Biz X magazine February 2021

YOUR ONLY INTERNATIONAL BORDER CITY PUBLICATION NEW! Panelists From Rose City Politics Dissect, Debate, Educate And Inform On Political Happenings In The Region T he Inspiring Story Of Marlene Turcotte, A Local Entrepreneur XX FILES The

February 2021

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And Mother Of Five Who, Despite Major Personal Setbacks, Still Managed To Take Care Of Business PLUS Felix Culpa Architecture & Development Ltd.; Kabobgy LaSalle; The Kidney Foundation “Six Degree Challenge”; “Black History Month”; The Plant Based Wellness Forum; Ambassador Building Maintenance And The Dot Film Company’s “Boys Vs. Girls” Film Release On VOD/DVD THE PARENTING BIZ Kids Just Wanna Have Fun — Virtual Activities

For All Age Groups (Families As Well)!

Staying Afloat While it seems as if we are all just bobbing along in a sea of viruses in a boat made of cardboard . . . local companies in the technology and healthcare sectors have given us a life preserver (an umbrella of protection)! As we charter through unfamiliar waters dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, suppliers of personal protective equipment, contact tracing apps, vaccination reports, rapid antigen test kits, contactless temperature scanners, infection symptom scanning, and many other businesses, are ensuring our health is protected well into the future. — PAGE 18

B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

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

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B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

table of contents FEBRUARY 2021 volume 24 • issue 2

WWW.BIZXMAGAZINE.COM

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: Time To Celebrate!

The WEST “International Women’s Day Virtual Gala” This year, the Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) of Windsor gala takes place virtually on March 8. The inspiring theme for 2021 is “Choose to Challenge” with the keynote speaker a female leader responsible for the success of hundreds of students and staff at St. Clair College — President Patti France (shown in photo courtesy of John Fairley). The gala also features networking, a silent auction, "Journey Towards Success Awards" and entertainment.

6 Rose City Politics: NEW! The Debate Over The City Of Windsor 2021 Budget And COVID-19 Costs 8 Front Lines 11 Heard On The Street 12 From The Bookshelf: Dorothy Graham O’Dell’s “The Overcomer” 13 The Way It Was: Honouring Black Canadians In Sandwich Towne 14 Newsflash 16 Food For Thought: Kabobgy, LaSalle If you are craving quality Middle Eastern food such as hummus, Shish Tawook, Beef and Lamb Shish Kafta, Beef Strip Loin Shawarma and more, Kabobgy LaSalle can satisfy your hunger. The location recently underwent major renovations and since many of their menu choices are healthy, they were the perfect choice for our foodie column in this edition!

(Photo courtesy of Kabobgy).

24 Tech Bytes: The Importance Of Tracking Your Health 25 Lifestyle Issues: Plant Based Pharmacist Steve Gavrilos Of Eastown Pharmacy Offers Nutritional Seminars For Healthy Living 26 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: One Guess Who’s Your “Six Degree Challenger” For The Kidney Foundation Of Canada!!!

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27 Portfolio Corner: 2021, A Year Of Experiences 28 Ask The Experts: Felix Culpa Architecture & Development Ltd. When “life gives you lemons, make lemonade”! That’s just what Brad Smith, President and Founder of Felix Culpa Architecture and Development Ltd. (FCAD) did after being laid off when the pandemic hit in March 2020. With 15 years of experience in the field he has led projects across all sectors, including civic, institutional, commercial, and residential. It seemed only natural for him to begin his own firm and keep doing what he does best! As a result, FCAD was born last year. The accompanying rendering showcases his work in the countryside of Essex County in this “modern farmhouse”, a design created by the relationship between the present and past.

29 XX Files: Marlene Turcotte, Owner Of Performance Fire Protection And Partner With The Tax Expert, 839 Media, And Silver Crick Farms 30 The Parenting Biz: Area Businesses And Towns Offer Online Activities To Turn Your Home Into A Fun House In the last year the world has been turned upside down. Life has drastically changed. While it is stressful enough on adults, kids are affected too and we need to ensure they still have as much fun as possible. Even if it means staying indoors at home! We have assembled a list of businesses and organizations offering virtual programming activities for after school and weekends, to keep kids entertained, educated and happy. One such place is Code Ninjas Windsor, which has introduced virtual ways to engage homebound children in a fun and productive manner through programs such as At-Home Coding. Six year old Jackson (left in photo courtesy of Dawn Daignault) and his brother Aidan (8) give the thumbs up as they are excited to begin coding. Find more information on what Code Ninjas has to offer virtually, along with plenty of other cool things to do online, this winter.

36 Health Matters: Talking To Your Kids About Substance Abuse 37 Take One: Windsor Film Released In North America On VOD/DVD 38 Biz Of The Month: Ambassador Building Maintenance

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ON THE COVER —“Staying Afloat!”—18

Health comes first before all else. The COVID-19 global pandemic made us realize this more than we ever did before. And in order to stop the spread of the virus, businesses and organizations all over the province had to shut down at certain times.

While COVID-19 restrictions have proved devastating for many local businesses, they have opened up opportunities for others in the healthcare services and technology sectors. We all know that regular hand washing, social distancing and mask wearing is a must, but there are many companies developing new products and services, such as contact tracing, so we can fight the coronavirus, together. There are also other businesses providing staffing for nursing homes, seniors’ care, water testing kits, mobility products, and services to get you to and from the hospital safely.

Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo/alphaspirit B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

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from the publisher

It’s Time To Celebrate Women With WEST

By Deborah Jones In a year that has been challenging for everyone, you won’t want to miss out on one of the most colourful, joyful, meaningful and allaround top “feel good” events in our region.

Taking place on March 8, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. the “International Women’s Day Virtual Gala” hosted by the Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST) is the one night a year when hundreds of local woman gather to meet and support each other while enjoying entertainment, a keynote speaker and more.

You can still get glammed up and enjoy a glass of wine, but this year all the good vibes will be streaming straight into your home!

“In a world filled with uncertainty, we are so happy to share the good news in our community about our services for leadership, training and support of women,” explains Rose Anguiano Hurst, WEST’s Executive Director. “The spirit of new immigrants, women from racialized communities, and local partners makes Windsor Essex a place where we see gains that celebrate inclusion and diversity every single day. It is a time of

gratitude and a time to keep on strengthening each other and that is what our team has done since day one of the pandemic!”

The inspiring theme for 2021 is “Choose to Challenge” and who better to provide a keynote address to challenge, inspire and delight guests, than a woman responsible for the success of hundreds of students and staff at St. Clair College — President Patti France.

France, along with other speakers, award winners and multicultural entertainers, will bring home the message of how alertness, during these times, enables us to challenge and become part of the change for a better future.

Designed as an immersive evening for all who attend, ticket holders can take part in a silent auction, enjoy entertainment and meet the “Journey Towards Success Award” winners.

For 33 years, WEST has risen to meet challenges, create positive relationships, promote gender equality and anti-racism, and ensure hundreds of women have the skills and training they needed to create stronger economic success in their lives.

Last year when people across North America stood up in protests to affirm the value of all people, especially those most vulnerable to systemic racism, lower wages and even greater risks of contracting the virus, WEST stood with them as advocates in our community.

Yet, the strong relationships WEST has with participants who have gone through a precarious year, economically and socially, have enabled those who rely on them to receive medical care, get educational support for their children, learn English, train for new jobs and be there for each other, virtually, despite these harrowing months. That’s something I want to cheer for and celebrate!

Our community has a strong heart and WEST’s gala is made possible by the generous support of high profile sponsors including: TD Bank, Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU), AM800 CKLW, CTV Windsor, Windsor Star, St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA), Green Shield Canada, Benefits Company, ONSite Services and of course, your favourite magazine, Biz X! So, let’s all choose to challenge our times and honour our hometown leaders, support women, newcomers, businesses and entrepreneurs. Purchase your $25 ticket online now at: WestOfWindsor.com/iwd.

ESPORTS ADMINISTRATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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Rose City Politics

COVID-19 And The 2021 City Of Windsor Budget

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

Debuting for the first time in Biz X in this edition, the Rose City Politics panel considers how the City of Windsor should address the costs imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in its 2021 budget. The year 2020 brought with it unexpected municipal expenses and revenue shortfalls and the Rose City Politics panel (in their own individual opinions) break down the situation.

Don Merrifield Jr. One of the rarely discussed side effects of the pandemic is the economic strain all levels of government are facing.

Windsor is estimated to have an approximately $30 million shortfall for this

Jon Liedtke COVID-19 has impacted lives and budgets around the world and Windsor is no exception.

The city was able to reduce COVID-19 budgetary impacts by roughly $17 million, through expenditure reductions and avoided

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year’s budget. Already offset by some cost savings at the city, we will still need to find about $14 million.

The obvious and short answer is to look to other levels of government to make up for the shortfalls, which will probably alleviate this year’s deficit. This will be an ongoing issue we will have to deal with for at least another year. The economy doesn’t recover instantly.

The “plus side” of budgeting is that it’s all a math problem. Math problems are solvable. We will either have to make cuts to spending at the city in the short term, or raise revenue. I would suspect there will be a combination of both, as much as I prefer the cuts. Contracting out some services may be a common place to look, going forward.

Everyone knows housing prices have been increasing quite a bit the last few years.

Although MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) has delayed this last year’s four year reassessment of properties, that will probably happen this year.

Windsor’s total assessment amount will go up quite a bit. Don’t be surprised if your new assessment is twice what it previously was. This will give municipalities the chance to play with the rates to increase revenue for the city. AKA increase property taxes.

Unfortunately, on a percentage basis this will probably affect lower income households, because that is where a greater percentage of the increase in property values has happened.

If all else fails, we can always take the advice a previous City Councillor gave to a high tech organization when they requested some city funding: “Maybe you could ask your parents?”

Hope your parents are a lot richer than mine.

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 former professional musician, father and grandfather, and a former Ward 3 City Council candidate.

costs, and while there remains about $27 million outstanding, city hall sources are confident the federal and provincial governments will make the city whole again.

Going into 2021 with a minimal to nonexistent deficit is a rare good news story during a pandemic; other cities don’t have this benefit. But looking at the 2021 budget, there is still $30 million worth of anticipated pressures, primarily from halted revenues from the casino, airport, tunnel, and Transit Windsor.

And then there are outstanding and required capital investments . . .

Local media reported that regional municipalities will consider a $170 million rehabilitation of community housing stock, with a $36 million forgivable loan and a $54 million repayable loan, funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) at low interest rates, with $80 million outstanding to be split by the city and county, per-capita.

Similarly, in order to meet the goals of the recently passed Transit Master

Plan, there are required investments.

Don’t be surprised to see a council-clash over issuing debt, with one side arguing interest rates are at all time lows and now is the time to take on debt, and the other side arguing after years of ‘holding the line’, the last thing we should do is take on debt.

But, as Councillor Fabio Costante — a Director on the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation board — recently said while supporting debt financing to repair, renew and build more social and affordable housing, “the need is real and the timing is right.”

The fact is that now is the time to take on debt: the money is there, interest rates are low, and it’s prudent and fiscally responsible to make these investments via debt financing; besides, it’s not like we’re talking about Christmas lights or streetcars.

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 When Council meets to deliberate the 2021 budget later this month, there are abundant reasons to be preoccupied with the unforgettable year behind us and the rough road ahead in 2021.

2020 saw municipal services disrupted, along with much of the local economy, and the pandemic blew a huge hole in the municipal budget.

In the summer, administration reported on the cost of COVID-19, projecting a $29 million impact on City coffers.

Thankfully, federal and provincial funding has addressed those gaps, but the temptation to be cautious in the face of continuing uncertainty will be strong.

Council should resist temptation and chart a bolder course.

When the pandemic recedes, Windsor will be left facing the challenges that now lurk below the waterline. The impact of rising housing costs is felt throughout the community, particularly by renters and low-income families. As Council recognized January 2020, when it approved an ambitious plan to revitalize Transit Windsor, our transit system needs significant investment to meet the needs of residents.

A section of the City COVID-19 impact report makes a case against taking on debt and continuing to employ the “Pay as You Go” model for capital projects. It’s worth re-evaluating this model in light of historically low interest rates generally and interest-free loans from CMHC for affordable housing.

The City’s strong fiscal position should be a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Municipalities shouldn’t borrow needlessly, but there is clearly a need for affordable housing in our community that won’t be met by private-sector investment.

Budgets are about priorities. The budget is as much a statement of values as a financial document. It’s time to make a more equitable, livable city our priority instead of costly, moneylosing vanity projects like Adventure Bay. Even if that means an end to “Pay as You Go.” 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.

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 Support Program For Food Service Industry, Plus Cash Prizes For Diners And Restaurant Owners Eat. Drink. Win. That is the prevailing theme of a local initiative launched by the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce (WECC), Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) and presenting sponsor CUPE 543. #DineYQG will support locally owned restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, take and bakes, wineries, breweries and distillers, at a time when their businesses have been severely impacted by COVID-19.

Although most local restaurants remain open for takeout, delivery or curbside orders, no in-person dining is allowed under the provincial guidelines in the “Grey Lockdown” level.

According to the latest survey from Restaurants Canada, eight out of 10 restaurants are either losing money, or barely scraping by; 65% are continuing to operate at a loss while 19% are just breaking even. While other industries have recovered at least 90% of their pandemic job losses, 21% of the food service workforce has still not recovered, and there are more than

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260,000 fewer jobs in the food service sector across the country than there were last February.

