Victoria’s Read

Barb Kostyk has been sewing for over 50 years now. “I’ve started out with teaching myself embroidery when I was just 7 or 8 years old.” Barb was born in Val’Dor Quebec where her father worked as a miner and her mother was a housewife. “My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic.”                                       

Barb is a wife of 48 years. She has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Throughout her time of raising children, she has made numerous quilts, blankets and clothing. “I also knit and crochet as well as do alterations and zippers. As a youngster, I don’t think that I ever visited someone’s home without leaving behind a handmade tea cloth. It just felt good.”                                               

Soon, Barb discovered that there was a huge need for custom fitting bras. “Some of my family members were having a hard time finding bras to fit their body structures challenges.” Being a person who strives to help others in need, Barb decided to take a professional bra making course. Last July, Barb went into business. Custom Lingerie specializes in making individualized bras. “I go to your home for a private sizing where we also discuss your issues. Then a white or beige bra is made specifically for you. After which, bra’s of any color/lace combination and design can be made.                                                               

Recently, Barb had the misfortune of having two friends needing a mastectomy. Having beat cancer herself twice in her life, Barb knew the challenges of dealing with this life-changing disease. Her friends had stated that it was extremely difficult to find well fitting mastectomy bras. So, once again, not like seeing people struggling with personal problems, Barb began investigating how to make comfortable mastectomy bras. “My prosthetics are much lighter, cooler and washable. One could even swim with them!”

Big Sisters of North Bay and District was founded in July 1975 by the North Bay Women’s Centre. In September 2007, Big Sisters was asked to assume the role of both Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

On January 31, 2008 the Big Sisters Board of Directors voted to assume this responsibility and expand to become  Big Brothers Big Sisters Of North Bay And District.                                            

PROGRAMS: Traditional match - volunteers are matched with children ages 3 1/2-16. The time commitment is 2-3 hours each week or every other week for a period of one year or more.                     

In school mentoring -  The child and volunteer spend 1 hour per week together in the child’s school during lunch break.                    

Go girls! Healthy bodies, healthy minds program- volunteers are trained to deliver school-based programs to a group of 4 children ages 11-14 years. The time commitment is 2 hours per week for seven weeks and is recommended for college and university students.                                                                        

Game on! Eat smart, play smart, live smart program- volunteers are trained to deliver school-based programs to a group of 4 children ages 11-14 years. The time commitment is 2 hours per week for seven weeks and is recommended for college and university students.                                                                 

Youth opportunities program- improve employment skills for newcomer/immigrant youth between the ages of 16-24 years. This program assists newcomer/immigrant youth to secure employment opportunities , establish career related volunteer opportunities, and improve the quality of life.                                                                                   

Camp programs -  Camp Norland, Tim Horton’s Memorial Camp and the Canadian Ecology Centre send more than 30 children are sent to camp each year.                                                                        

To become a volunteer, please visit: www.bbbsc.ca

Twenty years ago, Jackie Doucette-Leach discovered the intriguing aspect of home parties. Although she had always been a shy individual, Jackie liked being around others. “Since childhood, I was always shy so I contribute the home show atmosphere to curing me.”

While visiting with her sister one day last year, Jackie commented on her funky purse. Jackie’s sister told her all about SheBella.

SheBella is a relatively young company, started by two best friends, Amanda and Julie. They are a proudly owned and operated Canadian business with strong visions and deep morals. “SheBella is from London Ontario and it is just four years old and going exceptionally well.”

Jackie learned that SheBella has a refreshing and differing approach to the typical boring catalog home party. “SheBella parties are an open house style shopping experience. All the products are on display for you to buy right there and then.” SheBella provides the hottest and trendiest in purses, jewellery & scarves. They follow the fashion shows then work with their team to search for and develop inspired designs that are affordable and welcome in your everyday lives. Styles range from classic and sophisticated to casual and trendy. With their national buying power and unique business model they are able to set prices as low as $5 to no higher than $60 while still providing great on-going quality.

Fashionista, Jackie would like to invite you all out to her next Shebella Open House at 144 Thelma Ave, Friday, Dec 9th from 6-9pm and Saturday, Dec 10th from noon-9pm. “Pampered Chef and Partylite will be available too.”

Jackie feels strongly about the importance of giving back so fundraisers are always a big part of her home shows. “If you bring a gently used purse, your name will be entered into a draw. All purses will be donated to the Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre on behalf of Victoria’s Read.”

Joany Gauvreau’s entrepreneurial journey began when she started learning the art of Egyptian Belly Dance or “Raks Sharqi” in an effort to lose weight gained from a years in a sedentary office job. By educating herself with books, videos and costly hours of lessons with some of the best dancers the profession had to offer, Joany continued to polish her craft and began performing at various public events. Through popular demand she began giving lessons. A few studio rentals and over 200 students later Joany decided it was time to create an oasis for women at 110-112 Main Street in North Bay and transformed it into Feminicity.

