Fall 2010 • Vol. 04 • No. 03
Black Eyed Peas receive the Top Choice Award page 12
Trish Stratus
Top Businesswoman of the Year page 80
David Sklar & Associates Inc. ERASING DEBT & REBUILDING LIVES Award winning bankruptcy trustee David Sklar addresses rising consumer debt
Page 8
Photo: Top Choice Magazine Design: Stephen Malka $4.99CAN • www.TopChoiceMagazine.com
ERINMILLS LIMOUSINE SERVICES
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Official Production Company of Top Choice Media Group
There’s no time like show time! Sound Production and Lighting (SPL) is a professional audio, lighting, staging and multi-media company equipped for any live events such as concerts, churches, outdoor festivals, conventions, corporate seminars and theatre productions.
Shows & Clients Top Choice Awards • Caledon Breast Cancer Foundation • Luxy Night Club • Hyundai Canada • Insight for Living • Pakistan Canada Trade Show • Royal Le Page • Our Lady Peace • Hedley • Theory • 50 Cent • Marcello Neves • Carribana • Tastes of Danforth • Punjab Concerts Prod.
Got questions? Need Ideas? Drop us a line.
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David Sklar & Associates Inc. Erasing debt & Rebuilding lives Award winning bankruptcy trustee David Sklar addresses rising consumer debt page 8
Nak Won, “It’s Korean for Paradise.” Toronto’s Top Choice for authentic Korean food
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8 Canada's T.O.P. Choice
Robert Design Group... only by imagination
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12 WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
M A RT I N E AU
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Top Choice Magazine Top Choice Magazine is dedicated to showcasing excellence. It features businesses, business professionals, entertainers, and media that are recognized with awards. Top Choice Magazine is produced by Top Choice Media Group Inc. The magazine is published 4 times a year and is a reliable guide to the top products and services in your community! More than 50,000 copies are distributed throughout Top Business and professionals in Canada, the magazine works like a promotional tool to the participants. Readership is estimated at more than 300,000 per issue.
Advertising Inquirers
Top Choice Humanitarian of 2010 page 31
Only award-winning, reputable or recognized businesses, entertainers, media providers, and
OTHER FEATURES:
business professionals are promoted in Top
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Choice Magazine. If you would like to advertise, call us at (416) 662-2123 or send an email to info@TopChoiceMagazine.com. Media kits are available in print and digital format.
Copyright notice
TOP CHOICE MAGAZINE Wild Photos: Spring 2010 Launch Party
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The content and photographs in this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction in any form, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of the publisher.
Contact us Top Choice Magazine 75 Four Winds Drive, Suite 103 M3J 1K7 Toronto, Ontario Canada
info@TopChoiceMagazine.com
TRISH STRATUS Top Businesswoman WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
WOODBINE Entertainment Group
Toll-free: 1-866-771-9743 Tel. 416 662 2123 Fax. 647-351-6091
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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Message from
the
Photo by: Sam Santos, JC Pimentel Photography
David Silvestre
Editor
Publisher
Managing Editor Monica Couto Art Director Michael Fillier Accountant Executive Sal Verri Sales Manager Fay Xuan Graphic Designers Michael Fillier Nelson Huang Photography Sam Santos George Pimentel Sonia Recchia Writers Monica Couto David Silvestre Contributing Editor Edgar B. Martinez
DAVID ⋅ MONICA ⋅ WILL.I.AM Will.i.am at Luxy Entertainment Complex Hello everyone, once again I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my message and this magazine! I always try to use this message as an inspirational tool to help you stay on your feet because to me inspiration is everything – I am also able to find it everywhere! Unfortunately it is not the same for everyone and sometimes even I need a re-boost. Here is that time of the year where we look back at ourselves and find out what we did right and what we did wrong. The purpose of this retrospection is to see whether or not we learned from what we have done and from what we have failed to do; to make sure we correct ourselves, and avoid committing similar mistakes in the future. I am a young entrepreneur and most of my friends are in their late forties and early fifties. The most common question I am asked is, “How have you become so successful at such a young age?” At the beginning I did not know what to say, but now I do. My response is that, “I educated my mind to be self-motivated!” Thanks to all the successful business owners that I have met and all the books that other experienced people have written, I created a selfmotivated program that keeps me ‘rolling’ even on those days when I feel unmotivated. I have learned that you cannot wait for others or wait for the right moment to motivate you, and I believe this is a common flaw amongst business owners. Inside this magazine, you will find many ‘Top’ business owners that are successful and they all have one thing in common: they associate with other successful people. My mother used to tell me, “My son, hang around with the good ones and you will be just like them, hang around with the bad ones and you will be worse than them.” This magazine essentially offers you a guide to people that you can trust. It is up to you to choose with whom you hang out! Bill Clinton once said, “In the new economy; information, education, and motivation are everything” Top regards, David Silvestre
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Richard summed it up: “When a person is unable to repay their unsecured debts within a reasonable period of time, they have two options under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act - to file for Bankruptcy or to file a Proposal. Most people are familiar with the concept of Bankruptcy, but many are unfamiliar with Proposals. Those who qualify for a Proposal, work with a Trustee to make a legally binding offer to their unsecured creditors to pay off a portion of their outstanding unsecured debt, over a period of up to 5 years.”
Richard Sklar
Jason Sklar
ERASING DEBT & REBUILDING LIVES Have you ever wondered what it is like to seriously consider Bankruptcy? Perhaps you know someone who is facing that situation - dealing with collection calls and overwhelming debt. Or perhaps, your thoughts are closer to home. You are not alone, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB): between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 - 24,804 people in the Greater Toronto Area filed Bankruptcies and Consumer/Division I Proposals.
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That is a 9.0% increase over the previous 12 months, and a whopping 43.6% increase over the July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 period. To understand these alarming numbers and what they mean to real people, we spoke with one of the leading Bankruptcy Trustees in the GTA David Sklar, C.A. CIRP of David Sklar & Associates and two of his top Estate Administrators: Jason Sklar and Richard Sklar, B.A.
“The advantages of a Proposal”, explained Jason, “are that the person filing is normally able to keep their assets (as long as they make the required payments – such as a mortgage) and unsecured creditors usually approve of the agreement as they often recover more money than they would in a Bankruptcy. At the successful completion of a Proposal, the individual is released from their unsecured debt – without the stigma of Bankruptcy. “ “Of course, there is a lot more to Bankruptcies and Proposals, and one must speak with a Licensed Trustee before a decision can be made.”, David added. He then went on to stress, “At David Sklar & Associates, we make certain that our clients understand that Bankruptcy is their last resort, and it is only recommended when there are no other viable choices.” What do the OSB numbers tell us? Are the increases in Bankruptcies and Proposals due to the economy?
To better understand what the OSB numbers are about, we started by discussing Bankruptcies and Proposals.
Call: 416-498-9200
www.DavidSklar.com
The award winning team at David Sklar & Associates Inc. “While the economy definitely played a major part in the increase,” commented Jason, “we find that it is excessive consumer debt that hurts our clients the most. The people who come to us for help have often spent years in a ‘delicate balancing act’, living beyond their means – and when trouble (such as job loss or health issues) hits – it all comes crashing down. “ “That is why,” explained Richard, “we not only help our clients erase their debt and get a fresh start, we teach them how to live within their means, so they can stand up to future challenges without the burden of debt, and successfully rebuild their lives.” Once the economy improves, do you foresee a drop in Toronto Bankruptcy and Proposal rates? “Unfortunately, as part of that economic recovery,” David shared, “interest rates will start to increase. Given the extremely high levels of consumer debt that many Canadians
carry, once the interest rates go up significantly, we are anticipating higher levels of Bankruptcy and Proposals”. What can people do to avoid Bankruptcy or the need to file a Proposal? “Although the solution is straight forward,” warned David, ”it can be difficult to achieve without the right attitude. For many of our clients – the ‘right attitude’ has been forced on them by circumstance. For those who choose to avoid financial strife on their own, they need to get serious and: • • • • •
Stop using credit. Pay off all credit cards asap. Pay off all loans asap. Set up and stick to a budget. Live within their means.”
easier, at David Sklar & Associates, we offer a free initial consultation.” There are no easy solutions in getting rid of debt, but after our interview with David, Jason and Richard, we are convinced that in the Greater Toronto Area, there are options and there is help.
