Faces Magazine - Holiday Issue 2022 2/2

ENJOY THE CHARM OF SMALL-TOWN LIVING

Enjoy

Contact

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Faces

Editor In

Evan Childerhose

Publisher Justin MacKinnon Hank’s Paw Publishing (A Division of 8624771 Canada Inc.)

Art

Sonia Mehour

Accounting/Finance Linda Zhang Operations

Alex Dobsky

Office

Jonathan Rock

Contributors

Steve Warne Dan Lalande Maija Stevenson Alex Grant Alex Feeney Jordan Palleck Courtney Wheeler Corey Stone Christopher Lord Molly Burke Garry Thom Mark Steele Ryan Bova Eric MacIsaac Kenzie Murphy

Jamie Brown Robert Smith Kate Wright Meaghan Vincent Guillaume Dubois Connor Khonick Todd Hamilton Marc Paul Catheryn Risto Morris Miller

Hugo Tremblay

Cover Photo: Sean Sisk John E. Sokolowski Jana Chytilova

Andre Ringuette Connor Armstrong Taylor Condon Peter Wright Yana Klaiz Lucas Short

VIOLENT NIGHT

A team of elite mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage. But the team isn't prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (David Harbour) is on the grounds, and he's about to show why this Nick is no saint.

DECEMBER 2ND

DECEMBER

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MONTH

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the planet of Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their planet.

DECEMBER

The days of white socks as a fashion piece are over.

With the rise in popularity of crazy socks, a question that is frequently brought up is how to wear them. Below are a few styling tips when it comes to choosing the appropriate colorful socks for any outfit.

Choose Your Patterns Wisely

Solid colors with small figure patterns like paisley are a good traditional option, as are simple stripes of equal width.

If you start with those and keep the colors at least somewhat restrained, you should be able to slide into colored sock habits very easily. It's not quite as thought-free as matching your trouser color, but it's close.

DECEMBER 4TH IS NATIONAL SOCK DAY 11TH

Coordinate Your Socks With The Rest of the Outfit

Keep in mind that “coordinate” doesn't mean “match” — your dress socks don't have to be the same exact color as any other piece of clothing on your body. If your socks clash too much with the rest of your outfit, the entire ensemble may just look silly. Which leads us to our next point...

Learn About Color Theory Before Choosing Your Socks

In other words, be aware of clashing colors. For example, if you’re wearing olive green chinos, stay away from the bright red pair of socks (unless it’s the holiday season!).

WORK ON YOUR FLEXIBILITY AND POSTURE ON DECEMBER FOR NATIONAL STRE TCHING DAY

Did You Know?

Stretching in the correct way can help reduce the accumulation of lactic acid throughout the body. It also relaxes tense muscles and tones them. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight.

On Change, Celebrations, and Callings

To say that life has changed since we last interviewed Ottawa CTV News reporter Megan Shaw in 2020 would be an understatement; between reporting breaking news throughout a pandemic, returning to school to obtain her Masters of Journalism, and a wedding to her now husband, Mike McMurtry, the past three years have been busy for Megan. Though one thing that remains constant is her groundbreaking work on the scene of Ottawa’s biggest news stories, remaining a familiar face to the community for nearly eight years. Despite

By Maijia Stevenson Photography by Sean Sisk

the highs and lows, Megan has taken life’s curveballs in stride; with an adaptive nature that allows her to pivot with grace, she continues to deliver the facts and keep Ottawa citizens informed—all while balancing her life as a devoted wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and new dogmom.

We sat down with Megan to talk about all things CTV News, life, family, and holiday traditions— and, as is the case with her daily broadcasts, you won’t want to miss it.

It’s been 2 years since you were last featured in our Faces 2020 Holiday Issue, how has your life changed since we last spoke?

Life has been busy lately! From working through the pandemic, to heading back to school for my Master of Journalism, getting engaged and now married and getting the sweetest puppy –there has been a lot on the go. I’m grateful for so much but certainly taking it easy as we head into the Holidays and New Year.

What was your dream job when you were a child? Did you always know you wanted to work in broadcasting?

I would say I first started thinking about careers in High School, and originally wanted to become a teacher. I have always loved learning and little kids so it seemed like a perfect fit. I started working at a local daycare and would volunteer as a Sunday school teacher on my weekends. My mind was seemingly made up until our schools introduced a morning news segment that would be broadcast to the students, by the students. I was never picked to anchor the show, but I loved watching it and seeing my classmates deliver our community news. It was the first time I thought about broadcasting as a career. There were no courses in my hometown, so I decided to study English and Communication, Media, Film at university. Eventually I moved to Toronto, Alberta and now Ottawa, to pursue my passion.

Who has been your greatest inspiration in your career?

I wouldn’t pick one person, but would instead say that I have always looked up to the women in our industry. Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, in my employment journey there have always been

many more men in the room. I idolized the strong and brilliant women who were breaking barriers and holding space. I watched their careers for years idolizing their work. Upon meeting some of them later in my career, many were as amazing and kind, as they were talented.

Your work is so important to keeping Ottawa citizens informed. What does it mean to you to be the face of breaking news stories?

I consider it a very big responsibility and I take it very seriously. My reporting style has always been straight forward – about the facts. I want to ensure Ottawa residents get the information they need – and that it is clearly communicated. I also always keep in mind in these scenarios, that there are at times people who will be directly impacted and so as you are learning more information about a scenario, I do my best to take a respectful approach to sensitive topics. Outside of breaking news, I’m also just as honoured to be able to cover community events, fundraisers or cool and unique stories. I’m grateful to be trusted by our community and to keep them informed.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self, knowing what you know now?

I have been with CTV Ottawa for nearly eight years now – and I have spent more than a decade in different newsrooms. What I have learned – is that there is always something to learn and I would suggest giving grace during those learning periods. I have always been my toughest critic – and I think looking back, I would tell myself not to sweat the small stuff.

Congratulations on your recent marriage! How did you meet your partner, and how is newlywed life treating you?

Thank you! I met my partner at a birthday party for a mutual friend. We found out we have the same taste in music and went to a concert shortly after that (The Lumineers!). The rest is history! Newlywed life feels much the same as before. We still try to squeeze in dates when we aren’t working, or spend time with our pup. We both had really busy years and so I think we are focused on relaxing and just enjoying our time together.