Locally, one in six restaurants are likely to close permanently, a number likely to increase based on the duration of the lockdown. The sector has seen a 35% reduction in employment from September to December of last year, a decrease of 3,600 jobs.

Diners can visit: DineYQG.ca for menus, specials, hours, and delivery info for their favourite local eateries. As well, by submitting a photo of a receipt, a picture at the restaurant, or of an actual food delivery, diners can enter a contest to win weekly cash prizes of $100.

Not only will the diner win money, but the restaurant they supported will also immediately win $1,000 — money to be used at their discretion. There is $11,000 in cash prizes available from February 1 through April 10, 2021. Bonus entries are available for sharing on social media, using #DineYQG. Local restaurants can submit a free listing on the #DineYQG website, with their contact information, hours, menus, specials, payment

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options and delivery partners. There are currently over 400 listings in the Restaurant Guide, categorized by food type and geographic region. #DineYQG marketing tools can be accessed through the website and downloaded for free, allowing eateries to use on-premises and in their advertising campaigns.

Restaurants can benefit from various support programs too.

The first 35 eligible eateries to apply will receive a complimentary 12 month WindsorEssex Chamber of Commerce membership ($750 value) courtesy of CUPE 543; a oneyear membership to the Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association (ORHMA) of Windsor Essex as well as no-charge business and personal banking and financial coaching services from Libro Credit Union. Plus, one lucky restaurant will win a $500 gift card from Gordon Food Service. The application form can be found at: WindsorEssexChamber.org.

The program is an extension of the successful #ShopYQG campaign launched by the Chamber and TWEPI in spring 2020, as encouragement to “Shop Local” not just during the pandemic, but also in the future.

To receive more information on the #DineYQG initiative, contact WECC President and CEO Rakesh Naidu by emailing: rnaidu@windsoressexchamber.org.

FRONTLINES

The Top Of The Pyramid For New Gold Club Is Vodka Forging a partnership with a European business executive has provided Windsor’s Mark Van Watteghem with a new commercial opportunity.

Van Watteghem and Rana Sumar, who divides his time between England and Italy, have launched Gold Club North America Imports designed to bring Pyramid Vodka (produced by Zlatogor Distillery in Ukraine) to North American consumers.

“We already have an agreement with the LCBO and should be on their shelves by late February,” explains Van Watteghem. “And, as we roll out the product across Canada, we expect to develop agreements with other liquor control outlets over the next 10 months.”

Packaged in a distinctive pyramid-shaped bottle with a gold top, the vodka is infused with either rye, Ginseng or Amber Stones to give it a unique flavour, adds Van Watteghem.

“It’s already a huge hit in Europe and we expect the same results in North America,” says Van Watteghem who spent 36 years in the heating and cooling business before teaming up with Sumar.

“A friend of a friend saw a Facebook posting from Sumar indicating he was looking for someone to help with importation and distribution in North America. We corresponded, had some long phone calls and realized we had very similar goals and business ethics.”

Van Watteghem adds that Gold Club is a completely new business venture and is providing him with a fresh start in a different commercial sector.

Mark Van Watteghem holds a bottle of Pyramid vodka, imported from Ukraine by Gold Club North America Imports, which is expected on the LCBO shelves in February. Photo courtesy of Mark van Watteghem.

As the business grows, Van Watteghem expects to add champagne, wine, energy drinks and even bottled water to his line of imported products.

Van Watteghem and Sumar have only been working together since mid-November 2020, but both expect the business relationship to be long and successful.

“It’s a great product and we believe it will become very popular in a short period of time,” enthuses Van Watteghem.

Inspire Your Creative Spark And Have Fun With New DIY Kits In early 2020, Quality Manager Lisa Miller decided to seek a work/life balance that would allow her to spend more time with her granddaughter. Her employer (Magna) of almost 20 years agreed to Miller going part-time, but as she transitioned to the new schedule, the pandemic hit and part-time employees were laid off.

“I started looking inside . . . what could I do?” Miller comments.

Entrepreneur Lisa Miller sells Do-It-Yourself craft boxes that include everything you need to create your own signs to match your style and taste.

With time for crafting, she began making signs and posted them for sale on different marketplace websites, but there was little interest.

Then she had an idea — “What if I just put all this together like Hello Fresh does for meals?”

So, since last summer Miller has been using her spare bedroom to run You Can Do It DIY Kits. This is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) craft box that includes everything you need to create your own signs to match your home. And, as of January, she added a website: YouCandoItDIYKits.ca to accept orders and now the products can be shipped throughout Canada and the USA! She cuts and sands the wood, designs and prints the stencils, and packages everything together. Kits range in price based on the number of signs ($20 to $30) and include wood, paint, brushes, and stencil(s).

Miller utilized many of her skills from her Quality Engineer career, creating prototypes, ordering a competitor kit to do a comparative analysis, even testing a variety of paint for durability. The result is a high-quality DIY kit that crafters can customize for their home.

She was hesitant to start a business without any experience, but her daughter encouraged her to try the new venture. And she is learning a lot as she builds her clientele!

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Get ready to let those creative juices flow and celebrate St. Patty’s Day with a DIY kit. Photos courtesy of Lisa Miller.

as they plan: “Do your research . . . If it doesn’t work, reflect on what you could have done differently and do something else.”

As a new entrepreneur, Miller is putting in some long days as the pandemic DIY trend has created quite a demand for her products.

Even though she is used to long hours because of her old job, she mentions this one has less stress and includes a creative outlet.

“What would I be doing with my time otherwise?” she says with a smile. “I’m so glad I did it!”

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HEARD ON THE STREET After five years in the same Town of Tecumseh location (11962 Tecumseh Road East), Lisa Berbynuk is moving her Closet Cravings Upscale Consignment Boutique to 25 Amy Croft Drive, in a plaza next to Sobeys. “It’s a larger and much nicer space with ample parking,” says Berbynuk. “It’s a busy plaza and I’m looking forward to the change.” She expects to be open in early February and will be near The Hungry Wolf Express.

As a result of COVID-19 shopping restrictions, Berbynuk has been offering curbside pickup services once customers have placed their orders and paid online.

“It’s been awkward, but the online sales have kept us going and we’re just looking forward to coming out of this and getting back to normal,” adds Berbynuk. The store sells clothing, activewear, purses, footwear and jewellery. For more information, visit: ClosetCravings.ca.

Hakka Khazana, a new restaurant specializing in cuisine from India, China, and Nepal, has opened at 157 Wyandotte Street West (previously Jade Chinese Cuisine) in downtown Windsor. Curbside pickup and takeout is offered until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Owner Milan Kc says it’s disappointing to face these restrictions for a new business, but he knows everyone is in a similar situation. This is the third Hakka Khazana in Ontario with others located in Mississauga and Scarborough.

“We wanted to expand and thought Windsor would be a good location because of the city’s ethnic diversity,” explains Kc.

The restaurant serves vegetarian food, seafood and non-vegetarian appetizers, and main courses, as well as soups and stir fries. To view the menu, which offers a “Taste of Everest in Canada,” go to: Windsor.HakkaKhazanaCanada.com.

Last issue we told you of Whamburg (Whamburg.com) opening a ghost kitchen offering smash burgers, fries and malted milkshakes — now two more burger joints have opened in Windsor. But, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, they can only offer curbside pickup and takeout.

The Burger Farm, featuring burgers, fried buttermilk chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, poutine and a selection of local craft beers, opened at 300 Cabana Road East in south Windsor. It’s been in operation since the end of November 2020. And more recently, Brgr Boyz, also specializing in burgers, shakes and fries, has opened at 2212 Huron Church Road. For more information on either restaurant (each owned separately), visit: BurgerFarm.ca and: BrgrBoyz.ca.

Princess Auto and Winners are close to opening their new stores on a heavilytravelled stretch of Walker Road, in a plaza anchored by the Real Canadian Superstore.

A sign on the property (4347 Walker Road) indicates that Winners opens February 23, taking over the space previously occupied

by Home Outfitters, while Princess Auto is slated to open in early spring in the old Designer Depot near Michaels. Princess Auto has another Windsor location situated

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at 3575 Forest Glade Drive. Winners also has stores at 2430 Dougall Avenue and 7201 Tecumseh Road East.

The Baby House Tavern, a long time staple on Windsor’s west side, at 1683 College Avenue, has been purchased from the City of Windsor by an undisclosed buyer. The property was vested to the city as the result of an unsuccessful property tax sale. Unpaid taxes on the property, which includes a bar on the main floor and rooms for rent above, exceeded $250,000. It was listed for sale on MLS in October 2020 for $249,000.

The city’s real estate services department received eight offers with seven being above the list price. The new owner took possession of the property on January 22, 2021. Two adjacent properties on Campbell Avenue, owned by the same corporation, were also taken over by the city for unpaid taxes in excess of $70,000. It’s expected that the new owners will have to gut the building in order to prepare it for new purposes because of defects in the roof, windows, porch, skylights and foundation.

Despite construction slowdowns because of COVID-19 restrictions, the value of building permits issued by the city in 2020 fell only $27 million below 2019 levels. Permits issued last year totalled $392,635,699, compared to $419,631,180 in 2019. The only increase was recorded in the residential sector which showed a jump from $224 million to almost $254 million. Industrial fell from $30 million to $24 million, commercial fell from $55.9 million to $34 million and government and institutional dropped from $109.5 million to $80.6 million. The major projects listed at the end of last year included $21 million for renovations to the University of Windsor’s law building on Wyandotte Street West, $1.5 million for a construction project at St. Clair College and $899,000 for alterations to an office building at 525 Windsor Avenue.

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“The Overcomer” . . .

FROM THE BOOKSHELF Facing Challenges

With Faith And Courage

Local author Dorothy Graham O’Dell has used her tests in life and has made them a testimony.

She believes that by sharing her story of overcoming all obstacles in her life and going on to finding true happiness — after conquering low self-worth, abusive relationships and family tragedies — to keep the information locked up would not help anyone.

After being bullied all through public school for being overweight, which led to low self-worth, which then led to making bad relationship choices and staying in abusive relationships for longer than she should have, she decided to tell her story.

She aims to let other women know they are not alone and to identify the signs to get them out of relationships that do not serve them well.

Graham O’Dell indicates: “Actually, ‘The Overcomer’ was born after six years of prompting from God, saying this book needs to be in print to help other women.”

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After leaving her last abusive relationship and getting the help she needed to heal herself mentally and emotionally, she decided it was time to speak up and be a voice for the voiceless and to assist other women in similar situations.

Since the beginning of the pandemic Graham O’Dell started writing her memories and stories in early March 2020 and finished her book in July. After the editing process, “The Overcomer” was born and released in November of 2020.

In addition, she now coaches women and is available for speaking engagements.

Her advice to others is to not let your past define your future, because if she had given up on relationships, she would not have found the love of her life and true happiness.

Graham O’Dell is a firm believer in living

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Dorothy Graham O’Dell is a bookkeeper by trade, currently living in Windsor with her husband.

When she is not working on her next book you will find her helping out with #YGQcares and other volunteer opportunities. Photo courtesy of Trish Roberts of Custom Concept Photography.

your dream, not someone else’s, and just being yourself. After years of living her life for others she found true happiness this way.

For more information and to connect with this author, please go to her social media page: Facebook.com/dorothy.graham3.

Find “The Overcomer” in Windsor locations at Storytellers Book Store, 1473 Ottawa Street (StorytellersBookstore.ca) and Elevate Health Boutique, 815 Erie Street East (ElevatehealthBoutique.com). It's available on: TheOvercomer.samcart.com/ products/the-overcomer.

THE WAY IT WAS

Courage And Faith Shaped A Life, Strength Of Fellowship Built A Community

By Andrea Grimes

I

n 1793, a bill presented to the government to abolish slavery was unanimously passed in Upper Canada. News of this historymaking event quickly travelled throughout the plantations of the southern United States, in spite of the zealous efforts of the aristocratic “gentry” to put a halt to spreading the word.

Many Black American slaves (held in bondage) and suffering insurmountable hardships at the hands of their unrelenting owners, looked to Canada as a place of freedom. With determination and resolve and whatever resources they had within their reach, many were driven to escape the only life they had ever known and did so through courage, faith and a promise for a better life for their families.

In fear of being captured by bounty hunters, many Black slaves travelled through fields and swamps under the dark of the night.

With a one-way ticket to their name, they stepped aboard the “Underground Railway” — a systematic travel network engineered by a crew of “conductors” who delivered passengers “en route” from one station to another.

The North Star served as a celestial guide to their freedom destination, with many Black slaves landing in Sandwich, Ontario to stake out their lands, ply their trades and contribute to this community along the south shores of the Detroit River.

“Sandwich, Ontario has been a diverse community from its earliest beginnings.

Refugee slaves, pioneers and oppressed free Black families flocked to Sandwich, a major terminus on the fabled Underground

Railroad, to seek freedom and to enjoy independent and fulfilling lives contributing to Canada’s cultural identity,” says Elise Harding-Davis, African Canadian Heritage Consultant and Author. “In keeping with a tradition of uplifting those who came before us, generations of Black Canadians represent the Black Thread in the Canadian Tapestry.”

History has shown that many Black Canadians, of all walks of life, have been recognized and appreciated for passionately moving forward as staunch advocates for justice, equality and inclusion. This commitment not only shapes our nation as a leader in social reform, it also serves to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of respecting cultural diversity, which defines who we are as Canadians.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as “Black History Month” in Canada, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons (Refer to: Canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/ campaigns/black-history-month/about.html).

