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Orillia is a 'treasure,' says speaker at inaugural Tedx event

Renowned artist Charles Pachter and science star Bob McDonald among speakers at event focusing on transformation; 'Orillia is magic' says Pachter

Never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough.

That was Bob McDonald’s message Saturday to the hundred or so audience members that came to the Orillia Opera House for the city's inaugural TedX event.

The Orillia-born science journalist and CBC presenter said as an eight-year-old, who grew up playing in Couchiching Beach Park, he would never have thought his life would transform so completely.

“Sixty years ago, that kid was led to believe that he was part of the poor family on the block,” said McDonald. “That feeling of not being good enough will keep you from doing things.”

With a father who lost most of his income to alcohol, McDonald never thought he would be part of anything out of the ordinary.

Through some good fortune, he was given an encouraging pat on the back and given the courage to seize the series of opportunities presented to him.

These events led to doors in the world of science opening for him and skyrocketing him to unimagined heights of fame.

As a young man, McDonald had accepted he would never find a steady career, and even though he loved being on stage and acting, that nagging voice prevented him from auditioning for roles.

Taking a chance on the opportunity presented to him by his then girlfriend, he applied for a summer job at the Ontario Science Centre, where he studied and worked hard to learn material he would be delivering to visitors.

“I loved my job,” McDonald said. “I was so excited going to work every day.”

That job opened other doors for him. One thing led to another, and soon he was doing a CBC radio show on topics around nature.

Another opportunity that presented itself to McDonald was the ability to travel into space through the eyes of the Voyager mission.

His intense passion for science, and specifically space missions, made the media covet his presence on TV shows. Soon, he was being given the opportunity to do his own TV shows talking about space exploration.

After four decades of dedicating his life to science journalism, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Reflecting on his journey, McDonald said he doesn't think he is special — and that’s not him wallowing in self-pity.

“We all get opportunities,” he said. “And we find a million reasons to not do anything about them.”

But he has learned three things over the years that have helped him take up opportunities presented to him.

First of all, McDonald said, just say yes.

“Even if you don’t have the skills, just say yes,” he added. “And you’ll feel scared at first, but don’t let the fear stop you. Do the second thing: ask for help.”

The third thing McDonald said one should do is to finish what you start.

“It’s so easy to give up when things get hard,” he noted. “It leads to a downward spiral of defeat.”

Along the way, McDonald said, remember to help others.

“If you know someone whose dreams seems beyond their reach, open a door of opportunity for them.”

During the half-day event Saturday afternoon, nine speakers and two performers shared their stories to inspire audience members.

Laura Thompson, the city's manager of real estate and commercial development and TedX co-organizer, said the energy from the speakers and audience was incredible. 

Rick Talbot, a Severn Township resident, brought the TedX idea to her last fall.

The theme, Transformation, said Thompson, appealed to the office of economic development.

“We felt that it strongly aligned with what the economic development office is looking to do, which is really bringing the community together to look at ways we can transform Orillia,” she said.

One man whose mission seems to be transforming Orillia single-handedly was also a speaker at the event.

Charles Pachter’s grade school teacher didn’t have much faith in the youngster's artistic abilities. But he was determined to transform his future on his own terms.

One big step towards this was his epiphany to create the iconic Queen on a Moose painting, he said.

“My gallery wouldn’t show it; it was scandalous,” Pachter said. “It eventually ended up making me lots of money.”

His love for transformation has also been evident in his many forays into the real estate world. Over the years, Pachter has bought various properties in downtown Toronto to transform them into art working spaces.

He also bought a 10-acre farm on Line 11 in Oro-Medonte and a “dump” on Carthew Bay, only to reimagine these properties into what he envisioned to be places where he could produce works of art.

“Artists are always ahead of other people,” said Pachter. “They’re not afraid to jump in and take risks.”

His parents had always had cottages around the Lake Simcoe area, so 50 years into his life, he began to yearn to return to Orillia.

“Orillia is magic,” said Pachter. “People here don’t realize what a treasure this is.”

He shared with the enthralled audience how he has discovered this treasure.

In recent years, Pachter has purchased chunks of property facing Western Avenue and Elgin Street to transform them into a studio.

“Why am I doing it?” he said. “Because in 10 years, it’ll all be worth it.”

Pachter said he always returns to Orillia to create more art.

“I paint in Orillia more than I do anywhere else,” he noted. “It’s quiet, it’s peaceful and it’s lovely.”

Audience members later had a chance to catch up with speakers and performers to talk further, to look through the artwork on display and to buy books written by the speakers.

“I’m so impressed with the speakers and performers, and the diversity of performers,” said Adrienne Volgmann of Orillia. “It’s been an enjoyable experience.”

This year was the inaugural TedX event, Thompson said; as a result they were only allowed to sell 100 tickets.

“When a community is first putting on a TED event, we're capped at a hundred tickets,” she explained. “And we sold out of that very quickly. There's a huge interest for this event here in Orillia.”

Once the event organizer attends an official TED summit, they are then allowed to open up the event to a larger audience.

“So next year, we're holding to fill the Opera House with people who are looking to come out and listen to ideas and be inspired,” said Thompson. “Next year, we feel that there's potential to make it perhaps a multi-day event.”


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Mehreen Shahid

About the Author: Mehreen Shahid

Mehreen Shahid covers municipal issues in Cambridge
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