Vaughan

Vaughan
SPRING 2013 | VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1
WHATEVER
PUT
SPRING
IN YOUR
STEP
It’s time to think
fresh when it comes
to dressing for
work or play.
GUITAR
HERO
How Juno winner
Robert Michaels
earned a cult
following.
discover
woodbridge
Plenty to eat,
see and do.
THE CITY’S MOST WIDELY READ MAGAZINE
EXCLUSIVE
into the
MIND
of the
MAYOR
Up close and
personal with
Maurizio
Bevilacqua
DISTRIBUTED TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD & BUSINESS IN VAUGHAN VIA CANADA POST | 97,258 COPIES

CANADA’S LARGEST PAINT & DECORATING FRIENDLY CENTRE

MARKETING FEATURE » DINARDO FINANCIAL®
“I get so involved
sometimes because
I really want to help
people get what they
want. Some might say
it adds a more human
element but for me
it’s just a natural part
of what I do.”
- Frank Di Nardo
“I strive everyday to
make every important
aspect of the customer
experience a little bit
better. I want to ensure
that our customers
leave the office
completely satisfied
with our service.”
- Anthony Di Nardo
Buying a property can be a daunting task for anyone.
Not only is the process complicated, the financial aspect can
also prove to be overwhelming and intimidating - especially
if you’re a first-time home buyer. Shopping around for a
mortgage is one of the more tedious prerequisites so it’s
reassuring to know that there are community-oriented,
responsible individuals like Frank and Anthony Di Nardo,
who are willing to go that extra mile to ensure you get the
best deal possible.
Although Di Nardo Financial Inc. is new to the Vaughan
landscape, having just recently opened its doors in Maple,
those behind its operation are seasoned professionals.
Owned and operated by siblings, Frank and Anthony, the
mortgage brokerage firm includes a trusted team of agents
with over twenty-five years of combined knowledge and
experience.
“We are not reinventing the wheel. What distinguishes
us is the quality service we provide. Our goal is to build
trust with our clients and guarantee they get the best deal
possible. We want everyone to feel satisfied and confident
with the decisions they’ve made regarding their mortgage
agreement,” says Frank, the elder of the duo.
It was not a coincidence that both brothers exhibited a
mutual interest in finance while growing up. Rather, this
passion was passed down by their father. Gino Di Nardo’s
long career as a bank branch manager, including his early
years spent as a mortgage broker, had a profound effect on
his children.
“He has always been a mentor to us,” explains Frank.
“Before we were even licensed and practicing as agents our
father had exposed us to the world of finance. Regardless
of the education we received, the most important lessons
we learned were from him. He faced every possible scenario
and what I admire about him was how quickly he came to
find solutions for people,” he adds.
Frank, who holds the broker title at Di Nardo Financial,
is a graduate from the University of Toronto with a double
major in finance and economics. After receiving his
mortgage training from Seneca College, he was employed
as a mortgage agent at Invis, the renowned national mortgage
brokerage firm. He returned to Seneca several years later,
choosing to further his education and attain his broker
licence. Following in Frank’s footsteps shortly thereafter was
his brother Anthony, who now practices as an agent. Anthony
is also a graduate from the University of Toronto, double
majoring in Industrial Relations and Political Science. A few
years later he went to Seneca College to pursue his
Mortgage Agent Licence.
Trying to understand the advantages of dealing with a
brokerage over a banking institution can be a challenge,
especially for those who are not mortgage savvy.
“We offer better overall service and we’re more flexible,”
explains Frank. As the middlemen responsible for bringing
lending institutions and borrowers together brokers have
access to more lenders than banks do. Furthermore, their
agents basically hold your hand through the whole process,
even following up after the sale to continue
their commitment.
“We deal with a great number of credible lenders so we
are able to bring a wider variety of offers to the table. We
also cover every aspect of the mortgage agreement from
assessing your credit situation, determining what you can
truly afford and finally presenting a wide array of options.
A bank has more defined boundaries and is more restricted
because it usually draws from one lending institution. It’s
difficult to get the best deal in these circumstances and with
the new legislation that’s been implemented the banks don’t
take on much risk,” say the Di Nardos.
Many times brokers will find a lender who will make loans
that a bank refuses – an example being bad credit. Also,
loans for commercial properties might be easier to procure
through a broker. The Di Nardos are dedicated to making
your financial situation easy and stressless.
“There are a lot of feel good stories that come out of
here,” says Frank. “I get so involved sometimes because I
really want to help people get what they want. Some might
say it adds a more human element but for me it’s just a
natural part of what I do,” he adds. As husbands and fathers
themselves, the Di Nardos understand that there’s a fine line
between business and community responsibility. Anthony
says, “I strive everyday to make every important aspect of
the customer experience a little bit better. I want to ensure
that our customers leave the office completely satisfied with
our service.”
As for what’s in store for Di Nardo Financial’s future,
Frank and Anthony give some insight.
“Besides continuing our commitment to serve the
Vaughan community, we would like Di Nardo Financial to
be accessible throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Large
offices with a huge staff definitely don’t interest us. Credible,
experienced and smaller teams offering outstanding quality is
what is most important. ”
DFI
DI NARDO FINANCIAL INC
905.832.0059 dinardofinancial.com
9461 Jane Street, Unit 105, Maple, Ontario
Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 10am-3pm Brokerage Lic. # 12255

SECTIONS
What’s On
Reaching for the Skies .....................24
Robert Michaels, Guitar Hero ........28
Discover Woodbridge ......................32
Event Calendar ....................................38
Camera! Lights! Action! ....................43
Life & Style
Put Spring in your step! ...................45
Stretching body and mind..............48
Let’s get physical ................................54
House & Home
Mudroom makeover .........................59
When trauma strikes ........................64
Food & Drink
By Mongiovi ..........................................68
The language of wine .......................72
Snack smarter .....................................76
PLUS
Credits ....................................................... 8
From the Publisher ............................10
Time Out .................................................78
The Last Word .....................................80
6 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
inside
W H A T ’ S
FEATURED ARTICLE
Robert Michaels,
guitar hero
Toronto recording artist and Juno
winner Robert Michaels has earned
a cult following for
28
creating a cross-genre
sound that simply
defies description.
COVER STORY
‘‘I don’t
see my
leadership
as a job’’
Public service as
a vocation is less
about the title and
more about one’s
ability to be a
servant leader, says
Vaughan’s Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua
in an exclusive,
freewheeling
interview with
Whatever Vaughan.
14

8 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
SHOES FOR MEN
Vaughan
WHATEVER
Communications Director
JOANNA VALLOZZI
Founder & Publisher
FRED VALLOZZI
Managing Editor
FILOMENA ROSATI
Editor & Creative Director
ARCHIE D’CRUZ
Associate Creative Director
DAVID SEIGEL
Customer Service Manager
NADIA VALLOZZI
Buisness Development
FREDDY VALLOZZI
Art Director
STEVE FARRACE
Graphic Artists
GINA SALITURO
MARIO REA
SERENA VILARDO
Editorial Assistant
MEGHAN FILICETTI
Writers
ROB LORUSSO
DANIELA DiSTEFANO
ELLEN CRYSTAL
DR. KIM ARBUS
KEVIN CAMPBELL
ROMINA MONACO
FRANCESCA SPIZZIRRI
MAURO ORRICO
Photography
JOHN AMENDOLA / SNAP Newspaper
www.whatevervaughan.com

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Vaughan, ON

COVER STORY » MAYOR MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA
Vaughan’s charismatic Mayor takes us on a journey of politics, philosophy
and life. It is a story of hope, optimism and gratitude. By Filomena Rosati
into the
MIND
of the
MAYOR
Up close and personal with Maurizio Bevilacqua
In dwelling, be close to the land.
In meditation,
go deep in the heart.
In dealing with others,
be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be just.
In business, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.
~ TAO TE CHING ~
14 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
Timing is everything and on October 25th, 2010
the political landscape of Vaughan underwent a
changing of the guard. The winning candidate in
the municipal election earned a record-setting 45,054
votes, completely eclipsing the field with a 64% share of
the vote. That candidate was Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
who embodies the Tao Te Ching quote at left
in every way.
His victory added another exclamation point on an impressive political
track record—of never losing an election at either the federal or local level
of government.
Almost two years later, there is much evidence that the citizens of Vaughan
have embraced this Mayor who has brought a breath of fresh air to local
politics. No longer is Vaughan known as the place of lawsuits, constant
political fighting, petty gamesmanship or weak leadership. No longer do you
hear people mockingly twist Vaughan’s former slogan and call it “The City
Above the Law.” Vaughan now focuses on standing tall in its own right—a
leading regional job creator, with the second lowest taxes in the G.T.A. and
an exceptional quality of life.

