Archive

OPINION: Shelburne business woman and town councillor, A.J. Cavey

April 16, 2014   ·   1 Comments

For those fortunate enough to live in the Town of Shelburne, A.J Cavey is a commonly known name. Cavey is the owner of a successful business located on Main St. in Shelburne. Cobwebs & Caviar is a visual shopping treat, from unique beautiful clothing to fascinating one of kind original products and just happens to be the best place to shop for quilting supplies.

Supporting Shelburne’s economy is essential to Cavey and this busy, extremely happily married mother of two has managed to stay in business with drive, determination, business savvy and great ability to know what her customers are looking for.

While some might think running a business and maintaining a family life is enough, Cavey can proudly boast she has been a town councillor for most of her life and as far as her philosophy surrounding her “pro-Shelburne” approach to business or politics goes, her reputation is un-daunting, and her energy boundless.

Not frightened to learn whatever is required to serve the citizens of Shelburne, Cavey can’t remember how many times she has had to be away from her own business and family to take care of town business, attend council meetings, seminars, and special events proving her commitment is actually, flawless.

When in public life, one may often find themselves under the scrutiny of the media and recently Cavey experienced the harm sensationalism can do when an article went to print comparing Cavey to Marie Antoinette over Cavey’s stay at the Royal York while attending a conference on behalf of Shelburne.

For most history lovers, Marie Antoinette was subject to scandal and accused of  unnecessary extravagance as she was made a pawn in the strategy to take down the monarchy during which time she is reputed to have said, “Let them eat cake!”, making reference to the present population who were starving. Like Marie Antoinette, Cavey suffered unjustly, could not have acted differently and was scrutinized for simply doing her job. Unlike Marie Antoinette, Cavey did not represent Shelburne extravagantly when attending the conference at the Royal York, was not in charge of where the conference was held, took time away from her own business and family, did not lose her head, persevered following the article, proving she is triumphant, honest, and hardworking which is also no surprise to those who know Cavey personally.

Most people are aware of the Royal York’s reputation for finery, excellent service, and fabulous food, indisputable facts. Not surprising then, when the council woman’s expenses were sensationally exposed as extravagant, a waste of Shelburne’s taxpayers money, the expenses seemed high, until one becomes familiar with the number of hours involved, the volume of information Cavey was responsible to learn, and the seriousness of the information acquired during the conference which was imperative knowledge to the Shelburne community and would ultimately impact the landscape and future of Shelburne, something Cavey takes very seriously.

The article Cavey refers to, intended to be scandalous when exposing these numbers, really only exposed the average cost of attending a conference at the Royal York.  Sonja Sighn, Director of Marketing at the Royal York can be contacted if there are any questions regarding the Royal York and its above excellent service standards.

The process of acquiring the information cost $95 through the Right To Freedom Act. Interesting to some is that the $95 fee, as part of the process of acquiring the documents, was paid to Shelburne’s CAO/Clerk John Telfer, in other words, Shelburne!

In the foiled attempt to besmear Cavey, Shelburne made $95, didn’t eat cake, and was able to sell a $95 piece of humble pie!  The expression,’ Kharma is sweet’ seems more than appropriate in Cavey’s opinion.

“It’s been hurtful for me, my family, and everyone in the community who know me,” commented Cavey. Fortunately Cavey’s support system has been established over years. Cavey’s reputation speaks for itself because it was accumulated volunteering side by side with her community, and her community is not easily fooled.

After mentally processing the experience, an undeterred Cavey reveal’s her truth as she explains, “I’m not perfect, but it would be great to have an article based on fact. ”

Married, mother of two, Council woman, Entrepreneur, BIA member, Fiddleville Volunteer Co-coordinator, Dufferin Piece Makers Quilt Guild member, Cavey is now the triumphant survivor of celebrity style attention from the media.

“As far as my personal life goes, I tend to look at the smaller moments,” commented Cavey, an avid quilter herself, “I like to take time to appreciate the special moments, pay attention to detail, remember human connections. I wouldn’t change a thing over the years because a lot of good things can happen, like all the best friendships I’ve made and you have to embrace that. I love Shelburne and that’s why I work so hard for this town, ” Cavey explained.

Whether Cavey is quilting or ‘Councilling,’ the thread that ties her to friends, family and community is what really matters to her.

“The inner connections, matter most. Larger experiences can be fleeting but friendships and relationships are the gravy in life,” Cavey commented.

By Alex Sher

         

Readers Comments (1)