Introducing Our april Member Spotlight: Meet OZ (AKA MARTIN)!

We asked Oz to share with our Members a brief overview of his background and some of the key moments that have shaped who he is. 

Oz grew up in Keswick on Lake Simcoe in a haunted house with a ghost named Gertrude, where he spent a lot of time swimming and playing hockey. His family moved to Toronto when he was 16 where he worked in construction. They had a cottage in Meaford so he eventually moved here, and worked as a bartender at Talisman Ski Hill. This is how he got to know a lot of people in the area. He recalls that sailors would come into the bar, which led him to learn how to sail and take part in the Georgian Bay Regatta. 

Over 10 years ago, he had a heart attack and was sent for a bypass surgery. Always looking on the bright side, Oz shares that had great roommates who would joke around and laugh all day. A couple of years later, he experienced multiple strokes, and praises his nephews for saving his life. He spent a couple of months in the Owen Sound hospital recovering, and is grateful that he lived to tell the tale. 

Returning home without a license, he began taking the Meaford accessible bus to get around. The bus driver suggested that Oz should learn how to drive a bus! Inspired, Oz worked hard to get his license back, and has been driving the bus ever since. Going above and beyond for anyone who rides his bus, he hands out flowers regularly.

A proud uncle, Oz lights up when he talks about his family. Watching his great nephew's hockey games, he remembers the days when he played and it fills him with joy. 

The next time you see OZ, share a friendly hello!

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Introducing Our MARCH Member Spotlight: Meet pattie!

Can you share a brief overview of your background and journey that has led you to where you are today?

I was a Realtor for 15 years and then an Office Manager at Century 21 in Barrie for 4 years. My husband was a Golf Professional for many of our 57 years of marriage. We retired and wintered at our condo in Titusville, Florida every 6 months for 11 years playing golf together 5 days a week. Once Covid hit, we sold. We now spend 6 months at our cottage in Port Severn and 6 months with our family here in Thornbury. Now I play pickleball every Saturday with my family here, and 5 days a week on our courts at Port Severn. I still golf but not as often. 

What drives and motivates you in your work or personal pursuits, and how do you stay inspired and focused?

I work out in the Lemonade Collective salt water pool most weekdays. The staff and facility is first class, the water is always warm and clean and I love the new sauna. I've met many new friends. We're always laughing and having fun during our workouts. Come and join us. This is truly my happy place! 

Could you highlight some of the projects or endeavors you're currently involved in that you're particularly excited about?

A project I am passionate about is painting, which I started at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg. The Artists, who meet every Tuesday, generously donate paintings for the residents of Errinrung Long Term Care. Residents select and keep a painting for their room. We are doing this again in March. 

The next time you see Pattie, share a friendly hello!

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Introducing Our December Member Spotlight: Meet Tetiana & Vlad!

Can you share a brief overview of your background and journey that has led you to where you are today?

We are both from Odessa, Ukraine. When the war in Ukraine started, Vlad was already in Poland.  In 2022 there was a special program for Ukrainians to get a visa to Canada, and we did it, not knowing whether we would use this visa or not. But then during discussions we decided to take a risk and try, and that's how we ended up in Canada.

What are some of the key moments or experiences in your life or career that have shaped who you are and what you're passionate about?

Tetiana:  I always wanted to dance!  I started dance classes since I was 4 years old and I havent stopped dancing since. I love to dance and to teach dance and movement. 

Vlad: I always loved to prepare food and it is my dream to be an amazing chef and create amazing food for people to enjoy. 

Could you highlight some of the projects or endeavours you're currently involved in that you're particularly excited about?

Vlad - I am inspired by the kitchen. I love cooking, being creative in my presentations. Now I work in the kitchen and am inspired by cooking. I love cooking for my loved ones and watching them enjoy my food.

Tetiana:  I had many projects in the Ukraine that I enjoyed related to dancing and as a Social Media specialist and related to my post secondary education in Maritime Logistics.  So now, in Canada, I am trying to get established in all or any of these activities/professions.

The next time you see Tetiana & Vlad, share a friendly hello!

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Introducing Our September Member Spotlight: Meet carl!

We are thrilled to introduce our Member of the Month, Carl! An exceptional squash player with a remarkable skill set, Carl continues to impress us all with his dedication and finesse on the court. What makes Carl truly special is his humble nature and the genuine kindness he brings to every interaction. Whether he's in the midst of a thrilling match or simply enjoying a friendly chat, Carl's warm smile and positive attitude light up the Lemonade Collective. His passion for the game and cheerful presence make him a true asset to our community.

Can you share a brief overview of your background and journey that has led you to where you are today?

I’ve often been drawn to other people’s stories. I think that’s probably how I ended up with a degree in English, and maybe what led in part to my becoming a paralegal. Over the years I’ve worked in a diversity of workplaces, doing jobs from computer repair and website design, to painting and landscaping. I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of knowledgeable, passionate, and effective people.

I recently started a business called “Collingwood Carl” (www.collingwoodcarl.ca), and I’ve been grateful to continue learning under the guidance of others, while effectively drawing on past experiences and putting them to use.

What are some of the key moments or experiences in your life or career that have shaped who you are and what you're passionate about?

When I was young and school was out for the summer, my parents, busy with work, enrolled me in tennis camp. I’m not sure exactly what inspired them to bring me there, but I stumbled into an obsession with the game for many years.

Fast forward to the end of university—I wasn’t as physically active, but fondly remembered my tennis days. I took a job at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, hoping to pick up the racket again. However, as a private club I wasn’t allowed to play. Fortunately, a colleague mentioned that the club would subsidize a gym membership, and he brought me out to play squash at a local gym. I’ve been playing ever since.

