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Rosie Sharp: wife of Four Seasons Hotels founder Issy Sharp lays it all out in her memoir

book cover edited 1By BERNIE BELLAN I’m not much for reading autobiographies; I prefer to read someone else’s account of a person’s life because I figure you’re much more likely to find out what someone’s life was truly like when it was written by someone else – warts and all.
However, when I was asked whether I might like to receive an advance copy of the memoir of Rosalie Sharp whose name, to be honest, was unfamiliar to me – but who, I was informed, was the wife of Four Seasons Hotel founder Isadore Sharp – I thought: Sure, it’s always interesting to read of the lives of the rich and famous – and when they’re Jewish and Canadian to boot, let’s go for it.

Now, to be even more honest, as much as I’ve heard plenty about Four Seasons hotels – that they set the standard for service and luxury when it comes to hotels, I had never read much about Isadore Sharp. How much would his wife want to talk about her husband in her memoir, I wondered? And how good a writer would she be?
The answer to the first question is: Quite a bit, while the answer to the second question is that Rosalie Sharp is an excellent writer. No doubt she received quite a bit of help in putting together this very interesting book but, as she explains early on, she has written quite a few books previously, mostly having to do with interior design – which is one of her two utmost passions – the other being painting.
What surprised me most about Rosalie Sharp though is how much her formative years as a young girl in Toronto still leave a strong imprint on her, even today, as she must now be 87. (She completed the book in 2021 when she was 86, she explains.) Isadore, by the way, is 91. They’re both as healthy as one could hope two seniors in their dotage could be expected to be. As a matter of fact, “Rosie”, as she prefers to be known, is quite candid in describing her own health situation. At one point she tells a funny story about having a colonoscopy recently, but while she is driving home in Issie’s fancy Mercedes, she can’t hold it in. She goes on to tell how she hid her accident from Issie when she came home, stripping off her dress without him seeing and running out to the car with a pail of soap and water and cleaning up.

The book is full of interesting stories. Rosie (née Wise) grew up in a very poor household in the 1930s – where there was no telephone, but where the phone book served as a substitute for toilet paper. Her parents lived in a non-Jewish area of Toronto, where they ran a dry goods store. Mr. Wise was also an excellent tailor. As for Mrs. Wise, however, Rosie still has an aversion to soup, she explains, after having grown up smelling her mother’s absolutely horrible broth – which she could never bring herself to taste.
Although the book devotes a certain amount of space to describing Issy Sharp’s much more comfortable upbringing – which Rosie writes about in an early chapter, prior to going into detail about her own much more difficult childhood, the lesson that one takes from reading about young Issy is how brimming with confidence he was, even at a very young age. Not only that, he was extremely good looking – as the very many photographs interspersed throughout the book illustrate.
He was also a terrific athlete. Issy was gifted in so many sports, while Rosie never had the opportunity to take piano lessons, which she so desperately wanted to take as a youngster. She also never learned to swim, she admits, but that didn’t stop her from being a sport and donning a life jacket while going on a canoe trip with the family once – or even waterskiing.

The story how Issy and Rosie met at a wedding makes for a great romantic tale. But Rosie admits that she knew of Issy’s reputation as a consummate ladies’ man – and she honestly doubted that he would remain true to her once they became a couple. There are quite a few instances in the book when Rosie describes her own naiveté about sex – something with which Issy was extremely well versed. (He was 22 when they met; she was 17.) Yet, he was always extremely considerate toward Rosie when it came to the physical side of their relationship. She does reveal though that she became pregnant when she was only 19 and did have an abortion because neither she nor Issy were ready to start a family at that point.
While the book does a good job of delving into how Issy Sharp was an absolute genius when it came to building – not just hotels, but apartment blocks as well, to the point where, as of the date of publication of the book, there are now 134 Four Seasons hotels throughout the world, it wasn’t the pursuit of riches that drove Issy, according to Rosie. They have certainly led very comfortable lives, but the first five years of their marriage were spent living in a very humble apartment, she says, and although they’ve moved several times during their lifetime together, it’s been the building and decorating of homes that has been the attraction for them, rather than the accumulation of “toys.”