What are some habits you have that you would say contribute the most to your success?

I’ve always been a hard worker but I think my willingness to learn and master new skills has gone a long way too. This industry is always changing and evolving and I have made sure to do the same. I started in radio, before moving to video-journalism, hosting, reporting, producing and now anchoring on CTV Ottawa.

We can’t get enough of your Bernedoodle puppy, Finn! What has dog mom life been like?

I love Finn the most. He has a big personality, just like many Bernedoodles, which we can’t get enough of. He’s recently become a big snuggle guy – which is my absolutely favourite. He just turned one and is about 75 pounds!

How would you spend a perfect day in Ottawa?

I’m honestly all about simplicity. My favourite days are spent with family and friends either having dinner, just sitting by the pool, or I love to go on walks with friends, or Finn. Throw in a coffee and I am all set!

You're both a head anchor at CTV News at 11:30, and you do hourly casts for CFRA. What is the biggest difference between these two roles for you?

Great question! For CTV News at 11:30, we spend hours building a 30 minute show with all of the latest live-local-breaking news from across the capital region.

The show is very community focused. I am the anchor for this specific show, I also produce it, working with our multi-skilled-journalists (MSJs) and web-team to provide up-to-date information to our viewers. On CFRA, I am responsible for hourly newscasts, which run about 4-5 minutes each and include a few top

stories from across the region, or breaking news across the province and country. These hits run from 7 until 10 p.m., and keep our listeners up to date on the top stories of the day.

Take us behind the scenes of an average day at CTV News Ottawa, what is something that you think most people don't realize is a part of your day?

Our viewers see me on the 11:30 news, but much of my work at CTV Ottawa is done in the hours leading up to the show. I arrive around 4p.m. and assist with breaking news and script writing/ reporting for CTV News at 6. From there, I start my nightly radio newscasts, update our website, watch for breaking news, and write much of our late show. I also work alongside our MSJ’s on the evening’s top stories.

You've been with CTV News since 2015. Now almost 8 years in Ottawa, how has your job changed? How has it stayed the same? And what is your favourite part about the work you do?

My role within CTV News Ottawa continues to evolve. I started as a part-time reporter for CTV Ottawa and soon after starting working with CFRA Ottawa, writing daily newscasts. I started to really idolize producing, and spent time learning how our shows are put together. Eventually, I became full-time, delivering local news Monday-Friday, before moving to anchoring our 11:30 p.m. show.

If you weren't a News Anchor and Journalist, what career do you think you would have chosen, and why?

This is a tough one! I love the excitement that comes with working in media. I also teach part-time, and I absolutely love it – so potentially teaching. While I can certainly be reserved at times, I’m very social and know I would need a job where I get to engage with people – and community. Luckily, I get to do what I love at CTV Ottawa.

HOLIDAY QUICKIES:

You’re clearly a very involved aunt to your adorable nieces and nephews––do you have any new or old holiday traditions you celebrate with your family?

Growing up we did the traditional gifts in the morning. Now watching the kids open the presents with so much enthusiasm is so much fun. I also love having coffee by the fire with my mom, and being able to catch up. This year, I will be in Ottawa with my husband’s family, where I’m excited to begin some new traditions.

What are your top three favourite holiday movies?

I feel like I change my mind on this all of the time – but I would say Elf, Home Alone and Love Actually.

What’s one holiday memory that you’ll always remember?

I remember so much from the holidays but I think my favourite thing was getting together with all the extended family at a big holiday party. There would be a big meal, dessert, tons of games and so much catching up with everyone.

What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2023?

I am keeping it simple this year and focusing on health. 2022 was busy! It came with a lot of blessings, but I think I need to take a step back now and take it easy. I want to get back to getting active, eating well and spending time with loved ones.

CONNECT YOUR MONEY WITH MEANING

Attaining a level of comfort in life is the reward of hard work and planning. With every goal achieved, a new one takes its place. For some, sharing what they accumulated becomes part of their wealth

strategy.

a well-structured charitable plan, you’ll be able to experience and enjoy the effects of your generosity today. And advanced giving approaches may be able to minimize your taxable income. Everybody wins.

Tech: Tozo W1 Wireless Charging Pad

We all have phones. We all hate dealing with chargers. The Tozo W1 looks cool and sleek, ready to start charging your device the second you set it down. That's it. At under $20, the Tozo makes a great stock ing stuffer. It’s compatible with all the latest smartphones and helps keep your counter and desktop neat.

Kitchen: ULTREAN Hot Air Fryer

Whether you've got the per fect kitchen or just moving into your first apartment, this is a welcome addition. With Ultrean air fryer, you can en joy the same fried and crispy foods with less fat and grease.

The holiday season is always just a little more festive when you're able to find that perfect gift for that special someone. And it's always a little more thoughtful and fun when you're able to find something great that isn't just pulled from a supplied wish list.

Here are our top picks for the season.

Tech: Perilogics Universal InFlight Airplane Phone Mount

Here's another great stocking stuffer. Sometimes your flight's movie choices are either terrible or you've seen them already. This adjustable clamp attaches directly to your tray table, allowing you to sit back and relax in your seat, and enjoy the shows or movies you’ve downloaded, without having to hold your phone for the entire flight.

Fashion: Men’s and Women’s UGG Slippers

Once they slide these beauties on, it'll knock their socks off. Available in men's and ladies' styles, these are perfect for staying cozy on Christmas eve by the fire or while working from home. The rubber outsole is handy in case you need to quickly hustle outside to see if reindeer really know how to fly.

Food & Drink Accessories: Modern Mixology Bartender Kit

For the amateur mixologist who wants to mix like a pro. Make amazing cocktails at home with this well-priced, stainless steel kit that includes an 18-ounce shaker, a Hawthorne strainer, a double jigger, a bottle opener, mixing spoon, ice tongs and a stand for easy storage.

Brümate Hopsulator Trio 3-in-1

The Hopsulator Trio keeps drinks icy-cold, no matter how hot your holiday party gets. Never worry again about ugly condensation rings on your expensive furniture. The Hopsulator keeps your drinks 20 times colder than a standard neoprene can cooler, so your last sip has the same refreshing kick as the first. And it'll also keep your coffee/ tea/toddy piping hot.