For more information visit the David Sklar & Associates Inc. website at
www.davidsklar.com
Top Choice Award for Bankruptcy Trustee. 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010
“If someone is unable to fix their financial problems with these steps” advised David, “they may need our help. To make taking that first step
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If you hit a bump in the road, we’ll help straighten it out. Since 1963, the Supreme Collision Centre team has been meeting great people by accident. Along the way, Supreme Collision Centre has set a new standard when it comes to providing quality collision repair and outstanding customer service. That’s why we’re honoured that, once again, our community voted us to receive a Top Choice Award in recognition of our commitment to diversity. Because we believe that our workplace is only made stronger when we are exposed to new ideas and new experiences. Visit www.supremecollision.ca to learn more.
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Canada's T.O.P. Choice
W
e had a feeling, that this night was going to be a good night, we had a feeling... ♫ woooo hoooo ♫ Given their tremendous success in 2010 it is no surprise that the 2010 Top Choice Music Group of the Year is the Black Eyed Peas! Normally when we conduct our Canadian Top Choice Award survey it is our intention to send the award to the winners, release the results and even travel to present the award in person. With the Black Eyed Peas we got lucky, because we got them right in the middle of the Canadian leg
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
DAVID SILVESTRE TALKING TO Will.i.am about the award
APL.DE.AP
TABOO
of their World Tour (E.N.D.), which had 2 shows in Toronto. The Black Eyed Peas are renowned for their spectacular live performances and Toronto was no exception. The group performed two sold out shows at the Air Canada Centre and we were able to catch up with them while they enjoyed some much deserved rest and relaxation at Luxy Entertainment Complex, Toronto’s new destination for high-profile celebrity after parties. Things were tense in Luxy as guests anticipated their arrival and as the limo pulls in the crowd exploded with excitement; it stayed that way the entire night! Security was pretty tight, even for the media, but we were able to present the award to the group. The award was re-
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DAVID SILVESTRE, MONICA COUTO AND WILL.I.AM
Will.i.am : “... all I can say is that we love our Canadian fans and we thank them for their support.”
ceived by front man and co-founder Will.i.am, who had this to say “Wow this is great, all I can say is that we love our Canadian fans and we thank them for their support.” It is nights like these that are true examples of what the Black Eyed Peas are made of, they go from performing at the ACC to celebrating at Luxy to receiving the Top Choice Award and will pack up and do it all again tomorrow in another city! That takes dedication and passion, which also happen to be merits for receiving the Top Choice Award. We knew it was going to be a good night...and that’s exactly what it was!
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
Insalata Caprese Sliced tomato, bufala mozzarella, arugula pesto and balsamic glaze
You’ll ju st love it. Vinsanto Ristorante
•
28 Roytec Road
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vinsanto.ca
Since 1929
HigH Performance Vision™ The Bochner Eye Institute is internationally-recognized as the experts in Laser Eye Surgery. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Bochner is the longest established laser eye treatment center in North America. “We have thousands of satisfied patients from all over the world— 40 countries and counting — to have laser eye surgery,” says Dr. Raymond Stein. “However, the most significant acknowledgement of our expertise comes from the fact that well over 300 eye doctors have chosen our Institute to have their eyes treated.” The father and son teams of Harold and Raymond Stein, and Albert and Jordan Cheskes trained at the world renowned Mayo Clinic. They also hold professorships at the University of Toronto and have collaborated on an impressive 35 texts — the most academic books attributed to a private institution in North America. “Our reputation as a center of excellence is attributable to the quality of our surgeons,” notes Dr. Harold Stein. “Patients considering a laser procedure can be rest assured that our surgeons are amongst the most skilled and experienced in the world,” explains Dr. Stein, “what really sets us apart is our expertise partnered with the most advanced laser technology available.” Technologies like the new Intralase® equipment. The Intralase® laser is the safest, most effective all laser LASIK technique. This technology provides improved safety, better vision, higher degrees of predictability and precision. Now with, new diagnostic equipment, the Bochner Eye Institute is now better able to detect and correct diseases and disorders of the eye at the earliest stages. “Innovation, safety, experience, dependability, and the longevity that comes with years of experience and thousands of happy patients are what keep the Bochner Eye Institute at the forefront of laser technology in Canada,” concludes Dr. Albert Cheskes.
Official Laser and Eye Centre for the Toronto Blue Jays
416.960.2020 • 1.800.665.1987
www.Bochner.com
A testament to its innovative approach and legacy of success, The Bochner Eye Institute is proud to be chosen as the official laser and eye centre for the Toronto Blue Jays.
SERVICES kERAToconus Keratoconus is a corneal disease that occurs when the normally round dome-shaped cornea (the clear outer area of the eye) progressively thins causing a conelike bulge to develop. New treatment modalities are offerred including corneal collagen crosslinking with Riboflavin and intracorneal rings.
InTRAocuLAR TEchnIquEs Intraocular techniques, as the name implies, are done within the eye. Three intraocular techniques are available at the Bochner Eye Institute: Phakic Intraocular Lenses - often referred to as an Implantable Contact Lens (ICL), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Cataract Surgery
LAsIk LASIK, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of laser eye surgery for correcting myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. In order for light to focus more clearly on the retina, the outer window of the eye and the cornea must be of the proper curvature.
PRk During photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the surface cells of the cornea, called the corneal epithelium, are removed instead of creating a LASIK flap. The excimer laser is applied to reshape the cornea and correct vision. Visual outcomes are equally as impressive as with LASIK, however, the healing time tends to be longer.
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ROBERT DESIGN GROUP
...only by imagination
O
nly by imagination...that is exactly what it means at Robert Design Group Ltd.. If you can imagine it – they will create it! When we first met Mr. Robert Lotocki and his team we instantly felt how deeply devoted they are to their craft. Their energy was flowing everywhere, from the doors to the walls we could feel the perfectionism, and the details of their art made us realize that we were in a very special office. Upon stepping into the office you are greeted by Julia’s glowing smile, she receives and accommodates everyone that wants to explore their imagination and transform their house in to a Home! Then the magic continues in the back of the shop, where wood meets machine and
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human hands to become unique creations that are full of life. The further we walked in to the back, the more amazed we felt and started wonder, how many people are behind all these gorgeous projects that are proudly displayed throughout the facilities! Little did we know that we were en-
joying a glimpse into the mind of the founder himslef, Mr. Robert Lotocki, who adds his personal touch to all projects. As we continued the tour I was amazed about how clean and organized the work areas were. “It looks like the place is brand new” I told Robert “It must be this way, we are
HaNDy wORk Each custom piece is hand carved from scratch
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
Cover Story all about perfection” he replied with a confident smile. It comes from their ancestors. A long tradition of pride in their craft that is reflected in every piece of art they build today. As Mr. Lotocki guides us to the very back of his shop, he looks at us and says, “Get ready, because now you will meet a very unique individual, Nicola.” As he finished his statement, the door swung open and there was Nicola. A man with a BIG smile surrounded with many hand tools. My eyes could not believe it when I saw a picture with so many details being carved by hand as he was in the process of turning it into a real peace of art. To this day, I still wonder how a human being can simply take a look at one image, or construct an image from a thought, and transform that into a tangible piece which will eventually be a part of a home or office and change the way people feel when they visit. Unbelievable!
ROBERT a. LOTOCkI The owner and creative inspiration behind Robert Design Group FROm CONCEPT TO CREaTION all pieces are done in-house, from start to finish
This experience has really changed the way we feel about the results of our surveys, we now know first hand that Robert Design Group truly deserves their second consecutive Top Choice Award. Robert Design Group is the proven leader in their field, trusted and recommended whenever you, or someone you know, need kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, solid wood furniture, entertainment units, entire room makeovers, interior design and even custom-built homes. •
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
yOUR TOP CHOICE Robert Design Group is honoured to be a two-time Top Choice Award recipient for Design and Build Company of the year
To get in touch with Robert Design Group call 905-624-7345 or visit
www.robertdesigngroup.com TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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Customized Financial Solutions
P
roud to accept a Top Choice Award for being the best financial security advisor within Toronto’s Portuguese community for the third year in a row Pedro Maia, founder of Maia & Associates Inc has expanded his business and the services that he brings to his clients. Maia is all about customer service. He believes each client is unique and each situation is different. He believes that each client deserves a
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financial plan customized to meet his individual needs and requirements. He believes that “Knowledge is Power” and knowledgeable clients make better decisions. Joining him to make this happen is Sean Beneteau, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with many years spent in management positions in the financial and insurance industry. Margot Bourque an Elder Planning Counselor and debt management expert
with nine years experience in the insurance industry and with over twenty-five years experience in the financial services industry. Together with Barry Stewart, an associated financial security advisor and member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, associated advisors Seanna Magee and Carlos Almeida and marketing associates Jennifer Fernandes and Emily Cassidy they bring a wealth of knowledge and
experience to Maia’s clients. In March of 2009 the team moved to their new premises at 255 Duncan Mill Road, Suite 512, North York Ontario.
