Biz X magazine April 2021

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

Steve “Beller” Bell Destroys The Myth “Nice Guys Finish Last” — He’ll Always Be First In Our Books!

As a recognizable voice in the community for the Windsor Spitfires, Bell’s face will now become just as well known thanks to a local real estate brokerage.

April 2021

$3.50

"Home Sweet Home" Special Section On Floating Homes, Mortgage Tips And Home Décor Shopping THE PARENTING BIZ Spring Has Sprung! Exciting Activities To Engage And Entertain Along With Fun Fair Food To Eat At Home PLUS Little Foot Foods; Fulger Transport Inc. & Lots More!

Happy Kitchen, Happy Home!

While travelling has been curtailed this past year, many homeowners are turning to renovation projects to brighten up their living space. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, it’s a good place to start remodelling and companies like Alpine Construction, who completed the job pictured, are here to help. From new kitchens and luxurious bathrooms to room additions, creating a backyard paradise and more, it’s time to make some changes. — PAGE 18 BIZ X M A G A Z IN E • A P R IL 2 0 2 1

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FOR BUSINESSES & PEOPLE IN WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNTY & METRO DETROIT SINCE 1998

Tawnya Jacob

Sadie Daher

Nishi Gaur

Introducing our Lock Out Cancer Ambassadors Cheryl Cullen

Chersky Chan

Jennifer Jones

Jacqueline Marchand

Lock Out Cancer is a campaign of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. During the month of May, you can support cancer awareness, research and treatment for women living in our region.

windsorcancerfoundation.org

To find out how you can support women in our community, visit LockOutCancer.com

2220 Kildare Rd., Windsor, ON N8W 2X3 | 519-254-5577 ext. 58557 | info@windsorcancerfoundation.org

LOCK OUT CANCER IS SPONSORED BY . . .

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table of contents

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: How To Participate In A “Virtual Windsor Style Pizza Making Class” For The Canadian Cancer Society 6 Rose City Politics: How Should The Municipal Government Tackle Post-Pandemic Recovery And Resurgence?

8 Front Lines 11 Heard On The Street If you enjoy eating at Artisan Grill, 269 Dalhousie Street in Amherstburg (photo courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex County Pelee Island) . . . then we know you’ll be pleased to read their exciting expansion news!

14 Newsflash 16 Food For Thought: Little Foot Foods, Windsor Get fully surprised in a big way at Little Foot Foods! Experience their Stuffed Peppers meal (photo courtesy of Lindsay O’Neil) generously loaded with beef and pork and featuring feisty rainbow field peppers as opposed to traditional green peppers. Yet there are lots more great products available at Little Foot Foods, such as cabbage rolls and their famous perogies to help busy individuals enjoy delicious, comfort food right at home, without all the hard work.

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“Home Sweet Home” Special Section 26 Tech Bytes: Advice From Edison Financial On Mortgages 27 XX Files: Mary Anne Buckland Of Tecumseh’s Maison Mary Anne 28 Ask The Experts: Aqua Living And Aqua Camping With Twin Dolphin/Stronghouse Canada Corporation 30 From The Bookshelf : Ava Droski’s “Photos Of A Wren” 31 Portfolio Corner: Time For Risk Review

32 The Parenting Biz: Come Rain Or Shine, There’s Always Plenty To Do As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but spring also brings a whole new set of activities guaranteed to put a smile on your child’s face. “Spring Break” is upon us with students looking for something to do. We suggest a few fun ideas that are also suitable for the next few months to keep the kids entertained.

37 Craving "Carnival Eats"?

Since we missed out on outdoor fairs and festivals last year, due to the pandemic — and the future of most events is still uncertain for the summer of 2021 — we wanted to bring a little bit of the fair to our readers. While the amusement rides are always fun, as is trying to win a stuffed animal in a game, for most of us the best part of a carnival is the food. We feature local businesses selling cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples and more, for when you and your family need a fair food fix (Photo by Jack Rosenberg taken during a past downtown Windsor event).

41 The Way It Was: Keeping The Peace 42 Biz Of The Month: Fulger Transport Inc. Radu Bogdanel (shown in photo by Rod Denis) began his transportation career driving a truck, but now owns his own business, Fulger Transport Inc. The company offers transportation services across Canada and the United States. As such, the cargo they haul ranges from produce, to general freight, all the way to time critical shipments.

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ON THE COVER —“Happy Kitchen, Happy Home”—18

We jump start our “Home Sweet Home” Special Section with a cover story on the popularity of home renovations and/or repairs, to accommodate changing lifestyles. A year of staying home due to the pandemic and enjoying staycations, has created opportunities for many people to renovate their homes, update kitchens and bathrooms, add recreational spaces, install pools and hot tubs, and perhaps even create new office space to make working from home more convenient.

TOP INSET PHOTO — Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe — 12 Steve Bell stands in front of the WFCU Centre (which he helped name). “Beller” (as he is also known) continues on as the Windsor Spitfires play-by-play announcer, but what else does he have up his sleeve? Photo by Joe McParland.

MAIN COVER PHOTO LOCATION: Amherstburg homeowner Lee Chute and her dog Rico Suave couldn’t be happier with the job completed by Alpine Construction (Windsor) Inc. Everything from the stained glass window to cabinets, counter tops and appliances, were replaced in this redesign after a devastating kitchen fire. Alpine Estimator, Frank Luiso (background) is pictured going over the final check list in “Restoring Peace of Mind” for their client in accordance with their motto. Photo by Rod Denis, (RodneyLDenisPhotographer.com).

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© Can Stock Photo /DashaPetrenko

APRIL 2021 volume 24 • issue 4

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Coco is warm and cozy under the covers.

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from the publisher

Virtual Pizza Class Raises “Dough” For Charity

By Deborah Jones This is a pizza town, no doubt about it. I’m sure you all agree pizza made in Windsor and Essex County definitely is the best in the whole country!

That’s the main reason why a virtual pizza making class, taking place in April, has been planned. And organizers hope to raise a whole lot of “dough” for a local charity.

Every year the Canadian Cancer Society hosts the “Relay for Life”. It is the region’s largest Cancer Society fundraiser and this year it takes place virtually, on June 12.

To kick off the fundraising efforts, the society is hosting a “Virtual Windsor Style Pizza Making Class” on Saturday April 17 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Learn to make a classic style pizza — right from your home!

Your hosts and teachers are Chef Gaetano Pugliese, who recently opened up Ambassador Pizza Co. in Toronto and Chef Julian Pacer of The Chef Upstairs, also in Toronto.

Pugliese is originally from Windsor and has worked at a few local restaurants

including Spago. He learned how to perfect the pizza crust from Italia Bakery.

During the virtual class you will prepare a pizza from scratch, including dough techniques, as well as making sauce and assembling everything together. Be sure to register on: http://bit.ly/38uI9LR by April 16, so you have time to shop for the ingredients needed for the recipes. If you have any questions you can email: werelayforlifepizza@gmail.com.

Local business, Williams Food Equipment at 2150 Ambassador Drive, (WilliamsFoodEquipment.com) is the premier sponsor of this pizza party that can include your family, friends and coworkers.

This “Candy Store for Cooks” will also be involved with one of their chefs cooking virtually and explaining specialty pizza tools.

There is no cost to join the class and donations are appreciated. These donations will assist in showing that communities are bigger than cancer and can help fund ground breaking cancer research, welcome thousands

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Chef Gaetano Pugliese (shown) recently opened up Ambassador Pizza Co. in Toronto earlier this year with fellow Windsorite Chef Rene Chauvin. The two are the unofficial “Pizza Ambassadors” for Windsor style pizza in the big city. Photo courtesy of Gaetano Pugliese.

to their lodges who need treatment away from home, and offer peer support and resources.

“A similar Toronto event making homemade gnocchi was held for the Daily Bread Food Bank in February and 2,000 people attended raising $48,000,” says Carol O’Gorman of LaSalle who is a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society Windsor-Essex unit. “We are hoping to do the same. Hopefully, this will be the largest pizza party the Windsor area has ever seen!”

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In this space the Rose City Politics panel will analyze, breakdown, and critique a local political issue that affects each and every Windsor resident.

Rose City Politics

What Can, And Should, The Municipal Government Do, Post-COVID?

For the April 2021 edition, the Rose City Politics panel opines on how Windsor can best position itself for recovery and resurgence post-pandemic. There are many different strategies that governments of all levels will take, to deal with the impact of COVID-19. Windsor City Council is tasked with coming up with a strategy for all Windsorites.

We’re inching closer to a post-pandemic world every day.

Windsor’s experience has been difficult and painful — hundreds lost their lives and thousands more experienced a frightening, potentially life-altering, illness. Businesses faced a kaleidoscopic environment of everchanging rules and restrictions.

Sometime in the near future these challenges will be behind us. If we’re wise, the experience will lead us to a better way forward.

There are things to build on in Windsor’s response to COVID-19 — Windsorites should take pride in the way they rolled with the changes, found ways to adapt, and stepped up to help those in need.

Strong, creative organizations found ways to innovate, improve, and survive. Businesses shifted to new markets and evolved with the needs of their customers. Community organizations found new ways to serve.

Local government worked with residents and businesses to create opportunities.

Jon Liedtke It’s time to leave the past behind. We’ve done perpetual budget cutting in Windsor for so long that some have forgotten what it means to invest and reinvest in our community, or even see the opportunities right in front of us.

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Downtown business owner Renaldo Agostino told me: “The City and its businesses are all on the same team for once and we are playing for survival. After all this we know anything is possible. We have seen the negative, now it’s time, with everyone cooperating, to balance that out with the positive!”

Maybe it shouldn’t take a global catastrophe for City regulators to look for ways to get things done instead of finding ways to say “no”, but now that it has happened, City administration should build on it.

When leaders listened with an open mind and made decisions based on empathy, evidence and trust, their choices helped to soften the impact and avoid a worst-case scenario. People suffered most when those things didn’t happen.

As we recover and rebuild in the aftermath of COVID-19, our community should go forward with a renewed commitment to consult widely, innovate out of their comfort zone, and find solutions beyond the status quo.

Doug Sartori is a political observer and organizer. When he’s not recording podcasts or getting people out to vote he runs Parallel 42 Systems, a technology consultancy in downtown Windsor.

Windsor can take cues from other progressive cities and use the global pandemic as an opportunity to reinvest in our community itself. Federal money will continue to flow and Windsor can make meaningful investments that can be impactful and innovative.

A major opportunity is to capitalize on remote work and meaningfully support small businesses.

Not only is living in Windsor more affordable than many other cities, you also get big city amenities for a third of the expenses. This is an opportunity to grow our population with higher income jobs.

If someone in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary can work remotely anywhere in Canada, Windsor is well positioned to take advantage, if we want to do so.

When it comes to supporting small businesses, a cohesive policy is not only necessary but warranted. Look no further than outdoor patios to see the impact. For a minimal investment the city provided a

significant impact; this is how you help businesses, if we want to.

Having lived under lockdown for the better part of a year, residents have explored their communities and used their assets, whether they be parks and patios, or trails and beaches.

People move to and live in communities that are vibrant and with minimal investment and the city can help spur that.

Why not have a live music series in our parks, provided free of cost by the city? We can, if we want to.

Instead of saying “no” to proposals, why don’t we start by asking “why not”?

Why can’t we offer patio extensions or ice-skating for free annually? How can we best utilize our existing assets and animate our spaces?

That’s the question we need to focus on as we emerge from this pandemic.

Jon Liedtke is a Co-host and Producer of Rose City Politics, a business consultant focusing on cannabis and marketing, an occasional reporter and writer, and a band member of Windsor’s The Nefidovs.

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Doug Sartori

Don Merrifield Jr. There’s nothing like a global pandemic to shed light on the shortcomings of various levels of government and the issues a local municipality have not addressed properly.

As we start to see some hint of a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, it’s a good time to see what worked and where we came up short, as a municipality, in dealing with the pandemic.

COVID-19 brought into focus how terribly ill-equipped our hospital infrastructure is in dealing with community-wide medical emergencies.

Lack of capacity to isolate contagious patients from each other took a terrible situation and made it worse.

We have accepted our poor hospital infrastructure for way too long and must let the powers-that-be know this unacceptable situation has gone on way too long.

From a more local perspective, the pandemic showed our transit system has been ignored for way too long and needs to be overhauled to serve the people who rely on it the most.

The programs put in place to help businesses operate as best they can during

these times, are things that we should not end when the pandemic fades to a terrible memory.

Letting restaurants, cafés, bars and other small businesses expand to use outdoor spaces is something many cities have done for decades, but for some reason seem to be a struggle here.

I still believe downtown Windsor should be pedestrian only, but nobody has anointed me “King of Windsor” yet.

Hopefully, the things that worked to get us through this will not fall by the wayside as things get back to “normal”.

History has shown us that Windsor tends to be way too reactive instead of proactive.

Maybe it will be different this time.

Don Merrifield Jr. is a REALTOR serving Windsor and Essex County for over 21 years, a Co-Host on Rose City Politics for over 10 years, a father and grandfather, a former professional musician, and a former Ward 3 City Council candidate.

Rose City Politics broadcasts each Wednesday at 8 p.m. at: RoseCityPolitics.ca and is available on all your favourite podcasting apps, and appears in print monthly in Biz X magazine.

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FRONTLINES New Windsor Charity Aims To Make Dreams Come True For Adults With A Terminal Illness Oneday Dreams, a new charity offering to grant end-of-life dreams to Windsor residents, has launched a fundraising campaign and hopes to start fulfilling dreams by late spring.

Established by long-time friends Michael Bennett and Jason Soulliere, the nationallyregistered charity is dedicated to granting special moments for eligible adults across Canada.

