Women With Vision! ™ - Fall, 2012 by Women With Vision

Women with...

WE ARE CANADIAN

VISION! ™

Showcasing Business & Lifestyle in South Georgian Bay

Fall Vineyard TASTE TESTING

TOY

Boy Deborah Johnson My Gift From Within

Fall 2012

14th

Anniversary Issue

Going

Solo

in Real Estate

Fall Fashion Keeping it Real

Business • Health • Gourmet • Fashion • Entertainment • Art • Design • Motivation

Celebrating 14 Years in Business

What’s Your

VISION!

™

If your goal is to build a rewarding and exciting career in publishing, then look no further than the best woman-owned company & professional networking team ~ Women with Vision! Inc.We can provide you with the opportunity to create a great career.

Women with Vision! Inc. is an award-winning publishing company that educates, promotes, inspires and motivates its readership, locally, provincially and across Canada. If you’re a positive outgoing person who likes to:

• • • • •

Meet new people daily Showcase your community Educate, motivate and inspire others Work with a dedicated team of professionals Make a great income while having fun… ...then Women with Vision! Magazine is for you! Women with...

Business

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Motivation

Women with...

Business

Health

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13th Anniversary Issue

Women with...

VISION! VISION! VISION! ™

WE ARE CANADIAN

Spring 2011

A Love Affair

Open All Your Senses

with Plants

to Spring

GROW

The Menopause

YOUR OWN FOOD WITH

TIRE

NO-TILL

Meredith Deasley The Resourceful Mother

™

Summer 2011

USING ROCK

Oh Baby

in your landscape

It’s Hot Outside

Showcasing Business & Lifestyle in Collingwood, Meaford, Thornbury, Wasaga Beach & Owen Sound

Select the Right

NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES

Shawne Duperon My ‘Aha’ Moment!

Create a Positive Personal Statement

WINDOW COVERING

with

Fashion

Back to School

Kids

GARDENING

FIT-IN

™

WE ARE CANADIAN

Snack’ibles

SEXY SUMMER FASHIONS

FALL Gardening GUIDE

Tracy Moore

Lynda Pogue

H EE TT H

KITCHEN

Local Artists:

Life is a Marathon

MICHAEL POCOCK & SUSAN CONNOLLY

Dances with Colours

Fall 2011 B

We provide training, additional income streams, a vested interest in building the company, retirement security for you and your family while owning your own business within a business. Now that’s a VISION!™ Women with Vision! Inc. offers the opportunity of a lifetime for women looking to own their own business in publishing. Women with

VISION! ™

M A G A Z I N E FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY 1.866.306.6021

Locally ~ Provincially ~ Nationally

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1-866-306-6021

86 Sykes St., N., Meaford 519.538.1208 christinecollinscatering.com

CONTENTS

Women with

VISION!

Women with

VISION!

networking

™

To advertise call:

1-866-306-6021 or e-mail:

womenwithvision@rogers.com www.womenwithvision.ca

Fall

Wo m e n w i t h V i s i o n ! ™ m a g a z i n e i s p u b l i s h e d b y Wo m e n w i t h V i s i o n I n c . Founder/Publisher, C.E.O. Lorraine Leslie Feature Editor: Lynda Pogue, Melanie Vollick Sales/Marketing: Lorraine Leslie Feature Writers: Susan Baka, Jeanette Burke, Meredith Deasley, Monika Gibson, Paola Gucciardi, Dean Hollin, Annette Lavigne, Janet Kurasz, Lorraine Leslie, Mary Ann Matthews, Donna Messer, Beth Nigh, Rose Peller, Marj Sawers, Karen Sencich, Karen Sweet, Marilyn Wetston, Rick Ziemski Design/Layout: Candice Lewis~Vivid Designs Special feature design: Lorraine Leslie Lorraine Leslie/L’original Productions/Women with Vision Inc.

Regular Features 7 8 75

Visions Views & Insights

Deborah Johnson ~ My Gift from WIthin By Lorraine Leslie

12 14 15 16 18

Health & Wellness

Editor’s Desk ~ Reality By Lorraine Leslie

As The Mountain Turns

Business, Finance & Communication

The Reality Of Sickness By Meredith Deasley Escape From Reality By Lesley Paul Organizing A Hospital Stay By Karen Sencich

Let Your Website Work For You Not Against You By Susan Baka

Fashion & Beauty

Oops, There Goes Another Financial Scandal By Rick Ziemski

Setting A Guinness World Record By Donna Messer Are You Kidding By Mary Ann Matthews

34 36

Fall Fashions

Wrinkle Free Reality By Beth Nigh Keeping Your Fall Fashion Real By Marilyn Wetston

Street Angel, House Devil By Annette Lavigne

continued on pg.6

As any Women with Vision Member can tell you attending a luncheon or dinner networking event is a great privilege as a member. Each month, we feature a guest speaker that provides relevant information on issues that can directly affect your business and/or personal development that has and will increase the potential for success. Members are also encouraged to bring their flyers, brochures, business cards, and other promotional material to share. Each attendee is given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business. At Women with Vision we are here to help you grow through education, promotion, motivation, and inspiration...

Fashion feature: Ashley Weeks Cover and Feature Cover Photography: Shane MacLaughlan, Masterpix

Vision!™magazine aims to provide editorials that educate, motivate and inspire people of all ages and from all walks of life, and to promote success in business and daily living.

Mailing Address: 156 Brophy’s Lane Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3 Bus : 1-86 6-30 6-6 02 1 Fax : ( 70 5) 445 -715 3 Email: womenwithvision@rogers.com www.womenwithvision.ca Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome. Copyright 2012 Women with Vision! Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. The views, opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of this publication and/or publisher who hereby disclaims any liability whatsoever arising from the advice, information or offers presented in articles or advertisements herein. Women with Vision! welcomes submissions, but accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials. All manuscripts, illustrations and photographs submitted must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Readers who require legal, accounting or other expert advice should obtain the services of a qualified professional.Women with Vision! is a Member of the Canadian Copyright Association.

Created in Canada

The Reality Of Marriages By Rose Pellar Harold Bickerstaff - Toy Boy By Lorraine Leslie

“Your vision is our mission… our mission is your vision” Lorraine Leslie

Photography: Dreamstime.com, istockphoto.com

On the Cover

™

Agreement number: 41557518

At this time we are pleased to announce our NEW WOMEN WITH VISION REFERRAL MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM. Membership benefits include: • • • •

WWV Membership REFERRAL BONUSES* Direct mailing of Women with Vision Magazine $5 off on your luncheon or dinner – all regions Member bio and picture on the Women with Vision website with a link to your website • 10% off magazine advertising* • 1/2 hour telephone session with Award Winning Coach Lorraine Leslie • WWV Membership tax receipt • Advance notification of networking events, conferences and trade shows • Annual Membership Card • Franchise opportunities

If you want to find out how Women with Vision can impact your business success, please give Lorraine Leslie a call today at 1.866.306.6021 to learn how you can join the fastest growing women’s networking association in Canada.

*www.womenwithvision.ca

Customer number: 9067964 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN TO 156 Brophy's Lane, Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3

www.womenwithvision.ca 5

Feedback... Hi there Lorraine,

CONTENTS

Continued

Georgian Gourmet 39 40 46

Home Garden & Design 48

Comfort Food For Fall

Tasting Is Believing By Robert Ketchum Grandma Lambe’s Homemade Pie

54 55 56

Patrick Coulter The Art Of Home & Design By Lorraine Leslie Reality of a Kitchen Re-Do By Karen Sweet Gardening Fact or Fiction By Janet Kurasz Steve Assaff Developer By Choice By Lorraine Leslie

Women Going Solo In Real Estate By Monika Gibson

Arts & Entertainment 62 66

Jordan Clark Triple Threat By Lorraine Leslie

73 74 75 78

VISIONS VIEWS INSIGHTS

Very pleasant chatting with you and exploring possibilities. Look forward to meeting with you again in the not too distant future. Best regards,

Women with...

WE ARE CANADIAN

VISION! ™

Showcasing Business & Lifestyle in South Georgian Bay

Build a Better

BUSINESS NETWORK

Flirty

Spring

Fashions

CUSTOM

Jeanette Arsenault

My Inner Voice

Nautical Décor

Garden

Time Management Spring 2012

Business • Health • Gourmet • Fashion • Entertainment • Art • Design • Motivation

Joanne Saunders

Last year, when we met for coffee and a coaching session, you gave me some much needed help, and we discussed my plans for publishing my book. I committed to giving you a copy of my book as thanks and for your birthday. Unfortunately that did not happen as my focus became one of survival and I wound up taking a job which delayed my book plans for the umpteenth time. I left you a phone message on your birthday promising to honour that committment when I was able to. I am happy/relieved/scared/excited to say that I can now, and finally, honour that promise as my first print run rolled off the presses last week. I would like to now deliver on that promise and give you your birthday present. Thanks again for your part in my venture/adventure.

Deb Fitzsimmons - Keeping Her Voice Close To Home By Dean Hollin

Motivational & Inspirational 68

I got the spring issue of Women with Vision and it is a beautiful, glossy, very professional looking publication. My God, girl, you sure have come a long way from the one page newsletter days! You must have a fabulous design team as I find the graphics on every page to be outstanding – VERY professionally done and appealing to the reader.

Deborah Johnson... My Gift From Within By Lorraine Leslie Reality Dragon-Fly By Marj Sawers Life Numbers By Paola Gucciardi

Lorraine,

Warmest Regards, Lorraine Leslie of Women with Vision Magazine helped the audience set a vision for our future by revealing things in our past. She pointed out things in our present lives that will help guide us to our furture destiny. She was a great inspiration to us all and everyone enjoyed listening to her presentation. Lorraine kept us all on our toes, while keeping warming in the cool auditorium and from her enthusiasm and giving us all a good laugh. Thanks again for your time and inspiration!.

Kimberley Lewis

Lynne Davis

Hi Lorraine, Just picked up a copy of Vision. Thank you for an excellent job of Max Kurp's 90th birthday party. It was nice to see I was in a couple of the pictures, and a good spread of the people that were there. $500.00 was donated to the Collingwood hospital in Max's name.

Rocklyn Agricultural Society

Maleine

As The Mountain Turns Last Word By Lorraine Leslie

Have Your Say...we’d love to hear from you Email: womenwithvision@rogers.com Mail: 156 Brophy’s Lane, Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3 Phone: 1-866-306-6021 Web: www.womenwithvision.ca

6 www.womenwithvision.ca

www.womenwithvision.ca 7

The

EDITOR’S desk

Reality! “There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some people who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other” ~Douglas H. Everett Reality can be a strong or soft word. When growing up the reality of many children is waking up each morning not even thinking about what the day ahead will bring. As a young teenager the reality of a summer romance can be both devastating or one that puts you in heaven’s arms with a feeling of a never-ending love affair. When starting your part time first job as a teenager the excitement can be surreal until you find that the reality of your job includes emptying the trash can or dusting shelves. Going off to college or university is another reality. Anticipating all the good times until the reality of four years of hard work brings another reality… walking up on stage to receive your diploma. Not everyone gets to graduate from an institution of higher education for a multiple of reasons but landing one’s first fulltime job with a regular paycheck is certainly another reality.

grandchildren running around or sound asleep on their parents’ laps, I realized a new journey is opening up for all of us. Another reality is that fourteen years have passed since I printed my first one-page black and white newsletter that I called Women with Vision. Slowly, the number of people I worked with has grown. And, as a team, we’ve had one continual reality in mind: to educate, motivate and inspire thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life to follow their dreams… their vision … their reality.

…connecting through educational & networking updates

Join us in reading our exciting ‘reality’ features in the following pages of our fourteenth anniversary issue of Women with Vision magazine. I would personally describe reality as: facing your unknown journey one day at a time and by accomplishing all that you set out to do that day. What’s your reality?

As life moves forward, building intimate relationships through friendships, marriage, children, or grandchildren all become a reality. I’ve lived through the reality of The Beatles, The Dave Clark Five, and The Rolling Stones. Okay, I’m dating myself, but honestly without amazing ground-breaking entertainers like these, where would our world of music be today?