Maia invites anyone interested in improving their financial situation or someone who just wants a no obligation, second opinion to give him or his associates a call at 416-916-7400.
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RRSP Life Insurance Disability & Critical Illness Insurance Registered Education Funds Estate Planning Investment Planning
Meet the President & Founder “The biggest misconception people have about insurance is that it’s expensive. It’s not. It’s expensive not to have it if something happens.”
Pedro M. Maia Born in Lisbon, Maia realized that many Portuguese people place undue trust in their Financial Security Advisors. Maia makes it his mission to educate customers on the products and services they have bought or are buying. He gives customers options and spends hours educating them. He compares himself to Mike Holmes, a contractor on television’s Holmes on Homes, who tries to fix the damage already inflicted on people’s homes. Similarly, Maia looks out for people and guides them to fix
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potential problems and achieve their dreams. His firm provides full financial services including insurance, financial and estate planning and conservation, mortgages and loans. Well connected both inside and outside the Portuguese community, Maia helps his clients find many other services too. In regards to insurance, he says, “The biggest misconception people have about insurance is that it’s expensive. It’s not. It’s expensive not to have it if something happens.”
Four-time recipient for Financial Advisor of the year
T. 416.916.7400 F. 416.916.7676 Direct. 416.419.5984
We’ve Moved! 255 Duncan Mills Rd, Suite 512 North York, Ontario M3B 3H9
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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Lisbon by Night Authentic Portuguese Cuisine
Fish Rodizio
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$
95
all-you-can-eat fresh grilled fish served with soup & grilled pineapple
Top Portuguese Restaurant of 2010 in the GTA
416 603 6522
802 Dundas St. W
EVENT
Top Choice Magazine Spring 2010 Launch By now everyone would have noticed that we enjoy taking our magazine launches to a whole different level, so we take pride in holding a free event every three months for all Top Choice Award winners and associates. David Silvestre
I
n May, 2010 Top Choice Magazine launched its ‘Spring 2010’ issue at ‘Luxy Entertainment Complex’. Murtz Jaffer was there to celebrate before off heading to L.A. to shoot the fourth season of his show ‘Reality Obsessed’. At these events people often ask, “Why does your company invest so much time and effort to hold a free event every three months?” Our response is that since we love our business and care deeply for our customers, we have learned that the best way to keep growing is to relate directly with our customers by offering them a one-on-one experience. While we recognize that a phone call or an e-mail will keep us in touch, an event held every three months solidifies our relationship and affords them with a real and immediate opportunity to network. In addition, we strongly believe that a face to face interaction will always beat any newspaper, TV or radio ad. This event was no exception – we witnessed numerous business cards being exchanged and smiles were everywhere, especially after a couple of glasses of wine! We k i c k e d the night off by welcoming Murtz Jaffer in a black SUV from ‘Erin Mills Limousine’ along with his gorgeous guests - and as one may say ‘the ice was broken’. Everyone could anticipate that fun times were ahead. The photographers went wild on the sushi table and with all the attractions that you may notice on the photographs surrounding this article! The Editors, Monica and David, went on stage to introduce the person on the cover, since some may have wondered just who was Murtz Jaffer. Soon after Murtz’s speech everyone realized that he was serious about being ‘not serious’, and we learned that he Another remarkable
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Murtz Jaffer is a funny and educated man that went from being a couch potato to a reality TV star.
TOP CHOICE SPRING 2010
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moment was when we introduced Mayoral Candidate for the city of Toronto – Mr. JP Pampena. As you may imagine his speech was long, as with all politicians, but we felt his speech was a special one because he is the man with a vision! After being blind since he was 24 years old, he has never stopped bringing his best to the city of Toronto. We encourage you to research his name and discover more about this unique individual. His inspirational story will motivate you to get up every day with a smile on your face! To close things off it was time to rock the dance floor with live ‘Capoeira’, an AfroBrazilian martial arts style, and with some gorgeous samba dancers. From that moment on we had no control for the rest of the evening; the positive and fun energy was every-
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We kicked the night off by welcoming Murtz Jaffer in a black SUV from “Erin Mills Limousine” along with his gorgeous guests - and as one may say “the ice was broken”.
where as people started to dance, to eat delicious appetizers and to learn more about one another. Guests would simply read through the magazine and use it as an approach to greet and meet a new friend. Similar to ‘Facebook’ but in person! By the end of the night everyone was happy to have been part of another successful event, and we were frequently asked, “When is the next one?” Our guests were reaffirmed that being associated with Top Choice Media Group is more than wining an award; it is about gaining new and trustworthy friends. You can sign up to be notified about future Top Choice Magazine launch parties on TopChoiceMagazine.com. You never know what crazy ideas we will come up with next!
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
EVENT: TOP CHOICE MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 LAUNCH
Angela Mesquita (Owner of Brazil Remittance) and Luiza Brunet (Brazilian Carnival Queen)
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TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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M A RT I N E AU Every moment of every day, and even in their nightmares, they are confronted with that horrible reality. Imagine their anger, apathy and frustation at not being able to change that tragic circumstance. WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
Your child
is going to die, And there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Sadly, that is the reality faced by so many families in the third world. Every moment of every day, and even in their nightmares, they are confronted with that horrible reality. Imagine their anger, apathy and frustration at not being able to change that tragic circumstance. The Herbie Fund and its partnership with Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children aims to prevent these needless tragedies The Herbie story began in Brooklyn, New York in 1979 when an eight month old baby named Herbie Quinones was on the verge of dying. He was born with a defect which meant that he could not swallow without experiencing what medical authorities called “dying episodes.” It was a situation similar to drowning. His distraught family sought help from the local hospital but was informed that without hundreds of thousands of dollars (which they did not possess) his fate was sealed. As fate would have it, Dale Brazao, a reporter with the Toronto Star, was in New York at the time and heard the story from a nurse. Dale approached Paul Godfrey, the then Chairman of Metro Toronto. Brazao suggested that perhaps
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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Mr. Godfrey do something. He did. Paul and Gina Godfrey asked for public donations. School kids were giving up their lunch money...people were walking from place to place rather than taking cabs or the TTC...and the money required to save Herbie’s life was collected. Only one problem stood in the way of Herbie’s life. Who would do the highly complicated and very risky surgery? At the time, there were perhaps two doctors in the world with the skills to do it. One of them was Dr. Robert Filler at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. He stepped forward and asked that Herbie be brought to him, and he would do the surgery without charging a penny. Bob Filler saved Herbie’s life. Herbie is now a healthy 31 year old New Yorker. Since then, over 625 children from almost 100 countries have had life-saving and life altering surgeries at Sickkids through the kindness of ordinary people like you and me. The Herbie Fund receives no government support. Every penny raised comes from public donations. And every penny goes directly towards saving the lives of children. There is no overhead; Herbie Fund people are all volunteers. I have been documenting the success stories of the Herbie fund for several years now. The project has been remarkable. The continuing generosity of Torontonians and the amazing skills of the world’s best pediatric surgeons at Sickkids are a powerful life-saving combination. In 2006, cameraman Steve Boorne and I travelled to Kosovo to meet two children and their families. Both children suffered from life threatening heart conditions. Eldon was seven years old and lived on the outskirts of Pristina. To look at him, you’d think to yourself (as i did), what’s wrong with this kid? He looked fine. He wasn’t. He didn’t have the energy to play with other kids, required expensive medication, and slept a great deal. Jasmina lived in a small village on the Kosovo & Albanian border. She was ten and without surgery, she wouldn’t live another two years. Her quality of life was bad and in a constant downward spiral. It is important to understand the damage these life threatening conditions do to the family unit. Mom and Dad are perpetually preoccupied. The child’s siblings get very little attention.resentment sets in. The strain on the family’s very limited finances means that all family members must go without. The parents are under tremendous stress and wonder what will happen to their dying child. We met the kids and their families And tried to convey that the best surgeons in the world would do their utmost for them. We also tried to tell them (through a translator) what
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You don’t know me or my daugter, yet you wonderful. people from Canada have given money to save her life. Thank you people of Toronto... I will never forget your kindness. WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
PhotograPhy, MaX aBaDIaN; MoDel, chaNel IMaN, IMg MoDelS.
