Meet David Wysotski!

Self-portrait by David Wysotski

David Wysotski is an illustrator and artist painting in both traditional and digital mediums. Last year, Dave taught a drawing/painting class at theRMG which we’ve brought back by popular demand for the third time this season! We thought we’d learn a little more about Dave, his practice, and the value of instructing.

1. Tell us about your artistic practice.
My current artistic practice is fine art based; painting from the heart, painting with meaning, painting what excites me. That focus is a great shift from my career these past few decades where I’ve worked as a natural science illustrator, creating artwork to satisfy client’s needs. As much as I have enjoyed illustrating nature for commercial purposes, I’m excited to have my career transition from illustrator to fine artist.

A sample painting David did as an example for his most recent class.

2. What’s your favourite thing about teaching art?
My favourite thing about teaching art is problem solving. I enjoy the challenge of assessing each student’s works-in-progress and helping them trouble shoot ways to achieve greater results. When I can come up with possible solutions that they may not have considered, I’m rewarded by knowing I’ve helped. I’m also drawn in to the passion and thirst for knowledge that many of my students bring to the classroom. Teaching those that have a desire to learn is what keeps my enthusiasm high.

3. What’s your favourite artwork? Why?
I’ll never be able to choose a single artwork as my favourite as I have way too many favourites! What I can tell you though is that my favourite genre is portraiture. Some favourites would have to include portraits by Rembrandt, Klimt, Bouguereau, Sargeant, Bacon, Vermeer….the list is long. I’m drawn to both realism as well as expressionism. Some of the contemporary portrait artists I’m enjoying lately are successful at combining those differing tight and loose styles. Current artists like Jeremy Mann, Daniel Sprick and Russ Mills excite me for that very reason.

4. What can participants look forward to in your upcoming classes?
My classes include lessons, demonstrations and lots of one on one guidance in a calm, positive atmosphere. Beginner painters can look forward to improving their drawing ability and learning how to work with acrylic paints. Intermediate painters can look forward to gaining new knowledge, skills and techniques. I aim to have my students achieve a recognizable improvement over the duration of my classes. Ultimately, a class that includes learning, laughing, relaxing and creativity makes for a fun evening for all, myself included.

Click here to learn more about Dave’s class!

Leila Timmins joins the RMG as Curator and Manager, Exhibitions and Collections

The Robert McLaughlin is excited to announce that Leila Timmins will be joining the Gallery as Manager and Curator, Exhibitions and Collections. In this new role, she will be replacing Linda Jansma who is retiring after 28 years at the gallery.

Previously Curator of Exhibitions and Public Programming at Gallery 44 in Toronto, Leila is dedicated to working with community to contribute to important conversations happening around and through art.

At Gallery 44, Timmins produced over 60 exhibitions and public programs with over 100 artists from across the country and abroad while working tirelessly to build the gallery’s audience and increase online engagement.

Accessibility is also an important part of Leila’s curatorial practice. Her work with Workman Arts, CAMH, Tangled Art + Disability, and numerous other groups and collectives has contributed to conversations around reducing barriers and increasing access.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be joining the team at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. I’ve long admired the way the RMG centres relationship-building at the core of its operation, working closely alongside artists and community. I look forward to continuing the important work the gallery has done to build greater accessibility, equality and inclusiveness into all aspects of its programming.” says Timmins

“We’re very excited to have Leila at the RMG and working in Durham Region. She was selected from a pool of candidates nationally and abroad because her passion for community building is determined, which is demonstrated in her impressive list of experiences and accomplishments. Get ready, Durham.” says Donna Raetsen-Kemp, CEO, of the new arrival.

Her writing has been published in notable publications including FUSE Magazine and C Magazine, and was awarded the Emerging Cultural Leader Award by Artist-Run Centres and Collectives of Ontario (ARCCO) in 2017.

Leila starts at the RMG on June 11.

National Philanthropy Day: Ontario Power Generation

Philanthropy is the love of humankind, and National Philanthropy Day® celebrates the charitable work that EVERYONE does to make a difference in their communities. Whether you donate or volunteer (or both!), young or old, no matter how much you give or what causes you support—what you do from the heart makes a difference!

National Philanthropy Day is recognized on Nov. 15, but we celebrate what you do throughout the year. You make a difference every day!

