CONTENT 03
About iinta Creative Arts
06-12
Penny Ford: Have you got the power?
13-19
Penny Ford: Snap! Crackle! Pop!
21-26
Penny Ford: Oh... Snap! Lifestyle | Sports
28-36
Ron Duguay: Twists and Turns of Life Home & Business
38-43
Truth Behind Internet Marketing Gurus Health & Beauty
45-47
Missing Smiles Aviation
48-52
I wanna Be a Pilot Yachting
55-65
A family Bound by Bonds Special Feature
67-84
SAR: JRCC Trenton / 424 Squadron
PAGE 03
ABOUT US & SOCIAL MEDIA iinta is an aggregate of art, music, sports, live edge creations, literature, photography, collectibles, décor, fashion, health, beauty, travel, iintaviews, and the exotic. It is ever changing based on what you, our audience, is iinta. Our exclusive celebrity interviews and product offerings are sure to delight! Topics of interest columns and changing trends ever evolving. With new content weekly, bi-weekly and monthly there is always something new to discover. Including our gift-giving section where users can donate to an affiliate charity and promote positive change for families in need. Sign up as a member for our newsletters, digital magazine and discounts.
Follow us on our Social Media pages where we'll be featuring in-house episodes of Zaher's Test Kitchen; the Pilot Talk podcast with experienced pilots, Michel Treskin and Stein Mjåtveit; a dance challenge with Penny Ford of Snap!; acrylic artwork with Michelle Chretien, and more.
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IINTA CREATIVE ARTS MUSIC
PAGE 06
HAVE YOU GOT THE POWER?
Penny Ford. Photo courtesy of Penny Ford
Penny Ford Traverses Cincinnati to Hollywood by Jennifer J. Lacelle May 3, 2021
For many people, thoughts of being
When it came to Penny Ford, she
a performer usually go one of two
knew at a very young age that she was
ways. Either people absolutely have a
destined to be a singer.
passion for it, or they positively dread the idea of standing before a crowd.
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The urge, passion and desire to be a
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PAGE 07
singer was so intense that she
But it was the sound emanating from
remembers thinking, “if I don’t do
the church that called to her.
this, I’m going to die.” “They would open the doors in the Anyone with a burning desire, a
summer and the most beautiful music
need that fills their body, mind and
would be coming out,” Ford says, her
soul, can relate to the sentiment. It’s
face and eyes lighting up with the
human nature to bring forth dreams
memory. She smiles, hands in the air
and passions, manifesting them into
as she harkens her mind back to the
reality. The trick has always been to
sound that drew her in as a youngster.
overcome the obstacles, intrinsic and external, in order to become
“I got closer and closer until I joined.”
what one is meant to be. The choir gave Ford what she had Music was simply in Ford’s blood.
been seeking in her life: acceptance and validation. She recalls needing
Cincinnati
people to like her, and feeling hurt
Her mother, Carolyn Ford-Griffith,
from their rejection to the point of
was an artist with King Records
becoming physically ill.
while her father, Gene Redd, Sr., an executive producer. Neither wanted
She now laughs about it, noting how
to marry, and they never did, but
conceited it is to expect everybody to
what Ford-Griffith wanted was a
like you. There were two things she
record deal, and Redd had the ability
learned, as a child, from a therapist
to provide it. Ford notes that her
that she still uses in her every day life.
father was considerably older than her mother and says, “somewhere
One: not everyone is going to like you.
out of that whole thing was me.”
That’s just the way the world is. There are so many different kinds of people
Ford was raised by her grandparents
in the world that it’s impossible to be
in Cincinnati, Ohio, which also
liked by everyone.
happened to be near a gospel church. She had been taking piano
Two: why should everyone like you? It
lessons for a little while and vaguely
isn’t an inherit right to be liked by
recalls being interested in music.
everyone you meet.
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PAGE 08
However, the thrill of performing
in my room, by myself, I didn’t want
provided her both of those outlets.
anybody to see me, I was just into that. That’s when I knew I had to do this or I
When she sang, people applauded.
will die.”
So, by 10 years old she realized she had the gift of singing, and Ford
Though, her grandmother had enough
began to desire a musical career
of the musical craze after raising Ford-
path by 14.
Griffith, so she was always encouraging Ford to be a scholastic child. She says in those days, the Civil Rights era, parents were pushing and pressing for their children to receive top-notch education, and not be into dancing or singing. While she was outstanding in her classes, the music industry was the only place Ford could imagine herself. "My grandmother, she just went…” Ford throws her hands up as if in surrender, laughing. “She knew there was nothing to stop me.”
She would stay in her room singing into a hairbrush in front of the
The push to become a musician was
mirror. While most people can
entirely intrinsic, no family
probably relate to that — who hasn’t
encouraged her to take the spotlight.
used a hairbrush for a microphone,
In fact, Ford says, despite coming from
be honest — Ford says she had a
a family of musicians — her father
general disinterest in common
actually produced most of James
teenage activities.
Brown’s music — she says, “none of them were around when I was
“My friends were Chaka Khan
growing up.”
records, my other records — vinyl records — 8-tracks and cassette
The mirror wasn’t her only stage at 14
tapes. Those were my friends. I was
years old. She was also sitting in
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PAGE 09
nightclubs, drinking a double Cognac, cigarette in hand, and singing her heart out to Billie Holiday songs. In those days, bars and clubs weren’t strict about checking identification. As such, she had some older friends get her a few fake cards in case there was trouble. “Everyone knew you had to be 21, but I sang so well they let me in,” Ford says. “I was this little kid in clubs, and they’d ask, ‘What are you doing here?’ I’m here to sing.” Ford would also compete for money
Penny Ford. Photo courtesy of Penny Ford
at these establishments, noting the
prestigious clubs in Tokyo, the Mugen.
idea was based on a 1970s television
When they were headed back to Ohio
program, The Gong Show. It is
there was a layover in Los Angeles, so
comparable to the ever-popular
she decided to stay.
American Idol that sprung up in 2002. The biggest difference is that
“I told them [the band] I’m going to
the older show would bang a
visit a cousin,” Ford chuckles, there
massive gong if a contestant was
was no cousin. She shrugs as she says,
disqualified. Every club had their own
“the next time I went home I had a
version, but the winning singer
record deal.”
would walk away with a good $50 US. Hollywood was where Ford grew into Around the World
an adult. At that time, she didn’t know
Fast forward to 16 years old, Ford has
she needed to have a resume, demo
consented to a three-month long gig
and headshot when approaching
in Japan at one of the most
record companies. Instead, Ford would
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PAGE 10
would walk in the doors, tell them she
people don’t always possess, but
could sing and ask who she needed
artists can also be just as vulnerable.
to speak with. “People go ‘You’re such a super star,’ Spending time on the mean streets of
but then you see them in the corner
Hollywood certainly opened her eyes
[alone],” Ford says. “I learned a lot. I
to the big, wide world. Being a kid
grew up, essentially, in Hollywood.”
from Cincinnati, Ford was somewhat sheltered from the big pool of sharks
Eventually, she found her way to
in Hollywood, and she recalls
Motown Records. There happened to
thinking, “whoa!”
be a small bar and café on the downstairs floor, and that’s where she
She wasn’t accustomed to seeing
met two nephews of Barry Gordy, the
people people passed out, half-naked,
founder of Motown Records. The
on the street from drugs or alcohol.
young men brought her to their aunt,
Ford often found herself stepping
Anna “Gordy” Gaye, wife of musical
over these people just to get on
legend Marvin Gaye, who decided to
stages and sing. Ford also says she
hire Ford as a demo singer and writer.
saw a great number of childhood trauma manifesting in the people
Her voice was comparable to Gladys
around her.
Knight or Aretha Franklin, and Ford says, “it helped sell the song.”
“I saw a lot of things that drive people to become great artists,” says Ford.
After some time, however, she realized
“What drives them is pain and
Motown Records wouldn’t sign her as
trauma and things they’re trying to
an artist — which meant trying other
escape and overcome.”
avenues.
Despite the initial shock, Ford was
One day, walking up the street, she
sure to keep her face neutral. This
saw a group of men in front of a studio
was especially impactful when she
and began talking to them before
realized her idolized artists really
realizing they were The Gap Band.
were just people like everyone else. In short, artists have a unique ability to
The trio of brothers had risen to fame
evoke a sense a strength other
in the 1970s and 80s.
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PAGE 11
Ford went to them everyday and
She signed a new contract when she
chatted them up until finally
came of age. The album was released
someone allowed her to sing! She
in 1984.
was brought to the president of Total Experience Records, but he didn’t
Ford didn’t know her father very well,
believe she could really play seven
but she had mailed him letters and
instruments.
pictures of herself in studio. Knowing she would be in New York for a week,
Despite his disbelief, Ford was invited
as part of the release promotion, she
to play and perform. Naturally, she
wanted to call him and tell him she
agreed, but when the time came only
had finally made it!
she and the engineer showed up to the recording session. The engineer,
However, when she called she was
as it turns out, could play bass so the
told he had been murdered. There
two jammed out and completed four
wasn’t much time to grieve though.
songs. A Solo Artist at Last Total Experience Records decided to hire Ford as a writer, but it wouldn’t be until later on that she was sitting in the studio, writing a song and singing the demo track that the company realized her potential. Finally! It took her a year and half to complete her first album, partly because Ford was still a minor. The contract wasn’t valid because she hadn’t yet turned 18, which the company discovered after the fact. So, they had her spend a little longer working on the material.
indulge in the arts
Photo by Fabian Otto
iinta.ca Photo by Fabian Otto
PAGE 12
“The release of the record was
anything, saying it was all a “blur
something that helped me get
because it was happening so fast.”
through, and the fact that I didn’t know him very well helped.”
To top it off, the company wouldn’t pay their employees and artists
Ford hadn’t realized that releasing an
regularly. She says that struggling
album included a heavy business and
people do some of their best work,
marketing aspect. She had been
and that was the reason
focusing on the music and having fun
for withholding funds.
with it, but when it came to promoting the album, they were in
Despite all of this, she never lost her
radio stations selling the actual
passion to sing and perform.
products, and she wasn’t expecting that.
If there was a major highlight during this promotional tour it was being able
“I didn’t realize the business part,
to meet the family she had never
which was my detriment at the end
known. Family that she now spends
of the day.”
regular time with.
Total Experience Records kept her
With COVID impacting the world, we
busy on the promotional tour to the
still need to find things to smile about
point that she wasn't sure she felt
and have fun.
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PAGE 13
SNAP! CRACKLE! POP!
Photo by Fabian Otto
Penny Ford's Claim to Fame by Jennifer J. Lacelle May 10, 2021
The musical world is full of steep
Though, she realizes now that there
mountains to climb: some people
were times in Hollywood when she
manage to reach the top, others turn
could have perished had she made
back, and some perish along the
different decisions. After all, the
way… just like climbing literal
choices we make create our lives.
mountains. How many musicians quit when the going gets tough?
