City Life Magazine Sept/Oct 2023

WHEN THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT — YOU SHOULD THANK YOUR PARENTS!

Science says: Grandparents' involvement in grandchildren's lives can have a positive impact on their emotional well-being & behaviour

SHOP NOW WITH DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR

Our homes are built to the highest standard - the Rosehaven standard. We build with the aim of distinguishing ourselves from other builders, with a difference in our communities, in our homes, and in the overall home ownership experience.

A Modern Condo Coming to Our Next Food & Culture Capital

The Mayfield Collection is now selling luxurious single detached homes in a rare, desirable community just north of Brampton, where unspoiled nature is right in your backyard.

The Rebecca is the newest addition to Rosehaven’s award-winning portfolio of high-rise condos, coming soon to Hamilton. Cultured, connected, and crafted by leading architects and designers. The Rebecca is a world-class community built for this growing city.

THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF AMAZING AND FUN

DESIGN NEWS

TEXT BY

OLIVEWOOD SALT KEEPER

This Olivewood Salt Keeper is made in Royans, on the edge of Provence, and each piece is unique, with irregular graining and knots. Fill it with fleur de sel finishing salt or sel fin for cooking.

www.hopsongrace.com

@hopsongrace

IKAT DECORATIVE TRAY

Pieces of ikat cloth are dipped in resin to create this handmade fibreglass tray, perfect as a decorative accent or for your keys or jewellery.

www.hopsongrace.com

@hopsongrace

SUMMERHILL NURSERY AND FLORAL

Garden enthusiasts will find everything they need at Summerhill Nursery and Floral - including inspiration - to create unique indoor and outdoor spaces.

www.summerhillnursery.ca

@summerhillnurseryandfloral

MIND THE GAP

Wandering through these grounds you’ll spot prowling leopards, leaping deer, strutting peacocks and relaxing cows. Paying homage to art, architecture, culture and rituals from around the globe. www.anthropologie.com

@anthropologie

As the vibrant colours of summer slowly fade and the crisp autumn air starts to roll in, these décor essentials are the perfect seasonal transition

MONICA MARANO

HAPPY LAMB

This charming artwork captures the essence of a cheerful lamb, exuding warmth and a sense of playfulness that will brighten any room in your home.

www.bouclair.com

@bouclair

NELLIE HOOK

A unique way of hanging up bags, scarves and coats, this hook features a hand that is gently holding a single flower.

www.anthropologie.com

@anthropologie

Trained clinicians provide comprehensive support to children of all ages with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

AUTISM THERAPY: OUR SPECIALIZED APPROACH

Clarity Learning and Therapy Clinic provides scientific and holistically based programs to meet the needs of each child

Understanding that each child is unique and requires individualized attention and care is the foundation on which Clarity Learning and Therapy Clinic was built. Children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can thrive at Clarity because its programs provide the necessary resources, care, and expertise to help your child reach his or her full potential.

Clarity provides various services for children of all ages diagnosed with autism to further their development. Consultation services are offered to discuss your child’s specific needs, give recommendations and suggest program options.

Our Children’s Services Programs cater to children from ages 2 to 12, are tailored to meet the specific needs of each child and may include the following components:

•Comprehensive Assessment: Understanding each child’s strengths and challenges, we take the time to evaluate their communication, social skills, behaviour and any coexisting conditions such as ADHD or anxiety.

•Beyond Individualized ABA Therapy: With reformed naturalistic ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) techniques, we work on life-skills development, communication and challenging behaviours.

•Psychotherapy: Various therapeutic approaches are used to address emotional regulation, anxiety and trauma-related issues.

•Parent Training: We help implement strategies at home to promote your child’s progress and well-being.

The clinic’s Youth Services Programs cater to adolescents and teenagers from ages 13 to 18 and are tailored to their unique developmental and emotional needs, including:

MAKE IT WORK

Need a spot to study or get in some overtime? Choose a desk with clean lines, a narrow surface and plenty of storage space.

www.homesense.ca

@homesensecanada

•Individualized Therapy: Using age-appropriate methods to address anxiety, trauma and other emotional challenges.

•Social Skills Groups: Geared to help teenagers with special needs improve their communication, interpersonal relationships and social interactions.

•Transition Planning: Preparing teenagers for adulthood with life skills, vocational training and the development of independence. Once a diagnosis has been provided, funding options are available that can be applied for directly. Other parenting tips and resources can be found on our website.

9100 Jane St., Unit 47, Concord, Ont. 1-844-439-2327

www.claritylearningtherapy.org

@Clarity_Learning_Therapy

PHOTO BY LISMERY LOYOLA

Growing up in a family-owned furniture-upholstery business inevitably laid the foundation for Natalie Papia’s passion for creating the ultimate home furnishings experience. After she graduated from York University’s Schulich School of Business, her appreciation and fascination for fashion, design and furniture remained strong.

In 2009, Zilli Home Interiors was established. Papia’s combined talents in marketing and design have enabled the business to prosper and remain the No. 1 choice for communities across the Greater Toronto Area. For the past 14 years, her experienced and approachable sales staff have produced a collection that is fashion-leading and quality- and design-oriented.

ZILLI HOME INTERIORS:

President of Zilli Home Interiors

Natalie Papia handpicks an exclusive product line of furnishings that always matches the trends

No matter which season is approaching, the selection at Zilli Home Interiors showcases a vast product line that is always aligned with the trends that Natalie discovers on her travels, via social media and at a variety of trade shows throughout the year. Seasonal changes are an opportunity to welcome a new personalized look into your home.

The 22,000-square-foot threefloor showroom contains more than 70 gorgeous coordinated and fully furnished “rooms to inspire,” from family rooms to kitchens to bedrooms and home offices. Each of these categories are subcategorized for their customer’s lifestyle by dedicated quadrants showcasing “sophisticated elegance,” “urban chic,” “timeless classic” and “modern classic.”

The incredible team at Zilli Home Interiors consists of friendly and knowledgeable professionals, many of whom are design consultants. They are there to assist and support you throughout the entire process and can help with custom order selections and design consultations, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

Papia notes that there has been a growing demand from her clientele for furniture that can be used in more than one way. “Whether it is an extendable table for when people come over unexpectedly, fashionable sofas that also have a reclining feature or performance fabrics on sofas that are durable and easy to clean — more and more customers are looking for that functionality.”

Natalie Papia and her talented team love furniture but love creating rooms for you to enjoy even more

The desire to entertain house guests is something that we all felt in recent years, and Papia understands that furnishing a home to fulfil this desire will pay off down the road. Those who work from home or come back home after a long day’s work should feel peace of mind. “We really live in our homes right now, and we want to enjoy them,” says Papia.

Zilli Home Interiors provides a range of stylish furniture made with performance fabrics that are carefully crafted to add lots of texture and colour. The sophisticated synthetic fibre embedded in the fabric means homeowners do not have to worry about spills and stains. “And if that’s not enough, and for more peace of mind in a busy life, you can also insure your furniture against any accidents like wine spills, pet stains and

so on by purchasing a protection plan as an extended warranty,” says Papia.

Because Papia and her team understand the emotions clients go through when enduring the process of any form of home makeover or renovation, they provide their clients with personalized in-home consultations. Whether their customers have a growing family, three dogs, or are recent emptynesters, her team of interior decorators provides a space-planning solution with an online platform and mood board to visually lay out everything according to the customer’s exact specifications for the space. “The design consultants are there to make sure that we address all their personal design goals and make it less daunting and more exciting!” says Papia.

Today, Natalie Papia the entrepreneur, dedicated shopper, wife, and most importantly, mother of three beautiful children believes that success means happiness. “We live in a world with so many challenges and difficulties. Success is different for everyone. We often measure success by numbers. But being numbers-driven is not what life is about. Life is too short. So it’s important to always have your personal best as your goal, be grateful for that personal best no matter what, and always strive for more.”

THE DESIGN CONSULTANTS ARE THERE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ADDRESS ALL PERSONAL DESIGN GOALS, MAKE IT LESS DAUNTING AND MORE EXCITING!

For those who want to make a minimalist statement, these modern organic elements add warmth and texture to any space

Zilli Home Interiors design consultants are available to help narrow down options and facilitate selecting among the finest brands

CELEBRATING CONTEMPORARY MURALISM AND PUBLIC ART

Immerse Yourself in a Captivating Celebration of Art and Culture

WRITTEN BY MONICA MARANO

Asthe gorgeous days of summer tick by, one of the best ways to spend these fleeting sunny moments is to get outside and enjoy the best of Toronto’s art scene, which is a vibrant expression of the progressiveness Canada is known for around the world. Returning to the city’s historic arts quarter for its fifth year, Yorkville Murals gave the people of Toronto the chance to enjoy art — for free.

Yorkville Murals returned this summer with a brand-new theme, titled “No Empty Spaces,” celebrating public art with cultural events. New works included murals and art installations by Ness Lee, David and Jorden Doody, Sage Barnes, Julia Monson and Ben Johnston, among others. Described as an “electrifying explosion of creativity and joy,” this festival transformed 50,000 square feet of concrete jungle into a remarkable weekend of arts

and entertainment. Yorkville Murals transformed the streets into a cultural extravaganza where visitors were entertained every step of the way, focusing on presenting exciting art that showcases young artists.

Yorkville Murals, one of Toronto’s favourite cultural festivals, celebrated contemporary muralism and public art on August 26-27, transforming the famously upscale neighbourhood into a huge canvas during this outdoor

The Aston Martin Vantage with artwork by Montreal-based artist Whatisadam, or WIA

festival. The landmark event was anchored by exceptional new public murals throughout the Yorkville neighbourhood, accompanied by special events, food and drink, dynamic art and retail experiences and, by far, one of the best end-of-summer street parties.

