Biz X magazine February 2024 by Biz X magazine

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Twigg’s Bar & Grill; Dr. Bill Wall’s New Book On Transplants; Art Galia Turns 20; Tecumseh’s Wineology and more!

Turning The Page . . .

St. Clair College President Patti France — who has led the transformation of the College footprint, student experience and community brand — leaves the President’s office in June as she retires after over 37 years at the College. Under her leadership the College has added new programs and degrees, elevated athletics and strengthened many community partnerships. — PAGE 18 BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • FE B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4

FOR BUSINESSES & PEOPLE IN WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNTY, PELEE ISLAND & CHATHAM KENT

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FEBRUARY 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 2

4 Funny Stuff 5 From The Publisher: The March International Women’s Day Gala Hosted By Women’s Enterprise Skills Training Of Windsor Inc. 8 Front Lines 10 SWOBEN Success Stories: Recognizing Black-Owned Businesses To Mark Black History Month 12 XX Files: Brenell Dean, Sway Law Professional Corporation 13 Newsflash So, which business is opening up shop at 11933 Tecumseh Road East in the Town of Tecumseh? Here’s two hints. It was previously located in the Riverside area for over 12 years and is the 2019 Biz X Award winner for First Class Second Hand Boutique. Any guesses? Find out the answer in our Newsflash column. 14 Belle Vivante: The New Wineology Bar & Restaurant Sparkles And Shines In The Town Of Tecumseh 15 Motivational Quotes With Danny 16 Food For Thought: Twiggs Bar & Grill, Emeryville

27 Have A Cup Of Joe With Joe: Area Doctor Pays A Visit To A Tecumseh School To Promote His Children’s Book Dr. Bill Wall was recently in the region to read his fantasy book to local grade three students. Learn all about Wall’s book for kids (and which students received a personal copy) which tells the story of an ant family’s “antics” as they anticipate Papa Ant’s life saving organ donation and transplantation. 28 Ask The Experts: Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath, Windsor 30 Hot Shots: The Windsor-Essex County Association Of REALTORS 2023 Appreciation Luncheon 32 The Parenting Biz: What To Expect With A Tween The tween years are a time of transition from being a child to a teenager. Their bodies are beginning to go through changes and the opinions of their peers are becoming more important than that of their parents. In this month’s Parenting Biz section, we feature several businesses and organizations that can help navigate this critical time in your child’s life. 37 Biz Bits: The Confident Teen Podcast With Kristi Simons 38 Biz Of The Month: The Magic Of Berryline Candles

ON THE COVER — Turning The Page — Page 18

In our February cover story we gain insight into the journey of St. Clair College President Patti France from a business point of view. We learn about the decisions and outcomes over her term as President. The article explores the development of their campuses, education during a pandemic, improving the student experience, the college’s ever-expanding role as a supporter of the community, and their solid fiscal position. As well, suppliers and supporters of the college offer their congratulatory wishes to France on a job well done! PHOTOGRAPHER Tina Huynh

INDIVIDUAL PICTURED: Patti France, President of St. Clair College. LOCATION: The President’s Office at St. Clair College, 2000 Talbot Road West, Windsor.

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WEST’s March 2024 International Women’s Day Gala By Deborah Jones Gathered under the banner of equality and diversity, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is gearing up to host its 18th annual International Women’s Day Gala on March 8, 2024 at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West, Windsor. This year’s theme is Inspire the Future Generation, #CountHerIn. “The gala will be a beacon of celebration, advocacy and recognition,” indicates Rose Anguiano-Hurst, Executive Director of WEST. “This much-anticipated formal dinner event promises an evening dedicated to honouring the remarkable women and community partners shaping the Windsor Essex community.” Embracing the spirit of inclusivity, the night is poised to encompass a myriad of engaging activities, from a captivating

keynote speech to vibrant entertainment, a delectable gourmet dinner, prestigious awards, and an enthralling silent auction. For over three decades, WEST has been a cornerstone and guiding light in the region, dedicated to uplifting and empowering newcomer women from diverse backgrounds with invaluable skills crucial for personal and professional growth. With a steadfast commitment to fostering employment opportunities, imparting new skills, and providing crucial orientation services for newcomer women, at the heart of WEST’s mission lies the aspiration to lead the charge in positioning women for success. For numerous years, WEST has enjoyed a strong partnership with St. Clair College and its esteemed President, Patti France who has been selected as the keynote speaker for the gala.

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Keynote speaker for the March 8 International Women’s Day Gala, St. Clair College President Patti France. Photo courtesy of Mychailo Photography.

Throughout this alliance, the college has provided invaluable support to various WEST programs, notably the Women in Skilled Trades initiative, among others. “Dr. France, a distinguished and revered leader in our community, embodies a wealth of experience and expertise,” states Anguiano-Hurst. “Her profound insights and visionary leadership are poised to

The amazing women at Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) are ready to welcome you to the International Women’s Day Gala this year! Pictured at the 2023 gala are WEST Board of Directors from left (Seated): Shelia Barker and Rose Anguiano-Hurst. (Standing): Gemma Grey-Hall, Maria Ford-Conliffe, Jessica Watson, Justina Nwaesei, Lisa Shulman (Vice President), Dr. Felicia Lawal, and Nadine Manroe-Wakerell (Board President). Photo courtesy of Mactools Visual.

inspire and enlighten all attendees at this prestigious event.” Another highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Journey Towards

Success Awards, which stand as a hallmark of recognition. Each year, these prestigious awards serve as a tribute to exceptional women

who embody inspiration and unwavering commitment, as well as to dedicated supporters whose steadfast encouragement propels the journey towards women’s empowerment. The 2024 awards include the Phenomenal Woman Award, Innovation Award, New Partnership Award, Sisterhood Award, Youth Community Leadership Award, Visionary Award, Allyship Award, Influencer Award, Perseverance Award, Daphne V. Clarke Trailblazer Award, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Award, VIP — New Business Partner Award, and the Equity and Inclusion Award. The countdown is now on to a night of inspiration, camaraderie, and the collective pursuit of a more equitable tomorrow. The 2024 International Women’s Day gala on March 8 promises an evening of celebration and empowerment and it’s an event you don’t want to miss. The team from Biz X will be in attendance and we hope you will be too! P.S. Tickets are priced at $125 and can be purchased on their website: WESTofWindsor.com/iwd.

Inspire the Future Generation

#CountHerIn

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FRONTLINES Art Galia Celebrates 20 Years Of Creativity, One Brushstroke At A Time

local source of artistic inspiration — Art Galia in Tecumseh — has been enriching the culture of our community for two decades. Founded on September 1, 2004 by Alicia Ristic, this multifaceted establishment started in the historic building originally crafted for the Mother Goose Ice Cream Parlour at 12055 Tecumseh Road East, with a second location at 13127 Tecumseh Road East, both in Tecumseh. Guided by the mantra “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” Ristic’s passion for art and education has fuelled Art Galia’s success, and also its participation in the local community, with support for various art initiatives in Tecumseh, for the past 20 years. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, Art Galia has not only stood the test of time, but has flourished. September 1, 2023 marked a pivotal moment with a move to a new location at 119 Lesperance Road in Tecumseh. This relocation was motivated by the need for a more expansive space, facilitating the creation of a dedicated gallery and a separate studio, large enough to accommodate the classroom and the custom framing shop. Art Galia offers a spectrum of services. The fine art gallery showcases a diverse collection, featuring local artists and the works of Alicia Ristic. The gallery also serves as a platform for students to exhibit their creations, fostering an environment of artistic expression. They also offer quality custom framing to showcase art and preserve memories. According to Ristic: “A picture frame is truly a place where art and style unite, and can be as unique as the person who displays it.” The heart of this business — truly a family affair with Ristic’s husband Jesenko and their daughters, Tajana and Jelena all pitching in over the years — lies in its art classes, welcoming individuals of all ages and skill levels. Here, students are encouraged to explore various mediums, from acrylic paint and pencils, to charcoal, watercolours, clay, wood, and more. The curriculum, grounded in both classical and modern techniques, incorporates a comprehensive study of art history and theory, forming the

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Pictured at the grand reopening of the Art Galia Lesperance Road location in Tecumseh on October 22, 2023 from left are: Tajana Ristic (the couple’s daughter), Alicia Ristic, and her husband Jesenko Ristic. Missing from photo is daughter Jelena Ristic. Photo courtesy of Denise Pelaccia.

foundation for artistic development. The academy’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its tailored approach, which includes considering students’ personalities, confidence levels, individual needs, and interests. While the typical age range is eight to 15, Art Galia opens its doors to aspiring artists from age six and up. Private classes are available, albeit limited, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Their summer art camps also stand out as a highlight, offering an immersive artistic journey where young students explore sketching, painting, silk painting, printmaking, and sculpting. The curriculum emphasizes the elements and principles of design, fostering creative skills in a safe and enjoyable environment. Ristic adds: “Every masterpiece created during these camps finds its place, leaving a lasting impression on both the students and their families.” As Art Galia continues to evolve, Ristic’s vision persists — providing enlightenment and joy to children of all ages, cultivating a community where art is not just appreciated, but lived and breathed by the local community. For further details on art classes, camps and all services, refer to: ArtGalia.com.

FRONTLINES

Windsor Business Owners Have A “Date” With Destiny Husband and wife entrepreneurs, Fadi and Lena Bidawid are on a sweet mission to increase the number of outlets carrying their date bite packs in the Windsor Essex region for 2024, develop a website to include an online ordering system, and hoping to expand to the Greater Toronto area. The couple founded their business Nuts4Dates in April of 2023, which offers gluten free, vegan, all-natural date bites, sold in four and six pack assorted boxes at over 25 locations that include retail shops, bakeries, wineries, restaurants and markets. They also attend area pop-up events. “It has been a short, but incredible journey thus far and the acceptance and embrace of the YQG local community has been truly humbling and very much the driving force forward as we continue to grow,” state the couple. Nuts4Dates was also the dessert sponsor for Transition to Betterness holiday meals for both Thanksgiving and Christmas 2023.