Mayor Bevilacqua readily accepted an interview request with Whatever
Vaughan, and on a snowy Saturday afternoon in February, I make my
way to City Hall, located on Major Mackenzie just east of Keele Street.
As I approach the tree-lined path, a friendly security guard is waiting.
The great atrium of the new City Hall is silent; only the echoes of his
footsteps and mine are heard. I am escorted to the fourth floor to
wait for the Mayor’s arrival.
I am left to my thoughts and somewhat nervous at the
prospect of forgetting questions, but Mayor Bevilacqua’s
cheery welcome immediately puts me at ease.
We entered and sat opposite each other in his Zen-like
office; a quiet sanctuary this Saturday. Normally it is
the hub and heartbeat of the
building in which it resides,
where important meetings
take place and critical
decisions are made.
What began as a casual
interview soon turned
into a powerful, inspirational
and frank conversation about life,
leadership and spirituality. The subdued
chocolate brown décor and elegant yet
simple surroundings mirror the demeanor of a calm,
sure-footed, yet charismatic Mayor who never once
stumbled on his words. The floor-to-ceiling windows,
which he demonstrated as an example of total physical
transparency, was also a metaphor for his leadership style
and philosophy in business and life in general.
The Mayor’s style is more understated rather than
flamboyant, but he is passionate, open, approachable,
friendly and sincere with a good sense of humour. Over
the course of two and a half hours, he took Whatever
on a journey of politics, philosophy and life. He spoke
of his humble beginnings and how he got to where
he is now. It is a story of hope, optimism
and gratitude.
Maurizio Bevilacqua was born in the small Italian
town of Sulmona, Abruzzo. His mother was a
seamstress and his father owned a small bicycle
business. His father was also a champion cyclist
in his younger days and exemplified hard work
and dedication. The second of four children,
young Maurizio experienced some tough
years in his early life. Out of necessity, his
father journeyed to Canada, leaving his
family behind in search of a better life and
brighter future for his children. The six-yearold
boy would not see his father for
four years.
Bevilacqua believes that this time, growing up
without his father, made him a stronger and
more self-reliant person. “What do you learn
from a seamstress who is raising three children
on her own?” asks the Mayor. “You learn that
it’s a vocation that is deeply rooted in love.
You create dresses for others, in service of
others. You want people to look their best,
feel their best. In providing a service,
you manifest a giving spirit. The joy
you bring to others also becomes
your joy.”
Photo: MATTHEW ORLANDO
WHATEVER VAUGHAN 15

COVER STORY » MAYOR MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA
Left and Top Right:
Mayor Bevilacqua says
he experienced the
essence of “servant
leadership” after
meeting spiritual
leaders like the Dalai
Lama and Pope John
Paul II. Bottom Right:
Menorah lighting
at City Hall.
Outside the
political arena,
Bevilacqua is
immersed in
spirituality. He
has studied the
Tao Te Ching
—a Chinese
text written
over 2,000
years ago about
the virtues of
humanity, as
well as the
teachings of
St. Francis
of Assisi and
St. Ignatius
of Loyola.
16 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
As important, what he learned from his mother
was to be ‘in a state of flow.’ Bevilacqua describes
it as “that emotional, spiritual, psychological
state where everything feels right and where one
is totally immersed in the task at hand, in total
focus and harmony with the self.” It is important
for the Mayor to live in a state of flow.
Says Bevilacqua: “What I learned from
my father was how to compete and win.
I learned the importance of training,
preparation, discipline, determination,
focus and perseverance.”
The Mayor brings to the political arena a
plethora of skills in finance, international
alliances and an unprecedented understanding
of policies and procedures. At the federal level,
he had a long reign as chair of the Commons
finance committee during a tough and a very
difficult period for the Canadian economy.
Many of his recommendations made it into the
federal budgets, which brought about Canada’s
economic renaissance.
This year marks Bevilacqua’s 25th anniversary
in elected office. He was only 28 when he was
first elected to parliament—the youngest MP
for that session. Focused, disciplined and with
a desire and will to serve, he won consecutive
federal elections in 1988, 1990, 1993, 1997,
2000, 2004, 2006 and 2008. In 1993 he
established an all-time record for the largest
personal margin of victory in a Canadian
federal election, receiving 71,535 votes and
winning his seat by a margin of 51,389 votes
over his closest rival. Twenty years later, this
record still stands.
What was the first order of business when he
took over as Mayor, we asked him.
“There was a feeling of urgency that was
important for me to address,” says Bevilacqua.
“That was the image of the city perceived by
the people within this city and beyond. The
image projected by the press and commentaries
needed to be changed. There was a disconnect
between myth and reality. I felt that we could
do better, but we had to earn it and work
hard every day towards achieving respect,”
says Bevilacqua. “Upon entering office I
immediately addressed the challenging
governance instability that I inherited from past
administrations by quickly building confidence,
mutual respect and co-operation with council
members and the residents. I have been
blessed to have a very supportive Council,
administration and staff that is focused
and disciplined where everyone makes a
contribution to city building. These are people
who care about public service and work very
hard to achieve positive results for the citizens
of Vaughan.”
Adds Bevilacqua: “I was elected based upon an
agenda for change. Accountability is important,
respect is important. Politics is not difficult
when driven by accountability. All my actions
are in perfect alignment with my values,

principles and beliefs. I am motivated by public
service - it is a calling.”
From his first job at a furniture factory sweeping
floors to delivering speeches in parliament, he
says, “You learn discipline, and how to show up
on time and earn an honest day’s work. I keep
a picture of myself as that young boy on my
Blackberry to stay connected to my roots and
humble beginnings.”
In his first year as mayor, he implemented
two key platform policies of his campaign, the
Vaughan Accord, a 12-point document that
ushered in a new era of respect and cooperation
on Council, as well as Program Review, a
line-by-line analysis of city programs and
expenditures to ensure their responsible and
efficient management.
Bevilacqua has established a greater working
relationship with all levels of government and
continues to promote Vaughan as a worldclass
city. He currently also serves as a member
of the Board of Directors and Planning &
Development committee of Mackenzie Health,
as well as vice-chair of PowerStream, the
second largest municipally-owned electricity
distribution company in Ontario.
PowerStream President & CEO Brian Bentz
says, “Right from the beginning, Mayor
Bevilacqua has brought a positive energy and
a resolute calmness to the PowerStream Board
of Directors. His servant leadership style is not
COVER STORY » MAYOR MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA
only based on the concept of serving others,
it is also based on humility. He believes that
each of us can realize tremendous potential
in ourselves if we see life through a different
lens—one of helping others through humble
service. His message has been truly inspiring
for our organization.”
An avid reader of the work of Dr. Martin
Seligman, the founder of Applied Positive
Psychology, the mayor believes that this
approach can ultimately reshape cities, towns
and communities for the better, providing
citizens with the opportunity to live interesting
and fulfilling lives. His style and approach is
resonating with community leaders in business,
academic, social, cultural and spiritual circles.
Since becoming Mayor, Bevilacqua has adopted
this applied positive psychology as a
methodology to all he does as
Clockwise from top
left: The mayor with
former Prime Minister
Jean Chretien; With
his Council colleagues;
Being interviewed
by Stephen LeDrew
of CP24; With the
co-chairs of the
2012 Mayor’s Gala,
Free the Children’s
Craig Kielburger and
Hannah Godefa; With
Justin Trudeau.
WHATEVER VAUGHAN 17