The event was presented by INK Entertainment, powered by Taglialatella Galleries and organized in partnership with the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area. In celebration of the festival, Yorkville Avenue was closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate the special activities. Yorkville Murals builds on Yorkville’s reputation as a historic enclave of Toronto’s early 20thcentury art scene.

Murals have been a feature of classical architecture and in ancient cities where they became a dominant form of public

AN ELECTRIFYING EXPLOSION OF CREATIVITY AND JOY

art. Traditionally, these art pieces were intended primarily to beautify public or private spaces; however, over time, murals have also become a medium for political and social commentary. Murals have also been used to memorialize or record historical events.

The arts enliven and enrich Toronto’s neighbourhoods and local businesses,

help young people gain purpose and confidence and enhance the livability of the city while playing a central role in building the creative economy, engaged citizenry and social cohesion on which Toronto’s continued growth and prosperity depends.

Yorkville Murals was designed as a safe, self-guided experience in the heart of Toronto. The murals have transformed public spaces by adding colour and beauty to otherwise plain building walls and streets. In many places, the walls of urban cities are forgotten and go unnoticed, but, with the addition of these murals, we can entirely transform these forgotten spaces into outdoor galleries.

www.yorkvillemurals.com

@yorkvillemurals

Yorkville Murals is not just about showing artwork, it is also a celebration of the creative process

PROSPERITY INSPIRED BY BEAUTY

Maintaining healthy and beautiful skin is getting more and more challenging in a world with increasingly unpredictable weather, in addition to the impacts of everyday stress and anxiety. That challenge is one of the reasons why so many clients from communities across the Greater Toronto Area have turned to Oksana Latinovic’s Blossom Skin Boutique.

Founder and operator Oksana is devoted to healthy and beautiful skin that enables her clients to radiate beauty inside and out. She has always had a passion for beauty, from her earliest childhood growing up in Ukraine (then

still part of the former Soviet Union) until today.

“Growing up, watching my grandmother and mother, the importance of personal care — like the skin on the face and an overall look — was very important,” says Oksana. “And in some ways beauty was always around me, and I thought going into the beauty industry could be very satisfying.”

Oksana received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and economics and after coming to Canada finished her aesthetician schooling, but a few years later decided to pursue a different path, nursing. She graduated from Humber

College as a registered practical nurse in 2011.

But raising three beautiful children while managing 60 employees at a retirement home as the Director of Care eventually took its toll. Burned out, overwhelmed and stressed, she ended up in an emergency room as the result of a panic attack. That was the moment when Oksana realized that another life change was needed. Soon after, she entered the beauty and wellness business full time and in 2016 opened Blossom Skin Boutique.

Blossom takes an unmatched healthand wellness-oriented approach to its services. Using the most advanced technologies and medical-grade skincare, Blossom creates personalized treatment plans to preserve youth and enhance beauty from the inside out.

“A lot of people don’t see their beauty,” says Oksana. “They may only see or concentrate on maybe the parts of their face or their bodies they dislike, and they don’t often see the whole of their face or the whole of their bodies or even their soul.”

Blossom’s full range of services and treatments, from injectables to laser resurfacing treatments, facials, body contouring and much more, take place in a calm, soothing environment. Oksana and her team provide services in a private personalized setting to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of their clients.

“My full attention is on the one person while they are here as Blossom is very private, quiet and secluded. My goal is to make them flourish and to bring out the beauty in everyone whatever beauty they may have, because everybody is beautiful in their own way. I will help them to blossom and let them feel their own beauty,” says Oksana.

Oksana’s life has been one of perseverance, determination and confidence in herself and her life’s journey. She has utilized her inner strength and beauty to create an environment that reflects her passion for caring for others.

PHOTO BY JESSE MILNS

Oksana Latinovic’s Blossom Skin Boutique is where beauty and serenity flourish

Those who enter the front doors of Blossom Skin Boutique are cared for more than just as customers, but as guests, as Oksana considers Blossom to be her home

AUSPICIOUS:

EMBRACING THE PATH TOWARD COURAGE, CONVICTION & CONFIDENCE

Reetu Gupta shares life insights, joyful adventures and positivity in her new book

WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

Reetu Gupta, Ambassadress of e Gupta Group and one of Canada’s most successful and admired business executives, is sharing her decades of experience, a rmational habits and messages of gratitude in her rst published book, Auspicious: Embracing the Path Toward Courage, Conviction and Con dence Gupta’s long-standing reputation in

She began working when she was 14 years old, eventually going on to study at the University of Toronto and York University’s Schulich School of Business

the hospitality and real estate industry is one of inspiring leadership — so much so that her work as a life coach and mentor has motivated audiences all over the world to not just dream their dreams but to manifest them with joy and faith. Her new book, Auspicious, was written as a guide for the many who seek inspirational, professional and spiritual direction. e book’s title

was carefully selected to re ect the messaging and life lessons contained within its pages: when something is auspicious, it is conducive to success, either in the present or future.

Deeply embedded connections with the Divine Feminine, the state of constant gratitude and embracing the walk along one’s spiritual path show readers the importance of taking time

for silent meditation and conversation with the Divine Universe to enjoy the gifts of empowered and grateful living.

“We were all born in a speci c place at a speci c moment in time; you are here for a purpose that only you can ful ll,” says Gupta. “My intentions are to create a love- lled space where together we can share positive experiences and joyful adventures … so that we can all move forward with a playful and loving spirit. As such, I have included many of the ways in which I greet each day with a positive and grateful attitude. I have also shared some of the ways that I have learned to listen to my intuition — that soft, supportive voice that comes from the heart and shows us how we can best handle life’s challenges and ultimately bless these struggles — ‘I am strength; I am virtue; I am victory.’”

Gupta is a speaker, advocate, philanthropist and an award-winning entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and chief strategy o cer of Rogue Insight Capital Ltd, the private venture capital

arm of the Gupta Group, focusing on investing in Canadian start-ups with female and/or minority leadership. She relaunched the Gupta Family Foundation in 2020, where she serves as president and co-chair, committed to providing long-term solutions to global issues. She is the founder and president of e Shakti Society, which provides complimentary meditation classes to empower individuals with courage and con dence. In addition to sitting on several local and international boards and committees, she has been honoured twice with the distinction of WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, the ICCC’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.

She has spoken at such events as Forbes Women’s Summit and the UN’s NEXUS Global Summit. Reetu has been interviewed in publications including Hotelier Magazine and e Edge, and is a Hu Post contributor. But above all else, Reetu Gupta’s

beauty shines from within her soul as she spreads love and teaches others to explore the boundless depths of our consciousness. is book is a must-read for those who seek to honour their life’s purpose with spiritual intention.

Auspicious: Embracing the Path Toward Courage, Conviction and Con dence, published by Toronto-based Dolce Media Group, will be available in print and digital versions on Sept. 7, 2023, and can be pre-ordered through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and shopdolce.ca.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Gupta Family Foundation, which has a philanthropic mission of spreading hope, compassion and love through its projects. e Foundation has been aiding underserved communities around the world for four decades through empowerment and education.

www.reetugupta.com

@reetuguptaofficial

I have learned to listen to my intuition — that soft, supportive voice that comes from the heart and shows us how we can best handle life’s challenges

Auspicious is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and shopdolce.ca

THE PEARL: THE CULINARY HEART OF MUSKOKA

The ongoing expansion of Toronto’s TOBEN Hospitality Group is something to behold. It was begun in 2005 by Elana Kochman, Chef Toben Kochman and Ryan Feldman. Their shared vision was to craft a dynamic culinary journey. With an unwavering dedication to exquisite cuisine, top-notch service and unforgettable celebrations, TOBEN has firmly established itself as the reigning powerhouse in the catering and eventservice-management industry for the past two decades, providing everything from food trucks to events and wedding catering to venue management to home delivery - and now their first-ever outpost, The Pearl, an artisanal country market and snack bar in Bala/Muskoka.

The Pearl proudly opened this summer and has become a local culinary stop that offers quality contemporary cuisine in cottage country. Locals and travellers who want to order food for group entertaining can grab a bite on their way up north or enjoy a night out with family and friends no matter what they crave.

Chef Toben Kochman began his studies at the Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Paris, where he was awarded Le Grand Diplôme for excellence. Before breaking into the Toronto food scene at Auberge du Pommier and Susur, he apprenticed for Daniel Boulud. Throughout his journey, his passion for food and his aim for perfection flourished.

Q: How would you describe The Pearl guest experience in one word?

A: To put it in one word, I would say sensory. We’ve created a special space that offers a true experience from the moment you arrive, and that experience varies from person to person. Whether you’re looking to quickly stop in to grab some pantry items to go or coming to sit for hours over dinner and cocktails with a group of friends, The Pearl can be enjoyed in so many ways. This variety remains constant — the fact that you feel like you’ve been taken away for a moment in time. You can savour the food and your company and disconnect from your daily grind.

Q: For customers walking through the front doors of The Pearl with their friends, families or dates, what do you think they are going to be most excited about?

WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

PHOTO BY RACHEL CALLAN

Started as a culinary vision, The Pearl has become the true sweet spot where cuisine, culture and community bond

A community venue that everyone can enjoy

A: The food! It’s been a passion project for us creating this unique menu, and we’re seeing the positive feedback tenfold. You can stop by to grab a slice of lemon loaf to nibble on during your drive or sit down to indulge in a grilled Australian wagyu coulotte steak. We pride ourselves on this variety, and we put the same dedication into our light bites as we do into our decadent dishes.

Q: How would you describe your cooking style?

A: Our catchphrase at TOBEN is “global food with a twist. ” We offer such a global variety of cuisines, ranging from big and bold flavours to very nuanced and subtle approaches, but I will say that I always lead with great attention to detail. Whether that’s how flavours might pack a punch when they are combined, the way a dish is plated or how we serve it to guests, it’s the little intricacies that are the most important to me. I think that food creates an experience for those enjoying it, and that goes far beyond just what it tastes like. How does it look? How does it smell? A dish can tell a story and it’s up to us to write that narrative in a detailed and passionate way.