In fact, Rosie never cared much about things like cars, she says. In one amusing anecdote she describes her driving in what she thought was a Toyota Land Cruiser for years, only to discover that it had a Volvo logo in it. As a collector though, Rosie has been obsessed with the accumulation of ceramic figures, along with a certain number of paintings, she notes – but it’s her ceramic figure collection, which extends into the thousands, of which she’s proudest.
Early on in life Rosie exhibited true artistic talent. She tells of drawing hand lettered signs for her parents’ dry good store that were so well done that people seeing them thought they had been printed by a machine. Later she parlayed her artistic eye into a love for interior design. Even while she was raising four young boys, Issy encouraged her to acquire a formal education in interior design, which she did. She eventually opened her own interior design firm. Much of her work, as one might expect, was for Four Seasons hotels, but she wasn’t given the work simply because she was married to the boss. Issy pays full credit to the many innovations Rosie introduced into the hotels over the years.
At times though, I must admit I was somewhat bored reading Rosie’s quite detailed descriptions of her projects. While she is certainly extremely descriptive, I’m not sure how much readers really care to read about design – whether it be interior design or the design of ceramic objects. Of course, those are both two of Rosie’s passions – and she is allowed to indulge herself as much as she likes. It’s her memoir, after all.
Where I think Jewish readers of a certain age will find this book most resonating though is when Rosie writes about the many relatives she lost in the Holocaust. There is a great amount of time spent exploring the lives of her predecessors in Poland. Rosie can trace her family roots back to the 1700s. (She also does quite a bit of the same for the Sharp family.)

Both she and Issy grew up in Yiddish-speaking households and Rosie harbours a great deal of nostalgia for those early years. Like most Jews growing up in the 1930s the Wise household was an observant home. (She tells a hilarious story about being sent to a butcher a long way off to buy a chicken for the Friday night dinner, but having the bloody chicken, freshly slaughtered, ooze all over her on the bus ride home.) She also emphasizes how important having regular Shabbat dinners with their family has been for both her and Issy throughout their lives – only to see that disrupted when Covid hit. (As a matter of fact, it was Covid that led to her writing this book, as she found that she had quite a bit more time on her hands than would normally have been the course.) In a departure from her observant upbringing though, Rosie says the only time she sets foot in a synagogue nowadays is during Yom Kippur – and that she doesn’t believe in God.
Interestingly, while Rosie acknowledges the role she’s played for years as the wife of a charming and brilliantly successful businessman, accompanying him on many trips to far off lands where it was her duty to sit through endless dinners with some of the world’s most powerful figures (including one ghastly dinner in Japan where she says the fish that was served was still wriggling!), Rosie hardly sees herself as a society maven. She did her duty – and often contributed to the success of Four Seasons on her own, both as a designer and as the gracious wife of a very powerful man, yet she notes over and over again that she feels most at home in her own house – and there have been many different ones over the years, including a home that they rebuilt from scratch in Palm Springs.

Issie Rosie SharpHere’s a description of Issie and Rosie’s harmonious relationship, as given by their son Tony on the occasion of their 62nd wedding anniversary:
“She paints. He promotes. They are full-fledged partners in life.
“Partners in bridge: she is the one who takes the risks and swings for the fences, and he plays more by the book and the percentages, yet rarely an argument, and they regularly place near the top.
“Partners in design…not the least of which is their new bungalow, where our dad concerned himself with light, views, and land assembly, and our mom, the architecture, interior design…Partners in dance. and, can they dance! Partners in fitness – still following Jane Fonda’s Advanced Workout from 1985…
“Partners in philanthropy. Including what our mother considers one of our father’s best achievements: establishing the Terry Fox Run. Proposed in a telegram from our dad to Terry, the run is now the largest single-day fundraising event in the world, having raised $750 million for cancer research.
“And of course, partners as parents. Sharing and living the values that have guided us as a family, and for which we are grateful.”