To commemorate “Black History Month,” the City of Windsor re-dedicated the Sandwich Towne Murals on February 14, 2020 in Paterson Park (in proximity to the Sandwich gateway arch) in Windsor. The ceremony recognized 16 local distinguished and prominent Black Canadian “trailblazers” (more details on: Windsor-Communities.com/ african-sites-murals.php#sandwich) with some family descendants in attendance.

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The Sandwich Towne murals are now located in Paterson Park, Windsor. The initial unveiling of the murals honouring our local Black Canadians, took place during the “Olde Sandwich Towne Festival” on September 15, 2008. Photo courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island.

Ward 2 City of Windsor Councillor Fabio Costante states: “It is integral for this generation (especially our youth) and those to follow, to be introduced to the diverse and proud history of our Black Canadian pioneers, recognizing their struggles, hardships and sacrifice; more so their achievements, accomplishments and contributions made, enriching the eco-social fabric of our community. I am thankful for the support of our community, City Administration, and my colleagues on City Council for making this chapter of Windsor’s history a reality.”

The significance in recognizing the depth of our Black Canadian heritage — engaging cultural competency, is reflected through this quote by the late William Hull VC (Black Canadian Navy Veteran 1827-1904), “We go on and on about our differences. But, you know, our differences are less important than our similarities. People have a lot in common with one another, whether they see that or not.”

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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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

NEWSFLASH THE RUNDOWN Ted Williamson, President of SRT Accounting Inc. in Windsor is providing free assessments to local business owners whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19 and require assistance in optimizing the subsidy programs offered. “As a business owner myself, I understand exactly what they are going through,” comments Williamson. “It’s important that we all come together during these difficult times and do what we can to make the lives of business owners easier as they have enough to worry about during this pandemic.” He continues by stating: “Many business owners may have doubts and are not clear on exactly what they are entitled to. Our efforts are meant to streamline the application process on their behalf and make certain they receive exactly what they are entitled to without the need to worry about the details.” To learn more visit: Accountants20.com/covid-tax-triage.

As of late January 2021, MR Meat Markets has returned to Windsor’s east side with its third store at 6645 Tecumseh Road East. “We had some business changes that resulted in us closing our east side location with another shop opening in its place,” explains Marc Romualdi, Owner and Operator, MR Meat Markets and third generation grocer. “The opportunity to regain the space presented itself recently and we jumped at the chance! We loved filling the needs and stomachs of those in that part of town and we’re very happy to be back!” Operating in the Windsor community for 15 years, MR Meat Markets is best described as an old-fashioned butcher with a modern day twist. The company is committed to the best in quality, service and value, as well as giving back to the community it serves. The east end facility is 3,500 square feet and features everything its customers have come to expect from the MR Meat Markets family; a wide range of fresh and frozen meats, house-made items with original recipes, a full service deli, as well as an array of sauces, spices, produce and more. “As the pandemic continues on, we’ve seen our competitors raise prices, limit purchase quantities and have largely under stocked shelves,” claims Romualdi. “We, on the other hand, have fully stocked shelves, no purchase limits and have continued to offer the incredible value that has made us one of the largest meat retailers in Ontario. We stand behind the community and work to provide high quality and very reasonably priced food, even in times of crisis such as this.”

The aroma of KFC is in the air in downtown Windsor with the opening of the franchise’s new KFC store as of mid-January. The 185 Wyandotte Street East location employs 42 individuals, many full time, as well as three delivery drivers.

The store replaces a previous outlet on Bridge

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Avenue that closed in early 2020. It features a modern layout with a full lobby and Drive Thru.

Guests can enjoy this new KFC restaurant via takeout, drive thru, or delivery, available on: KFC.ca, as well as Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash. Best of all, staff kicked off the opening by donating nearly 10,000 pieces of chicken to various charities in the city by taking advantage of the need to train the cooks and test the kitchen! Soul Foods Group, the Owner/operator of this location and seven others in our area, supported the local community with donations to: The Downtown Mission, Street Help, The Salvation Army, and The Welcome Centre for Women and Children.

New jobs, charity donations, investing in our city’s core and delicious fried chicken — well, we are sure Colonel Sanders would be very proud!

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island’s sixth annual “Best of Windsor Essex Awards are back”! You can vote on the top five finalists in all 40 awards in the tourism and hospitality region between February 15 and March 8, 2021 at: BestOfWindsorEssex.ca — and you have a chance to win their $500 “Best Of” grand prize plus visit some of the winners.

Born and raised in Windsor and Essex County, creator of 519Culture, Serena Koehl holds a passion for people. Missing the farmers’ markets, live music shows and connecting with others, laid the foundation in creating 519Culture, a local lifestyle box full of goods made right here in the 519 area code. In late March 2020, Koehl hit the ground running with an idea to support small businesses and help people discover the Windsor Essex lifestyle. This concept appealed to area businesses that quickly jumped on board for the pre-launch in October 2020. The launch was wildly successful and fuelled new ideas and business partners. Each box includes a variety of interesting products, services and coupons to help navigate the amazing things going on in our community. It’s a new way to explore and support local businesses, plus experience their products and/or services with the convenience of delivery to your door! A few participating businesses include: Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, The Plant Base, Emerson Supply Co., CB Marketing, Smashed Apple Trade Co., Own Your Choice Healing (Soap By Leslie), I Luv Coffee Roasters, Krown Walkerville and Galaxy Records. Check: 519culture.ca to purchase your box, or for more information on how to get involved!

With a foundation of 25 years of experience and expertise in the commercial application of flat roofing and waterproofing systems, Austin Roofing & Waterproofing announced, in December 2020, that it is expanding operations with a new building

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in Windsor to serve as the company’s national headquarters. Austin has grown roughly 50 to 60% in 2020, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the move into the 8,500 square-foot space situated at 2220 Olympia Drive. The new office provides room for growth and warehousing and allows the company to expand its team. Austin continues to see high demand for its innovative, engineered-to-last products, such as its seamless liquid rubber coatings. “We really had no choice but to expand operations as it was becoming extremely difficult to manage from a smaller location,” says Patrick Austin, Vice President of Austin Roofing & Waterproofing. “We are growing our fleet on almost a monthly basis and we need additional space for equipment and vehicles.

Another reason to grow is to accommodate more staff so we can manage the growing volume of requests. In addition, we have our eyes on a second location in the Toronto region.” Austin plans to add engineers and estimators who have experience in the commercial and industrial waterproofing space. In 2021, with current projected sales, the company believes it will add an additional 15 to 20 employees. The business specializes in flat roof repair and restoration of commercial and industrial buildings and provides roofing systems that can be installed on top of any flat roof, metal roof or slightly pitched surfaces. For further details on their services refer to: AustinRoofing.ca.

NEW IN BIZ Mobile Tire Express has now rolled into the Windsor Essex region. Founded by entrepreneur Jeff Anger, the company specializes in new tire sales done at your home, office or wherever you need them! Stuck at work with a flat? They can take care of that, too! Opening in December 2020, Anger has well over a decade of tire industry experience. “We’re in the business of customer service,” states Anger. “We are competitive, trustworthy, and offer a value second to none.”

Consider Mobile Tire Express the next time your ride needs some new rubber or you have one of those days that starts with a flat tire and a tow truck.

Get to: MobileTireExpress.ca to learn more!

Jessica Van Landuyt, who is a Certified Damage Prevention Technician through the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance, recently opened Terra Locates, which offers Private Utility Locating and Sewer Camera Inspection Services to Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, London, Wallaceburg and surrounding areas. Services are available for commercial and residential projects — no job will be turned down! Terra Locates can accurately and efficiently locate any type of buried

utilities including: water and sewer, high voltage electricity, fibre communications, and natural gas lines, to ensure you can dig safely. Questions?

Contact Van Landuyt through her website: Terra-Locates.Business.site.

ON THE MOVE UWindsor alumna Renée Trombley (B.A. 2003) takes up an appointment as Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) effective February 22, 2021. Trombley succeeds John Coleman, who is retiring after having served six years as PAC Director. She comes to the University from the County of Essex, where she worked for the past five years as the Manager, Communications and Organizational Development.

Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Vesna Bornas can now be found at Goodyear Massage Therapy And Sports Rehabilitation, 1115 Lacasse Blvd, Tecumseh. This is a private facility built on the property of the homeowner, Kris Goodyear, also an RMT. Bornas has been an RMT for the past seven years, previously working out of the Massage Therapy Treatment Centre, 3200 Deziel Drive, Suite 212 with Natalie Zajacz (owner) and Caitlin Jones. “These two ladies are amazing people and wonderful therapists,” Bornas expresses. “It was a very difficult decision to leave them after being there for six years.”

Her decision to make the move was due to location.

“The opportunity to work within walking distance of my Tecumseh home was the main reason,” she indicates. “Since moving I’ve been able to come home and have lunch with my son on a few occasions. That itself is priceless.” Connect with Bornas via Facebook under “Goodyear Massage Therapy And Sports Rehabilitation”.

HALL OF FAME ACM Panelworx feels honoured for their role in the international architectural award presented to the Isenberg School of Management in Amherst, Massachusetts, at the end of December. The school was awarded the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural and Organization (UNESCO) 2020 Prix Versailles best exterior in the campuses category. The Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts displays visually striking copper panels, which were selected and fabricated by the talented ACM Panelworx design and manufacturing team in their Windsor shop last year. The UNESCO Prix Versailles, based in Paris, France, selects international nominees based on a project’s commitment to sustainability, and “fostering a better mix of the economic and cultural domain”, according to their mission statement.

ACM Panelworx couldn’t be more proud of the people who contributed their labour and expertise to this project, and look forward to their part in similar

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future accolades. More details on their product lines can be found on: ACMpanelworx.com.

In mid-January, three finalists who made winning pitches for the second round of the Windsor Essex “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 grant and a tourism mentorship to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. The 2021 winners are as follows: Billy Alexander, Caldwell First Nation (CaldwellFirstNation.ca and on Facebook under “Three Fires: An Indigenous Culinary Experience”) — providing hands-on, culinary experiences that focus on Indigenous food, culture and community.

Corey Robertson, The Bank Theatre, 10 Erie Street South in Leamington (BankTheatre.com) — Point Pelee National Park will act as a new stage for local actors who will provide Spirit Walks or stories to visitors about our various cultures and combine them with related experiences. And Leslie Meloche, Walnut Grove Bed &Breakfast, 4000 McCormick Road, in Harrow (TheWalnutGroveBnB.com) — having a sommelier-guided experience that provides tastings of local wines (of the same varietal) paired with locally sourced cuisine (tapas). The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a partnership between the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, Libro Credit Union and WEtech Alliance. For more information log on to the website: TourismInnovation.ca/WindsorEssex.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Kabobgy LaSalle 5848 Malden Road, Unit 107

By David Clark

Photos courtesy of Kabobgy

A culinary delight on both sides of the plate — chicken and beef (rice too!) are included with the Mixed Kabob Platter.

R

ecent good news out of LaSalle includes a big announcement on the dining scene and an invitation to foodies all over the region to come and check out one of the best Middle Eastern eateries in the Windsor area.

According to the Owner and Operator of the Kabobgy LaSalle location, Wadi Hadad, they have just completed $60,000 worth of renovations to make things more inviting to the customer.

“Our main change was to expand our kitchen so we can produce a larger amount of food quickly and efficiently for takeout and catering,” explains Hadad. “We officially opened in 2015, but we feel like we are brand new with all the changes made.”

Under the “Grey Lockdown” level for COVID-19, Kabobgy is limited to curbside pickup (by phone) and takeout.

Dining-in and catering will be on deck as soon as the restrictions have lifted. The Kabobgy team can then serve 500 for special events with pre-made menus for review.

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“Of course, our clients can pick and choose what they would like for catering, off our regular menu as well,” Hadad comments.

Delivery is offered when they are available to do so — just give them a call to inquire.

In the meantime, the takeout and curbside business has been very successful.

With a full regular menu to offer, you can look into a plethora of Lebanese and Syrian menu choices, for those with a huge appetite who want to dig in and satisfy their craving for good food.

The most popular entrees at Kabobgy are the Shish Tawook with garlic, pickles, lettuce and turnip, recognized on any Middle Eastern menu.

The well-known Chicken Shawarma is also a staple of the Middle Eastern diet with garlic, pickles, lettuce and turnip.

For that exotic taste, you will love to get into the Beef and Lamb Shish Kafta; of course, with Halal meat.

For that top-of-the-line entree, many look

into the Beef Tenderloin Shish Kabob with Beef Tenderloin pieces grilled on a skewer with fresh onions and tomatoes. A flavour explosion to be sure, just like the Mixed Kabob Platter as well.

From the sea to your plate, the seafood lover can choose the Spicy Fish entrée: a Basa fillet baked with pepper, cilantro, garlic, spices and rice. A one-two punch with a little spice!

Looking at what you will start with, the favourite appetizers are familiar, including Hummus as a stand-alone dish or with chicken and beef for an extra $3.

Also, the tempting Fattoush salad, could be a meal by itself — salad supreme! The Tabouleh is another super salad to try. You may also choose full salad meals as your entrée, as available on the dinner menu.

With a healthy living theme in this issue of Biz X, we guide you now to the owner’s choices of meals that are good for you. The Mujaddara, Tabouli and of course, the Hummus and the above salads, are top contenders.