Following the release of her first album with Total Experience Records,
Musical legend, Penny Ford, is not
Penny Ford moved on to replace the
the type to climb down that
lead singer in all-female band,
mountain.
Klymaxx in 1986.
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Ford was nervous to join a group that was all women, however, she was pleasantly surprised. “It was a wonderful experience,” says Ford. “I didn’t think I would have so much fun with an all-female band, I thought it would be a nightmare.” She travelled with the band for a year before things turned south. Ford says Penny Ford. Photo courtesy of Penny Ford
the bassist was beginning to take gigs outside of the group, which
S.O.S.’s lead singer was breaking off to
caused another member to lash out
go solo, despite the group’s iconic
with jealousy. This began creating
status, Ford decided to begin working
rifts in the team, and the other
with them. One of the reasons she
members began to feel they
received the call was her ability to
deserved higher recognition for their
sound like the former singer, making
work individually. This led to the
her an indelible asset for the group.
group splitting apart. Having already been a solo artist, Ford believes many artists think that
some may have thought Ford was
performing in a band somehow
taking a step backward in her career.
diminishes them.
But because of that different notion and thought process of hers, Ford
While they may hold onto that belief,
didn’t watch herself diminish as a
Ford was of a different opinion.
performer.
“You get to paid to sing with
She only played with the group for a
somebody who’s iconic,” Ford says,
few months as the dynamics weren’t
shrugging lightly. “It’s a different
any better than the previous band. In
kind of euphoria being on stage with
fact, she says it was worse. Though,
an idol.”
things began looking up when she met the man who she thought was
So, when she received a call that
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the love of her life.
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PAGE 15
It all happened when the S.O.S. band
dark, overcast relationship as it turned
was on stage, and Ford glanced
abusive.
offstage to see a very handsome, Italian man watching. Turns out the
“I’d never been in an abusive
band was using sound equipment
relationship,” says Ford. “I didn’t know
from his company, explaining the
what was going on.”
reason for his appearance. Rather than stay in the situation, she It only took a couple months
decided she would head back to Los
thereafter for her to become an item
Angeles and begin working again.
with him, quit the band, and move
Which is what she told him, however,
back to Cincinnati. She was ecstatic,
her attempt to conceal the actual time
to say the least, about being
frame went awry. She had said it
engaged to a fiery, attractive man
would be a couple weeks, only to do
who had been the most eligible
one gig, but her intuition screamed
bachelor around.
that he didn’t believe her. While it was true, there was no specific job for Ford
“Every day was beautiful,” she says.
in L.A., she had hoped there would be no muss and fuss over her departure.
His family was also quite prominent in Cincinnati, which makes sense as his father was the founder of many jazz festivals across the country. . This meant when his father passed away, shortly after returning to her home town, the news coverage was substantial. Their relationship turned upside down as their lives became messy fast. Because there was substantial money involved, and he was the firstborn son, Ford was forced to handle the brunt of his stress. Their lifestyle went from beautiful each day to a
indulge in the arts
Photo by Fabian Otto
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PAGE 16
Instead, he planned a very expensive
her to become a singer: Chaka Khan.
and romantic dinner. But the plot
Ford says the more experienced
thickens… the steaming hot Italian
musician became her protector.
dish of spaghetti found it’s way onto Ford’s lap, leaving her in the hospital
“My life took a whole other lane,” says
for a month with both second and
Ford. “I started working with my idol.
third-degree burns.
We became thick as thieves.”
Naturally, it was played off as an accident but Ford’s sneaking suspicion was that it was by design. He nursed her Penny Ford. Photo courtesy of Penny Ford
back to health, it was at least a month--long
She recalls watching Khan put him up
recovery, until she could finally walk
against a wall. She told him that if
again. At which point, she made her
Ford was “stupid” enough to go back
quick getaway to L.A.
to him when she wasn’t touring with Khan, then that was her decision. But
Though, the freedom was short lived
said to him, “when she’s with me, she’s
when he too made his way to the
mine.”
giant city and purchased a house. It was also around this time that Ford
“Things were supposed to be
started doing drugs, a normal aspect
beautiful again,” says Ford of the
of the music industry, especially in L.A.
new arrangement, though she says it wasn’t long before it reverted back to
Finally, after time had passed, they
the abusive situation.
needed to clean their systems through a sort of self-rehab. Khan’s family sent
It was around this time that she
her to London and within two weeks
finally met the woman who inspired
she had invited to join her, worried
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PAGE 17
German group, Snap! These songs, and album, would later create worldwide hits, including The Power and Ooops Up. At that point, Ford believed in the traditional styles of music: jazz, soul, rhythm and blues. She liked the smooth melodies that are associated with such genres. So, to walk into a studio and hear electronic dance music was a mind-boggling experience. Penny Ford with Soul II Soul. Courtesy of Penny Ford.
After returning to London, she was
about leaving her in that messy
relieved to be back to writing and
situation.
singing in her typical genres, not giving much thought to the EDM
Within four months she had signed
songs she had just created.
on with Zomba, London division, and began writing. Simultaneously, Khan
Ford found her way to working with
received a phone call from some
Massive Attack, Soul II Soul — a
German producers who were
hugely popular British band that
interested in having her sing in a
specialized in soul and R&B, — and
new group. However, she wasn’t
Mick Jagger.
interested and suggested Ford take the gig.
Ford soon found herself living with a keyboard player while deciding
She spent three days singing music
whether or not to head back over to
she hoped she would never hear
America. It was at that point she
again, saying, “I literally hated it. I
heard her one of the songs that she
was a music purist.”
had performed in Germany!
However, over those few days, she
The Power appeared on the widely
recorded several songs for the
popular television show Top of the
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PAGE 18
Pops. But here’s the kicker: the video
Ford was in a similar predicament,
didn’t have Penny Ford! There was a
except on the other side.
random girl miming Ford for the official video that was being globally
When she saw the video, Ford
aired.
recognized the song, but the person who was performing was somebody
Let’s take a step back in time for a
else. They had taken another girl and
brief second. This was occurring at
put her on the video to mime the
the same time of the Milli Vanilli
vocals. To make matters worse, The
incident. Anyone under the age of
Power also happened to be the
thirty probably doesn’t know the
number one song in the UK, and she
significance of that though, so here’s
wasn’t receiving the credit due to her.
a brief history. Being on the same record label as Milli
Music was taking a turning point in
Vanilli, Ford had some leverage as the
the later 1980s and early 1990s
incident escalated to such magnitude.
wherein music videos were
By the time they connected, the
beginning to form, and subsequently
company not only wanted her, but
appear on television. Also, it was
needed her in order to prevent
quite common in Europe for
another incident from occurring.
companies to use “lookalikes” instead of the actual musicians for
“They knew America would find out
these videos and performances.
that the chick on the TV wasn’t me,” Ford laughs heartily. “They had to
That’s what happened with Milli
work me into the group.”
Vanilli. The men who became famous received Grammy awards,
Thus, began her “first act” with the
and appeared on the videos despite
German Europop group, Snap! whose
not being the actual singers. When
worldwide success cannot be
this became public knowledge a
understated.
massive uproar ensued, and the two two front-men were forced to return
The group’s single, The Power, sold
the Grammys. Subsequently, their
over 1 million copies in the United
careers flopped.
States — over 7 million globally — after
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PAGE 19
it’s release in 1990. The album (World
They furthermore received platinum
Power) quickly became one of the
certification in Germany and
highest selling dance records to
Switzerland.
date! Being the absolutely lovely person she World Power also received gold
is, Ford enjoys having fun and
certifications in Australia, Austria,
laughing. So, be sure to check out her
Sweden, United Kingdom, and
TikTok Challenge with iinta magazine
United States.
and boutique; see if you can keep up!
Snap! and KLF Hanging - Sep 17, 2019. Courtesy of Penny Ford.
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PAGE 21
OH... SNAP!
May 25, 2019- Espelundens Idraetsanlaeg - Rodovre Denmark. Courtesy of Penny Ford.
Penny Ford is the Rhythm of a Dancer by Jennifer J. Lacelle May 17, 2021
There’s a rise that comes, like the
surface that sets people apart. Penny
ocean tide, when people do what
Ford continually rises despite
they love. It’s why pursuing passions
everything that happens in life!
is so important to — and for — people.
She actually discovered a different girl miming her voice in the video for
But just like ocean waves, we can get
Snap!’s hit song, The Power upon it’s
swept up with the current and either
release.
ride the wave or hit the undertow. It’s the continually rising back to the
indulge in the arts
However, shortly after viewing the Otto Photo by Fabian
iinta.ca
PAGE 22
music video, the record company
be the final straw on the camel’s back.
reached out to her. In short, the government was Looking back, Ford says she could
beginning to enact laws which
have asked for more money and
protects homosexuals from hate
received it because they didn’t want
crimes. So, when no less than eight
to experience the same thing with
drag queens were beat up at an AIDs
her that they did with Milli Vanilli,
function they were attending, the
Ford spent two years with Snap!
band found themselves surrounded by
following that incident.
picketers at their concerts.
Touring was going quite well with
Some members returned to Germany
the band, and company, until discord
while Ford remained in the US, at
began emerging within the structure
what she felt was meant to mend the
of the group. During the uproar, that
fence with fans. However, she decided
would eventually hit the newsstands
not put her career in jeopardy,
across America, Ford didn’t feel safe.
especially since she had been innocent bystander during the
She explains that at the time, the
debacle, and subsequently left the
music industry was switching to
group.
gangster rap, and it was the lifestyle many musicians were aiming for
When she walked away, Ford assumed
because they saw vast amounts of
she would be starting over, but says
money in their future if they followed
she didn’t realize the millions of dollars
suit. She chuckles thinking about
she was leaving.
people who believed they were some kind of gang member.
“I thought this was about music and integrity. I didn’t have a concept of
Ford continued explaining how the
how much I was leaving,” she says.
current style of music she was
“Every time I left, I walked away from
performing — EDM — was far bigger
all the money, and didn’t even know or
than the new style, gangster rap.
look back and go hey, where’s my
Alas, she felt no one was listening.
money?”
What happened next was a tumultuous brawl that turned out to
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In a way it was better for her to leave
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PAGE 23
efore she earned the copious volumes of money and additional fame. Upon reaching such a level she would have been placed on a list for priority parties in the musical industry. Ford is thankful she never received such invitations since the drug abuse was so heavy that she feels she may not have survived. “I truly believe I may have been dead,” says Ford. “I think it was by design from the universe.” Despite walking away from Snap!, Ford wouldn’t be starting from scratch. When the record labels in the US realized she was no longer signed with the Germans, a bidding Photo by Fabian Otto
war began because they wanted her talent. Her abilities included EDM,
musician, Joni Mitchell.
jazz, pop, country and gospel, to name a few genres. The two main
As Ford prepared to release her own
competitors vying for her to sign
record, which was supposed to have
were Columbia/Sony and Elektra.
a massive launch, she didn’t realize how much involvement star
Eventually, Ford went with
musician Mariah Carey had within
Columbia/Sony where she had Randy
the company.
