Gary Michalak is packing for a bucket-list adventure, a cruise on the Mediterranean, that will provide him an opportunity to learn about other cultures.
At the age of 78, he is still learning, enjoying challenges and making a contribution to his community. It's what keeps him young at heart.
His life's journey has been one of discovery with many stops along the way.
"Sometimes you don't know where the road is going to take you," the volunteer executive director of Café Heritage said.
"My life has been a journey based on strong principles leading with kindness and relationships, working with people who share the same passion for making our community a better place to live."
His involvement with the Café Heritage board of directors and community volunteers since 2009 has led to the creation of a Christmas extravaganza, Winter Wonderland, at Whitewater Lake Park in Azilda. It opens Dec. 15 and runs to Jan. 1.
Winter Wonderland, which includes an enchanting village and Nativity scene, "is bringing Christmas carols to life," Michalak said.
"We have over 5,000 feet of cable and lighting at Whitewater Park. Every night from 6 to 9, we welcome visitors to the park."
The holiday experience was built with the assistance of members of the local carpenters' union and Collège Boréal students from plans by Bélanger Salach Architects.
More than 1,000 people visited Winter Wonderland in 2022. Thanks to sponsors, local businesses, government funding and dedicated volunteers, there is no admission charge.
"It is an incredible community development project," Michalak said.
He is optimistic about Winter Wonderland's potential to attract families from throughout the City of Greater Sudbury and northeastern Ontario.
Winter Wonderland is part of Café Heritage's Festival Noël celebrations, which begin with the lighting of the Tree of Hope on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. The tree, decorated with memorial lights, is located in the front of the former Caisse Populaire in Azilda.
Residents are invited to decorate their homes and enter the Lights On contest organized by the Azilda and Chelmsford Community Action Networks. Winners will be announced at the opening of Winter Wonderland on Dec. 15.
A Le Réveillon supper and 90-minute concert with Franco-Ontarian, Métis and Acadian music and dancing will be held at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda on Dec. 16.
Guests will experience an old-fashioned French-Canadian Christmas Eve celebration. Tickets for Le Réveillon are $60.
Café Heritage's mission is to inspire community pride in the communities of Azilda and Chelmsford, formerly the Town of Rayside-Balfour, by celebrating French-Canadian heritage with festivals, concerts, youth competitions and school programs.
Rayside-Balfour Heritage Days will be held from June 6 to 9 in 2024 at locations in Azilda and Chelmsford. Live music and performances by local artists and special guests are planned as well as a parade and fireworks.
Michalak, who is proud of his own Métis roots, was born in Timmins and moved to Azilda at the age of 12.
After studying leisure studies at Fanshawe College in London, Ont., and public administration at Laurentian University, he embarked on varied career which included working as the commissioner of parks and recreation in Rayside-Balfour, as a recreation consultant with the Ministry of Culture and Recreation, and as CAO of Rayside-Balfour for nine years.
He has been a member of the Azilda Lions Club for 50 years.
In addition to his volunteer work, Michalak is a management consultant. He provides guidance in strategic visioning, community development, leadership, organizational development and team building to the public service and not-for-profit organizations
"I have always had a strong mission in life. It is self-actualization through life-long learning, and meeting the needs of family, friends and community.
"This is what drives me. That journey has always been there since I was a kid. My mother was a Boy Scout leader in Timmins so I have always tried to follow in her footsteps of giving back to the community.”
Vicki Gilhula is a freelance writer. Journeys is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