Nominated for

2005, 2006, 2009 & 2010

The feature people about whom I write, have traveled a long, winding road to success – each one on their own journey; a journey that sometimes hasn't been smooth. These people open their hearts to inspire and motivate others, of all ages, to follow their dreams and passions, creating their ultimate VISION!™ 8 www.womenwithvision.ca

Just before going to press I celebrated another reality… the marriage of my youngest son. With family and friends gathered, the reality of small children, including my

Lorraine Leslie Founder/Publisher

BUSINESS, FINANCE COMMUNICATION

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

LET YOUR WEBSITE WORK FOR YOU,

There Goes Another Financial Scandal

By Susan Baka

Think of your online presence as a silent sales force

p Be well organized, friendly and inviting p Engage and interact with the customer p Have the answers to all customer questions p Be helpful and easy to work with Here are a few tips to ensure your site has these attributes, focusing on that all-important content. Headlines can make or break. Because people are more likely to scan online rather than read, create a compelling headline that will make them want to read further. Remember that people go online to get information, so promise that in the headline…and then deliver it. Write powerful text. Keep it short, easy to understand and informative. One topic per page is best, and make it clear where to click if it is not the information they are seeking. Steer clear of providing too many link options and too much content.You don’t want to overwhelm your readers or force them to hunt and peck for the information they want. Use dynamic elements. Keep visitors engaged through checklists, surveys and blogs. They will stay on your site longer if they feel involved.

10 www.womenwithvision.ca

Collect data. Give visitors good reasons to provide information to you (but ask for only the information you need, or they won’t take the time). Invite them to sign up for your e-newsletter, download a white paper or report, or offer a discount. And of course, provide a mechanism with buttons and links that lead to an order page to close the sale.

By Rick Ziemski

“We can evade reality, but we cannot evade the consequences of evading reality.” ~ Ayn Rand

A few words about design... As I lounged with a coffee on a fine July morning, in a hammock over-looking the turquoise green waters of Georgian Bay, I realized that I hadn’t yet picked a topic for the Fall article theme “reality”. I was late. With my trusty Blackberry Playbook at my side frantically feeding me news of the world (yes I am a die-hard RIM booster), I found my topic quite easily as I read the headline “Libor Scandal.” This one involves alleged Libor interest rate fixing by a number of international banks. I know many of you, like most nice Canadians, would prefer to look away at this point except that this one may be the most insidious of financial scandals, even when compared to the unethical and criminal behaviors that led to the crash of 2008. Effectively, the Libor rate influences interest rates for all kinds of commercial relationships throughout the globe and hence has long tentacles into all corners of people’s lives.

When creating or revamping a website, always keep the user experience in mind. In planning and execution, constantly envision that user and your goals, and focus on how to deliver what the user wants coupled with what you want the user to do. Here are some tips: Be organized. Develop a site map consisting of main and sub navigation.Try to ensure that visitors find what they want in no more than two clicks from your home page. Keep it clean. You want to deliver information, not become an entertainment franchise. Avoid music, flash, pop-ups, perpetual-spinning logos, etc. Such devices can take longer to download, and can distract and even annoy information seekers. Remember that it’s about the content. Avoid strong background colours, reverse type and tiny text. Websites constitute a big portion of marketing budgets. Done well, they can build confidence, trust and an emotional connection with visitors, which leads to sales. Done poorly, they can send people to your competition. If you are not confident that you are able to deliver a website experience that truly reflects your company, consider outsourcing – especially to a good content writer, since content is the mainstay of your site. ■ Susan Baka, President Bay Communications & Marketing Inc. sbaka@baycomm.ca www.baycomm.ca

Photo: Yanka Van der Kolk

So how can you get the most out of your website? With more than 175 million pages on the web competing for attention, you should use bells and whistles like moving images, pop-ups and music, right? Wrong. Studies have shown that visitors tend to focus on the words first, so good content is key. Think of your site as a salesperson and, like a good salesperson, it should:

COMMUNICATION

Oops!

not against you In order to be effective in today’s highly competitive marketplace, your website must be more than an online brochure. Much more. In fact, a bad site can actually make your company look unprofessional, causing potential purchasers to dismiss you and look elsewhere.

I am convinced of one reality. “Banksterism” is alive and well in the global community and not much has improved since the misbehaviors of financial institutions leading to the crash of 2008. I also suspect that misbehavior by the world’s financial institutions is not only a reality in itself but it is also the consequence of another reality; one that is much deeper and rooted in fundamentals underlying the development of business and political leaders since the Second War. Why do Canadian MBA universities today, in cooperation with MBA graduate groups, request students to sign pledges of honorable and ethical behavior in business? Why are our regulatory and policing institutions proving to be inadequate with a need for expansion and more teeth? The simple answer is that the level of unethical and often criminal behavior in financial and commercial activity in the world has continued to grow.

Is it possible that in the race to improve our children’s lives we inadvertently deprived post war generations of the opportunity to develop the right thinking in terms of ethics and morality? Did we stop telling our kids what is right and wrong and did we give up saying “no” to them when “no” was necessary? Did we also handcuff our educators in this role? Did we replace human spiritualism with materialism to the degree that it is ok to “win” at the game of accumulating “stuff” and power even if it is at a detriment to society as a whole? Did we raise a crop of “unethicals’ who are now in leadership roles with only the gods of Armani and Mercedes as their sources of guidance and conscience? The consequences of evading this deeper reality stare us in the face each morning as we open the newspaper to read about the next financial scandal. For a better understanding of the depth of this reality for Canada I highly recommend an excellent book written by Bruce Livesey, titled “Thieves of Bay Street”. In terms of what you and I can do, other than pressing for more accountability and tougher sentences for white collar crime, I think that Crosby, Stills and Nash had it right in the 60’s; “Teach Your Children Well”

■ Richard Ziemski C.A. Management Consultant rickziemski@cogeco.ca www.womenwithvision.ca 11

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

SETTING A GUINNESS

World Record By Donna Messer

Never in my wildest dreams would I think that I could be part of a group that could set a world record. I’ve read about people who have done it, but never considered the possibility that I could actually be actively involved! The Guinness World Record set at Metro Convention Centre was for The Most People Attending a Business Speed Networking Event – Single Venue. There were over 4,000 new

12 www.womenwithvision.ca

in Canada to remind everyone when to begin and end, making sure the time was documented. My role was to keep everyone moving and to make sure participants were compliant with the Guinness rules.

The room rang with excitement and enthusiasm, everywhere there was action and interaction,

Participants of the Guiness Networking Event

Philip Robertson, the Adjudicator for Guinness World Records was brought in from New York to make sure the event was compliant. Jeremy O’Krafka was the coordinator and innovator for the event. I was fortunate to be the “official” moderator.

COMMUNICATION

Participants were “clicked in” to officially record the count. Once a participant entered the enclosed area – they couldn’t leave until the sessions were completed.

The world has begun to realize the importance of mentorship as a key pillar for success in business, education and industry. On May 14, 2012, a group of dedicated, driven men and women participated in an event that set a Guinness World Record.

The Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, said “entrepreneurs and innovators will have the opportunity to make connections, collaborate and obtain advice from the experts.” He was recognizing the importance of business mentoring at an event hosted by the Ontario Centres of Excellence.

business connections made as a result of this event. The event was held during Discovery 2012, and promoted as The World’s Largest Business Mentoring Event for Entrepreneurs and Innovators. As a mentor I recognize that mentorship is important, but this was taking mentorship to an event where hundreds of men and women could meet and talk briefly.This was something I could get excited about. It was networking at its finest!” I arrived early to do a walk through with the Adjudicator and his entire crew of Ambassadors, Stewards and staff. The process was to bring together the brightest minds in the innovation community to provide support and advice to Ontario’s budding entrepreneurs in a carefully timed event. The Protégées met and interacted with Mentors in a one-onone 3 minute session, and they did it a minimum of 20 times! A time clock counted off the seconds for each session. As moderator, I hit a buzzer that was reminiscent of Hockey Night

Documentation was the key to actually setting this record. I was honoured to be an integral part of this amazing feat! We did it as a team. We proved that ethical, effective and timed networking can achieve amazing results! This was reality; we set a Guinness World Record that will be hard to beat.

■ Donna Messer Networking Expert, International Speaker www.connectuscanada.com

Officiator

Pellar Family Law Professional Corporation

Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B.

“We care not only about your results, we care about you and your family” SEPARATION/DIVORCE RESOLUTIONS for Custody, Access, Support and Property Division through Litigation or Collaborative process

705-429-1153 Fax 705-429-2780 998 Mosley St. Unit 2 Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2G7 rosepellar@pellarfamilylaw.com www.pellarfamilylaw.com

www.womenwithvision.ca 13

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

BUSINESS, FINANCE

…married 5 times – bad luck with love

MARRIAGES

By Mary Ann Matthews

will make excuses. It’s not their fault. They’ve just had bad luck, that’s all. This trait is useful to them in helping them to overcome unhappiness.

In searching for this trait in handwriting or printing, we can get a pretty clear picture as to whether or not the author is practical or not. Even thought the example (below) will show the trait, it does not show whether the application is practical or impractical. As an example, the practical person might get up in the morning with a pounding headache and an upset tummy. This person will say, “I’m fine. I haven’t got time to be sick. I have too much to do today.” At that moment in time, the practical person is kidding themself. They are not fine, but they are going to pretend to be fine, just fine, thank you very much! Another example is the impractical person who will say, “It’s not my fault that I have been married and divorced 5 times. I just have bad luck with men.” This person is deceiving themself. Not wanting to face the facts realistically, this author

Women with...

VISI ON!

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Life Line

Business Mentor

Transformational Coaching

Lorraine Leslie 1-866-306-6021 womenwithvision@rogers.com

14 www.womenwithvision.ca

Statistically thirty-eight per cent of Canadian marriages end before the 30th wedding anniversary and forty three percent of people whose first marriages end in divorce will remarry. Of those new marriages, one in seven will last less than eight years. Estate planning agreements can avoid or minimize disputes between children born of prior marriages.

Self-deceit is found in the initial loops in the ‘a’ and ‘d’ in ‘married’ and ‘bad’; also found in the ‘o’ in ‘love’. Here are some more examples of self- deceit. “The dryer shrunk my pants.” – (translation: it’s not me. I haven’t put on those few extra pounds). “I have a perfect marriage and 4 perfect teenagers.” – (translation: I am deluding myself into believing that all is well with my family relationships). As human beings, we are complex people and will call upon a myriad of traits to serve us in varying situations of our lives. .This is why handwriting analysis is so powerful. It cuts through the illusions of who we think we are and who we pretend to be. It is like a mirror, showing us as we are. Yes, that trail of ink that we leave as our pen travels across the page really does tell our story.

• Marketing Consultant • Advertising Specialist

Life Line Transformational Coaching is your professional link to building awareness and taking your business and personal life to the next level. Improve your marketing and communications skills while achieving your life goals.

By Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B.

For complex reasons, as human beings we often employ the trait of self-deceit. This is an unconscious refusal to face reality, to face the facts of a problem or a situation. In many cases, it becomes our conscious reality. When stripped down, it can be an involuntary desire to escape the realities of life. It can be used to help when we are faced with an unhappy situation by pretending that the situation doesn’t exist.

COMMUNICATION

The Reality Of

ARE YOU KIDDING?

Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, not as they might appear or might be imagined. It’s all about who we are, not who we think we are or who we are perceived by others to be.

■ Mary Ann Matthews CGA - Certified Graphoanalyst maryann@handwriting.ca www.handwriting.ca

The estate planning agreement appears to cover the terms set out in the usual domestic contract with respect to estate matters but does not deal with other issues which are normally incorporated into a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement, such as support issues in the event the relationship breaks down. I have had couples tell me they were satisfied that they are protected because both parties had Wills drawn up to provide for the survivor in case one predeceased the other. This is nothing but a false sense of security. Wills can be changed at any time without notice to the other party but a cohabitation agreement or marriage contract which will override the Will cannot be amended without the other party consenting to the amendment. Although the Estate Planning Agreement binds the parties with respect to their estate, my opinion is that it is not sufficient and does not negate the need for a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement or a properly drawn up Will. What I found most troubling about this statistic is the stark reality that marriages do not last. I have my own opinion of

why marriages do not last. After all, I finally got it right with my third (and last) marriage. It’s been said that the number one reason for divorce is marriage. There is a bit of truth in that. If you pick the wrong partner to marry, yes you will likely end up being divorced. If your view of what constitutes a good marriage is different to your spouse’s, it is quite likely one or both of you will be totally unhappy. Without going into too much detail, my advice, if you want to ensure your money does not go to a divorce lawyer, is to know who you are, what you value, take time to know the other person to see if he’s a keeper. Once you’ve done your homework, commit to your marriage and show that you love your partner in words and action each and every day.

■ Rose Pellar, B.A.S., LL.B.,Barrister & Solicitor Pellar Family Law Professional Corporation rosepellar@pellarfamilylaw.com

www.womenwithvision.ca 15

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

Harold Bickerstaff

Toy Boy By Lorraine Leslie Born in Kingston Ontario, on January 3, 1953, Harold Bickerstaff grew up to be a sharp young man who enjoys keeping people on their toes with his clever quips.