“These all have high nutritional value, but pretty well the entire menu is healthy,” indicates Hadad.

He continues by pointing out: “To prepare our food we use the top products in the market obtainable for us, and our love for our customers goes far and beyond,” Hadad states. “Our customers keep us going and healthy so we like to make sure their experiences are the best — we value them and their opinions.”

A mouth watering view of the traditional Hummus, a staple of the Middle Eastern diet.

And the whole outfit is a family operation, as Hadad and his two brothers also run their own restaurants under the Kabobgy name.

The Windsor location (7755 Tecumseh Road East, Unit 103) is owned by Nabil Hadad, and Tecumseh (13300 Tecumseh Road East, Unit 150) by Nazih Hadad. The brothers have worked in the food industry for most of their lives and will continue to do so.

Their dream for the future is to make Kabobgy a franchise and even go as far as branching out to the USA. Interested in checking out their menus?

Go to: Kabobgy.ca.

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© Can Stock Photo/sCukrov

COVER STORY By Dave Hall

Good Health Equals Good Business G

overnment restrictions, which have decimated a large part of the local small business economy in such sectors as tourism, food/beverage, event planning, personal care services, fashion and more, have nevertheless created opportunities for many other businesses.

Across Windsor Essex, they include companies that provide water testing kits, trained workers for understaffed health organizations and in-home care for those affected by lockdown restrictions.

Others are stepping into the breach and developing apps for contact tracing, contactless temperature scanning, people counters to measure business capacities, rapid COVID-19 testing processes and more.

On the retail side, an ever-increasing demand for masks at a time when they are mandatory before entering a place of business, has been met by small businesses who are otherwise struggling to make ends meet while big box stores remain open.

As we close in on 12 months since the beginning of the devastating pandemic, Biz X magazine has talked to owners of area companies in the healthcare industry that have found creative and efficient ways of providing goods, high-tech products and services to clients and customers across the region and beyond.

Isolab Inc.

At Isolab Inc., technology-based products not only help keep customers and staff safe from infection, but also free up employees who would normally be tied up counting and testing customers before entering a place of business.

“When staff members use a hand-held temperature scanner, they have to be within six feet of their subject and that exposes them to possible infection, but with our contactless scanner they remain safe,” notes Dr. Tanha Jansrai-Batt, Isolab’s Chief Operating Officer and Quality Control Manager.

The contactless scanner takes the temperature of anyone entering the premises and displays that temperature on a monitor screen. If the temperature is higher than a pre-set limit, the screen flashes red and a beep sounds for five seconds.

If the temperature is below the limit, the screen flashes green and the beep sounds again, but this time the individual is allowed to enter.

“Our system records day, time and

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Dr. Tanha Jansrai-Batt, Isolab’s Chief Operating Officer and Quality Control Manager, looks over their product, a Fever SPOT EL contactless, body temperature scanner. It is rugged, compact and can be put on a wall at any business or organization. It is especially designed to measure the body temperature with high accuracy of +/- 0.3 degrees Celsius.

Persons entering the premises simply stand in front of the device and have their body temperature measured within a fraction of second. Photo by Rod Denis.

temperature and the data can be downloaded and kept within the system for future reference,” adds Jansrai-Batt.

The company, owned by Pradip and Bhavna Jansrai since they acquired it in 1995, has also developed a people counter, which counts customers entering or leaving a business and displays either “safe to enter” or “not safe to enter, maximum occupancy reached” on a monitor.

“It’s just a tiny box similar to a remote control, which is placed at the doorway to the business and it records people entering and leaving,” explains Jansrai-Batt. “It can be set to a pre-determined capacity limit and provides real-time information.”

Prior to pivoting and developing COVID-19-related products, Isolab offered calibration services and temperature sensors for industrial and commercial sectors.

“We’re in a number of Windsor and Essex County businesses already and we anticipate further growth,’ says Jansrai-Batt.

Isolab is located at 6260 Hawthorne Drive.

For more information on their COVID-19 products, visit: Isolab.org.

Red Piston Inc.

Launched in 2009, Red Piston, as of mid-January 2021, is now busy working on a contact tracing app dubbed IDquickly.com. The app will make it easier B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

for small businesses and restaurants across Ontario to provide reliable and secure traceability for health units, simply by scanning a QR code.

“They say that necessity is the mother of invention and this is a perfect example,” states Ali Al-Aasm, one of three company founders along with Jakub Koter and Andy Kale.

“We have relatives in the food and beverage industry and we were asked what we could do to make tracing and checkin easier and more efficient,” explains Al-Aasm. “We have a team of people capable of providing such a product and it’s our way of giving back to the community because so many small businesses are struggling.”

The Windsor company is working in partnership with the Digital Main Street Lab program, which is supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), WEtech Alliance, the Government of Ontario and Communitech, a tech incubator in Waterloo.

“This support, both financial and through community partnerships, gives us the ability to offer this valuable and timely tool, free to a wider range of businesses,” adds Al-Aasm.

Instead of requiring customers to answer questions upon arrival on a contact tracing sheet or memorize a long

The company is located at 568 Chatham Street East (upper unit) in Windsor. Connect with their team and find about more about this business on: RedPiston.com.

Advanced Hi-Tech Centre Ltd.

An uncomfortable experience with water quality in his hotel room, during a tropical vacation a few years ago, led Mason Akhshik to return home and develop a series of products that provide fast and reliable DIY water-testing kits for travellers, home owners and campers.

Despite being reassured by hotel staff that he would be fine, Akhshik ended up in hospital twice during that vacation and resolved to do something about the problem.

Red Piston, a local company that develops and produces mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, has launched a user friendly contact-tracing app to meet local public health requirements. It is being used at local businesses including Panache Restaurant and Lounge, downtown Windsor. Photo courtesy of Red Piston.

URL listing in order to complete online self-screening, patrons can simply scan a QR code on their mobile device and be directed to the website: IDquickly.com.

“It will help businesses reduce labour costs dedicated to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 quickly and efficiently, while still prioritizing safety, adherence to public health guidelines and customer experiences,” comments Al-Aasm.

Red Piston was chosen from a number of applicants across Ontario to participate in the pilot program.

Al-Aasm says that when COVID-19 restrictions end and contact tracing is no longer needed, Red Piston will add a suite of marketing and sales tools to its app, which will then be offered for a nominal cost.

Red Piston specializes in building innovative mobile apps and games for iOS and Android devices.

home and at campsites,” Mason indicates.

“And that’s where our testing focus lies until people are comfortable travelling again.”

The company also offers filters for shower and campsite faucets, water purification products, brackets that fit inside face masks to make it easier to breathe, silicone straps for masks, disinfectant cleaning solutions and personal portable air purifiers.

“Business has been slow because of the travel issue, but it’s been difficult for everyone and we are no different,” says Mason. “It’s important to be ready with an alternative business plan until some semblance of normalcy returns.”

Sip Safer is located inside the EPICentre, 2455 Wyandotte Street West in Windsor.

To shop for the water testing kit and other health related products refer to: SipSafer.ca.

GaiaDigits

Chief Executive Officer Mason Akhshik, of Advanced Hi-Tech Centre Ltd., has developed Sip Safer, a DIY water-testing kit, along with partners Sanza Akhshik and Benez Ashtari. Photo courtesy of Sip Safer.

Akhshik, his wife Sanza Akhshik and business partner Benez Ashtari developed a portable water-testing kit and launched it under the trademark name of Sip Safer, which is part of their company, Advanced Hi-Tech Centre Ltd. “The kit tests for bacteria in the water and also for a variety of other particles, which can be present in regular tap water,” explains Mason, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

It was designed for people who travel on a regular basis, but when COVID-19 restrictions basically shut down all international travel, the partners had to quickly pivot and change their business plan.

“Our kits can be used just as easily at

With an eye towards keeping workplaces safe for employees and customers, GaiaDigits has launched a first-generation screening tool to help employees and employers keep track of potential COVID-19 infection symptoms.

Companies using the service, which has been offered free since it was made available in December 2020, require employees to access an online questionnaire on a daily basis and answer a series of questions designed to identify potential virus symptoms.

Once it’s completed and submitted to their employer, the employee is then free to attend work.

“Screening is essential if you want to know your employee’s status before they come to work,” says Ye Cheng, GaiaDigits’ Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We realize that everyone wants workplaces to be safe environments and by answering a few brief questions relating to possible symptoms, we can all do our part to reduce the spread of the virus.”

Cheng points out that because many workplaces have different work sites

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TO ALL OF OUR FRONTLINE WORKERS WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO. STAY SAFE.

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and multiple employee layers, the completed questionnaires are only made available to those who have direct contact with the employee.

“We need to ensure privacy while at the same time making sure the workplace remains safe for everyone,” explains Cheng.

Questionnaires are available at certain times of the day to take into account different starting times for employees in retail, hospitality, public, private, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Cheng says that most of GaiaDigits’ clients are in the private sector, but he believes it’s even more important in public sector workplaces where, for the moment at least, employees are still working away from home.

“One person with symptoms can jeopardize an entire business or workplace,” says Cheng.

Cheng adds that they will soon be offering a vaccination reporting service so that employers can keep track of which employees have been vaccinated, which ones are waiting for their second shot if needed and which have not yet been vaccinated.

“It’s important that we keep workplaces safe for everyone,” asserts Cheng.

GaiaDigits is also located inside the EPICentre, 2455 Wyandotte Street West in Windsor. To learn more about this company go to: GaiaDigits.com.

Audacia Bioscience

Audacia Bioscience, a local biomedical research and production company, is working on a number of COVID-19 testing solutions, including clinical trials and workplace assurance testing.

“For the past year, we have been researching and implementing cuttingedge testing solutions for COVID-19,” says the company’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Phillip Olla. “Our solutions are being deployed in hospitals and facilities in both Windsor and Detroit, including a highlyanticipated border crossing pilot program in conjunction with the Institute for Border Logistics and Security.”

The border-crossing technology facilitates the storage and easy access to an individual’s complete immunization and testing history.

A certificate issued to each border commuter provides a secure mechanism for Canadian and U.S. travellers to share their test results.

“Our pilot study will use multiple tests — a nasal swab test as well as a rapid antigen test,” explains Olla. “This will allow us to safely and clinically reduce the length of quarantine times for essential business travellers within the manufacturing sector while still protecting the community.”

Audacia Bioscience has also launched a

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rapid antigen test kit, which will produce results within 10 to 15 minutes at a relatively low cost compared to standard testing, which can take two or three days to yield results.

“We’ve been approved to perform this type of testing at Windsor Regional Hospital and we’re waiting on approval from other health centres and hospitals,” Olla mentions.

Antigen tests provide results without any additional reagents or processing equipment and can be conducted entirely where the test is administered.

The company’s third piece of the COVID-19 puzzle is a vaccination test to check whether or not the vaccine is actually working.

“It can assess how long you remain immune to the virus and if you lose the antibodies that can make you vulnerable to the virus again,” states Olla. “We just need large numbers of people to be vaccinated after which our simple blood test can produce results within 15 to 30 minutes.”

Eventually, according to Olla, people who have been vaccinated will be able to conduct the test themselves in order to check their immunity status.

Audacia Bioscience, established in 2016, is located at 880 North Service Road, Suite 105, in Windsor. For more information, check: AudaciaBio.com.

Champion Products

Demand for COVID-19 related products went through the roof and increased as much as 10-fold over the past year, according to Champion Products Owner

and Chief Executive Officer Ashok Sood.

The Windsor company supplies gloves, masks, face shields, eye glasses and hand sanitizer to companies in the healthcare, industrial, commercial and retail sectors.

“The demand went crazy and processing the increased orders meant we didn’t have to lay off any of our people during this pandemic,” explains Sood. “Demand for restaurant supplies dropped because so many were closed but, demand for takeout containers went crazy instead.”

Sood expresses it’s been a challenge to find enough supplies to meet all the orders placed over the past 11 months.

The company’s warehouse carries more than 9,000 individual items and supplies products to businesses across Ontario.

“It’s been hard to stay in business at times, but we have survived and we will keep going until all of this is behind us,” he adds.

“It’s been nothing like we had been used to in the past.”

In addition to COVID-19 related protective equipment, Champion also sells garbage bags, paper bags, cellophane bags, industrial cleaning supplies and equipment, pizza boxes, disposable cups and tableware and a variety of paper products.

Champion has more than 250,000 square feet of warehouse space and over 150 fulltime employees in three locations — Windsor, Vaughan, Ontario, and Fort McMurray, Alberta.

The company, in business for 29 years, works out of a building in central Windsor at 2601 Wyandotte Street East.

Do you or your business need hand sanitizer; 3 ply or KN95 masks; cloth reusable masks; disposable gloves; disinfectant sprays; anti-microbial hand soap; safety glasses and face shields? (From left) Account Managers Alan Bryans, Tammy Luno, and Ahmad Alzoubi of Champion Products and The Clean Depot (the retail arm of the company) can help! Photo courtesy of James Gervais.

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See a list of all products via their online web store at: ChampionProducts.com.

Ultima Home Care Inc. provides a variety of home care services, including personal care and assistance, transportation, meal prep-aration, and diet planning. Here, Ultima Nurse Vania Jimenez serves a meal to Gino (last name withheld), a patient at one of their clients’ facilities. Photo courtesy of Pat Scandale.

Ultima Home Care Inc.