“There are a number of similar charities for children, but people age-out of them at 18 and Jason and I decided we wanted to try and do something for adults,” explains Bennett, a social worker with The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. Bennett and Soulliere had arranged a few dreams on a casual basis for people Bennett had come into contact with through his job.

Soulliere, meanwhile, was able to help make the dreams come true through his job as a booking agent for the Feldman Agency, a Toronto-based talent agency.

“We decided to try and make more dreams come true by launching a charity to help it happen,” states Soulliere.

Bennett and Soulliere have already helped people make connections with Marianas

Trench, a well-known Canadian band; superstar Shania Twain; the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The dreams can include watching a favourite sports team, meeting up with family for a big celebration or riding in a hot-air balloon.

According to Oneday, dreams are as unique as each individual and the charity strives to ensure each request is fulfilled and tailored to every dreamer and their families.

Dreams can cost upwards of $3,000, so fundraising is a key component of the organization’s mandate. Every dollar or resource donated will enhance the quality of life for thousands of Canadians living with a terminal illness.

“We are in the process of generating some exposure so that we can attract enough donations to make this work,” indicates Bennett.

Bennett and Soulliere are hoping that friends, family, colleagues and other likeminded individuals across the region will help with a donation to make dreams come true. And since the charity is nationallyregistered, they’re hoping to spread their dreams across the country, eventually.

Oneday Dreams Founders Michael Bennett (left) and Jason Soulliere, pose in a model home by Lapico Custom Homes on location for a video segment they were filming to promote their new charity.

Photo courtesy of Aphelion Media.

According to Soulliere, it took about three years to put a board together and fulfill all the required paperwork to achieve registered status. Now the board is preparing to start accepting applications late spring for dreams and charitable tax receipts will be made available to each donor from Oneday’s finance committee.

For more information or if you would like to make a donation, visit: OnedayDreams.ca.

Local Marketing Agency Gets The Creative Juices Flowing Windsor Creative, a local full-service marketing and content creation company, which specializes in photography, videography, graphic design, social media marketing, and post-production, officially announced their launch on March 1, 2021.

After being delayed from opening in 2020 due to COVID-19, Windsor Creative is now open for business and ready to help local companies get their marketing strategies in motion.

The new agency came about in 2019 as a merger of Pastorius Media, and AO Marketing. At that time, they were a small, core team of four, but, over the last year, they have been able to grow the team to nine full time staff.

“It’s incredibly exciting to finally be able to launch,” expresses Devon Pastorius, Creative Director and President of Windsor Creative. “It’s been hard trying to be patient over the last year.

However, we were incredibly fortunate to have a base of work that allowed us to hire more team members, and really round out what we’re able to accomplish for our clients.”

Windsor Creative provides complete in-house marketing services for businesses, both local and international, with small or large budgets. From marketing concepts and strategy, to full photography and video production, graphic design, social media management, and video post-production services, it’s all under one roof in an office and studio space at 3353 Walker Road (online at: WindsorCreative.ca).

“Being able to boast a team of nine creative professionals, especially in Windsor, is incredible,” says Amanda Orr, Marketing Director and Co-Owner. “And with our space on Walker, we’ve moved into a kind of creative corridor, with a bunch of other really

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Devon Pastorius, Creative Director and President of Windsor Creative and Amanda Orr, Marketing Director and Co-Owner. Photos courtesy of Elena Pastorius.

cool, creative businesses like Generator Design, Milestones Photo Studio, and our parking lot neighbours Media Duo. It’s nice to see the number of creative jobs and opportunities in the city increase.”

With the rise of social media and online platforms, the importance of strong content for marketing any business or brand has never been greater. Windsor Creative endeavours to be a partner in the success of as many local businesses as possible.

Pastorius adds “Our goal is to help businesses in Windsor and Essex County get their name out there, and grow their business beyond what they thought was possible.”

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CHARITY PROFILE

Mental Health Connections Helping People To Cope Through Wellness Calls And Online Classes These unprecedented times have made us all aware of the need to manage our emotional and physical health, as well as the importance of being connected while staying home and distancing ourselves when we venture out.

Mental Health Connections (MHC) is helping new and current clients to cope.

While Windsor-Essex is in the “vaccination” stage of the pandemic, it remains as a time of uncertainty, which can bring on anxiety. Safety measures still must be followed and, for many, life feels far from returning to customary routines and activities.

“We are most pleased to be able to offer a wide variety of online classes, some of which provide regular physical exercise,” says Jean Laforge, Executive Director. “Since gyms have been closed, and many who live alone have been unable to walk with friends, we felt it was important to schedule classes that offered physical activity.”

“Our wellness calls help clients select the classes that they feel most comfortable with.

MHC staff help to build program awareness, which guides clients as they identify classes best suited to their needs,” explains Laforge.

Prior to COVID-19, MHC had offered a support group each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre in Leamington. This program also went online. Clients from Essex County, ranging from 20 to 80 years, now gather on their computers to share their love of cooking, play games, exercise and more.

“Even though people are at home, they do not have to feel isolated — they can still socialize, even if not in person,” adds Vickie Mizzi, PSW, Essex County Support Worker.

“Our cooking classes, for example, were inspired by participants’ desires to cook together. They make meals in their own kitchens, online, while also enjoying social time together.”

MHC’s online programming has served to enrich lives and gather people together in new ways, with increasing numbers of people participating. The added benefit of online programming is that clients can

Vickie Mizzi, PSW, Essex County Support Worker

join any class from any location, even from outside the region.

Clients also report that they save on transportation costs. This would not have seemed possible just a year ago when the community-at-large was told to stay home and to social distance, but the organization has mastered best practices and exceeded expectations.

“The online programs that MHC offers to clients, provide a safe, creative way of connecting and enjoying life — physically, mentally, socially and spiritually,” expresses JoAnne Ediger, veteran Zumba teacher who reports that clients have become more confident and focused as a result of online programming.

“I feel that I am making a difference.”

JoAnne Ediger, veteran Zumba teacher

“Zumba and ballroom dance classes offer creative enjoyment, along with physical activity, as well as an understanding of sound and rhythm. Seated Zumba for persons with mobility issues has also been a great success and form of enjoyment. It gives me a feeling of

joy when clients tell me that the painting classes are easy to follow and fun,” states Ediger.

Charlene Brocklebank, Program Manager, occupies much of her time making over 100 wellness calls each week to MHC clients, totalling more than 4,500 contacts since the pandemic began.

She reports that when stay-at-home restrictions first began there was great anxiety and fear, and that people started to feel isolated again in the fall as the pandemic seemed to “drag on”.

MHC clients, like so many, were very hesitant about online programming at first but, as time passed and with some coaching, they became more and more comfortable.

One year later, wellness calls and online gatherings have become the new norm.

Many clients have moved from “calling in” to “sharing visually” on Zoom, and report a great sense of gratification about their ability to interact with others in a meaningful way, over the past year.

“In the beginning, there was an impression that COVID-19 would be short-lived, but we soon found that this was not going to be the case,” says Brocklebank. “As an organization, we needed to pivot in order to offer some sense of normalcy to our clients.

Our wellness calls and online classes give people a sense of routine. The wellness calls meet people where they are in the moment and help them move to the next step, and the online classes are the game changer.”

MHC, established in April 2004, is today utilizing online programming to maximize each person’s growth and potential, in a support community that cares and understands. Through careful planning over the years, strategic partnerships and support of other community agencies, MHC has positioned itself as a necessary and integral service in Windsor-Essex.

For more information, or to become a client, email: info@mentalhealthconnections.ca or call (519) 256-4854 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A monthly calendar of online classes can be found on the MHC website: mentalhealthconnections.ca.

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HEARD ON THE STREET A largely-vacant strip of Tecumseh Road East between Lincoln Road and Windermere Road, in Windsor, appears to be ready for a transformation with two vacant properties already sold and two others for sale. Brandon Ives has already planted his flag in the middle of the block at 1666 Tecumseh Road East with the mid-March opening of Skate Temple, a skateboard and accessories shop. “I’ve been renting the space since October and hoped to open by Halloween, but COVID-19 restrictions stopped that from happening,” Ives indicates. “I’m just happy to be open and it’s a great location with lots of traffic.”

He is also a partner in Skate TF, an indoor skateboard training facility at Howard Avenue and Shepherd Avenue, which is just minutes away (SkateTF.com). “I had to choose between being close to a skate park or on a busy road and I went with busy,” adds Ives. Skateboarders are a tight community and Ives expects fans and enthusiasts will find him. Elsewhere on the block, there are a number of vacant storefronts, including Palazzo Moda, a bridal and formal gown shop, which fell victim to the cancellation of proms, weddings, galas and charity events over the past 12 months.

The building is for sale along with an adjacent storefront, as well as a former CIBC bank building at the corner of Lincoln and Tecumseh.

After more than 30 years working for U.S.-based travel agency companies, Beverley Power decided to strike out on her own this year and launch POWERBEST TRAVEL, an independent business. “I started with Travel Agents International in 1989 and that later became Carlson Wagonlit Travel,” explains Power of her career journey. A re-brand to CWT Vacations followed in January 2020. Once the pandemic hit a year ago and took a huge bite out of the travel industry, Power felt that she and many fellow travel agents weren’t getting sufficient support from CWT and she decided to set up her own

agency. “I’m confident travel will bounce back because there’s going to be a huge pent-up demand once restrictions are lifted and people feel confident about travel again,” she says. In the meantime, the industry has been decimated and many smaller companies have closed their doors.

“It’s my stubbornness,” admits Power of her desire to remain in the travel business. “It will take time, but my phones are beginning to ring again, not so much for bookings, but for information about what people will need when they do start to travel again.” Power adds that this is likely the most important time to use a travel agent, rather than booking online, because local agents can provide all the necessary information about restrictions in countries across the globe. “If all you do is sell tickets, you’re not servicing your clients,” Power expresses. Great advice indeed!

POWERBEST TRAVEL is located at 1206 Ouellette Avenue. To learn more about this agency log on to: POWERBESTTRAVEL.ca.

A new three-physician cardiology office is under construction at 4440 Tecumseh Road East, in a space previously occupied by Golden Griddle and most recently Rise N’ Shine, a pair of breakfast-focused restaurants in Windsor. It’s just one of many projects being handled by Petretta Construction Inc. (PetCon.net), according to Jonathon Lot, the company’s Vice-President of Operations. They include completion of a five-floor modular student residence at St. Clair College, the first phase of Crossings at Heritage, a condominium development in LaSalle, the Harbour Club condominium on Old Tecumseh Road in Tecumseh, a new telecommunications office for Windsor Family Credit Union, phase one of three phases for a new condo development at 140 Main Street in Kingsville, a new condo on the site of the former Sunnyside Tavern in LaSalle, a variety of projects for Planet Fitness, and new condos on land east of Place

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Concorde on the city’s far east side. Now that’s an impressive project list!

Van Niforos, owner of the Penalty Box restaurant, plans to open a second location by early summer on Cabana Road East at the intersection with Howard Avenue in Windsor.

While many restaurants have been hard-hit by the year-long pandemic, such is not the case at the Penalty Box’s location at 2151 Walker Road.

“We’ve been very lucky,” says Niforos. “But, that’s not the case for a lot of people in this business.” While business has been good, Niforos says he misses the people. “It’s not the same because I enjoy meeting people and seeing the same loyal customers coming in all the time,” he adds. When the new restaurant opens, it will offer takeout only, depending upon whether or not COVID-19 related restrictions are still in place. The Walker Road location will remain open offering all the same services as before. For more information, see: PenaltyBoxWindsor.com.

The retail and hospitality landscape in Windsor continues to change. Chef Matthew Johnston, Owner of Amherstburg’s popular Artisan Grill is opening a second location at Devonshire Mall in a space previously occupied by Moxie’s Grill & Bar. An opening date is largely reliant on when Windsor emerges from COVID-19 restrictions and restaurant capacity limits are increased. The original Artisan Grill is at 269 Dalhousie Street (ArtisanGrill.ca). T. Kettle, a Canadian-based loose-leaf tea chain, is also opening at Devonshire Mall (updates on: T-Kettle.com) beside Michael Hill Jewellery. Also, at Devonshire Mall, Urban Behaviour has closed its doors after less than a year of operation in the former Forever 21 space.

And in the neighbouring shopping area Winners has opened its fourth area location at 4339 Walker Road in a plaza anchored by the Real Canadian Superstore. Winners also has stores at 2430 Dougall Avenue, 7201 Tecumseh Road East, and 250 Erie Street South in Leamington. barBURRITO, a Canada-wide chain of Mexican restaurants, with 140 locations in seven provinces, has opened its first Windsor location at 7555 Tecumseh Road East in a space previously occupied by the Captain’s Home Furnishing Centre.

The chain specializes in burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, gluten- friendly options and a variety of side dishes. Visit: barBURRITO.ca.

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

Steve “Beller” Bell — A Nice Guy Who Still Finishes First

By Joe McParland

T

he calendar had just flipped from February to March when 41 year veteran of radio, Steve Bell (“Beller”) of AM800 CKLW, found out he would not be reporting for work the next day.

He was given no warning or heads up. His job had been eliminated; he had been let go.

No chance to say goodbye to the thousands of Windsor Essex folks who invited Bell into their homes daily over the past four decades.

No chance to say goodbye to colleagues.

No chance for his followers to say goodbye to him and to thank him for being Beller — both on radio and in the community.

Steve Bell (right) is stepping up his game as he is welcomed by Broker of Record and Owner of RE/MAX CARE Realty in Windsor, Goran Todorovic, as the newly appointed Team Goran CARE Ambassador. Bell and Todorovic give the thumbs up sign to our photographer during the photo shoot at their office situated at 1610 Sylvestre Drive. Photo by Rod Denis.

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Welcome to the brutally cold and heartless world of corporate restructuring.