“My first job was in sales and I’ve made a lifetime career out of it. When I was ten years old I had my own newspaper route when I lived in Montreal. I actually received my very first sales award in 1967 for having attained the most new customers. Along with the award, I won a trip to Niagara Falls which I was very exciting about for a ten-year-old.” “Even at a young age I understood the value of saving money and in 1970, I started to save to buy my first house. Everything I earned, I put away. I started a Disc Jockey business to make 16 www.womenwithvision.ca

extra money and this talent has stood by me even today. I frequently get asked to be the M.C. at different events and I continue to do voiceovers and radio commercials.”

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

“As a youngster, I wasn’t drawn to musical instruments or theatre, but I’ll share with you Lorraine that I have drums in my ears and organs in my body. I’m not sure where my quickwittedness comes from. My grandmother was amazing; I used to listen to her play the piano when she was well into her 90’s. Like my grandmother’s passions for playing the piano, I also had passions… as a young boy they were all about cars and motorcycles. To this day I still have fun touring around town in my sports car and I most certainly have a love of motorcycles.”

At age twenty-two in 1975, Harold started working in the toy business. Fisher Price Toys kept him busy on the road thirty-two weeks of the year doing trade shows and client visits.

“I did well as a junior sales representative where I learned the value of taking care of the customer. In 1984, I moved into the head office to start working in a new division of Fisher Price which catered to infants and small children. Moving up the corporate ladder into senior sales positions, I was able to add to the portfolio with car seats, strollers and highchairs. 1992 saw Fisher Price being bought out by Mattel and with it I was downsized with a lot of other people. I immediately stepped into becoming the vice president of sales and marketing for a licensed children’s product company that represented goods such as Spiderman and all the Marvel characters. It’s amazing how some things, especially toys, have come full circle over the past twenty years. I did a recent

COMMUNICATION

Avengers promotion for children’s ‘sippy cups’ to coincide with the opening of the Avengers movie. I have also been involved with the release of products related to the new Spiderman movie.”

“Like the toy industry, theatre is all about people. Life is actually like being in a play and selling toys is also like being in a play. How great is it that a grown man and grandfather can work with products that puts smiles on both adult and children’s faces?”

“Then, in 1994, I was involved with the distribution and manufacturing of the Jolly Jumper product line. As the vice president of sales and marketing, I helped establish and grow the major accounts in Canada and the USA. Unfortunately, one of our largest customers closed up shop in 1997 and, with the closing of the company; I was forced to make some changes.”

Marvel Comics was created in 1939 and grew into a multi million dollar business. The toy end of the business was launched in 1988 and the rest is history! For Harold, being a part of this amazing industry has kept him young at heart and youthful enough to continue working with his sales business and enjoying every minute. Even the license plate on his sports car reads HB’S TOY.

“Recognizing an opportunity that was presented to me, I decided to open my own business: Bickerstaff Sales Agency. Having worked for twenty-one years in the toy industry, and with infant and children’s products, I kept a close business relationship with customers. From the very first day my decision has been the right one.I basically became the manufacturer’s representative for a number of different children’s toy and juvenile product companies and now deal with clients and suppliers from around the world.” “Looking for a change but still wanting to work from a home office, a move in 1998 brought me to Collingwood and here I maintained all my business clients.”

“If I could share with a young person who is looking for a lifelong career, I would say find a job that you like and stick to it. You will probably work at summer jobs to help pay for school. You will most likely work part time at a number of different places until you get established. Make contacts at an early age and keep them. My two sons are both successful businessmen who are still in contact with some of their friends from school and sports teams that they played for. Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

BUSINESS, FINANCE

In his teenage years, one of my sons worked at a golf course in the summer and was frequently asked to join a group of businessmen if they “I’ve always been involved needed a foursome in extra-curricular activities rounded out. He learned and being involved with the the value of listening to community up here became these people and how to an important part of my life. present himself. He is now It was the easiest way for me involved in million dollar to get to know people and deals in Toronto. My other work with a lot of charitable son has built up a organizations. I’ve been successful career right here Harold and Steven Thomas the Artist Director for Theatre Collingwood joke around involved with the Rotary in Collingwood. Both of on stage at the new rehearsal facility in Collingwood Club of Collingwood, the them know the value of inaugural Collingwood Dragon Boat Festival; I have helped out building relationships that lead to repetitive business. The at several different events for organizations over the years. A year customer is not always right but you have to make him/her after moving and settling down, I met Barbara Weider who’s an think that he/she is right at all times. You should consider a amazing woman with vision whose dedication for the arts and business meeting a success one if you listened more than you theatre convinced me to join the Board of Directors of Theatre talked. Always remember that you only get one chance to make Collingwood. A lot has happened with Theater Collingwood a first impression. And the final thing... Work to live – don’t live over the past thirteen years and I’m so pleased to be part of this to work! Have fun! I hope to still be playing with toys for many organization.” years to come!”

www.womenwithvision.ca 17

BUSINESS, FINANCE

COMMUNICATION

HEALTH What’s Your Reality? By Annette Lavigne

Has this ever happened to you? Were you ever victim of a similar situation? This is the person who is kind to everyone at work, at social functions, or even helping the elderly cross the road. You know the person I mean, right? They bend over backwards helping at volunteer organizations. Sometimes I refer to these gestures as hero moments.They can never do wrong in our eyes, but at home, they’re different. They’re true colors come out…Hence, Street Angel, House Devil. In defense of those who say unkind words about their spouses or parents, there is an old saying that you have got to live with someone before you really know what they’re like, and sometimes that means 3, 4 or even 5 years. This is in no way justification for those who complain about their current situations, but if we were a fly on the wall, what would we see and hear. My question to you today is “what is your reality?” Is what you’re showing the world the real you? You attend the network meetings, growing your business, making connections by being nice, asking questions and listening to what others are saying, but are you applying the same manners, patience and skills at home to your spouse, children, and close friends? 18 www.womenwithvision.ca

...living life at its best

Ralph Marston, owner of the site “The Daily Motivator,” said it like this… “The real person you are is revealed in the moments when you're certain no other person is watching. When no one is watching, you are driven by what you expect of yourself.You're not attempting to impress anyone.You're not putting on a show. You're expressing your true nature.” The challenge is, how do we assure ourselves that our at home voices and outside voices are congruent? Being honest with oneself is a great start. If we start each day with a commitment to be truthful to ourselves, then you can’t help but be honest to those around you. In the process of being truly authentic, we will make mistakes. Apologize.You will be seen as a hero if you learn to apologize to your children, family, and/or business associates. (A personal lesson I learned with my teen). My last suggestion; if none of the above is working, consider hiring yourself a Certified Life Coach. They are qualified to hold us accountable for our new goals towards being a better communicator at home or in business. They provide new tools and strategies that we may have not been able to come up with by ourselves. If we expect others to invest in our services, then it only makes sense that we invest in ourselves. Let your reality be “Street & Home Angel.” ■ Annette M. Lavigne The "Shy Buster!" www.speakwitheasenow.com

You can just imagine how horrified I was to hear my neighbour yelling at his wife as she was cowering like a puppy that just got into trouble for piddling on the carpet. I picked up my open jaw, grabbed my grocery buggy, and ran the other way so that she didn’t see me. She was humiliated enough.

House Devil

& WELLNESS

HEALTH

WELLNESS

HEALTH

The Reality

WELLNESS

EST 1981 by Joanne Davison-Shaw

OF SICKNESS © Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com

By Meredith Deasley

We now have the sickest generation of human beings to have ever existed in the history of mankind. Obesity, allergies, asthma, autism, ADD, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis and cancer are only a few examples of the epidemics that exist today. The physical reason for these epidemics is that the world is simply more toxic than ever before - our food, water and air are perpetually being contaminated. But why do certain people contract certain illnesses? Wherever there is physical illness, there is always an emotional connection. When a man plays hockey, falls down and injures his right shoulder, why didn't he injure his right elbow instead? As a holistic nutritionist, we are trained to look at the physical manifestations in our clients' bodies to determine what we need to look at from an emotional standpoint. Here are some examples of various physical manifestations and their emotional connection: Allergies - 'Who are you allergic to?' Suppressed rage at another. Not accepting of your own power and denying selfworth. You didn't get the love you needed as a child and are afraid of others knowing who you really are. You are suffering from an unresolved aggravation from childhood. Eczema - "Don't be yourself." You feel guilty and uncomfortable with being yourself. You feel blocked from doing what you want and often feel powerless. You tend to hang onto the past. You are super sensitive to yourself and your environment, deeply feeling any loss of love. You fear the 20 www.womenwithvision.ca

future. For these reasons, you start to grow a "second skin." Female problems i.e. menstrual problems - rejecting femininity or not wanting to be a woman. Dislike of the self. Could feel resentment at your father for not being there for you or feeling betrayed by him. Nail-biting – You are eating away at yourself. You are very frustrated at not being able to take charge of your life and manifest your desires. You may have anger issues and feel as though you are alone. Stomachaches – Scared and unable to assimilate the current happenings in your life. A great need to be loved. Fearful of not receiving love, and angry to be in this position plus trying to suppress these feelings. The stomach holds nourishment and digests life. There are even links between emotions and challenges with different body parts. For example:

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Knee challenges - You are having troubles bending your knees and moving forward with your life. It arises from a fear of failure. Shoulder challenges - "Everything always falls on my shoulders." You are shouldering too much responsibility. You feel you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have a hard time carrying your responsibilities in a joyful way. I remember thinking "Why does the body have to always communicate with me?" "Can't it let me get away with anything?" The reality is that the body communicates with us at all times, whether we like it or not. The trick is to become aware, decipher the messages the body is relaying, and then do the work to heal the belief system within ourselves that is manifesting in our bodies. Because whenever an individual is truly happy, down to their very core, their body is healthy. And that’s the reality of sickness. Fascinating, isn’t it? ■ Meredith Deasley, Author: The Resourceful Mother Secrets to Healthy Kids www.theresourcefulmother.com

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HEALTH

WELLNESS

for the multitude of school events for my children and husband (who is an elementary school principal), exams, camp preparation and summer sporting activities.We often joke at the start of June that we will see each other again in July...but seriously, it isn’t a joke.

WELLNESS

This year we escaped to the Caribbean. For one week we didn’t have our cell phones, computers or iPads®; we didn’t turn on the TV and we didn’t even read the newspaper. By the end of our vacation for the first time in many years I felt truly relaxed and “de-stressed”. It’s unfortunate that all the people texting on the beach or using the WiFi in the lobby of the hotel weren’t able to do the same.

Reality © Ljupco Smokovski | Dreamstime.com

ESCAPE FROM

For anyone who has read my column over the years, you may remember that I have written about this subject before. The truth is that for many the stress of daily living is a reality and not really one that is going away anytime soon. Let’s face it. We aren’t all going to win the lottery and retire next weekend. Maybe a vacation isn’t in the cards either. So, read a good book, take a hot bath or go for a run, but be sure to take some time to “de-stress” and escape from reality. ■ Lesley Paul, Pharmacist dlpaul@sympatico.ca

By Lesley Paul, B.Sc. Phm Stress is an all too common aspect of life that has many negative health consequences. Nearly one quarter of the population over the age of 24 reports being moderately to severely stressed all the time. Stress seems to be more prevalent in women aged 35 to 55; a time when there are multiple stressors to contend with. Kids, spouses, friends, aging parents, work, finances and health are simple things that everyone deals with daily but are actually causing stress. Common symptoms of stress are headache, muscle tension, fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritability and sleep problems. Long term stress can lead to social withdrawal, obesity and drug or alcohol abuse and contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke as well as diabetes. Stress can also affect the immune system leading to increased illness. There are many ways to deal with stress, but perhaps the biggest challenge for most people is to identify that stress actually exists. In our fast paced, crazy digital world, stress often goes unrecognized. It’s easy to say that fatigue is simply caused by being busy and a lack of sleep, but it shouldn’t last around the clock. At some point things must slow down. Getting regular physical activity, sufficient sleep and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and tai chi are helpful 22 www.womenwithvision.ca

coping mechanisms for our stressed out world. When it becomes just too much, medication and talk therapy may be necessary. In fact in the US, tranquillizers, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications used to treat stress, account for a quarter of all prescriptions dispensed. The best way to deal with stress is to eliminate the stressors altogether, however we know that this just isn’t possible. Simply getting away from it all for even a few days can be enough to rejuvenate the body and mind. The question is: can we actually do it? Every year during the first week of the summer, my husband and I escape from reality. The month of June always seems like utter chaos. All of our usual routines fall by the wayside to make room www.womenwithvision.ca 23

HEALTH

WELLNESS

Organize

Toiletries • • •

A HOSPITAL STAY

• • • • •

By Karen Sencich The new reality is that Canadian hospitals must do more with fewer resources, resulting in service cutbacks. You may not be aware of the many items that hospitals now expect patients to provide. Review this convenient checklist during your pre-op appointment so that you’ll feel prepared before admission.