Jackson as an executive producer. The company wanted Ford to
Ford feels she received “throwaway
continue creating EDM style music,
songs” and that the company had
but she refused as she wanted to
placed more resources into Carey’s
create more traditional music.
next album than her own, which
However, she did have the
meant Ford’s record didn’t receive as
opportunity to write with iconic
much attention at launch.
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PAGE 24
Though, she points out that she
If you look at the last few years, it’s
received a number of top musicians
become far more common, for
and artists to work with for her
example: The Lion King (1994 and
record despite the declining
2019), Frozen (2013), Sing (2016), or
spotlight.
The Greatest Showman (2017). A few of the artists included in this list are
She also wanted to get involved with
Elton John, Beyoncé, Idina Menzel,
soundtracks for television shows and
Ariana Grande, Zac Efron and
movies with Columbia. Their
Zendaya.
animated series were going global and the use of pop stars in
Despite the dedication she put into
soundtracks was rising. Because
her first album with Columbia,
music is consistently evolving, and
including marketing and promotions,
the time of hip hop and gangster rap
she was dropped. This came two
was stepping into place, it was
weeks before she was slated to work
always a possibility.
with David Hasselhoff, who had been
Penny Ford. Photo courtesy of Penny Ford
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PAGE 25
She didn’t pursue education as within six months of her arrival, Ford’s mother (Carolyn Ford-Griffith) suffered a massive stroke. Because only eight per cent of her brain was active, Ford didn’t want her to be a vegetable for the next 20 years, she asked the doctors to unplug the devices keeping her mom alive. However, three days later her mom woke up, hungry, and lived for another six years. Ford-Griffith had been caring for her own mother before the stroke, and closed shop on six “crack centers,” Courtesy of Fabian Otto.
converting them into learning centers.
the one to approach her for a duet, and begin working on her second
Ford began caring for her mother,
album with them.
grandmother and the businesses during this time. Her family members
So, Ford began working with Chaka
resided in two separate facilities, and
Khan again — and Prince. They
near the end she travelled to and from
toured together for a few years while
Germany to record music.
Ford pieced herself back together. She also performed with Toni
After both passed on, she decided that
Braxton, Barry White, Barry Manilow,
travelling to and from Germany didn’t
Brandi and on a TV show called
make any sense anymore. In 2009,
Moesha. She says that at 40 years old
Ford decided to “roll the dice” and stay
she was trying to stay “hip and fresh”
for a little bit. Though, she didn’t know
but eventually felt the urge to return
if it would be two weeks or two
home.
months.
“Hollywood has a way of consuming
As of March 15, 2021, Ford has lived in
you,” Ford says. “Why don’t I just go
Germany, , and performed across the
back to school for something?”
world with Snap!, for 12 years.
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PAGE 26
In fact, Ford has visited over 80
She’s waiting patiently for everything
countries — jealous yet?
to open back up so she can continue her tours, saying, “Once all the
Her popularity is continually rising.
promoters found out I was here in
She is normally entirely booked a full
Europe, it became easier to promote
year in advance, and even knows her
me."
schedule for the following year. In the meantime, check out the TikTok That is, until Covid occurred.
Challenege from Penny Ford & Snap!
June 28, 2019 - Courtesy of Leonardo DaVinci Barnette
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IINTA LIFESTYLE SPORTS
PAGE 28
TWISTS & TURNS OF LIFE
All photos courtesy of Ron Duguay.
Ron Duguay: NHL Legend & TV Personality By Jennifer J. Lacelle April 24, 2021
The saying “fifteen minutes of fame”
dedication and the consistent push to
is applicable to most people who hit
do the best he can at whatever he
the spotlight like a brilliant flash of
decides to do.
light before flickering out like a sparkler at the end of the rod, leaving
Duguay was born and raised in the
fans wondering: “what in the world
township of Valley East, Ontario
happened to them?”
(which was amalgamated into the Greater City of Sudbury in 2001).
This would not be the case for NHL player, Ron Duguay. He earned his
The majority of Sudbury’s smaller
claim to fame over the years, which
community hubs have outdoor rinks
he attributes to hard work,
accessible to their members.
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Having grown up in the Carol Richard Park area of Valley East, he had easy access to an outdoor rink. Duguay recalls beginning to attempt skating around three years old, like many children in Northern Ontario, and by the age of four it kind of resembled the sport. “You’re playing a little,” he chuckles. “Whatever looks like hockey.” This is where he learned to skate and play hockey until his first appearance at an indoor arena as a pre-teen. The Centennial Arena in Old Hanmer was opened in 1971, making it a new addition for hockey players in the area. This is where Duguay first experienced life in an arena, and it stuck with him. Each community was running their
The age groups for designated
own team, Valley East included,
categories were changed in 2002-03
which he describes as being closer
by the Canadian Hockey Association.
to their version of an all-star team.
Bantam today encompasses the ages 13-14, but prior to that it was 14-15
He distinctly remembers the team
years old.
colours, noting that he still has the jacket at home, were purple and
When Duguay was bantam age, he
yellow.
was playing Junior B Hockey, having skipped Midget and Junior, with the
“My dad was involved,” Duguay says,
Valley East team. As such, he was
pulling the old memories forward.
playing against men who were about
“He was my coach in bantam.”
19 years old.
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drafted to the Sudbury Wolves at only 16 years old. As another example of Northern Ontario talent, he mentions Dave Taylor, another hockey legend who was born in Levack, Ontario. The two initially played against each other in the NHL before playing as teammates with the LA Kings. Duguay’s life continued to evolve and change as he became more engrossed in the sport as a teenager. In the
He remembers playing the
middle of grade ten he stopped
Manitoulin Island league where they
attending school altogether to pursue
would beat the islanders by 16-18
hockey.
goals and he would score 12 to 13 points.
At that point, he was so focused on hockey that he was almost never
“I knew I wanted to prove myself as
present in class. This led the principal
good as the older guys,” he says, and
of Hanmer High to approach Duguay’s
attributes his dad to helping him
younger brother and inform him that
make that happen.
Duguay didn’t need to attend school
Since Duguay was consistently
anymore if he didn’t want to.
receiving trophies, and witnessing multiple successes with the teams he
When their parents were informed of
played for, there was an inkling in
this, he says they understood due to
him that he was a little better than
their own experience. His parents had
most of the other players. He notes
obtained a grade six level of education
that when young players are drafted
because they needed to begin
to play in the OHL, that’s when they
working.
know for sure that they are as good as everyone else, and that builds
“So, I left school and started playing
further confidence.
hockey as a job,” Duguay says. “Doing it full time. I would play, then train,
To exemplify his talent, Duguay was
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then practice.”
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PAGE 31
He played with the Sudbury Wolves
Sudbury to the massive, sky-scraping
from 1973-77 before the NHL drafted
city of New York. At that time, he says
him in 1977 to play with the New York
there were many sketchy, shady areas
Rangers. He was in the first round,
of the city where one had to “watch
13th pick overall.
their backs.” What is now New York Time’s Square was a red-light district
New York Rangers
in those days. Furthermore, he says
In the vocals of Liza Minelli, “Start
there was a great deal of mafia and
spreading the news, I’m leaving
police presence in Manhattan.
today, I want to be a part of it… New York, New York.” Is it ironic the song
Despite the sections of the city that
was recorded the same year Duguay
required caution and a wary eye there
was drafted to play in the Big Apple
were still many exciting aspects for
for the big leagues?
Duguay. The entertainment lifestyle is a huge draw for people in New York,
It was quite the change moving from
performers and non-performers alike.
the tiny, suburban mining town of
This was also at the same time the world’s most famous, and exclusive, disco club was open—Studio 54. Not only was Duguay playing with the New York Rangers, but his access to the club allowed him to meet many notable persons such as Farrah Fawcett, Cher, Andy Warhol and Steven Spielberg. Warhol put Duguay on the cover of his magazine, Interview. Duguay says that once on the cover of Interview, you knew you “made it” regardless of profession. Then while having dinner with Spielberg, they discussed Duguay’s
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PAGE 32
as Spielberg was inclined to offer
The move to New York helped him
him the lead role in Raiders of the
break out of that shyness, though he
Lost Ark.
was cautious the first couple years out there. Duguay attributes his excellent
While the role ultimately went to
upbringing, good parents and friends,
Harrison Ford, Duguay still found
in providing him a solid foundation to
himself going from a noticeable
understand what trouble was and how
player to a celebrity in his own right.
to avoid it.
I understood I wasn’t just playing
Thus, in his first year he stayed away
hockey, but a form of entertaining
from Manhattan and lived in Long
and performing,” Duguay says. “I was
Island where the practice rink was
a bit of a shy guy; I wasn’t the most
located.
outspoken.” In his second year, he moved to West Chester before finally moving to Manhattan in his third year with the Rangers. He says it wasn’t until this stage of his life that he was comfortable and grown up enough to live in Manhattan itself, also noting the city shifted for the better every year. His transition over the first few years was made easier by the support of his mentor, and now long-time friend, Phil Esposito. He is an NHL legend in the Hall of Fame and had already claimed two Stanley Cups by the time Duguay entered the major league.
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Esposito, a Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario,
While Duguay never won the famed
native was playing with the New
Stanley Cup, which places people in a
York Rangers when Duguay was
different category—even separate
drafted. Esposito was the team’s
from Hall of Famers—he did have a
Captain and he helped created a
40-goal season with the New York
family-like atmosphere with the
Rangers. Just before that season, he
team.
represented Canada in the Canada Cup in 1980.
Furthermore, Dave Farrish had been drafted to the Rangers’ a year before
“It’s who you are as a team,” he
Duguay. Since the two had played
explains. “I think team records
together with the Sudbury Wolves,
override the personal records with the
Duguay already had a friend on the
Stanley Cup.”
team, which made the shift easier for Duguay.
Though Duguay says not winning the Stanley Cup brings up the question, if
“The team itself was very much like a
someone is such a good player, why
family atmosphere,” he says.
didn’t your team win the cup? He says winning the Stanley Cup truly goes to
While he had an excellent time
the character of the player, leadership
during this period, and brought out
quality and “pulling guys with you.”
the best in him, he says it eventually came back to bite him since he
However, he says, “I experienced quite
became distracted and ended up
a bit other than the Stanley Cup.”
being traded. Over the span of Duguay’s career, he In 1983 he went from playing with
had the opportunity to play with and
the New York Rangers to joining the
against a number of Hall of Fame and
Detroit Red Wings until he was
Stanley Cup winners, including Wayne
traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins
Gretzky and previously mentioned Phil
from 1985-87. He briefly returned to
Esposito.
the Rangers for 1986-88 before moving on to the Los Angeles Kings
Duguay was also coached by Herb
in the 1987-89 seasons.