Elana Kochman, co-founder of The Pearl and TOBEN Hospitality Group, says, “I’m more of the dreamer, with big visions and exciting plans. Chef Toben is the culinary creative who loves to innovate and try new things, and Ryan is the levelheaded one who keeps us grounded and moving forward.” For Elana, success is the product of being receptive to other people’s ideas. The combination of great minds and ideas put into action is what makes the difference.

Q: What was the guiding philosophy when establishing The Pearl?

A: Innovation and teamwork are the values we most want to share with our guests. Our modern take on cottage cuisine is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how we innovate. We offer a wide variety of grab-and-go dishes in our market space, as well as the opportunity to sit down on our patio and enjoy beautifully plated meals for dinner from our snack bar. The cuisine is unique, accessible and mouth-wateringly good. We are different from any other venue in the area with the food we offer, how we serve it and the on-

site experience we provide. We wanted to bring a modern take on dining to the Muskoka area, and that’s always been a leading force for us. Our staff are really like family to us. There is a camaraderie that you can feel when you walk in the door. There’s a genuine love for working together.

Q: How do you think The Pearl has positioned itself for changing the way people vacation or experience Muskoka?

A: One of the main reasons we opened The Pearl was spurred by observing our clients, friends and family pack up their cars in the city with huge prepared food packages from us, along with a variety of Toronto-based grocers and bakers, and then head up north. We wanted to bring some of that desirable cuisine to the area while still staying true to the authentic, more rustic, nature of Bala. This allows people, whether local or seasonal, to visit a spot right in town and get to enjoy delicious, fresh, modern cuisine, and, by doing so, support the community. Our evening reservations are just crammed and that’s truly a testament to the fact that The Pearl feels like a place that was missing in the area. We have found our home.

www.thepearlmuskoka.ca @thepearlmuskoka

PHOTO BY PATTY WATTEYNE

PHOTO BY RACHEL CALLAN

The Pearl's menu blends city and country with a fun twist that changes weekly! The Kochmans nurture culinary creativity

PHOTO BY RACHELCALLAN

PHOTO BY SHRADHA CHANANA

Elana Kochman (left) and Chef Toben Kochman are proud of their onsite culinary team for upholding the highest standards and soaring past expectations

PASSIONATE AND

TALENTED, GRATEFUL PASSIONATE AND

“The three things I can’t live without are, first, my relationships with my loved ones, which will always be the most important. Second is my space, because space allows you to breathe, explore creatively and hope and dream. Third is my essential foods.”

PHOTO BY BJ PASCUAL

WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

With over 35 years of experience on stage and screen, Romano

“Jake” Macapagal has entertained millions with profoundly nuanced and authentic performances. His passion for acting was sparked as a child in grade school when he watched his first children’s musical theatre and was captivated by the entire experience. From that moment on, he joined multiple drama clubs and theatre groups, even throughout high school and college. “Part of my interest in acting was that it is a world where you can express yourself and don’t have to deal with your insecurities or the things you don’t have answers for,” says Macapagal.

Although he was determined to gain as much theatre experience as possible to perfect his craft, he never dreamed of performing on cinema’s big screen. “Culturally, when I was growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, most of the actors that I saw on screen in the Philippines, although we were strongly exposed to Western cinema, it didn’t seem possible for me” to do that, says Macapagal.

As Macapagal’s popularity began to grow in the Philippine independent cinema scene, British director and writer Sean Ellis approached him with the lead role of Oscar Ramirez in the critically acclaimed crime thriller Metro Manila (2013), which would eventually become his most notable performance to date. When he earned a nomination for “Most Promising Newcomer” at the British Independent Film Awards he put his home country on the map in the world of filmmaking and performing arts.

He continued to fuel his passion with role after role and travelled globally to perform. But when Paramount+ offered Macapagal the role of Colonel Justin Reyes in the new original series No Escape, it was the fruit of many years of labour. “It thrilled me that I was playing

a Filipino colonel and that the novel and screenplay were set in the Philippines,” says Macapagal.

Based on Lucy Clarke’s novel The Blue, No Escape, an original series produced by Paramount+, is a fast-paced thriller with mystery and intrigue driving the plot. Set in Australia and the Philippines, Macapagal plays Colonel Reyes, who is up the investigation. The audience

is taken through a rabbit hole of flashbacks that ultimately reveal shocking twists and turns as Reyes gets to the bottom of the crimes committed by the beautiful young people who were once passengers on the boat. Directed by Emmy Awardnominated Hans Herbots (The Serpent), the series also stars BAFTA Award-winning Abigail Lawrie (Tin Star), Jay Ryan and Rhianne Barreto.

“I saw the bio of Colonel Reyes as a lone wolf. He is a full-arc character, and we learn why he is a conflicted man. More importantly, I am not just playing a sidekick to the lead investigator. Normally, performers of diverse backgrounds are only seen as sidekicks or somebody who does kung fu or somebody for comic relief. Representation is very important, and we’re now including more voices and actors in international productions. The paradigm has shifted; people understand that with universal stories, no matter what your background is, no matter what the story is, emotions are all human emotions. There is no differentiation based on who is performing,” says Macapagal.

No Escape has stunned audiences globally with thrilling moments that take everyone out of their comfort zone. The diversity of the talented cast, made up of new voices and faces, has made the thriller heist series one of the most popular series to stream.

Jake Macapagal has become a soughtafter talent both in the Philippines and internationally. The gay actor continues to push himself and explore new opportunities, further cementing his status as a rising star in the entertainment industry. At 56, he recalls his younger self unreasonably chasing the excitement that comes with fame. Through years of accomplishments and failures, he has learned to stay present in the moment with gratitude.

Jake Macapagal has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his natural talent and dedication to his craft

No Escape is a British television series adapted by Kris Mrska and is streamable on Paramount

REPRESENTATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AND WE’RE NOW INCLUDING MORE VOICES AND ACTORS IN INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTIONS. THE PARADIGM HAS SHIFTED

general practice. “I have had the privilege of serving this community, so we wish to serve as many patients as we can,” says Dr. Sabharwal.

West Vaughan Dental clinic is part of the Sabharwal Dental Group, which focuses on advanced dental rehabilitations via orthodontics and implant dentistry that is computer-guided. With renovations slated to be finished by mid-September, his clinic is also equipped with the newest technology the dental industry has to offer.

“Taking advantage of new AI technologies will make us more efficient and far more affordable in terms of giving our patients optimal oral health care in a state-of-the-art environment. Since everything is digitally scanned, it minimizes any errors that could occur. If there are any errors, the technology will automatically detect it,” says Dr. Sabharwal.

Shortening patient appointment times while increasing efficiency and accuracy are Dr. Sabharwal’s newest features. But what has always remained is his personalized approach to all his patients. Knowing every patient’s oral health-care needs along with knowing who they are as people is what makes Dr. Sabharwal’s dental practice truly special.

WEST VAUGHAN DENTAL CLINIC

Since graduating from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry in 2001, designing smiles and upholding the highest standard of oral healthcare have been Dr. Vageesh Sabharwal’s pillars of success. “The day I received my licence, later that evening I was taking care of emergencies at my clinic. It’s been a wonderful ride so far,” says Dr. Sabharwal.

After starting his career in the

Woodbridge community, he permanently relocated and raised his family in the same community that treated him so well. “The community is very tight-knit, having a great emphasis on family values, something which resonates with me,” says Dr. Sabharwal.

That is why Dr. Sabharwal’s West Vaughan Dental clinic is a family-oriented clinic with an emphasis on complex dental services while also operating as a

Dr. Sabharwal has proven himself to be a leader in his community as he continues to volunteer his time in and outside the dental industry so that he can continue to learn as a professional while benefiting fellow members of the community. He has served on the Government Relations Committee at the Ontario Dental Association (ODA), been president of the South Asian Dental Association (SADA), and president of the North Indian Medical and Dental Association of Canada (NIMDAC). Dr. Sabharwal has also been given fellowship awards by the Academy of Dentistry International, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the Academy of General Dentistry. 5100

www.westvaughandental.ca

PHOTO BY EMAD MOHAMMADI

For Dr. Sabharwal and his colleagues, improving the smiles of their patients is

a privilege

With more than 20 years of dedicated care for his patients, Dr. Vageesh Sabharwal is honoured to serve his community

A MODERN, PROFESSIONAL AND INNOVATIVE DENTAL CLINIC

MI N IS ARE HERE

Whether you are cooking up hearty stews, braising or baking your own artisan-style bread, this cast iron Dutch oven is a must-have for traditional home cooking in any kitchen.

www.indigo.ca

@indigo

This pastel area rug has a square shape and a geometric pattern that creates a sophisticated visual texture, making it perfect for an interior design project.

www.tapis-studio.com

@tapisstudio

Modern organic design takes centre stage in the Trianon side table. Perfectly balanced for a stunningly elemental style.

www.zillihome.com

@zillihome

OUI CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN

TRIANON SIDE TABLE

TAPIS PASTEL

Blending elements of classical romanticism and hard rock, Daniel Monte and his band have been wowing audiences in theatres and at festivals across Canada

THE MUSICIANS TRANSCENDING GENRES

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER | INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

Positioning their band as “orchestral pop-rock,” Daniel Monte, Antonio Cocuzzo and Flavio Silva aren’t afraid to experiment with genres.

With over 10 years of classical training in both piano and violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Monte founded the band in 2017 while studying at York University. With material written and ready to go, he started looking for others to add to the roster. He met Cocuzzo, who sings and plays guitar, and soon after met Silva, who plays keyboards.

