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.