Could you highlight some of the projects or endeavours you're currently involved in that you're particularly excited about?

At work I’ve been fortunate to engage in a variety of projects. Some require careful research and planning, which I thoroughly enjoy. However, I also enjoy the unpredictability of days when I schedule work with others and don’t quite know where we’ll be going, or what tasks we’ll be tackling. This blend of structure and spontaneity keeps me energized and excited.

On the squash court I get a thrill out of playing in tournaments. There’s a unique excitement in playing at unfamiliar venues, sometimes with different court conditions. You never know how your competitor will perform or what it will take to excel in the moment.

The next time you see Carl, share a friendly hello!

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Introducing Our FEBRUARY Member Spotlight: Meet Maureen & Curtis!

Can you share a brief overview of your background and journey that has led you to where you are today?

We arrived, with a recommendation from a friend, at the Lemonade Collective in the winter of 2022, taking out our first fitness and swimming memberships ever. Having moved our home from Toronto to the Georgian Bay communities, we were anxious to improve our physical fitness. Our three daughters and their families no longer lived in Toronto and it was time to ‘right-size’ our home for the coming years. Little did we know that this wonderful centre would also introduce us to so many persons who we now count as close friends. 

What are some of the key moments or experiences in your life or career that have shaped who you are and what you're passionate about?

Given our lifelong concern with environmental impacts on our community in Toronto we immediately joined CANN-TBM; Climate Action Now Network- “Going Green for Blue.” We now are deeply involved in going to TBM Council Meetings to support and address important issues in our community, including care of the Georgian Trail, working with Tree Trust to plant and care for the majestic trees of the community and the planting and care for the Tiny Forest. Our new friendships with fellow climate advocates for our community are treasured by us.

What drives and motivates you in your work or personal pursuits, and how do you stay inspired and focused?

We now prioritize our wellness by starting our week at Lemonade Collective and feel very energized as we engage in our community activities.

Could you highlight some of the projects or endeavours you're currently involved in that you're particularly excited about?

In addition to Aquafit, we now take Pilates classes, Fascia/works with Ryan, and are learning about the care of our bodies in new ways. As we age there is much to consider in our balance, stretching, and endurance capabilities.

Maureen is a hospice community visiting volunteer with Hospice Georgian Triangle. Curtis continues being involved as a volunteer board member with a not-for-profit housing provider in Toronto and loves sharing a passion for learning about and enjoying wines from around the world. We love to visit wine regions around the world.

Looking Ahead

We want to first express our gratitude for the continuing service to the wellness of our community by Melissa, G, Michelle, and all the staff of Lemonade Collective. We are indebted to you for your care of us as we continue to grow roots in Thornbury and The Blue Mountains. We hope to continue our deepening relationships with the friends we have met through Lemonade Collective.

The next time you see Maureen & Curtis, share a friendly hello!

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Introducing Our May Member Spotlight: Meet ed!

Can you share with our Members a brief overview of your background and journey that has led you to where you are today?

Ed grew up in Northern Ontario, spending his early years in Timmins and Sudbury before heading "down south" to study Engineering at Queen’s University, where he graduated. Early in his career, he joined The Campbell Soup Company in Toronto, and alongside his wife, embarked on a corporate journey that took them across North America. At just 33 years old, Ed became a plant manager in Manitoba, and later held key roles in both New Jersey and South Carolina. Eventually, Ed returned to Toronto to manage The Campbell’s Canada operations.

After several successful years, he moved into senior leadership roles with Nabisco Brands — where, humorously, he notes he went from “soup to nuts” overseeing Planters products — and later Maple Leaf Mills. While building his career, Ed and his wife Gail raised their son and daughter and pursued an active lifestyle, with Ed being an avid jogger, golfer, and skier.

It was skiing at Craigleith that first introduced the family to South Georgian Bay and Thornbury, a place they quickly grew to love. Ed and Gail became members at Craigleith Ski Club, where they built friendships over 25 years. After Gail’s passing 12 years ago, Ed continued to visit Thornbury on weekends before deciding to move up full-time — around the same time that Lemonade Collective opened. He joined just a month after its opening, calling it "one of the best moves I ever made," appreciating the welcoming community, the pool for workouts, the camaraderie of fellow members, and the sauna — especially meaningful to him given his Finnish heritage.

What are some of the key moments or experiences in your life or career that have shaped who you are and what you're passionate about?

Several early experiences had a profound impact on Ed.

Working in an underground mine during his high school and university years taught him the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of building strong relationships with the people around him. It also reinforced his motivation to pursue higher education — something his parents strongly encouraged, shaped in part by his father’s experience working in the mines.

Throughout his corporate career, frequent relocations and transitions demanded adaptability and openness to meeting new people and working in new environments. These experiences shaped Ed's flexible, community-focused approach to life and work.

What drives and motivates you in your work or personal pursuits, and how do you stay inspired and focused?

Ed lives by a simple but powerful principle: If you’re going to do something, do it well.
Commitment and a strong work ethic have always been at the heart of everything he takes on. Once he decides to pursue something, he follows through with full effort, staying motivated by pride in doing things to the best of his ability.

Could you highlight some of the projects or endeavors you're currently involved in that you're particularly excited about?

Today, Ed is especially passionate about choral singing. Although he had never sung formally before, he took a leap and joined the Shoreline Chorus in Owen Sound, singing bass. The chorus performs 18–20 songs per concert series each season across Grey and Bruce counties, including Thornbury. In addition to music, Ed cherishes regular gatherings with friends and neighbours — another way he stays connected and engaged with the community he loves.

The next time you see Ed, share a friendly hello!

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