Brooks for two years; he was the head
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PAGE 34
coach to the US Olympic hockey
He had less than two days to go from
team that won gold in the 1980
being a player to the team’s head
game against the Soviet Union—a
coach, technically he began the next
match which would come to be
day. Duguay chuckles as he recalls
known as the Miracle on Ice.
setting the rules immediately, saying he can only imagine the comments
Despite not winning a Stanley Cup in
from players after the meeting.
his career, one of his personal highlights is playing against the
He whipped them into shape and
Montreal Canadiens at the playoffs
coached the rest of the reason, where
with the New York Rangers in 1979
he witnessed some of the results he
(when he was only 22 years old). The
sought.
Rangers came very close to winning that season, but the Canadiens kept
But he says the most important aspect
their Stanley Cup streak, beating the
was the respect the players had for
Rangers 4-1.
him, saying, “they wanted to play for me.”
Duguay went to the playoffs seven times with the Rangers and 11 overall. Leaving the NHL Duguay retired from the NHL in 1989 but stayed involved with hockey in other ways. In 2002 he joined the Jacksonville Barracudas in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL). While he intended to be a player, Duguay was approached midway through the season and informed by team management that they were planning on firing the current coach, asking Duguay to take over.
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PAGE 35
When you see it—your teachings on the ice—show up in a game, then you know you’ve made a difference.” How About Today? Duguay hadn’t developed a plan for retirement, since his focus had always been hockey, but he says he was simply meant for New York. The fame he garnered in the city at the beginning of his career might have gotten him traded due to his distractedness, but it certainly came back to assist him later in life. “You don’t know what it’s like to be a
He was approached to work for the
coach,” he says of his time as a
Madison Square Gardens Network as
player. “I got to experience that.”
an analyst. He worked there from 2006-2018, and earned two Emmy’s
As a player, you can get over a bad
during this time. Due to his shy nature,
game after a few hours, but as a
and lack of training in analytics, it took
coach the pressure is on 24/7. To be a
four years for Duguay to become truly
coach is to live it, constantly ask what
comfortable in the position. However,
needs to be done differently, and
he had a better idea of what to
how to teach and improve your
observe and discuss having now been
players. He also says winning as a
a player and coach, saying, “that
coach feels much greater than as a
helped me be a better analyst.”
player.
After leaving MSG, he was approached “You’re teaching,” Duguay says.
by the New York Post in 2019 to host a
“You’re trying to get every player a
hockey podcast. This brought him to a
little better with every practice. You
full 360 degrees! The company's page
can pinpoint things… then you see
six gossip column that liked to talk
the results when they’re on the ice.
about him, which Duguay feels
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PAGE 36
somewhat influenced his trade in
Duguay is still active on the ice
1983, is now employing him. The
participating in various charity
podcast, Up in the Blue Seats, is
games. In 2009-10, Duguay also
actually the 12th most popular, just
competed on the hit tv show, Battle
behind Don Cherry.
of the Blades. The show pairs professional figure skaters with
Because Duguay has a strong New
professional hockey players. A
York Rangers following, that is what
competitor’s chosen charity receives
the show predominantly covers.
money based on their rankings in the
However, it wasn’t just being a
competition. Duguay made it
Rangers’ player, a hockey coach and
through half of that season.
an analyst that has continued to capture the public’s attention.
Pre-Covid, he was sometimes playing 75 games a year around the world at different events, including charity functions. Predominantly, these games would be played in Canada, Russia, Switzerland and the US. “What’s got me to where I am today is a foundation of working as hard as I could at what I was doing. Now I’m reaping the benefits.”
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IINTA BUSINESS & INTEREST BUSINESS AVIATION YACHTING HEALTH & BEAUTY
PAGE 38
INTERNET MARKETING
Truth Behind Internet Marketing Gurus By Doug Landsborough March 17, 2021
How many of us have seen that we
It is safe to say that most adults have
can all own Lamborghinis if we just
seen or at least heard of these gurus
read a book every day?
and, unfortunately, many people are drawn in by their promises every day.
While that infamous Tai Lopez video isn’t necessarily making the rounds
If you find yourself or one of your
anymore, it has been replaced by a
friends or family members
flood of other internet marketing
contemplating their offer, do yourself
"gurus" and experts who all tout the
a favour and read this first.
same promise of not just freedom, but freedom without the work.
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Gurus promise to solve a problem
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PAGE 39
In order for there to be a common,
as long as people have had a problem,
marketable solution, there needs to
there have been people looking to
first be a problem. Luckily for these
take advantage of the desperate.
gurus, there is an entire generation
Whether it be a travelling snake oil
of people experiencing a problem.
salesman or, more recently, multi-level marketing companies and pyramid
Most of these ads run by internet
schemes, unhappiness makes you a
gurus are targeted at Millennials,
perfect target.
which currently range in age from 25-40. This entire generation is
Sometimes you might get lured in by
defined by cumbersome student
the guru, making it seem more
debt that has delayed major life
legitimate than it really is. Perhaps
events like buying a house or getting
they have an article with their name in
married.
it in the New York Times or HuffPost. Perhaps they have an e-book that you
Luckily for this debt-saddled group,
can get for only a few dollars or maybe
these gurus have a solution that can
you can attend a free webinar.
make you a lot of money extremely quickly. The best part? Basically,
Spoilers: the free webinar is a
anyone can do it.
recording with maybe one or two staff in the chat to make it look real; the e-
Even beyond this debt, there is a lot
book is to get you you into their sales
of crap going on in the world right
funnel; the articles aren’t actually that
now; a lot of people are unhappy
difficult to get.
with where they are in their career or with their finances. Either of these
All of it is just to get you buttered up
mindsets are perfect prey for gurus.
for their real money maker... You.
See, the catch is that these gurus
Guru sales tactics
can get you the freedom and money
When it comes down to it, you are just
you want, but it's going to cost you—
another sale to these people. There is
sometimes as much as five-figure
nothing wrong with selling a product
invoices.
or service to someone, let’s be clear.
This isn't something new, either. For
The issue is that these gurus are
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PAGE 40
intentionally seeking out and selling
“Is your job killing you?”
to the desperate. “Is debt stopping you from living But how do they do it?
your life?” “What if freedom isn’t as hard as you think?” Another spoiler: it only costs a few thousand dollars to rent those cars and that mansion, which is just pennies of their advertising budgets. These ads will likely promise you everything you want, declaring that if they could do it, anyone can! According to them, the biggest hurdles are usually your mindset and just not knowing what they know. From there you are directed to their free webinar, e-book, etc. That eventually culminates in a sales pitch where they introduce you to their high-ticket item. This might be a course, coaching,
It usually starts with an ad of some
one-on-one mentorship, or
sort, likely on YouTube or Facebook.
something else that promises to
They like to show off their nice
impart you with the knowledge that
mansions, their gorgeous sports cars,
is sure to make you succeed.
sometimes literally piles of money. All the while they are likely
Now you very well might learn
frontloading all the selling points
something from their coaching or
before you skip them.
course.
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PAGE 41
That’s not impossible and, especially
Common ventures. Many of these
when they target people who want
gurus tout the same handful of
to “pivot” into a role they only just
career options to help you get rich
heard of, probably likely.
with minimal effort. These include social media agencies, Amazon
Most people who fork over hundreds
Affiliate websites and dropshipping
or thousands of dollars don’t find
websites. Some gurus also cater to
what they were promised, though.
struggling freelancers.
They find information they probably
Use common sense. What are the
could have found for free. They find
odds that you stumbled upon this
that they actually need to work really
once in a lifetime opportunity?
hard for the freedom that was
Why isn’t everyone on your block
promised.
lining up for this career choice? Ask yourself if this opportunity is
Worst of all, they find themselves
too good to be true and trust your
more in debt than they were before.
instincts when you realize it is.
How to spot an internet guru scam Some of the scams are easier to spot than others. These gurus know that it takes minimal effort to attract some people, while others can be a lot more convincing in order to attract a potentially wealthier individual. Unfortunately, you might have already fallen victim to one of these scams or perhaps you’re on the verge of it. Here are some things to keep in mind if you encounter someone selling you a dream:
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PAGE 42
Do your homework. Google can be your best friend when discovering scams. Take a few minutes to search the name of the individual or their program with words like scam, fraud, fake or simply search for reviews on them. Be careful of reviews and testimonials hosted on their own site, as these could be fake or cherry-picked. Promises of insane passive income. There are very few
It only takes a quick look at most
people in this world who can
gurus to find that they tick most if not
make a living without doing the
all of these boxes.
work. If someone promises that your “business will work for you”
Are all internet gurus bad?
without substantial effort
It would be unfair to paint everyone on
building it, then they are looking
the internet offering coaching or
for your money.
courses with this brush; there are
Insane discounts. If the end of the
some people out there who aren’t
free webinar has a pitch for a
looking to rip you off. And there are a
$10,000 mentorship program but
lot of notable individuals—Gary
they are offering it to you for $150,
Vaynerchuk, Timothy Ferriss, Neil
something is up. It’s common
Patel, etc.—who made their fortune
among gurus to get someone
doing what these gurus are preaching.
excited for something and then pretend to offer it for 95%+ off.
Even better, there are people out
This is a big red flag.
there who want to help you. But you’ll
Ask questions. See if you can get
quickly find that they are not
in touch with the guru
promising get-rich-quick schemes.
themselves. Often these individuals don’t publicize their
For these legitimate folks, odds are
contact info so it’s impossible to
you found them through your network
ask them questions.
rather than a random YouTube ad.
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PAGE 43
In the end, you can make a nice
investment of both time and money
living as a social media freelancer.
that it takes to get there. All you have
You can make passive income off a
to do is slide a lot of money their way
book you wrote or another product
and they swear that you’ll be living the
you sell. Some people will be
dream.
incredibly successful doing so. If you choose to ignore all the warning These gurus promise you all that
signs, we’d love to know when you get
success without the hard work and
there.
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PAGE 45
MISSING SMILES
What's Behind the Mask? By Aesthetician Nigelle Fredette May 7, 2021
Now that we’re wearing masks
So, I’ve been putting some thought on
everywhere we go, I noticed myself
how to improve it.
smiling but receiving no response from people because my smile is
Conclusion: all we see are eyes!
hiding behind the fabric affixed to my face.
What can I do so people notice my smile through my eyes? Looking
I’ve noticed that missing just this
closely at my eyes, and others’, I now
little bit of connection with people
notice we never paid close attention
has been very difficult emotionally.
to them.
