Faces Magazine - July August 2022

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IN THIS ISSUE

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RYAN GOSLING Discusses new film The Gray Man, an action thriller co-starring Ana de Armas.

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JEREMIAH MASOLI We caught up with Masoli to learn more about the man the REDBLACKS hope will lead them back into contention this season.

JESSE LUKETA

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Ottawa's own Arizona Cardinal

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LUIJI VILAIN A tale of resilency: Ottawa's Luiji Vilain signs with the Vikings

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KIRA ISABELLA Catching up with Ottawa's singer/songwriter and country star

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KEVIN LING On how he plans to rebuild the Ottawa Sooners as a foundation for youth in sports.

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MATT YAKABUSKI The Annual Yakabuski Classic supports local youth in sports.

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DENIS ANALYTIS

In just 3 years, Ottawa Meal Prep has become the Capital's largest locally-owned meal delivery service.

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ANITA HOSANNA KANGABE Stylish and Fashion Editor Anita Hosanna shares top tips for summer style.

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Mattamy Homes Presents The 9TH Annual

F R I D AY O C T O B E R 2 1 S T, 2 0 2 2 BROOKSTREET HOTEL

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JULY & AUGUST 28 10 OF THE BEST SUBSCRIPTION BOXES YOU CAN GET IN OTTAWA....................................

SUMMER COCKTAILS

Rather than the classic offerings of beer and canned wine, we’re here to help you elevate your hosting skills to the next level ..................................................................................

NOW THIS

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Surprising finds from the world of research.............................................

15 YEARS LATER: OTTAWA SENATORS STANLEY CUP FINAL..........................................................................

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CONNEX CLASSIC TOURNAMENT

90 The first annual Connex Classic presented by Arlington Group was held on June 3rd.......................................

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July/August 2022 - Volume 74 FIND FACES Faces Magazine is distributed bi-monthly and offered free at select locations across Ottawa and in cities across Eastern Ontario. Full issues are also available online. Faces Magazine is a non-traditional print medium with a strong brand presence on social media.

Editor In Chief Evan Childerhose Publisher Justin MacKinnon Hank’s Paw Publishing (A Division of 8624771 Canada Inc.) Art Director Sonia Mehour Operations Manager Courtney Wheeler

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Accounting/Finance Linda Zhang

@facesottawa @facesott @facesottawa

Contact info@facesmag.ca (613) 591 - 6093

Event Info

www.facesmag.ca/awards To request our event sponsorship packages, please email info@facesmag.ca. For all other information regarding our events, please call or visit our event website.

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Contributors Alex Feeney Steve Bunda Catheryn Risto Morris Miller Corey Stone Christopher Lord Alex Dobsky Jonathan Rock Dan Lalande Maija Stevenson Tayna Gautier Meaghan Vincent Steve Warne Max Polizi Kate Wright Todd Hamilton Stewart Clarke Liam Fox Ryan Bova Trevor McIssac Kenzie Harrison Connor Khonick Jordan Palleck Gary Cassidy Jennifer Marwick Guillaume Dubois Allison Dupuis Trever MacIsaac Ryan Bova Kenzie Harrison Dave Rock

Contributing Photographers Cover Photo: Sean Sisk John E. Sokolowski Jana Chytilova Andre Ringuette Connor Armstrong Taylor Condon Peter Wright Yana Klaiz Lucas Short

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cadieuxinteriors.ca • 1280 Old Innes Road • 613 - 745 -1230

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JULY

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MOVIE RELEASES

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HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MONTH

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THE GRAY MAN Based on Mark Greaney’s 2009 novel of the same name, The Gray Man sees Court Gentry (Ryan Gosling), a highly-skilled CIA mercenary incognito, on the path to discovering hidden agency secrets. All the while, his psychopathic ex-colleague, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), puts a bounty on his head, setting in motion a global manhunt at the hand of international assassins.

JULY INTERNATIONAL KISSING DAY Whether it’s a kiss on the cheek or a kiss on the lips, grab a loved one and plant one on them!

And yes, pets count.

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ON NETFLIX

JULY WORLD EMOJI DAY If you’re already an Emoji user, send a few extra smiley faces today. For those that hate using them, we dare you to send one.

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NOPE Jordan Peele’s highly anticipated sci-fi horror hinges on the residents of an isolated California town. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer star as James and Jill Haywood, “the only Black-owned horse trainers in Hollywood.”

One night, while on the ranch, they encounter an uncanny force that affects human and animal behaviour.

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JULY INTERNATIONAL SELF CARE DAY Taking care of yourself should be a priority every day, but who doesn’t want one more reason to treat themselves?

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JULY CANADA DAY

The month kicks off with a celebration of Canadian independence. Formerly known as Dominion Day, this nation’s capital knows how to throw a birthday party. Following two straight years of virtual gatherings, festivities will resume in downtown Ottawa for Canada’s 155th with live entertainment, family activities and unforgettable fireworks.

BULLET TRAIN JULY BLUESFEST

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Ottawa Bluesfest is back this summer and better than ever. After a two-year hiatus thanks to COVID, the multi-stage music festival is making up for lost time. Featuring performances by Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, Luke Bryan, Alexisonfire, Three Days Grace, Rage Against The Machine, and many more.

Kōtarō Isaka’s 2010 novel “Maria Beetle” gets adapted into an upcoming action-comedy with an ensemble cast.

Brad Pitt stars as “Ladybug,” a trained killer who wants to leave the life behind but gets sucked back in by his handler, played by Sandra Bullock. He’s ordered to collect a briefcase on a bullet train going from Tokyo to Kyoto.

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LABANESE FESTIVAL The second week of July is also reserved for the Lebanese Festival.

Bringing you the best in Middle Eastern cuisine, culture, and entertainment, this event celebrates the diversity of the Ottawa– Lebanese community like no other. As per usual, the Faces Magazine 2022 Awards nominee promises an excellent turnout.

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AUGUST HERE’S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS MONTH

RESURRECTION The Sundance Film Festival psychological thriller stars Rebecca Hall as Margaret, a successful single mother whose daughter is going off to university. Everything is going according to plan until she sees a familiar face from her past in tow with all of her dark secrets.

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AUGUST OTTAWA SOONERS HOME OPENER, CARLETON UNIVERSITY

AUGUST NATIONAL LAZY DAY

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Celebrate being lazy by doing absolutely nothing.

And don’t worry, we’re sure your boss will understand.

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THE MAN FROM TORONTO The action-comedy shot in Canada stars Kevin Hart as Teddy, a man from New York City whose identity is mistaken for the world’s deadliest assassin known as Randy (Woody Harrelson), the “Man from Toronto.” Antics follow as the two wind up staying in the same Airbnb.

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AUGUST NATIONAL DOG DAY Enjoy the dog days of summer when any excuse to mark the existence of a canine companion is a good one.

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AUGUST GREEK FEST Savour the sights, sounds, and tastes of Greece this summer with another festival favourite. After two years of a take-out system, the Greek Fest is ready to welcome visitors back with open arms. Get ready to “Live a day the Greek way,” with delicious food, dancing, live music, and, of course, plate breaking.

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SAMARITAN Since his last epic battle twenty years ago, Stanley Kominski (Sylvester Stallone) has been a retired superhero living his life on the straight and narrow. Based on the Mythos comic book series, the story follows Sam Cleary on his quest to uncover the identity of his neighbour. As the two develop a friendship, Sam suspects Stanley as the MIA superhero.

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AUGUST CAPITAL FAIR

TH The Capital Fair bills itself as “Family Fun For Everyone,” and we would have to agree. Formerly known as the Gloucester Fair, this attraction features the Ottawa Valley’s Biggest Midway, extreme motorsport shows, horse shows, free live entertainment, and an excellent kid's area. With something for everyone to enjoy, making memories is a walk in the park.

AUGUST AFROBEACH PARTY OTTAWA

In August, back at Mooney’s Bay is the city’s inaugural Afrobeach Party hosted by Hype Nation. Come for the no-cost entry, and stay for the party full of live performances and DJs. Bring your friends and enjoy the food and drink along with beach amenities, including picnic tables, barbeque pits, and play structures.

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The Ottawa REDBLACKS have just completed one of the biggest off-season CFL overhauls in the capital's history – and you're safe to include the old Rough Riders and Renegades in that discussion. The REDBLACKS picked up 17 CFL players on their free agent shopping list this year, shoring up almost every position on the roster.

Their marquee free agent signing was Jeremiah Masoli, a franchise quarterback who'd spent the past eight years in Hamilton. It's a twoyear deal that will reportedly pay him $450,000 this season, making him one of the highest paid players in the league.

Not only did Masoli upgrade the quarterback position markedly, his signing very likely made Ottawa a destination of choice for other CFL free agents.

The affable 33-year-old has been to three Grey Cups, including last year's heartbreaking overtime loss to Winnipeg. In 2018, Masoli was the Eastern nominee for the league's Most Outstanding Player and looked like he might be in the running in 2019 as well. Unfortunately, with the Ticats off to a dominating 4-1 start that year, Masoli’s season ended with a knee injury – a torn ACL. That allowed his understudy, Dane Evans, to step up and take the reins.

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Hamilton's quarterback position has basically been a timeshare ever since.

That said, Masoli never stopped being a franchise quarterback. The Tiger-Cats simply discovered they had two of them. But make no mistake. In Ottawa, Masoli is the guy. And with all the positive changes here, the sky's the limit.

Faces caught up with Masoli to learn more about the man the REDBLACKS hope will lead them back into contention this season.

Photography by Sean Sisk

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You had options in free agency. Why did you decide to sign in Ottawa?

I really do like this city, just from visiting as an opponent. I really like the stadium. But the main factor was having somebody to push me and make me better – somebody that I believe in that can take us to the Cup. It was coach LaPolice. As familiar as I was with our GM here (Shawn Burke), I know what (Burke) brings to the table and you see what he's done. Just the conversations I had with LaPolice, I knew pretty quickly we were going to get along. Just hearing him talk about offence and what he wanted to do with me, it was an easy sell for me.

The REDBLACKS have won just three games in each of the past two seasons. Are you excited about the challenge of helping them turn things around?

I've seen when this team was very successful and how great the fans in the city responded. So, I definitely want to help turn things around. Our goals will never change, right? We want to win big. We want to win it all. We want to be the best. That's the vision, that's the plan. Everything else besides that, let's not let it get in our way. If it's in our way, we'll figure out how to get around it. It is a great challenge. I am happy to be a part of it and do it with my brothers here. So it'll be fun.

After eight years in Hamilton, what's it been like learning a whole new playbook here in Ottawa?

Man, it's been refreshing. It's been an awesome challenge. To hear new verbiage, different concepts. Just the way that LaPo (head coach Paul LaPolice) thinks, the mindset of this offence, the philosophy behind it.

You know, being in Hamilton so long, I kind of knew that playbook like the back of my hand. So being here, I love it. It's given me another challenge.

Can you tell us a little bit about your family and life, growing up in San Francisco?

I love San Francisco. It was awesome, man. Just a melting pot of all the cultures. Big Samoan community out there. My family comes from Samoan heritage – my grandparents came over from Samoa in the sixties. My parents (Kennedy and Linda) were born in Hawaii and California. Coming up in the 90s and early 2000s...I was super fortunate. My parents were able to send us back to the islands. Every other summer growing up, I was able to get back in touch with my roots and learn how to live on the land. I always knew that experience was helping me.

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When I came back to the States, like I could see my friends or even my cousins just taking things for granted – whether it's colour TVs or hot water. I remember my Dad taking me to watch high school practices in Samoa. People were sharing helmets. No shoulder pads. So, it just gave me a deep appreciation really early on about what I had living in America. Coming up, it was such a joy for sure. I had such a loving family and environment. I'm super thankful for that.

How did you get started in football and was it always going to be the quarterback position for you?

The plan was always quarterback for sure. My Dad was a quarterback when he was growing up. He played in high school and junior college but messed up his knee. He was always the quarterback, one of the better ones coming out of San Francisco back in the day.

I was a three-sport athlete – baseball, basketball, football. I started playing football in the fifth grade when I was 10. I played left guard, nose guard, fullback, and middle linebacker. But every day after practice, even in those days when I was playing different positions, it would be just me and my dad and he'd make me throw the whole route tree (throwing to all the possible routes that receivers run). So he was preparing me to be a quarterback the whole time anyway. So that really helped. I just fell in love with the game early. Playing those other positions, you appreciate what everybody else has to do.

I JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH THE GAME EARLY. PLAYING THOSE OTHER POSITIONS, YOU APPRECIATE WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE HAS TO DO.

