Faces Magazine February 2014 - Sochi Winter Olympics

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAGAZINE DIRECTORY Editor In Chief Justin MacKinnon Publisher Hank’s Paw Publishing (A division of 2384399 Ontario Ltd.)

Faces And Businesses In 6-7 | 2014 Ottawa Awards Top Nominees Athletes

Models

30-33 | Fabio

Photographers Valberg Imaging Greg Kolz Gord Weber Getty Images

8-9 | Corey Perry

34-35 | Delaney Holley 36-39 | Faces Time

Capsule 2004

10-12 | Matt Duchene

Fashion & Beauty

44 |

15 | Meghan Agosta 16-17 | Ashleigh McIvor

7 Must Have Accessories for Winter 2014

45 | Manly Essentials Health

Operations Director Joshua Chartrand Accounting/ Finance Linda Zhang

50 |

Jacob Wright: Who Needs a Personal Trainer Anyway?

Advertising info@facesmag.ca Contact 613-591-6093 info@facesmag.ca @facesottawa www.facesmag.ca

22-23 | Diana Matheson 24-25 | Adam Van Koeverden

54-55 | Senators Soiree

26 | Annie-Pier Cloutier

57 |

4 | February 2014

Communications Director Jordan Palleck

5 Flu Fighting Foods and Supplements

20-21 | Clara Hughes

27 |

Contributors Duong Hoang Jason Peyman Alex Feeney Jacob Wright Carl Dupont Kaylie Sims Greg Kolz

48 |

18-19 | Rosalind Groenewoud

Olympic Gold Medal Winning Ottawa Born Athletes

Cover Photo: Getty Images

Director of Marketing / Sales Kyle Turk

42 | Shirt & Tie Combos

14 | Ivanie Blondin

Creative/Art Director Vicky Sun

Mann&Partners,LLP: Thinking of Buying Your First Home?

60-61 | The Tourist: Montréal

National Skating 64-65 | 2014 Championships

66 | Calendar

2014 FACES AND BUSINESSES IN OTTAWA (F.A.B.I.O.) AWARDS TOP NOMINEES Accountant Matt Hoar Mike Moher Chris Finlay Sam Majic Garny Hewitt Athlete Bobby Ryan Marc Methot John Delahunt Brad Fritsch Elizabeth Manley Erik Karlsson Chris Phillips Bartender Pierre Acouri Bonnie Wilson Derek Wilson Steph Perkins Morgan Leigh Candace Della-Rica Chloe Furness Rachelle VanSchepen

Krista Bailey Laura Roberts Blogger Erin Blaskie Nathalie Boucher Grace Odumo Loukia Zigoumis Natasha Bernardi Shauna Vert Travis Yost Business Owner Ramsey Sayah Teresa McLean Dino Nocita Angie Sakla-Seymour

Mike Ziola Dave Hale Stephanie Karlovits

Chiropractor Dr. Chadwick Shank Dr. Sasha Hamid Dr. Kelly Norman Dr. Rebecca Laginski Dr. Carrie Johnston Dr. Michael Gibson Comedian Chris Timms Jon Dore Tom Green Jean-Yves Fichaud Rick Currie Jay Baruchel Dentist Dr. Michael Moore

Dr. Mark McCullough

Dr. Shannel Yang Dr. Yolande Dmytrowski

Dr. Tanya Bracanovich

Dental Hygienist Tiffany Barker Lyndsay Thomas Sophie Beauchamp Michelle Black Samantha Morrison DJ DJ Daviss Ariyan DJ Kid SL Mister Parker BZRK Tribe Called Red Entrepreneur Harley Finkelstein Tracy Billows Kyle Braatz Moe Abbas Nick May Esthetician Allana Smith Athena Blackmore Kelly Soares Kaye Wong Iratzi Marquez

Event Planner Starfish Creative Events

Alexandra Mongrain (Biagio’s) Sharon & Tony House

Next Wave Events DMC Ottawa Financial Advisor Randy Little Colin Noble Rob Stewart Cory Ready Steve Hall Hair Stylist Feria Ebrahimi Pierino Scarfo Suzanne Pack Melanie Albert Jennifer Bryant Kayla Kenney Cory Smith Kate MacLaren

Massage Therapist Teresa McLean Chadwick Shank Enrique Astorga Christine Northan Nicole Settimi Melanie Cyr Model Helena-Alexis Seymour

Ally Mayson Laurence DaNova Herieth Paul Delaney Holley Alissa Pritchard Mortgage Broker Chase Belair Nick Bachusky Lori Fortier Frank Napolitano Adel Abaza Mr./ Mrs. Social Media

Humanitarian Dylan Black Max Keeping Stuntman Stu Dev Jude Erin Phillips

Erin Blaskie Michelle Weger Michaela Alexis Laura Ballester Amanda Meiller Claira Calderone Catherine Landry

Lawyer Kathleen Kelly Colleen Hoey Hunter Phillips Eric Macramalla Howard Yagendorf Kevin Butler

Musician Tyler Kealey Kira Isabella Brea Lawrenson Jessica Lee Autumns Cannon

Makeup Artist Surat Thani Sproule Ariana Assadi Amy St. Denis Leslie-Anne Barrett

Natalie Peachy Manager Duong Hoang Aleysha Derksen Kevin Rockburne Andrea Renaud Jeff Davis Adamo Terranova

Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Heather Eggleston

Dr. Joel Villeneuve Dr. Kealy Mann

Personal Trainer Jacob Wright Neil Miron Kayla Hottot Chelsea Boissonneault

Courtney Conner Photographer Valerie Keeler Bonnie Findley Freshh Anderson Gord Weber Lisa Craig Politician Allan Hubley Jim Watson Paul Dewar Marianne Wilkinson Pierre Poilievre Professional Recruiter

Kyle Provost Trudi Klassen Zak Michalyshyn Helena Tavares Mark Halloran Kendall Mimeault Stephen Mitchell Promoter Jad Slaibeh Catherine Landry DNA Presents Floorplay Group Ebony & Ivory Promotional Model Abigale Butcher Ally Mayson Francesca Webb Marina Skye Stephanie Sandiland

Dr. Jacqui Solowjew Dr. Dominika Zarzeczny

Nutritionist Hari Ghuman Rachel Caven Brandy Kozowy Veronique Perron Jennifer Jones

Radio Personality Kenny B Katherine Dines Shawn Simpson Ian Mendes Stuntman Stu Rush Lee Versage

Real Estate Agent Ryan Jones Maggie Tessier Andy Sparks Scott Arial Colin Zappia Chris Lacharity Brooke & Jenna Ritchie Matt Smith Receptionist Krista Miczki Megan Wilson Rachel Johnson Casey Desjardins Sarah Nevins

Veterinarian Dr. Ian Cameron Dr. Beth Emans Dr. Karen Sime Dr. Vanessa Papiernik

Dr. Dorit Fischler TV Personality Matt Demers Melissa Lamb Sarah Freemark Derick Fage Sandra Blaikie Lianne Laing Dean Brown Carol Anne Meehan Shawn McKenzie

Salesperson Phil Gyuk Kris King Eldon Fox Trevor Hawkins Sheldon Carrasco Liane Cote

Volunteer Patrick Kay Nives Brkic Susan Gray

Server Kerri Pascall Lauren Jamieson Julia Sicard Madison House Elizabeth McAleer Sandra Hoskin Katrina Richardson Ashley Amaro

Yoga Instructor Paula Munroe Grace Kennedy Amber Stratton Danielle Lithwick Roxanne Joly

Stephanie Sandiland

Hayley Phillips Tattoo Artist Jamie Kleinveld Tiffany Thornton Jimmi Roberts Spence Gerbasi Glen Paradis Teacher William Hennessey Isabelle St-Amour Allison Carrier Erica Erskine Andrea Rocco

Samantha Thompson

Ilana Shore Josh O’Grady

2014 FACES AND BUSINESSES IN OTTAWA (F.A.B.I.O.) AWARDS TOP NOMINEES After Work Drinks Blue Cactus Fresco Cornerstone Mambo Moxie’s Kanata Moxie’s Gloucester

Date Spot La Cucina Fresco Must Wine Bar Vetta Osteria Aperitivo Cyranos

Golf Course The Marshes Loch March Canadian Greensmere Camelot Rideauview

Car Dealership Campbell Ford Myers Orleans Nissan Tony Graham Infinity Otto’s BMW Kanata Honda Mark Motors

Daycare Centres Tiny Hoppers

Home Builder Campanale Minto Mattamy Richcraft Tamarack Urbandale

Caribbean Food Bananas Caribbean Sizzler Island Flava Mugena’s Fishy’s Tropical Grill Chinese Food Wontonmama Beijing Legend Yang Sheng Yang Ming Baidu Cleaning Service Tidy Squad Merry Maids Respaldo Services Ottawa Maids Canada’s Cleaning Crew Clothing Store Marcelle Benedicte Couture L’Hexagone Schad Milk NRML Morgante Menswear E.R. Fisher Menswear Stroked Ego Holt Renfrew Coffee Shop La Bottega Café 55 TAN Coffee Starbucks Second Cup Timothy’s Country Bar Fatboys Dodge City Crazy Horse Lonestar

Bridlewood Child Learning Centre

Kanata Research Park Family Centre Playtime Daycare Centre

ABC Daycare Centre Dental Clinic Villanova Dental Studio Corner Stone Dental Group Lincoln Fields Dental Center

Alta Vista Dental Clinic Centertown Dental Southpointe Dental Faces Cover Bobby Ryan Marc Methot Avril Lavigne Rick Mercer Fine Dining Mezzanotte Bistro Perspectives Giovanni’s Empire Grill Next Fitness Centre EPIC Fitness Canadian Strength Flex Fitness Studio Goodlife Free Form Fitness PS Gym Greco Furniture Store Phillip Van Leeuwen Ottawa Brandsource Randall’s Prestige Furniture Polanco General Contractor Doyle Homes Ottawa General Contractors

Oakwood Neilcorp Homes Handyman Connection

Hotel Brookstreet Hotel Chateau Laurier Westin Delta City Centre Hilton Lac-Leamy Indian Restaurant Haveli Shafali Rasam Ceylonta Urban Turban IT Company Hot Spot Mobile N-Able Enbridge DragonWave Shopify Blackberry/RIM Italian Restaurant Babbos Giovanni’s Fresco La Cucina Vittoria Trattoria Sopra Napoli’s Poco Pazzo Fratelli Japanese/ Sushi Kinki Wasabi Kiko 168 Sushi Sushi 88 Japanese Village Law Firm McKoena Law Kelly Santini LLP Gowlings Mann & Partners Perley Robertson

Limousine Company Elite Infinity Hollywood East Coast Empire

Place to work Living Colour Tattoo Joseph’s Salon BAP Access Shopify Mitel

Local Brewery Big Rig Beau’s Kichesippi Hogsback Broadhead

Property Management Sleepwell Property Management CLV Group

Lounge Social Blue Cactus Moxie’s Kanata Moxie’s Hunt Club Skirt Steak MediSpa LCI Medispa Hummingbird Spa Precision Spa Tosoni MD Oxygen Spa Nightclub Mansion Era Living Room Tequila Jacks Rainbow Bistro Flybar JunXion Patio Cornerstone Fatboys Kinki Mambo Stella St. Louis Physiotherapy Clinics Pro Physio - March Rd Ottawa Physiotherapy & Sport Clinic Pro Physio - Capital Sport

Motion Matters Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic Family Physio Centre Kanata

Pizza Mountain Station Pizza Za Za Za Tennessy Willems Willy’s Gabriel’s The Grand

Taggart Realty management

District Realty Regional Group Strongback Property Management Pub Cheshire Cat Pub The Senate Heart & Crown Barley Mow Royal Oak D’Arcy McGees Real Estate Agency Coldwell Banker First Ottawa Realty Keller Williams VIP Realty Royale LePage Gale Realty

Profile Properties Exit Realty Matrix The Usher Group Inc

Tanning Salon iTan uTan Paradise Tanning Caribbean Exposure The Tan Co. Southern Lites Taxi Company Blueline Capital DJ’s Taxi West-Way Travel Agency SellOffVacation Marlin Travel MidEarth Travel Phoenicia travel CAA Westboro University/College Carleton U of Ottawa Algonquin La Cité collégiale Veterinary Hospitals Bank St. Animal Hospital

Centertown Veterinary Hospital Algonquin Animal Hospital

Carling Animal Hospital Ottawa Veterinary Hospital

Restaurant Fatboys Giovanni’s The Table Biagio’s Big Rig Mezzanotte Bistro Salon Texture Hair Salon Joseph’s Hair Junkie Fernando Cellini Hairtech Coiffure Carte Blanche Jask Spa Daya Spa Au Naturel Spa Viviana’s Day Spa The Spa Kanata Spa Junkie Renu Spa York St. Spa Sports Bar The Senate Real Sports Don Cherry’s Kanata Tailgators St. Louis

Volunteer Organization Ottawa Food Bank Candlelighters Hopeful Hearts Max Keeping Foundation Boys and Girls Club Wedding Reception Venue

Brookstreet Shenkman Arts Centre War Museum Chateau Laurier Ottawa Convention Centre

National Arts Centre Minto Suites Yoga Studio Pure Yoga Rama Lotus Upward Dog Yogatown Moksha Astanga

Many athletes say that nothing truly prepares you for the Olympic experience.

The crowds, the pressure and the expectations are at an all-time high – this is especially true for Team Canada men’s hockey. As a Gold-Medal-veteran of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Anaheim Ducks winger Corey Perry is prepared for Sochi. The Peterborough-native is honoured to play for Canada, and is excited to make his mark in 2014. Faces had the opportunity to speak with Corey Perry to learn about his Olympic experience.

