Held at Vaughan’s Venetian Banquet Hall,

The third Annual Girls’ Night Out Gala turned up the heat on 300 guests at Vaughan’s Venetian Banquet Hall in support of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation’s Fire Fighter’s Cancer Research Fund. The first 200 guests were handed a steamy 2013 firefighter calendar before erupting into a frenzy fueled by a thrilling gala raffle and entertaining floor show featuring classically trained viloinist Grenville Pinto and the Toronto Fire Fighters. Since its inception, the event has raised over $10,000

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Held at the Paramount Event and Conference Centre in Vaughan,

Hollywood fitness guru Richard Simmons, The Pointer Sisters and the Magan Boys entertained the young stars of tomorrow at the second annual Dance to Conquer Cancer — Disco Days and Boogie Nights. Held at the Paramount Event and Conference Centre in Vaughan, the event raised over $450,000 to benefi t cancer research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Students over the age of 12 broke out into 70 teams and danced the day away as Paul Alofs, president and CEO of their efforts. Participants danced 10,000 steps in support of cancer research funding before enjoying a delicious dinner and incredible

www.thepmcf.ca

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A Night In Red’s Ducati-themed charity event for the Hospital for Sick Children, organized by Rev It Up Foundation, brought out best in guests, sponsors and volunteers who raised $25,000. DJ Mario “Figs” set the soundtrack for a high-spirited evening of generosity. Driven to make a difference, Rev It Up Foundation also proudly announced a long-term $500,000 commitment to SickKids which will be used to purchase leading-edge equipment for the hospital’s cardiology fl oor. Rev It Up For SickKids’ annual ride will be held in July.

www.revitupforsickkids.com

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Giuseppe Agrippa takes the scenic route with his wide-ranging landscaping firm

The city’s lush, sprawling backyards have become a hotbed for seasoned landscapers, but one green-thumbed entrepreneur has risen above the rest. “The fact that we’re able to transform nothing into something that people can enjoy for years is an incredible feeling,” says Giuseppe Agrippa, president of Vaughan Landscaping. Agrippa, who founded his company 11 years ago at the age of 20, has cultivated his craft into an all-encompassing, award-winning firm focused on quality, customization and client care.

“Word of mouth has played a big part in our success,” says Agrippa, who caters to homeowners across the GTA and recently transformed a Forest Hill backyard into a breathtaking retreat. “I’m there from start to finish to ensure the level of quality is something I can be proud of. You’re only as good as the people who work for you so I have a skilled team behind me.”

From patios, pergolas, stonework and gazebos, to lighting, irrigation, water features and pool construction, Vaughan Landscaping and Agrippa’s subsidiary company, Vaughan Pools, can turn any outdoor space into an intimate oasis.

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www.vaughanlandscaping.ca
www.vaughanpools.ca
(416) 991-9333

There are times when significant moments have the ability to transform the course and purpose of our lives. For Alfredo Aiello, that defining moment came on a crisp spring day in the 1970s after successfully selling a family’s house in Etobicoke and relocating them to a new home in Mississauga. The selling and buying process wasn’t just a transaction for the aspiring Aiello — it was the starting point of a career embedded in a feeling of pride and sense of accomplishment that comes from finding families the perfect home. Alfredo’s initial experiences in real estate eventually set forth the foundation of a promising career, one that would expand and continue over four memorable decades.

Immersed in the industry since March of 1975, Alfredo got his feet wet in residential resale and commercial real estate before working at a leading development firm in Vaughan. “In 1984, I became involved in the new homes division at Greenpark Homes, keeping my land and commercial touch as I explored a part of real estate that intrigued me,” says Alfredo, who continued to pursue his passions in and around the GTA. Soon enough, his son Massimo Aiello began to display interest in his profession, obtaining his Broker’s Designation at the tender and rebellious age of 19. With Alfredo’s expertise in new homes and Massimo’s proficiency in customer and company liaisons, the father-son twosome decided it was time to set out on their own.

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In 2004, the Aiello’s founded the Concord location of HomeLife Premium One Realty Corp., an independently owned and operated brokerage firm. From the moment their partnership began, their reputation as distinguished professionals in the industry grew. Specializing in residential low-rises, industrial and commercial real estate, new homes, in-fill sites, land acquisition and development, and boasting a resale division networked by 45 award-winning realtors, the duo has launched their full-service real estate brokerage to the top. “We had a vision to expand and that meant following our life callings,” says Massimo, proudly adding that in both 2009 and 2011, HomeLife Canada awarded their firm with Most Productive Office in Canada awards.