While the Daniel Monte catalogue is the clearest indicator of the wealth of influences the musicians draw from, the desire to create music comes from a place closer to home.

“My dad introduced me to a lot of music and helped me with preliminary songwriting,” says Monte. “He is also an Italian immigrant, so there was a lot of that culture. It wasn’t that I overtly listened to only Italian music when I was growing up, but it was just infused in his culture, which brought it to me. That’s why a lot of music we end up writing and recording is very eclectic, in that European vein.”

Cocuzzo picks up where Monte left off, saying, “What we do is progressive in a way that we bring different things together. A lot of Italian rock acts, especially in the ’70s and ’80s, are not far off from bands like Led Zeppelin.”

When you hear Monte and Cocuzzo speak, you sense their passion for music and creativity, but also collaboration. Even with Silva not present, you can tell he’s there in spirit.

“Daniel Monte is the seed,” says Cocuzzo. “The blending together of the classical stuff and the rock stuff and the place that the song comes from is a very Daniel thing. At first, I was just a for-hire guitar player, but when we started to take it more seriously it was because I realized

there was something special in the way that he was writing songs.”

Cocuzzo continues to offer insight into the band’s collaborative process, sharing how Monte will write a song that will either be finished or just an idea waiting to happen, and the other two will take it and develop it into something bigger and better.

“I find there’s a stark difference between the first album I released, which was just my project, versus the second album that we released,” Monte says. “It was that kind of process of me bringing it to these incredible musicians and having them add their kind of sauce to it.”

To date, the band has had a number of success stories. As well as playing in the Coca-Cola Concert Series in Niagara Falls, they’ve recently released their new album, NOW Part 1, and are enjoying a string of live shows — so many shows that they share a recent story of setting up a Nespresso machine on stage, behind the drums, to provide an extra kick to get through the evenings.

The group recently performed at the Vitanova Foundation’s Family Day BBQ on August 29th. The not-for-profit institution, located in Vaughan, provides a range of addiction-related services to individuals, families and the community at large - all at no charge - to restore the individual’s potential as a valued member of a fully-functioning family and a net contributor to the community.

When asked what he would say to others looking to pursue a career in music, Monte says, “You have to be genuine and be you. I’ve been told multiple times in my life that we have to do this, do that, change this, change that. I've found that people can feel, see and relate to whether or not you’re being genuine. I think that’s the most important thing as an artist.”

Daniel Monte’s album NOW Part 1 is available now.

www.danielmontemusic.com

Daniel Monte and Antonio Cocuzzo, two members of the Daniel Monte band, open up about their inspirations, creative process and bringing Nespresso machines onstage

I’VE FOUND THAT PEOPLE CAN FEEL, SEE AND RELATE TO WHETHER OR NOT YOU’RE BEING GENUINE. I THINK THAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING AS AN ARTIST

Daniel Monte (left) and Antonio Cocuzzo (right) have been bound together by music since they were classmates

EUROPEAN FASHION AND STYLE — THE BEST LOOKS TO WEAR

29:ELEVEN boutique is the only home for Italian-made go-to fashionable clothing

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The one thing you need to know about 29:ELEVEN boutique?

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It’s the only clothing boutique in York Region for exclusive goto fashion from Italy for men. The boutique caters to clients looking for sharp casual and relaxed looks from runway to street style, featuring exclusive brands like Adriano Langella, Primo Emporio, Petro and many more.

The three-year-old boutique is a family affair and a dream come to fruition for owner Domenic Di Pede, who shares his love of fashion and expertise with his children. Committed to providing the best quality and service for clients, Di Pede’s top tips this season include blazers with a boost of colour, suits with a unique textured fabric and a wider pant leg for men.

1700 King Rd., King City, Ont. 905-539-2911

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1. This classy look is a complete “Made in Italy” classic. All 100% linen T-shirt and pant. This exclusive brand is only available in our boutique. 2. It’s all about the suit! This fabulous textured suit with a joggerstyle pant can be worn in a formal or casual look! If you’re looking for the formal look, add a fresh shirt and a pair of dress shoes and you’re ready. For the casual look a fresh T-shirt and a pair of sneakers and off you go. Visit our boutique for some great looks for the coming season. 3. 29:ELEVEN is the place to shop for any formal needs. Wedding, prom or gala, come shop our exclusive formalwear brands, all made in Italy. We would be pleased to help you look your best for your events. 4. A linen suit must be in every wardrobe! Clean, fresh and crisp, this exclusive brand from Italy is only available in our boutique. Come shop the look! 5. Add a pop of colour with a fresh linen shirt and white denim. Exclusive brand, all made in Italy. Visit our boutique for a big selection of exclusive styles.

As the name suggests, Flow House uses curves to enhance natural flow between rooms

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Dubbeldam Architecture + Design unveils a semi-detached Victorian house that uses curves to create a livable structure

WRITTEN BY JOSH WALKER

The house’s walls were left white, a blank canvas for the family’s collection of art

Curvilinear forms are employed throughout

Situated in midtown Toronto, Flow House is a 130-year-old property that’s recently been reimagined to incorporate additional living space at the back and on top of the house. Wanting to encourage a sense of flow and discovery, it’s been developed to reflect the personalities, vocations and experiences of the family that lives there.

Everything about the house marries the past and the present. While the interior and backyard has been updated to cater to contemporary living, the front facade remains traditional. The added width, though not even five metres makes room to introduce natural light, high ceilings and an experimental sculpting of elements that create a freedom and ease of spatial flow.

The house is occupied by a creative couple and their family. One of the home’s owners is a ceramicist, and the space embraces the tactility and mood of material as a result.

Other contrasts are also at play. Fluid contours sit against the straight lines of the floorplan. There’s also a mix of Scandinavian and Mediterranean influences that go beyond the design

Above: The living room includes a mural by local artist Dasha Valakhanovitch

Top right: The house has been designed to let in natural light

Bottom right: Antiqued brass faucets and clay pendant lights complete the kitchen

of the house to the finishing touches including the cabinetry, flooring, marble sinks and brass fixtures.

These thoughtful touches have been considered throughout. A floating custom millwork piece separates the living room from the entrance. On the second floor landing sits a naturally lit reading nook. The curved kitchen island is finished in white oak and topped with a matte Caesarstone countertop.

“Curvilinear forms are employed throughout,” says Heather Dubbeldam, the firm’s principal. “Arched openings between rooms build anticipation as they frame views of what lies beyond, resonating with curved walls, display nooks, the kitchen island and banquette, further enhancing the house’s cultural sensibility.”

Wanting a space to showcase the

family’s collection of art, sculpture and tapestries, the walls were left white, with shelves added where needed. There are, however, pops of colour. Terracotta tiles define the foyer, and a wall of cerulean blue tiles separates the kitchen and dining area.

While there’s a natural flow through the space, the property’s centrepiece is a spiral staircase that connects all four floors. It’s finished with a stair guard that sweeps around the design’s curves, playing with shadows as they move their way through the house throughout the day.

Light is another key emphasis of the design, and large windows and skylights allow the outdoors to spill in. If guests want to experience the outside themselves, the house has a back yard created with relaxation in mind.

It features narrow planting beds and is finished with a wooden pergola, brick pavers and ochre outdoor furniture as a nod to the different climates the family has experienced together. The back exterior wall, in stark contrast to the heritage front, is composed of grey-toned cement board panels.

With over 80 design awards and international recognition, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design is a multidisciplinary Toronto-based design studio. It was founded by architect Heather Dubbeldam in 2003 and has since grown into a studio with a portfolio showcasing commercial, institutional and hospitality projects alongside residential work like Flow House.

www.dubbeldam.ca

@dubbeldamarch

Above: The kitchen island is topped with a matte Caesarstone countertop Right: The rear of the house is finished with grey-toned cement board panels

Arched openings between rooms build anticipation as they frame views of what lies beyond

The Next Big Thing

With concerts resuming, the Esteriore Brothers have plans for extensive touring, hopefully including Canada

FAVOLOSO FOUR!

Italian singing sensation Esteriore Brothers, having conquered Europe, have much bigger goals in sight

WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER | INTERVIEW BY MARC CASTALDO

PHOTO BY NUCCIO MASTROGIACOMO

It’s safe to say the four cornerstones of Italian life are family, food, wine and music. e dynamic singing group

Esteriore Brothers clearly check o two of those boxes, and it’s probably not a stretch to say, true to their Italian roots, they’d never turn down food or wine.

e four brothers, from the eldest, Piero, through Mimmo, Gabriele to the youngest, Amedeo, have music in their blood thanks to their parents. In the early 1970s, Mamma Rosa (singer) and Papà Toni (singer/pianist) departed their native Sicily and moved to Switzerland, where they formed a band and performed at various events such as parties, weddings and business functions.

First-born Piero was born in 1977 and at a young age he joined his parents on stage, entertaining crowds and showcasing his singing talent. His three younger brothers followed suit, and all four Esteriore brothers grew up immersed in music. Although all four were born in Switzerland, their Italian heritage ran deep.

“My parents had a big band, playing many types of events, and when Piero was born they brought him with them, and then they started to include him in the band as a youngster because he liked the music and started singing,” says Amedeo in a recent interview with City Life. “Our parents gave us this playing eld of trying out instruments because at home we had drums, guitars, piano, trumpets. So I’d grab something, play it and like it — so yes, we grew up with this kind of music all around us.”

e Esteriore Brothers’ bond through their music started early in their lives, and according to Amedeo remains just as strong today as their popularity and success have grown.

“I don’t know how to describe it; it’s a very special feeling,” he says. “You’re on the stage and you know you’re going to perform, so naturally you’re a little bit nervous. But then you look to your left and you look to your right and you see your brothers — and it gives me goosebumps when I say this — but you know then you are united, you are all together, and you’re going to rock the stage.”