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How did your football path take you to the CFL? I got a long story, as far as football goes. I went to Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California. It's an all-boys private school. Tom Brady went there, Barry Bonds went there, Lynn Swann went there. Then I transferred over to Saint Louis High School in Hawaii, another football powerhouse.

After that, I went to city college in San Francisco. We won the national championship there in 2007. I was MVP of the league and got some scholarship offers.

Long story short, I went to Oregon (where Masoli appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated's 2009 College Football Preview issue), then went to Ole Miss.

After my career at Ole Miss, (former Ottawa Renegades GM) Eric Tillman was the GM in Edmonton. He's an Ole Miss grad as well so we kind of had that Mississippi connection. After I was done college, I went to the San Francisco 49ers for camp, got released, then played in the United Football League. Then I came up to Edmonton. I was there with (last year's REDBLACKS starting quarterback) Matt Nichols on the team. I was traded after that first year and I've been in Hamilton ever since.

Canada's been good to me. Football's been great to me. It's been awesome.

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What's your best CFL memory or two from your Hamilton days?

Obviously, one of the easy ones is the game (2016 vs Edmonton) where I had 23 completions in a row (still an all-time CFL record). I think the game was also the largest comeback in Ticats' history (winning 36-31 after being down 31-6 at the half).

Also, when Ticats head coach June Jones came up here, that was super awesome. I learned so much from that guy. So appreciative of his role in my life.

And we tied the record for most consecutive 300-yard games (10 straight, tied with Sam Etcheverry and Kent Austin). Besides that, just making life-long friends.

Some of my boys over there...it's a "friends forever" type of deal. That's always the best thing about football.

When you have a big game, what family member are you most excited to share it with?

Probably my little brother, Zach. He was a quarterback too (Augustana University), so we're always talking about the games and stuff like that.

Do you have a nickname?

A couple of people call me "Soli." Nobody called me that until I got to Canada. They kind of got lazy and started calling me Soli instead of Masoli. My family called me "Miah" back home. A lot of people call me "J" but I'm good with Jeremiah, the name my parents gave me.

Any hobbies or hidden talents?

Man, my hobbies right now are my kids. I am so invested in just being a dad right now and raising my kids. I got a five-year-old son (Kennedy) and a two-year-old daughter (Serena). At that age, we're kind of following their schedules. I love just being out with my kids and my wife (Vunga), out in nature. We're definitely big on hiking nature trails.

Speaking of family, some of your tattoos are tributes to your family, right?

Yeah, I got this one right here for my kids (gesturing toward his tattoos). It's pretty special to me. They're all special. That crown right there is from my grandfather's grave. This Samoan head dress right here is for my daughter. And this one's for the villages out there in Samoa.

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Favourite Food?

I'm a big watermelon guy. I'm not even joking. We juice watermelon all day at our house. Besides that, my auntie had a pizza shop – one of the only pizza places in Samoa. I was delivering pizzas when I was like 7 years old out of the back of a pickup truck. You could just ride in the back of a pickup truck out there. My family definitely loves pizza.

So maybe Watermelon Pizza could be a thing?

Uh, that doesn't sound right (laughs)!

If you weren't playing pro football, what do you think you'd be doing?

In my fantasy life, I'm probably playing basketball with Steph Curry right now, going to the finals (laughs).

Favourite thing to do when the coach gives you the day off?

I'm a big swimmer. So I'd like to find a good spot to go swimming with my family somewhere in Ottawa.

Any thoughts on your first spring in Ottawa? Certainly, the weather has been unpredictable, including a massive storm and power outage.

Oh, man. Seriously. In the month I've been here, I've gotten all four seasons. I've got the Ottawa sample already. But no, we've been good. Fortunately, our power came back on in a couple of days so we were all right.

What have you liked so far about the city of Ottawa?

Sherrod Baltimore (REDBLACKS defensive back) had a family and friends' day here. I can tell there's a real community. They have such a good heart here. I can't wait to really get in the community. After camp is done, we'll have more time to get together with some of these youth football teams out here. We'll definitely get to exploring Ottawa soon enough.

SOME OF MY BOYS OVER THERE...IT'S A "FRIENDS FOREVER" TYPE OF DEAL. THAT'S ALWAYS THE BEST THING ABOUT FOOTBALL.

If Masoli is anxious to see Ottawa this summer, the city's football fans will tell you the feeling is mutual.

By Steve Warne

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IS THERE ANY BETTER WAY

to treat yourself while consistently discovering new brands and products in your areas of interest than a Subscription Box? Monthly boxes are a worthwhile commitment when chosen wisely and wasteful when not. For those who are skeptical of regular self-gifting, here are our top ten favourite boxes you can get in Canada based on originality and value.

FUEGO BOX Calling all hot sauce lovers: if you’re the type who gets their kicks from exploring infinite sauceibilities, you’re the ideal Fuego subscriber. The Fuego team is passionate about seriously good hot sauce and has tested thousands of small-batch sauces from around the world. Every month, they send subscribers new hot sauces to try. They have sound principles when it comes to taste: they avoid insane heat, gimmicky labels, and extract-based sauces. They're in the pure pursuit of dynamic flavour with the appropriate amount of heat.

WINE COLLECTIVE Do you consider yourself or a loved one a ‘wyno forever’? If so, you’ll want to check out Canada’s Largest Monthly Wine Club. At Wine Collective, experts curate and share a selection of their finest wines, sourced internationally, taste-tested, and packed with exclusive options. It’s easy to join; just sign up online, and poof! Wine will appear at your door every month. Improve your knowledge and palate with their wine guide companion for a full-bodied experience.

The Wine Collective comes with three monthly subscription options: two bottles (all red or white) to suit any budget, four bottles (all red or mixed) of their most popular, or six (mixed) bottles that have the best value. The company also offers a premium monthly subscription containing three bottles (all red or mixed).

The Fuego Box offers both monthly and quarterly subscription boxes for both one or three bottles each box.

Most are mild, but ‘Pain Seekers’ can subscribe to a box service of the same name for two monthly sauces that are extra hot. Shipping is not free but is offered in Canada.

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CARNIVORE CLUB If you love meat, Carnivore Club is the place to partake. The world’s first subscription service to feature premium cured meats comes knocking at your door each month. Every artisan is created equally with a blend of passion and craftsmanship fit for a meat-eater. While unsuited to the vegans and vegetarians in your life, this subscription box caters to the many meatatarians. Join the club whether you’re trying to increase your protein intake or just looking for a salty snack alternative.

Their Snack Box option comes with four to six cured meats like jerky, meat sticks, or biltong. The Classic Box carries four to six premium handcrafted snacks, including salamis, prosciuttos, and bacon. Finally, their Complete Box boasts two premium snacks and three to four complementary pairings, from cheese and crackers to dried fruits and pickled goods.

CHESSY PLACE Now that you have a wine subscription, you’ll need something to pair with it. That’s where Chessy Place comes in. Gift yourself or someone special with new and exciting cheeses every month using their club membership. Each package comes with three hand-selected artisanal cheeses, one condiment to compliment it, and a fact sheet with detailed descriptions and pairing notes. Elevate your charcuterie board with a plethora of gourmet cheese options for your next party, or just hoard some Halloumi to yourself.

Join the Cheese of the Month Club and sign up for a three, six, or twelvemonth subscription. Not looking to make a big commitment? Their monthly subscription is great while you’re still getting to find your Cheesy Place.

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BESPOKE POST Bespoke Post bills itself as “Themed goods for people who give a damn.” These products are tailored to you across home, kitchen, bar, outdoor, clothing, accessories, and grooming settings. You’ll have to take a quiz to find out the box that’s best for you; from there, you can keep it, skip it, or swap it. It’s up to you; after all, it is a personalized mix of unique products sourced from small businesses and brands that are as independent as you.

Subscription box options include Chill, a portable cooler; Shine, a handmade pair of sunnies; Split, a field hatchet; and Weekender, an heirloom carryall. If you’re looking to save, becoming a club member is your best bet.

NOMADIK Have you ever heard the expression “Not all those that wander are lost?” That’s because they were signed up for Nomadik – a subscription box of top-quality outdoor adventure gear. Offering you the latest and greatest from top brands, Nomadik is customized to your interests. To find out what pieces are geared towards you, take the quiz on their website. In the end, the goal is the same for everyone: spend more time in the great outdoors and become one with nature, no matter the season.

First, select a subscription for either one, six, or twelve months and then pick from box themes, including Campfire Revelry or Hammock. Depending on your subscription choice, you’ll receive three to seven full premium gear pieces.

BARBELL BOX

The Barbell Box delivers brandnamed supplements, accessories, workout guides, motivation and muscle-building recipes designed with all types of athletes in mind.

Whether you’re a bodybuilder or new to working out, this box promises to bring out the better version of yourself. Fitness gurus approve their selection of premium brand-name

fitness products to help shape and maximize your training sessions.

With Barbell Box, get what you need to keep you on track to living a healthier lifestyle.

Purchase one box every month for three, six, or twelve months. You can also make a one-time purchase to try the service out — and with free shipping anywhere in the world, why wouldn’t you?

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Ryan Gosling is a natural born iconoclast. From the time he left his native Ontario and arrived in California as part of Disney's The All-New Mickey Mouse Club, his rebellious nature saw him admittedly act as a "corrupting" influence on his fellow 12 and 13-year-old castmates that included Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. But behind that mischievous side there was a rakish heartthrob lurking underneath.

With his sweetly touching performance in The Notebook opposite fellow Ontarian Rachel McAdams, Ryan became an instant star and would later confirm his heartthrob status with his charismatic turn as a six-pack Lothario in Crazy, Stupid, Love.

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But Gosling was justifiably worried about being trapped in rom-com hell just as Matthew McConaughey once despaired of being confined in a similar Hollywood straitjacket.

Ryan avoided that by leaping headfirst into a series of gritty roles in films like Drive, Only God Forgives, and The Ides of March. Since then he's never looked back and is now considered one of Hollywood's top dramatic actors.

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Gosling's new film is The Gray Man, an action thriller co-starring Ana de Armas (who previously appeared with Gosling in Blade Runner 2049), Chris Evans, and Wager Moura (Narcos). Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the brother duo behind the top grossing movie of all time, Avengers: Endgame, The Gray Man opens in Canadian theatres on July 15th and is expected to be one of the year's biggest blockbuster hits.

Gosling stars as "Sierra Six," an elite CIA mercenary/ assassin who keeps his identity secret as part of his covert operative status. His world begins to fall apart however when he uncovers dark secrets involving classified American intelligence operations. This leads high echelon officials wary of exposure to send out a fellow assassin, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), to kill Gosling.

Said Gosling of his character: "In almost every scene, we tried to set it up so that [my character] was at a disadvantage. And it becomes about watching him use whatever is in his environment to gain leverage. And what he uses most consistently is a sense of humor.

It’s a survival tool. If he can find what’s funny about the absurdity of the situation, he can distance himself from the danger of it."

The Gray Man was shot at a cost $200 million – making it one of the most expensive movies of all time - with Gosling earning a reported $20 million for his services. But despite this kind of massive payday that has become the norm for Ryan, the 41-year-old native of Cornwall, Ontario has never let himself been guided by money. He has also tried to do everything in his capacity to stay out of the limelight and avoid the kind of scrutiny that has seen other Hollywood giants like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and, heaven help him, Johnny Depp become the targets of paparazzi and in the process see their lives become public fodder.

"The whole notion of being a movie star is part of the myth-making process that goes on in the film business," Gosling explained. "You create this great illusion on screen and then the illusion is taken to a different level when actors become mythologised."

"I don’t even think of myself as particularly good looking and not at all a typical kind of Hollywood leading man sort of actor….I like to think I'm being creative and doing something meaningful as an actor and as an individual. I hate feeling that I'm just doing a job for a pay-check."

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romcom into a sleeper hit in 2011. The film would of course merely serve as a warm-up for their later collaboration in La La Land, arguably the most heralded film of Gosling's career which earned him a best actor Oscar nomination (Stone would up winning the best actress prize).

Interestingly, despite his previous singing and dancing experience as a Mousketeer, Gosling wasn't sure that he would be able to deliver the kind of soft shoe technique required for a film that paid tribute to a long bygone Hollywood era.

"I was pretty nervous about doing a musical because it's been a long time since I did anything like that," Gosling recalled. "As a kid, I used to sing 'When a Man Loves a Woman' at weddings. When you're eight years old, it was a huge deal to earn $20 doing that. Also, on The Mickey Mouse Club we were doing 90s hip hop numbers and that's very different from the complicated tap (dance) routines and waltzes we do in La La Land.