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PAGE 46
This is something we need to
Puffiness is often seen due to
address since they are what we
allergies, smoking, congestion. Dark
mostly show now, especially for
circles are generally due to
many of us whose work includes
dehydration which in turn creates our
interacting with others. The eyes are
fine lines and washed out, tired eyes.
the windows to soul, aren’t they? They convey our happiness, our
When looking into eye creams and
sadness, our tiredness. So, let’s try to
treatments there are some key
show our glow.
ingredients to look for, such as Matrixyl, Niacinamide, Antioxidants,
Because the skin around our eyes is
Tremella Mushroom Extract, and
fine and delicate — like onion skin —
Glutathione.
we need to use products designed to treat our eyes. We can use Botox,
These last ones are meant to reduce
which relaxes the orbicularis muscle,
fines lines, moisturize / hydrate, and
to open the eye a little and bring
decrease the appearance of age.
light into the area. This is also a great
There are also vitamins in your eye
way to give us the appearance of a
treatments that help with
well-rested eye.
brightening, hyperpigmentation, and moisture. These are Vitamins B3 and
Since there are so many products to
B5.
choose from, how do you know which one is the right one? Let’s start by figuring what concerns we wish to address. Do I look tired? Are my eyes puffy? Can I see dark circles? Are there lines? Do I seem washed out? What can cause some of these ailments?
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PAGE 47
When it comes to products available
If you’ve tried products, of any brand,
through Nigelle Medi Estethics there
and haven’t noticed a difference then
are a couple specific items from
reach out. I would love to help you
AlumierMD that I would recommend:
find that sparkle you’ve be looking for.
AlluminEye: it’s meant to brighten, moisturize, reduce puffiness, and
After all, we need smiles and bright,
targets dark circles.
glimmering eyes to communicate
Retinol Eye Gel: which reduces
better.
aging and fine lines while moisturizing.
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PAGE 48
I WANNA BE A PILOT!
Is It Still a Good Idea in the Wake of Covid? By Captain Michel Treskin April 14, 2021
Leonardo Da Vinci is famous for
come with this career. These are the
saying, “once you have tasted flight,
reasons why I chose to be a pilot, and
you will forever walk the earth with
my perception on the new era of
your eyes turned skyward, for there
aviation.
you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
The feeling of freedom when flying was my first reason for becoming a
As we all know, the COVID-19
pilot. When I was growing up, my
pandemic has extensively affected all
next-door neighbor was a commercial
branches of aviation. This said, today
pilot. I would always see him leave for
I want to focus on the "perks" that
his flights and I was always interested
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PAGE 49
in what he did for a living. I even had
prepare you for all aspects of a pilot
the chance to chat with him about
career. Once successfully completed,
his job, and ask him all the questions
you will have a multi-engine
on my mind. Today I must thank him
instrument commercial license.
for being so patient!
Taking this route implies an investment of $150,000 USD, give or
He described in detail the lifestyle,
take, and you are looking at two to
places he visited, as well as the
three years to complete the training.
challenges of flying. His stories
However, this will depend on the time
caught my attention, and I was so
you dedicate to it, and if you have a
intrigued and curious that this was
steady pace throughout the training.
the first time I felt the possibility of making this my career path!
Your other option is to join the military. If this is your calling, and you
Traveling around the world, while
wish to join the Air Force or Army (for
being paid, was the motivation I
helicopters and vertical take-
needed to take on the challenge. At
off/landing aircrafts [VTOL, such as the
the same time, some 50 years ago,
V-22]), then you will need to have a
funding your own training was
bachelor’s degree to sign up for the
relatively easy.
program.
Fast forward to 2021 and we now
Once in, training will be provided free
have a career that needs a significant
of charge, and you will start receiving
investment, and will also require
a salary after you have received your
some time before “landing” a job in a
wings. From there, you are required to
reputable airline.
complete a number of years of service before “retiring.”
There are three ways of getting into flight training.
Generally speaking, that timeframe is somewhere between seven and nine
You have the "usual" route of joining
years.
a reputable flight school as a cadet. At this point, should you wish to leave These academies offer thorough
the military, you may become a
programs specifically designed to
commercial pilot.
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PAGE 50
Your military license, with an
The third option is joining a
instrument rated ticket, can be
university that offers a flight training
converted into a Commercial Pilot
program in conjunction with another
License (CPL) which allows you to
degree, such as Aviation
operate as a First Officer.
Management.
In order to upgrade ranks within the
My advice is: do your research and
airline pilot world (become a
then choose the way that fits your
Captain), you will need to take the
budget and lifestyle.
required training/tests, and line training to obtain an Airline
You may ask yourself now, why not
Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
become a doctor, a lawyer, or another respectable professional? The answer is quite simple: because being a pilot is the best job in the world!
Sure, it will take years and lots of time moving up the ladder, just like any other career, but in the end, I assure Although it may sound a little
you the time and energy will all be
complicated, bear in mind that
worth it.
military training is the best and most comprehensive.
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There are numerous reasons why I
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PAGE 51
would encourage anyone who has an
It will not be a nine to five job, and you
interest in flying, either young or not
might have to move to another city or
so young, to make aviation their
even country to follow your dream.
career. It is a very versatile industry, and offers a range of career paths
Imagine the possibilities of travelling
that are equally fascinating.
faster than any land vehicle, crossing lakes, oceans, and mountains. You will
For example, aircraft
feel like a superhero every time you’re
engineers/mechanics who work on
airborne. Job satisfaction will be way
every component of an aircraft. It is
up there.
another great career path to follow for those who have a passion for
If you are contemplating a career as a
mechanical and electrical systems,
pilot, but you’re not sure whether this
avionics, automation, artificial
is for you or not, I encourage you to
intelligence, drones and so many
visit your local Flight Academy and
other disciplines.
request all the information there is available.
When you become a pilot, countless doors may open. Whether you are
I am sure the staff will be happy to
interested in being a commercial
take you around the hangar and
pilot, flight instructor, corporate pilot,
answer all your questions. Try to get
agriculture pilot, bush pilot, Lighter-
an hour in a small plane to see if you
Than-Air pilot, cargo pilot, helicopter
like it. Do not worry about air sickness,
pilot, air-ambulance pilot, law
we have all been through the same
enforcement pilot or just a
body reaction from our first flight. It
recreational pilot, whichever position
might take you several hours to adjust,
you choose, it will be full of
but it will eventually go away if you are
excitement and professional
prone to it. It is just like sea sickness;
satisfaction.
we all get over it.
Your office will be in the wild blue
I suggest researching how an aircraft
yonder where the sun always shines
flies beforehand. There are many
above the clouds. When you look
computer programs that realistically
down, you will realize how big our
mimic the flight envelope of most
world really is.
aircrafts, including helicopters.
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They will give you an idea on how the
In my opinion there is nothing better
controls work, and the way in aircraft
than being a professional pilot. The life
is capable of moving.
you will have is unique and special in many ways. It does not matter which
When you have a general idea on the
aircraft you fly. The satisfaction you
principles of flying, and the controls
obtain will not be measurable.
of an aircraft, then go ahead and get off the ground. This should allow you
Do not get discouraged by this set
to fly the aircraft once the instructor
back with the pandemic. I guarantee
gives you control. You might be
you that aviation will be back sooner
nervous and start overcontrolling,
than you think, and the world will be
but think small movements and
hurting for new pilots. So, what are
simply enjoy the feeling. You might
you waiting for?
just fall in love with the experience.
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CANADA & COVID BY FRED LAZAR SCHULICH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS YORK UNIVERSITY TORONTO
Introduction At the beginning of this year, many Canadians and most of their political leaders, were prepared to do a victory lap, believing that the worst of the pandemic was behind us and the national, provincial and territorial governments had all performed beyond expectations. Developments since then have likely tempered our celebrations.
To view entire article, visit our Investing page at www.iinta.ca
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A FAMILY BOUND BY BONDS
The Buratynsky family aboard Grommit. All photos courtesy of the Buratynsky family.
Circumnavigating the World By Kelly Louiseize March 16, 2021
Christopher Cross’ song “Sailing”
They resort to it when their days back
faintly plays in the recesses of the
on land become impossible.
mind - the raw, simple, adventure of opening one’s senses to nature. A
All they have to do is sit in the family
breeze caresses the main sail of
room and reminisce about their seven-
Gromit, fluttering it with a whisper as
year circumnavigation aboard their
the sun perches on top its mast. It’s a
47-foot Olympic Adventure Bluewater
moment frozen in time. Each person
Ketch/Cutter. It began in Hamilton,
in the Buratynsky family has such a
Ontario, Canada and finished in South
moment etched in their memory.
Africa following the trade winds home.
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self-sufficiency on the mass surface of the deep ocean, Cornelia says. Their children Zoë, Maïa and Liam are close in age. All are chips off the old blocks in the best way possible. Various stories circulate the family room, overlapping the other. Zoë adds Cornelia onboard Grommit.
to a memory, Maia corrects the
Living the Dream
location. It was as if they’ve been given
Wife and mother, Cornelia, dreamt of
permission to be there again, to
living a different life. As a child, her
reopen the most precious part of their
parents often talked about spending
lives – sailing Gromit.
their retirement years exploring the world by sailboat. Little did they
They found the vessel in Oriental,
know their daughter wasn’t going to
North Carolina in 2005, ill equipped for
wait that long.
ocean voyage. Michael rebuilt and replaced everything except the mast,
When husband Michael pitched the
boom, and winches, all while working
idea of sailing away with the kids, it
full time as an engineer in the
took minimal convincing to rent the
aerospace sector. Every bit of savings
house, pull the three children from
went toward readying the vessel for
school, quit their jobs, and pack their
launch date. And that date came.
life in a sailboat. It was only supposed to be for a year, maybe
In October 2008, while the rest of the
two. After that, the intent was to
world was reeling from the world
return home, find jobs, and act like
markets, the Manske/Buratynsky
normal grownups, right?
family started their engine and left the safety of the Lake Ontario's Hamilton
Nope.
Harbour.
There is something absolutely
False Starts
alluring about life when days are
Motoring along the calm waters,
reduced to performing necessary
Michael realized something was
tasks and pride takes the form of
wrong.
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He opened the engine room door to
The children are pulled from a
find oil covering the floor.
structured school system to join Cornelia (a teacher by profession) and me on this, what is turning out to be, an absurd journey. I really felt low." It was without fail that each time they questioned their trajectory, life steered them back on course through the kindness of Somewhere on the ocean.
others. A couple
He yelled for Cornelia to turn off the
saw the family in need and offered to
engine and limped into the Oswego
drive Michael to various repair shops
Canal in New York State where they
while Cornelia used their kitchen for
sat for over a week trying to resolve
food preparation and Internet service.
the problem. It was a lose screw. “You see this beautiful side of people As Michael hitch-hiked down the
come out,” Cornelia remembered. “No
freeway to get oil, he thought to
matter where you are around the
himself, “What have I done? I’ve
world, it really is the people who made
given up my job, we rented the
the difference. A place might be
family home, sold the two cars,
memorable, but the people made it
stored the furniture and any other
unforgettable.”
belongings we had. We've given up all these things and now I am
The First Six-Day Passage
walking down the highway with my
Additional repairs postponed passage
thumb out to buy oil at Wal-Mart.
for another four months, but alas, on
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March of 2009, they launched from Jekyll Island, Georgia to the Caribbean pushing due east on a sixday passage to Santiago de Cuba. It was the first on their list of 35 countries to explore. Next stop - San Antonio and Jamaica, where Zoë, Maïa and Liam had their first taste of Jamaican patois and Ron’s white bean soup. Try as she may, Maïa’s version doesn’t quite measure up to this day.
