Homes & Lifestyle Spring 2016

BURLINGTON/OAKVILLE EDITION

SPRING 2016

OAKVILLE’S VERY OWN BALLERINA:

Leahy r r e T

PATTERSON’S FINE FURNITURE UNIQUE AND CUSTOMIZED FURNITURE DESIGNS

Homes For Sale IN

OAKVILLE & BURLINGTON

LISTED BY THE INVIDIATA TEAM

“Few things are more charming than a handwritten note.”

At Write Impressions …we provide the tools.

Leaside 1515 Bayview Avenue Toronto ON, M4G 3B5 416-322-5834

Oakville 222 Lakeshore Road East Oakville ON, L6J 1H8 905-842-9400

Waterloo 95 King Street South Waterloo ON, N2J 5A2 519-883-7183

EVERY CHILD DESERVES A SMILE

AS BRIGHT AS THEIR FUTURE.

Dr. Daniel Charland Certified Specialist In Pediatric Dentistry 5061 New Street Suite 201 Burlington, ON L7L 1V1

Office: (905) 592-1172

www.mybpd.ca

EDITOR’S NOTE

SPRING 2016

Home & Lifestyle Magazine PUBLISHER Preferred Publishing EDITORS Christopher Invidiata

Fresh Start for 2016

Caleb Invidiata Lauren Lowe Erica Nelson CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Christopher Invidiata Editor

W

hat better way to start off the year than with a new issue of Invidiata Homes & Lifestyle. This publication is still relatively new, but growing with each issue. In the Spring 2016 issue you’ll find profiles on two integral members of the Invidiata Team, Claudia Chopik and Kirsten Leggat. You’ll also enjoy some local business profiles and an important piece on mental healthcare in the Halton region.

We are always looking for ways to connect with our communities. If you have a story, project or initiative that you feel would fit well inside the pages of our publication, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

As always, we’re excited to showcase our collection of beautiful homes in the Oakville and Burlington communities. Attached to each home listing is a web ID that will link you to our website for more information.

I’d like to wish all of you nothing but the best in the coming year. I am looking forward to continuing our valuable relationships with each client and marketing partner, while building and developing new partnerships for 2016.

Sincerely,

Cathryn Haynes CONTRIBUTORS Tammy Leigh Erica Nelson CREATIVE DESIGNER Jennifer Douglas Gary Macdonald Katie Taylor PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Bacik Geoff Grenville Caleb Invidiata Lauren Leies Sam Michaud Tina Picard Ross Rock ADVERTISING SALES Katie Taylor FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Please contact Katie Taylor at 289.337.0765 or email info@preferredpublishing.ca www.preferredpublishing.ca

Christopher Invidiata Team Leader, Sales Representative, Principal Realtor View The Magazine Online At Pr e fe r r e d Pub lish ing.ca

4

All square footages are approximate.

Some square footages include living space in the lower level. Information is subject to errors and omissions. E. & O.E. Not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.

INVIDIATA HOMES & LIFESTYLE

For over 29 years we’ve been providing high-quality products and unparalleled service to home owners, architects and contractors.

We make it our priority to understand your needs, and from start to finish we focus on every detail that makes the difference.

Featuring

2345 Wyecroft Road, Unit 23, Oakville, Ontario L6L 6L8 905.847.2071 www.cheney.ca

CONTENTS 10

Patterson’s Furniture: Bringing History Into Your Home

14

Invidiata Presents: A Collection of Fine Homes

36

Nite Time Décor: 10

Shining Light on the Beauty of Your Home

41

Help Us End The Wait: Rock Reach Out Centre for Kids Seeks to Expand

45

The Life of a Ballerina:

16-Year-Old Leah Terry

36 41

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Spring Special!

RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD. EXPIRES APRIL 1, 2016.

• Offering unique artisan cheese, charcuterie & gourmet products • Hand cut & freshly wrapped local & international cheese • In-store sampling & knowledgeable staff • Cheese/charcuterie platters (advanced notice required) • Gourmet gift baskets/boards • Hostess Gifts • Coming Soon – Grilled Cheese and Panini Sandwiches To Go

farmhouseartisancheese.com

345 Kerr Street • Oakville, Ontario • 905.582.9600 • info@farmhouseartisancheese.com

FOLLOW US

HELP US END THE WAIT ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids has been providing mental health services since 1974. In 2014, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services chose ROCK to be the lead agency for the child and youth mental health sector in the Region of Halton. Our mission is to work together to promote and achieve optimal mental health in kids and families.

DID YOU KNOW… 1. In Canada, only 1 in 5 children who require mental health care services actually receives them?

2. It is estimated that 10-20 per cent of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder?

3. Canada’s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world?

4. A total of 3.2 million children between the ages of 12-19 in Canada are at risk for developing depression?

The current wait time for mental health care services in Canada is well over a year and there are over 800 children in the Halton Region right now waiting for help from ROCK. These very real statistics will never change if we are not able to help children and families in need. Help us end the wait.

“WE CANNOT ESCAPE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TOMORROW BY EVADING IT TODAY.” If you would like to donate to our cause and help us end the wait, please visit rockonline.ca

™

Bring your property to life at night with Architectural & Landscape Lighting

www.nitetimedecor.ca

safety • security • beauty

1-800-913-8942

10

10

INVIDIATA HOMES & LIFESTYLE

PATTERSON’S FURNITURE:

bringing history into your home IT IS RARE TODAY TO OWN SOMETHING THAT IS TRULY UNIQUE AND ONE OF

BY ERICA NELSON

A KIND; SOMETHING THAT HAS A HISTORY BEHIND IT, SOMETHING THAT TELLS A STORY AND CARRIES A SENSE OF SIGNIFICANCE. IT IS EVEN LESS LIKELY THAT YOU FIND ALL OF THESE QUALITIES IN A PIECE OF FURNITURE. PATTERSON’S FINE FURNITURE AND DESIGN IS DEDICATED TO CHANGING THIS. Greg Patterson has always been a creative soul. He knew from a young age that he was destined for a life in a creative industry that allowed him to explore this passion, and while furniture design wasn’t necessarily what he expected for his career, sometimes you can’t fight fate.

Greg has spent the last 25 years in furniture design. He has developed and grown his business into a brand that is recognized worldwide.

“WE SELL FURNITURE TO STORES ALL OVER NORTH AMERICA from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Phoenix, Arizona.”

“It was a friend of mine that suggested I get involved in the wholesale side of things. Right now, we sell furniture to stores all over North America from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Phoenix, Arizona. A total of about 60 stores carry our pieces, with hopefully another 30-40 joining in the next 6 months,” Greg explains.

While Patterson’s furniture is carried all the over continent the furniture itself is made entirely in Canada. A great deal of the materials used in the pieces came from the closed down Studebaker Factory in Hamilton, ON. “When it closed down, I was so excited to get my hands on the things inside.

People thought I was nuts, but I bought quite a bit of it. I don’t think people realize how cool the wood from inside really is. The very last Studebaker ever made rolled off that floor. It was the largest anti-aircraft gun factory in the commonwealth world during World War II. I find that so cool,” Greg reminisces.

SPRING 2016

11

Greg prides himself on being on the cutting edge of trends in furniture design. A lot of the materials and design he introduced into his work years ago are still generally new to the everyday consumer. For example, Greg has been incorporating steel into his designs for the past five years. When he began, no one was blending wood and steel into one design, while today it is a great deal more common.

In the coming years, Greg is hoping to introduce some even more innovative designs into his work.

It is this history that Greg loves most about his pieces. Following the Studebaker Collection, Greg purchased the Massey Ferguson Factory in Brantford, ON, which produced industrial farming equipment for many years before it closed down. Unable to find any more Canadian locations to supply his growing demand, Greg’s most recent factory purchase is in the United States.

“I just bought one of the oldest textile factories in Connecticut. The materials from inside should arrive in the next few weeks. The wood inside was originally cut in 1840, which means that those particular trees would have been growing about the same time that Columbus came around,” says Greg.

Greg finds this to be the most rewarding part of his job. Taking something that is old and worn out and transforming it into something beautiful with a fascinating story behind it.

His innovative designs are growing in popularity. One piece in particular that has garnered a great deal of attention was Greg’s Corkscrew Table design.

A chain of wineries has purchased it, and locations in Canada and California will feature the table inside. You can also find it in a specialty wine imports store in New York City.

“I have a design for a wine rack in the works that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. I’d really like to do some work with Corian. I have a design I’m working on that uses Corian folded over to look like paper falling off the table. I’d really like to create a

“PEOPLE COME TO ME WHEN THEY WANT their furniture to make a statement.”

Greg and the Patterson’s Fine Furniture and Design brand are even being recognized in Hollywood. Television sitcom, The Big Bang Theory will feature one of his customdesigned pieces in its upcoming season.

“I’m really excited about one of our pieces being featured on The Big Bang Theory. You’ll be able to see it in Howard and Bernadette’s newly-renovated house.

It was designed to look like protons moving around and it is called ‘Orbit,’” Greg elaborates.

Greg has encountered a great deal of interesting clients over the years.

He attributes this to the unique nature of his pieces. “People come to me when they want their furniture to make a statement. Every one of my clients is interesting, and they want pieces that reflect that unique character.”

floating table on a magnet that can turn and spin. There’s so much I want to do,” Greg explains.

While these projects may only be ideas at this point, one thing is certain, Greg and Patterson’s Fine Furniture and Design will continue to amaze clients with beautiful pieces that carry a strong sense of history behind them for many years to come.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: PattersonsFurniture.ca (905) 319-2333

@PattersonsFurni

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PattersonsFurniture

INVIDIATA HOMES & LIFESTYLE

TORONTO

MISSISSAUGA

OAKVILLE

BURLINGTON

BRING YOUR LANDSCAPE DREAMS TO LIFE www.poisecontracting.ca

289.242.6767

A

Collection

OF

HOMES IN BURLINGTON

Featuring

HOMES LISTED FOR SALE Spencer’s at the Waterfront | Burlington 14

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

HOMES FOR SALE IN BURLINGTON

SOLD 3293 Lakeshore Road $2,475,000 Roseland | Burlington WebID: 2806 *Christopher Invidiata, *Kelly Rowe & *David Bakowsky

982 LaSalle Park Road Aldershot South | Burlington *Christopher Invidiata & *David Bakowsky

$609,900 WebID: 2857

817 Glenwood Avenue Aldershot | Burlington *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain & *Kelly Rowe

$2,398,000 WebID: 2863

3262 Lakeland Crescent $4,555,550 Roseland | Burlington WebID: 2861 *Christopher Invidiata, *Marija Kolesar & * David Bakowsky

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

15

4251 Britannia Road North Burlington *Christopher Invidiata, *Claudia Chopik & *Marija Kolesar

16

$5,998,000 WebID: 2636

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

A

Collection

OF

HOMES IN OAKVILLE

Featuring

HOMES LISTED FOR SALE Town Square | Oakville

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

17

HOMES FOR LEASE IN OAKVIILE

LEASED 459 Kerr Street Lease for $1,350 Unit 404 WebID: 261 Central Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Claudia Chopik

3500 Lakeshore Road | Unit 713B Bronte | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

227 Burgundy Drive Morrison | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Mike Howarth

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40 Old Mill Road Lease for $1,650 Unit 504 WebID: 2954 Central Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Claudia Chopik

Lease for $2,650 WebID: 2946

2117 Pelee Boulevard Lease for $2,000 River Oaks | Oakville WebID: 2930 *Christopher Invidiata & *Claudia Chopik

3500 Lakeshore Road | Unit 206 Bronte | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & **Ping Shu

Lease for $2,980 WebID: 2893

Lease for $3,495 WebID: 2905

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

288 Balsam Drive Old Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

3500 Lakeshore Road | Unit 713B Bronte | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

Lease for $5,998 WebID: 2926

$669,000 WebID: 2945

3500 Lakeshore Road West | Unit 623C $699,000 Bronte | Oakville WebID: 2888 *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain & *Kirsten Leggat

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

19

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

2067 Forestview Trail West Oak Trails | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Patsy Gauer

$1,059,000 WebID: 2956

186 Charnwood Drive Morrison | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

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$1,088,000 WebID: 2924

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

350 Queen Mary Drive Central Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Mike Howarth

$1,259,900 WebID: 2923

117 Tavistock Square South West Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Mike Howarth

$1,398,000 WebID: 2894

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

21

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

2033 Joshuas Creek Drive Joshua Creek | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Patsy Gauer

$1,599,000 WebID: 2918

521 Trillium Drive West Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain & *Kirsten Leggat

22

$1,848,000 WebID: 2879

37 Birkbank Drive Lot size 150 x 150

Price available upon request Ford | Oakville WebID: 2931 *Christopher Invidiata, *Kirsten Leggat & *Aimee Kain

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

48 Walker Street Central Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Mariola Broder

$2,098,000 WebID: 2892

11 Bronte Road | Penthouse 5 Bronte | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

$2,395,000 WebID: 2763

23

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

540 Lakeshore Road East Old Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & **Ping Shu

$2,449,000 WebID: 2929

1340 Lakeshore Road West $2,659,000 South West Oakville WebID: 2880 *Christopher Invidiata & *Pamela Gottschalk

24

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

Builder rendering.

414 Chartwell Road Old Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Mike Howarth

Completion Fall 2016 $2,799,000 WebID: 2844

410 Drummond Road South East Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & *Marija Kolesar

Lease for $9,800 WebID: 171

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

25

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

13 Lambert Common South West Oakville *Christopher Invidiata

$3,195,000 WebID: 2915

Proposed 3D rendering.

259 Dunwoody Drive Morrison | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Aimee Kain & Co-Listed with **Maggie Newlove

26

$3,495,000 WebID: 2461

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKVIILE

495 MacDonald Road Old Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Kirsten Leggat & *Aimee Kain

$3,998,000 WebID: 104

SOLD 1550 Bayview Road South West Oakville *Christopher Invidiata & **Ping Shu

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

$4,480,000 WebID: 433

27

228 LAKEWOOD DRIVE Central Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Marija Kolesar & *David Bakowsky

28

$6,298,000 WebID: 2885

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

1399 Lakeshore Road East Morrison | Oakville *Christopher Invidiata, *Mike Howarth & *Shae Invidiata

Make Your Move Today • 905.339.3444 • www.invidiata.com The Invidiata Team Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *Sales Representative • **Broker

$6,998,000 WebID: 2886

29

THE

MAKE A DIFFERENCE MARKET

By Erica Nelson

I

t was a mild December afternoon in 2015. Amanda Williams, a grade five teacher at John T. Tuck Public School in Burlington, ON, was enjoying her holidays at home when she received a rather inspiring email.

It was from one of her students who had seen the cover of the Burlington Post that day. The headline was about the possible closure of the

30

INVIDIATA INVIDIATAHOMES HOME & LIFESTYLE

THE CHILDREN OF JOHN T. TUCK PUBLIC SCHOOL

WORK TOGETHER TO TRY AND SAVE THE COMPASSION SOCIETY OF HALTON.

could feel the strong positive energy these children were spreading to the world. Each one of them was excited to share with you why they were doing what they were doing. Each one of them had the brightest of smiles knowing they were helping make a difference for their community.

The Compassion Society put an emergency fundraising initiative together at the end of October last year. They have also begun applying for new grants from various organizations and foundations.

Compassion Society of Halton, a nonprofit organization that Amanda had taken the children to visit earlier that year. The young girl was so upset about this news and pleaded that Amanda help her do something to prevent it from happening.

In the early 2000’s, Mina Wahdi, founder of the Compassion Society of Halton, started the organization in her basement to help provide clothing to new immigrants. Today, the Compassion Society provides free clothing, free food and free support from a staff social worker to the entire Halton community. In 2015, the organization distributed an estimated 210,000 lbs. of donated food and 70,000 pieces of donated clothing.

In the past, the organization received grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to cover a good portion of their expenses.

The Compassion Society was given $50,000 a year, most of which was used to cover the rent for their space which is roughly $65,000 a year. In the middle of last year, the Ontario Trillium Foundation changed the criteria of their grants and introduced a new rule stating that only 15% of funding can be used for “operational costs,” which would include rent. The Compassion Society tried to apply for a new multi-year grant to solve its current dilemma, but was turned down.

Amanda Williams had organized a trip to the Compassion Society earlier in the year so the children in her class could see what it was like to give back to their communities. They got to see people in need first-hand and spent hours helping

Share Your Stories!

SPRING 2016

to sort through clothing and other donations. It was a very positive experience for all of those involved, and clearly had a large impact on the class because they were all upset to hear the news of its possible closure.

Amanda organized a brainstorming session where all the students could share their ideas on how to help the Compassion Society raise the money it needs to continue operations.

“Everyone had a bunch of different ideas.

A few students suggested a bake sale; a couple others suggested a lemonade stand. The Make a Difference Market became a great way to combine all the students ideas into one great fundraiser,” Amanda explains.

The children turned their portable into a magical marketplace full of yummy, baked treats, unique, hand-made crafts and delicious, creamy hot chocolate. Walking through the Make a Difference Market, you

“It has been all-hands-on-deck fundraising and raising the awareness for the Compassion Society. Our efforts have been very successful and our generous community has also stepped up. We are now in a position where we can continue well into the summer,” explains Jeremy Heatly, a member on the Board of Directors for the Compassion Society. By the end of the day, the Make A Difference Market had raised a total of $2,900, all of which the children of John T. Tuck Public School donated to the Compassion Society of Halton.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE COMPASSION SOCIETY, VISIT COMPASSIONSOCIETY.CA. Please donate to help keep this important organization open. You can make a difference just like all the children at John T. Tuck Public School did.

HAVE A STORY LIKE JOHN T. TUCK PUBLIC SCHOOL’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY? We’d love to hear about it and feature it an upcoming issue. Please contact us at community@preferredpublishing.ca

31

AGENT PROFILE

Claudia CHOPIK

C

laudia Chopik was born and raised in Oakville, ON giving her an edge over other agents in the area. She knows the town well and uses this to her clients’ advantage.

Claudia began her career in 2005 with RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage. Prior to her career in this industry, Claudia was a Registered Nurse and worked for both the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga.

After that, Claudia spent some time as a health journalist and worked for CTV National News and the Discovery Health Channel.

One of the reasons Claudia loved making the jump into Real Estate was the excitement that came with working in this particular industry. Real Estate has an ever-changing landscape and she enjoys the challenges this presents.

Today, Claudia is an integral member of the Invidiata Team; she actually refers to everyone on that team as her family, “We always work together in the best interest

of the client. Christopher and all of the members of the team are always available and will to help advise or find new perspectives for each client.”

If there was one piece of advice Claudia could pass on to her clients it would be that there is no such thing as the “perfect home.” What Claudia believes in is narrowing down a list of priorities to a few key features and finding the best value for your investment.

She stresses that location and neighbourhood are crucial aspects to consider.

The most rewarding part about her job is ensuring her clients always achieve their Real Estate goals.

Claudia is truly devoted to guiding individuals and helping them make the best possible decisions as they move forward.

For more information visit: www.invidiata.com or reach out to Claudia directly at: claudia@theinvteam.com

LE SCHOOL CAL BALLET

B A LLE T AMANDA PATERSON | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

RAISING OAKVILLE THE BARRE

BALLET

BALLET

OSCB

OAKVILLE SCHOOL A REGIONAL yOuth OF CLASSICAL BALLET bALLEt cOmpANy Oakville Ballet is pleased to announce a new production for the 2016/17 Season, featuring the students from the Oakville School of Classical Ballet. Made possible by AMANDA PATERSON |and ARTISTIC DIRECTOR the participation support of the Bytzek Family of Oakville.

BALLET

OSCB

OSCB • • • •

Junior, pre-professional, and company training Day and evening classes Exposure to full-length ballet productions Over 50 years teaching experience

FOLLOW OuR JOuRNEy

OSCB

OSB

Ballet at its Best

Join us and experience the world of ballet. OSCB offers aspiring young dancers the opportunity to enjoy valuable performance experience. Come and be inspired by ballet training at its best.

Contact us today to attend a class during our next open house.

260 Robinson Street,Oakville p. 905 302 Jeté (5383) e. oakvilleballet@gmail.com oakvilleballet.com

Join OB’s aspiring dancers as they travel on the road to September’s production. Sign up to our Ob updates to access pics, interviews, rehearsal and audition footage and more. www.oakvilleballet.com

AGENT PROFILE

Kirsten LEGGAT

K

irsten Leggat has called Oakville home since 1995 providing her with over two decades of combined experience in residential Real Estate and Custom Home sales and service.

What truly separates Kirsten apart from others is her ability to provide detailed and expert guidance through the intricate building process that has proven to be invaluable to her clients. She has a comprehensive and extensive knowledge of the new home market and proven expertise in the luxury home sector.

Kirsten is one of a select few to hold the exclusive designation as a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. This gives Kirsten very unique qualifications

that allow her to identify trends and strategies within the luxury home market to better understand the specific needs of an affluent client.

Kirsten is a strong negotiator and takes a lot of pride in providing an exceptional level of service that promotes loyalty amongst her clients. A number of her relationships have come through referrals from previous clients.

For more information visit www.invidiata.com or reach out to Kirsten directly at Kirsten@theinvteam.com.

Travel in style & comfort with our spring arrivals

Nite Time Décor

HELPING SHINE LIGHT ON THE BEAUTY OF YOUR HOME By Erica Nelson

“PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES HAVE BEAUTIFUL HOMES. WHY ONLY HAVE THAT BEAUTY SHOW WHEN THE SUN IS UP?

Why not showcase it

into the night?”

Owning a home is one of the biggest investments you will make during your life. A lot of thought, consideration and funding go towards this investment.

You spend years perfecting your home even after you’ve bought it. Why would you not want to show off all of this hard work?

Don McQueen of Nite Time Décor truly believes that every home is a statement piece and has artistic value, but sometimes homeowners just need some help shedding light on that value.

36

“People in our communities have beautiful homes.

Why only have that beauty show when the sun is up?

Why not showcase it into the night?” Don asks his clients.

Nite Time Décor specializes in both landscape and architectural lighting. Don started the business in 2010.

“Between Christmas Décor and Nutri-Lawn, my other companies, we have been in business since 1993, and have become very successful and well-known in the area. Nite Time Décor is an extension of that success,” Don explains.

INVIDIATA HOMES & LIFESTYLE

“MOST CLIENTS COME TO US FOR ONE OF THREE REASONS,

safety, security or aesthetics.”

“IT’S ALL ABOUT STRATEGIC PLACEMENT, HAVING A GOOD EYE AND

knowing where lights Don and his team believe that landscape and architectural lighting are a way of continuously showcasing your home long after the daylight has slipped away. The bulk of their clients are residential homes in Oakville and Mississauga, but Nite Time Décor has clients all over the Halton Region and Hamilton.

“Most of our clients find us through word of mouth.

We have a strong reputation for what we do. We also get a lot of crossover from our Christmas Décor and Nurti-Lawn businesses. Those clients see what we can do with Christmas lights, lawn-care and sprinkler systems, so they know the quality is there,” says Don. There are three main reasons that homeowners inquire about architectural and landscape lighting.

“Most clients come to us for one of three reasons; safety, security or aesthetics,” Don elaborates.

When clients come to Nite Time Décor for safety reasons, it generally means that the entrance or walkway to their home has some changes in elevation to it. While the homeowners will know their home well, and may have become accustomed to the changes in elevation, guests and visitors could easily trip.

“It just sheds light on everything to avoid any accidents, especially in the winter months when there is the added danger of ice and snow,” Don explains.

Another common reason for exterior lighting is security.

Many clients seek Don’s help in providing light to deter any undesirable visitors at night.

“The light is intimidating to those who may be looking to do harm to a home. It also gives the illusion that someone is always home,” says Don. Arguably one of the biggest reasons that clients come to Nite Time Décor is for aesthetics. Homeowners in the communities that Don’s company serves want their homes to look as beautiful when the moon is out as they do when the sun shines.

38

will be the

most effective.”

“When clients come to us for aesthetic reasons, what we want to do is highlight the best features on a home and artistically place each light in the most effective way possible. All the tools are already there; it’s all about strategic placement, having a good eye and knowing where lights will be the most effective,” Don explains.

Lights are strategically placed to create as much artistic effect as possible. Some shine upwards to highlight the structure of a home. Some are placed underneath trees or bushes to create a beautiful blend of different shades of green.

When it comes to landscape lighting, clients will also use Nite Time Décor to help extend their time in their backyard. With the price of vacations increasing, and the traffic to cottage country getting worse every year, Don knows that Canadians’ time in the outdoor spaces of their homes is short and very precious.

“People these days spend a lot of money on the landscaping of their homes. It’s a way of creating their own vacation spot without having to leave home. What I try to do is take that existing landscape design and simply elevate it. This helps extend the time they can spend outdoors into the autumn months when it starts to get darker much earlier in the day,” Don explains.

The main objective of Nite Time Décor’s business is to take what already makes a house a home and add to that comfort and beauty. Every homeowner is proud of the investment they have made with their home, and that pride should shine into the night.

For more information on Nite Time Décor, visit landscapelightingoakville.com or call 1-800-913-8942.

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HELP US

END WAIT

By Erica Nelson

ROCK REACH OUT CENTRE FOR KIDS IS ACTIVELY FUNDRAISING FOR AN EXPANSION OF THEIR BURLINGTON LOCATION TO HELP END THE WAIT FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE HALTON REGION. Mental health is one of the most prominent issues facing our youth today, and unfortunately it is also one of the issues that receives very little attention. The stigma attached to mental health has created a barrier that ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids has dedicated their time to breaking down.

ROCK first opened its 471 Pearl St. location in 1992 in Burlington, ON. The services ROCK provided at this location served roughly 400 children a year at the time. Today, the same location is responsible for the mental health care of 1,700 children and families per year. It is safe to say they have outgrown their space. The current wait time for mental health services in Halton is between 10 and 700 days depending on the program or service that is required. ROCK has a waiting list with the names of 650 children who are desperately in need of care. The future does not offer much comfort either.

Specialists are estimating that youth mental health problems in Canada are going to increase another 50% by the year 2020.

SPRING 2016

In 2014, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services named ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids the Lead Agency for the Halton Region. As a result, ROCK is now responsible for ensuring children, youth and families have access to mental health services in their communities and that these services are responsive based on the experiences of the children and youth who require them.