Based in Switzerland, they began to appear on many Swiss shows in that but because of their Italian style requests

also started coming in from Italy. In 2019, they made their rst appearance on Italian television in the show Tú Sí Que Vales on Canale 5, bringing in an audience of more than eight million viewers.

ey had extensive plans for a concert tour of Italy in 2020, but the pandemic disrupted that. Undaunted, through a partnership with Migrolino AG, they released their rst album, To

Michael Jackson to Guns N’ Roses. eir latest single, “Crazy 4 You,” was released this past summer, and the brothers’ rst video, “Sarà Perché Ti Amo,” has already received six million views.

e Esteriore Brothers stand on the brink of worldwide stardom. Now a recognized success in Europe, they have grand ambitions of travelling the world, doing what they love, and they hope someday to be able to organize a concert tour of Canada. ey are doing what they love for the people they love.

WE WANT TO BE THE TYPE OF ARTISTS YOU LISTEN TO IF YOU NEED SOME LOVE

Get Her, to great success in December 2020, which was sold in all Migrolino convenience stores.

e Esteriore Brothers sing in both English and Italian, and Amedeo describes their music as old Italian classics in a pop style. He lists their in uences as everyone from Caruso to Elvis to

“We want to share the love we have with all the people and give something back as we have so much energy and passion to give,” says Amedeo. “We want to go from making music and videos to go on to concerts and touring around the world with our classic Italian songs and our own songs. is is a very big goal for us. We now have audiences all over the world. We never believed we could reach so many people, so for us it is really important to make this even bigger and give concerts for all of the people. We want to be the type of artists you listen to if you need some love and if you need some energy.”

ere will never be another Fab Four, but don’t discount a Favoloso Four in the very near future.

www.esteriorebrothers.com

@esteriorebrothers

All four brothers sang in their parents’ band and grew up in a home filled with music

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTERIORE BROTHERS FAMILY

MSC CRUISES: AN UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY VACATION

After 300 years of sailing the seas and being declared “The Best Overall Cruise For Families” in 2023 by Forbes, MSC Cruises has become an institution and the undisputed No. 1 choice for your family vacation. The family-owned company’s maritime legacy is famous for enriching, delighting and creating unforgettable emotions. Today, the international multiaward-winning brand has become the

world’s third-largest cruise line and the leader in Europe, South America, the Gulf region and Southern Africa. In addition, it is the fastest-growing global cruise brand and has achieved prominence in the Caribbean, North America and the Far East markets. More than 30,000 staff members are employed globally and each one is dedicated to catering, entertaining and pampering in ways that can only be imagined.

“Spectacular!” is how Matteo Mancini, the award-winning Youth Entertainment Senior Manager, emphatically describes the Family and Kids Programme at MSC Cruises. Mancini’s expertise includes creating and overseeing all MSC Cruises Youth Programmes, including live entertainment for the entire fleet of 22 ships, which carry over 300,000 young people every year. From designing the facilities on board to creating the perfect live shows and original content for families, Mancini’s passion for inspiring today’s youth for a better future is praiseworthy.

When it comes to sailing the seas, the best choice is MSC Cruises — where the fun and discovery never stop

Award-winning Youth Entertainment Senior Manager Matteo Mancini

MSC family cruises are designed for parents and children to enjoy fun times together and quality time separately. They are proud to have built a reputation as a company that knows how to create the best cruise experience

From the joys of relaxing in a pool or splashing around in an aqua park to the thrill of enjoying a fully immersive VR experience, not to mention the multi-sensory experience of interactive XD cinema and the amazing video games room, MSC Cruises has it all

“For all of 2023, we are expecting more than 500,000 children and teenagers. At MSC Cruises, we feel the responsibility to give them the best vacation and to inspire them! We want them to say at the end of their trip, ‘When are we coming back?’” says Mancini. What makes MSC Cruises special? Their commitment to connecting with their guests through original creation.

“We want to be original. That means producing our original mascot, original music for kids and teenagers, original social media content, and an original family game show for kids and parents to enjoy. Being ourselves means being different, and we take pride in that,” says Mancini.

MSC Cruises’ two original web series, Kelly and Kloe On Board and Cabin 12006, dazzle millions of children and teenagers globally year after year. Both series are filmed on board with a talented cast and crew that uniquely connects with all audiences through music, humour and intrigue. Mancini, the creator and executive producer of both, says, “We are very proud of the success we have achieved because we’re talking about an internal idea that was created solely by an internal MSC Cruises production. The kids and teenagers go home at the end of their trip and they will watch the series again on YouTube. So that was the goal, to stay connected with them!”

The true magic of a family vacation with MSC Cruises is the infinite options

available no matter the time of day. On board is a world of discovery. If parents want to relax while their kids explore, any of the five Kids Clubs hosts provide a safe and exciting environment for kids of all ages from 1 to 17 years old, with trained, multilingual and safeguardingcertified personnel on-site. Children can enjoy a never-ending variety of sports, high-tech video games, competitions, parties and creative activities designed for each age group. This ensures everyone from toddlers to teenagers will be happy. Each club is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., allowing parents to schedule family time around their preferences.

A glamour night at the casino, the thrills of the MSC Formula racer, the XD Cinema, the joy of going bowling with the family and breathtaking performances of the Broadway Theatre and Carousel Productions at Sea will have every guest lost in euphoria.

What is the most exciting feature?

MSC Cruises is the only cruise company to have LEGO® play areas on board. In 2014, MSC Cruises became an exclusive entertainment partner with The LEGO Group and they have designed interactive play areas for the entire fleet. “On board, you can have 35 different nationalities of children and teenagers, and there is only one toy in the world that is universal that you can give to them, and the language does not matter. They will sit and create something from their imagination,” says Mancini. The Mini and Juniors clubs, for ages 3 to 11, have a great selection of LEGO bricks and equipment to play with, in addition to a variety of special LEGO feature activities.

MSC Cruises began as a family company and that it has remained. Mancini proudly says, “At MSC Cruises we are thinking about all our guests with kids and teenagers as we would our own family. We are special for this reason. It is not a matter of offering a vacation and doing business. It’s about the creativity and the real passion as a family that MSC Cruises transmits to all the staff and guests.”

1-833-253-9978

www.msccruises.ca

@msccruisesofficial

AT MSC WE ARE THINKING ABOUT ALL OUR GUESTS WITH KIDS AND TEENAGERS AS WE WOULD OUR OWN FAMILY

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PRODUCED BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA | WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

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4. FROM ABOVE

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6. APPLE WATCH SE Powerful sensors for insights about your health and fi tness. Convenient features to stay connected. www.apple.com | 4 2 44 CITY LIFE MAGAZINE Sept/Oct 2023 www.mycitylife.ca

7. KIMPTON SAINT GEORGE Clever design details, architectural fl ourishes and more than a little bit of local character give this hotel its unique personality. www.kimptonsaintgeorge.com | @saintgeorgetoronto

8. MILDRED’S TEMPLE KITCHEN Committed to providing locally sourced seasonal ingredients, simply and sumptuously prepared. www.mildreds.ca | @mildredstemplekitchen

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GENERATIONAL

Research is showing that love and emotional support from grandparents can be among the most important influencers in the lives of grandchildren

WRITTEN BY RICK MULLER INTERVIEWS BY MARC CASTALDO

Many factors can influence the lives of children, beginning, of course, with their parents. There are also their siblings if they have them, their home environment and where they live, their teachers, classmates, coaches, teammates and perhaps even religious figures they may have in their lives.

But research has shown that among the biggest and most important influences in a child’s life can be his or her grandparents. The sense of security, mentorship and emotional support provided by grandparents can be vitally important during all the various stages of a child’s life.

“If parents regularly involve grandparents in their child’s life early on, that child can develop real emotional closeness to the grandparent and begin to see the grandparent as a source of

strong social support,” says Kimberly Agresta of the Agresta Psychotherapy Group in Englewood, New Jersey. “A child will feel that they have adults aside from their parents who love and care about them in the same way, and this adds to their sense of stability and security.”

Some phases of life can be difficult when a child is dealing with circumstances far beyond their control, “like if a child’s parents are divorcing or they’re being bullied at school,” says Agresta. When children have other people in their lives “who have these attachments to and support from, [such] potentially traumatic situations are less impactful,” she explains, and it is times like these when grandparents can provide invaluable support for their grandchildren.

The relative detachment of grandparents who aren’t taking on

parenting roles also provides a child with a certain amount of freedom, Agresta says, “and since grandparents are generally not responsible for disciplining or raising a child, they’re able to love the child a little more freely and unconditionally than a parent.” She describes some of the roles grandparents can play. “Grandparents are a wealth of knowledge and information. Not only can they pass on valuable skills from real-life experience, but they can also share the past with their grandchildren. They can serve as historians, sharing all kinds of traditions and stories about when their own children were growing up, which creates a sense of continuity for a child.”

Some may raise an eyebrow at Agresta’s suggestion that grandparents can love a child a little more freely and unconditionally than a parent can, but she says there is a reason this is so.

“As parents, we often have expectations of our own children — some conscious, some unconscious — so we can be tougher on our children,” Agresta tells City Life. “Grandparents don’t come from that place. They love without those expectations. Grandparents often say ‘I love being a grandparent more than I loved being a parent,’ as they love their grandkids and can love in a different way. Grandparents also have more quality time they can give their grandchildren.”

Agresta also observes that grandchildren can talk more freely with their grandparents and share their feelings and emotions more openly than they can with their parents.

“Grandparents provide an additional place of safety and support because sometimes kids don’t share their true feelings with their parents,” she says. “It’s just a different relationship, and if grandkids have good relationships with their grandparents, then they are more open with them. And it does depend on the role of the grandparent. Some grandparents are primary care-givers while others are more in the ‘daycare’ role, seeing their grandchildren socially or attending their sporting events. But in every scenario, grandparents can play a significant role. Just lending an ear can be helpful.”