Beauty: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Like a Dyson vacuum, the higher price point sucks, but the Dyson Supersonic is the Cadillac of hair dryers, and winner of a Glamour Beauty Award. If you have someone in your life who relies on a great hair dryer, you may have found the perfect gift that will blow them away.

Tech: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

The AirPod wearer in your life is always going to be thrilled to receive the latest and greatest. Apple’s new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) launched in September. They have a ton of new features like Adaptive Transparency, which blocks out loud sounds even when you aren’t in Noise Cancellation mode. You can also charge your AirPods Pro 2 in four different ways. And thanks to a new speaker on the case, you can play a sound to help you locate lost AirPods.

Sports: Panel Sound Pickleball Paddle Set

Pickleball is one of the hottest growing sports in North America. This set comes with two paddles, four balls, cooling towels and a carrying case. With every one falling in love with this sport, starter sets like these will make an excellent gift under the tree this year.

Camera

If you're involved in an acci dent or witness one, you now have supporting evidence at your fingertips. Don't get the blame (and higher insur ance premiums) for some thing someone else did. The ORSKEY dash cam captures incidents, road conditions and license plate details in full HD.

Ottawa REDBLACKS star receiver Jaelon Acklin has always played the game with an edge. Whether it's in the backyard with his brothers or the last two Grey Cup games, Acklin seems like an ornery competitor, who's never shied away from talking trash or getting under people's skin.

In fact, after a win over Montreal in early September, he got a call from his mom, who told him to ease up on the smack talk during games.

Thankfully, for someone about to spend the next hour with him for this interview, "Ack" truly does leave it all on the field. Ramping up for an afternoon of online gaming at his home in Gatineau, the 27-year-old seems completely laidback and happy, ready to be friends with everyone. Acklin is effortlessly hilarious and obviously loves to make people laugh.

And during our conversation, I did – out loud – a bunch of times.

Acklin hails from Mountain View, Missouri, a small town of 2700 in the Ozark Mountains. Of course, the

name Ozark might bring to mind the popular Netflix drama, starring Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. The show is about a family trying to emerge from constant trouble, always trying to put out new fires, continually taking one step forward and two steps back.

Come to think of it, that's not a bad description of the REDBLACKS the past few seasons.

And like Marty Byrde, the fictional, steady handed character in TV's Ozark, Acklin would like nothing more than to help lead his team out of this mess and on to better days.

While it was certainly a struggle this season from a team perspective, you established yourself as Ottawa's number one receiver and truly one of the best in the CFL in receiving yards. You went over 1000 yards for the first time in your career. Way over. Can you put your finger on your key to success this year?

No, not really. I just got put in some good opportunities. I've had three different quarterbacks (Jeremiah Masoli, Caleb Evans and Nick Arbuckle), so that's been kind of different for me this year. But at the end of the day, I've just got to wake up and be the best that I can be every day. I can't help who's playing quarterback, but I can help the level of impact I have on my team and being a guy that the quarterback can rely on to make a play. So that's just what I'm trying to do. I'm just trying to be the best I can be so I can help put our team in a position to win.

How would you describe the REDBLACKS this season? You guys were in a lot of close games, especially early on, and it felt like you had way more talent than your record indicated.

Yeah. But it is what we are, you know? I feel like sometimes we get in this mood where I talk to fans after the game, they'll be like, 'Oh, you guys are so close.' But you know, I'm not here to be close. I want to win games for Ottawa. I want to win for the fans that come to the game. I want them to know what it feels like to win, because we haven't won at home this year (at the time of this interview). So that's what the most frustrating part is. But yeah, we have to quit saying, 'We're close.' At some point, we have to put our foot down and just win.

Let's learn a little about your road to the CFL. What was life like, growing up in the Ozarks?

Yeah, so I grew up with four little brothers. Well, I grew up with three little brothers and we adopted one whenever I was a little bit older. But yeah, it was a small town, like 2000 people. I knew everyone in school. I graduated with 70 people, so it was pretty small. Pretty much all my family lives there. My grandpa owned a lumber yard where I worked when I was a kid. I used to have to haul shingles and sheet rock and all that stuff with my little brothers.

And then, you know, we obviously played sports. I played football, basketball and track. I played quarterback throughout high school. I never really won anything in football. Like I never got like player of the year or anything so I kind of flew underneath the radar.

But I'm glad that I didn't because that kind of fuels me to this day. Whenever I'm working out, I think about that. Because I've never really won anything in football. I mean, I've been to two Grey Cups but we lost them both (2019 and 2021 losses to Winnipeg).

What made you go from the quarterback position to receiver?

Yeah, I always played quarterback, but then I only got one offer out of high school. Because I did play quarterback and I wasn't that great at it. I was okay. And they offered me a spot at wide receiver. That was Western Illinois. The Leathernecks. That's where I went to college. That was the only team that took a shot on me.

Do you have a favourite high school football memory?

Well, there was a rival school. Every time I beat them was probably my favourite memory. I hate them probably as much as I do Toronto. I can't stand Toronto. I think I have my most fun whenever I beat the Argos.

Is that from the Ticats-Argos rivalry or did somebody from the Argos do something that ticked you off?

A little bit of both. Their players are just not cool dudes. They're just...I don't know. From the top down in that organization, I just don't like it. So you'll never catch me in the Toronto Argonaut blue.

At Western Illinois, your stats weren't great the first three years. And then you suddenly erupted in year four. What changed in your senior year?

Yeah, I didn't play much my first three years. There's a lot of different variables that happen with college football. I wasn't really that focused either. I was like 215 pounds. I think I was probably drinking way too much beer or something. I don't know. You'd have to ask my past self about that.

But I looked myself in the mirror one day, when I was about to be a senior, and I was like, 'I just want to be the best that I can be.' Because I was seeing other people succeed and I thought that I could too. So I kind of cleaned up my act and I started eating right. I think I got down to like 190 pounds or so. And yeah, so then I had a good senior year.

So from there, you got invited to Baltimore Ravens training camp, right? What was that experience like?