By this time, if you’ve read this far, you must be thinking: What a perfect couple – and I’m sure they are, but if I could ask two questions of Rosie, they would be this:
You had a son named Chris who died tragically at only age 17 when a melanoma was improperly diagnosed by a doctor. You write so eloquently of what that loss meant to the two of you – as I’m sure it would to any other parents who have lost a child.
But – why “Chris?” I know that it’s not totally unheard of for a Jewish child to be named Chris or Kristina, although from what I’ve read, it’s often when one of the parents isn’t Jewish. But both you and Issy came from traditional Jewish upbringings. Was there a particular reason that you chose to name your youngest son “Chris?”
And, my second question: I had to do some research to see that you and Issy have contributed substantially to many different causes, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. But nowhere in your book do I see any evidence that you took a particular interest in philanthropy yourself, especially as it relates to Jewish causes. I would imagine that someone of your renown would have been asked many times to lend their name to a particular Jewish fund-raiser. Perhaps it wasn’t of sufficient interest for you to write about that – or maybe it just wasn’t your thing. But, as someone who espouses the importance of Jewish values so strongly, wouldn’t “tzedakkah” have been one of the most important values? I’m not saying this as a criticism because I see that when you do a search of all the causes to which you and Issy have contributed, the list is a lengthy one. But I’m somewhat puzzled that, other than the Terry Fox Run, there’s no mention of any other cause to which you might have attached yourselves. After all, Issy is worth over $500 million from what I’ve read (while the Four Season hotel chain, which is now owned primarily by Bill Gates – is valued at over $10 billion).
Still, let’ s not let these fairly petty questions detract from what is, on the whole, quite the entertaining read.

“Me & Issy – A Four Seasons Romance”
By Rosalie Wise Sharp
Published by ECW Press, Toronto, 2022
274 pages
Available in both print and Kindle editions

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Dishwasher Repair: Essential Tips for Homeowners

Dishwashers have become indispensable in modern kitchens, saving time and effort with every use. However, like any appliance, they are prone to wear and tear over time. While some issues require professional repair, many common problems can be addressed with basic troubleshooting. Here are essential tips every homeowner should know to keep their dishwasher running smoothly.

1. Regularly Clean the Filter

A clogged filter can lead to poor cleaning performance and even water drainage issues. Check and clean the dishwasher filter at least once a month to prevent buildup of food particles and debris.

2. Inspect Spray Arms

Over time, spray arms can become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits, reducing water flow and cleaning efficiency. Remove the spray arms and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Use a toothpick or small brush to clear blocked nozzles.

3. Address Drainage Problems

If water pools at the bottom of your dishwasher, the drain hose or pump might be clogged. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages, and ensure it’s positioned correctly. **Discover** how professional technicians can help resolve persistent drainage issues.

4. Use the Right Detergent

Using the wrong type of detergent can lead to excessive suds, which may damage internal components. Always use a detergent designed specifically for dishwashers and follow the recommended dosage.

5. Check the Door Seal

A worn or damaged door seal can cause leaks during operation. Inspect the rubber gasket around the door for signs of wear or cracks, and replace it if necessary to prevent water from escaping.

Common Dishwasher Problems and Solutions

  1. Dishes Not Drying: Ensure the rinse aid dispenser is filled and the heating element is functioning correctly.
  2. Unpleasant Odors: Run a cycle with white vinegar to eliminate lingering smells and clean internal parts.
  3. Unresponsive Controls: Check for loose wiring or a faulty control board.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

  • Run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher to improve cleaning results.
  • Avoid overloading the racks to ensure proper water circulation.
  • Descale the dishwasher periodically if you live in a hard water area.
  • Inspect the inlet valve and water supply line for leaks or damage.

Why Professional Repair Matters

While DIY fixes can address minor issues, more complex problems often require the expertise of a professional. According to a survey by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, improperly repaired dishwashers can consume up to 20% more energy. Professional repairs ensure that your appliance operates efficiently and lasts longer.

Expert Insight

As the famous inventor Charles Kettering once said, “A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” Understanding your dishwasher’s common issues and addressing them promptly is the key to maintaining its performance. With regular care and timely repairs, you can avoid costly replacements and enjoy years of reliable service.

Conclusion

Maintaining your dishwasher doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these essential tips and addressing issues early, you can keep your appliance running efficiently for years to come. If you encounter a problem that you can’t fix on your own, don’t hesitate to consult a professional repair service for expert assistance.