COVER STORY » MAYOR MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA
‘‘
“I don’t see my
leadership as
a job. Public
service as a
vocation is
less about the
title and more
about one’s
ability to be a
Bevilacqua
servant leader.”
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18 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
greets students at Toy Drive launch. Right, the Mayor serves up pancakes at a community event.
the leader of the city. His leadership style is one “I don’t see my leadership as a job. Public
which focuses on positive character strengths. service as a vocation is less about the title
He works tirelessly—80 to 90 hours per week and more about one’s ability to be a servant
to cultivate a culture of city building, which leader,” says Bevilacqua. As a former Cabinet
is anchored to hope, optimism and gratitude. minister and MP, he acquired valuable skills,
He believes that this deep belief will ultimately knowledge and an extensive personal network
result in the creation of a city that can realize which has helped the City of Vaughan navigate
its full potential—enhancing the fulfillment of through important files such as the Mackenzie
the human experience, improving the health, Vaughan hospital, the subway, the Vaughan
creativity and productivity of the citizens while Metropolitan Centre, economic development
strengthening the city’s core and well-being. and planning.
“In public life, experience matters.
I thoroughly enjoy the role of Mayor.
My transition has been seamless.
I feel confident and at ease in the
Corporate holiday parties
municipal environment,” says
From intimate home dinner
parties to milestone family events
Bevilacqua.
Product release events
Specializing in execution at
limited facility venues
“Ladies night in” an evening of fun
cooking and wine demonstration
“Men’s garage party” charcoal
BBQ and Big Reds
Homemade charcuterie,
pasta and sauce
All products locally sourced
Ross Marin, Chairman of the Board
of Directors, Vaughan Chamber of
Commerce adds, “Mayor Bevilacqua’s
extensive political experience with
national budgets, finance and business
provides the Vaughan business
community with extra confidence. His
philosophy is rooted in a deep respect
for taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars and
a deep love of the City.”
Full catering-food, staff, décor, Bevilacqua outlines his vision for a
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“Purpose-Driven City”, describing it
as “a place where we focus on our
character strengths and virtues; a place
where the genuine and authentic self
is achieved by individuals as well as
collectively as a city.”
He adds: “Ultimately I want people to
live fulfilling, meaningful lives where
we improve the human condition. If
we don’t work towards this ultimate
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The Council under the leadership of
the Mayor is now more focused on
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COVER STORY » MAYOR MAURIZIO BEVILACQUA
new Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, the new
subway, the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital,
responsible governance and maintaining low
taxes while providing excellence in service
delivery. All these important issues have seen
dramatic progress inspiring much confidence
in the residents about Vaughan’s bright future.
They now realistically begin to imagine the city
with a vibrant and dynamic downtown core
anchored to a modern transit system including
the Spadina subway extension and a new
world-class Vaughan Hospital.
Mayor Bevilacqua has been a strong and
inspirational leader on this important citybuilding
initiative. “As an example, he
immediately recognized the need for stronger
governance and coordination to help ensure
the delivery of transit and to create the
conditions for redevelopment to coincide with
the planned VMC Subway Station and Bus
Rapid Transit Station opening in 2016,” says
John Mackenzie, Commissioner of Planning
for the City of Vaughan.
The media that has been watching this
ongoing transformation of the city agrees.
“Maurizio Bevilacqua, a man of great vision
in this regard is saying that they want this to
be a new downtown for the G.T.A.,” says Matt
Galloway, CBC Metro Morning.
Where many would see this as a political
20 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
‘‘
“From
sweeping floors
to delivering
speeches in
Parliament, you
learn discipline
and how to show
up on time and
earn an honest
day’s work.”
step down from federal to municipal politics,
Bevilacqua sees it as a labour of love.
“I came back to the City of Vaughan motivated
by a deep desire to bring about positive change
to the city as well as dramatically improve its
governance.”
Outside the political arena, Bevilacqua is
immersed in spirituality. For a year he studied
the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, which is a
Chinese text written over two thousand years
ago about the virtues of humanity. His spiritual
practices include the teachings of St. Francis of
Assisi and St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose major
work was based on spiritual exercises. He has
met leaders like John Paul II, the Dalai Lama,
Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and
many others. Through their lives, he has learned
to resign his ego and accept that we are all
flawed yet develop an unshakable confidence.
Although he has have travelled across Canada
and around the globe, he proudly states, “I
must say that there is no place like home here
in Vaughan and no community quite like this
one. It’s the place in which I feel the most
comfortable, and I cherish and treasure it
the most.”
Says Sunder Singh, Executive Director, Elspeth
Heyworth Centre for Women: “If Vaughan
was to be measured by its gross happiness, it
would indeed rate very high, because Mayor
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COVER STORY
anniversary, or school that he visits—
and he visits many—he speaks first
and foremost of our city’s greatest
strength, our residents. This is a
Mayor who understands that our
social infrastructure and our ability to
take care of each other, is as important
as the physical infrastructure of roads
and sewers and stores.”
Change is nothing new to this Mayor.
He thrives on change, is an advocate
for change. Jim Flaherty, Minister of
Finance and Minister Responsible for
the Greater Toronto Area can attest
to that. “As a Member of Parliament,
Maurizio Bevilacqua was one of those
pragmatic parliamentarians who
demonstrated a savvy ability to work
with the government in a collegial
manner to bring about change. As
Mayor, Maurizio has taken that same
pragmatic approach with his council
and in his dealings with the region
and the provincial and the federal
governments. The people of Vaughan
have definitely benefitted from his
consensus building,” says Flaherty.
Bevilacqua’s passion for serving is
fuelled by knowledge, by reading, from
curiosity, by his spiritual practices and
by stretching his mind. He practices
the mental exercises of Lumosity,
which is the best-known cognitivetraining.
It presents a series of games
and exercises designed to help improve
one’s mental abilities. Keeping his
mind sharp is a necessity as he is
dedicated to being highly productive.
“It’s all about contemplative action
and manifesting in every day life,”
says Bevilacqua, who also enjoys,
cycling, soccer, meditation and yoga.
This is your Mayor; he is the
embodiment of a new era of
transparency, raising the bar for a city
he is passionate about. He believes
Vaughan is “The Place to Be” (the
new unofficial slogan for the city, and
the title of a song he wrote in honour
of the city), it is a place which exudes
youth, multiculturalism, modernism
and community involvement.
At the end of our conversation,
Bevilacqua brought me over to
admire a wooden carving of the Lao
Tzu. He proudly recounts how this
was gifted to him. In this Mayor is a
spiritual, deep sense of dedication, of a
determination that is aimed at results
not by an iron fist, but by embracing
diversity of opinions and bringing out