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery would like to acknowledge the annual support received from the Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

The OPG Corporate Citizenship Program has supported the RMG in our pursuit to provide informal learning of abstract art, encourage collaboration, increase understanding of art fundamentals, and enhance the learning and quality experience between adult and child. OPG Second Sunday’s have been enjoyed by over 5,000 families because of this partnership.

When we bring together the passion and commitment of our partners, we push the boundaries of what is possible. We are proud to say we are a partner with OPG.

Not your typical art class

The RMG is rolling out 21st century learning

21st century learning is an exciting, new and impactful educational model that’s developed around an understanding of 21st century skills and knowledge; like the role technology plays in day-to-day life, being adaptable and collaborative, thinking independently and critically, and effective communication.

We’re really thrilled to be bringing this learning model to the RMG’s programming. With this new cross-curricular approach to art making, kids explore big issues with depth and meaning through a variety of imaginative exercises, sharing ideas and discussions enable them to think critically. They’ll be up and moving, acting, singing, sharing and exploring their creative capacity.

By encouraging a ‘culture of participation’ and inviting collective contributions and innovations, we’re hoping to inspire people to take control of their learning through creative and artistic expression.

Check out our new and upcoming programming for kids and adults here.

Women in Art and Community

Women in Art and Community

There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.
-Michelle Obama

Alexandra Luke would be proud. While we can only speculate on how she saw the future of a small building on Simcoe Street that housed works by the Painters’ 11 and other Canadian artists, fifty years later the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) has since been known as the space where art, thought, and community thrive.

March’s theme for RMG’s First Fridays paid special attention to the women who have, and still put their energies into pieces that inspire discussion and -hopefully, progress.

The night began with a combined piece by the women’s choir and senior dance ensemble from O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute (OCVI). Choreographer Jenni MacNeil explained how the students working together symbolized their hope for rising above hatred.

“When many different art forms can come together under a common theme, that in and of itself is a beautiful model of diversity and tolerance, and how we see ourselves reflected in each other,” she said.
Later in the evening guests were invited to tour the gallery with in-house expert Steven Bland, and saw how some women in art celebrated womanhood in themselves, or ones they admired.

Of course the discussion landed on Beyoncé. Specifically a metal work of Beyoncé’s silhouette fused to an energy source.

“(The artist’s) inspiration for this (piece) comes from hydro towers…her theme is to put power and the feminine together to show the power of women, she’s not making a joke of calling this (piece) ‘Beyoncé,’ because she is one of the most powerful women in the entertainment community… So really, it’s honouring Beyoncé,” Bland explained to admirers.

However, not far from the power piece, was another metal work of a woman’s body, as a bench.
Perspective, of sorts.

Meanwhile, musicians Trish Robb, entertainment specialist DJ Lynz kept guests in an upbeat and mellow vibe, while Caitlin and Cassidy McAuliffe, also known as the Woodland Sisters (@woodland.sisters), led an environment-conscientious workshop for more hands-on guests in the upper and lower levels respectively.

For more art and perspective, or a great night out that celebrates local creativity, head to the next First Fridays at RMG on April 7, at 7:00 p.m.

The Process of Imagination: An Interview with Jay Dart

by: Raechel Bonomo

How many times have you gone to write a story or paint a picture to find yourself staring at a blank screen or canvas for what seems like eternity?

This process of an artists struggle to grasp a familiar but unique concept within their work is the underlying theme of Jay Dart: Greetings from Yawnder!, exhibiting at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery.

In order to further explain his creative process, Dart formulated words such as “Yawnder”, which describes a mystical place where ideas are born. This imaginative world sets the scene for the exhibit where we follow Jiggs, Dart’s lumberjack-esque alter ego, through lands riddled with Geist Trees and Foredad Clouds. These mythical elements seeded in Dart’s mind are brought to life through not only his illustrations, but through installation, allowing you to embody Jiggs as you walk through alongside the protagonist.

Viewing this exhibit left me in my own state of Yawnder, inspiring me to dig deeper into the artist himself and what creative process means in its most primitive and natural essence.

Raechel Bonomo (RB): What is your first artistic memory?

Jay Dart (JD): I drew a lot as a kid. I had a lot of time to myself. I often recall the floor plans that I made for imaginary estates and mansions – probably influenced by the blueprints that my dad had lying around. Those were some of my first paracosmic pieces.

