We have been living in Whitby (Williamsburg) for 12 years and recently sold our home to embark on an adventure with our little family! We have 2 kids, 2 dogs and a cat. We have loved living in Whitby, raising our kids and being involved in the community. We’ve been rookie baseball coaches with the underdog team, foster home to over 18 Northern Ontario rescue dogs and have built a village of amazing people here. Anyone who knows us, knows that we LOVE Christmas (affectionately known as The Christmas Couple). For 13 years, we have hosted an Annual Themed Christmas Open House for family, friends and co-workers, challenged Whitby Hydro with our light display and blinded our neighbours a la Clark Griswold.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We met at work 16 years ago and have been married for ten years. Our son Connor is 12 and our daughter Brenlyn is 9. Sasquatch is our Northern Ontario rescue dog and Echo is our loveable Golden Retriever. We love camping and for the last 3 summers, have enjoyed boating in Port Severn and Georgian Bay.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
We both work in the Communications Centre with Toronto Paramedic Services and have been in various emergency dispatch roles over the past 16 years. We both love the job and the satisfaction that it brings. The past 18 months have been especially challenging in our roles, but it’s comforting to know that we have made a difference for many.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Greek Tycoon, Mancini’s, Tuscan Wolf
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived here for 12 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Our daughter Brenlyn says her friend Daphne can do some really weird stuff…and Chris Pyke is the only person I’ve met in real life that can pull of a Yoda t-shirt with a blazer.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Hawaii and French Polynesia. We had a 2 week cruise booked for our tenth wedding anniversary last September and those were the destinations. We hope to travel to both one day (but probably not on a cruise ship!)
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Star Wars (Return of the Jedi) and Friends.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Pick your battles, they’re not all worth fighting. Do the thing – you won’t regret it. Be kind to people, kindness travels. Be with someone who makes you laugh, every day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Moving to Nova Scotia – check! Next…boating on the Atlantic.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Beatles (for James) and Sheryl Crow (for Angela)
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Brock Street Brewery. We remember talking to Mark Woitzik about it when it was just an idea among friends and it’s been amazing to see it come to life and thrive in the community.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
For James, Paul McCartney – to discuss music and song-writing on the patio at the Pearson Pub. For Angela – my high school music teacher, Sharon Reid. She had such an impact on me growing up and I’d love to reconnect and share a glass of wine.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The way people come together to help someone in need. Several years ago, our neighbourhood crossing guards inflatable Christmas display was vandalized and the whole community came together to rebuild it for her. Caremongers Whitby is another example of the kindness of strangers.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In our (soon to be ours) home overlooking the Minas Basin, enjoying life at a slower pace.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
We do NOT like our cat. He brings nothing to the table. But he’s family so we have to take him with us.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Driving through Banff National Park in the winter. Kawaii.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favourite month is July (prime boating season!). Christmas. January 1st – a fresh start every year.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Taking a risk – growth is uncomfortable but the reward is usually awesome.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
For both of us, the parents that we lost too early.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Campfire and the body lotion from Ste Annes spa.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family – Unconditional Love – Comfort