"But fortunately I had very patient and very talented coaches who were very, very good and helped prepare me. It was also great to have Emma as a partner - she makes everything seem so effortless."

The effortless romantic ease and melancholy anguish that Ryan infused into his jazz pianist character lies at the heart of the laid-back elan that has earned him a massive following amongst women in particular.

Though it would seem preposterous to deny his evident good looks and charismatic appeal, Gosling recalls a time when he felt he was simply just another wannabe actor waiting in long lines at Hollywood auditions.

"Before I did The Notebook, it was hard for me to even get an audition. I would show up and there would be all these incredibly good-looking guys reading for the same part and most of the time you knew that you had no chance.

"In those days I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I would always be a character actor going from one supporting role to another. But when Nick Cassavettes hired me (for The Notebook), that changed everything and suddenly I was able to do the kind of movies you always dream of having the chance of working on. I've been very lucky…and things have turned out way beyond anything I ever dreamed of."

Over the past decade, Gosling has delivered one outstanding performance after another, most recently in First Man (also directed by La La Land's Damien Chazelle) in which he played the iconic American astronaut,

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THE WHOLE NOTION OF BEING A MOVIE STAR IS PART OF THE MYTH-MAKING PROCESS THAT GOES ON IN THE FILM BUSINESS. YOU CREATE THIS GREAT ILLUSION ON SCREEN AND THEN THE ILLUSION IS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT LEVEL WHEN ACTORS BECOME MYTHOLOGISED.

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Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

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Neil Armstrong, and Blade Runner 2049 (helmed by Quebec filmmaker Denis Villeneuve), where he followed in the footsteps of an earlier Hollywood icon, Harrison Ford.

Since then he's taken some time off to raise two young daughters, Esmeralda and Amada, together with his long-time girlfriend, Eva Mendes. It was simply time for Gosling to sit back and enjoy his life after having seen his career explode in the past decade. Having divided their time between homes in New York City and Los Angeles, the couple recently sold their relatively modest $5 million Carpenteiria mansion amid rumours they are going return to New York on a permanent basis or possibly even take up residence in Ontario! This is all part of Gosling's determination to live as normal a life as is possible for one the most famous men on the planet.

"Many years ago…I had reached a point where I couldn't live in Los Angeles anymore," Gosling observed. "Everything in that city seems to be centered around the film business and it just pervades everything you do. In New York though wecan walk around more or less freely and it feels real there. There's such a strong sense of identity and culture to the city that you thrive on that kind of spirit…"

Raised by a single mother in his native town of Cornwall, Gosling spent considerable time absorbing life lessons in the company of his older sister, Mandi. His show business instincts were honed at the age of 5 when he began performing with his uncle, an Elvis impersonator, at various clubs.

"I have no idea what I was thinking as a kid. I was just having fun. My uncle was a big influence, though. He was living with my family at the time for about a year and he had begun performing as an Elvis impersonator. Prior to that, the house was pretty ordinary.

"My father was working in a factory and my mom stayed at home. Suddenly you're living with Elvis and your whole family gets involved. So one person is singing back-up vocals, another works as a bodyguard, and you feel like you're part of this strange new world.

"After my uncle left, though, life was pretty boring and I wanted to find a way back into that world. So I did everything I could to get there. I took singing lessons, dancing lessons, and then auditioned for the Mick-

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ey Mouse Club and that was the start of it. really. Even though (the Disney people) thought I was a bad influence, I still had a great time there."

Despite his unusual upbringing, Gosling has always treated his work with maximum respect and was acutely aware of how his career as a teenage actor sustained his mother and sister financially.

"I was very serious when it came to acting and earning a living. My mother and sister came were dependent on me after my parents got divorced but by mom was supporting me in my career and I could never have achieved anything without her and my sister being there for me.

"So I may have supported them financially but I didn’t look at it as if I was doing anything other than what I should be doing. I saw acting as a way of making very good money compared to how my parents had struggled when my dad was working at a paper mill and my mother was a secretary.

So I was happy to be helping my mother and sister."

Settling down in L.A. and getting accustomed to the grind of constant auditions, Ryan was talented enough to be able land enough small roles that paid the bills for himself and his family back home. And while many of his fellow jobbing actors eventually gave up and drifted away, Gosling had the kind of street-smarts and resilient personality that carried him through those lulls when the phone never rings and Hollywood can seem a very cold and cruel place.

"Auditions are the toughest aspect because you have to get used to dealing with the rejection because you feel you're being rejected personally and it's hard to separate that from your identity. But I always tried to see it as something that's part of the business and it's not as if you've suffered some terrible loss.

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"I was happy just to be able to have enough money to live and just be able to get enough jobs to keep me going and help my family whenever I could.

I was pretty lucky that whenever my money was running out I always found another part that would give me enough to keep on going. In my own case, I never really considered giving up because I didn't have anything else to fall back on. Acting was really the only thing I was capable of doing."

Gosling's appeal to female audiences and ineffable way of connecting to his female co-stars in his films can be traced directly to having spent his formative years in the company of women.

"I grew up with two incredible women, my mother and sister, and naturally my way of looking at the world was shaped by a female perspective," Gosling observed. "I'm sure it made me very protective and caring with women and I've always enjoyed their company and that kind of emotional openness. That’s also the kind of fundamental quality you need to bring to your work as an actor."

Your character, Sierra Six, is a skilled mercenary.

What drives him underneath his covert ops work?

His goals aren’t monetary, it’s not about treasure, it’s not revenge. He just wants to have the right to sit on the couch and watch Netflix like the rest of us.

The Russo brothers (the directors of The Gray Man) have stated they intend to make a franchise out of this story and your character?

I'd love to do it again. I loved making this film and I'm hoping we can bump Six up to a name status at some point, just for his own sanity.

One of the most important films of your career to date was your appearance in Blade Runner: 2049. Were you already a fan of the original Blade Runner?

Blade Runner was one of the first films that I saw that I didn’t know how to feel when it was over.

The line between heroes and villains was so blurred. It’s not a hero’s journey in any way. When I was a kid that was the storyline I had seen. Thematically, there’s just so much there — it was rich, it was melancholy, it was romantic. It’s so special.

So many other things have stolen ideas from it, but they could never steal its soul. I felt lucky to enter that world.

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it had been around for 10 years and I thought I was watching a science fiction movie, but what I experienced was something very different. What’s interesting about the film is not just how it stays with you. I wasn’t asking myself at age 12 what it meant to be a human being, but I was afterwards, maybe subconsciously. I realized how much influence it had on the culture I grew up in.

When you first arrived in Los Angeles from Canada, did it seem like an alien world to you in any way?

At first it felt a little strange and it was a mysterious kind of place. I had gotten to know Los Angeles from watching a lot of movies but it still took me a long time to get used to the city. It's the obvious place to go if you're trying to become an actor but I'd rather spend more time in New York.

One of the qualities that is often remarked about you is that you bring a different perspective and sensitivity to your work. You've said before that you attribute a lot of that to the fact you were raised by your mother and had an older sister to guide you?

I had a great time growing up. My mother is a strong woman and when I was having problems fitting into school she decided to take me out and home school me. That was probably the most beautiful thing that could have happened to me and I was able to learn how to study thanks to my mother and also learn a lot about myself.

By Jan Jassen

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The Future of Real Estate is Here Lower Fees. Better Service.

Local People.

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Summer is pretty much synonymous with laid-back drinks and backyard get-togethers. Rather than the classic offerings of beer and canned wine, we’re here to help you elevate your hosting skills to the next level with these unique cocktail creations.

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KENTUCKY PEACH COCKTAIL (Serves 2)

Ingredients: 1 fl oz (30ml) Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 2 fl oz (60ml) Peach Vodka 4 fl oz (120ml) Lemonade 1 fl oz (30 ml) Simple Syrup 1 Ripe Peach Lemon or Mint to garnish (optional) Directions: Slice peach and muddle directly in cocktail shaker until soft. Add the remainder of the ingredients (aside from the garnishes) and add a generous amount of ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously to mix the contents. When the shaker is cold to the touch, pour the cocktail into a short glass with ice, and garnish with lemon or mint as desired.

SPICY BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITA Ingredients: 4 fl oz (120ml) Tequila (Silver preferred) 1 fl oz (30ml) Simple Syrup 2 fl oz (60ml) Lime Juice 2 fl oz (60ml) Freshly Squeezed Blood Orange Juice 2-5 Jalapeño slices (adjust depending on spice preference) Tajin or Salt for garnish (optional) Directions Rim your glass by running a slice of lime along the circumference of your cup. Once wet, press the rim of the glass onto a plate of either Tajin or salt (depending on your preference). Add ice to the glass and set aside.

Add the listed ingredients to a cocktail shaker, with the exception of any garnish. Add a generous scoop of ice and shake vigorously to incorporate all ingredients. When the shaker is cold to the touch, pour the margarita mixture over the prepared ice-filled glasses.

Serve and enjoy.

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GRAPEFRUIT GIN AND TONIC Ingredients:

1 Ripe Passion Fruit 2 oz. Vanilla Vodka 1 oz. Passoa 1 tbsp. Lime Juice 1 tbsp. Sugar Syrup Prosecco Directions Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with the exception of tonic water and garnish. Add a generous scoop of ice and shake thoroughly until the shaker is cold to the touch. Pour over a short glass that’s about half full of ice. Garnish with cilantro or cucumber to your preference.

HONEY MEZCAL COCKTAIL Ingredients: 1 fl oz (30ml) Honey Simple Syrup 2 fl oz (60ml) Mezcal 2 fl oz (60ml) Ginger Beer Juice from half a lime Salt to garnish (optional) Lime Wedge to garnish (optional) Directions To make honey simple syrup: pour equal part boiling water over equal part honey and stir until dissolved.

For the cocktail: (Optional) Rim your glass by running a slice of lime along the circumference of your cup. Once wet, press the rim of the glass onto a plate of salt. Add ice to the glass and set aside.

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with the exception of the ginger beer and any garnish. Add a generous scoop of ice and shake vigorously until the shaker is cold to the touch. Pour combined mixture into the prepared glass and top with ginger beer and garnish with lime. Serve and enjoy.

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The last time Faces caught up with singer/ songwriter Kira Isabella was back in 2019, when the world and hers looked a little different.

From the age of seven, Kira began making a name for herself in Canadian country music, performing everywhere from nursing homes to the Ottawa Ex. In 2012, her debut album “Love Me Like That” shed the spotlight on a much bigger stage. Along the way, she’s toured with one of her idols, Carrie Underwood and become the recipient of two CCMA’s. Throughout her career, Kira has maintained a poetic approach to music that is refreshingly honest and down to earth.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, she took some much-needed time to regroup and recharge. Now living in Toronto, the Ottawa-native maps out a new direction that explores an unseen side of herself and her music. Faces talks to Kira as she prepares for her live performance in Alberta on Canada Day. Whether she’s speaking about past relationships, hometown support, or a nice pair of cowboy boots, it’s always straight from the heart.

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What are you up to at the moment?

I’m back in Toronto. I’m writing right now, trying to figure out what direction I want to go next. It’s still a new development. I’ll always love country music, but I want to explore something else, maybe a different genre. I’ve kept it at home, trying to set up a studio situation. I’ve been practicing and getting ready for a show on Canada Day in Leduc, Alberta, with Doc Walker. I’m super excited about that. Unfortunately, the guys I usually play with won’t be there, but I’m going to have a new band with new faces. I actually booked the show in May 2020, and it’s been postponed twice now, so I finally get to do it after this whole time.

Personally and musically speaking, what was the pandemic like for you?

I had the hardest time. I feel like I’m half introverted, half extroverted. My social battery runs out pretty quickly, so I need my alone time to recharge it. It was really tough for me, definitely challenging, and I felt pretty lost. I was also going through a breakup. I think being cooped up together like that, everyone knows, you can drive each other nuts. I was in Toronto but thought I might want to move to Nashville.

So I was upset about that too, and then my ex moved there.

I wish I had used that time better to write another album or do something else, but I was just so discouraged, uninspired, and angry at the world. When it came to sitting down and writing a song, I couldn’t force it.

Vocals have always been my strong point, and songwriting was something I did after.

I’ve always collaborated when I wrote; I know people do Zoom writes, but I felt like nothing was coming to me. I was just sad, which is odd because usually in my life, when I’ve felt that way, that’s when I want to write the most. I’ve had the urge and the want for some time now to explore different genres and write other things. I realized that I needed to take that time to relax and think about what would come next.

