world the first chance she got and studied international development and business with professional aspirations to take on the corporate world in Toronto or the global development industry, finding a job proved harder than she’d expected.
“Nobody would hire me, and I decided that if nobody’s going to hire me, then I’m just going to create a job and hire myself,” says Kressibucher.
Kressibucher had been born and raised on a family farm, so the idea of an agriculture tourism business came naturally to her and began to take root.
“I proposed the business plan to my family, [who were] running a large crop farm, and asked if they could rent me a small 10 acres. At first, they were a bit reluctant, but then I got the green light!” she says.
Four years later, those beautiful 10 acres of fields had turned into 20 acres filled with over 400,000 sunflowers. Admittedly, Kressibucher says, the Sunflower Farm was a gamble in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. But the farm took off right out of the gate and has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the province, known for having Canada’s first sunflowershaped trail.
When Kressibucher reflects on what laid the foundation for her success and
entrepreneurial passion, she proudly credits her strong-minded and resilient Swiss grandmother. Unfortunately, this beloved grandmother passed away just weeks before The Sunflower Farm’s opening. But her grandmother’s teachings of trying everything and never giving up no matter what remained in Kressibucher’s heart.
“Since I started, I have been overwhelmed with visitors and such positive feedback from the public,” says Kressibucher. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds immerse themselves in the events, educational farming workshops and the sunflower-shaped trail cut through the serene blooming fields.
While many visitors have never been to a farm at all, let alone a sunflower farm, the unique setting allows visitors to leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, breathe in the fresh air, embrace a newfound appreciation for agriculture, and maybe even reconnect with their farming roots and what they may have taken for granted for too long.
But Kressibucher’s primary aim from the outset was to build The Sunflower Farm into one of several successful businesses in her hometown.
“Beaverton is such a town and a lot of people pass through it on their way to somewhere else,” says Kressibucher. “So the goal has always been to bring our visitors and show them that Beaverton
itself is a beautiful road-trip destination.”
If you decide to explore the beauty of The Sunflower Farm, its opening date is July 30th. You can usually find Kressibucher standing in the sunflower fields she might be sporting overalls or a sunflower T-shirt, or a wild, messy hairdo but you’ll always be able to identify her by her glowing smile.
www.thesunflowerfarm.ca
@thesunflowerfarm
Two beautiful locations now bloom, the original Sunflower Farm in Beaverton (pictured) and The Little Sunflower Farm in Lindsay, Ont.
READING LIST
Our imagination knows no bounds. It is our responsibility to uncover its remarkable potential
TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO
THEINHERITANCE
BY JOANNA GOODMAN
A poignant story of familial bonds, haunting pasts, the collateral damage of life choices and an intimate look at what we will do for the ones we love.
Available at Amazon & Indigo
BY RYAN HOLIDAY
In the third instalment in the Stoic Virtues series, Holiday argues that despite modern-world influencers who claim that acting justly is optional, it’s simply untrue.
Available at Amazon & Indigo
YELLOWFACE BY
R. F. KUANG
From the No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, this first-person tale challenges our understanding of diversity, racism, cultural appropriation, and the terrifying alienation caused by social media.
Available at Amazon & Indigo
HOWTOAGEDISGRACEFULLY
BY
CLARE POOLEY
A hilariously written story of a senior citizens’ centre colliding with a daycare, showing us that age is really just a number.
Available at Amazon & Indigo
SWANSONG BY ELIN HILDERBRAND
This is the latest of Hilderbrand’s best-selling Nantucket novels. In this final tale, rich strangers move to the island, social mayhem ensues ... and a possible murder follows.
Available at Amazon & Indigo
HELPINGPEOPLEONEHANDATATIME
BY
CECE M. SCOTT AND ED HAND
The inspiring story of a Canadian from humble beginnings who discovered his strengths, overcame daunting hurdles, and created the life he always dreamed of having by pursuing his passion for helping others.
Available at Amazon
Television veteran Susan Hay has been exuding positivity, truth and credibility while making a difference for 35 years at Global Television
WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER
INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO
There is nothing better than
A GOOD NEWS STORY IN A GOOD NEWS STORY
today’s fragmented media environment full of misinformation, rumours, conspiracy theories and unregulated social media platforms populated by loud people wearing aluminum-foil hats, knowing who to trust and who is telling the truth can sometimes be a challenge. In Ontario, people have been tuning to Global Television’s Susan Hay for 35 years for truth, trust and credible information.
For Hay, it’s that truth and credibility that makes all the difference in broadcast journalism and a big reason why in this ever-changing media landscape, conventional television still reigns supreme for her.
“I still think that when there is a
disaster in the world, where do you go? You go to conventional television,” says Hay in a recent interview with City Life to mark her 35th anniversary at Global Television. “You go to the people that you trust, that have been there and have been in your home before. Sure, you’re still getting news on your phone — you can get it anywhere because everything is so fast. But when you need to know what is really going on, you go back to us and that’s why we’re still there. Sure, it’s changing, but we’re still in it. In news you’re always evolving, as nothing stays the same. It’s constantly changing and you’ve just got to go with it.”
Hay is best known as the anchor and producer of the long-running “Making
‘‘
‘‘ THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL TEAM AT GLOBAL TELEVISION, WE’RE LIKE A FAMILY AND I AM SO LUCKY”
a Difference” segment on Global, now in its 23rd year, telling the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things and making a difference throughout southern Ontario. Originally called “Susan Hay’s Heart of the City,” the segment started in 2001, the same year as 9/11, when viewers were looking for feel-good stories.
Journalists are by nature curious cats with an interest in people and storytelling, and Hay created the segment to leave the bubble of the studio, hit the streets and do live reporting. As the old TV-show tagline goes, “There are eight million stories in the naked city,” and during its 23-year run, Hay has covered many of those stories.
“I just love it, but it was slow to start because when you think back 23 years, maybe people didn’t relate to these types of stories, but they sure do now,” says Hay, referring to the origins of the popular segment. “When I started it, I wondered if I was doing the right thing because I was leaving my regular routine in the studio and the weather desk. When 9/11 happened, the world changed and when the pandemic happened, the world changed again. Now it seems the world is upside down again, so these stories resonate more than they ever have.”
The defining feature of “Making a Difference” is Hay’s natural affinity with people. Her affable nature helps
make her guests relax, open up and tell their stories. “It’s just who I am,” says Hay, explaining how her on-camera persona reflects her real character. “I just wanted something different and I love people, so I sit with them, relax with them and get to know them before we start. It’s the biggest compliment to me when I hear ‘You’re so relaxing, you make it so easy!’ because I’m really interested in who you are. I think I bring that to the table and the more you relax someone, the better the interview you are going to get.”