• • • • • •

Purchase miniature sized toiletries since storage space will be tight. Avoid alcohol based mouthwash that may interact with medication. Shower cap, shampoo, conditioner and mousse or hair gel Soap and hand sanitizer Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and denture cream A comb, brush and hairdryer Q-tips Deodorant – remember that hospitals are fragrance free zones Shaving kit Nail file and clippers Hydrating hand lotion and lip balm Sanitary supplies Basic cosmetics such as lip gloss and powder Plastic bag for dirty laundry to be sent home

WELLNESS

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Entertainment • • • • • •

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Bring a valid provincial health card and hospital card. Pack all regular prescription medication and a list of over the counter medications and vitamin supplements. Submit a complete list of past surgeries, allergies and recent hospitalization details. Name an emergency contact and anyone else designated to receive updates about your condition. Determine visiting hours, limitations regarding the number of visitors and if children are allowed. Check diet restrictions and whether there is a microwave to reheat family provided meals. Prepare a ‘telephone chain’ or broadcast e-mail database to keep family and friends up to date on your physical and emotional recovery and announce when (or if) you are ready for visitors.

Advance Arrangements • 24 www.womenwithvision.ca

Arrange for pet, plant and child care.

•

• •

•

• •

•

Have someone keep an eye on the house, collect mail, cut grass or shovel snow. Leave jewellery and valuables at home. Take minimum cash to cover parking, coffee shop treats and rental wheelchairs. Remove nail polish from fingers and toes. Ask if artificial nails must be removed. Pack pajamas, non-skid slippers, underwear and a comfortable outfit to wear home. Hospitals are often hot, so take a thin housecoat or a pretty beach cover. New moms will need baby outfits, receiving blankets and diapers. Ensure personal comfort by bringing a pillow or neck roll and earplugs. Remember personal aides such as glasses, glass case, contact lenses, hearing aids, denture case and walking cane. Transporting plants and flower vases back home can be tricky. A large plastic bin in the trunk helps to keep everything dry and organized.

• • •

■ Karen Sencich CPO® Certified Professional Organizer®, Speaker and Writer www.havoctoharmony.com

“Your Health is Our Concern” Georgian Health Foods is your store for all your health food and nutritional supplement needs. Located in the heart of Wasaga Beach and serving all areas of the Georgian Triangle.

• Wide selection of quality supplements • Professional Brand Names available © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com

Essentials

Pay for in-room phone or TV with credit card and then send it back home. Keep a list of phone contact numbers handy. Bring a pen and notebook to record messages. Books, magazines or an electronic reader (if there is a secure locker to store it). A clip-on reading light so you won’t disturb your roommate. Local TV listings so you will know what’s on. Puzzle books, crosswords and a deck of cards to pass the time.

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www.georgianhealthfoods.com www.womenwithvision.ca 25

HEALTH

WELLNESS

FASHION BEAUTY

ADVERTORIAL

THE HAZARDS OF NOT WEARING YOUR GLASSES By Beach Eye Care's Dr. Ben Pezik

Dr. Pezik provides comprehensive examinations for your entire family.

Dr. Ben Pezik Stonebridge Town Centre Wasaga Beach www.beacheyecare.ca Tel: (705) 429-EYES (3937) 26 www.womenwithvision.ca

Interesting Eye Facts • Sailors once thought wearing a gold earring would improve their eyesight • 80% of what we think comes through our eyes • 80% of memories are made by what we see • The human eye can distinguish 500 shades of grey colour! • It is impossible to sneeze without closing your eyes • Your eyes begin to develop 2 weeks after conception • The eye muscles are the most active muscles in the entire body • Your eyes blink over 10,000,000 times a year! • Eyes are composed of more than two million working parts • Each of our eyelashes has a life span of approximately 5 months • Eyes are your most precious sense... care for them properly!

....great fall fashions

We offer all of our patients the most advanced technology by using the Optomap Retinal Scan as well as providing a High Definition Digital Eye Exam.

The Captain of the Costa Concordia wasn't wearing his glasses, testified Ciro Ambrosio, the first officer of the ship, in Captain Francesco Schettino's pre-trial hearing. Schettino is facing multiple charges, including 32 counts of manslaughter for the 32 lives lost in the shipwreck. Ambrosio's lawyer told Reuters news agency that the captain “had left his glasses in his cabin and repeatedly asked Ciro Ambrosio to look at the radar to check the route.”

Photography © Ashley Weeks

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

FASHION & FUN

at the stables

Photography © Ashley Weeks

FASHION

BEAUTY

Wrinkle Free Reality By Beth Nigh In case you were wondering… I like to keep my clients well informed with what is new in the beauty business. There are always many questions to answer. I have noticed though, that there are still misconceptions regarding Botox and facial fillers. Let me explain them to you. Botox is a neurotoxic protein called Botulinum Toxin. In large doses, the protein can cause botulism. However this protein is used in small amounts and is also diluted. Botox relaxes the contraction of muscles to block nerve impulses. Therefore the muscles can no longer contract, which softens the appearance of severe brow furrows, lazy eye, wrinkles and facial creases.

The treatments will last up to six months. However, after each injection, wrinkles return less severe because the muscles have been trained to relax. (That’s a bonus!) Hyaluronic Acid is used as a facial filler. HA is produced naturally in the body and plays an important role in tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function. It helps our skin retain moisture and promote collagen production in the skin. As we age, the production deteriorates causing upper and lower cheeks to become sunken and those darned wrinkles to appear. Hyaluronic Acid can be injected to “plump up” the areas of concern. Depending on the treatment, the effects can last from six months to three years.

Change starts with choice.

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Mild swelling and bruising may occur with either of these treatments. Recently there was some news regarding Laser resurfacing and hair removal. It pertained to people not being qualified to practice. Please do your research and do not jump up on the esthetic bed before you are 100% sure that the person performing the procedure is certified.

-Of Collingwood-

Eco Conscious Style

Irreversible damage can occur, and what a shame that would be because one decided to choose someone who was more reasonable in price than experience.

Stayner

Remember – You get what you pay for, and you are worth every penny! I hope that everyone enjoyed the summer, and looking forward to hitting the slopes. Take care, Beth

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■ Beth Nigh, Certified Esthetician

shop online: www.awearecoboutique.ca 143 Hurontario St. Collingwood 705-293-1008

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT tackshoppecollingwood@gmail.com 705.445.4041 4174 County Rd 124, Nottawa, On Located just minutes south of Collingwood on the west side of Hwy 24 www.womenwithvision.ca 35

& KEEPING YOUR

FASHION

BEAUTY

FASHION

Fall Fashion REAL By Marilyn Wetston

The Wardrobe Doctor What is a woman to do when fashion goes wild and somewhat insane and embraces Lady Gaga or a military officer or a gothic medieval person as a fashion icon? The bizarre offerings of the fall 2012 fashion scene do this and more.

Photo by Giovanni Giannoni | www.wwd.com

If you are a person who changes your identity with every trend offered in a given season, this is your opportunity to go wild in many directions. The map is changing. Explosions of colour, wild prints, exotic trims, bizarre shapes, unusual proportions, historic and geographic references are all part of the fall winter scene. Colour menu includes: bold colours, including “Mounted Police” crimson, fine wine Bordeaux, floral fuchsias, autumnal earth tones, sombre gothic black and also white of all hues and it goes on – even to quiet muted tones . Whether you opt for one monochromatic look head to toe or wear blocks of colour you will be in fashion.

Shapes: Broad shoulders, voluminous garments, oddly cut bottoms, some with overlays that deliberately broaden you, full capes, and fitted armour-like waistcoats. Theatrical costumes have left the stage and come to this season’s fashion offerings. Proportions: Short jackets over long tops, pants of assorted lengths and volume. Asymmetrical tops and bottoms over straight lines, voluminous items over full underpinnings and also over close to the body ones offer a radical change to what we have become used to.

BEAUTY

The new looks cause you to re-evaluate your ideas of what is stylish and attractive. They accost the eye and push the boundaries with the result that our perception changes and we move our wardrobes toward a new direction. When the fashion menu is in line with fantasy and history and not in touch with our reality, its exotic offerings give us innovative and fresh options for updating our wardrobe. It is up to each of us to review our existing wardrobe and to make it our goal to establish our next season’s look by updating without sacrificing our individual statement. When you have an understanding of who you are and the direction your wardrobe needs to be going, updating your seasonal look becomes one of selecting the perfect items from the plethora of choices you will be given. The radical change in mood this season offers you special pieces that will spice up and invigorate your present statement. You have an established image based on your physical attributes and personality. Now when you add new elements to your existing collection of clothes and accessories you will be able to update and still stay true to yourself. It is helpful to know yourself and what works best for you while you search for the perfect additions to your seasonal wardrobe.

Prints: The whole gambit from classic tartans, black and white hounds tooth to animal prints, upholstery fabric patterns, and bizarre ones are all there.

If quiet elegance is your forte, dressing quietly in a world of emphatic statement is not wrong. Opt for the softer pastel palette this season and navigate around the explosion of patterns and colours that are not you.

Trims: Embellishments of all kinds are spicing up even the simplest garments. Feathers, leather and fur, beads, sequins, glass, metal buttons –anything goes including tattoos on your body!

Interpret trends to your needs and liking.When you do this, you own your look and can feel good about it.

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Explore the possibilities. Refresh your message with novel pieces. You are guaranteed not to be bored this season.

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jewelrey, clothing, accessories & fashions up to 4X Linda Parolin Owner 274 Main Street Stayner ON, L0M 1S0 joyinstayner@gmail.com 705.517.2000 36 www.womenwithvision.ca

Avoid all that makes you uncomfortable. Embrace your uniqueness and use what the world of fashion has offered you to capitalize on your wardrobe investment and make it better as well as different. ■ Marilyn Wetston marilynsthestore@rogers.com www.marilyns.ca

Ideal Ladies Wear For The Latest in Fashions

519-323-1970 Mount Forest, ON N0G 2L0 www.womenwithvision.ca 37

FASHION

BEAUTY

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Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet

ADVERTORIAL

You’re invited to come out and taste our distinctive local wines while embracing the beauty of our luscious vineyards this fall.Taste our prize winning wines at the tasting bar, enjoy a cheese tray pairing or experience wine with our gourmet food selections and learn more about our local wine and food pairings… "what goes best with what and why."

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

Believing

The Tasting Room at the Vineyard Cottage offers several tasting experiences. Simply Sampling at the tasting bar where you can taste any four wines for free if you make a purchase. Wine with food experiences vary in cost* and all have an education component. Our Cheese Tray introduces you to three wonderful cheeses and what wines go best with each cheese. Sweet Indulgence allows you to discover how to enjoy sweet “winter wines” and when, this includes tasting delicious chocolate, fruit and cheeses. Perfect Pairings is the ultimate wine and food tasting experience. Depending on the time of year you visit us we recommend different foods including, cheese, pate, and trout. We also share creative insights into entertaining with cool climate wines and what food pairings goes best with these wonderful food wines.

Make a reservation for our popular Group Tasting. Ideally for 8 – 10 people, we set you up for a private tasting in our Barrel Room complete with fireplace and kitchen table. If it is sunny and warm step outside sit on our scenic deck or saunter over to one of our picnic areas under the many apple or birch trees, which offer you a panoramic view of the vineyards. You’re welcome year round. Give us a call and let us host a tasting for you and your friends.

www.womenwithvision.ca 41

Ge o r gi a n

Mylars

Gourmet

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

42 www.womenwithvision.ca

has been serving a great old fashioned roast turkey dinner for many years now. It is so popular that we roast over 7000 pounds of real turkey annually. The stuffing recipe was handed down from my Nanna, mother and then to me. You will not find oysters or walnuts in our stuffing, just bread, finely chopped onion and apple mixed with melted butter, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning to taste. Once our Ontario raised TOM Turkey is stuffed it is slowly roasted to perfection. Nothing is quite like the aroma of a turkey cooking in the oven. We offer small boiled local potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes that delight all who eat them. Turnip is a great compliment to a turkey dinner and is right in season for Thanksgiving. This is a good time to solicit help from a strong man in the house and have him dice the turnip into small bite size pieces, boil or steam until turnip is tender, add butter, salt and pepper. You can serve whatever other vegetables you prefer. Turkey gravey is made from the drippings in the pan. Remove excess fat and reduce the drippings over a high heat. Add flour and potato water and season to your liking. Now you have a turkey dinner like your Grandma used to make and your family will be sure to remember. GOBBLE! GOBBLE! GOBBLE!