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calls from James, Kevin Durant,
and—perhaps the most telling of his
potential stature in the game—Michael
Jordan himself. He’s definitely found
himself entrenched in that rarified
“Next Big Thing” status.
While Canadians are used to sports
stars entering the pros out of high
school in hockey, as Sidney Crosby
did when he was drafted by the
Pittsburgh Penguins, basketball
differs in that players must spend a
year in college, or overseas playing
pro in Europe, before they reach the
minimum 19-year-old age requirement
the NBA has set. Otherwise, Wiggins
may have been able to make history a
year earlier, after finishing his senior
year at Huntington Prep in the U.S.
Making history may just be something
that the former student at Vaughan
Secondary School should start getting
used to. On February 25, he became
the first Canadian to win the Naismith
Prep Player of the Year Award, given
annually to the top male and female
basketball players. Taking one look
at the list of players who’ve won it in
the past—Kobe Bryant, LeBron James,
Dwight Howard—and Wiggins already
finds himself in elite company.
Wiggins is currently the most sought
after high school hoops star among
US colleges. Many of the schools
falling over one another to bring him
in are doing so knowing that he is
almost certain to exercise his right
to go pro as soon as he completes
the mandatory one year of service
between high school and the NBA.
Wiggins’s story is only just beginning.
What happens from here on out,
from the school he chooses to attend
next year to what team selects him
in the NBA Draft, all of that will
help to dictate how this story will
eventually play out. The rest of it
falls squarely on the shoulders of the
great Canadian hope, the kid raised
in Thornhill, the kid who helped fill
a gym of hyped fans and journalists
from across the country during his
school’s recent visit to Hamilton to
play against the best high schoolers
from that city.
If Wiggins plays to the level expected
of him he won’t just be the next
LeBron James. He’ll be the first
Andrew Wiggins, the player every
other prospect that follows him will
be compared to.
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WHATEVER VAUGHAN 27

WHAT’S ON IN VAUGHAN » ROBERT MICHAELS
PICTURE: ALYSSA BUTTARAZZI
28 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
Toronto recording
artist and Juno winner
Robert Michaels
has earned a cult
following for creating
a cross-genre sound
that simply defies
description.
by Romina Monaco
Expert, agile fingers lightly strum the strings of the
classical guitar and sultry music permeates the room.
The dark-haired virtuoso moves rhythmically to the
melody. No one present can characterize this magic. Is it Jazz,
Flamenco, Cuban, or Neapolitan? It is none in particular, yet it
encompasses all. It is a genre of music born only from this man.
It is the music of Robert Michaels.
In an industry inundated with cookie-cutter pop stars, where
talent fits a common prototype and creativity is controlled by
record labels, Robert Michaels is the antithesis of the status quo.
A Juno winner and a three-time Juno nominee, this artist prefers
to march to the beat of his own guitar. His unquestionable skill,
combined with his ability to blend diverse musical styles, is the
very foundation of his unique sound.
For two decades this Toronto recording artist, guitarist
and vocalist has achieved cult status, entertaining
his fans with his original, signature style. Influenced
by his Italian heritage, his travels throughout Cuba and love of
Latin American music, Michaels’ repertoire offers a kaleidoscope of
NEXT PAGE »

Secretariat elevation A 5,944 sq. ft.
As one of King City’s most sought after locations,
the Kingsview Manors Community boasts an exclusive enclave
of only 65 homes backing onto the humber river,
surrounded by 30 acres of conservation.
VISIT WWW.KINGSVIEWMANORS.COM
OR CALL 905.539.0179 to book an appointment
SALES OFFICE LOCATED INSIDE
KING TOWNSHIP MUSEUM
2920 King Road, King City
Mon. - Thurs.: 1pm - 8pm | Sat. Sun. & Holidays: 11am - 6pm
kingsviewmanors.com | 905.539.0179
Information is correct at press time. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
E. & O.E. Rendering is artist’s concept.

WHAT’S ON IN VAUGHAN » ABOUT TOWN
Welcome to a new series,
where we take you around
Vaughan. In this series, we
will introduce you to the
towns that make up our
city, and showcase some
of the best things to see
and do, the best places to
eat, and more.
DISCOVER
Food, fairs, fun
Woodbridge plays
host to a number
of popular events
including (pictured
top right) the Rib
Fest, the Woodbridge
Fair and Concerts
in the Park.
32 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
by Meghan Filicetti
The Town of Woodbridge, although originating as a farming village, has
evolved into an urbanized town that has a lot to offer. The community,
predominantly populated by Italians, has welcomed many other
ethnicities including Russians, Ukrainians, Indians and Afghans, to name a few.
The landscape offers some beautiful sights, with
a blend of rolling hills and natural water streams
of the Humber River Valley occupying the areas
that aren’t already populated with residential,
commercial and industrial properties.
Its traditional downtown core, commonly
referred to as “Market Lane”, is found on
the stretch of Woodbridge Avenue between
Islington Ave and Kipling Ave. Located in the
southwest of Vaughan, Woodbridge has a lot
to offer both residents and visitors.
Eats
Woodbridge is home to numerous bakeries
that provide daily freshly baked Artisan breads,
delicious delicatessens as well as exquisite
treats. Check out Nino D’Aversa (7960 Kipling
Ave, 905-851-2211) and St. Phillip’s (5100
RutherfordRoad, 905-893-2863).
Oh So Sweet is a specialty bakery that offers
100% nut-free baked goods including cupcakes,
cakes, cookies, pastries and other sweets. They are
at Unit 15, 8099 Weston Road, 905-265-9898.
If you have a craving for authentic homemade
Italian gelato, then La Paloma Gelateria &
Café is the place to be. The outdoor benches
during the spring and summer seasons make
this venue a Woodbridge hot spot. It is located

MARKETING FEATURE » SUNSHADES
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10472 Islington Avenue
sunshadesdecor.ca
Kleinburg Oakville Toronto Central
38 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
The perfect place
for window shoppers
Visit the Kleinburg SunShades location today and
let them shed some light on your home’s interior.
WHAT’S ON IN VAUGHAN
event
calendar
Vaughan In Motion
Gala to Cure Cancer
When: Friday, April 5th at 6 p.m.
Where: Terrace Banquet Hall,
1680 Creditstone Rd
Details: This 100% volunteer-staffed,
not-for-profit organization is dedicated
to supporting all cancer patients
and their families who live in our
community by raising vital funds for
equipment and programs aimed at
prevention and treatment of cancers.
More info: vaughaninmotion.com
Maple Leaf Montessori
Schools 25th Anniv. Gala
When: Friday, April 19th at 6 p.m.
Where: The Venetian Banquet and
Hospitality Centre, 219 Romina Dr.
Details: All past and present alumni,
friends and family are invited for a
trip down memory lane.
More info: Email Johanna Madeley at
Johanna@mlmontessori.org or visit
mlmontessori.org
The Mayor’s Gala
When: Thursday, May 2nd at 6 p.m.
Where: Paramount Conference
Centre, 222 Rowntree Dairy Rd.
Details: Vaughan’s premier annual
fundraising event helps not-for-profit
and community organizations provide
much needed services to citizens.
Mayor Maurizio Bevilazqua will be
in attendance.
More info: Call (905) 832-2281 or
email mayorsgala@vaughan.ca
Habitat for Humanity
York Region’s Summer
Social Gala
When: Wednesday, June 5th
Where: Masden’s Gardens,
160 Bayview Parkway
Details: The organization began in
2001 to promote home ownership
as a means to breaking the cycle
of poverty. This event will support
Habitat York’s Build Fund to help
provide affordable housing for
deserving families in York Region.
More info: Visit habitatyork.ca
or call (905) 868-8722