“Giving back is a main pillar of our ideology and the most gratifying one; we look forward to taking part in other initiatives very soon,” Lena comments. The date bite flavours they make include pistachio, peanut, walnut, almond, coconut and hazelnut. Locally the bites can be purchased at Lakeside Bakery, Anchor Coffee House, Kava Café & Bakery, Yemeni Corner Coffee House, Mercato Fresh, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, The Farm House Market and Kings Bakeshop, just to name a few. They also recently started offering a gluten free sugar free pistachio and cocoa cheesecake that can be found at The Cheese Bar, Nico Taverna and several other retailers. You can view an update list on where to buy their date bites on their Instagram page in the retail highlight section. As well, for any custom, catering or standard orders, you can connect with them, also on their social media page: Instagram.com/nuts.4dates.

Fadi and Lena Bidawid, owners of Nuts4Dates have big plans for 2024, including growing the number of retail locations where customers can purchase their locally handcrafted date bites (also pictured). Photos courtesy of Lena Bidawid.

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH SWOBEN SUCCESS STORIES

Cohort 2 Founders By Colin Grimmond

Southwestern Ontario Black Entrepreneurship Network (SWOBEN) is a partnership of Empowerment Squared and WEtech Alliance funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Since 2022, it has sought to empower and support Black entrepreneurs, including business owners and non-profit leaders in the greater Southwestern Ontario region, to succeed and thrive by building strong business foundations and optimizing opportunities. The SWOBEN initiative addresses the unique challenges and barriers that Black entrepreneurs face, by facilitating access to education, resources and professional advisors. It has successfully supported over 70 entrepreneurs throughout Southwestern

Ontario, including 45 businesses within the Windsor and Essex County region. Profiles of Cohort 2 (Fall/Winter 2023) SWOBEN Windsor founders are as follows . . . Daniel Assing and Ravina Maghera Pure Vibez Nutrition Established in November 2021 Pure Vibez Nutrition offers a variety of fun Nutritious Smoothies, Sugar Free Energy Boosting Tea Bombs, Protein Ice Coffee, and other Digestive and Skin Care Beverages. Located in Belle River, customers receive a warm welcome upon entrance with sweet Soca, Dancehall, and Reggae melodies playing along with the refreshing tropical beverages reflective of the Caribbean cultural backgrounds of the owners. (Facebook.com/PureVibezNutrition)

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Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities. The 2024 theme for Black History is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; A Future to Build. In recognition of this special month, we highlight a select group of Black entrepreneurs in our new SWOBEN column here and the XX Files on the next page. In addition, see local event listings for Black History Month at: BizXmagazine.com. Minelva Brown RN & Founder Of Exquisite Belle Inc. A visionary in healthcare and education, Brown brings a unique blend of passion and expertise to her role as the Founder of Exquisite Belle Inc. With a background spanning in the artistry of hair-braiding — and the precision of nursing and information technology — she is committed to pioneering a new standard in these diverse domains through her business that started in July 2023. Her journey in the industry began at a remarkably young age,

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH where her fascination with hair-braiding ignited. At just 15 years old, she embarked on a path of self-discovery, perfecting the art of single-braiding techniques. Brown’s journey to becoming a proficient braider began as a means of personal expression, and has since evolved into a rewarding craft that not only preserved natural hair textures, but also proved to be a significant financial milestone. Her mission transcends the ordinary and her forward-thinking approach focuses on anticipating and meeting the needs of her clients, building a brand that revolves around trustworthiness, cleanliness, femininity, and diversity. (Linkedin.com/in/minelvabrown-rn-519339201) Devon Kendrick, Beard Sauce Co. Kendrick has lived abroad in South America, taught English as a second language and worked multiple positions in customer service. However, since establishing his business in December 2021, he has been on a mission to inspire individuals to become the best versions of themselves. Through the art of grooming and the cultivation of magnificent beards, Kendrick aspires to amplify selfconfidence, ignite self-expression, and elevate personal pride. His company stands

for more than grooming; it stands for total personal transformation. He understands himself as a guardian of age-old grooming wisdom and the purveyor of innovative, all-natural beard care. His products (beard oil/wax, dermal rollers, lip balm, brushes, and merchandise) are a fusion of tradition and modern science, an ode to craftsmanship, and a testament to quality. (BeardSauce.co) Erik “E-Tomic” Johnson E-Tomic Entertainment A local hip-hop lyricist, vocalist and slam poet, Johnson formally founded his business in October 2021. From the Windsor/Essex County area, Johnson has been writing and performing poetry for a number of years. He started his performance career in high school as a backup vocalist for his elder brother, Joshua Johnson, a well known local R&B singer. Erik then took to performing his spoken word poetry at a number of community functions and charity events such as open mic nights, rallies, protests and the Windsor Poetry Slam, becoming the grand slam champion of 2019. More recently Erik has been working to bring further attention to the contributions of local artists of colour in Windsor Essex and bring more

of his content to the page and the stage. (Facebook.com/erik.johnson.37051579) What’s next for SWOBEN? A third cohort will launch in both Windsor and Hamilton the first week of March 2024. Find further details on the network, plus view other member profiles by logging onto: SWOBEN.ca. And watch for the next article in the April issue of Biz X magazine for more descriptions of Black entrepreneurs in the latest cohort! Colin Grimmond is the Senior Coordinator for SWOBEN in Windsor since October 2022. He brings over 15 years of professional experience in Program Development and Coordination in various cities, including Windsor, Oakville, Hamilton and Toronto. Colin has worked for various non-profit and recruitment/staffing agencies including the MCC of Windsor & Essex County, Halton Multicultural Council, Skills for Change, SISO, Robert Half Canada, StaffWorks, and Express Employment Professionals. The overriding purpose throughout his career has been to inspire, support and strengthen clients including refugees, new Canadians, young people and seniors, to successfully integrate into the labour market, as well as companies in efficiently finding ideal & competent staff. Connect with him on: swoben.ca/contact-us.

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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PROFILING LOCAL WOMEN AT WORK By Rebecca Wright

Brenell Dean . . . B

A Fearless Advocate In The Paralegal Industry

renell Dean is a partner at Sway Law Professional Corporation (PC) in the position of Litigation Paralegal. She owns the business with Latania Dyer, who is a Civil Litigation Lawyer and Managing Partner. Dean was Founder and Owner of Dean’s Paralegal Services, which was acquired by Sway Law in January 2024. “Subsequently, I became a partner in Sway Law,” Dean notes. “This strategic move has allowed for a seamless integration of services and expertise, enhancing our ability to serve our clients effectively.” The firm has an office in Windsor at 7033 Wyandotte Street East, one in Mississauga, and are online at: SwayLaw.ca. Dean also adds that she is a Notary Public and they offer walk-in notaries. (For more details go to: DeansParalegalServices.com/our-team). Working in the areas of Small Claims Court, Criminal Defence and Landlord Representation, she handles approximately 500 to 1,000 new matters per year. Dean describes herself as both professional and dedicated — qualities she feels make her a fighter in her field because she brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. “My extensive background in community service has given me a deep understanding of the needs of the Windsor market,” Dean comments. “Additionally, as a former real estate investor, I have an understanding of what landlords face. This knowledge allows me to approach my work with a unique perspective, tailoring my services to meet the specific requirements of the community.” She adds that clients also say she’s professional and polite in their meetings together, but that she is a “surprisingly fearless advocate” who is well known for positive results in hearings.

Local Litigation Paralegal and Notary Public, Brenell Dean has diligently served clients in Windsor Essex since 2018. She recently joined Sway Law PC in an effort to increase access to justice and further broaden her abilities to serve her clients. Photo courtesy of Brenell Dean.

Dean’s message to potential clients is that legal representation is important. “You do not have to advocate alone,” she states. “Sway Law PC is a full-service, growing law firm and we have the staff to offer skilled representation in nearly every area of law.” Community engagement and support are integral aspects of her professional journey, Dean notes. Currently, she’s deeply involved with the Southwestern Ontario Black Entrepreneurship Network, Dayspring Church of Windsor and Our Daily Bread. In the past, she’s been involved in the WindsorEssex Bilingual Legal Clinic, St. Clair College Free Legal Forms Clinic and she was President of Sisters Taking Action for a New Direction. “Being actively engaged in these organizations is not only a testament to my dedication to community betterment, but also an embodiment

of the values I hold dear — values of inclusivity, empowerment and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” Dean states. With February being Black History Month, according to Dean this time of year holds profound meaning for Sway Law, especially as one of the few black-owned, women-owned law firms in Ontario. “It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of Black individuals, acknowledge their contributions, and reflect on the ongoing journey toward equality,” she says. “It reinforces our commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the legal profession. We are proud to contribute to the legacy of Black excellence in our field and beyond.” In her opinion, being a female entrepreneur and balancing work and home is an intricate, yet rewarding journey. “The demanding nature of entrepreneurship doesn’t always afford the luxury of vacation days, and the responsibilities can be relentless,” she states. “However, I am blessed to have an unwavering support system in place. My husband, family, and church community play pivotal roles in creating a foundation that allows me to pursue my entrepreneurial endeavours, while also being present for my young children (ages one and three).” For other entrepreneurs just starting out, Dean suggests they embrace confidence, but admit shortfalls quickly, in order to grow. “Build a strong support system and remember it is never too early to network,” she advises. “Remember that every entrepreneurial journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Stay true to your vision, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the process of building something meaningful.”

XX FILES

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NEWSFLASH ON THE MOVE Mackenzie Murphy has made a thoughtful and strategic decision to move her upscale women’s consignment boutique Rhyan’s Mess to a new location at 11933 Tecumseh Road East, in the Town of Tecumseh. The decision to relocate after 12 years in the Riverside area was a significant one, especially considering the established relationships and customer base. But, after many years in the industry providing exceptional consignment services for women’s clothing — along with a memorable retail atmosphere and experience — she is eager to begin this new journey. Due to rising rental costs and operating expenses, Murphy would have been forced to increase prices substantially if she had stayed at her previous location. “Everywhere we turn prices are going up,” she notes. “I’d like to be able to sustain my small business and continue to offer a great retail shop, employ locals, and continue to grow.” By choosing a new space and making the move in January 2024, Murphy aims to maintain the same great prices, services, and consignment experience for her customers: “I want to demonstrate loyalty to my customers, while keeping the costs of my products status quo. I think it is an important commitment and keeps the consumers wanting to return.” Murphy expresses gratitude to her existing customer base for their support and her success over the years, and discloses how difficult it was for her to leave the Riverside area. She has a genuine connection with the community and to the many relationships built over the years. Encouraging customers to travel a bit farther to the new location in Tecumseh indicates her confidence in the value of the business and her hope that customers will seek her out for good value and service. With a different location, Murphy is interested to see if there will be a change in inventory collected on consignment. The anticipation of sharing the new home with customers creates a sense of excitement, and Murphy and her staff invite them to be part of this transition. To learn more about her business, check: RhyansMess.com.

CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP In 2010, Ben Russo had just started up his own company, Russo Tile Creations, when he crossed paths with Vito Mastrorocco, then owner of Mastro Kitchen Studio. Mastrorocco hired Russo, on an hourly

basis, to help him unload his trucks and he found him “eager to work, approachable and always available, regardless what I asked him to do — and that’s a great quality to have for customers.” Mastrorocco was highly instrumental in the development of Russo’s business approach and taught him a few fundamentally important aspects, starting with how to write his very first invoice. As time went on, Russo began taking on the task of kitchen and bathroom renovations, beginning with demolition of the existing room(s), co-ordinating all the trades and rebuilding the new kitchen/bathroom area, while coordinating with Mastro from design stage through final installation of the cabinetry. Thirteen years later, in April of 2023, Mastrorocco was ready to retire and Russo was the perfect fit to keep the business going. Now Russo, and his wife Amy Russo, are the new owners and are also looking forward to another happy event — the birth of their second child in early spring! With Russo’s knowledge and expertise, Mastro Kitchen Studio now offers not just cabinetry and design, but full renovations from beginning to end. You can rely on Russo right from the initial phone call, all the way to the final day of the project. Russo can now “Offer the complete package to the customer and give them the WOW factor in every project that we take on.” For more information, please visit their showroom at 2863 Howard Avenue in Windsor, or go to the website: MastroKitchenStudio.com.

NEW IN BIZ Sandwich House on Park, 116 Park Street West, is a new and exciting small downtown Windsor business that opened its doors in May 2023. It is situated in the space (on the street level of the Victoria Park Place building) previously occupied by the popular Syd’s Sandwich Co. that sadly closed in early 2023. The sandwich shop is owned and operated by 23 year old Patrick Fordham, with mentorship assistance from his father, Rodger Fordham. The senior Fordham is the Executive Director and Founder of the nonprofit organization, Feeding Windsor Essex (FeedingWindsorEssex.ca). As a youth, Roger cut his teeth in the food service business in his family’s restaurant in Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut. In addition, Roger worked for 15 years at The Penalty Box restaurant in Windsor, where his two sons also worked BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • FE B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4

Pictured inside the Sandwich House on Park are Patrick Fordham (left), Owner and Operator with his father and mentor, Rodger Fordham. Biz X’s Cup of Joe Columnist recently stopped by their establishment downtown Windsor and highly recommends the Classic Reuben speciality sandwich and the Roast Beef Cheese Melt traditional sandwich. Photo by Joe McParland.

through their school years. Currently on the Sandwich House on Park menu are assorted deli and classic sandwiches, hot dogs, subs, homemade soups, and salads. The business is constantly evolving and Patrick intends to grow the menu selections in the future and to put in a deli counter to sell cold cut meats, cheeses and more. Takeout is available, as is delivery via Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes. To view a menu and their hours of operation, check their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram @sandwichhouseonpark.

AWARD VOTING Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island’s Best of Windsor Essex Awards have returned for a ninth year of celebrating the best of the best in the region! Nominations were submitted in January for 47 awards and narrowed down to the top five in each category. Voting launches Monday, February 12, 2024 and residents can vote for their top spots in a wide range of categories including Food and Drink, Attractions, Shopping and Outdoor Adventure. New awards featured this year include: Best Parade; Best Bar, Pub or Sports Bar; Best Diverse Eats; Best Fried Chicken Sandwich; Best Wing Spot and Best Picnic Spot. Returning favourite categories are: Best Winery Experience, Best Breakfast, Best Live Performance Venue, Best Beach, Best Boutique Shops, and Best Photo Ops for the City, County and Pelee Island. Head to the website: BestOfWindsorEssex.ca to cast your vote and recognize the business and locations that bring out the best in Windsor Essex! Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island will announce the winners on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Good luck to all businesses and organizations!

BELLE VIVANTE

Libations and culinary experiences to curate your beautiful life.

Wineology Bar & Restaurant . . . Shines Bright Like A Diamond In Tecumseh Story And Photos By Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh And Tracey Harding

aise your glass to Wineology and toast their brand-new 3,200 sq. foot Tecumseh location at 12021 Tecumseh Road East! Previously situated in the Green Valley Plaza since 2016, the business made a move to the new building in October 2023. It definitely does not disappoint and adds to the success of the Walkerville (2014), Kingsville (2018) and Kitchener (2021) locations. Brothers Jean-Claude (JC) and Justin Boulos (Co-Owners) have created a very cool experience in this trendy spot, situated near Oven 360, Kona Sushi, and The Bourbon Tap & Grill. The chandeliers take your breath away as soon as you enter this posh space. We were extremely excited to sample some of the expansive wine list. Smiles all around as we are seated — another feather in Wineology’s cap

The stunning interior of Wineology Bar & Restaurant Tecumseh adds a sparkle factor to the ambiance in their modern dining room.

as our server is friendly and well educated. A plan was necessary to begin to dive into the wine list. We wanted to try new wines to sweeten this experience.

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So we decided to order several items on the food menu and pair the wine. Our appetizers were all about the cheese. We began our feast with a baked brie, warm and silky, cooked in a wood-fired oven, drizzled in a caramel and Prosecco reduction, and topped with fresh fruit. We paired this app with a glass of California Roots Chardonnay. Fruity in its aroma and golden in its appearance, creamy peach flavours and buttery notes make a perfect partner to the baked brie. Next we shared a Burrata Salad. This is a mozzarella ball stuffed with mozzarella curd, with sliced avocado, chopped tomato salad and sweet Thai basil pesto. We mixed it up with a South African 2023 Chenin-Blanc from Robertson Winery. The beautiful champagne colour brightens the glass and signifies what is to come.

Try something different like a bright wine made with the Chenin-Blanc grape grown in warm climates like South Africa.

The crisp green citrus and spring aromas balanced the fattiness of the cheese and whet the appetite for more. The staff inspired wood-fired pizzas were next on our list. JC’s Pizza is the first we tried with tomato sauce, goat and mozzarella cheese, dried figs finished with prosciutto and arugula. The thin crispy crust is to die for! A 2019 Montecillo, Rioja from Crianza, Spain is our choice for the pizzas. It is a clear ruby red colour, with cedar, and rich vanilla berry flavour, well balanced with a smooth finish. This great drinking wine complements the wood-fired crust and the sweetness of the fig. We also paired this wine with Babel’s Pizza. The toppings are mascarpone and mozzarella, pears, prosciutto and walnuts drizzled with honey. Our main dish was the Pan-Seared Lamb: marinated lamb saddle chops with carrots, asparagus and baby potatoes, served with a mint yogurt sauce and a mixture of herbs, cooked to our liking — rare.

A perfectly plated lamb chop with a glass of Château Teyssier from Saint Émilion, France and a wood-fired pizza in the background.

This hearty dish required a wine with some substance, such as the 2020 Château Teyssier from Saint-Émilion, France, a favourite Bordeaux region of ours! The classic Bordeaux blend is a juicy wine, dominated by its ripe Merlot. Acidity and fresh black currants come through strongly. This property has a history of winemaking

since at least 1714 and their Saint Émilion is an earthy, savoury Bordeaux red with welldefined dark fruits, chocolate, toasty oak notes and a long finish. A fine option for lamb. I am sure you must be thinking by now, how on earth did they eat all this food? Don’t worry we took some home to our loved ones in order to save room for dessert . . . Toblerone Fondue. This is a fun, light, shareable dessert served with a selection of bananas, strawberries, pretzels and marshmallows. The fondue base is Swiss milk chocolate with honey and almond nougat melted over a flame.

The decadent Toblerone Fondue — rich and luxurious — is a great shareable dessert with pretzels, marshmallows, bananas and strawberries. Pure sweet heaven!

Motivational Quotes

“Love is absolutely beautiful, gentle, sweet, nurturing, compassionate, blissful . . . and more. It’s not only about showing this love to one another (couples). It’s just as important to show this love to yourself as well.”

Danny Gautama is an inspirational writer who writes for mental health organizations, hospitals, and is a blogger on: BizXmagazine.com. He helps many on social media and is a two time recipient of the LoveMakers Foundation Awards. Connect with him by emailing: dannygautamawellness@gmail.com.

Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco from Veneto, Italy is our final taste of the evening. A worldwide favourite for celebrating. Lemony and stone fruits, pear, peach apricots and the like, with a toasty finish. A knockout particularly with the charred sweetness of the marshmallow. Needless to say, we were full and so happy with our experience here. It’s a night we will remember and a great place to make memories with friends and family. Stop by the Tecumseh location soon or visit any of their other locations found in: Walkerville, 1646 Wyandotte Street East (the 2021 Biz X Award winner for Most Instagram-Worthy Biz); Kingsville, 16 Main Street East, and Kitchener, 87 King Street West. To make reservations and view a wine menu refer to: WineologyBar.ca. Sherrilynn Colley-Vegh (left) has travelled to over 50 countries exploring what the world has to offer in food, wine, music, art, and fashion. She is a community leader, journalist, business owner, music manager, former educator, Chief Communications Officer, and Athena Award recipient. Tracey Harding has deep roots in southwestern Ontario, but has wined, dined and lived in many countries. She has worked in fashion, real estate/décor, hospitality and food service/tour industries and is an awardwinning amateur cook and a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Sommelier. BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • FE B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

Twigg’s Bar & Grill 1207 County Road 22, Emeryville By David Clark

n the friendly small town of Emeryville — since December 1, 2008 — a thriving eatery called Twigg’s Bar & Grill has been introducing serious pub food with one-of-a-kind dishes and an impressive selection of craft beer, spirits and cocktails, for diners seeking a great meal in an amazing atmosphere. Twigg’s uses the freshest ingredients and locally sourced food for their valued customers. Everything is homemade in house. They also have prompt full service staff ensuring all runs smoothly from the minute you walk in the door. A true culinary experience at Twigg’s, they serve domestic fare and like many pubs, the drinks are plenty and creatively designed for your enjoyment. You will also find daily specials, live entertainment, catering services, and more. At the helm, the dynamic duo of daughter, Melissa Skene and mother, Debbie Popkey are two co-owners doing whatever is necessary to make your experience an enjoyable one. Skene recounts: “I studied chef training in school and worked at many restaurants and bars around Windsor and Lakeshore. It was time to take on a new challenge as a restaurant owner. Thus Twigg’s opened

in 2008 and it was ‘the place to be’ for many years.” After a fire on September 30, 2019 burned down the entire structure, the building was rebuilt from the ground up with a complete re-design by Lester Group, and the restaurant re-opened October 2020. Since overcoming these setbacks and reopening during the pandemic, the business has been growing ever since. The atmosphere now is casual and modern meeting with rustic industrial. As for the menu, one of the top Starters is the Arancini, classic Italian Rice Balls served with tomato sauce and basil. Also a crowd pleaser, the Twigg’s Nachos (full or half pan) are loaded with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, green olives/jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. Homemade chili, ground beef, chicken or pulled pork can be added. For your mains, one of the meals that keeps the customers coming back is the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese. Swimming upstream to your plate is the Battered Halibut as well. Look no further than the burgers and sandwiches for real pub fare. The Twigg’s Burger is a must try, but the Grilled Cheese Jalapeno Popper

From the burgers, wings, Buffalo Chicken Sandy, nachos, salads, bowls, and more, Twigg’s has a packed menu where anything and everything is possible. Photo courtesy of Twigg’s Bar & Grill.

Burger is a one way ticket to happiness. With the sandwiches the Buffalo Chicken Sandy has that zesty medium sauce you crave. Another top menu choice is the Baz Pizza with curry seasoned pulled chicken and one of the tastiest pizzas is the Spicy Hawaiian (bacon, pineapple, jalapenos). If you’re on a health kick, consider the salads and bowls. One of the new menu add-ons for you to try is converted from a Chicken Shawarma Wrap into a bowl; it is loaded with veggies. The Twigg’s Salad is leafy, featuring the house made candied pecans and a full supply of veggie heaven. For the kids, there are plenty of tasty items for them to sink their teeth into, including the Sloppy Joe Sliders, Mini Pogos and of course, the Chicken Bites. And if they are craving something sweet, the Nutella Pizza is a delight in every bite. You also have the opportunity to find a deal at Twigg’s as they feature daily specials, as well as new and interesting entrées for the conservative budget. Check out the 2-4-1 Wings all day Tuesday! As for alcoholic beverages, an exotic craft would be the Frank Brewing Co. Sunshine IPA with notes of citrus and mango. The 1808 is a fun cocktail with great taste and presentation. At a glance, it’s gorgeous — with a perfect purple hue. Coming from the vine, you have Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and the Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.

Engineered by Lester Group, the beautifully recreated Twigg’s Bar & Grill welcomes you in from the road and entices you through the doors to experience freshly prepared pub fare in a rustic, industrial atmosphere. Photos courtesy of Lester Group.

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For those times you are not able to dine-in, take-out also is offered. The Family Dinner for four is a great take-out option. Their latest item is the Tuscan Chicken pan seared with a tasty blush sauce. It also includes spinach, caramelized onions and mushrooms, served with seasonal veggies. As for catering, in-house and off-site catering is available with plated, family style meal and buffet options. “We are fully prepared to cater off-site and if the party or event is large enough, we will commission the mobile trailer (appropriately named the Twigg Rigg) to the rescue,” says Skene. “At the restaurant, we can accommodate 100, and off-site the numbers are endless. Menus are already prepared for the customers, but if a customer doesn’t see what they like, we will do our best to accommodate. We have also prepared vegan menus.”

HOME OF THE ANGRY HAWAIIAN™ ...and One Angry Sicilian™

Winner, winner, brisket dinner! Shown here with a little corn on the cob, Rigg wedges, and the zesty sauce and onion on top, the Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket is a catering favourite (at times an in-house weekend feature). Photo courtesy of Twigg’s Bar & Grill.

A favourite catering selection features the Twigg’s Salad that pairs very well with an inviting Penne Boscaiola with vodka blush sauce, prosciutto, green peas and mushrooms. The most popular third course would be their melt in your mouth, Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket and the Chicken in a Mushroom Cream Sauce. All are prepared in-house and ready for your event. The owners aim to have something on the menu for everyone who comes to their restaurant. They are always seeing what’s new and upcoming and also like to switch between flavours, proteins, sauces and other tastes. It makes them happy to see people excited about their food offerings as it’s such a labour of love. For all of the important information you need, including the menus, refer to the website: TwiggsBarAndGrill.com. For pictures and other fun stuff, visit: Facebook.com/TwiggsBarAndGrill.

The Angry Hawaiian™ Cheese, Ham, Pineapple Double Bacon, & Hot Peppers

South Windsor • Tecumseh • LaSalle NEW NEW Riverside NEW • Leamington

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NEW originalpizza.ca

COVER STORY By Edward Olsen

Photos By Tina Huynh

St. Clair College . . .

Invested In Our Community

hen Patricia (Patti) France retires from the Presidency of St. Clair College this June, she will leave the school in one of the most solid and enviable financial positions of any enterprise, public or private, in southwestern Ontario. The oldest elements of its physical infrastructure have also been updated and repaired, and many new facilities have been constructed on its campuses. As well the College’s “brand” and reputation have never been more conspicuous and highly regarded. Despite the two-year-long pandemic — which virtually shuttered a number of postsecondary institutions — St. Clair didn’t just survive COVID’s worst days, it thrived through them. Those two years are included in a remarkable run of literal good fortune, marked by substantial annual budgetary surpluses throughout almost the entirety of France’s nine-year-long presidency. At the end of March (the College operates on the same budgetary calendar as all provincial agencies), St. Clair projects that it will conclude its 2023-24 fiscal year with the highest surplus in the school’s 57-year history. When the year’s budget was set in March of 2023, a year-end surplus of $37.9 million had been predicted. That was bumped up by 37 percent during the mid-year review, when Finance Vice-President/Chief Financial Officer Marc Jones informed the school’s Board of Governors that record-setting enrolment had boosted revenues beyond all previous forecasts. As for how this latest windfall fits in with France’s financial track record, it’s a “cherry

From left, The Saints Student Athlete Association (SSAA) Reps: Eric Dominguez (President); President of St. Clair College Patti France; Titus Dubber (Director of Operations) and Judy Lafleur (Director of Operations).

on the top” achievement to cap her tenure as President. The 2023-24 surplus will be the seventh consecutive annual surplus of eight-figures. And because the College has set aside much of that cash in long-term reserves — christened “the sustainability fund” by France and the Board of Governors — much of it is still nestled away, earning yet more money in interest-bearing investments. During the past two fiscal years, the Board of Governors agreed with France’s proposal to inject some of the surplus money into

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the College’s bursaries and scholarship funds, administered by the school’s Fundraising Foundation. Also at France’s recommendation, the Board has allowed some of the accumulated surplus funds to be used to tackle the College’s long-standing “wish list” of deferred maintenance projects. “You have to remember that St. Clair — and the entire provincial system of two dozen public colleges — was founded in 1967, sort of as a celebratory project during Canada’s Centennial,” France mentions. “And that

Patti France, President of St. Clair College, proudly sits in front of a wall filled with photos of previous St. Clair Student Representative Councils.

means that many of our main buildings have been in use for almost 60 years. Anyone who has ever lived in a 60-year-old house knows the headaches associated with upkeep and repairs. Multiply the dimensions of that house by a factor of a couple of hundred to represent the huge size of our original buildings, and you’ll appreciate the scope of some of the challenges that we’ve had to deal with.” Several years ago, St. Clair’s Facilities Management Department estimated the school’s cost for such deferred maintenance projects at $42 million. The provincial government had a grant program that allocated upkeep funding of several hundred thousand dollars annually. That was something of a “drop in the bucket” really, because by the time such cash was spent on one job, another much-delayed maintenance item may have worsened by the same amount (or more). “The surpluses during the past few years have allowed us to inject a couple of million dollars per year (even as much as $5 million on occasion) to tackle some of our most significant and long-overdue deferred maintenance projects,” France notes. “It’s not very glamorous — in fact, many of them aren’t the sort of projects that are even noticed by staff or students — but they are essential.” Aside from those injections into currentyear budgets, the sustainability fund exists as an “emergency-use-only” reserve. Its rationale: the money would allow the College to survive for a year or two during any sort of dire crisis, which severely disrupted enrolment or funding. Amazingly, a world-wide COVID pandemic did not meet that criterion, so the sustainability fund reserve remained untouched while the viral outbreak raged in 2020 and 2021. Neither the domestic or international enrolment of the College declined

Congratulations Dr. Patti France on 37 years of service with St Clair College and all you have accomplished during that time! Allegra Marketing Print Mail & Image 360 are proud to have been a partner of the college for the past 3 decades. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement! Count on us for Office Signs, Direct Mail, Trade Show displays, Promotional products, custom decorated apparel, banners, posters, traditional signage and more! Contact us today to set up a free consultation to discuss your needs Print Mail

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markedly during the pandemic, because both its staff and students adapted so rapidly and successfully to a switch to online course delivery. France still marvels at how the College responded to the outbreak in the spring of 2020: “We received the shutdown order in mid-March, just as students and staff were about to clear out for March Break (Reading Week). In terms of a major crisis, I suppose it couldn’t have been better timed. During that span of a week when students weren’t scheduled to be here anyway, we converted the entire curriculum of all our 100-plus programs into an online delivery format. Our Information Technology Department installed, enhanced and distributed all the software and hardware needed for online lectures and the posting of lecture notes; faculty were trained to use all of that remote methodology; and students were informed that, when March Break was over, they’d be completing the final six weeks of the semester with online instruction and exam-writing. Students simply made the change from faceto-face to face-to-computer-screen, and they finished the semester successfully. What we were particularly proud of was what that meant for students in their final year of their programs — that their educations had not been derailed. In June of 2020, we had an