Beller was left breathless by the news, but courageously finished his 41 year marathon and crossed the finish line with class and dignity. But he soon found out that what he had really crossed was not a finish line, but a starting line for some exciting new adventures for both him and others in our community.

Goran Todorovic knows a winner when he sees one. His real estate brokerage confirms this fact. On March 4, 2021 in a media release, his business, Team Goran RE/MAX CARE Realty (refer to: TeamGoran.com), issued the following . . .

“Goran Todorovic, Broker-Owner of RE/MAX CARE Realty & Team Leader of Team Goran has been recognized by RE/MAX World Headquarters as the #1 Owner Team in all of Canada, which honours the high-achieving real estate teams for their service to buyers and/or sellers during the past year. This is the highest team achievement in the RE/MAX network.”

(And, further on) “Team Goran actively supports our community through the Team Goran CARES program, spotlighting local businesses with the Team Goran CARE Ambassador, Steve Bell.”

Todorovic’s monumental achievement of reaching #1 in national status and 27th worldwide with RE/MAX, included both the number of transactions and the number of commissions earned in 2020. But the savvy businessman that he is, Todorovic shared this moment in the spotlight and used this announcement to introduce the latest member of his team — Beller — the newly appointed CARE Ambassador.

A 32 year veteran in the real estate business, Todorovic explains the addition of Beller to his team this way: “We called ourselves RE/MAX CARE Realty because we really do care. It is more than just words, it’s actions. The CARE Ambassador is a new and evolving position with us. Up to now, Beller has been one of Windsor’s most recognizable voices in the community. Now his face will become just as recognizable as we help businesses and families survive the next little while until we reclaim our normality — whatever that may be.”

A Team Goran videographer will accompany Beller as he promotes, highlights, and assists local businesses throughout the community.

Growing up in Kincardine, Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron, since the age of seven Beller knew he wanted to be in radio.

From the mid to late 1960s he and his three older sisters fought his parents for radio time. The parents listened to CKNX in Wingham for local news and memoriams,

while he and his siblings tuned into “The Big 8” CKLW out of Windsor and Detroit.

These were the glory days of “The Big 8” with radio personalities like “Super” Max Kinkel, Johnny Williams, Tom Shannon, Charlie O’Brien, Gary “Morning Mouth” Burbank, “Brother” Bill Gable and Byron MacGregor, just to name a few.

Beller admits to loving sports, but being a lousy athlete. Even after all the charity golf tournaments he has participated in, he considers himself a scratch golfer happy to break 100.

As a young teenager playing road hockey with his buddies, he could also be heard doing “play by play” of the action on the street — foreshadowing his future. He would even attempt the national anthem beforehand.

Even though Beller saw his dream job as a DJ in radio, after graduating from high school he worked for a year back home at what was then known as Bruce Nuclear Power Development, to save enough money for his future schooling. He then moved to Toronto and enrolled in Humber College in Public Relations.

Why? “As much as I wanted to be a DJ, I still had some apprehension about sitting behind a microphone,” he explains.

After just one day in the Public Relations Program Beller realized he should be in Humber’s three-year Radio Program.

However, he had to finish the Public Relations Program for at least one year before transferring to the Radio Program.

Since Fanshawe in London had a sterling reputation for their two-year Radio Program, he transferred and graduated from there and was immediately hired in March 1980 by CKSO 790 in Sudbury at the age of 22.

Only six months into his first DJ job, a former classmate of Beller from Fanshawe now working at CKWW 580 in Windsor, played a taped portion of Beller’s DJ work

Without a doubt Beller will always be one of Windsor’s most beloved media figures. Photo by Rod Denis.

for his boss. Beller was on air in Sudbury when he received a phone call from CKWW Program Manager Kevin McGowan with a job offer to come to CKWW for double his current salary.

Thus, began Beller’s career in Windsor as a DJ in the company of Sports Director and Spitfires announcer Dave Quinn, also Cam Gardiner, Lynn Martin, Kevin McGowan and other notables. When Quinn moved to Toronto in 1986/87 Beller took over his position as the Windsor Spitfires play-byplay announcer, and sports, for the station.

By the way, this is where his nick name “Beller” came from.

“Quinn was always called Quinner, and he in turn tagged me as Beller,” he tells me.

“And I’ve been Beller ever since.”

Beller has a treasure trove of memories from his 41 years in Windsor. The years 2009, 2010, 2017 were Memorial Cup Championships for the Windsor Spitfires.

But the strongest — and most painful memory — dates to February 18, 2008.

When I asked him about this date he paused, his eyes welled up with tears and he quietly responds: “That was the day we lost the Captain, Mickey Renaud, #18. I was on a freeway in Detroit at the time and had the radio on when the news broke that Windsor Spitfires Captain Mickey Renaud had died.

I remember breaking into tears and had to pull to the side of the freeway to take it all in. What I most liked about Mickey was that always present big smile of his, and how decent and good a young guy he was.

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To know his family is to know he was a chip off the old block and was raised so well.”

In his daily sportscasts Beller gave as much prominence (or more) to local collegiate, university, high school, and amateur sporting events in Windsor Essex as he did to keeping us updated with professional sports.

This thrilled many a parent, grandparent, and friends of young athletes as their names went out over the airwaves.

Throughout his career Beller has been one of Windsor’s most beloved media personalities, both for his on-air style as well as for his endless volunteer work for charitable organizations in the community.

Ask people what they think about Beller and the most frequent response is “nice” — he is just a nice guy.

So, I asked Beller what makes him so nice, and he replies: “You have got me blushing, but thanks. I guess it goes back to roots — a small town kid from Kincardine and my dad’s words to me: ‘Always try to do the right thing, son. It is not about money; it’s about being happy’.”

Beller will continue to be the voice of the Windsor Spitfires. And besides his promotional work with Team Goran, Beller will stay on as promotional spokesperson for Lally Ford in Tilbury (LallyFord.com); Expert Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding (ExpertExteriors.ca); Furniture One featuring: LAZBOY ComfortStudio (Furniture1.ca); and Antonino’s Original Pizza (OriginalPizza.ca).

Let us be clear that even though Beller has crossed the finish line of his radio career that spanned four decades, he is pumped to be at the starting line for the next chapter of his life with all its exciting possibilities. And our community is pumped for him, too.

He puts to rest the outdated saying that “nice guys finish last.” Beller will always be first in the hearts and memories of Windsor and Essex County!

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN Douglas Marketing Group (DMG) recently announced a new affiliated partnership with Agence Rinaldi — Maestro Communications.

The breadth of portfolio experience takes DMG and Agence Rinaldi — Maestro Communications, across sectors and presents options for outreach.

Further collaboration between themselves and their clients will significantly expand both agencies’ performance portfolios, combining existing strengths in omni-channel programmatic advertising with strategic support around brand building, content, French and English creative, as well as proprietary software for campaign management. “We are tCAN — The Canadian Advertising Agency Network members and know firsthand the benefit of collaborative thinking,” says Kay Douglas, DMG President.

“This strategic affiliation links a fully bilingual experience and woman-owned outreach in Canada and the U.S. We have built our business on working together in strategic relationships for both ourselves and our clients throughout our 30 year history. Together we are stronger and can accomplish more benefits for all.”

You can learn more at: ExperienceDMG.com; AgenceRinaldi.com/en and MaestroCom.com.

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island has launched “Nonna’s Shopping List,” a new digital passport program providing both locals and visitors the opportunity to explore the culture of Windsor’s Little Italy district along Erie Street.

The complimentary digital pass is available on: VisitWindsorEssex.com/nonna. Once registered, users receive VIP savings, prizes and Nonnaapproved selections at participating businesses. From curated Italian housewares, to fine dining, authentic coffee, and mouth-watering sweets, “Nonna’s Shopping List” has something for everyone!

St. Clair College Event Management students are set to host an online charity auction benefiting Habitat For Humanity Windsor-Essex from 8 a.m., April 9, to 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2021.

The Habitat For Humanity ReStore is situated at 51 Edinborough Street in Windsor and details on this non-profit charitable organization can be found on: HabitatWindsor.org. “This is the online charity event of the year,” says Project Manager Louanne Sylvestre. The Event Management students are a group of eight hard-working individuals who want to make a difference in our community and gain experience in planning a fundraiser for their

future careers in event planning. To bid on an item please register via: EvmtCharityAuction.com or BiddingOwl.com/stclairevmt.

And even more is cooking up at St. Clair College with Culinary Management students preparing meal kits, a food choice that has exploded in popularity during the pandemic.

According to Chef Marc Johnston, Coordinator of the Culinary Management program, their “Cook at Home” meal packages have been so popular that they will likely stay on the menu and be part of student training in the future. Since January, students in their final semester of the program have been creating the meal kits and selling them out of Eatery 101 at the College’s South Windsor campus. They produce about 50 kits a day and the refrigerated kits are sold for pickup Wednesday to Friday each week (with ordering between 2 to 5 p.m.). The meal kit project combines a kitchen management class and a final semester internship for 41 Culinary Management students. There is a rotation that puts three students in charge of each week’s meal packages, with others serving as helping hands. Whereas national meal kits, such as Goodfood and HelloFresh, may be popular,

uwindsor.ca

I am a registered nurse, registered pharmacist and local business owner.

My journey to becoming a successful healthcare professional started at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Nursing. The University provided me with a first-class education, stimulated a lifelong commitment to learning, and inspired me to pursue a career path that is focused on building a healthier and more compassionate community.

I am proud to be part of the University’s exceptional alumni. We are all WINDSOR PROUD.” Dorothy Leung, BScN 2008 Registered Nurse, Registered Pharmacist, Owner of Shoppers Drug Mart at Lauzon and Menard in Windsor

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St. Clair now has now given Windsor Essex residents a way to support local instead, both financially and in education! Packages change weekly, but past choices have included meals such as Rosemary Sirloin Steak; Filipino Beef Stir Fry and Authentic Chicken Biryani. Prices are for two people and start at $20 and up. To view the weekly “Cook at Home” menu selections, go to: Eatery101.StClairCollege.ca.

Making a difference in Windsor Essex once again, Manor Windsor Realty Ltd., Brokerage continues its “Manor Keys of Hope” (KeysOfHope.ca) initiative. It all began in 2018 when Manor agents decided to start their own annual fundraising program by putting aside money from each home sold during the year to help a local organization or charity.“We are pleased to donate to these great community organizations that work tirelessly for those in need,” states Rob Agnew, Broker/Manager. “This annual event will bring us together as a group to help give back to our great community.” This year’s beneficiaries share in over $21,000 and include: (see photo) Julien’s House Bereavement Support Centre ($10,000); Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Windsor-Essex County’s Pandemic Response Therapist ($10,000) and Ron Gudel, a local Magician/Philanthropist ($1,000) who brings joy to Windsor’s sick kids every week. Get full details on each of the beneficiaries on the following websites: JuliensHouse.ca; RonGudel.com and WindsorEssex.CMHA.ca/pandemic-response-

During a private cheque presentation in March, Manor Realty Sales Representative Angela Cope is pictured with Julien’s House beneficiaries, Christine Gaudet, Founder, and Bill Marra, President of the Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Mark Lewis from Thinqx Creative (ThinqxCreative.ca).

therapist. Manor Windsor Realty Ltd., Brokerage is an independently owned local real estate firm serving Windsor Essex since 1986. Log on to: ManorRealty.ca to read more about the company, connect with agents, and view properties for sale.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO . . .

Happy fifth anniversary to Orthodontist Dr. Maxwell Abraham and his staff at Abraham Orthodontics, 185 Erie Street South, Unit 1 in Leamington (AbrahamOrthodontics.com). “Our openness and transparency of providing treatment when needed and meeting our patients’ specific needs when wanted, paired with the best service and affordability, has created thousands of lasting

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relationships with our patients and their families,” states Dr. Abraham. “We hope to continue to do so for many generations to come!” Dr. Abraham is a leader in utilizing the newest technologies to make perfect smiles — like the use of Invisalign, a teeth aligning treatment, where they are a Diamond Plus Provider, placing them in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America. As well as his commitment to public health (he is currently a board member at Erie Shores Healthcare and on the Ontario Association of Orthodontists), his dental office has everything it takes to make the next generation of families beam with pride as their confidence, self-worth and joy shine through their new beautiful smiles. Since opening in March 2016, the Abraham Orthodontics team has donated $1 million in free orthodontic exams, and growth and development consults, in their “Growing Smiles” program, and diagnostics.

They're committed to procuring the best life for children in the community by supporting unique school initiatives, most recently funding five local schools to revamp their reading equipment and technology programs, as well as oral health campaigns. As well, the Abraham Orthodontics Community Youth Room for newcomer and at-risk teens, at the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex, helps youth who go there to socialize, get homework help and tutoring, plus participate in leadership training. Thank you Abraham Orthodontics for all you do to make our region a better place to live, work, and play!

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

Little Foot Foods, 1404 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor

By David Clark

Photos courtesy of Lindsay O’Neil

H

aving graced the pages of Biz X in their humble beginnings in 2013, Little Foot Foods has grown their business of providing artisanal perogies, cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers and more.

Now it’s time to explore their new digs and the keys to their recent success.

Local markets, word of mouth, shelf space at local businesses, and great overall sales, has led to a storefront and a commercial kitchen with all the tools the owners need to put out comfort food to the masses.

Making food in quantity was a bit of an issue back in the day at the Riverside Minor Baseball Association kitchen. It was a good location, but meeting demand was difficult without larger facilities to create their tasty treasures. Goran Todorovic, Broker of Record and Owner of RE/MAX CARE Realty narrowed the search and found everything on the Little Foot Foods owners’ list to create a sizeable commercial kitchen and storefront at 1404 Tecumseh Road East (near Moy Avenue) in June 2017.