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet

Mylar and loreta’s

www.womenwithvision.ca 43

Ge o r gi a n

Gourmet Mylar and loreta’s restaurant Locally owned, operated and supported since 1984

Come in and try our amazing Seafood Platter for Two

Join us for Sunday Breakfast Buffet 9 am to 1 pm Regular menu still available For reservations please call

705-445-1247 Open daily from 10am 794112 Grey County Road 124 Singhampton www.mylarandloretas.com

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

44 www.womenwithvision.ca

Private Dining, Events, Business Meetings & Buses.

HOME, GARDEN DESIGN

Grandma Lambe’s

APPLES & APPLE PRODUCTS • Country fresh baking every day • Jams & pies made in our own bakery

Four generations of serving you 7 days a week, year round

Highway 26, East of Meaford, N4L 1W7 • Phone & Fax 519.538.2757 Highway 6 & 10 Chatsworth • Phone 519.794.3852 46 www.womenwithvision.ca

• Frozen fruit available all year • All occasion giftware & baskets

...creative and helpful tips

HOME, GARDEN

DESIGN

The Art of

Home & Design By Lorraine Leslie

When I take a look at all the amazing homes that are being built around the Georgian Triangle area I often think of the day I told my high school teacher I wanted to take drafting class. Quietly I was ushered off to the home economics class. I now look at the houses in a completely different way. I see the visionary side of a designer’s eye such as Patrick Coulter. Born and raised in Oakville, Patrick began his young career as an apprentice while taking courses at Sheridan College. He studied topics such as real estate, contract and mortgage law, and engineering but was still undecided as to where his future would take him. In 1973, Patrick was earning a $1000 a month as a base salary and bringing in nearly $6,000 a month in commission. “The harder I worked the more my bonus was and this has continued throughout my career.”

Remarkably, Shaw Woodworks has expanded worldwide, including projects like the complete interior of the Barbados airport. “Our millwork is part of the interiors in banks, OPP stations, libraries, town halls and, most recently in the new interior of the Copper Blues restaurant at the Village at Blue. We are very proud to be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year”. continued on pg. 50

In 1974 Patrick found himself working in real estate when the mortgage rates were 14%. He started to realize maybe he should be following in his father and grandfathers footsteps doing general contract work and building custom homes.

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

In 1980 while doing research for the project "Alpine Shores", which is now part of Lora Bay, Patrick recognized Southern Georgian Bay as an undiscovered jewel and an opportunity that had not yet been discovered.

Lighting

“By 1981 my focus was building larger developments such as Ruperts Landing, Lighthouse Point and some 400 condos in Cranberry Village. I started to design and build custom homes and when I required someone to build kitchen cabinets and specialty wood products for them I became partners with Robert Shaw in Shaw Woodworks. The success of Patrick’s entrepreneurial spirit engaged the expertise of Robert Shaw which made an excellent foundation for the millwork business. “Initially we expanded to supply other similar contracting firms and then started building a kitchen a day and a thousand sets of stairs a year.” At Shaw Woodworks Patrick likes to focus on the creative side of the business while Robert focuses on the production side. Today they manufacture everything from commercial store fixtures, the library and town hall to office interiors. The company is recognized as one of Canada's top millwork and store fixture manufacturers.

• flooring • lighting • plumbing and more 84 High St,. St., Collingwood 705.444.2100 www.georgiandesigncentre.ca www.womenwithvision.ca 49

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Patrick Coulter...continued from pg. 49

When it comes to building a custom home, don’t plan on moving in within six months. It can take up to a year before you are actually walking across the threshold. Patrick shared, “It all comes down to putting the puzzle pieces together. I like my clients to work with me to develop their plans. I give them homework to do that takes them on a personal and informative journey. I encourage them to drive around the area and take pictures of windows, shingles, roofs details, siding and the colour combinations they enjoy. I’ll then sit down with the client with pen and paper and start to put the puzzle together. We’ll adjust the puzzle pieces until the majority of the client’s wish list is satisfied. There are numerous meetings including computerized creation of a 3D model simulation of their new home. There are numerous versions of the drawings made before the client starts the construction process with the Coulter construction team. “We have 3 – 5 projects on the go all the time plus high-end renovations for ski chalets, golf courses or restaurant interiors around the Georgian Bay area.

With a thriving business, Patrick doesn’t plan on slowing down in the near future. “I have a very efficient team of employees who keep the business running. They are all in the loop, all the time. Sometimes they will even tell me to take the afternoon off and go play golf.” During the winter months Patrick will also work from his part time home in Naples Florida. Using computer technology he can have a full board meeting with clients and staff early in the morning and then enjoy the rest of the day relaxing. You could say Patrick leads by example as he is a loyal and reliable businessperson. “I’m honest to a fault and can be demanding. I truly enjoy the business pressures to provide the excitement that produces the excellent results.” Thank you Patrick for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me and share your expertise in creating the masterful pieces of architecture that you’re renowned for in the area and to which many people are now calling home.

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Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

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HOME, GARDEN

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Monika Gibson Sales Representative

My passion and dedication in Real Estate and our community leads to

YOUR GOOD FORTUNE!

Photography © Lorraine Leslie | L’original Productions | Women with Vision! Magazine™

72 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, ON L9Y 0E4 Direct Line: 705-607-0445 Office: 705-445-5640 monika.gibson@century21.ca

52 www.womenwithvision.ca

Serving South Georgian Bay

Visit us at

Professional Interior Design for your Entire Home

www.womenwithvision.ca

Women with

VISION! M A G A Z I N E FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY 1.866.306.6021

™

Call for your FREE one hour consultation Karen Sweet LL.B., IDDP® 519.599.3779 www.altaireinteriodesign.com www.womenwithvision.ca 53

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GARDENING

DESIGN

HOME, GARDEN

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Facts or Fiction

By Karen Sweet If you throw a party, where does everyone seem to congregate – the kitchen? It’s a place to cook, study, eat and socialize. In fact it’s the hub of your home. You and your family will likely spend more time in the kitchen than any other room in your home. What do you do when it becomes outdated or doesn’t function as well as it used to? If you decide to renovate, you will want to consider the function and flow of your kitchen first. Think about how you want the kitchen to work for you and your family. Do you like to bake and want your mixer readily accessible? Do you have space for an island? How much storage do you need?

laminate, wood, ceramic, stainless steel, granite, quartz, marble, soapstone or concrete.

Typically the flow of a kitchen is established through a work triangle or imaginary line that connects its workstations – fridge, sink, and oven. The perimeter of the work triangle should be approximately 20 to 25 feet. With the increase in kitchen sizes and the addition of features, the traditional triangle doesn’t always work and may be modified to a square, rectangle or by adding another work triangle.

Major Appliances – do you want professional grade or more compact, efficient appliances?

Your next consideration is budget. Your budget will influence the nature and extent of your kitchen project and focus on six key areas:

Cabinetry and hardware – do you want to repaint, reface or replace? If the cabinetry is in good condition you may want to repaint it and add new hardware. If it’s in the right spot but the doors aren’t working for you, refacing may be the answer. The most expensive option is to replace.

Countertop and backsplash – choices range from 54 www.womenwithvision.ca

Flooring – wood including bamboo, ceramic, laminate, marble, and cork are some of the materials available.

Lighting and electrical – the key is to layer lighting with pot lights or a chandelier, pendant lights and LCD or halogen lighting installed under kitchen cabinets for task lighting. Fixtures and faucets – sinks can be single or double bowl and apron fronted, or over /under–counter. Faucet options are almost limitless with a range of prices. Given the costs associated with a kitchen renovation, working with a designer can save you money and provide you with alternatives you may not have thought about. A dream kitchen can be within your budget! ■ Karen Sweet International Decorating and Design Professional ™ www.altaireinteriordesign.com

Realty of a

By Janet Kurasz, Hort, AMCT(A)

Over thethe course of my in Horticulture, I have heardheard manymany tips, theories, helpful hints and Over course of career my career in Horticulture, I have tips, theories, helpful hints “facts” help gardeners. Some of Some these of have proven be truetowhile others areothers not; they and to “facts” to help gardeners. these havetoproven be true while are are not; simply that have been down over the years. explore Let’s someexplore of these now.of theymyths are simply myths thathanded have been handed down overLet’s the years. some these now. Ants are required on Peonies to open up their flowers. Peony flower buds secrete a sap that is rich in carbohydrates that the ants can use as a food source. It was thought that ants were necessary for peony flowers to open. That theory is not true, according to research. Without any ant activity, the flowers still open.

probably out-compete pathogenic fungi. As for the flora, most healthy plants are not susceptible to opportunistic fungal pathogens such as those that may occur in wood chip mulches. Use wood chips only as a top-dressing. Do not mix wood chips into the soil. Decomposing wood chips will rob the soil of nitrogen as they decompose.

Dressing wounds on trees. Wound dressing for pruning cuts has shown not only to be unnecessary, but may actually inhibit callus growth over the cut. Tars, emulsions, asphalts and waxes can dry and crack, especially in our climate. When water gets behind the crack, disease may be promoted rather than prevented. The best treatment of a pruning cut is no treatment at all.

Landscape fabric provides permanent weed control. Geotextiles will degrade in the landscape in as little as one year if unprotected from sunlight and any organic matter or soil on top of the fabric will provide a medium for weeds so this precludes covering the fabric with anything but inorganic mulch such as pebbles. It requires continuous maintenance to keep the fabric free of debris. Weeds can grow on top of and through these fabrics, making their removal difficult. In reality, geotextiles are not effective weed control solutions for ornamental gardens and landscapes; they will eventually become a high maintenance issue in terms of appearance, weed control and ornamental plant health; organic mulches are the preferred method as they can be reapplied throughout the life of the landscape without damaging the existing plantings.

Watering during the day time. Still showing up in some popular garden literature is the notion that "day-watering can burn plants." The theory is the sun is magnified by the water drop on the leaf to cause leaf burn. The source of this notion may have come from the effects of applying poor-quality water, high in dissolved salts. As water drops evaporate from leaves, the salts left behind might cause leaf burn. Uncomposted wood chip mulches can spread fungi and bacteria to healthy roots. There is little published literature that supports this theory. Fungi in decomposing wood chips are generally decomposers, not plant pathogens. Healthy soil includes mycorrhizal species needed for optimum root health; under healthy soil conditions, beneficial and harmless fungi

■ Janet Kurasz, Horticulturist www.kurasz.ca

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Developer By Choice By Lorraine Leslie Born and raised in Collingwood, Steve Assaff, fresh out of high school, always knew he wanted to work, play, and raise a family in this four season paradise known as the Georgian Triangle.

Steve worked for his father in their family owned fish and chip restaurant, which opened back in the 50’s on the east side of Hurontario Street across from what is now Sporting Life. The restaurant later turned into Charlie’s Variety Store. Steve’s father sold this location in 1968 and relocated the variety store to the corner of Birch and Third Street. Steve took over the operation of the variety store at the age of 25 but not wanting to work until midnight seven days a week he later sold the business and started buying and selling houses after doing major renovations to them. “My first commercial property was an old red brick building located at the corner of Pine and Second Street, which was a restaurant and wine bar I opened in 1984 called La Cantina. It later became known as Sneakers. Loblaw’s eventually bought the building and tore it down to enlarge their parking lot.”

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I wanted to turn my investment into a profitable venture, so I purchased the old Arlington Building with a vision of renovating the property into retail on the bottom and apartments above. Unfortunately, some kids were getting into the building and using it as hang out. Unluckily, for my partner and I at the time, the trespassers set a fire which burned out the top floors and the roof beyond repair. After three years the insurance company settled and the Arlington Building was rebuilt from the ground up to what it is today. We opened the 30,000 sq. foot building in May of 1990, which by the way was a recession year and, the following year we were only 50 percent leased but eventually the entire property was fully leased with retail and business offices.” “One at a time I started to buy up buildings on the main street of Collingwood. My next purchase was the old hardware store which I leased to Shoppers Drug Mart back in 1991. My next purchase was 49 Huron Street. This property was the home of Jet North Restaurant for a short period of time until I retained a long term lease with Georgian College. They took over the space for fifteen years before moving into their new building on the outskirts of town. Since then, I’ve leased it to the Province of Ontario for a court house and law offices.”