Hay’s genuine nature is a reflection of her small-town roots. She was born and raised in North Bay, growing up as one of three close-knit sisters, and still considers herself a small-town girl despite the bright lights of big-city television.
“My childhood was absolutely perfect,” says Hay, flashing her famous smile. “I have the fondest memories and I have the most incredibly loving family, with parents who gave us such a solid foundation — just to grow, just to flourish without any rules about what you can or cannot do. Do whatever makes you happy, just be healthy and happy. And we were and we still are, so I love them for that. I’m so fortunate because I talk to so many people who didn’t have what I have.”
There is a common misconception,
perhaps shaped by folklore, that all journalists always wanted to be journalists and nothing but journalists. After all, Carl Bernstein, who along with his colleague Bob Woodward broke the Watergate story in 1972, joined The Washington Post when he was just 16. That wasn’t the case for Susan Hay, though. She wanted to work with children and fell into journalism almost by accident.
“I was always very creative growing up, but I didn’t know what that meant,” she recalls. “At that time everybody was going to be a teacher or a nurse, but that was not going to be me. I took business courses in college for a few years, not knowing what else to do, but then I got a summer job at a television station in Sudbury and I never left. I didn’t want to go on-air and it was management that approached me. I was working as the executive assistant to the vice president of News and Operations and the president of the station told the VP, ‘I think we should test her.’ So I started small with ‘Community Notes’ and then I filled in for a girl who had a half-hour talk show. It took a while, but I prepared. It was hard work but I became very good at it.”
One of the many things that strike you when speaking with Hay is her fierce drive and determination. That came in handy when she faced challenges in the
early part of her career. Television and, indeed, society were much different worlds than they are today.
“I’m the type of person who has always forged ahead and didn’t look back, but it wasn’t easy” to overcome some obstacles, says Hay. “When I first started, especially with weather, there was some stereotype that went with that, and I was blond and I was young so there was the whole ‘How can
she be intelligent?’ and ‘Who gave her that job?’ I fought that for a lot of years, because I worked so hard and nobody just gave me my job, and I just want to be the best for me.”
“I got into this business because I was creative and I love storytelling,” she continues. “So there were challenges, and there was a period when it was pretty tough. But you just have to know who you are, do your thing, and here
Even though she works under the bright lights of
television, Hay remains true to her smalltown North Bay roots
I am today. I still love this business, and I’m as passionate as I ever was or I wouldn’t be here. I just don’t think about those times anymore.”
As one of Canada’s most popular television personalities, Hay has done almost everything in the business, from being the face of the Santa Claus Parade for 15 years to interviewing celebrities including Sir Elton John, Goldie Hawn and Martin Short. She is also the proud record-holder as the longest-running cannon doll in the National Ballet’s Nutcracker, further testament to her dedicated community involvement.
In 2022 Hay was appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province’s most prestigious honour for individuals who have shown outstanding qualities of excellence both at home and abroad. Her hometown of North Bay has not forgotten her, either: she was given a star on its Walk of Fame in 2012; in 2022 Nipissing University awarded her an honorary doctorate and Canadore College established a scholarship for broadcast journalists in her name.
Hay is exceptionally generous with her time. Over the years, she has served on numerous boards, including that of Toronto’s Ronald McDonald House, and has assisted with several charities such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. Not only was she the organization’s spokesperson, but she also ran in four of its marathons to raise funds and awareness. She continues to co-host the annual Toronto Fire Fighters Toy Drive, but her primary focus now is on World Vision Canada and The Darling Home for Kids.
Working with World Vision, which took her to Africa several years ago to help tell the stories of and give voice to those the organization helps, had a profound impact on her. Her trip to Africa came at a time when she needed some life changes — early in her career,
big-city
‘‘ I’VE NEVER FELT MORE COMFORTABLE IN MY LIFE THAN WHEN I WAS THERE AND AFRICA NOW HAS MY HEART” ‘‘
when she felt particularly vulnerable and when her credibility was being questioned, an experience that many female journalists shared during that very different era.
On that trip she also received a lifeaffirming message that she remembers vividly to this day. “When I went to Africa for the first time, it was a time of challenge in my job, and deep thought of ‘Do I want to stay here?’”
recalls Hay. “So I needed a life change. I’ve never felt more comfortable in my life than when I was there, and Africa now has my heart. One of our drivers in Mozambique asked me why I came. He said to me, ‘Some people follow the sun’ — meaning you’ve got to have the white picket fence, the perfect life or at least portray that — ‘and then there are some people who go through the darkness and they find the sun.’ And
I think I found the sun when I was in Africa.”
Now 62, Hay is not slowing down and is always planning what’s next in her career. “There is a beautiful team at Global Television. We’re like a family and I am so lucky,” she says. “I want to continue with ‘Making a Difference,’ as that’s my baby. I’ll never give that up since those stories are helping people with their lives, and I think it brings
After initially declining their request, Hay accepted World Vision’s invitation to come to Africa to give voice to the children the organization was helping and to tell their stories, a life-changing experience she says has stayed with her almost 20 years later
hope to our viewers to know that there are change-makers out there. I would also like to start to do more specials — perhaps something on aging, as so many people are dealing with older parents. I’d like to do something with youth, with teens and anxiety and what our phones have created. I’d like to do these certain specials to bring awareness to viewers, maybe four times a year.”
Over the decades, Hay has lived her life and done her job adhering to a set of never-changing guiding principles. They have served her well over time. “Be truthful, be honest, know the facts and be kind,” she states. “I don’t think any of that has changed over the years. You’ve got to be who you are. If you’re not that way, well, you know, people
come and go all the time.”
You could easily understand if after working in a newsroom for decades and being exposed to the difficult stories that a newsroom handles on a daily basis, a person could become a bit jaded in how they see the world. But not Susan Hay, who continues to be inspired every day.
“My work inspires me as these stories are very inspiring to me,” says Hay. “I think I’m inspiring our viewers. Look at what I get to do every day — every single day. Several days a week I’m out in the field interviewing the most inspirational and motivating people, and I’ve been doing that for 23 years. The greatest compliment I’ve received is that I helped to shape someone’s life, whether it be through mentorship,
storytelling or reaching out to someone when they needed it most. So that inspires me. And my husband inspires me. There’s never going to be any boredom, not in our home — never!” These are turbulent times. It sometimes feels that simply watching a newscast takes nerves of steel, but not when watching Susan Hay — Susan Hay is a good-news story, an accomplished, positive, credible and truthful journalist doing her best to share stories of triumph and inspiration about people from all walks of life. That is the type of journalism and the type of broadcaster we can all celebrate and enjoy.
globalnews.ca/author/susan-hay @SusanHayGlobal
Secure in her position as one of Canada’s most trusted journalists, Hay remains optimistic about the future
YOU’LL EVER HAVE The best companion
Meet a few rescues from Dog Tales who are looking for permanent and loving homes!