President of St. Clair College, Patti France stands in front of the St. Clair Saints Varsity Esports Team in the Nexus Esports Arena, which opened in 2022 at the College.

online convocation ceremony for what was, at the time, the largest graduating class in the College’s history.” Then, partially in 2020-21 and fully in 2021-22, St. Clair became one of the first (and few) postsecondary schools in Canada to re-launch face-to-face course delivery. Based purely upon France’s adamant philosophy that education is most effectively delivered in-person — especially a college education, which concentrates on hands-on and “real world” skills training — St. Clair developed rigid protective health procedures in partnership with applicable ministries and the regional Health Unit to allow it to reopen for “business (or education) as usual” . . . or as usual as anything was in the days

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of mandatory masking and social distancing. All of which meant that the pandemic era, in terms of both enrolment and revenue, seemed to be — on paper at least — just another normal couple of years for the College. A headline in the student-governmentpublished e-magazine during that period read: “Pandemic? What pandemic?” France was quoted in the associated story as observing: “Remarkably, the pandemic has not adversely affected the pursuit of postsecondary education — at least in the case of our students. In fact, our students seem to have recognized that many new employment opportunities may arise as we emerge from the pandemic and set about

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rebuilding our economy; and so, they have chosen this unusual time of crisis to prepare themselves for those better days ahead.” So, even in the midst of the darkest days of the viral outbreak, the surplus-generated sustainability reserve remained largely untouched, because current revenues were still flowing in at a record rate. That allowed the College to not only whittle away its deferred maintenance list by renovating its oldest infrastructure during the past several years, but also to create many new facilities for the benefit of students. During France’s tenures as both St. Clair’s Senior Vice-President and President, the architectural development of the College has been both rapid and extensive. This includes: a second residence at the Main/South Windsor campus (built by a private-sector partner, that will recoup its investment by acting as the building’s landlord) and expanded housing at the Chatham campus; two new gymnasiums/ fitness centres (the SportsPlex in Windsor and HealthPlex in Chatham); the Toldo Applied Health Sciences Centre; the Centre for Construction Innovation and Production; the Student Life Centre (designed and financed by the Student Representative Council); an expanded Student Centre at Chatham Campus

Members of the St. Clair Student Representative Council (SRC) and St. Clair Thames Students Inc. (TSI), are pictured with the President of St. Clair College Patti France. From left: Mikayla Welch (TSI, President), Isabella Milner (SRC, Director: South), President Patti France, Rishi Vatish (SRC, Vice-President: South), and Olivia Soresi (TSI, Vice-President).

(developed by the Thames Students Incorporated Council); the MediaPlex and satellite Student Centre in the downtown; obtaining the former municipal fire station on Cabana Road to house the College’s Firefighter training program; a new Tech wing, Health Sciences and Nursing building, and the National Powerline Training Centre in Chatham; the launch of the Skilled Trades Regional Training Centre on St. Etienne Boulevard in Windsor; converting one of its automotive buildings to serve as a research-and-development workshop for the local Automobility Electric Vehicle program; and — with numerous partners and sponsors (including the Student Representative Council and Saints Student

Athletic Association) — the new Sports Park, featuring a football/soccer stadium, softball diamond and indoor tennis club. On top of all that, the exponentially explosive growth of the College’s Schools of Business and Information Technology — the programs of which are especially attractive to international students — has necessitated a building binge all of its own. In 2018, with a donation from the Zekelman Family Foundation, the College leased and developed new classroom space at 1 Riverside Drive West to accommodate increased enrolment. That wasn’t enough. Within only a couple of years, more space was required. So, in partnership with the Student

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

Congratulations Dr. Patti France on 37 years of excellence! The Sechopoulos Group of RBC DS is pleased to recognize the outstanding contribution of Dr. Patti France, President of St. Clair College. We commend Dr. France on her 37 years of undivided dedication and service to the college and her community. Congratulations! Sechopoulos Group www.svgroup.ca RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. ©2024 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved. 24_90621_MT6_002

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President France, You’re An Inspiration To Us All! Congrats From . . .

Thank you for your leadership, President France.

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Representative Council — which expanded the ground floor Student Centre with a renovated open computer lab, new lounge, and a first-of-its-kind-in-Canada computergaming/e-sports arena — a two-storey tower of classrooms was added at the South Windsor campus to house Business and I.T. programs. Even while it was under construction, another huge wave of enrolment meant that even more space was required. So, the College added another downtown parcel of classrooms at 333 Riverside Drive West (one floor to begin with, then a second for lounges, study space and a student-counciloperated food kiosk). The “France era” has also seen several new parking lots constructed; and campus beautification efforts included in every annual budget for the past half-decade, creating several mini-parks and walking trails on college lands, and installing art-work in both building interiors and exterior grounds. Currently under construction is the new, two-storey Welcome Centre at the front of the new main building at the South Windsor campus. Given that it was the capital project that topped France’s “capital wish-list” when she assumed the Presidency in 2015, it is perhaps fitting that it will be the site of her

final ribbon-cutting when it is completed sometime this year. “I was always dissatisfied by how the halfdozen or so services that are most commonly used by our students — and that prospective and new students should be especially familiar with — have always been spread all over campus,” France says. “I guess that gets back to my previous comments about operating in a 60-year-old building. As we added or expanded services over the years, we had to put them wherever we could find room — this one at that end of the building, that one two floors up at the other end of the building, and so on. The new Welcome Centre will, finally, address that, by allowing us to centralize those services in one spot.” “All of that development has,” France asserts, “done much to improve the quality of the ‘college experience’ for St. Clair’s students. During our annual quality and satisfaction surveys, we have always received excellent, above-provincialaverage results from students and graduates with regard to academic quality, and from employers concerning the knowledge and skillfulness of the grads they’d hired. All of our recent development is now, also earning us compliments for our tremendous facilities and the services within them. I’m obviously biased, but I believe that the environment that

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we are offering to students now is without parallel in Canada, in terms of classrooms, labs, workshops, clinics, indoor and outdoor athletic and fitness facilities, entertainment venues, green space, residences, food outlets and options, academic and non-academic services, and leisure-time amenities.” The current stability and long-term sustainability of the College, during France’s tenure, means that it has been increasingly able to turn its focus from on-campus matters to off-campus projects, to become extremely active in the life of the communities it serves and, in doing so, to build its brand and reputation. Perhaps the most poignant example of its spirit of community partnership occurred during the worst days of the pandemic, when it turned over many of the beds and respiratory equipment of its Toldo Applied Health Sciences Centre to local hospitals to assist with the onslaught of COVID patients. And, just weeks later, it turned over its SportsPlex in Windsor and HealthPlex in Chatham to be used as emergency field hospitals. “Those were no-brainer decisions,” France indicates. “We had the equipment and facilities to help the community in the midst of the worst crisis in recent memory, so we did. The fact that many of our nursing and health sciences grads of that era had

We Sincerely Applaud You President France, For Your Decades Of Dedication To Students!

Dr. Patti France

“Congratulations on 37 years of excellence at St. Clair College! In appreciation of your unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to education. Congratulations on this remarkable milestone!” Dave Cassidy, President Local 444 Unifor

Community Partners Making a Difference.

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been immediately hired to help cope with the outbreak, also meant that Saints were at the forefront of the pandemic battle, so we had to support them in whatever way that we could.” It’s probably fair to say, too, that no local charitable cause or festival occurs nowadays without the involvement and participation of St. Clair, its Alumni Association, its Student Representative Council (Windsor campuses), Thames Students Incorporated (student council in Chatham), and/or Saints Student Athletic Association. Their people and banners are everywhere as participants and sponsors: at the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Walkathon, the Goodfellows Christmas newspaper sale, Canadian Cancer Society fundraisers, the In Honour Of The Ones We Love Potato Fest, Habitat For Humanity builds, the annual Sleighing Hunger Christmas concert campaign to support regional food banks, Knobby’s Kids minor hockey and skating program, the FIRST Robotics program, Easter Seals, and on and on the list goes. France commonly provides two explanations for this sort of involvement and philanthropy. “The term ‘community college’ isn’t

Michael Silvaggi, incoming seventh President of St. Clair College (June 1, 2024), sits with President Patti France.

actually part of our official title, but it is certainly part of our philosophy and behaviour” and “It shouldn’t really be surprising,” she explains. “After all, that’s just what Saints do.” And all of that — conscientious fiscal management, providing exceptional facilities and amenities, and being an active community partner — is what St. Clair will continue to do, says current Vice-President Academic Mike Silvaggi, who will succeed France as President in June. “To say that Patti will be leaving St. Clair in a better condition than she found it is an understatement,” Silvaggi expresses.

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He continues: “It is more vibrant than it has ever been in its history, both as an academic institution and as a participant in the life of the communities that we serve. We’re committed to maintaining both of those qualities: on-campus, by continuing to provide an exceptional education to our students; and off-campus, by assisting the community whenever, wherever and by whatever means we can.” To find further information on business and community programs, campuses, administrative staff/departments, courses, upcoming events and more please refer to: StClairCollege.ca.