“My next purchase was from the bank - the Scheffer building. I installed an elevator and a walkway through the main floor from Hurontario Street to the rear parking area for more pedestrian traffic. The next property involved purchasing a town owned parking lot and developing it. This is where the Scotia Bank stands today. Across the road I purchased the Royal Bank Plaza which stands across the street from my newest venture Admiral Collingwood Place.” “I have bought, bid and built another Provincial Courthouse in Midland and a Shoppers Drug Mart Store in Alliston but my primary business ventures have been in and around Collingwood.” “Around 2005, the school board put the Admiral Collingwood building up for bid. I partnered with the Strandholt family who owns Bayhaven Retirement and our bid won over five others. We also bought up three homes adjacent to the school giving us 3.4 acres of land to build our newest project Admiral Collingwood Place. “With the blessing of council and many late night meetings, a six story building approval was completed. This was to compliment the Ship Yard buildings and to bookend the opposite end of town. My vision was to create a newer modern building with exquisite landscape and retail all around the bottom of the condos. The theme was also in keeping with the red brick colour scheme of the heritage committee’s designation.” “Its taken six years to pull this all together as there were three town councils in office during this time. In the summer of 2008 due to another recession it was decided to put the project on hold again. As a result of the 2010 election the new council’s positive and energizing team approved the final design by architect, Alan Tregebov, for a six story condo/retail building with a seventh story, which will have a fabulous view and an amenity area for the continued on pg. 59

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Steve Assaff...continued from pg. 57

residence. The residential area was reduced from 35,000 to 28.000 sq. ft. of leased space that would have a subtle step in and out design to compliment the architectual scape of the rest of the downtown core.”

“My five year plan is to give back to the town and do some philanthropic things…that’s my missing key in fulfilling my vision right now, sometimes to a fault as I have visionary sickness, I cant’ stop and turn off my mind…”

“We had our final approval celebration in June 2012 with over 200 people in attendance. They enjoyed a lift ride up to the penthouse level to see the panoramic view from the seventh floor height.”

I found, during my interview with Steve, a man that is very community minded. He is a man who is driven, open and honest, with a good sense of humour – “life’s too short not to have some fun along the way.”

Steve’s goal is to start pouring concrete in March of 2013 with completion and move in slated for the spring the following year. “Retail is a very tough environment in today’s world and my vision is to bring a renewed healthy environment to make the downtown area vibrant.”

Continued luck with your project Steve…it was a pleasure to spend time with you and I look forward to all your ‘visions’ becoming a reality.

■ copyright 2012, Women with Vision! “My youngest son, Christopher, who has just turned twenty six years is back home working with me. He has his Bachelor of Commerce and has been working in commercial leasing in Toronto. With him joining our team, I can concentrate more on the project development side of the business.”

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DESIGN

WOMEN GOING SOLO

in Real Estate More women than ever are taking the reins when it comes to purchasing their own home. The growing trend among single professional women building financial security and becoming homeowners is a valuable and sound investment. This might be explained by females vying for equal pay for women; putting off marriage, and a higher divorce rate. In looking at the stats, some corporate level careers are providing women with more disposable capital. Women are still making less than men in the same job, but the gap is closing. More than fifty percent of women across Canada are starting their own businesses – which is why women are having a higher success rate in small business than men. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that; one in five real estate purchases are made by women, well up from one in twenty a decade ago. Statistics show that Canadian women now outnumber men in buying a house or condo. Women see the value in owning property and they are no longer waiting for, or expecting, a “Mr. Right” to come along before taking one of the key financial steps of their lives. Women are more focused, organized and informed when it comes to making major purchases. Since 2000 statistics has shown that eighty-two percept of all buying decisions are made by women.

• Women seek out mortgage experts and get preapproved before they start looking…

• They factor in all costs of home ownership: closing costs, property taxes, repairs and furnishings • Obtain a local Realtor expert who is familiar with properties

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By Monika Gibson

in their price range including the community they are looking to buy in • Once they have found a place and location, an analyse of their choices are made • Consideration on surrounding amenities and safety/security of the area is discussed • A home inspection is recommended and done by a reputable home inspector. • Just for the asking a list of good lawyers is made available for closing procedures

...experiencing classical & creative masterpieces

Interest rates are at an all time historical low making this an excellent time to buy. Be aware of the four changes announced and in effect since July 9, 2012:

• High ratio mortgages (less than 20% down payment) must have an amortization rate of 25 years or less. This was previously 30 years. • In order to qualify for a mortgage your GDS (Gross debt service ratio) must be below 39% down from 44%. • A reduction in the maximum amount of equity homeowners can take out of their homes when refinancing to 80% LTV (Loan to Value) down from 85%. • Mortgages over a million will no longer be insured. The more prepared you are the smoother the experience and the happier you will be in your very own home. Single ladies...home ownership is within your grasp, just reach for it! ■ Monika Gibson Sales Representative Century 21 Millennium/Collingwood

HOME, GARDEN

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS

Jordan Clark

ENTERTAINMENT

Triple Threat By Lorraine Leslie Being a dancer since the age of five and a gymnast as a teenager and then building my own successful aerobic dance company for thirty six years before starting Women with Vision, I was particularly thrilled to have the pleasure of watching a live dance performance at the annual ‘Women at Their Best’ evening in Alliston. My feet were moving with every beat as the young energetic woman dancing wowed the audience with her superb piece of choreography. This amazing artist received a standing ovation and justly so! Her introduction as the winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada empowered me to walk back stage and introduce myself. Watching her still catching her breath my mind reflected back to the TV auditions of the show. Born December 29th, 1991, and raised in Etobicoke until she was four, Jordan Clark has had the support of her parents, Connie and Bob, since she decided to become a dancer at the early age of five.

“A couple years later when I was seven, the studio owner passed away and a new owner took over. I started taking jazz, ballet, tap, and hip hop; that’s when I knew, I really loved dance. I always danced with the girls I went to school with, so if we had five seconds in class we would be dancing at the back of the room or talking about dance. At recess, everyone would be playing sports and we would be in the field dancing. Everything we did was dance – our clothes, hats, gloves, pajamas, even our underwear had dance on them, which is kind of embarrassing. I guess you could say that we were obsessed.”

“When I was five years old I saw a movie with a lot of gymnastics in it. The people were doing all kinds of back flips and summersaults. I was “At eight, I was doing what so excited about what I saw I rushed any normal eight year old kid to tell my mom I wanted to learn would be doing, playing house in my basement. I was how to do that. Next thing you knew my mom was signing me up playing by myself, thinking of what my situation was going for what I thought was the same Jordan Clark to be…as in, was I married; thing I saw in the movie. When we did I have kids; what my career was; did I work in an office and so walked into register for the class, it wasn't a gymnasium, it was a dance on. I gave myself, one child, a husband and job as a dancer. studio. I remember thinking to myself, how am I going to tell my mom this is not what I wanted to do. So I just blurted out, ‘mom this After I decided my life destiny, I thought about it for a quick second, is not a gymnastics club’, she said ‘I know it’s a dance studio’, I told and from that moment on I knew I wanted to be a dancer. I was so her I wanted to learn how to do a back flip, she said ‘well you are excited, but I kept going on with my game of house. Later I went going to learn to do acrobats; it’s the same thing’. At first I was upset, upstairs and I told my mom, ‘Mom I want to be a professional but after attending my first class, I instantly fell in love with it. I started dancer’. She looked at me and said, ‘okay’. From that day on my with a one hour a week class not realizing by the time I was a mom did everything possible for me to get great training and for that, teenager I would be dancing non-stop everyday and it would one I am so thankful.” day become my career.”

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Jordan at age eight showing off her flexibility

Jordan in rainbow leotard at age five

“I began to improve as I trained more and it was like the universe opening up to make my vision become a reality. I competed in at least five competitions a year since I was eight years of age. I won Junior Dancer of the year, Teen Dancer of the year, twice, and Dancer of the year Regional’s. When I was older, I also won Miss On-Stage New York. But for me, to be honest, the awards were fun to win but that wasn't the real prize. Eventually, at age twelve, I auditioned for the National Ballet of Canada’s summer program and was accepted. That summer was a marvelous experience. As I watched the other people dance I learned to quickly love supporting my team and fellow dancers. For me, that was the best part. I learned to appreciate all types of dance by watching my fellow talented dancers.” “Once I completed the National Ballet Summer program I made a switch to join the Vlads Dance Company the following season I was thirteen and was ready to move to a bigger studio which was located in Richmond Hill. I looked up to all the other dancers (a lot of them I’ve know all my dance life) and seeing them at competition made me think, that could be me one day. In the beginning it was hard to keep up with the other girls because they were all so talented. Turning fourteen and starting high school put a lot of pressure on me. It was becoming very difficult to dance seven days a week and keep up with my school work. However, I somehow managed, and worked harder than ever with the help of family and friends. The harder I worked the more successful I became in both dance and school.” “At fifteen I thought I’d try singing and maybe someday I would start doing musicals. I sang for about three years and then unfortunately, I had to stop; my dance schedule got a little too busy.” “At the end of a competition, when I was seventeen, I made it a practice of going up to the judges to say thank you for giving me input on my dancing. When I went to thank one particular judge, she asked if I had an agent. I didn't think anything of it at the time, I was grateful to get some nice feed back. The next day I got an email from a lady named Melissa Panton.The name looked familiar and then it clicked, it was the same judge from the competition. Little did I know that she was one of the agents for Da Costa Talent Management; this agency is the biggest dance agency in Toronto. She ended up calling me and three months later I was signed with Da costa Talent Management and was booked to do my first movie Camp Rock 2:The final Jam.” “A lot of my dance friends asked me if I was going to audition for the So You Think You Can Dance Canada Show. I remember the night before the audition I was trying to figure out what to wear.

Jordan doing her acrobatic dance routine

My mom came down stairs and brought me a blue shirt; it had different shades of blue with sequences on it, which is totally my mom and not really my style. I woke up the next morning and started driving down town with one of my best friends Derek. We were both pumped but very tired because it was four in the morning.When I got there my friend walked me to the lineup; there were hundreds of people and the more we walked, the more people started to stand in line. I took my place in line and said good bye to my friend Derek. I later learned there were people from across the country - about 800 people auditioned in total from all over Canada.” “After my first audition, I was so excited to get a ticket to the finals. The grueling finals week got me into the top twenty-two for season continued on pg. 64

CLASSES 3 YEARS TO ADULT • ballet • jazz • modern • tap • social • hip hop • contemporary

NEW LOCATION: #6 - 65 Simcoe Street, Collingwood, ON www.fleetwooddance.net 705.446.1568 www.womenwithvision.ca 63

ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

Jordan Clark...continued from pg. 63

four of the show. It was the most overwhelming event I have ever been part of; being selected out of eight hundred dancers made me very happy, so happy words can’t describe it. Throughout the weeks of the show we all danced so hard we literally fell into our beds a night. It was exhausting dancing up to eighteen hours a day. I ate small meals all day long to keep my energy up, but I still lost about ten pounds. Any fat I had on my body turned to muscle which I have maintained over the past year after the show.” “With the show over, I thought that I needed a little break from dancing for the first time in my life. I started to sing again and since then I have bought a guitar and I’m learning how to play it. Music is a great thing!”

Jordan poises for the paparazzi during the competition

Jordan with her Vlad her teacher at the American Dance Awards Competition in Florida in 2007

After nine thrilling weeks of competition with millions of Canadians watching, Jordan’s rise to the top, mastering every dance style thrown her way, and with more than 1.6 million votes cast, the nineteen year old Contemporary Dancer has become Canada’s Favourite Dancer. Her prize of $100,000.00 along with a brand new car, a Chevrolet Cruze were the material validation of all her hard work, but the true prize was still yet to come…a solid career in dance. “Now, after the show, I’ve been working on a lot of different projects. Don't get me wrong, I struggled after the show as I was so confused on what I was going to do next. I was so focused during the show I didn't even think what was going to happen after it was all over.

Jordan poses for the camera at age twelve

Jordan is lifted by all the others dancers as she wins So You Think You Can Dance Canada

There I was trying to think of what I really wanted to do. I tried new things – to play the guitar, which was fun, and start singing again. However, there was one thing I hadn't tried yet – acting. I have always loved acting; it’s been a passion of mine since or before I started dancing. I’ll always entertain people.Acting compliments dancing and a lot of the time you have to put yourself in situations that you would normally not be in. Whether I’m sad or happy, angry or just plain funny, I love to entertain and that’s what I really want to do for the rest of my life. I have been working on getting my green card so sooner than later I

Jordan shows off her grand prize red car to her family

Jordan dances with her partner during the show

can move to the United States and start to entertain people there. I’m not sure of the direction it will take me but I’m ready for the ride.” One of Jordan’s short term goals is to start acting school as soon as she can and audition to become a back up dancer for Beyonce. This past summer, Jordan was invited to go to Venice to teach dance during the month of July with a pending invitation to do the same in Dubai. “As a child, I have always dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. So far, I am living that dream, making a living performing, and teaching others. The whole vision is to be what we call in the business a Triple Threat – dancer, singer and actor.”