Recently recognized on the Startup List by Maclean’s magazine and Canadian Business for “Canada’s Top New Growth Companies 2020”, Ultima Home Care Inc. provides staffing services to healthcare organizations in 40 communities across Ontario.

Chief Executive Officer Steven Brown is photographed inside the office of Ultima Home Care on Pelissier Street. He is one of the company’s six owners.

Photo courtesy of Matthew Penaflor.

The company, which also provides home care services across the province, was launched in 2018 and is owned by six Windsor Essex investors, including Chief Executive Officer Steven Brown and Board President Tony Conciatori.

“We are really proud of what we have been able to achieve in a relatively short period of time,” says Brown. “During these challenging times, we know how

impactful staffing shortages can be for healthcare organizations.”

He adds: “All of our staff are COVID-19 care-trained and ready to jump in and help.”

Ultima offers short and long-term solutions with relief staffing for personal support positions, palliative support services, registered practical nurses, registered nurses, clinical education specialists and recruitment services.

Recognizing that one of the problems facing many Personal Support Workers (PSW) is the unpredictability and length of shifts, Brown says that Ultima is committed

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to offering its staff full or half-shifts.

“I don’t believe there’s a shortage of PSW trained staff, but there does appear to be a shortage of PSWs who have decided to remain in the profession,” explains Brown.

“I started as a support worker and I understand what they are going through.”

“It’s hard to work piece-work or split shifts, so we do our best to see that doesn’t happen,” he adds.

In addition to in-person training, Ultima also offers training sessions through video and virtual data sharing.

Despite its rapid growth, Ultima is

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still nimble enough to successfully hire, train and begin services within 10 days of launching in a new community.

In addition to staffing services, Ultima provides transportation for errands, meal preparation and diet planning, companionship and recreation, as well as light housekeeping and domestic duties.

The company was listed 32nd out of 85 fast-growing startup companies in the annual CanadianBusiness.com/Maclean’s survey with two-year revenue growth in excess of 1,000%. Good news indeed!

Find the Ultima office at 1504 Pelissier Street in Windsor. For further details on their services, log on to the website: UltimaHomeCare.com.

Crown Medical Transportation

Established 20 years ago in Windsor, Crown Medical Transportation has made some adjustments since the beginning of the pandemic, but is still offering most of the same services to area residents.

“We’ve had to cancel our community bus outings and we no longer transport clients to doctor’s appointments because most doctors are working virtually now or by phone,” explains company Co-owner and Chief Executive Officer Zack Haidar. “But, a lot of what we still do has become more time-consuming and labour intensive.”

In the past, picking up clients was relatively easy, but now Crown’s staff must take added time to talk to nurses where the pickup is taking place to make sure the client doesn’t have a fever or any other COVID-19 symptoms or been in contact with any COVID-positive individuals.

“It all takes extra time and we also have to disinfect our vehicles after every trip

to make sure our clients and staff remain safe,” Haidar describes. “It used to take 45 to 60 minutes for each trip and now it’s double that amount. But it’s well worth the extra time and effort, because our goal is to make sure everything we do follows all the regulations and protocols that are in place.”

Crown Medical Transportation, which has 32 employees, provides services in communities as far away as Ottawa, but the dispatch centre remains in Windsor where the company has its headquarters.

Crown offers transportation in fully-equipped wheelchair accessible vans for hospital and nursing home trips, banks and grocery stores, as well as prescription drop-off and pickup services. The company also takes patients to dialysis and chemotherapy appointments.

In addition, they offer an extensive line of medical supplies, including wheelchairs, bath chairs, incontinence pads, canes, specialty items and more.

The business is located at 1329 Crawford Avenue in Windsor. For more information go to: CrownAccessible.com.

Comfort Mobility Inc. Home Health Care

For John Fase, Owner and Founder of Comfort Mobility, COVID-19 restrictions have changed just about everything in the way the family-owned company does business with its clients.

“I’m the primary salesperson and in order to keep our clients safe and secure, I get tested on a weekly basis before I attend any hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes, group homes or private homes,” indicates Fase, a Registered Nurse who has been in the health and mobility business for more than 20 years.

In the past, wheelchair fittings could be

Comfort Mobility has been providing home health care products to clients and customers across Windsor Essex since 2014 and sells a wide range of items from masks to wheelchairs and everything in between. Photo courtesy of Comfort Mobility.

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Comfort Mobility is a family-owned business operated by Julie Fase, left, John Fase, Jonathan Fase, and Jessica Fase Senay. Photo courtesy of Sooters Photography.

done in-person in collaboration with the client and an Occupational Therapist and while that teamwork still exists, it’s being handled differently now.

“If I’m provided with the height and weight of a client, I can speculate with a large degree of accuracy, given my experience, the size of chair needed by a client,” he says.

“But, even with height and weight, people

are built differently and you still need some degree of hands-on fitting for each client.”

Once Fase provides the measurements and other information to an Occupational Therapist, a prescription is provided and the process of providing a chair to the client begins.

Given the current restrictions, Fase and his team meet with clients in an isolated part of wherever they are living, to limit exposure while still being able to adjust a chair to their needs.

The provincial Ministry of Health has streamlined the funding process and made the submission of the required forms available online, eliminating long waiting periods.

Fase, who opened Comfort Mobility in 2014, also has a warehouse full of donated wheelchairs, which he makes available free of charge to patients discharged from hospital, so they have a chair available immediately while they wait for a fitting and their own chair.

The family business also offers walkers and rollators, scooters, custom seating products, lift chairs, bath safety products, rehabilitation aids, compression stockings, TENS machines, and braces.

“If you tell us what mobility troubles and issues you have, we can find a solution to

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minimize your risks and maximize your abilities,” Fase asserts.

Comfort Mobility is located at 2707 Temple Drive in Windsor and online at: ComfortMobility.ca.

Health Is The Real Wealth

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our daily way of life and how (and if!) we can work, with the business shutdowns devastating the local economy.

Personal well-being, family and protecting each other from illness is the #1 focus now, so we can all stay healthy.

Companies developing and supplying products and services, such as those profiled here, can assist us in following public health unit guidelines and most importantly, stop the spread of the coronavirus — and perhaps more viruses coming in the future.

Working together and staying at home this winter can mean our businesses can re-open as soon as possible and stay open.

But for now, if you require any of the services and products listed in this feature story, please contact these companies for what you may need.

Let’s support local every chance we can, just as they support us by providing the necessary items we need to live a healthy life!

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TECH BY TES

The Importance Of Health Tracking Apps

By Brandon Pottie

T

racking your family’s health could be a great habit that you start in 2021, and it is timely considering people are less inclined to leave their homes amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Who should track their health?

Everyone. Health tracking is not just for people with chronic illness; it’s for parents with young kids, allergy sufferers, and those of us who only visit the doctor for our annual physicals. Just a small amount of effort can keep your family’s health history organized, which empowers you when you are speaking with your healthcare professionals. Keeping track of injuries, illnesses, vaccines, lab reports, medical visits, etc. is something that ensures you are always able to stay informed.

Why does it matter? 68% of people with chronic health conditions do not track their symptoms, even when requested to do so by their healthcare professionals. Many Canadians do not have a Family Physician and receive their healthcare at a walk-in clinic. We all have reasons to put effort into our health tracking — after all, there is nothing more important than your family’s health. The topic of aging parents is also a growing issue as the “boom” continues to move up each year.

But is it hard? Not really. Canadian adults spend two hours 54 minutes on their Smartphones every day, not including phone calls. There are many apps available to track things like symptoms or specific health conditions and most of them are inexpensive. Taking the time to find the right app for you means your health tracking will exist where you are — on your device. This convenience of “at your fingertips” makes it easier than ever to take the time to put that extra little bit of care in place for your family.

Boring! No way! Modern health tracking apps are highly interactive, easier to use than other methods, and most will give you really interesting insights about yourself, your symptoms, and your health. You will also find that some of the better apps

will incentivize you to keep on top of your tracking goals by providing rewards, points, or by unlocking app features. When you feel empowered, engaged, and motivated, tracking your family’s health gives you a great sense of accomplishment. Check!

Does it make a difference? Absolutely.

Visiting your healthcare professional and presenting your clear, organized information will make your conversations far more meaningful. This enables you and your healthcare professional to make better-informed decisions, which ultimately can lead to better outcomes for you and your family. The insights you glean over time from just a small amount of effort is something you simply cannot replace.

Is it expensive? Generally, you can get started with a free version of most health tracking apps. Premium features can cost in the range of $3 to $5/month depending on the app and the quality of the features you are looking for. There is something for every budget and there may be opportunities for subsidies if needed.

Health apps at work: Increasingly, employers and other organizations are turning to health apps to provide win-win benefits for their teams. An oft-quoted Harvard study found that for every $1 spend on employee wellness programs, medical costs fell by $3.27. Additionally, for every $1 spent, absenteeism costs fell by $2.73. More importantly, modern employers are recognizing that people are the most important part of their organizations; investing in the health of families is a practice that makes great sense for morale and relationships, not just for the bottom line.

“Tech Bytes” is powered by WEtech Alliance (WEtech-Alliance.com). The author of the article this issue, Brandon Pottie is the father of four girls and the Founder of EmbraceHealthTracking.com. He believes that empowering people to better track their health means better conversations with our healthcare providers and ultimately, better results and outcomes.

© Can Stock Photo/sCukrov

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LIFESTYLE Planting The Seeds For A Healthy Diet ISSUES With Virtual Counselling Sessions

By Dave Hall

W

hen Registered Pharmacist Steve Gavrilos (also known as Stavros Gavrilidis) was diagnosed with diet-induced heart disease almost four years ago, he decided to change his diet and lifestyle rather than undergo a series of medical procedures.

“I was facing an angiogram and possibly an angioplasty, and while they are largely safe procedures, they are still invasive, and to me they are band aids not cures,” explains Gavrilos, who owns Eastown Pharmacy, 2050 Lauzon Road (near Tecumseh Road East) in Windsor.

Instead, Gavrilos embarked upon a research journey that ultimately led him to adopt a whole food plant-based diet, which focuses on vegetables, fruits, complex starches, grains and legumes while avoiding meat, dairy, eggs, cheese, fish, seafood, processed foods and oils, as much as possible.

“I’m Greek and I even eliminated olive oil,” he adds, laughing.

His research included achieving certificates in Lifestyle Nutrition offered online by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a Nutritionist (with a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry) and advocate of plant-based diets, at Cornell University in the U.S.A. Gavrilos lost 18 kilograms over 18 months and was given a clean bill of health by his doctors, without the need for medical intervention.

“Not everyone is able to do what I did, but if you make significant improvements in your diet and stay away from animal products, processed foods and oils, you will notice a large improvement in your overall health,” states Gavrilos.

The Canada Food Guide also recommends eliminating sugar-laced drinks and processed foods while including vegetables, protein and whole grains as part of a balanced meal. (Refer to the government website: Food-Guide.Canada.ca/en).

After reaching his own health goals, aided by walking 30 minutes a day, Gavrilos decided to launch the Plant Based Wellness Forum so he could begin offering the same advice and information to patients at his pharmacy, through a series of nutritional seminars.

While only offered to small groups in the beginning, Gavrilos nevertheless saw improvements in his patients’ health with weight losses ranging from 12 to 18 kilograms.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions put an end to the in-person seminars and now Gavrilos offers “Zoom” sessions at $10 per person to help spread the word and provide people with alternatives to pills, medication and medical intervention.

Gavrilos, who says his slogan is “I push plants, instead of pills,” does not expect everyone to be able to change from an animal-based

Inside Eastown Pharmacy, Canada’s Plant Based Pharmacist Steve Gavrilos prepares for a Plant Based Wellness Forum lecture on Zoom about the benefits of a whole food plant based diet. Photo by Rod Denis.

to a 100% plant-based diet, but even if they can change by 70% it will help them tremendously.

The higher the compliance, the better the results!

There are also additional benefits, including reductions in animal cruelty and environmental improvements because of a decreased reliance on meat products.

Despite being a Pharmacist, Gavrilos believes medication often only masks the problem and doesn’t cure it.

“The changes worked for me and I believe they can work for anyone with similar medical issues,” he says. “I’m really focused on helping my patients get better and change their lifestyle and diet so the improvements can last a lifetime.”

Find more information at: Facebook.com/eastownpharmacy.

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HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE

The Kidney Foundation “Six Degree Challenge”

By Joe McParland

I

was recently invited to be the “Six Degree Challenger” to represent Windsor and Essex County in The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s “Six Degree Challenge”.

It kicks off the globally designated “Kidney Health Month” Monday, March 1 and culminates on March 11, 2021 (“World Kidney Day”) with a 24 hour giving day.

(Donations can be made online throughout the campaign at: SixDegreeChallenge.com).

As a “Six Degree Challenger” I will be getting the message out to the community about kidney disease and how the community can help in fighting this disease.

I will be the point of contact for local print and electronic media, as well as posting on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The “Six Degree Challenge” has been a digital fundraising/social campaign since its inception in 2019.

This campaign encourages Ontarians to share their connection with kidney disease to help bring this often-silent disease out of the shadows, and challenge others to do the same to spread the word online while fundraising to support programs and kidney research.

Over the past two years, the #SixDegreeChallenge has raised more than $57,000 to support The Kidney Foundation’s programs.

Vital community support ensures that individuals living with kidney disease have access to the programs and services they need when they need it most. Last year’s campaign challenged everyone to show their support for the high burden of kidney disease worldwide.