Feminicity features a lounge, two studios, and sultan’s-style cafe and cabaret. Classes continue to evolve and include traditional Egyptian Bellydance, Burlesque, Tribal Fusion Bellydance, DiscoBollywood, Pole Dance and much more.

Another increasingly popular element is the Bachelorette Party where a group of women can book a private party to learn an exciting in an hour.

Joany’s favourite groups are the ones who, on their first time timidly walk into the studio, are shy and completely self-conscious.  “Every day I meet new women who have for one reason or another just lost themselves a little bit. They’ve forgotten about their beautiful hips, how to move their chest and have fallen out of touch with their bodies. I want women to rediscover that they are all beautiful, sexy and vibrant! Whether you’re 21 or 101, a size zero or a plus size of any size, be proud of your feminine self and let it shine through. Sometimes all we need is a little coaching to come out of our shells and embrace our feminine being. This is where my passion lies. Women are encouraged to move in ways they may not have ever done before.  I couldn’t dream of a better job or a better place to be!”

I, Chantal Pannell RDH, Owner and Operator of Hilltop Dental Hygiene Clinic was quite content for the past 14 years in a traditional dental setting with other dental providers and staff. However, circumstances happen and take us out of our comfort zones.

After relocating to North Bay for my husbands’ work, I was relieved to be able to find work even if it was only to cover a maternity leave.

I really enjoyed the office and staff I worked with and was sad to leave my “second family”. Speaking of family, we chose to expand ours and go from the traditional “Millionaires Family” to a family of five.

After my maternity leave, my search for employment continued…and continued. I began to research the idea of starting a temp agency for Dental Hygienists but realized it wouldn’t be easy organizing childcare on a whim. Thus, my drive for work led me to open my own dental hygiene clinic.

I enjoy my profession and being able to do what Iove in my own setting appealed to me. My husband: my biggest supporter, contractor, laborer, promoter etc…believed in me and the idea that together we could do this. Many will say that family business will ruin a marriage. I disagree.

We work very well as a team and have the same vision in a clinic. It is bright, modern and clients can feel relaxed while receiving quality and thorough oral care. My goal is, and has always been to provide the best preventative dental care to ALL. I plan on giving back to our community by raising funds for local charities such as my “Gathering Place Annual Event”. In addition, I look forward to taking part in the “Gift from the Heart Event” which allows people of all walks of life to receive dental cleanings free of charge.

In closing, I feel lucky to be able to say “I love going to work since we’ve built it from the ground up and that it was truly a family effort!”

Sandra Reed changed careers and became a teacher at age forty. Previous work experience includes working with deaf and autistic children as an educational assistant, running a respite program for children with multiple challenges, and co-ordinating emergency/crisis services for the Salvation Army.  “I’ve even worked as a costumed  interpreter at a historical park. I was great in the bakery but I make a terrible blacksmith!”

In addition to teaching junior kindergarten at King George Public School in North Bay, Sandra is an artist who finds the time to share her pleasure in all things creative. She’s been volunteering with the Big Sister Association for more than a decade. In July, she taught printmaking to youngsters in the Horticulture Club’s ‘Little Seedlings’ program in the Sweetman’s Garden.

“Our school is celebrating its 100th year and education has changed over the decades, but the essentials are really the same. Families want to see good character and strong skills in the essential areas of reading, writing and math. Technology is simply another tool we use. And of course, the arts are integrated into all curriculum areas,” she says.

Although she has worked steadily to master the professional skills of a teacher, the secret is not in accumulating diplomas and degrees. “My greatest resource is my colleagues, the families I serve, and of course the children themselves. Every day I pay attention to what works and what doesn’t, finding the strategies that help each individual child is so satisfying.

Does she ever take a day to do nothing? Nope. “I tried it once, got bored. There are too many exciting things to do!” And that’s the spirit she strives to instil in her students from the day they arrive in her classroom.

Creamy Family Style Rice Pudding

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups cooked white rice
2 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together cooked rice, milk and eggs. Add raisins and sugar, mix thoroughly. Spread into two 8×4 inch loaf pans and sprinkle nutmeg on top. Bake for 1 hour at 300 degrees F.

Banana Rice Pudding

Ingredients
1 cup hot cooked rice
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup whipping cream, whipped
1 large firm banana, sliced
fresh mint (optional)

Directions
In a bowl, combine rice and sugar; mix well. Cool completely. Fold in whipped cream and banana. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Spoon into serving dishes; garnish with mint.