A Touching Book For Children . . . the ant who needed a transplant By Joe McParland

n December 8, 2023, retired physician and surgeon Dr. Bill Wall visited his home town of Tecumseh, Ontario to spend time with 40 children from two grade three classes at St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School. He read to the children from his recently published book, the ant who needed a transplant. More on the book later, but first a little information on Dr. Wall. After completing his elementary and secondary school education in Tecumseh, Wall enrolled in the University Of Western Ontario School Of Medicine. He graduated in 1970 and did his residency as a physician and surgeon at London’s Victoria Hospital. At the time of the opening of University Hospital in London in 1972, Dr. Calvin R. Stiller, Chair of Surgery, promoted the vision of an organ donation and transplant program. Stiller mentored Wall and helped send him to Cambridge, England to study under Professor Sir Roy Calne, the pioneering surgeon who led the first liver transplant operation in Europe in 1968. Later Wall returned to London, Ontario and in 1977 joined the transplant team at University Hospital, a team that grew to national and international prominence. In his 40-year career, he is credited with being part of the team performing 1,855 liver transplants. In his retirement, Wall continues to be a zealous advocate for organ donation and transplants and has worked with others to develop and implement educational curricula throughout all Canadian school boards. One Life . . . Many Gifts (OneLifeManyGifts.com) is a curriculum resource educating senior secondary school students about the vital importance of organ donation and transplantation. Wall authored his book, the ant who needed a transplant, for children aged five to nine from kindergarten to grade five. It was published by FriesenPress and released in May 2023. His two grandchildren — Ruby and Dexter — helped review his early drafts. With their feedback, Wall became convinced that the complex subject matter of organ donation and transplantation can be understood by children, if presented in the right format. “It’s a serious subject so I told the story as

Tecumseh native Dr. Bill Wall visited St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School in Tecumseh last December to read his children’s fantasy book — the ant who needed a transplant — to 40 enthusiastic grade three students. Photo courtesy of Ginny Ryckman-Gatrall/Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.

a fantasy about ants to ‘lighten’ the nature of the book,” he says. “My goal was to get children reading the book to see themselves in the characters.” The story blends together themes of compassion, empathy, and altruism, and is meant to help children learn how an act of kindness can save a life. Nowhere in the book is there any mention of organs or anatomy, yet as Wall points out: “It is still an accurate portrayal of the real-life experience of donation and transplantation.” The story centres on a loving and active Ant family. Papa Ant becomes extremely ill with a sick heart and could possibly die. He eventually receives news from Doctor Jane Ant that he can receive a new heart from a person who sadly died in an accident. After receiving the new heart from the donor, Papa Ant returns to playing with his young children, like he did before. Wanting to express their appreciation to the donor’s family, the Ant family children, little Russell and Sophie, create a special card for the donor’s family that reads: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” The book is beautifully written and illustrated by Dave Hill, an illustrator from Scotland. Hill has captured the BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • FE B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4

“humanization” of the Ant family members for the young readers to identify with. It is gorgeous in its array of soft and yet deeply rich colours throughout. Wall received an enthusiastic reception from children (and teachers) at the St. Pius X school during his visit this past December. They asked thoughtful and intelligent questions, and the doctor presented each child with their own personal copy of the book. The children, one by one, then approached him for a book signing. To date, over 6,000 copies of the book have been distributed to school boards all throughout Canada and Wall is trying to get them into the two elementary school board systems in Windsor Essex. If you want a copy of this delightful book for yourself, it can be ordered on: TheAntWhoNeededATransplant.ca. It is available through FriesenPress, Amazon, Indigo, Barnes & Noble, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books and Google Play. Finally, National Organ and Tissue and Awareness Donation Week (an annual event the last full week of April) takes place April 21 to 27, 2024. Become an organ and tissue donor by registering at: BeADonor.ca and help give others a second chance.

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ask the experts

Welcome Home To The Perfect Renovation By Dave Halliday

veryone can look at their home and envision potential projects, renovations and modifications that they would love to make. Knock out a wall or two, add counter space, install a large walk-in shower . . . the possibilities are endless. Unfortunately, your experience, expertise, and abilities are not endless and even the most hopeful of dreamers cannot overcome the fact that they are not a professional designer and certainly not a skilled craftsman. Well, thankfully for you, the Biz X team sat and discussed renovation ideas with just such a professional — Charlie Borg, Designer at Welcome Home Kitchen & Bath (WelcomeHomeKitchenAndBath.com). Welcome Home was founded 12 years ago by Wayne LaBranche and Brian Guiney who recently hosted a grand opening celebration in October 2023, for their new spacious 5,000 square foot showroom and design centre, situated at 2560 Central Avenue in Windsor. With 25 years of personal experience in the industry to draw upon, Borg was able to easily answer all our questions so we could share the information here now with our readers. What services does the business offer? “We provide both services and products, and our showroom contains interactive displays highlighting working plumbing fixtures and a full kitchen gallery featuring custom cabinetry, cabinet refacing, hardware, countertop options, as well as tile and flooring,” explains Borg. “Our on-staff designers and product experts assist clients with selections for projects, ranging from

The perfect blend of style, colours, fixtures, appliances and cabinetry can be achieved when your first decision is to bring a professional designer into the process. Photo courtesy of Charlie Borg.

a single item to a renovation encompassing several spaces. Our crew can handle every aspect of a kitchen and bath renovation, full house renovations and cabinet refacing, making us a one-stop shop.” Describe the process during the initial consultation for a potential project? “If the initial contact is made by phone or email, we invite clients to visit our showroom and meet with one of our designers,” he states. “If the client is a walk-in, we ask a few questions to direct them to the staff member that can best handle their project. Once the scope of the project and preliminary budget are determined, we introduce the

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customer to a few of the products that might best suit their requirements.” What would be the next step after the consultation? “We arrange an appointment where the designer/salesperson and, if necessary, our project manager, visit the home,” replies Borg, noting: “Detailed measurements are taken so that we can develop a preliminary design and an accurate price estimate.” Do you assist in the design of the project with the client? “Yes, we have experienced designers and product experts on staff to guide the client from the first step through completion of the project,”

Borg answers. He adds: “We listen carefully to the client’s needs so that we can bring their vision to life.” How does your client give input regarding the scope and design of the project? Borg points out: “Typically, a client is considering the project because their current situation does not fit their needs. It may be as simple as needing a ‘refresh’. Sometimes it involves structural changes that completely change the layout and function of their home. In any case, we listen carefully to the client’s needs so that we can accurately define the scope of the project. Many customers will provide us with pictures to help us identify their personal style. We will often show the client photos of previous projects in our vast portfolio. This helps the homeowner visualize how their space can be transformed to better suit them.” Once the scope and design are agreed upon, what should the client expect prior to work commencing? “If the client likes the initial design and they are committed to the project, we collect a retainer,” says Borg. “This allows us to continue revisions and finalize the design. If structural work is involved, a structural engineer performs an assessment to determine what steps must be taken to maintain integrity of the home’s structure. Our electricians and plumbers may also be called in for certain cases. When the final design is agreed upon by the homeowner, materials and finishes are selected and a detailed contract is drawn up.” What about after the contract is endorsed? “After the contract is signed and the appropriate deposit is collected, materials are ordered so that they are on hand when the project is scheduled to begin,” he notes. “If required, we arrange for any necessary permits before the work begins and we organize and manage all of the tradespeople necessary to bring the project to completion.” What is your prime objective when providing your expertise to your clientele? “Our business is based on service and products,” Borg expresses. “By carefully listening to the customer, we can identify their needs and direct them to what best suits their needs. In the end, we strive to provide the homeowner with quality products and expert installation, resulting in a project that exceeds their expectations. There are always surprises and curve balls in any project, but with our experience, we can ensure that things go as smoothly as possible.” The best thing you ever did was bring in the professionals! When you closed your eyes and imagined the renovations you wanted to complete in your home, you had it pictured perfectly — and now you can actually experience it. BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • FE B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4

Windsor-Essex County Association Of REALTORS 2023 Appreciation Luncheon

HOT SHOTS

December 14, 2023 at Beach Grove Golf & Country Club, 14134 Riverside Drive East, Tecumseh. Photos courtesy of John Liviero/Sooter’s Photography. All people in photos listed from the left.

To see photos from other events, visit: BizXmagazine.com under Biz X was there. The Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS (WECAR) hosts this annual event to bring together local real estate agents with the new Board of Directors and honour those who have been members for over 25 years. They also recognized two local citizens for their contributions to Community Service, Stacey Jones and Rick “Rico” Tonial. Last — but certainly not least — over $40,000 was donated to local charities during this event including the Bridge Youth Resource Centre, Canadian Mental

Health Association, Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex, Kiwanis Club of Windsor Sunshine Point Camp, and W.E. Care For Kids Foundation. However, the grand total donated by REALTORS was $70,000 to the community throughout 2023, in addition to monies donated privately and through their brokerages as well. WECAR represents almost 1,600 REALTORS and you can learn more about this association on their website: WindsorRealEstate.com.

Among the 90 individuals in attendance were Mark Lalovich, WECAR Past President and Broker at RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. and Maggie Chen, WECAR President and Broker of Record for LC Platinum Realty Inc.

WECAR 45 Year Members: Conrad Babkirk, Realty House Sun Parlour Inc.; Frank Mastronardi, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd.; James Lengyel, Deerbrook Realty Inc.; Patricia Agnew, Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd.; Bill Baird, Realty House Sun Parlour Inc.; Glen Muir, RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd.; and David Pedler, Bob Pedler Real Estate Limited.

WECAR 55 Year Member: Lawrence Cote, who recently retired from the profession. WECAR 50 Year Members: Don Routliffe, Buckingham Realty (Windsor) Ltd.; Jim Monforton, Manor Windsor Realty Ltd.; Jeff Taylor, Century 21 Request Realty Inc.; Ida Sproule, Remo Valente Real Estate (1990) Limited; Pat Cervini, Pat Cervini Real Estate Ltd.; and Ed Gorski, E.S. Gorski Realty Ltd.

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THE PARENTING BIZ FEATURE STORY By Jim Murphy

Matters Affecting The In Betweeners . . . Here’s who has their back (and more!) T

he vibrant world of pre-adolescence can be both exciting and challenging. As children begin to gain independence and make their own decisions in the world, tweens (primarily those 10 to 13 years of age) are also faced with hormonal changes, plus shifting relationships with family and friends, which bring with it a host of academic difficulties, along with mental and physical health concerns. No matter what, they still need their parents during this transition and communication is key . . . but parents need help at times to deal with all these changes. Who can they turn to? The following story highlights local businesses, groups and organizations that serve this community who can assist your tween along with their journey into adolescence and eventually into adulthood.

