TARA WILKINSON I VORTEX
Fine Art Photography Portraits
RISA ZALESKI
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Risa Zaleski and her husband Jeff found their County dream home in 2017 and purchased it with plans to eventually retire here from Vancouver, BC. During the Covid pandemic, they took advantage of the opportunity to work remotely and relocated to Big Island in 2021. Two years later, they retired … and haven’t looked back.
Risa had a long successful career as an engineer working in the field of IT. She began in software development - first as a programmer and then advancing to manager of software development teams in the high tech industry. She later transitioned to project management (achieving her PMP designation) and wrapped up her career as Director of Technology Programs for Canfor. She knew she was “home” in the County when she sat on the front porch with her coffee overlooking the marsh, listening and watching the birds. It’s still Risa’s favourite thing to do. When asked what she loves about living here – her reply? “Is everything a valid answer?!”. She loves the pace of life, open spaces and big skies. She loves the breathtaking beauty of the land and water. She loves the community spirit and running into people she knows everywhere she goes. With a love of birds (her favourite is the red-winged black bird tattooed on her shoulder) … Risa volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors for the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory – first as its Secretary, and now serves as its President. Risa also volunteers for the Hospital Auxillary as a Team Lead at the Second Time Around Shop where she is putting her IT background to good use - helping navigate the point-of-sale technology and reporting spreadsheets. Moving to PEC has opened doors for Risa she never knew existed. From gaining a passion for birds and birding ... to becoming a personal fitness trainer ... to volunteering and taking on leaderships roles. “All of it has been life altering and an unbelievably rewarding experience.” |
Risa Zaleski - Red-Winged Blackbird © Tara Wilkinson, ANDARA Gallery
One of her happiest days while living here has been when she was taught how banding works, and how to safely handle the birds. She got to see the birds close up ... and saw her very first Warbler! The Indigo Bunting continues to allude her ... she can't wait to see one.
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Featured Song:
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Astrid Young © Tara Wilkinson
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Risa's Featured Song:After moving to Prince Edward County following a 35-year corporate career, Risa found a deep passion for birding and conservation.
It seemed only natural that this song be paired with her VORTEX series of portraits. The lyrics "I just chose to fly and opened up the sky" align with Risa's personal journey in PEC - fostering her love of birds, becoming President of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO), becoming a personal trainer and her love of the wonder of the universe. |
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Featured Wine:Sleeping Giant (White)
Sandbanks Estate Winery Sandbanks Estate Winery's newly releases Sleeping Giant White is a blend of Chardonnay, Muscat, Gewürztraminer & Marsanne grapes combined perfectly to create a medium body, refreshing white wine with aromas of green apple, stone fruit and subtle floral notes. Loads of fresh and zesty citrus and lychee carry through on the palate into a crisp finish. Pair with: South Asian cuisine, asparagus risotto, seafood. Sandbanks Estate Winery
17598 Loyalist Pwky (Hwy 33), Wellington, ON , K0K 3L0 (613) 399=-1839 / www.sandbankswinery.com |
One night in the desert changes everything. Though life seems elusive to the naked eye, there is a mystery to be solved. The cosmos, like a field of wildflowers, opens before you, showing you glimpses of eternity and teasing what lies beyond. Like the stars, the Sleeping Giant seems to languish, but each sip brings a new understanding of our place in the universe." Astrid Young, Sommelier
