From Josephine Vaccaro-Chang, the founder and president of The Richmond Hill Women’s Networking Association (Feb. 22, 2009):
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As our group continues to grow I am often asked how The Richmond Hill Women’s Networking Association got started.
In 2000, my husband and I chose to make Richmond Hill our home. In 2004, after truly settling down with two daughters in tow, we and other concerned neighbours founded the The BayMills Ratepayers Association. Over the past five years, we have worked closely with the Town Staff and Council–Arnie Warner, Vito Spatafora, Godwin Chan and Brenda Hogg to name a few – to deal with community issues. For example, to help bring an IB Montessori High School to our neighbourhood.
Over the years, Town Council and their staff have responded promptly to our many inquiries. We have reaped and continue to benefit from their hard work. For example, the re-development of Richmond Green, the re-opening of Crosby Park, building of The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts and the sponsorship of the upcoming International Women’s Day celebration. Strong leaders set the stage for others to do their best.
I founded The Richmond Hill Women’s Networking Association as an extension of Town Council’s work. Since inception Deputy Mayor Brenda Hogg has been a strong supporter of our group. Despite a hectic schedule she has participated in several of our meetings and has promoted our Association in her newsletter. Her personal commitment to making Richmond Hill a better place to live, work and play has inspired many people including myself to do the same.
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Josephine Vaccaro-Chang, the founder of the group, has shared her vision in the following email message sent to The Richmond Hill Women’s Networking Association distribution list on Jan. 11th, 2008
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Good-morning!
On Friday, Sharon Kirsh, Angel Freedman and I met for lunch and I shared the reasons why I created The Richmond Hill Women’s Networking Association. Essentially, I want to make the world a better place. I am big on visuals so I drew a series of circles inside of each other with a square in the centre. The square represented my house. The other circles represented my neighbourhood, The Town of Richmond Hill, the Province of Ontario, Canada and the biggest circle, the world.
My husband, Russell Chang and I were instrumental in founding The BayMills Ratepayers Association. A developer had purchased the property on the south side of our fence and proposed a ten storey condo building. We rallied our neighbours together, formed an Association, worked together with the Town and after many long hours we defeated the developer’s application at the Ontario Municipal Board. Had the project moved forward our backyard would be in shade from 9am – 4pm every single day.
Under the leadership of Angel Freedman Westbrook increased value of their homes by holding Annual Ponies in the Park Community BBQs. With no issues of our own I suggested we follow Westbrook’s lead and hold a community BBQ. Paola Tamang, two other dedicated volunteers and I worked together to host The BayMills Ratepayers First Annual Community BBQ (2007). Over 150 people attended and yet when we asked for volunteers for the 2008 BBQ no one stepped forward. I was very discouraged and considering not chairing the 2008 BBQ Committee. That is when I met Angel Freedman, President of Westbrook’s Community Association. Angel reminded me of the importance of people coming out of their homes and meeting each other. I was inspired to Chair the 2008 BBQ and went door to door asking businesses in the Bayview and Elgin Mills area to sponsor us. As I went through the neighbourhood I met a lot of fascinating women. Like me, those women also wanted to make a difference in the community. As a way of staying in touch I founded The Richmond Hill Women’s Networking Association.
When asked to participate in the Town’s People Plan sessions I was quite vocal about making my vision for Richmond Hill. As we have decided to live in Richmond Hill long term I want it to be a place where I can live, work & play. Imagine how one’s quality of life would improve if s/he was not wasting hours everyday commuting to work. Imagine the impact on one’s business if Richmond Hill resident’s shopped locally. Imagine if the Town made it their mission to entice major corporations to Richmond Hill. Imagine if Richmond Hill created a no car tourist district in downtown Richmond Hill. What would be the impact on your life? Would you feel safer in your home? Would you be more concerned about the welfare of your neighbours? Would you take pride in your garden? Would you be work in the community? Would you shop locally? Would your small business succeed? Would you spend your free time in Richmond Hill? Would you be less stressed? Would you reduce fuel consumption? Would you & your family be happier spending more time together?
My vision is that The Richmond Hill Women’s Networking Association will continue to be a not-for-profit organization that works together to make Richmond Hill a better place to work, live & play.
Not sure why but there is something about turning 44 years old that causes one to re-examine one’s life. During 2008 I decided to leave the corporate world and pursue my passion for chocolate. I started Dance in the Rain Chocolate Truffles and operate the business from my home. They say, do what you love and the money will follow. Well I have the first part down pat and am working on “the money will follow”. I was thinking of ways to grow my business and thought if we pooled our resources we would be able to execute on more. Do any of these things interest you?
- Participating in an event on Wed., Feb. 4th where you could showcase your business?
- Becoming a member of The Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce?
- Increasing your internet traffic?
- Advertising your business in local newspapers?
- Having a voice at the Town of Richmond Hill?
I propose for only those who are interested we contribute $50.00 per year towards an annual membership. When we have $200.00 I will purchase a membership to The Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce. As a member of our Association you will benefit from all events the Chamber sponsors. As our funds increase we will be able to host events at no charge for members, maintain an internet presence, have links to each other’s websites, distribute a membership list, share leads, maintain a shared database, advertise in the Richmond Hill Yellow Pages, etc.
Please note, my intention is for meetings to be FREE for any one wishing to attend.
Kindly let me know if you would like to become a member of our Association. Also, I encourage you to share your thoughts with me regarding any goals you may have for our Association.
Wishing you and your families the very best in 2009!
Josephine