It sucked, to be honest. My car got stolen twice while I was there. Baltimore was kind of a rough spot. And I was used to small town stuff because I was from Mountain View and then even West Illinois, there's only like 10,000 people in the town. So it was a big culture shock for me. I usually adjust well to stuff and I really didn't adjust well to that at all.

I remember waking up every day, I was stressed out that I was going to get cut and like, I've never really been like that. I was never really afraid of failure. But for some reason, when I was in Baltimore, I was scared of getting cut or letting people down, like letting my family down. Because I wanted to make it. And then I ended up getting hurt and they just released me like that. So that's what kind of happened with Baltimore.

Sorry to hear that. I am curious about your car getting stolen twice. Was that two different cars or the same one twice?

It was the same car, in like a two month span. It was a Mitsubishi Outlander. Like, not even that nice either.

Let's look at some better days. When did the CFL come into the picture?

I remember watching one game when I was a senior in high school and I saw Luke Tasker playing and I was number 17 (like Tasker). I was like, dang, that guy kind of looks like me – but you know, not as good-looking or as fast.

So I kind of knew about the CFL and then Burkey (former Ticats assistant GM Shawn Burke), who's the GM in Ottawa now, texted my agent and was like, yeah, we'd love to have him up here (in Hamilton). I went up there and I watched Hamilton play Montreal and they kind of got to know me. I think it was that April I signed. I was the fifth or sixth receiver on the depth chart so I had to kind of fight and claw my way up.

Was it a hard decision to leave Hamilton for Ottawa?

Yeah. Whenever I play somewhere, I fall in love with the fans. I want to play for the fans because that's what drives our game. There are fans who've been with this club since it was the Ottawa Rough Riders, and since before I was born. So I want to win games for them, even though I've only been here for one season, I still feel the passion and energy, and it was the same way in Hamilton.

I always wanted to win the Grey Cup for Hamilton, but when Burkey called me, he was asking me questions about my family and stuff. So I just knew Burkey really cared about me and wanted me to succeed and he believed that I could. So that's what made the decision easier. And plus I always thought Ottawa was a really nice city. I thought they had good looking girls too. So it was easy for Burkey to talk me into it.

Speaking of family, tell us a bit about your family back home.

My mom (Tina) and dad (Darren) split when I was in college. So it was a kind of a different ordeal. My dad is in Arkansas now and my mom's back home in Mountain View with all the boys. So that was a struggle for her, I'm sure.

So then I got my little brother, Jansen. He's 24. He coaches football and track in Mountain View. He was a really good athlete. Then Jaris, he's still playing. He's a tight end at Avila University in Kansas City. Then we got Jentry. He was a state champion hurdler and actually beat my school record. But I had like a strong headwind, so like, it doesn't even really count. And then my little brother we adopted was Caleb. We call him Jaleb sometimes so he fits in because all of us have names that start with J.

With all that athleticism, was there a favourite childhood Acklin family event or thing to do when you were kids?

Yeah, we played backyard football and that was a big thing. And I remember my mom had a Suburban with a nice stereo system. So I plugged my phone into the AUX port and I'd play YouTube crowd noise. And I made the volume go all the way up as we were playing. We'd play two on two football. So it was like we were always playing in a big stadium.

You do play in a pretty big stadium these days. What made you decide to live in Gatineau? It seems like a bit of a hike from the stadium.

I didn't have a damn clue what I was doing. I'll tell you that. And no one really told me anything. So I was honestly just looking around. And this girl, she was moving out and she was like, yeah, it's $1400 a month. So I was like, wow, that's way cheaper. But in the end, it's really not. Because I didn't factor in gas. So yeah, it was cheaper and it was fully furnished, but next year I'm for sure living right next to TD place. I don't even care how much it costs. I'm going to walk to work.

What do you do away from the field for fun?

I play video games a lot with my buddy Malik. He plays in Edmonton with the Elks. He's a cool dude. He takes it a little

seriously sometimes. Like, he'll yell at me and stuff. I just play it for fun. I don't really care that much about video games. It's just a way to get away from football and all the stuff that comes with it.

I also like watching UFC fights. If there are fights on, I'll watch them. And then soccer. Obviously, I watch soccer a lot too.

What's your favourite video game right now?

Oh, man. I'm a PC gamer. So I've been playing this game called Escape from Tarkov. It's kind of like a hardcore game, though. So it's not for kids. I play FIFA too.

So you're a big soccer guy?

Big soccer guy. Ronaldo is my favorite athlete of all time.

Did you play soccer growing up?

Nah, in Missouri, it's not very big. My dad wouldn't let me play soccer.

Sounds like you're either in your house or at the football stadium. Is there anywhere else you like to go – a club, a restaurant, or some other activity?

Oh, man. I'm really all ball, so not really. I would say I like Sunset Grill. I go there. Sometimes the servers call me like baby cakes and stuff. So I like going there for the attention. It's actually kind of funny. Lori is like the main server at Sunset. I gave her a shirt with my name and number on the back of it. So she calls me baby cake. She's nice.

What's your pre-game ritual?

I drink like five cups of coffee. And I eat pancakes too. I should throw that in there.

What advice would you have for a young football player?

Don't be afraid of failure is what I would say. And I wish that I wouldn't have tried to be too cool sometimes. I would've just tried different stuff. I think that would've helped me out along the way, too. Especially with acclimating to Baltimore. I think if I would've tried a lot more stuff, and not tried to have been too cool, or not wanting to fail when I was younger, I would've been able to not be afraid of failing whenever I did get there. But Baltimore taught me a lot, though. So I'm thankful for that as well.

Any final message for the fans before you head into the off-season?

No, I don't think so. Not besides, I love them. And we will turn it around. I promise.

By Steve Warne

EXPERIENCE

By Dan Lalande

“Fleming, an Ottawa native, was drafted in the second round of the CFL’s Canadian draft by the home team Renegades in 2002, after a distinguished collegiate career in the U.S. with the Bowling Green State Falcons. He went on to enjoy stints with the Hamilton Ti-Cats (’06) and the aforementioned Bombers (’07). Fun fact: his roomie with the Bombers was Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Like Taylor, Fleming saw himself staying in the game after his playing days. That’s when, as an off-season dabbler in kinesiology (his college major), he was assigned his first MVA (motor vehicle accident) victim. Fleming had been told by reputable sources that the young woman in question would never be able to walk downstairs again. It was a diagnosis that triggered Fleming’s never-quit athlete’s ethos.