RB: Has creativity been something you’ve struggled with or something that has always come naturally to you?

JD: There have definitely been times when the airwaves were silent. And quite often these days, I’m too busy to go over Yawnder. But it’s always been apart of my life. Lots of sketchbooks filled with ideas over the years. Nowadays, when I get time to work on a drawing, I have a log jam of ideas that are just waiting to get done.

RB: Explain your creative process, how do you reach your Yawnder?

JD: This is your toughest question for me to answer. Inspiration strikes all the time… driving to work, playing with my kids, listening to music, surfing the internets. I make a lot of scrawls in notebooks, sketchbooks and sticky notes. When it comes time to make a drawing, usually for a looming deadline, then I look over my scrawls and figure out how to translate them into an image. Sometimes, I use an old photo as a starting point and turn that world into my own. Other times, it’s like something I’ve never seen before so I have to rely completely on my imagination to create the scene. One thing’s for certain, there will be lots of erasing cuz if the line ain’t just right, erase er’!

RB: Have you always wanted to be an artist?

JD: These are the things that I remember wanting to “be”… ninja, hockey player, animator, photographer, filmmaker, art director, artist. In most of those cases, art is the common denominator.

RB: I read you’ve created more than 200 illustrations in the Wanderer of Yawnder series, when did you start this series and what initially sparked it?

JD: I began drawing again a few years after graduating from art school following many years of neglecting the medium I spent so much time with growing up. I believe my drawing of Barry the Mannalo, circa 10 years ago, set me on this path towards Yawnder. Following that, I was inspired by antique photos, my watercolour test swatches and the landscapes of north Durham. These are just some of the many influences that got planted in my mind and eventually grew into the various elements in the Wanderer of Yawnder series.

RB: Who is Jiggs and how do you and the viewer relate to him?

JD: Jiggs is my alter-ego, my muse and the main character of the WoY series. He’s a real good guy and very open to sharing his thoughts. He spends a lot of time by himself so he appreciates any visitors whether you’re a wonderer, an acquirer, a lumberer, an inspirer or a referrer.

RB: There are a lot of beards in this exhibition. What do they represent to you and why are they so prominent throughout your work?

JD: Whether you’re in the middle of the woods or the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a noble beard can represent a time of intense experience. But they can also represent a fashionable trend. For Jiggs, the magical mystery beard was the first idea that came to mind when he procured a geist from the Yawnder Lights. He wore the beard and contemplated the spirit that it bequeathed him. Eventually, he realized that this idea was too easy and he dug deeper, literally, into the ground and planted his beards to see what would grow.

RB: You discuss taking yourself away from technology and into more of a simplistic process of creating art, why is this and how do you feel it benefits you work? How does it hinder it?

JD: I just feel most comfortable with a pencil as my medium but it does work with my intention to tell a timeless tale relating to the nature of inspiration and creation. However, I’m very much interested in the ways that current technology affects the way creators make and share their work; this is a major theme of this series. Thus, I refer to photos from the past when settlers were forging their way on the frontiers of new found lands (to them at least) but I introduce magic realism elements that allude to cloud computing and social networking. To me, these innovations seem to present just as many challenges as opportunities. But I’m still learning.

RB: What are you hoping RMG visitors take away from your exhibition?

JD: Inspiration.

Meet Carla Sinclair, our Manager of Volunteer and Community Development

Today we sat down with Carla Sinclair, the RMG’s Manager of Volunteer and Community Development to find out more about her role and what she gets up to each day. You probably recognize Carla as your host of RMG Fridays – say hello next time you see her in the RMG Shop.

The RMG: What’s a typical day like for you?

Carla Sinclair: My day looks very different day to day depending on which part of my role I am working on. I manage our volunteer program, plan RMG Fridays, the gallery’s monthly community event as well as manage our gallery shop.

Between internal staff meetings, volunteer interviews, community engagement, consignment artist acquisitions and a number of cultural advisory committees/professional development associations, meetings can often fill up many of my days. Some days are quieter allowing me to spend hours on my computer sending emails, doing research, paperwork, and planning. If I am hosting an RMG Fridays or representing the RMG at a cultural event, I get to be social and interact with the community. The flexibility of my job caters to my multi-faceted personality. I love the diversity in my role!