Nothing complements a Classic Cheddar Pierogi more than a healthy dose of sour cream and chives to go with it.

The Biz X 2019 “Marvelous Millennial Manager” award winner, Rachael Myers, Co-Owner/Operator of Little Foot Foods (LFF) states: “We have created close to

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When you are craving Cabbage Rolls with beef and pork, expect Little Foot Foods to pour on their in-house tomato juice sauce, tangy and delicious.

75 different kinds of pierogi in our time and our products are in over 30 retail locations in the area.”

Three retailers in particular — Sobeys, Uptown Meats & Deli, and Willow Tree Market — are contributing lots of space for LFF to sell their products. Additionally, at this time they are also collaborating weekly with local chefs to make unique flavours in small batches, including: Black Magic Culinary Creations, Smashed Apple Trade Co. and The Vegan Gardiners.

“We regularly source ingredients for our pierogi from Robbie’s Gourmet Sausage Co., The Cheese Bar and Schwab’s & Primo’s,” notes Rachael.

Husband Rob Myers, also Co-owner and Operator of LFF explains: “We make feel-good comfort food using high quality ingredients and provide high quality service too.”

LFF provides gourmet meals to take home any day of the week. Everything is packaged by hand and lovingly prepared by the valued employees.

“People in Windsor support local food and we’re a part of it,” Rachael expresses.

“Word of mouth got us started. We did

start modestly, but have grown particularly because of our mouth-watering pierogi, stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls.”

On the menu, the pierogi reign supreme, coming in any way you desire. The Classic Cheddar is what your grandma made with cheesy goodness. It’s a base for the Bacon Cheddar and Onion, Angry Cheddar and more.

The Poutine Pierogi was created in partnership with Phog Lounge and The Cheese Bar with Phog’s award winning gravy and Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese.

One of the bestsellers — the Spinach Feta Ricotta Pierogi — is basically spinach dip in a little pouch!

Pierogi are ready to fry, no boiling — all ready in 10 minutes. Add a salad and a side of broccoli to make a wonderful dinner.

High on the comfort food list, the Cabbage Rolls are meat and vegan. They make Cabbage Rolls fresh with an in-house tomato juice based sauce. The meat version offers beef and pork. Fresh every Friday they go out the door in large and small sizes.

But wait, that’s not all!

Stuffed Peppers are an exotic choice with the same fillings as the Cabbage Rolls and use the same tomato juice too. The difference is that LFF uses the tasty rainbow field peppers rather than green peppers.

The Apple Pie-rogi Sundae is a real treat with vanilla ice cream and caramel generously applied.

The Vegan Stuffed Peppers load it up too with lentils and kidney beans instead.

Explore the rest of the menu and you will also find the Enchilada, Pizza Pierogi, Apple Pie-rogi Sundae, Buffalo Cauliflower and more.

For healthy choices, the Vegan Pasta Sauce, Vegan Stuffed Peppers (mentioned above) and the Balsamic Mushroom and Onion Pierogi (a top seller); and even more on the way.

As for parties and gatherings, “We cater weddings, private and special events, as well as attend markets (particularly the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market),

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festivals and large get-togethers,” Rob points out. “Normally, we do up to 250 for events, but most of that is on hold because of the pandemic.”

With the constantly changing restrictions regarding COVID-19, they will keep the doors closed for a while, but continue to offer curbside pickup orders and delivery (across Windsor and out to LaSalle and Belle River; deliveries outside of this area may have a surcharge). Customers can place their orders by phone, the website and email.

As well, separate delivery is available through Jubzi (LittleFootFoods.Jubzi.com).

According to Rachael, “Whether it’s once a month, once a week or every day, we are here to create fantastic dishes and get them to your plate with minimal cooking involved.”

In closing Rob mentions: “We truly appreciate our supporters who take the time to share our posts, all of which help people remember they need great pierogi in their freezers. Without this determination to support local business during the pandemic, most of our ‘little’ shops wouldn’t be here anymore. As long as we are healthy, we will be here for you!”

For further information regarding menu items and a list of retailers to visit, go to: LittleFootFoods.ca or their social media: Facebook.com/LittleFootFoods.

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"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION COVER STORY By Dave Hall

There’s Always Room For

Improvement Renovations can increase the value of your home,

but also make it more liveable for your entire family

Estimator Chris Savoni of Alpine Construction (Windsor) Inc. sets up the 360 degree panoramic camera in this newly renovated bathroom in a LaSalle home. This camera ensures their head office can access the finished job, as well as add the imagery to their portfolio. Photo by Rod Denis.

A

year of staying home and enjoying stay-cations has created opportunities for many people to renovate their homes, add recreational spaces, install pools and hot tubs, update kitchens and bathrooms, and create office space to make working from home more convenient.

So, while many businesses have been struggling throughout the various government-mandated lockdowns and colour-coded restrictions, home renovation companies and contractors have been kept busy across the Windsor and Essex County area.

According to a report released in October 2020 by TD Bank, 37% of Canadians have made significant home renovations or repairs to accommodate their changing lifestyle during the pandemic.

These renovations also included home offices, learning spaces for children studying at home and home gymnasiums to

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make up for the fact that many gyms were closed or had limited capacity.

Many people are even re-designing their living spaces, according to Jamie Adam, Chairman of the Ontario Renovators’ Council (the Ontario Home Builders’ Association; OHBA.ca) and President of Pioneer Craftsman Ltd. in Kitchener.

“What was once a dining room, hallway nook or even a kitchen is now a home office, which is causing families to carve out space for themselves,” Adam indicates. “Early on in the pandemic, we saw many inquiries for home office space.”

He adds, “Now, it seems like more and more people are realizing their home needs some personalized space for them to escape the ‘home office.’”

While the final numbers for 2020 are not yet in, Altus Group (AltusGroup.com), a real estate consultancy firm, forecast that home renovation spending would BIZ X M A G A Z IN E • A P R IL 2 0 2 1

hit $76 billion across Canada in 2020.

It would mark a 5.2% drop from a recordbreaking $80 billion in 2019, but with consumer confidence rebounding, it’s likely that 2021 will rival 2019 for home renovation spending.

Adam mentions his organization has recorded a 100% increase in calls for additions and renovations year-to-date, with the majority of people saying they need more space in order to accommodate their new daytime needs.

With many children learning from home alongside their work-at-home parents, many families are looking to make spaces they can escape to when the workday is done.

This has led to increased calls for family room/home office additions, interior renovations, leisure spaces, home theatres and outdoor living spaces.

According to Altus, home renovation expenses have risen in all but two of the past 20 years and represent a larger segment of the Canadian economy than new home building. And for the past six years, renovation spending has grown at a higher rate than the overall economy.

In 2019, the most recent year for which these figures have been tracked, Altus estimates $14 billion in new borrowing by Canadian homeowners for the purposes of renovations.

“Regardless of whether people are working from home or not, everyone is realizing the value of home as a safe place where they don’t have to worry about mask wearing, constant hand sanitizing or physical distancing. So, creating a space for families to really enjoy their time at home is more important than ever,” says Adam.

All of which bodes well for the local renovation sector, including a small crosssection of companies identified by Biz X magazine for this cover story.

Let’s meet these companies now!

Alpine Construction (Windsor) Inc.

While Alpine Construction specializes in restoration work following fires, floods and other disasters, Owner Lou Savoni says his company has noticed a definite increase in home renovations by people who have been working at home, while saving money on travel and entertainment expenses.

“When you spend months at a time at home, you tend to notice the small things you wanted fixed, but never got around to,” says Savoni, whose son Chris handles project management for Alpine. “Now people are thinking they’re tired of waiting and have decided to get it done.”

He notes there “was definitely an increase in calls during the summer and fall months last year.”

"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION These renovations can include upgraded bathrooms and kitchens, a new games room, a finished basement, an office, or an addition to the house to incorporate more living space.

“Now that people have a better handle on their finances and they’ve gone through a year of the pandemic, we’re finding our phones ringing more often with people looking for quotes, if nothing else,” explains Savoni. “People have saved money from not taking as many trips and they are looking to update their homes instead.”

In Savoni’s expert opinion, he comments that with Windsor’s real estate market very strong for sellers at the moment, many people are looking to renovate their own homes rather than buying a new one.

Swapping out a vanity and sink and changing a tub enclosure can be just as transformative in a bathroom, as updating countertops and cupboards and adding an island can be in a kitchen.

“And the general rule of thumb, when it comes to return on investment, is that kitchens come first followed by bathrooms,” he comments. “You might be renovating for your own use or you might be preparing to sell, so any changes are likely going to help — even a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference.”

According to Savoni, there hasn’t be a huge demand for home offices because he believes most people think they’ll eventually return to their workplace and setting up a temporary office in a spare bedroom is sufficient.

“A lot of people I know miss the engagement with their colleagues and feel that a return to the office is preferable to staying at home where there can be too many distractions,” he says. “It appears as if the novelty is wearing off and most people will return to their workplaces when it’s safe for everyone.”

In the meantime, home renovation projects continue to grow.

Alpine Construction is located at 2645 North Talbot Road in Tecumseh and further details on the company can be viewed on: AlpineConstruction.ca.

Diamond Home Improvement Co.

Adding a sunroom to a home can create a feeling of being in the outdoors while avoiding bugs, dust and wind.

More people are turning to this type of home renovation feature because they are spending more time at home.

“Creating additional liveable spaces is very popular at the moment and business has absolutely picked up since the beginning of the pandemic,” explains Jenn Gillen whose husband Rod runs Diamond Home Improvement Co. (DHI) along with his mother Janice.

“Early on, people were unsure how long the restrictions would last and we shut down for all of April last year,” Gillen states.

“But, now that restrictions have been eased and people are more comfortable having us in their homes, business has been going very well.”

DHI offers three-season and four-season sunrooms made from vinyl and glass with either a slightly sloped roof or an A-frame style tied into the home’s existing roof line with matching shingles.

“The four-season room can be quite cozy even at 20-below and it can be beautiful watching the snow fall outside your windows,” says Gillen. “At our last home, we had a four-season room and we were able to watch the children skating on a backyard rink my husband had built.”

A three-season room, while not insulated against winter weather, can still be used for about eight to 10 months of the year depending upon exterior temperatures.

DHI, which now has 18 employees, was launched in 1983 by Pete and Janice Gillen. The company also offers roofing, siding, windows, doors and Mirage screen systems “We like to say we’re one big family that

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Let the sun shine in! Sunrooms are all the rage at the moment and Office Manager Jenn Gillen and Owner Rod Gillen of Diamond Home Improvement Co. have many options and styles available to suit, displayed at their showroom, 6930 Concession Road 6 North in Amherstburg. Photo by Rod Denis.

just happens to work together,” expresses Gillen of the company’s employees.

Diamond Home Improvement is located at 6930 Concession Road 6 North in Amherstburg, just 10 minutes out of Windsor. For more information, visit: DiamondHome.ca.

EuroSheds Inc.

The first three months after pandemic restrictions were imposed in 2020, were very slow for Chris and Charlotte Blanchette, Owners of EuroSheds, but the company rebounded and almost met 2019’s numbers in the final nine months of last year.

“It was insanely crazy busy,” Chris reports. “Our main problem last year was getting materials in a timely manner, but we were lucky in that we ordered enough

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"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION

Backyard sheds can become a focal point with the imagination of homeowners and the unique designs offered by EuroSheds. The example here on the left includes a small patio off one corner with room for two comfortable chairs and a small table. Another design by EuroSheds (right) includes a sink and counter along with an open-concept bar area with space for three bar stools for afternoon and evening entertaining. Photos courtesy of EuroSheds Inc.

material for the entire year in January of last year so price-wise, we were able to hold the line for our customers.”

However, this year, with the price of lumber jumping by 150% , it will probably be a different story.

“I’m not sure what to expect this year, but our backlog of orders is pretty good,” he adds.

The company, established 13 years ago, builds customized backyard sheds that

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can become a focal point instead of being merely functional.

“We specialize in she-sheds, mancaves, pool houses, children’s playrooms and business cabins, for people working at home,” explains Blanchette. “We have standard designs, but we can customize almost anything to fit the customer’s design ideas.”

EuroSheds uses one-inch thick northeastern white pine and stays away from

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pressure-treated lumber and chipboard.

“Our lumber provides a nice, rustic look and it’s all built from scratch from raw materials,” Blanchette says. “We pride ourselves on being able to meet customer deadlines and schedules, 99% of the time.”

“We’re occasionally delayed by weather but very rarely,” he adds. “We believe in saying what we do and doing what we say.”

EuroSheds’ business has grown every year since it was established, with many

"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION of those years growing by 50 to 100%, according to Blanchette.

EuroSheds storefront and display area can be found in LaSalle at 2697 Front Road and online you can see a photo gallery at: EuroSheds.ca.

Watermark Design & Build

Business has been so good for Watermark Design & Build that all its’ summer 2021 pool installation slots are booked and the company is now taking orders for summer 2022.

“We can’t build enough pools right now,” says Dawn Corbin, Co-owner of Watermark along with husband Jason Tompkins. “We booked our last slot for this summer back in August and we’re going to be extremely busy for the entire season now.”

The company, which was launched in the fall of 2017, specializes in pools, hot tubs and outdoor living space features, including bubblers to create resort-like backyards.

“People aren’t able to travel so they are spending more time at home and want their backyards updated,” explains Corbin. “And with their kids not having anything to do because sports activities are not taking place, parents are looking for things for their kids to do close to home.”

Life is always cool by the pool! This stunning 16-by-32-foot pool and concrete decking, both installed by Watermark Design & Build, perfectly complements a gazebo and lounging area in a customer’s stay-cation friendly backyard. All of the wooden structures were created by Ed Morkin of Morkin Outdoor Structures. Photo courtesy of Watermark Design & Build.