Less than a year later, under Fleming’s compassionate and committed tute lage, she was doing what had once been deemed the impossible. “It completely changed the direction of my business and my life,” recalls a still proud Fleming.

Today, Fleming Fitness, based in Kana ta, treats MVAs, Veterans, seniors, and everybody else for everything from the effects of seriously debilitating accidents such as fractures, concussions, and brain injuries to anxiety, depression, obesity, and the onset of age. Fleming and his co-owner wife, former Texas-based news anchor Marissa Rubin, oversee a team of 28 regulated kinesiologists, corrective exercise specialists, and exercise physiologists. The team works out of two semi-private studios. All sessions are one-on-one, removing the intimidation of attending a busy public gym. Fleming Fitness uses an array of different modalities: strength and conditioning, mo bility, balance, functional training, breathing techniques, core strengthening, yoga, and more. The focus is on pain management, regaining independence, and longevity.

The company also has the capacity to stage at-home sessions, in Ottawa, the Valley, and Kingston. “Seniors, injured, and busy individuals love the convenience of having a kinesiologist come to their home,” boasts the tall, amiable Fleming. “Plus, being regulated health professionals, our services can be covered by extended health plans, and can be claimed as an eligible medical expense for tax purposes.” Fleming Fitness also has a special rate for seniors, lowering the cost per session, while Veterans have access to a special program focused on strength, endurance, and decreased pain for free, thanks to direct billing.

If you’re looking for further proof of the company’s results, check out Fleming Fit ness’s online reviews: you’ll find more stars than a CFL all-star team. In 2021, Commu nity Votes, the popular platform for media outlets, awarded it Top Fitness Facility in Ottawa. It’s a success the business’owner attributes to the quality of those who wear the company’s iconic black sports tops, professionals Fleming selects with the same exacting care that he invests in

patients. “Having a quality staff is crucial,” he maintains. “We constantly have an ad out looking for qualified professionals, so when the time comes to hire someone, I have dozens to interview. This way, I can select the best candidate. They must have a high level of knowledge of the human body, how it moves, and why compensa tions occur. Our assessments are highly detailed. We find the muscular imbalances within the body and design a program to help correct them. Each person’s program is tailored to their individual needs. We review their wants and needs and devise a custom program to help them reach their health and fitness goals. We want to im prove their quality of life by helping them move and feel better while decreasing pain. For us, health and fitness are a way of living.”

Like many businesses, Fleming Fitness took a hit when it was blitzed by the pandemic—but not for long. The company began offering virtual sessions, something it still does today, providing first-timers with a free kit of exercise-related ame nities. And like a typical Fleming Fitness patient, the company’s in-person facilities are back to functionality. The company has just expanded its 1800 square feet facility on Palladium Drive, adding another 1600.

If you don’t feel you’re a candidate for an appointment, you can benefit from Flem ing Fitness’ expertise via their website. There, you’ll find practical tips on every thing from at-home exercise regimens to mental health. It’s just another of the myriad ways Fleming Fitness is aiding the greater Ottawa community, like its eightyear-old annual charity golf tournament which has raised over $160,000 for the Brain Injury Association of the Ottawa Valley.

Just like the founder’s experience with that first MVA, Fleming Fitness can be a life-changing experience.

Rolex–Datejust 36

This staple of luxury is a classic for a reason; sleek lines and mixed metals accompany a fluted bezel and the trademark Rolex dial face. The 2022 model has a diamond set dial and a staggered metal bracelet that sets it apart from its predecessors. This is a true investment piece that remains a timeless classic.

Gucci–38mm Grip Watch

THE FACES ESSENTIAL WATCH GUIDE: Our selection of timeless luxury watches to invest in this holiday season.

IWhenit comes to everyday luxury, there’s no greater invest ment than a quality watch. Meeting at the intersection of aes thetics and practicality, a watch is a must-have piece in every wardrobe––but how do you choose the right style amidst the endless options available? To simplify your search, we’ve com piled a list of 4 essential watches that are seasonally relevant, while remaining effortlessly timeless.

JaegerLeCoultre–Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds

If standing out from the crowd is your priority, then look no further: the Gucci 38mm Grip watch in yellow gold is a true show-stopper. This watch blends Gucci’s iconic 1970’s flair with modern day skateboarding culture. The unique watch face features three windows which indicate the hour, minute, and date, and the bracelet blends into the gold PVD case seamlessly, with a repeating pattern of interlocking G’s, characteristic to the brand.

The Reverso Tribute is a call back to the original 1931 Reverso watch, which shares the modern interpre tation’s shape, width, and colourway. The watch is characterized by its trapezoidal case and the unique ability of its face to flip inwards, which was originally designed by César de Trey for Polo players to wear during their sport without risk of damage. This watch merges a vintage feel with modern hardware, and an intriguing range of colour options that allow you to express your personality.

Omega x Swatch––Bioce ramic Moonswatch

$320

If standing out from the crowd is your priority, then look no further: the Gucci 38mm Grip watch in yellow gold is a true show-stopper. This watch blends Gucci’s iconic 1970’s flair with modern day skateboarding culture. The unique watch face features three windows which indicate the hour, minute, and date, and the bracelet blends into the gold PVD case seamlessly, with a repeating pattern of interlocking G’s, characteristic to the brand.

TIGER:

For Janine Charron, the word represents many things: a nickname afforded her by her beloved grandfather; the animal whose fearlessness she demonstrated as an athlete; the acronym for her life’s philosophy, gleaned from circumstances including divorce, bankruptcy, and breast cancer.

By Dan Lalande Photography by Sean Sisk

“I truly believe in my heart that I've been given all of these expe riences because this is what I'm supposed to do in the next phase of my life,” the indefatigable brunette enthuses. “It's to help other people get through adversity.”

Through speaking engagements, TV appearances, and podcasts (and may be even a TED talk; we’ll see), Charron is helping people to cope with the on set of misfortune through the practice of self-leadership. Her trials and tribulations have taught her the sustaining values of personal inventory, accountability to oth ers, and universal compassion, a way of life she awards the same nickname that her grandfather gave her. To translate these guiding principles into constructive energy, she has learned, is to enter into a mutually beneficial relationship with the world—or as she likes to put it, “Life shows up for you because you show up for it.”