Neck & Spinal Care

As kids move into their tween and teenage years, increased screen time on phones and roughhousing with friends can have a detrimental impact on their back and posture. Located at 525 Cabana Road East, Unit 1 in Windsor, Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre, and their staff of 12, offer spinal adjustments, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, TENS, acupuncture, radial shockwave therapy for chronic conditions, spinal decompression therapy for disc bulges and nerve impingement, as well as the administration of rehabilitation and exercise therapy. “In addition to bruises, sprains and strains, the direct impact and application of force, which occurs in roughhousing or rough play, can impact a tween’s joints, muscles, and soft tissues of the neck and back,” says Dr. Lisa Rino, Owner of Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre. “Facet joints between each bone making up the spinal column may become fixed or ‘locked up,’ which decreases normal range of motion causing inflammation and pain. Muscles surrounding the joints may then spasm to protect the injured joint, and delicate nerve tissue may also become pinched or irritated.” Since opening Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre in 2001, Dr. Rino has treated a wide range of patients of all ages. “I’ve treated many sports injuries in tween

may indicate that your child requires a chiropractic evaluation.” For more information on the centre visit: CabanaCourtChiropractic.ca.

Mental Health

The Owner of Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre, Dr. Lisa Rino makes an adjustment to the back of a young patient. Photo courtesy of Cabana Chiropractic & Health.

athletes on both competitive and recreational teams,” she tells Biz X. “Travelling with The Dance Barre’s competitive team led to the treatment of many acute injuries requiring chiropractic care in all areas of the body.” According to Rino, tweens often suffer from the same strains they did as children. Contact sports, slip and falls, heavy backpacks, texting (the tween’s head and neck are flexed forward as he/she looks down with the upper back unsupported), playing video games, plus the emotional stress and hormonal changes associated with puberty or their growing responsibilities may cause back pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness. “Chiropractors have long recognized such spinal health hazards, which may lead to poor posture, spinal misalignments and muscular strain,” Rino explains. “Using special instruments or techniques adapted for your tween’s size and condition, chiropractic adjustments help to return joints to a normal position. The frequency that a child requires an adjustment, as they go through a growth spurt, will vary, depending on the child’s physical, chemical, and emotional stress. A complaint of persistent neck or back pain, limited mobility, uneven shoulders, bending in a particular direction when they stand or walk to compensate for pain, or irregular sleep patterns and irritability, BIZ X M AG A Z I N E • FE B R UA R Y 2 0 2 4

Opened in 2018, Pinnacle Psychology and Psychotherapy offers assessments, treatment and consultation for infants, preschoolers, children, adolescents, adults, and families. Their staff of seven psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and psychiatrists provide both in-person and virtual/remote services across Ontario (but primarily in Windsor Essex, Chatham Kent, and Sarnia Lambton) specializing in counselling psychology, clinical psychology, school psychology, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, and counselling with infants, children, adolescents, adults, and families. They are also a teaching and clinical training site, providing supervision and clinical direction to graduate and doctoral students and qualifying professionals under supervised practice. Located at 300 Eugenie Street East, Suite D, in Windsor, Pinnacle Psychology and Psychotherapy provides neuropsychological, psychological, and psycho-educational assessments for a wide range of disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD and autism), disorders affecting learning and everyday functioning (such as learning disabilities and intellectual disability), and mentalhealth related disorders (such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and personality disorders). “A tween is commonly considered to be the age period between childhood and adolescence (roughly 10 to 13 years old) and is characterized by changes in social and emotional needs and development, autonomy, and independence,” indicates Dr. Lindsey Jaber, Clinical, Counselling, and School Psychologist with Pinnacle Psychology and Psychotherapy. “Common reasons that tweens and their families seek services include identity, independence, changing role within the family, transition from elementary to high school, social

THE PARENTING BIZ challenges (such as bullying and social media), peer relationships, relationships with siblings and parents, mental health-related issues (such as anxiety and depression), eating-related challenges and concerns, academic difficulties, executive functioning challenges, and self-regulation.” According to Jaber, changes in hormones, sleep and eating habits, stress levels, and social media use/screen time, in addition to many other factors, can affect brain development and functioning — particularly executive functions — as well as mental health, self-esteem, self-concept, and confidence. All these changes taken together can affect a tween’s mood, behaviour, relationships, and academics. But what is considered healthy behaviour and when should a tween receive professional help? “It is difficult to provide a list of ‘healthy’ or common fluctuations in behaviour for tweens as there is much diversity across this group,” Jaber points out. “It may be time to consider seeking professional support when a tween is encountering challenges that are causing them significant distress and/or interfering with their daily lives, such as relationships, school, family, or extra-curriculars.” She continues by stating: “Although this

For further details on all their services, refer to: PinnaclePsychology.ca.

Skin Care

Psychologist Dr. Lindsey Jaber with Pinnacle Psychology and Psychotherapy believes many factors such as hormones, sleep, eating and social media/screen time, can affect the brain development of a tween. Photo courtesy of Family Reflections Photography.

time of development can be characterized by a pulling away from families and turning towards peers for support, when families take the time to listen to tweens and offer their support and compassion — even when it’s not always welcomed — this can often have a considerable impact on a tween’s mental health and wellness.”

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Skin care plays an important role in one’s overall health and appearance. Located at 1400 Provincial Road since 2005, Coral Medical Health Spa and their staff of 20 can help your tween take care of this vital organ. “Tweens are experiencing a lot of physical, hormonal and emotional changes during this time,” comments Lynette Dela Cruz, Cosmetic Department Coordinator and Senior Laser Technician at Coral Medical Health Spa. “This is about the time when acne and other skin issues begin to show because of these hormonal changes.” Dela Cruz explains that if a tween client asks her how to take care of his/her skin, she prefers a one-on-one consult. “There will be a lot of questions to ask such as diet, daily activities, sports played, any medical issues and medications at hand,” she mentions. “It would be good to know what is the child’s own motivation to improve their skin. The parents will play a major role in the goal plan, but the child has to be motivated enough to do it him/herself.” Your skin is the largest organ of the body and the first line of defence against

THE PARENTING BIZ January 22 to April 6, 2024 www.lasalle.ca/animalsuperpowers

General Admission Thursdays to Sundays * Holiday hours may vary

Event Centre 970 Front Rd. LaSalle, ON

$13 age 3 and up plus tax,

invading microorganisms. Proper skin care begins from the time a baby is born and carries on throughout the different stages of human life. According to Dela Cruz, there are just three simple steps to follow — no matter what age you are — to take proper care of your skin. “First, you need the appropriate kind of cleanser,” she informs Biz X. “A baby with delicate skin requires a gentle cleanser, a tween who is oily will need a cleanser to control the oil. A child who has more dry skin will need a moisturizing cleanser.” The second step is to moisturize with the right moisturizer for their skin. “The third step is using sun protection,” adds Dela Cruz. “It is best to use sun protection with an SPF of 30. This will optimally prevent sun damage and premature aging of the skin.” Coral Medical Health Spa also offers acne treatments, Botox and fillers, spa packages, cosmetic services, age prevention and a variety of retail products. Learn more on: CoralSpa.com.

Dental Care

Tweens are at an age where they can start to have a bigger role in taking care of their oral and overall health. Working out of the Windsor Health Centre (1720 Howard Avenue, Building 400, Suite 358), Dr. Meriano and Dr. Gumber Pediatric Dentistry and their staff of 10, offer comprehensive dental care for infants, children, adolescents, young adults, and individuals with exceptional needs. This includes preventative visits, sealants, fluoride treatments, referral for orthodontics, radiographs, dental cleanings, scaling, restorations, sports guards, bruxism guards, space maintenance and simple tooth movements, nitrous oxide and oral sedation in office, and treatment under general anesthesia in the hospital setting. “During the tween years, parents usually stop brushing their teeth for them and have a lot less control over their diet as they are more social and able to make their own choices,” notes Dr. Alexandria Meriano, Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry and Co-Owner of Dr. Meriano and Dr. Gumber Pediatric Dentistry (with her partner, Samita Gumber). “Things to consider for this age group are an increase in caries rate due to immature permanent tooth enamel, changes in diet and lack of interest in oral hygiene. Orthodontic intervention has likely started by this age and orthodontic appliances or braces can make oral hygiene more challenging.” Meriano — who purchased her practice in 2001 — expresses that more competitive sports make wearing mouth guards very

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Dr. Alexandria Meriano examines a patient with her assistant Adriana Folcan inside her office located at 1720 Howard Avenue, Building 400, Suite 358 in Windsor. Photo courtesy of Dr. Meriano.

important for tweens as they show an increase in traumatic tooth injuries. “Gingivitis becomes more prevalent in this age group due to changes in hormone levels, which can exacerbate the gingival tissues response to plaque and cause the gums to become more inflamed and bleed more easily,” expresses Meriano. “Jaw symptoms and tooth grinding can increase at this age and should be screened for and documented, plus as tweens are exposed to tobacco use or vaping they should be educated on the risks of using these products.” Meriano goes on to explain that as we start to see oral piercings in this age group, tweens need to be informed on how they can cause damage to teeth and can be a source of serious infection. “A dental exam may help recognize an eating disorder, especially bulimia or acid reflux as the enamel of the teeth can be eroded,” she states. “Dry mouth can be recognized with a dental exam as well, which could be a side effect of some medication or an underlying disorder with the salivary glands. A lack of adequate saliva can have a significant impact on a higher caries rate.” Due to the many changes happening in the tween’s life, Meriano recommends more frequent dental visits, more fluoride treatments, or the use of additional fluoride products at home. More radiographs may be indicated to monitor for a potential increase in dental decay. Sealants may also be recommended to help prevent dental decay in the pits and grooves of the teeth, while an electric toothbrush, water pick or other dental

THE PARENTING BIZ

Members of the Sandwich Teen Action Girl’s Group pose in front of a green screen during a tour of the St. Clair College MediaPlex, downtown Windsor. Photo courtesy of Savanah Newton.

accessories may be recommended by the dental team to help in maintaining good oral hygiene at home. To connect with Dr. Meriano and Dr. Gumber and book an appointment, go to: DrMeriano.com.