She continues by stating: “We install hot tubs that spill over in pools and we work with a landscaping company that handles all the work around the pool to create an oasis in a customer’s backyard.”

Corbin adds there are many older pools

in Essex County and more homeowners are looking to re-vamp their pools and backyards.

“This involves breaking out old concrete, replacing old plumbing, equipment and liners, and then pouring new concrete

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MCCCU.COM 519-944-7333

Some conditions apply.

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"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION decks and patios,” Corbin describes.

“This is just another example of how the pandemic and lockdowns have convinced home owners to invest in their homes and extend their living space into the yard.

And Corbin agrees with others in this story that it seems people are willing to spend some of the vacation money they’ve saved on creating their own stay-cation.

The business can also do concrete work around a pool, but for people looking to build outdoor kitchen areas or enclosed barbecues, Corbin suggests using a home contractor.

Watermark Design & Build has eight employees, with a total of 50 years pool construction experience, and Corbin knows they will all be busy for the entire summer.

“If we could build more pools and satisfy more customers we would,” she expresses.

The company also handles liner replacement, salt-water systems, safety covers, leak detection, stone coping and hardscaping, as well as opening and closing services. For pool supplies, parts, and chemicals, head to their retail store at 3900 Walker Road. On their website: WatermarkDesignAndBuild.com you can learn more about their services and view photos of past projects for swimming pools and concrete design.

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BEFORE

AFTER

Canadian Concrete Leveling can take care of those sinking driveways, sidewalks and patios (Before and After photos show an issue with sinking concrete around a swimming pool that made the deck unsafe). Technicians inject polyurethane foam into tiny holes in the concrete and when it cures after 15 minutes, the expansion lifts the concrete leaving virtually no trace. Photos courtesy of Canadian Concrete Leveling.

Canadian Concrete Leveling

With people spending much more time in and around their houses and gardens, flaws in their concrete driveways, sidewalks and pathways become more noticeable.

This is where Canadian Concrete Leveling (CCL), an Ontario-wide company specializing in fixing sinking concrete levels, enters the picture.

“When people take a good long look around their homes, the flaws become more evident,” notes Matt McCullough, CCL’s

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Director of Sales. “Our business was deemed essential very quickly and we’ve been on the job since the pandemic started.”

CCL doesn’t pour any concrete, but they do lift it and level it off, so that water doesn’t run towards the house and cause problems with leaks along the foundation.

“We drill tiny, penny-sized holes about a metre apart, through the concrete and inject polyurethane, which expands and cures within 15 minutes and lifts the concrete,” explains McCullough. “The visual impact

"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION of the holes is minimal, especially if we’re dealing with stamped concrete, which hides small imperfections.”

Once the concrete is lifted, the holes are refilled and when the job is completed, it’s almost impossible to see where the holes were drilled.

In addition to driveways and sidewalks, the company also levels pool decks, patios, garage floors and basement floors, for residential, commercial and industrial clients.

The company employs 15 to 20 people depending upon the level of work it is doing at any given time and business has been extremely strong in recent months, McCullough points out.

He adds, “All of our people are very experienced in all aspects of our work and we can usually complete a job within a day.”

Canadian Concrete Leveling’s headquarters are in Stouffville, but the company services clients from Ottawa in the east, Windsor in the west and as far north as Timmins and Sudbury.

Check out: CCleveling.ca if you require further information.

Mr. Floor

Nothing changes the interior look of a home as much as a new floor, whether it’s

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

A local Tecumseh resident recently purchased flooring from Mr. Floor Windsor, to undertake a Do-It-Yourself renovation job for an 800 square foot family room and adjoining hallway plus home office/playroom. Check out the amazing difference from the old carpeted snapshot (Before) and the completed look (After) with the luxury vinyl plank installed. WOW!

made from vinyl, hardwood, laminate or even decorative tiles.

Sam Fawaz, who established Mr. Floor in July 2018, says that vinyl has taken over the market in recent years and more people are opting for that product because it’s scuff-resistant, as well as 100% waterproof and stain proof.

“We’re selling much more vinyl than any other product because of its durable qualities and it is relatively easy to work with for the Do-It-Yourself individual,” says Fawaz. “We have an installation crew, but many people are buying products from

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us and installing the floor themselves because it’s so easy to just click it together.”

Fawaz says his employees specialize in installing stair sets because they can be tricky even for an experienced Do-It-Yourselfer.

“Nobody can handle stairs the way we can,” claims Fawaz. “They are the hardest part of any installation job and they can ruin the way it all looks if not done properly.”

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"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION

BEFORE

AFTER

From the simple to the lavish, Arepel Contracting does it all! Check out this incredible home transformation where they replaced all the siding, soffit and fascia, eavestrough and windows, plus built a covered porch on the front.

Photos courtesy of Mike Lepera.

Fawaz expresses that updating a home with new flooring, or even installing new floor products in a basement or sunroom, can add years to a home’s longevity at a time when people are spending more and more time at home.

“We’re lucky because business has been going very well over the past 12 months,” Fawaz states. “People have time on their hands and many have money to spend on home renovation projects.”

Mr. Floor is located at 3449 Walker Road in Windsor with a second location, which opened in 2020, at 25 King Street East in Chatham.

For more information, log on to: MrFloorInWindsor.com.

Arepel Contracting

When pandemic restrictions first took hold, business slowed down and owner Mike Lepera of Arepel Contracting even considered laying off staff, but after an initial blip, business has taken off again.

“Initially, I think people were wondering how long the restrictions would last, so they were reluctant to spend, but once it became apparent that we were in it for the long haul, business picked right up again,” says Lepera. “The phone barely stops ringing and we are very appreciative of all the business we are getting.”

Lepera said he and his staff took a couple of weeks off at the beginning of the pandemic, but have been busy ever since.

“We couldn’t do much indoor work at the beginning because of the restrictions, but we’re busy with outdoor projects now that the weather is improving and the indoor work is picking up again as well,” he adds.

The company specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations, windows and doors, vinyl and aluminum siding, metal capping and shutters, garages and additions, storage sheds, soffit and fascia, as well as decks and fences.

According to Lepera, about 90% of the kitchen and bathroom work involves complete renovations, because many people are looking to update their living spaces since they are unable to travel.

They’re spending more time at home and want to enjoy themselves in new surroundings.

Lepera now spends up to three days a week visiting clients to quote on work. The company has four full-time employees and uses sub-contractors for a lot of the work, including electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling.

When Lepera’s father started the business 50 years ago, the company focused on siding and soffits before adding windows and doors 35 years ago.

“We expanded to include kitchen and bathroom renovations over the past 20 years,” indicates Lepera who is helped in the business by his children.

Arepel Contracting is located at 1153 Tecumseh Road West in Windsor.

Refer to: Arepel.ca for a full list of all services they offer residential customers.

Open The Door To Renovation

All in all, this seems like the perfect time to freshen up that kitchen, basement or bathroom, add a sunroom, and even update the backyard with a new pool or deck. So hire a local business to spruce up your home this spring!

Making businesses better We’re always looking at the big picture to understand where you want to take your business. Delivering ideas, insights and action to help you grow, expand internationally, strengthen or exit your business.

Contact us 618 Greenwood Centre, 3200 Deziel Drive

I T: 519.251.3500

Let's do this. home.kpmg/ca/enterprise

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"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION TECH BY TES

Goodbye Cold Weather, Hello Hot Real Estate Market

By Bekim Merdita

The Windsor Essex region is looking forward to shiny days again in the outdoors, after a long winter. While snow piled on the ground, one thing stayed red hot — the housing market.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average home sale price in Windsor Essex was $492,480, in January.

That was 31.4% higher compared to January of last year.

I believe the huge home price growth is driven, in large part, by the intense homebuyer demand outpacing the number of homes on the market.

There is nothing to indicate this trend will slow down any time soon. So, here are some things you can do to prepare yourself.

1. Get pre-approved by a mortgage broker. Be sure that the pre-approval is solid. If you haven’t provided a full financial picture of income, assets and liabilities then

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you’re putting your deposit on the purchase at risk. A firm pre-approval allows you to shop with confidence and make your offer stand out.

2. Hire a great Real Estate Agent.

Find a local agent who understands the market and can help you win in a bidding war. Traditionally, the strongest offer will get the home but — in this hot real estate market —speed, the right presentation and the agents’ relationship can tip the scale in your direction.

3. Continue saving.

For current homeowners, the transition from one property to the next isn’t too difficult since the equity in one home can be used as down payment on another. First time homebuyers, on the other hand, will need a down payment.

That cost isn’t as high as some might think — and can be as little as 5% — but it’s important you also have savings for all that

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comes with being a homeowner. Appliances seem to break just when you need them most!

4. Enjoy the journey. Buying a home can be stressful, but it is also a lot of fun. Set realistic expectations, look at homes that fit within those parameters and be ready to place an offer when you find the place you would like to call home.

I am associated with a company helping homebuyers through a unique digital mortgage approach, right from downtown Windsor.

We are working to digitize and streamline the mortgage experience. All that is needed is basic information, an electronically signed application, securely uploaded documents, and a mortgage can be available.

Thanks to technology, it’s everything you need to win in the hottest local real estate market in history.

“Tech Bytes” is powered by WEtech Alliance (WEtech-Alliance.com). The author of the article this issue, Bekim Merdita is a mortgage industry leader with 15 years of experience managing teams across Canada and the U,S. He is the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Edison Financial. His passion is disruptive fintech that will enhance the client experience with financial products. For more information, please visit: EdisonFinancial.ca.

"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN

Mary Anne Buckland

Gift Goddess & Home Décor Heroine

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Story And Photo By Julianna Bonnett

he main goal for Maison Mary Anne Owner and Operator Mary Anne Buckland is to provide home décor and gift store customers with a personal experience that keeps them coming back for more.

When Buckland opened her business in October 2018, in Tecumseh’s Kenney Plaza, 13139 Tecumseh Road East, she wanted her store to have a unique and trendy feel to it while also offering customers new items they can’t find anywhere else.

“Several times a day I will hear that I have such unique things in my store, which is why people come back,” she proudly states. “I like to be able to offer people advice and help them think outside of the box. For instance, someone will ask me what they can use something for and I can offer suggestions that might not be the obvious uses.”

Born in Windsor, and then relocating to the Barrie/Newmarket area at the age of 10, Buckland felt like she had a link to Windsor due to her family life.

“I always had a connection to the Windsor area as my grandparents, my dad and other relatives, stayed down this way, so I always visited often and Windsor was my second home,” she mentions.

Before getting into the home décor business, Buckland worked in human resources and was employed by Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. as a Senior Business Partner, up until her retirement in fall 2017.

“My mother owned a store back in the ‘90s and I would often help her with the buying during my time off and would run the store for her whenever I visited the Windsor area,” she explains. “I love to decorate and to shop around for just the right pieces to complete a room, and my friends always used to tell me that I should be an interior decorator or own a store, so I decided to give it a try.”

Offering pillows, pillow covers, candles, shabby chic décor, country décor, candle holders, seasonal items, face masks, Barefoot Venus body products and more, Buckland’s shop is convenient for getting personal gift shopping done.

“I often tell people when they discover the store that I am Tecumseh’s best kept secret,” she shares. “They will often be shocked when they hear that I have been in this location for almost three years.”

Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected the shop being open to the public for some time, she was still able to shift her business to online shopping and curbside pickup services.

Mary Anne Buckland, Owner and Operator of Maison Mary Anne is pictured inside her Tecumseh shop that is filled with all kinds of unique gift and home décor items, suitable for every occasion and season.

“During the pandemic, I was able to continue to use my Instagram and Facebook accounts and sell online with curbside pickup or local delivery,” she explains. “With the second round of the pandemic restrictions, my daughter helped me to open an online store on my website so that I could keep selling while the business was closed. I continue to have my online presence, even though we have been allowed to open back up.”

Making sure the store is successful is definitely a family affair, with her two daughters, both in their 20s, offering their expertise on technology matters. And her sister also pitches in to help when needed as well.

Living by the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,” Buckland believes that is how she has conducted her business thus far.

“Honestly, I have always lived by the old saying to ‘treat others as I wish to be treated’ and that is how I operate my business,” she says.

“Sometimes, someone just needs a smile or a kind word to change their day and sometimes people can be short with you or rushed and you can’t take it personally, just offer them kindness and a smile.”

To purchase items from her shop log on to: MaisonMaryAnne.com.

Keep up with the latest news via: Facebook.com/maisonmaryanne.

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"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION ask the experts

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Life On The Water

By Dave Halliday

These four season homes are designed to be placed in the water in selected locations and to remain in the water even when the seasons change. Shown are sketches of two current models, the Sun Lover Penthouse (left) and the River Lodge.

H

aving a waterfront cottage is a common dream for most of us.

To wake up and watch the sunrise over a body of water is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. Imagine being close enough to toss a line in the water while sipping your first coffee of the day, hanging your feet in the cool lake, and watching ducks and swans on their morning swim. Now imagine that you are not only close to the water, but in fact living on it!

This likely sounds like a slice of heaven for many of you and it is now achievable, thanks to the visionary thinking of the folks at Twin Dolphin/Stronghouse Canada Corporation, located in Wallaceburg, Ontario (on Facebook see “Strong House Canada Corp.”).

Alexander Topol, President of Twin Dolphin/Stronghouse has worn many hats over the 75 years, since he was reportedly born in the sidecar of a motorcycle.

Perhaps it was this unorthodox beginning and the subsequent years exposed to various trades, combined with life experience that spawned his current brainchild Aqua Homes.

Topol was kind enough to sit and

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share his experience and passion for this endeavour.