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ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

MOTIVATIONAL INSPIRATIONAL

Deb Fitzsimmons

Keeping Her Voice

Close to Home… By Dean Hollin I clearly recall being ever so gobsmacked the first time I caught an earful of Deb Fitzsimmons’ vocal stylings. We’d not been living in Collingwood six months. It was during our first visit to the G.N.E., and as we wandered through the various fairground buildings we happened upon some entertainment – a local group called The Followers. Sitting at the piano and handling some lead vocals was…this voice that I just had to stop and listen to. “Wow…” I thought. Deb’s no “transplant”. She was born and bred in Collingwood – a native of the Georgian Triangle. She inherited a gene on her mother’s side that has produced a long line of music-loving, piano-playing-by-ear females. As a wee one she’d likely have been singing along to dad’s record collection consisting of Dolly, Kenny,Willie or Merle. However, on one all-important visit to grandma’s house, she discovered (via PBS)…The Beatles! She was ten years old, and her world – musically speaking – would never quite be the same.

The pull of home can be immense, and in 2000, Collingwood re-claimed her as one of its own. This very fortunate for you and I living in the Triangle, as we can enjoy her talent periodically at various venues – most notably at various concert situations at Collingwood’s First Presbyterian Church. Her audiences understand the ‘magic’ of which I refer. She has a couple of CD projects floating around, too. Grab one. Find her. Sit her down at any piano you’ve got nearby and ask her to perform her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “River” and you’ll understand what the heck I’m gushing about! ■ Dean Hollin Singer, Play Write and Live Stage Performer www.deanhollin.com 66 www.womenwithvision.ca

????

Deb notes and thanks two individuals during her school years as being inspirational – Catherine Brown, who delivered music lessons to more than one elementary school in the area, and Dennis McAndrew, a long-time CCI music teacher. She readily admits that she pretty much “lived” in the music room, graduating from high school with ten music credits. Post-Secondary earned her a Specialized Honours B.A. in Music at York, and a Bachelor of Education from Queens.

Love of other modern day poets such as Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Simon & Garfunkle were soon to follow. The influence was great. The art appreciated, understood and steadily absorbed. So, by the ripe old age of 13, she made her grade 7, “Variety Night” debut…singing “Scarborough Fair”. Wish I’d been there.

...gentle insights of awareness and change

Deborah

Johnson When my sixth sense kicks in I always reflect on time spent with an amazing woman whose life’s journey started out a little different than most. She entered the world struggling for her life, became a model living what we think is a glamorous life, and through many twists and turns while listening to everyone who came into her life who asked for advice, Deborah Johnson realized she had an intuitive gift of foreseeing people’s past, present and future lives.

MOTIVATIONAL

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INSPIRATIONAL

...My Gift From Within By Lorraine Leslie During Deborah’s early years, she attended Bedford Park Elementary school in the Yonge/Lawrence area of Toronto. “I sang in the choir, loved learning French, which began in Grade 4, and every year seemed to luck out with exceptional teachers. We lived just outside the school district though, so I took public transit to and from school each day, except when the weather was warm and I would ride my bike. Because of this, I didn’t socialize much with my classmates outside of school. I wasn’t a loner, but my friendships with my classmates were limited mostly to school hours, therefore I became quite independent at an early age.” “My parents divorced when I was only a few years old and when my father was transferred to New York for business, my Mom, older sister and I went to live with my grandparents in the Bloor West area of Toronto. Shortly after the divorce my mother remarried a wonderful man who to this day I consider my father. Since my asthmatic condition made living in New York nearly impossible for me, I remained in Toronto with my grandparents until age eleven when my father transferred to Vancouver. “In elementary school, I tried out for the choir because I loved music and wanted to sing. After hearing me, my teacher begrudgingly allowed me to join the group because of my ‘wonderful spirit and enthusiasm’ but advised me that perhaps I could just ‘mouth the words’ rather than actually sing and leave that to the others. I wasn’t offended or hurt. I did realize quickly upon hearing the others though I couldn’t hold a note if my life depended on it. Not my forte, but I also learned from this experience that with the right attitude you can still be part of something and enjoy it for what it brings to you in whatever form that might be.”

Born in the Toronto Western Hospital on June 11, 1955, a wee baby girl of 5lb. 13oz., she struggled with life threatening issues. The doctors were not optimistic of how long she would live so a christening took place while mother and daughter were still in the delivery room. Christened with her mother’s name, Elizabeth, miraculously she survived the delivery and was rushed by ambulance to Sick Kid’s Hospital. Although originally christened Elizabeth, her birth certificate reflects the name her mother chose for her, which is Deborah. Deborah became one of Sick Kid’s miracle babies.

Deborah age seven with Sister Jeannie age eight

During the winter months Deborah took Scottish Country Dance lessons and attended competitions and demonstrations around Southern Ontario. “My grandfather was a dance teacher so his influence was wonderful. Each Sunday I would accompany him to church and if the pond down the hill was frozen over, I would go skating. My grandparents and I were extremely close; yet, I spent a great deal of time playing on my own. Frequently, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon I would take the bus by myself to the Royal Ontario Museum where I would spend hours wandering amongst the exhibits. At this point in my life I wanted to be a Palaeontologist or Archaeologist and had dreams of Dinosaurs, Egypt, pyramids, tombs and travel. At the age of eleven Deborah moved with her parents and sister to North Vancouver B.C. where she started Grade 6. “There was no choir or swimming lessons and the students wore regular clothes instead of uniforms. I even had to forgo my French classes as it didn’t start until Grade 8.” “We lived ten minutes from Cleveland Dam and the slopes of Grouse Mountain, and ten minutes from the beach and ocean. There were many differences between East and West Coast school systems and mindset, which took time adjusting to, but I was happy to be reunited with my parents; although, I missed my grandparents terribly. When I was thirteen my parents

Deborah's Grandparents Jean and Gilber Rich

continued on pg. 70

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INSPIRATIONAL

MOTIVATIONAL

Deborah Johnson...continued from pg. 69

“I did not want to attend university, within one week of graduating high school in 1972, just after I turned 18. My bags were packed, money earned through my part time work was tucked in my purse and with my worldly possessions in tow, I relocated back to Toronto. I registered with a Modeling Agency and also took a part time job working in the computer industry. My goal was simple, model, work, save for six to twelve months, and then travel around Europe.The greatest plans of mice and men! I met my future husband six months after arriving in Toronto and although my savings plan was on track and my modeling career was budding, my relationship became my priority. After dating for 18 months I found myself heading back out to B.C. to introduce my husband-to-be to my family.” Deborah and her husband Stanley

“Although we had planned on returning to Ontario, that visit stretched into an eight-year adventure. We landed good jobs, saved, paid for our own wedding, and within a year of marrying bought our first home: a five acre hobby farm. Neither of us were farmers, we were both city born and raised, yet through trial and error, we managed to work full time while we tended chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, a dog and a cat. We bought a jeep and in what little spare time we had, fourwheeled off road extensively.” Through this period Deborah changed jobs and began working administratively for an organization new to B.C.Trying to establish a foot-hold, their two year mandate was to expand the program on Vancouver’s lower mainland, which involved mass hiring and training. “The owners felt I had an innate ability evaluating and working with people so they offered me the position of Personnel Manager, as a ‘sink or swim’ position. I had six months to prove myself in the job. If everyone was happy Deborah and husband Stanley take their dog Azure for a during those six months my role would continue; otherwise, I would be terminated. walk on the farm in 1989 It was an amazing opportunity; did I want the challenge and risk? Absolutely! So at the ripe old age of twenty one I took on the responsibility of staffing for sixty new retail outlets over a two year period. Not only was I solely responsible for hiring, I also hired for all other areas of the organization from Operations to Warehouse, IT to Administration plus orchestrated all training required for all positions. It was an incredibly heavy workload.” “I held this position for two years, during which time, just through word of mouth and in my spare time, I was also frequently asked to interview, assess and recommend staff for other companies. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, what I was accessing with my evaluations was my innate intuitive ability to discern others.” “With both my husband and I holding management positions, working long hours, commuting and tending animals, we felt something needed to change. Neither of us have ever been ‘round pegs that fit into square holes’ so to speak, and entrepreneurship caught our interest.” “We purchased a newly built Motor Lodge onVancouver Island, resigned our positions, sold our property and relocated.The business had virtually no client base, but within months we had acquired a significant tourist clientele as well as regular weekly customers such as RCMP, Hydro, Highway Crews, etc. We worked the business hard and solidly established it on an international level, with clientele from as far away as New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, even Iceland. It boggles my mind a bit when I look back and realize at the age of 23, I, along with my husband, owned and operated a million dollar business.Yet again with no formal training, I was in a ‘sink or swim’ position.” “I am a person who learns by doing, therefore have always had a tendency to ‘jump in with both feet and then learn how to swim.” “Unfortunately, the recession hit and being on an island, hit us exceptionally hard. We persevered through several seasons when many long established businesses were failing and felt we could weather the storm another year as long as the summer tourist business was strong. We had 70 www.womenwithvision.ca

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an early spring that year and the weather was amazing as we ramped up anticipating exceptional May 24th and continual summer business. Our vision burst on May 22nd when the B.C. Ferry workers went on strike. No one could get to the island! Hoping the strike would be short-lived we were morally and financially devastated when the strike stretched the entire season. The workers returned to work two weeks after the tourist season ended. We considered alternative financing but with the recession still strong and no foreseeable end to it in sight, we took our losses, sold the business and returned to Ontario to start anew.”

enrolled me in a modeling course which allowed me to model part time throughout my teens, primarily with fashion shows and catalogue work.”

“We excitedly arrived home to learn my parents were divorcing. I was devastated. The one commitment I made to myself during this upheaval was that I would never take sides. I refused to choose one parent over the other and adamantly refused to discuss one with the other. As a sounding board, absolutely, I was there for both my Mother and Father.”

“Family couldn’t understand why we weren’t emotionally devastated by this turn of events. They couldn’t fathom how we could just ‘dust ourselves off, pick ourselves up’, and reinvent ourselves. We didn’t think twice about it, we just did it; the ‘jump in’ philosophy again.” At the age of thirty Deborah decided to fulfill a dream she had since childhood, to go skydiving. My parents refused to ‘sign my life away’ and give their consent when I was in my teens hence as a mature adult I decided to sign my own life away, so with a friend in tow, and my husband holding the insurance papers cheering me on safely from the ground, I took the leap from several thousand feet up. I don’t believe today you are allowed to make an initial jump solo but when I made my jump, not only did we have to ensure our own parachutes were properly packed; we didn’t even have a zip line.We were solely responsible for jumping, pulling our own cord to open the chute and toggling our own way down.We wore a walkie talkie headset connecting us to spotters on the ground, but other than that we were on our own. It was one of the most exhilarating, empowering experiences of my life. I truly felt if I could do this, I could do anything!” With this inspiration and her own determination Deborah and her husband set about to re-establish themselves quickly. “I put myself back into the corporate world and landed a combined Executive Admin/Office Management position. I worked corporately for several years until the entrepreneurial knock came yet again. This time however my husband and I didn’t seek it, it found us. We love to cook and love to eat, would always experiment with unusual types of cuisine and quickly went from taking a dish to family functions to being given money to prepare the dishes for the family functions. This began as a hobby but through word of mouth quickly escalated into a full time business when we were asked to cater my brotherin-laws wedding reception. We accepted the challenge and prepared a full buffet for approximately 100 people watching the business grow simply through word of mouth. Unfortunately we couldn’t say no and found ourselves working twenty-four/seven.” During this time Deborah and her husband acquired another 5 acre property (without the livestock) and although they lived about an hour outside Toronto, most of their business was Executive & Corporate Toronto based. In 1998, after operating the catering business for four years, Deborah decided to take a one year break. She gave birth to her daughter in 1990. “With a child now, and not wanting the long hours required for catering, we both chose to go back into the more regular hours a corporate venue provided. I chose a position working directly with the Board of Directors, CEO and Executive team. People began

Deborah age thirty five with Stanley age forty three with their daughter Kendra at four months

using my intuitive abilities even more extensively. Although not part of my official role, Executives would ask me to sit in on interviews to evaluate potential employees or business partners; circulate through a room of clients and give them feedback on my business impressions before a major meeting or presentation; ask my thoughts on strategic planning, security and staffing issues. Marketing and Sales would query me about their campaigns and the clients they would be presenting to. Co-workers sought guidance about their careers and/or personal direction. I didn’t discover until three years after when I began working as a Visionary full time, my co-workers used to come into my office, close the door, have a conversation with me, then go back to their offices and write out the details of our conversation. To me, I was simply sharing thoughts and ideas about what I saw coming for them. From my background in Personnel, it just felt natural that people gravitated to me in this capacity. I didn’t see it for what it really was.” “I also began to truly understand the uniqueness of the abilities I had used so naturally for so long, abilities I assumed others also possessed and utilized. It was quite a revelation to realize people did not use their intuitiveness as I did. At this point I chose to begin reading for people formally, although still working corporately in Toronto.As my intuitive client base expanded, purely through word of mouth, I knew I had a career decision to make, either step back from reading people and work corporately full time or leave my corporate job and pursue my passion, which was helping others through their struggles. Hence in 1997, after consistent persuasion from my husband, I left the corporate world behind, began my intuitive business full time and have never looked back.” “I began to put structure to my skills; past life regressions, medium work connecting to those who have passed, and of course the ability to see past, present and future with individuals I work with. continued on pg. 72

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Deborah Johnson...continued from pg. 71

Dragon-Fly

Deborah continues to use her skills corporately, although more structured now than it was in the beginning. She has used her skills in insolvencies, bankruptcies, insurance cases, jury selection, fraud cases, human resources, hiring, strategic planning and investigations of various forms.