When was the last time you were in Ottawa? What was memorable about it?

I haven’t lived in Ottawa for five years.

My parents retired and moved to Toronto a few years ago, but I still have a ton of friends there. I’m coming back in June to 42 | FACES MAGAZINE

go to the cottage with them. Last year, I had a Christmas show at the Algonquin Commons Theatre, and all my friends came out to support me. It was my first show in front of a live audience since the pandemic, so that was special. To actually be in front of people this time was great – It’s different when you can see people’s faces and reactions and make that connection. That’s what I love about performing live. Also, I must shout out Meatings, this incredible BBQ place in Orleans. Whenever I’m in Ottawa, I always try and eat there.

How would you describe your relationship with social media nowadays?

I think the world has kind of gone crazy, and people hiding behind their keyboards will say anything. I have a really different relationship with social media now. I don’t post as much as I used to, but it’s more positive than negative when I do. When you’re in a bad headspace, like I was at the beginning of the pandemic, it’s even harder to brush that negativity off. It was a little bit more discouraging, so I held back. I am trying to get back into it because it’s an incredible way to connect with people who enjoy what you do. It really is a community, and they’re very supportive. I want to give them content that they’ll enjoy.

What is your summer wardrobe staple?

Cowboy boots! I wear jean shorts or little dresses with them. I think an all-black catsuit with heels will always be my favourite way to perform. I still wear a ton of black, but I try mixing in bold colours here and there. I’ll go in a different direction for the upcoming show in Alberta just because it’s during the day. Other than that, I wear Vans all the time.

What’s your dream collaboration at the moment?

That’s a hard question. Avril Lavigne has always been an idol of mine. She and Shania Twain were massive for me growing up. I’ve always loved both genres, the early pop-punk 2000s and country. If I met Avril, I would freak out and cry like I did when I met Shania. It would be cool to do an Avrilstyle song with her or sit down and write a punk country song.

You have fond memories of performing at the Ottawa Ex as a kid. Can you tell me more about that experience?

Alex Lacasse and I booked a show on the Giant Tiger stage for an hour every day, eleven days in a row. There were costume changes, dancers, and rehearsals. It was very fun, but I was exhausted. I also met my singing teacher, Trina Langthorne, there when I was younger and worked with her until I was 17. She never stifled my creativity, told me what to think or said no. I would just bring in a CD, and she helped me sing it. She taught me everything I needed to know while letting me explore different genres, and she was the first one to get me out there performing.

You’ve played Bluesfest twice now. What was that like for you? Is there anyone performing this year that you’d like to see?

In 2015, I got to open for Jason Aldean, which was one of the coolest things. I cried seeing my friends in the crowd with signs saying, “We Heart Kira.” Anything like that in Ottawa is always extra emotional because of the nostalgia and support. I performed there again in 2020, but it was drive-in. Everybody had to be in their car, honking instead of applauding. It felt a little bit disconnected, but I’m happy I got to do it. This year, it would be incredible to see Alanis Morisette and Luke Bryan would be a great show too.

How does your new direction tie into 2019’s EP “Sides”?

I have almost ten years' worth of music catalogued people haven’t heard. I’ve written a ton of stuff that the label didn’t like, or my manager didn’t think it was the right direction. So, I dismissed it in my head, but when I went back, I could hear that it didn't suck.

It was just that person in the room didn’t like it that day, so I wrote it off. There are pros and cons to having a label; there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen, and [being independent] means fewer opinions and easier decisions. I’m not opposed to releasing [my catalogued music] as singles on Spotify or Youtube in the meantime while I try to figure things out. One side of me will always be in love with country music and grateful for what the Canadian country music world has done for me, but there’s another side that wants to see what life would be like doing something else. For ten years, country music has consumed my life, so I want to see what else is out there.

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Are there any new projects or events you’d like to share?

I’ve just been figuring it out. I haven't played a show like the one coming up in Alberta in a while, and since my original band can’t play with me, my whole life right now is focusing on finding a drummer, then rehearsing them for the show because they have to learn all my music. I’m performing eleven or twelve originals of mine; then we always try to do a medley of what’s popular on the radio, like a mash-up of six or seven songs. So I’m working on that with my music director, and I’m trying to mix in the covers that people want to hear.

What would you tell yourself if you could go back in time ten years ago?

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I would give myself a hug. That was the height of what I had going on at the time; it was the busiest in my career. I wouldn’t take everything so seriously. Be professional, and take it seriously in that you’re prepared and doing your job, but stop worrying about everything and try to be present. I wish I could redo my CCMA performance with McKenzie Porter; I feel like I blacked out. I don’t even remember being on stage. I was so nervous. I would tell myself, “You got this. Everything is going to be ok.” Some of the relationships I got into were not where I needed to be putting my energy at the time. I would tell my younger self to focus on you for a bit longer. I love love and would never take back any of my relationships, but if I could rewind, I would tell little Kira, you’ll have a way better relationship if you take the time now to get to know yourself and be who you are.

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SCIENTISTS SUSPECT THAT AN IMBALANCED OMEGA-3 TO OMEGA-6 RATIO IS ONE OF THE MOST DAMAGING EFFECTS OF OUR MODERN DIET.

We are born with a ratio of 1:1, Omega-3 to Omega-6. Today a huge percent of calories in most diets comes from foods high in omega-6. Most processed foods contain oils & fats high in Omega-6; Like sunflower,corn, cottonseed & soybean oils.Which is why our ratios can reach an imbalance of up to 1:40.

This imbalance as we age can lead to chronic inflammation, an increased risk of leptin resistance, diabetes, heart disease, vision, joint & bone density problems.

While keeping a healthy balance can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, keep skin healthy, improve mood, enhance brain function, maintain cardiovascular health and support healthy growth and development. Fixing this imbalance with Omega-3 is essential for healthy aging & long-term health.

Mothers milk has been hailed as nature's perfect food, the ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 in mothers milk is 1:1. Gateway Omega-3 Seal Oil has the same proportion of omega-3 as Mothers milk which makes it the most complete source of Omega-3.

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The NFL Comes Calling for Ottawa’s

Jesse Luketa Ottawa native Jesse Luketa will never forget Saturday April 30th, 2022 — the day he was drafted into the National Football League. It was day 3, and the league’s annual draft was just a few picks away from its conclusion. For many hours, Luketa ad been anxiously watching the broadcast at home with family and friends, wondering exactly when his name would be called.

Would it be called at all?

So, as another team prepared to make their selection, someone called

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Luketa’s cell phone.

Maybe a friend? Someone calling to lend support? No. As he glanced down at his phone, two words shone back at him, and Luketa knew his life had just changed.

“The caller ID said, ‘Arizona Cardinals,’” Luketa fondly recalled. “I knew my moment was finally here!”

The Luketa household erupted.

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Photography by Lee McGrath

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SURE ENOUGH,

in the 7th round, with the 256th pick, the Cardinals selected Penn State linebacker Jesse Luketa. A couple of weeks later, they signed him to a four-year rookie contract valued at $3.7 million.

“I felt it was only right to have such a big moment with my entire village of supporters,’ said Luketa. “That includes family members, coaches that I’ve had from a younger age, and childhood friends.”

A lot has happened since we featured you in Faces last year. Has it sunk yet that the football-crazy kid from South Ottawa has grown up to be an Arizona Cardinal and a member of the greatest football league in the world? How does it feel?

It feels surreal, yet so right. From sacrificing so much from such a young age to reach this point, I’m just extremely grateful to be in the position I’m in. I spoke some things into the universe and continued to do so until it became a reality.

What did you and your family do to celebrate?

We spent it together. Family is very important to me. I was fortunate enough to bring my family together for a special weekend and that’s a memory I’ll forever cherish.

Specifically, what was your mom's reaction to your being drafted in the NFL? She was emotional. The first thing she did once she heard my name get called was drop down to her knees and begin giving thanks. I finally picked her up and was able to give her a hug. It was an emotional moment shared between the both of us.

How did she and the rest of your family feel about your passion for football and when did they buy in that you maybe had a chance to be drafted into the NFL?

At first, they were a bit reluctant - not because they didn’t believe in me and my aspirations, but because they weren’t very familiar with the game of football in the beginning. As I continued to display how persistent and determined I was, they began to accept I wasn’t going to take “No” for an answer. It wasn’t until I left Canada at the age of 14 to study abroad in Erie, Pennsylvania where they began to see I actually have a legitimate opportunity to capitalize on my dream.

When did YOU start thinking you could maybe you could play someday in the NFL? I knew from the time I started playing for the South Ottawa Mustangs. I’m a firm believer in speaking things into existence. It’s been something I’ve done from a very young age.

There are so few players who get drafted in the NFL. What do you think it is about your personality, character, or general makeup that helped you get this far?

My level of determination is uncommon, I was told from a very young age “The Great Ones All Found a Way.” That stuck with me ever since. I’ve been told “No” my entire life, but it never discouraged me. It only motivated me even more. That same mindset and chip on my shoulder is something I still carry to this day.

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It had to feel amazing being a star linebacker at a school known as Linebacker U. How would you describe your final season at Penn State?

It was an honour to play at such a prestigious institution as Penn State. I made the decision in 2018 because I wanted to contribute to the rich tradition known as “Linebacker U.” My final year was phenomenal, being able to line up next to guys such as PJ Mustipher, Derrick Tangelo, and Arnold Ebiketie.

They all pushed me on a daily basis to be the best version of myself.

How different would you say are you now, as a person and as a player, from the Ottawa kid who showed up on day one at Penn State?

I’m more prepared. Entering my freshman season, I was driven to play football and only football. The past four years at Penn State broadened my horizon for academics and exposed me to networking opportunities. That allowed me to continue to grow as individual off of the football field.

What do you do for fun when you're back in Ottawa?

Community service. I’ve always been drawn to helping others and especially the youth. Whenever I’m able to come home, I take the time to spend it with the kids in my community as well at St. Patrick’s High School. Making myself available for them as a resource is something

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Let’s maybe tackle a few fun, off-the-page questions. What's the one song on your phone or playlist right now that you're most into?

AP- 1984 Love.

What TV series most grabbed your attention in the past year?

Snowfall & YOU. Rank your favourite kind of movie from favourite to least favourite. Comedy? Romance? Action?

Fantasy? Horror?

Horror #1 (even though I’ll jump a few times) Action #2 Comedy #3 Romance #4 Fantasy #5 Let's leave health and fitness out of this. What's your idea of the perfect meal?

I don’t play about my Shawarma. If I’m not having that, then I’d say some Shepards Pie. Are you an avid gamer? If so, what video game do you like best? that’s important to me. For the majority of those kids, speaking from my personal experience, they never had the proper role model. So I strive to be that role model in my community.

Your Twitter bio sounds like it's probably a nod to the famous proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." Your bio simply reads, "Son of the Village." Can you tell us about the people who are part of that village that helped raise you?

I’m a serious FIFA player. (Canadian soccer star) Alphonso Davies and I have had some good battles online.

Will you have some down time this summer? Or is it all workouts and NFL camps?

As of now, all my focus is on entering the preseason as the best version of myself.

My reference to being the “Son of the Village” is very dear to me because without my village of supporters I would never be where I am today. When I think about my village, I think about my siblings. They helped raise me while my mother, who was a single parent, had to work to provide for 8 kids. I think about my coaches, who began to pour into my aspirations from a young age - whether it was picking me up to take me to practice or taking me to get Dairy Queen after practice. They understood the dynamic at home. They’d even invite me to their home over the weekend just to keep me out of trouble.

Is there a player you pattern yourself after? Or look up to?

There are a few I’ve moulded my game after and continue to study on a daily basis - Terrell Suggs, Henoc Muamba and Shaq Barrett.

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As the 2022

STANLEY CUP

Playoffs march on, it's hard to believe it's already been 15 years since the Ottawa Senators pulled off the finest playoff run in their modern-day history.

In May of 2007, they went 15-3 to win the Eastern Conference title, and then played in their first and only Stanley Cup Final.

They bowed out in five games to the Anaheim Ducks, but the excitement of that long playoff run will never be forgotten.

To mark the occasion, FACES caught up with three key performers in that Ottawa playoff run. Our three-star selection is Chris Phillips, Wade Redden and Chris Neil. We asked them to share their memories from that epic spring of 2007.

Going into those playoffs, you guys were the #4 seed in the East. Yet you took down #5 Pittsburgh, #2 New Jersey and #1 Buffalo, all in five games. Any explanation for why you guys were not just winning, but beating down some really good teams?