COREY PERRY Canadian Men’s Hockey Team

8 | February 2014

How does it feel to be chosen for your second straight Olympics? Does it feel different this time around?

Indescribable. It’s such an honour to be chosen when we come from a country where there are so many great players to choose from. To be honest, I am still just as excited as I was when I got that phone call for the Vancouver Olympics.

I’m not sure that phone call could ever get old.

What are you most looking forward to about the Olympic experience?

Just the chance to play for my country again and also to play amongst some of the world’s greatest players and other athletes will be an amazing experience.

It’s always fun to be in the Olympic village with other athletes from around the world who have devoted the last 4 years of their lives to getting there.

Which country do you think will be a tough team to play against this year and why?

Well, as Canadians we have always had great rivalries with Russia and the United States, so those are an obvious answer.

Who was the first person to congratulate you on making Team Canada again?

When I got the phone call it was really early in the morning because of the time difference out here in California, and my girlfriend and I were still asleep. So she was the first to find out and congratulate me.

Who was the first person you contacted after you got the call?

The first people I called when I got the news were my family back home in Ontario.

Olympic Gold Medalist 2010, 2007 Stanley Cup Champion and 2010-11 Hart Trophy Winner (NHL MVP).

What are your expectations of Sochi?

I don’t really know what to expect.

From everything we’ve heard so far I think it’s going to be a great experience.

Can you run us through a typical day being an athlete at the Olympics?

As athletes we stay in the Olympic village, which is similar to an apartment building back home. Our rooms are usually two to three players in each room. We wake up and have breakfast in a cafeteria with other athletes from different sports and countries. Then we go to practice, attend a couple of meetings and then it’s like a normal game day back home with a pre game nap, snack and then the game. But since the games are so late in Sochi this year (9pm local time) everything will be

pushed back a couple of hours, so that will be a little different.

Is there a Canadian athlete that you are looking forward to meeting in Sochi?

I had a chance to meet the Canadian women’s hockey team this summer at the Canadian Olympic camp so it’s always great to see them, and just to meet all of our athletes is fun.

What’s your go-to song right now?

I don’t really have a go-to song right now, but I’m usually listening to any of the new country stuff.

What’s your pre-game meal?

My pre-game meal really hasn’t changed much over the years – a salad followed by chicken and pasta and a nice cold Coca-Cola.

9 | February 2014

NHL All-Star

Matt Duchene Canadian Men’s Hockey Team

Most of us remember Team Canada’s memorable win at Salt Lake in 2002. Millions of Canadians tuned in to watch Canada earn a hard-fought gold medal. Matt Duchene recalls wearing a Joe Sakic jersey and cheering him on to an impressive 4 points.

Fast forward twelve years, Matt Duchene will be cheered on by millions of Canadians watching the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games in-person and at home. Known for his speed and creativity, Duchene hopes to bring his game to Sochi as part of an extremely talented contingent of Canadian hockey players.

Where were you when you got the call that you had made the Canadian Olympic hockey team?

I had woken up early, with my nerves and everything going on. I jumped into the shower and brought my phone in the bathroom just in case. I then took my dog for a walk just to try and kill time. When I came back I saw that I had a missed call from Boston and I was hoping it was Peter Chiarelli. I called the number back and it was him – I was thrilled! I only found out about an hour before the announcement, but I was very excited.

Who was the first person you told?

My girlfriend was with me when I found out.

I called both my parents right away. They were in different spots at the time, but that was about it. I texted my teammate, Paul Stastny, who had made the US Olympic team a week earlier. I was really happy for him when he made the US team, and he was waiting for me to hopefully make it as well. He was pumped up too.

What team are you most excited about playing against?

The US has a great team, but any team we play against is going to be really tough. We’re going to have to go through some tough teams to win gold. I think it will be pretty cool to play Russia at some point because the atmosphere will be tremendous.

Do you have any pregame rituals you’ll be bringing to Sochi with you?

I have a routine of warming up, listening to music and the same stuff I do here – nothing too crazy.

What adjustments will you do to your game with the larger rink size?

I think the best thing for me is to bring as much of my game here over there. Obviously playing on the wing most likely, I want to try to bring speed and stretch the ice out. Just try to play my game, which is puck possession, play-making and speed.

I want to make sure I’m on top of my game going in. We have 9 games left here before the tournament, and you want to go into it on top of your game. At the end of the day, that’s how you want to approach it – that’s what I’m looking to do.

Are there any other events at the Olympics that you’re looking forward to seeing?

I’m going to try and catch as much as I can. I really enjoy speed skating.

I don’t know if I’ll get much of a chance, but I’d like to get up to the hill and catch some bobsledding and skiing. We’ll be busy as a team and our first priority is winning gold. I’ll probably be so consumed with that, that I won’t be thinking of too much else.

Are there any Olympic moments that stick in your mind from previous years?

Yeah, the final game in 2002. I was a huge Joe Sakic fan and it was pretty special (4 points in the game). I had a Sakic Team Canada jersey that I got that year. I remember wearing it to school once a week. Obviously Sidney Crosby’s goal last Olympics is also a big moment in Canadian history. It was huge for the country.

Is there anything that most people don’t know about you?

If anyone follows me on Twitter they probably know everything about me.

I’m a big fisherman and I play guitar in a band in the summers when I’m able to. I don’t think there’s much else. If anyone wants to know what I’m up to just follow me on Twitter.

If you weren’t playing hockey what would you be doing?

I was pretty creative when I was younger and I think I play the game pretty creatively too. I always kind of wanted to be an industrial designer, graphic designer or something where I could use my creativity. I also could have maybe seen myself chasing the music dream and maybe trying to make it in country music. Anytime we’re in Nashville I love being there. I could see myself living the life of some of those guys.

Do you have a favourite singer?

Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley would probably be my top three.

What do you miss most about being home or living in Canada?

Playing pond hockey and having some cold snowy days on an outdoor rink as a kid. We don’t get much cold down here in Denver, contrary to popular belief. We get cold sometimes, but I love the four seasons and the true cold. Those -15°C days of going out and playing with your buddies on an outdoor rink.

Do you have any advice for aspiring hockey players?

I always give the same answer: this game is such a cool thing to be able to do and if you love it, you should work as hard as you can at it. If you’re able to make it, it’s a great life doing what you love every day.

Is there a player in particular you’re looking forward to playing with the most on Team Canada?

In terms of a line mate I’m going to get two good ones no matter what.

The team is so deep and talented. One guy would be Sidney Crosby, I know him pretty well and I’ve trained with him the last couple of summers. We’re always competing with each other at the gym and on the ice.

It will be nice to play on the same team together. Another guy would be Jonathan Toews, I also know him pretty well and both he and Sid are guys I look up to. It will be cool to play with them.

You can follow Matt Duchene on Twitter @Matt9Duchene.

“I think the best thing for me is to bring as much of my game here over there.

Obviously playing on the wing most likely, I want to try to bring speed and stretch the ice out.�

What does it mean to be representing Ottawa and Canada at the Olympics this year?

For as long as I can remember, it has always been my dream to qualify for the Olympics. To be representing Ottawa and Canada at the Olympics this year honestly means the world to me. I have always been proud to be from the capital city. I mean, who wouldn’t be!!

What achievements in your career are you most proud of?

1. Qualifying for the Junior World team at the age of 14. I had no idea what I had accomplished and what I had just qualified for until my coach at the time, Dave Morrison, ran up to me when I had finished competing, and thought I was in trouble because I had been swarmed by doping control after my last race, to tell me that I will be going to Junior Worlds in Belgrade, Serbia!

2. Qualifying for both long and short track junior world teams my last year in the junior category.

3. Winning multiple medals in the team pursuit event last season, which one of them was a Gold at the World Cup in Astana with teammates Christine Nesbitt and Brittany Schussler. I was on top of the world.

4. Best of all, representing Ottawa and Canada at the Sochi 2014 Olympics.

How did you get started with speed skating?

I started skating when I was only 2 years old on the rink my dad and the neighbours would make every winter in the back field. I picked up figure skating not long after but wasn’t very “graceful” (I was a bit of a tom boy back then and always wanted to go fast... No

matter what I was supposed to do). So my figure skating coach suggested I try speed skating when I guess she finally realized that I would probably never grow out of the “tom boy” phase. Back then, I’m pretty sure I would have rather skated naked than with a tutu look-a-like on my body (laughs). It took a while, but I would say I finally grew out of it... I would say I am now the girliest girl on our skating team by far.

Can you run us through a typical day of training?

Wake up in the morning, wash my face, brush my teeth, put my contacts in, put my “face” on (laughs) and head to the kitchen. If Gizmo is home, (my big African grey parrot who is being babysat by my parents right now) I go wake him up and have him on my shoulder for the rest of the morning. Brew up my latte, make my bagel with PB and a sliced banana on top (If I could eat this for breakfast 365 days a year, I would) and enjoy it in front of the TV fighting over the bagel and latte with Gizmo. I then head to morning practice.

Usually jogging into the oval , warming up for 45 minutes before getting on the ice for an hour and half, then jogging home to have lunch. I will sometimes take a nap between trainings - depending on how hard the first session was. I then prepare myself for the second training, which is either weights (so I would jog in, warm up and head to the gym) or a long sub aerobic training either jogging or on the bike (can go from 30min on easy days to 3.5 hours). Following this is the destruction of food. I might be 5’3” and 120lbs, but I probably eat 2 or 3 times more than the average person. If I am not too tired at the end of the day I run some errands, do schoolwork (taking veterinary assistant courses online with Robertson college) or watch TV until I fall asleep. Repeat!!!

Ottawa Native

Ivanie Ivanie Blondin Blondin 5000m Short Track Speed Skater

Olympic Gold Medalist 2006 and 2010.

Canadian Women’s Hockey Team

Meghan Agosta

What is your most memorable moment of the Olympics?

My most memorable moment of the Olympics was in Turin 2006; having that medal placed around my neck. My family was there cheering and supporting me. This was my first Olympic Games and to make it more special, it was in my dad’s home country of Italy.

Any personal goals for the upcoming Sochi Olympics?

This is my third Olympic Games. I bring a lot of experience and so I’ll be taking on a leadership role. As far as personal goals, I want to stay true to myself, play to my full potential and most importantly, have fun. I play my best when I’m having fun.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Yes. I juggle a bit, drink some coffee and put my equipment on left side first, before the right.

Is there anything about you that most people wouldn’t know?

Well, I‘m married, I love skeet shooting and golfing in the summer. I have a happy-go-lucky personality.

Based on your experiences, do you have any advice for young, aspiring, female hockey players?

For sure! You need to set goals, really believe in yourself and most importantly, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Looking back on my journey, I come from a small town in Ontario, Ruthven, and look how far I’ve made it!

15 | February 2014

Ashleigh McIvor became Canada’s golden girl at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games by winning the women’s ski cross event just a short drive from where she grew up in Whistler. Although Ashleigh has since retired from competitive skiing, she has kept remarkably busy since the 2010 Games. Recently, Faces Magazine had a chance to chat with the Olympic Champion to find out what she’s been up to lately and what the future may hold in store.

Ashleigh McIvor

As the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games draw near, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been four years since you won Olympic gold in women’s ski cross. What do you remember most fondly about the 2010 Games, besides winning gold?

Personally, my fondest memory was as I was standing in the start gate, with that pure potential ahead and knowing I had a shot at winning.

Knowing that it was likely that I was going to win, and being in a position to just embrace all these emotions and feelings, and savour every moment. Just feeling so calm and at ease and confident.

In general, the thing I remember most about the Games is somewhat indescribable and hard to put into words because it was more of a vibe, a feeling, and the atmosphere was just amazing. And I felt like it was so unique to have a nation come together and support the same cause, the same athletes, and the same goals. It’s almost like the city was so vibrant that I don’t even know how to put that into words.

You mentioned that you felt calm in the start gate. Yet you probably had never been under more pressure in your life than you were at that exact moment. How were you able to handle the pressure of competing in front of family and friends, in what is basically your own backyard?

The thing about pressure is that it comes from people having high expectations of you, and knowing that there are no excuses if you don’t succeed. I managed to channel that into a positive and focus on the fact that we Canadian athletes were given every opportunity imaginable to go out and perform on that day, largely thanks to the Own the Podium initiative. It also instilled a sense of confidence in me. I was better prepared than any of those other athletes out there and I felt like the people at the finish line wanted me to win more than any of those other nations’ athletes out there.

Of course I was nervous, and of course I knew there was some pressure.

I knew there was a lot of pressure. But like I said, I channeled it into a positive thing and had myself convinced that the women right next to me were way more nervous. I just needed to be less nervous than they were.

You mentioned the Own the Podium program. Obviously, Canada had a remarkable record-setting performance in Vancouver. Are the athletes that are now preparing for Sochi facing any additional pressure trying to either match or exceed that record performance?

Yeah, I hope they look at the pressure as confidence-instilling, knowing the Own the Podium program has provided these athletes with an additional $10million in this Olympic cycle, which is up from an already great contribution in 2010. So my view is that these athletes have been building on the energy that was developed for the 2010 Games. We have a sense of national pride going into these Olympics, a very strong sense of national pride, and I think that they’re determined to just keep building on it and hopefully to better the medal count. We’ve got really strong athletes in all disciplines.

The entire Olympic experience must be so overwhelming, especially for those competing at the Games for the very first time. Do you have any particular advice for the Canadian athletes that are now preparing to compete in Sochi or even Rio two years from now?

I think my biggest piece of advice is actually something (Olympic Champion figure skater) David Pelletier said to me right before my event in Vancouver. He said, “Ashleigh, these are the Olympic Games. It’s not life or death if you don’t win. They’re games. They’re called games for

16 | February 2014

a reason.” And so I really liked that. That resonated with me. I didn’t take myself too seriously. I didn’t take the whole experience too seriously.