Michael turns galley into workshop.
A five-day journey from Jamaica to
Michael recalled. “Artemo had to turn
Panama landed them beside their
around during the crossing due to
friends from Toronto aboard s/v
boat problems.”
Artemo. The Gromits, with three children and the Artemians with two
On the archipelago of volcanic islands,
children, met at Canadian Power and
life was starting to relax. Each
Sail Squadron classes. They planned
anchorage allowed Michael to assess
to sail the world starting from a
Gromit’s need while the children
different location and ultimately
ventured off to meet new friends -
meet the Gromits in Panama. Such
that is, after the homework was
excitement! Once anchored, the
complete. From the Las Perlas Islands
parents did their usual boat checks
south of Panama to the Galápagos,
and provisioning while the children
the kids found amazing friends.
met others anchored in the harbour.
Sleepovers were common, meals were shared, and camaraderie amongst
Their first equator crossing, from
adults was rich.
Panama to the Galápagos, was where Gromit experienced some of
Everyday brought with it its own
the worst unsettled weather.
routine, which was dictated by the weather, signing in an out of
"We had the shit kicked out of us,"
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countries, provisioning, laundry, boat
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Heading into the Marqueses.
repair and maintenance. These daily
After 21 days at sea, they arrived in
activities, while living on land are
the Marquesas anchoring in 60-feet
relatively easy, however, water made
of water with mountains on either
it a challenge.
side.
Each took turns with certain chores.
Williwaw Barrels Down
Liam was Gromit’s fisherperson and
Several times an hour, a williwaw
Zoë and Maïa were the chefs. The
(sudden, violent wind) barreled down
whole family scrubbed the hull and
the gulley with an extreme snap that
decks, polished the stainless steel,
sounded like a high-pitched crack of
helped raise the dinghy and
lightening. Michael had the engines
performed pre-passage preparations.
at the ready and the crew on high
Anytime someone needed
alert. They had been looking forward
assistance, the kids were there. What
to full night's sleep only to find they
once was a family pulled in various
were now on round-the-clock anchor
directions, was not a team who had
watch.
each other's backs. All the surrounding boats did the Leaving the Galápagos, Gromit and
same. Eventually, sailors became
crew sailed to the French Polynesia.
accustomed to the blast, but still
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maintained a guarded watch.
“With hot and cold water, a shower, a washing machine to launder every
After a few weeks, the family sailed
possible item aboard Gromit, and a
to Tahiti and then to the Island of
place to stretch the sails for repair, we
Huahine where the children spent 10
thought we found heaven!”
months in school learning French. It was a strict system, Cornelia said.
At night, the children would go to the
The children felt intimidated by the
bow of Gromit to take in the night sky.
blatant display of classroom
It would be filled with so many stars,
discipline.
you couldn’t see blackness, Maïa explained.
But not academics believed in an authoritarian approach. In fact,
Despite the lures of land, two weeks
before one of the teachers left on
were more than enough to feel the
vacation, he offered his home to the
itch of the ocean.
Gromits. From there, the crew sailed to “It was the first time in a while to be
Suwarrow Atoll, approximately 500
living in a house. We were so excited
nautical miles from Bora Bora and
about flushed toilets!” Cornelia
only reachable by boat. At least 25
smiled.
boats anchored for what is akin to ‘summer camp’ for sailors. Shark watching, hiking, potlucks, games and kayaking were done as a community. Pacific Ocean’s Fresh Water Paradise “It was the best social island bar none,” Liam attested. Next was American Samoa where the volcanic mountains provided incredible hiking. The northern most island in Tonga, Tin Can Island,
Fixing Grommit’s sails at a teacher’s home on the island of Huahine.
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allowed the Gromits to kayak in the volcano.
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Michael in his usual humour
"For me, this was a very important
commented, “Yep just another day in
part of my role aboard Gromit – a point
a Tongan volcano lake. I mean where
of pride,” she says.
do you get to paddle in a freshwater lake in the middle of the Pacific
As far as the crew was concerned,
Ocean?”
Gromit was male - not female, as with most boats.
Fiji was next and then on to New Zealand where they settled in for
From there they ventured to New
seven months. Michael picked up a job painting a house while the crew waited out hurricane season at the equator. New Zealand was like Canada. It felt like home, Michael said. It was there he took a breather from the constant worries of boat maintenance.
Anchored off one of the islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Caledonia, where Gromit experienced is most significant breakdown and had
Gromit had two captains: Michael
to be escorted to port. Dad and crew
and Cornelia. In fact, it was Cornelia
spent a month repairing him. A
who would take him in and out of
meeting was to determine if all were
tight spots.
in favour of continuing was in order.
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The children were given more voting
Ignorance is Bliss
rights as the years passed.
Onto Kupang, Indonesia and then to Komodo Island, where the family
With a green light, the family set sail
snapped numerous pictures with the
for Papua, New Guinea, then made
dragons not more the 15 feet away.
their way over the top of Australia.
Never again, Cornelia said. They
Sailing along the Arafura Sea was
didn’t realize these reptiles could run
sublime, Cornelia said. For days on
faster than they could, climb a tree
end, with both the spinnaker and jib
quicker than a monkey and bite with
out, Gromit moved fluidly through
a venom that would have you
the slight ripples on the ocean’s
infected and left for dead.
surface - no rough seas, no ocean swell – bliss!
Backpacking through the Borneo jungle to see the orangutans was a
“At night, the reflection of the moon
treat. In Singapore, Malaysia and
on the sea’s inky blackness made the
Thailand they celebrated Christmas
moonbeams look like undulating
with turkey drumsticks and
silver splinters. It was mesmerizing. I
cranberry sauce – an absolute delight
miss those kinds of moments so
in the middle of an Asian culture.
much.”
Sunset at the top of Australia.
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Once the festive season was over the family travelled to Bangkok by train and on to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat, an enormous Buddhist temple complex. Continuing through Asia, the Gromits stopped in China to eat Peking duck and walk the Great Wall. Traversing to India, the family hopped on camels to explore the Thar Dessert in Rajasthan and rafted the white water of the Ganges River before sliding down the continent to
Liam in the Middle East..
Sri Lanka, which proved to be one of the best passages.
be following their route very soon,” said Michael.
Another equator crossing on the Indian Ocean to the Maldives
Cutting through the waves they were
became a boisterous and bossy
concerned about their rudder, hoping
experience. Onwards to the Atolls of
it would remain strong. After 17 days
Chagos – south of the Maldives - in
on choppy, unfriendly waters and
the heart of the Indian Ocean. There
eating their share of mahi-mahi
they made friends with the crew of
caught off the stern, everyone wanted
Simanderal whose boat sank on
to touch land. But the ocean wasn’t
route to Madagascar a week before
finished with them.
Gromit set out on the same route. Michael saw a squall heading their “Simanderal sank due to rudder
way. The jib was out when the full
failure, which caused water ingress
brunt of the wind hit. Gromit heeled to
that they could not contain. They
such a degree that down below the
fought for 18 hours before being
kids saw the vast ocean before their
rescued by a freighter and taken to
eyes as it came up over the toe-rail
South Africa. It was shocking and
and washed upwards on the starboard
very upsetting, knowing we would
porthole.
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PAGE 64
“It nearly came level with the cabin
Creating Bonds
top as if, preparing to swallow Gromit
“With my children and husband, I feel
whole,” Liam attests.
tremendous adoration and gratitude,” she explained a tear welling up in her
Like the trusty vessel he is, Gromit
eye. “I mean look Michael – how
righted himself and carried on.
beautiful our children are,” her arms out toward them.
As the family continued regaling stories, it was obvious they had
Zoë, Maïa and Liam look at each other
infused a bond that could only be
and smile. If anything came from the
found through best and the worst
seven years at sea, it is gratitude.
days at sea.
Gratitude for making it around the world safely. Of all the sailing families they met, they were the only ones rounding the Cape of Good Hope that year. Gratitude for the experience of a richer Komodo Island and their fierce dragon reptiles.
life, for good health
Zoë summed it up. “When we were
throughout the journey, for gaining
on the boat, we were all in sync, all
independence at sea and mostly
five of us, aligned to the same goals.
gratitude for the absolute solid
We were a team. We experienced
connection this family shares today.
every day to the fullest.”
Asked if they would do it again, the Gromits piped up.
Each child was dependent on the team and independent of each other.
“In a heartbeat. I feel like a fish out of
They were free spirits, and the world
water,” Cornelia says. “There is no
was their oyster.
more incredible scenery or sounds of
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PAGE 65
lapping water on the hull, moments
Maïa pipes in. She misses the genuine
of deep serenity and being present. I
deep, rich conversation she had with
miss the gentle rocking of Gromit at
sailors as they watched the huge
anchor, knowing that he kept us safe
orange fiery sunset fade beyond the
and connected to nature and the
ocean’s edge.
world - in a way that just can’t happen on land."
“I am so used to adventures and just living in the moment,” she said.
Zoë gets it. She made friends easily on Gromit because everyone shared
“Friends my age are consumed with
the same vagabond lifestyle.
their devices and documenting a priceless moment that they miss out
“Now that I am back on land I can’t
on the moment altogether. It’s hard to
seem to relate as easily. You see, I
relate.”
want to be friends with everyone, but they fork off into their own cliques.”
Zoë, Maïa, and Liam as children.
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Zoë, Maïa, and Liam grown into young adults.
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IINTA SPECIAL FEATURE SEARCH AND RESCUE IN CANADA: JRCC TRENTON AND 424 SQUADRON
PAGE 68
SEARCH AND RESCUE
Photos Courtesy of RCAF,
JRCC Trenton and 424 Squadron By Douglas Landsborough Date April 19, 2021
There are few places in the world
But even during a seemingly perfect
that boast a natural beauty like
day, there’s the potential for
Canada does. Between the Rocky
something to go wrong.
Mountains, the Great Lakes, our magnificent coasts on the Atlantic
For the vast majority of us, “something
and Pacific Oceans and everything in
going wrong” on the water, in the air
between, Canada is a place best
or while we are potentially hundreds
experienced outdoors. And no matter
of kilometres from help means that we
what you enjoy—boating, flying,
can find ourselves helpless and in
hiking, camping, hunting or just
potentially life-threatening danger.
going on an adventure—you’re sure to find it here.