The volunteer umbrella involves responding to volunteer requests, booking interviews, meeting with and assessing which department best suits new recruits, managing and posting new volunteer opportunities and keeping track of hours worked. As a member of multiple volunteer associations, I attend monthly meetings that provide professional development opportunities in the industry of volunteer administration. Thinking of new ways to incorporate the many skills that walk through the doors here at the RMG is always a priority.

RMG Fridays: Wonder Women

Planning RMG Fridays involves looking at curatorial schedules and building an event around exhibitions set to open or tour each month. I often choose a theme and try to connect all of the activities that are going on during an RMG Fridays: Live music, short films, exhibition tours, studio activity, community partners, food vendors. I love to add cultural elements that engage our audience by bringing in local theatre groups to perform a teaser of their show, a dance company, spoken word poet – just about anything that showcases the incredible local talent we have here in Durham and beyond! Booking musicians is typically the first element, and when possible this happens 4-6 months in advance. Sometimes artists reach out to me, other times I get suggestions from community members. I also try to find talent by attending local music venues, open mics and cultural events.

Short films for our Friday Film Features screening room at RMG Fridays get submitted through our website. These are viewed internally and 1 or 2 films are chosen to screen every 15 minutes throughout the evening. For food vendors, they are local, independent restaurants or caterers who put together a table of delicious eats to sell in the lobby, giving local entrepreneurs a chance to engage with the community and showcase their business. I typically contact them individually but encourage anyone interested to reach out to me as well.

Carla at RMG Exposed 2015

Community partners come from a variety of sources, some send requests, others are contacted based on the mandate of their organization and how it ties in to our event theme. After the details are nailed down, the next task is submitting the information to our Marketing Manager for promotional print materials and booking volunteers to help run all of the components of the evening. We typically have 8-15 volunteers behind the scenes making RMG Fridays happen, in tandem with our incredible audio engineer, DJ Lynz and dedicated RMG staff. When the big day comes, I spend the afternoon and early evening setting up tables, chairs, AV equipment, signage, printing schedules, shopping for supplies, greeting performers and partners. I then hold a meeting with our event volunteers at 6:30pm before doors open. The rest of the night involves hosting the event on stage. I, along with my colleague and co-host welcome guests, introduce the musicians, performers, and partners while sharing all of the awesome things happening in the building that evening!

The gallery shop is another component of my role including retail management, volunteer management (our friendly sales associates are all volunteers!), merchandising and researching consignment artists. Over the past year we’ve shifted the shop vision to include primarily Canadian consignment artists. This means I have to find talented artists whose work suits our local market. Some artists approach me, others I research, or find by planning volunteer outings with shop associates to canvas art shows/studios for promising candidates. Within the shop role is a lot of paperwork; Daily sales sheets, monthly shop deposits, quarterly consignment inventory and payouts as well as general correspondence. I host a monthly shop volunteer meeting to update our associates on new product, hear customer feedback and to build community amongst our volunteers.

RMG Shop Volunteer Trip

RMG: How did you get into this field?

CS: Having worked at the Nelson and District Arts Council, in on-air broadcast radio, teaching film programs and as a partner at Empty Cup Media, I’ve always invested my career in the arts and culture. One of these roles was producing video projects for The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, where I came to know the inspired team of staff that run this incredible space. The sense of community fostered here compelled me to be a voice in Oshawa’s expanding creative culture.

RMG: What skills or training do you need for your job?

It’s such a mixed bag, but I’d say…

Excellent written and communication skills
Creative thinking
Computer proficiency
Eye for merchandising and attention to detail
Organizational skills
Ability to recognize individual talents and abilities
Public speaking
Event management
Ability to teach and explain tasks well
Excellent social skills
Avid interest in being active in the cultural community
Strategic planning

Culture Meet Up

RMG: What’s your favourite part of your job?

CS: RMG Fridays! If you haven’t already been out to this awesome monthly event, I encourage you to come to the next one. Bands, artist talks and local partnerships create an atmosphere unlike any other you will find in Oshawa. I love the crowd it attracts and see it as an accessible, creative hub for entertainment, education and networking.

RMG: What are 5 things you couldn’t live without in your job?