I was very creative about finding the positives in everything and I just wanted to make sure that at this point in my life I could look back and feel good about the whole experience, and that I had done everything in my power to make the most of it and enjoy it. And at that time I recognized that (day) could at some point in my life be looked back upon as that time I won the Olympics. I think that turning that confidence into your event, but also that respect for what a significant life experience it is. I think that set me up for success.

One can only imagine how much your life has changed over the past four years since winning gold in Vancouver. Is there anything in particular that you’re able to do now, that maybe you weren’t able to do before becoming an Olympic Champion?

It certainly has provided me with the credibility to be named to the CBC Olympic broadcast team, which is quite the honour. I suppose the biggest impact it’s had on my life is the ability to influence causes, fundraising initiatives, youth, and groups that I see potential in, with my words or my presence. That is an amazing responsibility and amazing power. I take it very seriously, and I really value it. It’s just so cool to be able to show up at an event and have somebody contribute more to whatever the foundation may be for a day of skiing with me, which is actually super fun for me. In general, it’s opened a lot of doors and a lot of opportunities have presented themselves, and I’ve gotten to meet a lot of great people. I suppose those are the biggest changes. I’m still me though.

It sounds like you’re still enjoying the experience.

Yeah, I am, and I’ve been busy. I was really concerned in making the decision to stop racing.

Let’s talk about that a little bit. In 2012, you decided to retire from competitive skiing. As the Sochi 2014 Olympics fast approach, you obviously have your hands full and you’re keeping busy, but do you find yourself missing the sport at all?

I don’t miss the sport. I was watching some helmet-cam footage recently, and I was thinking, ‘Wow, that course looks like a lot of fun!’, but it’s an all-or-nothing sport. There is no doing it half-assed. It’s a full-time commitment and it’s dangerous and I just got to the point where the rest of my life was so wonderful that it wasn’t worth the risk anymore. My heart wasn’t in it, and I found myself racing a year after the Olympics for all the wrong reasons. I felt like I had a responsibility to continue racing after I won the Olympics. All those people had put so much time and energy into backing me and I didn’t want to let them down. I’d sort of become the face of this new sport in most people’s minds, and I didn’t want to then just disappear. So, I think that’s a lesson I learned. And things like being inducted into the B.C Sports Hall of Fame, and now joining the CBC

broadcast team made me realize that I don’t need to be racing to uphold that inspirational role.

As the reigning Olympic Champion in women’s ski cross, you won’t be defending your title in Sochi, but do you have a pick in mind for who might own the podium this time?

I would be shocked if Kelsey Serwa or Marielle Thompson didn’t win a medal. I think that both of those women have more than enough ability to stand on top of that podium. And they’re both looking strong going in. Kelsey’s coming off an injury and she’s proven that she’s back; she’s had some great results. When I was racing, Kelsey and I were back and forth all the time and I happened to have success on the big days. Then I hurt myself and Kelsey won the World Championships and then she hurt herself, which allowed to Marielle to learn what it feels like to land on the podium and develop some confidence and improve her skills a tonne.

Now that the other women who were battling with injuries are back, Marielle is still winning World Cup events and she’s proven that she’s here to stay. I think both those women have a really good shot at winning an Olympic medal.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t ask you about your recent wedding to MLS All-Star and Vancouver Whitecaps captain, Jay DeMerit. Anyone who may have visited your website and seen pictures from the ceremony and reception knows that the entire event looked absolutely amazing. Can you describe that day for us?

The word to describe it is ‘magical’. It was a fairy tale. It was more than I ever dreamed a wedding could be. It was a tonne of work. We pretty much did it all ourselves, with the help of some very close friends throughout the whole process and then a bunch of good friends a day before the wedding to set up. We basically created our own venue and all the décor, and pulled it all together ourselves, so it was a bit stressful going in, but it worked out so beautifully. I just can’t even believe it. The weather was gorgeous, and that was big gamble in itself. Again, like my Olympic experience, it’s hard to even put into words.

Did one event prepare you for the other?

Yeah, I think so. I was thinking that going in. I think if anything, I recognized the value of stepping back and reflecting every now and then and making sure to take it all in. As I said in describing my Olympic thought process, savour every moment. And then of course, I can’t imagine being someone who’s not used to being in a room where everybody’s paying attention to them, and then having to stand up in front of 350 people for your wedding. I mean it was even nerve-racking for me to stand up in front of that many people and saying my vows and all that, so I think as an athlete and the success that I’ve had and the spotlight I found myself in after the Olympics, I think that helped in that situation.

17 | February 2014

Rosalind Groenewoud Rosalind Groenewoud will be competing for gold at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games in the sport of half-pipe skiing. This fierce and fearless 24 year old from Calgary is considered one of Canada’s top freestyle skiers and is favoured to win a medal at the upcoming Winter Games. Recently, Faces Magazine had a chance to speak with ‘Roz G’ as she continues to prepare for her Olympic debut.

The Sochi 2014 Winter Games will mark the Olympic debut of the half-pipe discipline of freestyle skiing. Describe what it means to you for the sport you’ve been involved in for so many years to now be included in the Olympics?

It’s definitely an exciting time to be a half-pipe skier. There have been so many changes since we got our Olympic nod almost two-and-a-half years ago. I love competing, and that’s one of the biggest things that motivates me. The Olympics are the biggest stage and the biggest competition for most sporting events.

Words like “fierce” and “fearless” are often used to describe extreme sports athletes like you. Do you consider these to be compliments, and would you say that these are accurate descriptions?

Definitely fierceness, especially for women in action sports. We are so outnumbered that it forces us to be fierce in a way that isn’t seen in many other sports. In many other sports for women, you show up and you don’t have to claw your way to earn respect the way that you do in action sports.

Is that pursuit of respect a galvanizing force among you and your fellow half-pipe skiers?

The women’s field is pretty close-knit because there aren’t very many of us. There are eight women invited to the Winter X Games every year. The group of us at the top is definitely very close.

What are you doing now to prepare for the Olympics? Have your recent knee surgeries impacted your preparations?

Well, they definitely have impacted it a lot. I would be on snow right now if I hadn’t undergone double knee surgery, but that’s not the case. Now my bigger focus is on rehab and getting strong as soon as possible. I’m really trying to fight inflammation – my knees didn’t have a lot of swelling when I got out of surgery, so that was a really good sign in terms of a quicker recovery.

There’s a lot of mental prep work as well.

Your sport involves certain elements of risk and danger. What do you do to avoid injury and, in your particular instance, what are you doing to recover?

It’s definitely a process. I have an awesome team behind me, from Canada Freestyle and people that I’ve kind of collected over the years before we were an official nationally-funded team, to help me through that process. It’s always a balance between pushing yourself and keeping yourself safe – knowing when it’s a good to time to push yourself and when it’s a good time to take a step back and do the other things that you need to.

I guess that’s what I’m doing right now. I had double knee surgery because I realized that my legs weren’t functioning right, because of tears in my meniscus. I could have kept skiing through the injuries, but I wouldn’t have been performing at the level that I want to perform at, and it may not have been as safe. It’s always about making smart decisions to keep yourself safe, even if these are sometimes really difficult decisions to make as an athlete.

It seems that Olympic athletes often spend much of their lives preparing for what may only end up being one make or break moment on the world stage. How have you been able to stay focused on your dream for so long? What or who has enabled you to stay committed and focused on that longterm goal?

I picked a sport that is incredibly fun, and in some ways I don’t need that kind of motivation to stick with it. The sport itself is the reason to stick with it. Of course, there are days when I’m exhausted and I don’t want to go push at the gym. Those are the days when you have to dig deep and remember the goal. Remember that being as strong as possible is what keeps you as safe as

possible, which keeps you skiing through a whole season. In terms of the actual motivation to keep skiing half-pipe, there’s really none needed.

Of course, not every day is fun. There are days when you crash hard, or the weather is completely miserable, or whatever kind of other factors you’re dealing with. But I’m lucky that I’m in a fun sport. I’m sure that not all sports in the Olympics I would personally find fun, but I picked one that suits my personality and my particular drive really well.

The Canadian Olympic Committee has launched a new ad campaign called #WeAreWinter, which profiles several medal hopefuls. You are featured in one of the clips, and in it you admit that you’ve “never come close to even 50% of a perfect run” and so far at least, you’re “happy with none of them.” How would you define a perfect run? Do you think you’ll ever be completely happy or satisfied with your performance?

No, I don’t think I’ll ever be completely happy. I guess I have a perfect run in my head, but I can’t really eloquently put it into words.

Thanks in large part to the #WeAreWinter ad campaign, you and your fellow Olympians are becoming household names across the Canada. If people didn’t know about you before they certainly will now.

It’s definitely interesting with that aspect of the Olympics. There is an excitement that the Olympics bring that nothing else, no world cup or world championship can ever come close to.

People who’ve seen your #WeAreWinter profile clip on TV or YouTube may have caught a glimpse of a tattoo that appears on your left foot. It says “I’m so glad that you exist.” Can you explain the significance of your tattoo, or what the quote means?

It’s a lyric from a folk band from Winnipeg called The Weakerthans. They’re a band I listened to a lot throughout junior high and high school. I saw them live at least ten times, maybe fifteen. I like the idea of appreciating people regardless of whether or not they directly benefit you.

Do you have any pre-competition habits or superstitions?

Yes. I always wear purple underwear, red lipstick, I have a red maple leaf bandana and I wear purple bows in my hair.

A lot of Canadian Olympic Team members will be meeting one another for the first time when they congregate in Sochi. Are there any athletes in particular that you’re hoping to meet or looking forward to seeing in person?

The Canadian Olympic Committee ran something called the Olympic Excellence Series this past May, which brought together all of the top Sochi hopefuls – maybe two hundred athletes or so. That is where I met a good chunk of all the athletes and it was a lot of fun.

In Sochi, you will be squarely focused on performing well in your event. Once your competition wraps up are there any other sports that you’re looking forward to watching or any particular athletes that you’ll be cheering for?

The morning after my event is women’s ski cross so I will definitely go out to that. I spend a lot of time training with the ski cross athletes because they also spend a lot of time in Whistler. I spend a lot of time in the gym with them, especially Marielle Thompson. I’d love to go watch the figure skating exhibition. After my event there aren’t any more competitive figure skating events, but the exhibition is after and I’ve always loved figure skating, so I’ll definitely go.wa You can follow Rosalind Groenewoud on Twitter @rozgroenewoud and cheer her on as she goes for gold in the women’s halfpipe skiing competition in Sochi on February 20, 2014.

19 | February 2014

Clara Hughes Few Canadian Olympians are as well-known or as well respected as Clara Hughes. Clara is a six-time Olympian and a six-time Olympic medallist. She is just the fourth athlete ever to win medals at the Winter and Summer Olympics, and is the only person in history to win multiple medals at both. Over the course of her distinguished career, Clara has earned countless awards and accolades. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada, she was honoured with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, and she’s been inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. Recently, Faces Magazine had an opportunity to chat with one of Canada’s most inspiring athletes to find out what she’s up to now that she’s retired from competitive sports.

The Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games are fast approaching. You’ll soon be heading to the Games, only this time you won’t be there to compete.

Instead, you’ll be a member of the CBC Broadcast team. Can you tell us a little bit about your role and what you feel the experience will be like once you’re there?

It’s actually my second Olympics working as a broadcaster. I was in Beijing working as an analyst for all the cycling – road, track, and mountain bike – events. This time my position is different. I’m actually a ‘special analyst’, so I’ll be covering all sports and all stories at the Olympics and everything in between. I’ll be on the prime time show each night with Ron MacLean and fellow Olympian Adam van Koeverden. So we’ll be there together to give opinion and insight as to how the Olympics unfold and what the stories are, and of course to talk about the Canadian athletes. Their stories of what they’ve been through and what brought them to the podium, which hopefully is going to be many, many, many occasions in Sochi.

It sounds like a pretty exciting experience, but do you think you’ll find yourself watching the competition and wishing that you were back on the ice?

No, I don’t think I will. I skated in circles, turning left for 10 years of my life, and that was enough. And I had so many opportunities as a cyclist, as an Olympic athlete, and I truly exhausted the possibilities over a 23-year span. I think that’s enough for a lifetime, and I really can just appreciate what the athletes have gone through to get to those moments and the performances they’ll have. I just, more than anything, want to be inspired and to be able to share the stories with Canadians and hopefully inspire a whole new generation of young Canadians to have dreams of their own and believe that anything is possible.

You’ve previously described watching Canadian speed skater Gaétan Boucher compete at the 1984 Winter Olympics as a life-changing experience for you. Was there ever a time during your Olympic career when you realized that you were providing similar inspiration to a young person who might have been facing challenging circumstances in their life?

Yes, a lot of parents talk to me and young athletes have told me, “I saw you race, and you made me want to speed skate or race my bike.” It might not be an athlete, it might be a kid that said, “You know what, I heard your interview and you’re just this athlete that I thought was just good at everything, and I realized that you have struggles.” Maybe I allowed them to shift their lines of thinking and believe in themselves, and find a way out of trouble that they’re getting in.

Having the chance to influence and impact and maybe inspire is probably what I’m most grateful for as an athlete. I am so honoured when young people tell me how what I did made them think differently. For me that goes above and beyond any Olympic medal. That impacting change is the most important thing.

And that’s what I tell young athletes when I talk to them or if they come to me for advice. I’m like, “So, what if you win the Olympics, what are you going to do then? What are you going to do with the voice when you have it?” I think it’s just a great opportunity that I am very grateful to have had, and I’m reminded of all the time.