Aligning themselves with prominent builders/developers, the Aiello name is synonymous with selling and marketing communities, and a customer-first approach. “Our service is based on loyalty, professionalism and respect,” says Alfredo, happily noting that the company has successfully stretched its latitude across key markets. Springing off from one of their biggest projects — the Upper Thornhill Estates community — Alfredo and Massimo look forward to their highly anticipated sites in Vaughan, Brampton, Newmarket, King City, Milton, Aurora, Whitby and Ajax, which cater to first-time buyers and purchasers of exclusive, executive homes. “We are always researching communities and how to enhance them, specifically those in the GTA,” explains Massimo. From selling to the market, to overseeing sales pavilions, reviewing renderings from builders, forecasting trends, incentive strategies and offering comparative market analysis and support to clients, the two are deeply dedicated to every detail of their developments.

Expanding their vision vertically across GTA skylines, Alfredo and Massimo continue to build their legacy, multiple projects at the same time. “Our expertise lies in the new homes sector, dealing with builders/developers, examining and sourcing land — essentially covering a process that takes us from A to Z,” says Alfredo. “And all projects are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.”

3-960 Edgeley Blvd., Concord, Ont.
(416) 410-9111, www.homelifepremiumone.com

Cristina Piccirillo of Dominion Lending Centres introduces her expert band of mortgage brokers

Cristina Piccirillo
Mortgage Broker/Owner at Dominion Lending Centres
The Goal: To grow, to gain more agents, to give back and to unlock new opportunities. 
The Calling: For me, the most important thing is to genuinely give clients the service that they need. Everyone has a different story. I want to give clients long-term solutions, not simply what’s good for right now. 
The Team: I look for people who care deeply about their clients’ best interests and have a genuine desire to help others. We have a strong team.
The Journey: I joined DLC in 2007 after being in the financial services industry for 10 years. I was fortunate to be mentored by one of the top brokers in Canada, so when an agent becomes a member of my team they know I’m here to support them.

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Claudia Ruggiero-Ayoub
The Goal: To build new friendships and help families get to a better place. 
The Vision: Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” That sums up the way I feel about my work here.
The Reward: I love meeting new people. It’s such a great team and environment. Cristina Piccirillo has been a fantastic mentor.

Angie Macri
The Calling: It’s just what I enjoy doing, it’s what I’ve always done — helping customers, satisfying their needs, putting them in a product that best suits their lifestyle. I love talking one-on-one with clients, whether it’s how to get them out of debt, find a lower rate or put a roof over their heads. 
The Advice: Let me do the work for you. That’s my job.

Joe Malta
The Calling: Many people are in need of advice and have nowhere to turn. Being a voice for people who are lost is the most satisfying part of my day. 
The Advice: Give us a call because more times than not we can help. From debt consolidation, bruised credit and home renovations to build financing and land acquisitions, we have the insight and expertise to guide you through.

Maddalena Di Giovanni
The Goal: To help people find the mortgage or loan that is right for them while keeping an eye on the future. My commitment is to provide my clients with integrity-based, transparent service and inform them of all available options to save them money.
The Calling: To help people achieve their goals, whether it’s home ownership, business expansion or investments.

Anna Peluso-DeCicco
The Goal: To be a part of as many lives as possible, whether it’s in the excitement of a new home purchase or helping to resolve a complicated, stressful situation.
The Calling: I think the love I have for my job stems from my love of working with people. That’s what truly drives me.

Vince Commisso
The Goal: At the end of the day you want happy clients. You want to give back and reciprocate the good that’s come your way. 
The Calling: I know how tough it can be and how stressful it can be to obtain loans, get a mortgage and start making payments, so I’m able to put myself in other people’s shoes.

Vickie Lupoi
Office Administrator

Tanya Lucente
Executive Assistant

Visit Cristina Piccirillo at Dominion Lending Centres’ new location:
281 Woodbridge Ave., Unit 28, Woodbridge, Ont. 905.605.LEND / cpiccirillo@dominionlending.ca

From winter blues to hot new hues, Amado Salon has the latest tools to revitalize your tresses — just in time for spring. “This season is all about renewal,” says creative director Robert Amado, a veteran in the industry with close to 15 years of experience.

Since opening Amado Salon four years ago, the colour expert has become a fixture in Kleinburg’s hair scene, receiving praise from clients that keep going back to the award-winning salon. And it’s easy to see why.