Can you provide an overview of what services Twin Dolphin/Stronghouse Canada provides? “In 1997 a major European flood occurred and my desire to build flood resilient homes was born,” states Topol. “It took many years to research and develop several technologies to make this dream come true.”

He adds: “We offer innovative approaches to flood and erosion issues and currently we are using these technologies to design and build structural steel floating homes.”

So these structures are comprised of steel components? “Yes, and the metal construction is superior to wood in that it is stronger and lighter,” he replies. “Metal withstands torquing and eliminates the possibilities of mould, fire, termite damage, and warping of the wood.” Topol continues with: “We manufacture our barges with both the metal building frames and our own composite pultruded panels to offer a product that is strong, maintenance free, and has a longevity that is tested to be more than 180 years.”

Please describe the concept of Aqua Living.

“In our research we discovered many real estate

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descriptions indicating that properties are on the water,” notes Topol. “Aqua Living allows one to truly live right on the water! We build moderate square footage on oversize barges to provide ample outdoor decking where you can relax, garden in containers, connect with nature and more. No more grass cutting, but lots of wildlife viewing, and time to simply be.”

So what is Aqua Camping? “If you are not ready to move to on the water living full time, we are also excited to offer models that are designed and built for short term living or rentals for weekend or vacation getaways,” explains Topol. “We are working with customers right now who are considering jumping into the Aqua Camping business with our designs. Just ask us about our “Six Pack” possibilities.”

Can these aquatic living spaces remain in the water all year round regardless of ice?

“We build all of our models for four season living in Canada,” he says. “In general, models are placed in protected marinas, lagoons or coves where they do not take the full brunt of what nature can offer here in Canada.”

Where would someone place their aquatic

"HOME SWEET HOME" SPECIAL SECTION sanctuary? “Currently, we have four locations where we are placing them, including: Cove Marina in Lighthouse Cove Tilbury; a private marina in LaSalle; a lagoon in the Sydenham River in Wallaceburg and a marina on the Colorado River in Arizona,” lists Topol. “We can also build for other locations if we deem them suitable, such as private ponds, small lakes and other wet places — all are possibilities.”

What would one do if they decided to relocate their Aqua Living space? Can they be easily relocated? “It is much easier to relocate an Aqua Home than a traditional onland home,” claims Topol. “All you need is a tug boat and a new location to go to, and we will help with both of these if the need arises.”

Are there any special considerations regarding services such as waste water?

“Waste water and septic systems are a huge concern for planning boards, municipalities, etc. as they are mandated to protect land and water,” indicates Topol. He assures us that they “want to protect land and water too, so we include simple-to-use, waterless composting toilets and five-stage, grey water filtration systems, to minimize water need.”

Alexander Topol, known as “Captain Alex” happily came to Canada in 1969 from then Czechoslovakia, and is proud to call himself Canadian. A jack of many trades, he has been actively involved in the R&D of his Aqua Homes since 2001. His company is in the process now of building their first models that hopefully will be on the water by the end of this summer. Photo courtesy of Twin Dolphin/Stronghouse Canada Corporation.

What about utilities such as hydro? “We can build completely off-grid models with the latest technology available and we are constantly keeping up to date on the latest solar, wind, and water turbine innovations,” Topol says. “More conventionally powered and water systems can be included if a customer chooses, as most marinas offer electrical and water hook ups.”

Well, we have to admit that as avid lovers of the amazing bodies of water our area is blessed with, we are very intrigued by this entire concept.

I'm sure that many of our faithful Biz X readers are equally interested as well and they can visit Topol (often called “Captain Alex”) and his crew by appointment, at their office and showroom, found in the Dockside On The Cove restaurant at Cove Marina, 466 Tisdelle Drive, Tilbury.

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FROM THE BOOKSHELF

“Photos Of A Wren”

Local entrepreneur Ava Droski (Owner, Featherstone Music & Performing Arts Company) has published her debut fiction novel, “Photos of a Wren”. The novel, 10 years in the making, was released March 2021.

Author Ava Droski’s “Photos of a Wren” is a psychological fiction novel exploring the emotional journeys of the characters. Pictured (top right) are the Kindle version (fire cover) and the paperback copy (sunset cover). Photos courtesy of the author.

“I started writing this book when I was making the transition from the collaborative Nursing program at St. Clair College into a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Windsor,” Droski explains. “I was in an uncertain place, wondering if I’d made the right decision to follow my heart and my passions. The music and storytelling world is

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where I felt I belonged, and I couldn’t ignore that force that I felt compelling me into it.”

Droski reveals she never had intentions to publish a book: “I wrote this novel because it was something I loved to do — I love writing and making music. For me, writing was like sitting down and practicing the piano.”

She adds, “I finished the novel over many years of writing less than part-time.

I completed it around the time I opened my music school in Walkerville (Featherstone Music & Performing Arts Company) in 2019.

My fiancé asked me if I had ever considered publishing and it was then that I started thinking seriously about introducing my book to the world. I thought, ‘I worked hard to reach one dream of mine, why not go for this one too’?’”

“I’ve always been drawn to fiction,” she points out. “Especially psychological fiction — novels that make you think about your own emotions and reactions. I love finishing a novel and feeling like I had an emotional connection with one or more of the characters, or feeling like I actually

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knew them and could commiserate with them or feel excited for them, whichever the plot case may be. I think if an author does their job well, they can make you question things or feel things that perhaps you never have before. That’s what I hope to achieve with my debut novel. ” “Photos of a Wren” is a story revolving around Dean, a young firefighter from Halifax attempting to seek refuge from his disturbing past, who escapes to Sun Row Harbour, a small fishing town in southern Nova Scotia.

Although seemingly mundane, Dean soon discovers the town lodges an ominous cloud of misfortune and is home to Ren Kyett, the girl who survived two devastating and fatal accidents. And so the mystery begins.

For more details, and to connect with the author, visit: AvaDroski.com.

The book is currently available for purchase on: Amazon.ca.

portfolio corner

Risk Creep In Your Portfolio

By Steven Mayo How does your portfolio configuration look now versus one year ago? Each investor, after the recent market appreciation, may need to re-balance their portfolio.

Asset allocation within a portfolio is comprised primarily as follows: Stocks/ Equity Mutual Funds/ETFs; Fixed Income (bonds/GICs/fixed income mutual funds) and Cash.

When interest rates were higher two years ago the fixed income portion was, for a balanced investor, approximately 40 to 60%, the rest in equities and some cash.

Fast forward to today’s low interest rate environment; it’s possible the fixed income portion is now below 30%. The good news is that part of this was a result of investments that were made in equities when the markets were down, and the portfolio has now gone up in value as a result. However, many investors may be taking on more market risk than needed and may not be aware of it.

So, how can a moderate risk investor evaluate if they are taking on more risk than intended? Ask yourself these questions . . .

Is your portfolio now over-weighted technology stocks versus one year ago?

Do you now consider dividend paying stocks boring, even though they have proven to provide good long-term performance, while returning cash to shareholders?

Are you only considering stocks based on perceived future growth and not earnings?

Are you only interested in the “new sectors” and names getting media hype, and consider social media an important source of information?

Do you act on this information?

Do you struggle to hold cash for three weeks, or three months, waiting for a bargain?

If you answer yes to many or all of these questions, you are likely taking on more risk.

For example, if your portfolio now has more than 20% in technology stocks, or high

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beta stocks, your risk structure has increased.

Rebalancing may be required.

What is your comfort level with risk? Below are descriptions of risk within a portfolio.

Low Risk: fixed income/interest bearing investments/capital preservation is of primary importance Medium Risk: mix of equities (stocks/ mutual funds/ETFs) and fixed income (bonds/ GICs) High Risk: more than 80% in equities It is a complicated world and things change daily. Investors can control their portfolio structure, but they must also control their emotions. Investing should be disciplined, driven more by suitability and less by entertainment.

As usual I wrap up with a quote to consider: “Your success in investing will depend in part on your character and guts and in part on your ability to realize, at the height of ebullience and the depth of despair alike, that this too shall pass.” — Jack Bogle Steven Mayo is a Vice President, Director, and Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (Member — Canadian Investor Protection Fund). This article is not intended as nor does it constitute investment advice. Readers should consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on information in this article.

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Feature Story By Matthew St. Amand

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he first anniversary of the pandemic lockdown has come and gone. The region is still experiencing COVID-19 government restrictions and vaccines against the coronavirus are being rolled out with the scope and urgency of a military operation.

In a year filled with oddities and anomalies, another comes down the pipeline — “March Break” in April. Biz X magazine reached out to some area businesses to learn what activities are available to kids and families during the “Spring Break” to keep them entertained, but can also be done on your own schedule this spring and summer.

As the weather improves, people will head outdoors. One good thing about cabin-fever is that it makes cutting the lawn and washing the car seem like stimulating pursuits after a winter cooped up in the house.

As those diversions lose their lustre, however, one of the many outdoor activities that is fun at any age is riding a bicycle, which is where we now kick start our PARENTING BIZ feature story.

Hello Spring . . .

Surprise Us With Things For Kids To Do!

Bike Windsor Essex — Let’s Get Physical

First things first: Safety. Be visible on the road by wearing high visibility clothing — a reflective orange or yellow safety vest, which can be worn over clothing, is often the easiest solution. Ensure there are lights on your bike (white in the front, red in the back). And always wear your helmet!

As a personal anecdote, (the writer of this article) purchased a bicycle at the beginning of the pandemic, thinking cycling would be a low impact activity to improve my mental health. Before long, my routes around the county grew more elaborate.

One thing that greatly enhanced my cycling experience was downloading a free cycling app onto my cell phone, which tracked kilometres travelled, estimated calories burned on each ride, kept track of the amount of time spent on the road, and even showed a map of the route I had just completed.

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As you can see, Bike Windsor Essex Executive Director Lori Newton has plenty of pedal power and a good selection to sell of new and refurbished bicycles for kids, youth and adults. The Bike Kitchen — situated at 628 Monmouth Road in the SHO Studios building — is the region’s only not-for-profit community bike shop. Photo courtesy of Bike Windsor Essex.

By the end of 2020, over the course of 197 rides, I cycled more than 11,200 kilometres in Essex County.

Before you hit the road, it’s best to consult the experts, such as Bike Windsor Essex (BWE) — one of the few outfits that has bikes for sale. Since the start of the pandemic, any type of exercise and/or leisure equipment (bicycles included) have become scarce.

“When you come here, all bikes have been checked by a mechanic,” explains BWE Executive Director, Lori Newton.

“The bikes are cleaned, the chains have been lubed, and many of our bikes have new tires.”

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BWE has adult bikes for as little as $90, with many in the $130 to $140 range. For kids (at the time of this writing), they have 50 to 60 refurbished bikes in like-new shape that cost from $20 to $60. You can shop the BWE website for bikes and accessories at anytime and see what is in stock.

“Bike Windsor Essex is the region’s only not-for-profit bike shop, focused on DIY [Do-It-Yourself],” Newton says.

“Unfortunately, while Windsor Essex is under ‘Red Control’ restrictions, all our programming is cancelled, but our DIY Bike Kitchen is resuming operation by appointment on Sunday afternoons.”

THE PARENTING BIZ Maintenance is an important part of cycling. The Bike Kitchen is where people go to learn how to maintain their bikes. Used parts (another scarcity) can be purchased there for $6/part.

When health restrictions are lifted, BWE offers invaluable programming to keep cyclists safe.

“Many people who come here do not have a driver’s licence,” Newton indicates, “and they have no idea where they belong on the road when riding.”

BWE offers free classes, such as “Ride with Confidence”, which involves two hours of classroom instruction, and two hours on the road. Another class is “How to Ride on Urban Streets”, which teaches riders where they belong on the road, using various hand signals to communicate their intentions to traffic behind them, as well as traffic etiquette.

“There is also ‘Crash Avoidance’,” Newton continues, “and ‘How to Fall’.

That’s particularly important for kids when they go from pedal brakes to hand brakes.”

For now, every person interested in getting out on their bike should check out the BWE website at: BikeWindsorEssex.com to stay on top of developments. And remember — the only way to enjoy cycling is to do it safely.

Fairytale characters from Evermore Princess Parties would love to be your royal guests and add magic to your child’s next celebration or event, whether it is safely outdoors or virtually. Pictured are the Quirky Princess and the Mountain Prince, at a local park, with children (from left): Lilyana, Jaylyn, Daisy, Zella and Aliyah during a promotional photo shoot.

Photo courtesy of Jen Gurniak Photography.

Evermore Princess Parties — Receive The Royal Treatment

If there is anyone in Windsor Essex who can “make some magic”, it’s Breannah Deschaine, Owner/Operator of Evermore Princess Parties. Deschaine, it seems, was born to make people happy.

“The first event I ever participated in was for W.E. Care for Kids,” Deschaine recalls. “That was about eight years ago,

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when I was still in high school. After that, it became my goal to make magic for those who need it most. I played the mermaid princess.”

Following high school, she entered the Music Theatre Program at St. Clair College. The day after she graduated, she applied for her business licence and launched Evermore Princess Parties.

That was June 1, 2017.

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THE PARENTING BIZ With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deschaine has transitioned from in-person visits to virtual interaction with kids, conducted via Evermore’s Facebook page.

These include a Virtual Crafts Class, Virtual Tea Time, and a Virtual Slumber Party.

“We’ve missed the kids so much that we started doing it through a screen,” Deschaine states. “In the ‘Red Control’ level, it’s safe to do small visits, so we offer a ‘Socially Distanced Sidewalk Visit’, where we come on the lawn, driveway or sidewalk, put music on, read stories and drop-off goodie bags. We still offer all of the virtual services.”

Evermore Princess Parties’ Glass Slipper Princess and The Charming Prince, participate in a virtual Facebook event. These include a Virtual Crafts Class, Virtual Tea Time, and a Virtual Slumber Party. Photo courtesy of Evermore Princess Parties.