Given all of the people who’ve been inspired by your athletic performances, your words, and your wisdom, who has been your biggest inspiration?

There are so many people who have inspired me along the way, but in terms of athletes I’d had have to say Beckie Scott; Canada’s amazing woman on cross-country skis. Beckie for me is not just about winning a bronze, that turned to silver, that turned to gold. Long before people were talking about the major issues of performance enhancing drug abuse in crosscountry skiing, she was standing up and trying to change things, trying to impact change with petitions. She’s just a person of such integrity, and I loved to watch her ski because she applied herself to her sport at a level that most people cannot comprehend. I just found her so inspiring. And now, the work that she’s doing with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is actually, I believe, going to impact sport in a big way. So Beckie is a huge inspiration, not just as an athlete, but as a person to me – someone to aspire to be.

Recently, Hayley Wickenheiser was announced as Canada’s flag bearer at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games. As the person who served as our flag bearer four years ago at the Vancouver 2010 Games, what are your thoughts on this selection and what advice might you have for Hayley as she prepares to lead our team into Fisht Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony?

Hayley is a fantastic choice. There are obviously so many successful athletes on the Sochi Olympic team, but Hayley embodies absolute excellence on and off the playing field. She’s an amazing mom and she’s pursuing her education to become an emergency room doctor.

Then there’s everything that she’s done in her community – getting kids moving and activating them, encouraging parents to get their daughters involved in sport, not just hockey.

She’s just a champion. And she obviously has very strong shoulders; I’ve felt them. I’ve seen her bench-press. We used to lift weights in the same place at the Olympic oval, and I was always in awe of what she could bench. And I know her shoulders are strong enough not just to carry our flag, but to truly carry our nation into the Olympics. She’s a true leader and

what more could you ask for? I’m just excited to see her. Do I have any advice for her? No. Hayley doesn’t need advice from anyone. She knows how to do anything at the absolute best level, and I believe that she’ll do this in her own unique way and she’ll be able to handle any pressure and attention that comes with it.

She’ll turn that first Olympic event, being the flag bearer – I saw that as my first race of the Olympics - she’ll be able to turn that experience into, I believe, probably the best playing of her life; she’ll be so inspired.

Let’s look beyond the Olympics to the coming spring. You’ve been very open and honest about your past struggles with depression and you’re now the national spokesperson for Bell Canada’s Mental Health Initiative and the ‘Let’s Talk’ campaign. What compelled you to share your story with so many people, and why do you feel it’s so important to end the stigma associated with mental illness?

I learned of Bell’s Mental Health Initiative that was going to happen in 2011, when I was on a road show with George Cope, the CEO of Bell Let’s Talk, and other people. After Vancouver, I got to travel around the country and share with the thousands of Bell employees across Canada what it was like to be in the Olympics. Bell was a sponsor of mine, so they had me there, and in turn I learned about this campaign. I basically asked George Cope if I could be a part of it and when he asked why I’d be interested, I told him about what I had gone through as an athlete, but also the struggles of so many people around me. I just said, “If I can share this story, maybe it’ll help someone.” It just resonated and made sense. I honestly didn’t think that people would want to still be asking me about it four years later, because I thought “Well, I’ll just say it once and then we’ll move on to the next story.”

But I guess in some ways it resonated with people because I am seen as such a successful person. People say, “You always smile. How could you be depressed?” The reality of it is, people only see a small window into my life.

They’ve only seen me at my best. When I was struggling and when I felt like I was six-feet under, I hid from the world and I didn’t want anyone to know what I was going through because I was ashamed of what I looked like, and

what I felt, and just not being in control of my emotions. It was a really hard time after my first Olympics (in 1996) and I just realized if I can’t talk about it I am a part of the stigma, I am a part of the problem, I am a part of the silence. And if I can open up about this, I’m doing something to try to end this. Because the more I thought about it, the more I realized and then learned of the statistics – one in four Canadians will go through mental illness in their lifetime, and some people won’t survive, things can end in suicide, that’s the reality of it. I just thought this is a chance to share that struggle as much as I’ve shared the joy. It really was the opportunity of a lifetime, and opened up a whole area of work to me that needs to be done, that I can pour myself into and try to be a part of the change that is happening and the shift that is starting to happen.

On March 14th you’ll be embarking on ‘Clara’s Big Ride’ for Bell Let’s Talk. For anyone who may not be familiar with the event, what’s the big ride all about?

Clara’s Big Ride is a 110-day initiative that I am going to, with two very strong guys and one girl in the latter part of the ride, ride all around Canada. It’s going to total almost 12,000 kilometers and along the way we are going to be bringing this conversation on mental health, mental wellness, and breaking down the stigma attached to mental illness in all communities in Canada. We’ll be doing 100 community events and we’ll be doing 100 school visits along the way. It is going to be epic, it is going to be gruelling, and it is going to be so awesomely inspiring! For me, it is the culmination of everything I did in sport and then melding and meshing that in with the work I’m trying to do with mental health. I want to bring this conversation and empower and activate communities and young people in communities across Canada. They can feel that they have a part,a role, the possibility and opportunity to impact change in their world. That’s what this ride is all about. It has nothing really to do with me or the bike; that’s just the vehicle to bring the ride all around. It’s about the reality in Canada of how many people struggle and suffer in silence, and that silence finally ending.

“I just thought this is a chance to share that struggle as much as I’ve shared the joy. It really was the opportunity of a lifetime.”

21 | February 2014

For many Canadians, Diana Matheson’s bronze medal-winning goal against France in the London 2012 Olympics was our country’s defining moment at the Games. The diminutive midfielder, recognized as a tenacious player and the consummate teammate, graciously agreed to speak with Faces Magazine as she prepares for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Diana Matheson

You’re first appearance on Canadian Women’s National Soccer team was back in March 2003, when you were just 18 years of age. Since then, you’ve competed in 157 games for Canada and scored 13 goals; of those, none was bigger than the one you scored against France in the 92nd minute of the Bronze Medal Game at the London 2012 Olympics. Take us back to that moment. What was it like scoring that historic goal?

The goal itself was just totally surreal. I just remember the ball coming to me and knowing the net was empty and then just a feeling of joy and relief with my teammates. I completely forgot everything before that. I described the goal wrong I think to reporters about three times afterwards.

When it sank in that Canada had won an Olympic bronze medal, when your teammates were surrounding you and you realized that you had accomplished this goal of reaching the podium, what was the significance of that moment, for you personally but also Canadian women’s soccer in general?

Yeah, it was a big moment for the team, but we didn’t just go in there just wanting to get a medal for ourselves. We wanted to go in and really leave a legacy for Canadian soccer. We knew we had to get a medal to really do that. When that goal went in, in the 92nd minute, we knew we’d done it; it was just that feeling of joy and relief that we’d done something that would hopefully change Canadian soccer for the better.

Obviously there were other reasons too. Coming off the (semi-final) game against the U.S. we didn’t want to leave empty-handed. Also, we knew that ‘Sincy’ (Christine Sinclair) might be the (Closing ceremony) flag-bearer, so we knew if we got the medal that might help her get that as well.

You’ve had the opportunity to compete in two Olympic Games; Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. What are some of your fondest Olympic memories, beyond scoring that game-winning goal? Does anything else stand out in your mind?

Yeah, when I look back on my career, the highlights really have been about the Olympics. One was just making the Olympics for the first time in Beijing, because I was part of the 2004 team that didn’t qualify for Athens. That was obviously a huge disappointment, so it was a big goal for myself and for the team to go to an Olympic Games. So Beijing was a great experience for that. And then London was a different story; we’d been there before, and this time it was about coming home with results.

That whole tournament was incredible. London did an amazing job putting on the games. The village was fantastic. All the venues, and getting to play at St. James’ Park (Newcastle) and Old Trafford (Manchester). And the games themselves too. The games against Great Britain, against Sweden; all these games were highlights for us. It was just overall an incredible experience. When I look back on my career, I know that the Olympics are definitely highlights for me.

The Sochi 2014 Winter Games are just a few weeks away. As a two-time Olympian, what advice would you give to the athletes that are preparing to compete on behalf of Canada in Russia, and in particular those who will be experiencing the Olympics for the very first time?

Canada has an amazing (athlete) mentor program, so I’m sure they’ve had other Olympians giving them the same advice that I would give them. But the first is that the Olympics are like no other event they’ve been to. It’s really multi-sport, multi-country, at a level that’s totally unlike what we’re usually used to. So it’s just about embracing all that. Things always go wrong at the Olympics, whether it’s organizing or travel or whatever it is, there are problems, and you just have to accept them and stay focused on your task. Just take it in if you can and enjoy the experience.

Later this year, Canada will be hosting the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and next year our country will also be playing host

Diana Matheson Born: April 6, 1984 (age 29) Hometown: Oakville, ON (born in Mississauga) Currently playing for the Washington Spirit in the National women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Majored in economics at Princeton University 2004 Ivy League Rookie of the Year 2007 Ivy League Player of the Year Voted Princeton’s Women’s Athlete of the Year in 2008

to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With games being played in several different venues across the country, including Ottawa, what excites you the most about playing on home soil?

The fans, for sure! Playing at home is always a special experience for us. Throughout my career, we’ve always had really amazing crowds.

Going back to the 2003 World Cup (in the United States), we had great crowds. After the (London 2012) Olympics, the buzz and the feeling was even greater. Just being in a stadium filled with Canadian fans, that’s what we’re all looking forward to.

For the first time ever, the 2015 tournament will feature 24 teams from around the world, which speaks volumes to how the women’s game is expanding and evolving. Currently, Canada’s Women’s Team is ranked 7th in the FIFA World rankings. What are Canada’s chances of landing on the podium at the Women’s World Cup? And what will be the key to the team’s success?

If you look at our ranking you’d say that making the quarter-finals would be the expectation.

But we know that on home soil the pressure is going to be there to get on the podium, and that’s really going to be our goal. And what it’s going to take to get there is just being better prepared than any other team I think. (Coach) John Herdman gets us prepared in a way that I think we’ll be able to compete with everyone in the world. From a physical standpoint, tactical, mental, all these things, we’re just doing everything we can to be ready.

You have a history here in Ottawa. You played for the Ottawa Fury from 2004 to 2006. More recently, you’ve played club soccer overseas in Norway, and you’re currently playing for the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

What’s the biggest difference between play-

ing abroad and playing here in Canada?

Unfortunately Canada doesn’t have a fully professional (women’s) league yet, so we really have to go overseas to live in that pro soccer environment and be training every day and be playing with the best players in the world. That said, hopefully the NWSL will stay financially stable and in a few years start to migrate north a little bit, and maybe we can get a team in Ottawa hopefully.

Last season, you and fellow Canadian and Washington Spirit teammate Robyn Gayle were living at a seniors’ residence in Rockville, Maryland. For those who may not be familiar with the story, can you explain how this somewhat usual living arrangement came about, and what the experience was like?

Yes, Robyn and I were living in a retirement community in Rockville, Maryland, with our club team. It really just came about through networking. There had been a semi-pro baseball player in Ohio who lived in an assistedcare facility and he had contacted a guy who wrote with a retirement-living magazine who happened to know a trainer with the (Washington Spirit) and he suggested it to the team.

Ingleside at King Farm was the name of the community that stepped up and said they’d take us. It just surpassed our expectations I think. We got spoiled there for sure. We had an amazing apartment, we had a kitchen, they gave us a meal plan, and there were two restaurants upstairs. Our neighbours baked us cookies.

We tried to learn to play bridge; that didn’t go so well. But really we got completely spoiled there. Ingleside got tickets to each game, so we had fans out at the games. I think it was a ‘win-win’ for the retirement community and for us and for the team. I think it’s something that can spread to the rest of the league. Teams are strapped for cash and players need living situations, so this is an option.

It sounds like a lot of fun actually.

Yeah, it was great.

What has been the secret to your success as a soccer player?

I think for me, and it would probably be similar for the rest of my teammates, it’s just putting in the hard work and the extra work. I know everyone on the team, myself included, were part of teams growing up, and we weren’t necessarily always the best on the team but we were the ones willing to not give up and put in a little bit of extra work. Really, when I first made the national team, I was hitting extra long balls every day because I needed to do that. Then, as the style changed, I worked on touches and turns, and now I’m working on my finishing a lot more. It’s just about always pushing yourself to get better and always growing and always learning. John (Herdman) has come in and really renewed that passion in all of us I think and taken our game to the next level.

Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to share with your fans in Ottawa, the ones that saw you play early in your career, and who look forward to maybe seeing you compete here in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015?

I have many ‘homes’, but Ottawa is another second home for me. Playing with the Ottawa Fury were some of the best summers of my life.

Everyone had a ball playing there and a tonne of national team players came out of that team.

It was just a fantastic environment, with John Pugh the owner and everyone he hired. Yeah, I wish I could spend some more time in Ottawa now. It’s beautiful in the summers. And hopefully we get to play there this year. Maybe we can get a tune-up game in the World Cup venue.

That would be great. So hopefully we’ll end up there in 2014 and 2015.

The Rio 2016 Games are now just a couple of years away.

How is training going, and how are your preparations for your fourth Olympic Games coming along?

Training is going very well, thanks. It does seem like London was just yesterday. The thing about the Summer and the Winter Olympics is that there is a shorter period of time between the summer and the winter than there is between the winter and the summer, so the Winter Olympics seem to kind of sneak up on us a little bit. After the Summer Olympics there’s only something like 18 months between the two. So, you know, it’s an exciting time for Canadian athletes.

There’s a lot of legacy that’s been left behind by Vancouver.

