Hello, I am Linda Lyons Stahlbaum and I’ve been a resident of Whitby since 1973. My family moved from Toronto into a brand-new development called West Lynde that was surrounded by farms to the west and north of Hwy #2 (before the high rise apartments). We were a small town at that time and as kids we either walked or road our bikes everywhere. As a teen I volunteered with Boy Scouts and the Recording the Whitby Historical Society. I worked at the local hospital formally called Dr. Joseph O Ruddy, now Lakeridge Health Whitby, and the Whitby Fire Department. Having spent a few summers attending the Junior Fire Fighter program, working for the summer as a Leader was extremely rewarding and fun. I attended a few schools and am a Henry Street High School Alumni. I have great memories growing up here!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family is full of characters and we are all very close. Rob and I raised our family here and we have all enjoyed being part of this great community.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My professional career spans from experience in both the Corporate and not-for-profit sectors. As a Senior Project Manager to a Consultant, I’ve enjoyed working in many industries on a variety of projects. I have recently become licensed as a Mortgage Agent and am loving this new role! Building relationships and helping people with personalized lending solutions to attain their goal of owing a home or consolidating their finances is very rewarding. This role has also re-connected me with people from my past and that has been an awesome fun experience.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many!! Today I would say, Brothers, The Vault, and Bella Notte. From the past -does anyone remember Anthony’s/Stairways (now Mondo’s) or the Ali Baba Steak House (now The Brock House)?
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My family moved here in 1973.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One of them is Bob Attersley, our former Mayor and a 1958 Whitby Dunlop. He had such passion and vision for our Town.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Australia would be up there as a close first. We have family there and it would be amazing to meet them!.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
How do we pick only one? Princess Bride for a move.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be true to yourself. Be respectful and kind, always.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A road trip down the West Coast from Vancouver to LA!
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Van Morrison, Blue Rodeo and 70’s/80’s music
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
West Lynde Burger (now North End Burger) John the owner was an one of a kind!
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?
This is a very broad question and there are many choices. Locally I’d love to have lunch with Brian Winter, our former Whitby Archivist. He wrote a book about Whitby called Chronicles of a County Town and has some fascinating memories and stories.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our community strength is people! Whitby has become one of the best places to live and raise a family.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully doing exactly what I’m doing now!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a passion for Community Theatre, and I am a Life Member of The Whitby Courthouse Theatre. It is through our membership with ACT-CO (The Association of Community Theatre) that I became an award-winning Director for the production of The Rocky Horror Show.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hands down Hawaii! You just cannot take a bad picture as it is truly a piece of paradise.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October for the stunning beauty of the fall colours. Christmas is my favourite holiday as it is a time of great celebration and family gatherings!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Before covid hit us I would say the Whitby Courthouse Theatre shows. Their production value is exceptional! Their youth program is a great place for youth to obtain confidence, experience, and life lasting friendships. Community Theatre is the cornerstone to professional theatre
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family – my parents, husband and our kids <3
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh Bread baking & Coffee Brewing
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warmth, Laugher, Love