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During “Spring Break,” Evermore has four activities planned on social media at: Facebook.com/EvermoreParties.

On April 12 at 6 p.m. the Mermaid Princess reads a bedtime story. This is a free event. The following evening is another free event at 7 p.m. when the Quirky Princess and the Mountain Prince host a game night.

On April 13, the Long Haired Princess hosts a “Paint With A Princess” session (fee applies).

On April 15, there are several time slots open for a “Sidewalk Story Time Visit” with the Book-Loving Beauty — a socially distanced event (fee applies).

It’s worth noting, as well that Evermore is passionate about helping in the community.

“We have something called the ‘Olivia Project’,” Deschaine explains. “It’s named in honour of a little girl who passed away.

We do free visits to terminally ill children.

It is all part of our mission: making magic for those who need it most.”

For more information about Evermore Princess Parties, find them on the web: EvermorePrincessparties.my-free.website.

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Julie’s Paint Party — See The Big Picture

Julie Robinson, Owner/Operator of Julie’s Paint Party might well be “The Most Interesting Person” in Windsor Essex.

Musician, mom, adventurer, children’s book author, partier, and painter, she pulls together this cornucopia of skills and experience, and hosts paint parties that the world just can’t seem to get enough of.

“I’m going into my fifth year of hosting paint parties,” Robinson informs Biz X. “I spent many years trying to be an artist.

I played guitar, bass, drums, and vocals for the band AfroSuitBike and co-wrote a children’s book with my husband, titled ‘Project Monster’s Alphabet Adventure’.”

Then, five years ago, a friend who knew of Robinson’s artistic talents asked if she would host a paint party for the family. Ever accommodating, Robinson said “Sure!”

“It was great,” she recalls. “I’m a musician, a performer, an artist, and I love working with people. The paint party tapped into all those things. It took many years, but I am so glad I finally found the combination. When the party was over, I realized this is what I want to do!”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Robinson was out in public, hosting paint parties in homes and different bars. Then the global pandemic entered all our lives. That’s when Robinson took the paint parties online.

She points out that “One of the first virtual paint parties I did was on St. Patrick’s Day 2020 on Facebook. Almost 400 people signed up. I was so nervous!”

Since then, the virtual paint parties have only grown. If they started off geared to kids, today they appeal to absolutely everyone.

Since the parties are online, people from around the world regularly tune in.

Julie Robinson, Owner/Operator of Julie’s Paint Party snapped this selfie for Biz X after hosting one of her popular virtual events. She started hosting paint parties in March 2020, and much to her surprise, she totally LOVES it! And looks like she is a pretty good painter too!

THE PARENTING BIZ “People are interested, but they’re also nervous, at first,” Robinson says. “Nobody thinks they have artistic talent. So many people tell me, ‘I can’t even draw a stick person’, and yet they come away creating art, having fun, and very often surprising themselves.”

How does it work? Just visit Robinson’s website and click the “Book A Paint Party”.

The process involves five easy steps and at the present time, all paint parties are virtual and participants provide their own supplies.

The parties last from 60 to 90 minutes.

“Supplies don’t have to be fancy,” indicates Robinson. “I get most of what I need at the dollar store. Any kind of paint will do. Any kind of surface is fine. You don’t have to work on canvas.”

The paint party involves Robinson displaying an image, often a photograph of an animal or landscape. In March, Robinson focused on Mandalorian (“Star Wars”) painting and water colour techniques.

“I’ll do cartoon characters for kids,” she says. “It’s really all over the map.”

From there, Robinson provides instruction. Think: high-energy Bob Ross.

She also has a free Facebook group where people post their pictures.

For details about booking a paint party, viewing free paint parties on YouTube, and learning the benefits of buying a membership, view: JuliesPaintParty.com.

Sketch Art Workshop — Take-Home Pottery Rocks

Danielle Chevalier, Owner/Operator of Sketch Art Workshop, 55 East Pike Creek in Tecumseh, spent 15 years in fitness, leading classes, and guiding clients to healthier lifestyles. One day, she realized she wanted more.

After reading a book by retired U.S. Navy SEAL, David Goggins, Chevalier decided to “flip the script” and seek greater fulfillment by opening the Workshop.

“I have always loved art,” expresses Chevalier. “It’s a great form of meditation.

Danielle Chevalier of Sketch Art Workshop now sells “paint your own pottery kits” that can be ordered online and include brushes, paint and professional kiln firing. Pottery pieces to choose from include: mugs, bowls, lighthouse lanterns, llama planters, lucky cats (top inset) and more.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Chevalier.

One day, I just decided ‘I’m doing it!’

So, in the fall of 2019, I made the move, eventually using space next to our family business, Urban Surf. It’s just such a great space near the water.”

Although many forms of art are facilitated at the Workshop, the most popular has proven to be pottery.

When the global pandemic hit early last year, the naysayers might have declared: “Well, there goes the Workshop! You can’t do pottery without a workshop or art studio!”

As it turns out . . . yes, you can.

“The pandemic just landed on us,” Chevalier recalls, “and we had all of this pottery showing up that we had ordered.”

The answer came in the form of “takehome kits” — and a partner who was willing to do a lot of driving. Supplies could be purchased from the Workshop, online, and delivered to area homes, for a small fee.

“We dropped off the pottery kits at people’s homes,” Chevalier says. “When the pottery was ready, the customer called us and we picked up their completed piece.

It was brought back to the Workshop, put in the kiln, where it was fired. When that process was done, we delivered the finished piece at the customer’s home.”

The idea took off. Eventually the process was refined and curbside pickup and dropoff made it more feasible. People of all ages discovered a love for pottery. Some took it a step further — customers organizing and hosting their own pottery parties on virtual conferencing platforms, such as Zoom.

Chevalier also used the time during the recent lockdown to renovate the Workshop’s space, making it more conducive to creating art. Although the region is in the “Red Control” level (at the time of this writing), the Workshop will continue with online ordering and curbside pickup for the foreseeable future.

When the time comes, and the “all clear” is finally given, Chevalier will go back to hosting art workshops, such as working with clay. In the past, Thursdays were “Mug Building Night”. The Workshop has a hand wheel, and Chevalier looks forward to the day she can go back to teaching people how to “throw clay”, in person.

“Everybody loves using the pottery wheel,” she comments. “You wouldn’t believe how many people want to re-enact that scene with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze from the movie, ‘Ghost’!”

In the meantime, anyone interested in learning more about pottery

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THE PARENTING BIZ can go to the Workshop’s website: SketchArtWorkshop.com and browse their extensive online offerings.

Now you can get the best pizza in town, right from your own oven! Joe Ciaravino, Owner of Antonino’s Original Pizza, offers DIY pizza and cannoli kits for kids (and adults) to make at home. The mini pizza kit contains everything needed to make four, 6” pepperoni pizzas and the cannoli kit allows for six Sicilian cannoli. Photo by Rod Denis.

Antonino’s Original Pizza — Let Them Eat Pizza (and cannoli too!)

Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Rome has the Colosseum, and Windsor, Ontario has its world class pizza. Montreal may be credited with having the first pizzeria in the country (1948), but Windsor has always been recognized as having the best pizza anywhere.

So, it’s no wonder that when seeking comfort during the pandemic, people turned to their local pie makers. Nobody stepped up faster than Antonino’s Original Pizza, offering take-home pizza and cannoli kits to customers.

“The home kits were driven by customers and staff,” says Joe Ciaravino, Owner and Operator of Antonino’s Original Pizza, which has multiple locations in the region.

“Friends and family bombarded me with social media stories about a pizzeria in Toronto that was doing the take-home kits.

I thought, ‘What a perfect idea,’ and decided we should offer that, too.”

From the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, Antonino’s shifted to pre-paid, curbside pickup, for the mutual protection of customers and staff.

“We stopped taking cash and debit,” Ciaravino mentions, “to ensure there are no touch points. We hired runners to bring the pizzas out to customers. The customers appreciate what we’ve done, making it all as safe as possible.”

As this writer can personally attest, going to my local Antonino’s was the first place I ventured (other than the supermarket) when the pandemic lockdown began last year.

During those early days of the pandemic, when we were still learning just how communicable COVID-19 was, I wondered if I was taking a silly risk just for take-out.

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Then I remembered — “It’s pizza.”

Even after the person at Antonino’s explained the curbside pickup process on the phone, I was leery to see how it worked in practice.

After parking in the pizzeria’s lot, what a relief it was to see a masked-and-gloved employee come out to my vehicle with the pizza kit box. The runner asked me to “pop the trunk”. I raised the rear gate using a button inside the minivan. The pizza was deposited in the rear of the vehicle, the runner stepped back, and I lowered the rear gate.

“OK, this is doable,” I thought.

Antonino’s pizza kits are fun and easy, containing everything a family needs to make a first-class, Windsor pizza — flour, cheese, toppings (ordered to taste) and the pizza sauce that cannot be had anywhere else.

There are even instructions included, specifying cooking temperature and approximate time it takes to bake the pizza.

A home cooking appliance is required, of course. From there, pizza-making in Windsor comes as naturally as tying our shoe laces.

My family has ordered the pizza kits on several occasions, and each time, pickup was a snap. Antonino’s is following all health protocols, and I make sure that I am, too.

The home pizza kits really demonstrate

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that pizza is a food for all occasions. Even when the world seemed to teeter on the verge of catastrophe, a visit to Antonino’s brought my family a small slice of normality amid the turmoil.

To learn more about this multiple award winning pizzeria, their menu, and the takehome pizza and cannoli kits, visit them online at: OriginalPizza.ca.

Who Knew There Were So Many Exciting Activities?

Adversity has a way of bringing out the best in people. The coronavirus pandemic has certainly brought out a surprising level of creativity in people in Windsor and Essex County.

Whether it’s adapting a business to the virtual world, taking a leap and learning to create art, or trying a new pastime to enhance and preserve their mental health, a great many people in the community have made the best of this unprecedented time.

Much as the dour prognosticators of decades past warned about the dehumanizing effects of technology, they clearly never attended a virtual paint party nor had the Evermore Princess Parties’ BookLoving Beauty read them a story over Facebook Live.

THE PARENTING BIZ

Feature Story

By Jim Murphy

Fun Food For The Fam Jam

A

lthough the COVID-19 pandemic meant no fairs, concerts and outdoor festivals last year — and possibly this summer as well, if restrictions are not lifted — we still want to help you find your favourite carnival treats. After all, for many, the best part of a carnival is the food!

Cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples and other delicious sweets are always available at area businesses. You just need to know where to look!

Here are a few spots you and your family can order or pickup from, in Windsor and

Essex County, when you crave those yummy “Carnival Eats” . . .

Fluffy, Colourful Cotton Candy Dreams

Located at 492 Blanchard Park in Tecumseh, River Bend Cotton Candy Co. offers 45 different flavours of gourmet cotton candy made with high quality ingredients.

“We supply cotton candy for birthday parties, special events, corporate events, wedding favours, champagne cotton candy for champagne table displays and drink glitter bombs — so it’s not just for kids,”

notes Denise Spearing, Owner of River Bend Cotton Candy Co. “Our cotton candy is made from all-natural ingredients, contains no dyes, no artificial colours or flavours, is gluten free, nut free, pareve/kosher and certified vegan.”

Among the tub flavours to choose from are: banana, lychee, pineapple, peppermint, watermelon, vanilla, root beer, mango, passion fruit, lemon, coconut, cherry, champagne, cheesecake and caramel.

Although the business was just established, in February 2021, Spearing brings more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment and event business to her new company.

“We love working with the public,” she says. “Cotton candy brings happiness to everyone in a nostalgic kind of way.”

(She even has “Wedding Bliss” favours for the big day!)

As an online based distribution company, Spearing and her staff of four have taken every precaution necessary to keep their customers safe during the pandemic.

Pick up is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at their storefront, and packages can be shipped through Canada Post.

For updates on new flavours and to place an order, visit their website: RiverBendCottonCandyCo.com.

River Bend Cotton Candy Co. is locally owned and operated. The business sells gourmet cotton candy in 45 unique flavours with no dye, no artificial colours or artificial flavours. Their sugar floss is gluten free, nut free, pareve/kosher and certified vegan. However, our models from left: Scarlet, Nolan and Madison Gifford just know its tasty and a lot of fun to eat! Photo by Rod Denis.

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Denise Spearing, Owner of River Bend Cotton Candy Co. sips one of her adult cotton candy cocktails.

Photo courtesy of Juliana Muslewski.

Popcorn Party Time

Located at 1375 Tecumseh Road East since 2020, What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory offers more than 22 popcorn flavours including: double sugar, Madagascar, cinnamon sugar, movie theatre, dill pickle, cheddar pickle, bacon cheddar, orange cheddar, white cheddar, garlic parmesan, jalapeno cheddar, bar-b-que, ketchup, ranch, sea salt/black pepper, banana split, milk chocolate peanut butter, dark chocolate

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drizzle, salt and vinegar, jalapeno dill, birthday cake, cookies and cream, caramel crunch, tuxedo, cinnamon bun, plus their own brand of sweet and salty kettle corn.

“We are proud to have opened our first store in the neighbourhood where my husband grew up,” mentions Christa Gamble, Co-Owner of What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory, along with her husband Jeff. “He lived on Chilver and attended Hugh Beaton Public School and Walkerville High School.”

Before opening the storefront, Jeff and Christa had operated a mobile popcorn trailer, since 2018.

“My husband started in the industry in 2009 as a vendor at the local fairs in Windsor and Essex County as a side hobby to make a little extra money,” Gamble recalls. “We met the following year and expanded into farmers’ markets, pop-up locations, special events, popcorn bars, gift baskets and fundraising.