I’m fortunately trying to take advantage of that. I’m actually in Whistler right now training, taking advantage of some of the legacy that’s been left behind by the Nordic sports. They have an awesome gym in Cheakamus Crossing. And the Nordic sports centre in Whistler Olympic Park, with the cross-country ski trails and all that, that facility is like world class and really really awesome. We seem to get lucky every year with the weather. We show up hoping for snow, and it’s perfect skiing conditions.

I just finished a ski at zero degrees. It was minus one while I was skiing, so the snow is packed and really fast. And I love cross country skiing. At this time of year you have to go pretty far south in order to get good conditions for kayaking. It’s just after the holidays and I’m usually home for the holidays and spend a little more time in Canada. Even though B.C. is pretty far from home for me, I still feel like we’re not really on the road. I can still listen to CBC Radio and watch hockey, so it’s not like we’re in Europe or down in the United States or something. So training is going really well.

It’s a lot different now than it was when I was twenty. I would sort of do as much work as I could possibly take, and then get about fix or six hours of sleep, and then do as much work as I could possibly take. It doesn’t really work that way anymore.

I’m thirty-two in three weeks, so I have to train smarter and plan things out, and obviously I’ve got other commitments to balance and work life and training and balance a little bit more this time.

You’re on home soil for the time being, but soon you’ll be heading to Sochi, Russia, to serve as a guest analyst on CBC. What will your role be?

CBC has always been really great about giving the athletes a chance to try their hand at some broadcasting. And I’m certainly in a situation now where I’m not just starting to plan my future career and endeavours, and plan and transition from competitive sport life, but broadcasting has always been something that I’m interested in, and certainly something that I want to investigate. And to have this opportunity is really, really brilliant. And you know CBC’s willingness to take a chance on me is something that I’m humbled by, and I’m also really excited to prove that I can do the job.

While you’re in Sochi, are there any events in particular that you’ll either be analyzing or ones that you look forward to watching most?

I’m just called a special analyst, so I’ll be in studio primarily talking about the Olympics at large, and specific performances here and there, but I’m not an expert on any one sport. I’m considered an expert on the Olympic experience I suppose and not, you know, one sport or another.

There are sports that I’m more excited to watch than others.

The sports that are really similar to mine are sports that have

Adam van Koeverden Adam van Koeverden is one of Canada’s most successful Olympic athletes. The sprint kayaker has won no fewer than four Olympic medals, he’s a two-time World Champion, a 22-time World Cup Champion and 73-time Canadian Champion. In 2004, Adam was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s top athlete. In other words, the guy’s got game! And, as Faces Magazine found out, at 32 years of age, Adam van Koeverden isn’t about to let up anytime soon.

appeal, like cross-country skiing, and speed skating come to mind. These are obviously interesting to me from a personal perspective because I feel what the athletes are feeling when I’m watching them compete. Just as I’m sure that when they watched my kayaking at the Summer Olympics, they get that same feeling, that same adrenaline rush. When I watch Charles Hamelin pick it up in the last 500 meters, I know what that feels like, and get pretty excited watching that.

That kid is super talented. But that’s not to say that I don’t really get a rush out of watching Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir and watch their ice dance routine, because they’re incredible and world class and lovely people, and I get a similar adrenaline rush watching them compete. So, I’m definitely a generalist at the Sochi Olympics and just looking forward to seeing what life throws at me, and what opportunity I have to comment on and be a part of in a small way.

Most Olympic athletes are admired for their drive and determination. At almost 32 years of age, how do you maintain your focus and what keeps you so motivated even after all these years of training and competing at an elite level?

Well, it hasn’t taken me this long to realize that kayaking is something that I really enjoy. Once I put that paddle down, it’s down for good. I don’t have time to retire and then do a comeback, so after London I had a decision to make, whether or not I was going to still be a kayaker, and I took a few months away from the sport and sort of tested my business acumen out and tried my luck at business and the 9 to 5 lifestyle and I realized that I’ve got one last shot. Because if I was to leave sport behind for three or four years, I don’t think I’d have the same opportunity to come back. My friends are still involved. Mark Oldershaw is still a daily inspiration; the guy is an amazing athlete to watch and train with. And I’m still interested in moving my boat as fast as I can. Racing for Canada has never been more exciting or more of a thrill.

The Canadian Olympic Team is gaining momentum with every international performance, and it’s just an awesome time to be a Canadian Olympian, so I couldn’t say no.

As someone who has competed on the world stage many times before, what is the key to delivering the performance of a lifetime when it matters most?

I think the pressure is an absolute necessity if you’re going to have the performance of a lifetime. Nobody does the performance of a lifetime when absolutely no one is watching. If nobody is watching and nobody cares, and you do it anyway in your backyard, then I don’t think anybody will really care.

I think the pressure, whether it is self-imposed or countryimposed or a little bit media-imposed is not only a good thing, it’s a necessity. It’s just a matter of what an athlete does with that pressure. It can add to stress, it can create more cortisol, it can stack up and become a real burden, or it can inspire you, it can make you work harder, and it can really force home the importance of this event or race or whatever it is you do.

It’s probably the most common question I get from kids. Because I do a lot of school visits, I get a lot of questions from kids about nerves. A lot of kids feel like they’re under a lot of pressure, whether it’s during exam time, or a piano recital, or trying out for the volleyball team. The scope doesn’t really matter. It’s a personal evaluation of stress or pressure; it doesn’t really matter how big the thing is on a grand scheme.

I always tell kids that if you’re nervous, it means that you care. And you don’t tend to do very well at things that you don’t care about. So, embrace the nerves, and make sure you channel them into something positive, and if you can’t, then try and distract yourself and pretend you’re not nervous at all.

You’ve taken the stage and played guitar alongside Randy Bachman, you’ve sang with Jim Cuddy, you gave a kayak lesson to Rick Mercer, you’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, you were Canada’s Olympic flagbearer not once, but twice, the list goes on and on. Is there anything you haven’t done, and if so, what’s next on the Adam van Koeverden bucket list?

There’s an endless number of things I haven’t done. My goal after London was to knock ten things off in ten months if I could. I wanted to have ten adventures. I’m not sure I got to ten, but I had some really good times. I really focussed on collecting moments, not things. We’re a pretty materialistic society and I prefer to collect memories. I don’t have a very good memory incidentally. I forget things all the time, but I try to collect something small from every little adventure that I’ve gone on.

Kilimanjaro was really a life-changing experience for me. Witnessing the potential that seven people have to raise an incredible amount of money for Right to Play, which is a charity that a lot of people willingly give to, but it’s not a charity that a lot of people have a tremendous amount of appreciation for with respect to having experienced that problem. For instance, I give to the Canadian Cancer Society because my father had cancer and is a cancer survivor, and I’m very willing to give to other charities because my life has been directly affected by those things. But there aren’t a lot of people in Canada that can say that they’ve had a direct experience with abject poverty, and I think we’re very fortunate. Especially the people (who) are willing to give, they recognize the importance of giving to Right to Play and that’s really, really phenomenal. So the group of us, we raised about $130,000 or something like that, and it was mostly because one guy in particular on the team just really went above and beyond and created a lot of momentum for our group. Climbing with those people and forming six everlasting, lifelong friendships with them and having a shared experience was great, so I’m glad you brought that one up, because it’s certainly one that I think back on with quite a lot of fondness.

25 | February 2014

How did you get started in Taekwondo?

When I was 8, a friend I made a small bet – who would have the guts to register for taekwondo during our lunch period. We both won the bet because we both registered and started practicing the sport. I completely fell in love with taekwondo! The sport allowed me to concentrate on something other than school for 30 minutes while I was still at school.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Refusing my black belt at the age of 13. I know that might sound weird but, I did not feel ready. I knew that I was not mature enough for the responsibilities associated with being a black belt. I took over one year to mentally get ready and, just before I turned 15, I agreed to try and pass the exam. I guess I was not ready to contribute back to the dojang or be an example. I mean, I am just a kid doing what I love, right!

Some people might argue that being a black belt before the age of 16 is not a good thing – we are too young, immature – and to some extent, I agree. But there are exceptions. There are kids out there that can do it, and be great ambassadors for the sport.

What’s it like for an athlete training for the Olympics? What are some of the obstacles?

It’s like everything else. Training is not really difficult when you have an objective and you just do it – knowing that it’s for a great reason. Five times a week for three hours a day, I work at perfecting every little aspect of the perfect kick, the perfect combinations, timing, getting more speed, more strength, better cardio – it becomes a kind of obsession. One can never be perfect, but it is worth reaching for perfection to get the best possible results.

The worst obstacles are financial. A competition that is being held two hours away in Montreal costs on average $500.00 for registration fees, travel, hotels and food. You can imagine what the cost is like when a competition is further away and you have to fly there to compete. At my age, and with the time I have available for fundraising, it is quite the project to gather the necessary funding. Bottle drives, auctions and door-todoor chocolate sales can only bring me so far along.

Sponsorship is crucial.

Who are some of your biggest supporters?

Olympic style Taekwondo has brought me a great sense of balance in my life. It’s fun, productive, and I am constantly surrounded by positive and energetic people.

My parents and my friends are always there to support me, and my older brother, Jean-Félix, acts as my permanent kicking post (laughs) – I love him so much for that. My Master, 6th degree black belt Luc Mercier, is absolutely the best. And in my opinion, 9th degree black belt Grand Master Chong Lee has the best WTF Taekwondo organization in the world. I’m lucky to have incredible people and companies that believe in me an sponsor me by investing in the future of Olympic sport (@EnergyBits, @AQUAhydrate, @MyPillowPetsCan, @GatineauHonda, @RemiLaprise Photographe, @ MaxMedia, @OttawaRickshaws, @SpaEnergieForme and @Chez106).

Annie-Pier Cloutier

Companies can reach me by the following: Email: AnniePier.Cloutier@gmail.com Twitter: @AnniePierTKD Web page : http://annie-piercloutier.webstarts.com/ FaceBook : www.facebook.com/groups/267137616667397/#!/anniepier.cloutiertkd

Olympic Gold Medal Winning

Ottawa Born Athletes sharks.nhl.com

vancouverobserver.com

truworld.ca

olympic.ca

Dan Boyle

Jennifer Botterill

Nancy Greene

Anne Heggtveit

Gold Medal with the 2010 Canadian Men’s Ice Hockey Team in Vancouver.

3 Gold Medals with the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey.

Gold Medal in the 1968 Alpine Skiing Women’s Giant Slalom in Grenoble.

Gold Medal in the 1960 Alpine Skiing Women’s Slalom.

hubertbrooks.com

sports.nationalpost.com

Barbara Ann Scott

mapleleafup.ca

habseyesontheprize.com

Jack Cameron

Tom Gorman

Gold Medal with the 1924 Canadian Men’s Ice Hockey Team in Chamonix.

Gold Medal with the 1908 Canadian Men’s Lacrosse Team in London.

Source: sports-referencecom

Gold Medal in the 1948 Figure Skating Women’s Singles in St. Moritz.

Frank Dunster, Patsy Guzzo, Ted Hibberd, Ab Renaud, Reg Schroeter, Irving Taylor: Gold Medals with the 1948 Canadian Men’s Ice Hockey Team in Sankt Moritz.

Canadian Olympic Atti

1932 1976 1988 1998 Lake Placid

MontrĂŠal

Calgary

Nagano

Men’s ski team in berets, leggings and maple leaf jumper.

Bell-bottoms and bucket hats are positively 70s.

Canadian athletes sport white cowboy hats, red uniforms and matching gloves with western-inspired fringe.

The beret makes another appearance, but this time by Roots.

re of the 21st Century

2008 2010 2012 2014 Beijing

Vancouver

London

Sochi

Bold, graphic patterns inspired by fusing Canadian and Chinese icons and colours.

Hudson Bay Companydesigned iconic and contemporary Canadian pieces, like parkas, toques, trapper hats and Cowichan sweaters.

A distressed, vintage-inspired jean jacket. It’s a Canadian wardrobe staple!

Featured item of the Olympics is a red Wool Duffle Coat.

International male model, actor, spokesperson, romance novel hero and fitness guru, Fabio was one of the biggest celebrities of the 1990s. Known for his chiseled good-looks, trademark hair and for having a great sense of humour, the man from Milan took the modelling world by storm in the late 1980s with a massive ad campaign for GAP clothing. His unique look and talents led to roles in television and film in the 1990s, alongside spokesperson roles for now-famous brands like I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. More recently, Fabio is known for his line of premium protein supplements and the tongue-in-cheek Old Spice advertising campaign that received over 95,000,000 views on YouTube.

On February 15th, Fabio will co-host the Faces And Businesses Awards In Ottawa (F.A.B.I.O.) at the Empire Grill. We caught up with Fabio to learn more about his unique life, views on love and his upcoming visit to Ottawa.

FABIO

Tell us how you were first discovered as a model.

I was discovered back in Milan, Italy by a photographer named Oliviero Toscani. He was one of the biggest photographers in Europe.

I was barely 14 years old working out at the gym when he came over and said that he’d like to use me in some photo shoots for Benetton.

I gave him my father’s number, he called and the next thing I knew I was doing a magazine photo shoot for a men’s fashion designer. We did around 6 or 7 pages and everything started from there.

Growing up, my brother had a scooter that I used to ride, but I always wanted to go faster. My father eventually caved and got me a small 50cc. It was great, but most of my friends had 125cc motorcycles.

Being from Milan, are you a soccer fan?

My father and brother are both huge Inter Milan fans, but personally I’m a big American football fan (laughs). My two favourite teams are the Seattle Seahawks, because I lived in Seattle, and I’ve always been a big fan of the San Francisco 49ers. It was tough seeing them face each other in the NFC Championship, but I’m glad the Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl because they have never won. They almost had it in 2005 against Pittsburgh, but they lost. I was there at the game. I hope they win their first Super Bowl against Denver.