Wade Redden: Obviously, that top line of ours (Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson) was such a key factor. Alfie was just on fire. He led the way from day one of those playoffs. Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips, they were just ultimate shutdown guys that whole time. Ray Emery was so good in net. There was just a lot of belief that year. We had guys who stepped and scored big goals. I mean, we had Oleg Saprykin score a big goal in Game 1 against Buffalo. Joe Corvo had a big overtime goal in Game 2. Fisher and Neil. Everyone played such a big role.

Chris Neil: Well, we gelled together as a team really well. One of the biggest things is we went through relatively unscathed with injuries and that's a key to success. Obviously, we had the depth there if we needed to rely on it. Guys were banged up, of course, but they were able to play through and no games were really lost.

Chris Phillips: I think the biggest factor from what I remember was that we had some success during the regular season against all those teams. Having the confidence that we could beat them because we had already.

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How would you describe the off-ice chemistry on that team?

Phillips: That was a huge factor in our success, it was a very fun group. Dinners out on the road we always 7-8 guys at least and the groups always changed so there weren’t any cliques. Bryan Murray was the coach and he made coming to the rink everyday fun. So we always enjoyed being there and putting in the work.

Neil: I've gotten along with almost every guy I've played with, minus one. I won't get it into that right now (laughter). We were like a band of brothers. Yeah, there were some arguments here and there but at the end of the day, guys respected one another. We had some good leaders in there and everyone led in their own way.

Redden: We were lucky in Ottawa. I look back at those days and it was so much fun because guys were committed and played together.

We had a tight bond of guys that cared for each other. I think that's really what led to a lot of our successes. I'm proud of those teams and what we were able to do a lot of years.

There were some disappointments too but we always tried to use those (as learning experiences) and try to get the ultimate goal.

What was it like being an Ottawa Senator during the atmosphere of that playoff run with the city being so excited, the crowds being so loud, the car flags everywhere, and partying it up in The Sens Mile downtown?

Neil: The 2007 run was the best run out of all of them, better than 2017, because everyone did get behind us. Everyone always asks what my favourite memory was and that's easy. When Alfie scored that goal in Buffalo in overtime to send us to the finals, it wasn't the goal. It's when we got back to the airport and there were 15,000 people at the airport waiting for us. The pilot said, "Look out your windows, boys." It was unreal. We'd drive through, high-fiving everyone. I'm telling you right now, there are shivers going up my back thinking about it.

Phillips: Incredible! I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like if we won the Cup. But it was just awesome to see the city get into the spirit. Everywhere you went there were flags in cars or houses, fans showing up at the Arena, even if they didn’t have tickets, just to take in the excitement and experience the party.

It was so much fun to be a part of that and running into people today still talking about that run.

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15 YEARS LATER Redden: When I look at the excitement around the City...when we beat Buffalo it was an afternoon game so we're pulling into the airport at around 6 or 7. And people are lined up, it's a beautiful sunny day and there are hundreds and hundreds of people waiting at the airport. And just seeing the footage from down on Elgin.

They had The Sens Mile. It was such a cool run and such a great time.

Obviously, everyone played great in that playoff run. But which teammates really stood out for you in that run?

Was there maybe an unsung hero from that team?

Redden: Ray Emery was so good in net. I remember two or three weeks before the playoffs started, someone flipped him a puck in practice and he took a golf swing at it. His stick hit the ice and slammed over his thumb, so his ligaments were all messed up. He was just gritting his teeth.

Every game he'd show up and just battle and play, even though he was in pain the whole time. He didn't practice during that whole 2 months.

Neil: Your superstars tend to offset the other team's superstars. It's your depth.

Your third and fourth-line guys chipping in here and there offensively and also be able to grind them down. We did that. Our third and fourth lines outscored the other team's third and fourth lines in the first three series. You see how important that is in today's playoffs as well.

Phillips: With any successful playoff run, you look to the goalie and say they stood on their head. Ray Emery did that for us for sure. The other thing that stood out?

We were a very strong four-line team. Everyone had a role and every role was crucial to our success. Everyone took pride in their role, no matter how much ice time they got. It was just about what was good for the team.

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You had nine days off between the conference final and the Stanley Cup final. Did that slow down your momentum or influence the final series in any way?

Phillips: I think it did take the momentum away from us a bit. We were able to get through the first 3 rounds in five games and would have liked to play quicker. In hindsight, it probably would have been a good idea to go to somewhere like Colorado to get away from the hype a bit and refocus. It was too easy to sit around and get caught up in the excitement of it all.

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me because Hailey, our first child, was born between games 2 and 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. I scored a goal the next night right after she was born, so the only game we won I scored in. That was a pretty exciting moment for me. I got to say I scored that for Hailey Neil. When we landed from Anaheim and the whole team went to the rink to practice, I went to the hospital for the birth of our child. I was glad I was able to be there for it.

Redden: I guess you could say that. It's six and one-half dozen of the other. Sometimes (the rest) is in an advantage. I think what happened against Anaheim, they had a veteran, shut down team. They played a 1-3-1 and we couldn't get any speed or anything going through the neutral zone. So, we'd have to dump the puck in and there's (Hall of Fame defencemen) Chris Pronger or Scott Niedermeyer waiting in the weeds back there to gather a puck and have all sorts of time to make plays. Then they just grinded us.

Finally, 15 years later, What do you think of today’s Ottawa Senators? Could they someday follow in the footsteps of your 2007 team and get to a Cup Final?

Neil: I definitely do think it did. One of the things we could have done better as an organization was getting out of Dodge and went and train somewhere else, just to keep our minds clear and free. You know, people planning the parade and the buzz around the city, it was cool to be a part of it and be here. But in hindsight, we should have just left town and went and did our own thing and still all be together. When you'll rolling on all cylinders, you're a welloiled machine. Then all of a sudden you stop for nine days. And then you're trying to start the engine back up and get going again? That makes it tough.

Big picture, when you look back at that 2007 NHL playoff run and that team, are there any other feelings or memories that stand out for you?

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Neil: I definitely think the right pieces are in place. Do they need to add a couple more?

Yeah, I think they do. But looking forward, it's an exciting time – especially for the fans – to see the youth and the skill that we have up front. And you have an anchor on the D in Chabot. They have the right pieces in place.

It's just fine tuning it to get to the next level.

Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography Getty Images

Redden: I do think they have made some strides, but there's still a long way to go.

They were 27 points from a playoff spot. I think a big key for any successful team/company is stability and consistency. With all the uncertainty with a new arena and future of the team, it’s hard to stay on the path of the long-term goal. They have good young guys, but need to keep adding and building in all areas. Being a contender is definitely possible.

Phillips: I really believe the current team is on a path for great success. They have built the team around a great core of young guys that are coming into their own. With the addition of a few pieces and the experience they are gaining I feel like we will see another big run within a few years. I am looking forward to being at The Sens Mile as a fan the next time around.

Redden: As far as the final goes, yes. And it's a negative. It's the game winning goal in Game 4. We were tied. And I think Chris Phillips was on the ice and there was a faceoff in our zone and I think his skate blade broke. So, he had to come off the ice.

I had just gotten off the ice and no one's prepared to go on. So, I grabbed my gloves and jump on, kind of scrambling, and then I made a poor read. And I think Teemu Selanne chipped it by me and they scored on a 2 on 1. But it was just like one moment.

That's part of the game. That's just the way it goes. But that one really bugs me still for sure.

Phillips: Just the feeling of winning that game in Buffalo to win the conference and have a chance to play for the Cup was amazing. Flying home to fans that had greeted us at the airport and playing on the biggest stage in hockey was a feeling I will never forget.

Neil: The finals were an exciting time for

Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography Getty Images

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A GUIDE TO

HEALTH

& HAPPINESS

Every issue, we find lifestyle changes that are so simple, so surprising, and so successful that they are sure to spark a massive difference in your health and happiness.

NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP COULD BE THE CAUSE OF WEIGHT FLUCTUATION OPTIMIST MINDSET LINKED WITH LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY Always chasing that silver lining? It turns out that approaching life with an optimistic mindset isn’t a sign of naivety, but may be a pathway to a longer life. New research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that those with an optimistic outlook 5.4% likelier to have a longer lifespan and with a 10% greater likelihood of living past 90. This spans across all racial and ethnical groups, according to the study, but is most predominantly seen in women.

The research suggests that placing more emphasis on longevity-based solutions rather than focusing on negative health risk-factors could be the key to unlocking longer, healthier lives.

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There are many factors that affect body weight, including genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions, but new research suggests that there’s another major player when it comes to weight fluctuation: sleep. Researchers have found that decreased sleep can lead to metabolic issues and weight gain over time, as sleep deprivation increases appetite neurotransmitters in the brain.

The research has also found that a lack of sleep can contribute to decreased physical activity. This is a reciprocal relationship in which increased sleep can lead to an increase in physical activity, and this increase can lead to better sleep quality.

DARK

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CHOCO LATE

DARK CHOCOLATE AND CHEWING GUM CAN HELP TACKLE STRESS IN THE BODY

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JUMPSTART CREATIVITY WITH THE COLOUR GREEN Have you ever been staring at your task list and feel completely uninspired? That ‘where do I start?’ question might just have an unlikely answer: the colour green.

The benefits of dark chocolate have been widely researched, showing that consistent consumption can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and supply the body with antioxidants.

Recent studies have found that dark chocolate can also reduce cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone) in the body as well as stabilize your metabolism––both of which can affect fluctuations in weight.

Confused? Research published in the 2012 journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that looking at the colour green can aid in creative tasks.

“Green may serve as a cue that evokes the motivation to strive for improvement and task mastery, which in turn may facilitate growth,” noted researcher Stephanie Lichtenfeld, PhD of the studies results.

While the results have proven to be subtle, glancing even briefly at a green rectangle was found to improve creativity in study subjects significantly enough to be relevant. Researchers suggest pairing this technique with proper sleep and nutrition to optimize creative flow in the brain.

More surprisingly, the same benefits can be found in an unlikely source: chewing gum.

Research has found that the action of chewing gum for just ten minutes can decrease the stress hormone and help curb anxiety.

Celebrating Over 95 Years Of Service Honour the Life Every funeral or cremation service should be as unique as the person it honours.

We will work with you to create a meaningful and memorable tribute that incorporates your memories and mementos of your loved one’s interest, passions and hobbies. Begin healing by honouring the spirit of your loved one, paying tribute and celebrating the gift of their life.

You deserve comfort, choice and affordability when planning final arrangements. At Tubmans our compassionate professionals understand your unique needs and will provide you with excellent service and great value. We guarantee it. Absolutely.

www.TubmanFuneralHomes.com

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Westboro Chapel — Garden Chapel — OutdoorChapel — Carp Chapel — Kars Chapel — Pembroke Chapel

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Artist of the month Ottawa's

ANITA HOSANNA KANGABE Stylist and Fashion Editor Anita Hosanna was born in Rwanda and grew up in Vancouver. Ottawa became her home during her university years, where she studied at OttawaU while building a career in fashion. She was part of the founding team of the first fashion club at the school, and has gone on to work at

Toronto, New York, and London Fashion weeks.

Today, she works as a stylist for both creative and commercial projects, while building a portfolio as a Fashion Editor.

She shares her journey to fashion, and her top tips for summer style.

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Tell us about your childhood.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Rwanda just 2 days before the genocide. My family fled to a neighbouring country and we eventually became refugees in Seattle. After a couple of years we moved to Vancouver, BC and that’s where I grew up.

Was fashion always a big part of your life when you were young? When did you know that you wanted to make a career out of it?

Art has always been a part of my life, from a very young age I sang, I drew, I painted.

Fashion eventually became my way of expression leading into my late teens and as a college kid. It became very clear to me in university that I wanted fashion to be a part of my everyday life and that this was where I wanted to build a career and legacy.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a stylist. For those who don't know, what is a typical day like for you?

My journey was certainly no straight path.

I started by finding likeminded people at my university and creating the first fashion club at uOttawa where we held events and workshops. From there, I began volunteering at Toronto Fashion Week, NY Fashion week, and London Fashion Week backstage, which all led me to my first job as a stylist for an e-commerce startup.

Nowadays my Mondays are supercharged with emails, and I spend the rest of the week carrying out different projects, attending meetings and fittings, on set shooting, pulling and returning, etc.

What is your favourite part about the work you do? What's the most challenging?

