Meet Tracy Calogheros. She was born in Toronto but don't hold that against her… She's been in Prince George since 1992 and loves it!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband John and I have a great thing going, we both live and work together and I really am a dork, because I miss him if one of us has a sick day. John always has my back and gets my sense of humour, what more could I ask for?
Describe yourself in one word.
Engaged.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Iona Island on Francois Lake. It is beautiful, peaceful and cell service is very limited.
What is your favourite activity in Prince George?
Jet boating the rivers, fishing off the sandbanks in the Upper Fraser or floating back from the White Mud Rapids on the Nechako
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Recently, probably throwing up at the Juno's in Ottawa. Word of advice, if you think you might be getting sick, don't take your seat in the middle of the front row of the balcony. Belated apologies to my seatmates and those below.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When my former boss, George Phillips and the Museum Board put their faith in me to take over as CEO in 2003 I was humbled, terrified and inspired to live up to their faith in me.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I used to ride a pony named Smokey at a beef farm that is today, the 407 in southern Ontario. I would ride my bike from my parents to the farm and as soon as I came abreast the corn fields I would 'whinny' at the top of my lungs and Smokey would answer me. Running to the front of his paddock to meet me. He and I spent many of long days wandering around the fields together. I still have a braid of his hair at home in an album. That autonomy, solitude, speed and freedom is something I've rarely found since.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Working for a charity, a lot of my time is spent at the Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre. I have been involved in the Canada Winter Games, Northern BC Tourism and Tourism Prince George as well as with the Blackburn PAC, really the list is endless. There are limitless opportunities to give back and this is a community that deserves all of our support; some days it's hard to say no! I have also been involved for many years with the Federal Liberal Party here.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love to see an end to the divisiveness that seems to drive interpersonal communication at all levels. From social media to politics, public discourse has become combative, impatient and self-serving, leaving us with great divides between groups and virtually no goodwill within which to find common ground. There are good ideas in all spectrums; we need to start listening to each other again.
Where would you sneak away to in Prince George to spend some time alone?
All of our parks offer plenty of opportunities for some solitude, but I particularly like the islands in the Fraser River just south of town in the Red Rock Canyon.
Where would you like to see positive change in Prince George and why?
Let's reclaim our waterfronts! It will take private investment like what the Bell has done with the Northern Estates Winery and government support at all levels but I know we can do it!
What do you think makes Prince George great?
That we are big enough to attract some significant investments and small enough that you can run into the mayor at the grocery store. We have everything any major urban centre has, and the most beautiful wilderness in the world at our doorsteps.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Snorkeling in Fiji
2. A back of house tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the capital of Egypt
3. Spending time in Canada's High Arctic
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have both my restricted and non-restricted weapons PALs and my BC hunting license.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I got lucky and got a job at the museum as their marketing and graphics person and was hooked immediately in the industry.
What is the goal of your business?
To provide a community kitchen table of sorts to allow for difficult discussions in a safe place while providing a home in perpetuity for our collective treasures and stories.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Learning not to go flat out until I drop. I need to remember to take time out to just be and that it's okay to take time out for myself.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Hindsight may be 20/20 but I love where I am right now and every single decision I've made has led me to this exact spot. So, while there are things I wish I had handled differently in the past, I wouldn't trade who I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Time is linear'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Trust your gut, if you listen honestly you'll find that it has your best interests at heart. Thanks, mom.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I think this was the toughest question of them all. There are so many interesting people out there that would be great to spend time with. I think at this time, I would choose Paul Martin. I've met him a couple of times in the past, during his political career, but the work he is doing now with First Nations is compelling and he has a unique perspective on the world today. I think I could learn a lot from him.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local businesses give communities their sense of place, their flavour. Shopping locally supports not only the local businesses and their employees but often, local suppliers and artisans too.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Standing in Rideau Hall, accepting a Governor General's award together with Chief Frederick was profound for me. The friendship between the museum and the Lheidli T'enneh Nation means the world to me and I am humbled by their trust.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
James Doyle! Photographer extraordinaire and Museum supporter. James does yeoman's work for the Museum, largely donating his time and talents to make sure we always look good!
My choice for the PrinceGeorgeNow In Focus spotlight is:
Chief Frederick. I think if you could get him to do this it would be really interesting to learn about his background!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Prince George!