This year’s “Six Degree Challenge” theme is “Living Well with Kidney Disease”.

It encourages Ontarians to share their connection or personal journey with kidney disease.

Challengers will highlight and share their connection with kidney disease on social media platforms and in the media.

We can help patients, and those who care for them, feel empowered and supported in their journey and ensure they have the resources and programs to help them live well with kidney disease.

With public support, together we can

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WARNING

You may be seeing and hearing a great deal of me everywhere in the next few weeks! working with CityNews. Currently, she is seconded to its documentary unit.

Howorun tells us: “In March of 2018, I was diagnosed with end-stage Alport’s Syndrome with a kidney function between 6 and 8 percent. Most females with this condition are carriers of kidney disease, but some (like me), express the actual disease.”

Facing a scary diagnosis, Howorun courageously and selflessly decided to share her journey from diagnosis — to dialysis — to kidney transplant recipient with a series of documentary features on CityNews.

I encourage everyone to learn more about her story — and from her story — at: Toronto.CityNews.ca/topic/kidney-disease.

Cristina Howorun – CityNewsToronto reporter and kidney transplant recipient. Photo courtesy of CityNews Toronto.

provide hope for the future: hope for better treatments and ultimately a cure.

How does the “Challenge” work?

We are all connected in some way to kidney disease. Whether you have a personal story to share or not, everyone can participate by . . .

1. Posting a photo of yourself holding up six fingers on Instagram, Twitter, and/or Facebook with the hashtag #SixDegreeChallenge 2. Nominating six friends to do the same by tagging them in the photo caption 3. Donating at: SixDegreeChallenge.com As your local “Challenger”, I have not experienced kidney disease myself.

However, I have had friends and acquaintances with kidney disease — some able to treat and maintain the disease through diet and medications, others needing dialysis, and some who are kidney transplant recipients.

The person who taught me so much about kidney disease is Cristina Howorun.

You may remember her as CTV Windsor’s political affairs specialist reporter from 2009 through 2012 before she moved up the highway to CTV London. Since 2015, she has been back in her hometown of Toronto B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

Finally, a few important facts regarding kidney health and kidney disease . . .

1 in 10 Canadians — nearly four million — have kidney disease and the numbers are on the rise.

Kidney disease is often called an invisible or silent disease. A person can lose 50% of their kidney function and have no symptoms.

45% of new kidney disease patients are under 65.

Kidneys are vital organs that are responsible for keeping your body going.

There is no cure for kidney disease.

End-stage kidney disease is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant.

77% of Canadians on the organ transplant waiting list are waiting for a kidney.

The two leading causes of kidney disease are diabetes and hypertension.

Learn more about kidney health and organ donation at: Kidney.ca.

In closing, I hope all our Biz X readers will spend time learning more about kidney disease by participating in the 2021 “Six Degree Challenge”!

portfolio corner

Global Consumption To Roar Back

By Steven Mayo Here’s why. The growth of the “middleclass” around the world continues, and the numbers are incredible.

The first round of COVID consumption was focused on home improvements, and toys. In 2020 we were at home, or had to stay local. People were buying cars, trucks, RVs, and boats, spending on decks, fences, pools, or upgrading the interior of their home.

For 2021 the next consumption binge is for experiences, all of which we used to be able to do, but were placed on hold. It will be back to travel and leisure, staying at hotels, flying on airplanes, dining out, attending sporting events and concerts, casinos, and the theatre.

As I write, these areas are starting to improve, based on the rollout of multiple vaccines. It takes time but vaccinations and rapid testing will open the door for more of us to plan experiences. Of course, we will likely

start small by going to local restaurants and events, before considering other destinations, or crossing borders.

The stock markets are already looking forward to better days, seemingly ignoring the spike in COVID cases and subsequent deaths we experienced in January. Markets do tend to do this.

Yes, there will be setbacks along the way, but I believe 2021 will be a story of the return of global consumption. The buying power of the growing middle class will be the spark.

The Brookings Institution, and authors Homi Kharas and Meagan Dooley, compiled the following list of the Top 10 Countries by total middle class expenditures in 2020 (in trillions of US dollars): China $7.3; USA $4.7; India $2.9; Japan $2.0; Russia $1.6; Germany $1.5; Indonesia $1.2; United Kingdom $1.1; Brazil $1.1 and France $1.0.

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Interestingly enough total household consumption in the United States is actually higher than in China because of consumption by rich U.S. consumers.

China now accounts for 33 to 50% of global car sales and 40% of Smartphone sales globally. In 2019 Chinese citizens took a staggering 300 million vacation and business trips, with more than half abroad.

It’s likely that global consumption trends will be back on track relatively soon, and this could mean that demand begins to exceed supply for certain destinations and airline routes.

The good old days will be back. I can hardly wait, but for now I try to control my dreams.

Let’s wrap up with two quotes.

The first from Eugene Ionesco: “Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together.”

The second from Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

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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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ask the experts

Employing An Architect’s Vision To See Your Dream Space

By Dave Halliday

P

erhaps you are considering building from the ground up or giving your existing residence a major overhaul. One thing is certain, it will be a complex and involved process and as usual it is best left to the professionals.

More often than not the first steps associated with creating the castle of your dreams involves envisioning the project, deciding what you desire, and developing the plan.

I wonder how many of us can close our eyes at this moment and imagine the home of our dreams.

My guess is most of us cannot, but you would know it if you saw it!

This is where the services of a qualified architecture firm can come in and take your ideas from dreams to reality. We at Biz X were fortunate enough to be able to discuss the services an Architect can provide with Brad Smith, President and Founder of Felix Culpa Architecture & Development Ltd. (FelixCulpaArchitecture.com) Smith has over 15 years of experience and has led projects from tiny homes to universities. He began the business when the pandemic hit in March 2020 after being laid off due to the USA-Canada border closure. His entrepreneurial dream then became a reality and Felix Culpa was born (a Latin term he translates to “happy accident”).

As a professional Architect what affiliations do you maintain? “In my case I am a Licensed Architect in Ontario with the Association of Architects (OAA) as well as a Licensed Architect in Michigan with the American Institute of Architects (AIA),” notes Smith. “I am also a Windsor Construction Association Board Member.”

What are some of the reasons one should utilize the services of a professional Architect?

He replies: “An Architect comes with years of specialized education and training in design, construction and management. Architects, of course, as professionals, work within strict ethical standards.”

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As shown in this rendering, the Scandinavian detailing of this new addition pays homage to the existing mid-century modern home, while also rearranging the space to better suit the home owner’s lifestyle.

Are there other benefits to retaining an Architect for one’s project? “Architects have working relationships with municipalities, helping projects get approved at any level, whether it be zoning or building permit related,” states Smith.

“As a full service architectural firm, Felix Culpa Architecture leads, directs and coordinates with all other necessary services and consultants to obtain a complete design package that can be permitted and built upon.”

How can an Architect assist a homeowner in the plan/design of an addition, renovation, or new build? “An Architect’s main objective is to design a space that works for the user (owner),” Smith explains. “Through experience and knowledge of standard design practices, Architects are highly skilled at designing plans that function the way people live, work and play within the space.”

Does the resident play an active role in developing the design? If so, how? “Absolutely!” he expresses. “In fact, residents play a critical role in the design phase. Our focus is to design around the residents’ lifestyle, using their likes and dislikes, along with their desires of how they would like their space to feel.” He continues with: “We also like to form long lasting relationships with our clients, which are forged through trust and a mutual respect throughout the entire architectural process.”

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During the development of a project of any size, what are the main considerations for an Architect? “To enhance the lifestyle of the occupants as projects are created, based on client’s wants and needs, and it is our job to make the space function to the best of our ability,” says Smith.

“They say the devil is in the details and construction documentation is an area where Architects can set themselves apart by providing detailed drawings to ensure the construction is at the highest quality.”

How involved is the Architect during the construction phase of a given project? “Clients often think of an Architect’s involvement at the design and permitting phases,” he states.

“However, at Felix Culpa Architecture, we make ourselves involved with the construction phase on all projects regardless of size. As such, Architects can manage any issues by working with contractors to ensure the design is followed through with quality construction.”

What should be the expectation of the client and an Architect upon completion of a project?

“At Felix Culpa Architecture we are looking for a happy client,” emphasizes Smith. “Both the client and the Architect should feel proud of the project, with an excitement to show it to the world!

To achieve this level of satisfaction, Architects should work with integrity at every level for a final product that stands the test of time, both aesthetically and sustainably and that is admired for years to come.”

Well, we have to admit that we are still not settled on the overall look and feel of the conceptual Biz X magazine world headquarters! I myself am lobbying towards an open concept with slides instead of stairs!

One thing is for sure — when we do decide to break ground on it, whether it be a 100 storey office tower or renovated space within one of our homes, we will begin by reaching out for the professional services of a qualified architectural firm.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN

By Julianna Bonnett

Marlene Turcotte S

A Wonder Woman With Four Businesses And Five Kids

ince 2017, it has been entrepreneur Marlene Turcotte’s goal to provide her customers with quality services to make sure her community is in good hands.

Considering herself more as a business consultant pure entrepreneur, Turcotte is currently the Owner/Operator of Performance Fire Protection (PerformanceFire.ca) while also being a partner with The Tax Expert (TheTaxExpert.ca) and 839 Media (839media.ca), which all operate out of the same office on 950 Tecumseh Road West in Windsor.

In addition, she is a partner with Silver Crick Farms, 2911 Lakeshore Road 243 in Ruscom Station (SilverCrickFarms.ca).

Born in Leamington and raised in Tilbury, Turcotte has always been passionate about the organization process of the bookkeeping systems and enjoys the process of creating businesses and watching them grow beyond expectation.

“I have been an entrepreneur my entire life, starting at 18,” she says. “I was one of the top 20 consultants in all of Canada for Tupperware sales. I have been employed with companies throughout my life, but always left to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity.”

Graduating from St. Clair College with an Accounting Diploma, as well as being certified in QuickBooks and a Sage Consultant, Turcotte has also successfully passed and obtained many National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) courses, keeping her up to date with the ever-changing Ontario Fire Code and NFPA regulations.

“In 2014 my common law spouse unexpectedly passed away, which left me with five children and an automotive repair facility,” she shares. “I continued to run my bookkeeping and accounting business that I had, as well as

Making sure all members of your family (including any furry friends) are protected and safe is important to Performance Fire Protection owner, Marlene Turcotte, pictured with her dog, Sam. Turcotte is also a partner with The Tax Expert, 839 Media, and Silver Crick Farms.

Photo courtesy of Marlene Turcotte.

taking over the operating for Nael Automotive until 2016 when I sold it to one of the employees,” she explains.

When Nael Automotive was sold, Turcotte assisted Allied Fire & Safety in the start-up of their business.

“After leaving Allied Fire and Safety, I opened Performance Fire Protection in August of 2017 and have been running it alongside my other businesses ever since,” she points out.

Performance Fire Protection provides professional fire extinguisher testing and inspections of commercial buildings, government buildings, high rise apartments and across many critical industries/sectors throughout Windsor/ Essex County and Chatham Kent.

With Performance Fire Protection handling inspections, sales, and fire safety business (for residential customers too), as previously mentioned, Turcotte is a partner in three other businesses offering a variety of services.

“The Tax Expert provides income tax and

bookkeeping services to individuals and businesses, whereas 839 Media provides local businesses with videography, photography, social media management and graphic design,” she explains. “At Silver Cricks Farm, we sell locally raised cattle, lambs, chickens and freerange eggs, as well as house many miniature animals such as pigs, goats, ponies, donkeys and we always welcome families to come visit our farm.”

Turcotte expressed that 2020 was such an interesting year for her as a businessperson, but she also experienced some personal challenges that made her year even harder.

“In March 2020, the week before the first pandemic shutdown I had major surgery, then in June our family cattle barn burnt to the ground,” she shares. “Next, in July, my house flooded causing thousands of dollars in damage.”

To say that 2020 has been a bit of rollercoaster for her is an understatement. She explains it more like being stuck in the eye of a hurricane!

“I am looking forward to continued changes in the way we communicate with customers in 2021,” she says. “I want to continue to grow my businesses and possibly even explore new business ventures if the opportunity arises to further my resume and my success as an entrepreneur.”

With all her businesses, Turcotte’s advice to anyone thinking about starting their own business is to be confident and do it.

“A lot of women miss opportunities because they have the mindset they can’t do it, or they look at all the things that can go wrong,” she comments. “They need to look at it from a different perspective, develop their idea and have the confidence to see it through.”

Words to live by for us all!

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THE PARENTING BIZ

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun Virtual Activities For Kids (and Former Kids) This Winter

© Can Stock Photo/Anna_Os

FEATURE STORY By Matthew St. Amand

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s if January was not enough to deal with on its own. Christmas has come and gone, we’re already breaking our New Year’s resolutions, and 2021 has brought with it the unwanted guest from 2020 — the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entering the new year under the “Grey Lockdown” level, the unwanted Zen lessons appear to be “patience” and “forbearance”.

The coronavirus has brought a collision between science, nature and “I want to speak to the manager” culture. We don’t control COVID-19. We only control ourselves.

That means a lot of indoor time, getting to know (again) our families and the exact square footage of our homes, as well as the limitations of interactive technology that has been touted for decades as some kind of saviour.

I can still remember seeing a “Teledon” computer for the first time at grade school in 1980. It was connected to the “Network”.

“Imagine doing all your shopping from home!” the resource teacher enthused. “You’d never have to leave the house!”

