Renata Isopo

There are shopping extravaganzas and buying sprees of legendary reputation that defy the mind’s eye, but as incredible as it sounds, these experiences would pale when going up against the PopUp2 Shop held this past weekend in downtown Laval.

Conceived, organized and presented to the community by the dynamic duo of Angelia Mantis and Claudia Valiante, the first-ever shopping event of this type on Laval island featured 60 vendors in a classy setting that transformed Laval’s Palace Convention Center into a veritable shopping mall, alas only for the day. But a day of days it was for about 1200 Lavallers who turned up to feast their eyes on anything the shopping heart might desire.

In time for Christmas, the well-balanced inventory included brand clothing for all, exclusive jewelry fit for royalty, seductive footwear, cosmetics, sweets, hand-made huggable animals for tots, natural foods, and more – all of it a delightful expression of festive offerings catching eyes, striking senses, and daring  pocketbooks to empty their contents in a gift-gathering adventure second to none.

The future is bright

To describe the ambience as anything less than irresistible would do no justice to the care and nurturing that the organizers invested in this first, of what they announced will be, many future gatherings of this magnitude – unique, theme-oriented mobile malls for Lavallers and beyond.

“When companies like PopUp2 create great shopping experiences, people want to share those experience with others,” Angela Mantis told TLN in an on-sight late-afternoon interview amid the buzz that filled the hall from wall to wall.  “Digital marketing facilitates sharing and turns shopping into social activity,” she added, in appreciation of the sizeable turn-out that made the event a resounding success. 

“Social media devotees can be influencers for brands. On-line access has opened the floodgates for word of mouth advertising via product reviews.  People trust reviews more than they trust what brands themselves are saying,” said Rosy D’Aversa, vendor/creator of hand-made baby clothing, and special occasion arts and crafts, with partner and daughter Amanda.

The Internet has changed the way consumers shop, even for those who do not regularly buy online, now search online prices, product specifications, and availability before heading to malls.  Retailers recognize that the internet is transforming the way customers shop, re-shaping savvy shoppers’ habits. More consumers shop from home, unrestricted by store opening times.

Adapt to succeed

“Consumers today rely on others’ opinions for guidance, and they want immediate access to reviews,” said Claudia Valiante. “We have great stores right here today.  People love the concept.  Everyone is joyfully leaving with lots of bags.”

Several PopUp2 shoppers extolled the virtues of the mobile mall, summing up its advantages as fulfilling the need to see, touch, and handle merchandise as part of the buying experience, as well as enjoying on-the-spot availability, not having to wait for delivery.  

“Shopping habits will continue to evolve with technology, and companies will have to continue to adapt to maintain relevance,” said Mrs. Mantis.  “This is the raison d’étre for this exceptional shopping event,” first of many more to come for all occasions, added partner Valiante.

Regardless of preferred marketing channel, in PopUp2 these entrepreneurial young women have created a Christmas/holiday idea to add sparkle to holiday strategy.  “The vendors aren’t here to compete, they’re here supporting each other,” assured Mrs. Valiante.  “In fact, due to overflow response, we had to turn away 40 businesses that wanted to participate.”

An incredible job

Jewelry vendor Georgia Varoutsos said the event effectively promotes brands and retail since the venue is centrally located.  “Angelia and Claudia did an incredible job, and I certainly would participate again if opportunity permits.”

Super busy host/DJ Anthony Dagger entertained excited shoppers from opening to closing.  “Twelve hundred people reserved, and more kept coming and touring the huge hall checking out purchases.  His electrifying voice roused the crowd, generating great excitement with upbeat music. “The shoppers were unstoppable, popping up from all directions.”

The Mantis/Valente partnership thought of everything, including the presence of trauma emergency nurse Melanie Jade who can do tests without prescription. “You never know if there are allergic reactions to a food or candy in these events, that’s why I’m here.”

Giving back

Nadia Saputo, daughter of entrepreneur Lino Saputo, was present to sell her cook book, In the Kitchen with Nadia.” Known as Chef Mom, Saputo said all proceeds would go to Emma, a child suffering from leukemia, whose family has no income; the proceeds would help the family cover their expenses.  The book, at $30, has sold over 2000 copies, 70 at PopUp2.

“Katherine Karambelas jewelry designs earned global presence making its way to some famous and inspiring ladies such as Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Mitsou Gelinas, Christine Cho, Maria Guzzo, and other celebrities,” Katherine proudly stated.  “We were very successful at this PopUp2, busy all day, and, yes, we would do it again.”Donations from gift wrapping were earmarked for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. The Foundation grants wishes of Canadian children with life-threatening illnesses. Communications coordinator Marie Claude Murray told TLN in a telephone interview that eight volunteers of the Foundation assisted at PopUp2.  Children’s Wish is committed to never refusing the wish of eligible children, ages 3 to 17. “We thank the community for giving their support,” stated Mrs. Murray. 

(TLN) Santa Claus himself is inviting Laval’s many families to come out and meet him – while at the same time donating a gift for the needy – during a special pre-Christmas event taking place at the Maison des Jeunes at Place publique de Sainte-Dorothée on Sat. Dec. 7 from 10 am to 3 pm.

Bring books or toys

During the event, families are asked to bring either books or toys in good condition as gifts. Santa in turn will redistribute them to needy children in Laval through various community organizations.

