Column 114 Helen Brown, 5 words: kind, compassionate, humble, generous, humorous. If you were lucky enough to know Helen, you’ll have your own words to add to these. Helen took her leave of this earth last Wednesday afternoon, after several years of physical challenges that left her body struggling and her mind intact. Her…
Column 113 Patti Smith, in the 80’s, was Human Resources Assistant Director for a privately owned hospital run by immigrant doctors for refugees and immigrants. This Toronto facility was established so new Canadians, already struggling with language, could be medically treated in their own language while they became accustomed to life in Canada. Patti…
Column 112 Mike Rudkins’ business likely took root when he was a kid, living at then Camp Borden with his military dad. A military family, Mike and his mom Elaine and all the little Rudkins moved into Barrie in the late 60’s when his dad retired from military service. So Mike feels like he’s…
Column 111 The birds are just starting their spring tweets. The air is warm off the waters of Lake Ontario. Jean Cadue opens her eyes to greet another morning. She is 40 years old. She lives in Gananoque with her eight year old son. She’s lived in “Gan” her whole life. Jean’s business, a…
Column 110 What a way to celebrate! Mariah Osypchuck’s Shimmering Smiles Dental business at Bryne Dr and Mills St is celebrating its second year of business. She wanted to have a party to celebrate. She also wanted to benefit a charity and raise consciousness at the same time. And, if she could involve the…
Column 109 When the City of Barrie and the Barrie Community Foundation team up next Tuesday, it’ll be to present the first gala to award two women receiving the city’s highest honour: the Order of the Spirit Catcher. The Southshore Community Centre will be abuzz November 19 while supporters and representatives of the Barrie…
Column 108 I just got back from visiting the Off the Rack; Barrie Free Clothing store at the corner of Toronto and Dunlop streets behind Meineke Motors. What a cornucopia of goodness! Every month literally hundreds of people shop in this store, helping themselves to an item or two from the ‘free room’, maybe…
Bailey Thompson looks at life through a different set of lenses. Which is terrific for the rest of us. She’s about to publish her first book, Yellow Socks and Blood Spots, about a pregnant, unpartnered teenage girl who has a big decision to make. It will be published under a pseudonym (Jade Cumberland) because her…
Column 107 Last column I was writing about Small Business Connect, a grassroots group for small business owners. Well, that’s where I was last week when someone said there were 80 shopping days left til Christmas! Who thinks about this stuff? In September? You could feel the collective stress flitter across the room. After…
Column 106 When you decide to go into business for yourself, you generally have no realistic idea of the impact of your decision. Sort of like having a baby. You know you’re really good at something and that’s what drives you to become self employed. The other thing driving you might be that you…