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Luckily for Canadians, we have the
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PAGE 69
brave and dedicated individuals of
These operators receive distress calls,
our search and rescue services. I had
assess the situation, dispatch
the privilege of speaking with two
appropriate SAR resources and
individuals from the Royal Canadian
monitor the situation until it is
Air Force search and rescue (SAR):
resolved. When an issue arises, JRCC
Major Yann Patoine-Bédard, Officer
Trenton can deploy 424 Sqn.
in Charge of Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton
For many Canadians though, SAR
and Captain Erin Pratt, an aircraft
operations aren’t very well-known.
commander with 424 Transport and
Some Canadians might not even know
Rescue Squadron, also based at 8
that SAR is part of the Royal Canadian
Wing Trenton, Ontario. Both Maj
Air Force or the Canadian Armed
Patoine-Bédard and Capt Pratt are
Forces.
two of the more than 200 individuals associated with JRCC Trenton to save
Through speaking with Maj Patoine-
Canadian lives on a daily basis.
Bédard and Capt Pratt, we hope to give you some insight into how the
JRCC Trenton and 424 Sqn cover an
RCAF and Canadian Coast Guard work
incredible amount of territory.
to save the lives of their fellow
Together with 435 Sqn based out of
Canadians when we need them most.
Winnipeg, 424 Sqn is the primary search and rescue response for
A day in the life of SAR
people in distress between the Rocky
Even on slow days, 424 Sqn is always
Mountains and Saguenay River, from
ready, always working to hone their
the Canada-US border all the way to
skills. “Train like you fight,” Capt Pratt
the North Pole. That equates to
said, taking a note from the famous
about 11 million square kilometres,
quote by George S. Patton. Good or
nearly one-third of which is water.
bad weather, pandemic or no pandemic, RCAF SAR members are
At its core, JRCC Trenton is an
training until there is a call to respond
emergency call center operated by
to.
professional mariners from the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal
When they do receive a call or distress
Canadian Air Force SAR pilots and
signal, it sets off a sequence of events
navigators.
that requires many talented people to
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PAGE 70
effectively pull off.
Guard counterpart are there to make the tough calls. But with nearly two
When a call first comes in, it is
decades of military service backing
rapidly evaluated with the
him, Maj Patoine-Bédard is the best
information they can get: is this a
equipped to oversee and assign SAR
major incident? Is it faster to send
missions. Right from the beginning,
424 Sqn or nearby volunteers? Is it
responding to distress calls requries a
an emergency locator transmitter
calm and experienced mind.
from a downed plane or someone who is reported a light in the sky
Once a situation has been evaluated
that could be either a flare or
and the basic information—who is in
fireworks?
danger, what do we know happened, where are they/where were they supposed to be, when did they go missing, etc.—is gathered, a notification goes out to dispatch a SAR crew. There are always SAR aircrews on standby at 424 Sqn
Hoisting from a Griffon helicopter. Photo credit: Maj Claude Courcelles, CASARA
but, in the event
As the Officer in Charge of SAR
that the standby crew has already
response at JRCC Trenton, it’s up to
been dispatched, SAR members are
Maj Patoine-Bédard to ensure his
expected to be ready to respond to an
Search and Rescue Mission
incident, whenever it might occur.
Coordinators are able to answer,
During weekdays, there is a maximum
assess and task SAR assets
of 30 minutes from notification to
effectively. When information is
takeoff, while that time is extended to
limited, he and his Canadian Coast
up to two hours during the evenings
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PAGE 71
and weekend. Capt Pratt explained that this is to ensure crew members can be rested and maintain their efficiency. Regardless of when a call comes in though, the members of 424 Sqn go through the same actions they would at any other time, with the same speed. The “time from flash to bang” is the
View from a Hercules cockpit. Photo credit: Rod Larocque
same, said Capt Pratt, which is a testament to how much of a welloiled machine our SAR members are. And that isn’t just the rescue crew itself; there are dozens of individuals working behind the scenes from the moment a call comes in to make it all possible. For Capt Pratt, she can arrive on the base and ask, “Can I have a helicopter, please?" and, without fail, will be told, “Yes, ma’am.”
Front view of a CC-130H Hercules, one of the aircraft used by 424 Sqn. Photo credit: Rod Larocque
Over the last year, like most things,
primary hub of 424 Sqn and SAR
COVID-19 has had an impact on how
operations in the region they cover,
424 Sqn and JRCC Trenton have had
while a back-up location in Belleville
to operate.
operates in case there is some sort of break or malfunction in Trenton.
For Maj Patoine-Bédard at JRCC
Before the pandemic, crews would
Trenton, it meant more steps in place
operate in two 12-hour shifts at
to keep those reporting to him safe.
Trenton, covering every hour of the
Normally, JRCC Trenton would be the
day.
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PAGE 72
Because of COVID-19, that rhythm
they are quarantined while another
had to be broken. JRCC Trenton was
crew is called in.
still operating 24 hours a day, but only the day crew worked out of the
Even though COVID-19 has changed
Trenton location. The night crew
some of the ways 424 Sqn is
worked exclusively out of Belleville
scheduled, it luckily hasn’t affected
and the two never crossed paths,
their response or the way they do their
ruling out any chance that both
jobs.
shifts might become infected if one did.
What does SAR respond to? The RCAF has a primary mandate of
As we’ve progressed through the
responding to aviation incidents and
pandemic and have become more
accidents like plane crashes, but they
accustomed to the increased safety
also have a secondary mandate to
measures we’ve needed to take,
assist with both humanitarian and
things have started to move back
marine incidents. When speaking with
towards being similar to what they
Maj Patoine-Bédard, he explained that
used to be, but it will still take some
SAR incidents—a reported situation
time to get back to normal.
which has the potential to require a response from search and rescue—are
For Capt Pratt and 424 Sqn, COVID-
broken down into three distinct
19 has affected them as well. Except
categories:
for the standby crew, which are the ones on-base to respond to calls,
Aeronautical: A SAR incident involving
other crews are kept at home to
an aircraft. This includes cases that
minimize possible transmission.
occur while flying—off-course planes, hard landings and crashes—and issues
Patient protocols have changed as
that occur during takeoff like planes
well. Where possible, the SAR team
flipping over. It doesn’t include issues
is notified of possible COVID risk
arising from taxiing on the runway.
factors and they carry COVID-19 kits on board with equipment like N95
Maritime: A SAR incident on the water
masks for the crew and other PPE.
involving a vessel, including the
There are also new protocols for after
medical evacuation of someone from
a mission and, if a crew is exposed,
a vessel.
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PAGE 73
Maritime incidents begin on federally
While Hollywood might lead you to
controlled water, including the Great
believe that search and rescue
Lakes, the St. Lawrence and parts of
operations are rare events, that
the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific
couldn’t be further from the truth.
Oceans. Just last year, JRCC Trenton and Humanitarian: A SAR incident not
Maritime Rescue Sub Centre Québec
otherwise classified under
responded to 4,066 cases, with 2,664
aeronautical or maritime, including
of those being marine incidents.
rescues on provincially controlled waterways, people getting lost in the
Among those, Air Force assets
woods or situations where a
responded to 366 SAR incidents in the
swimmer starts on shore but gets
region covered by JRCC Trenton.
lost in water. The frequency and severity of a call If there is an incident that doesn’t fall
that JRCC Trenton responds to can
under those three categories, it is
vary based on the time of year or even
simply labeled as Unknown.
the time of day.
1SAR crew member and Griffon helicopter. Photo credit: Maj Claude Courcelles, CASARA
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PAGE 74
During the winter, lost or stranded hunters and snowmobile accidents are more common, though it is a substantially slower season. For JRCC Trenton and 424 Sqn, the busiest time starts during the May long weekend and lasts until the Labour Day weekend in September. During this busy season, calls to JRCC Trenton will usually start coming in around 1000 hrs (10:00am). These early calls might be as simple as a fisherman needing a tow after spending the morning hours on the lake. Come 1600 hrs (4:00pm), more complicated issues tend to arise on the water. These more serious calls
424 Sqn practicing hoisting into a Griffon helicopter. Photo credit: RCAF
might include people not surfacing
Pratt is anticipating an even busier
after going underwater, children
summer this year. After more than a
drifting away on floaties, sail boats
year of being kept inside, away from
with single-person crews not
friends and family, more people than
returning on time and more.
ever will be hitting the water, visiting cottages and heading into the woods
JRCC Trenton considers it a slow day
for hiking and camping.
if they receive 15 calls in one day during their busy season. Last
Among the hundreds of cases that
summer, their busiest day involved
424 Sqn responds to, some aren’t
59 different cases.
resolved immediately. These major events are the most serious incidents
While these numbers are all
the squadron responds to and can
sobering in their own right, Capt
take days.
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PAGE 75
Major events might include an
Growing up on his family’s farm, he
aircraft being pushed off-course and
worked from a young age up until two
going missing for any number of
days before he enlisted in the Armed
reasons. Ideally, the emergency
Forces. He attended RMC Saint-Jean
locator transmitter (ELT) in the
for one year and RMC Kingston for
aircraft is activated and sends out a
another four. As he progressed
signal for help, triggering the
through his training, Maj Patoine-
sequence of events at JRCC Trenton
Bédard ended up touring with 439
described earlier.
Sqn, piloting the Griffon helicopter in a combat support role. He also joined
While speaking with Capt Pratt, she
442 Sqn in BC for four years where he
described a major event in summer
flew the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter.
2019 in Québec as “impossible to forget.” After a helicopter went
While recounting his experience
missing, the operation took nine days
before becoming the Officer in Charge
to complete. In situations like this,
at JRCC Trenton, Maj Patoine-Bédard
424 Sqn works with other
told me about an experience that has
organizations and throws multiple
stuck with him since his time with 442
assets—vehicles, staff, volunteers—to
Sqn.
find those in distress. Over Christmas in 2018, Maj PatoineThe people behind SAR
Bédard and his crew were called to
The calibre of the individuals serving
medevac a pregnant woman whose
at JRCC Trenton and within our
water had broken in a remote BC
Armed Forces as a whole cannot be
town. With the full force of a British
understated. As mentioned, I had the
Columbia winter coming down
opportunity to speak with both Maj
outside, it would have taken more
Patoine-Bédard and Capt Pratt for
than 16 hours to get the woman to a
this article and got a peek behind the
hospital by road and the child would
curtain at what it takes to be a part of
likely not have survived.
search and rescue operations. For SAR, Maj Patoine-Bédard said, Maj Yann Patoine-Bédard is from a
weather is always the enemy. In this
small town in Québec and grew up
case, he was faced with navigating his
always wanting to be a pilot.