Canada’s Fashion authority
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32
it would be like to go for a plane ride to a country like Canada. These people had never been outside their villages, let alone on a plane. The families look at you with mistrust and disbelief that their medical nightmare will soon be over. As long as I live, I will never forget Jasmina’s father’s speech to us. He’s the local Imam in a tiny village and said to us, as tears rolled down his face... “You don’t know me or my Daughter, yet you wonderful people from Canada have given money to save her life. Thank you people of Toronto... I will never forget your kindness.”
Fund, have made trips to Botswana, Trinidad, Cambodia, Malaysia and other countries. Still, the story is the same. Through your generosity, we are able to deliver the news that so many desperate families have been praying for: lifesaving surgeries for their children and an end to the nightmares that have been threatening to destroy their families. On behalf of the Herbie Fund and these families, a very sincere thank you. Because of you, our work will continue.
The families arrived in Toronto about a month later. They, along with their translator, stayed with a host family; a lovely and generous family that opened their home and their hearts to the culture shocked folks from Kosovo. Then came the highly emotional situation in the surgery waiting area. Both Moms had to kiss their kids goodbye and pray the respective surgeries went well. Post surgery, the doctors informed the parents of the procedures success. There were many tears and still a bit of disbelief. Steve and I brought toys for the kids about a week after their operations. They were both doing extremely well. A couple of weeks later we saw them at a celebratory dinner. What an incredible difference! Not only were the kids bouncing around like pinballs, but their mothers, who had nothing to feel happy about for several years, could not stop smiling or saying thank you. Steve and I have experienced this same situation over and over again. 2006... we brought three kids back from the Philippines: Xander, Marianne, and a four year old we bonded with right away, John Phillips Salvador. This poor little guy had severe facial deformities, and because of that, he was also non-verbal. The only person who ever interacted with him was his mother. Neither of his two siblings, nor any of the other kids in his neighbourhood, would go near them. They called him a ghost. Steve and I brought him picture books and toys; he was our buddy. I still think about him and what his life would be like. All three kids had successful surgeries. Steve and I, along with Kamla Sharma, International Patient Director for SickKids, and Helene Korn of the Herbie
Through your generosity, we are able to deliver the [good] news that so many desperate families have been praying for
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TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
Written by Cord Martineau
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
Protecting what matters. At Bednarska Law P.C.
Services include: • Family Law (Divorce, Pre-Naptual and Separation Agreements, Custody, Access, Child Support, Spousal Support, Property Division)
what matters most to you is what matters most. For over 9 years, Mariola Bednarska,
• Employment Law;
Barrister and Solicitor, has been
• Civil Litigation; and
representing families and their interests.
• Wills and Estates. Mariola Bednarska Barrister and Solicitor 1430 Hurontario Street, Unit B Mississauga, Ontario L5E 2P4 Phone: (905) 271-1729 or (416) 786-3798 Fax: (905) 271-1869
your interests are the bottom line BednarskaLaw.com
Woodbine Entertainment Complex They are the Top Entertainment Complex in the GTA, but future plans could make them the Top in North America David Silvestre
F
or the second consecutive year, Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is the preferred Entertainment Complex in the GTA. This time around we had the pleasure of presenting the award to the Executives of WEG during one of their Executive meetings. We were received by Jane Homes, Vice President, of Corporate Affairs, her cheerful attitude and poise exemplifies what WEG is truly made of; she made us feel right at home. “Receiving this award is extremely gratifying” said Jane. “As an entertainment business operat-
36
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
ing in a highly diversified market place, Woodbine Entertainment Group takes great pride in offering its customers first class service in world class facilities. Being voted the Top Entertainment Complex of the Year by the voting public validates and reinforces our commitment to excellence.” Amongst the other motivated people we met during our stay was Nick Eaves, President and CEO of WEG, who took to opportunity to recognize other key components to WEC’s success. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued customers, our business partner the OLG and
I salute our staff for their dedication to service excellence. Just when we thought we were done, we had the pleasure to meet and interview the most popular jockey in Canadian history, Sandy Hawley. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest race-riders ever produced in Canada. A brilliant athlete and ambassador for the sport of thoroughbred racing. He has distinguished himself with his clean living, fierce competitiveness and an uncanny approach with horses. He accepted the award as a part of WEG and thanked all the racing fans for their continued support of the “Sport of Kings.”
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
FEATURE
TWO-TIME RECIPIENT OF THE TOP CHOICE AWARD Jane Homes and Nick Eaves accept Woobine Entertainment Complex’s second Top Choice Award from Monica Couto and David SIlvestre
SANDY HAWKLEY The Canadian jockey thanks the fans for supporting WEC
Woodbine Live “Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), in partnership with The Cordish Group, a Baltimore, Maryland based corporation, will be developing the surplus lands at Woodbine Racetrack into a new project called “Woodbine Live!”. Woodbine Live! is a unique world class, four-season tourism destination being built at Woodbine Racetrack. It is an exciting new mixed-use pedestrian friendly entertainment district, with a commercial office development and a residential community. Woodbine Live! will strengthen the tourism industry by providing Ontario with new tourism infrastructure.”
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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Stop thinking about your dream home, start finding it on EuromartRealty.ca
Top Real Estate Brokerage of 2009 and 2010
original euromart sign
Euromart Realty Ltd., Brokerage is proud to receive the Top Real Estate Brokerage of 2009 and 2010 Award. This Award is dedicated to Mario Salerno, founder of Euromart realty Ltd., who has been serving the Real estate industry since 1965. Mario’s lifelong commitment to hard work and honesty has gained him the utmost respect from clients and peers alike. In 2009, Mark Salerno, Mario’s son, took over as Broker of Record at Euromart Realty Ltd. Mark continues to follow the guiding principles synonymous with the Euromart brand in providing his clients with the highest level of customer service. Euromart Realty is one of the GTA’s most premier boutique style brokerages. With additions of key salespersons and exclusive marketing techniques, it is no secret that the Euromart Brand is representing more clients and becoming a
Mario Salerno
Mark Salerno
Broker of Record • 1980
Broker of Record • 2009
1st generation experience meets 2nd generation creativity We look forward to your business.
household name amongst other competors.
Mark Salerno, Broker of Record Euromart Realty Ltd., Brokerage 60 Charmaine Rd., Vaughan Ontario L4L 1K2
416.460.2118 Ex. 201
Nicole
Fabrizio
Andrew
Adamo
www.EuromartRealty.ca
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Samba Brasil Entertainment adds a special flavour to all occassions Weddings, private parties, nightclubs, restaurants, Bar Mitzvahs and charitable events
For bookings contact
Tatiana Almeida
samba_brasil_ent@yahoo.ca •
Cell:
(647) 202 8052
www.SambaBrasil.ca
go where your
happy
takes you
1245 Dupont St, Toronto.
416. 531.5000
Nak Won
It’s Korean for Paradise
Since 2004, Nak Won has been bringing a high-quality, authentic Korean restaurant experience to diners in the GTA and they deliver it all with suprisingly affordable prices. In only 6 years, Nak Won has expanded to three locations, Yonge and Finch, First Markham Place and New Kenedy Square Plaza. Each location serves up fresh Korean favourites, such as Kimchi, and each main dish includes up to 9 free refillable side dishe appetizers (called banchan). Nak Won restaurant was founded by Mr. In Jong Jeong, a family man who immigrated to Canada about 9 years ago. Upon arriving to Canada, Mr. Jeong dreamed about opening his own restaurant business, he wanted to provide affordable, delicious, and satisfying cuisine to fill one’s hunger for Korean food. On July 7th, 2004, Mr. Jeong’s dream became a reality when he opened up the first Nak Won location in the Yonge and Finch area. In the beginning the restaurant’s profit was unstable and because it was the first time running a restaurant, Mr. Jeong was struggling each and every day to keep the restaurant going. It was support from his wife and sons that carried the restaurant forward to become a favourite in Toronto’s Asian community. Now that their first restaurant was enjoying steady growth, the Jeong family decided to challenge themselves further and open a second location. On October 20, 2008 Nak Won opened in First Markham Place on Hwy7 and Woodbine. This new location would prove to be a greater challenge than their first location, due to it being much larger. It would not be long before their experience would make their second location as successful as their first. Most recently Nak Won has expanded once again, opening their third location at New Kennedy Square Plaza on Hwy7 and Kennedy.