You’ve accomplished a lot as an actor in TV and movies, modelling, a spokesperson and more. Do you have a favourite highlight that you’ve done over the years?

I’ve been very blessed. I like doing commercials and being in movies, but I enjoy life the most. I also enjoy motorcycles, working out, going out with friends, but still I enjoy life the most. I’m high on life! To me, the most beautiful thing is life. Don’t get me wrong, work is great, but work is still work.

When did you move to the United States for modelling?

I left Milan and came to the United States when I was 19. I spent almost a year in Seattle, and then I went straight to New York. When I got to New York I was quickly signed by Ford Modeling Agency. Two days later, I was on a plane to Hawaii to shoot the biggest GAP ad campaign in the US alongside Andie MacDowell and Kathy Ireland – the right place at the right time.

What are your passions?

Motorcycles and skiing. I competed in skiing for 15 years back in Italy. I was always into fitness, and competed in track and field and discuss. Fitness and nutrition are very important parts of my life.

You have a big motorcycle collection, did you ever think about racing competitively?

When I was a teenager I did a couple indoor races, but my father hated motorcycles. My brother and I always loved them though.

All of my life I have loved motorcycles (his collections includes over 200). Right now all the companies are so good that they’re very similar – a split hair from each other – but Yamaha is definitely one of my favourites.

You’ve also got a line of whey protein powder that’s available through Whole Foods called Healthy Planet Nutrition (www.healthyplanetnutrition.com), how did you get involved with that project?

It’s very simple, all my life I’ve been into nutrition. It was natural for me to get involved with a whey protein, because nutrition is one of my other passions. God gave us only one body, it’s the one we’re born with and the one we’re going to die with, so you have to take care of it.

Scientifically, to reproduce all the cells in your body, you need protein.

If you keep your body hydrated and take the highest quality protein – the job is done. Today, one of the major problems with nutrition is that people eat more carbs than protein. Our cells do not regenerate with carbs, they regenerate with protein. I’m trying to bring the best of Mother Nature to people. They have great results because when you put the highest quality protein in your body you regenerate cells better and faster.

31 | February 2014

FABIO

Think of your body like a car. When you go to a gas station you have a choice of 87, 89, 91 and 110 octane (race fuel). The higher the octane, the better your car performs. It’s the same with your body. There are all kinds of different proteins from vegetable, animal, and so on. Every single scientist categorizes those proteins with numbers to signify the potency of the protein. Vegetable protein is around 49 to 74, fish protein is around 79 and animal protein is about 80 or so depending on the animal. The highest potency available is real whey protein, which is 104. It’s almost like putting race fuel-grade protein into your body.

I put every single penny into the Healthy Planet Nutrition protein. I don’t use bi-product whey; I use the highest quality real whey from New Zealand.

It’s the best protein you can buy in the world. I don’t use salt or stabilizers, and there is no sugar in my product. Instead, you have the highest quality, natural protein with natural flavouring and no chemicals. Your hair is going to grow healthier, your bones are going to have more density, your skin will be better and your muscles will be leaner. Real whey is the best way to burn fat because it speeds up your metabolism.

How often do you exercise?

When I’m not working I’d say 3 to 4 times a week.

When I’m working I tend to exercise a little bit less.

Staying in good shape is 50% nutrition and 50% working out, which many people don’t understand. It’s important to fill your body with the right fuel for it to function properly. Even if I don’t exercise, I’m always eating the right foods and taking proper supplements to fuel my body.

Your hair is also one of your biggest trade-marks, how do you keep it looking so good?

Shampoo and conditioner will almost always ruin and damage your hair. The composition of your hair is protein and minerals. If you take the highest quality protein and a good multi-mineral then the job is done.

Women love to have strong hair and nails – what’s the secret? – it’s protein and minerals. It’s not so much the shampoo you’re using on the outside, but what you put inside your body.

You’re going to be coming to Ottawa February 15th to co-host the Faces And Businesses In Ottawa Awards (F.A.B.I.O. Awards), have you ever been to Ottawa?

No, this will be my first time. I’ve been to Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver but never Ottawa. They’re all beautiful and incredible cities. Canadian people are very classy people.

Have you heard of the Rideau Canal or Beavertails?

No, but I’m looking forward to everything in Ottawa. I’ve always had great experiences in Canada.

You mentioned that you’re a big football fan, but do you like hockey?

I watch some hockey, but you really appreciate it when you go to a live game. TV just doesn’t do it justice, but when you watch hockey live it’s one of the most amazing sports. Canada is known to be the best team in the world, and Canadians have a history of being the best players. The United States, Russia and Sweden all have good teams, but Canadians have mastered the game. I would compare the Canadians in hockey to the Brazilians in soccer.

In 2011, you challenged the Old Spice guy to become the new Old Spice guy. How did that come about?

It was organized with one of the biggest advertising agencies in the world. It was all done tongue-in-cheek, but it was a lot of fun. The campaign was very successful for Old Spice. In 2011, it was the top brand campaign with over 95,000,000 views.

What was it like being in Zoolander?

It was great! it was a really, really funny movie. I had a lot of fun doing it.

Do you prefer movies over television?

It depends on the project. Some are more fun than others.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, do you have any tips for the guys?

Just be yourself. When you try to be someone else you’re just like a copy. Of course, being on the cover of a romance novel doesn’t hurt either (laughs).

What would you say is the most important thing in your life?

God. What does the future hold for you?

Work is great, but the ultimate for me is to eventually have kids and a family. Doesn’t matter if you’re a woman or man, having kids is the ultimate in life because it’s an extension of yourself.

You were on Oprah and mentioned that you had been with someone years ago but it didn’t work out, what happened?

I was immature. One of the most important things in life is love. A lot of people think it’s money, career and being successful, but it’s not. At the end of the day, love should always come first and then the rest. That’s the biggest mistake I’ve made in my life. I’ve learned from that experience and will never make that mistake again. I’ll always put love ahead of everything. If you don’t have love you have nothing.

Maybe when you come to Ottawa you’ll find love here!

In life, you never know what will happen!

Tell us about what life was like for you and your family growing up in Renfrew?

When I look back at my 22 years growing up in Renfrew, I see that I had the best of both worlds – the serenity and charm of the country in my backyard and the hustle and bustle of the city just an hour down the road.

I have been blessed with a loving and supportive family. My parents Shirley-Ann and Bernard gave my sisters, Hannah, Caroline and I, the opportunity to learn about and participate in sports and healthy living, music and the arts, volunteering and charitable work, the importance of a good work ethic and giving back to our community. Through open eyes to the endless possibilities that are available, the significance of balance in life, and the importance of believing in myself I can move forward to find my true passions.

Was being a model something that you always aspired to do when you were growing up – or was it something that you slowly became interested in over time?

My modeling journey began four years ago. I was taking part in the Miss Teen Ontario East pageant in Renfrew and one of the judges was the owner of a modeling agency in Ottawa. I didn’t think anything of this at the time, as modeling had never crossed my mind. Following the pageant I was approached by this individual and invited to stop by and learn more about the modeling world.

I remember how excited I was and the feeling of apprehension as I walked through the doors and began this new and unknown adventure!

Delaney Before I knew it, I was starting a modeling course in preparation for the Miss Teen Canada International pageant that I was participating in later in the summer of 2009.

For me, modeling was something that I had never anticipated, and now something I cannot imagine my life without. Modeling has instilled in me poise and confidence.

What made you decide to enter the Miss Teen Ontario East Pageant?

What was that experience like for you?

Being from a small town I was encouraged by family and friends to give the pageant a try. They were looking for delegates and I thought why not!

Participating in The Miss Teen Ontario East Pageant opened many doors for me. It allowed me to compete on a National level; where I placed 1st Runner Up, built lifelong friendships, and started my modeling and acting venture.

You are also a musician. You and your sisters, Caroline and Hannah, perform at music fairs and festivals around the region. How long have you all been performing together?

Hannah, Caroline and I have been singing and performing together our

whole lives. We each began voice lessons with the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of six and achieved our Grade 8 in vocal. For as long as I can remember we have been singing at community and charity fundraising events from telethons to benefit concerts, hockey games to festivals, opening ceremonies to weddings. My sisters are my best friends and we share a love and passion for music. I love singing on my own, but there is something very special about singing together with my sisters – it feels like home.

Is music an important part of your life?

Music is a central part of my life; it is something that I have always been drawn to. Over the years, my sisters and I have taken piano and guitar lessons, participated in choirs and recorded 7 CDs. Christmas and Irish, folk songs and classical are some of the genres we have recorded. We are currently working with a music producer on a CD that is a mix of country and pop. It has been a learning process for us and we are excited to see what will happen next!

Music has taught me the importance of loving what you do! It has developed my stage presence, improved my public speaking abilities and increased my over all confidence in all aspects of life. Music has shown me the significance of giving back and sharing with those in need.

Who are some of your favourite designers?

I love fashion and expressing myself in creative ways. Over the past 3 years I have been working with fashion stylist Erica Wark (Erica On Fashion). It began as an internship and, after completing my studies at the

Holley University of Ottawa in the fall, became more fulltime. Some of the programs Erica On Fashion is affiliated with include Ottawa CTV2, Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Hamilton, The Social CTV, The Marilyn Denis Show CTV, Etalk CTV, and previously The Steven and Chris Show CBC, Breakfast Television Toronto and ET Canada.

While working with Erica I have learned a great deal about designers, and have a strong understanding and appreciation of all they do! I would say my favourites are Rachel Sin, Jana Hanzel and Emilia Torabi, Kim Newport Mimran (Pink Tartan), Phillip Lim, and Tori Burch. I fall in love with a piece and then find out who the designer is! I would describe my style as eclectic, mixing vintage and unique pieces with items from all of my favourite stores/brands including Le Chateau, Vero Moda, Zara, A Dash of Fab (Renfrew) and Ten Tree Apparel.

What advice would you have for girls who want to get into the modeling industry?

Be yourself, be fearless is the advice I give to people who have a dream!

Become comfortable with who you are, build relationships, stay connected with your agency and most of all enjoy yourself! Don’t let the opinions of others bring you down and remember the true meaning of beauty. If you have the look the client is searching for great, and if not be happy to have had the experience.

Life is a balancing act in which we all have the ability to set goals and dream. It is how we achieve these goals that differentiates us from one another. Stay true and stay grounded!

What are your goals for the next 5-10 years?

Over the next 5-10 years I want to continue to make the most of

situations and experiences, network and grow.

Teaching and leadership is something I would like to incorporate into my future career. Having been a Certified Life Guard, Swimming Instructor and Downhill Ski Instructor for both able body and disabled skiers I have learned to adapt programs to the needs of others, articulate instruction effectively and encourage people to rise to their potential.

My Communications Degree and minor in Art Administration will allow me to explore a variety of fields. I can see myself working in partnership with a not-for profit organization or in the advertising and marketing area.

I plan to travel in the next couple of years permitting me to see first hand the wonders I have not yet had the opportunity to experience. Furthering my education with a Masters in Business Administration is something that I envision myself completing in the future.

Although I am unsure what my exact path will be to reach my goals, my vision is to do something that provides me with a platform to help people, inspire positive change and ensure messages of significance are heard.

Life experience, education and work, and volunteerism have made me who I am!

FACES TIME CAPSULE Ottawa Senators 2003-2004 Season 1

First season with Eugene Melynk as team owner.

2

Jacques Martin’s final season as coach of the Senators.

3

Team Leaders: Goals – Marian Hossa (36), Assists – Daniel Alfredsson (48), Points – Marian Hossa (82), PIM - Chris Neil (194), Plus/Minus – Zdeno Chara (+33).

4

6

Game 7 will be remembered for the 2 questionable goals Joe Nieuwendyk scored on Patrick Lalime. It would be Lalime’s last game as an Ottawa Senator.

7

Senators draft defenceman Andrej Meszaros in the 1st Round (23rd overall).

Ottawa Renegades 2004 1

Finished 2004 season 5-13 and failed to make the playoffs.

2

Head Coach was Joe Paopao.

3

Kerry Joseph was the Renegades Quarterback during the 2004 Season.

Record in 2003-2004 (43W-23L-10T-6-OTL = 102Pts).

5

Senators finished 5th in Eastern Conference, losing in 7 games to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round.

2004 Notable Weddings: Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Lil Wayne and Antonia Carter, Kate Beckinsale and Len Wiseman

2004 Pop Culture Famous “Wardrobe Malfunction” when Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Oscar for Best Picture: Million Dollar Baby (presented in 2005)

wikimedia.org

Top Grossing Films of 2004: Shrek 2, SpiderMan 2, Passion of the Christ

nytimes.com

Time Magazine’s Person of the Year: George W. Bush

/earnthis.net

wikimedia.org

leagueittous.com

Super Bowl Champions: New England Patriots

wikimedia.org

Canadian Adam van Koeverden wins Gold and Bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics

Grammy Awards: Best Album Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

36 | February 2014

Stanley Cup Champions: Tampa Bay Lightning

sports-logos-screensavers.com

World Series Champions: Boston Red Sox

speakers.ca

hdpaperwall.com/

Ottawa in 2004 Politics

Ottawa in 2004

Ottawa’s

Alanis Morissette in 2004

You Oughta Know This

Gas Price (Regular):

Bob Chiarelli Mayor of Ottawa

77.2 Hottest Day in Ottawa:

ontarionewsroom.com

May 30th

30.2

Paul Martin Prime Minister of Canada ontarionewsroom.com

Dalton McGuinty Premier of Ontario usaskstudies.coop

°C

°C

U.S. – Canada Softwood Lumber Dispute

First Legal Same-Sex Marriage in Québec is celebrated.

