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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday October 20, 2007 - 19 ATHENA reflections By Brenda Zimmerman - Keynote Speaker The Athena Award represents hope in our community. I joined an inspiring group of nominees last year. When I stood among such a group of courageous and generous group of leaders, I could not help but think that our community was in good hands. In all sectors, private, public and voluntary, we saw leaders nominated for their contributions and witnessed how they lived their values in their daily lives ­ making a difference for so many in our community both at home and abroad. One of the biggest challenges of leadership is isolation ­ a sense that you are alone in the challenges you are addressing. The Athena award reminds me that I am not alone. Indeed, it shows I have a wonderful support groups surrounding me. The people who took the time to write the letters in support of my nomination are the first circle of support. The second circle of support includes the people who volunteer for Athena and help to enhance its profile in our community. The third circle includes the citizens of Oakville who believe in the principles of Athena and hence are part of the Athena movement. This movement provides tangible evidence of support for the many leaders in our community ­ whether or not they have been nominated for the award. The great management guru Peter Drucker once said, "the task of leadership is to create an alignment of strengths making our weaknesses irrelevant." To me the ATHENA Awards Congratulations to all of the 2007 nominees and this year's ATHENA recipient for your outstanding contributions to the community. Watch the ATHENA Oakville Nominees show on A proud supporter of Tuesday, October 30 @ 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, November 6 @ 8:00 p.m. Congratulatio Athena movement is following Drucker's guidance ­ shining a light on the strengths in our community. It is easy to become a pessimist in our society. We are inundated with negative images of our community and our world. The Athena movement balances those images by focusing on people who are working to improve the lives of others by being open to opportunities where we can all give back to our communities. I feel deeply honoured to have been the recipient of the Athena award and send heartfelt congratulations to the 2007 nominees. to all the nominees and best wishes for continued succe Bonnie B OAK phone: 905-827-2077 fax: 905-827-7516 email: brownb@parl.gc.ca MARY CARDAMONE, Sales Representative As a long-time resident and business professional in Oakville, I am passionate about the value of giving back to our community. This is one of the reasons ATHENA has become such an important organization for me to support in an ongoing way. ATHENA recognizes outstanding individuals who understand the importance of mentorship, then actively engage in using their individual gifts and talents to impact the lives of others. These individuals show extraordinary leadership in their selfless willingness to share their expertise and encourage others in developing themselves further. My support of ATHENA is partially in hope that these leaders can encourage others in the community to stretch and give more of themselves in their daily lives. It is an honour to live and work in this community and a pleasure to support ATHENA and all ATHENA nominees. DEBORAH-LEE SIMPSON, Broker Thinking about making a move? Let Deborah-Lee's 31 years of experience work for you. A recipient of RE/MAX "Hall of Fame" and a consistant award winner, she is proud to be one of only a select number of realtors in Canada that has earned the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designation. Whether buying or selling, her solid credentials, proven track record and excellent negotiating skills, will make your move as stress free as possible. DEBORAH-LEE SIMPSON, BROKER Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage Independently owned & operated ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., BROKERAGE, 905-845-4267 RE/MAX ABOUTOWNE REALTY CORP. BROKERAGE, 905-338-9000 GRACE COSTA (WEITLER),Sales Representative Grace's true passion for Real Estate gives her a leading edge! Enthusiasm, dedication and personal attention to each and every client makes her stand out. As a long time resident she has earned a well-respected reputation for her honesty, integrity and hard work ethics. When you plan to make one of the biggest decisions of your life, count on a person that puts you first. "I don't just want to meet your expectations; I want to exceed them!" Visit: www.weitlerhomes.com ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., BROKERAGE, 905-338-3737 MARY ANN SCHIRALLI "MAXIMUM RESULTS is her business". Attention to detail,keen business acumen and negotiating excellence indulges Mary Ann's clients with first class service. A leader in unsurpassed customer service, her commitment is to strategically advertise and market your home to its full potential. Contact Mary Ann at 905-338-9000 for your no obligation home market evaluation or visit her website at www.maryannschiralli.com MARY ANN SCHIRALLI, Sales Representative Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage Independently owned & operated RE/MAX ABOUTOWNE REALTY CORP. BROKERAGE, 905-338-9000 WENDY FRADETTE, Sales Representative Celebrating over 25 years as a trusted real estate professional, Wendy explains here longevity as, "Commitment and a responsibility to ensuring my clients receive superior service". Recognized for production in the top 5% of Royal LePage agents nationally, Wendy makes sure both results and customer service are delivered every time. Her unique services include providing contacts for decluttering homes prior to home showings and a certified designer to help create individual looks. Visit: www.wendyanddoug.com ROYAL LEPAGE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LTD., BROKERAGE, 905-338-3737 Sue Coleman received her Real Estate license in 1990. A member of the Oakville, Milton & District Real Estate Board, the Realtors Association of Hamilton & Burlington and the Toronto Real Estate Board which ensures her listings receive broad exposure and her buyers see the broadest selection of properties available. Sue has recently received her I.R.E.S Certification & can now assist her clients with their real estate transactions in a growing number of marketplaces around the world. Whether moving around the world, or around the block you can always count on Sue Coleman for friendly, knowledgeable & professional service. SUE COLEMAN, SALES REPRESENTATIVE SUE COLEMAN Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage Independently owned & operated RE/MAX ABOUTOWNE REALTY CORP. BROKERAGE, 905-338-9000