Mr. & Mrs. In Jong Jeong 44
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
What makes Nak Won so special is that it does not take a lot of money to fill up on great food, this is no doubt due to the freshly made appetizers that the restaurant generously offers. When people think about Korean food they usually think “Korean BBQ” and while Nak Won has the same popular BBQ they really shine because of their wide assortment of traditional Korean dishes. Want to experience a whole new world of Asian food? Try WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
It’s Korean
for Paradise
the popular KamJa Tang, which is a stewed pork bone served with potato. This dish is very popular among other Korean restaurants too, yet Nak Won is the one who provides the biggest portion of all! Also, there’s a dish called Dolsot Bibim Bap which is assorted vegetables, meats, and Korean spicy sauce atop steamed rice in a hot stone bowl. This dish was Michael Jackson’s favourite and is now becoming famous all around the world. Mr Jeong’s goal is to continue expanding Nak Won and share exciting Korean food with more and more customers. He plans to continue managing the restaurants and keep it a family business, so that he may remain enlightened.
Locations Yonge Branch 5594 Yonge st, North York, ON M2N5S2 4165901435 · 416 590 9286 Hwy7 Branch 3225 Hwy7 E ##, Markham, ON L3R3P3 905.604.2471 · 905.604.2472 Kennedy Branch 8362 Kennedy Rd. #A06, Markham ON L3R9W5 905.415.0077 · 905.604.9008 WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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416-534-4593
dundaswoodwindows.ca Featuring high-quality Andersen速 products.
Dundas Woodwindows & Specialties is honoured to be Top Window & Door Company in the Portuguese Community
TU EQUIPO LATINO
.com
Eddie Quindamo is again your Top Choice.
As your biggest investment, your home can have a tremendous impact on your future. That’s why choosing the right mortgage is so important. As an independent Mortgage Broker at The Mortgage Centre, I analyze needs, andlenders. goals, then I Weyour work for capabilities you, not the help you find the mortgage that offers the best combination of rate, features and flexibility. The Mortgage Centre – I Direct Mortgages, Inc.
The result? You get a mortgage that saves you money today and helps you build financial
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Phone Office E-mail Address
416-398-5626 905-652-3000 ext. 200 info@tuequipolatino.com 6-21 Roysun Road Woodbridge, ON Canada L4L 8R3
We work for you, not the lenders. Each Mortgage Centre office is independently owned and operated.
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Welcome to
The Tao of the
Top Choice Award Congratulations, you have won the Top Choice Award! You have attended the gala or had a presentation in your office. You have been featured in the magazine, seen on the TV, posted on the internet, released to the newspapers, heard on the radio and been recognized by your peers. Now you can sit back, relax, and wait for next year’s results...WRONG! It’s not enough to just win the award and go back to your regular business routine, you need to use the Top Choice Award for the reason it was created: to increase your business!
Your website It’s your 24 hour business information centre, do your website visitors know you have won the Top Choice Award?
Your vehicles You already know that vehicles are a great way to increase the visibility of your company around the city, but do your vehicles have the Top Choice Award logo on them?
Your storefront or office It is your job to let your clients know that you are the best! Make sure they know that they are making the right choice by choosing your products or services. Are your stickers on the door or window? Are your pop-up displays in the reception area, waiting area or point of sale areas? Is your trophy (or trophies for all the multi-award winners) on display where everyone can notice?
Your advertisements Have a commercial on TV? A commercial on Radio? An ad in the newspaper? If you have any of these, then you have a platform to use the Top Choice Award and a way to make your ad stand out from your competitors.
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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Pose with a Punch!
Posing with your award is almost as important as winning it! You gotta’ work it! Crazy, adventurous, playful; the more memorable the pose, the better.
The “One-hander”
By Danny Fernandes
The “Wild Thing” By Reptilia
The “iNNER pi
By Trish Stra
tus
ece”
The “Mama Mia!” By Aurora Importing
Le “Chapelieaseu”
The “Party Like A Rockstar”
By Dina Pug
By JC Pimentel Photograp
hy
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TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
e r a s d a e h o w T “ e h T The “In your face!” By Jorge Gabriel better than one”
The “Pinky” By Herman José
By João Baião
!” t h ig f a t u o h it w t The “No w rning Sho By The Z103.5 Mo
Photos: Sam Santos / JC Pimentel Photography
The “Shooter”
By City TV & Kevin Frankish WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
The “Anti-gravity” By Axé Capoeira
The “Brazilian” By Samba Brasil TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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AWARD WINNING HOMES
Owning a Crystal Glen Home will be a rewarding experience PASSION IS REWARDED
OUR MISSION IS CLEAR
Our devotion and commitment to building beautiful homes with luxurious layouts has been recognized by the GTHBA. We take the time to design each home with the same award-winning process so that no matter what your style is, you’ll find a top quality Crystal Glen home that you will love living in.
We simply want to make sure that every home we build will provide you and your family many years of happiness
TOP CHOICE BUILDER OF THE YEAR EXPERIENCE OUR QUALITY With more than 25 years of experience, Crystal Glen Homes offers you a solid foundation to build a lifetime of lasting memories. Our high quality homes offer simple elegance with the durability to withstand the true test of time. Right down to the smallest details, we will inspect your home to ensure it’s built with the precision and craftsmanship that you deserve.
OUTER & INNER BEAUTY The only thing more satisfying than driving up to a beautiful home, is knowing that it’s yours. It’s that sense of pride that we feel our home buyers should have. Starting with selecting the right brick to the option of personalizing your own home, we will work closely with you to ensure that your home is stunning from the inside out.
GTHBA BEST HOME DESIGN
www.crystalglenhomes.com
Belmonte Kitchens is dedicated to providing our clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their home improvement projects and to designing spaces that are tailored to our clients’ tastes, lifestyles and investment objectives.
“AT BELMONTE KITCHENS WE PROMISE TO BLEND FORM AND FUNCTION IN A CUSTOM DESIGN THAT REFLECTS YOUR STYLE AND BUDGET...” We are a custom kitchen and design company located in Toronto, Ontario that has an enduring reputation for outstanding service and integrity. At Belmonte Kitchens we promise to blend form and function in a custom design that reBects your style and budget, to provide quality custom kitchens and custom products at competitive prices, and to generate a sense of fun and creativity while working together on your project.
24 Steinway Blvd, Unit 42,Toronto, Ontario M9W 6T8 Tel: 416 675 4150 Fax: 416 847 0979 Cell: 416 994 0072 www.belmontekitchens.ca
It’s Like
A Breath Of
Fresh Air
Prestige Duct Cleaning is a local, family business owned by Ted and Nancy Helps. Together with our many long term, dedicated employees we work hard to deliver the highest quality service to our thousands of loyal clients. Prestige Duct Cleaning has served Southern Ontario residents since 1988. From small beginnings we’ve grown to become one of Ontario’s largest and most respected providers of award winning professional duct cleaning as well as carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning,and area rug cleaning services to residential clients, new home builders, institutions and commercial enterprise. Industry leading training, rigorous hiring standards, the best equipment and generous compensation to our staff allows Prestige Duct & Carpet Cleaning to deliver consistent high quality service and a great value. All of our people go through a rigorous screening process before hiring. This process includes security checks for our clients’ safety and several personal interviews. We do not hire seasonal or temporary staff as we are only interested in career oriented people that share our vision of quality and service. After winning numerous Readers’ Choice and Peoples’ Choice Awards, we are extremely proud and congratulate our entire staff for expressing a genuine attitude of care and concern for our clients and for now being selected as the winner of our first Top Choice Award for Duct Cleaning in the GTA. People’s choice Award winner 10 consecutive years
www.prestigecleaning.ca Markham 472-4707 Richmond Hill 884-7350 Newmarket 836-5570 Ajax/Pickering 426-5800
Reader’s choice Award Winner 11 consecutive years
Continuing the
Legac y I
n business for over thirty years, ‘Big Al’s Aquarium Services Ltd.’ has grown from a small home-based business to a chain of twenty stores across US and Canada. ‘Big Al’s’ is Canada’s leading aquarium retail chain. In 1999, ‘Big Al’s’ recognized that the e-commerce division had a vast buying power and that a huge inventory, over fivethousand products, could be offered to their customers, not only at great savings and great selections, but also the convenience of round-the-clock shopping, 24/7 via Internet at www.BigAlsonline.ca ‘The Aquatic Mail Order Specialist’ is an idea reinvented by twenty-four-year-old Adam, which gave a new life to the company. He had privilege of observing since he was a child, and witnessed most of the steps his parents took to improve the company. “Everything started in a small basement,” recalls Adam during our interview. But today it is all over the World thanks to ‘e-commerce’ and by overcoming a number of challenges. As Adam him-
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self said it, “technology is changing every week, so we must keep on improving to better serve our customers...and it is so much fun!” A very humble Adam continues, “My business philosophy remains the same as my parents taught me, but with a twist of today’s technologies!” At the end of September, 2010, ‘Big Al’s’ Aquarium brandnew online shopping website will be launched and it will be ready to change the world of those looking, not only for exotic fish, but also for pets. Yes, you read it right. ‘Pets’ is the newest and most exciting selling point for ‘Big Al’s.’ With his talent, passion, and intelligence we feel that Adam will be able to continue the legacy and, of course, become a successful businessman, just like his father. Special Note: If you enjoyed the environment surrounding the fifth Multicultural Top Choice Awards Gala, you can thank ‘Big Al’s.’ They were responsible for most of the props that made us all feel as if we were in the ‘Ocean.’
