A passion for Whitby’s heritage, and bringing it to life for others! This is what describes me. Whitby has a rich heritage that many individuals are not aware of. And so I created a community service group called Vintage Whitby, on Facebook. Individuals post there memories, pictures and memorabilia of days gone by in Whitby. Vintage Whitby has brought our citizens, both former and current, together and have re-established relationships within the community. In addition, Vintage Whitby has bridged generation gaps, through the stories of parents and grand parents. Vintage Whitby has lead to other endeavors, such as the development of heritage-related technology-based projects for the Town of Whitby and the Whitby and Brooklin branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. These projects include the “Talking Historical Plaques” and the “Interactive Honour Our Veterans Banners”. In addition, I have established a heritage-related business that creates custom made memorial videos for families (www.lastingmemories.bz). So much history, so little time! I plan on continuing to bring our Town’s history to life to the people of Whitby!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family moved to Whitby in 1973. My father purchased his first house in the brand new West Lynde subdivision, and has lived there ever since.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a meteorologist with Environment Canada and Climate Change. One of my job functions is researching tornadoes that occur over the water (waterspouts). I am also the director of the International Centre for Waterspout Research (www.icwr.ca) What I love most about my job is that it is never the same each day. There is so much to learn about our atmosphere.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favourite restaurants are Chatterpaul’s and the Brock Street Brewery.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
48 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Brian Winter.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Europe. I love European history and architecture.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favourite movie is, of course, Gladiator :). My favourite TV shows are all from the 1960s and 70’s, when I was a kid.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
To strive for a positive attitude in life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To write an interactive book on the history of Whitby.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Ambrosia.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Corner Pizza.
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?
Brian Winter. Brian has the most interesting stories of Whitby’s past. We have met for lunch “in the past” at the Brock Street Brewery.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our heritage.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Retired and volunteering at the Whitby Historical Society.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I am learning to develop apps.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Italy.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
August. Christmas. October 29.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A fine wine.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Roses and plums.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Whitby, Heydenshore Park, West Lynde.
