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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-01-15, Page 17ti Commun k 4 • Entertainment • Features • Religion, Family • More SECTION iviodel is `:discovered' in mall Natural flair leads to modelling career in Toronto for local girl BY SUSAN HUNDERTMARK If you'd told her a year ago that she would appear in the Sears catalogue; on a poster for Coppertone and in a television commercial for Schooner Beer, Vickie Jones says she wouldn't have believed you. But, after achieving just that in her first year of professional modelling in Toronto, the 21 -year-old Goderich woman says silt's aiming for more modelling work in catalogues, commercials and eventually magazines such as Flare and Chatelaine. "Of course, I'd love to be like Christie Brinkley. But, I'd be happy if I' could be like a lot of girls I know in Toronto who worked for 10 solid years and are now mar- ried with kids and work off and on with Modelling," she says.. . Vickie says she stumbled across what's now a promising career in modelling. While walking through a shopping mall in London three years ago, she was. stopped by a woman who asked her if she'd ever considered modelling. Soon after, Vickie enrolled in the woman's modelling school in London. "My Mom was really suspicious at first but the woman ,kept telling her that she knew I could make it in modelling," says Vickie. • After a year course covering make-up application, co-ordinating a wardrobe and runway techniques (walking), Vickie decided she was ready to go to Toronto. She enrolled in the lab technology course at Humber College but decided after the first day of classes, it wasn't for her and entered the college's modelling course. "I really love sciences but I felt like the course was a waste of time. And, I'm glad I changed courses because my modelling teacher was very good to me and introduc- ed me to the agency (Sherrida) I'm with now. That's where things really started to happen," she says. Though the course was pretty much a repeat of the one she took in London, it in- troduced her to Toronto, she says. Vickie says she was. lucky at her first few "go -sees" or auditions for modelling jobs since she was called to work the next day. Her first big job was the one for the Coppertone poster. "I was one of about 200 girls sitting in a hallway waiting for my turn and I thought there was no way I was going to get the job after looking at all those girls. You have to get a few of those big jobs to build your reputation and keep it," the says. ' Following the Coppertone poster, Vickie worked for Eaton's, The Bay, Simpson'.s, Sears and Speedos in their catalogues and for Schooner Beer, Royal Chinette and Venture Department Stores in Chicago in commercials. One of the perks of working for Speedo was a trip to St. Kit -'s in the Carribean to model swimwear. Travelling is something that often goes with the job of modelling. Catalogue work is available for models in Germany and Japan and Vickie says she'll likely take ad- vantage dvantage of the opportunity during the slow season from September to January in 1986. `"They like blondes in Japan," she says. But, the majority of her work remains in Toronto. She is aiming for a contract with Lady Footlocker for this year which would guarantee her 52 advertisments. Though she says there's no typical day for a model, Vickie says models are either booked by the hour or by the day to do catalogue work. For a catalogue session, she does her own hair, make-up and nails and often uses her own jewellry to ac- cessorize but a stylist is always on the scene to advise about what look the com- pany wants. • "The job is not always as glamorous as it seems. All most people see is the end, pro- duct. Sometimes my lower back gets sore POSTSCRIPT By Susan Hundertmark The ecstasy and agony of column -writing As much as. I love the challenge and the freedom of expressing myself in this col- umn, I dread it at times for many of the same reasons. The challenge of hooking onto a topic, exploring it, judging it, shaping it and in- jecting my (hopefully) originality into it to make it something that entertains and provokes thought is my joy. But, the sometimes endless grasping, poking, prodding and scrutinizing of topics until at least one shows' promise is often the most tiring part of my week. The , process reminds me of my favorite—most detested class in Grade 8 - creative writing. Everytime an assign- ment was given, my mind would go blank and the ropes of panic would twist knots in my stomach. But, after much agonizing every day for at least a week, the knots in my stomach would loosen and the words would begin to flow onto the page until I was quite satisfied with the finished pro- duct. • And, my teacher was often more than • satisfied with the outcome, too. For my. labors, he would usually reward me with an A and then perversely (I thought) turn around and assign another story and the process would begin all over again. When he confided in me during recess one day that he thought I should consider writing as a possible career goal, I quick- ly shot down the idea. 0 Who, in her right mind, would put herself through the required intervals of creative agony to make a living; I asked at the wise, old age of 12. But, by age 19, I was enrolled in journalism school. Here's looking at you, Mr. Rollins! So, here I am in much the same quan- dary creative writing class placed me in back in Grade 8.0 As you can guess, I haven't yet reached the final stage of the creative process this week. As I pan across the landscape of international, local and personal issues, I've yet to zoom in and capture a subject in detail. But, here are my surface observations for the week. This is a rare glimpse at the seeds, which, when planted in my fertile brain, have usually grown into a full - 'length column by this time every week. I guess I need to replenish my supply of fertilizer. On the international scene,. what the heck do U.S. President Reagan and Li- byan leader Moammar Khadafy think they'll prove bflinging n insults and arm - ,ed threats at each other over the issue of terrorism? By playing a child's game of "I dare you" instead of attempting a meaningful discussion about the causes of terrorism and the possible peaceful solutions, the two are playing Space Invaders with world peace. What is a typical day like for the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Colum- bia which is now orbiting Earth while the seven astronauts work at repairing all the faulty equipment? Do they ever have time to take advantage of what must be terrific television reception from stations all over the world? Or, has the shuttle's television broken down as well? While Americans celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, will they see the. connection between the ideals of the man who promoted equality and decency between American citizens of all colors . and the situation of apar- theid in South Africa which they refuse to get involved with in any