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
Al Saul president of big Al’s
By working
Together
we accomplish
great things
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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Looking Back With Pride... Looking Forward With Vision
The Executive and Staff of Carpenters & Allied Workers Local 27 would like to thank our members and the community at large for this great recognition
6-TIME RECIPIENT OF THE TOP CHOICE AWARD FOR WORKERS’ UNION OF THE YEAR.
Carpenters Union, Central Ontario Regional Council 222 Rowntree Dairy Rd Vaughan, ON L4L 9T2 905-652-4140 * 905-652-4139
Interior Plaster Mouldings
Fine architectural details.
Introduces a new family member.
Coffered Specialty Ceilings designed for new and existing ceiling tile grid systems. These panels are extremely lightweight at approximately 8 lbs per 4 sq. ft. You can create new spaces with our various product lines. Our interior and exterior products are available for residential, commercial and high rise projects.
101A Roytec Road, Woodbridge ON | 905.264.4436 | www.canamould.com
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 16 Osler St., Toronto (416) 769-2010
The finest fish and seafood imported directly from Portugal
Specialized in food products directly from portugal
Açores
Atum BOM PETISCO Tuna
CONSER VAS
CANNED FISH
Azeitonas
We would like to thank our clients for making us their To p C h o i c e Food Distributor
Te l : 4 1 6 - 5 3 3 - 3 5 9 1 • F a x : 4 1 6 - 5 3 3 - 3 4 8 5 44 Atomic Avenue, Etobicoke, M8Z 5L1 E m a i l : s a l e s @ f e r m a f o o d s . c o m • We b : w w w. f e r m a f o o d s . c o m
THE GOLF STARS OF THE FUTURE Golf is a game that families can learn, play and compete at, regardless of age or body shape.
T
he Future Golf Stars Academy (FGS) kicked off its annual mixed golf tournament without a hitch this past weekend at Rattlesnake Golf & Country Club. Both junior boys and girls fought hard and played their best throughout the day, but the winner of the overall FGS tournament was Kulbir Gill. He played exceptionally well by pushing himself, maintaining focus and adhering to the standard behavioral expectations of golf. Founder of Future Golf Stars, Avtar Brar, has worked very hard to instill personal skills such as honesty, integrity, courtesy, and respect in all of his Future Golf Star members and regular tournament participants. He works along side parents, who he also encouraged to become officials on the day of the tournament, to guide the FGS juniors in hopes to develop responsible adults and future community leaders.
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Why is golf a great game for junior to learn? 1. A sense of community: The Future Golf Stars Academy teaches juniors good judgment and encourages the highest level of sportsmanship. It also creates an environment where juniors are able to develop long lasting relationships with other FGS members. Playing in a foursome, and learning at the range provides an excellent opportunity for juniors to interact with each other by telling jokes or stories. This Academy creates an atmosphere of fun and excitement and in turn a positive attitude towards the game of golf. 2. Family Bonding: Golf is a game that families can learn, play and compete at, regardless of age or body shape. Golf is a game of skill and gives parents and children the opportunity to work together to improve eachothers’
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
YOUTH
games. FGS encourages this form of bonding by ensuring that parents are aware of their children’s progress in the academy and getting them involved in tournaments. FGS also encourages students to take their parents to a golf range to practice and teach/ show their parents what they have learned. 3. Regular Exercise: A great benefit of playing golf is the physical component of the game. Young golfers are encouraged to walk the golf course and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of it. Not only are these golfers walking, they are also swinging the golf club and carrying their golf bags from hole to hole. Making this form of exercise relaxing yet enjoyable. To enroll your junior golfer in the academy you can contact Avtar Brar at 416-710-7309. Thanks to all the volunteers and participants for supporting the FGS tournament for 2010. We hope to see our current golf stars as well as new participants for the 2011 golf season. To inquire about professional golf instruction, contact Indy Brar at
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
647-701-9194
TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
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(416) 535-6329 • 1015 Bloor St W, Toronto www.CostaLawFirm.ca
“Your Full Service “Your Full Law ServiceFirm” Law Firm”
Creative, practical solutions at every stage make us the competitive choice to achieve your business or personal objectives. We strive to exceed your expectations by providing you with efficient, cost-effective and quality legal services.
Business Law Criminal Law Family Law Immigration Law Insurance Law
Labour Law Litigation Municipal Law Real Estate Law Wills
David Costa David Costa’s devotion to advance the community’s best interests in court has made him a repeat winner as our favourite lawyer. His humble father Avelino, from mainland Portugal, instilled a strong work ethic. David’s mother Armelina, from the Azorean island of Teixeira, introduced social awareness and practical sensibility.
Photo: SAM SANTOS / JC Pimentel Photography
With degrees in music and education from the University of Toronto, and further accolades from the Royal Conservatory of Music, David’s diverse background groomed him to teach World Issues and both American and Canadian history. This led to his interest in law, resulting with David acquiring law degrees from BOTH countries! David has developed a full-service law practice in the heart of our Portuguese community, on Toronto’s main Bloor Street West artery. His team of skilled and experienced lawyers and staff address all legal areas ranging from corporate and immigration to estates, personal injury and family. David focuses his personal energy on defending the wrongly accused and those otherwise struggling through the criminal justice system. His insight in helping those overcome tragic inner and social conflict remain a key reason people in crisis choose David to defend their causes, great and small. Costa Law Firm is a 5-time recipient of the Top Choice Award 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 for Top Law Firm of the Portuguese Community in the GTA
MorTGaGe SoluTionS To SMile aBouT With a breadth of knowledge and experience in the constantly changing mortgage market Zelia Gouveia is the home financing expert you have been looking for. Zelia has nearly 21 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and the unique ability to provide workable solutions tailored to helping her clients achieve their financial goals. She plays an important role in the mortgage process, providing clients with sound advice and exceptional customer service. Whether you are buying your first home or you are a seasoned homeowner looking to access home equity, transfer a mortgage or refinance an existing mortgage you can rest assured that Zelia will customize a mortgage solution that is right for you. As a Mobile Mortgage Specialist with TD Canada Trust, Zelia is able to meet her clients at their convenience, after banking hours, evenings and weekends. Years of experience available anytime, like it should be!
Zelia Gouveia Mobile Mortgage Specialist
Tel: (416) 835-0103 zelia.gouveia@td.com
“Fluss for Us” BECAUSE THEY MAKE THINGS HAPPEN Fluss Partners LLP, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors are part of the FLUSS GROUP of companies which also includes FSI Consulting Group Inc. and Strategic Forensic Solutions Inc. Fluss Partners LLP, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors is a full professional services group that deals with small to midsized growth oriented companies to help them achieve their goals. The firm provides traditional accounting, business audits, reviews and tax services (both personal and corporate), reorganizations, tax planning and preparation of financial statements and financial and estate planning. Through FSI Consulting Group Inc., the firm provides strategic planning and SWOT analyses fo-
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cusing on critical success factors to ensure optimal business positioning. FSI Consulting Group also provides strategic business solutions for organizations that range in size from incubators to public companies, providing leading edge value-added expertise which includes: facilitation of financing and venture capital, project analysis and financing, mergers and acquisitions, business plan formulation, strategy formulation, objectives mapping and creative problem solving. Strategic Forensic Solutions Inc., our Forensic Group, deals with financial investigation matters such as loss of income calculations, insurance investigations, accounting for damages, fraud and forensic investigations, due diligence, expert witness testimony and matrimonial disputes.
