When my first child was born, I was quite intent on abandoning my career as a journalist, writer, photographer, page designer etc., and devote myself to being full time mom. I’d waited a long time for this little person and he and I began a journey of days filled with not the bliss I’d anticipated,…

When Steven Spielberg shoots a film on location, it’s very likely a light made right here in Barrie that shines on the set. Here’s the story… When Michael and Cheryl Bilyk moved to the Barrie area, it was to buy a house they could afford while they raised their family of four busy boys. Mike…

You’re likely reading this on Sunday, but I’m writing it on the eve of this country’s 132nd birthday. Young, young, young country we are, when we compare our history with those of Europe and Asia. And I’m tempted to write about Canada Day, about the wonderful celebrations setting up downtown as people get ready with…

The year was 1949, year three of the post war baby boom that David Foot talks so much about. Times were optimistic and Barrie’s borders enveloped 11,986 people. At the foot of Toronto Street, The Sarjeant Company was producing concrete to pour basements on postwar houses on the new Codrington and Gunn streets, providing lots…

Anyone who’s collecting air miles with their charge cards or consumer purchases knows the value of corporate partnerships these days. Our society is moving with great speed towards the benefits of partnerships in strengthening what we do. Two small, new businesses in the Barrie area are demonstrating the effectiveness of not looking at each other…

There’s a difference between curiosity and nosy-ness. At least, I hope there is. I think the reason I headed into a career in journalism is that it is the best way to satisfy my curiosity. Also, I savour words like some people savour food. And I can type (word process, is the current term) pretty…

So… Barrie’s attractive house prices lured you to the country’s fastest growing community. And then the reality of burning through the family car has hit cold, stone, sober as you roll down the pavement five days a week for the gruelling Barrie to Toronto corridor commute. You’ll notice the same cars in the same lanes…

When I saw John Kirk the other day, my whole face broke into a smile. Here, in my books, is a guy who’s grabbed the reins and galloped full speed into his own destiny. And he’s done it his way. I first met John in 1994 when he applied to take a 16 week course…

We’re liviing in exciting times, almost as exciting as it must have been at the beginning of the industrial revolution. Anybody who’s out looking for a “job” these days will tell you there’s a new kind of revolution taking place and it’s happening in the world of work. ?This revolt began with words like “downsizing”,…

I pulled up to the curb on Maple Ave the other day and a snappy red Mustang with a cream convertible roof pulled in and parked ahead of me. I knew… I just knew… that the driver would be a middle aged woman. She sat for a few minutes before getting out to feed the…