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WHAT’S ON IN VAUGHAN » EVENT ROUNDUP
$3.7m Vaughan
show home
is top prize
in latest PMH
cancer lottery
The Princess Margaret Cancer
Foundation (PMCF) kicked off
their 2013 Home Lottery with the
unveiling of the grand prize; a luxurious
8,000 square-foot home featuring
gorgeous wood and mosaic marble
floors, an exquisite custom kitchen,
a two-storey library and dining room
and a beautiful backyard terrace.
The breathtaking $3.77 million custom
show home, built by Greenpark Homes,
is located at One Stallions Court in
Vaughan. In addition to the stunning
home, the lucky winner will also receive
a 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i Crossover.
Among those in attendance at the
announcement event held in February,
was Vaughan Mayor Maurizio
Laura Cappadocia
Owner
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42 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
Bevilacqua, PMCF Vice President
Christine Lasky, Greenpark Homes
President Carlo Baldassarra, and Jack
Celli, Greenpark’s Interior Design
Director.
To date, the Princess Margaret Cancer
Lotteries have generated over $246
million in new funds for cancer
research. Princess Margaret is one of
the top five cancer research centres
in the world.
DISCOVER
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what we do isn’t simply about nails,
facials and hair removal. We provide
our clientele with inner peace and
true gratification of the senses.
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Artist’s rendering of the
Greenpark show home
SickKids gets
$400,000…with
a little help
from friends
T
he care that young leukemia
patient Antonio Damiano
received at SickKids so inspired
his parents and their friends, that
they did more than simply thank the
doctors and caregivers: they set up a
charity to raise funds for the hospital.
Frank and Martina Damiano and a
group of others set up Friends Helping
Sick Kids, which to date has raised over
$400,000 to assist the Hematology/
Oncology department in the areas of
clinical treatments, education
and research.
This year’s disco themed party was
held at the Primavera Banquet and
Convention Centre in Woodbridge
with 900 guests in attendance. The
event raised $75,000 for the hospital.
To find out more about this cause,
visit friendshelpingsickkids.com.
Guests at this year’s event

y Rob Lorusso
You may have noticed a few
more people around you talking
film the last six months. If you
haven’t figured out why yet, there’s
no better time than now to get up to
speed. If local filmmakers and festival
directors for the Vaughan Film
Festival, Antonio Ienco and Mark
Pagliaroli, have their way, this year’s
inaugural event will only be the
catalyst for bigger things to come.
The Vaughan Film Festival will
showcase international short films
and, in essence, art forms of all
genres. “Our mandate is to create
a platform for creative artists and
film makers so they can have the
opportunity to let their talent shine,”
says Pagliaroli.
This year’s festival takes place on April
18 and 19, with the first day dedicated
to movie screenings inside the
Vaughan Cineplex Colossus Theatres.
Starting at 6pm, movie lovers can
enjoy watching films selected from
more than 40 submitted. Submissions
have come in from Canada, the USA,
Mexico, Germany, the Philippines and
Iraq, to name a few.
The second night features The Grand
Social, a red carpet affair at Riviera
Parque with the highlights being
the VFF Awards presentation, an art
exhibit and live performances by
musicians and dancers. Pagliaroli and
Ienco will also present a scholarship to
two lucky students, assisting in their
post-secondary education in the arts.
Hopes are high for a successful launch
to the festival. Over 1,000 people are
expected to attend, and the quality of
the short films and exposure granted
to this year’s crop of filmmakers
and actors can only do wonders for
the quality of films screened next
year. It’s not unprecedented for a
film festival to increase the profile of
cities. The VFF could do for Vaughan
what Sundance has done for Utah.
The focus is squarely on this year
however and the pair, as well as their
WHAT’S ON IN VAUGHAN » EVENT ROUNDUP
Camera! Lights! Action!
Curtain set to rise on inaugural Vaughan film festival
Festival directors
Mark Pagliaroli, left,
and Antonio Ienco
hard working committee has helped
invigorate the local arts community.
Their Twitter campaign, for example,
has seen people like Entertainment
Tonight’s Rick Campinelli and
Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
photographed with the VFF’s yellow
#talkingfilm word hashtag.
The duo know firsthand as filmmakers
(they are the brains behind local film
company Reel Film Pictures) how
important it is for artists to have a
platform for their work and what that
can then do for their careers if seen
by the right people. Only time will
tell which future stars can say they
got their big push at the Vaughan
Film Festival.
WHATEVER VAUGHAN 43

LIFE & STYLE » YOGA RETREAT
Past perfect
When you enter
Villa Lina, you say
goodbye to modern
conveniences like
TV and phones, and
welcome peace
and serenity.
Italian
yoga retreat is a renewal in more ways than one
48 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
by Francesca Spizzirri
The fun began the moment I arrived on the Italian island of Ischia
and was greeted by my driver, Giovanni, a charismatic man who
sang old Neapolitan love songs with all the passion he could muster
while simultaneously manoeuvering his way through winding dirt roads,
past vibrant bougainvillea and endless views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
We were deep into our impromptu duet when we reached the unassuming
gates of Villa Lina, the place I would call home for the next week.
As I entered the gateway I was transported to another time and place.
My thoughts filled with childhood memories of my grandmother’s home
in southern Italy, until they were broken by the enthusiastic barking of
Vito, the property’s friendly mascot. What lies beyond the gates of Villa
Lina can only be described as a utopia of organic living with its lush
vegetation, olive groves and earthen paths lined with rosemary bushes
perched above the Mediterranean.
Family owned and operated, the villa is run by Nicola, who cares for the

LIFE & STYLE » YOGA RETREAT
property and his guests with
the same love a shepherd
showers on his flock. Firmly
committed to sustainable
and environmentally-sound
practices, he picks fresh
herbs and vegetables from
his garden to prepare the
daily meals—some of the
best I’ve ever had!
The original rustic style of the
villa and the land is honoured
throughout the property. My
room was equipped with a
bathroom, queen size bed,
wooden desk, armoire and a
terrace with beautiful vistas.
What it did not have was a
TV, phone or access to the
modern technologies we are
accustomed too. I questioned
how I would ever survive an
entire week without them,
but in time I discovered that
letting go of all distractions
gifted me with heightened
self-awareness and a sense of
serenity.
The main house is made up
of a kitchen, where we often
found Nicola and Magdalena
preparing our daily meals,
and a great room lined with
family photographs, old
books, magazines and the
only TV on the property.
Adjacent to this is a large
dining room with wall to
wall glass panels to not
obstruct the panoramic
views that lead onto the
50 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
deck where we would relax,
read, meditate and enjoy
gorgeous sunsets. There are
two yoga areas; one a room
with sliding glass doors and
views of the sea where we
would practise our morning
yoga, and the other an
open pavilion where we
enjoyed evening restorative
yoga while looking out
onto the endless horizon.
The property also boasts two
Beat a retreat
For information on
attending a Yoga Retreat
in Ischia, Tuscany,
Marrakech or Provence,
visit eatpraymove.com and
mention Travelista73 or
email Francesca Spizzirri at
travelista73@hotmail.com.
For more on the author’s
travel adventures, visit
travelista73.blogspot.com
pools, an outdoor one filled
with the island’s famous
healing thermal waters, and
an indoor pool in a cave of
pumice filled with warm sea
water. This was the location
of our late night gatherings
to relax and discuss the trials
and tribulations of life. There
is great solace in discovering
how different yet similar our
lives are; each of us bearing
our sadness and joys with a
smile and positive outlook
on the future.
Our host and yoga instructor,
Erin, is a beautiful woman
with delicate bone structure
and an elegance that
reminded me of Audrey
Hepburn, and from that day
forward I would refer to her
as just that. Her passion for
yoga is evident in the way in
which she guides each guest—
beginner or intermediate—
into the day’s poses and
practise. She made each
experience a pure delight.
The retreat is open to both
men and women, though
our group consisted only
of women. The nine of us
varied in ages from 24 to 69,
all from different cultures
and backgrounds. It was
an eclectic array of women
that lit up every room
with laughter and joy. And
together, every day was a
new lesson in discovery of
ourselves and each other, as
we challenged one another
to new heights, to embrace
change, and to appreciate
life in all its glorious hues.
Each day began with morning
yoga and a delicious breakfast
before embarking on a new
and exciting adventure. We
hiked to the top of Monte
Epomeo (789 metres high)
to enjoy breathtaking views
of the island and ocean
beyond. We spent a day at
the Thermal Spa Negombo
where we sunbathed and
swam, had spa treatments and
enjoyed the many thermal
pools. We explored Castello
Aragonese, a medieval castle