David Fluss is the managing partner of Fluss Partners LLP Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors and the Fluss Group of Companies. David is a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplined business professional, Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA), who has helped companies and individuals reach their goals by incorporating proper strategic planning, tax planning, estate planning and accounting and control systems. “We work directly alongside clients to meet every accounting, tax and business challenge.” Fluss Partners LLP was nominated in 2008 by the Vaughan Chamber of Com-
WHAT oUr ClIENTS HAvE SAId: “Their expertise is invaluable”
Sanjay Arora & David Fluss Two-time recipient of the Top Choice Award merce for the Business Achievement Award for professional services. In 2009 the firm won the auspicious Top Choice award by being voted the top Chartered Accountants of the year by the Jewish Community in the Greater Toronto Area. (GTA). As well, Fluss Partners won the celebrated 2010 Top Choice Award being voted the Top Chartered Accountants of the year in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Of note, Fluss Partners was instrumental in bringing the Business Advantage Group Inc. to the Small Mid-sized Enterprise Community, whereby it assembled a compelling mix of talents offering a “OneStop” Solution” for small and midsized businesses to stabilize and
grow their operations to the next level, providing progressive, creative and practical alternatives and solutions for issues faced by business owners. Business Advantage Group shares its wealth of knowledge and talents through seminars and conferences at a fraction of the price of in-house executive specialists or outside consultants. Professionals within our organization have spearheaded and chaired various mastermind groups and lectured on many topics over the years. David serves on several boards of Charitable Organizations in his capacity as strategic advisor for organizational development and spearheaded creative fundraising strategies. •
”The Fluss Group’s business knowledge, acumen, insights and keen instincts are amazing.” “Their finance, tax and monetary expertise are second to none.” “Fluss Group is really your ‘partner’ throughout the resolution of challenges in a practical, resourceful and solutions oriented manner” “No wonder they are ‘the top choice’”
7626 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ontario,Canada l4J 1v9 905-889-5420 • www.FlussGroup.com 67
WARM, INVITING & PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT Two offices for your convenience with an ambiance of the utmost quality. Our offices have been ergonomically designed to provide the ultimate comfort. Our distinctive surroundings are personalized with artwork and accessories to reflect our personal styles. Clinical rooms are designed to facilitate our practice philosophy of treatment planning. Multi-media presentation tools are utilized to fully inform the patients of the latest in treatment options. We host an in-house laboratory at our downtown office that provides the highest level of workmanship, while allowing for a quicker turn around time.
Denture Services Partials & Complete Dentures Immediate Dentures Dentures on Implants Repairs and Relines (usually same day) Anti-Snoring Devices www.DenturAid.ca
Hearing Aid Services Audiological Testing Hearing Aid Fittings Hearing Aid Evaluations & Repairs Swim Plugs & Hearing Protectors Assistive Listening Devices www.Hearing-Health.ca
We accept: WSIB, ODSP, OW, VAT and Insurance
Call us today to book a consultation
416-590-9100 Locations Carlos M. Valente DD, H.I.S. Denturist and Hearing Instrument Specialist
Max A. Mirhosseini DD, DT (Dip), H.I.P. Denturist and Hearing Instrument Practitioner
888 College st • Toronto, ON 4950 Yonge st, unit 36 • Toronto, ON
Making your way to Canada or US
PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CANADIAN & US IMMIGRATION SERVICES Immigration and Visa Services What can we do for you? Our role as your immigration lawyer and your representative. As your immigration lawyers, Niren and Associates has made it our primary goal to assist you in persuading the authorities to grant you a Visa. Our job is to help open to the door so that you, your relative, friend or employee can live, work or study in Canada or live, work or study in the USA. We know that these days, the government has created complicated barriers to entry. Immigration rules and regulations are becoming more and more complex. In order to qualify to relocate to Canada or the US, you must present your case properly to an immigration officer who has to authority to grant or deny your admission. At Niren and Associates we specialize in preparing applications for Canada and US permanent residence, work permits, study permits and visitation. The applications we prepare for you involve more than just completing forms and collecting supporting documents. Our applications are designed to persuade and to convince immigration officers to grant you the visa and to say “Yes� to your application for admission.
Michael Niren
Immigration Lawyer, Niren and Associates
VOTED TOP IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM 2010 Call us at 416-410-7484 or toll free at 1-866-929-0991 www.VisaPlace.com
TORONTO OFFICE Niren & Associates, An Immigration Law Firm The Yonge Eglinton Centre 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 2202 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4R 1K8 Phone 1-416-410-7484 Fax 1-416-222-3757
HAMILTON OFFICE Niren & Associates, An Immigration Law Firm 25 Main Street West, Suite 1210 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8P 1H1 Phone 1-905-662-6000
BUFFALO OFFICE Niren & Associates, An Immigration Law Firm 69 Delaware Avenue, Suite 608 Buffalo, New York, USA 14202 Phone 1-866-929-0991
www.ibx.ca 416-252-5959 • 1-800-962-7814 120 Woodstream Blvd, Woodbridge
I
BX Services is ranked as one of the best residential, commercial and industrial cleaning and disaster restoration companies in the GTA and the surrounding areas for 2010. We answer your call and most importantly your need in an emergency situation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In today’s society, damages from unexpected accidents and mother nature are an unfortunate part of the harsh reality. In difficult times, we are the right solution to your adversity. We understand these losses come unplanned and usually at the wrong time. That is the reason why we are prepared to deal with them right away to mitigate their size and restore your property & contents to their previous conditions in a virtually record
braking time. Experience, equipment, training and dedication to our customers have driven us to the Top. We believe our honesty and commitment to our customers are the secrets of our success. This has made us the preferred choice for property owners, managers, insurance companies and independent adjusters. Knowing IBX is on top of your project, gives you a much needed peace of mind in these very complicated times. Our experience, research and innovation combined with state of the art technology and training in every field of the industry, sets us apart from competition. It is this level of professionalism that allows us to guarantee that all our services meet or exceed the highest standards of quality that you expect to be delivered.
5432 new satisfied clients, because we care!
Top EnvironTmEnTal rEsToraTion Company • 2007-2010
“We are honoured to accept the Top Choice Award™ for the fourth consecutive year.”
Cleaning Services
Emergency Services » » » » » » »
Water Damage Mould Remediation Fire & Smoke Damage Windstorm Damage Trauma Scene Clean Odour Removing Environmental Restoration
» » » » » » » »
Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Leather Furniture Window Cleaning Air Duct & Furnace Cleaning Eaves trough Cleaning Drapery & Blind Cleaning Scotchguarding
Visit our web site for a complete list of services: www.ibx.ca
A Legacy of Excellence *
5-time recipient of the Top Choice Award * Sam Santos / JC Pimentel Photography
*
1000 College St Toronto 416-539-8239 33 Hillcrest Ave Mississauga 905-273-9438 2293 St. Clair Ave Toronto 416-762-4279
Authentic Portuguese cuisine from an authentic Portuguese family, that’s why diners choose Bairrada Churrasqueira. Upon entering Bairrada Churrasqueira one finds an ambiance of casual family dining where authentic Portuguese cuisine can be savored in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The food is anything but casual! Bairrada has an adventurous menu that presents Portuguese classics with a flavourful flare that will leaver your appetite satisfied and make you come back for more! In the summer months, the true feeling of Portugal’s culture can be experienced on the spacious outdoor patios, where you can savor delicious specialties right off the charcoal grill. You can choose the perfect companion for your meal from Bairrada’s fine selection of full-bodied Portuguese wines and cocktails and be sure to leave room for one of the tantilizing desserts or mouth watering Port wines! Family values are a strong part of Portuguese culture and at Bairrada it is no different. Bairrada is the top choice of families for Portuguese take-out in the GTA, so when you can’t get the family to Bairrada you can bring Bairrada to your family. Bairrada is a family owned and operated restaurant that was established in 1989 by Senhor Carlos Pires. Over the past 20 years, Carlos has developed the Bairrada Churrasquera legacy, working closely with his sons who will proudly continue its success and growth. Bairrada now has 3 locations in the GTA which have strengthened the upward momentum of the restaurant and have people of all backgrounds raising an eyebrow with genuine interest towards Portuguese cuisine and culture.
When dining at Bairrada Churrasqueira, a delicious meal and a great time is guaranteed.
Rui Gomes Butcher Shop TalhoRuiGomes.com
Portugal’s Best For over 17 years, Rui Gomes has been bringing the finest Portuguese meats and products to the Greater Toronto Area. When you crave fresh authentic cuts of meat that taste as good as they look, drop by and our friendly staff will take care of you.