We all have memories of our own grandparents and usually those memories evoke emotions of warmth, safety, stability, peace and comfort. These are perhaps the reasons we all wanted to cook as well as grandma, master her stay-a-bed stew, 10-hour pasta sauce or her baking. One taste causes those memories to come flooding back, and “just like grandma used to make” is the highest praise possible. We didn’t know it at the time or were able to put it into words when we were kids, but the feelings of safety, security and stability were palpable when we were with our grandparents. As adults we’ve all smelled a certain smell that immediately transported us back into

our grandmother’s kitchen.

A recent study from the Gerontological Society of America found that a grandparent’s involvement in their grandchild’s life can have a positive impact on the child’s emotional well-being and behaviour.

“Through grandparents, children have an extra source of emotional support beyond their parents,” says Margo Hilbrecht, executive director of the Vanier Institute of the Family, a national independent charitable organization headquartered in Ottawa, who spoke recently with City Life. “The grandparent may have more time to

many pressures impacting families, its mission has never been more important.

Growing up, especially during adolescence, can be fraught with emotional turmoil. “What if he doesn’t call me?” “I wonder if she likes me?” “What if I don’t make the team?” Such worries may seem trivial looking back, but they were all-important concerns through those formative developmental years. This is a time when grandparents can really have a deep impact on their grandchildren.

“A lot of research shows that a close emotional bond between a grandparent and grandchild can lead to very good outcomes,” says Hilbrecht. “Emotional closeness can be helped by geography, so having a shorter distance so they can see each other does help. But today’s technology has also helped tremendously. You can keep in touch through phone calls, and apps and social media have made a huge difference in keeping grandparents connected to their grandkids.”

Beyond the emotional impact, studies have also shown that a close grandparent-grandchild relationship can also benefit the grandchild in practical ways in his or her day-today life.

interest. They can also be there to listen to the grandchild and even counsel them. They can play a key role in mentoring and nurturing and provide that extra support a child may need.”

The Vanier Institute conducts, facilitates and publishes research on the diversity and complexity of family life in Canada. Founded in 1965 by then-Governor General Georges P. Vanier and his wife Pauline Vanier, the institute, through its publications, research initiatives, presentations and social media content, works to deepen the national understanding of how families affect and are affected by social, economic, environmental and cultural forces. In today’s world with so

“Grandparents can teach grandchildren how to work through different situations they may encounter in life,” says Hilbrecht. “The research also shows that having a close relationship with grandparents can help a child with better social and coping skills and reduces hyperactivity. Grandparents can provide the emotional, physical and sometimes financial support for their grandchildren that sometimes the parents cannot provide.”

The question of how involved grandparents should be in the upbringing of a grandchild can often cause problems between the children’s grandparents and parents. It can often be tough for the grandparents to just bite their lip and stay out of the way when they disagree with the parents’

“THROUGH GRANDPARENTS, CHILDREN HAVE AN EXTRA SOURCE OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT BEYOND THEIR PARENTS”

Margo Hilbrecht

way of raising their children. It’s a grey area where everyone needs to tread lightly, or not venture into at all.

“That can be very challenging,” says Hilbrecht. “If grandparents make certain observations about the raising of the kids, the parents may often push back and say that’s the way things are done now. Regarding advice on parenting, people today seem less inclined to rely on traditional methods. They look very much to scientific studies and what may be promoted online by reliable websites. Generally speaking, things change, so offering advice probably varies from family to family. The bottom line is that grandparents have to remember that, at the end of the day, it’s their child’s children.”

their grandchildren’s safety is of paramount importance, they should adopt a somewhat historical perspective and remember that they themselves most likely grew up in an era when cars didn’t have seatbelts and bicycle helmets were an oddity.

of our cultural values as well, and also contribute to a sense of self for the grandchild and a feeling of belonging in the grandchild.”

Agresta points out that the benefits of a closer grandparent-grandchild relationship are mutual. Research has

her fantasies of what a grandparent should be and she made that fantasy come to life. She’s over 80 and is absolutely thriving!”

“There are definitely benefits for both the grandparents and the grandchildren,” says Hilbrecht. “Grandkids can provide a sense of meaning and purpose to the lives of grandparents — I really think that’s what it comes down to. When you hold a little baby or a toddler in your arms, I don’t know how to describe it — there is just this sense of acceptance and love, along with a sense of wonder and imagination.”

Hilbrecht also says research shows that grandparents can continue to have a long-term influence on their grandkids long after they themselves are gone.

GRANDKIDS’ LIVES ARE HEALTHIER, HAPPIER

aspect of grandparenting is cultural, such as handing down traditions and passing along family stories from years gone by. Perhaps nothing strengthens the bond between a grandchild and their grandparent more than hearing stories about what a dweeb their dad was as a kid or how outspoken their mom was as a little girl.

“I think that the grandparent’s role in sharing family stories and other narratives is a really important part of a child developing a sense of their family and of themselves,” says Hilbrecht. “This also extends to family recreational activities the grandparent can do with the grandchild. Parents may not always have the time to go skating or do other cultural activities such as attend a play or go to the library. Those are special times and activities a grandparent and grandchild can do together. They contribute to an intergenerational translation of family and an extension

Kimberly Agresta

their grandparents, it demonstrates the strength and importance of that relationship for both parties. As the lockdown phase early in the pandemic wore on, grandparents experienced feelings of stress, anxiety and deep isolation that resulted from being cut off so abruptly from their families and their grandkids, whatever their ages may have been.

“Studies have shown that grandparents who are involved in their grandkids’ lives are healthier, happier and live longer,” says Agresta, who has seen this positive influence in her own life. “My mom didn’t have grandparents. Today she has ten grandchildren and is the best grandparent I’ve ever seen. She once told me her interactions with her grandchildren were based solely upon

“The quality of the grandparent-grandchild relationship during childhood is bound to shape the importance of the relationship across the grandchild’s lifespan,” she observes. “So, if you have a good relationship with your grandparents, you’re likely to have a positive view of the grandparent-grandchild relationship and are more likely to look forward to becoming a grandparent.”

The bottom line of these revelations is that grandparents have more power than they realize in the emotional and developmental growth of their grandchildren. It just takes an investment of time to have that emotional and physical presence in their lives. Putting down the newspaper or turning off the television to call your grandchild, perhaps to arrange a library visit so that you can experiment with reading a book together, or taking them for an ice cream, or introducing them to pickleball, may produce returns beyond measure for their development. (And as an added bonus, grandkids provide excellent tech support!)

As the research shows, a closer relationship with grandchildren is good for grandparents as well. The chances are excellent that you will get back much more than you give.

THEIR

PHOTO BY EMAD MOHAMMADI

Grandparents'story

FROM READERS

Canadian singer and songwriter Francesco Muoio (known professionally as Frank Moyo) says the summer days he spent with his Nonna Rita after the school year ended are the accumulation of the best memories

he has of growing up. As he sat at her kitchen table eating a plate of pasta, he would listen to all the stories she would tell of her time back home in Cosenza, Calabria.

Nonna Rita, a forward-thinker, Italian music fanatic and, most of all,

a role model, spends her days caring for her family and her beautiful garden in Toronto. Because of her honesty, beautiful soul and devotion to her family, Frank learned from her early on what the true meaning of family is — one that is united, cared for and growing with love.

“Two peas in a pod” is how Frank describes their relationship. The incredible bond Frank shares with his Nonna has positively impacted every facet of his life. She taught him to be kind to and accepting of everyone. Most importantly, she taught him to do what is best for him and not worry about what other people think. Frank learned early on that happiness triumphs all at the end of the day. That means doing what he loves — music. Being the best version of himself and pursuing his passion for music went hand in hand.

Today, he graciously gives credit to their bond as the source of his inspiration but also as a main catalyst for writing Italian music. “Listening to the radio all the time, all the songs we listened to together, is one of the most important things I’ve gotten from her. I found my passion by just being with her all the time,” says Frank.

Today, you can see Frank and his Nonna Rita’s close bond on Frank’s Instagram account (@frankmoyomusic) along with his music. Here you will discover the true spirit of his Italian upbringing and all the values that come with it.

Frank and Nonna Rita pose in her Toronto backyard garden, where they often spend time together

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR OUR INTERVIEW WITH FRANCESCO AND HIS NONNA RITA

Arianna Skoloudik is fortunate enough to have grown up with all four of her grandparents and to look back on all the beautiful memories she shared with them. But her favourite memories took place on her grandparents’ farm in Schomberg, Ont., where she spent many summers and weekends. For her, the farm was her escape. The property was quaint and peaceful. As a child who struggled to make friends at school, the sheep, cattle, chickens, rabbits and cats that roamed the farmland became her friends.

More than anything, her Nonno Francesco adored seeing the family get together and enjoy everything the

farm had to offer — tranquillity, fresh air and scenic views. Once he brought back twin goats and taught her how to care for them. Her Nonno, knowing how much Arianna enjoyed it, would release the entire herd of goats to roam the property to trim the grass. While the goats munched on the grass, her job would be to ensure none escaped.

They spent many hours together caring for the animals and their sleeping quarters and the garden. As they worked her Nonno would tell stories of his life back in Italy and the funny moments he recalled. Arianna remembers many evenings the family splitting the beans from the garden and laughing together as they watched the sun paint the sky pink as it sank below

the horizon. By the end of the day, delicious dinners had been prepared and cooked by her Nonna Anna. The aromas would soar with the farm breeze as the family gathered around the table. At the end of the summer, the family would make tomato sauce from dusk till dawn.

Arianna’s Nonno was a true family man who put everyone above himself. He emigrated to Canada from Italy to provide a better life for his family. In Arianna’s heart she knows he would be very proud of her devotion to getting a post-secondary education, an opportunity that was far from possible for him because he’d had to leave school at a very young age. Nevertheless, her memories of his humility, work ethic and sense of humour have survived beyond his passing and continue to add grace and warmth to Arianna’s life.