MARKETING FEATURE » FITWALL®
Don’t hit a wall
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The brand new
FitWall® allows
members to perform
over 800 exercises,
reducing boredom
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making workouts
more effective
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Vaughan is used to setting trends throughout
the GTA with attractions like Vaughan Mills
and Canada’s Wonderland. Now, we can take
credit for being the first home to one of the
world’s most innovative workout solutions to
be developed in years. Introducing FitWall® -
Canada’s first vertical training studio.
The concept is quite simple: With FitWall®,
you are the machine. This workout is ideal for
casual athletes who know they need to add an
effective fitness regiment to their tennis, hockey,
golf, squash, baseball and virtually every other
physical activity. These sessions simply offer the
best workout in a limited time. Only 3 sessions
per week, at 30 minutes per session will provide
notable improvements in endurance, core
strength and muscle tone, bringing your game to
a new level.
There is no futuristic technology, computer
controls, moving parts or electronic dependence
- it’s just the person and the wall. As you’re
doing your exercises, rather than being able to
rest some muscles as you do during a standard
horizontal workout, all of your body’s muscles
are online and consuming calories while vertical
training, as opposed to only a few when you do
horizontal-based exercises.
The vertical surface triggers a guarded response
that automatically turns on all of your body’s
muscles. All 600 muscles work together to flush
carbs and build core strength. This results in a
more complete workout that actually works your
entire body rather than limited areas.
In every session, members work with a certified
trainer. FitWall® offers better results packed into
a 30-minute workout, allowing your body to burn
an optimal amount of calories. The trainers are
extremely enthusiastic and dedicated, ensuring
plenty of one-on-one time during every session
to guide members properly, motivate them and
create the most positive experience possible.
The exercises themselves aren’t the only benefit of
this workout. You save plenty of time by not having
to move to multiple machines every time you work
out. In fact, each session contains 30 minutes of
fun, heart-pumping, fat-blasting training - trainers
promise to rev your metabolism like nothing ever
has before.
FitWall® is a better workout solution, providing
your body with global muscular integration. It is
suitable for all ages and strength levels – intensity
can be increased or decreased depending on your
positioning. Another great feature of this system
is that it can help people with injuries that might
otherwise impede traditional strength training.
The facility at Highway 27 and Highway 7 is the
only FitWall® location in Vaughan, offering over
30 scheduled classes per week, with the option
to purchase private sessions as well. Featuring
8 adult units, classes are in no way crowded
or overwhelming. 4 units are also available for
children, and inquiries about their kids classes
are always welcome.
The studio has built a loyal following in its first
year, but they’re always happy to welcome new
members to the facility. An introductory demo
class is usually only $15 per person. However, the
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*Contact FitWall ® today to reserve your spot. This article must
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LIFE & STYLE » FITNESS
Fitness Basics: The more you know—the easier it is to get fit!
54 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
PHYSICAL
by Mauro Orrico
It’s no secret that physical fitness is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, but
how do we define fitness? Well, it’s pretty easy. Fitness is simply the ability
to perform physical activities. There are several components or parts that
contribute to what we like to call health-related fitness. These include:
is that you have complete control over
what you choose to do.
related fitness. Let’s briefly review the
five components of fitness so you’re
need to create an effective
improves not only fitness,
but health as well.
Aerobic fitness
is essentially the
interaction between
blood vessels that
allows you to sustain
periods of time. The
more aerobic fitness
you have, the healthier
blood vessels will be. They
LET’S GET
will also be much more efficient at rest,
which means less stress and strain for
the entire body.
To achieve aerobic fitness, you must
participate in some form of aerobic
How to gain aerobic fitness. In
and buttocks. This action causes you
to breathe more deeply and your heart
to work harder to pump blood, thereby
“Before you get started.
your doctor about any possible medical
a certified personal trainer to help you
develop a safe, effective, and enjoyable
Muscular fitness

6201 Highway 7 West
At Highway 427
Vaughan, Ontario
905-850-9995

HOUSE & HOME » MUDROOM MAKEOVER
« FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
likelihood, our mudroom is one of the
smallest rooms of the home relative to the
greatest amount of traffic. Why do we make
do with such frustrating space? What can we
do to improve the storage and flow?
We make do because it’s often a back entry that
few of our friends even see. It’s merely a pass
through zone, where few of us linger long. We
rush in and out the door for so many years that
we’ve become blinded to its inadequacies.
While every home is unique, the first
strategy to alleviating the frustration with an
inadequate mudroom is to organize it based
on our family’s needs. The management
of the coats, backpacks and footwear can
be improved with more functional closet
organizers. Include a double hanging area for
shorter jackets while narrow vertical cubbies
for backpacks, shoes and boots will maximize
floor space.
If possible, a long hanging area can be created
for dress coats, and you could even reserve
enough space to slide in an ironing board
or brooms. Alternatively, a built-in foldout
ironing board can be installed between
stud walls. The local lumberyard will have
economy models or specialty hardware
suppliers like Richelieu have these fold-out
ironing boards at several price points. Toggles
built along a wall can also hang individual
coats or clips can mount brooms if the space
is particularly narrow.
You should consider incorporating some kind
of seating in the mudroom. The most charming
solution is a built-in bench with large drawers
below. The benefit of such storage is that it
is a wonderful place for hats, gloves, mitts
and sports equipment…all items that might
otherwise end up scattered around a mudroom.
Above the bench, hooks for coats, purses and
60 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
Practical magic
It’s all about
space planning...
incorporating
seating, storage
areas, fold-out
ironing boards,
a sink and closet
organizers will go
a long way towards
alleviating mudroom
frustration.
umbrellas can house the favourites within a
small space. A series of open shelves or cabinets
above the hooks will also take advantage of
vertical storage.
With the advent of front load laundry
equipment, we have greater flexibility on how
to organize the washer and dryer. We can put
them side by side, stack them, or utilize the
pedestals if we are particularly tall. There are a
number of compact models available, such as
those made by Bosch, as well as a wide variety
of larger capacity units on the market.
A recent installation we did had a very
complicated mechanical issue so a typical dryer
vent was out of the question. We were able to
source a dryer that had a built in humidifier
chamber. It is an extra step to empty the
reservoir that collects moisture, but it was better
suited to the application. The extra cost of
the units was very affordable compared to the
venting that would have been required.
Many homeowners have sight lines from more
public areas into the laundry section of their
mudrooms. To camouflage the washer and dryer,
we stack them in an alcove sheathed in cabinet
millwork. This offers the benefit of convenience
as well as the aesthetics of an appealing view.
When using a solution like this, though,

HOUSE & HOME » MUDROOM MAKEOVER
FOR ALL YOUR COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL,
OFFICE AND INVESTMENT NEEDS
62 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
special attention should be paid to
the manufacturers’ recommended
clearances to ensure longevity of the
machines and ease of venting.
One of the most desired features in
any laundry area is a drying rack.
There are several models available
from Lee Valley that mount to a wall
and accordion to a smaller size when
not in use. Also, if there is room,
a closet rod is useful for hanging
up recently dried shirts to mitigate
wrinkling. Some open shelves for
laundry basket storage will help
tidy up the area.
A number of homeowners like the
idea of built-in bins behind doors
that can be used for sorting the loads.
If possible, we incorporate up to four
bins, as we all have the basic whites,
colours, blacks, and hand-wash
delicate loads to sort. Sources such as
Richelieu, Rev-a-shelf and Hafele have
a number of options readily available.
Often a number of hardware or
houseware outlets will also have
readymade organizer systems in
their inventories. Such consistent
sizes alleviate the visual noise and
are easier to organize in shelving or
perhaps under our bench.
Many mudrooms are also useful for
cleanup tasks—whether it involves
fresh veggies from the garden or
the brushes from a recent painting
project. If there is room, a utility sink
with some depth can be a wonderful
addition. Some sinks even have a
built in drainboard, which serves to
extend the work surface. Don’t forget
a side or integral sprayer for filling
cleaning buckets or spraying down
a BBQ rack.
Finally, it is useful to keep an extra
bin or two here to house curb
recycled items and returnables such
as wine bottles. Some of our clients,
as an example, have a paper bin
right by their mudroom door and
drop junk mail flyers and unwanted
paper right there, before it even
enters their home.
All in all, with attention to the specific
needs of our household and applying
a few meaningful tips regarding
storage and flow, a mudroom can be
a functional, pleasant space that helps
ease our day.
Ellen Crystal is a Senior Designer at
Urbana in Victoria, BC. She can be reached
at ecrystal@urbanakitchens.ca