My favourite part by far is meeting new people from all around the world and learning something new single everyday. It sounds cliche, but it’s honestly my source of inspiration and it fuels me. The most challenging part of my work is the daily struggle of fighting to be taken seriously as an artist and entrepreneur. It’s really no overnight success, like anything else, and I’ve learned everything through trial and error. It’s been extremely rewarding, at the same time, it’s been an uphill battle.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get a lot of inspiration from people, their stories and experiences. I love to talk to people and ask a lot of questions, discover their quirks, their hidden talents, their culture, their highs and lows. Those are the things that help me piece together a deeply moving image.

When you're in Ottawa on a day off, what are some things you like to do?

I love to spend time with family! Ottawa is honestly where I come to wind down. If I’m here I’m likely in the backyard with my niece or hunting down something yummy to eat around the Byward Market or Centretown!

What are some of your favourite projects you've worked on?

Recently I’ve delved into working as more of a fashion editor as opposed to strictly styling, which I’ve found to be extremely gratifying and it’s unleashed new cre-

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ative juices that I didn’t even know I had! I would say my work at Fashion Bomb Daily has been my favourite most recent project!

What's your best advice for summer fashion? Biggest summer style mistakes?

Summer is one of the few occasions us as Canadians can experiment a little more with our style, so I say just go for it! The biggest summer style mistake I see is too many layers! It looks out of place and can’t possibly be comfortable for the person wearing it.

3 tips for people looking to instantly upgrade their wardrobe?

It’s all in the accessories! Curate a good variety for yourself, use the right ones at the right times, and repurpose old things by wearing them in new ways. That’s pretty much all it takes.

Top three trends of summer 2022 you love?

I’m not one to follow trends but 3 styles I’ve been loving for the summer lately are oversized glasses and sunnies, maximalism everything and, I’m sorry, but I’m a sucker for the return of Y2K! What are you currently working on, or an upcoming project you are excited about?

I wish I could say, but you’re just going to have to wait and see!

What's your best advice for aspiring stylists?

The first thing I would say to any aspiring stylist is that you are going to need to surround yourself with many likeminded people, a fashion community. This will help you in the long run in building your contacts but also in building your own creative team and staying focused!

Which leads me to my next word or advice, stay focused! It’s not an easy road, there are obstacles and distractions and people who will tell you that you can’t do it, but remember to stick to your guns. Keep going, keep doing what it is that makes your touch unique. Before you know it, you’ll be hitting each one of your goals one at a time. @anitahosanna

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NOW THIS

BEER MIGHT JUST BE THE HEALTH DRINK OF THE SUMMER

Surprising facts from the world of research HUMANS CAN HEAR AS WELL AS SEALS UNDERWATER? If you’ve taken a dive into the deep end of a pool or combed the bottom of a lake for shells, chances are you know the disorientation that can arise from being under water. It seems that all of your senses are lessened by the experience of being submerged––or are they? A new study published by the University of Southern Denmark has countered the previous belief that human hearing is substantially poorer while under water, and found that humans can actually hear with the same proficiency as seals while submerged. The study tested the hearing threshold of its participants––which refers to the level of noise you can just barely hear–– and the average was found to be nearly 30% lower in decibels than previously suggested. Researchers believe that this discrepancy in data is indicative of a misunderstanding of the structure of the human ear, as it appears with this new information that the way humans hear underwater is akin to that of frogs and turtles in ear function.

Test out your underwater hearing this summer––you might be surprised.

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Alcoholic beverages have the reputation of being inherently bad for you, and while it’s true that the excessive consumption of them can lead to short term and long term health issues, a new study has found that there may be a benefit to indulging in an occasional drink (well, beer specifically). The study, published by the American Chemical Society has found that consuming one lager beer a day increases and diversifies the microbes in the gut, which can help combat certain diseases long term. Researchers found that this correlation was found in non-alcoholic beer as well, suggesting that it’s something within the fermentation process that is most beneficial for gut health.

Good news for summer nights at the cottage––that beer your sipping on the dock is a health drink!

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THIS SLEEP STUDY MIGHT EXPLAIN WHY YOU’RE ALWAYS TIRED Does it feel like you can never get caught up when it comes to sleeping? It may be a result of age. A new study has found that the age an adult gets the least amount of sleep in North America is 40, with the graph forming a U-shape on either side of this low point.

Researchers attribute some of these findings to what is considered working-age, as those who are middle-aged (30-60) tend to wake up earlier for work commitments, which can affect sleep duration. At age 60, sleep duration increases once again from the relative stability of 30-50. The study also found that women average out more sleep than men (though it is often more interrupted) by about 4 minutes. So don’t stress out too much about your sleep habits, it seems to even out with time.

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ANOTHER REASON TO DRINK YOUR MORNING COFFEE The debate on whether coffee is good or bad for you is decades long and complex. For those on the pro-coffee side of the debate, rejoice! A new study has brought some more weight to the coffee-is-healthy bandwagon. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a correlation between coffee consumption and a decreased risk for acute kidney injury (AKI), with those who consume 2-3 cups of coffee per day having the largest risk reduction of 23%. This benefit is coupled with the pre-established understanding that regular consumption of coffee can decrease the risk of chronic and degenerative diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease––and with iced coffee season upon us, this news could not have come at a better time.

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If you’re involved in the Ottawa nightclub scene, chances are you’re familiar with DJ TDot. From an Alberta-born kid with a family legacy of music to an internationally known mix-maker, DJ TDot is a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian music world.

His story is about more than just the music though. With a natural eye for business, TDot balances his passion for DJing with his full time work owning three nightclub venues across Ottawa. With the goal in mind of creating an environment where he could have full creative and artistic control of his sets, venue ownership was a natural progression in his career––and came with hard work and a determined mindset.

Together with his peers in the Ottawa entertainment industry, DJ TDot co-founded the Breakout Squad in 2012; a party/entertainment group that utilizes the collective power of some of Ottawa’s best musicians and events specialists to enhance brand experience through music. Parties are their business––and since the reopening of nightclubs and bars, business is good.

With his finger on the pulse of what’s what in the music scene, big things are on the horizon for DJ TDot.

Photography by Sean Sisk

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Ottawa native Jesse Luketa will never forget Saturday April 30th, 2022 — the day he was drafted into the National Football League. It was day 3, and the league’s annual draft was just a few picks away from its conclusion. For many hours, Luketa ad been anxiously watching the broadcast at home with family and friends, wondering exactly when his name would be called.

Would it be called at all?

So, as another team prepared to make their selection, someone called

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Luketa’s cell phone.

Maybe a friend? Someone calling to lend support? No. As he glanced down at his phone, two words shone back at him, and Luketa knew his life had just changed.

“The caller ID said, ‘Arizona Cardinals,’” Luketa fondly recalled. “I knew my moment was finally here!”

The Luketa household erupted.

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YOU’RE ORIGINALLY FROM CALGARY, ALBERTA. WHAT IS IT THAT BROUGHT YOU TO OTTAWA? Originally from Calgary, but my family moved to Ottawa when I was really young. A lot of my family migrated from the Caribbean, and most of them migrated to Ottawa after my grandma brought all her siblings up one by one. So Ottawa became home.

You started developing your craft at just 13 years old. What and who inspired you to become a DJ? My father was a DJ and my godfather was a DJ. Music was the only thing when I was younger that could put me to sleep. I was always drawn to all types of music so I started throwing parties at 13 years old and eventually started traveling to DJ around the world.

How did you turn your hobby into a career?

I’ve been DJing in clubs all over the world, and I was always interested in the business side of things. The music goes hand in hand with the venue––and overall reputation of any venue. So I always wanted to own my own venue so I had a part in the full experience. Which led to me opening 3 venues in Ottawa.

Can you tell us more about the Breakout Squad?

Breakout squad was an idea I had with some DJs. We wanted to support each other and involve each other in everything. We wanted to be able to be self-sufficient and run events top to bottom without having to ask anyone for any help.

Then we grew to more than DJs;

we added event organizers, marketing specialists, photographers, and videographers. It started with opening up PPL nightclub which was open for 6 years. Then we opened Room 104 and the Hudson.

We most recently opened Hyde & Seek nightclub right before the pandemic.

As a DJ known for their versatility, what is the strangest mash-up you’ve made work?

The strangest mashup I have ever done is hard to say because you can make so much work with creativity.

I’ve done some weird parties where I have had to do a lot based on what everyone wants to hear––from hip hop, to country, to 70’s––but it’s all possible with the right ear for music. The only one that stands out to me was when I did a mix of the childhood nursery rhyme “rain rain go away” and mix that into Bad & Boujee “Raindrops Drop Top” if you heard the mix it was so out there that you had to go nuts.

What does your uniform look like when you’re on and off duty?

Honestly I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to a uniform. It depends on the setting I’m in. Sometimes if I’m getting dressed up, my fedoras have to come out! I like to collect all different colors. My hat collection is pretty dope. My off-duty outfit is basketball shorts or sweatpants, and a hoodie! The outfit has to be finished with a pair of jays ( Jordan’s)––more recently maybe some Yeezys. I like to collect kicks as well.

Did you consider any other names before DJ TDot? When it came to my name I didn’t really have a choice. A friend gave

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me the nickname pretty early on and it just stuck, so when I really started taking it seriously, I said it’s probably easier to go by what I'm already known as rather than change it. So Dj TDot stuck.

Where do you go on a night out in Ottawa when you’re not working?

I wish I got the chance to go out, I never have a weekend or day off.

The pandemic was the first time I got Friday & Saturday off. When I do for the odd reason have a weekend off I'm probably catching up on sleep somewhere.

What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a DJ? Do it! Not even to try and become the best in the world. The simple joy it brings playing music, manipulating sounds and just mixing is so soothing to the mind. Anytime I’m ever in a bad mood I can go to my studio and DJ for a few minutes and I'm instantly stress relieved.

What are you currently working on? Where can people see you DJ live in Ottawa this summer?

You can catch me weekly Wednesday at Room 104, Thursday at Casino Lac Leamy, and Saturday and Sunday Night at Hyde & Seek Nightclub. The family-friendly events I will be at are Hope Beach SummerFest & all home games for the Ottawa Blackjacks. I’m always working on something in the background. For the past 10 years I’ve been trying to change the nightlife industry in Ottawa from what it once was to what I have in my mind. With God and the team I'm surrounded by, Ottawa is in good hands. @djtdot FACES MAGAZINE | 65

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WHEN OTTAWA'S LUIJI VILAIN

committed to the University of Michigan in 2016, he was one of the highest-rated NCAA defensive line recruits in America.

His move from Lester B. Pearson in Gloucester to a high school in Virginia with a great football program had definitely paid off.

Vilain's football potential seemed limitless.

But then injuries struck. In 2017, Vilain missed his first year at Michigan with a right knee injury and then his second year with a left knee injury. He was able to return to play in 2019 and 2020 but still wasn't himself, appearing in only 12 games.

However, better days were ahead.

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Last season, finally playing at full health again, Vilain transferred to Wake Forest University for a fresh start. Obviously, life as a Demon Deacon fully agreed with him. With health and confidence restored, Vilain had 8 sacks, 34 total tackles, and two forced fumbles. He turned heads in the ACC Championship game with two sacks on Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett, who went 20th overall to the Steelers in this year's NFL draft.

At NFL Pro Day in March, Vilain's draft stock continued to rise with speed, strength and agility testing results that were all outstanding, better than many of his higher ranked peers.

His late charge wasn't quite enough to be drafted, but it was more than enough to garner a lot of attention around the NFL. And that included the Minnesota Vikings, who quickly signed him as a free agent right at the end of the draft, guaranteeing $207,000 of his rookie minimum salary.

The way Vilain has been able to keep working hard, staying focused on his goals, and successfully emerging from the adversity he faced at Michigan, there's every reason to think the Vikings got an absolute steal with this signing.

And Vilain's football potential seems limitless once again.

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WHAT OTTAWA SCHOOLS DID YOU ATTEND AS A KID? Our Lady of Carmel Elementary School and Lester B. Pearson High School.

Which Ottawa minor football clubs did you play for?

The North Gloucester Giants and Cumberland Panthers in the OVFL. What other sports did you play growing up and what made you settle on football?

Growing up I played basketball, soccer, and hockey. I settled on football because my mentor, Victor Tedondo, motivated me to look at football more seriously. He’s trained me since I was 12 years old up until now.

Tell us about your family's role in your success so far.

My family is everything to me.

They’re who I do it for. They motivate me to do my best every day.

I understand your parents are from Haiti. What brought them specifically to Ottawa? And what was that transition like for them, moving from Haiti to Canada?

They came to Ottawa because it’s a great town to raise a family. They also wanted more for themselves and our

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O T T A W A family’s future. I can’t speak on their transition first hand but I know for a fact they enjoy life in Canada.