For a whirlwind period, however, it seemed that every time Charron showed up for life, it checked her into the boards. Marriage to her first husband, a fellow ath lete she met after playing NCAA Division 1 Women’s Hockey at the University of New Hampshire, dissolved. When Char ron and her second husband—like her, an Ottawa native—decided to open a ballet barre-based fitness club in the Westboro area, they were met with the kind of un precedented success for which young, inexperienced entrepreneurs are not pre pared. When they expanded to Stittsville, both studios imploded—a scenario that soured the goodwill of the communities they served and that almost left the cou ple and their kids without a home. Then, hardest of all, came the cancer diagno sis. In May of 2020, Charron, all of 38 and in peak physical condition, discovered a lump in her breast.

“Had I been going through all of that cra zy stuff with the fitness studios,” she says, looking back, “I would have just ignored it. I would have been too busy and too stressed out. So, I’m grateful that I was in a situation to make the call that day.” To say the least; within the month, Charron found out she had invasive ductal carcinoma, a stage one grade two tumour. She under went mastectomies on both breasts and eventually, reconstruction.

In time, however, the concern of cancer visited again: Charron tested positive for a gene mutation making her susceptible to the ovarian variety. A year and a half on waiting lists later, Charron had her ovaries and fallopian tubes prophylactically re moved as a precaution.

The support—from her family (including her mom, a retired nurse), medical pro fessionals, and in particular, her social circle—was overwhelming. “I got five de liveries a day from different people,” she recounts, still marveling. “Flowers, books, cards, food…people came out of the wood work.” Always the philosopher, she adds, “I truly believe that that was a return on the investment I had put into my life and the lives of other people.”

Hence the basis of her acronymic tenet: that reward follows a circular path. It’s a conviction Charron feels she was destined to dispense, even if that notion struck some of those closest to her as perverse.

“When I was first diagnosed,” she recounts, “I remember thanking the universe for my breast cancer. My mom said, ‘I don’t know what God you pray to, but I would never thank him for breast cancer!’ I had to ex plain that ever since I was a little girl, my vision was to have a big impact on peo ple—and not from a place of ego. I truly felt that I was meant to help other people in some way, shape, or form, but I didn’t know what that was going to be. When I

got diagnosed, I knew that that was the experience that was going to get me to finally be able to share my feelings and message with the people who needed to hear them.”

That message is the T.I.G.E.R Method, which stands for…

T -Together I - In G -Grace E - Everything R - Rises

And how’s this for its benefits: Today, Charron maintains a happy home, has reimbursed all outstanding fitness debts, and has survived her compli cated cancer treatments. Further, she’s a certified speaker with New York’s Big Talk Academy, imparting T.I.G.E.R in per son, in the media, online, and maybe soon, in a book.

“Magic happens when you challenge yourself to learn new ways of thinking,” she affirms. “Magic happens when you show up for other people. Magic hap pens when you take care of your body. Magic happens when you learn to un derstand yourself more deeply.”

Magic also happens when you encounter Janine Charron.

Paul Lewandowski first discovered his passion for cross-examination when he was articling.

A mentor classified lawyers into two distinct categories: “facts” lawyers and “law” lawyers.

“It is only if you cannot command the facts that you need to resort to the law,” maintains the erudite Lewandowski, a disciple of the former. “The only tool a lawyer

has to command the facts is cross-examination.”

Lewandowski, though, has twenty years of trial experience. Over that time, he has questioned thousands of witnesses, including forensic pathologists, neuropathologists, psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, computer experts, and psychologists, not to mention civilians.

By Dan Lalande Photography by Sean Sisk

“My love is cross-examination. You need a lawyer to ferret out a witness’ lies? Deconstruct a nonsensical story? Pave the way for a client’s testimony? This is what I do, and I use every legal means at my disposal to do it.”

PAUL LEWANDOWSKI PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION IS A BOUTIQUE CRIMINAL LITIGATION FIRM.

While the practice covers various forms of law, sexual assault cases have become, almost organically, an area of focus. These are high-stake situations, often placing defence lawyers in an extremely precarious position. For one, the sheer volume of evidence in these cases, particularly those involving repeat offend ers, is daunting. Lewandowski calls these cases “the epit ome of complex liti gation.” That said, it’s a challenge Lewandowski and his team meet head-on, often with dramatic results. While every case is unique, and past results are not necessarily indicative of future results, Lewand owski recalls one partic ular cross-examination where a complainant admitted before the jury that she "may" have made up the allega tions. The Crown invited the Judge to dismiss the charge.

When the resulting "not guilty" verdict was recorded, it was followed, quite unusu ally, by an exclamation point.

The aforementioned team is comprised of Lewandowski, Gavin Johnston, and Nancy Nunn. Johnston is the inhouse resource on warrants and highly technical litigation issues, though he’s accu mulating triumphs as a trial lawyer in his own right. Nunn, “the firm whip,” oils the office systems and cuts through red tape. “I need to know that all pistons are firing,” says the driven Lewandowski. “That’s why I have made a point of surrounding myself with highly competent people.” And technology. Modern criminal defence is a hightech affair: seized hard drives, cell phones, and other hardware often con tain key pieces of evidence. Frustrated with the pace of disclosure on forensic files, high-cost computer experts, and equally expensive anal ysis technologies, Lewand owski developed software of his own: Sleuth Forensics, a software package that foren sically dissects hard drives to produce reports suitable for cross-examination. Its creator elucidates:

“In most cases, you do not need a defence-hired expert to assert something. Rather, you need to be able to deconstruct what the Crown expert is saying. Thus, what was needed was a software tool that organized the meta-data contents of a hard drive in an order that was simple, logical, and could be used not so much as a stand-alone report, but rather to cross-examine their ex pert. Having programmed since age seven, I set upon building a forensic analysis program designed by a defence lawyer for defence lawyers.”

Sleuth, an intuitive web-based interface written primari ly in Python, unpacks all of the SQL databases, grabs the internet and chat histories, and arranges them in an order conducive to cross-examination.