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JeetCity — Your Best Partner in the World of Online Casinos in Canada

This review will introduce you to the best features of JeetCity — a unique online casino platform in Canada. Here there are detailed instructions for registering with JeetCity, making a deposit and much more useful information about games, bonuses, payment methods and more.

Explore the Exciting Features of JeetCity

You will be interested to know that JeetCity online casino in Canada has been making waves in the online gambling industry since its inception. Committed to providing an exceptional gaming experience, JeetCity has become a popular destination for casino lovers across the country. Since it is a licensed and regulated platform, players can enjoy their favorite games with peace of mind, knowing that fairness and safety are JeetCity’s top priorities.

JeetCity online casino boasts a wonderful visual design that recreates the atmosphere of a real casino, a huge selection of games that can satisfy the preferences of absolutely any player. Whether you prefer to play on the go or from the comfort of your home, JeetCity caters to your every need. A user-friendly website (https://jeetcity-ca.com/) and an intuitive mobile app make the games easy to play on a variety of devices. By becoming a JeetCity user, you will be able to immerse yourself in a world of exciting games, tempting bonuses and unparalleled entertainment.

Discover the Uniqueness of JeetCity Online Casino

You can see for yourself that the JeetCity online casino section is a real paradise for all players. It boasts of a stunning visual platform that brings the excitement of a real casino straight to your screen. In addition, there will be a huge selection of games for every taste. From classic table games such as blackjack and roulette to a wide range of slot machines and jackpot games.

Table games

At JeetCity, you can experience the most popular types of table games, the perfect blend of excitement and strategy for any type of player. Immerse yourself in timeless classics like blackjack, where your skills and decision-making will help you beat the dealer, or try your luck with the spinning roulette wheel, carefully choosing your bets for a big win. There is also a Baccarat, an exciting yet simple card game that is ideal for both new and experienced players.

Slots

At JeetCity, you will find an extensive collection of slot machines, ranging from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots filled with exciting themes and advanced features. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic fruit machines or exciting story-based games, there’s something for everyone. With hundreds of games to select from, you can explore slots with unique bonus rounds, free spins and progressive jackpots for the chance to win big.

Jackpot Games

Experience the thrill of chasing life-changing prizes with progressive jackpot games at JeetCity. These games offer ever-growing prize pools that increase with every bet, giving you the chance to win huge payouts. From popular slot machines to unique jackpot options, JeetCity has something for every player.

Live Dealer Games

Get into the excitement of JeetCity Live Dealer Games, where you can play with professional dealers in real time from the comfort of your home. These games are streamed in high definition, creating an authentic casino atmosphere and live interaction. Whether it’s blackjack, roulette, baccarat or poker, you’ll feel like you’re sitting at a real casino table. Chat with dealers, other players and enjoy a smooth gaming experience.

Excellent Features of JeetCity Mobile App

It is worth noting that JeetCity app has become a famous name in the world of online gaming in Canada, captivating players with its exciting casino games and tempting bonuses. To cater to the growing demand for mobile gaming, JeetCity has developed its cutting-edge mobile app that allows you to enjoy your favorite casino games on the go. The app has been designed with a focus on user experience and convenience to provide a safe and immersive gaming environment. The mobile application is available for both Android and iOS devices, covering a fairly wide audience of users. 

The JeetCity mobile app allows players to enjoy their favorite games without being tied to a desktop computer, guaranteed. And regular updates and notifications will definitely only improve your gaming experience. It is important to note that JeetCity app prioritizes the safety of its users by providing each of you with a safe and secure platform to enjoy your gaming sessions with peace of mind. Don’t wait, just download the JeetCity app now and embark on an unforgettable gaming adventure filled with excitement, rewards and endless possibilities.

Simple and Affordable Registration Process in JeetCity

Experiencing the excitement of online gaming at JeetCity is easy thanks to the easy registration process. Whether you are an experienced player or new to the world of online casinos, registering with JeetCity is very easy. To register with JeetCity, follow these step-by-step instructions:

  1. To get started, on your device in any browser convenient for you, go to the official JeetCity website;
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Now, once your account is verified, you can enter into the exciting gameplay of JeetCity and fully explore the unique features of the platform.