Canadian superstar Avril Lavigne wins Best Female Artist (Pop/Rock) at the American Music Awards and is nominated for 3 Grammy Awards.

NBA Champions: Detroit Pistons

wikimedia.org

“That’s Hot” Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie dominate reality TV with “The Simple Life” in 2004. blogspot.com

Jude Law / Angelina Jolie (Awarded Sexiest Man and Woman Alive in 2004)

New Low-Carb Diet Fads: The Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet

bodys.co.za

Ashlee Simpson caught lip-synching on Saturday Night Live

sodahead.com

2004 One-Hit Wonders: “The Reason” by Hoobastank and “Lean Back” by Terror Squad timeinc.net pinkhope.org

Popular TV Show “Friends” ends after a 10 year run.

mikesdailyjukebox.com/

Alanis releases her 6th studio album, “So Called Chaos”.

Alanis hosts the 2004 Juno Awards in Edmonton.

Coldest Day in Ottawa: January 14th

- 31

Alanis and fellow Canadian Ryan Reynolds announce engagement.

wikimedia.org

2004 Top Selling Car: Toyota Camry

wikimedia.org

autos.msn.com

37 | February 2014

FACES TIME CAPSULE

Florals

trench coats

whites and neutrals

lingerie-inspired looks

Fashion in 2004

cropped pants

v-neck sweaters

frills

39 | February 2014

Tell us about where you grew up and how you got into broadcasting?

I grew up in Brampton, Ontario, the Flower City, or as my friends and I like to call it, ‘B-Dot’. When I was in grade 8 our teacher asked if any of us wanted to read the school announcements in the morning. I was a shy young girl, but I put up my hand and said, “I will.” I loved it and continued to do read the announcements the following year. I went on to spend my grade 12 co-op at a radio station in Toronto and since then I’ve been hooked. I knew I wanted to work in broadcasting and went to Fanshawe College in London to study Television Broadcasting. I then took the post graduate Radio Broadcasting course at Humber College in Toronto.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and what do you find most challenging?

As the Music Director of MAJIC 100, I really enjoy being able to listen to so much great new music on a daily basis.

(I probably turn up the volume a little louder than I should some days, but it’s great!). I enjoy chatting with our listeners whether it is on the air or at an event, because it makes me feel more connected to the community. I’ve been in Ottawa almost 2 years and feel like there are so many things I still have to do and see, and the listeners have given me such great suggestions!

I would say the most challenging part of my job would have to be switching up my afternoon routine some days to wake up really early to fill in on the MAJIC morning show. 3:40am comes really quickly! I always set 2 different alarms to make sure I wake up.

Is there anyone that you look up to in the broadcasting world, and do you model your style after them at all?

One person that I look up to in the industry, and have been lucky enough to meet, is Marilyn Denis from 104.5 CHUM FM in Toronto.

You enjoy salsa dancing, how did you get into this and is it as hard as it looks?

Salsa dancing is so much fun! I listened to a lot of salsa music in high school because a good friend of mine would always have it on at her house. I’ve just always loved the

rhythm and sound. It makes me smile and want to dance. In October, I had the pleasure of participating in the 3rd annual Dancing with the Easter Seals Stars here in Ottawa. My partner, Chris Drumm from Fred Astaire Dance Studio, was an amazing teacher and one of our routines was salsa. That experience definitely helped me become more confident on the dance floor. The best piece of advice is to just feel the music!

Candace Drover MAJIC 100’s Music Director It has been written that you love boy bands – which is your favourite boy band? If you could have one member of a boy band sing you Happy Birthday, who would it be and why?

I have to choose just one? This is the hardest question so far! I honestly don’t know if I can choose just one, and if you saw my office you would know why!

Your favourite band is Great Big Sea – have you really seen them 21 times? What is it about their music that you enjoy the most?

Yes, I’ve really seen them 21 times! One year I saw them 3 times in a week! I enjoy their music because it’s fun, feelgood music that makes me think a lot about Newfoundland, which is where my dad grew up. They sing with passion, heart and pride. Not only do I love their music, I also love their energy on stage. I can’t stand still at their shows. I’m always jumping, clapping my hands, and singing at the top of my lungs. Good thing they can’t hear me though, my voice isn’t the best.

What are some things that people would be surprised to learn about you?

I know sign language. My mom is deaf, so growing up I learned how to sign to communicate with her. I am not a fan of horror movies. I really enjoy sleeping, and feel those movies don’t allow me to do so! I also have small feet; my winter boots are kids’ size!

Gift Exchange:

Create a secret admirers gift exchange.

Organize a valentine’s day gift exchange with your single friends. This can be a fun way of enjoying the Valentine’s Day presents without having a significant other.

Single on Valentine’s Day? Good times are still to be had this Valentine’s Day even if you’re not romantically involved with a significant other.

Treat Yourself:

Hit the Town:

Treat yourself to something special. If you don’t have someone to spend your money on, spend it on yourself! Allow yourself to buy something nice whether it’s clothing, manicures, massages, or jewellery.

Round up some of your closest friends and hit a local restaurant, karaoke bar, bowling, or bar.

It’s a great way to get out of the house and hang out with friends to get your mind off things if you’re feeling lonely.

Couch and Movies:

Pick a handful of movies with your celebrity crush and watch and indulge yourself in an eyecandy marathon. Stay at home and veg out on the couch with some of your favourite snacks.

People Watch:

Ask a guy/girl on a date and split a meal at your favourite restaurant. You can people watch and discuss things about those on dates! Play games like which ones will last, who are fighting and who seem to be on their first romantic date.

Same Old:

Pretend it’s like every other day. Continue with your routine, go to work, have lunch, spend the day as you normally would and it will end sooner than you expect.

Party In:

Invite friends over for wine, appetizers and good times. If you want to get a little crazy make it a theme party. Play your favourite single songs like “Single Ladies”.

Get Out of Town:

Travel while you have some extra cash and visit some friends who you haven’t seen in a while. If you spend most of Valentine’s day on a plane or in a car it’s easier to ignore.

41 | February 2014

Shirt& Tie Combos Emma Willis

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42 | February 2014

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Source: esquire.com

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7 Must Have Accessories for

Winter 2014

Accessories have become a huge part of the fashion industry. Just as fashion trends change from season to season, accessories’ trends change as well.

Every season presents its own hot styles of bags, shoes and jewelries.

Take a look at this list of 7 Must Have Accessories and be the first one to rock these hot pieces this winter!

Chandelier Earrings Black & White Clutch Bag

Zara Patterned Minaudiere $79.90

Balmain Chandelier Earrings $610

Gold Necklace Versace Icon Chain Necklace $1,295

Fur Bag If you don’t like wearing an oversized fur coat this winter then you have to have at least one accessory made of fur! How about a fabulous fur bag?

Just pick your favourite style and colour and let it become your favourite addition to your everyday outfit.

Thigh High Boots Thigh high boots are such a hit for this season that designers even found a way to create a false thigh high boots look to make the trend more wearable: just pair leather leggings with ankle booties and voila, you got the look.

Louis Vuitton Ivory Marabout Feather Speedy Bag $7,569

Velvet Shoes Velvet was one of the favourite materials for designers during winter 2014 fashion weeks. With velvet shoes you can add a feminine and elegant touch to every look. Try pumps in crimson, emerald green, indigo blue or purple velvet. For the braver ones, go for an animal print velvet shoes!

Céline Rider Calfskin Thigh Boots $2,377

Geometric Bracelet Geometric forms are extremely popular for this season and you can find them on clothes, bags, shoes and jewelries. A good way to sport the trend is to wear a geometric bracelet. Pick one in gold, pastels, black&white, emerald green, crimson red, indigo blue or purple for an ultimate trendy look.

Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Mary Jane Pumps $995

Bottega Veneta Silver Bracelet $2,150

44 | February 2014

The gold necklace got a new dimension this season. Statement making gold necklaces are present in every accessory collection this season. The best choice is a chunky gold necklace, but you can also go for one with a medieval look and embellished with gemstones.

Source: dailywt.com

Opposite coloured accessories are a big trend this season, especially those in black and white. Clutches are still very popular among bags, so why not get a black & white clutch bag! The time when we used clutches only for special occasions is long gone, today we use clutches whenever we want because there are so many different styles and sizes that we can find one for every look.

This season Balmain and Ralph Lauren used classical chandelier earrings with big crystal elements, while Dolce&Gabbana stayed true to the medieval look and chose earrings with Byzantines crosses.

Tom Ford: Extreme Eau de Toilette Spray 1.7 oz. $148.00 www.sephora.ca

Manly Essentials

Clinique: Face Scrub $23.00 www.sephora.ca

Jack Black: Beard Lube Conditioning Shave $14.00-$18.00 www.sephora.ca

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel: Energizing Moisture for Men $35.00-$47.00 www.kiehls.ca

Aveda Men Pure: Performance Exfoliating Shampoo $27.00 www.aveda.com

45 | February 2014

Tell us a bit about Hair Tech Coiffure.

We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary this spring, which is a great achievement for a salon. Our bilingual clientele enjoys our high-end salon because it provides a clean and modern look with a downtown feel (without the parking fees) in a suburban area. The strong team of professionals at Hair Tech Coiffure is always learning and improving on an ongoing basis in order to provide the absolute best results.

What is unique about Hair Tech Coiffure compared to other salons?

Unlike many salons, our team works very well together – it isn’t rare to see two or three stylists consult together with a client. From the receptionists to the assistants, the support staff is treated with respect and as equals, which exudes a positive energy in the salon.

We all support each other and take on different roles when needed, especially on days that are overwhelmingly busy. Our clients see this teamwork and are comfortable trying other stylists when their stylist is unavailable. We always strive to give clients professional and memorable service.

We have four areas in our salon:

Colour Space Here we consult and discuss colour, highlights and flamboyage with clients to emphasize their best traits.

Styling Space This area is where we consult with the client, cut and style their hair.

Beauty Space Our esthetics section is where we offer services like bio sculpture gel nails and basically all nail service treatments, pedicures, eyelashes extension (misencil technique) make up application, facial and a waxing bar. We like to refer to this section as the beauty space because we feel that this section polishes the look on the client.

Shopping Space Here our clients can purchase products to maintain their look at home. We carry the most professional and natural products that we believe are of the highest quality.

What would you like each guest to experience?

An environment of tranquility, professionalism and high quality services in a friendly, positive atmosphere. The minute a client is sitting in our chair they are putting their trust in us to make them feel good, and that’s our main focus. Our stylists and beauty consultants strive to transform the client’s exterior look as well as their overall mood. Every client should feel beautiful inside and out from the moment they enter Hair Tech Coiffure.

You do a lot of continued education and travelling – can you tell us about some of the places you’ve gone?

Education is a big time priority for us. Trends are always changing and, as stylists, we are constantly learning new things. There is no limit to what you can learn in this industry and it is important for us not to lose our creativity by getting stuck in a cookie-cutter hairstyle mentality. We expect our staff to take a minimum of three courses a year. Our staff have had the privilege of receiving education in Paris, London, Germany, Italy, Spain, Los Angeles and New York, which are all very fashion-forward cities. Although Hair Tech Coiffure is located in Orléans, we are always up-to-date with trends from around the world.

47 | February 2014

5

FLU FIGHTING FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS Omega-3:

Not just for your eyes, brain and heart anymore, the essential fatty acids found in omega-3 have recently been linked to flu fighting. A recent Japanese study published in the journal Cell, found that omega-3 can shut down viral replication at the cellular level to help combat the flu virus.

Brazil Nuts:

Research from the University of North Carolina shows that Brazil nuts among the best sources of selenium, a trace element that is essential for proper immune function and helps fight sickness.

Garlic:

Rich in allicin, an anti-microbial compound, garlic can help prevent a fight the flu. A 2002 British study found that people with high levels of allicin suffered nearly 50% fewer colds.

Berries:

Tasty and colourful, berries are also packed with healthy antioxidants, which can help prevent cold and flu bugs. A Cornell University study found that wild blueberries offer the most antioxidants of any fresh fruit.

Mushrooms:

Beta glucans, found in high levels in mushrooms, are the only dietary fibre recognized by the European Food Safety Authority to reduce disease risk.

Research also shows that beta glucans may also combat high cholesterol.

48 | February 2014

The arrival of cold weather marks the beginning of cold and flu season. Even though the cold weather has already arrived it doesn’t mean that you are no longer at risk for getting the cold or flu. The early months of the year bring with them some of the coldest weather and nastiest cold and flu bugs. Keep yourself in the best health by building up your immune system, preventing yourself from getting the cold or flu and even treating it with the foods and supplements.

Jacob Wright Education: Graduated with an Honours Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. Currently working on Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification.

cscs

Who Needs A Personal Trainer Anyway?

Walk into most gyms these days and it will likely resemble a circus more than a centre for health enhancement and injury prevention. With gym do-it-yourselfers attempting to balance on giant rubber balls, pull ups bars being used for trapeze practice, it’s no wonder people ask the question “who needs a personal trainer anyway”.

These days gym go-ers fall into a very common pattern. They join their local gym with the aspiration of ‘a new me’. After a solid 3-4 weeks of texting on the treadmill for 20 minutes a day, mixed in with some crunches, some curls, and the odd mirror flex, things just aren’t right.

Their subtle Clarke Kent physique hasn’t turned into Superman quite as quickly as they had aspired. This leads to frustration and confusion as to why that month of ‘hard work’ and ‘dedication’ didn’t produce the expected results. After realizing how much effort it takes to achieve that ‘new you’, the wheels begin to spin out and the gym membership becomes more of a charitable donation than anything.