Nonno Francesco passed away a year ago. She will forever cherish the opportunity she had to learn as much as she could from him and the beautiful memories of her time on the farm. He taught her that friends and boyfriends come and go, but the family always comes first. Family is forever.

Nonno Francesco’s love, wisdom, and presence made him an incredible grandfather who brought joy to everyone around him

“HE TAUGHT ME TO NEVER FORGET WHERE I COME FROM, WHOSE BLOOD IS RUNNING THROUGH MY VEINS, AND TO ALWAYS MAKE TIME FOR THE FAMILY”

One man in Vaida Urmuleviciute’s life that she has always looked up to, never been disappointed by, learned continuously from and felt protected by has always been her grandfather Medardas. Even he was undoubtedly the most serious one in the family, he ensured that his (at that time) only granddaughter would have a magical childhood.

Winter was her favourite season. Every year, her grandfather would build snowmen, take her around on sleds and even take her ice fishing. But “Looking for Elves” was her all-time favourite activity. For years, she had been convinced that the little steps in the snow (which were probably from one of their cats) were Santa’s elves snooping around the town for the naughty and nice. On Christmas Day, she excitedly checked the Christmas tree repeatedly until all the presents would magically appear. Deep down, she believed that the elves had just left. She hoped she would be lucky enough to see them next year.

Vaida and her grandfather closely bonded through their mutual love for nature. Besides being dedicated cat enthusiasts, they were an inseparable duo anywhere in nature. Whether it was fishing, berry-picking, gathering mushrooms or their endless forest walks, she never had enough of her grandfather’s company and wisdom. She loved to follow him everywhere so much that it led her as a 5-year-old to get stuck on a branch of an apple tree. Eventually, her grandfather had to climb up the ladder to rescue his little granddaughter.

Vaida will always be inspired, motivated and fascinated by her grandfather’s life. The most incredible honour in her life is being his granddaughter.

“AS A KID, I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO HIM BECAUSE HE KNEW SO MUCH ABOUT HISTORY AND I ALWAYS HAD A DEEP RESPECT FOR MY TEACHERS IN SCHOOL BECAUSE OF HIM”

Vaida’s grandmother Vita and grandfather Medardas showered her with love and life lessons from the moment she was born

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Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

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Talking To Strangers: What We Should Know About The People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell

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The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

A beautiful course of study that illuminates the artist’s path, a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that examines creativity, how it has a place in everyone’s life and how everyone can make that place larger.

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FROM NIAGARA WITH LOVE

Inspired by their Italian heritage, the Marotta family possessed an unwavering vision of bringing a European touch to the quaint Niagara region, and with that, Two Sisters Vineyards was born. Located in the southern part of the sub-appellation of the Niagara River, its proximity to the river allows a constant flow of cold air, longer growing seasons and rich harvesting periods compared to other agricultural land. Two Sisters Vineyards commits itself to the highest standard in the farming of their vines and to a meticulous production process that ensures age-worthy wines that are well-received on the world stage.

Their winery and four vineyards (John Street Vineyard, St. David’s Vineyard, Hunter Road Vineyard and Niagara Parkway Vineyard) span more than 130 acres. Planted varietals include Cabernet

Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Each grape is handled with the utmost care and attention, from the vineyard to bottling. Although their vineyards yield about two to three tonnes per acre, the goal has always been quality over quantity. This mantra is exemplified by their multi-award-winning history, producing wines that are competing and winning gold medals at international competitions, including the 2018 and 2020 Chardonnays that won Gold at the Chardonnay du Monde competition in Burgundy, France.

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Their recently opened 11th POST on Queen restaurant, at 135 Queen St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, features the highest quality ingredients transformed into elevated comfort food. They are also building a new winery, Stone Eagle, to feature their ultra-premium tier of wines, which are only produced in the best vintages. TSV also offers virtual tastings, allowing people across Canada to receive pre-selected wines and log on to join a sommelier-guided tasting session. Membership in their wine club, which already has over 1,000 members across Canada, offers wine enthusiasts unique experiences that allow them to explore their passion.

Two Sisters Vineyards continues to uphold their standard of winemaking perfection. Their impressive wines, which range from complex full-bodied reds to elegant terroir-driven whites, have established the company as a landmark vineyard in the industry. The Marotta family’s passion for their winemaking techniques, as well as their dining experiences, tastings and tours, are the sources of their success. Every speck of soil, every grape on the vine and every bottle opened continues to push Melissa and Angela’s mission of putting Niagara and Canadian wines on the world stage.

Two Sisters Vineyards wines are available at the Estate in the Wine Boutique, the on-site restaurant Kitchen76, and many restaurants throughout Ontario. Online ordering is available 24/7 through their website, with delivery to your door!

www.twosistersvineyards.com

240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. 905-468-0592

As a team, Melissa (left) focuses on marketing strategies and the seamless delivery of quality, luxury and elegance at all consumer touch points for the brand. Angela (right) oversees strategic planning, product development and overall customer service, ensuring high standards are always met in the vineyard

Sisters Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta have preserved their Italian heritage through Two Sisters Vineyards

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OVER MY FIVE YEARS AS A STUDENT, I BEGAN TO CULTIVATE THIS LOVE OF LEARNING

BRAIN POWER: FORMATIVE, EXCITING & ENLIGHTENING

Brain Power Alumni have incredible academic histories, amazing career trajectories and inspiring success stories

Brain Power Enrichment Programs Ltd. has a more than 30-year history of successfully delivering a transformative teaching model that inspires a passion for learning. Their unwavering values and student-centred approach have helped their students thrive inside and outside the classroom.

“The student involvement is just topnotch. They consistently bring their students back again to participate in extracurriculars, events and administrative activities. They can take one of their students and make them one of their professionals,” says Brain Power alumnus Sam Gorman. Now studying at York University’s Schulich School of Business and a Public Speaking Associate Instructor at Brain Power, Gorman credits all his success to his Brain Power experience during his teenage years. He admits that he was “far from a star student,” but due to Brain Power’s personalized teaching style, a lot of what he learned he never forgot, things that he otherwise would and could not learn at school. Through the years, Gorman has earned personal and professional achievements because of Brain Power’s impact. He was a selected speaker at Think Tank 2017 and achieved 1st Place in Ontario’s Speaker’s Idol 2018 competition.

After walking through the doors of Brain Power the first thing Alexandra Rebarbar noticed was an emphasis on the love of learning. “Brain Power’s objective is to ensure that students aren’t memorizing content but understanding it. Over my five years as a student, I began to cultivate this love of learning,” says Rebarbar. She was invited to the Association of Bright Children of Ontario event as a student speaker to represent Brain Power. There, she met accomplished alumni and fellow students who shared that same love of learning and motivation. That was the moment she realized how unique and what a great opportunity Brain Power is. Rebarbar now works at Brain Power part time as an Associate Ambassador and she is a student in an elite science program with aspirations to pursue business in her post-secondary education. “I’ve been more interested in business because of Brain Power. Having many interactions with parents and students, I learned how their business strategy is firmly developed from the needs of the parents and the students.”

“You can list so many words to describe Brain Power — love, appreciation and happiness — but the community itself is why everybody returns. They take care of the

students,” says Eden Schneider. During her childhood summers, while other kids were swimming in pools, she was engineering robots in her robotics class at Brain Power. All the things that made Brain Power special, from the teachers that were passionate about the engaging courses they taught to the great life lessons Eden learned, have led to her own career as an operational specialist at Brain Power. To be the best teacher to her students, she learned, was to be their best friend. “When you have that sense of respect that goes both ways, your students will also be more appreciative and engaged,” says Schneider.

Brain Power is a community that stands by its students and offers opportunities that will develop the formative stages of the student’s life beyond the classroom. Sam, Alexandra and Eden stand by that. They encourage all current and future Brain Power students to persevere and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.

THEY CAN TAKE ONE OF THEIR STUDENTS AND MAKE THEM ONE OF THEIR PROFESSIONALS

LOVE, APPRECIATION AND HAPPINESS BUT THE COMMUNITY ITSELF IS WHY EVERYBODY RETURNS

WHERE THE F@#% IS MY CAR?

The alarming surge of vehicle thefts has rendered the Vaughan community fearful, frustrated and facing uncertainty

WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

Waking up in the morning only to find an empty driveway where your car used to be is a feeling that never fades. Your mind scrambles as you attempt to figure out how this could have happened and why. When you ultimately come to grips with the fact that a stranger or a group of strangers felt confident enough to trespass onto your property and steal your vehicle, it leaves you feeling helpless, frustrated and, most of all, violated.

Guess what? You are not alone. If you are a resident of Vaughan or the York Region, then likely a family member, a colleague or a dear friend has had this happen to them.

According to crime statistics compiled by the York Regional Police (YRP), the year-to-date incidence of theft of motor vehicles is up 78.2 per cent from last year, from 715 to 1,274 vehicles stolen. Of note, keyless ignition vehicles are now the prime targets of car thieves. That is why Mayor Steven Del Duca of Vaughan and his constituents announced a plan to distribute 13,000 Faraday pouches to Vaughan residents.

Across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Hamilton area communities,

1. Vehicle order is placed.

2. Crews scout communities.

3. Vehicle is found and residence is staked out.

4. Vehicle is stolen and delivered to transport crew.

5. Tracker and plate are removed and loaded onto a transport truck.

6. Delivered to a warehouse to be loaded onto cargo containers.

7. Shipped to Africa and Europe.

8. Unloaded and sold by crime groups.

Vaughan (Weston Downs area) at 4:57 a.m.

Vaughan (Dufferin/Major Mack) at 3:40 a.m.

