13 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN Author Charles Marcus of Oakville stuttered so much growing up, he could barely utter a few words -- sometimes not speaking at all for long periods. Today he is a motivational speaker and will stand up before the Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Oakville to speak about -- what else? -- overcoming life's obstacles. Marcus will make his appearance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. The Oakville resident grew up in Manchester, England. He was shy and self-conscious. Now, as a bestselling author on success, Marcus is a motivational speaker and seminar leader who has travelled across Diana Brock , communications director, Shaarei-Beth El Synagogue Phone: 905-337-5560 e-mail: ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com From stuttering to speaker's podium "We, at Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, feel very fortunate to not only know Charles personally, but also to be able to host this unique event. We are very excited to open the event up to the Oakville community." only speaking fluently, but doing so in public. He is a successful business leader, president of The Empowerment International Group Inc. based in Toronto, Canada, and the author of the highly acclaimed book Success Is Not A Spectator Sport: How To Take Action and Achieve More. He is also a former award-winning international sales professional and today a much sought after motivational keynote speaker. Marcus was also recently nominated for the Courage to Comeback Award in Ontario, Canada. Those attending Shaarei-Beth El Congregation on Sunday will hear from Marcus how he was able to overcome adversity to achieve large goals and how they can, too. His talk will run from 2-3 p.m. followed by a question and answer period and book signing. Admission is free with donations to the synagogue appreciated. Marcus is a member of the congregation along with his wife and two children. "We, at Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, feel very fortunate to not only know Charles personally, but also to be able to host this unique event. We are very excited to open the event up to the Oakville community," said Diana Brock, communications director at the synagogue. Shaarei-Beth El Congregation is at 186 Morrison Rd. For information, contact the synagogue at 905-849-6000 or www.sbe.ca. Canada, the U.S., even Europe and Asia. Australia is next on his agenda. Marcus has more than realized his dream -- pondered in long periods of silence -- of not Charles Marcus NOW OPEN gourmet coffee and espresso muffins, pastries and desserts grilled panini, salads and more! Bring this ad and receive a COMPLEMENTARY HOT BEVERAGE with the purchase of a baked item Offer valid until April 30, 2009 Brought to you by 610 Ford Drive Unit 1A (at Cornwall) Open Daily at 6am · 905-338-9816