Part of the problem is that we are resilient to change. Whether it’s break ups, changing jobs, or just trying to cut back on liquid calories, change is hard. Change takes consistency, it takes smart planning, it takes research and most of all it takes patience. Who has the time for that stuff anyway?! This is where seeking out professional advice comes in.

Finding the right trainer can be a task on it’s own. Many trainers are successful more so because they are better salesman than actual train-

Contact info:

Email: j89wright@gmail.com

Jacob Wright ers. The key to finding the right person to work with is to find someone with experience, knowledge, a track record of testimonials and most importantly someone who’s motivation style fits your learning needs.

When I got into the personal training industry in 2007, I had no clue how many different ways my services could be used. On any given day I can be asked to combine the disciplines of psychology, physiotherapy, bodybuilding, powerlifting, nutrition, yoga, coaching, to name a few. I have had the pleasure of working with a large variety of clients ranging from a 9 year old figure skater right up to a 75 year old senior looking to lose weight and have an easier time carrying her grand children.

The benefits of exercise are endless. From helping prevent disease such as cardiovascular, diabetes and cancer to improving bone density, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, carving that six pack youve always wanted, dead lifting twice your body weight, boosting self esteem, building self confidence, losing weight, preventing injury, or to just plain help you look sexy on the beach. Having a well-tailored exercise program, combined with some great coaching, nutrition advice and mentorship might be exactly what you need to take your life to the next level.

Not everyone has the want or the desire to go out and seek a personal trainers advice. Some people do just fine on their own, but most don’t. Everyone can benefit from the tools that a well-educated, well-experienced trainer has to offer. If your goal isn’t to live young and prosperous into your early 90s, at least train to kick butt at life while you’re here.

Twitter and Instagram: @jake_thefreak

100 Schneider Road, Kanata, Ontario

FACES

AROUND THE CITY

51 | February 2014

Winner of our Start-Up Company Feature - Rumidifier Can you give us a brief description of Rumidifier?

Rumidifier

Conceived, designed, manufactured, patented and developed entirely in Ottawa, Rumidifier is Canada’s first eco-friendly room humidifier that works without any electricity. This small appliance is quickly and easily installed over existing heating vents to re-use and re-cycle forced air to quietly and efficiently deliver moisture into rooms.

Rumidifier is very easy to use, fill and maintain because it has no moving parts and requires no energy to operate. The green technology of Rumidifier helps customers save an average of $25.00 in operating costs when compared to a traditional humidifier.

The award-winning Rumidifier is available through traditional big box stores like Home Depot, Home Hardware, Lowe’s Home improvement stores and Terra 20, and retails for $39.95.

What are some of the benefits compared to other humidifiers?

Rumidifier offers convenience and ease of use as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to humidifiers. The appliance has no switches, cords or plugs, and turns On/Off automatically in controlled cycles.

Simply install over an existing vent and you’re done! The appliance is so simple to use and maintain that it automatically opens when it requires a water refill. Rumidifier is safe and simple to operate, green and sustainable and also dishwasher safe.

Where did the idea stem from?

I am not shy to admit that I was born tight-fisted and penny-pinching to very conservative, poor parents in India. Being born and raised in those family conditions, my motto in life is to always re-cycle, re-use and re-gift whenever possible and with whatever limited resources are available. This philosophy means that all my inventions either save or make the customer money.

The idea for Rumidifier dawned on me when my two sons got sick with strep throat and needed a humidifier to get better. I was determined not to add more costs to my already-high energy bills. So, I looked around for readily available resources at home and found two important components to make humidity: water and free-flowing

warm air from the furnace. I used that to my advantage and created my first prototype – a wet towel hanging on top of the register. As time went on, I made a second prototype with a paint tray and an evaporative filter pad. This eventually led to filing my patent and developing the product with the help of a design firm in Ottawa.

Why did you decide to start your own business?

The urge to create something new, unique, innovative and green that would be socially beneficial and save people money. These were the driving forces behind this breakthrough invention, and the reason for starting this business.

I started to invent unique products and services and do my own business because I take great pride in it. I think invention is something next to God and who doesn’t want to be next to God. The idea to start the business is the easy part, but to run with it and make it a success is the hard part. I learned many things doing it myself – virtually creating a system rather than just being part of an existing system.

As I always say to my friends, “Aim to change the world. At the end of the day, if you could at least change your neighborhood, that is a big achievement in life.” It may sound silly, but if everyone thought this way and changed their neighborhood then the world would be a better place.

Senators Soiree

Carol Craig

54 | February 2014

FACES

AROUND THE CITY

Thinking of Buying Your First Home?

by Jason Peyman

For many people, the decision to become a home-owner is not an easy one. There are many reasons why people are hesitant to jump into home ownership but part of the reluctance can be the home-buying process itself. Uncertainty regarding down payments, interest rates, and surveys is common but the bigger question is often “where do I begin?�To assist those of you who are considering owning a home, here is a brief summary of the process.

Building Your Real Estate Team One of the best ways to begin your home search is to surround yourself with real estate professionals who can help guide you through the process. A mortgage professional will be able to work with you to determine the amount of mortgage you could qualify for; a realtor will assist you in finding that perfect home and preparing an offer; a lawyer will advise you on the legal issues associated with your purchase and register the deed. More importantly, your real estate team will answer your questions to put you more at ease.

Finding Your New Home After working with your realtor and mortgage professional to determine your budget and the type of property you are looking for, the next step is finding the home. For most first-time buyers, condominiums are an attractive option since they are generally less expensive than other types of properties. However, if you are considering a condominium, you should speak to your realtor and/or lawyer to ensure you understand how they work before making an offer.

Once you find a home you are interested in, you will submit an offer to the seller. The offer will consist of numerous items, such as the purchase price, the closing date, items included (e.g. stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer, etc...), and conditions. There are numerous conditions that can be included in the offer, but two of the most important are financing and inspection (if the property is a condominium, a status certificate condition is also vital). While it may seem like a financing condition is not necessary if you have already received a mortgage preapproval, you should still consult with your mortgage professional (the potential lender could determine the property is worth less than what you are offering, which could result in them lending you less than what you were pre-approved for initially). Conducting an inspection is also crucial to ensure there are not any serious issues with the home (such

Mann & Partners, LLP 613-722-1500 www.mannlawyers.com

as major leaks or foundation problems), which could result in extra costs in the future that will be your responsibility. Prior to making the offer, it is also important to get as much information as possible about the property so you can make an informed offer. For example, if the listing agreement mentioned that the basement has been finished, you may want to have a provision in the offer where the seller represents and warrants that they obtained the necessary permits and inspections for the work that was done.

After submitting the offer to the seller, the seller will accept, reject, or counter-offer. If you and the seller can agree on all the terms and sign the offer, you can then begin to satisfy your conditions. Assuming you have satisfied all your conditions and are ready to proceed, you will sign a document indicating as such and the deal will be firm.

I Bought A Home... Now What?

Once the deal is firm, there are still some items for you to work on prior to closing. Your lawyer will need information about you (e.g. date of birth, spousal status, how you are going to be registered on title, etc...), your mortgage, and the property (e.g. how old is it, what changes have been made to it, etc...) so they can begin to prepare the necessary documents. This information will also allow your lawyer to perform the necessary searches and advise you as to the cost for legal fees and disbursements. In addition to legal fees and disbursements, there may be additional costs on closing for pro-rated property taxes (i.e. the seller has already paid property taxes for the year but you are moving in before the end of the year) and land transfer tax. Luckily, as a firsttime homebuyer, you will get a $2,000 credit toward the land transfer tax payable. During this time leading up to the closing date, you should also be finalizing the details of your mortgage with your lender and arranging for property insurance for your home.

Shortly before closing, you will meet with your lawyer to sign the closing documents and bring in the necessary funds. Once the transaction has been completed on the closing date, you will receive a phone call to let you know your keys are ready and that you are now the proud owner of a home!

Should you have any questions regarding the purchase or sale of a home, feel free to contact our office at 613-722-1500. Please note that the foregoing is not intended to be legal advice.

57 | February 2014

Saving for Retirement Most people aren’t thinking about retirement. Loans, rent or mortgage payments, credit card debt and car payments are more worrisome than a long-term retirement savings plan. More importantly there are places to go, people to see and things to buy right here and right now. There’s plenty of time to save for retirement…right?

The question you have to ask yourself is, “what do I want to do when I retire?” If you plan on owning property down south, sailing yachts in the Caribbean and golfing five days a week then you better start planning now. If you plan on spending your golden year’s debt-free and enjoying a modest but comfortable retirement, you still better start planning now. There are a number of ways to help build your long-term retirement savings, but here are some of the most popular options.

Registered Retirement Savings Programs (RRSP): Are a way to save money and investments meant for future use, but typically for retirement. Savings accounts, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and more can be part of an RRSP. The purpose of a RRSP is to contribute as much as possible on an annual basis in order to increase long-term savings for use during retirement.

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs): Are typically issued by large companies and banks to raise capital. GICs offer guarantee rates of return over a set period of time, but the rates are low. However, because there is a guarantee of payment there is very low risk.

Stock: Also known as a share of stock, a stock means the investor has a degree of ownership in a company. The investor is therefore entitled to a portion of the assets (property, equipment, etc.) and earnings (monies received for selling products and or services) owned by the company based on the quantity and value of the stock.

Bonds: Like GICs, bonds allow businesses to raise money for various operations (research, expansion, etc.). The business issuing the bond promises to pay back interest to the investor for the length of the bond (typically interest rates are higher for long-term bonds). The return rates on bonds are usually higher than GICs. Gold: The price of gold is at an all-time high. Many people feel that owning gold and other precious metals is far more lucrative than investing in businesses since there is always a demand for these items.

These potential methods of building wealth for your retirement are only a few examples. It’s always best to research money-saving tips online and meet with a financial advisor to better understand what might work best for you. The best advice is to simply start saving today for a better tomorrow.

FACES

AROUND THE CITY

59 | February 2014

THE TOURIST:

HOTELS/RESTAURANTS /NIGHTLIFE

WRITTEN BY JOHN DOE

FEATURING:MONTRÉAL STAY:

HOTEL (10) Formerly OPUS HOTEL, Hotel (10) in Montreal provides a unique boutique experience unlike any you’ll find among the numerous hip boutique hotels in Montréal. Hotel (10) is a true destination for the cool, and many celebrities making their way to Montréal. Blending modern design with a nod to history in chic Montréal style with 136 guestrooms. The hotel is situated just steps away from the vibrant Boulevard Saint-Laurent, and minutes from Old Montréal.

10 rue Sherbrooke Ouest

EAT:

GARDE MANGER A popular place in the heart of Old Port that never dissapoints, It’s no wonder that chef Chuck Hughes has his own television show, Chuck’s Day Off, considering how much charm and skill he possesses. Popular options include bountiful platters of seafood, rich lobster poutine, and hearty braised short ribs. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant is small and quite popular.

408 rue St-Francois-Xavier 60 | February 2014

BAR

VELVET (SPEAKEASY) Located underneath the restaurant Le Saint-Gabriel is this cool little 21+ bar with a Parisien flare. Velvet Club or Velvet Speakeasy is a unique breed of bars. It’s a small space, much longer than it is wide, keeping those on the dance floor pressed tightly together. Fueling the fun are the bartenders and some of the best DJ talent around. With its cool vibe and great beats, Velvet matches the personality of Montréal.

426 rue St-Gabriel

NIGHTCLUB NEW CITY GAS

With the world’s best talent stamping their mark of approval, this venue is one that is unlike any other. The new venue is set in an old industrial venue that might seem like you’re entering a rave set in the 1990s without the sketchiness. The VIP area is elevated so the bottle service crowd gets a great view of the stage while being able to check out the floor with ease. This venue is perhaps one of the best where you can party with 2000 of your closest friends.

950 rue Ottawa

MUST SEE

BASILIQUE NOTRE-DAME The most significant landmark of Vieux-Montréal is this mammoth Gothic Revival undertaking designed by Irish architect James O’Donnell and built in 1824. This Catholic church has a stunning medieval-style interior that features walnut-wood carvings, exquisite stained-glass windows, 24-carat gold stars in a vaulted blue ceiling, as well as one of the largest Casavant organs in North America. Don’t miss the fine art paintings in the

110 rue Notre-Dame Ouest

nave and the impressive Chapelle du Sacre-Coeur.

61 | February 2014

THIS IS THE FUTURE OF TECH

EXOSKELETONS -- guiding disabled limbs through a range of motion in order to develop muscle memory.

GOOGLE’S SMART CONTACT LENS (DIABETICS) -- able to read instant changes in blood sugar levels.

COLOUR CHASER -- allows users to make music

THE SWATCHMATE CUBE -- functions as a grabber,

while drawing with colored markers.

recording the color of virtually any object underneath.

n i t s e t a l the nological design ---tech

BIOPEN -- combines principles from 3D printing with

LG HOMECHAT-- allow users to issue commands and

stem cell research to repair missing or diseased bone.

receive status updates from their smart appliances.

MYRIS -- authentication device that promises to

THERMACELL HEATED INSOLES -- automatically

eliminate the need to remember different passwords.

turning on/off to keep at normal body temperature.

2014 National Skating Championships

FEB 8

FEB 6

Senators Vs. Sabres

Jason Aldean

FEB 13

FEB 9

Canadian Tire Centre

China Carnival Spring Gala 2014

Elton John

Senators Vs. Red Wings Canadian Tire Centre

FEB 15

Centrepointe Theatre

Hilton Lac Leamy

Canadian Tire Centre

FEB 27

FEB 19

Canadian Tire Centre

Ottawa Fashion Week Stepping Out In Her Shoes Gala

Faces Magazine FABIO Awards Empire Grill – 9pm