By Marj Sawers

Deborah teaching one of her workshops

There I was sitting on the deck at my Son’s cottage just soaking up the sunshine and relaxing. Although highly unusual, no one was around. Birds were singing and the wild flowers were blooming on the little hill that was directly in front of me. The soft breeze was rustling the branches of the many shade trees...... I was in heaven. Suddenly the tiniest little caterpillar was lowering itself down to Mother Earth on the finest strand of silk. I thought how wonderful it was that such a tiny creature could do that. I was in total awe. How perfect..... Nature at its best........ BANG! From out of nowhere flew a dragon fly which snatched the little caterpillar and promptly swallowed him. I was stunned, there was no warning and everything was changed. Wow! Now that was a lesson in life and nature all in one sitting. Eat or be eaten is the law of the forest. When I shared the story with my Family they promptly told me it was a good thing because those caterpillars could destroy acres of trees if they spread. Talk about smacked down, what seemed to me like an enjoyable moment now became a three D nightmare to all I hold dear. I hate reality.

All of the areas Deborah works in are so much a natural part of what and who all of us are and if we could recognize it for what it is; an actual brain process like seeing, hearing and tasting, we would comfortably use it - yet we don’t. It is a goal and passion for Deborah to raise this awareness in those she has the privilege to work with. “During my fourteen year Visionary career I have worked individually with in excess of 10,000 people from all walks of life; given guidance to Celebrities, CEO’s, Presidents and Executives, to housewives, teens, teachers and factory workers. There are no limitations or boundaries to my client base, and no limitation or boundary to my skills and the information I acquire.”

“The many hats I have worn and moves I have made over the years contribute exponentially to the knowledge and experience I bring to others. Although I have traveled somewhat, it is still high on my ‘to do’ list of life, with hopefully many more adventures to come that will involve that ‘sink or swim’, ‘jump out of the plane’ attitude and resulting experiences.” “Honestly, there are so many significant people in my life who have contributed to who and what I am today, it would be impossible to highlight only one. My grandparents gave me love, security, and a sense of independence. My mother and father gave me balance and integrity. My wonderful husband of thirty-six years has given me love, motivation and an ability to trust in myself. My amazing daughter, even at her young age, has given me patience, tolerance and 72 www.womenwithvision.ca

more of an ability ‘to see all sides of the coin’. I have had a life of sometimes difficult, often spontaneous experiences, which have contributed to defining who I am today. And lastly, my clients who, through their struggles, trials, tribulations, joys and sorrows have taught me in so many ways how we are all so unique yet all so similar at the same time.” When you are in Deborah’s presence there is a calming that overcomes the entire room. Knowing Deborah and seeing her communicate with people in a variety of venues, I see an incredible woman who sincerely extends her own inner being to connect with her audience. She takes the time to include as many people in the room as she can with the time allotted. A warm, caring and compassionate woman, Deborah’s vision has truly become her reality. Footnote:We are proud to have Deborah as one of our contributing writers for Women with Vision since 2006 (her regular column will return in the winter 2012 issue).

“One of the most common requests is ‘don’t tell me anything bad’. If there is something negative that can be changed I will ask for all the details surrounding it so choices can be made. Life is and always will be a series of speed bumps – it isn’t meant to be a smooth ride, otherwise we wouldn’t experience and grow. By the same token, life really is nothing more than a series of choices all tied together with the experiences derived from these choices. As my now twenty-one year old daughter says ‘it is what it is’, we can’t change what is, only decide what we need or want to do with it, recognize it for what it is and ‘get on with it’. I encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and adopt more of a ‘sink or swim’ attitude to try; to stretch beyond the boundaries we all set for ourselves and don’t venture past for fear of…?”

INSPIRATIONAL

Reality

I intuitively asked that the information given to me would be for my clients’ highest good and made a commitment to myself to never deviate from my intuition.

“My medium work has never been unsettling for me. At the age of four I ‘saw’ my deceased great grandmother and again at the age of eleven. Perhaps my birth also entailed a near death experience, but I was too young to recall as I have never had an issue with death, dying or seeing and understanding the dynamics of the spiritual realm.”

What dragon flies are you dealing with today? What is changing the life you had planned for yourself? How are you handling it? Is one of your kids going away to school this fall? Are you facing a possible lay off at work, are you dealing with a health challenge? It’s not what happens; its how you choose to deal with it that will dictate the final outcome. Some of the toughest things I have faced in life have turned out for the better when a plan I had collapsed. So when you have a dragon fly happening pick yourself up dust yourself off and polish up your survivor skills... these challenges can’t last forever.

■ Marj Sawers, Retired Philanthropist

Life can sometimes be like that. It all seems so perfect and then WHAM! Everything is changed, and we must change also, sometimes I hate that fact also. In my roller coaster life I have found that sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and keep your eye on your goals because we cannot always control what happens to us but we can control the outcome and how it affects our goals and dreams. I have found that is not necessarily what has happened, but how we choose to handle the aftermath that is the most important part of any experience. Anyone can quit, it takes a real strong person to get back up again and pick up the pieces. I trust I will never become so jaded that I will not see the wonders of nature or be able to absorb those moments. I believe that is the “stuff” we are made of. How we respond when changes attempt to steal our dreams is who we really are, and no one can take that away from us. www.womenwithvision.ca 73

As the

Life Numbers

Mountain Turns...

CHANGE YOUR NAME. CHANGE YOUR REALITY! By Paola Gucciardi

The vibration of your full name makes up your original blueprint. It not only reveals who you are, your talents, strengths, weaknesses, and unique personality but also the types of experiences and people you attract. In short, it creates your reality. A name change, whether the full name, surname, or nickname alters the vibration of your blueprint and thus attracts alternate, more transient types of experiences and people. Compare the vibration of your modified name to your full name. Does the modified name support you and your life’s purpose? If not, Change it and Change your Reality!

To Calculate... Add all the numerical values of the letters in your full name Example: 1 M A R K J A M E S 2 3 4

4 1 9 2 16 = 1 + 6 = 7

H 8

1 4 5 1 12 = 1 + 2 = 3 7 + 3 + 7 = 17 = 1 + 7 = 8

1. Write your full name as it appears on your birth certificate 2. Using the chart, record the corresponding numerical value of each letter in your name 3. Subtotal your first, middle and last name 4. Add the value of each subtotal until sum = single digit

1 A J S

2 B K T

3 C L U

4 D M V

E N R Y 5 5 9 7 34 = 3 + 4 = 7

5 E N W

6 F O X

7 G P Y

8 H Q Z

9 I R

Repeat the above steps for your modified name. Compare.

natural leader built to inspire others with originality, creativity and trendsetting ideas. Use your will power and determination to bring things to fruition. Guard against becoming bossy, opinionated and domineering.

2 Diplomacy, cooperation and mediation are your cornerstone. Use your ability to see both sides of an issue to harmonize situations. Close relationships are essential to your happiness. Work towards finding inner peace and tranquility and guard against passive and dependent tendencies.

4 Building a strong foundation upon

which to grow is fundamental to you.

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8 Your name reveals you are destined

for big business and finance. Balance your desire for control and material achievement with other aspects of life such as family, friends, love, and spiritual development. Success will be achieved through your personal efforts.

5 Your name desires freedom and

change. You see the whole world as a playground to be explored and experienced. Self-discipline and setting healthy limits is the key to your success. Take advantage of your pragmatic, opportunistic and persuasive personality traits.

6 Service to home and community is

your cornerstone. Stability, security, and a loving harmonious family life are essential for your happiness. Understand the limits of your responsibility and develop a balance between the needs of others and your own.

3 Your name encourages you to use your creative flair to pursue a life of selfexpression. Whether you’re writing, acting, designing or speaking, inspire others with your passion, optimism and wit. To succeed, balance your desire for fun and discipline.

to understand and acquire wisdom. Live by realities and not superficialities. To prevent becoming isolated, remember to have fun.

Seek the truth to the mysteries of life. Spend time alone to receive inspiration from within and follow your own path

A name that sees service to mankind as your duty. Your deepest intention is to transform the world. Use love, compassion and understanding to improve humanity. Balance your emotions and sensitivity by utilizing your strong mind, self-compassion and forgiveness.

■ Paola Gucciardi, Numerologist www.lifenumbers.ca

Use an organized, methodical and practical approach. Rather than struggle and fight against the limitations that structure can bring, accept and understand your need for stability and security.

1 Your name indicates you are a strong

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& PICTORIAL ©

Spe cial Even ts S howc as ing th e Co m m un ity. .. GEORGIAN BAY LIFE GEORGIAN BAY LIFE

& PICTORIAL

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& PICTORIAL ©

Spe cial Even ts S howc as ing th e Co m m un ity. .. GEORGIAN BAY LIFE GEORGIAN BAY LIFE

& PICTORIAL

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Women with...

GEORGIAN BAY LIFE

& PICTORIAL

VISION! ™

BECOME

Women with Vision was founded in 1998 to offer business women a networking venue in which they can provide support for one another and develop new business connections. Through this dynamic networking opportunity attendees will receive motivation, inspiration, advice and mutual support to help them take their business & lives in general to the highest possible level.

Marble reflections of autumn appear, Creating rippling hues full of cheer. A leaf cascades above, so near, On emerald water crystal clear

Last Word

Guests & New Members are always welcome. Luncheons/Dinners: Luncheons meet at 11:30 a.m. / Dinners at 6:00 p.m. and last for two and a half hours. Each district has its own networking day and location.

Rainbows of colour swirling free, Dancing gently for all to see.

Cost: Fall is a time to explore colourful trees, To bring friends together like you and me.

Each district has its own fee structure ranging from $25 to $30. Reserved seating only. Contact the District Coordinator no later than 48 hours prior to the Women with Vision!™ Networking Luncheon/Dinner at the location of your choice.

MEMBER...

Usual Agenda: 11:30 Registration & Networking 12:00 Lunch 12:30 Announcements & Introductions

12:50 Guest Speaker 1:15 Q & A 1:30 Back to work…

Membership: Annual Fee: $75.00 + $9.75 HST = $84.75

Members benefits: • WWV Membership REFERRAL BONUSES* • Direct mailing of Women with Vision Magazine • $5 off on your luncheon or dinner – all regions • Member bio and picture on the Women with Vision website with a link to your website • 10% off magazine advertising* • 1/2 hour telephone session with Award Winning Coach Lorraine Leslie • WWV Membership tax receipt

• Advance notification of networking events, conferences and trade shows • Annual Membership Card • Franchise opportunities

To enquire about Networking Luncheon/ Dinner locations across Ontario contact Head Office 156 Brophy’s Lane, Blue Mountains ON L9Y 0K3 Phone: 1-866-306-6021 womenwithvision@rogers.com www.womenwithvision.ca

New Regions Opening all the time Call us to become a District Coordinator in your community.

By Lorraine Leslie

Start a Women with Vision! Networking Association in YOUR community today! We are seeking businesswomen who are committed to excellence, leadership, mentorship and supporting like-minded women in business! The right person will understand business development, marketing and building the Women with Vision mission: to educate, motivate, inspire and promote women in business and daily living. If you are a leader that likes to change lives and you believe in working with a dynamic visionary team…Women with Vision is for YOU!

Give us a call today! 1.866.306.6021 or email your resume to:

womenwithvision@rogers.com – Application Go to our website at www.womenwithvision.ca to see how we’ve grown from a one

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page newsletter to a full glossy magazine and 6 Women with Vision Networking Chapters. Send us your resume, request and application form, meet with us in person, and you could become part of the Women with Vision Networking Association in your community.

CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO