In the Long Run
July 26, 2012 by Cassandra Tatone
Filed under Success Story
On June 28, 1981, Fred Fox and his family stood by Terry Fox’s side as his battle with cancer came to a close. He had been forced to halt his Marathon of Hope when his cancer returned, but he remained hopeful of finishing his journey back home to British Columbia. On that tragic day in June he passed away, leaving a legacy that would inspire millions to carry on his journey to end cancer during the annual Terry Fox Run.
Not one for fame or glory, Terry’s mission was never about himself. “He was running all those miles every day — almost an average of a marathon a day — not to be considered a hero or to be famous 32 years later,” says his brother Fred. “He just wanted to be out there to do what he could to help other people who would be diagnosed with cancer.”
Heatwave York 2012
July 26, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
The seventh annual Heatwave York Region corporate volleyball tournament on June 16, 2012, served up good times and competitive matches. The one-day tournament featured a co-ed beach volleyball tournament with 21 teams, as well as great food, drinks and prizes. Since the volleyball challenge started in 1995, the event has expanded across the GTA and includes a winter tournament, Icewave, as well as additional tournaments in Halton, Waterloo, Durham, Halton, Peel and the Hamilton-Niagara area. All proceeds support SickKids and the SickKids Centre for Research and Learning. To date, the weekend volleyball events have raised more than $2 million for childhood cancer research at SickKids.
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Vintage Moto Collection: A Journey Back (1948-1970)
July 26, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
From June 7 to July 4, 2012, the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery was home to 24 vintage motorini from Italy. The show was the brainchild of father-son team Mario and Glen Pestrin. During a recent visit to his hometown in Northern Italy, Mario visited a schoolmate and saw his incredible collection of more than 50 vintage motorcycles and motorini. After that, he quickly decided to share the beautiful machines with the Toronto public. Proceeds from the opening reception gala went to Villa Charities and the SickKids Foundation.
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4th Annual Illicet: It Is Conquered 2012
July 26, 2012 by City Life Staff
Filed under People & Places
In support of The Ride to Conquer Cancer, Paradigm Promotions led the way through a magical night on June 1st, 2012. Illusionist Rob Testa pulled a few tricks out of his sleeve and mystified the audience all night. Entertainment also included musical act The Family, while guests enjoyed Next Door Lounge’s signature deconstructed meal.
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DreamCare Medicial
July 26, 2012 by Advertorial
Filed under Special Features
A medical revolution is stirring in Vaughan — and it’s being led by DreamCare Medical, a novel concept that’s rocketing the standards of health care to new heights.
Offering services that range from family health care and walk-in clinics, rapid access specialist appointments with medical and surgical specialists, to medical spa treatments and weight-loss assistance, DreamCare is equipped to meet — and exceed — all client expectations. Promising full client education on its services while erasing the lengthy wait times common in other Ontario facilities, the possibilities are endless at DreamCare.
With a diverse range of services headed by friendly, expert staff, clients are treated with professional care and treatments that make for a unique medical spa experience. “Our goal is to offer a full Read more
House Rules
July 26, 2012 by Advertorial
Filed under Special Features
Maximum Amortization Period Maximum amortization has been reduced from 30 years to 25 years
What does this mean? It’s the third time amortizations have been slashed in just four years. Canadians saw a decrease from 40 to 35 years in 2008. Then, in January 2011, they were reduced again, down to 30 years max. Finally, we are back at 25 years as it was in 2003.
A lower amortization period will mean a slight increase in monthly payments; however, a substantial decrease in the amount of interest paid over the life of the mortgage. Keep in mind that the increased challenge of affordability will only be felt by those who are looking for a 30-year amortization who have less than a 20 per cent down payment. Conventional mortgages will still be offered on a Read more
Improve Canada
July 26, 2012 by Advertorial
Filed under Special Features
It’s not surprising that the man who’s spearheading one of Canada’s biggest retail projects is in high demand, but the sound of Oleg Chekhter’s cell phone ringing for the eighth time in less than an hour solidifies it. Dressed in a pinstriped navy suit, the retail industrialist is relatively relaxed, despite the fact that he’s standing on over 300,000 sq. ft. of impending innovation. “We’re lucky that we got this place,” he says of the Vaughan structure, which sits at the nexus of Highway 407 and Keele Street. Chekhter and his two partners’ vision for Improve — the nation’s largest home improvement centre — will materialize in the summer of 2013.
What stemmed from Chekhter’s personal frustration in renovating his own properties evolved into plans for a full-service centre that will act as a beacon of light for fellow homeowners who lose time and money through improvement ventures. No longer will consumers have to Read more
Getting the Grade with Kumon
July 26, 2012 by Cassandra Tatone
Filed under Special Features
The home is a place where parent and child learn lessons of family, growth and education. When children are struggling at school or need to be challenged, they bring their concerns to mom and dad. Toru Kumon was a math teacher, but his station in life was being a father. It was in this role that he decided to create short daily assignments for the benefit of his son and gradually, for children around the world.
Since opening the first centre in his home in 1956, Kumon’s method struck a global cord, reaching 47 countries and over four million students. On the company’s global success, Lisa Kaul, president of Kumon Canada, says, “I think that there’s a universality to parents’ desires to have their children be successful. So I think it’s really fundamental and important to know that the program was started by a father who was interested in having his own children be successful, and that’s very much what drives the philosophy that we have towards learning.”
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Condo Talk
July 26, 2012 by Advertorial
Filed under Special Features
Q: The media has been talking about the condo market bubble bursting. What are your thoughts?
A: Supply and demand is always a significant factor. Until supply and demand level off to a healthy medium, we will see an adjustment in the market. This is the best time to buy! Buyers have more selection and should be taking advantage of this. In addition, if you compare the value of the GTA market and Toronto with other world-known cities, you will find that we are still underpriced. This keeps the momentum of our market moving in a positive direction. Despite seasonal highs and lows, we still end up with positive results. Let’s not forget that condos are an amazing housing option, one that appeals to first-time buyers, downsizers, retirees, investors, families, and people of every demographic. Read more
Lifelong Learners
July 26, 2012 by Athaina Tsifliklis
Filed under Success Story
Eugene Strauss is one of those rare cases: he’s a man who has a love affair with learning and believes in knowledge for knowledge’s sake. Greeting people with a sweet smile and gentle handshake, Strauss makes everyone feel instantly comfortable. What are his goals for the upcoming year as a student at Ryerson University? “To survive,” he laughs. Strauss is 87.
Born in 1925, his work experience is vast, ranging from waiting tables before the outbreak of WWII, to moving up the ranks with the Ontario government years later. Along the way, his thirst for education gave way to degrees in economics, public administration and psychology. “I wouldn’t have done anything much different. I have no serious regrets,” he says. One thing that keeps Strauss feeling vibrant in his elderly years is his constant curiosity about the world. Read more