I recently left my career to join forces, on a full-time basis, so we could take the company in the direction it is now heading.”

Today, they have seven employees and are growing fast!

“We are booked for the entire Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market season every Saturday and are hoping to get back to our local festivals and ‘Bright Lights’ at Christmas,” Gamble tells Biz X. “In spring

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of 2021 we will be opening a patio and an ice cream parlour in order to offer soft serve concoctions like sundaes, cones, and milkshakes, in many flavours.”

As a family-run company they take pride in what they do, and it shows!

“We are creative and always want our customers to have new things to try,” Gamble states. “Mixing flavours together and taking suggestions help us with continuous improvement.”

Recently, What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory hired a culinary student from St. Clair College to be their Gourmet Popcorn Collection Specialist. She makes all the chocolate drizzle products and helps create new flavours that customers are going crazy for.

Rounding out the product line-up are gift baskets, popcorn bars, event favours and bulk options. They also offer a fundraising platform for any organization to use, called “Poppin’ with a Purpose” with pails of popcorn sold to help in fundraising efforts.

During the most recent COVID-19 lockdown they chose to close the storefront and offer curbside pickup, shipping and lots of window shopping! Online orders were also accepted on their website: GreatPopcorn.ca and of course still are 24/7.

“As a food store, we were allowed to be open, but we felt it was safer for everyone to

THE PARENTING BIZ Jeff and Christa Gamble, Co-owners of What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory, pose with their son Christopher in front of a wall of popcorn bags and pails, for sale in their Windsor store at 1375 Tecumseh Road East. Photo by Jim Murphy.

close shop,” Gamble says. “Having a COVID plan, sign-in book and a staff knowledgeable on procedures made things easier.”

As of March 2021 the business re-opened (along with others when restrictions were lifted) for in-store shopping. Be sure to “pop” on by their store soon and check out their new patio too!

Holey Moley, Have A Cannoli

While the pandemic saw many businesses close around the city, Victoria Maria, Owner of Cannoli Windsor started one!

“I simply had a drive to start my own business and a passion for my culture,” Maria expresses.

“After graduating from the University of Windsor, I realized that, mid-pandemic, there was an opportunity to pursue.”

Since May 2020, Cannoli Windsor offers authentic Sicilian/Canadian desserts and specializes in large orders of Sicilian cannoli, as well as vegan cannoli and ricotta cannoli cakes. All pastries are free of artificial flavour, preservatives and alcohol.

“Opening a business mid-pandemic has pushed me to overcome obstacles during start-up and day-to-day operations that many business owners never had to endure,” she says. “All I know is how to operate during a pandemic. With precautions constantly in mind, I hope to grow as a small business, nonetheless, and continue to connect with amazing people in our community.”

Maria is not just the owner. She is also the head pastry chef, marketing/social media manager, web designer, janitor,

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accountant, customer service representative, and so much more.

“I’ve enjoyed being our community’s friendly neighbourhood cannoli dealer and taking a small part in people’s family celebrations,” Maria comments. “I grew up in Windsor, surrounded by Sicilian/Italian Canadians and it only seemed natural for me to be creating cannoli. I must say it has been an honour to open up and connect with many people who appreciate the art and history behind Sicilian culture.”

Maria uses fresh local and Sicilian ingredients to create traditional, authentic, one-of-a-kind cannoli.

“Cannoli Windsor operates as a vendor in many local markets and specializes in large orders for events and parties,” she states.

“I have worked alongside Windsor’s best

The perfect blend of tradition and locally sourced ingredients creates the best cannoli, according to Victoria Maria, Owner of Windsor Cannoli.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Maria.

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THE PARENTING BIZ artists in The Art Incubator and had the privilege to see Windsor’s newest (and only) indoor skate park, Skate TF, be built from the ground up — literally.”

To order these sweet treats for your family, refer to: CannoliWindsor.com. Curbside pickup at a private location (given to customers after ordering) and contactless delivery is available.

How ’bout them apples?

Pictured is a really delicious assortment from Candy Apple Creationz of caramel (made from scratch) apples that can be drizzled in chocolate or dipped in peanuts, caramel corn, pretzels, cookies and more.

Photo courtesy of Candy Apple Creationz.

The Candy Apple Of Your Eye

Truly successful people are those who follow their dreams. Kate Gee, Owner of Candy Apple Creationz, is one of those people.

“I was a hairstylist for years, but baking and creating sweets has been my passion for as long as I can remember,” she points out.

“I followed my passion fully after a serious car accident, which prevented me from working as a hairstylist.”

Open since September 2020, Candy Apple Creationz offers all types of sweets and gifts for all celebrations and occasions.

The menu includes: candy apples, caramel apples, chocolate smash cakes, giant cupcakes, giant suckers, birthday cakes, cake jars, cheesecake jars and cheesecake waffle cones. She also offers gender reveal apples and holiday themed treats.

Everything comes individually packaged in a gift box or basket with helium balloons!

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“Right now, it is just myself and a friend working out of my home, but I would like to expand,” says Gee. “My goal is to be in a brick and mortar building by the summer.”

Always motivated to provide the best customer service and products possible, we know her future is bright. Gee goes above and beyond for each-and-every order.

“This is my passion and dream, so I never make the same thing twice,” she emphasizes.

“I love being creative, so I put my heart into every order by making treats from scratch, using quality ingredients that bring people back to their childhood.”

Gee appreciates the commitment of frontline workers who risk their lives during the pandemic and tries to do her part to support them in what she does best. For example, any front line worker ordering from her business

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receives a surprise perk! And of course, she strictly follows all necessary health guidelines to help stop the spread of the virus.

“I have taken extreme precautions,” she stresses. “I completely disinfect everything prior to making items, gloves and masks are always worn, I do not do deliveries — opting instead for front door pickups.”

To see photos of her creations and to place an order, check her social media page: Facebook.com/candyapple.creationz.

Sweet And Sticky Treats For All Ages

If you and your family are in the mood for some fun and delicious carnival treats, be sure to contact with one of these great vendors and support local businesses in Windsor and Essex County.

Young or old, fair food awaits!

THE WAY IT WAS

Canada’s Distinction On The World Stage

By Andrea Grimes

Q

uoting the late Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs Minister Paul Martin Sr. — “We do it, not for the glory, but as our duty.”

The stains and strains of World War II virtually became a way of life for many Canadian families. Those years of uncertainty left its mark for many years to come.

It wasn’t long after the return of some of our battle-hardened WWII Veterans that another generation of Canadians recognized that it was imperative to make the transition from war to that of recovery. As such, Canada launched the salvo that drove interests in establishing peacekeeping measures, some of which were spearheaded by Lester B. Pearson (OpenCanada.org/features/ remembering-pearson-peacebuilder).

The United Nation’s focus is to support post war societies whose purpose is to manage their differences without resorting to violence.

During the civil and political reconstruction process, the crucial element (which can allow peace to grow) may be realized by implementing a balance of trust management from within communities.

Major (retired) Catherine Wollocombe, CD, former Officer Commanding 31 (Windsor) Service Battalion is a third generation member of our Canadian Armed Forces. Wollocombe’s grandfather served in Passendale (2nd battle) and Dieppe, and her father was Commander of the Windsor Militia District.

She served in Afghanistan, and on her last tour served as Deputy Task Force Commander and Senior Officer within the UN Operations Centre in South Sudan. During her six month tour in 2018, Wollocombe served as Task Force Commander.

“South Sudan has some of the worst human development indicators in the world,” informs Wollocombe. “Ninety two percent of women are illiterate and a 15 year old girl has a higher chance of dying in childbirth than finishing school. Up to 60% of remote locations are inaccessible during the rainy season therefore farmers cannot access markets so there is no incentive to produce crops.”

To make the transition from relief to development requires changing attitudes, behaviours and norms, in which the conflict resolution processes can be self-sustaining.

Wollocombe states: “Most transitions are about getting state systems to start functioning again. In South Sudan, however, state systems haven’t been established because of the long war and decades of marginalization.”

As a role-model for career-building she comments, “During my 39 year military career, I have served through an evolution of change. As a pioneer developing policies and directives (specifically to bolster Primary Reservists to give them equal footing with our Regular Force) I have witnessed brilliant changes. It’s an ideal time for anyone looking to ‘round out’ career choices to serve as a Primary Reservist in our Canadian Armed Forces where opportunities to define skill sets leverage experiences to last a lifetime.”

In furthering a career in healthcare, Master Warrant Officer (retired) William Wilson, CD, experienced the recruitment process from the ground up.

Throughout his 21 years of service in our Canadian Armed Forces, Wilson witnessed insurmountable indignities against humanity.

His land forces deployment (as a Senior Medic) included a tour in Afghanistan, (NATO) Somalia, Rwanda, and Bosnia.

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Pictured are Catherine Wollocombe’s United Nations Peacekeeping Service Medals. In 2019, Wollocombe was presented with a Quilt of Valour in recognition of her 39 years of military service. Photo courtesy of Major (retired) Catherine Wollocombe, CD.

During his 2007 Navy deployment in Africa, Wilson served as a Physician Assistant.

Wilson confirms that his military training has well prepared him for a career in health care, currently as a Physician Assistant at the Metropolitan Campus of Windsor Regional Hospital.

Wilson explains, “I completed the Physician Assistant program provided by the Canadian Armed Forces. Healthcare does not differ much from a military environment to a civilian one as care and compassion has no boundaries. Military ethos like courage, honour, discipline is so ingrained that men and women who have served carry these values with them instinctively. Being open to new possibilities is integral to adapting to an ever-changing world.”

Learn more about Wilson at: YouTube.com/ watch?v=4G9cKuxW1pU&feature=youtu.be.

Our community has made a commitment to honour the memory of all who stood to Peacekeeping (and continues to do so).

To learn more, refer to the web page: CityWindsor.ca/Newsroom/Documents/ Monument%20Program.pdf.

As a civilian Veterans Advocate, Andrea Grimes was presented with the “Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal” and the “Governor General’s Medal” recognizing her volunteer service to Veterans and the military families of our Canadian Armed Forces, as well as with military family service-support organizations to include, North Wall Riders Association, Windsor Veterans Memorial Service Committee, Military Institute of Windsor, the Royal Canadian Naval Association, the Korean War Veterans Association and the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association.

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OF THE MONTH

Keep On Truckin' With Fulger Transport Inc.

By Dave Hall

A millennial on the move, Radu Bogdanel is the President of Fulger Transport Inc., a leader in transportation and logistics, specializing in refrigerated and general freight with a truck and trailer repair shop located at 4016 County Road 23 in Essex. Photo by Rod Denis.

T

aking a chance during a recession a dozen years ago, has paid dividends for Radu Bogdanel who started his transportation career driving a truck and now owns his own company.

Fulger Transport Inc. was founded in 2007 by Bogdanel and Adrian Sasca.

Bogdanel bought out his partner a little over a year later at the height of a recession, which prompted the new owner to seek out niche clients across southwestern Ontario.

“It was tough during the recession and Adrian wanted out and that gave me an opportunity to buy the company,” Bogdanel describes. “I didn’t really give it too much thought because it was something I had wanted to do ever since I began in the trucking industry when I was 19.”

He adds: “If you think too much it can get scary, so it’s best sometimes just to do it.”

Signing up clients such as Lakeside Produce and Nature Fresh Farms allowed the company to grow in leaps and bounds, over the past decade and now it’s an industry leader in the refrigerated trucking sector.

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Bogdanel says, Fulger, (a name picked by his previous partner from the Romanian word for “lightning”), now has 150 trucks on the road with a plan to reach 200 by year’s end.

The company’s drivers are a combination of owner-operators and employees working from an Essex office.

Despite the pandemic — which has decimated many sectors across North America — trucking remains strong because it is deemed an essential service.

“We’ve been blessed in that way,” expresses Bogdanel. “At the beginning of the pandemic, it took us a couple of weeks to get organized and we’ve been running strong ever since.”

The company refined many of its health and safety procedures in order to minimize contact between drivers, staff and customers and keep everyone safe.

“It’s hard to believe it (the pandemic) is still going on, but it seems to have become a regular part of our lives and everyone seems to be doing their best to ensure everyone stays healthy,” says Bogdanel.

Fulger — which now also has an office

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in Arizona and five terminals in Canada and U.S. — started out by focusing on transporting frozen foods and perishable goods between Montreal and Detroit.

The business has more than five dozen temperature-controlled trucks on the road at any given time, and also serves clients and customers along the Eastern U.S. seaboard from Florida north to Massachusetts and as far west as Texas.

In recent years, Fulger has diversified to include clients in the automotive and general freight sectors and has added a flatbed division to help with those diversification efforts.

“Our customers have grown over the past few years and we have grown along with them,” Bogdanel notes. “I never wanted to get so big that we couldn’t keep servicing the customers who have been with us since the first day.”

Bogdanel became a driver at an early age to help fulfill his desire to travel before settling down to start a family.

“Trucking has enabled me to see just about all of Canada and most of the U.S. over the years and I would recommend it as a career to anyone with a goal of seeing North America,” he states. “I don’t believe truck drivers get enough respect because it can be a lonely occupation. You can be away from family for weeks at a time and that can be difficult, but it has been well worth it in the long run for me.”

Technology has also entered the sector, in recent years, including the introduction of real-time temperature tracking, which allows the company to monitor temperature levels in its trucks to ensure goods arrive refrigerated and on-time.

“Our customers trust us with their goods and it’s our responsibility to make sure everything gets where it’s supposed to be, on time and in good condition,” says Bogdanel.

Whereas a recession gave Bogdanel a chance to become his own boss, fluctuations in the economy have largely left the trucking industry untouched.

After all, as he points out: “At the end of the day, everyone needs food delivered.”

For more information, visit their website: FulgerTransport.com.

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