Yeah, imagine.

In order to help readers get through the “Panuary” lockdown, (however long) Biz X reached out to various local businesses doing their part to banish the doldrums, with virtual activities available online to help keep kids (and adults) active, engaged, and entertained.

Cathy’s Dance Studio Inc.

If there were ever a time people needed to dance, it is now. Cathy Lassaline, Studio Owner and Director of Cathy’s Dance Studio, offers virtual classes over Zoom.

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“We’re all feeling very cooped up,” Lassaline expresses. “It is hard going out for that evening walk when it’s so cold outside. Committing to a class can be very motivating for people to get some much-needed exercise.”

Although “virtual” classes will never replace in-person dance instruction, she notes that during this second lockdown, people are more open to Zoom classes than they were back in the spring of last year.

“That was back when the weather was getting better,” she recalls. “People were opening the pool and it was nice being outside, again.”

People of all skill levels and experience are welcome to register for dance lessons.

“We’re a recreational, as well as competitive dance studio,” Lassaline states. “We have our long-time students, but we’re always ready to welcome new students.”

Cathy’s Dance Studio is certainly prepared for these uncertain times. On the home page of their website: CathysDanceStudio.net, there is a “COVID-19” tab. Click that and there is a link to dance class schedules during the Grey level.

There is also a “Click here for crash course on

Cathy Lassaline, Studio Owner and Director of Cathy’s Dance Studio, offers virtual classes over Zoom.

Photo courtesy of Cathy’s Dance Studio.

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Zoom” link on the page, where the seasoned Zoom users take you through the set-up steps.

“Right now, we’re keeping the class sizes to nine pupils per class,” Lassaline explains. “This is so we’re ready for the Red Control level.”

The benefits children derive from dancing are well documented: it provides exercise and develops agility; psycho–motor development, improving coordination, balance, and sense of rhythm; it’s fun; it fosters creativity and improves self-esteem.

It’s worth noting that tuition at Cathy’s Dance Studio has not been raised in the past year, and all fees are “per family”.

So, for families with more than one child, or if parents want to join in, the fee structure is straightforward and minimizes wallet cramp.

“We’ve have adult hip-hop and jazz dance,” Lassaline says. “It’s a great way to get moving, get some exercise. We all say we’re going to take that walk after dinner, but having a dance class on the calendar can be more motivating.”

Student Brianna Lopez participates in a pointe group class with instructor Sandra Siddall (on computer screen) of Cathy’s Dance Studio. Photo courtesy of Anne Marie Lopez.

Even though we’re all running into the limitations of our technology, there is a certain level of socializing that occurs during the classes.

Not much, but every little bit helps.

Lassaline has been teaching dance for the past 35 years and her studio has been open for 15 years. It’s located in the plaza on the corner of Walker Road and Foster Avenue, at 2220B Foster Avenue.

Tecumseh Music Centre

If “Music has charms to sooth a savage breast”, according to an old poem, (William Congreve, in “The Mourning Bride”, 1697) then surely it can take the edge off the savage boredom of Lockdown 2021?

“We offer virtual lessons on a variety of

THE PARENTING BIZ instruments,” says Joel Mayville, Owner and Operator of Tecumseh Music Centre. “Our instructors provide instruction on guitar, piano, vocal, drums, bass guitar, and ukulele . . . to advanced musicians and beginners, alike.”

Lessons occur Monday through Saturday for $88 per month, billed monthly. A family rate of $83 per month is available for two or more members of the same immediate family to sign up. The only pieces of equipment required are musical instruments and a computer capable of running Skype or Facetime.

“We got our method down during the first lockdown,” Mayville explains. “It took about a week to get things working online. Once we know the student’s platform — Windows or Apple — that is forwarded to the teacher who connects with the student.”

Learning a musical instrument fosters commitment and demonstrates to kids the rewards of sticking to a project — playing that first song. Even for adults, playing music is beneficial for the brain and well known for stress relief. (Except for guitar students learning bar chords — sorry, they’re a killer for everybody!).

“We also have curbside pickup for everything we sell,” Mayville continues. “So, if a family is just getting started with music lessons, we can make sure they get the instruments they need.”

Even pianos — though, they are on back order.

Pianos have been a popular pandemic item.

Aspiring to become a great guitarist like Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, nine year old Dylan Jones receives a private online lesson from Mark Trimble of Tecumseh Music Centre. Trimble is also an excellent guitar player who has over a decade of teaching experience.

Photo by Della Jones-Goulet.

Tecumseh Music has been cultivating students’ love of music since 2005.

“I cannot believe it’s been 16 years,” Mayville remarks. “The time has flown by.”

The Tecumseh Music Centre is located at 13126 Tecumseh Road East. For more information about lessons or purchasing an instrument, visit: TecumsehMusic.com.

Film Camp For Kids & Youth

If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s how much we rely on our artists to get us through the day. Particularly, those artists in film and television. A new crop of filmmakers and show runners are being trained in Windsor each year.

It’s happening at Film Camp for Kids & Youth, which was started in 2013 by Amanda Gellman, President and CEO of MANAN Strategy Consultants.

There's never been a better time to sign up.

“We received a grant from the Canadian Red Cross to offer free online programming for children, teens and seniors,” Gellman mentions.

“Classes cover various aspects of filmmaking — such as sound, make-up, lighting, editing — as well as art and photography. Our instructors can offer individual or group instruction in painting, drawing, arts/crafts, and understanding social media. We are also working with a few nonprofits to offer online art to youth with special needs.”

When the summer film camp for kids went online, Gellman and the instructors had mixed feelings about how successful virtual filmmaking instruction would be.

“We were surprised how well the summer camps went,” she says. “The films all came out great. The students were ecstatic to see them.”

The Film Camp for Kids & Youth classes are all interactive, live, and small-group.

“We only allow four to six youth per class,” Gellman continues, “though we do have a few classes with 10 students.”

Classes occur online after school and on weekends. The website has numerous free “on demand” instructional videos at no charge, where students choose topics and learn on

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THE PARENTING BIZ their own. The videos were created in-house by Film Camp instructors, so the content is safe for young viewers.

Equipment required for the classes is minimal.

All that's required is a computer capable of running conferencing software, such as Zoom — Film Camp for Kids & Youth owns the Zoom licences — and something to shoot a video with.

Most kids use a cell phone or tablet.

“For the craft classes, we provide the supplies,” Gellman notes.

Here’s how their process works. Students progress through the Code Ninjas program much the same way as students in traditional karate classes do: through a series of coloured belts.

White belt is where it all begins.

“In white belt, students start with JavaScript,” Daignault explains. “In our Remote Create Program, students learn the coding languages by using them to build games. With JavaScript, they’re building Pong or Hide-and-Seek. At the same time, students are learning about code logic, mapping, loops, basic typing practices.”

Building games is the perfect springboard because the kids see when their code is working and learn how to fix it when it’s not.

“On average, students progress from white to yellow belt in about two months,” Daignault continues. “There is no pressure to do so, however. Everyone learns at their own pace.”

The maximum class size online is four students to one instructor, though in many cases, students receive one-on-one instruction.

Jay Newman, an Art Instructor and Filmmaking Assistant Instructor for the Film Camp for Kids & Youth, holds up coloured craft paper as he explains to the students, watching online, the contents of the kits that they each receive. It is interesting to note that Newman is also a former camp participant! Photo courtesy of Film Camp for Kids.

There are plans for a week-long film camp during March Break, four hours per day, for a small fee. It will be entirely online, this year.

“Each student takes a piece of the script and films that,” she explains. “Then, they submit their work online and the students go over it with camp instructors.”

For parents interested in signing their kids up, go to: FilmCampForKids.com.

There are numerous student films on the website, and videos explaining the various programs offered.

Code Ninjas

One way adults have made it through the pandemic is by taking on “pandemic projects” — reading that 1,000 page novel that has mocked us from the bookshelf, or learning macramé, a new language, or bluegrass fiddling.

Dawn Daignault, Code Ninja’s Centre Director in Windsor, explains to Biz X how coding could be the perfect pandemic project for kids.

“Coding is the literacy of the future,” Daignault states. “It’s everywhere around us.

It’s what turns the street lights on at night, what makes online shopping possible and makes our Smartphones work. Almost every part of our daily lives is touched by it.”

For the lockdown, Code Ninjas came up with many virtual ways to engage homebound children in a fun and productive manner through programs such as At-Home Coding.

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Nine year old Alyvvea Beemer is mastering Code Ninjas’ Path of Enlightenment, from the comfort of her own home. With synchronous guidance from her wise Senseis, Ninja Aly is led virtually to her yellow belt through the Remote Create Program. Photo courtesy of Alana Rourke-Beemer.

The highest belt achieved so far at the Windsor location (which opened in 2019) is blue belt.

“Blue belt is where students learn Lua,” Daignault says, “which is the coding language used in the game Roblox.”

When students achieve their black belt, their project is to create an app for Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Code Ninjas was started in Texas in 2017.

Two years later, the first location in Canada was opened — in Windsor, Ontario.

There are many benefits of learning coding for children: it may future-proof career prospects; promote logical thinking; help creativity and help develop persistence and resilience; improve communication skills; help with problem-solving and improve math skills.

Code Ninjas is located at 1950 Lauzon Road Unit #130 in Windsor. Parents interested in learning more can check out: CodeNinjas.com/Windsor-On-Ca.

THE PARENTING BIZ Ska:na Family Learning Centre

The most interesting stories to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic are those about people turning the vast disruption of our lives into “negatunities” — finding the “good” within the “bad’.

One such organization doing this is the Ska:na Family Learning Centre (SFLC). Strange as it might sound, Faith Hale, Executive Director of SFLC, believes, in some ways, COVID is a gift.

“It has shown us where we had gaps in our services, and we’re now working to fill those,” she points out.

When the first lockdown occurred in March 2020, some staff at SFLC were reluctant about going virtual.

“We just kept moving forward,” Hale says.

“We continued our programming around language, teaching cultural competency, the lands we exist in, the Four Directions — mental, physical, emotional and spiritual — and striving for a holistic understanding of our world.”

Through their Facebook page, families from around the United States and different parts of Canada have accessed SFLC programming.

“The popularity caused us to rethink the issue of screen-time and brain development,” Hale explains. “The children aren’t sitting idly in front of the screen. We are acting as facilitators and the children’s caregivers have become the teachers.

The screen was just the medium. It connects us.”

SFLC’s online programming — such as teaching First Nations and Metis culture and language, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, as well as lessons in kindness and respect — is accessed via the Zoom video conferencing platform, and is something they will continue to offer after the pandemic is over.

In addition, since crafts are always a favourite among the little ones, Ska:na continues to employ this educational method online.

“If we teach around the drum and shakers,” Hale says, “we have parents and their children build them with whatever they find in the home.

Shakers are like a baby rattle. Traditional materials are hide and corn. We believe it’s the sound of Creation.”

SFLC lives up to its name as a “Family” Learning Centre, not only teaching children, but offering support to adult caregivers.

“For caregivers, we have Parent Talk,” Hale continues. “This brings people together to have discussions about their well-being.

It’s based on our indigenous, holistic approach. We encourage families to have moon ceremonies in their backyards, to have a Family Sharing Circle. There is peacefulness in this — something we need in these stressful times. This has always been our way.”

Indeed, the word “Ska:na” means “Peace” in the Oneida language.

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Faith Hale, Executive Director of Ska:na Family Learning Centre, takes notes while attending an online Zoom meeting at home, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The ED promotes and leads by example to “Stay Home, Stay Safe and Be Well”. Hale and the centre’s Admin. management team all facilitate, host and attend virtual meetings with the many partners they have in Windsor Essex, Chatham Kent and Sarnia-Lambton counties, where their child care centres and EarlyON programs are located. Photo courtesy of Ska:na.

SFLC also offers indigenous led workshops for Early Childhood Educators.

“Anyone can access our materials,” Hale indicates, “and learn about our ways of being and knowing. We try to cover every aspect of early learning and care, so educators can keep up their development, and have this in their portfolio.”

Ska:na FLC Windsor is located at 1684 Ellrose Avenue; the Northway Child

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THE PARENTING BIZ Care Centre at 1699 Northway Avenue: and 1648 Francois Street for the David Maxwell Public School site. Their virtual programming is a service provided through the Indigenous EarlyON program. To learn more about all the great working being done at SFLC, log on to: SkanaFLC.com.

Evoli Movement Virtual Yoga Studio

If the COVID-19 pandemic has forced upon us the Zen lessons of “patience” and “forbearance”, then maybe it’s best to fight fire with fire — with yoga.

“I offer private yoga courses for individuals and groups,” says Jayne Cichon, Owner and Operator of evoli Movement virtual yoga studio.

“This would include kids, families, businesses and more . . . I offer movement classes, yoga, meditation and breathing courses.”

The benefits of yoga have been known for 5,000 years. That’s an impressive track record!

According to WebMD: “Yoga does more than burn calories and tone muscles. It’s a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation. There are more than 100 different forms of yoga. Some are fast-paced and intense. Others are gentle and relaxing . . .”

Cichon has been teaching yoga for nine years and currently conducts classes via Zoom.

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Jayne Cichon of evoli Movement gears her Yoga classes for adults and kids who are experiencing stress and or trauma symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. She is available for private and group classes for both children and adults with a trauma sensitive lens that will help teach the participants grounding, centring and selfregulation resources. The courses include movement (yoga), breathing and mediation. Photo courtesy of LeeAnn Buschman Photography.