AUSTIN
The playful Boston Terrier is an independent little guy who enjoys playing ball, exploring the grass and going for long walks. www.dogtales.ca
GARY
A noble and athletic mixed breed who is protective, happy and playful, but also enjoys his own space. www.dogtales.ca
TEXT BY MARC CASTALDO
JUNEAU
A breathtaking Siberian Husky who is bouncy, active, and very vocal when she wants attention. She is friendly and gentle with all people, especially small children. www.dogtales.ca
JANE & SHOSHU
A beautifully bonded pair of Salukis that will bring you smiles and joy. They are kid-friendly and enjoy taking walks together. www.dogtales.ca
MAPLE
A lovely Shih Tzu lady who loves belly rubs, long walks and getting lots of attention. www.dogtales.ca
PRODUCED BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA | WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
RETRO ELECTRIC KETTLE A morning essential with a touch of retro flair to add to your kitchen counter! www.smeg.com @smegcanada 5. ADICCIŌN REPOSADO TEQUILA The highest-quality blue agaves are harvested by local artisans in Mexico and aged for 10 months in French white-oak barrels. con-nois-seur.ca @connoisseurwineimports
1. SHINY MINIDRESS A feature piece of ZARA’s Women’s Collection, perfect for making a bold statement on a patio date. www.zara.com @zara
ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA Continually perfected and enhanced over the years, the Cosmograph Daytona is a reliable and precise companion. www.humbertownjewellers.com @humbertownjewellers
2. ERBA PURA An enticing elixir that captivates and charms with its fresh notes of Sicilian orange and lemon. xerjoff.com @xerjoff
3. Look no further than the Gola Classics… the only sneakers you’ll be wearing all summer long. www.anthropologie.com @anthropologie
7 Hydrating lotion of 100% organic Nilotica shea butter, its single ingredient, brightens and evens out your skin tone. by the graphic patterns on ancestral Pueblo pottery of New Mexico and Akimel O’odham, this Portuguese ceramic vase is made with a matte white glaze. Experience visibly firmer, plumper, and healthier-looking skin! www.shesvanity.ca @shesvanityfaceoil www.anthropologie.com @anthropologie 11. IZZY GALLERY Izzy Gallery represents established contemporary photographers and modern masters in the www.izzygallery.com @izzygallery 12. MARINATED ARTICHOKES Perfect for summer cookouts: salads, pizza toppings, crostini toppings, baked into quiche or bread, martellifoods.com @martellifoods 13. EGG TAGLIATELLE A golf course that combines luxury and nature just north of the city, providing an unparalleled experience for avid golfers. Enjoy an unforgettable authentic Italian culinary experience at your next event or family get-together!
GFounder of Toronto-based Curù Skin, Melodie Padula is leaving her Sicilian touch on the beauty and wellness industry
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
CURÙ SKIN: A MEDITERRANEAN LOVE STORY TO HEALTHY SKIN
rowing up, Melodie Padula’s struggle with her sensitive skin was uncomfortable and frustrating. But as time passed, she channelled that battle into an intense passion for science and natural wellness. Determined to discover a natural, healthy, harm-free skin product, she turned to her Sicilian roots.
She spent many of her childhood summers in Sicily with her family and always knew that fresh fruits and herbs grew there in abundance, and that there was an intimate connection between her family’s rustic Mediterranean diet and their health.
She proceeded to educate herself about the plants native to Sicily, Italy’s hot, sunny, most southerly region. Their ingredients have been used for centuries and been discovered to contain unique phytonutrients that can nourish the skin. This led Padula to create her company, Curù Skin, and its featured product, After Sun Facial Oil. It is a skin oil inspired by Sicilian botanical traditions and formulated to repair and hydrate sun-kissed skin.
Within weeks of the After Sun Facial Oil’s debut it sold out online, and ever since, it’s been a highly sought-after self-care pick.
“When I sold out after that first
summer, it was amazing. The feedback from the customers till this day is just overwhelmingly positive,” says Padula.
Padula adds, “This is geared toward both men and women, although my customer base is about 75% women. My intention is for it to be a product where a husband or boyfriend sees it on their girlfriend’s counter and they won’t hesitate to use it.”
Curù Skin launched in 2021 with the After Sun Facial Oil, available online and in-store at all Health Hut locations. Today, it provides its users luxurious everyday skincare, introducing to Canada the best of Italian botanical traditions and the values of Italian excellence, style and quality craftsmanship that can be felt in every drop.
At the heart of Padula’s mission is her determination to continue to promote cross-border collaborations between Italy and Canada. Her unwavering commitment to delivering 100% active, organic, naturally coloured and naturally scented ingredients supported by modern scientific research was so impactful that in 2023 BESTMEDGRAPE awarded Curù Skin for its sustainable practices and ingredient innovation.
curuskin.com @curuskin
Redefining skincare with a combination of 14 plant ingredients sourced from Sicily and other regions of Italy
Melodie Padula proudly named her brand Curù (“sweetheart”) to honour her endangered Sicilian dialect
DESIGN
The French Maisons
UNITE THEIR CREATIVITY
Christian Lacroix Maison and Schmidt, leaders in home fittings and decoration, collaborate for a special second time
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
he French design house Christian Lacroix Maison has earned meteoric success due to its colourful baroque portfolio. It has been an iconic household name alongside Chanel and Christian Dior since its inception in 2010. And Schmidt, a successful family brand since 1959 and France’s leading designer and manufacturer of bespoke kitchens and interior fittings, is known for shaking up the commonplace and thinking outside the box.
One could reasonably say that this creative partnership is a match made in heaven. Twice now, we have seen the beautiful co-creations of these two renowned French design houses. With this latest collaboration they have built off the success of their first collaboration in 2021, Algae Bloom Pearl, by transforming their vision into reality with an approachable tailor-made interior pattern designed for all rooms that embodies style, originality and refinement: Prête-Moi Ta Plume, which is French for “Lend Me Your Pen” (or quill).