Being both a lawyer and a programmer, it’s a busy life. So, what does Lewandowski do to unwind? The answer, like a critical courtroom revelation, might well surprise you: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. That said, it’s not so out of character.

“The parallels between jiu-jitsu and a criminal trial have not gone unnoticed,” says Lewandowski. “You enter the fight with a game plan, but quickly find yourself in situations that have not directly been anticipated. When you’re handling a witness on the stand, no matter how much preparation you have done, the reality is that you will be ‘off script’ within several questions. You become reliant on the years of train ing and experience that preceded this case. Your wins, your losses all culminate into a series of judgment calls made in real-time.”

In the best lawyerly tradition, Lewandowski rephrases the statement, going so far as to lighten it up: “After hours of dissecting witnesses on the stand, there is no better stress relief than to try and submit your training buddy with your bare hands. It puts tomorrow’s stressors into perspective.”

The grit required to survive on the mats captures the drive by which Lewandowski conducts his business. These days, though, that client base is a matter of personal choice. “At this point in my career,” announces Lewandowski, “I get to select most of my cases. I keep a small roster of clients. It enables me to devote a significant amount of time and resources into each individual case.”

No further questions. paullewandowski.com

Photo by Canada Soccer

Ottawa’s Clarissa Larisey always hoped she might someday get the call to play for Canada’s National Women’s soccer team. But when that phone call finally came back in August, she ignored it.

“It was one of the best phone calls of my life,” Larisey remembers. “I was speaking on the phone with my grandmother when I received a call from an unknown number. I didn’t recognize the number so I didn’t answer it. A couple of minutes later, Coach Bev (Team Canada coach Bev Priestman) texted me, saying it was her and to give her a call back.

“I was in shock. I had been dreaming of the day the national team was going to call me and the day they did, I didn’t answer…good thing she texted me! I called her back immediately and she invited me to join her and the team in the next camp, which was in Australia.”

Larisey had to share the news immediately. The first people she called were her parents, Marc and Dalal, and her older sister, Helena.

They all picked up right away.

“They’re my biggest supporters and have been on this journey with me since day one,” Larisey said. “Then I had to call my cousin, Tony Mikhael, who plays in the CPL (Canadian Premier League) because we played soccer together our whole lives and share a love for the sport and our country. They were all excited and incredibly happy for me.”

Larisey has been an elite player at every level. Gifted with incredible acceleration and scoring touch, the 23-year-old striker played her minor soccer with Goulbourn, West Ottawa, and Ottawa South United. Playing at the provincial level (OYSL), she led the league in goal scoring from 2014-16 and a number of NCAA programs recruited her while attending Sacred Heart High School in Stittsville.

Larisey eventually decided on the University of Memphis, where she debuted in 2017 as a freshman, and went on to become the 6th best scorer in the school’s history (34 goals). In 2019, the young Canadian was an NCAA All-American.

Almost every great athlete would love to play for their country one day. But very few actually live out that dream, especially when the national roster they’re trying to crack is filled with reigning Olympic champions.

Despite all her accomplishments so far, she didn’t know what to expect when she joined Team Canada for her first camp in August.

“Going into my first camp, I had zero expectations in terms of playing time,” Larisey said. “Considering it was my first time playing with the national team, I just wanted to make sure to have great practices and enjoy the moment. Whether I had playing time or not, I was incredibly thankful to be able to learn from the best. It was truly an honour.”

But in the September 3rd match in Australia, Larisey not only made her Team Canada debut, earning her first international cap, she also got a healthy amount of playing time in the second half – around 20 minutes' worth. She even had a great scoring chance from the top of the box but the Australian keeper made a fine save on a ball that looked for a moment like it was headed for the back of the net.

“I was shocked and so nervous when they told me I was going in,” Larisey said. “The players and the coaches were very supportive and encouraging. They told me to have fun and just do what I do. We were up by one goal so it was a matter of scoring, when possible, but mostly to defend and/or keep the ball. But it went well. I have never played for so many people before so that was a new experience for me.”

After the 2020-21 campaign, her fourth and final season at Memphis, and still a few months before graduation, the professional ranks came calling with an opportunity to play in Iceland. Having been overlooked in January at the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League Draft, Larisey jumped at this new opportunity. She finished her school online, jumped on a plane to Reykjavik and suited up for Valur FC. Her new club went on to claim the 2021 Icelandic championship a few months later.

That experience immediately paved Larisey's road to Scotland, where she’s now a top scorer for Celtic FC and had 8 goals in the club’s first five matches – all victories.

Photo by Canada Soccer

On October 6th, Larisey was called on again for Canada in an international friendly against Argentina in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain. Up 1-0, Larisey subbed in and helped put the match to bed in the 87th minute, with a fierce sprint down the right wing and an excellent cross that led to an easy tap-in for Cloe Lacasse and a 2-0 Canada victory.

One week later in Morocco, on her mom's birthday, Larisey scored her first for Canada in a 4-0 victory. It was a beauty, as Larisey used her trademark acceleration to blow past the defender, catching up to a clever through ball from Evelyne Viens and burying her own rebound from one knee. Delighted, she bounced up and down, arms in the air, as happy teammates ran in with congratulatory hugs.

"It feels amazing," Larisey said. "I mean, this whole week has been hard work. We've been put in the heat and all that and we've thrived. We worked really hard and (scoring my first) goal was just a plus."

While Larisey is still developing, she significantly upgrades Canada's speed up front, and speed is a weapon that can't be taught.

Priestman has definitely taken notice of the young Ottawa striker, and mentioned her by name after the match.

"There were some outstanding performances I got to see from players coming in," Priestman said. "Like Sophie Schmidt, Clarissa, Simi (Awujo). There's some really exciting talent coming through. It makes my job harder... But we know to win a World Cup you need 23 players. It's going to be difficult finding out who those 23 are."

There are several more international camps before the next World Cup (July-August 2023) and Larisey is sure to get more calls from Team Canada.

And yes, she now answers on the first ring.

By Steve Warne

Photo by Celtic FC

What do the holidays mean to you?

At Giovanni’s, the answer is all about family. This Preston street staple has been a hallmark of the Little Italy community for nearly 40 years, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, upscale atmosphere, punctuated by ornate chandeliers and black accents throughout the space.