HOUSE & HOME » DEALING WITH CHILDREN’S FEARS
How to talk to your children about events that cause distress
by Dr. Kim Arbus
The recent school shooting at Sandy Hook
Elementary in Connecticut was a day
most of us won’t soon forget. We all try to
grieve the loss of innocent children, the
student survivors who are traumatized,
the families who have had to go through
the unthinkable, all such difficult images
to process. The questions plague us
all…Why did it happen? Could it
happen again? Is my child’s school
safe? …and the list goes on.
As adults, we don’t always feel we
have the answers, but children often
have even more questions about these
events, leaving them feeling unsafe
and unsettled. While adults will have
heard of similarly distressing events in the
past, children who learn of traumas like that of
Sandy Hook Elementary don’t have the tools to
know how to process it.
Our job as adults and parents is to ensure that
our children feel safe and secure. Sometimes,
this means providing them reassurance, other
times children need more to soothe themselves
when they hear of shocking events.
How to handle it. Firstly, don’t be afraid
to talk to your children. If they have heard of
the incident they are likely thinking about it
already. Providing them with an opportunity to
talk about it, if they choose, is very important.
Some parents are afraid to bring up distressing
news events their children may have heard
about, but it is unlikely that asking them
their feelings about it would cause any harm.
Rather it is more likely that asking about it will
help them soothe fears that could otherwise
become quite irrational. Sometimes, a child’s
64 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
Dr. Kim Arbus,
C.Psych. is a Clinical
Psychologist and
works at Vaughan
Psychologists, located
at Major Mackenzie
and Keele in Maple.
She can be reached at
416-801-8889, or visit
psychologyhelps.ca.
imagination will run wild. For example,
following the incidents in Connecticut a child
said to me during therapy: “Why was a monster
chasing children down the halls with a giant
gun?” Once we clarified that there are no such
things as monsters, the child was able to explain
that he had heard an adult describe the killer as
a monster and was very confused. Once he knew
the ‘monster’ was actually a person, it was much
easier for him to understand. Clarifying this
important fact helped him feel much better.
When we can talk about things together, we can
help each other cope with the unknowns in the
world. While there are no good explanations for
such an atrocity, it is not about trying to explain
the events to children. Instead, children just
need to know that they are safe, that they don’t
need to worry about it happening to them. Even
when parents feel fear about it themselves, it is
in a child’s best interest for parents to remain
calm while talking to children about a traumatic
event. It is fine to share your emotions about the
event, however it is best to minimize sharing any
ongoing fears. Children will pick up on parents’
worries and it will be difficult for them to
manage anxiety and fear if a parent is not
able to contain theirs. Events that may
not be viewed as threatening by children,
can become so if they observe panic
reactions of parents or teachers.
Previous mental health problems can also
determine a child’s response to a trauma.
It is important to keep a close eye on any
changes to your child’s eating or sleeping
habits, their clinginess or any new issues
with separation, their desire to go to school
or play, increases in nightmares, or new
irritability and mood changes.
The events that occurred at Sandy Hook
Elementary affected us all. Some children
in our therapy practice have described
escalation in fears when at school, especially
during ‘lockdown’ drills. One child described
significant fears as she was shut into the closet
in her classroom during a drill. While these
procedures are important to learn how to be
safe, unfortunately for some children, they
can have negative reactions.
If your child expresses excessive concern about
practice lockdowns or hearing about traumatic
events and your efforts to soothe them are not
working, it may be important to have them
seen by a psychologist who can assess their
level of anxiety. If their fears interfere with their
daily lives or if they can’t turn off their worries
before bed or while at school, a psychologist can
help. Psychologists use Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy as well as other treatment methods to
help people with a variety of difficulties. These
strategies are well researched and have good
efficacy with both children and adults.

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WHATEVER VAUGHAN 67

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FOOD & DRINK » BY MONGIOVI
would unfold. He credits his current girlfriend
of six years, Samantha Winiarz for giving him
the extra push he desperately needed to explore
his available options. She convinced him to
attend an open house at the world-renowned
culinary school, Le Cordon Bleu.
After taking one look at the facility this
specific school had to offer, it was a done deal.
He knew it was exactly where he belonged.
What impressed him most was the kitchen—
everything an aspiring chef could ever dream
of was there. Mongiovi says that after viewing
the campus, “How are you not going to want to
cook in those kitchens? It’s something beyond
your imagination.”
Canada’s only campus for Le Cordon Bleu
is located in the heart of Ottawa with a
state-of-the-art facility specially designed for
demonstration classes and professional kitchens
for practical hands-on training. Inspiration and
excitement began to bloom and he knew there
was no other school that he wanted to attend.
“The minute you go to that open house, you’re
completely sold,” said Mongiovi. After seeing
what this particular school had to offer, his
mind was made up. It was either ‘Go Big or Go
Home,’ and for Angelo Mongiovi, home is not
around the corner.
After nine intense months of learning,
whether it was in the kitchen at school or in
his own tiny apartment kitchen, Mongiovi
graduated with the highest level of education
Le Cordon Bleu offers—‘Le Grand Diplome
Professionnel’, which includes culinary
designations in both cuisine and pastry arts.
Out of the original 30 classmates, Mongiovi was
one of only four that graduated.
“I had to forget about everything I knew, I
had to start from scratch,” says Mongiovi. Le
Cordon Bleu doesn’t just teach its students
how to cook; rather the pupils learn life values
that they carry with them into their future.
The school teaches discipline and organization,
both extremely important tools, especially if
you aspire to be a restaurant owner.
Mongiovi is thankful that the school was tough
on him, because even though he didn’t realize
it at the time, it provided him with the tools
he needed to be successful.
By far the most crucial factor of his success
is his family. Moving to a new continent by
himself in hopes of discovering his Canadian
dream has made Mongiovi a family-oriented
individual. He appreciates everything
they do because he knows that without
their support, By Mongiovi may
have never been possible. His
sister, Mariella, has stood by his
side from day one allowing Mongiovi
to reach new career heights in a short
70 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
I believe that
nowadays
everybody is
too modern.
I’m very
old school
and I think
that’s what
people miss.
time. During busy times and most often on the
weekend, his biggest fans are always around to
pitch in. Mariella and his mother, Maria, take
care of the front of the house, whereas his father
is ready to jump in wherever he is needed –
even if it’s in the heat of the kitchen. Nothing
can allow a desire for perseverance more than
having the love and support of your family.
Mongiovi’s cooking philosophy has developed
from a blend of his grandmother’s style and Le
Cordon Bleu’s strong influence.
“I believe that nowadays everybody is too
modern. I’m very old school and I think that’s
what people miss,” he says. Everything from the
meticulous techniques, the ingredient selection,
the marinating process, the cooking time, the
old beat-up pots and pans, even his kitchen
organization, combine to create the essence that
is experienced at his restaurant. These elements
of rich history and culture add to the flavours
that are savoured in every bite.
Mongiovi’s specialty dishes include linguini
with shrimp in a creamy Sambuca bisque,
homemade fettucine with sautéed bocconcini,
tomatoes and basilico, and a classic Argentinean
entraña steak served with homemade
chimichurri sauce and a side of seasonal
vegetables. Every single dish prepared and
cooked in Mongiovi’s kitchen is executed
with the highest attention to detail and
more importantly, passion.
He takes his title as Executive Chef very
seriously. “The word chef is like calling
God, you literally have to earn it. You
don’t graduate and call yourself chef, it
doesn’t work that way. When you call yourself
a chef, you have to be able to do everything
under culinary arts.”
Vaughan is bustling with restaurants at every
intersection, and if you don’t stand out of the
crowd, you don’t stand a chance. At 27 years
old, Angelo Mongiovi believes it is his time
to shine. His restaurant features a large, open
concept, artfully-lit space with floor to ceiling
windows, classic black and white features with
contemporary accents, candlelit fine dining
wooden tables adorned with dark leather chairs,
and to round it off, excellent service. Angelo
Mongiovi is dedicated to serving you food that is
sure to leave your taste buds craving for more. By
Mongiovi is definitely Vaughan’s ‘hidden gem’. His
passion is reflected through his divine creations
that please the eyes and salivate the palate.
By Mongiovi is located at 688 Chrislea Road
in Woodbridge. The restaurant is open Monday
through Friday for lunch and Wednesday through
Saturday for dinner with Sundays reserved for
private functions. On Saturday evenings, there
is a live band playing hits in Italian, Spanish and
English, while Ladies’ Night every Wednesday
features Karaoke. For reservation or event booking
enquiries, call (905) 265-0008.