Prête-Moi Ta Plume truly expresses the uniqueness and boldness possessed by both houses. Both have always been inspired by nature. This motif, available in upholstery fabric as well as wallpaper, epitomizes functional elegance by beautifully harmonizing tones of precious minerals and flora and swirls of multicoloured feathers. Whether incorporated in a kitchen island or alcove or used to enhance a dressing-room wardrobe, its versatility lends itself to various rooms in the home and various uses, from small decorative touches to large surface areas.
The collection pays homage to the richness and flamboyance of nature combined with the contrasting influences of art, culture and travel.
Sacha Walckhoff, creative director of Christian Lacroix Maison, designed this collection with a palette of blush, forest green and neutral hues to convey a feeling of warmth
GOVERNANCE A BREATH OF FRESH
Post’s vision for Orangeville is that it be a place where businesses prosper, neighbourhoods flourish, and people want to live and raise their families
Swant to enrich the fabric of their neighbourhoods. Others are passionate advocates for those who need a hand managing their everyday lives.
Lisa Post, mayor of the close-knit town of Orangeville, Ont., a bedroom community about a 50-minute drive north of Toronto, is a definitive combination of both, excelling at inspiring her diverse and inclusive community and nurturing its action-based neighbours-helpingneighbours mindset.
Orangeville was incorporated in 1863. In 2022, Post became just the second female mayor in the town’s 161-year history. “It was time to have a different voice and a different vision in leadership,” Post says.
Post earned her political chops at her family’s dinner table. Post’s grandfather, Alex Raeburn, a School Board Trustee and a Regional Councillor, who she credits as her inspiration, taught her the importance of community responsibility. Her mother worked for a Member of the House of Commons in Ottawa and on several political campaigns over the years. Post is a fourth-generation Orangevillian who, except for a 10-
It was time to have a different voice and a different vision in leadership
— Mayor Lisa Post
year stint in the Prairies when she was young, has spent her life in this town. Her Orangeville roots and her inherent political acumen prepared her for the leadership roles that followed.
“I went to high school here, I got married here, and had my kids (Braedon and Charley) here,” Post says. “My family talked about politics around the dinner table. Differences of opinion were always welcome in my family. In fact, we used each other’s opinions to learn and grow in ways that would help us help our community.”
Married when she was just 18 years old
on budget was a hard task to navigate.
“To that end, as I got older, I wanted to be part of the policymaking decisions so that young families could be raised here and be a part of the many multigenerational fabric of families who live here,” Post says.
And so began Post’s political journey. The pushback and questions she was asked on the campaign trail were experiences she had never encountered before.
“I was asked how I was I going to be a mother and a councillor at the same time,” Post says. “It was a big shock to me that my gender and my ability to be two things at once were being questioned; it stopped me in my tracks. I was raised in a household where women believed they could accomplish whatever they set out to do. It was a political hurdle and a mindset that I had to overcome.”
Confident in her belief that women bring a distinctive voice to the table, a different point of view to the discussion and opinions that are inclusive and thoughtful, Post continued to pursue her passion for community involvement and was elected as a town councillor in 2018.
“We were a council of seven new members and in our second year the pandemic hit,” Post says. “We, like so many others, had huge challenges to overcome; our community really needed support during this crisis, and we were the ones who needed to make the kinds of decisions that would impact the community in positive ways.”
Post's family members are all supportive of her political career, and they gave her their blessing in 2022 when she ran for and won the mayoralty.
“Making a decision to run for mayor was a big decision for my family,” Post says. “They were on board to help me right away, knocking on doors with me, at my side during the intensive campaign period, and ultimately with me on Election Day.”
Historically, Orangeville has always been a proudly close-knit community, and Post’s vision for the town is based on her own belief in the values of community and inclusion.
To sustain this sense of civic pride and neighbours-helping-neighbours commitment requires strong leadership, an attribute that Post manifests in her day-to-day interactions.
“Leadership to me is about vision, empathy and community togetherness,” Post says. “It is also about being transparent, confident, decisive and honest. It is about being true to my authentic self. In my role as mayor, I am responsible for bringing people together and creating viable policies that are good for everyone.”
Post often fields questions while groceryshopping, which she views as normal. As a fourth-generation Orangevillian, she intimately understands her community’s needs
enhance the cultural landscape.
Orangeville, which Post says she considers exceptional, “is a community where everyone cares for each other. From helping to look for a missing dog to dealing with the pandemic, we are always there for each other. And even though our population comprises 31,000 people, we still have that small-community mindset. We continue to welcome all sorts of new people, which in turn brings a renewed freshness to the area.”
A community that values arts and culture, Orangeville holds a variety of large-scale and intimate events, including the Dufferin Film Festival, the Taste of Orangeville and the highly popular Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, which celebrated 20 years in May this year.
While a lot of her mayoral role concerns budgeting — making sure to allocate the proper amount of money to the right resources and assets — Post is also proud of her office’s two-year-pilot environmental sustainability project, which offers free transit on municipal buses for everyone.
“One of the most challenging pieces is trying to find affordable ways for people to live in our community,” Post says. “I think of the experiences single moms have taking their young children on the bus and what policies we, as a team, can make to support women in the community, which includes affordable housing.”
One of the experiences Post loves most about her role is talking with the youth of the community, because they’re not jaded and “because they have untarnished opinions and have never had to pay taxes,” Post says, with a laugh. “They tell
of their ideas as I can and then take those ideas back to Council. I encourage these young people, when they see me in town or out for dinner with my family, to come over and talk to me — they certainly don’t have to call me ̒Mayor.’ I hope that, as they get older, it encourages them to become leaders in their community. We need the next generation to be ready to lead.”
When asked to provide answers to a few rapid-fire questions, Post’s sense of humour shines through.
“I’m a politician. One-word answers are not our jam,” Post replies, with a hearty laugh.
Having said that, her quick responses show just how much she loves and respects what she is doing.
“What inspires me every day? It is anytime someone tells me they appreciate what I’m doing.”
www.orangeville.ca
@lisaposty
MCMICHAEL CANADIAN Art Collection’s Moonlight Gala Fundraiser
McMichael Canadian Art Collection embraces the generous support of art lovers by hosting its signature annual fundraiser
WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO
OnJune 1st, guests attended the McMichael Canadian Art Collection outside, under the stars, to show their support for Canadian artistry at its signature fundraiser, the Moonlight Gala.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is not only an agency of the Government of Ontario but also serves as a long-standing beacon of Canadian artists, housing a permanent collection of more than 6,500 works by historic
and contemporary Canadian artists that include Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, Indigenous artists and artists from many diasporic communities.