The full-service parlour boasts a bevy of personalized options, from colour and highlights, precision-cut styles and glossy treatments for an everyday look or any special occasion. Keratin and shea butter hair therapy and organic hair care products will restore your hair’s lustrous glow, as a spectrum of professional hair dye replenishes and enriches. Complementing every type of lifestyle with eco-friendly, ammonia-free colours from Nectaya or Elumen’s creative colours, Amado Salon holds the key to gorgeous hair. “If there’s ever a time to get a fresh new look,” says Amado, “it’s now.”

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New customers only, just 21 packages available!
Our $99 Spring Women’s Hair Package includes:

1. Colour & Style Consultation valued at $25
2. New Style Cut valued at $55
3. Partial Highlighting Foils valued at $60
4. Permanent Colour Root Touch-Up valued at $52 (add $45 for full-colour change)
5. Gloss & Hydration Hair Treatment valued at $25
6. Luxurious Blow-Dry and Style Finish valued at $30
7. Hair Styling Lesson so you can recreate your gorgeous new look at home

Total Package Value: $247
All promo packages geared to selected stylists.
Extra charge with Elumen or Nectaya colour application.

www.amado.ca, (905) 893-3686
10462 Islington Ave. Unit #2, Kleinburg, Ont.

Q: What inspired you to be a photographer?
A: I remember as a child seeing an enlargement of the very famous photograph by Robert Doisneau, “Le Baiser de L’hôtel de Ville”. Even then I was struck by the blend of reality and art that photography could produce. From that point on I was always searching for the magic in imagery that could tie together the experience with the esthetic. I’m fortunate that now I can bring my own expression of this phenomenon as a working photographer.

Q: What did your parents teach you about life?
A: My family has always been very supportive of my at times erratic choices in life. They encouraged me from a young age to pursue what fulfilled me and made me happy. I’m paraphrasing, but my father told me that “Each person is innately great at something” and I extrapolated from that finding. Pursuing that core ability is the purpose of a successful life.

Q: As a photographer, what message were you hoping to capture while photographing spoken word poet Shane Koyczan?
A: I was hoping to portray a number of things from my shoot with Shane. Primarily I wanted to show that he and his message could be a source for change, but I also wanted to show the character that was behind such powerful and emotional work. I chose to shoot him in a neutral studio setting so as to remove the distractions of stage and performance that are normally associated with him and bring his character, rather than his stage presence, to attention.

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Q: What was your first impression of him?
A: Damn! I will never be able to express myself as clearly as this man. Shane’s work is a source of inspiration and his goal really is to incite change.The greatest actions stem from simple, transmittable ideas and I really feel that Shane’s work is littered with those ideas, those seeds of change.

Q: As a child, were you ever bullied? If so, please share that moment with us.
A: I think we can all attest to being bullied. I was once bullied into being a bully and coerced into hitting another student with a tree branch. I really didn’t want to do it, but I did and I’ve never forgotten the shame of acquiescing to that pressure and abandoning my values. I’m still a little disgusted with myself now, 20 years later.

Q: Why is it important for people like Shane to spread awareness on bullying?
A: Our culture is such that although we can all see the problems that affect and limit our potential we’re afraid to take action. We’re always looking for someone
else to lead the way. It’s the few and the courageous, like Shane, that ultimately give us the tools to make a difference.

Q: What are three words you would use to
describe him?
A: Courageous. Honest. Loving.

Kaare Iverson
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Kaare Iverson, along with his wife and camera, is currently exploring the United States and Canada before transitioning to a new base in San Francisco. He’s 28 and has been shooting professionally for five years. His work focuses on portraiture and adventure sports.

Check out Kaare at www.kaareiverson.com
or follow his blog at blog.kaareiverson.com

Victorian chairs, vintage chandeliers, antique ottomans, stainless steel sinks, sliding doors and stylish textiles fill the aisles of Habitat for Humanity’s Vaughan ReStore. A haven for homeowners in the midst of renovating, a playground for value hunters and a source of revenue for one of York Region’s most transformative not-for-profit organizations is breaking ground with its resourceful retail concept.

“It’s an amazing success story all around and the ReStore is a big part of it,” says Habitat for Humanity York Region’s newly appointed executive director Tom Vegh. By selling pre-loved home improvement goods, furniture, flooring, home accessories, lighting and appliances at a fraction of the retail price, Habitat for Humanity’s York Region ReStore outlets have been serving the public, preserving the environment and saving savvy shoppers money.

