Please meet this month’s cover feature, Leanne Sexton!

Something remarkable is blooming in Mount Albert. Lavender fields sway in the summer breeze, rescued animals roam freely, and handmade hearts dangle from trees. This is The Giving Place—a sanctuary born not from wealth or ease, but from heartbreak, hope, and a vision that refused to fade.

For founder Leanne, life’s unraveling became the beginning of everything. A newly divorced mother of three, pregnant and on early bed rest, she found herself stripped of stability. From that stillness, a dream emerged: to create a place where people could give and receive without pressure. A place rooted in purpose. That dream began with Touch a Heart, a grassroots charity that started with a call to Blue Door Shelter, and a simple Facebook post. Families transitioning out of shelters needed basic essentials—and the community responded in droves. Touch a Heart helped over a thousand families. But Leanne’s vision didn’t stop there. She began writing a book, and dreamed of a property—wild, peaceful, and filled with meaning.

Soon after creating a vision board with her dreams, Leanne’s book became an international bestseller, her charity had surpassed its goals, and then… she found the property. At first she just wanted to know what it would feel like to walk the land of something she might be able to afford one day. But it was sold, under offer, and out of reach… until a month later, when the deal fell through. “I packed up my baby, drove five hours from my grandma’s cottage, and walked around the pond. The land was wild, untouched… but I felt its energy. It felt like mine.” She was thankful for her visit, not expecting anything more. But that evening, the call came. The executor of the property made a promise to the previous owner, her best friend, who had passed away from cancer: only sell it to someone who sees its beauty and promises to make it beautiful again. Leanne was the only one who did. And just like that, her vision board became real life.

Today, The Giving Place spans 8.5 acres of untouched charm. Over 3,400 lavender plants bloom each summer. Bees pollinate wildflowers. Chickens, pigs, and other rescued animals roam happily. Events like A Night of 1000 Candles, Lavender Festival, and Farm-to-Fork Dinners now bring people together for connection, healing, and joy. There’s also a farm boutique filled with handcrafted items, all made with love, with proceeds supporting rescued animals and The Giving Garden Haven, which grows organic food for families in need.

But ask Leanne what the real heart of The Giving Place is, and she’ll say the people. “Everyone who visits here—whether to volunteer, attend an event, or just walk the land—says the same thing: ‘It feels different here.’ I believe it’s because this place was built from love. From community. From intention. And because people don’t just want to see something beautiful—they want to be part of it.” #goodneighbour

A BIG Neighbour thank you to our July Cover Feature 💛👏💫

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles is joined by Dave Lowes, Supervisor of Events & Mulock Park at the Town of Newmarket.

Together, they dive into the exciting world of community events, from bringing people together through festivals and celebrations to creating spaces that connect history, nature, and culture. Dave shares how these initiatives are shaping the future of the town.

This conversation is full of behind-the-scenes insight into what it takes to create meaningful community experiences and the impact these projects have on residents of all ages.

On this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles is joined by Erin Cerenzia, President of the Newmarket Historical Society and a dedicated champion for preserving local history and culture.

Erin shares her passion for uncovering the stories that shaped Newmarket, highlighting the town’s fascinating historical connections and the importance of keeping those stories alive for future generations. Together, she and Myles dive into the rich heritage of the community, exploring how the past continues to influence the present and why local history plays such a vital role in building identity and belonging.

If you’ve ever been curious about the people, places, and events that shaped Newmarket into what it is today, this episode offers an insightful and inspiring journey into the town’s history.

Please meet this month’s cover feature, Sharon Bates!

Sharon Bates is not just a small business owner; she’s a vibrant young entrepreneur who has transformed Tangles Hair Salon & Spa into a beloved gem in East Gwillimbury, since 2003. With a passion for beauty and a heart for community, Sharon’s journey began at Huron Heights Secondary School, where she earned her hairdressing license through an apprenticeship program. After honing her skills in high-end salons across York Region, she took the leap at just 19 years old to fulfill her dream of owning her own salon.

Over the years, Tangles has flourished, expanding four times to accommodate a growing clientele and a talented team of eight, including specialists in laser beauty services. Sharon is dedicated to professional growth, continually upgrading her skills through industry-focused courses, including a certificate in spa management and a hair color master program. She believes in empowering her staff, encouraging them to pursue educational opportunities that have taken them to training sessions, photoshoots, and events in New York, Las Vegas, and Paris.

But Sharon’s impact goes beyond the salon. She is a passionate advocate for her community, organizing the East Gwillimbury Women’s Show, which has successfully showcased local women-owned businesses and raised over $100,000 for the Southlake Hospital Cancer Centre. Sharon truly believes that everyone can do something to give back, but that “something” is different for everyone. Her commitment to giving back doesn’t stop there; she actively supports fundraising efforts through events at the salon and is a proud member of 100 Women Who Care.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Sharon shares her insights as a columnist for “Who Gives… East Gwillimbury?” in The Bulletin Magazine, highlighting individuals and businesses that make a difference in the community. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including a Queen Jubilee Medal, a King Charles Coronation Medal, Chamber of Commerce awards, and recognition at the Canadian Hairdresser of the Year Awards. She is also a co-author of the book “The Magic of New Beginnings,” where her chapter, “Giving Along the Way,” discusses how she grew her business while giving back to the community.

As a high-energy go-getter, Sharon balances her family life with her passion for beauty and community service. With her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, she continues to inspire those around her, proving that with hard work and heart, anything is possible! #GoodNeighbour

A BIG Neighbour thank you to our August Cover Feature 💛👏💫

On this week’s Conversations with Neighbours, we sit down with Roy Cohen, a true pillar of the local sporting community.

With nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, he’s been at the helm of an organization guiding players of all ages and skill levels, from enthusiastic beginners to competitive adults.

Roy opens up about the dedication and teamwork required to manage such a dynamic club, the highs and challenges of steering a community-driven organization, and his passion for fostering growth both on and off the field.

Whether you’re involved in sports, leadership, or community engagement, Roy’s story is a compelling look at what it takes to lead with heart and vision.

This week on Conversations with Neighbours, Myles welcomes Kya from Dukes Castle Barbershop.

Kia shares the story of how he got started in the trade, the craft and precision that go into every cut, and why a barbershop is so much more than just a place to get your hair done; it’s a hub for conversation, connection, and community. From the trends that shape modern barbering to the timeless traditions that keep clients coming back, this episode offers a fresh and personal look at the art of the barbershop experience.

Whether you’re a regular in the chair, a fan of great craftsmanship, or just love hearing stories about people who pour passion into their work, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

In this episode of Conversations with Neighbours, Myles is joined by John and Tom from Newmarket, two passionate voices in the local theatre scene.

With years of experience both on stage and behind the scenes, John and Tom share their journey through community theatre, the power of live performance, and why the arts remain such a vital part of local culture. From the thrill of opening night to the challenges of production, their insights offer a rich and heartfelt look into the world of theatre.

Whether you're a seasoned performer, an audience regular, or just curious about what goes into putting on a show, this conversation is full of inspiration, humour, and love for the stage.

This episode of Conversations with Neighbours features actor and director Lee Wilson!

Myles sits down with Lee to talk about his path into acting, the creative process behind his work, and what it was like to bring his character to life on screen. They also dive into the realities of working in the film industry, the importance of perseverance, and how storytelling can inspire change.

Whether you're a fan, curious about the craft of acting, or just love hearing about creative journeys, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look behind the scenes.