“The McMichael Canadian Art
Collection provides visitors with a visual illustration of our country’s rich history, exhibiting the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of Canadians from all backgrounds,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Our government is proud to partner with the McMichael to showcase and celebrate Canadian excellence in the arts, reaffirming Ontario’s reputation as a world-class destination for arts and culture.”
The Moonlight Gala is just one of the many fund-raising events the McMichael Canadian Art Collection holds so that it can continue to serve the community and beyond through the transformative power of art.
Last year’s Moonlight Gala raised more than $630,000; the funds directly supported McMichael’s exhibition, conservation and educational activities. For this year’s event, the goal was undoubtedly to set a new record with the help and significant contributions of
sponsors, donors and in-kind partners.
The 2024 Moonlight Gala, co-chaired by Debra Fenwick and Laura Mirabella, opened with a welcome from Honorary Chair Steven Del Duca, mayor of the City of Vaughan. As hundreds of guests strolled in, they were treated to a culinary extravaganza by The Food Dudes, fine Ontario wines from Canada’s first fully LEED-certified winery, Stratus Vineyards, and an interactive gourmet experience led by award-winning Indigenous chef David Wolfman.
together under the stars to celebrate our unique offering of art and nature,” says the gallery's executive director and chief curator, Sarah Milroy. “There’s no place quite like the McMichael — the true home to the art of Canada — and we look forward to sharing it all on this special evening.”
The summer soiree featured exclusive tours of various exhibitions including Bertram Brooker: When We Awake!, Ghosts of Canoe Lake: New Work by Marcel Dzama, People of the Watershed: Photographs by John Macfie, and Jackson’s Wars: A.Y. Jackson before the Group of Seven. There was live music courtesy of the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra, dancing and an online auction.
“The Moonlight Gala is a great night when our friends and supporters come
Without celebratory evenings like these that encourage and recognize charitable giving, art institutions like the McMichael Canadian Art Collection would not be able to produce awardwinning exhibitions and publications, deliver impactful educational programs and maintain their beautiful grounds. Art reminds us of not only the overlooked beauties of the world but the beauty we can create with our own imaginations.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection will be hosting its next Moonlight Gala on May 31, 2025. Save the date!
mcmichael.com
@mcmichaelgallery
McMichael welcomed its guests with live music, delicious food and exquisite wine
CULTURALLY
INDIGENOUS ROOTS HONOURING NATURE’S
The renaming of plants during colonial times erased many native and cultural practices. The mission behind the BotannicaTirannica exhibitions is to bring awareness to these injustices and advocate for the kinds of changes that honour our collective past
WRITTEN BY CECE M. SCOTT
How important is a name, and would you still be the same person if you were called something else?
Shakespeare had Juliet of Romeo and Juliet fame say, “That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet,” but in truth, a name is an important and personal identifier, and many anxious and excited expectant parents spend hours — if not days — making lists of possible names to choose just the right one to fit their baby’s heritage, culture and personality, often honouring their new addition by naming him or her after a beloved family member or friend.
These days there is a growing awareness of the significance of names, how we identify the everyday things in our lives and what we call them. That is the point made by Toronto’s Koffler Centre of the
Arts’ new exhibition, Botannica Tirannica, a Latin phrase that pointedly references the tyrannies of botanical labelling that occurred during colonization.
The premier exhibition, created by award-winning Brazilian author, professor and artist Giselle Beiguelman, was first shownat the Museu Judaico de São Paulo in 2022.
“Botannica Tirannica is an arts-based research project that investigates the relationship between hegemonic science, classical botany and the colonialist imagination that is historically present in the domination of nature,” Beiguelman says. “Its focus is on the scientific and popular nomenclatures of plants and how they reveal the pervasiveness and naturalization of prejudice and discrimination in our daily lives.”
PHOTOS
Award-winning Brazilian author, professor and artist Giselle Beiguelman created the premier exposition Botannica Tirannica in 2022
Beiguelman’s interest in the historical taxonomy or renaming of plants during colonial times was initially piqued by a gift of a Tradescantia zebrina seedling, a plant commonly known as “Wandering Jew.” Considered to be a weed, it was said to have the capacity to infiltrate and spread throughout gardens, parks and public spaces.
“The plant’s name refers to the legend of the Wandering Jew, which originated in 13th-century Europe. Folklore stated that Ahasuerus, the Persian king of the Book of Esther, cursed Jesus on his way to Calvary and was condemned to roam the earth eternally,” Beiguelman says. “Despite its origins, the legend has been used in anti-Semitic narratives, notably by Nazi Germany.”
This derogatory term embedded in a plant’s name inspired Beiguelman’s quest to explore how common botanical names both mirror and perpetuate societal prejudices against racial, cultural, gender and social groups.
“For this exhibition, which brings together natural and artificial gardens, I worked with Artificial Intelligence to create new hybrid beings, whose datasets were composed only of plants with prejudicial names, suggesting the possibility of a world without borders based on prejudice. They are positioned as resistant and resilient life forms in a postnatural, decolonized garden,” Beiguelman says. “These plants were named by the colonizers, who conquered the lands and erased original forms of knowledge. Also, they reflect negative connotations to Black people, women, Sinti (Romani people of Central and Eastern Europe), Rome and Kale and Jewish peoples, revealing how colonialism built its imagination through the invention of ̒the other’ in order to legitimate its supposed rights to subordinate and subjugate.”
Plant names identified by Beiguelman as being discriminatory against specific races or cultures are catalogued under different groupings, including those referencing women, Indigenous people, Blacks and the LBGTQ community.
“About 1,200 plants have scientific names like Virginia, vaginatum and Virginian, reflecting the misogynist strategy of sexualizing the female body,”
People tend to look at plants as ornaments or food but never really consider that plants are part of our culture and nature; there is no division
— Giselle Beiguelman
Beiguelman says. “Four hundred plants still use the K-word derogatory to Black people and 100 are explicitly anti-Semitic. These are examples of explicit racism in nomenclature.”
Other plants whose names have derogatory references include the Virginia spring beauty and Virginia bird cherry, both seen as misogynist and racist for equating delicacy, purity and virginity with white women. The nipple fruit erotically references the female body, while the black-eyed Susan embodies a sexist association with domestic violence.
Indian pipe and squaw weed, which uses a racist term for Indigenous woman, are also considered offensive.
“The first thing the colonial renaming of plants did was to erase the native knowledge and cultural practices that were around before the Europeans came to the Americas,” Beiguelman says.
In fact, she says that the sugar maple, which was used for medicine in preContact times, has “had its ancestral meanings erased by colonialism, turning it into a national symbol of the conquering peoples.”