CS: My top 5 are:

Charity Republic – Volunteer database software
Post it notes
Google
Coffee
Amazing Volunteers

RMG Fridays: HipHOpera

RMG: What do you get up to outside of the RMG?

CS: Outside of work at the gallery, I make films with Empty Cup Media. Our team has been working on a web series over the past couple years which means I’m heading to South Africa in October 2016 to film one of the latest episodes! I also spend time with my squishy faced pug Gryffin, have joined an adult ballet class after recently retiring from 5 years of roller derby, and love checking out local live music at Oshawa’s Memorial Park or The Moustache Club.

Meet Stephen Dick, our Manager of Protection Services

Stephen Dick is our Manager of Protection Services. You may recognise him as you walk into the gallery as the friendly greeter who knows everything about the gallery (and kindly asks you to leave your backpack at security). Ask Steve about the drums next time you visit!

The RMG: What’s a typical day like for you?

Stephen Dick: My typical day starts early. I’m usually the first one in the Gallery – except for our industrious Senior Curator Linda Jansma. I have to go through the whole building and basically open every door and check every room to make sure everything is alright and there are no safety or maintenance problems. If anything needs attention, I make a note of it on a daily report and make sure the right people are notified to correct it. I also turn on lights and activate any gallery exhibits that involve audio/visual or computer components. When that’s done, I unlock the front doors for staff to come in and settle in behind the front desk to keep an eye on the gallery with our monitors and direct incoming phone calls. I will greet visitors to the gallery and answer any questions they may have. With Google at my fingertips, I really should be able to find an answer for anything and everything!

Steve during Museum Selfie Day

RMG: How did you get into this field?

SD: I got into this field when I returned to my hometown of Toronto after being in Vancouver for many years. I was a full time performing musician and music teacher but decided to pursue full time work after being an independent contractor for so long and knowing other musicians that had transitioned into the security field as well.

RMG: What skills or training do you need for your job?

SD: I enrolled in the course, took the test and submitted to all the background checks required to obtain my Ontario Security Guard licence. I was then lucky enough to receive my first assignment as a part-time security guard at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. It made me feel very comfortable still being in an art environment and the staff and visitors were a real pleasure to work with. Since being offered the job as full-time security manager for the gallery, I’ve found it even more interesting. I’ve discovered the positive things about being part of an incredible team of people that have a complete love and knowledge of the art world as well as the people, business and management skills to make the RMG what it is now and to take it into the future.

Steve and a new friend

RMG: What’s your favourite part of your job?

SD: My favourite part of the job is helping someone in any way possible and making them feel valued and welcomed to the Gallery. Also rewarding is the smile and appreciation many new Canadians get when I process their Cultural Access Pass granting them admission for their families to many other cultural institutions like ours.

RMG: What are 5 things you couldn’t live without in your job?

SD: Some of the crucial things I need to do my job would be:

My gallery surveillance system monitors.
City of Oshawa computer connection with MS Office, Google, and organized access to all of my files.
My phone with quick connections to every staff member & voicemail.
My memory for all of the passwords I need to run our various security systems software & hardware.
Post-it notes for keeping track of all the daily details and messages relayed to me by visitors and staff!

RMG: What do you get up to outside of the RMG?

SD: When I’m not here at the RMG, I’m still an active musician performing and recording with several groups and also playing to my favourite music in my home studio. I will be performing for our RMG Friday here on September 9 with a band I have been working with comprised of musicians from here and Ottawa.

Fiuran Band

Meet Alessandra Cirelli, our Assistant Curator

Alessandra Cirelli is the RMG’s new Assistant Curator. You may recognize her as our curatorial intern from last summer – from volunteer to assistant curator, we’re thrilled to welcome her to the team! Come by and say hello.

The RMG: How did you get into this field?

Alessandra Cirelli: I studied Art and Art History at the University of Toronto Mississauga and Sheridan College and then completed a graduate certificate at Fleming College in Museum Management and Curatorship (MMC). I completed an internship here at the RMG in the Curatorial department as a course requirement for my MMC program. After interning at the RMG, I worked at the Markham Museum in their education and curatorial departments.

Alessandra Cirelli helping at RMG Exposed

RMG: What skills or training do you need for your job?