Respecting Your Body

Sandwich Teen Action Group (located at 3735 King Street and online at: SandwichTeenActionGroup.org) is a nonprofit organization catering to girls and boys, in the west end of Windsor, aged 12 to 18, of mixed backgrounds. The team at Sandwich Teen Action Group (STAG) tackle topics such as self-esteem, body image and discussions on sex education and school pressures. They also help develop social skills, team building and leadership.

As boys and girls enter the critical tween years of their lives, they begin to develop different gender specific needs and concerns. “The overall goal of our group is to provide a safe environment that young girls can join and grow to understand themselves,” says Savanah Newton, STAG Girls Group Coordinator. “Right now, we are looking to cater to young girls in the west end ages 12 to 18, but we are more than happy to take younger girls across Windsor. We do have limited spots as the program is paid for through grant funding, but we hope that in the near future we can expand that.” However, the program is designed to improve and benefit female youth through daily programming such as outings and activities, guest speakers, and educational trips to provide them with opportunities and a safe space during and after school hours.

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Newton goes on to explain that today’s technology can make it difficult to control exposure to sexual content and ageappropriate material. “Times are changing rapidly, and I observe young people questioning their identity at younger ages, feeling perplexed about who they should be,” she states. “Peer groups play a crucial role in developing a healthy mind and a better understanding of sexuality. If there’s anything I can convey to younger groups, it’s the importance of developing healthy relationships, whether with friends or family.” Another thing Newton has noticed is that there is less motivation for physical activity among the younger generation. “They’d rather hang out, watch TikTok, or make videos,” she explains. “While this can boost creativity, it also means we’re moving away from being active, which might cause problems in their growth and impact their mental health too.” When it comes to physical activity, STAG has three boys’ basketball teams that travel and participate in the Ontario Basketball Association, as well as the cross-border Amateur Athletic Union basketball program. “A lot of these boys participating are looking to get basketball scholarships to attend university and colleges in Canada and the U.S.,” indicates John Elliott, Executive Director of the Sandwich Teen Action Group, which opened in the late ’90s. “We have had, in the past, boys that played in NCAA Division 1 March Madness tournament, CIAU Carleton University championships, European prop basketball leagues, and the NBA G League.” Other STAG programs for boys include playing pickup basketball in the gym for fun, fitness training and a games room with a pool table, ping pong, and foosball.

THE PARENTING BIZ The centre also includes a movie room, computer lab and library. There is also a professional coach who teaches youth, aged seven to 13, basketball skills training. “We mentor boys with a ‘respect yourself and respect others’ motto in terms of life skills, which is not counselling per say, but more shared experiences,” Elliott describes. “The centre is designed as an alternative to the streets where youth come to enjoy a non-judgmental safe haven environment.” Wrapping up their section, Newton offers this advice: “Always take the time to talk with any tween or teen in your care or surroundings. Whether you are a parent, guardian, caretaker, or work with youth, taking a second to ask them if they are doing well or if there is anything they would like to share, can make the difference between them bottling up emotions or letting it out. We were all young once and emotions and feelings are hard to understand at that age. Our youth are our future, let’s make sure they are as healthy and happy as we can.”

Financial Decisions

If you’re looking to help your kids learn fiscal responsibility, Motor City Community Credit Union offers the YouthSave Account (a hybrid chequing and

Your tween can open a YouthSave Account with the Motor City Community Credit Union to save and make money and pay no fees. Photo courtesy of the Motor City Community Credit Union.

savings account) for children 17 years old and under. “The design is intended to ‘educate’ young people on the value of savings and the impact of compounding, while introducing them to banking financial services with no fee,” explains Martin Hofgartner, Marketing and Operations Specialist for Motor City

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Community Credit Union. “For younger children we encourage parents to open the account ‘in-trust’ until such time the child can manage the account on their own.” According to Hofgartner, if your child has $5,000 in their youth savings account and they let it compound over 12 months, they could earn $121. This is compared to $9 in an account at a big chartered bank. Features of the YouthSave account include: no monthly fee, 2% interest rate for balances below $10,000,s and 1% interest for balances above $10,000, free in-branch mobile and internet banking, five free e-transfers per month, unlimited ATM transactions at more than 3,700 ATMs, and unlimited debit transactions. Questions? Visit any of their branches in Windsor or find the answers on the website: MCCCU.com.

Every Issue Is A Big Deal For Tweens, So Help Where You Can Whether its chiropractic; mental health, skin or dental care; developing social skills or learning about money management, the businesses and organizations we have featured here can help ease the often difficult transition that is your child’s tween years.

THE PARENTING BIZ BIZ BITS

The Confident Teen Podcast By Jim Murphy

Navigating your teenage years can be a perilous journey, wrought with insecurity and self-doubt. Kristi Simons, Owner of Teach With Love, works to make sure her youth clients unlock their full potential and thrive during these important formative years. “As a Teen Life and Confidence Coach, I’m passionate about helping youth effectively move through the challenges that will present themselves in their lives,” expresses Simons, who is also a Certified Ontario Teacher. “My belief is that there are still so many conversations to be had related to the mental health of the youth in our community and beyond. Sometimes we just need a new perspective and someone to say, ‘I believe in you’ to help you see and believe it too.” Along with her work as a coach, Simons has completed her holistic health coach training, is a certified energy healer, co-author of the book Body Bliss 2, and since November 2022, the host of the Confident Teen Podcast — which at the time of

writing — has more than 100+ listeners (and growing) and over 3,000 downloads. “I originally started my podcast to step out of my comfort zone, to share life lessons in a vulnerable way that hopefully people would be able to connect with and relate to,” Simons tells Biz X. “Through my teen years and well into my ’30s I struggled with toxic patterns of dependency; after the birth of my two children in 2020 and 2022, I felt a massive shift and a call to change.” Simons then set her focus on all aspects of her health — physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. “I share this journey with my audience, and it truly helped me to come back home to myself and my confidence,” she states. “I wholeheartedly believe this confidence is deeply rooted within us all, we have just sometimes forgotten how to access it.” To date Simons has recorded more than 60 episodes with some incredible guests and experts, who can help listeners understand the complexities of our human experience.

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Kristi Simons, Owner of Teach With Love and host of the Confident Teen Podcast, is living proof that with self-inquiry, hard work, consistency and an unshakeable belief in yourself, you are capable of anything! Photo courtesy of Brooke Windibank Photography.

The subjects range from personal stories of triumph, health and fitness (with Windsor’s own Jaclyn Cordeiro, Founder of Jacfit), the role our nervous system plays in our capacity to handle adversity, and most recently, feeling confident in math. “My messaging is unique because I am actively choosing language that will help my listeners really step into that creator role in their lives and bring out the best and most confident version of themselves,” Simons indicates. “My target audience is parents and teens, and I think my podcast is the perfect opportunity to share very important conversations between a child and parent/caregiver.” Check out new episodes of the Confident Teen Podcast every Wednesday on Apple and Spotify. To learn more about Simons refer to: KristiSimonsCoaching.com or connect with her on Instagram @confidentteacher.

OF THE MONTH

Light Up Your Life And Escape To Tranquility With Berryline Candles By Rebecca Wright

ith all the hustle and bustle in life, a local business is hoping to help you create an inviting and soothing atmosphere in your home to allow for some rest and relaxation. Filip Kabashi, Co-founder and CEO of Berryline Candles believes the magic of their candles transform any space into a “haven of tranquility and serenity.” “Berryline Candles specializes in handcrafted candles made with organic coconut wax and infused with captivating, natural fragrance oils,” Kabashi describes. “Our candles provide a clean and long-lasting burn, filling your home with delightful scents.” Kabashi co-founded the business with his brother Anton. They registered the business in early 2021, but started selling their products in August 2022 on their website: BerrylineCandles.com. In addition to candles, they also offer wax melts and reed diffusers, providing various options to enhance each customer’s sensory experience. “We use high-quality fragrance oils in our wax melts, ensuring a long-lasting and natural aroma,” Kabashi explains. “The reed diffusers, made with a plant-based oil, are perfect for adding a touch of fragrance to any room in your home.” The brothers started Berryline Candles because of a deeply personal experience. “Our mother’s battle with cancer — combined with the financial difficulties our family faced — inspired us to find a way to make a positive impact,” Kabashi recalls. “We love candles and realized we could turn that passion into a meaningful business. Berryline Candles became the means to support our family and share our love for candles while making a difference.”

The Co-founders of Berryline Candles, brothers Anton (left, holding the CommunityVotes Windsor 2023 Platinum Award in the Candles category) and Filip Kabashi (with the 2024 Canadian Choice Award for candle shop) run this Windsor company, which creates handcrafted candles made from organic coconut wax, natural fragrance oils and are free from many common allergens. Photo by Tina Huynh.

The inspiration for Berryline Candles also came from their love for nature’s vibrant colours and delightful aromas. As a child, Kabashi says he attempted to create a cozy atmosphere for their hardworking parents by lighting candles throughout the house — a sentiment that he’s carried throughout his life and is now a driving force behind his business. At Berryline Candles, the brothers point out that they take great pride in their candle-making process. “Handcrafting each candle with love and attention to detail, we ensure that every product meets our high-quality standards,” Kabashi states. “We prioritize the health and well-being of our customers by using organic coconut wax and natural fragrance oils, and eliminating additives and toxins. This commitment to safety helps prevent allergic reactions and headaches, while creating a pet-safe environment.” Kabashi expresses that they are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming positive feedback and support from their customers. “Many have expressed their appreciation

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that our candles are made with three simple and high-quality ingredients: organic coconut wax, natural fragrance oils, and a cotton wick,” he comments. And he says they are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of their new product — natural fragrance oils for aroma diffusers or mist diffusers. “After countless requests from our valued customers, we have listened, experimented, and perfected these oils to bring a new way to enjoy your favourite scents,” he indicates. “Made with natural ingredients, these oils allow you to enjoy your favourite fragrances without worrying about inhaling harmful toxins. They’re designed to provide a delightful and safe experience for you and your pets.” The brothers also prioritize sustainability by using recyclable packaging and minimizing environmental impact. “Giving back to our community is also essential, as we donate some of our profits to local charities,” he adds. “By choosing Berryline Candles, you’re treating yourself to a high-quality product and supporting our mission to impact our community positively.”

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