The Toronto version of Botannica Tirannica, at the Youngplace building at 180 Shaw St., runs to October 20, 2024. Canadians Dr. Jonathan Ferrier, a Mississauga Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe) scientist and biology professor at Dalhousie University, and Isaac Crosby, a Black/Ojibwe knowledge keeper and agriculture expert, had some input about our country’s Indigenous plants.
“I got all of my farming education and herbal knowledge from my grandparents and great-grandparents, which is how I became a knowledge keeper,” says Crosby, whose passion for gardening and sharing his expertise concerning Indigenous food systems dates back to his Black/Indigenous pre-Confederation band roots. “I have been gardening in Toronto for 20 years and currently teach Indigenous agriculture at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus, under Professor Dani KwanLafond in the Sociology Department.
The indoor gallery garden at Botannica Tirannica
Students who attend my courses want to learn about Indigenous agriculture, how to cultivate the different seeds and harvest them, as well as learn how to prepare these types of foods properly. My classes are a mix of young people, adults and seniors, an intergenerational mix of people who are interested in learning about plants across many cultures.”
The reintroduction of traditional foods that have been lost to us is a key component of Crosby’s teachings, and in his Indigenous Garden at the university he includes plants that have medicinal as well as other valuable properties. Such as the groundnut plant, which is good for diabetes and for controlling land erosion. The fruit of the tropical pawpaw tree, Asimina triloba, which has taste notes reminiscent of pineapple, mango and citrus and is traditionally used to make delicious puddings, pies and cakes, should also be prized for its other qualities, he says.
“The pawpaw fruit is good for male reproductive organs and also has uses as an anti-cancer, anti-fungal agent,” says Crosby, who hopes to open a dialogue with visitors who visit the Garden of Resilience
Dr.
Jonathan
Ferrier, Mississauga Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe) scientist and Dalhousie University biology professor
at Toronto’s Botannica Tirannica exhibit.
The garden itself is 600 square feet (about 56 square metres) and contains a variety of plants.
“The intention of the garden is to tell the story of the colonization of plants and how their names were changed,” Crosby says. “I would like visitors, as they start along the path, to view the Indigenous plants with the names given to them by the people who originally lived here, including their nutritional and food values. But as the
pathway curves, symbolically illustrating that colonization did not happen in a straight line, visitors will see fewer and fewer of the native plants and more plants with either their current or Latin names. They will see plants whose medicinal value is gone, with their worth now being measured in beauty or capital.”
Beiguelman and Crosby agree that it is time to dismantle the patriarchy and take a hard look at the current names of plants and change them where needed.
“People tend to look at plants as ornaments or food but never really consider that plants are part of our culture and nature; there is no division,” Beiguelman says.
As for Crosby, his hope is that a lot of young people will attend the exhibit because he believes that they are today’s change advocates. “We need to get the discourse started as to why some plants have names that cast aspersions on particular races, lifestyles, cultures and the female demographic. One day, one step at a time.”
botannicatirannica.desvirtual.com @gbeiguelman
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Floor-to-ceiling woodframed windows are a signature design feature of the
Quebec’s Eastern Townships have long been among the most beautiful and romantic areas of Canada. With rolling hills and mountains, lush forests and sparkling lakes, the Townships are also dotted with charming villages and outstanding homes which honour the area’s history while embracing modern architectural excellence.
It is here in Knowlton in the province’s Lac-Brome region, in the heart of the Townships, where noted architectural design studio La Nony FAMILI has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the McPherson Residence, a renovated midcentury-inspired home.
The home’s buyers were searching for a residence in the Eastern Townships when they discovered the grand 395-square-metre mid-century-inspired gem and turned to the creative brilliance of La Nony FAMILI to revamp the interior, a project completed in 2022.
La Nony FAMILI (“The Nony Family”) stands out as a creative design studio that takes a human-centred approach, paying particular attention to flow, light and details, both aesthetic and functional. The firm’s Fred Nony and Aza Lussier are particularly known for their ability to solve spatial challenges and for working in collaboration with their clients to understand their lifestyle and how they live their daily lives in order to create personalized, carefully crafted residential spaces for them.
This collaborative method places their clients’ needs at the core of the creative process. The designers work with their clients to find solutions that
McPherson Residence
La Nony FAMILI worked closely with the owners to create a warm and welcoming environment that is bright, airy, open and flooded with abundant natural light
OPEN, LIGHT AND BRIGHT, THE HOME DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM THE ORIGINAL HOME'S STRIKING ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS AND BREATHES IN AND EMBRACES ITS BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SURROUNDINGS
please them — usually beyond their expectations — and are designed and built to withstand the test of time.
Based in the Eastern Townships, La Nony FAMILIA has a deep appreciation and knowledge of the area. The studio has developed expertise over time in extensive renovations and new construction of country houses and chalets, while also undertaking projects in Montreal and elsewhere in Quebec.
The McPherson Residence pays homage to the modern style of the mid-20th century while fully embracing today. Through precise interventions and thoughtful considerations of forms and highquality materials, La Nony FAMILI transformed
the space into a home that is chic, functional and welcoming.
One is immediately struck by how open, light and bright the home is, breathing in and embracing its beautiful natural surroundings. At the same time, it draws inspiration from the striking elements of the existing architecture, which established the project’s guiding principles of both functionality and design.
La Nony FAMILI focused its expertise at the McPherson Residence primarily on decoration and furnishings, with the exception of the bathrooms and kitchen, which required substantial work. Overall, the designers’ minimalist, functional, modernist theme blends straight lines and curves
Walnut, a wood chosen for its elegance and depth of colour, is used in the home's more private spaces, enhancing its cosy atmosphere
and contrasting colours and textures.
A main feature of the expansive residence is its floor-to-ceiling woodframed windows, which bring in an abundance of natural light. To highlight these impressive windows and enhance the home’s connection with its stunning surrounding landscape, the exterior walls were painted in light tones and left almost bare. In contrast, wood and warm tones predominate in the furniture and décor choices, which creates a captivating contrast between the outer envelope and the warm, cozy interior.
The La Nony FAMILI design team custom-designed most of the furniture
for the home and cleverly integrated the ample storage volumes so that they do not clutter the space. The remaining furnishings and accessories were carefully selected from renowned, mostly Canadian, manufacturers, including Perez Furniture, with lighting selections from Anony and Luminaire Authentik.
Mindful of the environmental impact of their choices, the designers retained the McPherson Residence’s original appliances and cabinets, replacing only the façades and countertops. Custom oversized handles, a new kitchen island and a distinctive mosaic wall completed the kitchen transformation.