Tell us about your decision to transfer to a high school in Virginia to play football there and how it compared to life in Ottawa?

I went to school in Virginia because the schools who were recruiting me wanted to see me up against American football players in the states.

Once I enrolled in Episcopal, it seemed that more doors were opened in my football career.

Compared to Ottawa, everything was different - being away from home, by myself and not having my parents. It was a tough adjustment but I’m thankful for that experience.

How long was it before NCAA schools started to recruit you and why did you decide on Michigan?

I started being recruited in 8th Grade and received my first offer in 9th grade. By the time I left Ottawa, I had five offers.

I decided on Michigan because of their academics and athletics at the highest level at the time. Additionally, I had a strong connection with the Wolverines' Defensive Line coach.

Michigan didn't go as planned because of injuries. Can you tell us about those days?

It was a tough situation. All in all, it was a good learning experience. But now I’m past that!

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What's Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh like?

He’s a good guy. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been on his team.

You closed out last season with an amazing senior year at Wake Forest, even playing in the ACC Championship game. What went into your decision to transfer to Wake Forest and what was the experience with the Demon Deacons was like?

It was a great experience! It was a decision I needed to make to grow as a player and as a person. It allowed me the opportunity to see the field and make plays.

How did COVID affect you?

I was stuck in Michigan and was unable to go home to Ottawa for two years due to restrictions at the border.

Can you describe your emotions when you recentlyl signed an NFL deal with the Vikings?

I was both grateful and relieved to know that I made it to the NFL. And with such a great organization in the Vikings from top to bottom.

How did your family react when you told them, especially after all the adversity you overcame and all the hard work you put in?

My parents were extremely happy for me and glad to see my dreams are coming true!

How's it going with the Vikings so far?

I enjoy being around the team and excited for this opportunity to make the roster. Staying positive and soaking up all the information that I can in the league.

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Some fun, off the page questions: What's your favourite personal football moment so far?

Winning the Gator Bowl with Wake Forest was my favorite because it was my first and only Bowl win in college!

What's your favourite thing to do when you're in Ottawa?

Definitely being around my loved ones and spending time with them...and getting Beavertails.

Did you go to Redblacks games growing up or were you more of an NFL guy?

I was more of an NFL guy growing up.

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What's your favourite alltime TV series?

What social media do you use most?

Favorite TV series of all time is Game of Thrones.

Instagram: @luiji_v

Favourite Ottawa restaurant?

My moms kitchen.

What's your favourite song that's on your phone right now?

In a Minute - Lil Baby.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m the best FIFA player in the world.

Who's the most famous person you know?

Jim Harbaugh What message do you have for all the people who've supported you along the way to help you get to this point?

Thank you for supporting me and getting me through the tough times. I can’t wait to make you all proud to the best of my abilities!

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CALABOGIE

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Kevin Ling has reached a level in

approaches, Kevin’s focus is on

Though his portfolio of compa-

his career that, only a few years

the launch of the Ottawa Soon-

nies may seem diverse, Kevin

ago, he could of only dreamed of.

er’s season as the new owner,

sees a common purpose in his

He’s the leader of multiple suc-

an organization that he aims to

work. “It’s about helping others,”

cessful companies in the Nations

rebuild as a foundation for oppor-

he explains. “I’ve worked for 33

Capital that includes—in addition

tunity for young athletes in the

years in different jobs paths,

to his signature Arlington Group

Capital.

working with people from many

security brand—the launch of his

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different industries. I think the

own fitness gym line, Power Mus-

Today, Kevin Ling is the CEO &

word ‘entrepreneur’ is a collo-

cle & Fitness, which is currently

Managing Director, of Arlington

quialism for someone who takes

opening their new location at 2121

Group, a risk management com-

on a lot of stress, for little reward

Carling Avenue, the space previ-

pany that specializes in private

(laughs). I’ve had my ups and

ously occupied by the YMCA.

security and investigations ser-

downs, and I’ve had my very, very

Despite all he has on his plate,

vices within the Ottawa region.

downs. I didn’t just become suc-

Kevin has recently taken over the

Arlington Group also manages

cessful, and in my mind I’m not

leadership of the Ottawa Sooners

Kevin’s other endeavors, includ-

successful even still. Success is a

Football Club of the CJFL.

ing his gym brand, Power Muscle

journey that I’m currently on.”

& Fitness, a real estate portfolio, As an entrepreneur, Kevin has a

an embroidery and printing busi-

firm belief in helping others, and

ness, a new cocktail lounge in

lives by the ‘Give as Good As you

downtown Ottawa, and Arlington

Get’ mentality: ‘create opportuni-

Brand Management which will

ties for others to succeed, and it’s

be a chic client design and de-

in this pursuit where you will find

velopment agency he intends to

your greatest purpose’. As July

launch this fall.

Photography by Sean Sisk

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BESPOKE RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES

in the Canadian Junior Football League.

As a security and safety professional, Kevin has decades of experience to bring to his clients. At his core, he feels the role of the Protector is one that chose him from an early age.

The organization has seen better days: it has won 4 national championships (1974, 1979, 1984, 1992) and three Manson Cup Championships in the Quebec Junior Football League (1997, 2001 and 2002). But since then, and after rejoining the CJFL in 2009, the team has not tasted success. Troubles both on and off the field led to some former alumni questioning the future existence of the club.

“Security is the foundation of my career,” Kevin explains. “In this line of work, you are for many that feeling of safety and comfort, and as a professional, I understand not just ‘how’ but ‘why’ people need security, and the value of having a trustworthy security provider watching your back.”

A NEW POWERHOUSE FOR HEALTH & FITNESS If you live or work in Kanata, you can’t miss the new Power Muscle & Fitness on March Road. It’s one of Kevin’s newest post-pandemic endeavors, and an extension of his larger maxim of helping others.

“I wanted to create an environment where people of all fitness levels would feel welcome. Our main goal is to ensure that anyone who walks through our door leaves a better person, and feels better about themselves. From my experience in this industry, there are a lot of gyms that prioritize sales numbers over people.

It’s understandable, but it’s a flaw.

They’re more focused on making money than on ensuring that their clients are actually benefitting.

“We don’t offer pizza parties or donut days—I believe in providing people with a great experience and good value. That’s how I’ve built my businesses. People realize that we do very good work and they stay with us. I’ve carried that over to this brand as well, and I’m committed to ensuring that whoever walks through the door, leaves a better version of themselves.”

THE OTTAWA SOONERS: A NEW VISION FOR SUCCESS In late 2021, Kevin and his management team assumed the leadership of the Ottawa Sooners organization, which included the club that plays 74 | FACES MAGAZINE

In 2021, due to low turnout, it was the only team to opt out of the first season after COVID restrictions were lifted.

As a former junior and semi-pro player in his early years, Kevin has taken a different approach to running the team.

“The Ottawa Sooners organization has a long history in the city. They have represented the community, and they have a history of winning.

I played against the Sooners and I know their history, and I knew the organization as one that was professional when they showed up to town.

“Because this team has suffered in the last few years, I felt that I could do it differently. I realized that to rebuild the team we needed to build for the long term stability of the organization. So starting this year we have established a Sooners Fund that, as part of our return to our notfor-profit status, will help us build out the organization as a structural foundation in the city. This restructuring will also give the organization an ability to bring on the right people in the right position.”

Kevin was quick to bring on some former players and coaches, particularly from its winning years. One of the bigger names on the list was Gord Hudson, the team’s new Head Coach and a former tight end on the practice roster for the Ottawa Rough Riders. He also won the Vanier Cup with the Ottawa Gee Gees in 2000, and was part of the Sooners team that went to 3 straight national champsionships (and won in 1984).

Another familiar name in the city is Darren Joseph, the Sooners new Associate Head Coach who, as a former 13-year CFL player, Ottawa Sooner, and Gee Gee, has deep roots in the community. He’s also a 19-year veteran of the Ottawa Police, where he is simply known as DJ. “Darren’s key role is to help us rebuild our relationship with the schools and communities in Ottawa, to re-establish the program as a place kids know to come to as a conduit for them to get to the next level of football, or to higher education.”

THE SOONERS RETURN TO OTTAWA For the first time since 2019, the Ottawa Sooners will return to the field at Carleton University on August 13th at 5pm, which will cap off their Sooners Alumni Week (Aug 7th -13th) and will see events coordinated in partnership with various organizations throughout the city, including Carleton University and the Ottawa Redblacks.

“We’re re-igniting and re-building a relationship that has gone astray over the years,” explains Kevin of the Sooners’ involvement in the Redblacks August 5th game.

“We’re purchasing 100 tickets for the Subaru Log Cabin, and will be selling tickets along with a Sooners Season pass to generate sponsorship for the club.” We’ll also be organizing a VIP event during and after the game in coordination with our corporate sponsor TAAG Accounting and Family Office. We want to build the energy and excitement that will lead up to the August 13th game at Carleton.”

AS THE HEAD OF MULTIPLE BUSINESSES, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO MANAGING (AND MAXIMIZING) YOUR TIME?

I have three secrets… one is that I have a firm belief that you have to give as much as you get. That drives me every day. I’m very thankful for what I’ve been able to accomplish, and how it’s affected me personally, and I know that I have a responsibility to give back.

I HAVE A FIRM BELIEF THAT YOU HAVE TO GIVE AS MUCH AS YOU GET. THAT DRIVES ME EVERYDAY.

Another is that I know I have to value myself and my time. I do my best to ensure that when I commit to something, I don’t overspend or underspend my time on that endeavor.

The last and most important secret is my tremendous executive administrator, Fathia Ibrahim. She makes sure that I know where I’m going and when I need to be there, and she also gets on my back when I get behind.

WHAT’S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?

Don’t ever give up. When you get told no, use it as fuel for getting to where you want to be. There will always be those out there that tell you that you can’t do something, because they are afraid of doing it themselves.

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I have been told multiple times throughout my life that what I was doing wasn’t right, or a dumb idea… or that it wasn’t going to work. I just kept going because I didn’t feel they were right. And even at my lowest times, when I was alone and I was not in the place that I wanted to be, I did not stop.

As Les Brown says, don’t say you are or you aren’t going to do it, just say it’s possible. That’s what keeps me going everyday.

ARLINGTONGROUPINC.COM

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Mattamy Homes Presents

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Denis Analytis In just four years, Meal Prep Ottawa has grown from a small service with 1 employee, to a large-scale operation with just under 20 team members, and a client base across the Capital Region.

The idea is simple; Meal Prep Ottawa (MPO) provides fresh, quality meals, delivered to your door, each week. And unlike all other meal delivery services that have become popular over the last few years, MPO is locally owned and operated, the only local service 78 | FACES MAGAZINE

of its kind in Ottawa.

The company has seen rapid growth in its 4 years of operation, something that founder and owner Denis Analytis would have never imagined in 2018. Denis grew up in Montreal in a Greek family, and his father owned multiple restaurants in the city. He was surrounded by food growing up, and the food industry, and has been ever since. “My father was a heavy influence on my early decisions in life.” He recalls.

In his 20s, Denis moved to Ottawa where he began a culinary career.

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His longest time away from the industry came in 2018. Denis was working as a fulltime Chef, but took time off work to recover from illness at home. It was during this time that commercials for meal prep and meal delivery services, having just arrived in Ottawa, caught his eye. And though Denis had never really thought of starting a business, he was intrigued. “It struck me as something new,” He remembers. “I didn’t have any aspirations to own a business, but something clicked.”

There was no such meal service for fully-cooked food in Ottawa, and in the months that followed, Denis built an ecommerce platform for Meal Prep Ottawa while he was recovering at home. “I created a job for myself, and I found myself getting excited and inspired.” Denis found himself working 8-hour days setting up the business.

Despite the work put in to set up the company, his first order took him by complete surprise, something he laughs about today.

“Two days after the website was live, I get an order for 10 keto meals. I was still in my healing process, and I had nothing prepared. I quickly did a menu, got labels and containers, and I put my heart and soul into those 10 meals.”

His first customer was thrilled, and not only came back for more, but spread the word.

In just two weeks, Denis’ business was on a fast track for growth, going from 1 customer to 100, all by word of mouth. As the business grew, and Denis’ recovery came to an

end, and he had to choose between returning to work or turningnewfoundfound side job into the real thing.

“So I quit, and went to chase my dream.”

Since the company’s humble beginnings in Denis’ home kitchen, it has seen nothing but growth for 4 years. After moving to its first location, a small commercial space in Carlington, MPO outgrew the location in 2 years, and upsized to their current spot in Nepean, with a team of 20 employees.