Her website, EvoliMovement.com, is being redesigned and will soon have a video library and introduction to yoga courses.

“My focus right now is stress, trauma, emotional and mental issues,” Cichon notes, “but, I also have basic classes that will satisfy the general public.”

She works according to clients’ schedules and no special equipment is needed beyond a yoga mat. Fees are hourly and depend on the size of group or class requested.

Virtual Field Trips, Birthday Parties, Programs, And Recreational Activities

The Town of LaSalle has the community covered with a plethora of virtual activities on its website: LaSalle.ca (see “Things To Do”, “Vollmer Complex” and then “Virtual Recreation Complex”).

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There is something for everyone — a litany of links to workout videos, including “Home Run Baseball Workout”, “Slam Dunk Basketball Workout”, “Football Hustle Workout” and “Yoga Bingo”. There is also a link to the “Homer Watson House & Gallery” that offers an extensive gallery of printable colouring pages.

“We developed this site back in the early stages of the pandemic as a way to offer people the opportunity to continue to participate in and benefit from recreation and leisure activities,” says Patti Funaro, Director of Culture and Recreation, Town of LaSalle. “The activities were chosen by our programming staff based on the interests of the community in our regular in person programming. We continue to add links on a regular basis.”

There is a link to “Young People’s Theatre”, a number of virtual field trips, which include a visit the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, exploring the Canadian Arctic, a farm tour, viewing online exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of History and dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

Last, but not least, there is a link to Nomster Chef and its library of recipes, which offers an interesting and nutritious way for parents and kids to spend time together.

Moving now to the county, the Town of Essex has set up a page on its website, Essex.ca

THE PARENTING BIZ under the “Play at Home” box where you can learn about their online activities. Here, visitors can keep fit by exercising along with a video titled “Dryland 5 minute Fitness”.

There is also a host of activities for kids and adults listed in the “Join Us — Virtual Programs” section.

Registration fees vary depending on the activity. These include: Youth Paint Night; You Can Sew It; Little Scientists; Pokémon Draft; Magic the Gathering Draft; Private Piano or Guitar Lessons; Adult Sip & Paint.

There is even an extensive archive of videos that range from exercise and virtual piano lessons to playing the ukulele and learning about First Aid. As well, the Town of Essex recently launched a new line-up of virtual birthday party packages to help local families celebrate these special events from the safety of their own homes.

The 90 minute parties are hosted via Zoom. Each party package includes: hands-on activities with materials for all participants, a cookie decorating kit, as well as a special surprise for the birthday child. Town of Essex staff will host the party and provide directions to participants.

Kids can take their pick of activities, with six themes to choose from: gaming, spa day, scientists, creative canvases, escape room, and princesses.

The virtual party packages cost $125 for up to eight participants. Additional party kits can also be purchased for $10 each, up to a maximum of 15 participants. Curbside pickup of party materials is required.

For a full list of virtual birthday party options, visit: Essex.ca/en/play/birthdayparties.aspx.

The Town of Amherstburg has made: Amherstburg.ca, the website to log onto this pandemic winter. Its “Amherstburg Virtual Recreation (AVR)” page (under the “Live and Play” section) has everything a person would need to answer the question: “What will I do today?”

The areas of interest are divided into various categories: Activities; Art & Music; Fitness; Sports; Articles & Additional Resources; Exploring & Virtual Tours and Webinars.

The virtual tours are especially interesting.

Budding artists can draw inspiration from the virtual tour of the Detroit Institute of Art. And for any hardcore person who makes it through all those links, there is an archive filled with even more links to interesting ports of call around the Internet. Examples include: a video where artist Julia Conlon gives a 19 minute tutorial on portraits; how to build LEGO balloon cars and a 1:42 video showing how to maximize your high intensity interval training.

Wrapping up this section on local websites, the City of Windsor offers “Virtual EarlyON”

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via: CityWindsor.ca. Registration is free and there are things to do for every age group.

Conducted over the Zoom video conferencing tool, each day of the week, there are activities for babies, toddlers, and kids up to the age of six. Bilingual videos are also offered.

For people looking to get active, there's a large archive of yoga and other videos as well. A few examples include: an Ojibway Walk; Fall Yoga for Kids; Picnic Yoga; Outdoor Yoga for Kids and an EarlyON Outdoor Obstacle Course.

One Big Happy, Stay At Home Family

The message is clear: we are all in this together. We are going through this COVID-19 pandemic collectively, but experiencing it individually.

The online programming available is vast and varied, created by gifted, communityspirited people. It is also a constant reminder that there is no substitute for in-person, face-toface interaction with other human beings.

Until the time when it is safe to see others, everyone must continue to do their part in preventing the spread of the coronavirus by staying at home as much as possible.

Though February 15 marks “Family Day,” this past year it seems for many that each day is a family day. . . so be sure to treasure these special moments before life gets hectic again.

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THE PARENTING BIZ HEALTH Tips For Talking To Your Child MATTERS About Alcohol And Cannabis Supplied By The WECHU

Open and regular communication (a “serious talk” may even be needed) with your child is a good strategy to prevent youth substance abuse. © Can Stock Photo/monkeybusiness

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oung people face tough decisions around a number of life stressors and social pressures on a daily basis.

I need to get my grades up. I’m letting people down. What do my friends really think of me?

With these types of pressures, it is natural that youth may be looking for a way to escape or deal with their feelings — and when stressors pile up, they may turn to alcohol or cannabis to “get away from it all”.

With legalization of cannabis for adult use and increases in places to buy alcohol and cannabis, including through home delivery, youth have more exposure and access than ever before.

The human brain continues to develop into the mid-twenties; because of this ongoing development, youth who use alcohol and/or other drugs have a higher risk for harm to brain function and mental health. In fact, by delaying alcohol use to a later age, children can minimize the long-term negative impacts of alcohol consumption on memory, learning, and decision-making.

Parents play key roles in supporting children on decisions related to their health and well-being. It is important for parents to build an open, caring relationship with children and model healthy behaviours as ways of dealing with stress.

Listed here are some strategies parents can use, which can help delay or prevent youth substance use . . .

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• Have regular, open conversations with your child and listen without judgement.

• Spend one-on-one and quality time together. Remind them that you love them.

Eating together, for example, encourages open communication and sharing.

• Offer to help with anything troubling your child, so they feel supported and can build positive coping skills.

• Know what is going on in your child’s life, who they spend time with and where. Take interest in their hobbies and social life.

• Teach your child to: choose friends who are supportive and non-judgmental, avoid peer pressure, and not to use substances.

• Set expectations and consequences together around substance use, so rules are understood and respected.

• Be a positive role model. Show that you can have fun without substances and do not provide cannabis, alcohol, or other substances.

Visit: RethinkYourDrinking.ca/Parents for more tips. To find local support and services for help with substance use issues, refer to: WECHU.org/GetHelp. You can also follow the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit on Facebook or Twitter.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU), in partnership with other agencies and health care providers, seeks to enable all Windsor and Essex County residents to be as healthy as possible. The unit is located at 1005 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor.

Take One . . . The Movie Biz Windsor Film Released In North America On VOD/DVD

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et the popcorn popped, grab a spot on the couch and sit back to enjoy a new summer camp, comedy feature film — “Boys vs. Girls” — created by two Windsor producers featuring organizations in Essex County.

The film was released at the end of 2020 on North American VOD/DVD through Mongrel Media (MongrelMedia.com) in Canada, while Gravitas Ventures (GravitasVentures.com), a Red Arrow Studios company (RedArrowStudios.com), handles the United States and International sales.

“Boys vs. Girls” was written and directed

by Mike Stasko, and produced by Stasko and Theodore Bezaire (both based in Windsor).

Scottish born Canadian Comedian Colin Mochrie as “Roger” lends his approval.

Stasko is also a Film Professor at The University of Windsor. Along with Bezaire and Gerry Lattmann (of Wasaga Beach), the trio own The Dot Film Company (DotFilms.ca) and have been making films in Windsor for the past 15 years, such as “Things To Do”, “The Birder” and “The Control”.

In “Boys vs. Girls” Michala Brasseur as “Dany” teaches Isis Moore as “Carla” how to handle a knife.

Photos courtesy of Jesse Hebert.

“Getting a wide North American release like this is dream come true,” says Stasko.

“As a filmmaker you want to be able to reach an audience, and now we’ll be available in millions of homes, which is fantastic.”

Bezaire adds, “Having both of these companies as partners is huge for us. Mongrel Media is a leader in the Canadian market and Gravitas Ventures has a stellar track record that speaks for itself.”

Set in 1990, “Boys vs. Girls” is about the first summer a camp goes co-ed, where the counsellors don’t like the change and a prank filled battle of the sexes ensues. It stars Colin Mochrie (“Whose Line is it Anyway?”); Kevin McDonald (“The Kids in the Hall”); Eric Osborne (“Degrassi”) and Windsor native Rachel Dagenais (“The Birder”).

Entirely shot in the Windsor Essex region (Kiwanis Sunshine Point Camp, The University of Windsor, and Kingsville District High School), the film had a successful

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international festival run where it won various awards. These include: “Best Feature Film & Audience Choice” at the “Chicago Comedy Film Festival”; “Best Canadian Feature” at the “Canadian International Comedy Film Festival”, and “Best Ensemble Cast” at the “Florida Comedy Film Festival”.

Producing the film in our region also helped support local businesses such as: Koolini Italian Eatery, Frenchy’s Poutinery and Wolfhead Distillery for catering; Empire Recording Studio, SLR Studios and Suede Productions for post-production film work and The Grove Hotel, Leamington Quality Inn and Caesars Windsor for accommodations.

The film can currently be purchased or rented in Canada at: iTunes, Google Play, Microsoft, Cineplex, PlayStation, Telus, Rogers, Cogeco, Bell, Shaw and VuBiquity.

Keep up to date on new spots to see the film by visiting: BoysVGirlsMovie.ca.

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Ambassador Building Maintenance . . .

A Shining Example Of A Successful Family Business OF THE MONTH

By Dave Hall

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aunched in 1960, Ambassador Building Maintenance remains one of the oldest family-owned cleaning service companies in Essex County, serving clients in the commercial, industrial, residential, health care and institutional sectors.

Bill Kruger established the company while he was working as a school janitor and eventually stepped away from his full-time job to take a leap of faith as a small business owner alongside his wife Edith.

Today, the company is owned and run by Bill and Ingrid Taylor along with their sons Karl and Scott.

Karin Kruger, Karl’s aunt, is company President.

“My grandfather on my mother’s side, started it all in his basement and landed some small jobs, which became bigger jobs and he’s the reason we are here today after 60 years,” explains Karl, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

And as with most small businesses, each of the Taylors has been employed in various aspects of the company over the years.

“We all did pretty much everything at some point in our careers,” says Karl. “We’re very proud of what we have achieved over the years, because there aren’t a lot of companies that have been in the same family for 60 years.”

With 125 employees, the company’s clients include small shops and businesses, all the way up to large industrial companies. Client workplaces range from 500 square feet to over one million square feet.

The company takes great pride in providing safe and clean workplaces, which allows its clients to continue producing goods at a time when COVID-19 protocols are top of mind in every workplace.

“There’s a risk that comes with every job, especially in today’s climate, but we believe

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Ambassador Building Maintenance has been offering quality service and contract cleaning for over 60 years. Pictured is CEO Karl Taylor, shown from left with members of his team — Chris Mailloux, Manager; Jayson Hardaker, Sales Manager; Scott Taylor, Office Manager and Tom Sasson, Night Operations Manager — standing by their fleet ready for 24/7 service. Photo by Rod Denis.

we are doing our part to help our community’s economy while at the same time providing a sense of security to workers,” Karl states.

During the initial months of the pandemic last year, Ambassador workers cleaned and disinfected Walkerville’s Hiram Walker Distillery, thus allowing the company to change its bottling and manufacturing lines to start producing hand sanitizer.

Once the company assessed its clients’ needs at the beginning of the pandemic, it switched over some of its services to more heavily focus on disinfecting and sanitizing.

“We’ve been offering those enhanced services for eight to 10 months now and expect to continue doing so in the future,” asserts Karl. “Everything has changed and successful businesses must continue to adapt to those changing conditions.”

Ambassador offers complete cleaning services, ranging from multiple shifts per day in the same plant to weekly cleanings.

The company also cleans carpets, upholstery and windows, in addition to providing mat services.

And while many of Ambassador’s cleaning products have become more environmentally-friendly because of regulations prohibiting the use of stronger chemicals, much of the cleaning processes remain the same.

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“We still have vacuum cleaners and sprayers and we still have mops and brooms, but we offer a more diverse selection of cleaning solutions today than in the past,” Karl mentions.

He adds, “We clean everything from touch points such as light switches and door knobs all the way to large machine and packaging lines. It’s a pretty broad spectrum and we can handle whatever a client needs.”

In past years, the company also offered its services to customers in Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton and many places in between.

“We decided to scale back a few years ago and focus on growing our business in Windsor and Essex County, but we have the potential to grow and we may expand again in the future,” Karl says of the company’s future business plans.

Ambassador operates 24 hours a day seven days a week and is a member of the International Sanitary Supply Association and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

It supports a number of charitable causes including the Canadian Cancer Society, House of Sophrosyne and the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Ambassador is located at 628 Monmouth Road in Windsor. For more information, visit: Ambassador-ca.com.

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