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WHATEVER VAUGHAN 77

yeah, whatever
78 WHATEVER VAUGHAN SPRING 2013
that’s my line!
“You talkin’ to me?”
The catchphrase “You talkin’ to me?” was ranked #10
on the American Film Institute’s top movie quotes.
The line was delivered by Robert De Niro in the 1976
film Taxi Driver. In the scene, De Niro’s character
Travis Bickle is looking into a mirror at himself, imagining
a confrontation which would give him a chance
to draw his gun. He says: “You talkin’ to me? You
talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me? Then who the hell else
are you talkin’ to? You talkin’ to me? Well I’m the only
one here. Who the **** do you think you’re talking to?”
What’s interesting is the dialogue wasn’t in the original
script, which just read: “Travis speaks to himself
in the mirror”. It was De Niro himself who improvised,
riffing on what he once heard Bruce Springsteen say
to fans at a concert as they screamed out his name,
and decided to make the line his own. De Niro in Taxi Driver
let’s get quizzical
STRIMKO
Fill in the grid with
the missing numbers,
observing three simple
rules:
1. Each row must contain
different numbers.
2. Each column must
contain different
numbers.
3. Each stream must
contain different
numbers.
Five (probably) useless facts you might be able to impress your friends with:
Pamela Anderson
1is Canada’s
Centennial Baby,
being the first
baby born on
the centennial
anniversiary of
Canada’s independence.
The three
2best-known
western
names in
China are
Jesus Christ,
Richard
Nixon and
Elvis Presley.
In 1944, Fidel Castro
3was voted Cuba’s
best schoolboy athlete.
A lefthanded
pitcher, he was
given a tryout by
the Washington
Senators but was
then turned down.
The only man
4to ever be
President and
Vice-President
of the United
States but
never be elected
to either was
Gerald Ford.
SOLUTION
In Quebec, an old
5law states margarine
must be a different
colour from
butter—a result of
result of dairy lobbyists’
pressure to
protect their dairy
business.

funny side up
Thirteen things you don’t want to hear
during surgery:
Bo! Bo! Come back with that! Bad Dog!
An instruction manual would’ve been nice.
I think we better save that. We’ll need it
for the autopsy.
Everybody please stand back! I lost my
contact lens!
Hand me that...uh...that uh.....thingie.
Has anyone here used one of these before?
Is this patient really here, or is it just my
schizophrenia?
Look Ma, no hands!
Now which side did we say? Left or right?
OK—all sewn up...HEY! Where’d my
Rolex go?
This is the part where I always get stuck.
This patient has already had some kids,
am I correct?
Wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then
what’s that?
say what?
star trek
Why do we say ‘Bless you’ or ‘Gesundheit’
when people sneeze?
The phrase “God bless you” is attributed to
Pope Gregory the Great, who uttered it in
the sixth century during a bubonic plague
epidemic (sneezing is an obvious symptom of
one form of the plague). The exchangeable
term “gesundheit” (which means “health”)
comes from Germany. It entered the English
language in the early 20th century, brought
to the US by German-speaking immigrants.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): This is a time for releasing attachments
that are preventing you from moving forward. Watch for rebellious
behaviour, but do make changes that move you forward, past limitations,
and towards a more authentic “you”. Jupiter has moved into a
harmonious relationship with your sign, and is helping to open the
lines of communication in your life.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You continue to move away from false
paths that no longer serve you well, or transforming them into more
suitable ones. Overall, you have plenty of opportunity to find comfort
at home or with family. In fact, this is a year in which the major key to
success is learning when it’s time to slow down. Planning carefully for
your future is important, particularly with finances on the leaner side.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21): Jupiter continues to move through your sign
until June, and if you haven’t taken advantage of this beneficial cycle
yet, from now until June is a great time to do so. It’s about positive new
beginnings, turning over a new leaf, and expressing yourself without
apology. Be proud of who you are. This is also a good time to attract a
partner, or enhance an existing partnership.
CANCER (June 22-July 22): While there are some ongoing conflicts
to iron out in 2013, overall, it’s a stabilizing, positive year for you.
Until June, Jupiter continues to move through your solar twelfth
house, and you pay more attention to your spiritual life as well as
your need for privacy. In a general sense, you don’t feel especially
equipped to make big changes or choices.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): From now until June is a time for making connections
and formulating new ideas. Your social circle is expanding,
although you might want to watch for excesses in this area. While
the saying goes that you can never have too many friends, you don’t
want to spread yourself thin. Similarly, avoid beginning so many
new projects that you scatter yourself across them.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You are likely to enjoy some form of promotion,
positive exposure, or career recognition. You are learning
to “own” what you do, and feeling more comfortable in a position
of authority. You are also communicating with more authority, or
honing your knowledge in a particular trade or area of knowledge/
expertise. You are taking more pride in your home and family.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): This is a strong period for work and business.
In the first half of the year, you are actively building your skills
and experience. Learn as much as possible so that when Jupiter
reaches the very top of your solar chart in June-July, you’ll be able
to take advantage of the career opportunities that are likely to come
your way.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Saturn’s presence in your sign all year
puts some pressure on you. 2013 may be demanding at times.
Nevertheless, it’s also bound to be very rewarding. In many ways,
you are learning to count on yourself. The responsibilities that you
have let slide in the past now are coming up for close attention, but
you are more than equipped to meet the challenges.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): While close relationships are in
strong focus, you tend to be a little more private and introspective
than usual. You might meet somebody who deepens your intimate
life in wonderful ways, opening you up to new ways of expressing
yourself intimately. Love matters should be quite strong this year,
with significant partnerships a great focus.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When it comes to friendships, networking,
and group associations, it’s about quality and depth
rather than quantity, as this area of your life is being streamlined.
You also have a chance to restructure your long-term goals, as you
are more realistic about what you are capable of achieving. Watch
that you don’t overload your life with additional responsibilities.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You will be making significant changes
as you come to a better understanding of what it is you can and
want to do in your work. You’ll also discover some of your most
natural talents and put them to work for you. The focus now is on
really enjoying what you do. Discriminate carefully when it comes
to taking on new work or projects.
PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): A strong period for relationships of all
kinds, and especially love and “fun” friendships. You’re also a lot
more grounded and confident. Ideally, you use the transit of Jupiter
to your solar fourth that began in June of last year and ends in June
of this year to the utmost—filling your inner well and strengthening
ties with family.
WHATEVER VAUGHAN 79

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