Today, Meal Prep Ottawa is the city’s largest locally-owned delivery service, offering quality, flexibility, and of course, simplicity. They offer 5 different meal plans for weekly meal delivery, and larger options for family meals. All meals are prepared by in-house professional chefs.

In May, the company sold just under 19,000 meals.

Why is it so popular? “I think the secret is that it works well for busy people,” Denis responds.

“We have busy lives. It’s not a secret. We’re cooking less at home. It doesn’t have to mean that people are lazy, but they understand that their time is valuable. And that’s the big thing.

Our service has a price point that makes sense Denis recommends the Clean Plan to anyone looking to try out MPO. “It’s our most popular plan, and it’s for everyday eating. Our Clean & Mean Plan is not focused on any particular

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diet like Keto or Vegan, but instead excludes generally unhealthy elements like high sodium and MSG, and minimizes saturated fats.

The beauty of the business is that it really is for everyone. Denis’ customers range from busy professionals, to families, to people on personal fitness and health journeys. “A busy person, no matter what that means, is our ideal client.”

Denis discovered the true range of his clients during pandemic shutdowns. “We saw a shift in clients. We have a large group of female business owners that are our customers.

They own salons ( hair, makeup, beauticians) photographry studios, restaurants, and shops that were really affected by the first closures.

Many reached out personally to introduce themselves. It gave me a chance to connect and to see who our clients were.”

In a full circle way, Denis’ favourite part about the work he does is helping people, especially those in recovery or grieving. “What really inspires us as a team is the feedback we get from clients who we have genuinely helped.

We have customers who are going through a difficult time, and they reach out to us for help, and we’re able to provide something for them that they shouldn’t have to think about.

“Nutritionally, we have 100s of success stories from clients on their weight loss and clean eating journeys. We’ve been able to help them reach their goals in a 2–3-month period.

This is what makes me happy. It’s great to be successful, but without this, none of it matters.”

Denis continues to be grateful for the success that he and his team have found. “Every day I wake up I thank God for putting me in this position. All I know is that 4 years ago, I had a different life… I thought I wouldn’t have a life. And here I am, in this exciting spot.”

His best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

No plan B. If you already have a backup plan in your head, then you’re already thinking of failure. If you’re going to do it, prepare to sacrifice. Many people go into business and don’t understand what it really takes. They quit their job and start a business to stop working 35-40 hours a week, and suddenly they’re working a 70-hour work week minimum.”

“After 2 years of starting my business, I was working a minimum of 100 hours a week, every week. I can remember waking up and some days my eyes couldn’t even open.

The bottom of my eye was were fire from exhaustion. Those are the sacrifices that you will need to make. But, if it’s your passion, then it won’t feel like work at all.”

As for what’s next, MPO continues to grow in Ottawa as the leading local meal delivery service, and hopes to expand to other cities in less than a year. The company is also opening new satellite locations across Ottawa, offering MPO products as a quick grab and go option, a concept called MPO on the Go!

Mealprepottawa.com

“If it’s your passion, then it won’t feel like work at all.”

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Matt Yakabuski is a full-time family man, hockey dad, and mortgage advisor in Stittsville. He’s worked with the Mortgage Advisors for over 12 years, and is passionate about helping people get into their dream homes. The foundation of his career has been on building trusting relationships with his clients.

It comes easy to him, in part because of the roots he has in his community, and those of his late brother Mark.

Though Matt Yakabuski is 8 years younger than Mark, he grew up knowing the

impact that his brother had on his community, and the role that sports played in his life. Mark Yakabuski played for a number of local Junior hockey teams, notably the Ottawa 67's, before moving on to play some professional hockey down south and overseas. He had a wide circle of friends from his school years in Kanata, his time at university and playing junior hockey, and his more recent work and family life.

He was also passionate about creating opportunities for youth in sports. Mark was a coach in the Stittsville

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minor hockey system, and ran an annual summer camp, non-profit, to ensure that every kid who wanted to play could afford it. When Mark passed away in 2018, Matt started an annual charity golf tournmanet in his memory.

The tournament works with local organizations to find deserving young athletes to support in both sports and education.

The 2nd Yakabuski Classic was held on June 17th at the Marshes Golf and Country Club.

Photography by Sean Sisk

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Was hockey always a big part of your life growing up?

Hockey was always a big part of our entire family. Both my brother and I were hockey players. I grew up as a rink rat, running around watching my brother’s games in minor hockey, even into his junior years, between my own games. We were a big hockey family. We still can't get my mom out of the rinks… she goes to every game and practice that she can for both Marks’ boys and my kids as well.

On Friday, June 17th, you organized the Annual Yakabuski Classic, in honour of your late brother, who was a big supporter of sports and fitness and their role in mental health.

What has the support been like for this tournament year after year?

It's been absolutely incredible. In 2019, it was a resounding success. We saw so much support from the community, people sponsoring and wanting to volunteer, and organizations wanting to be a part of the event.

We were confident that when we brought the event back after the pandemic that we would have the same success, and we did, if not more. People were eager to get back out to a normal event and support a good cause.

The event really brings together the people who were in Mark’s life, and their all connected in some way… through highschool, university, current friends, part of the hockey community or people who worked with him, and that has been amazing to see.

Tell me about the tournament beneficiaries, and why this cause is so important to both of you, and the memory of your brother.

It was important to us that we didn’t partner ourselves directly with one individual or one corporation that would manage the process. We wanted to go more grassroots and be able to gift specifically.

The first year we were able to give 3 young students the ability to further their career by helping them to go further in sports and with their schooing. This year, we partnered with the CCHL, who will name one of their graduate awards after Mark, and present a bursary to one deserving player each year.

We are still working with local schools in the community and talking to those who have their ear to the ground to find those kids in the community who have dedicated their lives to sports and athletics and balancing their education, so that we can help them in a hands-on way. It is a great feeling to be able to help people directly.

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You’ve spent over 10 years as a mortgage advisor, and before that, had roles in financial planning and banking. When did you know you wanted to make this your career?

I actually landed on it unintentionally. I originally started in banking when I went out to the West Coast and moved to Whistler for 2 years, unplanned, and got a job at the bank. After a couple years there, I moved back to Ottawa and stayed with the bank. I knew I wanted to be on the lending side, and so I transitioned into a role with the Mortgage Advisors, and have been here for 12 years.

What is your favourite part about the work you do? And about working with the Mortgage Advisors?

The ability to help people invest in their biggest asset, their home. Buying a home is a big experience, and can be very stressful, and our goal is to make it as least stressful as possible. It's rewarding to help people get into their dream home.

What advice would you give anyone looking to have a successful career in mortgages?

Don’t give up. It’s not an easy business at the end of the day, but stick with it, keep trying, keep working at it. Be diligent and flexible at the beginning and work to make people happy. Being responsive and accessible to your client database is a huge asset. Clients want to be heard, and to be able to reach you and get responses in a timely manner.

What is your best advice for people choosing an agent?

Find someone you connect with. At the end of the day, it's a relationship that can last upwards of 25 years. Most people get a mortgage for 25 to 30 years. It's a relationship-based industry, and you want to trust the person you are working with. Being an agent, we don’t shift around to different positions, jobs and companies often.

I’ve been here 12 years and I don't see myself going anywhere for another 15.

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Vassy Kapelos

With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience under her belt, Vassy Kapelos is one of the most-watched political journalists in the country. If you follow Canadian politics, then chances are you recognize Vassy from her current role as host on the widely popular CBC News: Power and Politics––but her strides in journalism go all the way back to her university years.

Vassy’s accomplishments in the industry range from the 2020 Canadian Screen Award to the Edward R. Murrow Award for her groundbreaking work on the Code

Red series, which showcased the issues with the Edmonton emergency response system. She’s worked all across Canada, covering federal and provincial elections across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

Between her work with the CBC and her busy day to day as a mom, Vassy balances the important things in her life with grace––and with enough time left over to enjoy the Centretown dining and entertainment scene (and the music of Celine Dion).

Photography by Sean Sisk

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O T T A W A You grew up in Toronto. What was your childhood like?

Loud and chaotic and full of love. My dad still lives in the house we grew up in, not far from Greektown. My mom passed away nearly 12 years ago but she and my dad were parents who worked har king they were with me and my two sisters and we were all talking (fighting about) politics or living the downtown/city life.

What were some of your hobbies growing up? When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in journalism?

I loved to read, I played the alto sax and in high school I became a rower. I didn’t realize I wanted to pursue a career in journalism until I was well into university and basically realized I couldn’t cut it as a lawyer!

How instrumental were your parents during your early career and school years?

They were everything. My parents are without a doubt the biggest influence on my life––both personally and professionally. Their work ethic, their values and their warmth and support–– that’s the reason I am where I am.

Besides your parents, were there any other role models in your life that inspired you?

My dad’s first cousin, Thalia Assuras, is a very successful Canadian journalist who moved to the U.S. and was equally successful there - she’s a big role model for me.

You’ve done an extensive amount of traveling in your early career with your internship in South America.

Can you tell us a bit about that experience and how it affected the scope of your career?

I think the fact I’ve lived in different countries and different cities in this country (everywhere from Halifax to Toronto to Swift Current, SK) is probably the best thing that could have happened to my career. It broadens my perspective and forces me to always consider how people who don’t live where I live might feel about political issues.

You’ve had such an interesting career that’s led you to a wide scope of different places and positions.

How have you enjoyed your time in Ottawa as a city?

Ottawa has given me all the best things in my life. It’s where I met my husband and my step kids, it’s where I had my baby and where I work.

I lived in Centretown for years and I loved every single second. I take full advantage of all the restaurants, patios and museums this amazing city has to offer.

You’ve had so many accomplishments in your professional life––from the 2020 Canadian Screen Award to the RTNDA Award for your work on the groundbreaking documentary “16X9: Wives of ISIS”.

What would you say has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

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To be honest it’s not an award or any specific accomplishment. When I was pregnant last year, I had hyperemesis, which meant I was sick as a dog 24/7. Getting through that is what I’m most proud of in my career––it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

CBC News: Power and Politics is one of Canada’s mostwatched political news programs––what did it mean for you to become a part of it?

It meant the world! I had such big shoes to fill and the show has such a wonderful reputation that I felt a lot of pressure, but in a great way.

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What advice would you give to your college-aged self, knowing what you know today?

Stop worrying about how you look and spend more time with your parents, you don’t know how long you’ll have them.

What’s your best piece of advice for anyone looking to begin a career in journalism?

Check your ego, start small and work your way up––and don’t let the haters get you down.

What have been some of the highlights or stand out moments during your work at CBC News?

Stand-out moments include election nights - both federally and provincially all across the country. Breaking stories like the NDP Liberal deal a few months ago, and covering the pandemic when it first started. I’ve never had so many viewers reach out on a daily basis with questions they wanted me to ask politicians at a time when the answers acutely affected their lives. I felt very lucky to be able to do that.

What is a typical day like for you at work? Any special routines?

I wake up at 5:30am to make lunches for the family, and read all the news I can get my hands on. I send out an early note to our senior producers with what I think our big stories are and what the corresponding chases should be. My baby wakes up at about 6:30am and I try to be ready to go by then so I can spend from 6:30-8am with him then I head to work. Once I’m there I prep for interviews, meet with producers, do my hair and makeup and then it’s on to the show from 5-7pm. It’s like this every day, because I’m a creature of habit.

What would a perfect day off look like to you?

This answer has drastically changed in the last year. Before my son was born I’d say a perfect day off was watching trashy tv with my husband, going out for dinner with him and watching more trash tv when we got home. Now my dream day off is just spending the whole day with my son. I see him so little during the week that I grab every second I can when I’m off.

Outside of work, do you have any hobbies? What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

I love to bake and to read. I wish I had time to exercise or the will to make the time. I think people would be surprised to know that I’m a goof.

What is your favourite book or movie of all time? Favourite artist?

My favourite book is A Confederacy of Dunces and my favourite artist in the entire world––of all time––is Celine Dion. My dad played a lot of Greek music when we were growing up and Celine was one of the first artists who didn’t sing in Greek that my sisters and I were exposed to.

I’ve been obsessed ever since.

I’VE NEVER HAD SO MANY VIEWERS REACH OUT ON A DAILY BASIS WITH QUESTIONS THEY WANTED ME TO ASK POLITICIANS AT A TIME WHEN THE ANSWERS ACUTELY AFFECTED THEIR LIVES. I FELT VERY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT. FACES MAGAZINE | 97

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