AC: My studies at Fleming College really provided me the proper skills and training for my job, specifically learning Collections Management skills, Curatorial Research and artwork handling. Currently I am relying on my organizational skills to help me transition into my new position.

Alessandra Cirelli at Jessica Field’s workshop in the Art Lab

RMG: What’s your favorite part of your job?

AC: One of my favourite parts of my job is accessioning new works into the collection and cataloguing them so they are accessible to the staff and the public for research or future exhibitions. In addition, I really like the change of pace when exhibition installation week rolls around! I love being able to help hang artwork and get the exhibition space ready for visitors.

Alessandra Cirelli at RMG Fridays

RMG: What are 5 things you couldn’t live without in your job?

AC: That’s a tough one, off the top of my head I’d say…

Minisis, Online collections Database
Artists and artworks hardcopy files
Pencils! Since you can’t have a pen anywhere near the art… I seem to keep one with me everywhere I go now.
Colourful Sticky notes
An agenda!

RMG: What do you get up to outside of the RMG?

AC: During the summer months, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming and going on road trips. Often you can find me with a group of friends enjoying a live band on a patio somewhere in and around the GTA or further, I love exploring new places. I truly enjoy winter… I have been skiing since I was 9 and snowboarding since I was 14.

Alessandra Cirelli at RMG Exposed

Meet Our New Board Members

During our Annual General Meeting on June 23, 2016, with our current board and gallery members, we elected four new members to our Board of Trustees. A warm welcome to our new Trustees and thank you to all who applied for these positions.

Shashi Bhatia

Among Shashi’s many contributions are included her founding of the Indo-Canadian Cultural Association of Durham whose programs are designed to promote tolerance and understanding among all. She is co-chair: DRPS and Diversity Advisory Committee, member: Public Library Board, member: Multi-faith Communities of Durham, member: Durham Cultural Collective, an Influencer: Canadian Armed Forces, Chair: South Asian and Asian Heritage Festival and Chaired: fund raising initiatives for the Durham West Arts Centre. Member: Durham delegation to Turkey, China and to Trinidad to promote Durham Region and Pickering Ambassador to India. Shashi is the recipient of a number of awards for her volunteer efforts including Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee award.

Cheryl Blackman

Cheryl is Assistant Vice-President, Audience at the Royal Ontario Museum(ROM). Her responsibilities include ensuring a quality experience, managing the front of house and audience research. Cheryl is the main point of contact for the Museum’s 1300+ vibrant Volunteers, and she leads the ROM’s Community Access Network which she has grown into more than 40 partnerships with groups across the GTHA. Cheryl’s leadership and commitment to inclusion has grown this area into a highly successful part of the ROM where the Museum regularly achieves high satisfaction levels amongst visitors and wins awards for innovation in all aspects of access and community building. Cheryl has a deep belief in lifelong learning which she tapped into while completing her MBA. Cheryl’s focus was Hospitality and Tourism management. Prior to joining the ROM in 2004, Cheryl had a distinguished 16 year career at Air Canada. In her last role at the airline, she was seconded to the Terminal 1 New team and served as the Manager of Training.

Kevin Dougherty

As the Associate Dean in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Durham College he is responsible for the administration, and delivery of all Communications and General Education curriculum as well as the General Arts and Sciences certificate programs housed in the school. Prior to becoming Associate Dean, he held a faculty position in the School of Business, IT and Management at Durham College for 17 years responsible for curriculum development and delivery in the areas of programming, database design and business systems analysis. A graduate of Information Systems at Durham College he also holds a M.A. in Adult Education and Digital Technologies from UOIT. His research focuses on the adoption of digital technologies into the teaching and learning practices of community college faculty across Ontario. His previous governance experience includes six years as the elected faculty member to the Board of Governors for Durham College during which time he also was a member and vice-chair of the Audit and Finance Committee of the Board.

Gerard O’Neill

Gerard was born in Ireland and raised in Toronto. He graduated from the Universities of Windsor and Toronto and year retired from teaching after twenty-five extraordinary years in Durham in 2015. He fills his days as an executive member of the Retired Teachers of Ontario, the chair of the Legends Community Garden, and avid Blue Jays fan. He loves to travel with his wife and explore the many destinations that make up our ever growing “Bucket List”. With their large, and unruly dog Daphne, he lives a friend filled quiet life in Oshawa.