La Nony FAMILI’s renovation design employed a minimal, functional modernist style, using a blend of straight lines and curves, contrasting colours and textures
One of the most captivating features of La Nony FAMILI’s design work at the McPherson Residence was its selection of the custom furniture in the living spaces. The studio chose pieces made from American cherry, a locallysourced but rarely used wood, whose rich, reddish-brown hue warms and energizes these living areas. Adding an extra touch of refinement was La Nony FAMILI’s selection of walnut, selected for the more intimate spaces because of its elegance and depth.
Whether for enjoying a brisk crosscountry ski or a warm brandy after a spring sugaring-off, for hearing the call of distant loons welcoming another warm summer morning or for picking apples in autumn, the Townships are a treasured part of the grand Canadian backyard. The creativity, imagination and artistry of La Nony FAMILI has transformed the McPherson Residence into a gracefully stylish home that is perfect for enjoying the idyllic lifestyle of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, whatever the season — country splendour at its very best!
lanonyfamili.com @lanonyfamili
CHAMPIONING CHANGE
IKEA Canada Partners With Rainbow Railroad to Safely Relocate At-Risk LGBTQI+ Individuals
WRITTEN BY MASSIMO SOSA
Itis in times of adversity that we are called on to demonstrate resilience and strength. For many members of the LGBTQI+ community, that adversity can be a constant battle, each and every day. Luckily, there are streams of support becoming more readily available and accessible to those in need. IKEA Canada recognizes those in search of a nurturing support system and has happily pledged a donation of up to $200,000 toward bettering daily life for at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals. This June, IKEA Canada will be selling a prideful dessert for customers to purchase and enjoy, and 100% of proceeds raised through the “Rainbow Cake Initiative” will directly benefit the Rainbow Railroad, helping to fund
emergency relocation, crisis response and other forms of assistance.
IKEA Canada deliberately chose June, Pride Month, as the occasion to provide customers, as well as its own associates, with positive opportunities to learn more about the organization and the injustices that many LGBTQI+ individuals face around the world.
“While Pride Month is a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ rights and diversity, it is also a reminder of the progress still to be made as many continue to experience social exclusion simply based on who they are,” says Selwyn Crittendon, IKEA Canada CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer. “This initiative gives our communities a chance to make a positive impact by donating through the purchase
of the IKEA Rainbow cake, listening to the stories of those being affected, and getting involved in other ways, like volunteering with Rainbow Railroad.”
IKEA has long championed the cause of ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and provided with equal opportunities regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Through our resettlement and direct support programs, Rainbow Railroad is helping LGBTQI+ refugees escape severe threats to their well-being and relocate to safer countries. Thanks to the leadership of IKEA, this year we will help approximately 500 LGBTQI+ refugees begin new lives in Canada, where they can live openly and authentically — more than double the number of people we help bring to Canada in a typical year. Together, we are making a difference for the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQI+ communities,” says Scott Ferguson, Rainbow Railroad’s director of corporate partnerships.
This year, IKEA Canada reaffirms its commitment to the 2SLGBTQ+ community by continuing to support Pride parades, donating proceeds from Storstomma shopping bags to local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and collaborating with partners like Pride at Work Canada and the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. These efforts, including fostering inclusive workplaces and providing safe spaces for co-workers through initiatives like the Rainbow Connections Co-worker Resource Group, underscore IKEA’s dedication to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued.
www.ikea.com @ikeacanada
Indulge in a slice of IKEA Rainbow cake for just $4.99 and help create a positive impact
Asthe stigma surrounding discussions about abuse slowly but surely lessens, the prevalence of abuse is becoming evident, as is its impact on the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of the victims. Research has shown that children who are mistreated can suffer from a host of potentially long-term difficulties, including learning disabilities, underdeveloped social skills, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, as well as the potential to become abusers themselves. Yet, this doesn’t mean that
victims of trauma cannot thrive. Eleanor Roosevelt, George Orwell and Ludwig van Beethoven are just a few examples of individuals who suffered abuse as children and still flourished in spite of it.
A recent study conducted by Psychtests. com indicates that while victims of abuse will often struggle with aftereffects, the indomitability of the human spirit can never be counted out.
Analyzing data collected from 1,456 people who took the Hardiness Test, PsychTests’ researchers compared people who have never been abused in any way to those who have experienced
verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal and physical abuse, verbal and sexual abuse, and those who have experienced all three (the physical-plussexual-abuse group was not included in the analysis due to its small sample size). Here’s what their study revealed:
EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
▶ A tendency to make impulsive decisions was significantly increased in people who experienced sexual abuse (29% of the sexual abuse group are impulsive), but this inclination is PHOTO
exacerbated when physical and verbal abuse are added to the mix (41% of the verbal-plus-physical-plus-sexual abuse combo group are impulsive).
▶ A tendency to get angry easily was much more pronounced in groups of people who experienced verbal abuse (28% are short-tempered) or sexual abuse (27% are short-tempered). However, the effect becomes cumulative for those who experienced both verbal and sexual abuse (30% are shorttempered) or verbal-plus-sexual-plusphysical abuse (33%).
▶ In comparison to the non-abused
group, the probability of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder doubled with verbal or physical abuse (11% in nonabused group vs. 21% in both abuse groups), and tripled with sexual abuse (31%). Of those who experienced all three forms of abuse, 53% have been diagnosed with anxiety issues.
▶ 46% of people who experienced a combination of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse have been diagnosed with a mood disorder (e.g., depression, bipolar). It appears that any form of abuse on its own doubles or triples the risk.
▶ Sexual abuse significantly increased
risk for suicidal thoughts an incredible 44% of survivors felt suicidal in the past year. Verbally abused people had double the risk compared to the control group (32% vs. 16%). Physical abuse had an impact on suicidal ideation only in synergy with verbal abuse (27% of the verbal-plus-physical-abuse group were suicidal in the last year).
“All types of abuse create deep trauma in those on the receiving end,” says Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “There is also a fascinating and perhaps a bit surprising finding that shows up clearly and consistently in our study:
If there are people reading this who have suffered abuse and are struggling with the after-effects, I want them to know that they are not alone and that healing, as difficult a journey that may be, is possible
that hitting someone with vicious words causes as much damage than hitting them physically, if not more so.”