Vaughan (Bathurst/407) at 12:20 a.m.

Vaughan (Weston Road/Major Mack) at 4:30 a.m.

HOW IT’S STOLEN ...

we have seen not only brazen methods such as kicking down front doors to steal the keys commonly placed near the front entrance, but also sophisticated technological methods known as “relay attacks,” wherein these criminals use vulnerabilities in keyless fobs to steal vehicles swiftly. They can read the radio frequency of the key fobs in a house and relay that frequency to a car on the driveway, tricking the car into thinking the key fob is next to or in the vehicle. The entire process takes only minutes.

The newly released Faraday pouches are designed to block thieves from reading radio frequencies in car key fobs.

Mayor Del Duca says, “The fob protectors are the first tangible initiative we have done for the city to help provide our residents with a tool to prevent auto theft.”

While some see the launch of the fob protectors to be a swift response, is it really?

More importantly, why is Vaughan the hot-spot target area for auto theft?

“Because it is a target-rich environment,” says York Regional Police Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida. The seasoned officer with 35 years of law enforcement experience believes that due to York Region’s affluence, particularly in the southern region, there is a higher ratio of the desired vehicles for thieves. “The more affluent the community, the more targeted they are as opposed to thieves driving into smaller areas where the target vehicles are not as plentiful,” says Deputy Chief Almeida.

While affluence is a factor, vulnerability goes hand in hand with being unaware.

“The biggest danger is when the public is uneducated and unaware of these risks, which is why we’ve posted many public messages, both on our YouTube channel and in our community safety data portal, to slow down these criminals,” says Deputy Chief Almeida.

Another question is why certain makes of cars are being targeted, i.e., Dodge, Lexus, Toyota and Land Rover. To answer why these are among the most

frequently stolen vehicles according to the YRP, consider where they are headed.

The YRP has reported that a large percentage of these vehicles are being stolen for international export. In other words, this is a big business with serious money to be made.

There is an international demand for certain vehicles and the ports are receiving these vehicles, which are being purchased by organized crime groups.

“Our investigations’ focus is on what we can establish here and whom we can bring to justice in Canada. We may be able to provide intel to a foreign partner and say, ‘One of your citizens has a criminal organization that’s involved in importing stolen vehicles from North America,’ but nothing can be done to force the investigation further. They are vested in protecting their citizens,” says Deputy Chief Almeida.

So, as vehicle owners, we must take matters into our own hands. What can we do to better protect ourselves and our vehicles before they leave our driveways, let alone are shipped halfway across the world?

Joe, from the popular Instagram account @notonjoeswatch, a volunteer member of York Regional Police and a community safety consultant dedicated to providing crime prevention tips and statistics to residents across the GTA, says, “When it comes to crime, there’s no single solution. The Faraday bags are great. But that’s one of 25 different things we should be doing. When it comes to crime, the more layers and hurdles you have in place to prevent crime, the better.”

“Another important consideration is it’s easy to procure parts in certain countries where they end up. Especially for gas vehicles, which is why there are not a lot of hybrid vehicles being stolen,” says Deputy Chief Almeida.

In response to international demand for stolen vehicles, Mayor Del Duca says, “We have begun an advocacy campaign with the federal and provincial governments geared toward helping us by increasing the number of inspections at the borders for exports.”

Yes, the YRP has relationships with foreign law enforcement agencies, but what is the extent of that relationship?

Understanding your own responsibility to protect your property and taking the necessary measures will significantly increase your chances of not becoming a victim of auto theft. The responsibility to protect our homes with fire alarms and fire extinguishers is no different from the responsibility to protect our vehicles.

For Joe, you are better off being proactive than reactive. “Everybody needs to do their part.”

This means locking all doors and windows, installing exterior lights that are on all night, security cameras that monitor all access points of your residence, staying tuned in to community warnings from the police, using a steering wheel lock and, arguably the most essential, setting up a perimeter motion alarm system.

“Knowing when criminals are there is critical. Perimeter motion detection is a device that notifies you instantly when

THE POLICE ARE DOING AN INCREDIBLE JOB, BUT THE MAJORITY OF ALL THESE CRIMINALS ARE REPEAT OFFENDERS. WE NEED STRONGER PENALTIES AND WE NEED TO FIX THE BROKEN BAIL SYSTEM

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there’s motion on your property. Before they even get to your vehicle or your doors, you’re going to be notified that they’re there. This is critical because you could set off your car or home alarm and call 911 while the crime is in progress. Reporting a crime in progress is treated differently than reporting it hours after. They will prioritize their response,” says Joe.

Roughly six months ago, Joe found himself in that exact situation. As a result of a home renovation, one of his cars had to be parked on the driveway instead of in its usual spot in the garage. He was notified by his perimeter motion detection system that somebody was in his driveway. He called 911 and set off his alarms, the trespasser ran and was arrested by the police soon after. The problem is, most times, these thieves are released the next morning and are soon back on the street doing the same thing.

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4110

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In May 2023, investigators with the YRP, in conjunction with Peel Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), began an investigation of a car theft ring operating out of the York Region and were able to identify three suspects.

After the three were arrested, upon the execution of eight search warrants the police discovered they had uncovered a multimillion-dollar car theft operation. Thirty-one stolen vehicles were recovered, valued at $2.8 million. Police also seized $30,000 in cash, police scanner devices, key re-programmers and more than 100 master keys.

The three men are now facing more than 80 charges, including motor vehicle theft. One of the suspects was out on bail for charges related to a vehicle theft at the time of their arrest, according to police.

“The police are doing an incredible job, but the majority of all these criminals are repeat offenders. We need stronger penalties, and we need to fix the broken bail system. Don’t you think somebody who has been arrested multiple times for the same crime should be denied bail at that point?” says Joe.

Mayor Del Duca recently wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling on the federal government to urgently modernize Canada’s bail system to ensure that dangerous offenders are kept off our streets for committing crimes ranging from gun violence to home break-ins and auto thefts.

“The solution to this problem is a whole-system approach that involves our judicial system and involves our politicians getting on board. It is not a police issue alone. Even the auto and the insurance industry understand they have a role in this,” says Deputy Chief Almeida.

The fact of the matter is we see the police arrest them and then the system releases them. The relatively low penalties that these thieves face under the current conditions in the courts do not deter them from going back out and committing the same crime. If a comprehensive plan of action is needed for the entire justice system — that is, at the provincial and municipal levels — then what are we waiting for?

Auto theft will worsen if we delay the changes that need to be made. Enough is enough.

@notonjoeswatch

PHOTO BY FARZAM HD

Yonge Street Suite 600 Toronto Ont. | 416-229-5866 | sugikumaresan.com | @cibc

CFP,

CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. The CIBC logo and “CIBC Private Wealth” are trademarks of CIBC, used under license. “Wood

CHANGING CHILDREN’S LIVES THROUGH LITERACY

A Young Canadian is appointed as one of the inspirational 2023 Youth Ambassadors for the World Literacy Foundation

WRITTEN BY MARC CASTALDO

The World Literacy Foundation (WLF) is a global nonprofit organization that strives to offer every child, regardless of geographic location, the opportunity to acquire literacy skills and books to reach their full potential — succeeding at school and beyond.

An integral aspect of the WLF’s mission to end illiteracy by 2040 is its

Ambassador Program, designed to train and encourage young people to become literacy advocates to interact, share and strengthen togetherness with other likeminded people determined to eradicate illiteracy worldwide.

A young Canadian named Olga developed her passion for literacy and advocacy by raising awareness and education in her community.

Olga is one of 403 young people from 73 countries who were selected from 3,500 nominations for the Ambassador position to advocate for the lifelong importance of reading and writing.

Andrew Kay, founder and CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, says, “I am very excited to share the appointment of Olga as one of the 2023 Youth

Children participate in the Sun Books program, designed for communities without electricity or Internet access in Uganda

Ambassadors for literacy and share with her these aspirational goals to make a positive impact and see more children discover the joy of reading.”

Ambassadors serve as voices in the community. They proudly speak at their schools, universities, and to media or community groups to raise awareness and money for education and to advocate for literacy. In the process, they develop lifelong leadership and advocacy skills.

Since 770 million people on the globe are illiterate and 2 billion people struggle to read a sentence according to the World Literacy Foundation, Youth Ambassadors learn how to inspire others to get involved in their cause to make a greater impact.

Due to the pandemic, children in impoverished and under-served communities have fallen even further behind. The evidence is clear. The ability to read is a passport to a promising future of better employment or continuing education.

“These inspiring young leaders like Olga have come together as a collective group of young people to help eradicate illiteracy in their communities and beyond,” says Kay. “The World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassadors play a key role in the organization and promotion of literacy, particularly on key days like International Literacy Day. The young people have chosen this year’s theme, ‘Change-makers,’ to call to empower and inspire all young people to address high rates of illiteracy in their communities.”

Kay recalled his early school years in Australia, when he himself struggled

to read. It was only through the efforts of his devoted literacy tutor that his reading abilities dramatically improved

and his interest in books grew. Today he reads one book a week and credits his success at university and as the founder of a literacy organization primarily to his love and habit of reading.

He said the Ambassador Youth Program “is a perfect opportunity for inspiring young people to take action, develop new skills, be a voice in their community and connect with young people who are eager to make a social impact.”

According to the World Literacy Foundation, the social impact and economic cost of illiteracy is estimated at USD $1.2 trillion each year and is directly linked to poverty, lower life expectancy and poor health outcomes.

The power of words has proven itself once again.

www.worldliteracyfoundation.org

@worldliteracy_foundation

These inspiring young leaders, like Olga, have come together as a collective group of young people to help eradicate illiteracy in their community and beyond

Children in the Aprende Leyendo program in Columbia

Olga, one of the inspirational 2023 Youth Ambassadors for the World Literacy Foundation