Rui Gomes Rui Gomes was born and raised in Portugal’s Capital City Lisbon, in 1987 he immigrated to Canada. In 1993, 6 years after working as a butcher in Toronto, he opened his own butcher shop. Today, Rui Gomes has been in the meat and supermarket business for over 17 years. His two stores bring the best quality meats and Portuguese products to the Greater Toronto Area.
2 Locations to serve you: 874 Bloor St W • (416) 535-2886 1300 St Clair Ave W • (416) 656-3590
Your “Top Choice” for:
New Office Furniture Ergonomic Accessories Used Office Furniture Furniture Rental Space Planning Refinishing and Retouching Lock and Key Service Group of Seven Art Prints Our dedication to customer service has earned us many accolades, including 4 consecutive Top Choice Awards
ABCO Group has grown to become the LARGEST new and used office fur niture s h o w r o o m i n O n t a r i o . We c a t e r t o c l i e n t s o f a n y s i z e f r o m a n i n d i v i d u a l h o m e o f f i c e t o t h e l a rg e s t o f c o r p o r a t i o n s . A B C O G r o u p i s a n o f f i c e f u r n i t u r e W A R E H O U S E O U T L E T i n To r o n t o & M i s s i s s a u g a o f f e r i n g f a n t a s t i c p r i c i n g t o a n y b u d g e t , a n d w e w i l l n o t b e undersold by any competitors everyday prices.
www.ABCOgroup.ca • (416) 750-0118 2480 Lawrence Ave. East, Toronto ON M1P 2R7 Since 1987 ABCO Office Moving and lnstallations 2480 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto, ON M1P 2R7 Phone: 416-750-0118 Fax: 416-285-6144 www.abcooffice.com
ABCO Business Interiors 2480 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto, ON M1P 2R7 Phone: 416-750-0118 Fax: 416-285-6144
addmore office furniture 2951 Highway #7 West Concord ON L4K 1W3 Tel: 905-660-0001 Fax: 905-660-1814
addmore office furniture 1280 Eglinton Ave. East Mississauga ON L4W 1K8 Tel: 905-629-2291 Fax: 905-629-2432
addmore office furniture 906 Brock Road South Pickering ON L1W 1Z9 Phone: 905-831-2100 Fax: 905-831-1494
addmore office furniture #107 - 44 Cedar Pointe Dr. Barrie ON L4N 5R7 Phone: 705-734-3400 Fax: 705-734-1920
www.abcooffice.com
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Precious Flowers N’ Things
Event Photo: SAM SANTOS / JC Pimentel Photography
Multicultural top choice awards 2009
Flowers Decorations Chair Covers Gift Baskets ToronTo
New! riChmonD
hiLL
823 LansDowne ave
70 easT Beaver Creek rD. UniT 28
416 537 3444
905 709 4299
Complete
Printing FLYERS
Services IN-HOUSE GRAPHIC DESIGN
STATIONARY BOOKLETS - LABELS NEWSLETTERS - MAGAZINES POST CARDS - POSTERS - BANNERS ENVELOPES - CATALOGUES - CALENDARS DIGITAL PRINTING
BROCHURES - DIGITAL COLOUR & B/W PRINTING ARCHITECTURAL PLANS - LARGE FORMAT SCANNING - & MORE!
COLOUR COPIES
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POSTERS
AS LOW AS
AS LOW AS
AS LOW AS
39¢ each
90 / M
$
5.50/sq ft.
$
4 COLOUR OFFSET PRINTING
LARGE FORMAT POSTERS
5-time recipient for Top Printing Services Portuguese Community 2006-2010 BINDERY SERVICES
672 DUPON T S T., SUI T E 4 08, TORON TO, ON M6G 1Z6 T E L : (416 ) 516 - 9 0 0 5 F A X : (416 ) 516 -10 2 2 SALES@MACH2PRESS.COM • WWW.MACH2PRESS.COM
4-time recipient of the Top Choice Award for Top Music Centre
CALIFORNIA SUN SPA 2198 A Bloor St. West, Tor., ON, M6S 1N4 www.californiasunspa.com
INSTITUT
5-time Recipient Top Beauty Salon Polish Community
PARIS
Laser hair removal Laser vein removal Electrolysis Skin treatments Permanent make-up Cellulite treatment Body wrap & Lose inch programs
When trouble comes your way, call Jay. Free estimates, Frame straightening Down draft spray booth Insurance Claims
(416) 503-0041 Towing & Car replacement available 24hrs.
16 Belvia Road, Etobicoke www.JaysAutoCollision.ca
Top Portuguese Roofing Company in the GTA
Tar Roof Plans
Flashing Tools Jackets
Repairs Evestroughs
...it’s on the house
Shingles Sheet Metal
Call Manuel Fernandes for a free consultation
(416) 259-9600 300 New Toronto St., Unit 35 SkyWayRoofing.net
INJURY LAW IS ALL WE DO! TESTIMONIALS Car aCCidents Wrongful death slip & fall aCCidents dog Bites defeCtive produCts Cpp Claims long term disaBility Claims
three-time recipient Top Injury Law Services South Asian Community
Nainesh Kotak, B.A. (Hon.), LL.B. Barrister-at-Law, Solicitor & Notary Public Personal Injury Law
Navdeep Singh “I was in a serious car accident and I had legal disputes with my own insurance company who cut off my benefits, as well as the insurance company for the at–fault driver. At the end of the day, Mr. Kotak exceeded my expectations and secured a large six–figure settlement.”
C. Jagasar “I was in a car accident in 2004. There were complicated legal issues and Mr. Kotak handled the file with determination and professionalism. The final settlement was greater than I expected.”
905.755.8900
Effective October 1, 2003 legislation was proclaimed in Ontario dramatically changing the insurance act and making the path to be fairly compensated more difficult than ever. At my office we work as a team to maximize the money you are awarded.
120 Traders Blvd. E, Suite 120, Mississauga www.KotakLaw.com
AWARD
Trish Stratus Voted Top Businesswoman Unstoppable Trish Stratus wins again... this time the title of TopBusiness Woman 2010. Press Release
T
rish Stratus has done it again! By winning the trust and loyalty of other business women and the general public; they have voted her Top Choice for Business Woman of the year in the GTA! “I was not surprised, when the survey results revealed that Trish Stratus was a nominee for Top Business Woman of the year, because “ as a snow ball rolls on snow and gets bigger”, Trish Stratus rolls, on experience and gets better. She is the perfect example that women can do anything they put in their mind” say’s Monica Couto President of Top Choice Awards Inc. Trish Stratus is arguably the most successful woman to ever step into the world of sports entertainment, and she has been just as successful since she stepped out in 2006. After conquering the world of WWE, Stratus has managed to take her passions and her dedication to health and fitness and transformed her name into a recognized brand. She officially launched Stratusphere with the opening of her yoga studio - Canada’s largest, and with the creation of a traveladventure TV show that she produced which currently airs nationally. Most recently Stratus has developed a line of yoga and fitness products that will be available at retailers across Canada in 2011. “I feel very blessed to be able to do for a living something that I am passionate about. To me, my business is a reflection of who I am so to be recognized is a very special personal achievement that hopefully shows other women you can do what you love – and be successful at it!” said multimedia entrepreneur Trish Stratus. Top Choice Awards would like to Congratulate Trish Stratus for allowing hard work and determination to shine through, as she receives the Top Choice Award for Top Business Woman of 2010.
“She is the perfect example that women can do anything they put in their mind”
ABOUT TRISH STRATUS Trish Stratus became an international television and magazine celebrity through her fitness modeling career - to date she has graced the cover of over 75 magazines, including the Winter 2010 issue of Top Choice Magazine. She is best known for her achievements with WWE, winning the Women’s Championship an unprecedented 7-times. Stratus has dedicated her life to and has been considered an authority on health and fitness for the last decade. All her ongoing endeavours reflect her brand Stratusphere’s core philosophy of achieving wellness through balanced living. Stratus makes her feature film debut Fall 2010. For more information visit www.trishstratus.com
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TOP CHOICE FALL 2010
WWW.TOPCHOICEMAGAZINE.COM
We have the best
Homestay Program in town!
And weﾃ夫e been rewarded for it, year after year.
2007
2008
2009
2010
Host an international student in your home and earn extra money with ILAC
ILAC won the Top Choice Award for the 4th year in a row, because of our high quality standards in education and giving our students the best experience ever. Be a part of our success, be an ILAC Homestay Family! Please contact Kathy at: (416) 961.5151 or send an email to: eluisa@ilac.com
kathy@ilac.com
www.ilac.com I info@ilac.com