And yet, each group of abuse survivors showed clear signs of resilience, perseverance, and a desire to move on and heal. For example:
ASSERTIVELY STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES:
• 64% of the verbal-abuse group
• 71% of the physical-abuse group
• 49% of the sexual-abuse group
• 73% of verbal-plus-physical-abuse group
• 63% of the verbal-plus-sexual-abuse group
• 69% of the verbal-plus-physical-plussexual-abuse group
• 68% of the non-abused group
FACE PROBLEMS RATHER THAN TRYING TO IGNORE THEM:
• 60% of the verbal-abuse group
• 50% of the physical-abuse group
• 58% of the sexual-abuse group
• 66% of verbal-plus-physical-abuse group
• 67% of the verbal-plus-sexual-abuse group
• 68% of the verbal-plus-physical-plussexual-abuse group
• 63% of the non-abused group
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS:
• 80% of the verbal-abuse group
• 86% of the physical-abuse group
• 91% of the sexual-abuse group
• 87% of verbal-plus-physical-abuse group
— Dr. Jerabek
• 87% of the verbal-plus-sexual-abuse group
• 84% of the verbal-plus-physical-plussexual-abuse group
• 84% of the non-abused group
PUSH THEMSELVES TO OVERCOME THEIR FEARS:
• 46% of the verbal-abuse group
• 43% of the physical-abuse group
• 47% of the sexual-abuse group
• 60% of verbal-plus-physical-abuse group
• 46% of the verbal-plus-sexual-abuse group
• 57% of the verbal-plus-physical-plussexual-abuse group
• 54% of the non-abused group
HAVE SEEN A THERAPIST IN THE LAST TWO YEARS OR WOULD LIKE TO START THERAPY:
• 57% of the verbal-abuse group
• 50% of the physical-abuse group
• 67% of the sexual-abuse group
• 66% of verbal-plus-physical-abuse group
• 74% of the verbal-plus-sexual-abuse group
• 77% of the verbal-plus-physical-plussexual-abuse group
• 45% of the non-abused group
“If there are people reading this who have suffered abuse and are struggling with the after-effects, I want them to know that they are not alone and that healing, as difficult a journey that may be, is possible. And if they’re thinking, ‘Well, I don’t have the strength that the people in your study did,’ I would beg to differ,”
states Dr. Jerabek. “Of course, there are likely to be some lingering effects when one has been abused; many people in our sample still sometimes struggle to manage their emotions and to cope with stress. Yet in spite of their trauma, a lot of people in the abused groups display an incredibly strong resolve to heal and find happiness.”
Looking on the bright side, abuse survivors also use several strategies to boost their inner strength, encourage themselves, and maintain a healthy mindset, including:
• Practicing gratitude
• Looking for the silver lining in negative situations
• Viewing hardship as an opportunity for growth
• Reminding themselves that they deserve love, respect, and happiness
• Believing it is possible to fully overcome the negative effects of a trauma.
“A lot of studies focus on the dark side of abuse. We wanted to show people that there is some light in that darkness. Moving on after abuse is very difficult, but it is possible. No matter the trauma, hope and the desire to rise up again is never fully extinguished, but keep in mind you don’t have to do it alone. Your chances of healing are much greater with the help of a skilled therapist or trauma coach, and with the support of others who have overcome the odds and managed to thrive in spite of their painful experiences,” concludes Dr. Jerabek.
Try the test yourself by visiting testyourself.psychtests.com
GINO FARNETTI: A CHILD OF WAR
Following a battle against German forces in Torrice, Italy, in June 1944, the fields of warfare were devastated with ash and spent ammunition shells. But among the wreckage of combat lay a destitute 6-year-old child, scared and hungry and even more heartbreaking, the little boy was stuck in a bomb crater. That boy’s name was Gino Farnetti.
City Life had the honour of interviewing Farnetti and being invited to the exclusive screening on Sunday, June 16, of the Canadian docudrama Gino: A Child of War, which captures his survival journey.
The astonishing true story of how Canadian soldiers saved an Italian child after a Second World War battle reveals the resiliency of the human spirit
After the emotional and wellreceived screening, a dinner was hosted at Montecasino in Vaughan honouring Farnetti, now 86 years old, where he graciously answered questions in front of a 200-person audience, many of whom also originally came from the town of Torrice.
It was in this beautifully made documentary that we learned that Canadian soldiers on a refuelling mission in a small town just south of Rome found Farnetti most unexpectedly. Tony Battista, the executive producer of the film and a Canadian military veteran, went on to say, “They heard a howling noise and thought it was a dog. Then they realized the noise came from a child stuck in a bomb crater trying to get their attention.”
When the soldiers retrieved him, they looked after young Farnetti as if he were one of their own. Especially after Members of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps had learned that the little boy they just rescued had already lost his father and mother.
“Survival was my main concern. I felt rejected by everyone until the Canadians
found me in a shell hole and they showed care, compassion and affection. They offered me warmth, safety and something to eat, and that felt good!” says Farnetti.
Nine months after his rescue, the Canadian soldiers, or as Farnetti refers to them, “my Canadian guardian angels,” taught him English and relied on him as a camp messenger throughout the closing months of the Second World War.
the only other outcomes. They gave me love and a purpose when helplessness and depression were the only other options,” says Farnetti.
After leaving the care of the Canadian soldiers, Farnetti was soon adopted by an Italian couple Antonio and Rina Farneti (one ‘t’ as opposed to two in his adopted name). He went on to live a wonderful life, and became an engineer, husband, father, and grandfather.
Although Farnetti admitted at the outset of the interview that his childhood memories have faded over the years, one of the most cherished memories he will never forget is when he was given a bicycle and a little car built by his guardian angels.
“My rescue by the Canadians defined the life I have lived. They gave me hope when desperation and criminality were
Eventually, Farnetti reconnected with Lloyd “Red” Oliver, one of the Canadians soldiers who’d saved his life and connected him with the rest of the men still alive: Mert Massey, Paul Hagen and Doug Walker, and he was able to meet with them and their children. Although the Canadian soldiers who saved him have all since passed on, Farnetti’s bond with them and with their families will remain strong as long as he himself is alive.
When asked what he’d like to share with younger generations about his war experiences and the importance of hope, he replied, “Understand the lessons of the past and try very hard not to repeat mistakes that lead to war. Compassion, humility and the best aspects of human dignity must always prevail. War is the failure of civilized human activity, but prevention and deterrence remain necessary. Every generation needs to learn and re-learn this. Finally, children must always be protected, no matter how desperate things might get, because they are the hope for a better world.”
The next special screening of Gino: A Child of War will take place Tuesday, July 9, at 8:45 p.m., outdoors at the Birra Moretti Cinema in Toronto.
(Top left) Tony Battista, Gino and Giuseppe Sportelli
(Top right) Gino in American uniform with Tony Monti the OSS officer, spring 1945
Gino with Red Oliver and Peter Skyrzyic, September 1944