The organization’s clients are comprised of children and youth aged birth to 18. In cases where homelessness is a factor, ROCK also services young people up to age 21.

The consequences of lack of mental health services for youth can be huge.

Research over the years has proven a direct correlation between mental health in children and a number of other more serious problems later in life as adults.

Mental illness at a young age has been proven to lead to homelessness, depression, suicide, teen pregnancy and addiction in adulthood.

41

ROCK REACH OUT CENTRE FOR KIDS IS ACTIVELY TRYING TO FUND AN EXPANSION PROJECT FOR THEIR 471 PEARL ST. LOCATION TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITIES IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR. The expansion is desperately needed for a number of reasons. The first being that the service demand for the region has more than tripled since the centre originally opened, and the service capacity has diminished by about 25%.

The second reason is the anticipated growth in demand. The estimated increase of 50% by 2020 could not be accommodated in the current facility.

The Pearl St. expansion project will allow ROCK staff to accommodate and serve an additional 4-5 clients per day. It will also allow for nine new preventative/clinical services treatment spaces and create new possibilities for further development and expansion of best practices and knowledge sharing with other children’s mental heath agencies and educational institutions.

Financially, the expansion makes a great deal of sense as well. Currently, ROCK’s annual expenses for utilities and occupancy at the 471 Pearl St. location are $159,500. Research indicates that this number would remain very much the same should the centre grow in size. One of ROCK’s programs,

42

the Burlington Ontario Early Years Centre (OEYC), has been leasing a storefront location in the Cumberland Street Plaza for the past 13 years. The rising rent prices have significantly affected the OEYC, and may threaten the future of the programs and services the centre provides. Last year, more than 3053 children and 2258 parents/caregivers relied on the OEYC for their services. This outside program would be accommodated at the 471 Pearl St. location following the expansion project.

The entire cost of this expansion project is estimated at $6 million.

The organization recently sold its previously occupied Pilkey House location and will be using the $850,000 from the sale to fund the expansion project. The ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids Foundation has developed a comprehensive Major Gift Fundraising Strategy. The City of Burlington has presented a $71,000 grant in lieu of development to carry the project forward. Additionally, the Halton Region has presented a

$247,561 grant in lieu of developmental charges. ROCK is currently presenting a request to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services for $2 million in funding to support this project.

To help support this cause, and create a better future for the children and families in the Halton Region, visit www.rockonline.ca. Ending the wait for mental health services in Halton has always been ROCK Reach Out Centre’s primary goal. Preventing and treating mental illness in children before they escalate further in adulthood will not only improve the lives of those involved, but everyone in the communities the centre serves.

rockonline.ca

INVIDIATA HOMES & LIFESTYLE

MENTAL ILLNESS in Canada P R EVALE NCE :

TH E C ONSEQUEN C ES:

1 in 5 Canadians

will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. The remaining 4 will have a friend, family member or colleague who will.

4000 CANADIANS commit suicide every year.

According to World

Health Organization,

depression will be the single biggest medical burden on health by 2020.

In Canada,

mental illness is the second leading cause of human disability and premature death.

ACCES S : ONLY ONE THIRD of those who need mental health services in Canada actually receive them.

Only 1 in 5 children

who require mental health services in Canada receives them.

71%

SPRING 43 2016

of family physicians ranked access to psychiatrists in Ontario as fair to poor.

70

of mental health problems and

have their onset during % illnesses childhood or adolescence.

In Canada,

mental illness is the second leading cause of human disability and premature death.

1/3

of those who have suffered from depression experience the first episode before the age of 21.

UP TO 90%

of suicide cases are preceded by a history of mental disease, or disorders such as depression.

TH E C OST: The estimated cost of mental illness to the Canadian economy in terms of health care and lost productivity is

$51 billion.

$34 BILLION is the cost of mental illness and addictions to the Ontario economy.

Mental illnesses constitute more than 15% of the burden of disease in Canada yet these illnesses

receive only 5.5% of the health care budget dollars.

INVIDIATA HOME & LIFESTYLE 43

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the life of a

ballerina A YOUNG LEAH TERRY IS MAKING A NAME FOR HERSELF IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD OF BALLET.

By Erica Nelson

The bright overhead lights begin to dim and the chatter amongst those in the theatre slowly starts to quiet until it is nothing but a murmur.