“We can’t build homes without this,” says Bryon Disera, operations manager of York Region ReStores. With an annual revenue stream of approximately $1.2 million, the Vaughan and Newmarket locations offset Habitat’s administration expenses, so 100 per cent of local benefactions can go directly towards its successful homebuilding program. “It ends the cycle of poverty and gets families and their children out of unsafe situations and into safe affordable home ownership,” he adds.

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Established nearly a decade ago, the primarily volunteer-run retail model is simple. Generous homeowners who want their gently used building material, furniture or appliances to go to a better cause can donate their salvageable goods to ReStore outlets, which will not only collect their reclaimed items but also issue a charitable tax receipt for the value sold. Local residents can then acquire these items at low prices and zero HST with the comfort of knowing their purchases will help pave the way for low-income families.

Conserving more than 500 tonnes of material that would otherwise end up in landfills, ReStore’s mission goes far beyond the brickwork. “You’re saving the environment and helping families in the community, it’s a win-win situation,” Disera says of the outlets, which are also supported by retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, Rona and Prima Lighting, which generously donate new, discontinued, overstocked and returned items, ensuring inventory is refreshed with quality products on a daily basis.

Since its inception in 2001, Habitat for Humanity York Region has built 13 homes throughout the community and has recently secured land in Sutton to begin its 14th home in early May. By visiting the ReStores in Vaughan or Newmarket today, you can help build a better tomorrow.

www.habitatyork.ca/restore
Call (905) 868-8723 to inquire about donating your items and arrange a pick-up or visit Vaughan ReStore at 405 Rowntree Dairy Rd. or Newmarket ReStore at 776 Davis Dr.

1. BROOKLYN’S FINEST
Discover a new sense of style with the modern and comfort-seeking Brooklyn Home Décor Collection.
www.geovin.com

2. AS LUCK WOOD HAVE IT
The Domicile Stool adds elegance and luxury to your home environment.
www.elte.com

3. A FULL PLATE
The Turquoise Cambria Dinnerware collection brings warmth and appetizing ambiance to every family dinner table.
www.potterybarn.com

4. NATURAL BEAUTY
Set the stage for the outdoor season with the Palmetto All-Weather Wicker Rounded collection.
www.potterybarn.com

5. UNDER MY UMBRELLA
Add comfort to your outdoor oasis with the Chatham Chaise Outdoor backyard collection.
www.potterybarn.com

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6. MORE THAN FLUFF
Featuring artful embroidery and everlasting enjoyment, the Bougainvillea Branch Lumbar Pillow assists in creating a picturesque outdoor environment.
www.potterybarn.com

7. MIRROR, MIRROR
Brighten up your home décor with beachy vase fillers, sculptural shells in gleaming mercury and elegant ceramic vases.
www.potterybarn.com

8. AN APPLE A DAY
No collection of serving pieces is complete without the handmade Vintage Wood Carved Serving Bowl.
www.potterybarn.com

9. MODERNIST CUISINE
Completed with chrome, black nickel, copper and brass, the Voiles Dining Table adds luxury and elegance to your home décor.
www.roche-bobois.com

10. LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER
Nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like this dazzling Gold and Pink Letterpress Card.
www.etsy.com

11. STAY GROUNDED
The ever-evolving decorative collection at Elte will be a delightful addition to your home living environment.
www.elte.com

12. A NEW LEAF
Artfully crafted with a special pigment to mimic weathered limestone, the Brittany Planters collection enhances home gardens.
www.potterybarn.com

13. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
Made from laboratory test tubes, set in two plywood bands, the Maria S.C. chandelier produces lighting in a unique, contemporary way.
www.etsy.com

14. THINK INSIDE THE BOX
Compatible with iPhone 3, 3G, 4, 4S and 5, the Dock Box Acoustic Amplifier projects your music in a boisterous yet decorative way.
www.etsy.com

15. BED OF ROSES
Wish for a certain colour? The Custom Colour Ruffle Rose collection features hand-sewn, one-of-a-kind pillows that will brighten up your home living space.
www.etsy.com

16. COUNTRY STYLE
Handmade with dark clay, the Large Rustic Cream Serving Bowl works well to serve delicious food at your dinner table.
www.etsy.com

17. BUY A LONG SHOT
Using freshly ground beans, the Breville Barista Express espresso machine delivers the optimum path from espresso bean to thick and decadent coffee in less than two minutes.
www.amazon.ca

18. OLD HOLLYWOOD
Carefully crafted from rusty metal
in order to add a look of authenticity, the Vintage Marquee Lights bring an antique appeal to your lighting collection. www.etsy.com