Discover Exciting Bonuses and Promotions at JeetCity Canada

At JeetCity, the ability to reward players with exciting bonuses and promotions that enhance the gaming experience and maximize winning potential is an important criterion for the platform. Get ready to jump into the world of online gaming with a host of tempting offers awaiting you at JeetCity today.

Welcome Bonus

The most popular type of JeetCity bonus, which allows you to start your gaming journey into the world of games with a pleasant reward of up to 200% on your first deposit. For example, if you deposit CAD 100, the bonus will give you an additional CAD 200, giving you a total of CAD 300 to play with. This incredible bonus allows you to explore a wide selection of games and maximize your chances of winning.

Free Spins

JeetCity is committed to giving players more chances to win, and that’s what free spins promotions are all about. Free spins allow you to try your luck on the most popular slot machines without spending your own money.  JeetCity regularly updates its free spins offers, tying them to exciting new slot releases or special events.

Reload Bonuses

Reload bonuses are designed to keep your gaming experience interesting by offering a percentage match on your subsequent deposits. For example, when you fund your account, JeetCity rewards you with bonus funds based on a certain percentage of your deposit amount. These bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll, giving you extra funds to explore more games and try new strategies.

Cashback Offers

In JeetCity, every player deserves a second chance, even if luck is not on their side. This is why the platform offers exciting cashback promotions designed to soften the blow of any losses. With a cashback bonus, a percentage of your net losses for a certain period will be returned to your account as a bonus. This means you can keep playing and have another opportunity to turn things around and win big.

Secure and Convenient Payment Methods in JeetCity

By becoming a user of the JeetCity platform, you can have absolutely peace of mind while playing, because the company maintains the maximum security of transactions of all its clients. The wide range of payment methods will allow you to fully control your gaming experience. 

Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of credit or debit cards, the flexibility of e-wallets, or the anonymity of cryptocurrency, JeetCity has your needs covered. The most popular payment methods include using Visa and Mastercard, Interac, PayPal or Bitcoin.

It’s important to note that JeetCity Canada has a minimum withdrawal amount of 20 CAD, ensuring you can access your winnings when you’re ready. And for big wins, there is a maximum withdrawal limit of CAD 10,000 per transaction, giving you the opportunity to fully enjoy your rewards.

Easy Deposit Process at JeetCity

Rest assured, recharging your funds at JeetCity is a simple and secure process. Follow these simple steps to make a deposit and start enjoying an exciting gaming experience:

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How is the Process of Withdrawing Winnings in JeetCity?

Withdrawing your winnings at JeetCity is as easy as making your first deposit. Follow these steps to access your rewards:

  1. Start by logging into your JeetCity account; 
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The time required to receive funds vary depending on the withdrawal method selected and any additional verification processes. JeetCity prioritizes high speed and secure withdrawals to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for each of its users.

FAQ

What withdrawal methods are available in JeetCity Canada?

JeetCity offers a wide range of withdrawal methods to cater to the needs of its diverse customer base. Some options include Visa, Mastercard, Interac e-Transfer, PayPal and Bitcoin.

What promotions does JeetCity offer to players in Canada?

JeetCity offers a variety of exciting bonuses and promotions, including welcome bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, cashback offers, and tournaments.

What sets JeetCity apart from other online casinos in Canada?

JeetCity offers a visually stunning platform, an abundance of games, lucrative bonuses, and a seamless mobile experience that truly replicates the atmosphere of a real casino.

Is JeetCity licensed and regulated?

Yes, players can trust that JeetCity prioritizes fairness and security as a licensed and regulated platform in the online gambling industry.

Can I play JeetCity games on my mobile device? 

Absolutely! JeetCity is optimized for mobile play, offering a seamless experience across smartphones and tablets, so players can enjoy their favorite games anytime and anywhere.