Cormorant between thick clouds,
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PAGE 76
down valleys and between
Capt Erin Pratt has been a CH-146
mountains that loomed between
Griffon aircraft commander since
7,000 and 9,000 feet on either side of
2016.
him. The snowfall was dense, but his night-vision goggles were able to cut
Like Maj Patoine-Bédard, she wanted
through the flurries.
to be a pilot from a young age. Search and rescue just felt like a natural fit since serving locally and helping her fellow Canadians when they needed it most was what Capt Pratt wanted to do. Even with years of experience behind her, Capt Pratt still has moments when she’s up in her helicopter
View from a Hercules. Photo credit: Maj Claude Courcelles, CASARA
where she wants to pinch herself. Being up in the air and experiencing
The issue came when a car would
the incredible moments that come
pass below. Most of us have likely
with being a pilot are second, Capt
been driving during a snowstorm
Pratt explained, only to being able to
and have faced the wall of pure
save lives while doing it.
white when oncoming headlights reflect off the snow. Wearing an
Both Capt Pratt and Maj Patoine-
optical device that magnifies the
Bédard emphasized the fact that it
smallest sources of light, high beams
takes everyone and their particular
from cars below all but blinded Maj
talents and skillsets to make a
Patoine-Bédard with each snowflake
successful operation.
the light caught. When Capt Pratt responds to an incident, she is joined by a first Despite the hazards and weather
officer in the cockpit, as well as a
though, Maj Patoine-Bédard and his
flight engineer and two search and
crew were able to extract the woman
rescue technicians (SAR-Techs). The
and get her to a hospital in time to
flight engineer is a maintenance and
ensure her baby survived.
hoist specialist who has to first be an
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PAGE 77
airframes systems or avionics technician before taking an additional course to become a flight engineer. SAR-Techs are primary care paramedics and survival specialists all rolled into one. As Capt Pratt explained, they are put through some of the most physically demanding work someone can think of. They must be specialists in diving, parachuting, the outdoors, climbing and more. They must be able to administer medical care to a patient on the side of a cliff while being hoisted and are expected, in the worst situations, to survive alone and unafraid for 72 hours. The exceptional individuals who become SAR-Techs must have at least three years of Canadian Armed
SAR crew member jumping from the back of a Hercules. Photo credit: Rod Larocque
Forces experience before being
operating support staff, operations
considered for the role and, even
staff and everyone at JRCC Trenton
then, only 12-15 SAR-Techs are
are all specialists in their roles, even if
qualified each year.
their official title might not have that specific term in it. Everyone working
It can’t be said enough how vital all
to make search and rescue operations
roles at Trenton are, even those that
successful have taken years of hard
aren’t on the aircraft that we all
work and training to get where they
associate with search and rescue.
are, and it’s their expertise that leads
Mechanics, avionics systems techs,
to saving lives.
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Outside of 424 and JRCC Trenton,
When speaking with both Capt Pratt
SAR operations are also made
and Maj Patoine-Bédard, there was
possible thanks to some incredible
visible awe and gratitude when
volunteers. While there are a variety
speaking about CASARA volunteers
of opportunities for people to give
and their willingness to help out.
their time and skills to help search and rescue operations when possible,
Maj Patoine-Bédard explained it best
one group stands out in particular.
when he described CASARA as great mission enablers.
The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, or CASARA, is made of
They are motivated and skilled
volunteers who readily devote their
individuals who assist as pilots,
time, resources and expertise to
spotters or ground members. They
search and rescue in everything from
place targets for SAR training or even
training to actual missions, all at their
act as victims in training runs
own expense.
themselves.
424 Squadron. Photo credit: Maj Claude Courcelles, CASARA
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With CASARA volunteers across the
When conducting search and rescue
country, even some in the Arctic, it is
operations, 424 Sqn relies on two
sometimes faster to dispatch a
proven aircraft: the Lockheed CC-130H
CASARA member to a remote
Hercules and the Bell CH-146 Griffon.
incident than dispatching a Hercules
Though the squadron doesn’t have
or Griffon. When it comes to major
their own watercraft, they use these
events like the nine-day one Capt
two aircrafts in conjunction with their
Pratt recalled in Québec, CASARA
SAR partners in the Canadian Coast
makes it possible to cover more
Guard to rescue Canadians on land
ground and find those in distress
and in the water.
more quickly. The Hercules is best described as a By utilizing CASARA members, Maj
workhorse of an airplane. It can
Patoine-Bédard and JRCC Trenton
function as both a transportation craft
can also run their operations more
and a search and rescue vehicle. It has
efficiently, saving what is ultimately
a range of more than 7,200km and a
taxes paid by every Canadian.
maximum speed of 556 km/h.
Putting forward their own funds,
With the ability to carry up to 80
CASARA has also acquired several
passengers, the Hercules can hold a
drones to be used in search and
larger crew and volunteers during SAR
rescue operations, providing
operations.
essential information for the individuals at JRCC Trenton and the
When it comes to search and rescue,
SAR crews they support.
some Hercules planes have had their doors replaced with glass, allowing
Whether it be the members of our
spotters to look out and down from
search and rescue operations or the
the side of the aircraft. This is in
volunteers that support them, it’s
addition to the view given from the
unquestionable that Canadians are
cockpit and the large rear cargo door
in safe, expert hands when we find
that can be open during flight. The
ourselves in need of help.
Hercules is also equipped with a radar system that makes it possible to
Lifesaving aircraft of SAR
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detect objects like boats.
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Because of the large geography
When it comes to search and rescue,
covered by 424 Sqn, the Hercules is
some Hercules planes have had their
ideal for missions in northern and
doors replaced with glass, allowing
remote areas. It can allow for
spotters to look out and down from
searching over extended periods of
the side of the aircraft. This is in
time before refueling and can reach
addition to the view given from the
farther locations than the Griffon.
cockpit and the large rear cargo door that can be open during flight. The
The Hercules is best described as a
Hercules is also equipped with a radar
workhorse of an airplane. It can
system that makes it possible to
function as both a transportation
detect objects like boats.
craft and a search and rescue vehicle. It has a range of more than 7,200km
Because of the large geography
and a maximum speed of 556 km/h.
covered by 424 Sqn, the Hercules is ideal for missions in northern and remote areas. It can allow for searching over extended periods of time before refueling and can reach farther locations than the Griffon. Depending on the need, a Hercules can also be used to dispatch pumps for use by sinking boats and can drop survival gear or rafts to help get people through while help is on its way. In certain situations, when a solid extraction plan is in place, SAR-Techs can also parachute from the Hercules. The Griffon is a helicopter that sees use within the Armed Forces as a tactical, utility, search and rescue and combat support aircraft. The Bell-412 is
Close-up of a Hercules propeller. Photo credit: Rod Larocque
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the civilian equivalent of the Griffon.
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PAGE 81
With a range of up to 650km and
Safety Tips from SAR
cruising speed of 220 km/h, the
After speaking with Maj Patoine-
Griffon is used for all sorts of rescue
Bédard and Capt Pratt, it is reassuring
missions from marine to
to know that there are such capable
humanitarian cases in places like
individuals there when we are in
Algonquin Park.
trouble. That being said, Canadians should be mindful of our safety and
As a medium-sized helicopter, the
take the steps we can to ensure that if
Griffon can lack some features that
we ever meet someone from 424 Sqn,
other aircraft like the Cormorant
it doesn’t have to be when they’re
offer, but the rigorous training that
saving our lives.
424 Sqn go through more than make up for that and even capitalizes on
When asked, both Capt Pratt and Maj
the helicopter’s efficiency.
Patoine-Bédard said that wearing a life jacket if one of the best things you
Time and again the Griffon has
can do. During our interview, Capt
proven to be a reliable and effective
Pratt’s husband even shouted “life
helicopter for saving Canadian lives
jacket!” from the other room. It is one
both here and abroad.
of the easiest and most effective steps
CH-146 Griffon helicopter. Photo credit: RCAF
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PAGE 82
you can take on the water. A life
Always be sure to make a plan. If
jacket will not only save you if you’re
you’re boating, make a float plan and
knocked unconscious, but it will
tell your contact person where you will
keep you afloat during what might
be going. If your plans change, make
be hours in the water. Most life
sure to tell them so that you can be
jackets are also brightly coloured,
more easily found in the event of an
making it easier for someone flying
emergency.
above in a Hercules or Griffon to see you.
The same is true when taking out a plane or helicopter.
Before you head out on the water, on a plane or out hiking, be
Make and file a flight plan or itinerary.
prepared. This includes making sure
Ensure someone reports if you are late
your cell phone is charged and that
to land and check your aircraft before
you’re bringing safety equipment.
you take off. Most importantly, know
Check everything before you leave
when it is time to turn around. If poor
and ensure it’s working.
weather is approaching, if you get blown off-course or have gotten lost,
Make sure you are dressed for the
it’s better to land safely than to
weather and the water. Maj Patoine-
potentially crash.
Bédard said that, even on days where the sun is shining, bodies of
Even if you’re just going camping for
water like the Great Lakes can still
the weekend, the more details you
be frigid. He pressed the importance
leave with someone, the faster you
of understanding the 1-10-1 rule in
can be found if something goes
cold water: you have 1 minute to get
wrong. In the worst situations, time is
your breathing under control, 10
a luxury that some people don’t have.
minutes of useable time to try and
Every moment matters.
rescue yourself and about 1 hour of survival before hypothermia will
For anyone that has a boat or aircraft,
make you pass out. By dressing
make sure your emergency beacons
appropriately, you might be able to
are installed and functioning. On
buy yourself a little bit of extra time
planes, your 406 ELT is that
that can be the difference between
emergency beacon. If you own a boat,
life and death.
you should purchase and register an
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PAGE 83
Emergency Position Indicator Radio
Registering your EPIRB with JRCC
Beacon (EPIRB). Both ELTs and
Trenton not only allows them to track
EPIRBs broadcast a 406 MHz signal
you within 6-8 minutes of your signal
when activated that can be tracked
going out, but it tells the SAR crew
across the world thanks to the
who they should be looking for, what
International Cospas-Sarsat
the boat looks like and who your
Programme, an intergovernmental,
contact is.
non-profit organization that uses a network of satellites to aid in search
One of the easiest things you can do is
and rescue operations.
follow JRCC Trenton on Twitter—
The Hercules and Griffon aircraft of 424 Sqn, ready to help Canadians in need. Photo credit: Rod Larocque
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PAGE 84
they post statistics, information and
the beautiful weather, especially after
safety tips regularly that can benefit
a long year of isolation, it’s unfortunate
all Canadians.
that Capt Pratt will likely be very busy this year.
Even though the members of JRCC Trenton and 424 Sqn love their job
“If you need us, we will do everything
and are dedicated to it, Capt Pratt
we can do to be there,” Capt Pratt
said something that sums up what I
continued. “We will do our best to
think we all hope for.
push ourselves to the very limits to be there for you.”
“I want to be bored at work,” she said. “I want a season to go by where no
That’s something that all Canadians
one needs us.”
should be thankful for.
As Canadians venture out to enjoy
Photo credit: Maj David Baird
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Photo credit: Maj David Baird
Photo credit: Maj David Baird
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