16-year-old Leah Terry waits excitedly behind the curtain breathing deeply to define her focus. The heavy velvet curtain starts to sway and part, revealing behind it her captive audience. It was time for the ballet to begin.

Oakville’s Own Leah Terry Photo: Nikki Wesley Pembleton

SPRING 2016

45

L

eah Terry, like most little girls, has always dreamed of being a ballerina, and was quick to realize the skill, focus and determination needed to turn her dream into a reality.

“I can still remember watching the older dancers in classes and rehearsals and wanting to be just like them.

Their dedication and pursuit of their art was always an encouraging sight for me as a young dancer,” Leah reminisces.

Leah has been dancing since she was two-and-a-half years old. She began her training at the Oakville School of Classical Ballet when she was nine, and moved on to the Pre-Professional Training Programme when she was 12.

“My parents decided to enroll me in a number of activities when I was young, and over time I discovered my passion was for dance,” Leah explains.

Photo: David Hou

Photo: David Hou

Leah has been dedicated to the art of ballet since she made this discovery, but the path has not always been an easy one. Roughly two years ago, Leah was diagnosed with a disease called Alopecia Areata, and it almost caused her to leave the world of dance behind. One of the symptoms of the disease is severe hair loss.

“My parents decided to enroll me in a number of activities when I was young, and over time

passion was for dance.

I discovered my

Leah’s perseverance and dedication to her art has already begun to show incredible results. She recently passed the Royal Academy of Dance Advanced Two Examination with a mark of Distinction, which means she achieved the highest category possible.

Leah trained from September to November for the examination, immersing herself in the

46

Ho av id :D Ph oto

“I lost the majority of my hair to it. At the time, it was very hard for me and I came close to quitting ballet, but I didn’t, I stuck to it. It was hard for me because, as a performer, you must have a certain level of confidence and losing so much of my hair really took a toll on my confidence. It made me feel like I did not want to be seen, and in ballet or any kind of dance, performing for large audiences is the ultimate goal. Thankfully, I was surrounded by amazing family, friends and teachers who supported me and were there for me the whole time I was going through this and are still there to support me in whatever I choose to do.”

u

”

technical and choreographic syllabus all while rehearsing for the Oakville Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker.

After her incredible performance on the examination, Leah has been awarded the opportunity to compete in the International Genée Competition,

INVIDIATA HOMES & LIFESTYLE

which will be held in Australia this year. She is extremely excited to work with her mentor, Ms. Amanda Paterson, Director of the Oakville School of Classical Ballet, to prepare for this opportunity.

“To prepare for the International Genée Competition, I will be maintaining daily ballet classes, conditioning classes and coaching by my teachers in order to work the technical details required for the variations, as well as developing my artistic interpretive skills.

I will also have the opportunity to prepare a piece I choreographed myself, giving me a wider prospective in the dance field,” Leah explains.

One of the most important skills Leah feels she needs to maintain and perfect during her dancing career is her performance quality.

“I only recently came to realize how important this aspect of dance is. I did not pay enough attention to how I was expressing myself to the audience; instead, I became obsessed with only perfecting my technical skills. In ballet you want to capture the audience, drawing their attention to the character you are portraying by the way you express your passion through movement,” Leah says.

One of the more challenging ballet productions Leah has been a part ​“In ballet you want to of was Giselle. She was given the opportunity to play the lead capture the audience, drawing character Giselle, and while their attention to the character she said it was an amazing you are portraying by the experience, she admits way you express your that the choreography involving the pas de deux was strenuous and the portrayal of Giselle’s ethereal character was very hard to grasp.

passion through

movement.”

One of Leah’s favourite ballets is La Bayadère. The young ballerina loves the Marius Petipa choreography paired with the beautiful musical score by Ludwig Minkus, and finds “the storyline is very intriguing because there are so many different aspects brought together to become one,” she explains.

Having accomplished so much as a ballet student, it is hard to believe that Leah is only 16 years old and still has a bright and prosperous career ahead of her.

Right now she is focused on dancing as a soloist with the Oakville Ballet while planning to continue her post-secondary training in the Company Training Programme of the Oakville School of Classical Ballet. Once her training is complete, she plans to audition for ballet companies in Canada, the United States and Europe with the hope of securing a contract.

Ph

oto :

Da v

id

Ho

u

“Regardless of what path I take, I will always continue to further my education in dance and actively participate in the dance community,” says Leah.

SPRING 2016

OSCB OSCB

BBALLET ALLET

FOR MORE INFORMATION on the Oakville School of Classical Ballet or the Oakville Ballet, please visit: oakvilleballet.com

47

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