In addition to having the opportunity to meet Santa, the children will also be able to take part in handicrafts activities, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and borrow books from the Laval library network’s Bibliomobile.

Teddy bears for some

As well, a few lucky ones will receive mini-teddy bears especially made by members of the Cercle des fermières de Sainte-Dorothée (available in limited quantities).

The event is being organized by Loisirs Sainte-Dorothée, the Cercle des fermières de Sainte-Dorothée, the Chevaliers de Colomb Sainte-Dorothée, the Société Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Sainte-Dorothée, the Chœur de Sainte-Dorothée and the Maison des jeunes de Sainte-Dorothée, in conjunction with the City of Laval.

Renata Isopo

Neuroscience research suggests that learning outcomes are not solely determined by the environment.  Biological factors play an important role in accounting for differences in learning ability between individuals.  The emerging field of Educational Neuroscience presents opportunities as well as challenges for education.  It provides means to develop a common language and bridge the gulf between educators, psychologists, and neuroscientists.

Laval resident Cindy Hovington, PHD in Neuroscience from McGill University, recipient of six awards and author of eight journal articles, has impressive credentials in the field.

This is Dr. Hovington’s fascinating story as told to TLN.

Tell us about your educational background.

I am a doctor of Philosophy, Neurology, and Neurosurgery. I graduated McGill University in 2013.  My thesis was based on Defining Persistent Negative Symptoms and Identifying their Neurocognitive and Neuroanatomical Correlates. I also completed a Post- Doctoral Fellow at McGill in Education in 2013.  And, I was also accepted into Harvard. In 2008, I attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario I completing a Master’s in Rehabilitation Science. I also attended Concordia University in 2006, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology. 

You were part of Brain Reach at McGill.  What is it and what does it lead to?

It’s an integrated program in Neuro science.  I created Neuro-science-based presentations for young students in collaboration with committee members.  I taught the program and worked with grade 4 and 5 students in English and French schools on a monthly basis.

Simply stated, Neuro education is a nascent discipline that blends the collective fields of Neuro science, psychology, cognitive science, and education to create a better understanding of how children learn and how this can be used to create more effective teaching methods, curricula, and educational policy.  This interaction is already opening critical new dialogues between teachers, administrators, school boards, parents, and brain scientists.

Education is about enhancing learning and neuro science is about understanding the verbal process in learning.  This common ground suggests a future in which educational practice can be transformed by science, although merging neuro science with education is rather new — about 15 years.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I launched the “Curious Neuron” website last year because learning is through curiosity and neurons must be stimulated in order to learn, thus the name. Curious Neuron discusses different aspects of the brain through articles and discussion groups composed of various professionals.  I’m the only neuro scientist on the team, which includes psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and teachers.  We’re international, 70 countries visit the website.  We get instant feedback from Instagram, etc.  However, research changes rapidly; after six months, you’re out of the loop, and then you can’t get back in if you don’t keep up.  It’s a tough job.

What are your objectives with Curious Neuron?

To keep building our team as a huge resource for parents, giving them the tools for easy access to activities, with articles backing the activities.  For example, what is homework bringing to children? Executive Functions such as organization and planning, and attention skills.  Not born with these skills, we have to develop them.  The lower the skills, the more you struggle in school.  Extensive information is offered to parents, teachers, counselors, and others who  trouble shoot different intellectual areas.  It’s a great aid.

You have two lovely pre-school children and another on the way. How do you teach or interact with them?

There’s absolutely no screen time and no battery operated games for them.  They learn through play.  It’s an important way of bonding.  They are given blocks, marbles, paper, and coloring books to practice gross and fine motor skills.  Kids don’t need much since they’ll discover how to play through independence. They create their own imaginative games.

Do you have any advice for parents and schools?

Be more mindful about brain functioning behavior response.  Be aware of the environment and how quickly brains develop. The environment plays a huge role and quickly changes the architecture of your brain, particularly 0-5 years old.  The brain makes connections and they are pruning.  Explore as much as possible – music, languages, dance.  Don’t create a mundane environment.  Teachers have to be aware of aspects of brain functioning such as exam anxiety, attention span.  Don’t have expectations that can’t be met.  Create the foundation to build cognitive skills, brain skills that will help in school.  Feedback on grades where improvement needs are essential..   

How did you get here?

I graduated Laval Catholic High School in 2000.  Ironically, I struggled with all my Sciences and that was a problem because that’s where I wanted to be.  The system made it impossible for me to get into those courses because I wasn’t achieving the marks.  I didn’t give up my desire because that’s what I loved and that’s where I wanted to be, and that’s where I am now.

How did it turn around? What is your priority? Who’s your hero?

Strangely, I also struggled in CEGEP to the point where I was pulled out.  Then something just clicked-changed.  I figured myself out.  I did one year of Developmental Science at Dawson College — I couldn’t get into it in high school but I did here, determined to get into Health Sciences. The rest is history.  I also started volunteering with researchers, sparking my interest and I had a strong drive to continue into the field. My priority is family. My mom is my true hero, my brother, my uncle and my grandparents are my angels.

Do you remember your quote in Laval Catholic High School’s 2000 Yearbook? Your last words to classmates?

Yes.  “It’s not what happens in your life, it’s what you do about it. A smile is your most powerful weapon in life and remember angels are everywhere.”