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Susan Roadburg: The Road Less Travelled

Sue Roadburg

By GERRY POSNER Robert Frost was not likely thinking of Susan Roadburg when he penned his famous line in the poem “The Road Less Travelled.” Yet, the line which says “Two roads diverged in the wood, and I took the road less travelled and that has made all the difference”  certainly is a line which applies to the life and career of Sue Roadburg, once Susan Rumberg, daughter of the late Betty and Joe Rumberg. It was not a straight road for Sue, but it was a path with twists and turns. 
 A former resident of Montrose and later Oak Streets in the south end of Winnipeg, Sue finished her high school education at Grant Park High School. The plan was to get a BA and then enter either Nursing or Social Work. What stepped in her way was her first stop on the road – Eaton’s. Back then -the 1960s, Eaton’s had what was known as a junior council – one for males and one for females. Well, after a selection process, Sue was chosen by Eaton’s to be Grant Park’s junior councillor. She received a uniform and performed simple duties, including weekly meetings with senior Eaton’s executives, getting volunteers for the annual Eaton’s Santa Claus parades (Who could forget them?), ushering at Eaton’s sponsored rock concerts and sundry other tasks. From that time to many years forward, Sue and Eaton’s were a team. She even worked for them during her university years.
 Clearly, the affection Sue had for her work at Eaton’s was reciprocated as, upon the resignation of the then youth fashion director, Sue was offered that job. Her plans for nursing or social work were derailed. Sue represented Eaton’s by making presentations at high schools; running “HI Set Clubs” for teens; coordinating shows for the University of Manitoba’s “ Freshie Week;”  teaching the Seventeen Beauty Workshop; writing a monthly teen newsletter and monthly column for “Youth Beat” – which went to all Winnipeg high schools and selecting fashions for the weekly TV show, Teen Dance Party.  You could say that Susan Rumberg was well into the teen world at that time. It was at this time when Susan became Sue as Eaton’s wanted her first and last names to have an unequal number of syllables. Maybe that is why Eaton’s closed up. But you can still call her Susan as many friends still do. 
 Then, an unusual turn of events led to Sue becoming what might be called the Miss Manners of Manitoba. Susan became connected by good fortune with a woman who ran courses on party manners throughout the US and indeed, for the president’s children. Through that relationship, Eaton’s in Winnipeg ran a course on the topic led by the then Susan Rumberg as she was the teacher of the course to hundreds of Winnipeg girls, ages 5-12. But soon Susan came to realize that she was ready to move on and settled in Montreal where she immediately learned French. The Bay became interested in her and she even upgraded her limited French speaking skills. Soon she had her doing staff training at the downtown store and she did it in both French and English.  Not long after, she received an offer to become a buyer for the Bay – with crazy hours and lots of travel time. This was at a time when there were major issues in Quebec about separation, so the buying office moved to Toronto with the young Susan Rumberg – along with the whole department. Toronto brought marriage and three kids. 
 By this time, Sue was quite well known in the fashion world. She was approached by a student at Seneca College who was required to interview a buyer. At that time, Sue was the jeans buyer. This meeting led to another meeting and before Sue knew it, Seneca got wind of her very helpful role with their students and it was not long before Susan Roadburg was ensconced at Seneca teaching full time, eventually leading to teaching becoming the longest part of her career.
 Sue’s teaching led to yet another twist in the road. As part of the course work a program was created for her to develop what was called a  boutique “lab.”  She taught and also was able to get her students involved in the translation of books into action. She would attend vendor appointments on Fridays with the merchandise managers and buyers. She also helped the advertising manager put on a huge fashion show at the big hall at Seneca Collage. The accounts payable manager paid all the invoices and presented financial statements, relating to what had been learned in Retail Math. (She also taught that subject.) A new class took over each semester. Sue developed an infrastructure for the class much like those of the large companies that her students aspired to work for upon graduation. In short, textbook theories were brought to life through this boutique experience, a kind of ‘hands-on” approach.
 Sue just finished her teaching career a few years ago. She is still connected to the industry through FGI (Fashion Group International), an organization for executives in the fashion industry. She is even the nominating chair for the board of the only Canadian chapter located in Toronto. And Sue was recently recognized by FGI with what is known as The Visionary Award  by FGI. This is what might be called reaching the top of the mountain in her field. 
 Sue’s road is less travelled to Winnipeg these days, but she still has some ties there. Her brother Ross Rumberg is buried there. There are still friends from her past. Her memories are strongly connected to her Winnipeg days. What Sue might also say is that Rumberg to Roadburg was the first of the many roads she travelled, but she is still charting out new paths. 
 
 

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