The building’s facade is as recognizable to Ottawa locals as the friendly faces you’ll find inside; Nino Cocco Pollastrini is the second-generation owner of the restaurant, following in the footsteps of his mother, Lisa and his late father, Giuseppe. Together with his children, Lisa and Nino Junior, the restaurant is a bustling tribute to the legacy built by this entrepreneurial family—and this triumph is never more apparent than during the holiday season. “Our regular [customers] book their holiday parties in the early summer,” Nino’s daughter—and front of house manager of Giovanni’s—Lisa, tells Faces, “it’s so nice to see the same groups year after year during the holidays.”

It comes as no surprise that the holiday season marks one of the busiest times for the restaurant, as nearly 40 years of quality and service have built Giovanni’s a loyal customer base. “Some of these people have seen my brother and I grow up,” Lisa recalls fondly, “It’s very special to have that relationship with our regular customers”.

While their commitment to tradition and authenticity is unwavering, there have been exciting changes at Giovanni’s since Faces last visited in early 2021. The addition of a two-storey outdoor patio structure was introduced in the past year to help accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. This custom-built addition feels more like an extension to the atmosphere built inside the restaurant, rather than a simple outdoor patio space—and with an in-house DJ setting the tone every night, this is an experience that is not to be missed. “While the patio will be closed during the winter months, we look

forward to welcoming back our customers to the space in the spring,” Lisa tells us.

Despite making pivots to keep up with the changes of a post-pandemic world, some things remain the same year after year at Giovanni’s; “our whole family comes together around the holidays to decorate the restaurant,” Lisa explains, “it’s become a tradition, and we look forward to it every year”. These thoughtful traditions are what make Giovanni’s stand apart from the crowd, solidifying the restaurant as the principal destination for Italian fare in Little Italy.

As the restaurant heads into its 40th anniversary in 2023, it’s clear to see how a commitment to consistency, quality, and family has brought this eatery great success since its opening in 1983—and there are no plans of stopping now. “We’re looking forward to another 40 years of serving our customers and community,” Lisa tells Faces. “We’ll definitely be doing something to celebrate our 40th anniversary—we’re excited to see our loyal customers there!”

YOU KNOW THE ADAGE:

The exception, in this case, is David Burns & Associates (DBA), a fourth-generation wealth management firm. DBA’s core business is domestic and international group benefits products, though it also offers life insurance and investment services. In all cases, its primary focus is the client, not the carrier—a founding philosophy that has remained unchanged over DBA’s 45-year prosperity.

By Dan Lalande Photography by Sean Sisk

family and business don’t mix. Odds are you also know this one: for every rule, there’s an exception.

Jennifer, a former grade school math teach er, joined the family business in 2011, along with her brother Matt.

IIan, had been the first to step into their father’s shoes (in 2005), trading an in ternational career for the perpetuation of the personal touch that has built DBA’s reputation.

“Our father was a good boss but not an easy boss,” Ian qualifies. “He taught us to work hard and to fight for our clients”—an edict the paterfamilias, David, learned in turn from his father, who left a major insurance com pany mid-career to offer the citizens of Ottawa more fitting financial choices. Though he retired in 2015, David remains a valued consultant. Adds Ian, “We call on him all the time.”

“We’re not a 1-800 number,” explains, with palpable pride, Jennifer Burns, the eldest of three siblings currently at the helm. “Our names are on the door. When you walk in to our offices”—at 105 Fourth Avenue— “you’re going to get the same person you talked to on the phone.”

And why wouldn’t they? The man has seen it all, from the insurance industry consolida tion craze of the past few decades to today’s COVID-spawned emphasis on mental health benefits. David’s mission, and his children’s, is to ensure that whatever comes next, the firm’s investigative, individualized approach to benefit and investment solutions remains uncorrupted. At DBA, “fully independent” is not just boilerplate language.

DBA works in close collaboration with its clients, often soliciting a company’s em ployees and their families to determine the organization’s most pressing financial con cerns. The firm then goes mano a mano with a number of reputable insurance carriers, to provide its clients with a customized plan that’s easy on administration fees and struc tured to provide access to surplus refunds.

DBA also reviews this coverage as the sub scriber company scales, and helps to handle employee claim inquiries. Says Ian, “Benefits comprise 25% of a company’s payroll. So, we’re always asking, ‘Where is that money going? What are you getting for it?’”

It’s a question more relevant today than it’s ever been, thanks to our inflationary times. Companies, when they do spend, are doing it cautiously. That’s to DBA’s benefit, given their longstanding reputation for providing more bang for the buck. A healthy portion of DBA’s clientele, in fact, is penny-wise companies switching over from big sticker, one-size-fits-all carriers. Plus, by going with DBA, they’re privy to an informal, big-pic ture tutorial on modern economics. “What’s going on today is cyclical,” explains Matt, who takes care of the wealth management side of the business. “Everyone’s trying to save but there’s a right way and there’s a wrong way. We always advise people not to

take their money out of the market, not to bury their heads in the sand.” In other words, whether you’re a company or an individual, trust that you’re in hands with a genuine, ho listic interest in your financial well-being. And up to snuff. Boutique brokers like DBA know more today than ever before. That’s because there’s a generation at large with a healthy interest in personal long-term wealth and scads of internet-based information at their disposal. “The modern client is very well ed ucated,” Ian affirms. “Today, the seller needs to understand the buyer, not the other way around.”

No problem there, as DBA’s online testimo nials attest. Words like “streamline,” “savings,” and of course, “personal” show up almost as often as Jennifer, courteously checking up on the satisfaction level of a client, might.

Expect more such reviews as DBA con tinues to grow—a growth, it’s important to note, that will not include appropriation by a bigger interest. “Medium-sized players like us get purchased all the time,” says Ian, “and sure, we’ve had offers. But we’ve always said no. Our culture and degree of service would be lost.”

Nor might DBA implode, the fate of too many family-owned businesses. Just a few years ago, it hired a business coach to help navigate the work-family dynamic.

“We spend a lot of time together,” Jennifer explains, “so we try to be respectful of one another.”

david-burns.com

Treat your loved ones, in other words, with the same vested care with which you treat your clients.