CLICK on these COVER STORIES
to read about JUDI, The Manners Lady!

THE BOSTON GLOBE Cover Story

THE VANCOUVER SUN Cover Story

THE TORONTO STAR

NewsMax.com, "Teaching Kids Good Manners:  The Manners Lady!"
http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2004/2/2/164524.shtml

The Manners Lady featured in
SAM'S CLUB MAGAZINE "The Source"

"A Passion for Politeness:
The Manners Lady"
COSTCO MAGAZINE

"Putting Others First,"
MB Herald (Mennonite Brethern)

"Manners Are Making a Comeback," 
Evangelical Baptist Magazine

Also featured on...
Focus on the Family,
CBS This Morning, Canada AM,
Today's Parent, The National Post's Saturday Night Magazine,
The Christian Science Monitor, BC Catholic and Christian Week.

"The Manners Lady has come along at the right time with the right information.  In a loving, exciting and inspirational way, she "sells" manners, then teaches them!  Psychiatrist, Dr. Smiley Blanton, said that 80% of the counseling he did was because parents had not taught their children manners!"  Zig Ziglar, Author and Motivational Teacher

“She’s got a hundred-watt smile and energy to burn. But beneath Judi Johnston Vankevich’s trademark sequined cap lurks a simple message for parents and children:  Manners are important, regardless of your age." The Toronto Star

"…Judi’s course goes far beyond just table setting and thank yous. It takes a page out of the old schools of decorum and comportment, stressing life skills and values such as respect, empathy and self confidence.” The Boston Globe

“Judi’s one hell-of-a-guest!” Joe Easingwood, Radio Talk Show Host, CFAX Radio, Victoria, B.C.

“The Emily Post of the 21st Century!” David Mainse, Crossroads Communication

"Manners are indeed very important.  Your CD will get excellent usage among our three grand-children.   Congratulations on the success of this project, and more importantly on your family life and all your succeses.  Your record of achievements is really quite commendable." 
Ken Thomson, The Woodbridge Company, Ltd.

"We’re very concerned about all the bullying and the lack of common respect from kids. Judi brings with her a vast amount of international experience of working with kids and their parents. We are thrilled to be able to have Judi teach this fun and "cool" way to learn etiquette and life skills." Sonja Buchanan, Principal, Clayton Heights Continuing Education, Surrey, B.C.

“Thank you for inviting me to participate in your recent ‘Being Cool with the Golden Rule’ assembly at South Carvolth Elementary School. It was obvious that ALL the students from kindergarten to grade seven were eager to participate. Your message of respect, basic courtesy, and thinking about the other person will help build better relationships. Building relationships helps to get us all working together, and when we work together, our communities become stronger. The message that you teach is not just for kids. Adults, including our political leaders, can learn from The Manners Lady.” Kurt Alberts, Mayor of the Township of Langley, B.C.

 “The Manners Club Party was interactive, high energy and fun! Judi entertained the parents as much as the children, and her combination of singing, role playing and sharing of personal life stories created a fun learning environment. Many parents asked if the school could incorporate a Manners Club into our regular school calendar rather than just a 1 or 2 evening session. Judi’s enthusiasm was contagious!” Eithne Harrison, PRINCIPAL, Kenneth Gordon School, Burnaby, B.C.

“Judi taught in a fun upbeat way that manners and respect are important, and not something parents are making up to torture the kids!” Sadhana Downs, Parent, Tenacre County Day School, Wellesley, MA

“Thank you for conducting your “Manners Club” assembly at our school this week. “Being Cool with the Golden Rule” was a great method of reminding not only our students, but all who attended, the importance of good manners and showing respect to others. Our society would be a much better place if these values were practiced by all.” Terence B. Turner, Board Chair, Chair, Choice School for Gifted Children

“I loved the songs and the table manners. I like setting the dinner table for my mom!” Jacqueline Bradley, 10, Boston, MA

“Thanks so much for the wonderful Manners Club! Now my family is learning from me!” Jessica Murphy, 13, Quincy, MA

“The songs on the Manners Club CD are a great tool to reinforce what we’re teaching at home!” Lisa Johnston, Birmingham

“I love the Manners Club! I liked learning how to speak nice to people.” Amanda Toma, 5, Boston

“Thanks for letting me be part of my son’s etiquette class! I learned as much as he did!” Denise Bedford, Chesapeake, VA

“The upbeat and interactive way The Manners Lady presented this important area to our children was super. Manners are definitely lacking in our society these days, and it’s a great reinforcement for our children.” Carrie Stare, Langley Fundamental Elementary School, Langley, B.C.

“I loved your enthusiasm and sparkle. Your class was so much fun. I hope you can come teach my Girl Scout troop.” Tammy Armstrong, Springfield, VT

 “I liked your smile and cheerfulness, as well as your use of different learning styles – your nice outline, singing, and teaching us how to applaud! Thanks for your practical advice.” Murielle Neiderer, St. Rene Matane, Quebec (Maine Home School Convention)

“Thanks so much! I was reminded of my need to teach my son proper manners. Susan Peterson, Windham, NH “As a mother of five young children, thank you for reminding me how important etiquette is. Your class was so fun. Your energy and professionalism along with your outward and inner beauty makes it all tie together so well. Sharon Morgan, Litchfield, NH

“Gifted with sparkle, laughter, and a unique gift to discover hidden treasures in people, Judi is a rare gem of a woman.” Veronica Karaman, President, VKM, Virginia Beach, VA

“Thanks for stating to my son what I've struggled to get across. It was as if you lived in our house and heard me calling the kids umpteen times ... or heard the mealtime complaints. Your examples were so close to home, that I'm sure you got my son's attention. Keep that message coming! It was very refreshing and reassuring! Louise McLaren

“Even if our children only grasp half of what they’ve learned in the Manners Club, they’ll be way ahead of those who didn’t take the course.” Gary Kliewer, Parent, Langley, B.C. (interviewed on CTV News)

Dear Judi, I am writing to thank you for the week I spent with you at the Collingwood School Manners Club! I attended the program to benefit my children, but I believe it is I who benefited the most. The lessons you taught us were not just the superficial niceties to impress friends by. Your lessons were truly the core values that we need to conduct our lives by. I am a happier person for having been reminded of some of these basic lessons.
Our home seems like a kinder more loving place. I am communicating in a more loving way to my children and my husband and I feel more loving of myself for being more respectful to those I cherish.
Our home was always beautiful on the outside, but the inside is now as beautiful too, and I thank you for this from the bottom of my heart. I stapled your song sheets up on the bulletin board in the playroom last night and the tunes quickly came back to me. I hope they will for a lifetime.

Thank you Judi.

Victoria Rogers and Family,
The Collingwood School, West Vancouver, B.C.
July 2001