meaningful way? With Winnie Mandela losing. her court battle for the freedom to live in her home in Soweto, it's no wonder Bishop Tutu is lashing out at the United States government for its "selective sanctions" against Libya but not against South Africa's racist regime. Closer to home, hos about a personal profile of a lottery junkie? Could I get past the maniacal gleam in his eye to guess at the reasons he gambles .away sizeable sums of his pay cheque every year to add to bulging government cof- fers? Perhaps I could suggest the government award a chance for $1 million to those citizens who fill out their tax returns on time. Along the same line' of personal pro- files, I could take another jab at smokers since Weedless Wednesday is fast ap- ppaching. A semi -original way ( give me a break—the government's presented this ) issue in almost every way possible) would be presenting the health hazards in the text of a bort j -again preacher's ser- mon since evangelists -and reformed • smokers share the same zeal. Another of my favorite tasks in this col- umn is pointing out the illogic and in- justice of sexual discrimination. Recent psychological research which concludes that women are equally capable at reading road maps and doing puzzles seems a good starting point. But, more study is needed to see where it will lead. As you can see, the above ideas are in n raw Stage and need more development. But, it givei you an idea of what I go ' through every week to ultimately present you with a polished idea, Now, we move into the audien%e par- ticipation portion 'of this column. I always welcome ideas to explore' in my column. If you have any, I'll throw them on the compost pile of my brain. to keep it fertile. Vickie Jones of Goderich is enjoying a lucrative career as a model and actress from standing au day and it's nice to get home, take off my make-up and relax," she says: "But, the job is fun. When someone does your make=up and your hair, it's great." Though she says she's never been a ham in front of a camera, Vickie isn't afraid of one, either. "It's a matter of knowing what you have and working with it. It's a knack or a natural flare," she says. In Vickie's`case, she's confident she's able to work with what she has. With a height of 5 foot 8 inches,, size 7-8. blond hair and a "girl -next-door look, she's been told her look could never offend anyone. A successful model, she says, will have an overall combination of good looks, a good figure, good grooming, a friendly, pleasant personality and a confident way of carrying herself. And, the competition among women who think they possess these characteristics is Fan -Out alert System combines efforts of police and Parents The Goderich Block- Parent Association announces an expansion of the local volunteer safety program to include a "Fan- . Out Alert System. The "Fan -Out Alert System" is a method of co-operation between the police force and Block Parents, where the police can request the assistance of Block Parents in locating a lost child, a missing senior citizen or an in- dividual or vehicle involved in crimes of sexual assault or attempted pick-ups of children. • It will not add to the work load of the police, nor does it replace the normal police procedures in cases of this kind. With the co•ioperation and participation of Block Parents and the Goderich Police Department the "Fan -Out Alert System" will be put into effect this March. The "Fan -Out Alert System" can be ac- tivated at the request of the Goderich Police Department. As a result of their request to the chairman of the Goderich Block Parent Association, or the communication co- ordinator, the area representatives and their co-workers will call all Block Parents immediately available. The Block Parents will be given descrip- tions and instructions issued by the police which will enable them to become extra eyes of thepollee' and assist them to cover the areas of search more quickly. Block Parent organizers are currently. preparing instructions and information on the organization of this procedure along with description sheets to be delivered to each lock Parent home, so that each Block Parentwill be familiar with their part in this "Fan -Out Alert System." Block Parentswill be asked to get involv- ed little .ore than their current participa- tion in theeprogram. Only when activated by the police will available Block Parents be telephoned by area representatives or area co-workers for this purpose. Each available Block Parent I reached at home will be asked to: 1. Write down details of why the "Fan -Out Alert" has been activated. This will include. a description provided by the police of a child, adult orpossibly a vehicle. 2.6o outside their home and carefully check the street in their area for the individual or vehicle described. (In the case of a missing small child they may be asked to check driveways and yards of nearby homes. ) 3. Display the red and white Block Parent sign while at home, to show they are ayailable to provide help to the child or adult. Turn to page 3. fierce. "Any girl loves the .idea of being a model. The agencies have girls banging on their doors all the time," she says. To stay in the running, Viekie listens to advice from the agency, is planning to join ACTRA, the actor's union and invests in her career by looking after herself. "I'm planning to join a gym this January to add to my workout at home. I'm starting to change and it isn't as easy as it was before to take the extra five pounds off my hips. It's expensive but it's worth it since Pll be putting money back into m`' career that way," she Says. She is also debating whether to take ac- ting lessons in order to do more commer- cials. She's already had some experience working as an extra in the television movie "Kane and Abel" and has been asked to be an extra on the television show "Night Heat." GODERICH "I was a landed immigrant in the background of the scene on the ship with everyone clapping their hands and sing- ing. They messed up your hair and put red in your eyes and I looked terrible. I hid the whole time because I was so ugly I thought, 'If I get put on TV like this, I'll die," she says. Though she works at a high profile job, Vickie says ,she loves to come home to Goderich at least once a month. . "I like coming home to the friends who like me for me," she says. ' She says she'll probably end up back in Goderich or another small town when she decides it's time to settle down and have children. Coming from a smalltown has benefit- ted Vickie in the big city, she says. "A lot of people say the best models come from small towns because they're so friendly," she says. , I l' ec 0 Shoppers Square Suneoaft Mon -P .Parking, IMPOOAN7 PHONE NUMBERS Goderich Petite OnraAo Provincial Polite Alexandra Marine d. General Mounts' ,Jai inrorthation r:e.elrr 9.•4.08a y2ed►2e i s:a•:+u map •- Comely of ChrlUlan * OW Ltd.. 5vV lyeto Waeranr'of Municipal eh* -- Caotlaly of GWae It16r. Afl(al Printed by GdderkkPrlel Skip Limited. Gddatkh. Omarle