Canadian Maple Rice Pudding

Ingredients
3/4 cup uncooked short-grain white rice
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon maple flavored extract
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground cloves
1 tablespoon butter

Directions
Combine the rice and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil Let simmer over low heat for 20 minutes or until all of the water has been absorbed. Stir in 1 3/4 cups of the milk, sugar and maple flavoring. Bring to a boil and let simmer over medium heat until thick and creamy, about 15 minutes. Stir in the remaining milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and butter. Cook stirring over low heat for another 5 minutes. Pour into a casserole dish and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Arezo Akbari was born in Kabul Afghanistan. Her mother, Shakilla  stayed home to raise her five children while Arezo’s father, Naim  worked as an aviation engineer. “Mom taught us to be gentle with  people, treat people with kindness and to always help.  Dad taught us the importance of staying positive and being persistent in what you  want.”

When she was just six years old, Arezo’s parents moved the family to India to escape the life of war. “We lived in India for seven years before moving to Toronto.” In 2007, she and her husband, Moses moved to North Bay. “We still are a very close family so I am in constant contact with them all.” Arezo states that being the oldest of six children taught her how to be responsible and the  importance of unity. “My parents’ teachings still are very helpful to  me with my business. I also feel that it is very important to be   completely honest.”

Arezo struggled all her life with sensitive skin. “I am allergic to  perfumes and chemicals’ so finding something that I could safely use  was a huge challenge.” With the help of her husband, she began  experimenting in her own kitchen. “I took some courses to learn the  basics of soap making and went from there.” Arezo’s first product was glycerin soap. It was a success. With a lot of encouragement from her  husband and family, Arezo began making other all natural body products and in October 2008, she opened Bloom Bath & Body in Northgate Shopping Centre to share her products with the public. She was well  accepted and her business is doing very well.

Arezo would like to take this opportunity to thank her husband for his  steady encouragement and support. “If it wasn’t for Moses and my  family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Written by: Victoria Reed

Toronto born Sharon Dionne always knew that she wanted to live on the lake. “My older sister, I and my parents often camped in Peterborough. I loved it!” Sharon’s Mother, Patricia was a factory worker who taught her girls the importance of proper etiquette. “She also educated us on the importance of eating well.” Sharon’s father, Gord was a printing foreman. “My father taught us the value of obtaining a trade.  That stuck with me throughout my life and was the driving force behind my graduating from Senece college with High Honours in Computer Programming.”

Sharon met her husband, Rick while living in Toronto. “Rick had a cottage in St. Charles so it was inevitable that we build a cottage on Lake Nipissing since he knew all the good fishing spots there.” A few years later, the couple bought a beautiful piece of property in Callander, worked the land and built their dream home. There they and their four children now reside.

Sharon and Rick have always worked effectively as a team.  “We decided to look into a franchise business and were pleasantly surprised to discover Cartridge World. It offered the most flexibility and we would be contributing to saving our environment.”

Sharon learned that a laser cartridge thrown into landfill can take up to 450 years to decompose and in one year, if the world’s discarded cartridges were stacked end-to-end; they would circle the earth over three times.

By bringing your used cartridges to Cartridge World for a refill or remanufacture, you can help protect our environment and save substantially compared to the cost of a new cartridge.

Cartridge World has programs that allow local community organizations & schools to raise funds by collecting empty printer cartridges. Cartridge World will pick up the cartridges and write your local school or community organization a check.

Lynn Weller grew up in a large Irish family. “My mother, Rosaline taught us that woman can do anything. You just have to take that first step. My father, George was a cross country trucker. He was a very social man who believed in the importance of volunteering your time which he passed on to all of his three children.”

Lynn and her husband, Terry of thirty-one years are originally from Toronto but moved to Cambridge in 1981 to buy a home and start their own family.

While visiting her mother-in law, Lynn and her youngest daughter, Kim decided to check out the countryside and spotted a  farm for sale in Burks Falls “ We decided this was the one for us and I bought it!”

Lynn’s girls developed skin problems at a young age and Lynn could not locate any suitable soap. “I tried many soaps before I decided to make my own. The first soap I made was unscented goatmilk soap. I couldn’t just make one bar so I began giving bars away. People liked the soap and began buying it from me.”

This was to be the beginning KIMTREELANE Soap Company. “ It has both my children’s names in it, Kim and Theresa.”

Her company offers all-natural soap with no preservatives, using high quality products, fragrance and essential oils. “My soaps are made right in my very own kitchen.”

Lynn also sells a wide variety of other hand made products like blankets and rugs. This fall she will be using the wool from her own sheep to weave her blankets.

Lynn would like to take the opportunity to thank The Woman’s Own Resource Center in South River. “I encourage any woman who is thinking about starting their own business to take their  workshops.”